Editing Boogiepop Phantom

{{Short description|Japanese anime television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name            = Boogiepop Phantom
| image           = Boogiepop Phantom cover.jpg
| caption         = Cover art for the 2012 R1 DVD box set
| ja_kanji        = ブギーポップは笑わない Boogiepop Phantom
| ja_romaji       = Bugīpoppu wa Warawanai
| genre           = {{ubl|[[Dark fantasy]]<ref name="about.com">{{cite web |last1=Yegulalp |first1=Serdar |title=Boogiepop Phantom |url=http://anime.about.com/od/boogiepop/fr/Boogiepop-Phantom-Review.htm |website=[[About.com]] |access-date=June 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512141338/http://anime.about.com/od/boogiepop/fr/Boogiepop-Phantom-Review.htm |archive-date=May 12, 2013 |quote=A difficult and murky, but also fascinating, series, ''Boogiepop Phantom'' sits somewhere in the crossroads between psychological thriller, surreal horror, dark fantasy, and brooding drama.}}</ref>|[[Psychological thriller]]<ref name="about.com"/>|[[Urban fantasy]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Morrissy |first1=Kim |title=20 Years of Boogiepop |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2019-03-20/20-years-of-boogiepop/.144272 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=April 21, 2019 |date=March 20, 2019 |quote=And because ''Boogiepop'' was an urban fantasy/sci-fi tale, this shaped Dengeki Bunko's brand even to the modern day. |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402013617/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2019-03-20/20-years-of-boogiepop/.144272 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = {{ubl|[[Takashi Watanabe]]|Kenji Yasuda {{small|(assistant)}}}}
| producer        = {{ubl|[[Masao Maruyama (film producer)|Masao Maruyama]]|Yasuo Ueda|Kazuya Furuse}}
| writer          = Sadayuki Murai
| music           = The Art of Club Music For B.P.
| studio          = [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]]
| licensee        = {{ubl|[[Crunchyroll]]|{{English anime licensee|AUS = [[Madman Anime]]|BI = [[Anime Limited]]}}}}
| network         = [[TV Tokyo]]
| network_en      = {{English anime network|NA=[[Anime Network]]|US=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] ([[Anime Unleashed]]), [[Funimation Channel]], [[Starz]]}}
| first           = 5 January 2000
| last            = 22 March 2000
| episodes        = 12
| episode_list    = List of Boogiepop media#Anime
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Related Works
| content         =
* ''[[Boogiepop series]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

{{nihongo|'''''Boogiepop Phantom'''''|ブギーポップは笑わない Boogiepop Phantom|Bugīpoppu wa Warawanai|{{lit.}} "Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh"|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[anime]] television series animated by [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]], based on the ''[[Boogiepop series|Boogiepop]]'' [[light novel]] series by [[Kouhei Kadono]]. The series is directed by [[Takashi Watanabe]], from a screenplay by Sadayuki Murai, with original character designs by the light novel's illustrator Kouji Ogata, and sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka. Chronologically, the story follows immediately after the events of the series's first volume, ''[[Boogiepop and Others]]'', while also making references to the [[prequel]] sixth volume, ''[[List of Boogiepop media#Light novels|Boogiepop at Dawn]]''.

==Premise==
The story takes place in an unnamed [[Japan]]ese city, a month after a pillar of light appeared in the night sky and five years after a string of [[serial killing]]s. ''Boogiepop Phantom'' follows an [[ensemble cast]] of characters, mostly high school students, who are witnesses to the incident and its consequences. At the time of the series, high school students have started to disappear again and the blame is placed on [[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]], an urban legend who is said to be the [[shinigami|personification of Death]].

==Structure==
Each episode centers on different characters who sometimes have just a short involvement in the major events of the series. For this reason, many scenes are seen twice, from different perspectives, and some episodes are out of sequence, although there is a slow general time progression. An unusual visual style is employed wherein, for all but the last episode, a much reduced color palette is used in conjunction with a [[Vignetting|vignette]] effect. The sound design consists of synthesized [[avant-garde music]] carried by a [[leitmotif]] in the form of an [[active sonar]] pulse.<ref name=SSEUltGuide2>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Lesley|title=Boogiepop: The Ultimate Guide (Part 2 of 4)|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment|date=2006-02-14|url=http://www.gomanga.com/news/boogiepop_02.php|access-date=2007-06-13|archive-date=2019-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206095348/http://www.gomanga.com/news/boogiepop_02.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Through the non-linear style of the series, the characters are used to develop the central themes of the series: Change, Escapism, Memory, and Relationships.

