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GetBackers
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Ginji Amano (left) and Ban Mido (right)
GetBackers -奪還屋-
(Gettobakkāzu Dakkan'ya)
Genre
Manga
Written byYuya Aoki
Illustrated byRando Ayamine
Published byKodansha
English publisher
ImprintShōnen Magazine Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Magazine
Original runMarch 24, 1999 – February 21, 2007
Volumes39 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed by
Produced by
  • Kaoru Sakamoto
  • Kazunori Noguchi
  • Satoshi Kohno
Written byAkemi Omode
Music byTaku Iwasaki
StudioStudio Deen
Licensed by
Original networkJNN (TBS)
English network
Original run October 5, 2002 – September 20, 2003
Episodes49 (List of episodes)
icon Anime and manga portal

GetBackers (Japanese: GetBackers -奪還屋-, Hepburn: Gettobakkāzu Dakkan'ya; 'GetBackers: Recovery Service') is a Japanese manga series written by Yuya Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine. It was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 1999 to February 2007, with its chapters collected in 39 tankōbon volumes. The series follows the GetBackers, a pair of youths endowed with supernatural abilities who specialize in recovering lost or stolen items.

A 49-episode anime television series adaptation animated by Studio Deen was broadcast on TBS from October 2002 to September 2003. The manga series was licensed for English release in North America by Tokyopop, which released 27 volumes between February 2004 and December 2008; its license expired in 2009.

Plot

[edit]
See also: List of GetBackers characters

Ginji Amano and Ban Mido are superhuman operatives known as the GetBackers, a freelance repossession team based in a disreputable district of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Specializing in the recovery of lost or stolen items, they claim an exceptionally high success rate, undertaking assignments that frequently involve perilous and unusual circumstances. Their targets vary widely, from mundane personal belongings to components of advanced weaponry. Their exploits are often intertwined with their own complex histories.

A significant portion of their endeavors takes place within the Infinity Fortress, an enigmatic structure composed of interconnected condemned buildings, functioning as a self-sustained microcosm. The Fortress is divided into three distinct regions: Lower Town, the lowest and most subterranean sector; the Beltline, a hazardous intermediary zone; and Babylon City, the highest level. Babylon City serves as the domain of the Brain Trust, the clandestine organization responsible for the Fortress's creation, and is also the residence of Ginji's mother. It is later revealed that Babylon City constitutes the true reality, while the external world exists as a virtual construct. Access to Babylon City is permitted exclusively to those who prevail in the Ogre Battle, a combat tournament whose victors earn the right to reshape reality as they see fit.

Ban and Ginji venture into the Infinity Fortress—Ban to rescue their ally Himiko, and Ginji to reunite with his mother. Within the Beltline, they confront numerous adversaries under the command of the Voodoo King, an entity seeking to breach Babylon City's sealed gates, a barrier established years prior by Ban's grandmother, the Witch Queen. Following the Voodoo King's defeat, Ban and Ginji engage in the Ogre Battle, where Ban concedes upon recognizing Ginji's resolve. Ginji proceeds to Babylon City, encountering his mother, who originates from a parallel universe. She discloses her role in fabricating the Infinity Fortress and its simulated world. After their exchange, the Fortress undergoes a transformation, with its virtual inhabitants gaining true existence. The GetBackers resume their retrieval operations, and their next mission sets them on a path toward Ban's mother.

Development

[edit]

Yuya Aoki conceived the idea of GetBackers two years before it started serialization. By that time he had few notes about it. Aoki remembers giving many troubles to his editor when he started writing it, but was glad he could finish it.[3] The character of Ban Mido was originally meant to appear in another series from Aoki, but his editor liked it and wanted it to be one of the manga's protagonists. Ginji was meant to appear in the series, but his original personality was first meant to belong to Ban.[4]

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]
Main article: List of GetBackers chapters

GetBackers, written by Yuya Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine, was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 24, 1999,[5] to February 21, 2007.[a] Kodansha collected its chapters in 39 tankōbon volumes, released from August 17, 1999,[9] to April 17, 2007.[10] An additional one-shot chapter was published in Magazine Special on February 20, 2009.[11][12]

