Thanks. Still working on 1985 in anime. I’ve reached a point I expected to at some point where so much was released in one year, but it’s balanced out by most of it being direct to video with hard to find information on. As such I probably will take the approach of if Wikipedia or TV Tropes doesn’t cover it then neither will I. I imagine media in this timeline takes a quality over quantity approach anyway, where they will work on one installment at a time and wait for feedback before beginning to work on the next. As such they would not release multiple installments in the same franchise in one year.
Trying to Please Everyone: Or Converting multiple Pop Culture Utopias into a Timeline.
- Thread starter Marco Incognito
- Start date
1985 in Anime
1985 in Anime
Compilation Movies:
Ginga Hyoryu Vifam
Gu Gu Ganmo
Little Memole
Creamy Mami, the Magic Angel
Captain Tsubasa
Kouka Kihei Vector
Princess Sara(1985)
A series by Nippon Animation based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1905 novel A Little Princess. The series ran for 46 episodes and ran on fuji Television as part of the World Masterpiece Theater. One of the most well known Masterpiece Stories. Set in the year 1885, Sara Crewe is the daughter of Redcliffe Crew, who runs a Diamond mine in India. Sara begins attending a boarding school and all goes well until her father dies and her family becomes bankrupt, The cruel headmistress Miss Minchin forces Sara to become a maid and make her life as miserable as possible, including encouraging her to be bullied. Several of Sara’s friends including old friends of her father work to save her, including his old friend Tom Carrisford. The Series enjoyed immense success at the time and was one of the few shows at the time to tackle on how serious bullying could really be. It was also successful overseas.
Urusei Yatsura 2: Remember my Love(1985)
The Second Urusei Yatsura Film. This one went more dramatic by depicting a war between Lum and Earth actually breaking out and the protagonists trying to put a stop to it. Intentionally made as a parody of Battle City Megaroad: Do you Remember Love?[1].
Area 88(1985-1986)
Area 88 is a series set in a fictional Middle Eastern Country called Asran locked in Civil War. Asran is essentially a much more advanced Iran and the series focuses heavily on Fighter Jets and immense detail is given towards their depiction and making them as close as possible. The Series follows pilot Shin Kazama, a Japanese fighter who joins an international group sent into the country. The Manga was adapted by Studio Pierrot. And kept the Manga’s ending of Shin returning him but clearly having been changed from what he saw in the war[2].
Leda: The Fantastic Adventure of Yohko(1985)
A Direct to Video Anime. Yoko Asagiri is a girl who composes music. She is in love with a young man but cannot bring herself to share her feelings. Suddenly she is transported to a fantasy world where she meets a talking dog and finds that listening to the song can transport her but the Walkman she was using it stolen. Yoko transforms into a sword wielding warrior and fights back the attackers. She then meets a young girl named Yoni who explains an evil wizard named Zell in a floating fortress intends to conquer worlds. She is led to an armor and a ship. The group battles the Zell and Yoko overcomes her fears to escape a spell she is placed under. With his defeat, Yoko is returned to her own world and this time manages to muster up the courage to talk to her crush.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam(1985-1986)
As often happens, the success of the Gundam film altered the direction of the series of which it was based on. First of these was the release in 1984 of the toy line Mobile Suit X, which came with a manga telling a story set after the One Year War. It was reprinted in English(and Left to Right) and sold with Gundam Toys aimed at children. The Toys included the following:
Earth Federation Forces
Mobile Weapons
FA-78-2 Heavy Gundam
Vehicles and Support Units
Burstliner
Corvette Booster
Guncarry
Lightliner
Principality of Zeon
Mobile Weapons
MS-10 Pezun Dowadge
MS-11 Act Zaku
MS-12 Gigan
MS-13 Gasshia
MS-17 Galbaldy Alpha
Vehicles and Support Units
Skiure
Skute
The release of this Toy Line was largely to hype up the possibility that these Mecha would appear in the sequel series and even possibly the second Live Action Film. That series finally came in 1985.
Speaking of the Series.
The sequel was set in the year Universal Century 0087, eight years after Mobile Suit Gundam. It followed members of a group known as the Anti-Earth Union Group(AEUG) and their war against the Titans, a task force from the Federation designed to hunt down what's left of Zeon, but who kill anyone they see as stepping out of line in cold blood. The story follows civilian teenager and amaeteur Mobile suit pilot Kamille Bidan. Bidan's parents worked for the Federation and the Titans. Kamille was provoked into striking Titans officer Jerid Messa. Shortly after, an attack is launched by the AUEG to capture a Gundam Mk II, which is stolen by Kamille to repel the attack and follow the attack's leader Quattro back to the AUEG mothership Argama. Kamille's parents are taken hostage to force the return of the stolen Gundam by the Titans. Titans Officer Jerid Messa accidentally killed Kamille's mother, unaware of the plan. This contributes to Kamille joining the AEUG. The AEUG eventually launch a full scale attack on the Federation's base at Dakar, leading to a Civil War. Quattro is revealed to be none other than Char Noble and exposes the war crimes committed by the Titans, including the use of chemical weapons on civilians. This leads the Federation to turn on the Titans and support the AEUG in hunting down Jamitov Hymem, the leader of the Titans. The Titans form an alliance with the remains of Zeon, now known as Axis Zeon to take control of the Earth Sphere. Jamitov is assassinated by Jupiter Fleet commander Paptimus Scirocco and a battle breaks out over headquarters of the Titans, now turned into a colony laser. Kamille obtains the mobile suit Z Gundam and kills Scirocco in battle. Kamille suffers mental trauma from the battle and begins to suffer from insanity and lapses in his memory but begins t show signs of recovery. The AEUG and the Federation then begin to work together to defeat Axis Zeon, which is continued in the next series.
Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino wished to keep the dark elements but also include comedy. However there was pressure to do something close to the original Gundam’s tone. He instead transferred most of the comedy towards his other work Ginga Hyoryu Vifam[3].
Omega City 23(1985)
A short 12 episode television series. The series is set in the far future of the 24th Century where Earth has been rendered inhospitable and humanity survives in 23 City ships(inspired by Battle City Megaroad). City 23 is based on Tokyo and is at war with another city, Dezalg. Shogo Yahagi discovers the world he lives in is fake, everyone else has forgotten and believe they are on Earth. Shogo meets an AI named Eve and teams up with her when they become fugitives. The enemy City Delzag also has an AI named ADAM[4].
Maetel no Kagami(1985)
Translated roughly into Maetel’s Mirror. While not intended to be educational. The short film features many facts about space. It premiered at an expo in 1985 and was shown in classrooms to children. Leiji Matsumoto wrote the film and it is his first use of Computer Graphics. It features appearances by many Matsumoto characters such as Maetel and Harlock[5].
The Dagger of Kamui(1985)
A Film directed by Rintaro and made by Studio Madhouse. It is based on a novel series by Moribu Murano, who also did the character designs. The Screenplay was written by More Masaki, who was known for writing the screenplay for Little Boy. The music in the film is primarily excellent. The story is set during the Bakamatsu Period of Japan when the Tokugawa Shogunate was declining in power and goes through the Pre-Meiji Period and Boshin War. The Protagonist is Jiro, a young boy of Japanese and Ainu Descent raised by an innkeeper and his wife. Shinobi kills his adoptive family while he is away and the villagers accuse him of the murders. He escapes with the killer’s dagger, hoping to use it to track the killer. A Buddhist Monk he meets named Tenkai is revealed to be a member of the Shogunate’s secret police and helps him track down and kill his family’s killer but then forces him to burn the village down to leave no witnesses. He then takes Jiro away to train him. One day, Jiro intervenes to save the life of an old man, who invites him to meet his family. The old man recognizes the dagger Jiro has as belonging to a woman named Oyaruru. Jiro meets Oyaruru and discovers she is his birth mother. Jiro’s birth father was a ninja tasked with finding a treasure with directions on the dagger by Tenkai. He went rogue and married Oyaruru. When he was attacked he sent his infant son down a river, where he was found and adopted by the family he knew. Jiro’s father survived but was injured. Tenkai had tricked Jiro into unknowingly killing his own father. He turns on Tenkai and hunts for the treasure but many of his friends and new family including Oyaruru are killed. He arrives in America to find the treasure which turns out to belong to the late Pirate Captain Kidd, meeting Mark Twain. They find the treasure and kill Tenkai only for Jiro to realize its a double. He then uses the treasure to fund the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who Tenkai works for and finally has a final battle with him back in Japan, killing him with the dagger.
Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars(1985)
A parody of Star Wars. The film begins with a planet being attacked and its President evacuating. On Earth, Nobita and Doraemon find a tiny ship with a small alien named Papi inside, who tells them people are after him. They shrink down to his size. After they repel one attack, he explains he is the President of the planet Pirika, which was invaded by the dictator Gilmore. Another attack damages the device they used to shrink, leaving them stuck at that size while fighting alien ships. They fail to prevent Papi from being abducted and are follow after him, where they join the resistance again Gillmore. The final battle turns into a Kaiju fight as the shrink way wears off, restoring Nobita and Doraemon to normal size while Gillmore sends Mechas to fight them. Gillmore is ultimately defeated when the people of Pirika rise up and overthrow him.
Touch(1985-1987)
Touch follows two twin brothers, Tatsuya and Kazuya Usesugi who are childhood friends with the girl next door Minami Asakura. Tatsuya allows his brother to take the spotlight despite being the better athlete, but as they get older he begins to want Minami for himself. When Kazuya is injured Tatsuya takes his place on the Baseball team and begins to follow his brother’s dream of becoming a famous Baseball player.The series ran for 101 episodes and was one of the highest rated television shows in Japan ever. It ranks #9 on most Anime polls.
Dancouga-Super Beast Machine God(1985)
A Super robot series produced by Ashi Productions. It ran for 38 Episodes on TBS and licensed by Central Park Media. The series follows four soldiers who pilot the titular robot against alien invaders called the Muge Zorbados Empire. The Robots do not combine until half way through the series.
Musashi no Ken(1985-1986)
Translated as Musashi’s Sword. Based on the sports manga by Motor Murakami, which focuses on Kendo. The anime consisted of 72 episodes and was created by Eiken. Musashi Natsuka.
Obake no Q-Taro(1985-1987)
A remake of the 1965 Television series, being the series first jump into color as well as polished animation. The series and character had a revitalized interest due to the success of Pac-Man, which it inspired[6].
Onegai! Samia-don(1985-1986)
A 78 Episode based on the 1902 novel Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit. It follows five children who encounter a goblin creature called Psammead.
Bumpety Boo(1985-1986)
A Children’s Television Series 130 10 minute episodes usually distributed in half hour segments. The series follows a boy named Ken and his talking Yellow Car Bumpety Boo, who hatched from an egg. They search for Bumpety Boo’s mother. They encounter other sentient cars along the way.
Phoenix(1985-1986)
An Adaptation of the long running Osamu Tezuka Manga Series, which began in 1954[7].
