So Japan would have an ABC, an NBC, a CBS, and even a Fox channel!
Maybe we could give Japan a UPN? /j
Trying to Please Everyone: Or Converting multiple Pop Culture Utopias into a Timeline.
- Thread starter Marco Incognito
- Start date
Maybe we could give Japan a UPN? /j
Hosoda got a job at Ghibli(OTL he applied but was rejected, though Hayao Miyazaki informed him and praised him with a letter with one sentence that said something along the lines of "I didn't want to hold back your creativity"). This has big repercussions as Miyazaki kept trying to retire but Ghibli lacked sufficient talent enough to replace him so he kept coming out of retirement. Yoshifumi Kondō was intended to be his successor but he passed away in 1998. I imagine that Hosoda makes at least one Pokemon film(a nod to him OTL directing two Digimon films), resulting in a Studio Ghibli Pokemon film. Howl's Moving Castle is most likely his film OTL as he was attached to it but was overruled by Ghibli Directors until he left. It's possible the Girl Who Leaped through Time is a Ghibli Film ITTL. Hosoda would be more willing to work on commercial franchises and likely ITTL makes an Adaptation of Ready Player One which is a blend of the novel and OTL's Summer Wars. Wolf Children and The Boy and the Beast are also likely made under the Ghibli banner(though I did consider replacing The Boy and the Beast with an Undertale Anime adaptation, largely because the film gave me Undertale vibes for whatever reason when I saw it). Mirai may stay in take. Belle is actually a Musical ITTL like Hosoda wanted it to be(it isn't because Musicals are popular in Japan but they don't have a real culture surrounding them. However OTL several Disney animators helped on this film and ITTL some of the original animators on Disney's Beauty and the Beast helped out in writing the music). Belle ITTL would be part of a series of "Neo-Disney" remakes of films during this time, which in a way replace the live action remakes(for example Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio replacing the Disney remake among others). It's most likely Hosoda would next turn to making a Futuristic setting version of other Disney films like Aladdin(I hesitate to say the Little Mermaid since TT's Ruby Gillman equivalent might serve as it's remake equivalent.
Cool!
What will happen to Vietnam films like The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket ITTL?
Cambodia is used instead in the case of the Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now might actually be made by George Lucas before Star Wars and American Graffiti as was originally planned, though its possible Orson Welles's own version is seen as the definite version, possibly being delayed to the 70's. Oliver Stone's Break(TTL"S Platoon) was released in the early 1970's starring Jim Morrison of the Doors and using their music. My only friend the end is used in that film instead. I covered Fullmetal Jacket when you asked about Stanley Kubrick.
1995 in Anime
1995 IN ANIME
FILM
Battle Guardian Gally(1995)
A loose adaptation of Rainmaker by Yukito Kishiro, focusing on the side character of the Android Police Officer Gally. Directed by Mamoru Oshii. Its success redeemed Oshii in the eyes of many for the controversial Lupin the Third: Tower of Babel more than a decade later and was a hit upon release, inspiring many filmmakers such as the Wachowskis. The film was pushed by Director Guillermo Del Toro to entice James Cameron into adapting the series[1]
Crayon Shin-chan: Unkokusai's Ambition(1995)
An Officer from the 30th century arrives in the present and takes control of the Nohara family dog Shiro and asks them to help stop a crisis in the Sengoku period. They are given period accurate clothing to blend in. Soon after arriving they meet a swordsman named Fubukimaru, who wants to find Unkokusai, who killed his parents. He also tells them of a prophecy that three heroes and a dog will save the day. They discover Fubukimaru is a girl, raised as a boy by her father. Unkokusai is revealed to be a 30th century villain called Jakoman. While he is defeated and the Nohara family return home, they find Jakoman is now President and declared them outlaws. This leads them to be rescued and attack Jakoman’s home base and home time, defeating him.
Doraemon: Nobita’s Diary on the Creation of the World(1995)
Nobita reads The Bible, specifically the part detailing Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Doraemon provides Nobita with a pocket universe which allows them to witness all of creation very quickly. Nobita befriends the Dinosaurs, which act like pets to him before an asteroid hit and kills them all to his shock and sadness. Nobita then befriends a race of cavemen which includes several children, but he indirectly causes a race of insect people to rise up and threaten humanity. As Nobita watches humanity in that universe become more and more advanced, the Insect people rise up and attack Nobita’s world until Doraemon reveals Nobita to be their god and they are given a universe of their own to live in.
Memories(1995)
A three part anthology film by Katsuhiro Otomo. The first part, Magnetic Rose, is about a ship finding a signal from what is revealed to be a ghost ship previously belonging to the Opera singer Eva before her death, with her voice luring victims to the ship. The second part “Little Man” was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and follows an office worker accidentally exposed to a deadly chemical that kills everything around him with the risk that he will soon explode. This was based on a real life incident[2]. The final story, “Cannon Fodder” follows the life of a son and a father who works in operating a massive cannon in a city which fires on an unseen enemy through a fog.
Alcion III(1995)
The conclusion to the Alcion trilogy by Hideaki Anno and King Records. The Film begins with the 13 remaining Apostolo attacking the Earth all at once, destroying America and the Moon in the process. This results in all EVAs being sent out into the battle including Rei, Shinji, Asuka, and NERV recruits two of Rei and Shinji’s school mates: Toji Suzuhara and Kaworu Nagisa to pilot EVAs into the battle. The EVAs are forced to split up to kill two Apostolos each with the sole remaining Apostolo proving to be the strongest. Kaworu Nagisa is killed in battle and the Apostolos scorch large parts of the Earth. NERV and Gendo Ichijo finds themselves confronted by an American Rival bent on aiding Humanity in defeating the Apostolos named Conrad Lawrence. Lawrence is significantly less evil than Gendo and poses a serious threat to him and is revealed to have originally set up NERV and Gendo. Most of the UN choose to go down fighting instead when all hope seems lost, to Gendo’s anger. He defects and leads the survivors to search for Atlantis, since Atlantis was(tying the series back to Nadia and the Secret of Blue Water, which it began as a spinoff/Sequel of). Several fates of the cast of Nadia are revealed when the cast examine the ruins, which depict images of the cast. They find a powerful device meant to stop the final Apostolo. Gendo betrays the group at this moment to try and weaken the surface and allow him to take over. He pilots his own EVA into battle but is defeated by Rei in an intense fight. The cannon is fired and the final Apostolo destroyed. The cast find themselves in a world where the Apostolos never arrived as a result of the weapon firing(heavily implied to be the real world as the cast appear in live action and Alcion is shown to be a work of fiction from a billboard they see). In the universe they left behind, a flashforward is seen revealing the world to be overgrown, having become the future setting of Nausicaa[3].
Post-Alcion film series, Hideaki Anno considered returning to Studio Daicon, but was then approached to possibly helm an installment in the Japan Heroes Universe. He wanted to work on either Godzilla or Ultraman. Akira Kurosawa was directing the Godzilla film and Anno did not think he could do a better job than Kurosawa. He was a huge fan of Ultraman, having made a fan film based on the character in 1983 with himself in the lead role for Daicon. He therefore chose to direct an Ultraman film to be released in 1998. This fast tracked the development of “Team 2” Or “Second Phase” of the Japan Heroes Universe. Ultraman was the first confirmed along with the intent to revive the previously cancelled Dororo. Anno was also considering a body horror Kaiju series, which led to an effort to get Gamera as a face of “Team 2” next to Ultraman. Anno himself thought Gamera was too closely connected with the side of the heroes to really be used in such a way. Experimenting with this idea and flexing his muscles into live action film in the process, a still fairly new experience for him, Anno created the horror mini-series “The Man in the Godzilla Suit”, which involved the original Godzilla actor being exposed to radiation while the original film was being made on a remote island and transforming into a hideous monster merging with the Godzilla suit, culminating in his growth to the size of an actual Godzilla [4].
Codename: Sailor V(1995)
The somewhat first long awaited Live Action Disney Anime film. Bile Fascination carried the film somewhat but it ultimately failed to live up to Disney’s expectations, and was largely seen as an attempt to follow the bandwagon. Its production was also hampered by the recent death of Walt Disney the previous year. The film was a fairly generic plot, as it was a PG rated movie largely aimed at children and especially girls. The Film began with the Moon Kingdom being devastated and the spirits of the Sailor Scouts being sent to Earth, then following the girls as they meet and unite to defeat the evil Queen Beryl. Unlike the main story there are no casualties. Geena Davis, who played Queen Beryl was among the first roles cast and wanted to bring her then husband Director Renny Harlin to direct the film, but Disney shot this down in favor of Hong Kong Director Stanley Tong. Heather Graham, who played Sailor Moon, was praised for her performance by sharp contrast to Davis[5].
