Guyver: The appeal of incredible fighting power and profound story

"Guyver": A milestone in sci-fi action

"Guyver the Bioboosted Armor" is based on the sci-fi action manga by Yoshiki Takaya and was released in theaters on December 13, 1986. The original series began serialization in 1985 and has since been adapted into various media, including OVAs, TV anime, and live-action films. In this article, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of the theatrical version of "Guyver the Bioboosted Armor," as well as related works and recommended points.

■ Public Information

Release media: Movies Original media: Manga Release date: December 13, 1986 - January 1, 0000 Distributor: Movic Co., Ltd. Eirin number: 112259
Duration: 53 minutes Number of episodes: 1

■Production information

Original work: Yoshiki Takaya Director: Hiroshi Watanabe Production: Animate Film, Network, Studio Live Production cooperation: Only for Life Copyright: © Yoshiki Takaya, Tokuma Shoten, BANDAI

■ Story

Akira Fukamachi accidentally comes into contact with a biological weapon called a "Unit" and becomes a "Guyver." The Unit was originally owned by Chronos, a secret organization that seeks world domination. When Chronos finds out that Fukamachi has the Unit, they attack Fukamachi and try to recapture it. The story follows Fukamachi as he comes to understand his new power and challenges Chronos to a fight.

■Explanation

"Guyver" is the first film adaptation of Takaya Yoshiki's sci-fi action manga. The manga, which began serialization in 1985, has since been adapted into a wide range of media, including novels, OVAs, and even a live-action film overseas. Some of the character settings in the film version are different from those in the manga. It was also broadcast on Yomiuri TV's "Anime Daisuki!" on April 2, 1987, and has become a beloved work by many fans.

■Cast

Akira Fukamachi: Yu Mizushima

■ Main staff

Original story: Takaya Yoshiki, currently serialized in "Monthly Shonen Captain" (Tokuma Shoten) Planning: Bandai Co., Ltd. Director: Watanabe Hiroshi Screenplay: Ibu Monta Director: Kato Yoshio Character design: Indorigoya Animation director: Matsushita Hiromi Art director: Arai Torao Art: Yamamoto Junko Director of photography: Daichi Heitarou Editing: Masaki Naoyuki, Akahori Yoshihiro, Furuhashi Hiroshi, Ashi Production Music: Nanba Shoji Sound director: Matsuura Noriyoshi Assistant music director: Watanabe Jun Sound: Otsuka Harutoshi, Obara Yoshio Producers: Ashida Toyoo, Kato Naoki, Asaga Takao Productions: Animate Film, Network, Studio Live Production cooperation: Only for Life Production: Movic Co., Ltd.

■ Main Characters

Fukamachi Akira: The protagonist of this work, who is terrified and distressed by the power of the "multiplier" that he suddenly acquires.
Valkyrie: She was an inspector dispatched to the Japanese branch of Chronos, but became a "multiplier" and tried to defeat Fukamachi.

■ Related works

OVA "Guyver" (1st series)
OVA "Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor OVA ACT II" (2nd season)
TV anime "Guyver"
Theatrical version of "Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor" is a Hollywood live-action movie. Theatrical version of "Guyver: Dark Hero" is the second Hollywood live-action movie. It has not been released in theaters in Japan, and is only available on video.

■ Theme songs and music

OP1: "Angel Leaf Feathers"
Lyrics: Akira Otsu Composition and Arrangement: Masashi Namba Vocals: Anmi Inoue

ED1: "I Can't Forgive Sadness"
Lyrics: Akira Otsu Composition: Yukihide Takekawa Arrangement: Masashi Nanba Singer: Anmi Inoue

IN1: "Guyver"
Lyrics: Ibu Monta Composition and Arrangement: Namba Masashi Vocals: Yamaguchi Iwao

IN2: "Homesick Traveler"
Lyrics: Ryuichi Satomura Composition and Arrangement: Shinya Moriyama Singer: Masao Sen

■ Evaluation and recommendation

■Evaluation

"Guyver" is a faithful adaptation of the original work by Takaya Yoshiki, known as a monumental work of sci-fi action manga, and its appeal lies in its powerful battle scenes and the story of Akira Fukamachi's growth. In particular, the scene where Fukamachi understands his power as a "multiplier" and challenges Chronos in battle leaves a strong impression on viewers. The quality of the character designs and drawings is also high, and is at a level that is fully worthy of praise even considering the technical standards of the time.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the changes to the character settings and story compared to the original. In particular, opinions have been divided over the differences in Valkyrie's character settings from the original. Also, it is difficult to convey all the charm of the original in the short 53-minute running time, and there are parts where the story development feels a bit rushed.

Still, overall, "Guyver" can be fully evaluated as a masterpiece of sci-fi action anime. In particular, Akira Fukamachi's suffering and growth, and the fierce battle with Chronos will leave a strong impression on viewers.

■ Recommendation points

The reasons why we recommend "Guyver" are as follows:

1. Powerful battle scenes

The biggest attraction of "Guyver" is undoubtedly its powerful battle scenes. The scene in which Akira Fukamachi fights Chronos as a "multiplier" has a huge visual impact and draws the viewer in. The quality of the drawings is also high, and is at a level that can be fully appreciated even considering the technical standards of the time.

2. Akira Fukamachi's growth story

The sight of Akira Fukamachi struggling with his powers as a "multiplier" while taking on Chronos is deeply moving to the viewers. In particular, the sight of Fukamachi coming to understand his own powers and fighting alongside his allies will give the viewers courage and hope. Furthermore, Fukamachi's story of growth is also an element that evokes deep empathy from the viewers.

3. The appeal of the characters

The characters in "Guyver" are all unique and attractive. In particular, Akira Fukamachi's suffering and growth, and Valkyrie's strength and beauty leave a strong impression on viewers. The members of Chronos are also all unique and have the power to draw viewers in.

4. Music Quality

The music for "Guyver" was produced by a team of first-class staff including Masashi Nanba, and is of extremely high quality. In particular, the opening theme "Angel Leaf's Wings" and the ending theme "I Can't Forgive Sadness" leave a strong impression on viewers. The ending themes "Guyver" and "Nostalgic Traveling Crow" also have the effect of drawing out the emotions of the viewer.

5. Development of the entire series

"Guyver" has been expanded into various media, including not only the theatrical version, but also OVAs, TV anime, and live-action movies. Therefore, viewers can enjoy the entire series, not just the theatrical version. Also, each media expansion has its own unique charm, which will give viewers new discoveries.

Conclusion

"Guyver" is a faithful adaptation of the original work by Takaya Yoshiki, known as a monumental work of sci-fi action manga, and its appeal lies in its powerful battle scenes and the story of Akira Fukamachi's growth. In particular, viewers will be deeply moved when Fukamachi understands his power as a "multiplier" and challenges Chronos in battle. The quality of the character designs and drawings is also high, and is at a level that can be fully appreciated even considering the technical standards of the time.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the changes to the character settings and story compared to the original. Nevertheless, overall, "Guyver" can be fully evaluated as a masterpiece of sci-fi action anime. In particular, Akira Fukamachi's suffering and growth, and the fierce battle with Chronos will leave a strong impression on viewers.

The points that make "Guyver the Bioboosted Armor" a good recommendation are the powerful battle scenes, Akira Fukamachi's growth story, the appeal of the characters, the quality of the music, and the overall development of the series. Taking these points into consideration, it can be said that "Guyver the Bioboosted Armor" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of sci-fi action anime, but to a wide range of viewers.