Reviewer: Seraphim [email]Overall Rating: A
Media Reviewed: Digital Fansub
Creator: Yuya Aoki, Rando Ayamine
U.S. Licensed: Yes
Released by: ADV
Run time: 49 episodes
BL Content: None (slashable, gay side characters)
Genre: Action/Supernatural
Other media: English manga
Midou Ban and Amano Ginji of the retrieval agency, GetBackers, are two wonderfully hilarious boys with extraordinary special abilities that each have a past associated with one another and also characters appearing later in the series.
The basics of the retrieval agency (and the anime) are that the GetBackers guarantee to get back anything that the client has lost, for a reasonable price. However, many times the tasks are not as simple as they seem, leaving Ban and Ginji no choice but to use their powers.
The anime begins with very simple and short "adventures" in each episode but as the story progresses on to the mystery of Infinite Castle, the place where Ginji grew up, Ginji's past appears again and again through flashbacks as he encounters his childhood friends, some of whom now proclaim themselves as his enemies. With Ginji's determination and devotion to saving his old friends and Ban's confidence in Ginji's abilities and faith in his good nature, the GetBackers are able to get back Ginji's lost friends and confront any conflict that stands in their way. Despite that, problems are only partially settled; the truth of Infinite Castle repeatedly draws them back to venture to the upper levels of the tall structure and find out the secrets of the top level--Babylon City.
Ginji and Ban are inseperable as best friends and partners in crime, but it seems that their relationship extends beyond that. For example, when Ginji is scared or unsure, he is continuously thinking about "Ban-chan" in hopes of Ban coming to rescue him. When his dependable partner comes to the rescue, he is received by tons of glomps from super-deformed chibi Ginji. Furthermore, when Ginji has his mind set on something, Ban is always there to back him up and vice versa. The two constantly express their unconditional loyalty, each being incredibly protective of the other. As we step into their pasts, we also see that Ban was the one that saved Ginji from his most hated and infamous form, the Thunder Emperor. Consequently, Ginji's whole attitude changed when he and Ban formed the GetBackers--their goal as being able to use their unique abilities to help others instead of cause harm. Later, the very pretty Fuchoin Katsuki, often mistaken as a girl, is reunited with his childhood best friend and protector, Kakei Jubei. Now those two undeniably share more than just a strong bond in friendship, but you'll have to watch the series to pick up the more than subliminal hints. In addition, near the end of the series a new character arrives and it seems like him and Jubei are rivals for Katsuki's attention! (Off topic but if I'm not mistaken, Katsuki cross-dressed twice in the series!)
GetBackers had me laughing and completely immersed into the plot that awakens amidst the humour and heart ache. The animation is very high quality and the fight scenes are awesome and well worked-in without stealing away from the storyline. The beginning song to the first half of the series is annoying, but you get used to it. If you listen to the background music throughout you will notice that it is very well-placed and essential for the dramatic scenes, it really completes the mood. The main characters are completely lovable and the supporting characters are just as well-liked. Moreover, you can't even really hate the antagonists because they have their reasons for doing what they do, however pathetic they are.
Above all, this anime ties in some important concepts about friendships, destiny, dedication, and forgiveness. With tons of action, comedy, slashy hints, and bishounen around every corner, this anime will keep you on the edge of your seat laughing, crying, or crying because your laughing. It is definitely worth the time to take a look at as long as you get past the first four episodes. Spanning 49 episodes it is just enough to end the series, but not enough to satisfy the craving for more.
