Infini-T Force Gatchaman: Farewell, My Friend - A masterpiece anime depicting a touching farewell and the bonds of friendship

"Infini-T Force Gatchaman: Farewell, My Friend": The gathering of Tatsunoko heroes and a new challenge

■ Public Information

Release media: Theatrical Original media: Anime Original Release date: February 24, 2018 - January 1, 0000 Distributor: Shochiku Running time: 90 minutes Number of episodes: 1 episode Original work: Tatsunoko Productions Director: Kiyotaka Suzuki Production: Animation Production / Tatsunoko Productions Copyright: © Tatsunoko Productions / Infini-T Force Production Committee

■ Story

As Kaidou Sho spends his days thinking about the four heroes who returned to their respective worlds after the fierce battle, Washio Ken suddenly appears before him. Sho is forced by Ken to visit the "other Gatchaman world" by Ken, who tells him, "I need your power." Sho and his friends join up with the armored warriors, Minami Joji and Azuma Tetsuya, and before they have time to rejoice at their reunion, they confront Dr. Nanbu of this world. Dr. Nanbu tells Ken and his friends, "You have become my enemies." A dark shadow watches over the confused Ken and his friends from above. It is George Asakura, also known as Condor Joe, a member of the Science Ninja Team and Ken's ally who has fought against the Galactor alongside him.

■Explanation

"Infini-T Force" is an original Japanese anime produced by Tatsunoko Productions. It is a work commemorating Tatsunoko Productions' 55th anniversary. It will be produced as a full 3DCG anime. The TV anime aired on Nippon Television's late-night anime slot "AnichU" from October to December 2017, and was also released on Hulu on September 26th. The theatrical anime "Gatchaman: Farewell, My Friend" was released on February 24th, 2018, distributed by Shochiku. Characters from the company's 1970s works "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman," "Hurricane Polymer," "Neo-Human Casshern," and "Space Knight Tekkaman" appear in the anime version's logo.

■Cast

Ken Washio/Gatchaman (G-1): Tomokazu Seki Joji Minami/Tekkaman: Takahiro Sakurai Yoroi Samurai/Polymer: Kenichi Suzumura Tetsuya Azuma/Casshan: Souma Saito Kaidou Laugh: Ai Kayano George Asakura/Condor Joe (G-2): Kazuma Suzuki

■ Main staff

Director: Matsumoto Jun Screenwriter: Kumagai Jun Original character design: Ohgure Ito Original hero design: Sato Keiichi Suit and mechanic design: Nakakita Koji Producers: Imamura Tsukasa, Kuwahara Yuzo, Ueki Hidenori, Osumi Tadashi, LiNi, Hayashi Ryuichiro, Oho Hiroyuki, Tani Kazuo, Yoshimura Takashi, Hori Yoshitaka, Inoue Shinichiro, Nagahata Katsuya Executive producers: Ito Hibiki, Shinomiya Koji, Kadoya Daisuke Producers: Iwasa Naoki, Watanabe Takayuki, Haruna Kazumichi, Kirimoto Atsushi Line producers: Omatsu Yutaka, Yoshida Shoichi
CG producers: Yusaku Toyoshima, Takehisa Yoshimura
CG Director: Masanori Ikeda Editor: Kazuhiko Seki Sound Director: Jin Aketagawa Music: Yutaka Yamada
3DCG Production: Digital Frontier Production: Tatsunoko Frontier

■ Main Characters

Ken Washio/Gatchaman (G-1): Leader of the Science Ninja Team who used scientific ninja techniques to fight the secret organization "Galactor." Also known as "Ken the Great Eagle." 24 years old.
Minami Joji/Tekkaman: In a world where the extinction of humanity due to environmental destruction is just a few years away, a young man transforms into Tekkaman using the Tech Set system built into his support robot Pegasus, and fights against the villainous Star Cluster Waldaster alongside Pegasus and the spaceship Blue Earth.
Yoroi Bushi/Polymar: A detective working in Washinkyo city, he is also a hero-turned crime fighter who uses a martial art he invented himself, called "Hariken-ryu."
Azuma Tetsuya/Casshan: In order to erase his father's sins, a boy becomes a "neo-human," a newly created human that transcends ordinary humans, and fights alongside his partner robot dog Friender while fighting against the evil robot army that has rebelled against humanity.
Kaidou Sho: A high school girl who spends her time at home in a lazy manner. She obtains an item called "The Case" that has the ability to materialize the owner's desires. The "Case" is shaped like a pencil large enough to be held in both hands, and it causes events in response to Emi's desire to be protected.
George Asakura / Joe the Condor (G-2): Appears in the movie version. The sub-leader of the Science Ninja Team who fought against the Galactor alongside Ken. When Ken was sent to Emi's world, Joe was also sent to "another Gatchaman world." 24 years old.