''Boogiepop Phantom'' aired on [[TV Tokyo]] from January 5 to March 22, 2000. The series is licensed and distributed in North America and Europe by [[Right Stuf International]].

== Summary ==
{{See also|Boogiepop and Others}}
Five years before the events of ''Boogiepop Phantom'', [[Nagi Kirima]] met and befriended Shinpei Kuroda, an undercover agent of the Towa organization, at the local prefecture's hospital. Nagi was hospitalized because she was dying as her body was evolving. Shinpei, upon learning the truth behind Nagi's sickness, betrayed the Towa organization and administered a stolen Towa drug to Nagi that saved her life. He was mortally wounded by Towa agents as he fled from the hospital, leaving the drug behind in the process. [[Touka Miyashita]] came across Shinpei (as the Towa Agent Scarecrow) and the [[psychological trauma]] from seeing the dying man (after being hit by More Murder) created her [[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]] persona.

The ''Boogiepop at Dawn'' light novel describes how Dr Kisugi witnessed Nagi's remarkable recovery and, through experimentation on rats, learned of the drug's powers to grant [[superhuman]] abilities, before administering it to herself. The drug changed the doctor into a composite human, granting her the vast increase in physical and mental attributes shared with all composite humans and allowing her to sense the hormones that produce fear and develop a craving for them. At first terrorizing her patients and sampling their blood, she then murdered a number of strong-willed girls to consume the fear they produced at the moment of their death.<ref>{{cite video|people='''Dr Kisugi''': "But it's when people are full of fear that the Angel of Death comes to take them. And Death prefers strong people get scared, their souls taste better. Weak people have an awful taste to them. Their souls are bitter."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 2 "Portraits in Darkness"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> ''Boogiepop Phantom'' shows how Dr Kisugi gave the drug to her patients, claiming it could heal them, and how it worsened their problems and resulted in their evolution. Kirima investigated the murders, and discovered Dr Kisugi was the [[serial killer]]. Nagi and Dr Kisugi confronted each other at the hospital, where The Fire Witch was initially overwhelmed by the doctor’s power, but managed to kill her with Boogiepop's help.

The ''Boogiepop and Others'' novel tells of [[Manticore (Boogiepop)|Manticore]], an imperfect clone of the alien entity [[Echoes (Boogiepop)|Echoes]], created by the Towa Organization five years later. Escaping the laboratory, Manticore killed Minako Yurihara with the intention of assuming her form when it was found by Masami Saotome. Instead of killing Masami, Manticore struck a deal with him. Manticore (as Minako) and Masami experimented with production of '''Type S''', a highly addictive drug that would enslave all its users to their will, while killing students for Manticore's consumption.<ref>{{cite video|people='''Masami''': "They escape the real world and lose their own identity. They’ll work for us like mindless robots. I want more. I want a lot of them." '''Manticore''': "In order to remake human society, isn’t that right?"|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 4 "My Fair Lady"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> Meanwhile, Echoes escaped from the Towa laboratory in chase of [[Manticore (Boogiepop)|Manticore]]. The alien met up with [[Nagi Kirima]], who was investigating the recent student disappearances.

Learning they were being pursued, Masami and Manticore set a trap for Echoes and Nagi. Events culminated one evening at Shinyo Academy, when Masami crippled Echoes with poison and killed Nagi, who did not expect Manticore to have a human ally. Manticore chased Echoes as he attempted to escape with Nagi's body, and beat him to the verge of death. Manticore and Masami were attacked by [[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]], who held Manticore in place while Echoes turned himself into light. The light pierced the sky and destroyed Manticore, with Masami committing suicide by flying into the pillar. Nagi was revived by Echoes before he left the planet.

''Boogiepop Phantom'' is set one month later and revolves around the consequences of the pillar of light. Echoes' light inadvertently allowed the memories of that night to continue as [[hologram]]s, giving rise to a [[mixed reality]] where past and present co-exist,<ref>{{Cite video|people='''Kishida''': "Regular holograms are 3D images formed by interference patterns of recorded light. When Echoes light spread across the city as you say, might be that the memories of that moment took root as electromagnetic interference patterns."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 8 "She's So Unusual"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> and forced the [[evolution]] of the citizens, including those who were administered the Towa drug by Dr Kisugi. The series is concerned with these evolved individuals, how evolution affected their lives, and their disappearance after meeting Boogiepop Phantom. The Phantom explains it hid them below the city to save them,<ref>{{cite video|people='''Boogiepop Phantom''': "Their evolution is not natural. Such powers would cause nothing but harm to other people and to this world." '''Boogiepop''': "If danger threatens to engulf this world, I must nullify it. That is the purpose of my existence." '''Boogiepop Phantom''': "That's why I brought them here."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 11 "Under the Gravity's Rainbow"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> and that although their bodies no longer function, their nerves extend across the city so they will keep dreaming until the day the rest of humanity catches up to them.<ref>{{cite video|people=Boogiepop Phantom|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 12 "A Requiem"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref>