GetBackers was licensed for English release in North America by Tokyopop, who first announced the acquisition in the Anime Expo 2004 in July 2003.[13] Tokyopop split the manga into two parts: GetBackers (volumes 1–25) and GetBackers: Infinity Fortress (subsequent volumes). The first part was published from February 10, 2004, to July 7, 2008,[1][14] while Infinity Fortress had two volumes released on September 9 and December 9, 2008.[15][16] only these two volumes were released.[17] On August 31, 2009, Tokyopop announced that the rights to the series had expired.[18]

An artbook, titled G/B was released on March 15, 2005.[19] A guidebook, titled GetBackers: The Last Piece, was released on April 17, 2007, containing information about the series' plot, characters, and popularity polls.[20]

Anime

[edit]
Main article: List of GetBackers episodes

The anime adaptation of the GetBackers series was produced by Studio Deen and was directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi and Keitaro Motonaga [ja].[21] The series was broadcast for 49 episodes on TBS from October 5, 2002, to September 20, 2003.[22] The series was released to Region 2 DVD in Japan by TBS in seventeen individual volumes with three episodes per disc.[23] The anime's music was composed by Taku Iwasaki, and two original soundtracks were released by Pioneer Corporation on January 24 and July 25, 2003.[24][25]

The anime was first licensed in English by ADV Films. The series was released on ten DVD volumes from August 24, 2004, to November 1, 2005.[26][27] Two DVD box sets were released on October 10, 2006, and January 2, 2007,[28][29] The entire series was released on single box set on January 15, 2008.[30] In April 2009, A.D. Vision started streaming the series online on its Anime Network website.[31] The series has been re-licensed by Sentai Filmworks, who re-released it on DVD on May 8, 2012.[32][33] On August 25, 2016, the series began airing on ShortsTV.[34]

The series was broadcast on Animax Asia in Southeast Asia,[35] and ABS-CBN/Studio 23 in the Philippines.[36]

Drama CDs

[edit]

Two drama CDs have been released for the story arcs not found in the TV series, namely the news involving the GetBackers searching for disappeared kids involved with a card game named the Divine Design, their search for a red wine named the Marine Red, and the war between Shido Fuyuki's clan, the Maryudo and their rivals, the Kiryudo. The first CD, entitled 'GetBackers "Target G"', was released February 21, 2003.[37] The second entitled 'GetBackers "Target B"' was released on March 21, 2003.[38]

Video games

[edit]

A total of five video games based on GetBackers have been released in Japan, all of them developed and published by Konami. The first was a fighting game GetBackers Dakkanoku: Ubawareta Mugenshiro for the PlayStation 2 and PC on September 26, 2002.[39] GetBackers Dakkanoku - Jagan Fuuin! followed it in 2003 for the PC and Game Boy Advance, as well as the PC exclusive RPG GetBackers Dakkanoku: Metropolis Dakkan Sakusen!.[40][41] Two more fighting games, GetBackers Dakkanoku: Dakkandayo! Zenin Shuugou! and GetBackers Dakkanoku – Urashinshiku Saikyou Battle, were released in 2003 and 2004, respectively.[42][43] While the former was only for PCs, the latter was also released for the PlayStation 2. Rando Ayamine worked for all these video games, making illustrations for them.[44][45]

The 2009 PlayStation Portable fighting game, Sunday vs Magazine: Shūketsu! Chōjō Daikessen, also produced by Konami, included Ban Mido as a playable character.[46]

Reception

[edit]

