Reviews for Brave Police J-Decker

Yuusha Keisatsu J-Decker is the 5th entry to the Yuusha (Brave) series, a franchise known for its’ over the top antics, super robot action and heavy merchandising themes. Immediately this might be a turn-off for some, as it could easily be written off as childish drivel, peddling expensive figures to a young audience. While this sentiment may not be entirely inaccurate, it’s not entirely fair to write off an entire series based off its’ pedigree. Yes, this is a show aimed at children, but if you can get past the surface level flaws, you’ll find a charming enough show underneath, with plenty of entertainment tobe had across its 48-episode run.

Story:

The story begins with a police robot named Deckerd is granted sentience due to the positive emotions of local Grade Schooler, Yuuta Tomonaga affecting his AI chip. It’s a fairly simple setup to an overall uneventful plotline, but it certainly works in setting the scene and getting the action rolling in a quick, engaging manner. As the series chugs along, Yuuta and Deckerd join forces with a wide range of ally robots, granted sentience through the same hybrid of technology and childish passion that brought Deckerd to life. They band together to form the titular Brave Police, and fight off against the forces of evil in a standard monster of the week format, with a few significant enemies granted brief multi-episode arcs. Much of the storyline is dedicated to exploring the bonds between man and machine, and how such relationships affect those involved. It’s an interesting theme for a children’s television show to take on, and it does lead to some interesting events, but most of the time it simply acts as background material to fill in gaps between action sequences. It’s a shame to see an interesting theme go to such a waste, but those moments when this theme is brought front and centre are some of the best moments in the series, and it does eventually reach a satisfying conclusion at the end.

Characters:

I mentioned earlier that this series was by all intents a merchandising ploy. This is made increasingly evident as the series trudges along, as more and more characters are brought into the fold. An expansive character roster is not necessarily a bad thing by any means, but a problem arises when character development begins to suffer. Early on, the Brave Police members are few in number, so they all receive a reasonable amount of backstory. However, later on, the Brave Police squad rapidly bloats from 3 members to 8. To be fair, an effort was made to accommodate this rapid influx of characters, but by the end of the series, later members like Gunmax and Duke feel about as fleshed out as some of the earlier monsters of the week. However, as a whole, the cast is entirely likable, if not cliché, with pretty solid voice acting all around. All of the characters were specifically designed to fulfil a particular purpose within the team, and for the most part, the dynamic between them works pretty well, with some well-written witty banter and wisecracks thrown around to add to the personality of these sentient hunks of metal.

Art:

As a Sunrise mecha production of the 90s, the Brave series has a pretty high pedigree when it comes to animation and design. Unfortunately, J-Decker suffers from budget issues, and it becomes very clear even early on. Action sequences frequently consist of about 70% stock footage, character animation often consists of very few frames, and be prepared to see a lot of cuts to still images in intense moments. However, such practices are fairly common in earlier animation, so if you’re used to it, or if you’ve seen it all before, it really isn’t that much of an issue. The stock footage used is of a high standard for the time, and is generally used to great effect. The colour pallet is rich and varied, relying mostly on bright colours and pastels to create an inviting atmosphere, and heavy use of shading to create a foreboding atmosphere. Fairly standard stuff for classic Saturday Morning cartoons, really.

The mechanical design is all of a very high standard, with all of the Brave Police members looking both aesthetically pleasing and entirely functional. Corners were cut in terms of enemy design, but with over 40 unique entities to design, I think they did a very good job creating a diverse bunch of sword fodder for Deckerd and Co. to bring to justice. You may have noticed that up until this point, I have made virtually no reference to the human characters. This is because they are almost entirely un-noteworthy, with only Yuuta really contributing to the development of the plotline. Any other human character interaction was inconsistent and infrequent, which is especially disappointing because of the relationship theme of the series as a whole.

Sound:

I did want to speak a little bit about the soundtrack, but unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot to say on the matter. The OP is a lot of fun to listen to, and fits the overall cheerful tone of the show. The ED isn’t quite as effective, coming off as a fairly generic kid-focused J-Pop number. It serves the purpose of bookending each episode fairly well, but it does leave a lot to be desired. The OST as a whole has a few noteworthy numbers, but it’s quite clear that visual design took precedence over sound design. Most tracks are fairly simple big band affairs, with a lot of brass usage. Action themes consist mostly of guitars and percussion, with some violin work sprinkled about. As a whole, the sound design is generic, but serviceable.

