Birdy the Mighty

鉄腕バーディー (Tetsuwan Birdy)
Birdy the Mighty
DVD release of OVA series
Genre	Comedy, Science fiction
Manga
Birdy the Mighty (original)
Written by	Masami Yuki
Published by	Shogakukan
Demographic	Shōnen
Magazine	Shōnen Sunday Super
Original run	1985 – 1988
Volumes	1
Original video animation
Directed by	Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Studio	Madhouse
Licensed by	^NA US Manga Corps
Released	July 25, 1996
Runtime	30-40 minutes
Episodes	4
Manga
Birdy the Mighty (remake)
Written by	Masami Yuki
Published by	Shogakukan
Demographic	Seinen
Magazine	Weekly Young Sunday → Big Comic Spirits
Original run	2003 – 2008
Volumes	20
Anime television series
Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode
Directed by	Kazuki Akane
Written by	Hiroshi Ōnogi
Music by	Yugo Kanno
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Licensed by	^AUS Madman Entertainment ^NA Funimation ^UK Manga Entertainment
Network	TV Saitama, tvk, KBS, Sun TV, Tokyo MX, BS11, TBC, TVQ Kyushu, Okinawa TV, CBC, Chiba TV, Animax, Hokkaido Broadcasting
English network	^US FUNimation Channel
Original run	July 4, 2008 – September 29, 2008
Episodes	13
Anime television series
Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode Season 2
Directed by	Kazuki Akane
Written by	Hiroshi Ōnogi & Seishi Minakami
Music by	Yugo Kanno
Studio	A-1 Pictures
Licensed by	^AUS Madman Entertainment ^NA Funimation Entertainment ^UK Manga Entertainment
Network	TV Saitama, tvk, KBS, Sun TV, Tokyo MX, BS11, TBC, TVQ Kyushu, Okinawa TV, CBC, Chiba TV, Animax, Hokkaido Broadcasting
English network	^US Funimation Channel
Original run	January 9, 2009 – May 28, 2009
Episodes	12
Manga
Birdy the Mighty Evolution (sequel of remake)
Written by	Masami Yuki
Published by	Shogakukan
Demographic	Seinen
Magazine	Big Comic Spirits
Original run	2008 – 2013
Volumes	13

Birdy the Mighty (鉄腕バーディー, Tetsuwan Bādī) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Yuki. His initial manga lasted only one volume. In 1996 it was made into a four part Original Video Animation directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The character designer and animation director for the series was Kumiko Takahashi. In 2003, Yuki began serializing a second, more ambitious Birdy the Mighty manga in Weekly Young Sunday.^[1]

A TV anime adaptation, titled Birdy the Mighty: Decode (鉄腕バーディー DECODE, Tetsuwan Bādī DECODE), was animated by A-1 Pictures and produced by Aniplex, premiered in Japan on TV Saitama and other broadcast networks on July 4, 2008. The series is directed by Kazuki Akane, written by Hiroshi Ōnogi, with its character designer and overseeing animation director being Ryo Timo.^[2]

Plot

Birdy Cephon Altera is a Federation agent chasing interplanetary criminals to the planet Earth. While in pursuit of one such criminal, she accidentally kills a high school boy named Tsutomu Senkawa. Fortunately for Tsutomu, there is a way to keep him alive. He ends up being merged into Birdy's body and must remain so until the repair of his body is complete.

So, Tsutomu is stuck sharing a body with an attractive, strong, and impulsive space police agent while trying to keep his family and friends from finding out about Birdy. In the meantime, Birdy continues her investigation. Together, they take on a secretive group of evil aliens planning to perform experiments on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Earth.

Characters

Main

Protagonists of Birdy the Mighty: Decode TV series. From left to right: Tsutomu Senkawa, Birdy Cephon Altera.

Birdy Cephon Altera: Voiced by: Kotono Mitsuishi (Japanese), Alex McCord (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Saeko Chiba (Japanese), Luci Christian (English) (TV)

A Federation police officer, she arrives on Earth in pursuit of alien criminals who are using the planet as a refuge. During one of her missions, she accidentally kills Tsutomu and has to fuse with him in order to keep him alive. In Birdy the Mighty Decode she meets her childhood friend Nataru later admitting to Tsutomu that she is indeed in love with Nataru.

In the 2008 anime, her false identity on Earth is rising Japanese idol Shion Arita. She is accompanied by a robot named Tuto.

Birdy is an Altan, a human-like alien, possibly from a planet orbiting the star Altair. More specifically, Birdy is an Ixioran Altairian, a bio-engineered supersoldier bred for combat.