Mach Go Go Go(1995)
A film by Ron Howard made as part of the Japan Heroes Universe, starring Johnny Depp in the titular role. Made as a joint venture between Warner Bros and Silver Pictures. Howard took the shooting all over the world to simulate a Grand Prix race. The film features many of the characters from the show. Go Mifune wants to be a racer after losing his brother in a race. Migune becomes a famous race in the Mach 5, built by his father. He also begins a rivalry against the masked Racer, who he begins to suspect is his thought dead brother[6]
The Silent Service(1995)
Released as a TV Movie, and based on the manga by Kaiji Kawaguchi that ran from 1988 to 1996. The Film follows a Japanese submarine that declares independence during the Cold War, with both sides seeking to find, obtain or destroy it.
Art by Nolen Lee
The Cat in the Hat(1995)
The first film by Yoshifumi Kondo, whom Miyazaki and Takahata intended as their successor, having worked on Ghibli films since Pippi Longstocking. The film is a collaboration. It is a loose adaptation of the original story by Dr.Seuss, whom Hayao Miyazaki and Kondo met during production before Seuss’s death. Seuss himself greenlit the(somewhat controversial) move to a japanese setting and following two children. This factors into the plot as the young girl protagonist has an interest in American culture, including trying to rework the song “Country Roads, Take me Home” into Japanese. Her interest in the children’s book of Dr.Seuss results in the Cat in the Hat(Tim Allen) actually appearing before them and bringing them into his world, featuring many other Dr.Seuss characters in cameos including the Grinch and the Lorax. While the children are put in danger by the King of the Cats, who wishes to marry the young girl and turn her into a cat., They are able to avoid danger and are returned back to their own world. This was followed by a later sequel, based on the sequel “The Cat in the Hat Comes Back”. Miyazaki expressed the belief that they had been making too many Western based films recently and wanted to shift to Japanese stories for the next Ghibli film[7].
TV SERIES
Cowboy Bebop(1995)
Developed by Sunrise, under the name Hajime Yatate, used for the entire staff, though helmed largely by Shinichiro Watanabe. Sponsored by Bandai, who created toys for the series(one of which became a meme due to the packaging listing Cowboy Bebop in place of Ed's name). The series is set in 2071 and follows a group of Bounty Hunters. The plot was intentionally written to wrap up quickly and prevent a long running series, concluding with Spike facing his rival Vicious, the head of the Red Dragon Syndicate in a final showdown. Bandai wanted to do sequels but Watanabe was adamant. He did however, agree to green light a live action film starring Yusaku Matsuda as Spike, set during the main series [8].
Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play(1995-1996)
Based on the manga by Yuu Watase. Two teenage girls named Miaka Yuki and Yui Hongo are brought into a book called The Universe of the Four Gods. While Yui is sent back Miaka stays and learns of a way to summon the god Suzaku to grant three wishes. She initially wants to return home but soon begins to fall in love with the warrior Tamahome and considers staying. Yui goes into the book to save Miaka but soon grows jealous of her after she is cast in the role of an antagonist.
FILM
Battle Guardian Gally(1995)
A loose adaptation of Rainmaker by Yukito Kishiro, focusing on the side character of the Android Police Officer Gally. Directed by Mamoru Oshii. Its success redeemed Oshii in the eyes of many for the controversial Lupin the Third: Tower of Babel more than a decade later and was a hit upon release, inspiring many filmmakers such as the Wachowskis. The film was pushed by Director Guillermo Del Toro to entice James Cameron into adapting the series[1]
Crayon Shin-chan: Unkokusai's Ambition(1995)
An Officer from the 30th century arrives in the present and takes control of the Nohara family dog Shiro and asks them to help stop a crisis in the Sengoku period. They are given period accurate clothing to blend in. Soon after arriving they meet a swordsman named Fubukimaru, who wants to find Unkokusai, who killed his parents. He also tells them of a prophecy that three heroes and a dog will save the day. They discover Fubukimaru is a girl, raised as a boy by her father. Unkokusai is revealed to be a 30th century villain called Jakoman. While he is defeated and the Nohara family return home, they find Jakoman is now President and declared them outlaws. This leads them to be rescued and attack Jakoman’s home base and home time, defeating him.
Doraemon: Nobita’s Diary on the Creation of the World(1995)
Nobita reads The Bible, specifically the part detailing Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Doraemon provides Nobita with a pocket universe which allows them to witness all of creation very quickly. Nobita befriends the Dinosaurs, which act like pets to him before an asteroid hit and kills them all to his shock and sadness. Nobita then befriends a race of cavemen which includes several children, but he indirectly causes a race of insect people to rise up and threaten humanity. As Nobita watches humanity in that universe become more and more advanced, the Insect people rise up and attack Nobita’s world until Doraemon reveals Nobita to be their god and they are given a universe of their own to live in.
Memories(1995)
A three part anthology film by Katsuhiro Otomo. The first part, Magnetic Rose, is about a ship finding a signal from what is revealed to be a ghost ship previously belonging to the Opera singer Eva before her death, with her voice luring victims to the ship. The second part “Little Man” was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and follows an office worker accidentally exposed to a deadly chemical that kills everything around him with the risk that he will soon explode. This was based on a real life incident[2]. The final story, “Cannon Fodder” follows the life of a son and a father who works in operating a massive cannon in a city which fires on an unseen enemy through a fog.
Alcion III(1995)
The conclusion to the Alcion trilogy by Hideaki Anno and King Records. The Film begins with the 13 remaining Apostolo attacking the Earth all at once, destroying America and the Moon in the process. This results in all EVAs being sent out into the battle including Rei, Shinji, Asuka, and NERV recruits two of Rei and Shinji’s school mates: Toji Suzuhara and Kaworu Nagisa to pilot EVAs into the battle. The EVAs are forced to split up to kill two Apostolos each with the sole remaining Apostolo proving to be the strongest. Kaworu Nagisa is killed in battle and the Apostolos scorch large parts of the Earth. NERV and Gendo Ichijo finds themselves confronted by an American Rival bent on aiding Humanity in defeating the Apostolos named Conrad Lawrence. Lawrence is significantly less evil than Gendo and poses a serious threat to him and is revealed to have originally set up NERV and Gendo. Most of the UN choose to go down fighting instead when all hope seems lost, to Gendo’s anger. He defects and leads the survivors to search for Atlantis, since Atlantis was(tying the series back to Nadia and the Secret of Blue Water, which it began as a spinoff/Sequel of). Several fates of the cast of Nadia are revealed when the cast examine the ruins, which depict images of the cast. They find a powerful device meant to stop the final Apostolo. Gendo betrays the group at this moment to try and weaken the surface and allow him to take over. He pilots his own EVA into battle but is defeated by Rei in an intense fight. The cannon is fired and the final Apostolo destroyed. The cast find themselves in a world where the Apostolos never arrived as a result of the weapon firing(heavily implied to be the real world as the cast appear in live action and Alcion is shown to be a work of fiction from a billboard they see). In the universe they left behind, a flashforward is seen revealing the world to be overgrown, having become the future setting of Nausicaa[3].
Post-Alcion film series, Hideaki Anno considered returning to Studio Daicon, but was then approached to possibly helm an installment in the Japan Heroes Universe. He wanted to work on either Godzilla or Ultraman. Akira Kurosawa was directing the Godzilla film and Anno did not think he could do a better job than Kurosawa. He was a huge fan of Ultraman, having made a fan film based on the character in 1983 with himself in the lead role for Daicon. He therefore chose to direct an Ultraman film to be released in 1998. This fast tracked the development of “Team 2” Or “Second Phase” of the Japan Heroes Universe. Ultraman was the first confirmed along with the intent to revive the previously cancelled Dororo. Anno was also considering a body horror Kaiju series, which led to an effort to get Gamera as a face of “Team 2” next to Ultraman. Anno himself thought Gamera was too closely connected with the side of the heroes to really be used in such a way. Experimenting with this idea and flexing his muscles into live action film in the process, a still fairly new experience for him, Anno created the horror mini-series “The Man in the Godzilla Suit”, which involved the original Godzilla actor being exposed to radiation while the original film was being made on a remote island and transforming into a hideous monster merging with the Godzilla suit, culminating in his growth to the size of an actual Godzilla [4].
