1996 in anime
FILM
The Mighty Atom(1996)
It is the 22nd Century. Tobio Tenma, the young son of inventor Umataro Tenma, is caught in a car crash and killed. He becomes obsessed with creating an android child to replace him against the warnings of his friend and colleague Dr. Ochanomizu(shortened to Ochan most of the time). The android awakens in a Frankenstein-style sequence. Tenma is overjoyed but over time begins to dislike his creation as it shows more robotic traits Tenma sells the robot to a Circus which kills Robots in grotesque violent shows. The android’s defenses kick in and his superhuman abilities lead him to accidentally kill a robot opponent during a fight. Dr.Ochanomizu witnesses this while protesting for robot rights and approaches the robot. There is a fire at the Circus from a robot rebellion and the robot saves as many as he can. After saving the circus owner, Dr.Ochanomizu is allowed to adopt the robot and named him “Atom”. “Atom” begins to perform heroic acts and saving lives. Tenma, learning of his creation’s fate, takes an antagonist role and vows to destroy Atom, becoming the film’s antagonist.
The Film received positive reviews, usually around 76%. Many in Japan were happy to have a live action film adaptation of such an iconic character. Plans were made for a sequel. Spielberg wished to pass on the franchise to another director. Writer of Monster, Naomi Urasawa, was approached and wrote a pitch for a sequel film based on the storyline “The Strongest Robot in the World” which served as the basis for the script for the next film in the series titled in Japanese The Mighty Atom: The Strongest Robot in the World and in English The Mighty Atom II: Pluto[1]
The next Phase of the Japan Heroes Universe was being planned. With an Atom sequel in the works, an Ultraman film by Hideaki Anno, the Dororo sequel was further pushed back so as not to have two Tezuka projects in one phase.
Boys Over Flowers(1996)
A Live Action film based on the manga series by Yoko Kamio that ran from 1992 to 2004. One of the best selling manga of all time. The series a girl from a middle class family named Tsukushi Marino being sent to an elite high school. The male bullies at the school, called the F4, harass her, but then each begin to develop a crush on her.
Crayon Shin-chan: Great Adventure in Henderland(1996)
Shinnosuke is among a group of student who take a field trip to Henderland, a theme park based on a fairy tale about a Prince named Gorman, who fought a dragon to save Princess Mimori of Henderland, but was captured by the evil magical dolls of Joma and Makao. He finds a doll that moved and talked like a human named Toppema Mappet. Toppema reveals the Henderland story is real but Shonnosuke refuses to help even after Topeka gives him magical cards. A monster sent by Joma and Makao is defeated but Shinnosuke’s parents are abducted and replaced by puppets, who are revealed and defeated, leading Shinnosuke to take the cards and fight his way through Henderland to rescue his parents, succeeding and freeing the imprisoned Prince Gorman.
Doraemon at the End of the Line(1996)
A Crossover between Doraemon and Galaxy Express 999 which would end up being the final Doraemon film of the original run of films that began in 1980, due to the death of Doraemon co-creator Hiroshi Fujimoto, which led to the second Doraemon creator Motoo Abiko, to end the franchise, possibly inspired by the end of the Lupin III series after the death of the original voice actor. The two had written an ending for Doraemon that was incorporated into the film, which was quickly rewritten from a tribute story and “Just another adventure” to a touching finale. The film is scene as a metaphor for grief and Motoo missing his friend after their death is paralleled within the story itself[2].
The Film begins with Nobita and friends being nervous as Doraemon has been missing for a few days. He then reappears and announces he has purchased tickets to the future train Galaxy Express 999 in the 22nd century. Nobita notices that he is acting strange. Nobita is also concerned as it’s a school day but Doraemon reveals that since the train is in the future, they will use time travel to the exact moment they left and Nobita can finish his homework. The Train is revealed to be made up of carts which separate and rejoin at various points after the carts travel across time and space. The Train could theoretically arrive at tis destination almost immediately, but the enjoyment comes from the journey, not the destination.
