“Beaten down by misfortune, she became a mere shadow of her former self.”- tagline from VIRGIN PUNK Clockwork Girl
Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite, Mezzo Forte) created the original story and character designs for VIRGIN PUNK Clockwork Girl, and directed the anime at studio SHAFT. Yoishiaki Dewa composed the soundtrack.
The anime, released in Japan in June 2025, will premiere in the U.S. on November 11th subtitled and 13th dubbed.
The English dub cast includes:
- – Xanthe Huynh as Ubu Kamigori
- – David Cooley as Mr. Elegance
- – Daman Mills as Lewis Gaudi
- – Suzie Yeung as Maggie
- – Brent Mukai as Tommy J
- – Erica Mendez as Noa Andriette
- – Risa Mei as Vespa
An exclusive new key visual lobby card illustrated by Yasuomi Umetsu for NYCC2025 fans in attendance only. Tickets are available now!
Here’s a look at the English Dub trailer-
Virgin Punk: Clockwork Girl, the first installment of a neo-noir action anime directed by Yasuomi Umetsu and produced by Studio SHAFT, delivers a gloriously animated return to form for longtime fans of Umetsu’s distinctive style. The film boasts ultraviolence, cyberpunk themes, and a dark, gritty tone. While I’ve always been a fan of Yasuomi Umetsu singularly technical brilliance, the 35-minute runtime left me feeling that the story is just getting started.
Set in the year 2099, the story follows Ubu Kamigori, a bounty hunter operating in a world where advanced medical android technology, known as “Somadea,” has led to a rise in violent crime. Ubu’s life takes a dark turn after she encounters the perverse and manipulative Mr. Elegance, the head of a corrupt bounty hunter group called ArchimeDEATH.
Strengths:
- – Stunning Animation: The films top-tier visual quality, featuring fluid action sequences and an incredible level of detail in every frame. The aesthetic is a deliberate throwback to classic ‘90s anime, and director Umetsu’s signature style is on full display.
- – Visceral Action: Action fans will find plenty to love, as the film delivers multiple intense and thrilling sequences. Ubu’s use of circular blades is a particular standout, showcasing her speed and agility with brutal efficiency.
- – Engaging Psychological Elements: Beneath the surface-level action lies a psychological thriller. The disturbing power dynamic between Ubu and Mr. Elegance and the film’s exploration of themes of control and humiliation provide significant thematic depth.
- – Intriguing World-Building: The futuristic, cyberpunk setting establishes a compelling world of advanced technology, shady underworlds, and moral ambiguity that sets the stage for future installments.
Weaknesses:
- – Short Runtime: The biggest issue with Clockwork Girl is its length. At only 35 minutes, the story ends abruptly, leaving many promising ideas and character arcs underdeveloped.
- Clockwork Girl, a visually spectacular and intense opening chapter for a promising anime series, follows a familiar plot. Elements like the cyborg-hitman revenge plot and futuristic setting draw strong comparisons to classics like Ghost in the Shell. While well-executed, the story feels derivative at times.
- The film’s use of graphic violence and underage nudity has been a point of discomfort for some viewers. While some critics argue this serves a purpose in portraying the depravity of the villain, others see it as an unnecessary return to Umetsu’s more controversial work.
Overall, Clockwork Girl is a must-watch for fans of gritty, ultraviolent cyberpunk anime. However, be prepared for a story that ends before it truly begins and a cliffhanger that will leave you hungry for the next installment.
I’ll have more takes on panels, highlights and other details from my upcoming NYCC coverage here at All Things Geek soon!
all art – studio SHAFT