Codename: Sailor V(1995)
The somewhat first long awaited Live Action Disney Anime film. Bile Fascination carried the film somewhat but it ultimately failed to live up to Disney’s expectations, and was largely seen as an attempt to follow the bandwagon. Its production was also hampered by the recent death of Walt Disney the previous year. The film was a fairly generic plot, as it was a PG rated movie largely aimed at children and especially girls. The Film began with the Moon Kingdom being devastated and the spirits of the Sailor Scouts being sent to Earth, then following the girls as they meet and unite to defeat the evil Queen Beryl. Unlike the main story there are no casualties. Geena Davis, who played Queen Beryl was among the first roles cast and wanted to bring her then husband Director Renny Harlin to direct the film, but Disney shot this down in favor of Hong Kong Director Stanley Tong. Heather Graham, who played Sailor Moon, was praised for her performance by sharp contrast to Davis[5].
Mach Go Go Go(1995)
A film by Ron Howard made as part of the Japan Heroes Universe, starring Johnny Depp in the titular role. Made as a joint venture between Warner Bros and Silver Pictures. Howard took the shooting all over the world to simulate a Grand Prix race. The film features many of the characters from the show. Go Mifune wants to be a racer after losing his brother in a race. Migune becomes a famous race in the Mach 5, built by his father. He also begins a rivalry against the masked Racer, who he begins to suspect is his thought dead brother[6]
The Silent Service(1995)
Released as a TV Movie, and based on the manga by Kaiji Kawaguchi that ran from 1988 to 1996. The Film follows a Japanese submarine that declares independence during the Cold War, with both sides seeking to find, obtain or destroy it.
Art by Nolen Lee
The Cat in the Hat(1995)
The first film by Yoshifumi Kondo, whom Miyazaki and Takahata intended as their successor, having worked on Ghibli films since Pippi Longstocking. The film is a collaboration. It is a loose adaptation of the original story by Dr.Seuss, whom Hayao Miyazaki and Kondo met during production before Seuss’s death. Seuss himself greenlit the(somewhat controversial) move to a japanese setting and following two children. This factors into the plot as the young girl protagonist has an interest in American culture, including trying to rework the song “Country Roads, Take me Home” into Japanese. Her interest in the children’s book of Dr.Seuss results in the Cat in the Hat(Tim Allen) actually appearing before them and bringing them into his world, featuring many other Dr.Seuss characters in cameos including the Grinch and the Lorax. While the children are put in danger by the King of the Cats, who wishes to marry the young girl and turn her into a cat., They are able to avoid danger and are returned back to their own world. This was followed by a later sequel, based on the sequel “The Cat in the Hat Comes Back”. Miyazaki expressed the belief that they had been making too many Western based films recently and wanted to shift to Japanese stories for the next Ghibli film[7].
TV SERIES
Cowboy Bebop(1995)
Developed by Sunrise, under the name Hajime Yatate, used for the entire staff, though helmed largely by Shinichiro Watanabe. Sponsored by Bandai, who created toys for the series(one of which became a meme due to the packaging listing Cowboy Bebop in place of Ed's name). The series is set in 2071 and follows a group of Bounty Hunters. The plot was intentionally written to wrap up quickly and prevent a long running series, concluding with Spike facing his rival Vicious, the head of the Red Dragon Syndicate in a final showdown. Bandai wanted to do sequels but Watanabe was adamant. He did however, agree to green light a live action film starring Yusaku Matsuda as Spike, set during the main series [8].
Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play(1995-1996)
Based on the manga by Yuu Watase. Two teenage girls named Miaka Yuki and Yui Hongo are brought into a book called The Universe of the Four Gods. While Yui is sent back Miaka stays and learns of a way to summon the god Suzaku to grant three wishes. She initially wants to return home but soon begins to fall in love with the warrior Tamahome and considers staying. Yui goes into the book to save Miaka but soon grows jealous of her after she is cast in the role of an antagonist.
Gundam: Mobile Meteor(1995-1996)
OTL's Gundam Wing. Meteor is very different as OTL it was based on Mobile Fighter G Gundam. The show focuses more on drama, which led to a Yaoi Fanbase. Shuko Murase acted as the character designer with an appeal towards a female demographic. The protagonist was Duo Maxwell[9]
Escape from Jurassic Park(1995-1996)
Universal Picture’s response to both The Indiana Jones Adventures, and the Disney adventure shows of the era. The series was intended to be released alongside the original film in 1993, but was placed on hold due to Steven Spielberg feeling there was too much merchandise of the film. This changed when the second Film Jurassic Park: The Lost World was due for a 1995 release with only Ian Malcolm intended to return. The Series was therefore greenlit with assistance from Japanese animators. A mix of 2D, 3D and stop motion were used at many different times to help create the effects for the series, which led into the second film. All of the main characters returned, though many with different voice actors. The show veered away from being a kid’s show several times and wasn’t really considered one by the staff as it included scenes of horror similar to the original film. The plot has all the main characters be abducted by InGen’s rival BioSyn, including Lewis Dodgson, who forces them with a team of mercenaries to return to the island to obtain a Barbasol can containing Embryos that Nedry attempted to steal during the first film. John Hammond and Ian Malcolm are both found to be alive when they were previously thought dead in the film(Hammond was attacked by Compsagnathus and seemingly overwhelmed but his death wasn’t shown on screen and Ian Malcolm seemed to die from his injuries, but here other survivors found him and used a defibrillator to jumpstart his heart. Both appear in the sequel film thanks to this). Michael Crichton helped write the plot of many of the episodes and considers it canon to the novel as well[10].
Legend of Crystania(1995-1997)
A sequel to Record of Lodoss War, following a land mentioned at the conclusion of the original series.
Mojacko(1995-1997)
A Series by Fujiko Fujio. A young boy named Sayao finds and helps rescue a crashed alien ship and is rewarded with trips across by his new alien friends.
Neighborhood Story(1995-1996)
Based on the manga by AI Yazawa that ran from 1995 to 1997. The series follows Mikako Koda, whose dream is to become a fashion designer.
Nurse Angel Ririko(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that also ran from 1995 to 1996 by producer Yasushi Akimoto and manga creator Koi Ikeno. Ririka Moriya is a 4th grader who is given a magical nurse cap from her crush Nozomu, who reveals he is an alien from a planet overrun by the Dark Joker Organization and she was sent there to find the magical girl Nurse Angel to save his planet.
The Ping Pong Club(1995)
Based on the manga by Minoru Furuya that ran from 1993 to 1996. The Series follows a school ping pong club whose members prefer to harass girls and play video girls until a new student whips them into shape, transforming them into an actual competent team.
Saint Tail(1995-1996)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1994 to 1996 by Megumi Tachikawa. The series is described by its own advertisements as “Robin Hood meets Sailor V.” and follows a young girl who becomes a thief after her father to retrieve stolen items.
Slayers(1995-1996)
Based on the Light novel that began in 1989 by Hajime Kanzaka. The First Light Novel series follows a Quest to defeat the Evil Lord of Nightmares in a fantasy land with the protagonist of teenage sorceress Lina Inverse.
Soar High! Isami(1995-1996)
A series by Group TAC, A boy named Isami discovers he is a descendant of the ancient Shinsengumi clan with other classmates who must battle the evil Kurotengu organization.
Sorcerer Hunters(1995-1996)
Based on the light novel series that ran from 1993 to 1996 by Satoru Akahori and Rei Omishi. The series is set in a world split between normal people called Parsoners and Sorcerers, who enslave the non magical people and Sorcerer Hunters who fight to protect them from the Sorcerers.
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger(1995-1996)
A series based on a team of Anthropomorphic animal superheroes based on the chinese zodiac, who work in a world created by human imagination.
Virtua Fighter(1995-1996)
Japan’s first 3D series based on the Video Game series of the same name. The plot follows Akira Yuki in his quest to obtain the 8 stars of Heaven. He learns Sarah Bryant was kidnapped by Eva Durix as part of their robotics project[11].
Wedding Peach(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1994 to 1996 by Sukehiro Tomita, who worked on Sailor Moon, the series this is most compared to. The plot follows Momoko Hansaki, who is turned into the magical heroine Wedding Peach by Aphrodite to battle the ruler of the Devil World Raindevila.