The cast splits up to enjoy the various planets. A Parasitic race called the Yodori attack and begin infecting beings like a cart full of Dinosaurs as well as Nobita’s friends. As the crew fights for their lives, Doraemon reveals that because of the actions of the Yodori threatening all of time, a new law has been passed by the Time Police that will ban time travel, Doraemon tried to appeal but failed and realized this was his only chance to show Nobita and friends the future he really comes from, which is their true destination and for them to meet Doraemon’s creator, which unknown to Nobita, is Nobita’s own great grandson. Sewashi Nobi. Doraemon is excited for the two to finally meet only for them to be forced to meet earlier than expected to deal with the Yodori threat when Sewashi Nobi interferes to save his own ancestor, though he hides that they are related. The Yodori are thwarted by the group as Sewashi and Nobita work to create a cure that would purge the parasites. The Leader Yodori 9, infects Nobita but through sheer willpower and support from his friends, he is able to break free and expel the parasite. Doraemon expels most of his energy to release a cure for the Yodori. This succeeds but Doraemon is left exhausted and drained of much of his power. The Time Police Agency arrives and reveals that they have put a ban on time travel to prevent the Yodori from spreading until they are finally defeated. Sewashi says farewell and the group departs with Doraemon saying he will return to his own time soon.
When the group returns to the present, Nobita and Doraemon say goodbye to their friends, who have not been told about the end to time travel. Doraemon is clearly drained of power and acts like he’s dying while Nobita holds him in his room. Doraemon says “Oh Nobita, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask you…” He then powers down, drained of batteries. Nobita panics and starts trying to wake him up. When nothing works, Nobita vows to find a way to wake him up.
We then see a montage of Nobita and friends as teenagers and then as adults and finally as older people. Nobita has married Shizuka, and had been shown to become a world renowned scientist by selling many of his inventions, including an impressive energy source but is obsessed with still reviving Doraemon. Nobita’s friends dismiss Doraemon as they believe he left without even saying goodbye and Nobita and Shizuka don’t correct them but seem sad at this. The World outside has become a futuristic society from Nobita’s inventions. In the Final Scene, Nobita tries a new battery and inserts it into Doreamon with Shizuka present. Doraemon suddenly awakens and says “Did you finish you do your homework!?”. Noibta and Shizuka and Doraemon looks at them, seeing their younger selves as he recognizes them. Nobita and Suzuka begin to break down laughing with tears in their eyes and Nobita hugs Doraemon, the image transitioning to a painting of the younger Nobita hugging Doraemon, and with that the series ended.
The end of the Doraemon series, along with the end of World Masterpiece Theater and the Lupin III series led many to believe the 90's was a decade where "TV Movies went to die", though only Doraemon and Lupin III could be said to have had a connected reason for ending.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Wonders of the World(1996)
Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s own Super Mario Bros Movie. Released by MGM and Pen Densham as executive producer. Richard Jeffries wrote the script. It was released alongside Sonic’s 3D debut in Sonic Extreme for the Sega Saturn.
The film follows Josh Pinski, a 12 year old son whose parents are divorced. His father Hal, builds a supercomputer called XRI(Extremely Radical Intelligence) which malfunctions when Josh Pinski connected a Sega Saturn to it, bringing Sonic(Voiced by Jaleel White) to the real world as a 3D character. He and Josh meet and form a friendship. Dr.Robotnik(played by Robin Williams) escapes into the real world with his moons. Sonic finds himself losing his power and is unable to stop him. Sonic and Josh then head out to look for the Chaos Emeralds. Robotnik takes over an amusement park and turns it into his base, threatening to turn children into Badniks. Sonic with the Emeralds works to defeat Robotnik leading both to be sent back into the real world, though Sonic makes contact with Josh again[3].
Spring and Chaos(1996)
A film based on the life of poet Kenji Miyazawa, a beloved children’s film author in Japan and the turmoil he went through during World War II and the horrors he was exposed to.
X(1996)
Directed by Rintaro, who believes he got the job for the similar in style Gemma Wars. This was his first time working with CLAMP and found it to be a unique experience, working with them to rewrite the tragic ending as he felt it would be rejected by many viewers. This was also the first time he used computer animation. The protagonist is Kamui Shiro, whose mother died in a ritual to create a “Sacred Sword” sealed within his body. Shiro goes to Tokyo to try and learn his destiny, learning of a war between two factions known as the Dragons of the Heavens and the Dragons of the Earth. The head of both clans end up killing each other in a battle that devastates the city. Kamui ends up meeting his childhood friends Fuma and Kotori Moon. Princess Hint seeks to recruit Kamui into the Dragons of the Heavens with the intent that they protect Earth from their enemies and save mankind. Kamui is forced to when several fighters are murdered and the Dragons of the Earth target him and his friends. While the battle is a victory, most of the city is devastated and Fuma is killed, mourned by Kamui.
TV
Lupin IV(1996-)
A series following the young son of Lupin III following the conclusion of his series. Known for being a long runner[4]
Chrono Trigger(1996-1997)
An Adaptation of the Chrono Trigger video game, capitalizing both on the Final Fantasy Game Adaptations which began with the first game in 1994 , and the popularity of the DragonMan series, also by Akira Toriyama. It was deemed too complex for a single film and so was made a TV show.
