Dominion Tank Police [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 4]

Dominion Tank Police (Episodes 1-4): A Wild Ride Through a Dystopian Playground

If you’re into retro anime with a mix of over-the-top action, dystopian chaos, and a sprinkle of absurd humor, Dominion Tank Police might just be your next binge-watch. Released in 1988, this four-episode OVA (original video animation) is based on Masamune Shirow’s manga—yes, the same genius behind Ghost in the Shell. But don’t expect the same philosophical depth here; Dominion Tank Police is more like a punk rock concert with tanks, gas masks, and a whole lot of attitude.

The Setting: A City That’s Basically a Garbage Fire

Newport City is a nightmare dressed up as a futuristic metropolis. Pollution is so bad that citizens wear gas masks just to step outside, and crime runs rampant. Enter the Tank Police, a squad of cops who fight fire with… well, tanks. The protagonist, Leona Ozaki, is a fiery rookie with a mini-tank named Bonaparte (because why not?). Together, they take on criminals like Buaku and the Puma Sisters, who are as ridiculous as they sound.

The show’s world-building is a chaotic blend of cyberpunk aesthetics and slapstick comedy. One minute, you’re watching a high-speed tank chase; the next, there’s a random dance sequence that feels like it was ripped straight from an ’80s music video. Fans on MyAnimeList have described it as “Patlabor on crack,” and honestly, that’s spot-on.

The Characters: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em

Leona is the heart of the show—a spunky, red-haired cop with a borderline romantic attachment to her tank. She’s got the energy of a caffeinated squirrel and the determination of someone who’s never heard the word “no.” Some viewers adore her, while others find her a bit one-dimensional. As one fan put it:
“Leona’s design and voice reminded me of Noa from Patlabor, but with less subtlety and more explosions.”

Then there’s the lieutenant, a walking disaster who somehow manages to be both the comic relief and the worst person in the room. His antics—like robbing a bank for no apparent reason—have divided audiences. Some find him hilarious; others think he’s just plain annoying. One commenter joked:
“The lieutenant is right though. It’s a rare woman who understands the bond between a man and his machines.” (Okay, buddy.)

The villains, Buaku and the Puma Sisters, are gloriously campy. They’re not deep or complex, but they don’t need to be. They’re here to cause chaos, and they do it with style.

The Tone: A Rollercoaster of WTF Moments

Dominion Tank Police can’t decide if it wants to be a gritty crime drama or a goofy comedy, and that’s part of its charm (or frustration, depending on who you ask). The first episode opens with a debate about police brutality, only to segue into a scene where the lieutenant dances like he’s in a disco. As one fan noted:
“The anime can’t seem to figure out if it wants to be an overly dark slapstick comedy or be taken seriously.”

The animation, while dated, has a raw energy that’s hard to ignore. The tank battles are surprisingly dynamic, and the show isn’t afraid to get creative with its action sequences. A MyAnimeList user raved:
“Look, look, we can do spinning shots without wasting our entire budget! Did you see? It’s all smooth and everything!” (Okay, maybe they were being sarcastic, but the enthusiasm is infectious.)

The Music: A Time Capsule of the ’80s

The soundtrack is pure ’80s cheese, and fans either love it or hate it. The opening theme is an earworm, and the background music swings between synth-heavy action beats and bizarrely upbeat tunes. One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“Dat music. Dat fucking music. Glorious.”

Final Verdict: A Cult Classic for a Reason

Dominion Tank Police isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a tightly plotted, serious sci-fi story, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re down for a wild, unapologetically weird ride through a dystopian playground, it’s a blast. As one fan declared:
“Anime peaked in the ’80s, and this OVA is more than enough proof.”

So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the chaos. Just don’t think too hard about why anyone would name a tank Bonaparte.

Rating: 7.5/10 (for sheer entertainment value)

P.S. If you watch the English dub, brace yourself. As one fan warned: “The dreadful attempt at American accents is a crime worse than anything Buaku could dream up.”