Crusher Joe
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| Crusher Joe | |
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| クラッシャージョウ (Kurasshâ Jô) |
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| Genre | Science fiction |
| Novel: Kurasha Sho: Wakusei Pizan no Kiki "Crusher Joe: Crisis on Planet Pizanne" | |
| Authored by | Takachiho Haruka |
| Artist | Fujihiko Hosono |
| Publisher | Asahi Sonorama Studio Ironcat |
| Publish date | 1979 – 1983 |
| No. of volumes | 10 |
| OVA: クラッシャージョウ 氷結監獄の罠 "Crusher Joe and the Ice Prison" | |
| Directed by | Toshifumi Takizawa |
| Studio | Studio Nue Sunrise |
| No. of episodes | 2 |
| Released | 5 February 1989 |
| Movie | |
| Directed by | Yasuhiko Yoshikazu |
| Studio | Studio Nue Sunrise |
| Released | 12 March 1983 |
| Runtime | 125 min |
| Manga | |
| Authored by | Haruka Takachiho and Fujihiko Hosono |
| Publisher |  Asahi Sonorama  Studio Ironcat |
| Serialized in | |
| Original run | 1979 – 1979 |
| No. of volumes | 1 |
During the late 1970's one of the founding fathers of Studio Nue, Haruka Takachiho decided that besides being a designer he would try his hand at penning novels. The result was Crusher Joe, a group of anti-heroes who were not the typical self-sacrificing types but noble in their own rights none the less. Enter the tale of the Crusher Conference, a group of rugged individuals known for assignments ranging from transportation to terraforming and everything in between. In the early days of space exploration the Crushers took on the job of destroying asteroids and defining space lanes. because of their work they were nick-named "Crushers" which eventually became their business moniker. Despite the rough and ready nature of the Crushers' work, they subscribe to a few steadfast rules. Unethical and illegal assignments are taboo, and any Crusher accepting one is barred from the Union. Of course this presents problems for shady clients who try to trick the Crushers into accepting misleading assignments. They know that once the Union accepts a case the Crushers are honour-bound to follow it through. Among the various worlds, the Crusher Conference has a stunning reputation, and among the Crushers, the most elite team is the one led by Crusher Joe.
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[edit] Crusher Joe Historical Background
Haruka Takachiho was not only the driving force behind Crusher Joe, he was also penned the creation of the "Lovely Angels" series best known amongst North American fans as the "Dirty Pair". The following is a brief chronology of the future as seen by the author.
AD 2111 - Development of the first practical warp drive. Faster than light drive is now possible. However, arrival is uncertain due to the inability to calculate an accurate trajectory. A special computer is developed that used fixed star systems as a warp trajectory's general destination. The "Warp Navigational Principle" is established.
AD 2120 - The first steps to the stars. The first colonial ships travel towards the systems of Alpha Centauri, and planets in need of terrafoming become a priority. Unfortunately, ships containing gravity and atmosphere equipment are lost due to collisions with asteroids and other debris. Enter group of rugged individuals, led by a man named Dan Kowashia, who take on the task of destroying asteroids, mapping out shipping lanes, and aiding in basic terraforming operations. Because of their work in "crushing" asteroids, they are nicknamed "Crushers", a moniker which eventually becomes their professional business name.
AD 2129 - Birth of the Planetary Union. The colonies of Earth, tired of being ruled by the Solar System governing body, call for independence. The first planet to break away is Planet Topulos. Rather than risking war, the Federation grants the colonies their freedom, and the age of the "Planetary Union" is formed.
AD 2130 - The formation of the 3WA and the New Crushers. After the creation of the Planetary Union, many illegal and criminal organizations arise, taking advantage of the fact that no unifying power existed to enforce the law. On the Planet Topulos the 3WA is created. This organization's function is to act as a sort of insurance/protection agency that offers its clients prevention from disaster or financial compensation if they failed. Later the 3WA would become known for hiring its most notorious consultants Kei and Yuri (AKA: "The Dirty Pair"). At the same time, Crusher Dan adds some prestige to his association by recruiting scientists, battle vetterans, pilots etc... to make the group's assets higher to potential employers. In their spare time they raid pirate bases.
AD 2134 - Birth of the Galactic Federation. The problem of space piracy reaches an all time high. Up until now, the colonies wanted no help from Earth. But during the five years of the "Planetary Union" fiasco, they realize the need a centralized government to handle their problems. The result is the formation of the "Solar Union". The Federation flag ship Cordoba is commissioned (outfitted with Crusher technology) and the Union creates the Federation Space Army to act as the peacekeepers.
AD 2142 - The marriage of Dan and Yuria. Romantic entanglements abound as Dan takes a woman named Yuria as his bride. Meanwhile Bard and Talos compete for the affections of a fiery redhead name Kei. Bard tricks both Talos and Kei into breaking off their relationship, and Bard then marries Kei. Heart broken, Talos volunteers for a suicide mission which results in a crippling accident, leaving him as a cyborg.