The GetBackers manga has had over 18 million copies in circulation.[11] English volumes from the manga have also been popular, appearing various times in Diamond Comic's rankings of best selling graphic novels.[47][48] Anime News Network's Liann Cooper has commented on the manga, praising for using the "simple concept" in order to create an entertaining plot. The manga has been noted to have a large number of types of fan service, showing several kinds of beautiful women and noted a "relationship" between the two main characters and giving the series a nice bishōnen tone. The art of Rando Ayamine has been praised for having the dark and gritty mood emphasizes he makes in the series making readers think that the Jagan scene of Ban Mido is a "horrifying nightmare". The Tokyopop translation of the manga has been criticized for making the main characters sound like gangsters giving them strange dialogues.[49] Cooper later noted that readers from Clamp's works or Rurouni Kenshin would find GetBackers appealing due to the several aspects it has.[50] He still found issues with Tokyopop's translation, but still found the final product entertaining, also complimenting the series' comedy.[51]

The anime adaptation of GetBackers was also well received. In the 26th annual Animage readers' poll, it took various categories: it was third in "Favorite Anime Series", ninth in "Favorite Episode" (episode 49) and fifth and eighth in "Favorite Male Character" (Ginji and Ban, respectively).[52] It also received positive reviews ever since the first episode's premiere in Japan. For such an episode, Anime News Network liked the animations' quality as well as the main characters Ban and Ginji. The mix between drama and comedy was also well-received, hoping that it will continue like that for the remainder of the series.[53] DVD Talk's John Sinnott called it a "solid show", enjoying the characters' growth as the series continued. However, he gave a low score on the DVDs' presentation mainly due to the lack of extras.[54] While comparing it with the manga, Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment found the anime's introduction more appealing than the manga's but mentioned various issues already shown in the first episodes of various anime.[55] Bamboo Dong from Anime News Network enjoyed how the story was built during the first season, finding appealing the fact that the characters he found appealing would take part in a larger story arc.[56] Agreeing with Dong, Dani Moure from Mania liked the interaction between the characters, as well as a bigger exploration to some of them.[57] Sinott concluded that the story arc involving the Limitless Fortress was "a good story" due to the expansion in the backgrounds from various of the main characters, but found it relatively longer than previous story arcs.[58] Active Anime writer David C. Jones praised the focus on the anime's second season, liking how many secondary characters got their own episodes, as well as how the comedy was delivered across them, citing the episode focused on Ginji in the hospital as the best one from the season.[59] On the other hand, Beveridge found that in the second season, characters were "overused", but like Jones, enjoyed the focus on other characters as well as the flashbacks exploring them.[60] The anime's last story arc left mixed thoughts to Beveridge who found some of its events predictable or rushed, but still enjoyed the action sequences shown.[61]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

GetBackers

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
GetBackers is a Japanese manga series written by Yuya Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine. Serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 1999 to February 2007, the series was collected into 39 volumes. The narrative centers on Ban Mido and Ginji Amano, two superpowered young men who run a freelance recovery service called the GetBackers, specializing in retrieving lost or stolen items—tangible or otherwise—for clients at a fee, with a boasted success rate of 100%. Ban possesses exceptional physical strength in his grip, dubbed the "Snake Bite," capable of exerting up to 200 kilograms of force, and the "Jagan" or Evil Eye, which induces nightmarish hallucinations in targets for one minute. Ginji, formerly a leader in the Limitless Fortress—a massive, labyrinthine complex of abandoned buildings in , —wields the ability to generate and control thousands of volts of electricity. Their operations often lead them into the Fortress, a lawless domain divided into tiers and governed by influential figures known as the , where supernatural phenomena and criminal elements abound. The inspired a 49-episode television adaptation produced by , which aired on TBS from October 5, 2002, to September 20, 2003. While the covers early with action-packed episodic recoveries and stylistic changes per storyline, it diverges from the 's later, more intricate plots involving the Fortress's deeper mysteries and character backstories. The series blends , , and adventure, emphasizing themes of loyalty and retrieval in a world where the impossible becomes routine for the duo.

