Choushinsei Flashman
| Choushinsei Flashman |
|
| Genre |
Tokusatsu |
| Created by |
Toei |
| Starring |
Touta Tarumi, Kihachirou Uemura, Yasuhiro Ishiwata, Youko Nakamura, Mayumi Yoshida |
| Narrated by |
Eiichi Onoda |
| Composer(s) |
Kōhei Tanaka |
| Country of origin |
Japan |
| No. of episodes |
50 |
| Production |
| Producer(s) |
Moriyoshi Katō
Takeyuki Suzuki |
| Running time |
30 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
TV Asahi
Toei Company
Toei Advertising |
| Broadcast |
| Original channel |
TV Asahi |
| Original run |
March 1, 1986 – February 21, 1987 |
| Chronology |
| Preceded by |
Dengeki Sentai Changeman |
| Followed by |
Hikari Sentai Maskman |
Choushinsei Flashman (超新星フラッシュマン, Chōshinsei Furasshuman?, lit. Supernova Flashman) was the tenth Super Sentai television series produced by Toei Company. It aired on TV Asahi on March 1, 1986 to February 21, 1987.
Storyline
Twenty years ago, five children were kidnapped by the an alien group known as the Alien Hunters, for the sake of the Reconstructive Experiment Empire Mess - who wanted samples of humans from Earth to experiment on. They were rescued by the Flash alien race, which took each one to a different planet of the Flash solar system for training. Each of them was trained separately from the others in a range of superpower abilities that will allow them to fight Mess. When they finally return to Earth in 1986 to combat Mess, who is now trying to invade it, they use the opportunity to search for their birth parents. They later learn that their time on earth will be cut short. Their birth planet's atmosphere has become deadly to them and after a year, they will die from what is known as the Anti-Flash Phenomenon.
Characters
Flashmen
Raised the harsh conditions of Flash Star and its four moons, the Flashmen were brought up for the purpose of defeating Mess. The can execute team attacks like the Combination Super Spear, a large energy spear created from the combined powers of the Flashmen.
- Jin (ジン, Jin?)/Red Flash (レッドフラッシュ, Reddo Furasshu?): He learned science the desert planet Flash Star, gaining scientific mental powers and scientific knowledge including a wealth of knowledge dealing with machinery. Kidnapped from Earth at age 3, given a scar by an Alien Hunter in the process. Since he was the oldest of the five kidnapped, his memories about the kidnapping are the strongest, although still fuzzy. He is the strongest of the team and as eldest, takes an older brother-like role, making him a strong leader. Red Flash would reappear again 15 years after the series ending in Gaoranger VS Super Sentai along with his 23 fellow Red Warriors led by Red Falcon, in which all 24 Red leaders performed their respective role calls.
- Weapons: Prism Holy Sword (プリズム聖剣, Purizumu Seiken?), Red Vul (レッドバル, Reddo Baru?)
- Attacks: Fire Thunder (ファイヤーサンダー, Faiyā Sandā?), Super Cutter (スーパーカッター, Sūpā Kattā?)
- Dai (ダイ, Dai?)/Green Flash (グリーンフラッシュ, Gurīn Furasshu?): He gained great strength training on the rocky Green Star, enduring the most physical pain compared to his team mates. He made friends with boxer Ryuu Wakakusa, who further trained him in his boxing abilities. He arms himself with brass knuckles. Although he has a cold exterior, he is actually a very warm and charming person. He has a weak spot for women, loves nature and ramen. He befriended the teenage Sumire, who had actually died some years back and had been contacting Dai through telepathy.
- Weapons: Prism Kaiser (プリズムカイザー, Purizumu Kaizā?), Green Vul (グリーンバル, Gurīn Baru?)
- Attacks: Rolling Knuckles (ローリングナックル, Rōringu Nakkuru?), Upside Down Kick, Super Piston (スーパーピストン, Sūpā Pisuton?), Knuckle Guards (ナックルガード, Nakkuru Gādo?, without transformation)
- Bun (ブン, Bun?)/Blue Flash (ブルーフラッシュ, Burū Furasshu?): He gained speed and agility on the deserts of the Blue Star planet. He learned survival skills on the harsh planet of Blue Star, such as surviving 30 days on one cup of water and how to climb walls. He is sarcastic. As the youngest member of the team, he yearns most to find his parents.
- Weapons: Prism Ball (プリズムボール, Purizumu Bōru?), Star Darts (スターダーツ, Sutā Dātsu?), Blue Vul (ブルーバル, Burū Baru?)
