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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to get GaoGaiGar aired on their Disney channel. The channel aired King of Braves GaoGaiGar: Project Z, the continuation of the GaoGaiGar story. The story had Mamoru and Ikumi joining the hero group from Betterman after the disappearance of 3G. Because Allouette, who built GaoFighGar, lost her intelligence after falling into a coma, rebuilding said mech was impossible. Instead, Stealth Gao II (the component for Star GaoGaiGar) was introduced, along with Liner Gao II and Drill Gao II (components from GaoFighGar). There was a Nendroid known as GaiGo and a new King of Braves, GaoGaiGo. Genesic GaoGaiGar made their return, seemingly bursting out of the sun. The only problem many fans had with this new series was the transformation of Guy Shishioh, the hero of the original series, into the villain. Figurines were also made for all the Mecha featured in the series.