The appeal and evaluation of "Little Giant Microman": its evolution from toy to animation

"Microman: The Little Giant": A look back at the 1999 TV anime series

Broadcast on TV Tokyo in 1999, "Little Giant Microman" was an original anime based on a toy series by Takara (now Takara Tomy), and was loved by many children. This work depicts tiny heroes called Microman fighting to protect the Earth. Below, I will introduce the appeal of this work, including detailed information and my personal impressions.

Overview

"Little Giant Microman" was broadcast for 30 minutes every Monday from 6:00 pm from January 4 to December 27, 1999. The 52-episode series was co-produced by Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, and Yomiko Advertising, and was directed by Noriyuki Abe. Copyright ©1999 TAKARA, Studio Pierrot, Yomiko Advertising, and TV Tokyo.

story

The story depicts tiny heroes called Microman fighting to protect the Earth. As they fight various enemies, the Micromen learn the importance of friendship and courage. Each episode features a different enemy or incident, and depicts the Micromen's exploits.

character

The main characters are:

• Microman Arthur (voiced by Kentaro Ito)
• Microman Izam (voiced by Mitsuki Saiga)
• Microman Walt (voice: Mitsuaki Madono)
• Microman Edison (voice: Nobuo Tobita)
• Microman Odin (voice: Toru Furusawa)
• Kohei Kuji (voiced by Takako Honda)
• Asami Mizusawa (voiced by Tomoe Hanba)
• Yuta Kumagai (voice: Yoko Teppuzuka)

Each of these characters has their own unique abilities and personality, and plays an important role in adding excitement to the story.

staff

The main staff are as follows:

• Anime character design: Atsushi Wakabayashi
• Anime mechanic design: Tonoki Shinobu
• Art Director: Shigeyuki Takada
• Director of photography: Maehara Katsunori
• Edited by: Masahiro Matsumura
• Animation production: Studio Pierrot

Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, the work was produced with high quality.

episode

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Little Giant, Microman (1999/01/04)
• Episode 2: Spider's Thread, the Targeted School (1999/01/11)
• Episode 3: Here Comes the Change Troopers! (1999/01/18)
• Episode 4: The Amazing Electric Fish and the Tokyo Blackout (1999/01/25)
• Episode 5: The Day the Children Disappeared (1999/02/01)
• Episode 6: The Tokyo Rock Fall (February 8, 1999)
• Episode 7: My Friends! Unfrozen Friendship (1999/02/15)
• Episode 8: Claws of Revenge: Cats on the Ramp (1999/02/22)
• Episode 9: The Appearance of Primitive Man! The Evil Reverse Evolution Gene! (1999/03/01)
• Episode 10: Subtitle TBA (1999/03/08)
• Episode 11: Passionate Prayer! The Legendary Robotman A (1999/03/15)
• Episode 12: Moonlit Night Illusion: The Hina Doll of Hatred (1999/03/22)
• Episode 13: Cargo ship goes berserk! Battle in Tokyo Bay! (1999/03/29)
• Episode 14: Battle in the Deep Sea! The Terror of the Great Earthquake (1999/04/05)
• Episode 15: The Cut-Out City, the Flying Classroom (1999/04/12)
• Episode 16: Horror! Ignite's Resurrection!! (1999/04/19)
• Episode 17: The Power of Courage! Summon Baron and Cross!! (1999/04/26)
• Episode 18: Fibern, the Beautiful Glass Warrior (1999/05/03)
• Episode 19: The Mysterious Spaceship! The Magne Titans Attack! (1999/05/10)
• Episode 20: An angry battle! Proud pirates! (1999/05/17)
• Episode 21: The Legendary Hero and the Secret of the Undersea Factory (1999/05/24)
• Episode 22: Ultimate Acrobotman!! The Threatening Three-Body Combination!! (1999/05/31)
• Episode 23: Showdown! The Final Battle of the Demon Three Executives! (1999/06/02)
• Episode 24: The Ever-Changing Liquid Creatures of Hell (1999/06/14)
• Episode 25: Wake up, Arthur! Put on the new protector! (1999/06/21)
• Episode 26: Terror of the Full Moon! The Evil Minion, Robotman A!! (1999/06/28)
• Episode 27: Subtitle TBA (1999/07/05)
• Episode 28: Amazing Plasma Fusion! The Strongest Technique! (1999/07/12)
• Episode 29: Destination: Hell?! A deadly car chase!! (1999/07/19)
• Episode 30: Emergency Dispatch! Fully Equipped Robotman A!! (1999/07/26)
• Episode 31: Angry Odin! A new technique! (1999/08/02)
• Episode 32: The Stolen Supermagnetic Sword and the Two Izams (1999/08/09)
• Episode 33: Raging Engine! Hot Electric Whip! (1999/08/16)
• Episode 34: The Fastest Warrior, Acromach!! Robotman's Greatest Deadly Battle!! (1999/08/23)
• Episode 35: Microbase on Fire! The Kuzu family is targeted! (1999/08/30)
• Episode 36: Robot Mandean Takes Off!! (1999/09/06)
• Episode 37: Attack!! Robotman Endeavor!! (1999/09/13)
• Episode 38: The Appearance of the Menacing Acrobase! (1999/09/20)
• Episode 39: The Invincible Combat Fortress!! Giant Acroyear!! (1999/09/27)
• Episode 40: Subtitle TBA (1999/10/04)
• Episode 41: The Unknown Power: The Miracle of Magne Animals (1999/10/11)
• Episode 42: Arthur's desperate counterattack! Dean in dire straits! (1999/10/18)
• Episode 43: Burning Pirate Spirit! The Magne Titans Combine! (1999/10/25)
• Episode 44: Demon's Three Executives Strike Back: Resurrection from Hell (1999/11/01)
• Episode 45: Journey into space! To the evil planet of death! (1999/11/08)
• Episode 46: Memories of Destruction, Trapped Hearts (1999/11/15)
• Episode 47: Battle on the Dark Planet (1999/11/22)
• Episode 48: Fighting Elementary School Students! (1999/11/29)
• Episode 49: The Advent of Angolmois (1999/12/06)
• Episode 50: Subtitle TBA (1999/12/13)
• Episode 51: Subtitle TBA (1999/12/20)
• Episode 52: Subtitle TBA (1999/12/27)

