Anime: Shounan Jun`ai-gumi!

If you've already watched GTO and wondered what all the fuss about the Onibaku combo was about, this is where you'll find it. Here we find teenage versions of Onizuka and Danma trying to lose their virginity while growing the legend of the delinquent duo. While the OVA can't possibly match the depth of GTO, it does provide a very intriguing look at the roots of Onizuka, and how he became such a badass. While not for all audiences (even more so than GTO), I found this OVA very enjoyable and well worth it despite its dated look.

Animation:
Let me start by saying that this OVA was released on this ancient medium called a VHS. This means that even if you find a subbed version of this OVA, the source quality is going to be subpar (in terms of detail). Comparing with GTO, the quality is slightly worse with lower quality effects and lower clarity overall. It took a while to get used to but the lower quality isn't terribly bothersome.

As for character design, seeing a younger Onizuka in curly hair by itself was worth the acquisition. The drawing style is indeed a bit dated but hot girls remain hot girls. Onizuka even shows his monkey expression occasionally.

There are plenty of fights and a lot of blood to compliment some pretty painful looking hits/injuries. It becomes obvious how Onizuka developed such a tank-like constitution by the time of GTO. As for the ecchi side, there are some panty shots and the like, but more pronounced is the repetitive use of something jutting out whenever a female character of value approaches either protagonist. There are indeed lots of suggestive scenes as well so I'd say keep this OVA to the 16+ crowd.

Sound:
The OVA has a very light, tropical-sounding ED that sounds like it came from a bygone era (which it did). There is a noticeable difference in the recording quality from what you'd get on a current release but it's still tolerable. The BGM is a bit corny sounding as well, though it was probably fine when it came out. It's many levels below the memorable tracks from GTO though.

The VAs do a good job voicing the lively personalities of Onizuka and the gang. Expect a lot of gang talk and a LOT of shouting.

Story:
The OVA is episodic with each of the episodes telling a different story. They are, however, sequential as early antagonists are seen later joining Onizuka's group. While you can't expect the 31 volumes of manga to be captured by 5 OVAs, I think they did a great job at choosing interesting stories. You have a wide range of subjects ranging from a cute girl with a split-personality to Nao, the school nurse in GTO.

While the story isn't anywhere as deep as GTO, you still get quality plot progression, and gut wrenching moments as the Onibaku try their best to work out of tough situations. There is a good mix of drama and comedy as the duo both take turns at girls.

Character:
You really do get a sense that Onizuka is indeed a younger version of what he is in GTO; he's still perverted but definitely more headstrong and less wise. It's great watching both Danma and Onizuka grow as they gain experience in battles with both gangs and love, they are almost always much more successful with the former.

Speaking of romantic developments, the OVA does a great job of introducing girls who temporarily become the fixture of our protagonists' interests. You really feel as if they might hit it off, and sometimes they do make it quite far... Unfortunately, knowing how GTO goes, you kind of know that things won't work out. It really gives you an interesting perspective of how Onizuka learned to deal with lots of situations.

Value:
While short, these OVAs are a lot of fun. It's not so serious a drama as to require tissues but it's definitely a level up from the multitude of harems being released of late. If you ever wanted to know more about the roots of Onizuka, this is definitely the show to watch. A pleasure for GTO fans who can deal with a bit more coarse profanity.

The nostalgic story of the beginnings of an anime favourite: Eikichi Onizuka. This anime predates GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka). When people want to compare the two, they should reference this anime for the latter instead of the other way around. This anime, while dated now, is very fun and intriguing look on two teenagers struggle in their adolescent lives.


Animation
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Dated. I prefer the old type of animation, but many newer fans of anime may be turned off by it. Either way, The animation is very good in my opinion and doesn't take away from the value of the show.



Sound
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Use of older style of recording popular in the early 90's is evident, but still pretty clear. The voice acting is very nicely done (not too overly done). The music in this show is limited, but most of it is a fun listen.

The ending theme for this OVA is very entertaining and brings back memories of older days (especially if you were a pop/rap fan, or are a pop/rap fan). It's an instrumental, so dont be turned away when I say rap. It has no cheesy annoying rap lyrics.


Story
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A very unique way of telling the "typical" adolescent life in japan (in the 90's). Eikichi and Danma are living their life as men, still being 16 that is, and as they do they try to rid themselves of their virginity.

The only thing lacking about this OVA is the fact that they could not have possibly squeezed ALL of their adventures in a 5 OVA anime. But, for what they managed to work with, they did an awesome job at telling the story of these two.

Their tale is fun. It is very comedic, serious and full of fun. From odd romances, to epic battles , to realizations of maturity. Once can quite possibly relate to their lives if they see how Eikichi and Danma live (I know I did).


Character
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Eikichi was loved as an adult. I know you all will love him as a teen. His mature restraint is non-existent in this anime (though only in some cases it is) so he is much more diverse and daring. Very hot headed when need be yet at the same time casual, friendly and composed.


Danma is the more cool, relaxed type not afraid to aid his friend. He is quite the shy person (around the females anyway) and usually leaves the talking to Eikichi.


all in all, you can enjoy both of them in their youths as much as in their older days.


Value
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A very good addition to any collection. It's almost as good as at adolescent portrayal as "The Breakfast Club" (except with violence and more sexual innuendos). This anime brings back memory for the older age group of their young adventurous days and lets the younger audience know about how times were like for those they see around them.


Enjoyment
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This anime will make you laugh, feel sad , and be happy in good doses. It's such a complete array of emotions and aspects (Comedy, Drama, Violence). All of them meld together to give you a very good watch.