Not just your average action anime, Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor covers a wide spectrum of genres, ensuring satisfaction for almost every anime fan. The intense battles between the Zoanoids (humans who have undergone a forced-evolution on the genetic level, gaining specific offensive powers to supplement their superhuman appearance and strength) and the Guyver (consisting of a Guyver unit and it’s human host/symbiote) vie for attention with the over-arching mystery of the origins of these life forms, the strange adaptations between Sho’s friendships as the series progresses, and even some rivalry for the affections of his crush.
Now, primarily, when you put in a dvd with an armored tough-guy on the front, you’re expecting action, and you won’t be disappointed with this series. Granted, the concept (from manga to movies to anime series) is a bit of a classic, so some of the English dubbed fights will invoke nostalgic feelings for the dialogue of Power Ranger past, but that can actually add to the enjoyment. The fights are always interesting, as new zoanoids and consequently, new powers, are introduced, and I’ve yet to feel like rooting for anyone but the good guys, which is a plus. Also, behind every fight is a mysterious villain. Why do they desire the Guyver unit so much? Where did they come from? And what evil purpose could they be planning on putting the Guyver’s power towards?
The characters in this series are very likeable, and I enjoy the unashamed villainy of the bad guys. It’s also a very poignant expression of human nature; despite everything they’ve gone through, and all the hardships that stand plainly before them, Sho, his best friend Tetsuro, and love interest Mizuki are still able to appreciate the simple pleasures of being alive and having friends at your side.