Shin Getter Robo

Director
Yutaka Sato
Production
Bandai, Dynamic Kikaku, Toei
Country of origin
Japan
Format
OVA
Running time
13 episodes
Year
1998

Shin Getter Robo

By Mark McPherson
23rd May 04

Getter Robo is probably one of the most well-known mecha anime titles in Japan right up there with Mazinger Z and Gundam. While there were many mecha shows during the 70's, Go Nagai was responsible for the majority of them and Getter Robo was one of the top shows at that time. While Go Nagai may not be at the helm of the lastest Getter Robo series, it's still just as good.

The story starts off extremely dark. Ryoma has been imprisoned for murdering Doctor Saotome, Genki has become severely depressed and Michiru is dead after an experimental Getter project. This leaves Hayato, Benkei and Musashi (who originally died after the first series) to handle the Getter Robos when new Invaders pop up. However, Doctor Saotome is alive and he's brought a new Getter Robo with him. Now, Doctor Saotome is preparing to release Getter Rays all over the world and mocking the United Nations while doing so. Realizing the situation, the Japanese government releases Ryoma from prison in order to pilot the Getter Robo once more. However, as Hayato, Musashi and Ryoma get closer into Saotome's new invention, the Shin Dragon, they discover that Saotome is actually trying to save this world, but it is too late.

However, that was only the first three episodes. Episode four takes place about fifteen years after the world has been destroyed by the Getter Rays. Benkei has been raising his daughter, Kei, Musashi is dead, Ryoma has gone MIA and Hayato is now the leader of a new mecha army. Just when you think the battle has been lost, it's just begun with the arrival of limitless Invaders that show mercy on their victims. Bloody violence is a foot.

I have always enjoyed Go Nagai's newly formed 90's remakes, but this is easily one of my favorites. The mecha action is fast, furious and extremely gruesome. The Invaders blood and guts spill all over the place in an orgy of destruction. Even some new Getter Robos show up like the Black Getter and the gigantic Shin Getter Dragon. The Shin Getter Dragon, despite it's huge side, can also transform into three other modes, just like every other Getter Robo.

The animation for this 1998 production is nothing short of amazing. All the action is played out in fluid movement and bright colors. Also, Go Nagai's original manga style doesn't seem to have changed much at all in this OAV. The characters look almost exactly as they did in the TV show and manga comic. The music also succeeds well on the show featuring some great orchestra and guitar tracks, which fits the action and mood perfectly.

Needless to say, if you are a fan of mecha anime or a fan of Getter Robo or even a fan of Go Nagai's work, you will be quite pleased with Shin Getter Robo. If you are looking for a highly intelligent mecha show that involves politics, look somewhere else. If you you want good old fashioned, butt-kicking, blood-bathing, head-smashing, mecha punching fun, you can't go wrong with Shin Getter Robo.

10/10

-- Mark McPherson 23rd May 04

Shin Getter Robo Images