The appeal and reviews of "Neo-Human Casshern": A moving story for modern anime fans

Casshern - Good old fashioned sci-fi hero action

"Neo-Human Casshern" is a sci-fi hero action anime produced by Tatsunoko Productions that aired from 1973 to 1974. The story depicts the protagonist Casshern's lonely battle against the backdrop of an epic story in which an android named Breaking Boss awakens to self-awareness and declares war on humanity, launching attacks on the entire world. Below, we will take a deeper look at the details and appeal of this work.

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

October 2, 1973 - June 25, 1974 Every Tuesday 19:00-19:30

■Broadcasting station

Fuji TV Network

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 35

■Original Story

Tatsuo Yoshida, Tatsunoko Productions Planning Office

■ Director

General Director: Hiroshi Sasagawa

■ Production

Tatsunoko Productions

■Works

©Tatsunoko Productions

■ Story

The android BK-1, who has become self-aware, calls himself Breaking Boss and declares war on humanity. He organizes a large robot army, the Andro Corps, and launches attacks on the entire world. Tetsuya, the son of Dr. Azuma, the creator of BK-1, abandons his human body and fuses with a newly developed mechanical body. He is reborn as a "neo-human" with powerful fighting powers. He renames himself Casshern and, together with his robot dog Friend and his childhood friend Luna, challenges the Andro Corps to bring back peace for humanity.

■Explanation

This sci-fi hero action film depicts the lonely battle of a young man who abandons his own body to become a powerful "neo-human" in order to defeat an army of robots that have risen up in rebellion against humanity. The film depicts the lone hero in a hard-hitting story that depicts the anguish and conflict he faces after adopting the same mechanical body as his enemies, as well as the occasional friction he faces with the humans he is meant to protect.

■Cast

・Casshan/Ikuo Nishikawa・Luna/Emiko Tsukada・Breaking Boss/Kenji Utsumi・Barashin/Kazuya Tatebe・Sagure/Osamu Kato・Akborn/Ryuji Nakagi・Kotaro Higashi/Masato Yamauchi・Midori Higashi/Reiko Muto・Narrator/Goro Naya

■ Main staff

・Original story: Tatsuo Yoshida, Tatsunoko Productions Planning Department ・Planning: Jinzo Chokai ・Art: Mitsuki Nakamura ・Character design: Tatsuo Yoshida, Yoshitaka Amano ・Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi ・SF research: Rei Kosumi ・Sound effects: Ishida Sound Pro ・Sound recording: Omnibus Pro ・Producers: Kenji Yoshida, Ippei Kuri ・General director: Hiroshi Sasagawa

■ Main Characters

Casshern: A new human with a mechanical body that holds great power. He is the reborn form of Professor Azuma's son, Tetsuya, who abandoned his own body.
Luna Kozuki is a childhood friend of Tetsuya. She travels with Casshern, carrying an MF gun that can only destroy robots.
・Friender is a dog-type robot. It is the reincarnation of Tetsuya's pet dog Lucky. It transforms into four robots and supports Casshern.
Breaking Boss: An android who awakens to his true self and plans to take over the world by leading the "Andro Army." He was originally developed as a measure against pollution.
Kotaro Higashi is an authority on robotics and the father of Tetsuya Casshern. He inadvertently gave birth to Breaking Boss.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: The Immortal Challenger Episode 2: Victory for the Moonlight Episode 3: Call for Tomorrow in the Ruins Episode 4: Fill the MF Gun with Rage Episode 5: Don't Turn Off the Light of Battle Episode 6: Gale Friender Episode 7: Oath to the Hero Cicero Episode 8: The Beast Robot Roars Episode 9: Concerto in the Flames of War
Episode 10: Risking Your Life in the Deadly DesertEpisode 11: The Devil's ColossusEpisode 12: The Iron Rogue TrainEpisode 13: Traitorous Robot No. 5Episode 14: Casshern: The City Where No One Needs ItEpisode 15: The Puppy Runs for RevengeEpisode 16: Swanny: Wings of LoveEpisode 17: Robot LullabyEpisode 18: The Elephant vs. the Andro ArmyEpisode 19: The Terrifying Clown RobotEpisode 20: Casshern on the GallowsEpisode 21: Robot HijackEpisode 22: Romeo the EscapeeEpisode 23: Escape from the Robot FactoryEpisode 24: The Challenge of the Bounder RobotsEpisode 25: The Immortal CasshernEpisode 26: Casshern's SecretEpisode 27: The Missing MF Gun?
Episode 28: The Raging Cavalry Episode 29: High-Fever Robot Neo Talos Episode 30: The Number One Robot Exterminator Episode 31: The City That Makes New Humans Episode 32: The Tears of Lightning Punch Episode 33: Swanny's Close Call Episode 34: Earth's Greatest Battle Episode 35: Casshern vs. Robot Ace

