Choujinki Metalder
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Choujinki Metalder (超人機メタルダー Chōjinki Metarudā?), roughly translated as Super Cyborg Metalder was Toei's first robot hero TV series since Uchuu Tetsujin Kyoudain, the failed replacement show for Kamen Rider Stronger. The series was initially meant to be a remake of an older Toei Tokusatsu series, Kikaider. (Metalder's suit, motorcycle and attacks are near-direct copies of Kikaider's equivelants.) Metalder had the shortest run of any Metal Heroes series, running for only 39 episodes due to poor ratings and being overbudget. The cause of the low ratings was the fact that, unlike previous Metal Hero series, Metalder had a grim, depressing, and serious feeling throughout the entire series. This caused younger children (at whom most Tokusatsu Hero TV shows are aimed at) to lose interest. On the other hand, many adults greatly enjoyed Metalder and remember it fondly due to the same reasons for which children did not enjoy it.
Some of its footage was used for VR Troopers season one. The show was also aired in France (with a new soundtrack and French-dubbed voices) as "Metalder" (removing the "Choujinki" from the title). In February of 2007, Toei will be releasing a complete, Region-2 DVD Box Set of the entire Metalder series and movies.
Contents |
[edit] Story
In 1945, Dr. Ryuuichirou Koga designed Metalder as a top-secret weapon for the Japanese Imperial Army for use in the Pacific War, modeling it after his late son, Second Sub-lieutenant Tatsuo Koga . However, the pacific Dr. Koga put Metalder to sleep in the Silver Carcass base and left for America to work for NASA. During the 42 years, Dr. Koga's colleague Major Muraki, became the evil GodNeros, ruler of Neros Empire. Godneros sends out his massive armies to kill Dr. Ryuuchirou who learned of their organization and returned to Japan to activate Metalder. Ryuuchirou desperately tries to activate his android creation, who he named Tsurugi Ryuusei, but the android is unable to understand what he should do. In order to give Ryuusei a "purpose" , Ryuuchiro runs out of the Silver Carcass base, allowing Nero's troops to kill him. Suddenly seeing his creator die, Ryuusei becomes shocked, and soon is kicked around and beaten by Nero's troops. After being tossed around Ryuusei becomes fueled with rage, evoking the conversion to his 'true' form, the Android known as Metalder! After a brief battle with Coolgin, which he loses, Ryuusei goes onward, meeting Mai Oogi who befriends him along the way. Ryuusei will not stop fighting until he has avenged his creator's death and defeat Godneros' empire!
[edit] Main characters
- Metalder: A android built by Dr. Koga at the end of WW2. Normally in human form as Ryuusei Tsurugi, whose looks and personality are directly modeled after that of Dr. Koga's son Tatsuo. Whenever his energies reach a peak from rage, with the cry "Anger!", he transforms into his metallic form. Like Tatsuo, loves music and plays saxophone from time to time. His Reflection Circuit gave him the same feelings as humans and to tell right and wrong. Powered by 'supergravitational energy', his killing techniques include "Super Oscillation Laser Arm chop", "G-Kick", "Metal Tornado" spinning kick, "Head Crash" ram, "Plasma Punch", "Metal Bomber" punching attack from above, And "1000 Hand Punch".
- Springer: A Robot dog that guards the Silver Carcass, he was built by Dr. Koga before Metalder. Hence was Metalder's "big brother". Capable of human speech, he repairs Metalder and runs the machines inside the Silver Carcass. Enjoys watching TV, particularly anime. In one episode, he was mutated and turned into one of the Emperor's warriors, but was saved and reverted back thanks to Metalder's quick actions.
- Mai Ougi (2-37): A Tomboyish camerawoman for magazine, she was Metalder's first human friend and constant companion.
- Shingo Oogi(34-37): Mai's father, living at Washington DC as a news reporter. As a favor to Mai, he investigated Dr. Koga's past and learned about Godneros' identity in the process.
- Kita Hakkou: Grand Prix motorcyclist intending to be the world's best. Originally head of a motorcycle gang. He met Ryuusei and Mai on a photo shoot for a new motorcycle magazine, only to get involved in the fighting. Calling himself the 'Neros Hunter', Kita saw himself as Mai's bodyguard as he has feelings for her.
- 2nd Sub-lieutenant Tatsuo Koga: Dr. Koga's only son, whom Metalder was modeled after. He died on October 1944 as the first member of the Kamikaze Special Attack Squads. Loved music and played violin with the potential to be a great violinist.