- Attacks: Hurricane Volt (ハリケーンボルト, Harikēn Boruto?), Super Cyclone (スーパーサイクロン, Sūpā Saikuron?)
- Sara (サラ, Sara?)/Yellow Flash (イエローフラッシュ, Ierō Furasshu?): She developed a sharp mind on the ice planet Yellow Star, often seen as cold and serious herself by most people. However, she is actually a caring person. She is able to analyze the attacks and strategies of the villains. In the series finale, Sara learns that she is the biological daughter of Doctor Tokimura.
- Weapons: Prism Batons (プリズムバトン, Purizumu Baton?), Yellow Vul (イエローバル, Ierō Baru?), Shocking Beads (ショッキングビーズ, Shokkingu Bīzu?, without transformation)
- Attacks: Snow Freeze (スノーフリーズ, Sunō Furīzu?), Baton Spark (バトンスパーク, Baton Supāku?), Super Blizzard (スーパーブリザード, Sūpā Burizādo?), Mach Blizzard (マッハブリザード, Mahha Burizādo?), Super Version (スーパーバージョン, Sūpā Bājon?)
- Lou (ルー, Rū?)/Pink Flash (ピンクフラッシュ, Pinku Furasshu?): She developed incredible jumping abilities on high gravity planet Pink Star. She possesses immense physical strength, which causes her to easily exhaust herself. She once mothered a Beast Warrior.
- Weapons: Prism Boots (プリズムブーツ, Purizumu Būtsu?), Pink Vul (ピンクバル, Pinku Baru?), Shocking Hearts (ショッキングハート, Shokkingu Hāto?, without transformation)
- Attacks: Jet Kick (ジェットキック, Jetto Kikku?), Bomber Kick (ボンバーキック, Bonbā Kikku?), Super Tap (スーパータップ, Sūpā Tappu?), Zero-Gravity Beam (無重力ビーム, Mujūryoku Bīmu?),
Arsenal
- Prism Flash (プリズムフラッシュ, Purizumu Furasshu?): Flashman's transforming device. They transform by shouting "Prism Flash!" When the suit has been formed, they shout "Shut Goggle!" (シャットゴーグル, Shatto Gōguru?) to close the visors.
- Prism Shooter (プリズムシューター, Purizumu Shūtā?): The sidearms of the team. They can be used as laser guns or separated into swords and shields, used in their Combination Cross Boomerang attack.
- Rolling Vulcan (ローリングバルカン, Rōringu Barukan?): The team's finishing cannon, assembled from the five Vul weapons. When used, Yellow Flash first targets the enemy, then the vulcans begin to rapidly rotate and the shot is fire. In episode 32 it received a power up when the Flashmans` prisms were upgraded.
Vehicles
- Flash Hawks (フラッシュホーク, Furasshu Hōku?): The team's motorcycles.
- Round Base (ラウンドベース, Raundo Bēsu?): A box-like base capable of space travel. It brought the Flashmen to Earth.
- Star Condor (スターコンドル, Sutā Kondoru?): A plane-like flying fortress that carries the components of the Flash King.
Mecha
- Flash King (フラッシュキング, Furasshu Kingu?): Flashman's giant robot that is formed when the command "Fusion! Flash Cross!" (合体! フラッシュクロス, Gattai Furasshu Kurosu?) is given. Its main weapon is the Cosmo Sword (コズモソード, Kozumo Sōdo?) and it destroys monsters with its finishing attack, the Super Cosmo Flash (スーパーコズモフラッシュ, Sūpā Kozumo Furasshu?). Its other weapons are the King Shield (キングシールド, Kingu Shīrudo?), King Missiles (キングミサイル, Kingu Misairu?), King Knuckles (キングナックル, Kingu Nakkuru?) and the King Beam (キングビーム, Kingu Bīmu?). It was temporarily destroyed in episode 15 when the monster The Zukonda caught it in a suicidal attack. It returned in episode 20 after the Titan Boy was defeated by the monster The Bluezass.
- Tank Command (タンクコマンド, Tanku Komando?): Red Flash's mecha. It is usually on the ground, but flies for the formation of Flash King to form its main body. It is stored in the front of the Star Condor. It is known as Tank Command 1 in the toy. It appeared again in Gaoranger Vs Super Sentai in the fight against Rakushaasa.
- Jet Delta (ジェットデルタ, Jetto Deruta?): Green Flash and Yellow Flash's fighter jet. It forms the right limbs of Flash King. It is stored in the rear of the Star Condor, to the right of the Jet Seeker. It is known as Jet Delta 2 in the toy.
