This fast-paced, action OAV is based on the manga series by Kenichi Sonoda of Bubblegum Crisis fame (yes, he actually did a manga!). Be prepared for something completely different -- Gunsmith Cats exhibits none of the dark fatalism prevalent in the famous cyberpunk world of Knight Sabers and boomers. It's quick, light, and fun; reminiscent of Riding Bean, really. The series is set in Chicago, and there have been rumors that the main character Rally Vincent is actually the same Rally who was Bean Bandit's gun-toting partner, but I don't know. If she is the same, then you get to see their first meeting in issue seven or eight of the Dark Horse manga. Note, however, that as Bean's partner she had blond hair, whereas in Gunsmith Cats she's a brunette.

For some basic background: Nineteen-year-old Rally Vincent, who knows everything about every small firearm ever invented and is a phenomenal shot as well, runs a gunsmith shop which is more or less a front for her real business -- she moonlights as a bounty hunter. How much does she like guns? "Gun oil and gun powder. My favorite fragrances," she says. Rally's partner is eighteen-year-old Minnie May Hopkins, who is very short, incredibly cute, and somewhat annoying. She also has a talent (one might say passion) for bombs... all sorts of nasty little surprises secreted on her person. She has this great jacket with the letters "TNT" written on the hood in back.

About the anime, I saw it once half a year ago and unfortunately don't remember it too well, but I do remember that it's on my list of anime to buy. Also, there's apparently this hentai part with a big hook that James and Jerry keep talking about. Ask them.

My favorite quote (from the manga):
Burglar: Bitch! You shot John!
Rally: Just his leg and both shoulders.