Premise

Setting

The Limitless Fortress, known as Mugenjou or Infinity Fortress in Japanese, is a vast district within , , formed by a conglomeration of disused and condemned buildings that have clustered together to create a self-contained habitat. This lawless area operates outside normal Japanese laws, with police unable to enter, fostering an environment of anarchy where supernatural phenomena thrive due to pervasive electromagnetic waves that manipulate perceptions and generate a virtual reality overlay on physical space. Structured in three tiers—the chaotic Lower Town populated by disenfranchised individuals, the perilous middle Beltline ruled by immortal entities with immense strength, and the elevated Babylon City controlled by influential figures—Mugenjou embodies a realm where reality diverges from the ordinary world, enabling bizarre events and enhanced human capabilities. Supernatural abilities are amplified within Mugenjou due to pervasive electromagnetic waves that distort reality and perceptions. The , a secretive cabal, is involved in the creation and control of Mugenjou's anomalous framework, but breaking mental barriers to access full potential risks systemic breakdowns manifesting as physical collapse, insanity, or existential glitches within the virtual framework of Mugenjou. This mechanism underscores the Fortress's role as an experimental ground for transcending human boundaries, where unchecked power amplification leads to volatile consequences. In this chaotic context, the retrieval profession emerges as a specialized service for recovering lost or stolen items, particularly those vanished into Mugenjou's unpredictable domains, where conventional methods fail due to spatial distortions, predatory inhabitants, and illusory traps. Experts in this field possess the resilience and abilities needed to traverse the Fortress's tiers, confronting threats to restore possessions with near-perfect success rates. A key location outside the Fortress is the cafe in , serving as the operational base for retrieval specialists and a neutral hub where clients negotiate jobs, allies convene, and information exchanges occur amid the aroma of coffee and pizza. Owned by the astute Paul Wan, it functions as a safe haven from external conflicts, allowing strategic planning without interference from Mugenjou's perils.

Plot Overview

The GetBackers manga employs an episodic structure, where the central duo undertakes standalone recovery missions to retrieve lost or stolen items—ranging from everyday possessions to valuable artifacts—for clients in exchange for a fee, achieving a near-perfect success rate. These self-contained stories often highlight the challenges posed by the urban underbelly of Mugenjou, the Limitless Fortress, a vast, isolated district governed by its own anarchic rules and supernatural phenomena. As the narrative progresses, these missions interconnect with broader arcs that probe the fortress's enigmatic depths, blending action-oriented retrievals with escalating threats from hidden factions and otherworldly forces. The series opens with the formation of the GetBackers recovery service, establishing their operations amid Mugenjou's chaotic environment, where they navigate increasingly perilous jobs that test their limits and draw them into the district's undercurrents of power struggles. Early arcs focus on routine yet hazardous retrievals, such as reclaiming heirlooms from criminal syndicates or resolving disputes tied to the fortress's . The storyline then shifts toward major confrontations, including the conquest of the Infinity Fortress itself, a pivotal endeavor that uncovers layers of Mugenjou's concealed history and supernatural infrastructure. This progression underscores the protagonists' growing entanglement with the fortress's controlling entities, fueling their pursuit of autonomy from its oppressive grip. Subsequent arcs intensify the intrigue, incorporating conflicts with the Voodoo Clan, whose mystical curses and rituals introduce elements of ancient lore intertwined with Mugenjou's anomalies. The narrative builds to climactic sequences involving formidable adversaries like the Voodoo King and divine-like beings, revealing conspiracies linked to the origins of the fortress's realm. Throughout, the overarching thread revolves around the duo's quest to break free from Mugenjou's dominance while unraveling its foundational secrets, culminating in a resolution that ties together the series' themes of recovery and revelation. The concluded its run in in February 2007, spanning 39 volumes.

