New Dominion: Tank Police

New Dominion: Tank Police is a remarkable anime series that was aired by Anime Network between 1993 and 1994. This enthralling TV show was crafted from Masamune Shirow's original manga series, "Dominion," which is also the basis for the anime series' predecessor, "Dominion Tank Police." Known for its unusual blend of science fiction, police procedural drama, slapstick comedy, and ecological commentary, New Dominion: Tank Police offers an unforgettable viewing experience unlike any other.

The series takes place in an alternate, dystopian version of Earth that has been devastated by a toxic bacterial cloud. In Newport City, which is presumably in Japan, the degree of criminal activity has risen alarmingly following this environmental disaster. To combat the high crime levels, the government establishes a unique police force equipped with customized tanks, known as the Tank Police. The show follows their stories, primarily focusing on their attempts to maintain law and order in a city that seems perennially on the edge of chaos.

New Dominion: Tank Police centers around Leona Ozaki, the series' protagonist. This is her second appearance in an anime series after Dominion Tank Police, and she's come a long way since then. Leona is a highly competent, courageous policewoman who serves in Newport City's maverick Tank Police squad. She's not just part of the team but an essential player, having developed her personal mini-tank, aptly named "Bonaparte." Leona is frequently seen leading from the front, combating a variety of criminals in her unique tank, which adds a distinctive flare to the narrative.

The series takes us through a multitude of intriguing stories and settings, featuring polluted landscapes, lawless zones, and high-tech megacities. It's a series that doesn't shy away from exploring the grungy underbelly of Newport City while also offering glimpses of its high-tech wonders. Throughout, the audience witnesses the title's tank police combat crime, corruption, and even political mischief. However, New Dominion: Tank Police delves into more than just action. It explores human instincts, ethical dilemmas, and the ever-increasing interaction between technology and humanity.

One of the remarkable aspects of New Dominion: Tank Police is its fine balance between its serious themes and comic relief. The series is characterized by a unique type of humor, oscillating from slapstick to dark humor, and even into the realm of absurdity. Despite these light-hearted moments, the show effectively retains its broader themes, dealing with crime, justice, and the human condition in an ailing world.

New Dominion: Tank Police also showcases a collection of memorable characters, each with their unique traits and quirks, making the viewer experience even more engaging. Besides Leona, characters like Al, the overly serious partner, and Brenten, the cigar-chomping tank commander, add depth and diversity to the narrative. Some characters return from the previous series, while others are new entrants. The foil to the Tank Police is the gang of Buaku and the Puma sisters, who deliver some of the most amusing moments throughout the series.

Artistically, New Dominion: Tank Police is a classic 90s anime, complete with sharp lines, bold colors, and detailed designs. The series showcases some breathtaking visuals, despite the necessary portrayals of a city grappling with pollution. The mecha design, especially the tanks, are detailed intricacies that exhibit creativity. The anime enjoys a soundtrack that lives up to the series' reputation, comprising a variety of genres that perfectly accompanies the different moods and scenes through the series.

Delivering potent social commentary with a strong underlying message about environmental conservation and price of unchecked scientific advancements, New Dominion: Tank Police is a series that prompts deeper thoughts. This unique series merges action-packed sequences with thought-provoking plotlines and an admirable sprinkling of humour, making it an enduring staple in the anime genre's history.