The Cel Block: Anime Reviews & Analysis for the Gen-X Fan

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Armitage III Review: The 1995 Cyberpunk Anime Classic You Missed

Armitage III is a four-part cyberpunk OVA from 1995, written by Chiaki J. Konaka and animated by AIC. Set on a colonized Mars in 2046, detective Ross Sylibus and the fierce Naomi Armitage hunt a killer targeting Thirds — sentient androids indistinguishable from humans. Often overshadowed by Ghost in the Shell, this underrated sci-fi classic explores AI sentience, identity, and political intrigue with gritty 90s animation.

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Vampire Princess Miyu OVA Review | 1988 Horror Classic - Pinned Up Ink

Vampire Princess Miyu is a four-part 1988 OVA from AIC that blends vampire mythos with Japanese folklore and Buddhist undertones. Following dhampir princess Miyu and spiritualist Himiko through Kyoto, it trades easy heroes for Faustian bargains, Shinma desires, and quiet sorrow behind Larva’s veil. Episode two, A Banquet of Marionettes, is the artistic peak. Theatrical, ambiguous, and still essential—skip the dub and stream the original cut.

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