Magical Emi, the Magic Star(1985-1986)
A Magical Girl series by Studio Pierrot, released as a manga at the same time by Kiyoko Arai. Mai Kazuki comes from a family of magicians. Mai wants to be a magician too but is young and clumsy. A magical fairy named Topo grants her a bracelet which summons a magic wand and possesses a stuffed Flying Squirrel in her possession. Mai begins a magician thanks to her powers, but wants to become talented without them.
Dream Hunter Rem(1985-1992)
A Direct to Video Animation series. It follows Rem Ayanokoji, a “Dream Hunter” who enters dreams to fight demons which cause Nightmares. The first episode was released separately but proved popular enough further episodes were released. This was because the first episode was a Hentai but viewers found the story more interesting than the actual Hentai part and so it became a series with that element removed.
Creamy Mami vs Magical Princess Minky Momo(1985)
A Crossover between the two titular magical girl franchises of 1982’s Magical Princess Minky Momo and 1983’s Creamy Mami. Due to the time which passed You Morisawa, Creamy Mami’s protagonist is now 12 and her transformed form is 18. Momo was hit by a truck and reincarnated in her own series. This television film actually works to Canon weld both series. Saying that since the elderly couple Momo was raised by passed away She was adopted and her memories erased during an attack by a villain, who become the film’s antagonist. This basically means Minky Momo…IS Creamy Mami and Momo’s presence in the story is as a type of ghost/spirit given form via magic. There’s also some argument its a type of split personality given magical form. Fan theories exist trying to connect other magical girls into a “reincarnation Cycle”[8].
Dragonboy(1985-1988)
From the creators of the Arale series and films, who moved onto a new series when Dragonboy became popular[9].
Fanart of the unmade Film(couldn't find artist)
Lupin III: Tower of Babel(1985)
Following the Collapse of Tatsunoko, the rights to Lupin the 3rd were in limbo, leaving the LeBlanc estate to snatch them up like a thief, while claiming the rights were legally theirs. They evidently failed to notice the irony that Maurice LeBlanc himself had worked around copyright when he featured a hastily renamed detective called Herlock Sholmes in one story. They just barely allowed Rintaro to make the Lupin VIII series so long as they saw money from it. They likely wouldn’t have agreed to a Lupin Film had the Gundam Movie not been a success. Hayao Miyazaki was asked, having directed the most successful Lupin stories to date. He considered himself done with the series and refused. He was also working on what would become Princess Mononoke at the time. Miyazaki suggested Mamoru Oshii, who accepted. Oshii had made waves with his film Beautiful Dreamer. There was fear that his story was too surreal but the French rights holders were used to avante grade and so accepted his vision. Art Direction was done by Yoshitaka Amano. Hideaki Anno was also involved in the production.
The story was a far departure from the normal formula, somewhat understandable given the state of the franchise. Lupin the third is old and depressed, having lost his purpose in life. He has stolen everything there was to steal. The gang is still around though Fujiko only interacted with Lupin at the end of the film. Then an architect went insane and began building a massive structure called the Tower of Babel in the middle of Tokyo. He then commits suicide. A message is heard from a girl that seems to be stuck in the tower. Lupin decides to save her. Zenigata is brought in as well. Things begin to get surreal. The Little Girl is the daughter of the architect. He had discovered what appears to be the fossil of an angel which told him to build the Tower to the Heavens. Lupin touches the fossil and realizes he is a fictional character. He steals the Angel Fossil and the tower creates a portal to outside of Lupin’s reality, which the architect intended and committed suicide when he learned the truth. Lupin and his crew, steal the fossil with Zenigata in pursuit and they leap through the portal just as a nuclear blast destroys Tokyo. Lupin does not care about Tokyo as he now views it as not “the real Tokyo”. Symbollically, Lupin’s green jacket is strained with blood, becoming red. Fujiko is left behind and it is revealed that she is pregnant(explaining the existence of Lupin VIII).
The surreal and bizarre ending, which unfortunately alienated many audiences but has been reexamined more and more as time went on. Many fans were angered by Lupin’s turn to villainy, which was only allowed to happen because the franchise seemed to be ending. That moment is unironically listed among the top ten Anime betrayals.The film did not do well with critics and Oshii commented it prevented him from getting work for years afterwards. However it is now considered a highlight of artistic anime and Oshii’s own career.Some have called it a masterpiece. Its production had an impact of Hideaki Anno, who was asked by his friends to seek therapy after being deeply impacted by the negative reception to his writing on the film.
Myazaki himself was surprised by the film’s darkness but called it bold and daring, as well as seeing it as a work of art that broke through the shackles a mainstream character normally had. He also acknowledged that he saw the film’s Lupin as the Mirror Universe of his own Lupin. A Lupin who went horribly wrong. Ironically this new Lupin was closer to the original Manga version. It was almost as if the wish to make Lupin closer to the Manga was made on a Monkey’s Paw[10].
Night on the Galactic Railroad(1985)
A film directed by Gisaburo Sugii and based on the fantasy novel by Kenji Miyazawa(Who was at the time popular for the adaptation of Gauche the cellist, another book he wrote). It as produced by group TAC and released by Nippon Herald Films. The story concerns two children, Giovanni and Campanella, who find themselves on a magic space train. It can be seen as a child friendly version of Galaxy Express 999 or something close in tone to Polar Express in Space[11].
Penguin Memories(1985)
A very somber and poignant film about Mike, a veteran just returning from an analogue to the Vietnam War. He begins to take part in underground fighting while dealing with the trauma of his friend’s deaths and what he saw before meeting a girl and falling in love. Also all the characters are Penguins with designs very similar to the later Club Penguin, which is especially jarring in this story which leans closer to the Deer Hunter in tone. It remains obscure today but can still be found and received a short lived Meme status as “Club Penguin Vietnam”.
Lovely Angels(1985)
Takachiho, following the success of his Crusher Joe series, decided to write a series combining all female wrestling, which he was a fan of, and science fiction.. This is what eventually became Lovely Angels. Light novels featuring the characters by Haruka Takachiho that ran from 1980 to 2018 and included a crossover with the comic character Superman of all things. The series focuses on Kei and Yuri, two members of Trouble Consultant team 234, code named "Lovely Angels". The anime was dubbed in English thanks to David Williams from Sentai Filmworks, who offered to produce an English dub with Seraphim Digital Studios[12].
Cosmo Police Justy(1985)
A series based on the Manga that ran from 1981 to 1984. Justy Kaizard is a police officer who chases down criminal esters. Justy himself is an ester who uses his psychic powers. The criminals use another Esper named Astaris to bring Justy down but betray her after she seems to accomplish her task, leaving both Justy and Astaris stranded and working together to get back and defeat the criminals. The short DVA was released by Studio Pierrot.
Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Last Red Shoulder.
A DVA Film set after the VOTOMS series. Chirico reunited with his old war buddies and together they come up with a plan to get revenge on the sadistic general Pailsen.
Mitsume ga Toru(1985)
Translated as the Three Eyed One. Adapting the story bu Osamu Tezuka. The series follows Hosuke Sharaku, a boy with a third eye which when exposed(it is usually covered up by a bandage), becomes a sadistic magician. The Series was not only an adaptation but a prequel depicting how the hero of the manga became the antagonist seen in The Mighty Atom: Marine Express. It is speculated the series inspired Yu-Gi-Oh due to the similarities between Sharaku and Yami Yugi.
Mujigen Hunter Fandora(1985-1986)
A DVA series by Go Nagai. I follows a bounty hunter girl named Bandora and her shapeshifting assistant Kue as they battle Lovecraftian monsters such as Yog-Sogoth. And criminals allied with them trying to bring them into the world.
Blue Comet SPT Layzner(1985-1986)
A science fiction series created by Sunrise, largely by Tsunehisa Ito and Ryosuke Takahashi. The series in set in 1996 where the Cold War continues despite advanced technology. The UN creates the Cosmic Culture Club on Mars to attempt to negotiate peace. Four Mechas appear and begin to fight each other, killing all but six Culture Club members. The robots are revealed to belong to an alien race Called the Grados who plan on invading Earth in what they see as a preemptive strike as their computers predict humanity will eventually threaten them. A human astronaut, Ken Asuka and his son discover they plan and steal a Mecha to help fight off the invasion.
The show ran for 57 episodes. Sunrise had their american division gain the rights to Blue Comet SPT Layzner. The copies sent were old and faded, ironically giving them a blue tint and a new set was sent over[13].
Ninja Senshi Tobikage(1985-1986)
Produced by Pierrot and airing on Nippon Television.The series is set in the 23rd century where Earth has colonized Mars and the moon, with Mars settlers being mostly convicts and dictator Hazzard Pascha running Mars as a dictator. A teenager named Joe Maya discovers a robot while hiding from the dictator and activates it, where it is revealed to be named Black Lion. His friends Mike and Jenny also join in piloting Mechas, which were created by an alien race to defeat an invading army now attacking Earth[14].
GeGeGe no Kitaro(1985-1988)
A remake of the 1968 anime series. Now in color for the first time.
High School! Kimengumi(1985-1987)
Translated as “High School! Funny Face Club. Based on the manga by Motoei Shinzawa that ran from 1980 to 1982. The series follows the adventures of a group of misfits who are part of the Kimengumi school club.
Button Nose(1985-1986)
Animated by Topcraft and produced by Sanrio. Button Nose is a little girl who meets aliens. She ends being brought on a ship to their home planet and in a series of comedic events, ends up becoming ruler of the planet, which operates like a Kingdom.
Fight! Iczer One!(1985-1987)
Based on the 1983 horror and Yuri manga published in the Hentai Magazine Lemon People. It was adapted into three DVAs directed by Toshihiro Hirano. The story features much body horror. Earth is attacked by aliens called the Cthulhu, who use parasitic creatures called Vedims to infect humanity. Their original plan is to gradually takeover Earth by infecting more and more people secretly but the robot Iczer-1 attacks the infected Vedim publicly, exposing their existence and leading to a full scale invasion. Iczer-1 searches for a potential pilot and finds Japanese schoolgirl Nagisa Kano, which leads the aliens to attempt to assassinate her by turning her friends and family into parasite controlled monsters. The Cthulhu launch their own mechanical called Delos Theta, with a pilot named Cobalt that begins causing worldwide destruction to lure out Iczer-1 into a fight. The death of Nagisa’s parents fueled her into fighting and killing Cobalt. The Cthulhu then build another mecha Iczer-2 with Cobalt’s lover Sepia as its pilot. The continuing War with the Cthulhu turns Earth into a post apocalyptic wasteland. Nagisa is abducted and brainwashed, being forced to use Iczer-2 after she killed the previous pilot. Iczer-1 is forced to kill her but her spirit merges with Iczer-1 for the final battle. It is revealed that Iczer-1 was created to find a new home for the Cthulhu as their world was destroyed but the antagonist Big Gold corrupted this using a wish granting machine. Iczer-1 uses this machine and undoes the events of the movie to guide the Cthulhu away from Earth. Nagisa therefore remains a schoolgirl who only briefly runs into Iczer-1.
