One of the most well-regarded horror and psychological anime from the early 2000s was Boogiepop Phantom. This symbolic and introspective series was known for its look into mental health and perception, garnering comparisons to such acclaimed projects as Serial Experiments Lain. Though this is Boogiepop's best-known form, it's only one of many adaptations of the source material.
The Boogiepop light novels were later adapted into manga, anime and a live-action movie, with most of the adaptations only scratching the story's true depth. The franchise is now over two decades old, with the most recent adaptation having released in 2019. Here's a look at what the series is about and where to read and watch its many versions.
What Is Boogiepop About?
The story is based around the titular Boogiepop, an enigmatic shinigami, or death god, whose world is besieged by the Towa Organization, a sinister group seeking to control humanity through a captured alien. This alien, who looks human, gives rise to several humans with supernatural powers, all of whom the Towa Organization now seek to control. The series has many other central characters besides Boogiepop, and is known for its spooky supernatural tone and looks into perception, memories and metaphors.
Where to Read the Boogiepop Light Novels & Manga
The series started back in 1998 with the release of the light novel Boogiepop and Others by Kouhei Kadono. There have been over 30 different entries in side stories since story, along with other published versions of the main story. Boogiepop and Others was adapted into the manga Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh, with another manga, Boogiepop Dual: Loser's Circus, telling an original story. The latter was localized by Seven Seas Entertainment and Tokyopop in different Western nations.
Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh can be purchased digitally through Comixology, as well as physically through Amazon, Books-A-Milion, Barnes & Noble and Right Stuf Anime. The latter retailers also have singular and compiled versions of some of the first light novels, including two Boogiepop omnibus editions comprising three stories each.
Where to Watch the Boogiepop Anime
The first animated adaptation of the series was 2000's Boogiepop Phantom, which is set after the events of the first light novel. This 12-episode series was handled by Madhouse and remains highly acclaimed for its subversive storytelling. The studio returned almost two decades later in 2019 to deliver Boogiepop and Others, which adapted not only the original novel but several others as well. There was also a live-action adaptation of the original novel, though it features some significant differences from the source material and manga.
Boogiepop Phantom can be streamed through Funimation and VRV/Crunchyroll, while physical media collections are available through Amazon, Best Buy and Right Stuf Anime. The same can be said for 2019's Boogiepop and Others, though the live-action movie is somewhat harder to come by. It can be found on Right Stuf Anime, but the lack of a widespread release means it only has English subtitles and no English dub. Still, there are many ways to get into the franchise, be it reading or watching, especially as light novels continue to grow more popular in the West.
