Review of "Blockade IV Machine Blaster": A thorough explanation of the appeal and evolution of the latest work

"Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster": The appeal and evaluation of the robot anime of the 1970s

Introduction

"Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster," broadcast in 1975, is known as one of the works that led the robot anime boom of the 1970s. This work depicts the exploits of a psychic robot army formed to protect peace on Earth, and had a great impact on children at the time. In this article, we will provide detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as a multifaceted analysis of its appeal.

Overview

Public Media

TV anime series

Original Media

Anime Original

Broadcast period

July 1975

Broadcasting Station

Fuji Television

Fraction

half an hour

Number of Episodes

Episode 38

original work

Ashi Productions, Akira Hatta

director

Ashi Productions, Akira Hatta

Production

Nippon Animation, Ashi Productions, Fuji Television

Publications

©Nippon Animation

story

Empress Helqueen V of the Mogul Empire, who had been hiding under the ocean, has launched a raid on the surface of the Earth to achieve her 10,000-year-old ambition of conquering the surface. In response to this, Dr. Yuri formed the Machine Blaster, a supernatural robot army, based on the plan left by the good-natured Mogul Nostler, which was deciphered by his late friend Dr. Hojo. For Machine Blaster, which consists of four giant robots, Bull Caesar, Robocles, Sandaioh, and Boss Paruda, the "shield of peace in the world," Dr. Yuri recruits young people from all over the country who have the special ability Elepath to be suitable pilots. In fact, one of the four young people who gathered there, Asuka Tenpei, has a secret that he himself does not know. Using the abilities that each of them has, they will control the four robots and face the enemy robot Kaibuddah.

cast

• Asuka and Tenpyo periods / Yasuhara Yoshito
• Iwao Ishida/Tetsuaki Genda
• Billy Kenjo/Masatane Tsukayama
• Jinta Hayami/Noriko Tsukase
• Yuka/Yoko Asagami
• Picot/Kazue Komiya
• Dr. Yuri/Seizo Kato
• Hell Queen / Kazuko Yanagi
• Zangyack/Reizo Nomoto

Main Staff

• Original story: Ashi Productions, Akira Hatta
• Produced by Koichi Motohashi
• Planning: Ashi Productions, Toshihiko Sato
• Composition: Akira Hatta
• General Director: Masami Anno
• Character design: Takahashi Susuke, Sakata Yu
• Mechanic design: Yonosuke Shichinohe, Go Matsuda, Haruyuki Shimizu
• Animation director: Tamotsu Tanaka
• Art Director: Torao Arai
• Color setting: Haruki Okajima, Minoru Mukai
• Sound Director: Sadayoshi Fujino
• Edited by Yoshiaki Aihara
• Music by Hiroshi Tsutsui
• Producers: Tetsuo Ono, Hideo Adachi
• Produced by Nippon Animation, Ashi Productions, Fuji Television

Appeal and evaluation of the work

Story and Characters

The story of "Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster" depicts the growth and friendship of young people who fight to protect the peace of the Earth. In particular, the main character, Asuka Tenpei, made a strong impression on viewers as he fought while harboring a secret that he himself did not know. In addition, the special ability "Elepath" that each character possesses is an important element that brings out the individuality of each character.

The cast was also impressive, with many popular voice actors of the time, such as Yasuhara Yoshito and Genda Tesshō, taking part. The performances of these voice actors further enhanced the charm of the characters and deeply moved the viewers.

Mecha design and battle scenes

The mecha designs for this work were created by famous designers such as Yonosuke Shichinohe, Go Matsuda, and Haruyuki Shimizu. The four robots, Bull Caesar, Robocles, Sandaioh, and Boss Paruda, each had their own unique design and abilities, making a visual impact. In addition, the battle scenes with the enemy robot Kaibuddah were characterized by their powerful depictions that made full use of the technology of the time, and captured the hearts of children.

Music and Sound

The music was composed by Hiroshi Tsutsui, and the theme songs and background music played an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The opening theme "Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster" in particular was a big hit among children at the time, and is still loved by many fans today. In addition, under the direction of sound director Sadayoshi Fujino, the sound effects and the voice actors' performances worked together to successfully draw the viewer into the world of the story.

Background and influences of the work

The robot anime boom of the 70s

The 1970s was the golden age of Japanese television animation, and robot anime played a part in that. Works such as "Mazinger Z" and "Getter Robo" were huge hits, sparking a robot anime boom. "Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster" was born in that trend, and was loved by many children.

Social impact

This series has taught children the importance of justice and friendship, while also giving them an opportunity to think about the progress of science and technology and how they can be used. In addition, the way the main characters overcome difficulties has given courage and hope to viewers, making this a work that has a social impact.

Work evaluation and recommendation

evaluation

"Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster" is a work that brings together all elements of a high standard, including story, characters, mecha design, battle scenes, and music. In particular, the story that depicts the growth and friendship of the main characters deeply moved viewers. In addition, the powerful battle scenes that make full use of the technology of the time and the acting of the splendid cast are also highly praised.

Recommendation

This work is recommended not only for fans of robot anime from the 70s, but also for those who are experiencing robot anime for the first time. In particular, it is a must-see for those who want to be moved by a story depicting the growth and friendship of the main characters, those who want to enjoy powerful battle scenes, and those who want to enjoy the music and voice actors' performances of the time. It is also recommended from an educational perspective, as it teaches children the importance of a sense of justice and friendship.

summary

"Blocker Corps IV Machine Blaster" is a work that led the robot anime boom of the 70s, and all of its elements, including the story, characters, mecha design, battle scenes, and music, are of a high standard. The story, which depicts the growth and friendship of the main characters, deeply touches viewers, and the powerful battle scenes that make full use of the technology of the time and the acting of the luxurious cast are also highly praised. This work is recommended not only for fans who love robot anime from the 70s, but also for those who are experiencing robot anime for the first time. Please give it a watch.