1992 in Anime
FILM
Compilation Movies:
Candy Candy
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Doraemon: Nobita and the Kingdom in the Clouds(1992)
An old man is living on an island with his son and grandson, A talking Spaceship tries to convince him to leave with his family. A Flood occurs at night and destroys the land. In the present, Nobita wonders about Heaven and if a Kingdom in the Clouds could exist. Doraemon helps Nobita build one with robots to emulate the citizens and they build a castle with their friends. Nobita is even crowned King and the group spends more and more time there. They are attacked by Sky Pirates(the presence of which confuses them, especially as they act like traditional Pirates), though the pirates are defeated and retreat.
Then they hear the news that locations from Earth are being taken by what appears to be sentient clouds. The Cloud Kingdom crashes onto a mountain where the find the young boy from the first scene unconscious but on the back of a turtle like creature called a Cryptodon and heal him. Doraemon looks the creature dup and finds its supposed to be extinct. They Cloud Kingdom is approached by an ever bigger cloud and enters into it, finding a mysterious land led by Parupari, who explains that they’ve been taking lands with animals to prevent their extinction and have invited anyone who wished to escape Earth the chance to do so. Mistaking them as hostile, Nobita and friends run but Doraemon is struck by lightning trying to escape and is damaged and they are recaptured.
Nobita and friends are shown the history of the Kingdom by Paruparu and discover they plan to carry out a Flood like in Noah’s Ark to cleanse the world. The Unconscious boy they helped, revealed to be named Tagaro, offers to help them gain control of the Kingdom, having been a former citizen of the Kingdom when his grandfather left it to return to Earth, but grew up with stories about it and how to destroy the Kingdom. The boy helps them escape as his grandfather’s ring allows the Kingdom’s technology to recognize him as a citizen. Paruparu demonstrates his power by flooding the entire city. Nobita’s mother, with quick thinking, turned Doraemon’s anywhere door into a portal brought it out to the street, where at least some of the water entered into it, acting as a drain and helping it to recede. Though it’s implied that water may have been transported to the time of the original flood. A now fixed Doraemon reveals the presence of a cannon powerful enough to destroy any cloud but insists he intends the threat of using it to be enough to get Paruparu to back down. Unfortunately in their absence the Sky Pirates are revealed to have taken over Nobita’s Cloud Kingdom and fully intend to use the Cannon. Nobita’s group escapes and runs back to Paruparu’s Sky Kingdom to warn them. Paruparu protests out of a sense of not believing them and that they could handle the threat but is overruled as the Sky Pirates appear with their cannon, triggering a massive evacuation to Earth of the citizens while the Sky People are engages the Sky Pirates in battle. The Cannon is fired but only after all the people and the animals preserved were evacuated, leading them to be forced to resign on Earth. The battle causes the Cannon to be turned around and destroy Nobita’s Cloud Kingdom, meaning the entire thing collapses. The leader of the Sky Pirates is killed when the Cannon turns around and fires directly into his face, with the other Sky Pirates seemingly falling to their deaths or retreating. The rest of the now destroyed cloud Kingdom reunite on Earth and talk about how whether they like it or not, they now have a second chance on Earth and humanity must take care of the previously extinct animals.
Rokudenashi Blues(1992)
Based on the manga by Masanori Morita that ran from 1988 to 1997. It follows delinquent high school student Taison Maeda, who wishes to become the world boxing champion.
The Weathering Continent(1992)
Based on the fantasy light novel by Mutsumi Inomata that ran from 1990 to 2006. The series follows three travelers, the sorcerer Tieh, the warrior Bois, and the young Lakshi as they journey through the shattered wasteland of Atlantis. It was adapted by M.T. or Minus Tatsunoko and directed by Koichi Mashimo. Reviews outside of Japan were disappointed with it, calling it “A bunch of mopey kids walking around and talking a little faster than the diffusion of molasses through a granite wall.”
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Monster(Live Action Film)(1992)
A Live Action adaptation of the Naomi Urasawa Manga. This was directorial debut of Korean Director Park-Chan Wook. Since the Manga was still ongoing, ending the following year in 1993, Park-Chan Wook invented his own ending which in turn influenced the finale to the Manga. The Film shifted the nationality of the protagonist from Japanese to Korean as well as moving the setting from East and West Germany to North and South Korea. Many have commented that this change helped the film in the long run as many Koreans emphasized with the then ongoing second Korean War(which the film was shot around, endangering the cast and crew several times). It also gave a more personal stake to the conflict. The protagonist was a Doctor trying to help North Korean soldiers who were so brainwashed they tried to kill her in one of the film’s most famous scenes. Like in the Manga she unknowingly saves the life of a serial killer and vows to kill him to atone for being inadvertently responsible for his future victims. The Film leans heavy into the frustration that due to the serial killer being loose in North Korea, the Government refuses to even acknowledge he exists, claiming that in their perfect society, a Serial Killer is an impossibility, even as he murders high ranking government officials and even the Supreme Leader. One of the Film’s most haunting scenes is the “Hallway Massacre” in which the Killer is attacked by a group of terrified men which he brutally murders in a single long cut, displaying just how dangerous he really is[1]
Monster, ITTL contains a similar famous scene to this scene from Oldboy, but reverses it. The Protagonist here is instead the serial killer antagonist and the men attacking him good people trying to stop his rampage. He also murders the men sadistically.