== Characters ==
{{See also|List of Boogiepop characters}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]]'''|ブギーポップ|Bugīpoppu}} is the urban legend whispered of among the female students of Shinyo Academy. Reputed to be an "[[shinigami|Angel of Death]]" with the appearance of a beautiful boy dressed all in black, who comes with a whistle to take girls away before they turn ugly. Few people know that Boogiepop actually exists, and is the dormant [[alter ego]] of Touka Miyashita who rises to the surface when enemies of the world appear. The reaper hides beneath its signature black cloak and hat, and acts in a mechanical and automatic fashion. Straight-faced and to the point, it speaks in an archaic manner, and seems fond of whistling the overture to [[Wagner's]] ''[[Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg]]''.

{{Voiced by|[[Kaori Shimizu (voice actress)|Kaori Shimizu]]|[[Debora Rabbai]]}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Manticore (Boogiepop)|Boogiepop Phantom]]'''|ブギーポップ・ファントム|Bugīpoppu Fantomu}} is an entity born in the electromagnetic field the moment [[Echoes (Boogiepop)|Echoes]]' light appeared in the sky. Amongst the memories scattered by the light it could only find Boogiepop's attire, but not his face, and so chose the appearance of Minako Yurihara at random. He claims to be Boogiepop, but later renames himself Boogiepop Phantom out of respect for the original. He too confronts the enemies of the world, but has his own agenda in mind.

{{Voiced by|[[Mayumi Asano]]|[[Simone Grant]]}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Suema Kazuko|Kazuko Suema]]'''|末間和子|Suema Kazuko}} was to be Dr. Kisugi's next victim, until Boogiepop and the Fire Witch put a stop to the killings. With the knowledge that her life had been in danger, she developed a fascination for [[criminal psychology|criminal]] and [[abnormal psychology]], and a desire to not let anything occur around her without her knowing. She desperately seeks the truth behind the unexplained happenings in the city, and meddles with forces best left untouched. Kazuko longs to be closer to Nagi Kirima, who seems to know the answers she seeks.

{{Voiced by|[[Kyo Nagasawa]]|[[Anne Benkovitz]]}}

{{nihongo|'''Manaka Kisaragi'''|如月真名花|Kisaragi Manaka}} is a highly evolved being with the ability to draw memories from her surroundings in the form of butterflies of light. She was given the Towa drug by Dr Kisugi as an unborn child, which caused her abilities to develop. The "devil's child", as she was known, was killed by her dying grandmother. Echoes' light brought Manaka back to life and caused accelerated aging. Her grandmother died soon after. Her insight into people's memories makes her aware of Echoes, whom she emulates.

{{Voiced by|[[Sanae Kobayashi]]|[[Rachael Lillis]]}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Manticore (Boogiepop)|Manticore Phantom]]'''|マンティコア・ファントム|Manteikoa Fantomu}} is another product of Echoes' light, one who possesses the remnants of Manticore's consciousness and the visage of Masami Saotome. No longer the threat it once was, it now preys only on distressed, easy targets. Manticore Phantom seeks a way to sustain himself permanently when he learns that he will be gone once the electromagnetic field returns to its original state.

{{Voiced by|[[Jun Fukuyama]]|[[Crispin Freeman]]}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Nagi Kirima]]'''|霧間凪|Kirima Nagi}}, the Fire Witch, has made few friends because she knows she is too dangerous for 'normal' people to associate with. She has a [[Messiah complex]], and seeks to save the world from whatever may threaten it. Her father's death and her brief friendship with Shinpei Kuroda motivated Nagi to become a defender of justice. She is very strong both physically and mentally, and uses her abilities and inheritance in her self-appointed mission.

{{Voiced by|[[Yuu Asakawa]]|[[Rachael Lillis]]}}

{{nihongo|'''Poom Poom'''|プームプーム|Pūmu Pūmu}} is a phantom created by Manaka Kisaragi. Born from the memories of Mamoru Oikawa playing the [[Pied Piper of Hamelin|Pied Piper]] in a school play, it evolved to take on qualities of Akane Kojima's fictional character of Poom Poom. By handing out red balloons to people who regret the direction their lives have taken, he takes a manifestation of their childhood hopes and dreams with him to Paisley Park, leaving only an empty shell behind.

