Space Patrol Hopper review: The adventures and emotions of the guardians of the universe

Space Patrol Hopper - Space Patrol Hopper

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

February 1, 1965 - November 29, 1965 Every Monday from 7:00pm to 7:30pm *The final episode aired on 10/11, and was repeated on 11/29.

■Broadcasting station

NET

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 44

■Original Story

Tetsuji Fukagawa

■ Production

Toei Animation

■Works

©Toei Animation

■ Story

Jun, a boy from Earth who was seriously injured in a spaceship accident, is rescued by the Space Patrol of the planet Hopper, which has more advanced science than Earth. Jun was seriously injured, but he was revived after undergoing cyborg surgery on the planet Hopper, which is on the other side of the galaxy, and became a member of the Space Patrol. Jun thus begins to fight for peace in the vast galaxy alongside his friends and Captain Dalton.

■Explanation

This space science fiction anime is set in the galaxy and follows the adventures of Jun, an Earth boy who becomes a member of the space patrol. From episode 27 onwards, the title was changed to "Patrol Hopper: Space Boy Jun" and the main setting was changed from space to Earth.

■Cast

Jun/Tomoharu Minamitani → Machiko Soga
・Captain Dalton/Kiyoshi Kobayashi
・Dr. Doc / Akira Shimada
・Pooh/Masako Nozawa
・ Donkey Team Member / Shinsuke Chikaishi
・Team Member Goo/Hase Sanji *Officially known as Team Member "Da."
Mrs. Dalton / Ikuko Sugita
・Hook/Hiroshi Otake
・Chief Hock / Gen Nakajima
・Führer Hueller/Takuzo Kamiyama
・Tehwani/Miyuki Asakawa
Bat/Michio Usami
・Chief/Yasuaki Suzuki
Ruby/Yoshiko Ota
・Iron/Kenji Utsumi

■ Main staff

・Original story: Tetsuji Fukagawa ・Planning: Kenji Yokoyama ・Production: Iwao Sasatani ・Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi ・Theme song
OP
"Space Patrol Hopper"
Lyrics by Jun Honami Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi Performance by Kamitakada Boys Choir

ED
"Jun's Song" Episodes 1-26 "Space Boy Jun" Episodes 27-Final Lyrics: Shinobu Urakawa Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi Performance: Kamitakada Boys' Choir

■ Main Characters

Jun is an Earthling who gained superpowers through cyborg surgery on the planet Hopper. He becomes a member of the Space Patrol and fights against villains in the universe.

・Hopper Alien An alien with a body type and constitution very similar to that of a kappa. He stores elan water, made of deuterium, in a dish on his head and uses it as an energy source.

Captain Dalton: One of the Hopper aliens and the captain of the Space Patrol.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1/Space Boy Jun
・Episode 2: Fly, Peapot
Episode 3: Happy Pooh
・Episode 4: Plus and Minus
Episode 5: Electric Cannibal Anponta
Episode 6: The End of the War Robots
・Episode 7: Bubble Man Bubble
Episode 8: Meteor Storm
Episode 9: The mysterious winged insect Papilion
Episode 10: The Stolen Donkey
Episode 11: Operation Little Detective
・Episode 12/Burning Star
・Episode 13/Crybaby Alien
Episode 14: The Birth of the Little Government
・Episode 15/Mysterious Microwave Radio Waves
Episode 16: Spaceship Yoshark
Episode 17: The Great Rampage of Metal Man
Episode 18: 9 Million Kilometers of Death
Episode 19: The Mysterious Nebula M42
Episode 20: Strategy Petanpetan
・Episode 21/Lyman, the Child of the Sun
Episode 22: The Thief Alien's Challenge
・Episode 23/Great Tornado
・Episode 24/Space Kidnapper
・Episode 25/Space Monster Mogura
・Episode 26/00 The Secret of Zero
・Episode 27/Mother is Planet Earth
・Episode 28 / Phantom Thief Goban
・Episode 29/Space Animal Andro
Episode 30: Hurry! Earth SOS
・Episode 31 / Shadow of the Mu Empire
・Episode 32: The Tale of Two Stars
・Episode 33: The Secret of Marineland
Episode 34: Jun is the nuisance
Episode 35: Get the Sun Back
・Episode 36: Hook and Hook
Episode 37: Shout Iron
・Episode 38/10th grade
Episode 39: The Dinosaur Returns
・Episode 40: Aim for Elan Water
・Episode 41: The Crappy Train Strategy
・Episode 42: Ghost Incident
Episode 43: The Great Desert Rebellion
Episode 44: The Collapse of the Mu Empire