The Film was an immense success and pushed Park-Chan Wook to fame. It is often credited with starting a resurgence in attempts at Live Action Anime Adaptations. It was also a success in America, possibly due to similarities to the then Recent
Silence of the Lambs, though calling it Korean Silence of the Lambs is sure to enrage its fans.
Tottoi(1992)
An Adaptation of an Italian Novel by Gianni Padoan dubbed into English by Celebrity Home Entertainment in 1993. The film follows a bot named Antonio nicknamed “Tottoi”, who’s father moves him to Sardinia after his mother’s death and where his father grew up. His adventure begins when he sees a Monk Seal, a though extinct species and sets out to find it.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Golden Wings(1992)
Released on Home Video and then in Cinema. It is a sequel to the 1989
Legend of the Galactic Heroes series.
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Alcion II(1992)
The Sequel to 1990’s Alcion by Hideaki Anno and once more produced by King Records. Rei Ichijo returns. The film introduces two new Mecha pilots, Mari Makinami, who flirts with Shinji, making him uncomfortable and the Headstrong Asuka. These pilots are clearly intended by Gendo to replace Rei and Shinji due to them disobeying orders. Rei tries to patch up things with Gendo unsuccessfully. Asuka also realizes that Rea and Shinji love each other but neither of them realize this themselves. Asuka’s EVA malfunctions due to Apostolo control and needs to be taken down. Rei refuses to kill Asuka during the fight, leading Gendo to take manual control and seemingly kill Asuka, though she’s only put into a Coma. Another Angel attack proves more devastating and Shinji is seemingly absorbed into the creature, leading to Rei entering it to save him. Both struggle at first before accepting they and the world will likely die only to be rescued by a Sea weapon fired by a recovered Asuka, who pulls them both out, stopping the apocalypse[2].
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Aoki Uru(Uru in Blue)(1992)
A Sequel to 1987’s Royal Space Force directed by Yohiyuki Sadamoto. Originally conceived with Hideaki Anno in mind to direct before his departure. The film follows first film protagonist Shirotsugh Lhadatt, who five years after has been living a broken life as the war has caused all thoughts of space to be abandoned( a parallel to Japan’s real life space program in the face of the war in China. With nowhere else to go he decided to take up one final trip into space with a supersonic jet, which Is allowed to take place due to the potential in warfare. The Jet ends up transporting him through time 50 years after the events of the first film, when it was intended to transport him to the Alpha Centauri System. He finds new purpose in this changed world when he discovers that a princess of the royal family has been kidnapped and with nothing left in his old life, decides to become a metaphorical night and rescue her.
The role of guiding Animators was assigned to Satoshi Kon with backgrounds by Hiroyuki Kitakubo(known for Roujin Z). Work began before the script was completed. There was a falling out with Toshio Okada, a Studio Daicon member who wished for Studio Daicon to leave Anime and make PC games. Okada eventually left production. The series later had a Playstation Tie in Game, likely a remnant of Okada’s plan to make the sequel a Video Game[3].
Alcion II and Aoki Uru clashed at the Box Office. Alcion I has been hampered by Akira II’s release. Now it was its turn and in a one on one fight between Anno’s former friends and studio, Alcion II trounced Aoki Uru at the Box Office. Many sight the belied that the film would have been better if Anno had been involved but also the 5 years between Royal Space Force and its sequel.
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Tokyo Babylon(1992-1993)
Based on the manga created by the group CLAMP that ran from 1990 to 1993. The series follows Subaru Sumeragi. The head of the Sumeragi clan, and his sister Hokuto as they protect Tokyo from supernatural threats. They are joined by a 25 year old Veterinarian named Seishiro Sakurazuka, who is in love with Subaru. His true nature is hinted at. He is revealed to belong to a rival clan of assassins called the Sakurazukamori. He made a bet to himself if he could spend a year with him and either fall in love with hi, or kill him. He then tries ti kill Subaru and tortures him first, before killing his sister Hokuto. Subaru survives and vows to avenge his sister. A Live Action film adapted this story with a sequel the following year resolving the plot[ The manga and story proved popular in the US due to Diamond Comics distributing it there.