{{Voiced by|[[Rakuto Tochihara]]|[[Jessica Calvello]]}}

{{nihongo|'''[[Boogiepop (character)|Touka Miyashita]]'''|宮下藤花|Miyashita Tōka}} possesses the appearance of an ordinary school girl at Shinyo Academy, but unknowingly suffers from [[dissociative identity disorder]]. At the age of twelve, she witnessed the death of Shinpei Kuroda, and the resulting mental trauma gave birth to the alternate personality of Boogiepop. Whenever enemies of the world appear, Boogiepop takes over to do battle. Touka is not aware this is happening, as she deletes her memories of being Boogiepop, and carries all of Boogiepop's effects in a Spalding sports bag without realizing it.

''Voiced by:'' [[Kaori Shimizu (voice actress)|Kaori Shimizu]] (Japanese), [[Debora Rabbai]] (English)

== Themes ==

''Boogiepop Phantom'' is a story that primarily deals with change<ref name=bpep5com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Crispin Freeman|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 5 "Interlude" Commentary|medium=DVD|date=2001}}</ref> and how [[perceptions]] change as people grow older.<ref name=bpep11com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Angora Deb|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 11 "Under the Gravity's Rainbow" Commentary|medium=DVD|date=2001}}</ref> The theme of change is represented not only by the ongoing struggle between the Towa organization and the evolved humans, but also by the way the look of the city is changing and through the growth of children into adults.<ref name=bpep5com /> Similar to the theme of change, the concept of moving on and not being stuck in the past is integral to the story as both [[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]] and Boogiepop Phantom confront Manaka for what they perceive as keeping people stuck in the past.<ref>{{cite video|people='''Boogiepop Phantom''' (to '''Manaka'''): "Your power ties people down to their past and takes away their ability to move forward. I have no choice but to cut you off."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 11 Under The Gravity's Rainbow|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> However, the series' view on change is presented ambiguously, as while the Towa organization seeks to prevent change in the world,<ref>{{cite video|people='''Snake Eye''' (to '''Officer Yamamoto'''): "The purpose of this organization is to prevent change in this world...You see this organaization doesn't like change. That's why they're only observing this world."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 5 "Interlude"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> it has world domination as its agenda.<ref name=SSEUltGuidePart4 >{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Lesley|title=Boogiepop: The Ultimate Guide (Part 4)|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment Page|url=http://www.gomanga.com/news/boogiepop_04.php|access-date=2007-07-08|archive-date=2007-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625211439/http://www.gomanga.com/news/boogiepop_04.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Boogiepop (character)|Boogiepop]] parallels this dualism as he encourages people to move forward with their lives<ref>{{cite video|people='''Boogiepop''' (to '''Suema'''): "Please remember this Suema. There's a difference between missing the old days and being stuck in the past. In the same way that the city must change over time, it's important that people move forward in their lives."|title=Boogiepop Phantom Evolution 2 Episode 5 Interlude|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> while hunting down evolved humans thus preventing the possible transformation of society.<ref name=AnimeonDVDBPThem />

Retreat from [[reality]] and the consequences of [[escapism]] are important themes that play a major role in the series.<ref name=AnimeonDVDBPThem /> The image of burning memories to forget them and so escape them is used throughout the latter half of the series to symbolize the theme of escapism.<ref name=bpep9com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Rachael Lillis|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 9 "You'll Never Be Young Twice"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> For the characters Misuzu and Yoji, their retreat from reality has devastating consequences: Misuzu enters a despairing insanity after being forced to realize the truth of her reality, while Yoji goes through a mental breakdown as his reality is no longer the fantasy he believed it to be.<ref name="AnimeonDVDBPThem">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/news/article.php?article_view=266 |title=A Thematic Analysis of Boogiepop Phantom |last=Stanton |first=Robert |publisher=Anime on DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195750/http://www.animeondvd.com/news/article.php?article_view=266 |archive-date=2007-09-27 |access-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the question as to how people should live their lives goes unanswered by the series.<ref name=bpep3 >{{cite video|people='''Misuzu''': "What else was I supposed to do? Tell me, how should I have lived in this screwed up world where everything is painful?" '''Boogiepop Phantom''':"......"|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 3 Life Can Be So Nice|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> Later on in the series, retreat from reality is revisited in the form of Poom Poom, who represents the ultimate escape from reality into childhood.<ref name=AnimeonDVDBPThem />

