"ROBONIMAL PANDA-Z THE ROBONIMATION" Review: A new adventure for robots and pandas

ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION - Reviews and details

Overview

"ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION" is a TV anime series that aired in 2004, based on characters by Shuichi Oshida. It was broadcast on Kids Station as a 30-episode short anime with each episode lasting 5 minutes. It was directed by Mamoru Kobe, animated by B-Media and Synergy Japan, and produced by MegaHouse, Kids Station, and Bandai Visual.

■ Story

LET'S TRY TO FIND OUR FUTURE.
Skullpander, the leader of the Warnimal Empire, is plotting world domination and has attacked in an attempt to obtain the unknown energy "Super PZ" and take the world for himself. Pan-Talon, who has become the pilot of the Pander Z, rises up to defeat the Warnimal Empire!

■Explanation

This is a short anime with dialogue expressed through subtitles. Taking advantage of the short anime format, each episode develops a compact yet dense story. Particularly noteworthy are the growth of the main character Pantalon and his companions, and the battle against the Warnimal Empire.

■ Main staff

• Planning: Ishigami Mikio, Kawashiro Kazumi
• Planning cooperation: Dynamic Planning
• Original author: Shuichi Oshida
• Original concept: Go Nagai
• Director: Mamoru Kobe
• Supervisory assistance: Takuya Sato
• Series Composition: Shinaji Japan
• Animation character and chief animation director: Toshiyuki Komaru
• Art director: Nobuhito Sakamoto
• Color design: Tomoko Kuroyanagi
• Director of photography: Hirochi Kenji
• Edited by: Hiromi Komine
• Sound Director: Miwa Iwanami
• Music: PandaZ Band
• Music produced by: Shunji Inoue and Hironobu Kageyama
• Animation producers: Yoshinaga Minami, Ryosuke Sakurai
• Producers: Yoshiaki Orihara, Hisashi Kimura, Koji Morimoto
• Animation production: B Media, Synergy Japan
• Produced by: MegaHouse, Kids Station, Bandai Visual

■ Main Characters

• Pan-Talon: The protagonist. He becomes a pilot of the Panda Z by chance, but there is actually a reason for that...? The red scarf is a memento of his father who went missing. Later, Talon becomes an official pilot of the Panda Z and receives special equipment such as a helmet and a Z belt from Dr. Pansy.
• Dr. Pansy: Talon's grandfather and head of the research institute. He is a researcher of the mysterious being "Super PZ" and an authority on Robonimal engineering. He created Panda Z with Talon's father. But he is usually a kind grandfather who cares for his grandchildren.
• Labinna: Everyone's kind-hearted Madonna. She dreams of becoming an excellent nurse in the future. She has a bright and kind personality, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Denwan: He is a leader among his Talon comrades. He is reliable, but sometimes he rushes ahead and makes mistakes. His dream for the future is to become a great public Denwan(?).
• Etechi: A brilliant genius. Although he is a bit timid and timid, he dreams of becoming a researcher at the PandaZ Institute in the future.
• Rescue Bears: Members of the KR (Bear Rescue) team. They are twin brothers, 01 (left) and 02 (right), who work in perfect harmony and are known for their swift rescue operations.
• Fire Bear: A member of the KR (Bear Rescue) team. He is actually a rookie who has just been assigned to the team and has little experience, but his passionate rescue spirit more than makes up for it. He has a powerful water gun.
• Hamuuichirou and Hamuujirou: The laboratory's mechanic team. Both are highly skilled mechanics, and Panda Z's success is largely due to them.
• Skullpander: The leader of the Warnimal Empire. He wears a large skeleton-like mask and a black cloak, and even the Warnimal Four Heavenly Kings don't know his true face... He is plotting world domination and is after "Super PZ."
• Mougyu: The leader of the Warunimal Special Attack Force. He is large and has a ferocious personality, and loves hand-to-hand combat.
• Wulfgar: Captain of the Warnimal Prince. A calm and collected strategist, his motto is to do everything elegantly. However, when he sees the moon, he transforms into a ferocious berserker mode that is unstoppable.
• Ruby Rabby: The sexy captain of Warunimal. The only female among the four heavenly kings and has a nice body. She has a weakness for the word "brand" and jewels, and her stealing skills are second to none.
• Warnimal Corps: Soldiers of the Warnimal Empire, they are in a sense errand boys who do everything from taking care of the Four Heavenly Kings to fighting. They don't have very high intelligence or physical abilities, so they rely on numbers to win!

