Cyborg Kuro-chan: A review of his amazing evolution and its appeal

Cyborg Kuro-chan: The adventures of a rowdy cat cyborg

"Cyborg Kuro-chan" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from 1999 to 2001. It is based on the manga of the same name by Yokouchi Naoki, which was serialized in Kodansha's Comic Bonbon from 1997 to 2001. While the anime is based on the worldview of the original, it also includes original episodes, providing viewers with lots of laughs and excitement.

■Broadcast information

The series was broadcast from October 2, 1999 to January 6, 2001, every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 8:30, except for episode 14, which was broadcast on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:00. It was planned to have a total of 71 episodes, but due to circumstances such as the bankruptcy of the production company, the series ended without the final episode, and 6 episodes remain unaired.

■ Production staff

The animation was handled by Studio Bogie, and the series was produced by TV Aichi and Public & Basic. The director was Takamoto Nobuhiro, the series composition was Yamamoto Yu, the character designer was Shimabukuro Miyuki, the mechanical designer was Iimura Kazuo, the art director was Miyamae Mitsuharu, the color designer was Tanaka Naoto, the director of photography was Kobayashi Shingo, the sound director was Matsuura Noriyoshi, and the music was by Wakakusa Megumi and Arakawa Toshiyuki. The music was produced by Imagine, and the music producer was Saito Yuji.

■ Story

The main character of "Cyborg Kuro-chan" is a rowdy black cat named Kuro. Kuro was a loyal cat to his owners, an elderly couple, but he was turned into a cyborg by Dr. Tsuyoshi, an evil scientist who was plotting to take over the world. As a cyborg, Kuro lives a fun-filled life, even though he is bossed around by various characters.

■ Characters

Since becoming a cyborg, Kuro wears a black cat stuffed toy on his head. He loves to cause trouble and is lazy, but he is loyal and a busybody, and somehow you can't help but like him. He has a variety of weapons, including a Gatling gun, a sword that can cut anything, and tail missiles.

Mee is Kuro's rival and is also a cyborg cat. She is very caring and cares deeply for Tsuyoshi, but she can become uncontrollable when she gets angry.

Go Mantaro is the one who transformed Kuro into a cyborg and calls himself a "genius scientist." He is such a talented scientist that he can even create useful robots from scrap, but he was evicted from his home and is living on the streets, and he lies about his plans to take over the world.

■ Main robot items

The main weapon used by Kuro and Me is a Gatling gun, which can hold 6,000 bullets.

■ Episode

Cyborg Kuro-chan was scheduled to have 71 episodes, but five episodes from episode 67 to episode 71 have yet to be aired. Below are the subtitles of some of the episodes.

• Episode 1: The birth of the strongest kitty!
• Episode 2: Meow Meow Army
• Episode 3: Highway to Hell
• Episode 4: A flying parent-child robot appears!
• Episode 5: Mi-kun's first love
• Episode 6: The kidnapping of Mi-kun
• Episode 7: The Biggest Tag Game in History
• Episode 8: Chromie Idol Competition
• Episode 9: The School's Secret Legend
• Episode 10: The Underground Man in the Backyard

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Guru Guru Kuro-chan", sung, written and composed by Lady Q, and arranged by M.Kamishiro. The ending themes are "Positive Vibration" and "Para Para Kuro-chan", the former sung, written and composed by Sista K, and arranged by M.Kamishiro, the latter sung and written by Kyu, composed and arranged by Nagaiken. The inserted songs are "Nana's Love Song" and "Kuro-chan Ondo", the former with lyrics by Lady Q and Sista K, composed by Sista K, arranged by Mori Toshiya, and sung by Tsunakake Hiromi, the latter with lyrics by Lady Q and Sista K, composed and arranged by Nagaiken, and sung by Sakamoto Chinatsu.

■Cast

The role of Kuro was played by Chinatsu Sakamoto, the role of Mii was played by Chiharu Tezuka, the role of Go Mantaro was played by Toru Furusawa, the role of Kotaro was played by Rika Komatsu, and the role of Matatabi was played by Makiko Omoto.

■ Evaluation and impressions

The anime adaptation of "Cyborg Kuro-chan" toned down the cruelty and extreme language compared to the original manga. Many episodes were also incorporated that were original to the anime, providing fresh surprises for viewers. However, viewers were greatly disappointed when the series ended without a final episode due to the bankruptcy of the production company. Nevertheless, the humorous storyline featuring unique characters such as Kuro, Mii, and Go Mantaro continues to be loved by many fans.

■ Recommendation points

"Cyborg Kuro-chan" is a comedy anime that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, Kuro's unruly personality and Go Mantaro's humorous side as a genius scientist will have viewers laughing their heads off. Another highlight is the action scenes that make the most of the cyborg setting. It's interesting to note that there are episodes that have not aired, but even with that in mind, the charm of this anime is still very much there.

Related information

The original manga for "Cyborg Kuro-chan" was serialized in Kodansha's "Comic Bonbon" and was completed in 10 volumes. The anime version is also available on DVD, and you can watch all episodes, including those that have not aired yet. In addition, figures and stuffed toys are also sold as related goods, making them collectibles for fans.

Conclusion

"Cyborg Kuro-chan" is an anime full of humor and action, featuring the rowdy black cat Kuro who becomes a cyborg. Although there are some episodes that have not aired due to the bankruptcy of the production company, its appeal remains the same. The story woven by unique characters such as Kuro, Mii, and Go Mantaro continues to provide viewers with laughter and emotion. Please give it a watch.