Conclusion/TL;DR:

In fact, ‘generic but serviceable’ seems like a fairly apt summary of this series. I’ve rambled on a lot here, so I’m going to bring this into TL;DR terms. J-Decker is a fun, enjoyable series, assuming you’re a previous fan of the Brave series or early mecha anime in general. It doesn’t offer a lot of value outside of a bit of fun, light-hearted action with a police theme, but I don’t think it was intended to. If you’re not alright with archaic animation techniques, undercooked storylines or cookie-cutter characters, perhaps this series isn’t for you. For those of you looking for another GaoGaiGar, I don’t think this is the place to find it. Perhaps try Da-Garn for a more serious approach.

As a side note, I am a Brave Series fan, and J-Decker was one of my favourite seasons. I enjoyed the ride (particularly the panda) but I understand this isn’t for everyone.

This was a merchandise driven anime aimed at children so expect some nonsensical moments. This was the first Brave Series/Yuusha Series anime that I watched, it has comedic moments that will keep your laughing. It is a police themed story but isn't focused on mystery at all, just monster of the week fights. Nonetheless there are surprisingly some serious moments in this anime due to the fact that the main characters are sentient robots who can think and feel like a human through the invention of Artificial Intelligence, examples of what they have to deal with include the following: A character goes through an existential crisis because criminalhackers are messing with this programming and perception of reality.

Whether they are machines who can be replaced by a newer model.

Whether their memories can be erased, such as Deckerd's warm-hearted friendship he developed with the human boy Yuuta.

--NO MAJOR SPOILERS are in this review-- J-Decker is an episodic super robot mix of SoL, comedy, and your typical police show. While aimed for young kids, there’s an undeniably comfy and energetic energy to the show that I think makes the show work for any age and is just generally enjoyable. Perhaps the most unique thing I can say about the show is its “humanization” of the robots and developing them as characters, it’s something you’ll find in hardly any other mecha show. --STORY— The actual overall plot of the show is incredibly loose, and doesn’t really come into play until the halfway point and again nearthe end of the show. Most episodes are just the Brave Police dealing with various crimes or circumstances, and there’s quite a variety of situations. The writers were creative enough that despite being nearly 50 eps, the show remained mostly fresh and entertaining the whole time. There’s also a nice core message of what it means to be human, and how both our ability to do good and bad makes us who we are. It’s nothing deep at all, but for a kid’s show it gets the job done.

--CHARACTERS—

Mecha shows pretty much always focus primarily on the characters with the robots being a vehicle to tell the story, it just so happens here the robots ARE the characters. There’s about 8 of these guys in total, and each have their own unique developments and relationships with the side cast made up of humans. The show actually tackles some interesting situations of “humanized” robots like fearing being outdated and not useful due to new models, losing their memory data, not wanting to be upgraded so they can increase their skills naturally, etc.

Yuuta is a good kid, but I can’t say there’s really any depth to him. He works ok as a mc, and the other human chars are good too. Antags don’t really have any depth either, but hey Takehito Koyasu voices one of them so that’s cool.

--ANIMATION/ART—

J-Decker is a surprisingly consistently good looking show. There’s at least 1-2 really great shots per ep, and overall doesn’t have too much stock footage for a mecha show. Mech designs are solid, and char designs have a somewhat unique thing going on with some of the hair and eyes.

--Sound—

Soundtrack is memorable enough with a pretty catchy OP and ED. VA is good, and I enjoyed Victim, Gunmax, and Shadowmaru’s vas the most. Drill Boy was kind of annoying at times, but that’s my only complaint.

--ENJOYMENT/CONCLUSION—

J-Decker is just “good”, 7.5/10 series. It doesn’t aspire to be anything more than that, but it also doesn’t drop in quality. It is probs one of the most “consistently good” shows I’ve seen. If anything, it has a few things to offer you’ll see in nothing else, but perhaps Patlabor and a few of the Brave shows. Give it a try if you’re looking for something a bit different in the mecha world.

Brave Police J Decker is a silly little anime that contains within its narrative a surprisingly deep and complex theme you wouldn’t exactly expect to find from a series made at least in part to sell toys. And what is that theme? You see, it all begins with the building blocks of the soul... wait, let’s back it up and start a bit smaller. Firstly, what’s this anime about? The world BPJD takes place in is one I could best describe as comic book core. Average town. Average city. Average citizens. All going through the motions of their average day to day lives. And then comes agiant monster, or a super villain mastermind with a huge robot looking to take over the world, or an underground ancient civilization of bug people, alien invaders from a far off galaxy, a giant rampaging panda, petty purse snatchers, and a lot more beyond and besides to stir up the pot. It is the job of the proud Brave Police—technological marvels with the ability to change form into vehicles or combine with each other to make even bigger robots—to deal with these miscreants and bring them to justice. And so they do. Ad infinitum.

