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Tetsujin 28 - Volume 1

It was in 1963 that Tetsujin 28 was first turned into an anime in glorious black and white also reaching the west as Gigantor. Another series was made in the early eighties in colour and later this remake, which aired in Japan in 2004.

Set in the 1950’s Tetsujin 28 takes place during a period of vast economic expansion as Japan tries to leave the memory of defeat in WW2 behind it. Of course it’s not that easy when it’s discovered a missile carrying a secret weapon developed during the war, which was believed to be destroyed, is heading straight for Tokyo. Shotaro Kaneda a young boy genius detective, learns that his father who died during the war is the creator of the giant metal robot which emerges from the missile. Whilst the robot goes on the rampage Shotaro and Professor Shikishima, Professor Kaneda’s protégé, try to find a way of controlling the metal beast. Later this volume after Shotaro successfully stops Tetsujin 28 and tries to become its controller all does not remain peaceful as more secret projects that where buried during the war are unearthed and the only thing able to stop them is Shotaro and Tetsujin 28.

Having never seen any of the previous incarnations of Tetsujin 28, you know by looking at the back of the DVD case what you’re letting yourself in for, and the first volume doesn’t disappoint. The animation is detailed and fluid but has a retro feel to it, as does the story, music, characters and themes. With this being a remake these things are certainly forgivable especially when characters start to question the reasons for war and weapons such as Tetsujin 28. Yes it isn’t original and this sort of pondering has been done far better than what is presented here in titles like Gundam, yet the original incarnations of Tetsujin 28 were some of the major influences on those titles.

The series isn’t going to appeal to everyone though, and many of the main characters don’t seem to have the depth, or likeability for a twenty-six episode series. Why on earth do the government let a 11 year old boy take control of a WMD, why does said boy drive round in a car, order around the chief of police like he’s his superior and why on earth is he going on dates with a secretary?

These questions may bug some, but for others Tetsujin 28 will remind them of a simpler time when you didn’t need a masters degree in psychology to understand a plot, or have to be treated to ample busty girls showing their panties every five seconds (not that their is anything wrong with those).

A remake of a classic which gives the viewer the idea of the original yet updating it for a new generation without losing anything…Hollywood should take notes.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: English, Japanese Audio, English Subtitles, Clean Opening/Closing Animation, Trailers

Release information: Publisher: Manga Entertainment Relase Date: 24th April 2006 Classification: PG Running time: 125min

Notes: While there isn't much noteworthy extra wise on the DVD what does deserve special mention is the menu itself. You can't move around in the main menu you have to wait for the desired option to come round to you and press enter a rather odd way of doing things.

Tetsujin 28

Tetsujin 28 Reviews

Tetsujin 28 - Volume 1

R2 DVD Notes