TV SHOWS
Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbaruger(1992-1993)
The Second in the Eldran Franchise which began with Matchless Raijin-Oh. It was funded by Tony and produced by Sunrise. Aimed at kids, the heroes of the series must now face off against the accidentally released Gokuark, the great Demon King of the Demon World. Eldran grants them new mochas and new suits to combat this threat.
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Crayon Shin-chan(1992-)
Based on the Manga that began in 1990 by Yoshito Usui. The series follows five year old Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohura and his daily life[5].
Aah! Harimanada(1992)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1991 to 1996. The Series follows a masked Sumo Wrestler who enters the ring and declares he will break Futabayama Sadaji’s record of 69 wins no losses and if he fails he will retire on the spot. This earns him a challenge from the entire Sumo world as he gets closer and closer to his goal.
Yadamon(1992-1993)
A 10 minute series by Group TAC about a fairy creature banished to the human world after causing havoc to be taught a lesson. This world is slightly more advanced and extinct races are being recreated on the island Yadamon appears on.
Hime-Chan’s Ribbon(1992-1993)
Based on the manga by Megumi Mizusawa that ran from 1990 to 1994. Hime-chan is a childlike but boasty 13 year old girl, who is approached by Princess Erika, the princess of a Magical Kingdom from a universe where everyone has an identical counterpart. Wanting to be a proper lady, Hime-Chan is given the power to disguise herself as anyone for one hour but if she doesn’t say the incantation to change back before then she will be stuck in that form permanently. Telling anyone will result in the powers being taken away.
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YuYu-Ki(Poltergeist Chronicles)(1992-1993)
Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, which ran from 1990 to 1993. The series shifted from occult detective to martial arts genre intentionally. Togashi was known to have pushed himself during the process, even creating a schedule allowing him to not over exert himself. His wife Takeuchi, allegedly helped out. The Editors in this case did not push him and encouraged him to take his time, when needed though they later asked him to reconsider the cancellation. He was not involved in the Anime. Togasi clashed a bit and nearly changed the title due to another work having a similar name, but Shonen procured the legal rights for him to keep the title as it was.
In the series, 14 year old delinquent Yusuke Urameshi dies saving a young boy from a car. This selfless act being uncharacteristic for him, means he is informed there is not yet a determined place in Heaven or Hell for him. He is offered a chance to return to his body after a series of tests, and becomes an underworld detective, tasked with investigating supernatural activity. He is granted new abilities to fire energy, usually by making a finger gun. He meets and befriends three demons named Hiei, Kurama and Goki. In search of the. Martial arts master Genki, Yusuke and his rival Kuwabara take part in a tournament, which is revealed to be a trap for Rando, a Demon, to steal the abilities of all the fighters. He is then sent with Kuwabara and the reformed Jiei and Kurama to the Demon World to fight the four beasts to prevent them from lifting the barrier keeping them from the human world.
Yusuke meets Toguro, a human turned demon, who invites him to compete in the Dark Tournament, where humans and Demons compete to have one wish granted. Team Urameshi is formed consisting of Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei, and Genkai in disguise. Team Yusuke faces off against Toguro and discover the tournament was a plot by Team Toguro’s owner Sankyo to let Demons through to the Human World. Sankyo kills himself when he destroys the tournament arena.
Yusuke learns from Genkai that Yusuke’s predecessor as Underworld Detective, Shinobu Sensui, is attempting to finish Sankyo’s plan of opening a portal to the Demon World. Yusuke’s team fights each of Sensui’s followers. In a final battle, Sensui kills Yusuke, but his spirit is sent to the Demon World, revealing his father to be a Demon, who partly possesses his own son to battle Sensui. The Demonically empowered Yusuke succeeds in killing Sensui, but now that his Demon status has been revealed he is stripped of his Detective position out of fear he’d go wild in the human world and is banished to Demon World. When his father dies, and appoints him his successor. Yusuke as King of the Demons negotiates peace between the Demon World and Mortal World[6]
YuYu-Ki was brought over by AnimEigo before Funimation would do the same. It was dubbed by Coastal Carolina Studios, which still dubs Anime to this day, due to the series being a mainstream hit. In addition, Media Blasters dubbed the first movie (which has since been redubbed by Funimation).