■ Theme songs and music

Opening theme: "To be continued..."
Lyrics: Ryuta Yamamura Composition: Issei Sakai Arrangement: Masahiro Hiuchi Singer: flumpool
It is also used as the theme song for the movie version of this work. It is used at the end of the main story in episodes 1 and 12.

■ Review

"Infini-T Force Gatchaman: Farewell, My Friend" was produced to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Tatsunoko Productions, and the concept of gathering classic anime characters from the 1970s is appealing. In particular, the setting of gathering heroes from four works - Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, Hurricane Polymar, Neo-Human Casshern, and Space Knight Tekkaman - gives a sense of both nostalgia and newness.

The story begins when a modern-day high school girl named Emi Kaido is drawn into "another Gatchaman world" by Ken Washio (Gatchaman). There, she confronts Professor Nanbu together with Ken, and is then reunited with Joe the Condor, Ken's ally. The story builds anticipation as to how familiar characters will play an active role in the new world. Scenes such as the confrontation with Professor Nanbu and the reunion with Joe will be touching moments for fans of the original work.

The characters are well-drawn, with each character's individuality clearly defined, including Takeru Washio's leadership, Jouji Minami's bravery, Gaimushi's wisdom, and Tetsuya Azuma's purity. Also, don't miss the growth of Emi Kaido. Though she is hesitant at first, it's moving to see her gradually find the courage to fight alongside the heroes.

Visually, full 3D CG animation is used, and the smoothness of the movements and the powerful battle scenes are impressive. In particular, the transformation and battle scenes of Gatchaman and Tekkaman are beautifully rendered using modern technology while faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the original. In addition, the theme song "To be continued..." by flumpool helps to liven up the atmosphere of the work.

However, this work also has some issues. First, the story is somewhat complicated, and some parts may be difficult to understand for viewers who are not familiar with the original work. Also, it is difficult to draw the backstories of four characters firmly in a short time of 90 minutes, and some characters may feel insufficiently developed.

Nevertheless, "Infini-T Force Gatchaman: Farewell My Friend" is a work that conveys the history of Tatsunoko Productions and the love for its characters, and is enjoyable not only for fans of the original work but also for new viewers. In particular, the sight of familiar characters playing an active role in a new world will surely move and excite viewers.

■Recommendation

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

1. **Love for Tatsunoko Productions' history and characters**: This work commemorates the 55th anniversary of Tatsunoko Productions, and the concept of bringing together classic anime characters from the 1970s will be a touching moment for fans of the original work. It is also a work that will convey its appeal to new audiences.

2. **Beautiful full 3DCG animation**: Full 3DCG animation is used, and the smoothness of the movements and the powerful battle scenes are impressive. In particular, the transformation scenes and battle scenes of Gatchaman and Tekkaman are beautifully rendered using modern technology while faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the original work.

3. **A moving story**: Scenes such as the growth of Kaidou Sho, her bond with the heroes, her confrontation with Dr. Nanbu, and her reunion with Joe will surely move viewers. Also, seeing familiar characters playing an active role in a new world will excite viewers.

4. **Theme song by flumpool**: flumpool's "To be continued..." is used as the theme song, helping to create a sense of atmosphere in the work. This song will help viewers to immerse themselves in the work.

For these reasons, "Infini-T Force Gatchaman: Farewell My Friend" is a work that lets you feel the history of Tatsunoko Productions and its love for its characters, and is enjoyable not only for fans of the original work but also for new viewers. Please come and experience the excitement at the theater.