Hai Step Jun(1985)
A comedic manga adapted by Toei in a 45 episode series. It follows a young child prodigy named Jun who creates inventions. She falls in love with a bad boy named Rea Kano. Jun in particular was inspired by Arale, being a combination of the scientist and the android herself.
A Journey through Fairyland(1985)
A Film by Sanrio, known for dark children’s films such as Sea Prince and the Fire Child and Ringing Bell. Celebrity Home Entertainment brought it to America. It Is compared much to Disney’s Fantasia. It follows a boy named Michael who plays the Oboe, who falls asleep and dreams of a Flower fairy named Florence, who takes him on a magical adventure, told via the use of classical music set to animation with almost no dialogue.
Spring Wonder(1985-1986)
Based on a manga by Izumi Matsumoto which ran from 1984 to 1987. The series follows a love triangle about a teenage Esper. It was broadcast on Nippon Television and made by Studio Pierrot and Toho. Spring Wonder proved to be highly influential and sold over 20 million copies. It influenced the Shonen romantic Comedy genre with the character of Madoka being seen as the first case of the Tsundere character archetype. The Christmas Episode of the series also used the “Stuck in a time Loop” plot as seen in Beautiful Dreamer[15].
What’s Michael?(1985-1986)
A Manga created by Makoto Kobayashi, which won the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1986 and ran from 1984 to 1989. The protagonist is an American Tabby Cat who has adventures with other house cats.
Fire Tripper(1985)
A Magna by Rumiko Takahashi(known for Urusei Yatsura). It is a short story and was made into a DVA. The protagonist is a school girl named Suzuki who recalls being trapped in a burning house when she was little but little else. She also hears of a young boy named Shuhei who recently. had to have his appendix removed. A gas main explosion occurs and both Suzuki and Shuhei are caught in it. Suzuki is then somehow transported to civil war era Japan and is nearly raped but a young man named Shukumaru saves her. He takes he rot the village and introduces his little sister Suzu. He also intends to marry her. Suzuki find thing belonging to a neighbor kid named Shuhei and begins to search for him. Sh eventually realizes she is from the past and that she was actually Suzu, calling off the marriage to Shukumaru due to disgust for the incest. Suzu is trapped in a burning house and vanishes, being transported to the future with no memories and becoming Suzuki(having a vague recollection of her original name) and she is adopted. Shukumaru is then injured in an attack and she is able to take him to the present to have his injuries treated. Shukumaru realizes that his injuries are the same as Shuhei’s after he leaves the hospital and that Shukumaru is in fact Shuhei due to having the same scar from when he had his Appendix removed. Shuhei went through a similar experience like her but reversed. He was brought from the present to the past and lost his memories, being adopted and effectively becoming Shukumaru. This means the two aren’t related. They then willingly return to the past, which is shown as them walking towards a white light. A common interpretation of the story is the two are in a type of afterlife and the experience is to help them move on.
Vampire Hunter D(1985)
A Fantasy Horror produced by Sony and Ashi Productions. Based on the light novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi, which began in 1983. It is a Dark Future science fiction romance set 12,090 AD after a post apocalyptic event caused by nuclear war. A young girl named Doris Lang hires a half vampire for protection from a Vampire Lord. Her father was a hunter and she was bitten by the Count Magnus Lee, the vampire Lord. The hunter, simply named D promises to kill the Count before Doris fully turns but she is imprisoned by the village just in case. D struggles to slay Lee’s Minions. In the finale, Count Magnus Lee discovers that D is the son of the famed Vampire Count Dracula before he is killed. Doris is freed from her curse and says goodbye to D.
The film has music by Michael and Janet Jackson. It followed a style similar to Hammer Horror films. Yoshitaka Amano, illustrator for the novels, worked to adapt the illustrations faithfully to the screen[16].
Butterflied Away:
Siegi Choujin vs Ancient Choujin-A Kinnikuman movie. Butterflied away as the plot of the characters taking a vacation was deemed not a fitting premise for a while film. In contrast to the previous film which had greater stakes.
The Time Etranger- A Surrealistic GoShogun sequel. ITTL it was cancelled because it was deemed too surreal and not really having anything to do with the GoShogun franchise, with the robot appearing only once. Admittedly I considered pulling a “Beautiful Dreamer” and making it its own film, but…well I already did that.
Allen Rose-The first Anime has been Butterflied away due to Tatsunoko’s closing. The Manga it adapts however still exists. It just hasn’t been adapted yet.
Dr. Slump and Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The City of Dreams, Mechapolis- The Team is working on adapting Dragonboy instead, which was released one year before OTL’s Dragonball. When Dragonball started its anime adaptation all the Dr.Slump films stopped being made until the 1990’s. Here this has happened earlier.
Odin: Photon Sailer Starlight-Butterflied Away. It was created to capitalize on Space Battleship Yamato’s popularity, which ended OTL with the movie Final Yamato in 1983. ITTL the franchise ended in 1981, meaning the film is not put into production.
Twinkle Nora Rock Me!-A sequel to the second OVA Adaptation of Nova released the same year. Was largely forgotten until it resurfaced online where its bad quality made it meme potential. Does not exist ITTL due to the studio pulling the plug upon seeing the bad animation and also Cosmo Police Justy being released with a similar plot, leaving it unfinished. Just for fun. Below is some clips from it.
Angel’s Egg- Butterflied away as Oshii worked on Lupin the Third instead and incorporated his ideas for this film into that film.
Notes
[1] Recall that the OTL second Urusei Yatsura film Beautiful Dreamer was turned into its own thing for being too different ITTL. Making the OTl Film 3 the second Film instead after a delay. Another change is the film’s plot, as the original was not a parody of Macross: Do you Remember Love? Though the title is the same.
[2] Area 88 was released as A direct to video trilogy OTL while as a show proper here. The 1985 Anime had a more ambiguous situation where Shin escapes but willingly decides to go back and his fate is left uncertain.
[3] One of the things removed from TTL’s Zeta Gundam is the scene of protagonist Kamille being Mind Raped by the Big Bad, which averts his mental trauma, meaning Kamille survives the battle in much better shape. OTL Kamille's inspiration was inspired by Auguste Rodin, an artist who went insane and took his own life, that incident did not happen ITTL. The Axis also don't quietly pack up and leaving but continue fighting before retreating when they begin to lose.
[4]Known OTL as Magazine 23. Omega City 23 was the working title. Cemented here due to Battle City Megaroad being popular. Intended to be a 12 part TV Show OTL but extended into direct to video instead. The plot has been compared to The Matrix, Dark City and Existenz, which came later.
[5] Known as Arei no Kagami OTL. Why the change? Well due to several cancellations and Matsumoto not being involved with Space Battleship Yamato as much ITTL. He’s fallen on harder times, especially with Gundam stealing his thunder. While he made an educational style video at this time OTL. Here he’s more in need of a job sadly, hence the more recognizable characters appearing, which will give him a little boost as kids seek out Maetel and Harlock after watching the film.
[6] This was actually the third series of Obake-no Q-Taro. I butterflied away the second since I preferred to have at least a ten year gap before a franchise gets remade, making this this the second.
[7] While having already received a film. Phoenix is an anthology series and so there is much more story to tell. Replaces the OVA Film Lunn Flies into the Wind. A Butterfly of this show existing is Tezuka is currently working on completing the Phoenix Manga series, meaning unlike OTL, he will complete it before his death.
[8] Creamy Mami and Minky Momo did have a short film crossover released as a OVA. Here it's a television special.
[9] OTL Dragonball was released in 1984, the prototype Dragonboy was released in 1983. OTL Dragonball was adapted in 1986, two years after Dragonball was released(though it continued into Dragonball Z OTL). Naturally an anime adaptation of Dragonboy comes along in 1985. Lasting the same as the OTL Length it will end in 1988 and get an immediate sequel as TTL’s Dragonball Equivalent Dragon Man(since the protagonist is no longer a boy). Since the Toriyama team has moved on a year earlier, this butterflies away the last few Dr.Slump films.
[10]OTL this idea was deemed too surreal and cancelled. Being replaced by the Lupin Film The Legend of the Gold of Babylon. Though Jacob’s Ladder would be a better name and parallel for it. Oshii would use ideas from this in both Angel’s Egg, likely the closest OTL equivalent to this idea, and Patlabor. Neither existing ITTL because this film was greenlit. Anno evidently did work on the film in some capacity and the ending has shades of Evangelion. The reception to the Ending of Lupin, Space Runaway Ideon having a more hopeful ending and him seeking therapy will all contribute to Evangelion getting a different ending.
[11] OTL the film made the main characters talking cats which they were not in the novel. Not the case here
[12] Known as Dirty Pair OTL(meant to refer to Dirty Harry or to the Dirty Dozen and not intended to be taken in a sexual manner). The name change comes form random butterflies. British Author A.Bertram Chandler saw the Lovely Pair, a team of female wrestlers perform while he was in Japan with Takachicho, Yuri Tanaka and Keiko Otoguro and a dirty joke made by the people he was with led him to call the two people who made the joke “The Dirty Pair” and the name stuck. Without that specific person making that specific joke and those specific wrestlers that specific night. The name Lovely Angels comes about, based on Charlie’s Angels, instead.
Also the Superman/ Dirty Pair crossover was indeed planned OTL but cancelled.
[13] OTL the show was cut short 2/3rds of the way through. The Blue Tint when it was sent for American distribution actually prevented its release in the US while ITTL backups saves it.
[14] The main robot was called Cybertron OTL but ITTL Toe is releasing a Japanese dub of Transformers and the name was changed to the already in the show Black Lion to avoid copyright problems.
[15] OTL Shonen rejected Matsumoto’s Spring Wonder and he reworked it several times into Kimagure Orange Road. Hence why there is a lack of a clear plot synopsis as the plot likely changed much from the original Spring Wonder.
[16] An Animated film released as an OVA OTL. I decided to make it Live Action just for fun and because at least one live action movie would follow a Live Action Gundam film but since it takes about a year to make a film, not many would immediately spring up. The film ITTL would be seen as cheesy shlock but fun Shlock. The closest equivalent is essentially OTL’s 2004 film Van Helsing but made in the 1980’s.
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She looks like Lilith from the Owl House.
Princess Sara(1985)
A little yeah.It's the combination of green with black hair.
And The Lovely Angels have hairs that resemble Dawn and Zoey from Pokemon coincidentally
Anyways, another great post, I love how the "top 10 anime betrayals" its a line used unironically IITL. And true, the wish for a closer to the manga Lupin seemed to be a wish made on a monkey paw...or a monkey punch rather?
Someone had to make that Pun...ch and it couldn't be me because technically it doesn't exist iTTL as the author hates the name and got saddled with it against his will when Lupin became a mega hit. And now Lupin has basically become Deadpool from Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe.
The question is - how did it happen, because it seems like both series were released by different studios. And shouldn't the name be changed? Given that this is perhaps a more complete project.
Studio Pierrot produced both and the title is slightly different without “the long goodbye” portion it had OTL.
And what prevents OVA Long Goodbye?
(Sorry - this franchise is poorly represented in my country)
It becomes a full special. The aforementioned creamy Mami vs Minky Momo.
