The appeal and evaluation of the underground lantern comic "Shojo Tsubaki": A thorough explanation of its unique worldview and artistry

Underground Phantom Lantern Drama - Girl Camellia

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

May 2, 1992

■Distribution company

Closed Cinema Kiryukan

■ Eirin Number

26031

■Frequencies

47 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Suehiro Maruo

■ Director

Etsu Kusaka

■ Production

Produced by: Paranoia Department Store, Universal Gravitational Experimental Theatre, Gesshoku Kagekidan, Seirindou, ACC Productions, Mushi Productions, Toei Animation, Visual Arts Productions. Planned and produced by: Futsui Gekijo Kiryukan

■ Story

Midori, an elementary school student who lost her parents, is tricked by the owner of a freak show and ends up working as a member of the show. She and those around her become embroiled in a succession of misfortunes.

■Explanation

This is an animated film adaptation of the manga of the same name by Suehiro Maruo. It was not shown in regular theaters, but instead was shown in special venues set up around Tokyo and in apartment basements. During the screening, smoke bombs and cherry blossom petals were used for special effects. Many actors from small theater troupes also appeared as voice actors. It contains a lot of erotic and grotesque depictions, so it is said that it would be difficult to show it in its original form in regular theaters.

■Cast

・Midori/Naka Minako ・Wonder Masamitsu/Morishita Norihiko ・Arashi Koijiro/Okamoto Keinosuke

■ Main staff

・Original story: Suehiro Maruo・Direction/script, animation and direction: Hisaaki Etsu・Music: J.A. Caesar・Cinematography: Nobuyuki Sugaya・Sound effects: Koichi Asanuma・Art direction: Katsufumi Hariu・Development: IMAGICA
・Supervision: Toyoichi Iida ・Production cooperation: Paranoia Department Store, Universal Gravitational Experimental Theatre, Gesshoku Kagekidan, Seirindou, ACC Productions, Mushi Productions, Toei Animation, Visual Arts Productions ・Planning and production: Futsui Gekijo Kiryukan

・OP1
・Lost Child's Ribbon
Lyrics by Suehiro Maruo Music by J.A. Caesar Singer by Minami Naka


・IN1
・Red underwear
Lyrics by Suehiro Maruo Music by J.A. Caesar Singer by Kinji Nomura

■ Main Characters

Midori used to make a living selling flowers, but after her sick mother died she became an orphan. She was kidnapped by the master of the Akanekoza freak show and forced to work in the show.

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Lost Child's Ribbon
Lyrics by Suehiro Maruo Music by J.A. Caesar Singer by Minami Naka


・IN1
・Red underwear
Lyrics by Suehiro Maruo Music by J.A. Caesar Singer by Kinji Nomura

Review and Recommendation

"Underground Lantern Phantom Manga: Shojo Tsubaki" is an anime film based on the manga of the same name by Maruo Suehiro, and is known as a very special work due to its unique screening method and content. Released on May 2, 1992, the film was not shown in a regular theater, but was shown at special venues and apartment basements around Tokyo. This was because the film contains many erotic and grotesque depictions, which made it difficult to show in a regular theater. During the screening, smoke bombs and cherry blossom storms were used for the effects, which left a strong impression on the audience. Another notable feature is that many actors from small theater troupes appear as voice actors.

The story is about Midori, an elementary school student who has lost her parents and is tricked by a freak show owner into working as part of the show. The film depicts how Midori and those around her become embroiled in a succession of misfortunes. The film depicts the misery of those living at the bottom of society and the fate they cannot escape, deeply moving and terrifying the audience.

Director Etsu Hisaaki has faithfully reproduced the atmosphere of the original work while maximizing the expressive power of animation. In particular, the portrayal of Midori's state of mind and the eerie atmosphere of the freak show tent leave a strong visual impact and leave a deep impression on the audience. The music by J.A. Caesar is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the film. The opening theme "Mayoi Ko no Ribbon" and the insert song "Kimi ni Shita" seem to symbolize Midori's tragic fate.

The cast is also not to be missed. Naka Minako, who plays Midori, perfectly expresses the innocence and sadness of a young girl, moving the audience's hearts. Morishita Norihiko, who plays Wonder Masamitsu, and Okamoto Keinosuke, who plays Arashi Koijiro, also deliver performances that bring out the individuality of their characters.

This work was produced by Paranoia Department Store, Universal Gravitational Theatrical Experiment, Gesshoku Kagekidan, Seirindou, ACC Productions, Mushi Productions, Toei Animation, and Visual Arts Productions, and was planned and produced by Fumitsui Eigeki Kiryukan. The fact that so many production companies were involved shows the uniqueness and challenging nature of this work.

"Underground Lantern Phantom Manga: Shojo Tsubaki" is a work that stands out from the crowd, and its unique worldview and expression leave a strong impression on the audience. It contains many erotic and grotesque scenes, so it may not be for everyone, but it is highly recommended for those who enjoy deep themes and beautiful animation. It is a must-see, especially for fans of Maruo Suehiro's original work and those who want to explore new possibilities in animation.

This film also packs a lot of information and emotion into its short 47 minutes. Therefore, no matter how many times you watch it, you may find something new. Please experience the screening at the special venue or in the basement of the apartment building and experience the story of Midori's tragic fate and the people around her.