The appeal and evaluation of "Super Zugan": A must-read review for anime fans

Super Zugan - A masterpiece of comedy anime from the 90s

"Super Zugan," which aired from 1992 to 1993, is a TV anime series based on the original manga by Katayama Masayuki. This work left a strong impression on viewers at the time, and its unique sense of humor and characters are still loved today. Below, we will introduce the appeal and detailed information of "Super Zugan," and explore why the work is still highly regarded today.

Overview

"Super Zugan" aired on CX (now Fuji TV) from October 9, 1992 to March 19, 1993, every Friday from 1:10am for 30 minutes. The 21-episode series was produced by Kitty Film and animated by Studio Deen. It was written by Katayama Masayuki and is copyrighted by Katayama Masayuki/Takeshobo, Kitty Film, and Fuji TV.

Main Staff

Fuji Television and Kitty Film were involved in the production of this work, with animation by Studio Deen. The script was written by Ryota Yamaguchi and Naoto Kimura, the director was Junji Nishimura, the character designer and animation director was Atsuko Nakajima, and the art director was Satoshi Miura. Together, these staff members created the unique worldview of "Super Zugan."

Stories and episodes

"Super Zugan" is a gag-filled story about the main character, Tukanpo, and his friends. Each episode shows Tukanpo facing various challenges and finding humorous solutions. Below are the main episodes.

• Episode 1, "Sentimental Zugan (working title)" - aired on October 8, 1992. Starting with Tsukanpo's daily life, this episode is an important one as it sets the tone for the series.
• Episode 2A "Happy Birthday Zugan" - aired on October 16, 1992. It depicts Zuganpo's humorous attempts to celebrate his friend's birthday.
• Episode 2B "Duskan after being rejected" - This episode is about Tsukanpo's love troubles, and his humorous reactions are a highlight.
• Episode 3A "The Fear of Toyotomi Zugan" - Broadcast on October 23, 1992. A comedy episode in which historical characters appear and Tsukanpo confronts them.
• Episode 3B "Snowside Zugan" - An episode depicting the chaos that Tsukanpo causes at the ski resort.
• Episode 4A "Kappagizugan" - Broadcast on October 30, 1992. In this episode, Tsukanpo challenges himself to a fictional sport called kappagi.
• Episode 4B "Akina Again" - A character based on the singer Akina appears in this episode, and Tsukanpo interacts with her.
• Episode 5A "You Are Perfect, Part 1" - aired on November 6, 1992. This is the first half of the episode in which Tucampo strives to be a perfect person.
• Episode 5B "You Are Perfect, Part 2" - The second half depicts Tucampo's struggle in his pursuit of perfection.
• Episode 6A "The Thing from Osaka" - Broadcast on November 13, 1992. This episode depicts a showdown between Tsukanpo and a mysterious object from Osaka.
• Episode 6B "Zugan Gets a Hot Spring Shock" - This is the episode in which Tsukanpo gets a hot spring shock.
• Episode 7A "Baby Mahjong Player Ponta" - aired on November 20, 1992. A mahjong-themed episode, Tsukanpo faces off against a character named Ponta.
• Episode 7B "Mahjong Pewter in the Well" - A humorous episode related to mahjong.
• Episode 8A "Tear-jongg Tsumo Part 1" - Broadcast on November 27, 1992. This is the first half of an episode about mahjong tsumo.
• Episode 8B "Tear-jerking Tsumojan PART 2" - The second half of the episode about Tsumo.
• Episode 9A "Traveling Mahjong Zugan Part 1" - Broadcast on December 4, 1992. This is the first half of the episode where Tsukanpo plays mahjong while traveling.
• Episode 9B "Traveling Zugan Part 2" - The second half of the episode about traveling and gambling.
• Episode 10, No. 19 "The Invincible Mukahun Playing Method" - Broadcast on December 11, 1992. This episode sees Tsukanpo try out a new mahjong playing method.
• Episode 10, 20 "Toyotomi's Counterattack" - Broadcast on December 11, 1992. In this episode, Toyotomi appears again and confronts Tsukanpo.
• Episode 11, No. 21 "Numbness is everything" - Broadcast on December 13, 1992. This is the episode where Tsukanpo feels numbness.
• Episode 11, No. 22 "Santa's Waiting Has Come" - aired December 13, 1992. A Christmas-themed episode.
• Episode 12, 23 "Happy New Year, Tsukanpo" - Broadcast on January 8, 1993. This is an episode about Tsukanpo welcoming in the new year.
• Episode 12, No. 24 "Tsukanpo Folktale" - Broadcast on January 8, 1993. This episode depicts the folktale of Tsukanpo.
• Episode 13A "Akuma de Akuma" - aired on January 14, 1993. This episode sees Tskampo face off against the devil.
• Episode 13B "Tsukampo catches a cold" - aired on January 14, 1993. This is the episode where Tsukanpo catches a cold.
• Episode 14A "The Poolside Tucampo Guy" - aired on January 21, 1993. This episode depicts the commotion caused by Tucampo at the poolside.
• Episode 14B "Revival! Ozawa Takeshobo" - Broadcast on January 21, 1993. This is the episode in which Ozawa Takeshobo is revived.
• Episode 15A "Kaidan Zugan Douro" - Broadcast on January 28, 1993. This episode has a ghost story theme.
• Episode 15B "I am Grateful" - Broadcast on January 28, 1993. This is the episode in which Tskampo expresses his gratitude.
• Episode 16A "Positive Zugan" - aired on February 4, 1993. This is the episode where Tsukanpo lives life with a positive attitude.
• Episode 16B "Tsukampo Richi is a one-point continuation?" - Broadcast on February 4, 1993. This is the episode where Tsukampo calls a reach in mahjong.
• Episode 17, No. 33 "Valentine's Day Scent is Tucampo" - Broadcast on February 12, 1993. This episode is themed around Valentine's Day.
• Episode 17, No. 34 "Akina Triangle" - Broadcast on February 12, 1993. This episode depicts a love triangle surrounding Akina.
• Episode 18, No. 35 "Welcome to Ichibankan" - Broadcast on February 26, 1993. This is the episode in which Tsukanpo visits Ichibankan.
• Episode 18, No. 36 "I'll Teach You the Rules of Mahjong" - Broadcast on February 26, 1993. This is an episode that teaches the rules of Mahjong.
• Episode 19, No. 37 "Antarctic Tsukaan" - Broadcast on March 5, 1993. This is the episode where Tsukampo goes to Antarctica.
• Episode 19, No. 38 "Nouveau Riche Zukan" - Broadcast on March 5, 1993. This is the episode in which Tsukanpo becomes a nouveau riche.
• Episode 20, No. 36 "Undefeated! The Phantom Mahjong Player" - Broadcast on March 12, 1993. This is the episode where Tsukanpo faces off against the Phantom Mahjong Player.
• Episode 20, No. 40 "For Whom Does the Glory Lie..." - This is an episode about Tucampo's search for glory.
• Episode 21, 41 "Tsukampo Forever... Part 1" - Broadcast on March 19, 1993. This is the first half of the episode depicting the eternal friendship of the Tsukampo.
• Episode 21, 42 "Tsukankko Forever...Part 2" - The second half of the episode depicting eternal friendship.