Dragon Quest Saga(1996-1997)
The Previous Dragon Quest series was a loose adaptation of the first three games. This series adapted the other three games released since then, loosely tying their plots together.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team(1996-1999)
The series is set in Southeast Asia where the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon are fighting a guerilla war. Zeon has an experimental mobile suit and its pilot Aina Sahalin. Ensign Shiro Amada of the Earth Federation became commander of the 08th MS team. Aina and Shiro share a starcrossed lovers relationship while being on opposite sides[5].
Hell Teacher Nube(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1993 to 1997 by Takeshi Kano. The Series follows a Teacher and Exorcist who protects his students using a Demon sealed within his left hand.
The Legend of Zorro(1996-1997)
An Anime Adaptation of the Famous Zorro character. The Anime saw success largely due to coinciding with the release of Robert Rodriguez’s The Mask of Zorro starring Antonio Banderas, Sean Connery and Shakira[6].
Martian Successor Akito(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Kia Asamiya. The show was a hybrid of comedy and drama whole also parodying Anime tropes with a fictional anime within the world of the series called Gekigangar, that parodies giant Robot Anime. There were also many tropes present and references to Asteroid Ship Icarus and Battle City Megaroad. The show was originally to be called Martian Successor Yamato, but there was controversy stemming from when Producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki, who was caught smuggling drugs and weapons, including Howitzer shells. He attempted to flee in his car and made it to his Yacht, the Yamato. A police chase ensued and ended with the Police firing on the Yamato, causing it to sink and coincidentally, settle on the ocean floor on top of the remains of the battleship Yamato from which it got its name, taking the life of Nishizaki. An autopsy revealed that Nishizaki had actually suffered a heart attack and fallen overboard during the shootout[7].
In the year 2196, Earth is at war with alien invaders called the “Jovian Lizards”. A company called Neural Heavy Industries designs a battleship called the ND-001 Nadesico with eccentric scientists and experts brought onboard. A young boy named Akito Tenkawa from Mars is brought onboard with no memories and while he wants to become a chef, he is forced to become a pilot. Nearly all the female members of the crew are attracted to him, including the Captan Eureka Misumaru, but he just wants to cook and watch his favorite anime Gekiganger.
Rintaro of the Galaxy(1996-1999)
A Series by Masami Kuramada, known for Rintaro. While Kurumada conceived of the concept independently, the series is essentially a spinoff of Codename Sailor V[8], due to the Seiya appearing as the male equivalent to the Sailor Senshi within that series. Seiya is an orphan living in the Sanctuary in Greece who is granted protected armor and joins the Goddess Athena’s 88 Warriors.The series initially begins prior to that series and follows Seiya, who is forced to compete in a tournament with other Saints to win the strongest Cloth, the Sagittarius Gold Cloth, but the cloth is stolen by the vengeful Phoenix Bronze Saint Ikki, who is fought and defeated. The second major arc has the Saints discover the reincarnation of Athena is Saori Kido and that the Pope of sanctuary is corrupt. The Saints discover that members of the other Saints have also become corrupt while some have remained good. The Pope is found to have split personality and takes his own life when his good side regains control. The next arc features Poseidon, who has been reincarnated in the body of Julian Solo and intends to flood through world. He is discovered to be manipulated by Gemini Kanon. The next antagonist is Hades, who revives the Dead Gold Saints and Pope to kill Athena. Saori kills herself to travel to the underworld and fight Hades with the others following. Seiya sacrifices himself and the others returns to Earth. The Final arc pits the group against Zeus, with a brainwashed Seiya being revived and force to break free of mind control to save his friends.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(1996-1997)
An Anime based on the TMNT franchise. With the Animated Series having recently concluded. The franchise was looking for other avenues to explore and the idea of bringing the franchise to Japan, along with G.I.Joe and Transformers. Tezuka productions and the resident “Madhouse” as a group of the creators were called chose TMNT because of the established connection to Japanese culture. They were hesitant to accept G.I.Joe and were conceiving of ideas for Transformers. While they were given creative control, the series was given some elements of being a sort of alternate universe sequel. In the original series, Shredder was defeated in New York. In this version, Shredder and his henchman are defeated but escape to Japan. The Turtles and Splinter take the fight to the Foot Ninja’s headquarters in Japan and more details were given regarding the history of Saki Oroku and Yoshi Hamato and the past segments where the two were Samurai centuries ago that led to Yoshi and his four sons being killed but vowing to be reincarnated and seek revenge on Saki[9].
Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story by Nobuhiro Watsuki that ran from 1992 to 1997. The series is set in 1878 during the Meiji era. Himura Kenshin wanders the countryside with a reverse-bladed Katana. Kenshin was unnamed in the first two stories, which featured him rescuing Chizuru, the daughter of a merchant, from a jealous former Samurai. The second was expanded upon by the introduction of three siblings: Kaoru, Megumi and Yahiko. Their father had been a comrade of Kenshin’s. Megumi is shy and submissive. A former student takes over the Kamiya Dojo and demands to marry Megumi to obtain it legally and turn it into a gambling hall. After Kenshin defeats the former student, he is invited by the siblings to stay a while he is an infamous assassin, he is peace loving and not cold-hearted. Kenshin then learns of Shishio Makoto, who seeks to conquer Japan. Kenshin trains to defeat him with his friends without resorting to the cold-blooded killer he was when he defeated him previously. Kenshin and friends are then forced to fight against the maniacal Yukishiro Enishi. After his defeat, Kenshin marries Kaoru and they have a sone named Himura Kenji with Kenshin passing on his blade to Yahiko.
While a Sequel was planned by Watsuki, it would sadly never materialize due to tragedy. Nobuhiro Watsuki was one of the victims of a tragic shooting at the animation studio...[10].
Saber Marionette J(1996-1997)
Set sometime in the 22nd Century, Humanity has grown so much they have expanded into space. One expedition crashes on a planet dubbed Terra II but with only six men surviving. They get to work and build a futuristic society after perfecting cloning. The planet’s lack of women is countered by the creation of Marionettes, or female androids. Teenager Otaru Mamiya discovers a Marionette that possesses free will.
Those Who Hunt Elves(1996-1997)
A group is transported to a fantasy world with military weapons and a tank. In order to return home they must find five spell fragments tattooed onto the skin of several Elves. The show uses the idea of the group having to strip elves naked for comedy rather than sexuality.
Violinist of Hamelin(1996-1997)
Set in a world in which Demons called Mazoku share the Earth but with their leader, King Chasta having been sealed away in Pandora’s box. Pandora herself conceived two children operated as infants. The protagonist Hamel has an enchanted violin that makes enemies repent their sins and kills themselves but Hamlin is an immoral fiend who wants to extort those he saves. He kidnaps a young girl named Flute as payment for saving a village and is joined by a crow named Oboe, Hamel’s childhood fired Raiel, who duels with a golden piano that summons spirits and controls people, and Trombone, a young prince from the warrior nation of Dal Segno. Hamel’s Violin is broken during a battle and it is revealed he is the son of King Chestra and intends to kill his father and rescue his mother. They journey to the kingdom of Sforzando, where they discover Flute is actually the lost Princess of the Kingdom. Hamel leaves to repair his violin and the Kingdom is attacked while he and Raiel are absent, but they return Just in time to turn the tide of the battle and take the fight to King Chasta.
Baby & Me(1996-1997)
Based on the manga by Marino Ragawa that ran from 1991 to 1997. The series follows Takuya Enoki, a 5th grader who has two take care of his two year old brother on his own after his mother dies and his father works long hours.
IN THE NEWS
Saban entertainment obtains Science Ninja Team Gatchaman license. Gatchaman planned included in Japan Heroes Universe phase II, joining Ultraman and Atom II: Pluto. At this time, a logo was leaked consisting of a diamond with four squares. The shadows of Atom, Ken the Eagle, and Ultraman were featured but the bottom square was left with a question mark. Memory Oshii has expressed the belief that if there is one repeat on the four squares, then they should not appear again, suggesting a future plan to swap out Atom.
Mizuiro Jidai(1996-1997)
Based on the manga that ran from 1991 to 1994 by You Yabuchi. The series follows Yuko Kawai, a high school student as she comes of age, such as falling in love with the boy next door.
Love after World Domination(1996)
Based upon a cancelled Sentai series: Gekisou Sentai Carranger. The plot follows a scenario where the ranger Red Racer and the villainess Zonette fall in love with each other while being on opposite sides of a conflict[11].