Maybe you could do a post involving an American continuation of doctor who
Not for awhile but an American version does exist. I’m holding off on it because so far it’s basically Lord Vetinari’s version at least so far with some of the same actors and is subject to change as shifting from year to year means some actors may become unavailable.
This far here are my notes.
-1989: Robert De Niro plays Sal the pizza owner in Do the Right Thing while in OTL he was busy.
-1992: Malcolm X is still made with Denzel Washington but it’s subject matter is different due to the titular real world figure having died recently at the time. While the film did get support from many black celebrities unlike OTL Warner Bros did not prevent Spike Lee from the editing the script for Space Jam. Touching up that film. Though said film stars Michael Jackson ITTL due to no controversies surrounding him. He was the OTL choice.
-42. long in production was released in 1997. The anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier. Directed by Spike Lee(OTL he left due to creative differences) and his choice Denzel Washington.
-1998. Kobe Bryant playing Jesus Scuttleworth in He Got Game. OTL he began to slip in the NBA season and dropped out to improve.
-1999.Summer of Sam with the swapped roles of Jennifer Esposito as Dionna and Sarah Michelle Gellar as Ruby.
-2002. 25th Hour with a different plot due to an attempted but unsuccessful 9/11 attack. Tobey Maguire plays the leads role which he wanted to do had he not been pulled into doing Spider-Man.
-2004Get on Up. A James Brown Biopic is released in place of She Hate Me. Like 42 it was an OTL project stalled but had Spike Lee attached.
-Save Me Joe Louis, is released in 2006 as Inside Man is done by Ron Howard. The original Director, who OTL jumped ship to do Cinderella Man when Russel Crowe asked him. He still accepts but that film is delayed. Since Spike Lee only became interested in the film after reading a rewrite done after Howard left he never became interested. it did however get a sequel in 2009.
In Save Me, Joe Louis, Terrance Howard plays Joe while Arnold Schwarzenegger plays rival German boxer Max Schmeling.
2008. miracle at St.Anna is released.
2010.Selling Time, a supernatural thriller by Fox which Lee directed that starred Tom Cruise.
2012. Time Traveller. Based on Ronald Mallet’s memoir. Replaces Red Hook Summer.
2014. LA Riots is released in place of the Old Boy remake. That film was adapted by director Justin Lin with Will Smith starring.
2015. Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.
2018. Now the Hell will Start. Based on a novel on hunting world war 2 war criminals in the Burmese Jungle.
this delays Black KKKlansman which is still made.
from his OTL filmography he does not make Da 5 Bloods as that was to be an Oliver Stone film called the Tour.
He has other films that may be made or swapped out.
Brooklyn loves Michael Jackson(with a different plot as Jackson is less controversial)
Da Brick. An HBO show starring John Boyega as a young Mike Tyson. Lee was to direct the pilot but it was canceled. ITTL it is greenlit.
a thriller OTL called Nagasaki deadline. May be renamed ITTL.
a Marion Barry biopic starring Eddie Murphy.
A Porgy and Bess remake.
Spinning Gold. A Neil Bogart biopic starring Justin Timberlake.
Enter the Dragon Remake.
While OTL Lee was interested in Sony’s plan to make a film on obscure character Nightwatch. It is not the case ITTL. Instead there’s a rumor going around he might be doing a Spawn movie. Bode being another rumor.
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I’m guessing Bamboozled doesn’t exist ITTL due to the previous posts talking about blackface and sterotypes?
Possibly. Some of his other films may change since they are biographical. Such as Michael Jackson being still alive possibly meaning he doesn’t want to do a movie about him as the context would be different if the subject is still alive.
1986 in Anime
1986 in Anime
In the News
(The following News has been translated from Japanese to English and some things may have been lost in translation or tweaked a bit to seem more natural)
“Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino has announced his desire to take a one year break from the series. He admitted to feeling an urge to add comedy to deal with the depression working on the series has caused him. Tomino stated that anything he could create just “Wouldn’t be Gundam” and admitted his decision was partly based on the negative reception to the Live Action Gundam film’s inclusion of comedy. This will delay the next Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ[1].
Speaking of Delays, the sequel to the live action Gundam is facing cancellation due to its mixed reception.The Screenwriter Chip Poster was quoted as saying “Part of the plot is Char’s role as the main antagonist in the Anime. The film has Char being brainwashed. We can’t be faithful to the rest of the series without making him evil, but doing that would be a betrayal, making the first film’s whole plot of freeing him pointless, and we just don’t want to do that.”
“Tsuchida Productions has vowed that they will continue adapting the Captain Tsubasa Series until its conclusion”[2].
“Osamu Tezuka insists he will finish Phoenix or die trying.”
Compilation Movies Released
Panzer World Galient
Touch[3].
Dancouga-Super Beast Machine God
High School! Kimengumi
Blue Comet SPT Layzner
Heavy Metal L-Gaim
New Robotan(1986)
A Color remake of the 1966 Robot series by Tokyo Movie Shinsha about a boy and the robot he made. It aired 33 episodes on Yomuiri television.
Uchusen Sagittarius(1986-1987)
The series is set in what appears to be the not too distant future, as while there is future technology such as interstellar travel and laser weapons, the Internet doesn’t seem to exist(as it was barely a thing when the show came out) and floppy disks are used. The story follows the adventures of the crew of a spaceship called the Sagittarius. The cast are talking animals and the episodes usually had a moral to them such as showcasing the negative effects of war, the cruelty of slavery and the need to protect endangers Species(which due to the cast being animals, some characters actually are).
The Story of Pollyanna, Girl of Love(1986)
The annual installment in the World Masterpiece Theater series by Nippon Animation. The series adapts the character of Pollyanna, known for remaining an optimist no matter what horrible things happen to her and follows the plot of the 1913 book and its 1915 sequel Pollyanna grows up by Eleanor H.Porter.
Maple Town(1986-1987)
A Series directed by Junichi Sato and animated by Toei Animation. The series proved popular in the US as well with collectible figurines of its animal characters being made which had changeable clothes, Toys made due to Tonka obtaining the rights. Another notable talent on the project was Kunihiko Ikuhara, who would work with Sato on Sailor Moon. Saban Entertainment handles the distribution of the show itself though Tonka provided actress Karen Hartman to play Mrs. Maple, the narrator of the stories in a storybook format and the only character to appear live action. It aired on Nickelodeon before moving to the Family Channel. The Children characters were voiced by Canadian children who would become future voice actresses including Tara Charendoff and Lisa Yamanaka.
GeGeGe no Kitaro: Cherry Tree(1986)
Originally written as a Urusei Yatsura script. It was rejected due to the fear that it wouldn’t quite fit for the series. The script was tossed around until it was picked up and turned into a movie in the GeGeGe no Kitaro series. This script involved the filming of a slasher style horror movie which comes to town and is based on Kitaro’s exploits with Kitaro himself(who is ageless) getting a minor role in the film, which depicts Kitaro as its monster. The Director chops down a cursed cherry tree despite warnings and soon there are curses on the film crew and an actual slasher style murder spree begins with Kitaro rushing to stop the killing. Notable scenes include the Cherry tree leaking what is soon confirmed by one of the characters tasting the substance to be blood, and the common gag of someone mistaking the actual Kitaro for someone in bad makeup[4].
Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol(1986)
A Magical Girl series by Studio Pierrot that was simultaneously released as a manga by Kiyoko Arai. Yumi Hanazono is a young girl who wishes to become an artist and is given the power to bring anything she draws to life.
Fanart by Bennyby
Fist of the North Star(1986)
A Live Action film adaptation of the manga starring Bruce Lee as Kenshiro Kasumi. The film like most from the era is somewhat cheap by modern standards. Kenshiro’s fiancee Yuki is taken from him by his former friend Shin, who has betrayed their school for their rival the Taizanji Kenpo. Shin leaves seven wounds in Kenshiro’s chest and leaves him for dead. Kenshiro’s brother in training sees this and confronts their master, claiming that choosing Kenshiro as his successor was a mistake before fighting and killing their master. One year later, Kenshiro still searches and rescues a group of orphans as well as defeating a former fellow student named jag, who reveals he knows where Shin is. Shin now leads Taizanji Kenpo and is at war with a rival Dojo led by Roah, who calls himself god Emperor. Kenshiro arrives to find Taizanji Kenpo destroyed and Shin alive but wounded. After a fight in which Kenshiro wins, Shin’s dying act is to reveal Roah took Yuki. Kenshiro is able to save Yuki but the death of his orphan companion Rei spurs him to fight Roah in a duel he just barely wins but destroys the city in the process. The film received mixed reviews upon release but was still a success. It is John Cena’s personal favorite film[5].
Hades(1986)
A Film based on the Manga which ran from 1979 to 1984. The Manga and story were based on Zagreus, a figure in greek mythology sometimes linked to Hades. Others state he is the son of Zeus and Persephone. This was often justified in tales saying Zagreus was conceived while Hades impersonated Zeus. The plot of the Manga and Film are that Zagreus is trapped in Hell and seeks to escape, fighting his way out, battling tougher and tougher opponents as he climbs the areas, encountering various figures from Greek Mythology and stopping to help them. He believes Zeus is his father and wishes to confront and kill him but it is later revealed Hades is his true father(As in greek mythology Hades refers to both the god and the Underworld). The Series was largely forgotten following its release and as a result slipped into public domain quietly. Because of this, the rights were scooped up by a Video Game company and it was rebooted as the plot lent itself well to a Video Game[6].
Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Soldiers(1986)
Written by Fujiko F.Fujio and Yoshiyuki Tomino. The film is a parody of Mecha franchises such as Gundam and Energer. It clashed with an unofficial Bootleg version called Doraemon: Robot Wars made In China by Wang Film Productions, which was released three years earlier. When news of the film became known the Chinese Bootlegs flooded the market, leading to many American distributors airing that film instead. The actual film was directed by Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, who was working on his comedy at the time while taking a break and learned of this project, becoming involved but having most of his darker ideas toned down. The film begins with Nobita and Doraemon stumbling onto a Giant robot film set and Nobita wishing for one but Doraemon refusing. Nobita is approaching by a floating sphere spitting out parts of a giant robot. The pieces appear in separate areas, leading to a sequence of finding all the robot parts across town. When Nobita meets with Doraemon again he reveals he didn’t summon the robot and Nobita called it Zanda Claus, believing it was a gift from Santa Claus. When the robot is built it goes berserk and destroys a building, resulting in Nobita’s group sending the robot back to where it came from. While thinking it was over, the Sphere shoots into the sky and a girl named Lilulu confronts Nobita claiming to be the robot’s owner. Nobita begins repairing the damaged robot while shooting stars begin to appear(and have been appearing throughout the film, often in the background). Nobita follows one and discovers that Lilulu is an android and has been summoning giant robots just like Zanda Claus to invade Earth. They are revealed to be robots from the planet Mechatopia, who exterminated all life on that planet. The group confront Lilulu and manage to damage the android. Doraemon destroys several robots but more are coming and Lilulu is reprogramed, but believed they are human, struggling with a newfound friendship with Nobita and friends. Lilulu eventually escapes to the army followed by the others and they are surprised when she tries to deactivate them but they don’t listen, being entirely sentient. Doraemon and Nobita come up with a plan and use the time machine to meet the creators of the machines on Mechatopia, who is shocked to learn what he causes, but cannot unmake them due to the potential time paradox. He instead decides to install a kill switch, allowing Doraemon and Nobita to shut them down in the present as they are invading Earth, though this takes time and Zanda Claus fights the Robot army before the process is complete. The creator of the robots goes against the wishes of the group and reprograms them from the beginning, causing the entire robot army to disappear, including Lilulu, who says a tear felt goodbye before vanishing. This resets everything so that the entire film never happened. Shortly after Nobita wishes for a robot after seeing the film set, they briefly run into Lilulu, who they don’t recognize but may have recognized them and is last seen floating in space, presumably watching over Earth due to the creator of the robots rewiring them to be peaceful.