- Jet Seeker (ジェットシーカー, Jetto Shīkā?): Blue Flash and Pink Flash's AWACS jet with a radar that allows it to track down any alien signals. It forms the left limbs of Flash King. It is stored in the rear of the Star Condor, to the left of the Jet Delta. It is known as Jet Seeker 3 in the toy.
- Flash Titan (フラッシュタイタン, Furasshu Taitan?): A tractor-trailer-like backup mecha for the Flashman, able to convert into an airship mode. It tractor unit can transform into Titan Boy (タイタンボーイ, Taitan Bōi?) under the command "Flash Turn! Titan Boy!". Its main weapons are the Radial Cutters (ラジアルカッター, Rajiaru Kattā?, formed from the tires) and the Boy Cannons (ボーイキャノン, Bōi Kyanon?, Flash Titan's smokestacks). Titan Boy can combine with the Flash Titan's trailer too become Great Titan (グレートタイタン, Gurēto Taitan?) under command "Flash Turn! Great Titan!". It destroys monsters with its ultimate finishing attack, Titan Nova (タイタンノバ, Taitan Noba?).
Allies
- Mag (マグ, Magu?): A robot programmed by the aliens of the Flash Star to guard the Round Base from intruders. After being subdued by the Flashmen, Mag is reprogramed to assist them. He upgrades the prisms in their helmets to give them stronger prism weapons when the Mess officers power up.
- Doctor Tokimura (時村博士, Tokimura-hakase?): A scientist and family man who lost one of his children 20 years to the Alien Hunters. Because the Alien Hunters blurred his memories of the event, he has created a time machine in order to return to that time to find out more information regarding the events. He helps the Flashman with his inventions. In the series finale, he discovers that Sara is his daughter.
- Setsuko Tokimura (時村節子, Tokimura Setsuko?): Doctor Tokimura's wife, who is also Sara's mother.
- Hero Titan (英雄・タイタン, Eiyū Taitan?): A legendary warrior of the Flash Stars. He is the one who the Flash aliens based their Flashman technology and mecha after. He was an honorable soldier who tracked down Mess from planet to planet in order to stop them. As a result of his travels away from the Flash system, he developed the Anti-Flash Phenomenon and died while in battle with Baraki.
- Ley Baraki (レー・バラキ, Rē Baraki?): The first creation of Lee Keflen. He fought with Hero Titan and was saved by him; in awe of the legendary warrior's courage and honor, decided to defect from Mess and promised the dying Titan that he would deliver the Flash Titan when it was needed. Therefore, he fell into a slumber aboard the Flash Titan, who followed the Star Condor when it arrived to Earth, lying dormant until it was needed. He was killed by Cowler and the monster The Drake.
Mess
The Reconstructive Experiment Empire Mess (改造実験帝国メス, Kaizō Jikken Teikoku Mesu?) takes over planets, using their lifeforms as fodder for its experiments. Their goal is to transform its leader Ra Deus into the strongest being in the universe.
- Great Emperor Ra Deus (大帝ラー・デウス, Daitei Rā Deusu?, 1-49): The big, immobile leader of the Reconstructive Experiment Empire Mess who sought to become the ultimate life form. To fulfill that end, he has recruited several Great Doctor's over the Eons, some he abducted like Dr. Keflen. As a result he has undergone several reconstructive operations in those years. He could fire energy shots from his fingers to punish his officers. Before the finale, after Cowler and Gardan dismantled Ra Deus, Ra Deus was transformed by Keflen into the monster The Deusula. After being destroyed by the Flashman, his broken mask was taken by Keflen in order to extract its DNA for his final creation.
- Great Doctor Lee Keflen (大博士リー・ケフレン, Dai Hakase Rī Kefuren?): Originally from Earth 300 years ago, Keflen was abducted by Deus who transformed and educated to be his right-hand man and creator of the empire's Beast Warriors. However, the centuries gave Keflen a god complex as he turns his back on Ra Deus to become the ruler of Mess. He offers the Flashman a chance to operate on them to repair their Anti-Flash Phenomenon in exchange for his life in the finale. The Flashman refused and he was killed as he unleashed his final creation on them.
- Ley Wanda (レー・ワンダ, Rē Wanda?, 1-47): A winged, zebra-like swordsman full of pride and over confidence. He believes himself to be a superior being, but is disgusted once he learns from Keflen that he was a composite being created from five grotesque and ordinary creatures. Later powered up as the monster Wandarla, in which he possessed the power to stop time for exactly 3 seconds. By combining his powers with a Beast Warrior he could stop time in an area for indefinite amount of time. He challenged Red Flash to a final duel to prove his strength after losing his power and was eventually destroyed.
