2033: They're the premiere members of the A.D. Police. Leon and Daley are ADP detectives that are always just barely missing the mark. It's not by any fault of their own really. The Knight Sabers just do a better job at taking down the Boomers. Leon is the typical hot shot, slicker-than-slick police officer that thinks he's God's gift to the world. From the first time he meets Priss, he's dead set at getting a date with her. Of course, he's denied repeatedly by Priss. Then there's Leon's partner, Daley. Daley is a flamboyant individual with a very "coming out of the closet" attitude. A great example of how a partner should be, Daley supports Leon in everything. They both have a great resolve to fight against Genom and rid the world of the rogue Boomers that cause so much death and destruction on the streets. Leon does have his moments throughout the series. Usually in calvary fashion, he shows up to add his $0.02 to the efforts of the Knight Sabers. One caution: Stay away from his guns. His weapons seem to do more to the Boomers than an entire police squad. Can we say knight on a white horse? Yes, I thought so. 2040: They're the premiere members of the A.D. Police. Hmmm... That didn't change. Leon and Daley are still the top of the top. Unfortunately, they can't seem to find the mark in this time either. The Knight Sabers still manage to beat them to the punch and take out the Boomers before they can get a decent shot in. Leon is a bit older in the 2040 time and as such, has more opportunity to be heckled by the younger generation, specifically Nene. Yes, he is affectionately known as Leon-pooooo (or -chan) by Nene and just to be fair, Leon's partner helps with Nene's cause. Daley is a refreshing change from the Daley in 2033. He's actually more like a real detective than his 2033 counterpart. He's more subtle in his humor toward Leon and will usually help Nene get out of the sticky situations when she uses Leon's cute nickname. Daley is more down to earth and really wants to get rid of the rogue boomers. He also seems to have a certain reverence for the Knight Sabers. He's the voice of reason when Leon is about to do something stupid and can take control of a sticky situation when he needs to. Will they actually get to nab themselves a Boomer in this time period? Only time and more video tapes will tell.

Well, there are the main characters in a head to head with their former selves. There are lots of other things that can be compared, but that could go on for pages. We leave it up to you to make your own comparisons with the rest of the cast. The Conclusion This is definitely one of the best series updates in anime history. The original Bubblegum Crisis OAV series was revolutionary in its original release because of its new, groundbreaking themes. The elements weren't new, but the way the series captured the attention of the fans created an instant classic. The music factor alone made its mark on the anime world and things haven't been the same since. Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 is the great "what if" for the BGC world. We get a chance to see how things might have been had the OAV been able to complete itself. With all the action, suspense, music and, of course, Boomers, Boomers and more Boomers, BGC 2040 will prove to be a great journey through a place all too familiar to a majority of anime fans. If you are a fan of the original OAV series, 2040 won't disappoint. Give yourself a reason to re-watch the original and then grab a tape or two of 2040. Take a chance to see what's changed and what has stayed the same. Maybe you'll see something there that you've never noticed before. Or maybe you'll just get a good chuckle out of "Leon-pooooo". But no matter which you prefer, the Knight Sabers rule the streets. Keep your eyes peeled. Maybe you'll see one. Just watch your back for Boomers.

Bubblegum Crisis Released by AnimEigo Available on Hybrid DVD For more information Bubblegum Crisis, see the AnimEigo website at www.animeigo.com. Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 Released by ADV Films Available subtitled and dubbed on VHS For more information on Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, check out the ADV Films website at www.advfilms.com.