- Dr. Ryuuichiro Koga (1): The man who created Metalder. After WW2, Dr. Koga went to America and became a staff member at NASA. Returned to Japan when he learned of the existence of the Neros Empire. Shortly after reviving Metalder, died to give the robot a sense of purpose.
- Violent Spirit Topgunder: A soldier of Godneros' Combat Robot Army, Topgunder is a lone gunman in black tights who believed in fair play. Though he originally intended to kill Metalder in a 1-on-1 fight, Topgunder however later gained respect for our hero and became close allies with Metalder. He helped bring down the Ghost Bank, only to be killed by Godneros(in Coolgin's outfit).
[edit] Vehicles
- Sidephantom: Metalder's motorcycle vehicle with a side-car.
- Metalcharger: A transforming, 4-wheel flying Mazda car Metalder drives.
[edit] Neros Empire
A secret empire that is the underbelly of the Kirihara Konzern Corporation located at Shinjuku, it covertly controls all activities of the world's criminal organizations, terrorists, finances, etc. The Neros Empire's goal is world domination, with economic and military might. They all meet at the Ghost Bank, a ring of gates containing key army officers surrounding Godneros' throne. The area enclosed by the gates and throne served as both an arena and as a strategy room.
[edit] Episodes
- Hurry! Towards the Evil Filled Hell
- Neros Becomes More Than a God
- Hammer Man BenK Cries For the Love Shown to a Rabbit
- Torpedo Agmis VS Small Navy Rank Metalder
- Hold Your Ground! Never-Missing Gunplay
- Rage! KO the Heavyweight Ruler Galdos
- Decide the Goal! The Tag Brothers and the Flames of a Duel
- Farewell, Barlock! Secrets of the Silver Mask
- A Dreaming Monster! Lovers in a Crossfire
- High Art! The Violin Attack of the Famous Music Robot
- Pursuit of the Brave! The Giant Who Rises in the Sky!!
- A Monster's Beloved -- Sieging Ninjas!
- Critical Moment! Restore the Parent and Child's Love to the Umineko Valley
- Sister is Alive! Sorrowful Lady Soldier Madonna
- Soaring Monster; Son, Mother Prays!
- The Rival For Love is a Noisy Biker
- Critical Mai! Hurry, One-Eyed Dragon Topgunder
- Mai's Secret Information; the Poolside's Trap
- A Summer Vacation with an Adventure Tour to the Ghostbank
- The Target is Puppies? The Blazing Revenge of the Armor Army
- A Citywide Mystery; the Beautiful Girl Who Calls Fireflies
- Soaring Rollerskaters! Raid of the Red Dolphins
- Who is Top?! The Big Meet of Best to Worst
- Princess Tenkou VS Galador's Black Magic Battle
- Rush Out! JACK Blitzkrieg Cheering Party
- Champions! The Blaze of the JACK Guys
- Help! The Beloved Gori-chan's Escape Journal
- Lovely Thief; the Young Lady's Prayer Lies Within the Shining Diamond
- Sorrowful Story of the Dog
- Guard It! Secret Base
- The Target is the Power Surge! Love the Dreaming Girl
- Century Beauty Legend
- Large Siege Network, Escape of Heated Friendship
- Neros, The Emperor Who Has a Thousand Faces
- The Emperor, Neros' True Identity Is...?
- Strong Offense! Combat Robot Army
- Grand Collapse! Neros Empire
- Great Counterattack! The Wastelands of Love and Hatred
- Big Face-off! Metalder Forever
[edit] Movie
- Super Manchine Metalder
[edit] Cast
- Metalder/Tsurugi Ryuusei, Tatsuo Koga: Shinji Toudou
- Metalder (voice): Michirou Iida
- Mai Oogi: Hiroko Aota
- Kita Hakkou: Hiroshi Kawai
- Kirihara Gouzou, Coolgin: Kouji Kenta
[edit] External links
- {{imdb title|id=0161168|title=Choujinki Metalder
- Metal Hero FAQ
| Metal Heroes | |
|---|---|
| 1980s: | Gavan | Sharivan | Shaider | Juspion | Spielban | Metalder | Jiraiya | Jiban |
| 1990s: | Winspector | Solbrain | Exceedraft | Janperson | Blue SWAT | Juukou B-Fighter | B-Fighter Kabuto | B-Robo Kabutack |