Escape from Jurassic Park(1995-1996)
Universal Picture’s response to both The Indiana Jones Adventures, and the Disney adventure shows of the era. The series was intended to be released alongside the original film in 1993, but was placed on hold due to Steven Spielberg feeling there was too much merchandise of the film. This changed when the second Film Jurassic Park: The Lost World was due for a 1995 release with only Ian Malcolm intended to return. The Series was therefore greenlit with assistance from Japanese animators. A mix of 2D, 3D and stop motion were used at many different times to help create the effects for the series, which led into the second film. All of the main characters returned, though many with different voice actors. The show veered away from being a kid’s show several times and wasn’t really considered one by the staff as it included scenes of horror similar to the original film. The plot has all the main characters be abducted by InGen’s rival BioSyn, including Lewis Dodgson, who forces them with a team of mercenaries to return to the island to obtain a Barbasol can containing Embryos that Nedry attempted to steal during the first film. John Hammond and Ian Malcolm are both found to be alive when they were previously thought dead in the film(Hammond was attacked by Compsagnathus and seemingly overwhelmed but his death wasn’t shown on screen and Ian Malcolm seemed to die from his injuries, but here other survivors found him and used a defibrillator to jumpstart his heart. Both appear in the sequel film thanks to this). Michael Crichton helped write the plot of many of the episodes and considers it canon to the novel as well[10].
Legend of Crystania(1995-1997)
A sequel to Record of Lodoss War, following a land mentioned at the conclusion of the original series.
Mojacko(1995-1997)
A Series by Fujiko Fujio. A young boy named Sayao finds and helps rescue a crashed alien ship and is rewarded with trips across by his new alien friends.
Neighborhood Story(1995-1996)
Based on the manga by AI Yazawa that ran from 1995 to 1997. The series follows Mikako Koda, whose dream is to become a fashion designer.
Nurse Angel Ririko(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that also ran from 1995 to 1996 by producer Yasushi Akimoto and manga creator Koi Ikeno. Ririka Moriya is a 4th grader who is given a magical nurse cap from her crush Nozomu, who reveals he is an alien from a planet overrun by the Dark Joker Organization and she was sent there to find the magical girl Nurse Angel to save his planet.
The Ping Pong Club(1995)
Based on the manga by Minoru Furuya that ran from 1993 to 1996. The Series follows a school ping pong club whose members prefer to harass girls and play video girls until a new student whips them into shape, transforming them into an actual competent team.
Saint Tail(1995-1996)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1994 to 1996 by Megumi Tachikawa. The series is described by its own advertisements as “Robin Hood meets Sailor V.” and follows a young girl who becomes a thief after her father to retrieve stolen items.
Slayers(1995-1996)
Based on the Light novel that began in 1989 by Hajime Kanzaka. The First Light Novel series follows a Quest to defeat the Evil Lord of Nightmares in a fantasy land with the protagonist of teenage sorceress Lina Inverse.
Soar High! Isami(1995-1996)
A series by Group TAC, A boy named Isami discovers he is a descendant of the ancient Shinsengumi clan with other classmates who must battle the evil Kurotengu organization.
Sorcerer Hunters(1995-1996)
Based on the light novel series that ran from 1993 to 1996 by Satoru Akahori and Rei Omishi. The series is set in a world split between normal people called Parsoners and Sorcerers, who enslave the non magical people and Sorcerer Hunters who fight to protect them from the Sorcerers.
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger(1995-1996)
A series based on a team of Anthropomorphic animal superheroes based on the chinese zodiac, who work in a world created by human imagination.
Virtua Fighter(1995-1996)
Japan’s first 3D series based on the Video Game series of the same name. The plot follows Akira Yuki in his quest to obtain the 8 stars of Heaven. He learns Sarah Bryant was kidnapped by Eva Durix as part of their robotics project[11].
Wedding Peach(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1994 to 1996 by Sukehiro Tomita, who worked on Sailor Moon, the series this is most compared to. The plot follows Momoko Hansaki, who is turned into the magical heroine Wedding Peach by Aphrodite to battle the ruler of the Devil World Raindevila.
Wild Knights Gulkeeva(1995)
A Series set in a world called Earthside which is under attack by the Darknoids, a race from another world called Nosfertia. The realm of Heavenstia sends three animoids(animal-human hybrids) to defend Earthside with one resident named Touya, who thought he was human, discovering he is a Animoid himself and joining the fight.
Zenki(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1992 to 1996. In the past, the great Bodhisattva of Japan, Ozunu Enno, defeated the Demon Goddess Karuma with the aid of the Demon Gods, and sealed away her and the Demon Zenki to fight her in case she returned. Enno’s descendant Chiaki Enno frees Zenki to fight a partially freed portion of Karuma which has begun to corrupt people.
DVA
Deep Blue Fleet(1995-2005)
A series depicting an alternate universe in which Japan joined the allies instead of the Axis, due to the earlier military coup failing. Japan, still having some imperialistic tendencies, attack china during the Chinese Civil War, taking them out, resulting in the death of Mao Zedong, and unintentionally reunifying China when they annexed the country afterwards and then released it after 5 years. The downside to this is that the Pearl Harbor attacks never happen and America stays neutral, allowing the Nazis to remain in power in Europe and Russia declaring war on Japan leading to a prolonged conflict. In the 1960’s Hitler dies and the Nazis attempt to invade America as part of a long term plan, leading America to join the war effort and begin to overpower the Nazis in Europe while Japan begins to overpower Russia and then sending support to the front in Europe. This universe enters an era where Japan instead of China is a key player on the world stage[12].
Elementators(1995)
A series about a group of humans with powers over the elements.
Elf Princess Raine(1995-1996)
Follows Gou, a young man searching for the legendary treasure of Salamander with the aid of the Fairy Princess.
El Hazard(1995-1999)
An Isekai series about three high school students and their teacher transported to a fantasy world human nations battle the Insect Bugrom Tribe.
Golden Boy(1995-1996)
A series following Kintaro, a teenager who travels Japan. Each Episode will have him fall in love with a girl with tons of sexual humor and then helping them in some way, suggesting that Kintaro is a genius in many ways as he helps them out. The series ends with Kitaro helping animate a film(with meta jokes such as complaining about how messy the animator desks are with DVA cutting to actual photos of a messy animator desk). Kitaro calls every girl from the previous episode to help finish the animated film and get it to the theater in time.
Idol Project(1995-1997)
A group of Idols are abducted by aliens and made to compete in an intergalactic Idol competition.
Landlock(1995)
A DVA Series with art by Masamune Shirow.The series is set in the land of Zer’lue which is attacked by Chairman Sana’ku with his technology and army with one boy named Luta, possessing a magical ability he uses to fight back against the evil empire.
Miyuki-chan in Wonderland(1995)
A Hentai by CLAMP about a girl who is pulled into an erotic version of Wonderland with an all female cast[13].
Ruin Explorers(1995-1996)
Based on a 1991 manga about two girl treasure hunters in a fantasy world.
Saber Marionette R(1995)
The origin of what would become a series[ 14]
IN THE NEWS…
"THE WACHOWSKIS TO DIRECT GHOST IN THE SHELL ADAPTATION[15]."
"SON OF HAYAO MIYAZAKI SAYS HE WANTS TO WORK ON GAME DESIGN"
The 21 year old son of Hayao Miyazaki, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has stated his intent to enter the world of game design, having shown an interest while in school. He took an internship working for an upcoming game for the company Interperplay titled "Armageddon", set in a nuclear wasteland. Hidetaka recalls that he was assigned with translating the game and its theme to Japan and as part of this worked on his spare time, translating the song “Take me Home, Country Roads” into Japanese. To his surprise, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Yoshifuni Kondo joined in singing. This event has evidently convinced Hayao Miyazaki into supporting his son's wish to bring the world of Studio Ghibli to game design. Hidetakea Miyazaki has expressed interest in making his own unique version of Armageddon for Japan, but changing it to be about a young girl in a post apocalyptic wasteland[16].
Butterflied Away:
The Brave of Gold Goldran. Butterflied away due to no Brave Series.
The Diary of Anne Frank. Yes, there was actually an Anime of The Diary of Anne Frank by Madhouse. Butterflied Away for heartwarming reasons. Anne Frank did have a Diary, but she survived.
Galaxy Fräulein Yuna. Originated from Mika Akitaka’s MS Girls or Mobile Suit Gundam Girls which reimagined the Gundams from the Mobile Suit Gundam series as girls in Power Armor. While still popular, ITTL it never became a proper series, regulated to Statues, toys, and a Manga series akin to OTL’s DC Bombshells.
Gunsmith Cats. Butterflied away as OTL it emerged from the canceled series Riding Bean.