Characters

Protagonists

Ban Mido and Ginji Amano serve as the core duo of the GetBackers recovery service, specializing in retrieving lost or stolen items with a claimed 100% success rate. Ban, the strategist of the pair, possesses the Jagan, known as the Evil Eye, which allows him to trap targets in nightmarish illusions upon , lasting one minute and limited to four uses per day due to physical strain. Complementing this, he wields the Snake Bite technique, granting his hands a of 200 kilograms to crush or manipulate objects and opponents. With a cool, cynical personality shaped by his past as a highly skilled thief trained in , science, history, and magic from a young age, Ban acts as the team's intellectual leader, often devising plans to navigate complex retrievals. Ginji Amano, Ban's partner and the physical powerhouse, manipulates electricity, generating thousands of volts from his body or absorbing ambient sources to unleash devastating attacks. Formerly the feared "King of the Limitless Fortress" as leader of the VOLTS gang in the Limitless Fortress, Ginji's history reflects a transition from a ruthless "Lightning Emperor" to a more gentle ally after meeting Ban. His naive, optimistic, and energetic demeanor contrasts Ban's cynicism, providing emotional balance to the team while his raw power handles direct confrontations during missions. Himiko Kudou, Ban's adoptive sister and a professional transporter, employs poison-based abilities through scented threads and perfumes that deliver toxins or pheromones to incapacitate foes, earning her the moniker "Witch of the Seven Poison Perfumes." Her backstory ties to Ban's early days as a plunderer alongside her late brother Yamato, fostering a protective, sibling-like dynamic where she often aids the GetBackers on high-risk jobs despite initial tensions. Feisty and independent, Himiko contributes versatility to missions with her stealth and chemical expertise, frequently collaborating with the duo to overcome supernatural threats. Paul Wan, the non-combatant owner of the café in , provides essential support as the GetBackers' base of operations, dispensing jobs, meals, and shelter while managing their perpetual debts. Wise and paternal, he offers strategic advice drawn from his own mysterious past, including minor insights that occasionally guide the team, ensuring they remain operational amid the dangers of their work.

Supporting and Antagonists

Kuroudo Akabane, known as "Dr. Jackal," serves as a transporter in the world of GetBackers, wielding an array of scalpels that he manipulates using his blood as a medium, allowing for precise and deadly attacks from a distance. His enigmatic nature positions him as both an occasional ally and a persistent to the protagonists, often intervening in their missions with a fascination for their abilities that borders on obsession. Akabane's recurring role highlights his unpredictable dynamic, where he aids the GetBackers only when it suits his thrill-seeking whims, yet poses a lethal threat due to his unhesitating willingness to kill. Shido Fuyuki, the "Beast Master," possesses the ability to communicate with and command animals, treating them as equals rather than tools, which enables him to borrow their traits such as enhanced senses or physical attributes during combat. Initially a rival to Ban Mido stemming from their shared history in the VOLTS gang, Shido evolves into a complex supporting figure whose loyalty shifts based on personal bonds and moral conflicts. His backstory intertwines with Ban's through past betrayals and alliances in the Limitless Fortress, influencing key confrontations where Shido's protective instincts toward animals and select allies create tense alliances with the protagonists. Masaki Kurusu and MakubeX represent pivotal antagonistic forces within the series, each tied to the Limitless Fortress's power structures and featuring in arcs involving curses and familial legacies. Masaki Kurusu, a former member of the VOLTS , commands light-based powers that allow him to bypass physical defenses and manipulate optical phenomena for offense and illusion. As a resident of Babylon City, he operates with a pragmatic ruthlessness, his antagonistic pursuits often linked to protecting his loved ones amid the Fortress's hierarchical conflicts. MakubeX, originally a young genius hacker who later becomes a central villain, controls vast technological networks and data streams, using them to orchestrate schemes against the GetBackers in pursuit of ultimate control over the Fortress. Their arcs intersect with themes of inherited burdens and supernatural curses, positioning them as formidable threats whose motivations stem from ambition and unresolved ties to the protagonists' past. The of the Limitless Fortress—Kazuki Fuuchouin, Shido Fuyuki, Masaki Kurusu, and MakubeX—form a legendary cadre of rulers whose supernatural abilities dominate the Limitless Fortress's underbelly, often clashing with the GetBackers over territorial and personal stakes. Each king's powers reflect their domains: Fuuchouin's thread manipulation for binding and precision strikes, Fuyuki's animal affinity, Kurusu's light control, and MakubeX's cybernetic dominion, making them collective antagonists driven by loyalty to their faction or individual vendettas. Higher entities like , a powerful witch from the residing in City, escalate these threats by employing archangels and aiming to reshape reality into a twisted paradise through forbidden arts. Lucifer's motivations revolve around harnessing ancient powers for domination, positioning him as an overarching foe whose ethereal abilities and cult-like followers challenge the protagonists on metaphysical levels.