Tsutomu Senkawa: Voiced by: Iwanaga Tetsuya (Japanese), Justin Thompson (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Miyu Irino (Japanese), Micah Solusod (English) (TV)

A high school student who has his mind hosted within Birdy after being killed during her confrontation with an alien criminal. Birdy tries to let him live a normal life until his body is rebuilt.

Civilians

Natsumi Hayamiya: Voiced by: Yukana Nogami (Japanese), Matty O'Shea (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Kanae Itō (Japanese), Cherami Leigh (English) (TV)

Tsutomu's female friend and classmate. In the OVA she has a more prominent role while in the television show she is just a minor character.

Hazumi Senkawa: Voiced by: Tomoko Maruo (Japanese), Debora Rabbai (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Mikako Takahashi (Japanese), Jamie Marchi (English) (TV)

Tsutomu's older sister. She does not live with Tsutomu and is rarely seen on the show. She comes by for random inspections and is first seen in the first episode saying goodbye to their parents.

Sayaka Nakasugi: Voiced by: Maaya Sakamoto (Japanese), Brina Palencia (English) (TV)

Sayaka had a weak body until she was involved in a car accident. After she healed from the accident, her demeanor became more cheerful. She also changed from being sickly to very strong and also became more social. These changes were not gradual, but were very sudden. She then starts to become very close to Tsutomu after the car accident.

Shoko Kagami: Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese), Maxey Whitehead (English) (TV)

A young girl whose legs are recovering. She's very fond of Nataru and tends to be hostile towards Birdy because she thinks Birdy's trying to 'steal' him from her. She had also lost her older brother in the Ryunka incident.

Aliens

Georg Gomez: Voiced by: Akio Ōtsuka (Japanese), Cory Carthew (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Unshō Ishizuka (Japanese), Newton Pittman (English) (TV)

An alien criminal who had been hiding on Earth in disguise. He's an Altarian henchman of Christella Revi.

Christella Revi: Voiced by: Mako Hyōdō (Japanese), Mary Alice McGuire (English) (OVA); Voiced by: Mako Hyōdō (Japanese), Monica Rial (English) (TV)

A rogue alien scientist who is the antagonist of the story.

Nataru Shinmyou (ナタル): Voiced by: Masaya Matsukaze (Japanese), Eric Vale (English)

Birdy's Childhood friend. He lives on Earth as a refugee and pretends to be a human. Nataru is an Ixioran like Birdy and has the ability to teleport. In Birdy the Mighty Decode he confesses to Birdy saying he's in love with her.

Manga

The original manga ran in what is now Shōnen Sunday Super, but when Masami Yuki began serializing Kyūkyoku Chōjin R in the pages of Shōnen Sunday it began appearing infrequently, and was eventually abandoned. Only one volume was ever collected.^[3] In 2003, after a number of other series for Shōnen Sunday, Masami Yuki moved to Weekly Young Sunday, a seinen magazine, and began drawing a remake version, starting the story from the beginning.

Anime

OVA

The original Birdy The Mighty was an OVA release in 1996 by Madhouse studios licensed by Bandai and Emotion. It featured 4 episodes based on the 1980s manga. Later anime iterations were based on a subsequent manga in 2003.

Television

Main article: List of Birdy the Mighty: Decode episodes

Birdy the Mighty Decode was first announced under the name Birdy the Movement.^[4] It was then revealed in the Tokyo International Anime Fair that the show would be aired in summer 2008 as Birdy the Mighty Decode.^[5]^[6]

A second season of Birdy the Mighty: Decode began to air on January 9, 2009,^[7] known as Birdy the Mighty Decode: 02. It concluded in May. There is no indication that there will be further seasons.

A subsequent OVA titled Birdy the Mighty Decode: Cipher features an unaired episode, named "Between you and me", that connects the first and second seasons. It released on DVD on July 22, 2009. ^[8]

The first DVD for Birdy the Mighty Decode was released on September 24, 2008.^[9]

OST

The Birdy the Mighty Decode OST was released on September 24, 2008 in a simultaneous release with the DVD.^[9]

Theme Song CDs

"Sora"
Single by Hearts Grow
Released	September 03, 2008
Format	CD
Genre	J-Pop
Label	Sony Music Entertainment

"Kiseki"
Single by Nirgilis
Released	Jan 9, 2009
Format	CD
Genre	J-Pop
Label	Sony Music Entertainment

Sora is the opening theme to the TV animation adaptation titled Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode. It is performed by Hearts Grow.^[10]

Kiseki is the opening theme to second season. It is performed by Nirgilis.

