Tokyo Babylon 1-2

Tokyo Babylon 1-2
by Kôichi Chigira

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Movie Reviews of Tokyo Babylon 1-2

Movie Review: Tokyo Babylon is arguably CLAMP's greatest tale!
Summary: 5 Stars

Unfortunately, the seven-volume CLAMP manga series will probably never be commerically released in the United States, as it is primarily a societal criticism with some male-male romantic underpinings between Seishiro and Subaru. Combining the knee-jerk reaction in the US toward any suggestion of homosexual romance and the culture-bound nature of the criticism makes for a story that is unlikely to sell. However, the anime demonstrates neither of these (despite the cover art's insinuation), so this two-part anime certainly the most assessible manner in which to enjoy Tokyo Babylon. Unlike many anime OVA series based upon manga titles, the anime comprises original stories, which, incidentally, were not created by CLAMP.

The first volume details Subaru's confrontation with Negumo, a young businessman with uncanny good luck that seems to leave anyone in his way dead. After Negumo's luck leads to the death of a colleague, the man's sister seeks revenge, using spiritual means that endangers everyone. Subaru must help this woman, but how can he reach a woman in deep mourning?

In the second volume, Subaru witnesses a grisly murder on the subway. A postcognitive woman also witnesses the murder with her powers, and Subaru immediately feels a connection to her. Caught up in a horrifying web of murder and madness, Subaru is forced to meet the serial killer face to face. This episode also includes a beautifully interpreted animation of the famed "Sakura Barrow" scene.

Thus, though the anime contains many of the surface features and motifs of the CLAMP creation, it lacks much of the depth and passion that made Tokyo Babylon so great. For example, in both parts 1 and 2, Subaru needs physical rescuing. In the manga, he is a onmyouji of great competence and professionalism; when he needs rescuing, it is typically from himself, not others.

Also, the anime is open-ended. None of the underlying story arcs are resolved or explained. US Manga Corps changed the dub significantly to try to resolve these issues, undoubtedly appalling purists, but, in the sub, the ambiguity has been preserved. In either case, though the complex relationship between Seishiro and Subaru is sublimated and not at all well-represented. This relationship between the two is explained and developed in another CLAMP title, X. For this reason, this anime is a must for those familiar with X (X/1999 in the US).

Why, then, is the series called, "Tokyo Babylon"? Such a question is not necessarily made clear even upon repeated viewings of the videos but is essential to truly understanding the story. The title is a metaphor, likening the city of Tokyo to the Biblical city of Babel and criticizing the hubris of the modern populace. Their selfishness and arrogance is compared to the purity and innocence of Subaru. The Tokyo of the anime is dark and oppressive; buildings loom high overhead, threatening those under them and people brush past without a second glance.

Nonetheless, the Tokyo Babylon anime is a delightful story, subtle and impressive. It has a provocative, if disturbing message, one that will surely move any who take the time to view it. I highly recommend it to anime lovers interested in a story that transcends super-powered robots and big-breasted women and definitively label it a must for all CLAMP fans.