Production

Development

GetBackers was conceived as a collaborative effort between writer , a employed by for his projects, and artist Rando Ayamine, who handled the illustrations. Their partnership emphasized a division of labor where Aoki focused on plotting intricate narratives involving retrieval missions and supernatural conflicts, while Ayamine contributed detailed, high-energy artwork that enhanced the action sequences and character expressions. This dual authorship approach was a deliberate choice to ensure balanced pacing between story development and visual storytelling, distinguishing the series from single-creator works prevalent in . Serialization began in Kodansha's on March 24, 1999, initially featuring self-contained episodic stories about the protagonists' jobs as "GetBackers" recovering lost items for a fee. Over time, the narrative evolved into a more serialized structure with expanding lore, including the introduction of the Unlimited Fortress and complex antagonist organizations, culminating in the "Get Back the Lost Time" arc. Production faced challenges, including irregular publication schedules toward the later stages, partly attributed to Ayamine's health concerns that later prompted a hiatus for recuperation in 2010 following the main run. The decision to incorporate escalating aspects served to differentiate GetBackers from conventional detective tales, allowing for epic battles and character growth that sustained reader interest across its run. The concluded on February 21, 2007, after 39 volumes, wrapping up major plot threads while leaving room for thematic reflection on bonds and recovery.

Manga

The manga series GetBackers was serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 24, 1999, to February 21, 2007. It spanned 344 chapters, collected into 39 volumes released between August 17, 1999, and April 17, 2007. Written by Aoki and illustrated by Rando Ayamine, the series features black-and-white artwork typical of , with volumes including side stories titled "Interludes" and bonus chapters. published the original Japanese edition. For English localization, licensed and released 28 volumes from February 10, 2004, to March 10, 2009, before the series was left unfinished due to license expiration. As of 2025, the full 39 volumes are available digitally in Japanese via platforms like Kindle.

Adaptations

Anime

The GetBackers anime adaptation was produced by and co-directed by and Keitarō Motonaga, with series composition by Akemi Omode. It aired on TBS in Japan from October 5, 2002, to September 20, 2003, consisting of 49 episodes that primarily adapted the early arcs of the while incorporating original content to extend the runtime. The main protagonists were voiced by as Ban Mido and as Ginji Amano, with additional key roles filled by as Kazuki Fūchōin and Natsuko Kuwatani as Himiko Kudō. The series featured multiple opening and ending themes, including "Yuragu Koto Nai Ai" by Naomi Tamura as the first opening (episodes 1–25 and 49) and "Ichibyō no Refrain" by Otoha as the first ending (episodes 1–13). Subsequent themes included "Barairo no Sekai" by for openings 2–3 and "Namida no Hurricane" by BON-BON BLANCO for ending 2 (episodes 14–25). In adapting the , the followed the source material closely for the initial 25 episodes but introduced filler content starting around episode 26 to pad the season, including standalone stories and altered event sequences that diverged from the 's pacing and structure. The second half featured significant deviations, such as expanded side stories and an original final arc centered on the Infinity Fortress, which omitted deeper explorations of later arcs like the full Voodoo Child and subsequent developments, resulting in an open-ended conclusion that did not resolve the 's overarching narrative. Home video releases began with ADV Films issuing DVD volumes in from 2004 to 2006, covering all 49 episodes in bilingual editions. later acquired the license in 2012, releasing a complete collection DVD set and making it available digitally; as of November 2025, the series streams on HIDIVE and is available for digital purchase on Amazon Video.

