Black Magic M-66

Name(s): Black Magic M-66 / Black Magic M66 / Black Magic Mario 66 / ブラックマジックＭ（マリオ）－６６
Format: Original video animation [OVA] (1 episode)
Release Date(s): June 28, 1987
Studio(s): AIC / animate Film

Black Magic M-66 Review

With Ghost in the Shell and Appleseed, Black Magic M-66 (BMM) was my third Masamune Shirow anime adaptation. Hooray. This 47-minute OVA adapts a one-shot manga that also happened to be Shirow’s debut, outside of short magazine stories. In Black Magic M-66, two androids in transfer for military use escape when the transport crashes. Taking place over the course of one night, the military and a freelance reporter, Sybel, become involved in trying to capture and prevent it from murdering its target: the granddaughter of the androids’ creator.

I have no idea how accurate the OVA is to its source material, but interestingly enough, Shirow co-directed this adaptation and co-wrote the screenplay. This implies that he oversaw the whole thing, and perhaps that this is Shirow’s idealized version of Black Magic.

Whether it’s better or not, I have no idea at this point, but I have faith it’s a proper companion piece to the manga. The structure and concept behind Black Magic M-66 bear a heavy resemblance to The Terminator. They’re both blatant action genre pieces, have a character protecting another character who’s a target of the android, and obviously both mainly feature one nigh-unstoppable android bulldozing down anything between its target.

The similarities basically end there, though. In BMM, the military plays a prominent role in attempting to fight off and capture the android, while Sybel’s main goal is being the protector of the granddaughter. This alleviates the tension somewhat. The android demonstrates incredible, dangerous power, but it’s never beyond the competent military’s ability to manage. The android’s goal doesn’t necessitate a large body count, and hardly the fate of the world is at stake here.

Plausible Sci-Fi

This does give it a bit more of a down-to-earth feeling, however. For better and worse, the android isn’t invincible and situations aren’t contrived. The OVA’s dialogue feels natural in those rare moments anyone’s allowed enough downtime to talk about things other than the plot at hand. Shirow’s technical designs are conceptually solid as well, though not put to a lot of use. The fictional weapons the military uses are completely believable in that they avoid bombast or any narrative attention-drawing (one of the strengths of Shirow’s writing and world design). I like the wire restraints and the “donuts”, devices that emit some kind of magnetic force that can repel the androids.

Underwhelmingly Average

Again, it’s still just minor details in what’s primarily an average action story. This only goes for thrills, and I don’t think they’re delivered well enough to recommend on that basis. Characters lack definition beyond basic personalities and occupation. The production is average. The only noteworthy element of the animation is some 3D rotating scenes. They’re done without using CG, which is an uncommon technique. The design of the city, which looks like a gigantic, interconnected mall is awe-inspiring. On the other hand, that the only memorable part of the setting other than the aforementioned tech.

Black Magic M-66 Verdict

Black Magic M-66 is only worth a look for committed Shirow fans or those interested in the genre. Anyone else need not apply. Still, I’d hesitate to call it bad. Just lacking flavor or particularly strong execution in its goals.