Relationships, and the tragedy of loss and misunderstanding inherent within them, are major themes in ''Boogiepop Phantom''.<ref name=bpep2com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Jo DiGiorgi|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 2 "Portraits in Darkness"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref><ref name=bpep6com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Rachael Lillis|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 6 "Mother's Day" Commentary|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> The relationships that the characters Mamoru, Manaka, and Shizue have with their parents highlights the lack of support that children receive from parents who are otherwise busy, and the resulting disconnection between parents and children.<ref name=AnimeonDVDBPThem /> With the actions of Poom Poom later in the series the theme of the Pied Piper is explored, as Poom Poom takes away the children because the parents have broken their promise.<ref name=bpep7com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Rachael Lillis|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 7 "Until Ure In My Arms Again" Commentary|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> The message the show leaves the viewer however is positive, as both Manaka and Shizue reconcile with their mothers, and so the parent-child relationship can be saved by open communication and understanding.<ref name=AnimeonDVDBPThem /> Another form of relationship is explored through the interaction between Moto and Manticore Phantom, where the physical surrender of Moto, who harbored feelings for Masami, associates the sexual relationship with death.<ref name=bpep1com >{{cite video|people=Jeff Thompson and Joe Diorgi|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 1 "Portraits From Memory" Commentary|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref>

''Boogiepop Phantom'' is also a series that is about memory and how memories help define who we are.<ref name=bpep2com /> For most of the characters, their memories of the past and background are crucially important in determining the direction their lives have taken.<ref name=bpep1com />

== Production ==
{{See also|List of Boogiepop media}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; font-size: 95%;"
|+ Staff
|-
!width="120px"| Director
|width="180px"| &nbsp;[[Takashi Watanabe]]{{-}}&nbsp;Shigeyuki Suga (OP)
|-
! Screenplay
| &nbsp;Sadayuki Murai{{-}}&nbsp;Seishi Minakami{{-}}&nbsp;Yasuyuki Nojiri
|-
! Original Character Design
| &nbsp;Kouji Ogata
|-
! Character Design
| &nbsp;Shigeyuki Suga
|-
! Art Director
| &nbsp;Izumi Hoki{{-}}&nbsp;Yuka Hirama
|-
! Original Novel
| &nbsp;[[Kouhei Kadono]]
|-
! Art Design
| &nbsp;Akihiro Hirasawa
|-
! Art Supervision
| &nbsp;Hiroshi Kato
|-
! Editing
| &nbsp;Takeshi Seyama
|-
! Music Director, Sound Director
| &nbsp;Yota Tsuruoka
|-
! Producer
| &nbsp;Kazuya Furuse{{-}}&nbsp;Masao Nishimura{{-}}&nbsp;Shigeyuki Suga (OP){{-}}&nbsp;Yasuo Ueda
|-
! Series Composition
| &nbsp;Sadayuki Murai
|-
! Series Management
| &nbsp;Keisuke Iwata
|-
! Sound Design
| &nbsp;Koji Kasamatsu
|-
|}
''Boogiepop Phantom'' was conceived as an original story taking place after the events of the novels ''Boogiepop and Others '' and ''Boogiepop at Dawn''. Sadayuki Murai developed the series concept and wrote the screenplay for both the anime and the live-action prequel ''Boogiepop and Others'', having previously worked on the script for ''[[Perfect Blue]]'', a feature film that explored many similar themes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perfect Blue Review|publisher=Akemi's Anime World|date=2005-11-13|url=http://animeworld.com/reviews/perfectblue.html|access-date=2007-08-12|archive-date=2000-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001202053700/http://animeworld.com/reviews/perfectblue.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The character designer and key animator Shigeyuki Suga had been a key animator for ''[[Serial Experiments Lain]]'', a series with which ''Boogiepop Phantom'' is often compared.<ref name=SSEUltGuide2 /> The reduced brightness and [[sepia tone|sepia]] color palette for most of the episodes, added to the [[Anxiety|anxieties]] and [[clinical depression|depressions]] of the characters, were designed to make the series play like a [[psychological]] horror. Production staff later commented that the color scheme was more effective than they had originally intended, and were surprised by how bleak the series turned out.

A mixed media campaign was planned which would have had the live action prequel ''Boogiepop and Others'' released before the [[anime]] series, with the idea that people would watch the anime after seeing the movie, but the release of the film was delayed until after the series had neared the end of its original run, and so this strategy failed.