- Ley Nefel (レー・ネフェル, Rē Neferu?): A leopard-like loyal soldier, Nefel was among Keflen's first creations and thus saw him as a father figure. She was able to disguise herself as human and spy. She is cunning and cruel. She was later powered up in order to transform into the monster, Nefelura. She was stabbed to death by Red Flash while protecting Keflen in the finale.
- Ley Galus (レー・ガルス, Rē Garusu?, 1-28): A big and strong commander made up of genes of wild beasts. This monster does not talk but roars a lot while fighting the Flashman.
- Wolk and Kilt (ウルク&キルト, Uruku to Kiruto?, 1-45): The assistants of Nefel which are derived from a wolf and a cat, both lovers.
- Alien Hunters (エイリアンハンター, Eirian Hantā?): They are a gang of bounty hunters who worked most for Mess in rounding up lifeforms for them to experiment on.
- Sir Cowler (サー・カウラー, Sā Kaurā?, 15-48): The leader of the Alien Hunters, He was the one who kidnapped the five infants who grew up into the Flashman team. He rebels once Mess keep considering him an outsider, despite the success he has brought them. He was killed by Red Flash in a fatal exchange of blows.
- Bo Gardan (ボー・ガルダン, Bō Garudan?, 43-48): The assistant leader of the Alien Hunters. He is armed with a pair of steel sticks. He was involuntarily mutated by Keflen into the monster The Gardess.
- Kerao (ケラオ?, 15-43): An Alien Hunter armed with a laser gun, he was eaten alive by the monster The Gitan.
- Baura (バウラ?), Hag (ハグ, Hagu?), and Hou (ホウ, Hō?, 15-44): Baura is armed with a huge scythe, Hag is armed with a bow and arrow, and Hou is armed with a pair of boomerangs.
- Zolors (ゾロー, Zorō?): The mass-produced foot soldiers of Mess, green-eyed, red-skinned insectoid grunts. They spray acidic strings from their mouths, which cause victims to disappear.
- Kuragen (クラーゲン, Kurāgen?): A giant monster created from jellyfish DNA that enlarges the Beast Warriors by energy transfer, shrinking itself in the process.
Episodes
- Hurry! Save the Earth (急げ! 地球を救え, Isoge! Chikyū o Sukue?)
- Behold! The Giant Robo (見たか! 巨大ロボ, Mita ka! Kyodai Robo?)
- An Old Enemy? Hunter! (宿敵? ハンター!, Shukuteki? Hantā!?)
- Mag is a Genius Robot?! (マグは天才ロボ?!, Magu wa Tensai Robo?!?)
- In the Care of the Female Warriors! (女戦士に御用心!, Onna Senshi ni Go-yōjin!?)
- Roar! Machine (ほえろ! マシーン, Hoero! Mashīn?)
- Balloon! Become a Weapon (風船よ武器になれ, Fūsen yo Buki ni Nare?)
- Father!! Mother!! Little Sister! (父よ! 母よ! 妹よ, Chichi yo! Haha yo! Imōto yo?)
- The Doctor Who Travels Through Time (時をかける博士, Toki o Kakeru Hakase?)
- Attack! The Flower Girl's Trap (撃て! 花少女の罠, Ute! Hana Shōjo no Wana?)
- Lou is the Beast Warrior's Mother (ルーは獣戦士の母, Rū wa Jū Senshi no Haha?)
- Super Power! Wanda (超パワー! ワンダ, Chō Pawā! Wanda?)
- Intense Battle! Danger, Jin (激闘! 危うしジン, Gekitō! Ayaushi Jin?)
- Love!? Bun and the Female Gangster (恋!? ブンとスケ番, Koi!? Bun to Sukeban?)
- The Giant Robo is Worn Out (巨大ロボ破れたり, Kyodai Robo Yaburetari?)
- The Human Minimini Plan (人間ミニミニ作戦, Ningen Minimini Sakusen?)
- The Mysterious Giant Reckless Car! (謎の巨大暴走車!, Nazo no Kyodai Bōsōsha!?)
- Big Turnaround! The Transforming Robo (大逆転! 変身ロボ, Dai Gyakuten! Henshin Robo?)
- Baraki's Dying Warning (バラキ決死の伝言, Baraki Kesshi no Dengon?)
