Anime Reviews:

Violence Jack

(1988)

Three-part release by Manga of another Go (Devilman/Kekkou Kamen) Nagai-created series. Based upon Nagai's original manga from 1973, Violence Jack is another dystopian view of the future where Tokyo has been destroyed by a massive earthquake. A giant named Violence Jack is discovered by men attempting to tunnel out of the underground 'city' they've created. Inspired by Jack, the survivors must return to the surface and rebuild their lives and their city.

The Mad Max connections are pronounced in the second episode, Hells Wind, as motorcycle gangs attack the fledgling encampments established by the survivors once they are back on the surface. Some scenes have clearly been trimmed en route and the overall result is unsatisfying in just about every department. 4/10

Rob Dyer (January 2005)