=== Artistic homages ===
Many homages are made to other works throughout ''Boogiepop Phantom''. In particular, musical references are a characteristic trait of the Boogiepop novels, such as the character [[Echoes (Boogiepop)|Echoes]] being an allusion to the [[Pink Floyd]] [[Echoes (Pink Floyd song)|song of the same name]], which itself is a possible allusion to ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' with its themes of [[evolution]] and transcendence. Another possible allusion comes in the form of a sonar-ping sound effect utilized throughout the series.  The intro to Echoes was devised from an experiment where the band tried to recreate that particular sound on a grand piano. Further, Towa agent Spooky Electric is a homage to a personality [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] claims to have that encouraged him to write ''[[The Black Album (Prince album)|The Black Album]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kadono|first=Kouhei|title=Boogiepop Returns: VS Imaginator Part 2|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment|date=2006-10-15|page=226}}</ref>

Mythology also plays a large part in ''Boogiepop Phantom''. Two of the main protagonists are said to be ''[[Shinigami]]'',<ref>{{cite video|people=Jonouchi Hisashi|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 2 "Portraits in Darkness"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite video|people=Manaka Kisaragi|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 11 "Under the Garvity's Rainbow"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> death deities of [[Japanese folklore]] who can take on many forms. ''[[Kitsune]]'' are fox spirits of Japanese folklore, they possess magical powers that increase with age and are capable of assuming human form, with Boogiepop being described as a kitsune by Touka Miyashita's parents.<ref>{{cite video|people=Touka Miyashita|title=Boogiepop Phantom Episode 5 "Interlude"|medium=DVD|date=2000}}</ref> The [[Manticore]] is named after the man-eater of [[Persian mythology]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kadono|first=Kouhei|title=Boogiepop and Others|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment|page=67}}</ref>

=== Music ===
{{See also|List of Boogiepop media#Music}}

Yota Tsuruoka was the sound and music director for ''Boogiepop Phantom''. The [[soundtrack]] for the series featured many artists and various styles, ranging from [[Gregorian chant|Gregorian]] to [[electronic music|electronic]].<ref name=SSEUltGuide2 /> The opening theme song {{nihongo|"Evening Shower"|夕立ち|Yuudachi}}, which was also used as the ending theme for the live action prequel ''Boogiepop and Others'', was composed, arranged, and performed by [[Shikao Suga]]. Kyoko composed and performed the ending song {{nihongo|"Future Century Secret Club"|未来世紀㊙クラブ|Mirai Seiki Maruhi Club}}. The ''Boogiepop Phantom'' soundtrack was published by [[AnimeTrax]] and released by [[The Right Stuf International]] as a two-disc CD on 30 April 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=Industry Wide April 2002 Release Schedule|publisher=Right Stuf International|date=April 2002|url=http://www.rightstuf.com/news/press_releases/pdf/mang0402c.pdf|access-date=2007-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007201545/http://www.rightstuf.com/news/press_releases/pdf/mang0402c.pdf|archive-date=2007-10-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> The songs "Evening Shower" and "Future Century Secret Club" were not included on the OST with the rest of the soundtrack, but were instead released separately by the artists. "Evening Shower" was published on 8 September 1999, prior to the initial airing of the series, on Shikao Suga’s album ''Sweet'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Shikao Suga Discography|publisher=Shikao Suga Official Website|url=http://www.office-augusta.com/suga/discography.html|access-date=2007-08-05|archive-date=2007-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810132026/http://www.office-augusta.com/suga/discography.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> while Kyoko’s "Future Century Secret Club" was initially released as a single of the same name on 9 February 2000, and later as part of an album titled ''Under The Silk Tree'' on 8 November 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kyoko Discography |publisher=Kyoko Official Website |url=http://www.office-augusta.com/kyoko/discography_kyoko.html |access-date=2007-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623224022/http://www.office-augusta.com/kyoko/discography_kyoko.html |archive-date=2007-06-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Releases ===
{{See also|List of Boogiepop media#Anime}}

Originally broadcast on [[TV Tokyo]] from 5 January to 22 March 2000,<ref name=SSEUltGuide2 /> ''Boogiepop Phantom'' was released in Japan on six DVDs subtitled "[[Evolution]]" 1-6 with two episodes per disc.<ref>Original Japanese Trailers (October 2001) ''Boogiepop Phantom Evolution 3'' DVD</ref> [[The Right Stuf International]] confirmed on 6 January 2001 that they had licensed the property for release in [[North America]] and [[Europe]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/news/2001/0101news.php |title=TRSI Confirms Boogiepop License |date=2001-01-05 |publisher=Anime on DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513083409/http://www.animeondvd.com/news/2001/0101news.php |archive-date=2008-05-13 |access-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while [[A.D. Vision|ADV Films]] would handle distribution. The English dub was recorded at Headline Sound Studios and received a 15 rating from the [[British Board of Film Classification]].<ref name="bpboxedset">Region 2 ''Boogiepop Phantom'' DVD Boxed Set (2005)</ref>

