Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh has been re-animated with a new cast since January 2019. The first series began in 1998, and 2019 marks its 21st anniversary. Although it's a fairly long serialization, Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh has been made into a series, and this anime also includes some original elements. This is one aspect of the hugely popular Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh that many people look forward to, and one character that appears in the series is a man named "MPLS." There are many speculations, but I'd like to take my own dig into it. Be careful, as there may be spoilers ahead!
What is Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh?
Popular Light Novel
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
In fact, this is an extremely long-running light novel series that has been serialized since 1998! The author is Kohei Kadono, and Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh was his debut work. It's been going on for 21 years, which is nothing short of genius. And the fact that it's been serialized for that long shows how popular it is.
Re-Animated
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
Actually, it was adapted into an anime once before, in 2000. This is actually the second time, but the content has changed slightly. The 2019 edition includes characters and content that only appear in the anime. That's because Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh is a series, and it's an omnibus format in which the main characters switch places and the story is told from different perspectives, so it's apparently difficult to summarize it all into one volume. So even if you've seen it once before, you can watch it again with a fresh perspective!
Origin
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
In fact, many people have become light novel writers after reading (or watching) Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh. Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh is a youthful school story, a sci-fi story, and a depiction of everyday life in a different world. Although it's become commonplace now, it's said that its origins lie in the Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh series. It's such an influential light novel. It makes you want to watch the anime!
What is MPLS in Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh?
Psychic
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
The "MPLS" we'll be discussing today are evolved forms of humans who have acquired supernatural powers through some kind of incident. These "MPLS" are generally considered the enemy of the world. The main character, Boogiepop, is the enemy of this world's enemies, in other words, he is like the world's guardian deity. The criteria for determining whether someone is an enemy of the world are their abilities and will. Even if someone has incredible abilities, if Boogiepop discovers their evil plots, they will be considered Boogiepop's enemy.
Against Their Will
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
You can't become an MPLS just because you want to. It's against the individual's will. Someone's supernatural powers are triggered by some kind of trigger, leading to evil deeds and being targeted. Abilities also vary from person to person. It has yet to be made public why this ability has been acquired, or what its significance is. Incidentally, it has also not been made public what "MPLS" stands for.
[Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh] What is the Unity Agency?
Laboratory
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
There is an organization that monitors and prioritizes research into MPLS. It's called the Unity Organization, and they've researched the threats and capabilities of MPLS, creating synthetic humans. These synthetic humans can also become enemies of the world. The Unity Agency is imprisoning extraterrestrial life forms known as "Echoes," studying them, and then creating synthetic humans. It's unclear what their purpose is, but it certainly isn't a good research institute.
Synthetic Human
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
This is a man engulfed in flames who appears in the trailer for Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh. It's impossible to tell if this person is an MPLS or a synthetic human, but in this world, there are artificial humans known as synthetic humans. These are beings with psychic powers created by the Unification Organization, with powers that transcend those of ordinary people. They may be developing beings that could become the world's enemies. If that's the case, the Unification Organization would be like a terrifying mastermind.
[Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh] Beings that are originally within us?
Awakening Power
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
Everyone has their own reasons for awakening, but some were born into "MPLS" while others suddenly awakened one day. What I would like to consider here is whether a power that was originally within each person is triggered or unconsciously activated. It is thought to be a kind of paranormal phenomenon, and that power is so great that it has become the enemy of the world (although not everyone has become an enemy). Either way, whether or not someone becomes an enemy may depend on the feelings of "MPLS."
[Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh] What kind of MPLS will we meet?
Source: Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh © Kohei Kadono/KADOKAWA ASCII Media Works/Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh Production Committee
We hope you enjoyed this article. We've introduced you to a unique look at MPLS in [Boogiepop Doesn't Laugh]. While there's a high chance that MPLS will become the world's enemy, not all of them are. However, they make numerous appearances throughout the story, adding to the excitement! Even though the series has been running for over 20 years, there are still many mysteries surrounding "MPLS," and many people are speculating online about it. Please read the anime and light novels and join us in our investigations.