But the special thing about the robots of the Brave Police that sets them apart from the other machines of this world is their Advanced AI system which gives them minds and emotions hardly different from their human creators. And this is the central core our anime revolves around: the exploration of the “human” experience. The purpose and value of consciousness, of emotion, and all the ups and downs that comes along with it. Coupled with the bonds and relationships we can form with others despite whatever differences we may have. And even with hearts and minds made of metal, with emotions and personalities no more than pre-programmed lines of code, these robot cops can experience—and understand and grow from it—just as a human would.

Usually the theme of exploring the human condition would be as nebulous and endless a task as ridding the world of crime, and a lot of the time BPJD does feel that way due in part especially to its noticeable lack of a main antagonist for the team to clash against or overcome. It’s pure unfiltered monster of the day shenanigans here baby (for a majority of the time, at least). On one hand some viewers may find that refreshing as it saves us from the bumbling evil team of oafs who get their butts handed to them every episode à la Team Rocket or the Rubber Robo Gang from Medabots. And having no recurring bad guy or bad guy organization makes every episode premise a new and exciting experience. Just what sort of shenanigans will Yuuta, Deckered, and the team get up to this time? And the fun part is—because of the comic book nature of our setting—just about anything is possible! And that’s awesome. But on the other hand with no enemy to work against or goal to be attained or achieved here, more often than not this anime can come off as meandering, fillery, and even outright pointless at its worst.

So it may pleasantly surprise the reader to learn that despite the episodic nature of this series, it actually is building to something. A something that’s groundwork can be seen established as early as episode one, runs through the entire narrative, weaves the premise and characters together, and brings purpose and meaning to just about every episode, even the ones that at first blush feel like nothing more than a useless lark. And what exactly is that something? I shan’t spoil it here, but if this series actually is going somewhere that means all’s well that ends well, right?

Not quite, and this brings us to The Problems.

The biggest issue here is inconsistency and BPJD has it in abundance, especially in tone and execution. This anime has its serious moments and its silly moments, but it errs more on the side of silliness and never quite finds the right balance between the two. The serious episodes feel more plot focused and with purpose and direction, but they are few and far between and are gone before you know it, often leaving the interesting ideas they bring to the table feeling under cooked, rushed through, or woefully under explored. Shenanigans dominates the field here and this series can get a bit too zany and even stupid for its own good—but to it’s credit it never ruins a moment or scene meant to be taken seriously with an annoying or out of place joke. It’s charming enough to never quite fall into bad or unwatchable territory, but also not focused or cohesive enough to be consistently great, or even above average for that matter. The result is a package that feels middling, slapdash, and messy from start to finish.

Another noticeable crack in the armor is BPJD’s toy commercial agenda which deals its most grievous blow to the characters. Now don’t get me wrong, the entire cast of BPJD are a colorful and wonderful bunch, from the main team all the way to Yuuta’s silly neighbours or classmates. Each one having loveable and charming personalities and great voice work across the board. They’re all a lot of fun, but there are quite a number of characters here on display in both the main and side cast which leaves our roster feeling bloated. And as an unfortunate side effect, more often than not many of these characters end up feeling side-lined, left out, or under developed. Each team member has their introductory episode (or two) and another one later down the line that puts them in the spotlight. But after that they’re done and meld right back into the crowd.

This can be felt especially badly with some of the guys introduced earlier on in the series’ run. McCrane for example who is set up as the sensible moral core of the team has most of his focus moments in the first half, but by the back end he does so little of note you’d almost forget he’s there. Or Shadowmaru, who has two very strong introductory episodes, and as a whole rides a lot on cool factor, but mostly exists as a plot device guy for when the team needs something stealth-related or “ninjaly” to be done. Or Power Joe. Who, despite the cool design, is just kinda... here. Everyone (aside from arguably Deckered himself) suffers from this problem in one way or another, of having fleeting and occasional moments of importance, and underutilized promise. While those moments do have their meaning and do add to the overall point this anime is building towards, most characters feel as though they’ve reached only 50% of their true potential and leave you wanting more of them.

The episodic nature of the series becomes a further detriment as there are an abundance of cool premises and ideas across the board here that, most of the time, only get the spotlight once—and that’s it. If you thought an episode had a cool idea or concept in it you better enjoy it while it lasts because when those twenty four minutes are up it’s gone. Some exceptions apply on the rare occasions this anime isn’t episodic, or with a few ongoing human/robot relationships scattered throughout (a few, anyway. Not all) but they exist to a point and after that they flatline, never feeling like they get the time and attention they need to truly flourish (aside from, again, Yuuta and Deckered. And maybe Regina).

So if all of that doesn’t sound like a mixed bag, I’m not sure what would.