AD 2142 - The birth of Joe. After establishing a home on Planet Aramis, Dan and his wife Yuria welcome their son, Joe, into the world. Sadly, Yuria dies shortly after giving birth. Kei divorces Bard, who quits the Crusher organization to join the Federation Army Intelligence Division.
AD 2150 - The formation of The Crusher Conference. Dan turns the Crushers into an elite core of troubleshooters. No longer are they at the mercy of public use. Now they only work for the highest bidders. Housed on the Planet Aramis, the Crusher base known as The Octagon is established as the de facto home to over 180,000 men and women including mechanics, engineers, scientists, warriors, etc...
AD 2156 - Dan's accident. During the salvage of the spaceship "Charley Chan", Dan becomes trapped aboard the abandoned ship. Joe singlehandly boards the ship and rescues his father. However Dan is injured during the encounter and makes Joe his successor with Talos and Gambino as his advisors. Dan retires to administer the Crusher Conference on Aramis. Meanwhile the main ship of the Crushers, the Atlas, is replaced with a newer model, the Minerva, with Joe as its commander.
AD 2158 - Ricky joins the group. Orphan gang member Ricky from the Planet Rhodes quits his gang to become a Crusher. His knowledge and intelligence quickly makes him a valuable asset.
AD 2160 - Crisis on the Solidarity Planet Pizanne. (The first Crusher Joe novel, Takachiho establishes the Crusher universe.) Joe's team rescues Princess Alfin from a takeover coup. During the battle Gambino is killed and Alfin abdicates to join the Crushers.
AD 2161 - The battle with the Murphy pirates: Setting for the Crusher Joe Movie.
[edit] Similarities to Cowboy Bebop
Though only one movie and two OVA episodes were produced, Crusher Joe did exert a certain amount of influence on Sci-Fi Anime. This is most clearly seen in the highly successful 1998 series, Cowboy Bebop. The "specialists for hire" nature of the Crusher's work closely mirrors the Bebop crew's bounty hunting, and the makeup of the crew is also quite similar. Joe and Spike represent the cool and collected leader, Talos and Jet each fill the role of world-wise cyborg muscle, and both Alfin and Faye are rich girls who join the fun to escape trouble. Ricky and Ed each have the role as the youngest member of the crew, overly-energetic but still very intelligent. Finally, each Anime included a main ship (Crusher Joe's "Minerva" vs Cowboy Bebop's "Bebop") and a set of smaller craft which the crew members deftly fly during combat.
[edit] Characters
Joe: Born Nov 8, 2142 Planet Aramis, The Canis Major Zone - Joe is the headstrong leader of his Crusher Team, Joe became a Crusher at the age of ten and replaced his father as the as the active head of the Crushers. Now nineteen, he maintains his Triple A rating. Joe has an intensive dislike for authority (other than his own) and refuses to take orders from anyone, including his father. However he does have a lighter side, which enables him to take the balance of a situation and to act quickly and calmly. He and Alfin are romantically involved.
Alfin: Born Jan 12, 2144 Planet Pizanne, The Cygnus Zone - Alfin was the Princess of the Planet Pizanne who left her home and royal status to join the Crushers. After the Pizanne incident she sneaks aboard the Minerva and takes the late Gambino's place as navigator. Perky, bubbly and easily intoxicated, Alfin is also quick-witted and fearless. She and Joe are romantically involved.
Talos: Born 2109 Planet Terra, The Solar System - Talos served with Joe's father , Crusher Dan, in the early days of the Crusher Union. After 40 years of being a Crusher eighty percent of his body has been replaced with cybernetic implants. These artificial limbs often come in handy (His left arm contains a machine gun). Talos is gruff and reserved and possesses enormous strength, a trait that has saved his team mates from more than one occasion. He serves as the team's pilot.
Ricky: Born 2146 Planet Rhodes, The Capricorn Zone - At the age of fifteen, Ricky is the youngest member of the Joe Team but this in no way hinders his performance as the ship's engineer. Orphaned when gang members killed his parents Ricky stows away on board the Minerva. His sharp wits and instant reflexes soon establish him as a member of the team. Quick tempered and easily riled. His team mate Talos often finds himself restraining the young engineer. He also spars with Alfin like a younger sibling.
Dongle: Mabot. Made in Dorloy. Type: MAB 8945-GP-The Dongle Mabot served with both Talos and Crusher Dan in the early days of the Federation. A robot with a warped sense of humour (he is often seen reading porn magazines), he is completely loyal and is capable of operating the Minerva when the team is absent.
[edit] Novels
- Crisis on Solidarity Planet Pizanne
- Extermination! The Space Pirates Trap
- The Final Secret of the Milky Way
- Cave of the Black Demons Faith
- Treachery From the Galactic Empire
- Challenge of the Human Devil Beasts
- The Beautiful Demon Lord
- War of the Murphy Pirates
[edit] External Links
- Crusher Joe (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
- Crusher Joe OVA at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
- Crusher Joe the OVA's at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
