Ranked #2386

Tetsujin 28-go (1980)

When you think about robots of the late 80's and 90's what comes to mind? Transformers? Yeah that's pretty given. Robotech? Of course. In the midst of all these great shows we also had Tetsujin 28-go, or known to some as the GIGANTOR. Looking at the design, you're probably wondering what's so great about Tetsujin? How does he fare by today's mecha standards?

New Tetsujin 28 is actually a remake of the original model, this version looks slicker, faster, not so fat and horribly designed. The original story followed the final days of WW2 where Tetsujin was first designed to save the Japanese. But his creator passed and rather being used as a super weapon he was given to the creators 10-year old son, Shotaro Kaneda. And so, the ten year proceeds to go on stopping criminals, fighting opposing robots, and incarnations. Upon its American release, the creators scrapped whole WW2 setting and characters were renamed. Shotaro becomes Jimmy Sparks, other characters are renamed that I won't go too in depth in and roles are still intact.

In being remade, the art doesn't look as simplistic as the original Tetsujin. Characters now have color. The action looks very detailed, giving more flair to battles. It's still an 80/90s show though, so expect 80s animation quality. Not the best, but for its time understandable and welcomed.

The sound work here isn't great by todays standards also, but personally I think some of the work here is better than the 2005 Tetsujin 28 Movie! I can appreciate standard quality 80s music, Tetsujin in combat is where this show tries to makes its mark. Some battles have the sound effects to bring excitement, others not so much.

Tetsujin in this model is very likable. Shotaro running around with that computer looking notebook giving him commands is what I'll always remember about this show. Tetsujin's enemies are like Gonzilla spin-offs, you can expect variety and something new with about every foe. Some of the robots in this series were used in Giant Robo, another popular anime. Tetsujin had a lot of things going for its time.

I wish the battles in New Tetsujin were a bit longer, however. They're good, but the action ends all too quickly. Overall, New Tetsujin will always hold great appreciation with me and other old school mecha fans alike.

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