A thorough review of the touching story of a little duck, "Quack the Duck"

"Quack the Duck": A story of a little duck and a big love

The TV anime series "Quack the Duck", which aired from 1989 to 1990, is based on a stage play by Dutch stage actor and musician Herman van Veen. The anime was co-produced by Japan, West Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and although it is aimed at children, it contains many political themes such as religious and immigration issues. The series aired from April 3, 1989 to March 29, 1990, with a total of 52 episodes broadcast on TV Tokyo every Monday from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

story

The main character of "Quack the Duck" is a duck named Alfred Yodkus Quack. Shortly after he was born, Alfred lost his parents and siblings in a traffic accident, but was taken in by a mole named Hank, and the story follows him as he grows into an adult through various experiences. Alfred is portrayed as a compassionate person who overcomes many sad experiences and lives a strong life.

Commentary

This animation, based on a stage play by Herman van Veen, is aimed at children, but contains many political themes, such as religious and immigration issues. It has been translated into Japanese not only in Western Europe but also in Northern Europe, and there are many variations of the opening song depending on the broadcasting station. Herman van Veen won the German media award "Golden Camera Award" in 1991 for this work.

Although this is a children's anime, it deals with deep themes, so it can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Each episode depicts a different adventure or experience, so the viewers won't get bored. Furthermore, the growth of the characters and the changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, giving the story depth.

cast

The main cast of "Quack the Duck" is as follows:

• Alfred: Megumi Hayashibara
• Hank: Kenichi Ogata
• Dolph: Shigeru Chiba
• Winnie: Yuko Kobayashi

Megumi Hayashibara voiced Alfred, and her gentle voice and acting made her a beloved character. Kenichi Ogata voiced Hank, and played Alfred's father with warm acting. Shigeru Chiba voiced Dolph, and realistically portrayed his strong desire for power. Yuko Kobayashi voiced Winnie, and played the bright and energetic character of Alfred's female friend.

Main Staff

The main staff of "Duck Quack" are as follows:

• Original author: Herman van Ven
• Produced by: Kazuo Tabata
• Planning: Nakahara Maki
• Screenplay: Akira Miyazaki
• Music: Herman van Veen, Eric van der Wulff
• Character art and design: Harold Zipperman, Hans Bacher, Susumu Shiraume, Masaru Tensui
• Photo by Hisao Shirai
• Sound: Shigeharu Shiba
• Producers: Mutsuo Shimizu (TV Tokyo), Manabu Tamura (Telescreen), Sumio Takahashi (Teleimage)
• Director: Hiroshi Saito
• Production cooperation: Teleimage, Visual 80
• Production company: TV Tokyo, Telescreen
• Co-production: TV Tokyo, Telescreen, ZDF, TF1, VARA

Herman van Veen was in charge of the original story as well as the music, determining the overall tone of the work. Kazuo Tabata was in charge of production and worked hard to improve the quality of the work. Maki Nakahara was in charge of planning and determined the direction of the work. Akira Miyazaki was in charge of the script and carefully drew the story of each episode. Herman van Veen and Eric van der Wulff were in charge of the music, enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Harold Zipperman, Hans Bacher, Susumu Shiraume, and Masaru Tensui were in charge of character art and design, creating attractive characters. Hisao Shirai was in charge of photography, creating beautiful images. Shigeharu Shiba was in charge of sound, enhancing the sound effects of the work. Mutsuo Shimizu, Manabu Tamura, and Sumio Takahashi supported the production of the work as producers. Hiroshi Saito oversaw the entire work as director. Teleimage and Visual 80 supported the production of the work as production partners. TV Tokyo and Telescreen acted as production companies for the film. TV Tokyo, Telescreen, ZDF, TF1 and VARA participated in the production of the film as co-productions.

Main Characters

The main characters of "Quack the Duck" are as follows.

• Alfred Yodkus Kwak: The main character, Ahiru. He has a compassionate heart and lives a strong life despite having overcome many sad experiences.
• Hank: A mole who took in Alfred after he lost his family. He lives in a house shaped like a shoe.
• Dolph: A thrush with a strong desire for power. He paints his beak black to hide his true identity, and later becomes the leader of the Crow Party.
• Winnie: A dark-skinned duck girl who moves in with her family and is Alfred's female friend.

