"Super Speedy Galvion" review: What's the appeal of this fast-paced mecha action game?

Super Speed ​​Galvion - The appeal and evaluation of 80's SF anime

■Overview of the work

The TV anime series "Super Speed ​​Galvion", broadcast in 1984, is a science fiction anime set on Earth after the Third World War caused by the over-technology of the alien Metal Lords, depicting the battle between the secret organization Shadow and the private team Circus that opposes them. It consists of 22 episodes and was broadcast on TV Asahi every Friday from 17:30 to 18:00. It was directed by Shigino Akira, produced by TV Asahi and Kokusai Eigasha, and the character designs were done by manga artist Tagami Yoshihisa.

■ Story

After the Third World War, caused by the over-technology of the alien Metal Lords, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Metal Lords cover the Earth with a barrier, confining humanity to the planet. Civilization is restored and is centered around cars, and in this closed world, the secret organization Shadow is plotting world domination. In order to thwart Shadow's ambitions, Rei Midoriyama, a special police investigator and the daughter of a large conglomerate, scouts two young men, Muu and Maya, who are serving prison sentences, and forms a private circus team. They fight Shadow using a robot that transforms from a supercar called Galvion.

■Explanation

"Super Speed ​​Galvion" is a science fiction anime that depicts the battle between a secret society plotting world domination and a private secret police force on an Earth that has been forbidden by aliens from flying into space. The story is characterized by a cool and tough worldview, with the main character being a criminal currently serving time in prison and the enemy organization being a global conglomerate that controls the political and business worlds. Manga artist Tagami Yoshihisa was appointed to handle the character designs, and Ohata Koichi participated in the mechanical designs.

■Cast

• Muu / Koichi Hashimoto
• Maya/Hiroshi Suzuoki
• Ray Midoriyama/Keiko Yokozawa
• Terry/Kyoko Tonmiya
• Michiko/Yoko Asagami
• Remy/Chinatsu Sakamoto
• Inca/Yukiko Nashiba
• Henry MacMillan/Kenyu Horiuchi
• General K/Naoki Tatsuta

■ Main staff

• Produced by Juzo Tsubota
• Planning: Shigeo Tsubota
• Producers: Kyozo Utsunomiya (TV Asahi), Toshiro Sakuma (Kokusai Eigasha)
• Planning Director/Kazumasa Fujiya
• General Director: Akira Shigino
• Series Composition: Tsunehisa Ito
• Character design: Yoshihisa Tagami
• Mechanical design: Koichi Ohata
• Animation character design and chief animation director: Tsuneo Ninomiya
• Art director: Shoichiro Sugiura
• Music by Masao Nakajima
• Sound Director: Etsuji Yamada
• Casting cooperation: Haikyo
• Produced by TV Asahi, International Film Company

■ Main Characters

• Muu
  A reckless, aggressive young man from an orphanage. He was a talented racing driver, but served a prison sentence after sending 30 people to the hospital in a fight. He drives the Galvion.
• Maya
  He has a sweet face and a refined demeanor, and is an expert at seducing women. He was born into a wealthy family, but was sentenced to prison for computer fraud and was incarcerated. He serves as the navigator for Galvion.
• Ray Midoriyama Chief of the First Special Task Force of the Police Organization. He has a brilliant mind, a strong will, and an abundance of sex appeal. He uses the wealth of the Midoriyama Group to form a private organization called the Circus to oppose Shadow.
• Henry MacMillan is the young leader of Eagle Industries, an automobile manufacturer. Shadow recognizes his power and takes him on as an executive, but he refuses to rest on his laurels and tries to eliminate the other executives and take control of Shadow. He is a descendant of the alien Metal Lord.
• General K
  The most powerful man in the secret society Shadow. He controls military forces around the world.

■ Main robot items

• Galvion Circus's main machine. It transforms from Supercar Circus I into the robot Galvion, known as the Loader Fighter.
• Galvion II (Zecter)
  A new transforming machine introduced to support Galvion. Like Galvion, it can transform from a vehicle to a humanoid form.
• Circus II
  A large trailer that serves as the circus' mobile base.
• Metal Butler: A humanoid robot that Henry restored and mass-produced from weapons designed before the Third World War. It places a great mental strain on the pilot.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Mysterious Organization Shadow (1984/02/03)
• Episode 2: The Grand Prix Massacre
• Episode 3: The Great Recovery of the Super Engine
• Episode 4: The Big Run Game
• Episode 5: Deadly Nitro Transport
• Episode 6: The Great Assassination: Search for the Weapon
• Episode 7: Bull Policeman's Big Chase
• Episode 8: Ray Midoriyama's assassination order
• Episode 9/Big eruption! poison death mine
• Episode 10: The Great Farewell
• Episode 11: Big Experiment! Ambitious Weapons
• Episode 12: Horror! Human Hunting
• Episode 13: The Big Appearance of the Super Secret Weapon (Metal Butler)
• Episode 14: Love Battlefield Rally
• Episode 15: The Great Electric Shock! The Million Volt Trap
• Episode 16: The Hell Army's Massive Attack!
• Episode 17: Bull Policeman: Great Love
• Episode 18: Blues in the Big City...
• Episode 19: The base explodes! Puppy is in action
• Episode 20: The Foggy Artificial Island and the Great Sea Battle
• Episode 21: Walk! Lolon
• Episode 22: Amazoness Warrior's Love (1984/06/29)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1
  Lonely Chaser Lyrics: Tomoko Aran Music: Masayuki Yamamoto Arrangement: Masao Nakajima Singer: Riyuko Tanaka
• ED1
  Memory Lullaby Lyrics: Tomoko Aran Music: Masayuki Yamamoto Arrangement: Masao Nakajima Singer: Riyuko Tanaka