Iczer Girl Iczelion. Was a reboot with no sequels, removing the hentai elements present in the original two series might have been why.
Magical girl Pretty Sammy and Tenchi Universe. Both spinoffs of Tenchi Muyo, which was Butterflied away.
Romeo and the Black Brothers. OTL was part of World Masterpiece Theater, which ITTL Hayao Miyazaki’s perfectionism after Disney bought it and gave the rights to him, led him to shoot it down, though to some consider The Cat in the Hat film to be the latest part of this. OTL World Masterpiece Theater lasted until 1997 with a short lived revival in 2007.
Street Fighter II V. Likely considered but canceled by Capcom as a more successful Street Fighter film and delayed game sequels means they are instead focusing on a sequel film. There’s also the character of Sakura planning to be fully cast in the next film and this would lose the impact if she debuted in an animated series.
NOTES
[1] essentially TTL’s Ghost in the Shell mixed with Battle Angel Aelita and to a lesser extent Armitage III. Mentioned later but Ghost in the Shell is planned to be adapted by the Wachowskis.
[2]OTL this short was based on the Death of Gloria Ramirez, also known as the Toxic Woman. Attempts to operate on her made the doctors sick. It was theorized that she used Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a pain reliever which converted into a sulphuric acid. ITTL while an unknown different person was involved, the unfortunate victim exploded due to ingesting flammable elements. Also I sense a theme in Katsuhiro Otomi's work, the cover is usually guy in chair.
[3] One of the main problems OTL's Neon Genesis Evangelion had were not only Anno's mental health but also the loss of the budget towards the end. The most recent film Thrice Upon a Time is largely built on the intended original ending. Without spoilers the original planned ending was the characters entering the real world after a devastating attack destroys America and the Moon. The changed ending we got is essentially all of humanity minus Asuka and Shinji dying. The New ending is a mix and essentially changes time so the Angels never attacked. A mix was used here, creating one universe which is basically the real world but with the show characters now there, and the world they left behind where enough humanity survives for it to become the world from Nausicaa.
[4] OTL Hideaki Anno directed Shin Godzilla and was a producer on Shin Ultraman for the Shin Japan Heroes Universe. Shin Godzilla has heavy use of body horror. The Man in the Suit OTL is a Godzilla Analogue horror series, which ITTL is an actual official series mixed with Shin Godzilla elements, possibly released years later as a Netflix mini-series show of something along those lines.
[5] Disney did almost make a Sailor Moon film in the 90's when they go the rights through DiC though around 1997. It was cancelled after Stanley Tong's first and only English film Mr.Magoo failed as he was intended to be the director. This film is more in his wheel house as his expertise is martial arts films. The film's existence butterflies away Cutthroat Island, which OTL was released this year and was a flop largely due to Davis and her husband as director meddling in its production. It also invokes several of the films made after Disney died OTL which were Disney trying new things and not really succeeding, getting mixed reviews but cult followings such as The Black Cauldron(Darker film), Midnight Madness(Animal House style film), The Black Hole(Star Wars style film) and The Watcher in the Woods(Horror). ITTL Disney has just died and so this period will be a bit of a rough time for Disney until they can return to their former glory akin to the OTL Disney Renaissance, but much later. Codename Sailor: V will fear similar to those films. Mixed reviews but gain a cult following over time.
Also I tried to use Midjourney AI to create Heather Graham as either Sailor Moon or Sailor Venus and Geena Davis as Queen Beryl but didn't really see it in either one. It tended to just make them a stock Princess or Queen. The result shown is best I got. Couldn't find any artist results either. I'm open fan art submissions.
[6]Personally I'm not a fan of Ron Howard's films, but other people seem to like them so to each their own. He did make Rush, which is probably the closest in terms of style to this film since ITTL after Tatsunoko fell, Mach Go Go Go had its right bought up and was rebooted as a formula 1 racer based series. Also this was another case where AI and internet art failed me. No Johnny Depp as Speed Racer, it was usually his current look or just a racer driver not Speed Racer specifically.
[7] I might get a pushback from this since while Whisper of the Heart is an underrated Ghibli masterpiece, but this idea largely came from two sources. The first was that Whisper of the Heart was billed for the fantasy sequences which are a small part of the film, and its replacement is more what audiences expected. The other is the sequel being named The Cat Returns, sounding similar to The Cat in the Hat comes Back. This was another case where both artists and AI failed. AI can't quite get that Studio Ghibl style.
[8] I moved down Cowboy Bebop(no real changes I could find, largely so that Yusaku Matsuda(who OTL died of bladder cancer but survived ITTL due to surgery), can act in a film playing his inspiration Spike Spiegel, in a live action Bebop film that would be good this time. Plus he's in his 50's but I thought looked good for his age in his last film OTL Black Rain, but the window is closing, though despite his age he could still voice characters he inspired OTL such as Aokiji in One Piece(Romance Dawn ITTL), and Jubei Yagyu in Onimusha 2. Also I realized I had butterflied away Watanabe's other two most famous series OTL: Macross Plus and Mobile Suit Gundam: 0083 Stardust Memory. I figured I owed him one. Also OTL Bandai pulled out of the deal because they thought it wouldn't be successful(showed them huh?).
[9] The Yaoi fanbase will not as extreme as OTL despite such fandoms rising from less. While this would normally not be a problem, the Yaoi fandom has been shown to be far too psychotic, even sending death threats. OTL Duo Maxwell was replaced as protagonist by Heero Yuy, though Maxwell remained a character in the show.
[10] An OTL cancelled animated series by Spielberg due to his dislike for having too much merchandise for a film. This may get its own post in the future as there is a lot of concept are for it and bits of script.
[11] OTL Virtua Fighter was a 2D series. However, the US had Veggie Tales as the first 3D animated series in 1993, so it's within the realm of possibility.
[12] OTL Deep Blue Fleet came out in 1993, but I realized I forgot to include it. The plot is different due to elements such as Yamamoto surviving and a coup occurring ITTL which led to the nukes being used. So rather than Yamamoto being sent back in time and helping Japan win World War II, it's instead a bit more grounded.
[13] Was not a Hentai OTL but many including the staff commented that it teetered the edge quite a bit.
[14] OTL Saber Marionette R was an Audio Drama.
[15] The Wachowskis ITTL just directed Plastic Man with Jim Carrey(Which ITTL replaces The Mask which stuck to the Comics and was a far gorier film) for Warner Bros and DC, so they have some clout and will still make Matrix later on.
[16] Hidetaka Miyazaki was adopted by Hayao Miyazaki ITTL. OTL he is the game designer for Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. "Armageddon" was the working title for the first game of the Fallout series but was changed due to a video game with the same name that was later cancelled. Singing "Country Roads" is a reference to a scene in OTL's Whisper of the Heart. Fallout 76' actually uses a cover of that song while the first game uses "I don't Want to Set the World on Fire", using the song is Hidetaka's choice as his Miyazaki upbringing means he wants to make a hard game set in a cruel world but still optimistic. This will likely inspire a similar scene in that game, likely a young girl trying to recreate old world pop culture as a way to preserve it after the apocalypse, vaguely remembering there was this old American song they don't quite remember the lyrics to since they don't speak English or understand the references. Fallout is popular in Japan with some minor censoring ("The Fat Boy Launcher is called the Nuke Launcher. One mission with the option to set off a nuke has that removed and you can only defuse it, etc).
For Comparison, here is Whisper of the Heart's Country Roads, which used an older cover from 1973 by Olivia Newton John. The Song Itself would be slightly different, saying "To Virginia" rather than West Virginia, as an abandoned change that would have occurred before the 1900 cut off date would be Virginia(and therefore Robert E.Lee) joining the Union, leading to a more easier to defeat Confederacy. If this happened West Virginia wouldn't exist as it was formed by Union sympathizers who fled the Confederate aligned Virginia. The short version is simply John Denver wrote the song about Virginia.
Whisper of the Heart:
Fallout 76' Version:
Zenki(1995-1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1992 to 1996. In the past, the great Bodhisattva of Japan, Ozunu Enno, defeated the Demon Goddess Karuma with the aid of the Demon Gods, and sealed away her and the Demon Zenki to fight her in case she returned. Enno’s descendant Chiaki Enno frees Zenki to fight a partially freed portion of Karuma which has begun to corrupt people.
