"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" review: What is the appeal of this nostalgic anime classic?

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" review: What is the appeal of this nostalgic anime classic?

Super Mashin Hero Wataru - Super Mashin Hero Wataru

Overview

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" is an anime series that aired on TV Tokyo (TX) from October 2, 1997 to September 24, 1998. It consisted of 51 episodes and aired in a 30-minute slot every Thursday night from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. The series is original to the anime, with the original story written by Yatate Hajime, Hiroi Oji, and Iuchi Shuji. Iuchi Shuji also served as general director and writer, and the series was co-produced by Sunrise, TX, and nas.

story

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" is a story about the protagonist, Senbe Wataru, who is chosen as the "savior" and goes on an adventure and battle in a parallel world. Wataru and his friends face various challenges and grow as they go. The story revolves around Wataru getting into a giant robot called Ryujinmaru and fighting the forces of evil.

character

■Cast

・Wataru Senbe/Mayumi Tanaka ・Himiko Shinobu/Megumi Hayashibara ・Shibaraku Kenbe/Tomoaki Nishimura ・Ryujinmaru/Tetsuaki Genda ・Suzume/Yuko Miyamura ・Hijiri/Kentaro Ito

War Department Wataru

Wataru is the main character, a boy who is full of courage and a sense of justice. Mayumi Tanaka's voice acting brings out the purity and strength of Wataru. It is fascinating to watch Wataru grow and develop as the story progresses, deepening his bonds with his friends.

Himiko Shinobu

Himiko is Wataru's best friend and the girl who goes on adventures with him. Megumi Hayashibara's voice acting expresses Himiko's intelligence and bravery. Himiko is an important character who supports Wataru and sometimes shows leadership.

Swordsman Shibaraku

Another of Wataru's best friends, he is an expert swordsman. Tomomichi Nishimura's voice acting portrays Shibaraku's boldness and friendship. Shibaraku fights alongside Wataru and strives to protect his friends.

Ryujinmaru

A giant robot partner of Wataru, voiced by Tesshō Genda, Ryujinmaru exudes strength and loyalty. Ryujinmaru evolves as Wataru grows, eventually transforming into "Super Majin Ryujinmaru."

Sparrow

Suzume is a childhood friend of Wataru and is a bright and energetic girl. Yuko Miyamura's voice acting portrays Suzume's liveliness and friendship. Suzume is Wataru's emotional support and plays an important role in the story.

Sacred Tree

He is Wataru's teacher and a character with knowledge of another world. Kentaro Ito's voice acting expresses Seiju's wisdom and kindness. Seiju is an important presence who teaches Wataru various lessons and encourages his growth.

staff

■ Main staff

・Original work: Hajime Yatate, Oji Hiroi, Shuji Iuchi ・General director, composition: Shuji Iuchi ・Character design: Toyoo Ashida ・Mechanical design: Kazunori Nakazawa ・Planning: Red Company, Sunrise

Original story, general director, and composition: Shuji Iuchi

Iuchi Shuji is the original author, general director, and writer of the story, and he has drawn up the overall picture of the story. His vision and creativity have shaped the fascinating world of "Chou Mashin Hero Wataru." Iuchi Shuji's experience and talent have contributed greatly to the success of the work.

Character design: Toyoo Ashida

Toyoo Ashida was in charge of the visual design of the characters, bringing out the individuality and charm of each character. His designs are visually impactful and skillfully express the inner thoughts of the characters.

Mechanical design: Kazunori Nakazawa

Kazunobu Nakazawa was in charge of designing the mechanics, including Ryujinmaru, and added excitement to the battle scenes in the work. His designs combine strength and beauty, providing visual appeal.

Planning: Red Company Sunrise

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" was born as a joint project between Red Company and Sunrise. The cooperation and ideas of both companies have improved the quality of the work, creating a work that is loved by viewers.