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Super Speed ​​Galvion" is a noteworthy sci-fi anime from the 1980s. Its appeal can be summed up in the following points:

1. A harsh worldview

The setting of a closed Earth after the Third World War leaves a strong impact on viewers. The existence of the alien Metal Lords and the grandiose themes of the secret organization Shadow's world domination must have been fresh and stimulating for viewers at the time. Also, the setting that the main characters are criminals sets them apart from traditional heroes. These elements combine to create a cool and tough worldview.

2. Character Design

Character design by Yoshihisa Tagami is very appealing to fans of 80s anime. The main characters, such as Mu, Maya, Rei, and Midoriyama, each have their own unique visuals and backgrounds that will capture the hearts of viewers. The enemy characters are also attractive, and the designs of Henry MacMillan and General K are particularly impressive.

3. Mechanic Design

Don't miss the mechanical designs by Koichi Ohata. Robots such as Galvion, Galvion II (Zecter), and Metal Battler reflect the technology and design sense of the time, and are visually appealing. Galvion's transformation scene in particular was one of the elements that drew viewers in.

4. Storytelling

Series composer Ito Tokunaga's storytelling constantly maintains tension and thrills. Each episode features different missions and battles, so viewers never get bored. The relationships and growth of the characters are also carefully depicted, adding depth to the story as a whole.

5. Music

The music by Masao Nakajima is also an element that enhances the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Lonely Chaser" and the ending theme "Memory Lullaby" are masterpieces that will remain in the viewers' hearts along with the singing voice of Riyuko Tanaka. The background music also plays a role in livening up the atmosphere of the story.

■ Evaluation of the work

"Super Speed ​​Galvion" is highly regarded as a sci-fi anime from the 80s. It is especially praised for the following points:

1. Completeness of the story

Although it is a short series of only 22 episodes, the story is extremely well-crafted. Each episode is well-structured, with a consistent theme and message throughout. The character growth and changes in relationships are also depicted naturally, drawing the viewer into the story.

2. Visual appeal

Both the character and mechanic designs are excellent, making it visually appealing. In particular, Galvion's transformation and battle scenes are beautifully animated using the technology of the time, delighting viewers. The background art is also detailed, enriching the worldview.

3. Music Quality

Music is also an element that enhances the evaluation of the work. The opening and ending theme songs are masterpieces that leave a strong impression on the viewers, and the drama music also plays a role in livening up the atmosphere of the story. Masao Nakajima's music can be said to be an important element that raises the quality of the entire work.

■ Recommendation points

"Super Speed ​​Galvion" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of 80s sci-fi anime, but also to modern viewers. The following points are the reasons why it is especially recommended.

1. Nostalgic charm

It is filled with the nostalgic charm that is unique to 80s anime. You can fully experience the atmosphere of that time through the character designs, mechanic designs, music, etc. It is a work that will make viewers who love 80s anime feel nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

2. A hard-hitting world view and story

The story, set in a harsh world where the Earth is closed off after the Third World War, and the battle against the secret organization Shadow, has the power to draw viewers in. The setting in which the main characters are criminals also distinguishes them from traditional heroes, offering viewers a new perspective.

3. Character and mechanic design

The character designs by Yoshihisa Tagami and the mechanical designs by Koichi Ohata are full of visual appeal. The transformation scenes of Galvion in particular are one of the elements that entertain the viewers. In addition, the personalities and backgrounds of the characters are carefully drawn, leaving a deep impression on the viewers.

4. Music Quality

Masao Nakajima's music is an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Lonely Chaser" and the ending theme "Memory Lullaby" are masterpieces that will remain in the viewers' hearts along with Riyuko Tanaka's singing voice. The background music also plays a role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

■ Summary

"Super Speed ​​Galvion" is a noteworthy 80's sci-fi anime. The combination of a hard-hitting world view and story, the appeal of the character and mechanic designs, and the quality of the music has the power to draw viewers in. For viewers who love 80's anime in particular, it is a work that will evoke both nostalgia and freshness at the same time, and is also recommended for modern viewers. Please give it a watch and experience its charm for yourself.