DVA
Deep Blue Fleet(1995-2005)
A series depicting an alternate universe in which Japan joined the allies instead of the Axis, due to the earlier military coup failing. Japan, still having some imperialistic tendencies, attack china during the Chinese Civil War, taking them out, resulting in the death of Mao Zedong, and unintentionally reunifying China when they annexed the country afterwards and then released it after 5 years. The downside to this is that the Pearl Harbor attacks never happen and America stays neutral, allowing the Nazis to remain in power in Europe and Russia declaring war on Japan leading to a prolonged conflict. In the 1960’s Hitler dies and the Nazis attempt to invade America as part of a long term plan, leading America to join the war effort and begin to overpower the Nazis in Europe while Japan begins to overpower Russia and then sending support to the front in Europe. This universe enters an era where Japan instead of China is a key player on the world stage[12].
Elementators(1995)
A series about a group of humans with powers over the elements.
Elf Princess Raine(1995-1996)
Follows Gou, a young man searching for the legendary treasure of Salamander with the aid of the Fairy Princess.
El Hazard(1995-1999)
An Isekai series about three high school students and their teacher transported to a fantasy world human nations battle the Insect Bugrom Tribe.
Golden Boy(1995-1996)
A series following Kintaro, a teenager who travels Japan. Each Episode will have him fall in love with a girl with tons of sexual humor and then helping them in some way, suggesting that Kintaro is a genius in many ways as he helps them out. The series ends with Kitaro helping animate a film(with meta jokes such as complaining about how messy the animator desks are with DVA cutting to actual photos of a messy animator desk). Kitaro calls every girl from the previous episode to help finish the animated film and get it to the theater in time.
Idol Project(1995-1997)
A group of Idols are abducted by aliens and made to compete in an intergalactic Idol competition.
Landlock(1995)
A DVA Series with art by Masamune Shirow.The series is set in the land of Zer’lue which is attacked by Chairman Sana’ku with his technology and army with one boy named Luta, possessing a magical ability he uses to fight back against the evil empire.
Miyuki-chan in Wonderland(1995)
A Hentai by CLAMP about a girl who is pulled into an erotic version of Wonderland with an all female cast[13].
Ruin Explorers(1995-1996)
Based on a 1991 manga about two girl treasure hunters in a fantasy world.
Saber Marionette R(1995)
The origin of what would become a series[ 14]
IN THE NEWS…
"THE WACHOWSKIS TO DIRECT GHOST IN THE SHELL ADAPTATION[15]."
"SON OF HAYAO MIYAZAKI SAYS HE WANTS TO WORK ON GAME DESIGN"
The 21 year old son of Hayao Miyazaki, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has stated his intent to enter the world of game design, having shown an interest while in school. He took an internship working for an upcoming game for the company Interperplay titled "Armageddon", set in a nuclear wasteland. Hidetaka recalls that he was assigned with translating the game and its theme to Japan and as part of this worked on his spare time, translating the song “Take me Home, Country Roads” into Japanese. To his surprise, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Yoshifuni Kondo joined in singing. This event has evidently convinced Hayao Miyazaki into supporting his son's wish to bring the world of Studio Ghibli to game design. Hidetakea Miyazaki has expressed interest in making his own unique version of Armageddon for Japan, but changing it to be about a young girl in a post apocalyptic wasteland[16].
Butterflied Away:
The Brave of Gold Goldran. Butterflied away due to no Brave Series.
The Diary of Anne Frank. Yes, there was actually an Anime of The Diary of Anne Frank by Madhouse. Butterflied Away for heartwarming reasons. Anne Frank did have a Diary, but she survived.
Galaxy Fräulein Yuna. Originated from Mika Akitaka’s MS Girls or Mobile Suit Gundam Girls which reimagined the Gundams from the Mobile Suit Gundam series as girls in Power Armor. While still popular, ITTL it never became a proper series, regulated to Statues, toys, and a Manga series akin to OTL’s DC Bombshells.
Gunsmith Cats. Butterflied away as OTL it emerged from the canceled series Riding Bean.
Iczer Girl Iczelion. Was a reboot with no sequels, removing the hentai elements present in the original two series might have been why.
Magical girl Pretty Sammy and Tenchi Universe. Both spinoffs of Tenchi Muyo, which was Butterflied away.
Romeo and the Black Brothers. OTL was part of World Masterpiece Theater, which ITTL Hayao Miyazaki’s perfectionism after Disney bought it and gave the rights to him, led him to shoot it down, though to some consider The Cat in the Hat film to be the latest part of this. OTL World Masterpiece Theater lasted until 1997 with a short lived revival in 2007.
Street Fighter II V. Likely considered but canceled by Capcom as a more successful Street Fighter film and delayed game sequels means they are instead focusing on a sequel film. There’s also the character of Sakura planning to be fully cast in the next film and this would lose the impact if she debuted in an animated series.
NOTES
[1] essentially TTL’s Ghost in the Shell mixed with Battle Angel Aelita and to a lesser extent Armitage III. Mentioned later but Ghost in the Shell is planned to be adapted by the Wachowskis.
[2]OTL this short was based on the Death of Gloria Ramirez, also known as the Toxic Woman. Attempts to operate on her made the doctors sick. It was theorized that she used Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a pain reliever which converted into a sulphuric acid. ITTL while an unknown different person was involved, the unfortunate victim exploded due to ingesting flammable elements. Also I sense a theme in Katsuhiro Otomi's work, the cover is usually guy in chair.
[3] One of the main problems OTL's Neon Genesis Evangelion had were not only Anno's mental health but also the loss of the budget towards the end. The most recent film Thrice Upon a Time is largely built on the intended original ending. Without spoilers the original planned ending was the characters entering the real world after a devastating attack destroys America and the Moon. The changed ending we got is essentially all of humanity minus Asuka and Shinji dying. The New ending is a mix and essentially changes time so the Angels never attacked. A mix was used here, creating one universe which is basically the real world but with the show characters now there, and the world they left behind where enough humanity survives for it to become the world from Nausicaa.
[4] OTL Hideaki Anno directed Shin Godzilla and was a producer on Shin Ultraman for the Shin Japan Heroes Universe. Shin Godzilla has heavy use of body horror. The Man in the Suit OTL is a Godzilla Analogue horror series, which ITTL is an actual official series mixed with Shin Godzilla elements, possibly released years later as a Netflix mini-series show of something along those lines.
[5] Disney did almost make a Sailor Moon film in the 90's when they go the rights through DiC though around 1997. It was cancelled after Stanley Tong's first and only English film Mr.Magoo failed as he was intended to be the director. This film is more in his wheel house as his expertise is martial arts films. The film's existence butterflies away Cutthroat Island, which OTL was released this year and was a flop largely due to Davis and her husband as director meddling in its production. It also invokes several of the films made after Disney died OTL which were Disney trying new things and not really succeeding, getting mixed reviews but cult followings such as The Black Cauldron(Darker film), Midnight Madness(Animal House style film), The Black Hole(Star Wars style film) and The Watcher in the Woods(Horror). ITTL Disney has just died and so this period will be a bit of a rough time for Disney until they can return to their former glory akin to the OTL Disney Renaissance, but much later. Codename Sailor: V will fear similar to those films. Mixed reviews but gain a cult following over time.
Also I tried to use Midjourney AI to create Heather Graham as either Sailor Moon or Sailor Venus and Geena Davis as Queen Beryl but didn't really see it in either one. It tended to just make them a stock Princess or Queen. The result shown is best I got. Couldn't find any artist results either. I'm open fan art submissions.
[6]Personally I'm not a fan of Ron Howard's films, but other people seem to like them so to each their own. He did make Rush, which is probably the closest in terms of style to this film since ITTL after Tatsunoko fell, Mach Go Go Go had its right bought up and was rebooted as a formula 1 racer based series. Also this was another case where AI and internet art failed me. No Johnny Depp as Speed Racer, it was usually his current look or just a racer driver not Speed Racer specifically.
[7] I might get a pushback from this since while Whisper of the Heart is an underrated Ghibli masterpiece, but this idea largely came from two sources. The first was that Whisper of the Heart was billed for the fantasy sequences which are a small part of the film, and its replacement is more what audiences expected. The other is the sequel being named The Cat Returns, sounding similar to The Cat in the Hat comes Back. This was another case where both artists and AI failed. AI can't quite get that Studio Ghibl style.
