Galaxy Whirlwind Braiger: The appeal and reputation of the classic robot anime

Galaxy Whirlwind Bryger: A look back at the exploits of J9, the space juggler

Ginga Senpuu Braiger is a 39-episode anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from 1981 to 1982. It is known as the first in the J9 series, a landmark of giant robot anime. It is an original anime work produced by Kokusai Eigasha and directed by Takao Yotsuji. It aired from October 6, 1981 to June 29, 1982, and entertained audiences with its 30-minute episodes.

story

In the year 2111, humanity was entering an era of full-scale space development. However, the evil deeds of the gigantic criminal organization "Connection" were on the rise, and the weak were being oppressed. Meanwhile, the space clean-up crew "Cosmo Ranger J9" was formed at the call of Razor Isaac, and they rode the giant robot "Brygar" to fight "Connection" in exchange for rewards. This is the story.

Commentary

"Galaxy Cyclone Braiger" is positioned as the first in a robot anime series called the "J9 Series." This work was produced with the seven-five rhythm of narration reminiscent of period dramas and the witty dialogue of 1950s American detective dramas in mind. In addition, the setting of the work's world is based on actual space theories, and it is also notable for its pursuit of scientific realism.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Blaster Kid (Jotaro Kido) / Kaneto Shiozawa
• Long-distance hitter Bowie (Stephen Bowie) / Koichi Mori
• Razor Isaac (Isaac Godunov) / Kazuyuki Sogabe
• Angel Omachi (Machiko Valencia) / Yoko Asagami
• Pancho Poncho / Noriyuki Yanami
• Mei Ling Ho/Kazumi Amemiya
• Shin Lin Ho/Kyoko Tonmiya
• Poyon/Tomiko Suzuki
• Carmen Carmen / Kazumi Tanaka

Main Staff

The main staff involved in the production are as follows:

• Produced by Juzo Tsubota
• Planning: Shigeo Tsubota
• Series Composition: Yamamoto Yu
• Music: Masayuki Yamamoto
• Chief Director: Takao Yotsuji
• Character design: Kazuo Komatsubara
• Mechanical design: Yuichi Higuchi
• Chief Designer: Mitsunari Makino
• Producers: Shigeo Tsubota, Tokichi Aoki
• Production Manager: Toshikazu Konno
• Casting cooperation: Aoni Production
• Audio Director: Yasunori Honda
• Produced by: International Film Company

Let's also touch on the theme songs. The opening theme is "Galaxy Cyclone Braiger," with lyrics and music by Yamamoto Masayuki, arrangement by Takada Hiroshi, sung by Taira Isao, and dialogue by Shibata Hidekatsu. The ending theme is "Wandering Kid," with lyrics by Kikuike Tsutomu, music by Yamamoto Masayuki, arrangement by Takada Hiroshi, and sung by Taira Isao. Additionally, the ending theme from episodes 28 to 30 is "Hoshikage no Lullaby," with lyrics by Yamamoto Yu, music and arrangement by Yamamoto Masayuki, and sung by Yamagata Yukio. However, it has been replaced with "Wandering Kid" on the DVD.

Main Characters

Here are some details about the main characters.

• Blaster Kid 's real name is Kido Jotaro. His nationality is Japanese. He has a strong sense of justice and a tough personality, and his special skill is shooting. His hobbies are playing the guitar and collecting records. In the past, he was a member of the Earth Army's special forces.
• Bowie the Fast Sprinter . His real name is Steven Bowie. He is from the United States. He is a former racer and has won many races. He has a bright personality, but is serious at heart.
• Razor Isaac 's real name is Isaac Godunov. He is the leader of J9 and commands the group with his cool-headed intelligence. He wields an electronic whip.
• Angel Omachi's real name is Machiko Valencia. She is a Spanish national. She rebelled against her parents and left home, becoming a member of J9. She is knowledgeable about explosives and is nicknamed "Bomber Girl." She is good at poker.
• Carmen Carmen Voice: Kazumi Tanaka. Head of the Nubian Connection, a criminal organization based in Africa. Plans the "Great Atum Project" to remodel the solar system.
• Braiger is a large robot with a total length of 32.4 meters and a weight of 315 tons. It transforms and enlarges from the supercar Braiger, which is driven by the J9 team, into the fighter jet Braiger. It then transforms again into Braiger. The time limit for enlargement is 24 hours.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are listed below.