Other Media

The GetBackers franchise expanded beyond its and adaptations through audio dramas and video games, offering original side stories and interactive experiences that highlighted character dynamics and retrieval missions. Drama CDs featuring the series' voice actors in original narratives expanding on interpersonal relationships and humor-infused subplots were released. Two volumes were produced in 2003 by Pioneer LDC: "TARGET G" (February 21) and "TARGET B" (March 21), providing fans with supplementary content focused on ensemble banter and episodic side quests. Video games, all developed and published by exclusively in , emphasized playable retrieval operations with streamlined depictions of the characters' supernatural abilities, such as Ban's Jagan eye and Ginji's electric powers. The lineup includes the 2001 fighting title GetBackers Dakkanya: Jigoku no Scaramouche, the 2002 adventure GetBackers Dakkanya: Ubawareta Mugenjou, the 2003 episodic RPG GetBackers Dakkanya: Dakkandayo! Zenin Shuugou!! for PS2, the 2003 GBA RPG GetBackers Dakkanya: Jagan Fūin!, and the 2004 PS2 battle game GetBackers Dakkanoku: Ura Saikyou Battle. No further titles appeared after 2007, with centering on mission-based scenarios that simplified the series' complex power systems for . Additional media encompasses art books compiling illustrator Rando Ayamine's designs, such as the 2005 Get Backers Illustrations featuring over 100 pages of character sketches, promotional art, and series data. Novelizations remain limited, with no dedicated light novels identified, though merchandise tie-ins like figures and apparel extended the franchise's reach through various collectibles.

Reception

Critical Response

Critics have praised GetBackers for its engaging action sequences and strong character dynamics, particularly the buddy-cop relationship between protagonists Ban Mido and Ginji Amano, which drives much of the series' appeal. Reviewers highlighted the creativity in the characters' abilities, such as Ban's "Snake Bite" grip and Ginji's electricity manipulation, which add flair to retrieval missions in the chaotic Limitless Fortress setting. Anime News Network's entry reflects positive reception through user ratings, with a weighted average of 7.46 out of 10, indicating "Good+" quality overall. Similarly, Otaku News awarded the first DVD volume a 7/10, commending the "endearing" characters and their "comic interaction," which fosters investment in their adventures despite the episodic structure. The series also earned recognition in , placing third in Animage's 2003 for best TV , behind Fullmetal Alchemist and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, underscoring its early impact among professional and fan voters. Manga critics appreciated the buddy elements as a core strength, with Anime News Network's review of the first volume noting how the duo's unique capabilities create dynamic, surface-level ordinary yet extraordinary partnerships. However, some Western critiques of Tokyopop's English releases pointed to translation choices that altered dialogue to sound overly gangster-like, potentially diluting the original tone. Criticisms often centered on pacing issues, especially in the manga's later arcs, where extended battles and complex lore could feel drawn out, and the anime's filler episodes, which comprised a significant portion and sometimes diluted the source material's momentum. THEM Anime Reviews identified pacing as a "major problem," compounded by inadequate development for supporting groups like the VOLTS gang. Female characters drew particular scrutiny for being underdeveloped or relegated to stereotypical roles, with some reviewers noting their limited agency compared to the male leads. Anime-Planet critiques echoed this, describing early stories as "disjointed" due to filler and uneven character evolution. Thematically, GetBackers received a balanced response for its exploration of mature undertones like redemption and found family amid chaos, though occasional tonal shifts from lighthearted episodic retrievals to serious arcs on memory and sin were seen as jarring by some. Anime Cultivated praised the "Limitless Fortress" arc for its gritty action and buddy chemistry while touching on redemption themes, but noted the series' unpredictability could disrupt cohesion. Overall, these elements contributed to its cult status, with professionals valuing the creativity despite execution flaws.