I Dream of Jeanie(1992-1993)
When Tatsunoko’s collapse scattered its characters to the four winds. One of them, the 1969 animated series,
The Genie Family ended up in an odd place. Hannah Barbera had previously held the rights to the 1960’s Sitcom
I Dream of Jeanie and chose to create a new animated series merging the world of
I Dream of Jeanie and
The Genie Family, making the titular character and several other characters from the former show related to those of the latter to better merge the worlds na provide more hijinks with a large cast. The Genie Family even becomes homeless and is forced to move in with Jeanie(A nod to Tatsunoko's collapse). The “Human World” setting was moved to Japan to capitalize on the “New Space Race” attitude of the time, just as the original
I Dream of Jeanie was made during that time as well. This also allowed the inclusion of a socially awkward Japanese love interest into the cast with a crush on Jeanie named Tenchi Masaki. Introducing said character was the idea of writers Masaki Kajishima and Hiromi Hayashi, who’s added humor helped the series become more popular than it would normally have been. Online Jokes emerged for some time about "
I Dream of Jeanie" being the best Anime, alluding to the originally 60's show rather than the 1990's version[7].
Mikan Enikki(1992-1993)
Based on the manga that ran from 1988 to 1995. It follows Tom, an orange cat who is adopted by the Kusanagi family, and named Mikan after his owner dies. He soon finds he can speak and walk like a human and while the family is shocked at first they come to accept him. The Manga was a mix of slice of life stories and plots involving transportation to magical worlds. While the TV series kept the same premise, its plots were entirely original. The manga overall was long and introspective while the anime was short, eventful and suspenseful.
Cooking Papa(1992-1995)
Based on the Manga that began in 1985 and is still ongoing. The story follows a father who loves to cook and does so for his family(It is considered women’s work, but he enjoys doing it, and the mother is a hardworking reporter). The series includes a recipe on the food that is cooked in each story, and the series is well known for the appetizing detail it depicts the food displayed. The Manga eventually spawned a popular series of games[8].
Flower Witch Mary Bell(1992-1993)
A magical girl series by Ashi Productions. Two children, Yuuri and Ken, grow up believing a fairy tale about a sprite who appears to help people. When their parent’s flower shop is at risk of closing down, they decide to pray to Mary Bell and are surprised when she actually appears to help.
Mama is a Fourth Grader(1992)
In the Future year of 2007, a time travel Mishap sends the young daughter of Natsumi Mizuki to the past year of 1992 where her past self, who has been left home alone with an uncaring aunt, is forced to take care of the baby. She is contacted by her future self and asked to take care of the child, with Natsumi and her aunt Izumi clashing over how to raise the child and the fear of potential time paradoxes.
Papuwa(1992-1993)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1991 to 1995. A gag series. It begins with an assassin named Shintaro stealing a magical blue stone hoping to sell it. He is pursued and ends up knocked out and stranded on Papuwa Island. Papuwa, a young boy, finds the blue stone and puts it on his Dog’s collar. Shintaro wakes up and tries to take it back, but discovers that Papuwa is superhumanly strong. He is forced to become his servant as the two fight off the Ganma Army, who are trying to retrieve the Blue Stone.
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Space Knight Tekkaman Cyber(1992-1993)
A reimagining of Tekkaman: Space Knight by Studio M.T. A Deal was made with Bandai to make toys. There was also plans for a revival of Gatchaman, though Tekkaman proved easier to make toys for, however a Gatchaman project was in the works.The protagonist within the series is forced to fight his own family. Yutaka Izubuchi provided Tekkaman designs. Set in United Earth Year 192, Earth is under attack from aliens called the Radam which had bug monsters and Tekkamen knights on their side. Before the war, an Exploration ship discovered a dormant Radam ship near Saturn and had accidentally activated it, causing the entire crew of a family to be assimilated and turned into Tekkamen with the exception of Takaya Aiba, Tekkamen Cyber, who escaped before being brainwashed. He now fights his own brainwashed family and the invaders. Tekkaman Cyber helps the Space Knights fight the Invaders, falling in love with member Aki. He is successful at the cost of his own family and once the invasion is defeated, he is left with amnesia and wheel chair bound, being cared for by Aki[9].
Marvel Comics, who was at this time trying to branch out into building their own Multi connected universe, proposed the idea of buying up Tekkaman due to his similarity to ROM: Space Knight, a licensed character they owned. Though the negotiations to secure the rights did not impact the production of this specific series, it would retroactively be made part of the same universe, albeit in the far future.
The Wonderful Galaxy of Oz(1992-1993)
Wizard of Oz…IN SPACE!, quite literally. In the future year of 2060, Dorothea and her Wookie like dog Talk-Talk are lost from their home plate of New Kansas and arrive in another Galaxy, run by an evil Queen and must search for a scientist named Dr.Oz. She must team up with a Plant Man, a Robot and a Cat Man(resembling a Cowardly Kzin), to save the day and return home.
