The appeal and evaluation of SF Journey to the West Starzinger: A masterpiece of space adventure anime

SF Journey to the West Starzinger - A story of space adventure and friendship

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

April 2, 1978 - June 24, 1979 Every Sunday 19:00-19:30

■Broadcasting station

CX

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 64

■Original Story

・Original story by Leiji Matsumoto ・Original idea by Eisuke Ishikawa

■ Director

・Direction: Yugo Serigawa

■ Production

Produced by Toei (animation), Asahi Tsushinsha

■ Story

As the galactic energy weakened, natural disasters occurred on various planets in the universe, and terrifying space monsters ran wild. Princess Aurora, the princess of the moon who was destroyed by the monsters, continues her journey to the far reaches of the universe to restore the galactic energy, accompanied by three powerful cyborgs, Jean Kugo, Sir Jogo, and Don Hakka.

■Explanation

A fantastic science fiction anime based on Journey to the West. The characters are named in a play on words, with Son Goku becoming Jean Kugo and Kinkaku becoming Kinkinman. The characters, drawn by Masami Suda based on Leiji Matsumoto's original ideas, have soft lines not seen in other Matsumoto works. SF Journey to the West: Starzinger is a TV anime series that aired from 1978 to 1979 and was produced based on Leiji Matsumoto's original ideas. This anime is known for boldly incorporating science fiction elements while being based on the classic Chinese story "Journey to the West." The story depicts the journey of Princess Aurora, the moon princess, and three cyborg warriors to revive the galaxy energy as the energy weakens and the universe falls into chaos.

The appeal of this work lies above all in its unique character settings and the world view that combines science fiction and fantasy. The three characters, Jean Kugo, Sir Jogo, and Don Hakka, are modeled on Son Goku, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Gojing, respectively, and their adventures and growth are at the center of the story. In addition, the character designs by Masami Suda, based on Leiji Matsumoto's original ideas, are drawn with a soft touch that sets them apart from other Matsumoto works, and they are visually appealing.

Furthermore, this work has also been praised for its music. The background music by Shunsuke Kikuchi and the theme song "Starzinger no Uta" by Isao Sasaki and Orogi '73 are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the anime. The opening theme in particular left a strong impression on viewers with its powerful melody that evokes adventure and friendship.

■Cast

・Kuugo/Hiroya Ishimaru・Hakka/Kosei Tomita・Jogo/Takayoshi Toyama・Aurora/Kazuko Sugiyama・Belamis/Noriko Obara・Kitty/Eiko Masuyama・Dodge/Joji Yanami・Wang/Takashi Tanaka・Queen/Yumi Nakatani

■ Main staff

・Original story/Reiji Matsumoto・Original concept/Eisuke Ishikawa・Planning/Toshiro Katsuta, Azuma Kasuga, Koji Bessho・Production/Osamu Yoshioka, Akira Sasaki・Screenplay/Yoshitomi Suehiro, Mitsuru Umajima・Chief director/Yugo Serigawa・Direction/Kozo Morishita, Kazumi Fukushima, Tsunekiyo Otani, and others・Character design/Masami Suda・Art designer/Iwaaki Ito・Music/Shunsuke Kikuchi

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Starzinger song and lyrics: Akira Ito ・Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi
Arrangement: Nozomi Aoki Vocals: Isao Sasaki, Koorogi '73

・OP2
・Starzinger, the Space Warrior ・Lyrics by Akira Ito ・Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi
Arrangement: Nozomi Aoki Vocals: Isao Sasaki, Jindai Youth Chorus

・ED
・For the Princess・Lyrics by Akira Ito・Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi
Arrangement: Nozomi Aoki Vocals: Koorogi '73

■Detailed story and episodes

The story of SF Journey to the West: Starzinger depicts the journey of Princess Aurora, the princess of the moon, and three cyborg warriors to restore galactic energy as the universe falls into chaos due to the weakening of galactic energy. The story follows the adventures of Jean Kugo, Sir Jogo, and Don Hakka, who travel with Princess Aurora to various planets and fight space monsters to restore galactic energy.

Each episode depicts three cyborg warriors facing difficulties while making the most of their individual personalities. Jean Kugo has leadership and courage, Sir Jogo has wisdom and resourcefulness, and Don Hakka has strength and a sense of justice. Their friendship and growth are at the heart of the story and move viewers. Princess Aurora's kindness and strength are also important elements that support the story.

Particularly memorable episodes include the one in which Jean Kugo faces his past and grows as a person, the one in which Sir Jogo uses his wisdom to overcome a crisis, and the one in which Don Hakka struggles to protect his comrades. Through these episodes, viewers can feel the humanity and growth of the three cyborg warriors.

■Character Analysis

Jian Kugo is a character based on Son Goku, who has leadership and courage and leads his friends. The episode in which he confronts his past deeply moves viewers. Sir Jyogo is a character based on Zhu Bajie, who overcomes difficulties with wisdom and resourcefulness. His humor and wisdom add brightness and depth to the story. Don Hakka is a character based on Sha Wujing, who has strength and a sense of justice, and struggles to protect his friends. His purity and strength move viewers.

Princess Aurora, the princess of the moon, has kindness and strength, and guides the three cyborg warriors. Her presence is at the center of the story and deeply moves the audience. In addition, supporting characters such as Bellamis and Kitty also add color to the story and provide entertainment to the audience.

■ Background and influences

SF Journey to the West: Starzinger is a work based on the original idea of ​​Leiji Matsumoto, with character designs by Masami Suda and music by Shunsuke Kikuchi as its major attractions. This work was produced against the backdrop of the sci-fi boom of the late 1970s, and offered audiences a new story of adventure and friendship. This work also had a major influence on later anime works, and continues to be loved by many fans.

In particular, the character designs by Masami Suda, based on Leiji Matsumoto's original ideas, are drawn with a soft touch that sets it apart from other Matsumoto works, and have a great visual appeal. In addition, the soundtrack by Shunsuke Kikuchi and the theme song "Starzinger no Uta" by Isao Sasaki and Orogi '73 are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the anime. The combination of these elements makes SF Journey to the West: Starzinger a strong impression on viewers, and it continues to be loved by many fans.

■ Recommendations to viewers

"SF Journey to the West: Starzinger" is a work that allows viewers to enjoy a unique worldview that combines science fiction and fantasy, and a story of adventure and friendship between unique characters. In particular, Masami Suda's character design based on Leiji Matsumoto's original idea, and Shunsuke Kikuchi's music have great visual and auditory appeal. In addition, the growth and friendship of the three cyborg warriors, Jean Kugo, Sir Jogo, and Don Hakka, deeply move viewers.

This work is especially recommended for fans of science fiction and fantasy anime, those who enjoy stories of adventure and friendship, and those who like the works of Reiji Matsumoto. It is also recommended for those who are interested in the culture and history of the time, as it is a work set against the backdrop of the science fiction boom of the 1970s. Through this work, viewers will be able to experience a new story of adventure and friendship, and will be moved and entertained.