[[The Right Stuf International]] first showed ''Boogiepop Phantom'' at various conventions and festivals such as [[Anime Expo]] and Montreal's [[Fantasia Festival|Fantasia Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|title=TRSI Does The Boogiepop|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2001-06-14|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-06-14/trsi-does-the-boogiepop|access-date=2007-06-09|archive-date=2007-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012140509/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-06-14/trsi-does-the-boogiepop|url-status=live}}</ref> before being released in the United States as four bilingual DVDs containing 5.1 and 2.0 Dolby Stereo English and 2.0 Japanese with English subtitle soundtracks<ref name="bpreleasedate">{{cite web|title=Boogiepop Phantom Release Dates|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2001-06-23|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-06-23/boogiepop-phantom-release-dates|access-date=2007-06-09|archive-date=2007-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012140515/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-06-23/boogiepop-phantom-release-dates|url-status=live}}</ref> from 9 October 2001 until 12 February 2002. A boxed set containing all four "Evolution" DVDs was also released alongside "Evolution" 4.<ref name="bpreleasedatedelay" >{{cite web | title=Right Stuf February Releases | publisher=Anime News Network | date=2001-11-20 | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-11-20/right-stuf-february-releases | access-date=2008-07-24 | archive-date=2009-02-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203093618/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-11-20/right-stuf-february-releases | url-status=live }}</ref> Extras on the discs included [[A.D. Vision|ADV]] previews, original Japanese promotions, producer and character notes, music videos for both the opening and ending songs, a special edit ending sequence, and English language commentaries for each episode.<ref name=bpboxedset /> In 2003 The Right Stuf International released a [[special edition|limited edition]] boxed set containing all four DVDs, the 2-disc ''Boogiepop Phantom'' soundtrack and the Boogiepop: Music Inspired By Boogiepop and Others CD, as well as a limited edition ''Boogiepop Phantom'' card set and pencil boards, which were available exclusively from The Right Stuf International and [[Best Buy]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TRSI Announces Boogiepop Phantom Special Boxed Set|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2003-05-01|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-01/trsi-announces-boogiepop-phantom-special-box-set|access-date=2007-05-10|archive-date=2007-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427220846/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-01/trsi-announces-boogiepop-phantom-special-box-set|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Boogiepop Phantom'' was later released as a thinpak collection in 2006 that also came with the live action ''[[Boogiepop and Others (film)|Boogiepop and Others]]''.

