The appeal and evaluation of "Space Bug": New possibilities for space adventure animation

"Space Bug": A moving story about escaping from a space station

"Space Bug" is a TV anime series that aired on TOKYO MX from July 8, 2018 to January 6, 2019. It consists of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long. This work is set on an unmanned space station abandoned by humans, and tells the touching story of insects including Midge, a sleeping chironomid, who aim to return to Earth.

■ Story

In the distant future, a deserted space station has been abandoned by humans. Awakened from a long slumber, Midge, a sleepy midge, meets Hakase, a cricket, and Marbo, a spider. He is shocked to learn that they have been brought from Earth for a harsh experiment, but the support robot explains that the ship has very little power left. What's more, there are frogs, Midge's natural enemies, on board! In order to survive and return home, Midge and his friends try to escape the space station and head for Earth...!?

■Cast

The voice actors play Midge (Natsumi Ogawa), Hakase (Tomoyuki Maruyama), Marbo (Yasuyuki Sano), Shogun Geroppa (Takahiro Fujiwara), Ito (Kouji Ochiai), Kato (Hideki Tanaka), Ellen (Sarah Bridcutt Emi), and Wan (Tosaburo Horikoshi). The individuality of each character is vividly portrayed by the voice actors' performances.

■ Main staff

The film is directed by Hiroyuki Nakao and YOON YOOBYUNG, and produced by SPC, TMS Entertainment, and STUDIO W.BABA. Executive producers are Tadashi Takezaki, LEE HONGJU, and UM MARTIN, scriptwriter is Hiroyuki Nakao, character design is by Gurihiru, and music is by Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnai. The project is planned by TMS Entertainment, with planning cooperation from TMS Genies, animation by W.BABA and PICS, and producers are Haruo Noda, Satoshi Nomura, Daisuke Hiraga, and Han Sang-geun.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "THE JOURNEY HOME" (#1-26) sung by Wolpis Carter and "Tiny Dreamer" (#27-52) sung by Tojo Haruka. The ending theme is "Thank you for all the stars" (#1-26) sung by Kozuki Serena and "Microcosmos" (#27-52) sung by Wi-Fi-5. These songs are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the story.

■The appeal of the work

The greatest attraction of "Space Bugs" is the escape from the space station depicted from the insects' point of view. The unique characters, such as Midge, Hakase, and Marbo, work together to overcome difficulties, which moves the audience. In addition, the story continues to be full of tension, with conflicts with the frogs, their natural enemies, and survival with limited electricity.

Furthermore, the irresponsibility of humans depicted in the background of the story and the strong will of the insects to return to Earth convey a deep message to the viewer. The animation quality is also high, with beautiful depictions of the interior of the space station and the scenery of Earth.

■Character Introduction

Midge : The main character of Sleeping Chironomid. He is curious and acts as a leader among his friends. His voice actor is Natsumi Ogawa.

Hakase : A cricket scientist. He is knowledgeable and plays an important role in supporting Midge and the others' escape plan. His voice actor is Tomoyuki Maruyama.

Marbo : A strong spider. He has a strong personality and will fight to protect his friends even in difficult situations. His voice actor is Yasuyuki Sano.

General Geroppa : The leader of the frogs. He is the nemesis of the Midges and seeks to take control of the space station. His voice actor is Takahiro Fujiwara.

Ito, Kato : Support robots. They help Midge and friends escape, but sometimes they also confront them with harsh reality. They are voiced by Koji Ochiai and Hideki Tanaka.

Ellen : Midge's friend. She has a bright personality and encourages her friends. Her voice actor is Sarah Emi Bridcutt.

Wang : A friend of Midge and the others. He is loyal and has a strong will to never give up even in difficult situations. His voice actor is Tomisaburo Horikoshi.

■Production Background

"Space Bug" was produced as a collaboration between TMS Entertainment and STUDIO W.BABA. Directors Hiroyuki Nakao and Yoon Yoobyung aimed to provide a new perspective by depicting the insects' perspectives, and to impress viewers. Character designer Gurihiru sought to create designs that made the most of the insects' individuality, enhancing their visual appeal.

Music is also an important element, and the background music by Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnai enhances the tension and emotion of the story. The opening and ending songs were also chosen to reflect the theme of the story, and will resonate with the viewers.

■ Viewer reactions

"Space Bug" was well received by many viewers when it was first broadcast. It was especially praised for the story told from the insects' point of view and the unique characters. The tense plot and moving ending also left a strong impression on viewers.

The friendship and cooperation between Midge and her friends, and their strong will to return to Earth resonated with viewers, creating a large fanbase. The irresponsibility of humans depicted in the story and the message it sends about the global environment also drew attention.

■ Recommendation points

"Space Bugs" is a touching story told from the perspective of insects, and conveys a deep message to the audience. The following points are especially recommended:

1. Unique characters : The performances of unique characters such as Midge, Hakase, and Marbo will impress viewers. Don't miss the growth and friendship of each character.

2. Suspenseful plot : The story is full of suspense as it depicts the survival of the frogs with limited power and their natural enemies. The storytelling draws the viewer in.

3. Profound message : The irresponsibility of humans depicted in the background of the story and the strong will of the insects to return to Earth convey a profound message to the audience, including raising concerns about the global environment.

4. High animation quality : The interior of the space station and the scenery on Earth are beautifully drawn. The character designs are also unique, making it visually appealing.

5. A moving ending : The journey of Midge and her friends to return to Earth is a moving one. The ending is also one you won't want to miss.

■ Related Products

Many Space Bug-related products were released even after the show ended. The following products are especially popular:

1. Blu-ray & DVD : The Blu-ray & DVD, which includes all 26 episodes, has been released and has been well received by fans. It also comes with a wealth of bonus footage and booklets.

2. Figures : Figures modeled after characters such as Midge, Hakase, and Marbo have been released and are popular among collectors.

3. Merchandise : T-shirts, key chains and other merchandise have been released and are popular with fans. The designs that make use of the character designs are appealing.

4. Soundtrack : A soundtrack containing the opening, ending, and background music has been released and has been well received by music fans. You can enjoy the music of Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnai.

■ Summary

"Space Bugs" is a touching story told from the insects' point of view, and conveys a deep message to the viewer. Its unique characters, tense plot developments, and moving ending are its attractions. It has also been praised for its high animation quality and profound message. There is a wide range of related products available, and it has gained support from fans. Please give it a watch.