Popularity and Legacy

GetBackers garnered substantial commercial success during its initial run, with the manga series accumulating 18 million copies in circulation across its 39 volumes by 2009. The anime adaptation, airing from October 2002 to September 2003 on TBS, contributed to its early popularity, achieving consistent viewer engagement that led to international licensing and releases. The series maintains a dedicated , particularly among fans of early shōnen for its distinctive character designs, dynamic duo dynamics, and high-stakes retrieval battles. This enduring appeal is reflected in ongoing online discussions and retrospective analyses as of 2025, where enthusiasts highlight its quirky protagonists and episodic action as nostalgic highlights of the era. While not featuring dedicated panels at major conventions like in recent years, the fanbase persists through digital communities and collector circles, drawn to the blend of elements and buddy-cop tropes. In terms of legacy, GetBackers influenced the retrieval and recovery motif in subsequent shōnen narratives, paving the way for stories emphasizing supernatural asset recovery amid urban chaos, as seen in later series exploring similar thematic structures. However, its English localization remains incomplete, with releasing only 27 of the 39 volumes before ceasing operations in 2011, a factor often cited as limiting its broader Western accessibility and potential for deeper cultural impact. As of 2025, streaming availability on platforms like HIDIVE and has sparked renewed interest, introducing the series to new audiences via on-demand access and contributing to sporadic revivals in online viewership. Despite this, no sequels, reboots, or official continuations have been announced, positioning GetBackers alongside other overlooked that faded from mainstream prominence despite their innovative premises and loyal niche appeal.

References

  1. https://www.amazon.com/Getbackers-Book-1-Rando-Ayamine/dp/1591826330
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=2407
  3. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1840
  4. https://allagesofgeek.com/get-backers-dusting-off-a-forgotten-series/
  5. https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1840
  6. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Infinity_Fortress
  7. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Brain_Trust
  8. https://myanimelist.net/manga/19/GetBackers
  9. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Paul_Wan
  10. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manga/GetBackers
  11. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Mido_Ban
  12. https://moa.omnimulti.com/Ban_Mido
  13. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/ginji-amano/4005-46725/
  14. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/himiko-kudo/4005-46718/
  15. https://www.absoluteanime.com/get_backers/paul
  16. https://myanimelist.net/character/52/Kuroudo_Akabane
  17. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/kuroudou-akabane/4005-46717/
  18. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Kuroudo_Akabane
  19. https://myanimelist.net/character/49/Shido_Fuyuki
  20. https://comicvine.gamespot.com/shido-fuyuki/4005-46721/
  21. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Shido_Fuyuki
  22. https://myanimelist.net/character/17427/Masaki_Kurusu
  23. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/MakubeX
  24. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/GetBackersTheFourKings
  25. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/Four_Kings
  26. https://outskirtsbattledomewiki.com/index.php/profiles?view=article&id=3497:character-profile-lucifer-getbackers&catid=8
  27. https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B075FVZ11J
  28. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_GetBackers_Episodes
  29. https://anime.stackexchange.com/questions/2960/which-getbackers-episodes-are-filler
  30. https://getbackers.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_GetBackers_Story_Arcs
  31. https://www.animenation.com/forum/anime-related-forums/ask-john/2393-how-closely-does-the-getbackers-anime-follow-the-manga
  32. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2005-07-08/adv-announces-august-9-dvds
  33. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2012/2/1/sentai-filmworks-licenses-get-backers-anime
  34. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/getbackers
  35. https://manga.fandom.com/wiki/GetBackers
  36. https://vgmdb.net/album/134930
  37. https://www.animebooks.com/getbailartbo.html
  38. https://www.ebay.com/itm/404392038944
  39. https://www.otakunews.com/Dvd/52/get-backers-volume-1
  40. http://animegrandprix.blogspot.com/2009/07/27-annual-anime-grand-prix-2004.html
  41. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/getbackers-gn-1
  42. https://getbackers.livejournal.com/280143.html
  43. https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/get-backers/reviews
  44. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8250493
  45. https://animecultivated.com/50-most-underrated-anime-best-recommendations/
  46. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-21/getbackers-manga-returns-in-one-shot-side-story
  47. https://www.cbr.com/best-2000s-anime-no-one-remembers/
  48. https://www.cbr.com/greatest-action-anime-no-one-talks-about/
  49. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-19/getbackers-writer-artist-are-planning-next-work
  50. https://en.whakoom.com/ediciones/508059/getbackers
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