The Von Trapp Family(1992)
Part of World Masterpiece Theatre. Delayed due to the Disney takeover of the series. Is largely an Anime retelling of the Sound of Music.
DVA
Midori(1992)
An underground independent film referred to as “Semi-Animated” as it often uses. Illustrations based on the 1984 manga, which covers the horrific behind the scenes elements of a traveling freak show(Horrific due to the abuse of the sideshow attractions more than anything else). In most cases this works as a strength due to the horrifying content, music and dialogue. It was single handedly made by Hiroshi Harada, who couldn’t find a sponsor due to the content, funding it over five years. Screenings were very rare as Harada insisted it only be played at Carnivals.
Handsome na Kanojo(1992)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1988 to 1992. IT follows Mir Hagiwara , a 14 year old girl who dreams of being an actress and Ichiya Kumagai, a 15 year old boy who dreams of becoming a director as they become a couple and follow their dreams.
Video Girl AI(1992)
Based on the manga by Masakazu Katsura. The characters had previously appeared in Jump World I, which in turn inspired their appearance in this series(which within that crossover special was intentionally tailored so that all the different artist styles for all the characters didn’t clash too much but still evoked their home series). Brought to life by Studio M.T. The premise centers on a broken VHS bringing a girl from a video meant to cheer the viewer up, causing her to develop feelings for the buyer Yota Moteuchi, resulting in awkward sexual tension[10].
Kamasutra(1992)
Yes, Go Nagai, realizing previously he could get away with writing Porn, actually made an adaptation of the Kamasutra. He actually even added a plot to it. While it has a reputation as a manual on sex positions, it is actually intended as a manual on how to live life overall. The plot begins with Prof. Takeshi Aikawa, an archeologist researching the ancient Indian Princess Surya of Gupta. His grandson Ryu is attacked by gangsters looking to rob the Professor and finds a part of the Kumasutra. He takes the scroll to India to find his grandfather and falls in love with his assistant Shakti, the two learning the Kamasutra together. Both are captured and abused by the gangsters, who are revealed to be part of a cult and trying to find an ancient grail. This leads them to find and revive the ancient Princess Surya, which they also abuse. They are rescued by the army during a ritual conducted that opens a portal to Shambhalla, which a part of the characters go into to rescue Surya from the cult leader who fled inside, who intend to use her as part of a ritual, which nearly succeeds, summoning Angels in the process, with the group rescuing Surya and escaping Shambhalla just in time[11]
K.O.Beast(1992-1993)
Set in the distant future where Earth is split in two and the Southern Hemisphere placed in another dimension. The Northern Hemisphere gain the ability to morph into Beasts.The Southern Hemisphere, led by Uranus attack the Beasts ,who form a team to fight back. Anime UK, a British based magazine brought it over to the UK[12].
Spirit of Wonder(1992)
An Adaptation of a story collection by Kenji Tsuruta that ran from 1986 to 1995. Each story is based on works by science fiction authors like H.G.Wells, Jules Verne and Edmond Hamilton.
Seikima II: Human Society(1992)
A DVA Film based on the band Seikima II(translated roughly to “End of the Century”). The Band wear face paint and claim to be Demons using Heavy Metal to prepare for an invasion of Hell in 1999, after this they will disband(They stuck true to this promise and after an extravagant concert the band disbanded in 1999).
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Red Sonja(1992)
An Adaptation of the Marvel Comics character created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor Smith, based on a manga written by Go Nagai in collaboration with Marvel Comics. Allegedly this work came about because Marvel felt Red Sonja’s skimpy attire could not be done justice in live action and that she was not a big enough name to star in her own feature film. Conan the Barbarian makes a cameo as well[13].
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Giant Robo(1992-1998)
In 1990, producer Yasuhito Yamaki approached Yasuhiro Imagawa about working on an animated version of the
Giant Robo manga. Imagawa, a self-proclaimed fan of Yokoyama's work, jumped at the chance of working on the project. The Giant Robo manga had started in 1967 and had never been adapted into animation before. It had a live-action adaptation on TV Asahi in 1967-68, but the series was believed by Yasuhito and Yasuhiro to be ripe for Animation. In pre-production, Imagawa was informed he could not use any of the supporting characters from the manga or live-action versions. Instead, with Yokoyama's permission, he populated the series with characters from the artist's entire canon of work including
Akakage,
Babel II and
Godmars. The
Giant Robo DVA still followed Daisaku and Robo, and the main antagonist was still called "Big Fire," but it featured an all-new storyline with a completely different cast of characters.
