A good deal of anime is built around formulas. Used sparingly, cliche can transform a title into an instant classic. But too much cliche usually results in a video that is less than memorable. When anime creators rely heavily on all-too-familiar formulas, only a fine line separates the funny from the inane.
The word gratuitous summarizes DEBUTANTE DETECTIVE CORPS. Take 5 cliche characters, a tired plot, worn-out sight gags and combine them into a show that, despite its predictability, is amazingly watchable. Like an old pair of sneakers that you just can't throw out, many of the gags in this show may leave you groaning, but not enough to turn off the VCR. After all, stomaching episode after episode of THREE'S COMPANY (something many did but few admit to) offers the exact same kind of comfortable and predictable entertainment.
DEBUTANTE begins with a cameo by a few of my all-time favorite character designs, the first generation of characters from SOTSUGYOU, aka, GRADUATION. My excitement faded as the first main character appeared onscreen, however. The character designs for the main characters are just not my cup of tea, although some characters look better than others. The backgrounds and animation are nothing special either. Considering my previous experience with Headroom, (maker of games such as GRADUATION and DEBUT, and anime including the very underrated DEBUT OVA series) this was something of a disappointment.
Each of the 5 girls that make up the Debutante Detective Club make their own "unique" entrance to the first day of school. Ayanokouji Miyuki, a tech wizard who is the daughter of the owner of a huge financial combine, storms on campus on motorcycle. Next enters superstrong Syu Reika, the daughter of a Chinese merchant family. Not to be outdone, Ryuzaki Youko, the alleged illegitimate descendant of Adolf Hitler and master of disguises also bursts onto the scene. Kirov Nina, descendant of the Romanov Dynasty, then flies in via an American Apache attack helicopter. Finally, the leader, Ayanokouji Kimiko, twin sister to Miyuki, descends on campus with a full police escort.
The story revolves around a threat by a radical organization known only as the "Rightful Order" who intend to eradicate the "enemies of all hardworking citizens," namely the 5 debutantes. During the all-too-predictable plot we are rewarded with a time-bomb, a sniper using a Styer AUG assault rifle, a martial arts battle (never mind how the guy suddenly became 50 feet tall), and a psychic duel with a Harrier fighter.
The music for this title, well, as one might expect from a Headroom title, sounds like something out of a video game. The two songs featured, "Koi wa Itsumo Beautiful" (Love is Always Beautiful) and "Koi no Sousuamou" (Love Dragnet) are not quite up to the opening for the Graduation game, but are pretty entertaining. Overall the music isn't very memorable, but it isn't so bad as to be a distraction either.
If you're looking for refreshing, innovative entertainment, then clearly this title is not for you. If you're looking for a short bit of mindless fun, complete with all the cliches which we've grown so accustomed to, then take out those old comfortable shoes and pop the tape into the VCR.

DEBUTANTE DETECTIVE CORPS Subtitled VHSDD/001S/ $29.95 Copyright © Toho International Co. Ltd. / Headroom / Marcus Subtitled version copyright A.D. Vision 30 mins.