[8] I moved down Cowboy Bebop(no real changes I could find, largely so that Yusaku Matsuda(who OTL died of bladder cancer but survived ITTL due to surgery), can act in a film playing his inspiration Spike Spiegel, in a live action Bebop film that would be good this time. Plus he's in his 50's but I thought looked good for his age in his last film OTL Black Rain, but the window is closing, though despite his age he could still voice characters he inspired OTL such as Aokiji in One Piece(Romance Dawn ITTL), and Jubei Yagyu in Onimusha 2. Also I realized I had butterflied away Watanabe's other two most famous series OTL: Macross Plus and Mobile Suit Gundam: 0083 Stardust Memory. I figured I owed him one. Also OTL Bandai pulled out of the deal because they thought it wouldn't be successful(showed them huh?).
[9] The Yaoi fanbase will not as extreme as OTL despite such fandoms rising from less. While this would normally not be a problem, the Yaoi fandom has been shown to be far too psychotic, even sending death threats. OTL Duo Maxwell was replaced as protagonist by Heero Yuy, though Maxwell remained a character in the show.
[10] An OTL cancelled animated series by Spielberg due to his dislike for having too much merchandise for a film. This may get its own post in the future as there is a lot of concept are for it and bits of script.
[11] OTL Virtua Fighter was a 2D series. However, the US had Veggie Tales as the first 3D animated series in 1993, so it's within the realm of possibility.
[12] OTL Deep Blue Fleet came out in 1993, but I realized I forgot to include it. The plot is different due to elements such as Yamamoto surviving and a coup occurring ITTL which led to the nukes being used. So rather than Yamamoto being sent back in time and helping Japan win World War II, it's instead a bit more grounded.
[13] Was not a Hentai OTL but many including the staff commented that it teetered the edge quite a bit.
[14] OTL Saber Marionette R was an Audio Drama.
[15] The Wachowskis ITTL just directed Plastic Man with Jim Carrey(Which ITTL replaces The Mask which stuck to the Comics and was a far gorier film) for Warner Bros and DC, so they have some clout and will still make Matrix later on.
[16] Hidetaka Miyazaki was adopted by Hayao Miyazaki ITTL. OTL he is the game designer for Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. "Armageddon" was the working title for the first game of the Fallout series but was changed due to a video game with the same name that was later cancelled. Singing "Country Roads" is a reference to a scene in OTL's Whisper of the Heart. Fallout 76' actually uses a cover of that song while the first game uses "I don't Want to Set the World on Fire", using the song is Hidetaka's choice as his Miyazaki upbringing means he wants to make a hard game set in a cruel world but still optimistic. This will likely inspire a similar scene in that game, likely a young girl trying to recreate old world pop culture as a way to preserve it after the apocalypse, vaguely remembering there was this old American song they don't quite remember the lyrics to since they don't speak English or understand the references. Fallout is popular in Japan with some minor censoring ("The Fat Boy Launcher is called the Nuke Launcher. One mission with the option to set off a nuke has that removed and you can only defuse it, etc).
For Comparison, here is Whisper of the Heart's Country Roads, which used an older cover from 1973 by Olivia Newton John. The Song Itself would be slightly different, saying "To Virginia" rather than West Virginia, as an abandoned change that would have occurred before the 1900 cut off date would be Virginia(and therefore Robert E.Lee) joining the Union, leading to a more easier to defeat Confederacy. If this happened West Virginia wouldn't exist as it was formed by Union sympathizers who fled the Confederate aligned Virginia. The short version is simply John Denver wrote the song about Virginia.
Whisper of the Heart:
Fallout 76' Version:
Last edited:
Interesting changes to TTL’s equivalent of the Evangelion series.
Alcion III(1995)
The conclusion to the Alcion trilogy by Hideaki Anno and King Records. The Film begins with the 13 remaining Apostolo attacking the Earth all at once, destroying America and the Moon in the process. This results in all EVAs being sent out into the battle including Rei, Shinji, Asuka, and NERV recruits two of Rei and Shinji’s school mates: Toji Suzuhara and Kaworu Nagisa to pilot EVAs into the battle. The EVAs are forced to split up to kill two Apostolos each with the sole remaining Apostolo proving to be the strongest. Kaworu Nagisa is killed in battle and the Apostolos scorch large parts of the Earth. NERV and Gendo Ichijo finds themselves confronted by an American Rival bent on aiding Humanity in defeating the Apostolos named Conrad Lawrence. Lawrence is significantly less evil than Gendo and poses a serious threat to him and is revealed to have originally set up NERV and Gendo. Most of the UN choose to go down fighting instead when all hope seems lost, to Gendo’s anger. He defects and leads the survivors to search for Atlantis, since Atlantis was(tying the series back to Nadia and the Secret of Blue Water, which it began as a spinoff/Sequel of). Several fates of the cast of Nadia are revealed when the cast examine the ruins, which depict images of the cast. They find a powerful device meant to stop the final Apostolo. Gendo betrays the group at this moment to try and weaken the surface and allow him to take over. He pilots his own EVA into battle but is defeated by Rei in an intense fight. The cannon is fired and the final Apostolo destroyed. The cast find themselves in a world where the Apostolos never arrived as a result of the weapon firing(heavily implied to be the real world as the cast appear in live action and Alcion is shown to be a work of fiction from a billboard they see). In the universe they left behind, a flashforward is seen revealing the world to be overgrown, having become the future setting of Nausicaa[3].
Post-Alcion film series, Hideaki Anno considered returning to Studio Daicon, but was then approached to possibly helm an installment in the Japan Heroes Universe. He wanted to work on either Godzilla or Ultraman. Akira Kurosawa was directing the Godzilla film and Anno did not think he could do a better job than Kurosawa. He was a huge fan of Ultraman, having made a fan film based on the character in 1983 with himself in the lead role for Daicon. He therefore chose to direct an Ultraman film to be released in 1998. This fast tracked the development of “Team 2” Or “Second Phase” of the Japan Heroes Universe. Ultraman was the first confirmed along with the intent to revive the previously cancelled Dororo. Anno was also considering a body horror Kaiju series, which led to an effort to get Gamera as a face of “Team 2” next to Ultraman. Anno himself thought Gamera was too closely connected with the side of the heroes to really be used in such a way. Experimenting with this idea and flexing his muscles into live action film in the process, a still fairly new experience for him, Anno created the horror mini-series “The Man in the Godzilla Suit”, which involved the original Godzilla actor being exposed to radiation while the original film was being made on a remote island and transforming into a hideous monster merging with the Godzilla suit, culminating in his growth to the size of an actual Godzilla [4].
Oooh live-action Disney.
Codename: Sailor V(1995)
The somewhat first long awaited Live Action Disney Anime film. Bile Fascination carried the film somewhat but it ultimately failed to live up to Disney’s expectations, and was largely seen as an attempt to follow the bandwagon. Its production was also hampered by the recent death of Walt Disney the previous year. The film was a fairly generic plot, as it was a PG rated movie largely aimed at children and especially girls. The Film began with the Moon Kingdom being devastated and the spirits of the Sailor Scouts being sent to Earth, then following the girls as they meet and unite to defeat the evil Queen Beryl. Unlike the main story there are no casualties. Geena Davis, who played Queen Beryl was among the first roles cast and wanted to bring her then husband Director Renny Harlin to direct the film, but Disney shot this down in favor of Hong Kong Director Stanley Tong. Heather Graham, who played Sailor Moon, was praised for her performance by sharp contrast to Davis[5].
Oh, interesting! A Japanese version of a Dr. Seuss book is something I wasn’t expecting here, but I shouldn’t be surprised by this! Considering that there is so much more West-East cultural interactions and exchanges ITTL.
Art by Nolen Lee
The Cat in the Hat(1995)
The first film by Yoshifumi Kondo, whom Miyazaki and Takahata intended as their successor, having worked on Ghibli films since Pippi Longstocking. The film is a collaboration. It is a loose adaptation of the original story by Dr.Seuss, whom Hayao Miyazaki and Kondo met during production before Seuss’s death. Seuss himself greenlit the(somewhat controversial) move to a japanese setting and following two children. This factors into the plot as the young girl protagonist has an interest in American culture, including trying to rework the song “Country Roads, Take me Home” into Japanese. Her interest in the children’s book of Dr.Seuss results in the Cat in the Hat(Tim Allen) actually appearing before them and bringing them into his world, featuring many other Dr.Seuss characters in cameos including the Grinch and the Lorax. While the children are put in danger by the King of the Cats, who wishes to marry the young girl and turn her into a cat., They are able to avoid danger and are returned back to their own world. This was followed by a later sequel, based on the sequel “The Cat in the Hat Comes Back”. Miyazaki expressed the belief that they had been making too many Western based films recently and wanted to shift to Japanese stories for the next Ghibli film[7].