■ Related works

"Manga Daikoushin" (released on July 24, 1965) *TV blow-up version

Space Patrol Hopper - Detailed review and recommendation of Space Patrol Hopper

"Space Patrol Hopper," broadcast in 1965, is an animated work that provided dreams and adventure to children at the time, and its influence has not faded even today. This work is the story of Jun, an Earth boy who struggles to protect peace in the galaxy as a member of the Space Patrol. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and background of this work, as well as the recommended points.

Background and production of the work

"Space Patrol Hopper" was produced by Toei Animation (now Toei Animation) and aired on NET (now TV Asahi). The original story was written by Fukagawa Tetsuji, the planning was done by Yokoyama Kenji, and the music was done by Kikuchi Shunsuke. It aired from February 1st to November 29th, 1965, for a total of 44 episodes. Of particular note is that from episode 27 onwards, the title was changed to "Patrol Hopper: Space Kid Jun", and the setting of the story shifted from space to Earth. This was the result of flexible response to viewer reactions and the development of the story, and shows the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the production team at the time.

Story and Characters

The story's protagonist, Jun, is seriously injured in a spaceship accident and is rescued by the Space Patrol from the planet Hopper. After undergoing cyborg surgery on the planet Hopper, Jun gains superpowers and fights against evil in the galaxy alongside Captain Dalton and his companions. Jun's character is a typical hero, combining bravery and a sense of justice, while also learning about the vastness of the universe and different cultures from an Earthling's perspective. This allows viewers to grow along with Jun and enjoy his adventures.

The Hopper aliens are aliens with a body shape and constitution similar to that of a kappa, and use Elan water, which is made of deuterium, as their energy source. This setting would have been fresh and interesting for children at the time. In addition, the characters such as Captain Dalton, Professor Doc, and Pooh are also unique and play important roles in supporting Jun's adventure.

Animation and Music

Considering the animation technology of the 1960s, the visuals of Space Patrol Hopper are very sophisticated. The designs of the spaceships and aliens reflect the sci-fi boom of the time and create a strong visual impact. In addition, the music by Shunsuke Kikuchi livens up the work with melodies that stimulate a sense of adventure and sound effects that heighten the tension. In particular, the opening theme "Space Patrol Hopper" and the ending themes "Jun's Song" and "Space Boy Jun" are masterpieces that have left a strong impression on viewers.

The appeal of the episode

Each of the 44 episodes has a different theme and antagonist, so viewers will not get bored. For example, episode 1, "Space Boy Jun," depicts the moment Jun's adventure begins, while episode 27, "My Mother is Planet Earth," depicts Jun's return to Earth. Also, episode 44, "The Collapse of the Mu Empire," depicts the climax of the story, emphasizing the growth and bonds between Jun and his friends. These episodes provide viewers with emotion and excitement, enhancing the appeal of the story as a whole.

Related works and influences

"Space Patrol Hopper" is also related to the TV blow-up version called "Manga Daikoushin" that was released on July 24, 1965. This film was an omnibus of popular anime works of the time, and "Space Patrol Hopper" was introduced as one of them. This work also had a great influence on later science fiction and hero anime, and can be said to be a pioneer of adventure stories set in space. In particular, the character of Jun is thought to have influenced the protagonists of later anime works.

Recommended points

"Space Patrol Hopper" is a work that allows you to fully experience the charm of 1960s science fiction anime. Jun's brave adventure and growth, the unique characters, and the story depicting the vastness of space and different cultures provide viewers with dreams and hope. In addition, the animation and music, which make full use of the technology of the time, are also points not to be missed. In particular, it is highly recommended for those who like science fiction and hero stories, and those who are interested in 1960s anime.

Furthermore, this film can be enjoyed by the whole family. Jun's adventures can teach children courage and a sense of justice. Parents can also feel nostalgic and enjoy the film together with their children. Please watch Space Patrol Hopper and experience its charm.