Giant Robo is an epic
Anime series directed by
Imagawa Yasuhiro. It
began in 1992 with the first of 7 OVA's and finally concluded in 1998 (after
a year and a half delay from Episode 6).
The brave new world of the future! Earth has gone through its third
energy revolution, and now all power is based on a new invention called
'the Shizuma Drive,' a complete recyclable and pollution free energy system
created ten years ago by a group of five scientists. These drives power everything.
There is no more danger of nuclear radiation, or waste of rare petroleum
resources.
Even though it sounds like an ideal society, there are still problems. There
are two major powers who are locked in a fierce struggle. The first is the Big
Fire Organization, which is a very powerful evil organization, and threatens
to conquer the world, with the help of their numerous robots.
The only people capable of putting a stop to their plan is the International
Police Organization. They consist of a team of agents, all having their
own special powers. They also have the most powerful robot in the world, Giant
Robo. Giant Robo is controlled by Kusama Daisaku.
Giant Robo main character rundown (information attained from
Giant Robo Part 1):
Giant Robo
At 30m high and weighing 1500 tons, Giant Robo lives up to his name. This
land battle robot was originally built by Professor Kusama (Daisaku Kusama's
father) when he was working for "The Big Fire". Giant Robo is armed
with a number of missiles, torpedoes and cannons located throughout its
body. It also has flight capability (max speed 565 km/h) and is voice-controlled
by Daisaku.
Daisaku Kusama
A plucky 12 year old who has the sole responsibility of controlling Giant Robo,
the worlds most powerful robot. His father left him the legacy of Giant Robo
in an attempt to reverse the wrongs he committed. As a result he becomes both
the greatest weapon and weakness of the IPO. He demonstrates his courage again
and again, but at times can be an annoying, precious brat.
Tetsugyu
This stocky 25 year old, nicknamed the Black Whirlwind wields a pair of axes
to devastating effect (proficient to bring down helicopters). Despite his apparent
brutish, violent temperament towards property and human life he is a softy
at heart. He has a crush on Ginrei which leads him to dislike Daisaku because
he feels he is a rival for her affection.
Taiso
This 27 year old is a hard fighting, hard drinking martial arts expert whose
special skills are the Jet Fists and the Magical Speed which enables him to
run at supersonic speeds. He treats Tetsugu like a younger brother often saving
him from making big mistakes, and he also feels very protective towards Daisaku
because he is one of the only people who understands him.
Ginrei
She is the IPO Expert sent to rescue Professor Sizuma and at only 18 years old
she is already a young woman with a shady past. Her special ability is teleportation
although if overused it will zap her life force resulting in death. She is an
expert in hand-to-hand combat but also carries a gun that packs the punch of
a bazooka. Ginrei is affectionate towards Daisaku treating him like a younger
brother.
Kenji Murasame
The IPO's stylish Paris agent who appears to be totally invulnerable to any
sort of attack while sporting a bright pink overcoat, hat and well manicured
quiff, which even after gun shots and bomb blasts remains unscathed.
Professor Go
Chief scientist and technical genius of the IPO who never takes an aggressive
stance preferring to use his "Iron Fan Defence" when threatened.
Alberto
An egotistical and extremely powerful individual who can emit waves of pure
force. He once had a run-in with Taiso in which he lost an eye and is eager
for a rematch.
Genya
Genya is the son of the mad (?) Dr Franken von Folger and is resented by the
rest of the Magnificent Ten, particularly Alberto. He is driven by revenge and
haunted by the Bashtarlle incident, and his personal spy and bodyguard is the
silent, armour-clad Ko-Enshalu.
Ivan
Sneaky sidekick of Alberto who also pilots the Big Fire's, Uranus.
translation from the Anime Reference Guide, volume 2, number 1, printed
in 1993, page 30