Brian J. Mason

&nbsp Brian J. Mason is a recurring antagonist in the anime franchise Bubblegum Crisis.

Background
Approximately 10 years before the events of Bubblegum Crisis, Mason was involved in the murder of of Dr. Stingray, the head scientist at GENOM and the man who helped create the andriods known as Boomers. The reason behind his murder isn't fully explained, but presumably Mason was sent to acquire the copyrights to Boomer design and was compelled to use lethal force to obtain them.

2032
Mason is one of Quincy's most trusted employees at GENOM headquarters. However, he has ambitions to usurp the throne and become CEO. He frequently ventures out to collect any valuable Boomer technology, often coming up against the Knight Sabers, (Priss, Linna, Nene and Sylia, the latter of which is the daughter of Dr. Stingray). Knowing that the Knight Sabers pose a physical threat, Mason invests in Boomer bodyguards, all of which are eventually destroyed in battle.

In the first two episodes, Mason is tasked with obtaining Boomer technology that controls satellite weaponry, allowing the user to either spy on or vaporise any target with a powerful laser. While he fails in this assignment, he secretly sends his Boomer bodyguards to retrieve the technology so he can keep it to himself...

In Episode 3: Blow Up. Mason is sent to oversee the levelling of an apartment complex, which was built on land that GENOM had recently purchased. Unbeknownst to Mason, one of the tenants was Priss of the Knight Sabers. When a building collapses on one of Priss' neighbours, she vows revenge, but is stopped by Sylia, who orders her to focus on a rampaging Boomer, while she confronts Mason herself. Mason, anticipating the Knight Saber's arrival, dons his own hardsuit, proclaiming this to be "the look of the victor"'' and fights Sylia. When he overpowers her, Sylia stabs him in the throat, seemingly ending Mason's threat.

Largo
One year later, a sinister figure known only as Largo surfaces within a GENOM branch, quickly rising to assistant director and proving to be the brains of the organisation. When a Boomer breaks in and steals data that will allow Boomers to become independant lifeforms, the Knight Sabers immediately step in. Largo observes from afar and utters the name: ''Sylia Stingray. S''omehow, Sylia is able to hear this and feels a familiar sense of dread.

In Episode 6: Red Eyes, it is revealed that Largo himself is a Boomer and just so happens to have the same satellite technology that Mason obtained. Largo manages to construct his own group of Knight Sabers built entirely from Boomers and sends them out to frame the real ones, revealing his true hatred of them. Sylia immediately suspects his true identity, but says nothing to the others.

Largo pits the two sets of Knight Sabers against each other while he goes up against Quincy and orders him to release Boomers from the oppression of humanity. He demonstrates his power by destroying the Boomer bodyguards that Quincy sent after him before turning on Quincy himself. However, Quincy had anticipated his arrival and had a Boomer replica stand in for him, revealing himself via a communication screen and gloating in Largo's face.

At that moment, Priss arrives and challenges Largo, who overpowers her before transforming into a more menacing figure, proclaiming this to be "the look of the TRUE victor!". Just when all hope seems lost, Priss' new-and improved hardsuit arrives, which she immediately dons and fights Largo with. Largo's arm is destroyed and he howls in pain, proving that Boomers really are alive. Sylia and the other Knight Sabers arrive, cornering Largo. Largo then summons the satellite beam that will kill them all, but Nene quickly bugs the system so that only Largo is blasted. Largo survives, however, and telepathically converses with Sylia, distracting her while he charges his mouth-cannon. At that moment, Leon of the AD Police shoots him in the head, Largo loses his footing and plummets to the bottom of GENOM tower. Sylia, musing on his apparent death, Sylia remarks: "Frail humans need not fear anything more...Brian J. Mason".

Bubblegum Crash
Largo is revealed to have survived his death and continues with his vendetta against the Knight Sabers.

Background


At some point in his youth, Mason had some kind of Boomer implant placed in his body. He believed that this would make him superior to humans but unfortunately, his body assimilated it and left him just as powerless as any other human. From then on, Mason would strive to be more than human.

2040
Mason holds the same deep resentment of his employer Quincy as did his 2032 counterpart. This is only exacerbated by Quincy forcibly extending his life via medical technology, thus potentially staying CEO forever. Mason's obsession with Boomers has developed into a sexual fetish, as he shows his Boomer secretary more physical and emitional affection than any human.

When Sylia's Boomer replicant Galatea is unearthed, Mason takes advantage of her ability to control any kind of machine and has Quincy's plug pulled by one of his Boomer assistants. Tokyo is then dominated by hordes of Boomers, with Mason observing Galatea's increasing influence over technology. Mason confides in her his desire to be one of her kind, revealing his failed attepmt from years before. Galatea gives him what he wants, but in the most horrific fashion. Mason's flesh is fused to severaal machines and he erupts from the side of GENOM tower, reminiscent of a cyberpunk gargoyle.

Whilst there, Mason reminisces about his childhood, showing a more vulnerable side to his glacial persona. When the Knight Sabers come across him, he appears dead, but with a look of bliss on his disfigured face.