Time Bokan 24

This review will cover the 24 episodes of the original airing.

Not many people are aware this series is a reboot of the 1975 Time Bokan or known as Time Fighters in English. Time Bokan eventually became a long running series spanning more than 200 episodes of content by having numerous sequels such as its most popular incarnation Time Bokan 2 Yatterman. As a result, the Time Bokan series is one of the main highlights of Tatsunoko's superhero lineup such as Tekkaman, Casshan & Gatchaman.

This anime is a great improvement over the original but offers a fresh insight to the style of the ... entire Time Bokan series. While it's not as good as Yatterman 2008, Time Bokan 24 still delivers the episodic formula but filled with ridiculous creativity. Each episode features a new mecha, a new transformation and ludicrous content but that's the point; the series has always been a silly thing. You don't go into this show for historical accuracy like Time Squad, Dr. Who & such. This is a superhero comedy or perhaps a supervillain show. The original Time Bokan & Yatterman were responsible in creating the trope of a comedic trio of villains (Team Rocket) hence the show's greatest appeal. The Akudarma gang are the best thing of the series while poking fun in itself by dissing how bland the main heroes are. Meanwhile the villains are so pathetic you feel sorry for them much in the same vein as Florshiem from Astro Fighter Sunred.

The show itself can vary in quality & I wish certain events became more engaging by raising the stakes but it's still pleasant. I personally like how the anime attempts to be naughty despite the times being different in contrast to the 1970's where a lot of nudity & violence weren't censored. On a similar note the 2nd ending theme pays huge tribute to the original Time Bokan ending which really surprised me especially when 24's song is much better. Unfortunately, not much of the other Time Bokan series are licensed so this anime possibly serves as the first real exposure to new audiences. It's not the greatest superhero anime ever but it's a little slice of fun; the episodes do improve as it keeps going but it never really peaks into something as great as its predecessor Yatterman 2008. The final episode (EP 24) does meet that expectation especially when the villains are aware that their time slot is taken away by My Hero Academia Season 2. But in comparison to the 1975 Time Bokan, Time Bokan 24 excels in mecha designs, humor, style & definitely in its villains the Akudarma Gang.

Similar superhero/supervillain recommendations include Astro Fighter Sunred, Yatterman 2008, Yatterman Night, Zannen Onna Black General San Manga & Zvezda Plot.