The appeal and evaluation of "Dr. SLUMP": A deep look into Akira Toriyama's masterpiece comedy manga

The appeal and evaluation of "Dr. SLUMP"

■Overview of the work

"Dr. SLUMP" is an anime film based on the popular manga by Akira Toriyama. It was released on July 10, 1982, distributed by Toei and produced by Toei Animation. It has an Eirin rating of 110695 and is a feature-length film of 90 minutes. This film was produced as a feature-length film of the TV anime "Dr. Slump Arale-chan" and is the only feature-length film among the nine films. It is a completely original story, a comedy film set in space with a sci-fi flavor. When it was later made into a videogram, the title was changed to "Dr. SLUMP "Hoyoyo!" Space Adventure".

■ Story

During class just before summer vacation, homeroom teacher Yamabuki Midori suddenly bursts into tears. When Arale and the others question her, it becomes clear that she must resign from her job and get married back home. Senbei, who has feelings for Yamabuki, decides to accompany her to her hometown, the planet Takeyasaodake, which lies at the far end of space. However, Yamabuki is taken away by a spaceship that comes to pick them up from their hometown. Senbei builds a spaceship with Arale, and the adventure to the planet Takeyasaodake begins. While the story is based on themes of friendship and love, it is also filled with Toriyama Akira's typical humor and unique worldview.

■ Characters

The appeal of "Dr. SLUMP" lies in its unique characters. The main character, Arale, is a girl robot created by Senbei. She has a cheerful personality and superhuman strength that could destroy the Earth, but she is also nearsighted and wears glasses, which is a charming contrast. Senbei is the genius scientist who created Arale, and while he creates unusual inventions, he is a humorous character who enjoys reading obscene books. Godzilla is a baby called "Gacchan" who is characterized by his wings and two antennae on his head, and has a unique plot that allows him to eat anything except rubber. Yamabuki Midori is the homeroom teacher at the school Arale attends. She is a beautiful but airheaded character who later marries Senbei and gives birth to Turbo. The story woven by these characters provides viewers with laughter and emotion.

■Cast and crew

The cast includes a number of impressive voice actors, including Mami Koyama as Arale Norimaki, Kenji Utsumi as Senbei Norimaki, Seiko Nakano as Godzilla Norimaki, Kazuko Sugiyama as Akane Kimidori and Kinoko Sarada, Toshio Furukawa as Taro Soramame and the narrator, Naomi Jinbo as Pisuke Soramame and Aoi Kimidori, Mariko Mukai as Midori Yamabuki, Hiroshi Otake as King Nikochan, and Shigeru Chiba as Nikochan's retainer. The staff includes many talented individuals, including producer Imada Tomonori, original author Toriyama Akira, planners Nanashino Keizo and Ariga Ken, production manager Kishimoto Matsuji, screenwriters Yukimuro Shunichi, Kaneharu Tomoko, Inoue Toshiki, and Shimada Mitsuru, music composer Kikuchi Shunsuke, character designer and animation director Maeda Minoru, art director Urata Mataji, cinematographers Shirai Hisao and Sano Yoshifumi, director Nagaoka Akinori, assistant directors Yabe Akinori and Nishio Daisuke, and cooperation director Rintaro. The combined efforts of these cast and staff members have raised the quality of the work.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Dr. SLUMP" is highly acclaimed as a work filled with Akira Toriyama's unique worldview and humor. It has been particularly praised for bringing out the charm of the original work to the fullest, despite being an original story. The new attempt at a comedy piece set in space with a sci-fi flavor also provides viewers with fresh surprises. The characters' personalities and the development of the story are perfectly matched, allowing you to experience both laughter and emotion. Also, don't miss the fact that the stellar cast and staff work together to raise the quality of the work. This work can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, not just fans of Akira Toriyama.

■ Related works

"Dr. SLUMP" was produced as a theatrical version of the TV anime "Dr. Slump Arale-chan". In addition, "Shibugakitai Boys & Girls" was screened as a simultaneous work. By enjoying these related works together, you can experience the world of "Dr. SLUMP" more deeply.

■Reasons for recommendation

Dr. SLUMP is a work filled with Akira Toriyama's unique worldview and humor, and has been praised for bringing out the best in the original work despite being an original story. In particular, the new attempt at a comedy work set in space with a sci-fi flavor provides fresh surprises for viewers. The characters' personalities and the development of the story are perfectly matched, allowing you to enjoy both laughter and emotion. Furthermore, the combined efforts of the stellar cast and staff are not to be missed, as they have raised the quality of the work. This work is enjoyable not only for Akira Toriyama fans, but for a wide range of people as well. Please give it a watch.