character

The appeal of "Super Zugan" is, above all, its unique characters. The main characters are introduced below.

• Tucampo - The main character. He has a humorous personality and overcomes many obstacles. His actions and words make the audience laugh.
• Ponta - Tsukanpo's friend, a good mahjong player. His presence adds excitement to Tsukanpo's adventure.
• Akina - A character based on the singer Akina, who appears as a love interest for Tucampo. Her presence enriches Tucampo's relationships.
• Toyotomi - A historical character who appears in the episode where he confronts Tucampo. His presence adds a historical element to the piece.

Evaluation and impact

"Super Zugan" is especially highly regarded among comedy anime of the 90s for its unique sense of humor and the charm of its characters. Viewers often comment, "I can't stop laughing," or "I love the Tsukanpo characters." This work also had a major influence on comedy anime that came after it. In particular, the individuality of the characters and the way the humor is expressed have been incorporated into many works.

Reasons for recommendation

Here are some reasons why we recommend "Super Zugan":

• Unique sense of humor - The humor in this work is unique and not found in other anime. Viewers can't stop laughing at Tsukanpo's humorous actions and comments.
• Compelling characters - The characters, including Tucampo, are unique and engaging. Their actions and relationships keep the viewer engaged.
• Historical Elements - The inclusion of historical characters such as Toyotomi adds depth to the work, providing a new perspective for the viewer.
• Influence - "Super Zugan" had a huge influence on later comedy anime, so by watching this work you can understand the history of comedy anime.

How to watch

"Super Zugan" is now available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. Some episodes are also available on video streaming services. Those who wish to watch it can enjoy it using these methods.

summary

"Super Zugan" is one of the most highly acclaimed comedy anime of the 90s. Its unique sense of humor and charming characters leave a strong impression on viewers. This work also had a major influence on later comedy anime, making it an important work in understanding the history of comedy anime. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm for yourself.