Appeal of the work

One of the attractions of "Little Giant Microman" is that, even though it is an anime for children, it deals with deep themes. Universal themes such as friendship, courage, and justice are depicted through the exploits of the Micromen. Also, different enemies and incidents appear in each episode, making it easy for viewers to keep from getting bored.

Each character has a rich personality, and the story depicts the teamwork and growth of the Micromen. In particular, each character's unique characteristics, such as Microman Arthur's leadership, Microman Izam's bravery, and Microman Walt's wisdom, add excitement to the story.

The mechanical designs and action scenes are also impressive, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. This is a work that truly showcases Studio Pierrot's high level of production technique.

thoughts

I myself watched this series in real time back then, and was moved by the exploits of the Micromen. In particular, the episodes that taught me the importance of friendship and courage are still in my mind. Also, the stories in each episode were very interesting, and I looked forward to them every week.

One of the attractions of this work is that, even though it is an anime for children, it deals with deep themes. Universal themes such as friendship, courage, and justice are depicted through the exploits of the Micromen. Also, different enemies and incidents appear in each episode, making it easy for viewers to keep from getting bored.

Each character has a rich personality, and the story depicts the teamwork and growth of the Micromen. In particular, each character's unique characteristics, such as Microman Arthur's leadership, Microman Izam's bravery, and Microman Walt's wisdom, add excitement to the story.

The mechanical designs and action scenes are also impressive, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. This is a work that truly showcases Studio Pierrot's high level of production technique.

Recommendation

"Little Giant Microman" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It is especially recommended for those who want to learn the importance of friendship and courage, and those who like mechanical designs and action scenes. It is also a must-watch for those who want to look back on the anime works of 1999.

This is an original anime series based on Takara's toy series, and depicts tiny heroes called Microman fighting to protect the Earth. Each episode features a different enemy or incident, and the Microman's exploits are depicted.

Each character has a rich personality, and the story depicts the teamwork and growth of the Micromen. In particular, the unique characteristics of each character, such as Microman Arthur's leadership, Microman Izam's bravery, and Microman Walt's wisdom, add excitement to the story. The mechanical designs and action scenes are also impressive, making this a story that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. This is a work that truly showcases Studio Pierrot's high level of production technique.

I myself watched this series in real time back then, and was moved by the exploits of the Micromen. In particular, the episodes that taught me the importance of friendship and courage are still in my mind. Also, the stories in each episode were very interesting, and I looked forward to them every week.

One of the attractions of this work is that, even though it is an anime for children, it deals with deep themes. Universal themes such as friendship, courage, and justice are depicted through the exploits of the Micromen. Also, different enemies and incidents appear in each episode, making it easy for viewers to keep from getting bored.

Each character has a rich personality, and the story depicts the teamwork and growth of the Micromen. In particular, the unique characteristics of each character, such as Microman Arthur's leadership, Microman Izam's bravery, and Microman Walt's wisdom, add excitement to the story. The mechanical designs and action scenes are also impressive, making this a story that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children. This is a work that truly showcases Studio Pierrot's high level of production technique.

"Little Giant Microman" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It is especially recommended for those who want to learn the importance of friendship and courage, and those who like mechanical designs and action scenes. It is also a must-watch for those who want to look back on the anime works of 1999.