Action, suspense, comedy, and sheer 'City Hunter magic' are all rolled into one non-stop 92-minute ride in the CITY HUNTER SPECIAL - GOODBYE, MY SWEETHEART. City Hunter fans can rejoice in this television special, which has taken the animated series to a new level. Not only is the animation more detailed, the supporting characters are better integrated into the storyline. Fans of both the animation and the manga will need no introduction to the cast of regulars, but it is interesting to see how they interact in a slightly different way here. The result is a more serious tone, and better insight into the relationships between each of the characters.
The story begins with a mysterious visitor arriving at Narita Airport in Tokyo. A group of investigators headed by Nogami Saeko of the Tokyo police follows him; however, he quickly proves to be too clever for the police. Meanwhile, a beautiful and talented performer receives a bouquet of dark roses from a brother who had disappeared years ago. Elsewhere, a prison transport truck is hijacked and a demolitions specialist and another hardened convict escape. Add a terrorist's threat and a new metro rail and soon it's up to Saeba Ryo (aka City Hunter) to save Tokyo.
Unlike some of the other CITY HUNTER specials and/or OVAs, however, this story is reminiscent of the manga series in that much of the battle is fought as a team effort, with each character doing what they do best. For example, Miki procures and pilots a military helicopter at one point and when asked where she got it, she replies very casually, "I borrowed it." In addition, many of the individuals show a glimpse of their more subtle side, including a rare moment of Kaori talking about Ryo in her sleep.
The storyline itself starts off well but weakens in the final confrontation. The antagonist's character, the Professor, is complex enough to prove an interesting adversary, but his motives become unclear towards the end. On the other hand, the more intense characters lend support to the plot, and the humor ensures that even the lowest point is enjoyable. The story moves quickly. From the slow, introspective scenes of Emi's childhood to the chases involving numerous large air and land vehicles, the story moves along rapidly, leaving little time to ponder the events that have taken place.
The animation is definitely a cut above most other CITY HUNTER, smooth and fluid and rich in detail. With a number of close-up shots and more detailed depictions of characters, cel collectors of the City Hunter series will find much here to fill their portfolios. And unlike the television series, a few of the female characters hint at a nicer wardrobe; again, much like the manga series. And if you've ever wondered what Kaori carries in her pockets, this is the show to watch.
This is City Hunter at its animated best. For the serious CITY HUNTER fan this is a must. And for the City Hunter cel collectors out there, you can feel your hearts pitter-patter a little faster at these cels. I can only hope that this will not be the last CITY HUNTER SPECIAL.

CITY HUNTER SPECIAL: "Goodbye, My Sweetheart" Copyright © 1997 Tsukasa Hojo/Shueisha, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise VAP Inc. Product Code: VPLY-70636 ¥ 6800 92 min.