The rights to broadcast the series were acquired by [[Anime Network]],<ref>{{cite web|title=ADV Acquires 3rd Party Series For Anime Network|publisher=ICv2|date=2003-05-01|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2684.html|access-date=2007-06-10|archive-date=2007-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181535/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2684.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the first time a non-[[A.D. Vision|ADV]] title had been broadcast on that network,<ref>{{cite web|title=Boogiepop on The Anime Network|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2003-05-01|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-01/boogiepop-on-the-anime-network|access-date=2007-06-10|archive-date=2007-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713190630/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-01/boogiepop-on-the-anime-network|url-status=live}}</ref> with broadcasting beginning from 1 July onwards. [[TechTV]] later announced that they would also broadcast the series with the [[premiere]] on 28 July 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=TechTV New Acquisitions|publisher=ICv2|date=2003-06-02|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2817.html|access-date=2007-06-10|archive-date=2007-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927233252/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/2817.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Since then, the rights to broadcast the series have been acquired by [[Funimation Channel]], and the series aired in early 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funimationchannel.com/ |title=FUNimation Entertainment Acquires Additional Broadcast Rights for the FUNimation Channel |date=2006-01-26 |publisher=FUNimation Channel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915212348/http://www.funimationchannel.com/ |archive-date=2013-09-15 |access-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Critical reception ==
''Boogiepop Phantom'' was a hit.<ref name="animenewsservice">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsservice.com/archives/jan07.htm |title=Light Novels Becoming The Basis For More Anime |date=2005-01-07 |publisher=Anime News Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207025049/http://www.animenewsservice.com/archives/jan07.htm |archive-date=2012-02-07 |access-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The "spooky sepia puzzle"<ref name=scifibpreview1>{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Tasha |title=Boogiepop Phantom Review |publisher=Sci Fi |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue239/anime.html |access-date=2007-06-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703005425/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue239/anime.html |archive-date=2007-07-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> juggles an ensemble cast of characters, each with unique [[Point of view (literature)|point of view]], while revealing tidbits about the larger plot in a [[nonlinear (arts)|nonlinear]] fashion.<ref name=THEMbpreview >{{cite web|last=Cynova|first=Isaac|title=Boogiepop Phantom Review|publisher=THEM Anime|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=68|access-date=2007-06-13|archive-date=2007-06-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627044538/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=68|url-status=live}}</ref> Christopher Macdonald of [[Anime News Network]] gives special mention to [[Sadayuki Murai]]'s skill as a screenwriter,<ref name=annbpreview >{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Boogiepop Phantom Evolution 1 DVD Review|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2001-11-15|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/boogiepop-phantom/dvd-1|access-date=2007-06-13|archive-date=2007-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605062254/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/boogiepop-phantom/dvd-1|url-status=live}}</ref> for being able to keep the viewer engrossed as well as tying all elements and plot threads by the final episode.<ref name=aawbpreview >{{cite web|title=Boogiepop Phantom Review|publisher=Akemi's Anime World|date=2004-07-06|url=http://animeworld.com/reviews/boogiepop.html|access-date=2007-06-13|archive-date=2002-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803131727/http://animeworld.com/reviews/boogiepop.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
But the series' intricate nature is counterproductive.<ref name=THEMbpreview /> Its increasingly convoluted plot can discourage people from watching,<ref name=annbpreview /> and viewers not familiar with the ''[[Boogiepop]]'' universe will leave with "more questions than answers".<ref name=scifibpreview2>{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Tasha |title=Boogiepop Phantom Review |publisher=Sci Fi |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue253/anime.html |access-date=2007-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516073257/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue253/anime.html |archive-date=2007-05-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ntusabprev">{{cite book|last=Lopez|first=Javier|date=January 2003|title=[[Newtype USA]]|publisher=[[A.D. Vision]]}}</ref>

The reduced color palette was applauded for highlighting the sense of "mental disease" and "emotional [[malaise]]" that affected most of the characters,<ref name=scifibpreview1 /> while the [[vignette (graphic design)|vignette]] effect allowed the viewer to observe inside the series rather than just watch it.<ref name=THEMbpreview /> Character designs have been criticized as "bland"<ref name=annbpreview /> but also "realistic"<ref name=aawbpreview /> since none of the characters have "outrageous hair styles or colors".<ref name="AnimeOnDVDBoxedSetReview2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/813.php |title=''Boogiepop Phantom'' Boxed Set Review |date=2002-02-25 |publisher=Anime On DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607141659/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/813.php |archive-date=2008-06-07 |access-date=2016-10-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Reviews also recognized that "astute viewers may notice some rather interesting, although not very blatant, differences between the various characters",<ref name=annbpreview /> and that the "realistic" character designs created a degree of "normalcy" that was important to the story<ref name=aawbpreview /> while also helping to draw in the viewer.<ref name=AnimeOnDVDBoxedSetReview2 /> The audio of the series has been described as "unique"<ref name=SSEUltGuide2 /> and "incredible",<ref name=THEMbpreview /> going beyond what is expected of normal sound design and enhancing the "creepy" atmosphere of the show.<ref name=AnimeOnDVDBoxedSetReview2 /> Also noted was that the opening and ending songs don't appear to fit in well with the mood of the series.<ref name=aawbpreview /> The English language track was not as well received as its Japanese counterpart, but still reviewed favorably.<ref name=annbpreview /> In particular, the performance of [[Jessica Calvello]] in the English dub was singled out and praised as being her best performance to date.<ref name=bpep1com />

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* [http://boogiepop.rightstuf.com/ Official The Right Stuf International Boogiepop webpage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203031134/http://boogiepop.rightstuf.com/ |date=2007-02-03 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070608193553/http://www.vap.co.jp/boogie/ Official VAP Boogiepop webpage] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{ann|anime|247}}

{{Boogiepop series}}
{{Takashi Watanabe}}
{{Madhouse}}

[[Category:Boogiepop]]
[[Category:2000 Japanese television series endings]]
[[Category:2000 anime television series debuts]]
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[[Category:Madhouse (company)]]
[[Category:Psychological thriller anime and manga]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Urban fantasy anime and manga]]
[[Category:Urban fantasy television series]]

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