Cat Shit One (Kyatto Shitto Wan) is a four-volume manga series written and illustrated by Motofumi Kobayashi, published by ADV Manga between 1998-2005. In 2010, a computer-generated ONA based on the manga was produced by Studio Anima, directed by Kazuya Sasahara and released on IDA Entertainment’s YouTube channel in Japan. The following year, Cat Shit One: The Animated Series was shown in North America, Australia and New Zealand.
The manga follows three American soldiers (Botasky, Perky, and Rats), all of whom are anthropomorphic animals fighting in the Vietnam War. The ONA, however, differs from its source material as only two of the three leads are present (Botasky and Sergeant Perkins), while the setting has also been changed to the Middle East. The 20-minute short is chock-full of action and takes its premise of fighting bunny rabbits more seriously than expected. The pair of commandos gun down camels left, right, and center in an effort to retrieve three hostages from a terrorist group located in the middle of a desert. While the premise of animals fighting in military gear is just as ridiculous as it sounds, Cat Shit One is surprisingly entertaining and well-executed.
The Plot of Cat Shit One
The premise of Cat Shit One is a simple one. A group of terrorists has captured two American citizens (rabbits) and what can be assumed to be their interpreter or inside source (camel). Sergeant “Packy” Perkins and his trusty companion Botasky must save these people at all costs and dispatch anyone who stands in their way. After one of the hostages is brutally gunned down upon attempting to escape, Perkins and Botasky decide they can no longer wait for support and must venture into the enemy’s territory alone. While Perkins goes to retrieve the remaining hostages, Botasky offers sniper support.
Both rabbits come under heavy fire, in which their camel opponents use everything in their arsenal to take them down. Despite a cacophony of whizzing bullets and exploding bombs, Perkins successfully gets the hostages to safety. However, the duo’s commanding officer informs them that enemy reinforcements are on their way and will arrive before a Mil Mi-24 gunship, code name “Angel 1”, can make it to their position.
Perkins orders Botasky to get the hostages to the drop-off point while he distracts the inbound soldiers. While Perkins manages to fend off dozens of insurgents, his position eventually becomes overwhelmed. Thankfully, Botasky comes to his companion’s rescue just as all hope seems to be lost. With the support of Angel 1, the pair make it out alive along with the hostages.
Why Are Cat Shit One’s Characters Animals Instead of Humans?
One of the most peculiar things about Cat Shit One is its use of anthropomorphic animals. At its core, the ONA is a gritty display of warfare and could easily have used human characters with little-to-no change to the story or the themes it conveys. However, it’s likely because of its semi-realistic portrayal of combat — in which enemies are stabbed, viciously gunned down, blown up, and even executed — that the anthropomorphization of its characters was deemed necessary. Ultimately, having humans conduct themselves in this manner might have been deemed too violent for a manga/animation targeted at younger audiences, particularly on an international scale.
Rabbits seem to have been chosen due to the Japanese word for Rabbit being Usagi, which can be interpreted to be U.S.A. GI. – IMBD
Furthermore, Cat Shit One’s incorporation of animals offers an element of uniqueness (and even humor) that otherwise wouldn’t have been present. While the ONA’s fast-paced action is entertaining to watch, it’s difficult to argue that its characters, setting or plot are exceptional. Cat Shit One’s tale of hardened soldiers retrieving hostages is by no means a new concept. However, the utilization of anthropomorphic animals offers enough of a “what am I watching” factor to keep audiences engaged with its plot.
Is the Cat Shit One ONA Worth Watching?
While Cat Shit One might not offer a revolutionary plotline or cast of characters, it’s so full of action that viewers will unlikely have the time to care. The consistent thud of enemies being taken out by Botasky’s sniper fire mixed with Packy’s stealth kills is disturbingly satisfying. The use of computer-generated animation has enabled a wide range of angles and slight camera jog that really make this ONA come alive. Viewers are thrust into the conflict in a similar manner to Sergeant Perkins and Botasky, which will likely keep them on their toes for the show’s entire 20-minute runtime.
Each character is constantly in a state of danger as they turn tight corners or are faced with impending doom from a barrage of RPG fire. Things get increasingly intense as the story progresses, and the likelihood of one of these bunnies meeting their end appears almost inevitable. Despite both characters being rather stereotypical soldiers, it’s difficult to not take a liking to them and care for their safety.
Over 10 years since its initial release, Cat Shit One remains a thrilling and well-executed short. While its animation style and cookie-cutter premise might not be to everyone’s liking, its take on anthropomorphic warfare is certainly interesting. Regardless of whether viewers are amused by a camel being brutally shot in the head or are taken aback with disgust, this ONA will likely get a reaction from its audience.
Despite having more source material to work from, Studio Anima and Kazuya Sasahara never made a follow-up to Cat Shit One. This is a real shame, as it would have been nice to see Sergeant Perkins and Botasky’s relationship develop further and for Cat Shit One’s take on the Vietnam war to be seen in its animated form. However, with just four volumes to its name, this series will likely continue to have a cult following rather than being a work that garners major appeal.
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