■ Main robot items

• PandaZ: 4.35m tall. Weight 45t. Armor is made of very strong PZ alloy.
• Ham Gear No. 1 & No. 2: Super support mecha used by Hamu Ichiro & Hamu Jiro. They play an important role in the mechanic work of Panda Z, such as transporting large parts and weapons.
• Blackham Gear: A Warnimal Mecha created by Dr. Jangeri. Its potential is immeasurable, and there is top secret information that even Panda Zett may not be able to defeat it easily. However, the details are still a mystery.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Strongest Warrior
• Episode 2: Table manners
• Episode 3: Deadly! Rocket Punch
• Episode 4: The Silent Duel
• Episode 5: Midnight Angel
• Episode 6: Public telephone
• Episode 7: Briefing
• Episode 8: Rescue Order, Rain or Shine
• Episode 9: Wild Soldier
• Episode 10: The New Silent Duel
• Episode 11: Rescue Order Continues, Rain or Shine
• Episode 12: Hey, Bob...
• Episode 13: The Silent Duel Continues
• Episode 14: Mystery Circles
• Episode 15: Friends
• Episode 16: Rescue Order, Rain or Shine, Final Chapter
• Episode 17: Poltergeist
• Episode 18: Battle Apocalypse
• Episode 19: Night Life
• Episode 20: Destroy Panda Zett
• Episode 21: Fate
• Episode 22: Battle X
• Episode 23: Nice Body
• Episode 24: The Magnificent Ruby Rabbi
• Episode 25: The Silent Duel
• Episode 26: Getaway
• Episode 27: Nurse Lovina
• Episode 28: Towards tomorrow...
• Episode 29: The Silent Duel - Final Chapter
• Episode 30: Activate! Black Ham Gear

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1: VOYAGER
  • Lyricist: Geila.Z
  • Composer: Hironobu Kageyama
  • Arrangement: Yogo Kono
  • Sung by: JAM Project
• ED1: VOYAGER Ending ver.
  • Composer: Hironobu Kageyama
  • Arrangement: Yogo Kono

■Review

"ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION" is a work that makes the most of the short animation format. Each episode is only five minutes long, and depicts the adventures and growth of the main character Pantalon and his companions, as well as their battles with the Warnimal Empire. In particular, the process of Pantalon's growth as a PanderZet pilot and the deepening of his bonds with his companions are moving.

The personalities of the characters are also very attractive, and each adds depth to the story, such as Pantalon's bravery, Dr. Pansy's kindness, and Lavinna's gentleness. In addition, the unique characters of Skullpander and the Four Heavenly Kings of the Warnimal Empire are not to be missed. In particular, Skullpander's mysterious presence and Ruby and Lavina's charming character add excitement to the story.

The mecha design is also one of the highlights, and the design of Panda Z is very cool and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In addition, the support mecha such as Ham Gear No. 1 & No. 2 and Black Ham Gear are also attractive, and there is fun to be had with the appearance of new mecha in each episode.

The music is also wonderful, with the opening theme "VOYAGER" by JAM Project helping to heighten the sense of adventure in the story. The ending theme is also an arranged version of "VOYAGER," leaving you with a lingering feeling of the story.

Overall, "ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION" is a highly enjoyable work that combines storytelling that makes the most of the short anime format, attractive characters, cool mecha designs, and great music. In particular, it is full of elements that adults can enjoy as well as children, so it can be said to be a work that can be recommended to a wide range of people.

■Recommendation

"ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION" is especially recommended for those who like short anime, robot anime, and stories that depict character growth and friendship. It is also a work that JAM Project fans cannot miss. In addition, it will be enjoyed by those who like compact stories that make use of the short anime format.

This work was broadcast on Kids Station, so it has the image of being an anime for children, but in fact it is packed with elements that adults can enjoy as well. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth and friendship of Pantalon and his friends are heartwarming and moving. In addition, the battle against the Warnimal Empire and the high quality of the mecha designs make this a work worth watching.

Furthermore, the compact storyline that takes advantage of the short anime format is perfect for busy modern people. Each episode is only five minutes long, so you can enjoy the story, making it perfect for watching in your spare time. Also, each episode has a different theme or episode, so you won't get bored.

Overall, "ROBONIMAL PANDERZET THE ROBONIMATION" is a work that brings out the best in short anime and is recommended for a wide range of audiences. Please give it a watch.