Track listing

Sora (そら, Sky)
Mirai Sketch (未来スケッチ, Sketch of Future)
Sora - Instrumental (そら)
Kiseki (奇跡,Miracle)

Legacy

Zack Snyder said the anime was an inspiration for his take on Man of Steel.

Notes and references

↑ Yuki Masami's website
↑ "TV ANIMATION 鉄腕バーディー DECODE". Retrieved 2008-07-12.
↑ Birdy The Mighty. Retrieved on July 6, 2008.
↑ New Birdy the Mighty Anime. Retrieved on July 13, 2008.
↑ New Birdy's Title Revealed: Birdy the Mighty Decode. Retrieved on July 13, 2008.
↑ TVアニメーション「鉄腕バーディーDECODE」KICK OFFステージ. Retrieved on July 13, 2008. (Japanese)
↑ Retrieved on January 6, 2009.
↑ "Tetsuwan Birdy Decode OVA Announced". Animekon. Retrieved 2009-03-09.
1 2 Birdy the Mighty Decode DVD & CD Information. Retrieved on July 13, 2008. (Japanese)
↑ Official Birdy the Mighty Decode Music Page. Retrieved on October 3, 2008. (Japanese)

External links

Birdy the Mighty Manga Official Site (Japanese)
Birdy the Mighty Decode Official Site (Japanese)
Birdy the Mighty (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
Birdy the Mighty (OVA) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
Birdy the Mighty Decode (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
Birdy the Mighty Decode:02 (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

Works of Madhouse

Films

1980s	The Fantastic Adventures of Unico (1981) Natsu e no Tobira (1981) Haguregumo (1982) Harmagedon (1983) Unico in the Island of Magic (1983) Barefoot Gen (1983) Lensman: Secret of The Lens (1984) The Dagger of Kamui (1985) Barefoot Gen 2 (1986) Phoenix: Ho-ō (1986) Toki no Tabibito: Time Stranger (1986) Wicked City (1987) Neo Tokyo (1987) Twilight of the Cockroaches (1987) Legend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest is the Sea of Stars (1988)

1990s	A Wind Named Amnesia (1990) Urusei Yatsura: Always My Darling (1991) Ninja Scroll (1993) Anne no Nikki (1995) Memories (segment Stink Bomb) (1995) Yawara! Special - Zutto Kimi no Koto ga (1996) X (1996) Perfect Blue (1997) Clover (1999) Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie (1999)

2000s	Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card (2000) Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000) Metropolis (2001) Millennium Actress (2001) Di Gi Charat - A Trip to the Planet (2001) WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3 (2002) Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road (2003) Nasu: Summer in Andalusia (2003) Tokyo Godfathers (2003) The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) Paprika (2006) Cinnamoroll: The Movie (2007) Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007) Piano no Mori (2007) Hells (2008) Summer Wars (2009) Mai Mai Miracle (2009) Redline (2009) Yona Yona Penguin (2009)

2010s	Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010) The Tibetan Dog (2011) The Princess and the Pilot (2011) Wolf Children (2012) Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013) Death Billiards (2013) Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission (2013)

Television series

Pre-2000s	Nobody's Boy: Remi (1977–1978) Treasure Island (1978–1979) Yawara! (1989–1992) DNA² (1994) Azuki-chan (1995–1998) Trigun (1998) Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000) Master Keaton (1998–1999) Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden (1998–1999) Super Doll Licca-chan (1998–1999) Pet Shop of Horrors (1999) Jubei-chan: The Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch (1999) Di Gi Charat (1999–2001) Reign: The Conqueror (1999) Magic User's Club (1999) Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden V (1999–2000)

2000-2005	Boogiepop Phantom (2000) Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran (2000) Hidamari no Ki (2000) Sakura Wars (2000) Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! (2000–2002) Beyblade (2001) Galaxy Angel (2001–2004) Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars (2001) Chance Pop Session (2001) Magical Meow Meow Taruto (2001) X (2001–2002) Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution (2002) Chobits (2002) Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (2002) Pita-Ten (2002) Dragon Drive (2002–2003) Hanada Shōnen Shi (2002–2003) Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat (2002) Rizelmine (2002) Mirage of Blaze (2002) Ninja Scroll: The Series (2003) Texhnolyze (2003) Gungrave (2003–2004) Gunslinger Girl (2003–2004) Uninhabited Planet Survive! (2003–2004) Di Gi Charat Nyo! (2003–2004) Gokusen (2004) Jubei-chan: The Counter Attack of Siberia Yagyu (2004) Paranoia Agent (2004) Tenjho Tenge (2004) Monster (2004–2005) BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (2004–2005) Sweet Valerian (2004) Strawberry 100% (2005) Akagi (2005–2006) Paradise Kiss (2005) Oku-sama wa Joshi Kōsei (2005)