Oh I thought you turned Cowboy Bebop into a movie ITTL, but regardless it’s nice to see it still exist here ITTL.TV SERIES
Cowboy Bebop(1995)
Developed by Sunrise, under the name Hajime Yatate, used for the entire staff, though helmed largely by Shinichiro Watanabe. Sponsored by Bandai, who created toys for the series(one of which became a meme due to the packaging listing Cowboy Bebop in place of Ed's name). The series is set in 2071 and follows a group of Bounty Hunters. The plot was intentionally written to wrap up quickly and prevent a long running series, concluding with Spike facing his rival Vicious, the head of the Red Dragon Syndicate in a final showdown. Bandai wanted to do sequels but Watanabe was adamant. He did however, agree to green light a live action film starring Yusaku Matsuda as Spike, set during the main series [8].
First Indiana Jones and now Jurassic Park, nice stuff! It seems that the live action blockbusters are all getting animated series ITTL like Ghostbusters and Back to the Future IOTL.
Escape from Jurassic Park(1995-1996)
Universal Picture’s response to both The Indiana Jones Adventures, and the Disney adventure shows of the era. The series was intended to be released alongside the original film in 1993, but was placed on hold due to Steven Spielberg feeling there was too much merchandise of the film. This changed when the second Film Jurassic Park: The Lost World was due for a 1995 release with only Ian Malcolm intended to return. The Series was therefore greenlit with assistance from Japanese animators. A mix of 2D, 3D and stop motion were used at many different times to help create the effects for the series, which led into the second film. All of the main characters returned, though many with different voice actors. The show veered away from being a kid’s show several times and wasn’t really considered one by the staff as it included scenes of horror similar to the original film. The plot has all the main characters be abducted by InGen’s rival BioSyn, including Lewis Dodgson, who forces them with a team of mercenaries to return to the island to obtain a Barbasol can containing Embryos that Nedry attempted to steal during the first film. John Hammond and Ian Malcolm are both found to be alive when they were previously thought dead in the film(Hammond was attacked by Compsagnathus and seemingly overwhelmed but his death wasn’t shown on screen and Ian Malcolm seemed to die from his injuries, but here other survivors found him and used a defibrillator to jumpstart his heart. Both appear in the sequel film thanks to this). Michael Crichton helped write the plot of many of the episodes and considers it canon to the novel as well[10].
Oh yeah I remember this series from the alternate history Youtube podcast Talkernate History.
Oh my god! You know about that analog horror Godzilla series too? It’s a small world after all.
Awesome stuff, I love Country Roads and John Denver, and I do like your idea on how the song can still be catchy where West Virginia as a state doesn’t exist and Virginia helps the Union instead of the Confederacy.
Yeah a mix of Anno’s mental health and low budget led to the infamous original ending. Fortunately the recent reboot redeemed it in the eyes of fans and gave us a “good ending” to inspire this version’s finale.
They’re not exactly masterpieces but live action Disney movies from around the 70’s and 80’s were fun films. Midnight Madness had funny moments like all the guys spilling more and more things so a waitress could bend over, leading to a table flip. Tron is obvious. Watcher in the Woods has some creepy scenes like a slow shot that seems odd until you realize it’s a POV of someone watching the characters. The Black Hole has one pretty creative horror movie kill for one thing(a buzz saw kills a man through the chest while he is holding a book that censors where the gore would be with the book also torn Christ that’s hardcore for a Disney movie). I imagine this film is along those lines with some good moments.
Went back and forth on this. Seuss isn’t that well know In Japan but there are three Japanese men that made it their mission to translate all his works. Also he did make racist World War 2 era cartoons but he did apologize for that later on and likely just saw that as a job. I also like the idea of him meeting Miyazaki. Two white bearded men with glasses.
The movie is coming. I never wanted to butterfly away the show. It will be a mix of the OTL cowboy bebop movie and the live action Netflix series but with the creator at the helm to write a new story.
The Ghostbusters I imagine would still happen but the Back to the Future show might not. There’s an American Doctor Who show ITTL and well it would just be seen as a knock off of that).
How I learned about it also. Though it fell into the trap of alternate history wank. TTL’s version is more level headed. Japan becomes A World Power among three. Not THE world power.
I’m also aware of the suitmation trials though it’s vague enough to be in the same universe. TTL version would be I imagine much scarier. The man in the suit is essentially becoming Shin Godzilla including in size and it’s an official Toho project with a big budget and access to the original film props and actors. Like a Japanese version of Wes Craven’s New Nightmare.
I had to keep that element from Whisper of the Heart somehow as it’s the best part to many people. I’d argue it means even more with the context of a young girl in a post apocalyptic world trying to rediscover the song so it isn’t lost to time.
Good to hear, Evangelion is one of the most influential and praised animes of all time from what I know.
Speaking of which, what officially happens to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away (2001) ITTL?
Damn, that is interesting, guess Disney really can do live-action stuff alongside their world-famous animation.
Indeed, two great minds of their respective countries.
Good to know! The OTL series ran from 1998 to 1999, whereas here it was just 1995, so that’s why I got the impression it was a movie despite it being the first entry underneath TV Series.
I heard that the OTL live-action Netflix series was bad, like laugh-track bad.
That makes sense, it sounds like that one sco-do-focused pop culture timeline where Back to the Future is incorporated as a part of an American spin-off of the Doctor Who franchise.
Nice! I watch that too! And yep, kinda like the Spike TV alternate history television pilot that was just your typical unrealistic alternate history story written by somebody who doesn’t understand how alternate history or even realistic stories work.
Speaking of which, I do have an idea about a potential live-action alternate history series that is able to run for atleast one season ITTL sometime in the early 2010s. Here are my ideas for the episodes of Season 1:
1. What if the Axis Powers won World War 2?
2. What if the South won the American Civil War?
3. What if the Dinosaurs survived?
4. What if the Central Powers won World War 1?
5. What if the Roman Empire never fell?
6. What if Africa rose to dominance instead of Europe?
7. What if China industrialised before Europe?
8. What if America lost the Revolutionary War?
9. What if the Franks lost the Battle of Tours?
Cool! I could only imagine what the human body would look like inside a suit like that, trying to shift and morph to fill up all of that space and mild itself into that no walking around it purely inhuman form. I like how you think! Taking new things and bringing them back into the past.
I like it! Yeah I knew about that film from
before, but then Schaffrillas Productions came out with his new video and it brought it back to my attention:
Also, I did send you some more suggestions over our PM conversation, in case you didn’t know that.
Still planned to happen at some point but the catalyst towards it was Miyazaki realizing he never really made a film for young girls so for that to happen he’d need to go on vacation for some time since it was an epiphany had while meeting with his family.
Yeah which is one of the main reasons to butterfly it.
If it’s another timeline a link would be nice. Zemeckis said at a convention meeting I went to he considered the franchise done at 3. I plan on Lithgow playing Doc Brown unless and this is an option. The film’s plot is incorporated into the American Doctor Who with Lithgow as just the most recent regeneration.
I considered the idea but I feel a lot of the ideas would be popularly explored. You’d likely get historians trying to realistically analyze the consequences of each one.
Territory of the Man in the High Castle and a few others but most generally have the Nazis kicked to the curb eventually.
Timeline 191 HBO Series covers it.
Would be an episode helmed largely by Dinosaur and evolution experts.
Occurs also in Timeline 191 in this context with elements of Kaiserreich.
I’ll get to them. I’m thinking I’ll repost at least my responses here and thread them in case others have the same questions.
Look for the threadmark: 28 1/2 and the start of the Japan Heroes Universe(1994)
CBS. Universal Cartoon Studios would have made it and that channel aired things like the Back to the Future TV Series and Fievel's American Tails by them.
A Ghost in the Shell movie with the Wachowski Sisters taking the helm? Sign me up!
Is the photo of the Major from Ghost in the Shell. A mistake for Gully ?
Not ITTL. It's essentially the equivalent to OTL's Ghost in the Shell with the same creator involved.
Cool stuff! I like ‘em. Here are some other ideas for episodes that I had for such a series:
1. What if Spain defeated England in 1588?
2. What if the Soviets won the Cold War?
3. What if Hitler never rose to power?
4. What if Carthage defeated Rome?
5. What if the Native American civilisations survived?
6. What if the Russian Revolution never happened?
7. What if the Persians defeated the Greeks?
8. What if the industrial revolution happened earlier?
9. What if China “discovered” the Americas before Columbus?
I do wonder if there will be anymore “in real-life” posts like these in the future, I think they would be very interesting and I for one would welcome them.