Prefectural Earth Defense Force(1986)
A DVA based on the Manga by Koichiro Yasunaga that ran from 1983 to 1985. The series main antagonists were an evil secret society known as the Telephone Pole Gang who were planning on taking over the world but started with one prefecture. A team led by High School students and teachers form the Prefectural Earth Defense Force to oppose them. They were joined by a cyborg transfer student from India, who was their most effective member.
Maison Ikkoku(1986-1988)
A series by Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Urusei Yatsura. Takahashi worked on both simultaneously and Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987. Compared to Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku or Ikkoku House, was a romantic comedy revolving around a group of people living in a boarding house in 1980’s Tokyo. It focuses on the relationship between poor student Yusaku Godai and young widowed house manager Kyoko Otanashi. It was adapted by Studio Deen and ran on Fuji TV. The events of the series occur in real time, including the development of the relationship.
Silver Fang-The Shooting Star-Gin(1986)
Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Takahashi which ran from 1983 to 1987 and winner of the 1987 Shogakukan Manga Award. It follows an Akita Inu Pup called Gin(Silver in English), who leaves his owner and joins a pack of wild dogs in battle a massive Bear named Akakabuto(Red Helmet in English). The series was seen as violent and was limited to a DVA release rather than risk edits which would have removed important plot related deaths. The series was produced by TV Asahi and Toei Animation with Tomoharu Katsumata as series director.
Bacteria Rangers(1986)
Based on characters who appeared in the 1963 Mighty Atom show, themselves based on the film Fantastic Voyage. The Bacteria Ranges shrank themselves down to battle disease in the human body. It was produced by Mushi Productions and aired on the Tokyo Broadcasting System. It was directed by Tetsuo Dezaki. Scholars in the field of Medicine and Science oversaw the production for accuracy. Osamu Tezuka made appearances in live action segments to explain the real science, being a Doctor himself. One episode focusing on Stomach Cancer would lead to Tezuka discovering he himself had the disease. Rumors that he discovered this live while filming have been proven false[7].In the News
(The following News has been translated from Japanese to English and some things may have been lost in translation or tweaked a bit to seem more natural)
“Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino has announced his desire to take a one year break from the series. He admitted to feeling an urge to add comedy to deal with the depression working on the series has caused him. Tomino stated that anything he could create just “Wouldn’t be Gundam” and admitted his decision was partly based on the negative reception to the Live Action Gundam film’s inclusion of comedy. This will delay the next Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ[1].
Speaking of Delays, the sequel to the live action Gundam is facing cancellation due to its mixed reception.The Screenwriter Chip Poster was quoted as saying “Part of the plot is Char’s role as the main antagonist in the Anime. The film has Char being brainwashed. We can’t be faithful to the rest of the series without making him evil, but doing that would be a betrayal, making the first film’s whole plot of freeing him pointless, and we just don’t want to do that.”
“Tsuchida Productions has vowed that they will continue adapting the Captain Tsubasa Series until its conclusion”[2].
“Osamu Tezuka insists he will finish Phoenix or die trying.”
Compilation Movies Released
Panzer World Galient
Touch[3].
Dancouga-Super Beast Machine God
High School! Kimengumi
Blue Comet SPT Layzner
Heavy Metal L-Gaim
New Robotan(1986)
A Color remake of the 1966 Robot series by Tokyo Movie Shinsha about a boy and the robot he made. It aired 33 episodes on Yomuiri television.
Uchusen Sagittarius(1986-1987)
The series is set in what appears to be the not too distant future, as while there is future technology such as interstellar travel and laser weapons, the Internet doesn’t seem to exist(as it was barely a thing when the show came out) and floppy disks are used. The story follows the adventures of the crew of a spaceship called the Sagittarius. The cast are talking animals and the episodes usually had a moral to them such as showcasing the negative effects of war, the cruelty of slavery and the need to protect endangers Species(which due to the cast being animals, some characters actually are).
The Story of Pollyanna, Girl of Love(1986)
The annual installment in the World Masterpiece Theater series by Nippon Animation. The series adapts the character of Pollyanna, known for remaining an optimist no matter what horrible things happen to her and follows the plot of the 1913 book and its 1915 sequel Pollyanna grows up by Eleanor H.Porter.
Maple Town(1986-1987)
A Series directed by Junichi Sato and animated by Toei Animation. The series proved popular in the US as well with collectible figurines of its animal characters being made which had changeable clothes, Toys made due to Tonka obtaining the rights. Another notable talent on the project was Kunihiko Ikuhara, who would work with Sato on Sailor Moon. Saban Entertainment handles the distribution of the show itself though Tonka provided actress Karen Hartman to play Mrs. Maple, the narrator of the stories in a storybook format and the only character to appear live action. It aired on Nickelodeon before moving to the Family Channel. The Children characters were voiced by Canadian children who would become future voice actresses including Tara Charendoff and Lisa Yamanaka.
GeGeGe no Kitaro: Cherry Tree(1986)
Originally written as a Urusei Yatsura script. It was rejected due to the fear that it wouldn’t quite fit for the series. The script was tossed around until it was picked up and turned into a movie in the GeGeGe no Kitaro series. This script involved the filming of a slasher style horror movie which comes to town and is based on Kitaro’s exploits with Kitaro himself(who is ageless) getting a minor role in the film, which depicts Kitaro as its monster. The Director chops down a cursed cherry tree despite warnings and soon there are curses on the film crew and an actual slasher style murder spree begins with Kitaro rushing to stop the killing. Notable scenes include the Cherry tree leaking what is soon confirmed by one of the characters tasting the substance to be blood, and the common gag of someone mistaking the actual Kitaro for someone in bad makeup[4].
Pastel Yumi, the Magic Idol(1986)
A Magical Girl series by Studio Pierrot that was simultaneously released as a manga by Kiyoko Arai. Yumi Hanazono is a young girl who wishes to become an artist and is given the power to bring anything she draws to life.
Fanart by Bennyby
Fist of the North Star(1986)
A Live Action film adaptation of the manga starring Bruce Lee as Kenshiro Kasumi. The film like most from the era is somewhat cheap by modern standards. Kenshiro’s fiancee Yuki is taken from him by his former friend Shin, who has betrayed their school for their rival the Taizanji Kenpo. Shin leaves seven wounds in Kenshiro’s chest and leaves him for dead. Kenshiro’s brother in training sees this and confronts their master, claiming that choosing Kenshiro as his successor was a mistake before fighting and killing their master. One year later, Kenshiro still searches and rescues a group of orphans as well as defeating a former fellow student named jag, who reveals he knows where Shin is. Shin now leads Taizanji Kenpo and is at war with a rival Dojo led by Roah, who calls himself god Emperor. Kenshiro arrives to find Taizanji Kenpo destroyed and Shin alive but wounded. After a fight in which Kenshiro wins, Shin’s dying act is to reveal Roah took Yuki. Kenshiro is able to save Yuki but the death of his orphan companion Rei spurs him to fight Roah in a duel he just barely wins but destroys the city in the process. The film received mixed reviews upon release but was still a success. It is John Cena’s personal favorite film[5].
Hades(1986)
A Film based on the Manga which ran from 1979 to 1984. The Manga and story were based on Zagreus, a figure in greek mythology sometimes linked to Hades. Others state he is the son of Zeus and Persephone. This was often justified in tales saying Zagreus was conceived while Hades impersonated Zeus. The plot of the Manga and Film are that Zagreus is trapped in Hell and seeks to escape, fighting his way out, battling tougher and tougher opponents as he climbs the areas, encountering various figures from Greek Mythology and stopping to help them. He believes Zeus is his father and wishes to confront and kill him but it is later revealed Hades is his true father(As in greek mythology Hades refers to both the god and the Underworld). The Series was largely forgotten following its release and as a result slipped into public domain quietly. Because of this, the rights were scooped up by a Video Game company and it was rebooted as the plot lent itself well to a Video Game[6].
Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Soldiers(1986)
Written by Fujiko F.Fujio and Yoshiyuki Tomino. The film is a parody of Mecha franchises such as Gundam and Energer. It clashed with an unofficial Bootleg version called Doraemon: Robot Wars made In China by Wang Film Productions, which was released three years earlier. When news of the film became known the Chinese Bootlegs flooded the market, leading to many American distributors airing that film instead. The actual film was directed by Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, who was working on his comedy at the time while taking a break and learned of this project, becoming involved but having most of his darker ideas toned down. The film begins with Nobita and Doraemon stumbling onto a Giant robot film set and Nobita wishing for one but Doraemon refusing. Nobita is approaching by a floating sphere spitting out parts of a giant robot. The pieces appear in separate areas, leading to a sequence of finding all the robot parts across town. When Nobita meets with Doraemon again he reveals he didn’t summon the robot and Nobita called it Zanda Claus, believing it was a gift from Santa Claus. When the robot is built it goes berserk and destroys a building, resulting in Nobita’s group sending the robot back to where it came from. While thinking it was over, the Sphere shoots into the sky and a girl named Lilulu confronts Nobita claiming to be the robot’s owner. Nobita begins repairing the damaged robot while shooting stars begin to appear(and have been appearing throughout the film, often in the background). Nobita follows one and discovers that Lilulu is an android and has been summoning giant robots just like Zanda Claus to invade Earth. They are revealed to be robots from the planet Mechatopia, who exterminated all life on that planet. The group confront Lilulu and manage to damage the android. Doraemon destroys several robots but more are coming and Lilulu is reprogramed, but believed they are human, struggling with a newfound friendship with Nobita and friends. Lilulu eventually escapes to the army followed by the others and they are surprised when she tries to deactivate them but they don’t listen, being entirely sentient. Doraemon and Nobita come up with a plan and use the time machine to meet the creators of the machines on Mechatopia, who is shocked to learn what he causes, but cannot unmake them due to the potential time paradox. He instead decides to install a kill switch, allowing Doraemon and Nobita to shut them down in the present as they are invading Earth, though this takes time and Zanda Claus fights the Robot army before the process is complete. The creator of the robots goes against the wishes of the group and reprograms them from the beginning, causing the entire robot army to disappear, including Lilulu, who says a tear felt goodbye before vanishing. This resets everything so that the entire film never happened. Shortly after Nobita wishes for a robot after seeing the film set, they briefly run into Lilulu, who they don’t recognize but may have recognized them and is last seen floating in space, presumably watching over Earth due to the creator of the robots rewiring them to be peaceful.
