Reviews for Shounan Jun`ai-gumi! (8.08) 1n4o57

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 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 ing 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.