- Revival! Giant Robo! (復活! 巨大ロボ!, Fukkatsu! Kyodai Robo!?)
- Sorrowful Sara (悲しみのサラ, Kanashimi no Sara?)
- SOS! Phoenix! (SOS! 不死鳥!, Esu Ō Esu! Fushichō!?)
- Please, Throbbing! (お願いドキドキ!, Onegai Dokidoki!?)
- The Occult Summer Vacation (オカルト夏休み, Okaruto Natsuyasumi?)
- Hurry, Jin, Fusion is Impossible (急げジン合体不能, Isoge Jin Gattai Funō?)
- Space Pumpkin Cooking (宇宙カボチャ料理, Uchū Kabocha Ryōri?)
- Dai's Punch of Friendship (ダイ友情のパンチ, Dai Yūjō no Panchi?)
- Sublime! Fiery Galus (壮絶! 炎のガルス, Sōzetsu! Honō no Garusu?)
- Monstrous Warrior Wandarla (妖獣士ワンダーラ, Yōjūshi Wandāra?)
- Bizarre Nefelura (怪奇ネフェルーラ, Kaiki Neferūra?)
- It Vanished! The Power of the 5 (消えた! 5人の力（パワー）, Kieta! Gonin no Pawā?)
- We Like You, We Like You, Mag, We Like You (すきすきマグすき, Suki Suki Magu Suki?)
- Papa Won't Lose! (パパは負けない!, Papa wa Makenai!?)
- Bun Disappeared in the Rapids (激流に消えたブン, Gekiryū ni Kiąeta Bun?)
- The Starry Sky's Duet (星空のデュエット, Hoshizora no Dyuetto?)
- The Shocking Wonder Bug (ドッキリ不思議虫, Dokkiri Fushigi Mushi?)
- A Ghost's First Love (幽霊の初恋, Yūrei no Hatsukoi?)
- The Day Jin Dies?! (ジンが死ぬ日?!, Jin ga Shinu Hi?!?)
- Burn, Angry Sara (燃えろ怒りのサラ, Moero Ikari no Sara?)
- Execution City, Operation XX (処刑都市XX作戦, Shokei Toshi Daburu Kurosu Sakusen?)
- Dai Becomes a Child (子供にされたダイ, Kodomo ni Sareta Dai?)
- Don't Cry! Female Warriors (泣くな!女戦士, Naku na! Onna Senshi?)
- Cowler's Treachery! (カウラーの反逆!, Kaurā no Hangyaku!?)
- Deus Beast Warriors Appear (デウス獣戦士出現, Deusu Jū Senshi Shutsugen?)
- Warrior! Leave the Earth (戦士よ地球を去れ, Senshi yo Chikyū o Sare?)
- Only 20 Days to Live!! (たった20日の命!!, Tatta Nijūichi no Inochi!!?)
- Wanda! Death Cry (ワンダ! 死の絶叫, Wanda! Shi no Zekkyō?)
- The End of Cowler!! (カウラーの最期!!, Kaurā no Saigo!!?)
- Counterattack, Ra Deus (逆襲ラー・デウス, Gyakushū Rā Deusu?)
- Farewell! Our Home Planet (さらば! 故郷の星, Saraba! Kokyō no Hoshi?)
Movies
- Choushinsei Flashman (theatrical short)
- Flashman: Big Rally! Titan Boy! (theatrical edit of episodes 15-18)
International Broadcasts
The series was broadcast in Brazil under the title Comando Estelar Flashman (Star Commando Flashman) and achieved a very strong acclaim in that country. It was also broadcasted in South Korea as Earth Protector Flashman. The series was also broadcasted in Thailand on Channel 7.
Cast
Songs
- Opening Theme
- "Choushinsei Flashman" (超新星フラッシュマン, Chōshinsei Furasshuman?)
- Lyrics: Reo Rinozuka (里乃塚 玲央, Rinozuka Reo?)
- Composition: Yukihide Takekawa (タケカワ ユキヒデ, Takekawa Yukihide?)
- Arrangement: Keiichi Oku (奥 慶一, Oku Keiichi?)
- Artist: Taku Kitahara (北原 拓, Kitahara Taku?)
- Ending Theme
- "Fighting Pose, Flashman!" (ファイティングポーズ、フラッシュマン!, Faitingu Pōzu, Furasshuman!?)
- Lyrics: Kōhei Oikawa (及川 恒平, Oikawa Kōhei?)
- Composition: Yukihide Takekawa
- Arrangement: Keiichi Oku
- Artist: Taku Kitahara
External links