The appeal and evaluation of "Time Bokan Series Zendaman": Reevaluating a nostalgic anime classic

Time Bokan Series Zendaman - The charm of time slip and the battle for the elixir

"Time Bokan Series Zendaman," broadcast from 1979 to 1980, is known as the third installment of the Time Bokan series produced by Tatsunoko Productions. This work is a sci-fi action comedy set in various historical eras, depicting the battle between good and evil over the elixir of immortality, "The Source of Life." Here, we will take a deeper look at the appeal and background of Zendaman, as well as the details of the work.

Overview

"Time Bokan Series Zendaman" was broadcast on Fuji TV from February 3, 1979 to January 26, 1980, every Saturday from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. The 52-episode series was a co-production between Tatsunoko Productions and Fuji TV, and was directed by Hiroshi Sasagawa. The original work was an original anime created by the Tatsunoko Productions Planning Office, and the copyright belongs to Tatsunoko Productions.

story

The story begins with Professor Monja completing the time tunnel in order to find the "Source of Life," an elixir of immortality said to exist in some other time period. However, a trio of villains called Akudaman appear, plotting to steal the information, and begin searching for the "Source of Life." To thwart Akudaman's ambitions, the professor's assistant Tetsu-chan and his granddaughter Sakura-chan transform into Zendaman, a mass of goodwill, and engage in a battle for the "Source of Life" across time.

Commentary

"Time Bokan Series Zendaman" is the third installment in the Time Bokan series, and by combining the time slip sci-fi and hero elements of the previous two works, it established the basic line of the series. In particular, it is notable for its unique power-ups, such as mecha battles in pro-wrestling battles. By setting the story in various historical periods, this work provided viewers with fresh surprises and enjoyment. It has also been praised for its skillful blend of humor and action through the conflict between good and evil.

cast

The following voice actors were used for the main characters of Zendaman:

• Train-chan (Zendaman No. 1) / Yuji Mitsuya
• Sakura-chan (Zendaman No. 2) / Kumiko Takizawa
• Amattan/Ai Sakuma
• Professor Crest/Kohei Miyauchi
• Moojo/Noriko Obara
• Tobockey/Yanagi Joji
• Donjuro/Kazuya Tatekabe
• Nyaravolta/Junpei Takiguchi
• Zenda Lion/Masayuki Yamamoto
• Narrator/Kei Toyama

These voice actors breathed life into their characters and enhanced the appeal of the work. In particular, the dialogue between Yuji Mitsuya and Kumiko Takizawa left a strong impression on viewers.

Main Staff

The following staff members were involved in the production of "Time Bokan Series Zendaman".

• Produced by Kenji Yoshida
• Original work: Tatsunoko Productions Planning Department
• Planning: Ippei Kuri, Jinzo Chokai, Shigeru Yanagawa, Akiyoshi Sakai
• Music by Masaaki Jinbo and Masayuki Yamamoto
• Director in charge: Seitaro Hara (episodes 1-37), Nobuo Onuki
• Literature: Takao Koyama (episodes 38-52)
• Opening animation/Tanaka Toru
• Producers: Masashi Nagai, Kiyoshi Yokoo
• Character design: Yoshitaka Amano
• Mechanical design: Kunio Okawara
• Art Styling/Kikuko Tada
• Person in charge: Koji Bessho, Kiyoshi Tajima, Minoru Uchima, Minoru Ohno
• General Director: Hiroshi Sasagawa
• Produced by: Tatsunoko Productions, Fuji Television

Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" was delivered to viewers as a highly polished work. In particular, the contributions of Yoshitaka Amano, who was in charge of character design, and Kunio Okawara, who was in charge of mechanical design, were significant.

Main Characters

The main characters of "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" are as follows:

• Train fan (Zendaman No. 1)
  Assistant to Professor Monja. Transforms into Zendaman No. 1 to protect the "source of life" from Akudaman.
• Sakura-chan (Zendaman No. 2)
  She is the granddaughter of Professor Monsha. She becomes Zendaman No. 2 and searches for the "source of life" with Tetsu-chan.
• A mini robot that supports Amattan Zendaman.
• Dr. Monja: An old scientist who completed the time tunnel in order to search for the "source of life."
• Mujo: The female boss of Akudaman who is after the "source of life."
• Responsible for producing the Tobockey Akudaman mecha.
• Donjuro Akudaman is in charge of heavy lifting.
• Nyaravolta A mysterious cat that travels with Akudaman.

These characters each have their own personalities and roles, and are important in adding excitement to the story. In particular, the conflict between Zendaman and Akudaman left a strong impression on viewers.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" are as follows:

• Episode 1: Invincible is wonderful! Zendaman
• Episode 2: It's the Dragon Palace! Zendaman
• Episode 3: The Garden of Eden! Zendaman
• Episode 4: It's Yamatai Country! Zendaman
• Episode 5: Tsukiyoshimaru's big success! Zendaman
• Episode 6: The Hachiji Army's Great Advance! Zendaman
• Episode 7: Run, White Horse! Zendaman
• Episode 8: It's Don Manjiro! Zendaman
• Episode 9: Zendaman, the Boke Hermit!
• Episode 10: Super Prince Toku! Zendaman
• Episode 11: 3000 Leagues in Search of Father! Zendaman
• Episode 12: Puss in Boots! Zendaman
• Episode 13: It's a Viking! Zendaman
• Episode 14: The Mysterious Aztec! Zendaman
• Episode 15: Genghis Khan! Zendaman
• Episode 16: It's the lump-removing old man! Zendaman
• Episode 17: To the Future of Space! Zendaman
• Episode 18: The Glacial Mammoth! Zendaman
• Episode 19: Apache's Treasure! Zendaman
• Episode 20: It's Barasailles! Zendaman
• Episode 21: Nagamasa of Jam! Zendaman
• Episode 22: The End of Pompeii! Zendaman
• Episode 23: Princess Kaguya! Zendaman
• Episode 24: It's the Golem Demon! Zendaman
• Episode 25: Amazon Murder Case! Zendaman
• Episode 26: It's Mito Benimon! Zendaman
• Episode 27: Alice in Wonderland! Zendaman
• Episode 28: It's the Bull-Headed Demon! Zendaman
• Episode 29: It's Ryoma Sakamoto! Zendaman
• Episode 30: The Mysterious Solo! Zendaman
• Episode 31: Cookkun's Great Voyage! Zendaman
• Episode 32: It's Benkei-san! Zendaman
• Episode 33: The Talented Tadataka! Zendaman
• Episode 34: It's Yolo Falls! Zendaman
• Episode 35: Tiger Hunt! Zendaman
• Episode 36: Churn Comeback! Zendaman
• Episode 37: It's the Golden Goose! Zendaman
• Episode 38: Bergerac the Nose! Zendaman
• Episode 39: It's Momotaro! Zendaman
• Episode 40: Fly, Pegasus! Zendaman
• Episode 41: The Flower-Blooming Grandpa! Zendaman
• Episode 42: The Genius Da Vinci! Zendaman
• Episode 43: The Ancient Olympics! Zendaman
• Episode 44: Cossack Warrior! Zendaman
• Episode 45: It's the Werewolf! Zendaman
• Episode 46: It's the Land of Giants! Zendaman
• Episode 47: Time Monster! Zendaman
• Episode 48: It's Perperman! Zendaman
• Episode 49: Musashi Home Run! Zendaman
• Episode 50: The Heavenly Maiden's Robe! Zendaman
• Episode 51: Zendaman discovers the source of life!
• Episode 52: Ah, the source of life! Zendaman

These subtitles briefly describe the content of each episode, making it easier for viewers to predict how the story will unfold. Many episodes also feature historical events or people as motifs, helping to draw viewers' interest.

Related Titles

Time Bokan Series Zendaman is part of the Time Bokan series and is related to the following works:

• Time Bokan
• Time Bokan Series Yatterman
• Time Bokan Series Time Patrol Team Otasukeman
• Time Bokan Series Yattodetaman
• Time Bokan Series Gyakuten Ippatsuman
• Time Bokan Series Itadakiman
• Time Bokan Royal Revival
• Time Bokan 2000: Kiramekiman the Phantom Thief
• Yatterman
• Yatterman the Movie: A huge gathering of new Yatter Mecha! A big battle in the land of toys, Colon!

These works have shaped the history of the Time Bokan series, and Zendaman plays a part in it. It has a particularly strong connection to Yatterman, making it a must-see series for fans of both works.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" are as follows.

• Opening theme "Zendaman's Song"
  Lyrics by Masayuki Yamamoto Composition by Masayuki Yamamoto Arrangement by Masaaki Jinbo Vocals by Ken Fujii
• Ending theme "This is also Akudaman"
  Lyrics by Masayuki Yamamoto Composition by Masayuki Yamamoto Arrangement by Masaaki Jinbo Singer by Masayuki Yamamoto

These songs are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and are loved as memorable masterpieces by viewers. In particular, the opening theme "Zendaman's Song" is a masterpiece that expresses Zendaman's bravery and humor.

Evaluation and impact

"Time Bokan Series Zendaman" is one of the most highly rated works in the Time Bokan series. The reasons for this are as follows:

• A unique setting involving time travel and a battle for an elixir
• A wealth of episodes set in various historical periods
• A mix of humor and action through the conflict between good and evil
• Unique characters and the performances of their voice actors
• Unique power-up elements, such as mecha wrestling battles

The combination of these elements made a strong impression on viewers and helped support the popularity of the series. Zendaman also established the basic line of the Time Bokan series, and had a major influence on subsequent works.

Response from viewers

"Time Bokan Series Zendaman" was loved by many viewers from the time it was broadcast. In particular, children often said, "I love Zendaman!" and looked forward to the weekly broadcasts. Adults also praised it for its "exquisite balance of humor and action," and it gained support from a wide range of generations.

Furthermore, Zendaman continues to appeal to new generations through reruns and DVDs, and episodes based on historical events and people in particular have helped to spark children's interest in history.

Appeal of the work

The appeal of "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" can be summed up in the following points:

• A unique setting involving time travel and a battle for an elixir
• A wealth of episodes set in various historical periods
• A mix of humor and action through the conflict between good and evil
• Unique characters and the performances of their voice actors
• Unique power-up elements, such as mecha wrestling battles

The combination of these elements made a strong impression on viewers and helped support the popularity of the series. Zendaman also established the basic line of the Time Bokan series, and had a major influence on subsequent works.

Reasons for recommendation

Here are some reasons why I recommend "Time Bokan Series Zendaman".

• Enjoy the unique setting of time travel and a battle for an elixir.
• There are many episodes set in various historical periods, allowing you to deepen your knowledge.
• The fusion of humor and action through the conflict between good and evil is fascinating.
• Enjoy the unique characters and the performances of the voice actors.
• Unique power-up elements such as mecha wrestling battles can be seen

For these reasons, "Time Bokan Series Zendaman" is a recommended work not only for fans of the Time Bokan series, but also for viewers who want to enjoy a sci-fi action comedy. Please try experiencing the world of Zendaman at least once.