Prefectural Earth Defense Force(1986)
A DVA based on the Manga by Koichiro Yasunaga that ran from 1983 to 1985. The series main antagonists were an evil secret society known as the Telephone Pole Gang who were planning on taking over the world but started with one prefecture. A team led by High School students and teachers form the Prefectural Earth Defense Force to oppose them. They were joined by a cyborg transfer student from India, who was their most effective member.
Maison Ikkoku(1986-1988)
A series by Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Urusei Yatsura. Takahashi worked on both simultaneously and Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987. Compared to Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku or Ikkoku House, was a romantic comedy revolving around a group of people living in a boarding house in 1980’s Tokyo. It focuses on the relationship between poor student Yusaku Godai and young widowed house manager Kyoko Otanashi. It was adapted by Studio Deen and ran on Fuji TV. The events of the series occur in real time, including the development of the relationship.
Silver Fang-The Shooting Star-Gin(1986)
Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Takahashi which ran from 1983 to 1987 and winner of the 1987 Shogakukan Manga Award. It follows an Akita Inu Pup called Gin(Silver in English), who leaves his owner and joins a pack of wild dogs in battle a massive Bear named Akakabuto(Red Helmet in English). The series was seen as violent and was limited to a DVA release rather than risk edits which would have removed important plot related deaths. The series was produced by TV Asahi and Toei Animation with Tomoharu Katsumata as series director.
Bacteria Rangers(1986)
Japan Masterpiece Theater(1986)
As how Airing on NTV intended as a counterpart to World Masterpiece Theatre, focusing on Japanese stories. It aired in the 7-7:30pm time slot from April to December. It was sponsored by Sumitomi Life insurance[8].
Saint Elmo-Hikari no Raihousha(1986)
Translated as Saint Elmo-Apostle of Light. A 65 minute television special with a limited release in the Kansai Region network Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation to celebrate the Kensai Electric Power Company’s 30th anniversary. Leiji Matsumoto worked on the series and it is seen as further evidence of his decline. The short film follows on a solar power plant called Saint Elmo on the planet Mercury malfunctioning and a team being sent to fix the problem.
Hikari no Densetsu(1986-1988)
Translated to “Legend of Light”. The series is an adaptation of the Manga by Izumi Aso. It follows a girl named Hikaru Kamijou who dreams of becoming a national rhythmic gymnastics champion. It was broadcast on Tv Asahi. Real life Olympic gymnist Diliana Georgieva appears in the story to train the main character after being impressed by their talents. Hikaru also becomes the subject of a love triangle as another gymnast Takaaki Ooishi befriends her as does the school’s popular girl Hazuki Shiina. A singer named Mao is brought into things. The series jumped ahead to the 1988 Olympics where Hikaru competes but it is not revealed if she wins as she leaves with Mao at the end. The Anime unfortunately clashed with a hentai version still adapting the manga released at around the same time[9].
Bari Bari Densetsu(1986)
Translated as Vroom Vroom Legend. A Motorbike Racing series by Pierrot based on the Manga by Shuichi Shigeno that ran from 1983 to 1991. It dealt with illegal street racers.
Sango-sho Densetsu: Aki Umi no Erufii(1986)
A fantasy adventure television series that aired on Fuji TV. The series is set in a future in which the oceans have flooded the world. On one remaining island Elfie lives with her grandfather. An incident reveals she can breathe underwater and learns from her grandfather she is one of the sea people, which are at war with the surface.
Maris the Chojo(1986)
A one shot manga by Rumiko Takahashi in 1980. Released as a DVA. Maris’s father is an alcoholic and her mother is an airhead. They are broke because they are a superstrong race called the Thanatosians, who’s planet was destroyed. Because of the destruction caused by their race accidentally, the Thanatosians wear a special harness to limit their strength but still destroys things accidentally. In the past, Their alien spacecraft crashed into the city, wiping out its entire population and leaving a massive crater. The city was rebuilt. Maris is friends with a girl named Kotobuki at Graviton High School. She has a rival in the snobbish rich student Daitokuji, who creates Mecha to lead her team to attack Maris. When Maris’s super strength defeats the Mecha, she creates a suit called the Akagiyama 23, which looks like a bikini. Aliens are observing Maris and Kotobuki and attack Earth believing Maris to be a lost alien princess, all while Maris and Daitokuji fight. The real princess is revealed to be Kotobuki and she is abducted, leading. Maris and Daitokuji to set aside their differences to save her. While successful, Daitokuji attacks Maris, causing the ship to crash. The next day it all seems back to normal except for Daitokuji once more challenging Maris. The series was written largely by John Manabe, who was fairly new to Manga at the time but had a talent for Sci-Fi Fantasy, Romance, Comedy and fan service that made him an excellent fit for the series and for some work on Urusei Yatsura and helped to lighten to Takahashi’s workload[10].
Fat Man(1986)
A Spiritual Sequel to 1983’s Little Boy adapting a similar manga inspired by it but following a survivor of Nagasaki, a protagonist frequently mocked for his weight who survived the explosion[11].
Violence Jack(1986-1987)
An adaptation of the Go Nagai Manga that ran from 1973 to 1974. The story is sent in a post apocalyptic Kanto Region run by warlords including the Slum king. A young man named Jack finds himself in this world and while he acts like a psychopath, he actually deeply cares and will fight for innocents being terrorized. The series is later revealed to be a stealth sequel to Demon Lord Dante, after the original Demon Lord Dante vs Energer Z film in which both were fought destroyed, Demon Lord Dante was restored to his amnesiac human form with his power gone and no memories. His memories are restored at the conclusion and it is implied he will now battle Tetsuya Tsurugi, the son of the original Energer in an upcoming film[12].
Violence Jack's eyes widened and his mouth hung open in realization, practically smiling. "I remember! I remember! I remember!"
The music goes from triumphant to sinister as Violence Jack transforms into the horrific visage of Demon Lord Dante.
"I remember! I remember! I remember!"
Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos(1986-1987)
The series is set on a robot world called Cronos, which is attacked by the Gyandlar and the heroes battle with them.
Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Big Battle(1986)
A Special featuring the characters competing in a gladiatorial tournament.
Amon Saga(1986)
A DVA with character and conceptual art by former Tatsunoko employee Yoshitaka Amano, who worked as a freelance artist following Tatsunoko’s collapse and went to work for Studio Ghibli. It was released by Manga Entertainment. The World is a Medieval one and follows the Valhiss Empire, which is trying to takeover the World. The warrior Amon seeks to avenge this mother’s death at the hands of Emperor Valhiss and rescues the captive Princess Lichia.
Windaria(1986)
The Directorial debut of Kunihiko Yuyama. The story follows two Kingdoms named Paro and Itha. Paro’s King invaded Itha despite a love between Paro’s Prince Kill and Itha’s Princess Ahanas. The star crossed lovers are forced to fight. Another character is a farmer from Saki who saves Itha from a spy and is rewarded with wealth and fame, becoming hungry for more and falling deeper into corruption.
Super Mario Bros: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach(1986)
Notably the first Movie based on a Video Game. It is also one of the earliest examples of an Isekai Anime. The film begins with Mario and Luigi hating their jobs as plumbers when Mario sees Princess Peach calling for help on a TV Screen. He jumps in and chases after Bowser, who has abducted Princess Peach. He goes to the Castle and meets Toad and the elderly King. Who tells Mario he must find three magical power ups, a Mushroom, a Flower and a star. Mario and Luigi obtain these and arrive just in time to fight Bowser during his wedding, on top of a giant wedding cake. Using the power ups Mario wins and Peach is rescued[13].
Ai City(1986)
A Sci-Fi Manga that ran from 1983 to 1984. It was adapted by Koichi Mashimo as a DVA. The plot follows an off duty policeman named Reiden who picks up a couple named Lei and Ai who claim to be father and daughter but look close in age. They are revealed to be on the run from a Secret Society of psychics which try to kill them and Reiden is pulled into this world.
Gall Force(1986)
A Science Fiction DVA Series by Artmic(founded by former Tatsunoko staff) and AIC with Youmex Producing, with Character designs by Kenichi Sonoda. Two civilizations called the Amoeba-like Paranoids and the All female Solnoids are engaged in a century long away. A Solnoid Ship called the Star Leaf is separated from its fleet. They move to rendezvous with the rest of the fleet at the planet Chaos but are forced to defend it from the Paranoids as part of a scheme by the Solnoid higher ups.
Call Me Tonight(1986)
An Adult Horror Comedy short film. A High School girl named Rumi meets a young man named Ryo Sugiura who she learns transforms into a monster when sexually aroused. She finds she can help him control himself when they are together and they begin dating, both being into pulp horror movies. A Yakuza Woman named Maki Nohara begins investigating the two and her sister Oyuki becomes obsessed with Ryo, using Yakuza hitmen to abduct both. Oyuki assaults Ryo and causes him to transform but his rampage is ended by Rumi calming him down enough that his transformation stops. The films end with Oyuki turning into a monster herself due to being bitten by Ryo earlier.As how Airing on NTV intended as a counterpart to World Masterpiece Theatre, focusing on Japanese stories. It aired in the 7-7:30pm time slot from April to December. It was sponsored by Sumitomi Life insurance[8].
Saint Elmo-Hikari no Raihousha(1986)
Translated as Saint Elmo-Apostle of Light. A 65 minute television special with a limited release in the Kansai Region network Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation to celebrate the Kensai Electric Power Company’s 30th anniversary. Leiji Matsumoto worked on the series and it is seen as further evidence of his decline. The short film follows on a solar power plant called Saint Elmo on the planet Mercury malfunctioning and a team being sent to fix the problem.
Hikari no Densetsu(1986-1988)
Translated to “Legend of Light”. The series is an adaptation of the Manga by Izumi Aso. It follows a girl named Hikaru Kamijou who dreams of becoming a national rhythmic gymnastics champion. It was broadcast on Tv Asahi. Real life Olympic gymnist Diliana Georgieva appears in the story to train the main character after being impressed by their talents. Hikaru also becomes the subject of a love triangle as another gymnast Takaaki Ooishi befriends her as does the school’s popular girl Hazuki Shiina. A singer named Mao is brought into things. The series jumped ahead to the 1988 Olympics where Hikaru competes but it is not revealed if she wins as she leaves with Mao at the end. The Anime unfortunately clashed with a hentai version still adapting the manga released at around the same time[9].
Bari Bari Densetsu(1986)
Translated as Vroom Vroom Legend. A Motorbike Racing series by Pierrot based on the Manga by Shuichi Shigeno that ran from 1983 to 1991. It dealt with illegal street racers.
Sango-sho Densetsu: Aki Umi no Erufii(1986)
A fantasy adventure television series that aired on Fuji TV. The series is set in a future in which the oceans have flooded the world. On one remaining island Elfie lives with her grandfather. An incident reveals she can breathe underwater and learns from her grandfather she is one of the sea people, which are at war with the surface.
