Mashin Hero Wataru: The Legend of Soukaiyama Heroes - A fascinating new adventure review and review

Mashin Hero Wataru: The Legend of Heroes from Mount Soukai - The beginning of a fascinating adventure in another world

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

March 5, 1990

■Frequencies

65 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Shuji Iuchi

■Works

©Sunrise R

■ Story

Wataru Senbe is a lively fourth grade elementary school student with a strong sense of justice. One day, after making a clay robot, Ryujinmaru, in class, Wataru is led to put a magatama he picked up on the way to school around its neck. On his way home from school, Wataru stops by Ryujin Pond, where a golden dragon suddenly appears before him and takes him to another world, Soukaiyama. Soukaiyama was once a beautiful world where the seven colors of the rainbow shine. However, with the emergence of the evil emperor Doakuda, the rainbow lost its colors, and the people were tormented by Doakuda's subordinates. The legend of the hero of Soukaiyama - A hero named "Wataru" appears from another world and saves the world from crisis. Wataru is tasked with the mission of saving Soukaiyama as the savior, and sets off on a journey with Ryujinmaru, who has become a giant demon from clay. Along the way, they recruit three new members to their party: Shinobu Himiko, the cheerful head of a ninja clan; Tsurugibu Shibaraku, a skilled swordsman; and Watanabe Kurama, a former Doakuda spy who has since reformed. The journey to defeat Doakuda continues.

■Explanation

This edited version of "Mashhin Hero Wataru" was released just before the broadcast of "Mashhin Hero Wataru 2." This work holds a special meaning for fans of the series, not only because it allows viewers to relive the beginning of Wataru's adventure, but also because it builds anticipation for new developments in the series. In particular, the scene in which Wataru steps into another world for the first time and sets off on a journey with his companions leaves a strong impression on viewers. Furthermore, this OVA offers a condensed version of the series' worldview and the charm of its characters, allowing even those watching "Mashhin Hero Wataru" for the first time to fully experience the appeal of the series.

■ Main staff

・General Director: Shuji Iuchi ・Mecha Design: Kazunori Nakazawa ・Guest Character Design: Mandrill Club ・Planning Cooperation: Red Company ・Script: Takao Koyama, Toshiki Inoue, and others ・Music: Junichi Kanesaki, Satoshi Kadokura

■ Related works

・[TVA] 88.04.15-89.03.31 Mashin Hero Wataru (45 episodes)
・[TVA] 90.03.09-91.03.08 Mashin Hero Wataru 2 (46 episodes)
・[TVA] 97.10.02-98.09.24 Chou Mashin Hero Wataru (51 episodes)

■Detailed story and character analysis

Wataru Senbe is a fourth-grader with a strong sense of justice. One day, he makes a clay robot called Ryujinmaru in class, and places a magatama he picked up on the way to school around Ryujinmaru's neck. On his way home from school, Wataru stops by Ryujin Pond and is taken by a golden dragon to another world, Soukaiyama. Soukaiyama was once a beautiful world where the rainbow shone with seven colors, but with the emergence of the evil emperor Doakda, the rainbow lost its colors and the people were suffering. According to the legend of the heroes of Soukaiyama, a hero named "Wataru" will appear from the other world and save the world from crisis. Guided by this legend, Wataru is tasked with the mission of saving Soukaiyama as a savior. Wataru sets out on a journey with Ryujinmaru, who has transformed from clay into a giant demon. Along the way, he meets new companions - the carefree head of a ninja clan, Shinobu Himiko, the skilled swordsman, Tsurugibu Shibaraku, and Watanabe Kurama, who was originally a spy for Doakuda but has since had a change of heart - and they continue on their journey to defeat Doakuda.

Wataru's character is full of a sense of justice and courage, and his attitude towards facing difficulties is appealing. His growth and the bonds he forms with his companions move viewers. In particular, his relationship with Ryujinmaru symbolizes Wataru's growth and deeply moves viewers. His companions, Himiko, Shibaraku, and Kurama, each have their own unique personalities and are important presences that support Wataru's adventure. Himiko's cheerfulness and quick thinking, Shibaraku's swordsmanship, and Kurama's reform and growth add depth to the story.

■Production background and staff's commitment

"Mashhin Hero Wataru: Soukaizan Hero Legend" is an edited version released just before the broadcast of "Mashhin Hero Wataru 2". This work has a special meaning for fans of the series. Director Iuchi Shuji created this OVA to allow viewers to experience the beginning of Wataru's adventure again and to raise expectations for the new developments in the series. Nakazawa Kazunobu, who was in charge of mecha design, was particular about the design of Ryujinmaru and succeeded in maximizing the visual impact. Mandoril Club, who was in charge of guest character design, created unique characters and added color to the story. Koyama Takao and Inoue Toshiki, who were in charge of the script, focused on depicting Wataru's growth and the bond with his friends, and constructed a story that moved the viewers. Kanesaki Junichi and Kadokura Satoshi, who were in charge of music, provided music that enhanced the atmosphere of the adventure and enhanced the emotions of the viewers.

■ Visual appeal and music

The visual appeal of this OVA relies heavily on the mecha and character designs. Ryujinmaru's design maximizes visual impact and leaves a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the scene in which Ryujinmaru transforms into a giant demon is visually very appealing. The character designs are also unique, with Himiko's ninja outfit, Shibaraku's swordsman-like appearance, and Kurama's design that evokes his past as a spy leaving a deep impression on the viewer.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of this work. The music that enhances the atmosphere of the adventure enhances the emotions of the viewer and adds depth to the story. In particular, the music in the scene where Wataru sets out on his journey with his companions and in the battle scene with Doakda deeply moves the viewer.

■ Related works and the appeal of the entire series

"Mashhin Hero Wataru: Soukaizan Hero Legend" is positioned as part of the "Mashhin Hero Wataru" series. The appeal of the entire series lies in Wataru's growth, his bond with his companions, and his adventures in another world. In particular, related works such as "Mashhin Hero Wataru" (45 episodes in total), "Mashhin Hero Wataru 2" (46 episodes in total), and "Cho Mashin Hero Wataru" (51 episodes in total) depict Wataru's adventures in even greater depth, moving viewers. Throughout the series, Wataru's growth and the bond with his companions deeply move viewers, and his adventures in another world have the appeal to draw viewers in.

■ Recommendations to viewers

"Mashin Hero Wataru: The Legend of Soukaizan Heroes" is a work that holds a special meaning for fans of the series, and even those who are watching "Mashin Hero Wataru" for the first time will be able to fully experience the charm of the series. Not only can you relive the beginning of Wataru's adventure, but it also plays a role in raising expectations for new developments in the series. This work is attractive for its visual appeal, music, and the story that depicts Wataru's growth and the bonds with his friends, and it leaves a strong impression on viewers. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy an adventure in a different world and those who want to be moved by Wataru's growth and the bonds with his friends. Also, those who want to enjoy Wataru's adventures throughout the series should definitely watch the other works in the "Mashin Hero Wataru" series.