The Series is set in a retro-future style setting where a new invention called the Shizuma Drive has rendered petroleum and nuclear power obsolete. The Drive, created by Professor Shizuma, nearly destroyed the world, resulting in the seeming death of Franken Von Ogler. Ten Years after it was activated a new group called the BF, which includes a still alive von Vogler, surfaces intending to end the world by causing the Shizuma drive to explode and wipe out humanity. Their army includes monsters, foot soldiers, Mecha and superhumans. They are led by a superhuman cabal called the Magnificent Ten and are loyal to their leader: Big Fire. They are opposed by the International Police Organization or IPO, who use information and espionage more than direct fighting, unless they have to, functioning like a real Government organization. They form their own superhuman team known as the Experts of Justice, which includes Daisaku Kusama, who commands Giant Robo, constructed by his father.
The first episode was released July 22, 1992 with the following three installments staying close to the proposed schedule of six months between releases. In the nine months between the releases of
Volumes
4 and
5, two DVAs focusing on the character of GinRei were produced.
Barefoot GinRei (素足のGinRei,
Suashi no GinRei) is a humorous take on GinRei's job as a spy for the IPO.
Mighty GinRei (鉄腕GinRei,
Tetsuwan GinRei) was a tribute to the super robot series and featured Ken Ishikawa as guest mech designer. A third DVA,
GinRei with Blue Eyes (青い瞳の銀鈴,
Aoi hitomi no Gin Rei), was released after Volume 5 of
Giant Robo. In between releases, members of the
Giant Robo staff worked on other projects including
The Big O,
Getter Robo Armageddon, and
Super Atragon and these series would in turn be folded in, creating a Mecha shared universe. A two-episode DVA of Shunro Oshikawa's
Kaitei Gunkan novel.
The Day the Earth Stood Still was the second to final chapter in the conflict between the Experts of Justice and Big Fire. The DVA was preceded by
The Birth of Zangetsu the Midday,
The Plan to Assassinate Daisaku - the Canary Penitentiary,
The Boy of Three Days,
The Greatest Battle in History - General Kanshin vs. Shokatsu Koumei and
The Boy Detective, Kindaichi Shōtarō, Appears!
Sally the Witch. The Original Magical Girl appeared in the fight with the Big Bad ruling council, the Magnificent Ten (themselves famous cameos). The awesomeness of this scene is legendary. The final battle between the Experts and Big Fire was beautifully animated, as was the climax of the series. Showrunner Yasuhiro Imagawa received much praise for his work and went on to create an entire saga spanning several DVA series, of which Giant Robo was the second to last chronologically. The others chapters explained things like how Daisaku became an Expert and the origin of the Magnificent Ten (along with a team-up between Giant Robo and Tetsujin 28) before it all culminated in the final series, "The Siege of Babel", which was a story teased since the end of Giant Robo.
Karasu Tengu Kabuto(1992-1993)
Based on the manga by Buichi Terasawa that ran from 1987 to 1988. The series follows a warrior Karasu Tengo Kabuto, who due to his familial blood must fight against the forces of darkness, led by evil god Kuroyasha.
Nozomi Witches(1992-1993)
A series by group TAC. Nozomi is an actress from New Zealand who moves to Japan and befriends high school student Ryōtarō Shiba. Both decide to join the high school boxing club.
Oira Sukeban(1992)
Based on the Go Nagai Manga that ran from 1974 to 1976. It is a comedy with some erotic elements. Banji Suke is forced to go undercover in an all girls’ school after being framed and having assassins sent after him.
Bastard!(1992-1993)
A Character which was referenced in Jump World. Based on the manga by Kazushi Hagiwara that began in 1988. The plot is set in a fantasy world where demon Anthrax caused an apocalypse before she was slain by the Dragon Knight. A cult called the Dark Rebel Army now seeks to revive her and attack the kingdom of Metallicana(The author is a fan of Heavy Metal, which is referenced as the names of locations). To thwart the resurrection, they awaken Dark Schneider, who is unknown to them, the reincarnated founder of Dark Rebel Army.
Ushio & Tora(1992-1993)
Based on the Manga by Kazuhiro Fujita that ran from 1990 to 1996. The series follows a boy named Ushio Aotsuki, who reluctantly releases the Tiger Demon Tora, that he keeps at bay by threatening to seal him away. The two fight other demons and Tora begins to care for humans.
All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku(1992-1993)
Based on the manga by Yuzo Takada that ran from 1990 to 1991. Genius inventor Kyusaku Natsume transplants the brain of a cat into a school girl android that he stole from the company he was employed at, Mishima Heavy Industries, who now want his property back.
Fuma no Kojiro(1992-1993)
Based on the manga by Masami Kurumada that ran from 1982 to 1983. The series had featured in Jump World, which delayed its DVA adaptation. Haruko Academy, a school famous for Martial Arts clashed with a rival school Seishikan, forcing the principal to send several students to search for the legendary Fuma ninja clan to help them while Seishikan sends their own agents, leading to the resumption of a century old ninja war.
