Wicked City

Earth maintains a fragile peace with the Black World, a parallel demon realm that haunts the margins of reality. As officials prepare to seal a new treaty, two unlikely guards are assigned to protect a diplomat whose role could anchor the truce. Taki, a hard bitten human cop, teams with Makie, a demon whose loyalties and powers complicate the mission. Their partnership is marked by distrust, dangerous encounters, and a city that feels built from rain and chrome. Behind the scenes, a radical faction from the Black World schemes to derail the negotiations by targeting the diplomat. In this tense clash of two worlds, the bond between the two guardians becomes the key shield against annihilation.

Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Wicked City is an adaptation of Hideyuki Kikuchi and Norio Osada's novel. The 1987 film blends dark fantasy with brisk action and horror, later finding life through English dubs and home video releases.

Its bold visuals and adult themes helped cement Kawajiri as a force in 80s anime cinema. The film is praised for its visceral creature design, neon drenched cityscapes, and a moody intensity that would echo in later works. Wicked City remains a touchstone for fans of dark fantasy animation.

Critics noted Wicked City's brisk pace, striking art and willingness to mix erotic undertones with brutal horror. Thematically it examines uneasy partnerships between humans and demons, the fragile nature of peace, and the cost of pursuing coexistence under pressure. The tone stays uncompromising, blending brutality with dark humor.

Box office details for Wicked City are not widely published, reflecting a modest theatrical reach and a later cult status on home video. In places where it did play, audiences were drawn to its audacious visuals and mature themes, helping it endure as a late era landmark of anime.