Alfred overcomes the sadness of losing his family and grows through many adventures. Hank is a mole who takes in Alfred and supports him as a father figure. Dolph is a power-hungry thrush who adds excitement to the story as Alfred's rival. Winnie is Alfred's friend and adds color to the story with her bright and cheerful character.

subtitle

The subtitles for "Duck's Quack" are as follows:

• Episode 1: Alfred is born
• Episode 2: First Birthday
• Episode 3: The Ruby in the Crown
• Episode 4: My Dad is Hank
• Episode 5: Dolph's Secret
• Episode 6: The Race
• Episode 7: Alfred the Sailor
• Episode 8: Raise the Mast
• Episode 9: The Mysterious Bottle
• Episode 10: The Magic Carpet
• Episode 11: Funny Circus Clown
• Episode 12: The Chess Queen's Dream Adventure
• Episode 13: The Stolen Queen's Crown
• Episode 14: Find the Sawshark
• Episode 15: Fighting the Stormy Seas!
• Episode 16: A great voyage in search of whales
• Episode 17: Friends from Space
• Episode 18: The Southern Cross Shines in the Night Sky
• Episode 19: The sea belongs to everyone
• Episode 20: Go to the Quack Desert
• Episode 21: The Gold Coin Loaned to the King
• Episode 22: The Ambition of the Billionaire Dolph
• Episode 23: Escape from the Crows
• Episode 24: Dolph Becomes Emperor
• Episode 25: The Flying Gold Coin Mission
• Episode 26: The Kind-Hearted Yukio
• Episode 27: I fell in love with your eyes at first sight
• Episode 28: The King's Gift
• Episode 29: The ship sails to Atlique
• Episode 30: The small island in the South Seas is a turtle
• Episode 31: A Mysterious Undersea Journey
• Episode 32: Glass ball in the sea
• Episode 33: I'm sick of westerns
• Episode 34: Finding the medicine of the ancient dynasty
• Episode 35: The Pyramid of the Maze
• Episode 36: I hate the piano
• Episode 37: An invitation from the prince
• Episode 38: Love Beyond Borders
• Episode 39: The Witch's Proposal
• Episode 40: The Stolen Blueprints
• Episode 41: Volcanic Island! Mysterious Eruption
• Episode 42: Save the Monster Dragon
• Episode 43: The King's New Nation Building
• Episode 44: Dolph's Dangerous Gamble
• Episode 45: Mysterious Pathogen Outbreak
• Episode 46: Find the Clown of the Moon
• Episode 47: The Magic Violin
• Episode 48: Golf as a business?
• Episode 49: In Search of a Beautiful Rainbow
• Episode 50: Find the Pot of Gold
• Episode 51: Can we protect green nature?
• Episode 52: Dolph's Final Battle

Each episode depicts a different adventure or experience, and is designed to keep viewers from getting bored. In particular, Alfred's growth and the changes in his relationships are carefully depicted, adding depth to the story. Each episode also has a different theme, which makes the viewer think.

Theme songs and music

The theme song and music for "Duck's Quack" are as follows.

Opening Theme

• Song Name: It's a Promise
• Lyricist and composer: Herman van Veen
• Lyrics: Kazuko Sakata
• Arrangement: Michiaki Kato
• Sung by: Megumi Hayashibara
• Released by: Polydor

Ending Theme

• Song Name: Happy Happy
• Lyricist and composer: Herman van Veen
• Lyrics: Kazuko Sakata
• Arrangement: Michiaki Kato
• Sung by: Megumi Hayashibara
• Released by: Polydor

The opening theme, "It's a Promise," was written and composed by Herman van Veen, translated by Sakata Kazuko, arranged by Kato Michiaki, and sung by Hayashibara Megumi. This song is a bright and cheerful song that symbolizes Alfred's growth and adventure, giving hope to the viewers. The ending theme, "Happy Happy," was also written and composed by Herman van Veen, translated by Sakata Kazuko, arranged by Kato Michiaki, and sung by Hayashibara Megumi. This song is a gentle song that symbolizes the end of Alfred's adventure, giving comfort to the viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

Although "Quack of the Duck" is an anime for children, it deals with deep themes, so it can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Each episode also depicts a different adventure or experience, so the viewers won't get bored. Furthermore, the growth of the characters and the changes in their relationships are carefully depicted, giving the story depth.

This is a series that we especially recommend for families to watch. Children will be excited by Alfred's adventures, and adults will be inspired by the deep themes. Each story has a different theme, so it also contains content that will make the viewer think. Furthermore, the character growth and changes in relationships are carefully depicted, which will help the viewer empathize.

Although "Quack the Duck" is a children's animation, adults can also enjoy it. Please watch it with your family and enjoy Alfred's adventures and growth.