episode

■Subtitle

・Episode 1: I am the Savior! (1997/10/02)
Episode 2: Bungee jumping ends everything! (1997/10/09)
Episode 3: Hit the disappearing magic ball! (1997/10/16)
Episode 4: Wanted! Scary Ghosts (1997/10/23)
Episode 5: Scary! Matching High School Girls (1997/10/30)
Episode 6: The Big Race in the Crazy Village (1997/11/06)
Episode 7: The Fearsome Scream Machine Competition (1997/11/13)
Episode 8: Super Power Transformation! Ryujinmaru (1997/11/20)
Episode 9: Firefly Village is a Dream Island (1997/11/27)
Episode 10: The Tin Flower is So Disgusting! (1997/12/04)
・Episode 11: Yuki-onna's Hot Love Story (1997/12/11)
Episode 12: I want a wish star! (1997/12/18)
Episode 13: The Dangerous Fruits of Furufuru Village (1997/12/25)
Episode 14: Beware the Burning Heart! (1998/01/08)
Episode 15: The incarnation of fire! Houou Ryuujinmaru (1998/01/15)
Episode 16: Swimming in the Desert is OH HOT! (1998/01/22)
・Episode 17: Strikes Polly! (1998/01/29)
Episode 18: Dosukoi! Sumo in the Desert (1998/02/05)
Episode 19: I am the savior! Are you the savior too? (1998/02/12)
Episode 20: The Electric Man's Powerful Attack! (1998/02/19)
Episode 21: Fast and Furious! Journey on the Demon God Train (1998/02/26)
・Episode 22: The Strongest Combo! Double Ryujinmaru (1998/03/05)
Episode 23: Sports Day When I Come Home (1998/03/12)
Episode 24: The Mystery of the Sacred Forest (1998/03/19)
Episode 25: Resurrection! The Sword of the Sword King (1998/03/19)
・Episode 26: The Magical Brothers of Telephone Town (1998/04/02)
Episode 27: Welcome to the Convenience Store Genie! (1998/04/08)
Episode 28: I'm so sleepy! I'm in big trouble! (1998/04/16)
Episode 29: Shutter chances are scary! (1998/04/23)
Episode 30: Am I Himiko and Is Himiko Me? (1998/04/30)
・Episode 31: Wataru Collection in Doll Town (1998/05/07)
・Episode 32: Frizabeth, the Illusionary Goddess (1998/05/14)
・Episode 33: Dreaming Dinosaur Toynodon (1998/05/21)
Episode 34: Protect the Rest Fountain! (1998/05/28)
Episode 35: Fighting Robots of Denno Town (1998/06/04)
Episode 36: The Savior Who Was Hooked! (1998/06/11)
Episode 37: The Mysterious Dork? The Mystery of the Sparrow? (1998/06/18)
・Episode 38: True or False! The Battle of the Death Tower (1998/06/25)
・Episode 39: The Sacred God of the Sea, the Silver Wolf of Thunder (1998/07/02)
Episode 40: Shibaraku Dad Does His Best! (1998/07/09)
Episode 41: The Yellow Whale Mares (1998/07/16)
・Episode 42: Wataru's heart is rock-paper-scissors! (1998/07/23)
Episode 43: Fierce Battle! Wataru vs. Dodo (1998/07/30)
・Episode 44: A Heart Calling the Heart (1998/08/06)
・Episode 45: Infiltration! Donalkami Castle (1998/08/13)
・Episode 46: The Final Battle of Friendship! (1998/08/20)
・Episode 47: The End of Donalkami Castle (1998/08/27)
・Episode 48: The Seventh Layer: A New Battle! (1998/09/03)
Episode 49: Appearance of the Demon King Ankokuda (1998/09/10)
・Episode 50/Birth! Super Majin Ryujinmaru (1998/09/17)
Episode 51: Everyone's Hearts (1998/09/24)

Evaluation and Impressions

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" has been highly praised as a children's anime. In particular, the story of the protagonist Wataru's growth and friendship has touched viewers. In addition, Ryujinmaru's transformation and battle scenes provide visual appeal and thrills that have captivated children.

The individuality of the characters and the performances of the voice actors also contributed to the appeal of the work. The voice actors of each character, such as Mayumi Tanaka's Wataru, Megumi Hayashibara's Himiko, and Tomomichi Nishimura's Shibaraku, brought out the charm of the characters and left a deep impression on the viewers.

In addition, Hideharu Iuchi's skill as general director has also been praised, with the story being skillfully constructed and developed. The subtitles for each episode are also unique, and are designed to attract the viewer's interest.

Recommended points

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, the following points are recommended.

1. The protagonist's growth and friendship

The story of Wataru's growth and friendship with his friends will move viewers. Watching Wataru overcome difficulties and grow together with his friends will give courage and hope to children.

2. Visual appeal

Ryujinmaru's transformations and battle scenes are visually captivating and thrilling. Kids will be enthralled by the giant robot's exploits. Each episode also has a unique setting that will keep viewers engaged.

3. The appeal of the characters

The individuality of each character, such as Wataru, Himiko, and Shibaraku, and the performances of the voice actors enhance the appeal of the work. Viewers will empathize with the characters' achievements and growth and be drawn into the story.

4. Story Development

Thanks to the skill of director Hideharu Iuchi, the story is well-structured and developed. The subtitles of each episode are unique, and are designed to attract the interest of the viewers.

Related information

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" was broadcast on TV Tokyo and was also released on DVD and video. Many related goods and books have also been released, and the series has gained support from fans. Furthermore, the popularity of the series is also reflected by the active exchange of information on the Internet through fan sites and social networking sites.

Conclusion

"Chou Mashin Hero Wataru" is a highly acclaimed children's anime. It is packed with many charms, including a story depicting the growth and friendship of the main character Wataru, visual appeal, the personalities of the characters and the voice actors' performances, and a skillful story development. It is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so we highly recommend watching it.

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