Maris the Chojo(1986)
A one shot manga by Rumiko Takahashi in 1980. Released as a DVA. Maris’s father is an alcoholic and her mother is an airhead. They are broke because they are a superstrong race called the Thanatosians, who’s planet was destroyed. Because of the destruction caused by their race accidentally, the Thanatosians wear a special harness to limit their strength but still destroys things accidentally. In the past, Their alien spacecraft crashed into the city, wiping out its entire population and leaving a massive crater. The city was rebuilt. Maris is friends with a girl named Kotobuki at Graviton High School. She has a rival in the snobbish rich student Daitokuji, who creates Mecha to lead her team to attack Maris. When Maris’s super strength defeats the Mecha, she creates a suit called the Akagiyama 23, which looks like a bikini. Aliens are observing Maris and Kotobuki and attack Earth believing Maris to be a lost alien princess, all while Maris and Daitokuji fight. The real princess is revealed to be Kotobuki and she is abducted, leading. Maris and Daitokuji to set aside their differences to save her. While successful, Daitokuji attacks Maris, causing the ship to crash. The next day it all seems back to normal except for Daitokuji once more challenging Maris. The series was written largely by John Manabe, who was fairly new to Manga at the time but had a talent for Sci-Fi Fantasy, Romance, Comedy and fan service that made him an excellent fit for the series and for some work on Urusei Yatsura and helped to lighten to Takahashi’s workload[10].
Fat Man(1986)
A Spiritual Sequel to 1983’s Little Boy adapting a similar manga inspired by it but following a survivor of Nagasaki, a protagonist frequently mocked for his weight who survived the explosion[11].
Violence Jack(1986-1987)
An adaptation of the Go Nagai Manga that ran from 1973 to 1974. The story is sent in a post apocalyptic Kanto Region run by warlords including the Slum king. A young man named Jack finds himself in this world and while he acts like a psychopath, he actually deeply cares and will fight for innocents being terrorized. The series is later revealed to be a stealth sequel to Demon Lord Dante, after the original Demon Lord Dante vs Energer Z film in which both were fought destroyed, Demon Lord Dante was restored to his amnesiac human form with his power gone and no memories. His memories are restored at the conclusion and it is implied he will now battle Tetsuya Tsurugi, the son of the original Energer in an upcoming film[12].
Violence Jack's eyes widened and his mouth hung open in realization, practically smiling. "I remember! I remember! I remember!"
The music goes from triumphant to sinister as Violence Jack transforms into the horrific visage of Demon Lord Dante.
"I remember! I remember! I remember!"
Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos(1986-1987)
The series is set on a robot world called Cronos, which is attacked by the Gyandlar and the heroes battle with them.
Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Big Battle(1986)
A Special featuring the characters competing in a gladiatorial tournament.
Amon Saga(1986)
A DVA with character and conceptual art by former Tatsunoko employee Yoshitaka Amano, who worked as a freelance artist following Tatsunoko’s collapse and went to work for Studio Ghibli. It was released by Manga Entertainment. The World is a Medieval one and follows the Valhiss Empire, which is trying to takeover the World. The warrior Amon seeks to avenge this mother’s death at the hands of Emperor Valhiss and rescues the captive Princess Lichia.
Windaria(1986)
The Directorial debut of Kunihiko Yuyama. The story follows two Kingdoms named Paro and Itha. Paro’s King invaded Itha despite a love between Paro’s Prince Kill and Itha’s Princess Ahanas. The star crossed lovers are forced to fight. Another character is a farmer from Saki who saves Itha from a spy and is rewarded with wealth and fame, becoming hungry for more and falling deeper into corruption.
Super Mario Bros: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach(1986)
Notably the first Movie based on a Video Game. It is also one of the earliest examples of an Isekai Anime. The film begins with Mario and Luigi hating their jobs as plumbers when Mario sees Princess Peach calling for help on a TV Screen. He jumps in and chases after Bowser, who has abducted Princess Peach. He goes to the Castle and meets Toad and the elderly King. Who tells Mario he must find three magical power ups, a Mushroom, a Flower and a star. Mario and Luigi obtain these and arrive just in time to fight Bowser during his wedding, on top of a giant wedding cake. Using the power ups Mario wins and Peach is rescued[13].
Ai City(1986)
A Sci-Fi Manga that ran from 1983 to 1984. It was adapted by Koichi Mashimo as a DVA. The plot follows an off duty policeman named Reiden who picks up a couple named Lei and Ai who claim to be father and daughter but look close in age. They are revealed to be on the run from a Secret Society of psychics which try to kill them and Reiden is pulled into this world.
Gall Force(1986)
A Science Fiction DVA Series by Artmic(founded by former Tatsunoko staff) and AIC with Youmex Producing, with Character designs by Kenichi Sonoda. Two civilizations called the Amoeba-like Paranoids and the All female Solnoids are engaged in a century long away. A Solnoid Ship called the Star Leaf is separated from its fleet. They move to rendezvous with the rest of the fleet at the planet Chaos but are forced to defend it from the Paranoids as part of a scheme by the Solnoid higher ups.
Call Me Tonight(1986)
The Legend of Ashitaka(1986)
Originally proposed by Toshio Suzuki as Warring States Demon Castle. Suzuki claimed during an interview that this would be Miyazaki’s next film. In reality, he had pitched it to Miyazaki and it was rejected. Miyazaki did not want to appear to be a liar or a man who did not keep his promise and decided to tweak the concept while delaying it and accepting as many other projects as he could such as Gauche the Cellist and Basil of Bakerstreet. Finally the script changed so heavily it was now a more original story known as Princess Mononoke with almost nothing of the original pitch left. For example Miyazaki chose not to draw from real life periods but instead show a clash between Feudal and the industrial new age approaching. The plot is kicked off by an attack on a village by a Boar-like Demon. The Prince Ashitaka slays it but it bites and corrupts his arm and he is forced to travel to the land the Demon came from. On the way he meets a monk named Jingo who tells him he must find the Spirit of the Forest. A village Called Iron Town is at war with a Wolf Pack including the Wold Goddess Moro and the wolf raised human San. Ashitaka saves two men from iron Town and briefly meets San. Iron Town’s leader Lady Eboshi reveals she shot the Boar God Nago and he turned into the Demon that Ashitaka fought. San sneaks into Iron Town to assassinate Eboshi but Ashitaka stops her and they tumble out into the woods. When a guard shoots San, Ashitaka takes her into the forrest and away from the gunfire. When he passes out San nearly kills him but the Forest Spirit intervenes. The Blind God Okkoto plans to attack Iron Town in revenge for the death of Nago. Eboshi and Jigo set out to capture Okkoto. Ashitaka returns to see the Boar Clan was devastated and Okkoto dying. Moro and Okkot become Demons and are killed by the Forest Spirit out of mercy when they attack San and Ashitaka. Eboshi decapitates the Forest Spirit while it is distracted, intending to take its head to the Emperor for a reward but Jigo steals the head. The Body of the Forest Spirit oozes a blood that begins to destroy everything it touches and continues to spread, leading San and Ashitaka to chase and retrieve the head. They succeed and return the head to the Forest Spirit, who uses the last of its strength to heal the forest and cure Ashitaka. Eboshi attempts to decapitate Moro and take her head instead, but she uses the last of her strength to bite Eboshi, who runs off with the same corruption Ashitaka had. She is found and vows to help rebuilt Iron Town with what little time she has left now that the Forest Spirit is dead. Ashitaka promises to visit San again and make sure that the town and the forest remain at peace[14].
Many are wondering what Miyazaki’s next project will be. He has been approached to direct a Lupin the Third film titled “Red vs Green” in which the classic all loving green Shirt Lupin he introduced would clash with an evil alternate Red shirted version of himself from Oshii’s recent film, with the studio hoping this will help fix the franchise. So far he has declined this offer, believing he is done with Lupin.
In other news Isao Takahata is reportedly working on a film titled Borders 1939. Takahata stated that while his masterpiece Grave of the Fireflies helped kick off films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Little Boy and the Recent Fat Man about the end of the War, he intends to do a film about how it all started, showing the negative aspects of Japan’s imperialist mindset. The film is scheduled for a 1989 release date with the intent to be released on the anniversary of the start of World War II, just as Grave of the Fireflies was released on the anniversary of the events it depicted[15].
Roots Search(1986)
A Science Fiction Horror Film DVA. A research new find a desolate ship with one survivor, Captain Buzz, and are then stalked by a psychic alien, who causes them to experience hallucinations preying on their own pasts
The Legend of Zelda(1986)
An Adaptation of the then recently released game[16].
Bosco Adventure(1986-1987)
A series by Nippon Animation based on the books by Italian writer Tony Wolf. It was released worldwide and became quite popular. The series follows a young Elvish Princess Apricot who seeks to return to her home of Fountain Land which is occupied by the forces of a monster called Scorpion. If she sit on the throne before a total eclipse of the Sun she will summon a power to defeat the invaders. The animals of the Bosco Forest help rescue her and join her mission.
Oh!Family(1986-1987)
Based on the Manga by Taeko Watanabe that ran from 1981 to 1985. It follows a Californian family called the Andersons where the adults last like children and the children act like adults. A young boy named Jonathan and his dog meets the family and claims to be the son of the father Wilfred Anderson. This is revealed to be false and Jonathan is actually an orphan. The family, having gotten to know him, decide to forgive and adopt him. The show was broadcast on TV Tokyo and was notably successful in Italy.
The Land of Oz(1986-1987)
A series by Nippon Animation. The series was created to adapt elements from the rest of the Oz Books not covered in the World Masterpiece Theatre adaptation, with much of the same crew that worked on that series returning. This began a series of rumors over whether or not a Pippi Longstocking series would be made as that was Nippon Animation’s most successful film to date despite the fact that Studio Ghibli had made it and Nippon Animation only distributed.
Seiya(1986-1989)
Masami Kuramada was interested in writing a Wrestling themed Sports Manga but seeing the film Karate Kid inspired him to write about a young Karateka found by his Karate master and female assistant[17].
Ganbare, Kickers!(1986-1987)
A romantic soccer anime based on the manga that ran from 1985 to 1989. It was adapted by Studio Pierrot. It was popular in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mock & Sweet(1986-1987)
A series about two being who decide to visit Earth and protect the innocent while battling evil.
They Were Eleven(1986)
A 1975 story which won the Shogakukan Manga Award. It had been adapted into a live action tv film , a stage play and an audio drama. The story follows ten young cadets who go through a final test. After going through an event they find that there are now an eleventh member. Everyone knows there are only supposed to be ten but don’t remember any of the other’s identities. The ship is being sabotaged and members killed. The story saw a revival due to the popularity of Among Us and Among Us 2 leading to a stage and fan film version of the story tweaked to reflect the games.