Green Legend Ran(1992-1993)
Set in a post apocalyptic Earth where several “Rodo” or giant monoliths arrived and wiped out the oceans and rain. The remaining communities live near the Rodo, with a cult formed around them. The protagonist is Ran the Greener, a member of a resistance group called Hazard which opposes the cult of the Rodoists. Ran searches for the man who killed his mother, a man with a scar on his chest. Ran attempts to save a silver haired girl named Aira .
Ys II: Castle in the Heavens(1992-1993)
The Sequel to Ys. Adapting the Second game in the Series. Adolf decides to destroy the source of evil in the land by traveling to the floating island of Ys itself.
Eternal Filena(1992-1993)
Based on the fantasy light novel series by Takeshi Shudo that ran from 1985 to 1994. The series follows Filena, the sole survivor of the royal family of an ocean kingdom of Filsoena. She is brought up as a gladiator while pretending to be a boy and after befriending Lila, a slave. The two vows to overthrow the empire who destroyed the Ocean Kingdom.
Ai No Kusabi(1992-1994)
Based on the manga series that ran from 1987 to 1990. Translated as “The Space Between”. The is a Yaoi series set in a world where a computer called Jupiter rules over Humanity and has separated people into classes, with an Elite member of society Iason Mink, securing a slave named Riki. While the growing relationship between the two is the focus, the series also dives into issues such as the class system and the implications of an AI ruled society.
Cursed One Piece(1992)
A Horror DVA Series consisting of three stories each following a woman who get a hold of a cursed, yellow dress. The titular Cursed One Piece[14].
Genesis Survivor Gaiarth(1992-1993)
A DVA Series by AIC and Artmic. The story takes place in a post apocalyptic dystopian Future following a young man named Italy Del Labard and his partner, the android Zaxon, and a woman named Sahari.
Princess Army(1992)
Based on a Manga that ran from 1990 to 1993. A young girl named Nonoka Aida searches for a boy who saved her from an attacker when she was young using Judo while competing at and attending a Judo Club herself.
IN THE NEWS…
“ HOLLYWOOD LED BATTLE CITY MEGAROAD ADAPTATION REPORTED TO BE DEVELOPMENT”
Warner Bros has been interested in the idea since the series was a hit in the 80’s, hoping to turn it into their answer to the Live Action
Gundam, of course then that film, which many in Hollywood thought would be the next big thing, bombed, though it has been gaining a cult following. A handful of planned Anime adaptations already in production to ride this phantom craze were either cancelled or released anyway due to being too far along. "Battle City Megaroad" was one of the former. Not even Bruce Lee as Kenshiro could save the Anime Movie Fad, as awesome as that was. Many speculate it was because the technology just wasn’t on the level to do the stunning visuals justice. Now, those plans have resumed….[15].
Butterflied Away:
Dragonball Z: The Return of Cooler and Dragonball Z: Super Android 13! Both villains were folded into the main series as Filler, albeit canonically justified.
The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn. Butterflied away due to the Brave series having one entry.
Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Loves Again. Created OTL for Macross’s 10th anniversary but with no involvement from the original crew at all, not event the same studio, and jumped ahead due to being forbidden from using the original characters. While a huge success due to anticipation, it was not received well by fans. ITTL it doesn’t exist. The in-universe reason is they thought the movie would be released in 1992 and had nothing when it wasn’t finished.
Tenchi Muyo. Butterflied away. Masaki Kajishima and Hiroki Hayashi worked on Bubblegum Crisis but wanted to do comedic episodes and plots that were not approved, inspiring them to create their own series. ITTL Techno Police 21C was made how the creators wanted to make it. OTL unhappiness with it led to Bubblegum Crisis being made. So without that being the duo’s first work, Tenchi Muyo is butterflied away.
Zetsuai 1989. OTL this story began as Captain Tsubasa slash fiction. Yes seriously. ITTL it never advanced by that. Which mean I may have just killed Yaoi. Ok. Not completely and I have nothing against it, hence I allowed another yaoi work to exist, but this work defined the Yaoi genre for many at the time.
NOTES
[1] Recall that ITTL
Monster was released earlier, going from 1986 to 1993 and merged with
Yarara! An OTL earlier work, which ITTL has a female Doctor as the protagonist as the author wanted and later did in
Monster. OTL There have been several attempts to adapt
Monster. Screenwriter Josh Olson, known for adapting the Graphic Novel
A History of Violence into film, announced it in 2005 but it fell through due to rights issues. Park-Chan Wook was then attached after the success of his 2003 film
Oldboy, itself a Manga Adaptation and this film could be seen as TTL’s Equivalent to that film, complete with a variation of the Hallway fight scene, but to a more horrifying extent. OTL his first film was
The Moon is…The Sun’s Dream. Another OTL attempt to adapt it was by Guillermo Del Toro for HBO, but Del Toro already has a lot of unmade projects under his belt, so this will help lighten the load.