BPJD is a fun experience with a surprisingly substantial though-line that comes together in a way that makes you look back on the entire series in a different light, but it’s far from perfect and far too silly and rough around the edges for its own good. It has a lot of ideas which feed into a greater whole, but those ideas are under explored or dropped too quickly to feel fulfilling or to reach the true potential or promise they show. We’ve got a tapestry on our hands made of a bunch of wildly different images and colors but when you stand back far enough, while it might be a bit messy, it still makes a charming little picture in the end.

This is not an anime I’d recommend to everyone but if your interest has been piqued and you don’t mind the pure unfiltered monster of the day experience, you’re a fan of the Transformers or other sentient robot media series, and/or you love the over the top goofy super robot action that is part in parcel to the Brave Series—and a lot of 90’s mecha anime in general, then this might just be for you! I’d recommend only watching an episode or so a week though for the best viewing experience and avoiding potential/possible burnout, as this series is very firmly in the realm of a Saturday morning cartoon, but it’s up to you and your own tolerance level for shenanigans to make that call.

Yuusha Keisatsu J-Decker, the fifth installment in the delightful Yuusha (Brave) series, bursts onto the scene with a vibrant mix of super robot action, playful antics, and a merchandising flair that’s hard to miss. This energetic franchise is a treasure trove of entertainment, and J-Decker shines as a charming gem across its 48-episode adventure. It’s a show crafted with kids in mind, but don’t let that fool you—there’s plenty of fun and heart to uncover beneath its lively surface, making it a joyride worth taking. Story: The tale kicks off with a spark of wonder: Deckerd, a police robot, gains sentience thanks to the infectious positivity ofYuuta Tomonaga, a local grade-schooler whose emotions supercharge Deckerd’s AI chip. This simple yet endearing premise sets the stage for a fast-paced, action-packed journey. As the series unfolds, Yuuta and Deckerd team up with a colorful crew of sentient ally robots—each brought to life by the same blend of tech and youthful spirit. Together, they form the Brave Police, taking on evil in a classic monster-of-the-week style, spiced up with a few multi-episode villains for good measure. At its core, the story celebrates the bonds between humans and machines, exploring how these connections shape everyone involved. It’s a refreshing theme for a kids’ show, and when it takes center stage, it delivers some of the series’ most memorable moments, building toward a heartwarming and satisfying finale.

Characters:

The Brave Police roster grows with gusto, introducing a lovable cast that’s as dynamic as it is expansive. Sure, the series wears its merchandising roots proudly, but that just means more robots to cheer for! Early on, the smaller team gets plenty of backstory to sink your teeth into, though as the squad swells from three to eight members, later additions like Gunmax and Duke don’t get quite as much spotlight. Still, the effort to give everyone a moment shines through, and the result is a thoroughly likable crew—clichéd in the best way—with solid voice acting that brings their personalities to life. Each character has a clear role within the team, and their witty banter and clever quips add a playful charm to these sentient metal heroes.

Art:

Hailing from Sunrise’s storied mecha legacy, J-Decker carries the 90s flair with pride. Budget constraints may show—think stock footage galore (about 70% of the action scenes), minimal-frame character animation, and still-image cuts during big moments—but for fans of classic anime, it’s all part of the nostalgic charm. The stock footage itself is top-notch for its era, used cleverly to keep the energy high. The color palette pops with bright hues and pastels, creating a welcoming vibe, while smart shading adds depth and drama when needed—a perfect fit for a Saturday morning cartoon. The mecha designs steal the show, with the Brave Police looking sleek, functional, and downright cool. Enemy designs, while simpler, impress with their variety across 40+ unique foes, giving Deckerd and friends plenty of stylish baddies to take down. The human characters, aside from Yuuta, play a smaller role, but that just keeps the focus on the robots we’re here to root for.

Sound:

The soundtrack brings a cheerful vibe to the table, starting with an upbeat opening theme that perfectly matches the show’s spirited tone. The ending track leans into a simpler, kid-friendly J-Pop style—nothing groundbreaking, but it wraps up each episode nicely. The OST offers a handful of standout tracks, though it’s clear the visuals got the lion’s share of attention. Expect lively big band tunes with bold brass, plus action-packed guitar and percussion beats with a dash of violin flair. It’s straightforward, effective, and keeps the momentum going without stealing the spotlight.

Conclusion/TL;DR:

J-Decker is a blast of fun, pure and simple—a treat for Brave series fans or anyone who loves early mecha anime with a lighthearted twist. It’s not out to reinvent the wheel, but it delivers 48 episodes of police-themed robot action with a big smile. The animation style and storytelling may feel old-school, and the characters stick to familiar molds, but that’s part of its appeal. If you’re craving a deep, complex epic like GaoGaiGar, this might not hit the mark—try Da-Garn for that—but if you’re in for a good time with lovable robots and a sprinkle of heart, J-Decker’s got you covered.