The Lovely Angels: Project Eden(1986)
A Lovely Angels film directed by Koichi Mashimo and animated by Nippon Sunrise. The Lovely Angels are sent to the planet of Agerna, which is rich in Vizorium, a mineral needed for space travel. Mining Operations are being carried out which are being sabotaged. The Angels run into their old enemy Carson C.Carson when he interrupts them in a bath house and they team up to defeat the villain Dr.Wattsman from reviving a dormant alien race called the Sadinga. While they succeed, Carson accidentally revives the Sadingas, who begin wrecking havoc. The film was greatly praised as better than the show.
Grey: Digital Target(1986)
Based on the Manga by Yoshihisa Tagami that ran from 1985 to 1987. The series is set in a wasteland where places called “Towns” are controlled by computers called “Little Mamas” all connected to “Big Mama”. The poor in the slums are called “People” while “Civilians” are used to refer to the more privileged who become Citizens by joining the Army as the towns are constantly at war with each other. Solider Grey, nicknames “Grey Death” for being the sole survivor in many battles. Grey goes on a mission to save his missing field commander and begins to discover the dark conspiracy behind the world. The Film is notably more lighthearted than the source material, providing hope rather than darkening tragedy. IT was praised as well written, poignant and compelling, but received complaints for its pacing. The writer gained some attention due to Writer Harlan Ellison doing the introduction for the English release, being a fan of the film.
The Guyver(1986)
Based on the Manga series Bio Booster Amor Guyver written by Yoshiki Takaya that began in 1985 and continues to run. The series hasdthree experimental Guyver suits escape from the Cronos Corporation. They each merge with a different person. The first to school student Sho Fukamachi, the second is retrieved by Cronos and the third by Agito Makishima. Sho battles Cronos as they attempt to take back the Guyver. In a surprising twist, Cronos succeeds in taking over the world and claims the Guyvers are part of an alien invasion, turning the public against them. The series was adapted into a live action film with an American cast starring Mark Hamill in the lead role. It was praised for its effects but was a fairly standard 80’s B Movie[18].
MD Geist(1986)
The planet Jerra is a engaged in a bloody Civil War with the Nexrum Army, seeking to become independent from Earth. The Jerran Army created the “Most Dangerous Soldiers” which went rogue and attacked everyone. One soldier “MD-02 Geist” is placed in suspended animation. When he awakens he kills bandits. A female bandit named Vaiya becomes attracted to Geist but he cares only for her knowledge. Geist allies with the bandits to stop his former superior Colonel Krutes from activating a Jerran super weapon called the Death Force, a robot army which would destroy all life on Earth. Geist crushes Krutes’s head but chooses to unleash the army, setting up the sequel(A Dark reflection of the ending to Lovely Angels: Project Eden).
My Favorite Fairy Tales(1986)
A DVA Series released by Saban Productions which retold classic fairy tales.
Butterflied Away:
Transformers: Scramble City-Butterflied away largely due to Japan getting a dub of the transformers Animated Series and film.
Magazine 23-Butterflied Away as it was intended to be much shorter OTL
Barefoot Gen 2- Due to the author not surviving the bombing, the original Barefoot Gen was replaced by a Manga by someone else Called “Little Boy” with “Fat Man” by another author being inspired by it and written by a survivor of Nagasaki, taking its role.
Project A-ko- OTL this film began life as a Creamy Lemon project, which is a pornographic series. One scene in which a character takes a bath alludes to this but it was reworked into a Mecha film with a lot of adult humor. ITTL it remained a Creamy Lemon project and is a Hentai. The Title also wouldn’t exist if it was made ITTL as it is based on the Jackie Chan Film Project A which itself was made because an earlier Jackie Chan Film Dragon Lord didn’t have enough action while ITTL it does.
Honey Bee in Toycomland-Butterflied away in favor of making an Anime based on the Legend of Zelda which also came out this year.
Anmitsu Hime-A Manga that ran from 1949 to 1955 about a tomboyish Princess. OTL and TTL it was adapted many times into Live Action. In 1986 OTL it was remade as a Manga by Izumi Takemoto with an Anime by Studio Pierrot and Tatsunoko Productions accompanying it. ITTL the Anime is not made, Studio Pierrot is doing fine and Tatsunoko Productions went under.
Doteraman-Another Tatsunoko show butterflied away by their collapse
Outlanders-Butterflied Away due to the creator working on Takahashi projects including Maris the Chojo and Urusei Yatsura as well as Tatsunoko not being around to adapt it.
Dragonball: Curse of the Blood Rubies-Sort of…Since the plot of TTL’s Dragonball is more serialized the film plots are recycled into Filler Arcs. For Example the Antagonist of this film King Gurumes, is a Demon working for Demon King Piccolo which Tang Tong must slay, making him a sort of mini boss Arc. This also removes a frequent complaint of the Dragonball Films as they often recapped the series rather than simply tell a new story. This approach will extend to TTL’s Dragonball Z, leading to Movie Villains being seen as canon, though Toriyama will step in to touch them up a bit from time to time.
Notes
[1] One of the biggest complaints about Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ was the inclusion of more comedy than previous iterations and since the Gundam live action film would have included more comedy, there’s a chance to learn before the series is written.
[2] OTL the Captain Tsubasa Anime ended in 1986 while the Manga continued until 1988 while Animated films were made to cover the rest. With this decision the Show will last longer.
[3]OTL Touch has a movie that made 9 Million Yen at the Box office Called Touch: The Ace without a number on his back. While the Touch film will not make as much it was still a hit.
[4] Released as Urusei Yatsura 4: Lum the Forever OTL with the same basic plot. I just thought it worked better as a Kitaro film given that series already has horror elements.
[5] An animated film OTL but here made Live Action due to the minor craze going on much earlier. Fist of the North Star did have a 1995 live action film that was not very good. Naturally Bruce Lee is still alive at this time, albeit pushing 40. He was one of two real life inspirations for Kenshiro, the other being Yusaku Matsuda. However I had Yusaki Matsuda lined up to play a live action Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop should that get a film, since he entirely inspired that character rather than half inspiring Kenshiro.
[6] OTL a Film called Arion was released at this time about Hades abducting a child and telling him he must kill Zeus to avenge his mother, who was allegedly blinded by him. Arion is original but here the Hades video game plot is introduced earlier and folded in as Zagreus did indeed exist in greek mythology and so the idea was tweaked.
[7] OTL known as Wonder Beast Scramble but based o the Bacteria Rangers. Without the complicated rights issue, Mush Productions legally still owned the original characters and simply used them.
[8] Known OTL as Animated Classics of Japanese Literature but was intended to be exactly what the name implies.
[9] OTL Hikaru no Densetsu was adapted by Tatsunoko Productions, albeit with poor animation quality and was cancelled. Due To Tatsunoko’s bankruptcy they no longer exist but the story is still adapted due to the upcoming Olympics so the rights are snatched up with the intent of airing the show in time for the Olympics. The release of a Hentai Version is actually an urban legend, people misremembering the Anime series being parodied by Cream Lemon, which was a Hentai series that seemed to put a lot of effort into its plot.
[10] A Different plot than OTL where Maris must rescue a Billionaire. ITTL it has been combined with the plot of Project A-ko, which also featured a protagonist with super strength and included many Takahashi collaborators OTL. Here they jus used those ideas. As a result Maris the Chojo is more popular than OTL where it’s largely forgotten, made even worse by time as the plot has become more common and predictable. John Manabe OTL created the Manga Outlanders which was adapted by Tatsunoko. ITTL he started working under Takahashi without Tatsunoko adapting Outlanders.
[11] Replaces OTL Barefoot Gen 2. Somewhat of a forgotten Sequel ITTL as the spectacle of Barefoot Gen’s violent and realistic depiction of the Bomb has been done before and lacks the same impact.
[12] OTL the Manga did go the route that revealed that violence Jack was in fact Devilman with amnesia. The series was adapted into OVas without this connection, being self contained post apocalyptic stories. A minor note is technically the apocalypse did occur in this Go Nagai shared universe but in 1972, due to the shift to the son of Energer Z’s protagonist, there was a leap into the Late 80’s and early 90’s time wise. I don’t think I’ve done Demon Lord Dante vs the Son of the original Energer yet so…Here we go. If I already did well….This is a prequel to that.
[13] OTL this film shares the distinction with Running Boy: Star Soldier’s Secret released the same day as the first film based on a Video Game. ITTL that film does not exist and this film truly is. There ar plot differences as the film’s original character Kibidango is revealed to be the Prince of the Flower Kingdom and Peach’s true love, which does not happen here. This plot is also similarly used in the Mario Comics and ITTL will be used for the Mario Bros Movie. This somewhat justify Miyamoto’s quote of “Sticking too close to the Source Material “ which he had of the OTL film. ITTL it sounds more like he wished it didn’t adapt a story already told.
[14] The Legend of Ashitaka was Miyazaki’s preferred title for Princess Mononoke. Producer Toshio Suzuki pushed for Princess Mononoke. Here Miyazaki won out.
[15] OTL Borders 1939 was cancelled because it would have depicted Chinese people as the victims and the Tiananmen Square Massacre turned everyone against China, making the film in bad taste. It’s mentioned here as OTL he was planning to release it a year and a half after Grave of the Fireflies, which was released earlier ITTL. Had it not been for this choice the film would be released at around this time.
[16] Replaces Honeybee in Toycomland, which was based on Adventure Island, which was released the same year. Here it’s been replaced with Legend of Zelda which came out this year as well and does a little one two with the Super Mario Bros Anime film.
[17] OTL This is the series Kuramada wanted to do but it was denied and he was essentially forced into writing Saint Seiya. He will still create that series under a different name once he concludes writing this series around 1990 or so.
[18] OTL the Guyver was released in 1991 with a sequel seen as an improvement released three years later. Mark Hamill appears in the film but is not the star but in a supporting role, but since he’s the biggest name he is featured in the advertisement(with the poster displaying his face and name as if he is the star). ITTL he plays the lead role due to being much younger when this film is made and it being only three years after return of the Jedi.
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I get the feeling that Sonny Chiba would have been chosen over Bruce Lee due to a combination of Japan's general xenophobia and the fact that Chiba already played a similar role in the Street Fighter series:
Of course Chiba is a similar age to Lee so maybe not.
A combination of US funding where Bruce Lee is still popular and the creator of the series being fine with it led Lee to play the role. Though that did play a factor in the box office in Japan. Also Sonny Chiba did play a manga character in Golgo13.I get the feeling that Sonny Chiba would have been chosen over Bruce Lee due to a combination of Japan's general xenophobia and the fact that Chiba already played a similar role in the Street Fighter series:
Of course Chiba is a similar age to Lee so maybe not.
Great work on the anime and manga stuff throughout the years Marco.
Two questions, if you don’t mind me asking.
1. Is there anything else about Birth of a Nation ITTL? All I know is that it’s based and focuses on the American Revolution instead of the Civil War + Reconstruction, and that it is presumably way less racist than IOTL.
2. How is Jordan Peele doing in this universe?
Two questions, if you don’t mind me asking.
1. Is there anything else about Birth of a Nation ITTL? All I know is that it’s based and focuses on the American Revolution instead of the Civil War + Reconstruction, and that it is presumably way less racist than IOTL.
2. How is Jordan Peele doing in this universe?