[2] Evangelion's equivalent is a Film Series and different due to being made Earlier than OTL as elements such as terrorist attacks which ITTL haven't happened yet with the earlier production change the tone quite a bit, making it closer to
Rebuild of Evangelion series. While not mentioned in the plot synopsis. Kaworu does exist but is not an EVA Pilot. He was originally conceived as just a new school buddy, but the series in Television format meant the school had gone whole episodes without appearing and he was made a pilot. ITTL the movie format means the school is still there and he is just a student.
[3] Uru in Blue entered development Hell and is still there OTL. The plot synopsis is a mix of ideas pitched for the plot. Studio Gainax wasn't doing as well financially and cancelled the project, note the original film this is a sequel to did not do well OTL.
[4] OTL Tokyo Babylon had a live action movie that continued the manga plot(but did not resolve it) in 1993. ITTL that film is a sequel to an earlier adaptaion.
[5] OTL Crayon Shin-chan’s author Yoshito Usui went missing in 2009 and was found to have died in a mountain climbing incident, having fallen to his Death. This death is butterflied away ITTL, meaning the Manga series is still ongoing.
[6] The Main reason for the disliked ending to OTL’s YuYu Hakusho was due to the exhaustion of the Mangaka and his bosses demanding he write more. ITTL he ends it earlier, when he wanted to, without the drop in quality, though he does contribute to the Sailor Moon crossover where Yusuke in ruler of the Demon World and helps the Sailor Senshi return to life when time travel prevents their destined reincarnations. For those unaware, the OTL series had another tournament in the Demon World and the reveal that King Enma, essentially the boss, was lying about the threat the Demons posed and orchestrating the attacks by the Demons, making the mission of the characters darker in retrospect as they were killing innocent Demons.
[7] A Pun here. It is replacing an OTL Work called
Jeanie with the Light brown Hair, based on the song by Stephen Foster. It was an anime that very loosely retold Stephen Foster’s life. The First line of the song is of course “I Dream of Jeanie” followed by “with the Light brown Hair". So I connected it to another show referencing the same song. Also let’s be honest. Attractive magical girl falls in love with awkward guy uncomfortable by the affection…is a well established anime trope. Maaki Kajishima and Hiromi Hayashi began their careers working on
Bubblegum Crisis and had ideas for comedic episodes that were rejected, leading them to make Tenchi Muyyo. OTL they were fans of
I Dream of Jeanie and based Ryoko off of her, so this is a Dream of Jeanie come true. And yes
I Dream of Jeanie is best anime is a reference to the
Cory in the House is the best anime meme.
[8] Just for Pun, the
Cooking Papa Video Games replace the OTL
Cooking Mama Games.
[9] This Series was known OTL as Tekkaman Blade and the whole family being brainwashed was changed to just his brother OTL.
[10] OTL there was a live action move released in 1991 which does not exist here. The fact that these characters already appeared in the Anime Adaptation of Jump World helps to ease them into getting their own Anime.
[11] Yes Go Nagai did make a Manga based on the Kamasutra and it got an OVA based on it.
[12] OTL Anime UK’s only release was K.O. Beast ITTL they survive a little longer, largely due to having the rights to American Anime dubs and their UK distribution. As a result there aren’t really UK dubs since they use the American ones. The UK has a history of being difficult to crack in regards to Anime.
[13] OTL Go Nagai made the manga, Iron Virgin Jun, who’s main character has similarities to Red Sonja(chainmail bikini, decree to only sleep with someone who can defeat her in battle). Also yes the Red Sonja live action movie was butterflied away. Marvel has an earlier cinematic universe ITTL which I'll go over later but this is a part of it in a vain similar to those animated DC Showcase shorts.
[14] This DVA won’t have the problem of being confused with TTL’s One Piece as will debut under a different name:
Romance Dawn. The original title. Romance in this context meaning more of the love for adventure.
[15] Based on plans for a long cancelled Robotech movie, which ITTL doesn’t exist but Robotech is a hybrid of several Anime include
Super Dimension Fortress Macross which does exist as "Battle City Megaroad". This movie will probably be stuck in development Hell for awhile as OTL the plans for an adaptation began around 2007 and so most of the choices for actors to star are modern actors from that era until now.
for one so most of the content that went there stays on the Disney channel.