• Episode 1: The Merciless J9
• Episode 2: The Explosive Asteroid
• Episode 3: Venus of Hell
• Episode 4: Lawless West J District
• Episode 5: The Client from the Graveyard
• Episode 6: The Red Rose of Revenge
• Episode 7: Venus Prison Breakthrough
• Episode 8: Cleaning up the Tears of the Moon
• Episode 9: The Fast and Furious Saturn Rally
• Episode 10: Love Lost in the Mist
• Episode 11: Burning Snowfield
• Episode 12: The Vulcan Twins
• Episode 13: The Golden Mission
• Episode 14: Jupiter Bem Attacks!
• Episode 15: Synchron the Bad Planet
• Episode 16: The Dead Beauty of the Galaxy
• Episode 17: The Raging Cougar
• Episode 18: Starlight Lullaby
• Episode 19: Melody of the Attack
• Episode 20: The Return of the Vengeful Demon
• Episode 21: The Double Neck of Promise
• Episode 22: Assassination Order Nubia
• Episode 23: Nubia Laughs
• Episode 24: Do as you please
• Episode 25: Uranus Smells of Death
• Episode 26: Once Again Blues
• Episode 27: Carnival Storm (Part 1)
• Episode 28: Carnival Storm (Part 2)
• Episode 29: The Twilight Challenger
• Episode 30: They're the ones who will kill you (Part 1)
• Episode 31: They're the ones who will kill you (Part 2)
• Episode 32: A Galaxy of Prayer
• Episode 33: A farewell song to the annular eclipse
• Episode 34: Her Name is Carmen
• Episode 35: The Great Mercury Conflict (Part 1)
• Episode 36: The Great Mercury Conflict (Part 2)
• Episode 37: Jupiter Destruction Sentence
• Episode 38: Asteroid Battle
• Episode 39: ABAYO

Related Titles

Galaxy Cyclone Braiger is the first film in the "J9" series, which was followed by Galaxy Reppu Baksinger and Galaxy Shippuu Sasuraiger, both of which were also produced by International Eigasha and directed by Takao Yotsuji.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Galaxy Cyclone Braiger" is highly regarded as a unique robot anime from the 1980s. The narration and dialogue, which incorporated elements of period dramas and detective dramas, left a fresh impression on viewers. In addition, the setting, which pursued scientific realism, set it apart from other robot anime of the time.

Of particular note are the character settings of the main characters. Each character is unique and attractive, such as Blaster Kid's sense of justice and tough personality, Spurs Bowie's cheerfulness and seriousness, Razor Isaac's calmness and leadership, and Angel Omachi's explosives handling and poker skills. The drama woven by these characters has the power to draw viewers in.

The transformation sequences and battle scenes of the giant robot "Bryger" are also highlights. The way it transforms from a supercar to a fighter jet and then to a giant robot is visually very impactful. The 24-hour time limit also adds to the tension.

The music has also been highly praised, with the theme songs and background music by Masayuki Yamamoto playing an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Ginga Senpuu Braiger" features Isao Taira's powerful singing voice and Hidekatsu Shibata's lines, making it a song that will stay in the viewers' hearts.

Although "Galaxy Cyclone Braiger" is a relatively short series of 39 episodes, it boasts high quality in all aspects, including the story, characters, mechanics, and music. It is a work that can be recommended not only to robot anime fans, but also to those who like science fiction and action. In particular, it is a must-see for those who want to know the appeal of robot anime from the 1980s.

You can also get a deeper understanding of the world of the J9 series by watching the sequels "Ginga Reppu Baxinger" and "Ginga Shippu Sasuraiger." These works also have unique characters and epic stories, and you can enjoy the whole series.

"Galaxy Whirlwind Braiger" is a work that is sure to impress and excite viewers. Please give it a watch.