■ Related works

Casshern Casshern Sins

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Fight! Casshern・Lyrics: Ryunoko Productions Literature Department・Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi・Singer: Isao Sasaki・Ending theme:
・I am a new human being・Lyrics by Ryunoko Productions Literature Department・Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi・Singer by Isao Sasaki

The appeal and evaluation of Casshern

"Neo-Human Casshern" is a work that can be said to be a milestone in sci-fi hero action in the world of Japanese animation in the 1970s. Let's take a closer look at its appeal and reputation from the following perspectives.

Story and Themes

The story of "Neo-Human Casshern" is an epic one, in which the android Breaking Boss awakens to his true self and declares war on humanity, launching attacks on the entire world. This setting reflects the social background of the time, and depicts the possibilities and dangers of advances in science and technology. In particular, the protagonist Casshern's decision to abandon his own body to become a neo-human symbolizes the conflict between self-sacrifice and humanity.

Furthermore, the anguish that arises from Casshern having the same mechanical body as his enemy, and the friction with the humans he is supposed to protect, are deep themes that run throughout the film. These elements deeply move and evoke empathy in the viewer, which is one of the reasons why the film has been highly acclaimed.

character

The characters, including Casshern, are all unique and fascinating. Casshern is a new human with great hidden powers, yet he embodies the image of a hero who continues to fight alone. His fighting style and inner conflict leave a strong impression on viewers.

Luna and Friender, who support Casshern, are also important characters. Luna is Casshern's childhood friend, and is depicted fighting alongside him using an MF gun. Friender is a robot reborn from Tetsuya's pet dog Lucky, who transforms into four mechas to help Casshern. The relationships and growth of these characters add to the appeal of the work.

music

The music for "Neon Human Casshern" was composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi, and the opening theme "Fight! Casshern" and the ending theme "I Am a Neo-Human" in particular are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. These songs, along with Isao Sasaki's powerful singing voice, are deeply engraved in the hearts of viewers.

Animation and design

The animation of "Neon Human Casshern" was created using the technology of the 1970s, and the robot designs and battle scenes are particularly impressive. The unique touches of character designers Tatsuo Yoshida and Yoshitaka Amano enrich the worldview of the work. In addition, the background paintings by art director Mitsuki Nakamura are also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

Impact and Evaluation

"Neo-Human Casshern" was highly acclaimed when it was first broadcast, and had a major influence on subsequent sci-fi hero action anime. The Casshern character in particular is beloved by many fans, and related works such as "Casshern" and "Casshern Sins" have also been produced. These works build on the original story, but depict the world of Casshern from a new perspective.

"Neo-Human Casshern" has also received high praise overseas, and has gained cult popularity, especially in the West. This is evidence that the universal themes and appeal of the characters in the work resonate with people across borders.

Recommended points of the new human Casshern

"Neon Human Casshern" is a classic sci-fi hero action anime that is loved by many fans. Below are some points that make this work recommended.

Deep themes and moving stories

"Neo-Human Casshern" has a profound theme that depicts the possibilities and dangers of technological advancement. Casshern's lonely battle and the conflicts of humanity deeply move the viewer. These elements are important points that enhance the appeal of the work.

Charming characters

The characters, including Casshern, are all unique and charming. The growth and relationships of the characters, such as Casshern's lonely battle, his relationship with Luna, and the support of Friender, add to the appeal of the work. You will empathize with these characters and find yourself rooting for them.

Powerful music

The music of "Neon Human Casshern", composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi and sung by Isao Sasaki, is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Fight! Casshern" and the ending theme "I Am a Neo-Human" are sure to leave a deep impression on viewers.

Spectacular animation

The animation of "Casshan" is done using 1970s technology, and the robot designs and battle scenes are particularly impressive. The character designs and background paintings also enrich the worldview of the work. These elements are key to enhancing the visual appeal of the film.

Influence and Recognition

"Neo-Human Casshern" was highly praised when it was first broadcast, and had a major influence on subsequent sci-fi hero action anime. It has also been highly praised overseas, and has gained cult popularity, especially in the West. These elements demonstrate the universal appeal of the work, and are certainly points worth recommending.

Conclusion

"Neo-Human Casshern" is a milestone in sci-fi hero action in the world of Japanese animation in the 1970s. Deep themes, moving story, attractive characters, powerful music, spectacular animation, and its influence and acclaim are all important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. For these reasons, "Neo-Human Casshern" can be said to be a work that can be recommended to anyone who loves sci-fi hero action anime.