2006-2010	Kiba (2006–2007) Strawberry Panic! (2006) NANA (2006–2007) The Story of Saiunkoku (2006–2008) Black Lagoon (2006) Yume Tsukai (2006) Otogi-Jūshi Akazukin (2006–2007) Kemonozume (2006) A Spirit of the Sun (2006) Death Note (2006–2007) Tokyo Tribe 2 (2006–2007) Claymore (2007) Oh! Edo Rocket (2007) Princess Resurrection (2007) Dennō Coil (2007) Devil May Cry (2007) Shigurui (2007) Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji (2007–2008) Neuro: Supernatural Detective (2007–2008) Mokke (2007–2008) MapleStory (2007–2008) AniKuri15* (animated sequence) (2007–2008) Chi's Sweet Home (2008–2009) Allison & Lillia (2008) Kamen no Maid Guy (2008) Top Secret ~The Revelation~ (2008) Kaiba (2008) Ultraviolet: Code 044 (2008) Casshern Sins (2008–2009) Kurozuka (2008) Mōryō no Hako (2008) One Outs (2008–2009) Stitch! (2008–2010) Chaos;Head (2008) Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger (2009) Rideback (2009) Sōten Kōro (2009) Needless (2009) Kobato. (2009–2010) Aoi Bungaku (2009)

2010s	Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin (2010) The Tatami Galaxy (2010) Highschool of the Dead (2010) Marvel Anime (2010–2011) Gyakkyō Burai Kaiji: Hakairoku-hen (2011) Hunter × Hunter (2011–2014) Chihayafuru (2011–2013) The Ambition of Oda Nobuna (2012) Btooom! (2012) Photo Kano (2013) Sunday Without God (2013) Hajime no Ippo: Rising (2013–2014) Ace of Diamond (2013–present) Magical Warfare (2014) The Irregular at Magic High School (2014) No Game No Life (2014) Hanayamata (2014) Parasyte -the maxim- (2014–2015) Death Parade (2015) My Love Story!! (2015) Overlord (2015) One-Punch Man (2015) Prince of Stride: Alternative (2016)

OVAs

1980s	Wounded Man (1986–1988) Phoenix: Yamato / Space (1987) Bride of Deimos (1988) Demon City Shinjuku (1988) The Enemy's the Pirates! (1989) (episodes 1 and 2) Goku Midnight Eye (1989)

1990s	Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990–1991) Record of Lodoss War (1990–1991) Devil Hunter Yohko (1990–1995) Doomed Megalopolis (1991–1992) Yawara! Soreyuke Koshinuke Kizzu (1992) Tokyo Babylon (1992–1994) Zetsuai 1989 (1992, 1994) Battle Angel (1993) Mermaid's Scar (1993) The Cockpit (segment Slipstream) (1993) Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals (1994) Phantom Quest Corp. (1994–1995) Clamp in Wonderland (1994, 2007) Spirit Warrior (1994) Bio Hunter (1995) Birdy the Mighty (1996–1997) Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge (1997–1998) Twilight of the Dark Master (1998)

2000s	Space Pirate Captain Herlock (2002–2003) Trava: Fist Planet (2003) The Animatrix (animated sequence) (2003) Hajime no Ippo: Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003) Lament of the Lamb (2003–2004) Aquarian Age: The Movie (2003) Di Gi Charat Theater - Leave it to Piyoko! (2003) Tsuki no Waltz (2004) Otogi-Jūshi Akazukin (2005) Last Order: Final Fantasy VII (2005) Nasu: A Migratory Bird with Suitcase (2007) Batman: Gotham Knight (animated sequence) (2008) Hellsing Ultimate V-VII (2008–2009)

2010s	Supernatural: The Anime Series (2011) Arata-naru Sekai (2012) Iron Man: Rise of Technovore (2013) Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014)

Video games

Earnest Evans (1991)
Solatorobo: Red the Hunter (2010)
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment PSP OP (2012)
Persona 4: Golden OP (2012)
Persona 4 Arena OP (2012)
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl (2013)
Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: The Fafnir Knight (2014)

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