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable(1996-1997)
At the conclusion of the last part, Dio Brando was finally defeated but both Roberto Pucci and Funny Valentine escaped with independent plans. It is now the 1960’s and Jotaro Joestar has had two children, Josuke and Jolyne. The two are polar opposites in terms of personality. Josuke is a good kid in school who will stand up for other teens who are being bullied while Jolyne is in juvenile prison(actually for taking credit for something her boyfriend did). Funny Valentine has become President of the United States as his ability to look into alternate universes allowed him to change history. He convinced John F.Kennedy to not run by showing him he would be assassinated. Valentine has promised to leave the Joestar’s alone and even offer them protection provided they help take down rogue stand users. In a flashback, Jotaro Joestar and Giorno Giovanna tracked down Roberto Pucci but refused to kill him. Valentine manipulates the system so Jolyne would be sent to the same prison for stand users that Pucci is being kept in the hopes that Pucci would try to kill Jolyne and would either be killed in self defense or succeed in killing her which would goad Jotaro or Josuke into killing Pucci. Both Joestar’s request to be let into the prison to save Jolyne.
Pucci hires a death row stand inmate named Angelo to try and kill Jolyne. When Jotaro intervenes, another stand user named White Snake steals Jotaro’s memories in the form of two disks. This places Jotaro in a coma until the discs are retrieved. One disc falls into the hands of Pucci as he makes his escape while the other falls into the hands of President Valentine, who uses it to force Josuke and Jolyne to chase after Pucci. Both Pucci and Valentine are revealed to be searching for the same thing, the pieces of a corpse said to belong to Jesus Christ scattered across the United States. Pucci intends to use it to complete Dio’s Over Heaven plan while Valentine plans to use it to resurrect himself due to having a vision of his perceived assassination. Pucci, learning of Valentine’s plan, hires a serial killer stand user named Yoshikage Kira with a stand named Killer Queen, which he uses to erase evidence of all his murders. Kira refuses to assassinate Valentine due to his preferred target being women, but accepts a mission to kill Jolyne from Pucci. They are granted a team of Stand users.
Pucci obtains a piece of the corpse and experiments on it, creating a Homunculi called the Green Baby, which Pucci fuses with to increase his own power before retreating to Orlando, Florida and the site of a planned launch of a space shuttle to the moon with the intent to use the Shuttle as part of the ritual to activate Over Heaven as well as assassinate Valentine, who is at the launch. Kira nearly kills Jolyne in an attack which changes his mind and he decides to kill Valentine, to do this he kills and impersonates another man named Kosaku. Kosaku’s son begin to suspect something and eventually discover’s Kira’s plan to kill Valentine, but he is trapped by another stand user with “Time in a Bottle” forcing him to repeat the same events and telling anyone will kill them. They finally find a way to break free thanks to Funny Valentine being warned and using his ability to summon a heroic version of Dio from another universe with the World cancelling out the Time in a Bottle ability. Kira is killed when his skull is crushed under an Ambulance’s tires. Giorno Giovanna also arrives to help battle Pucci. The Launch is nearly prevented when Joestar team member Weather Report interferes with the launch of the Shuttle but is killed by Pucci, who activates his plan as “Made in Heaven” and begins to warp reality, speeding everything forward in time. The Joestars are able to awaken Jotaro Joestar, who uses his version of the World in combination with the Heroic Dio’s to stop “Made in Heaven” at the cost of the Hero Dio’s life. The reversal allows Weather Report to kill Pucci. The reversal goes back too far and results in Valentine’s assassination being successful but Kira is killed soon after. It is implied Valentine’s assassination was part of his plan as looking into other universes led him to learn that in order to ensure world peace he would need to become President and then die a martyr[12].
DVA
Angel Densetsu(1996)
Based on the manga by Norihiro Yogi that ran from 1993 to 2000. The Series follows a boy named Kitano, who is a nice boy with the heart of an angel but due to several awkward misunderstandings, is believed to be a juvenile delinquent. The opposite of his true personality.
Apocalypse Zero(1996)
Based on the manga by Takayuki Yamaguchi. Two brothers named Kakugo and Harara are trained by their father Oboro to battle monsters in a post apocalyptic Tokyo following a powerful earthquake. They are given cyborg exoskeletons forged with the souls of deceased warriors. Harara becomes possessed by an evil within and is corrupted with a desire to destroy all mankind. Kakugo must now defeat his evil sibling and his demon army.
Birdy the Mighty(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Manami Yuki that ran from 1985 to 1988. The series follows Federation Agent Birdy Cephon Altera, who follows a criminal to Earth. When a high school boy is fatally wounded, Birdy takes his mind into her own body while his own body is repaired. They end up becoming partners as they work together to thwart aliens attacking Earth.
Kodocha(1996-1998)
Based on the manga by Miho Obana that ran from 1994 to 1998. The series follows Sana Kurata, a cheerful popular eleven year old child actress who attends a chaotic elementary school and begins a friendship with a boy named Akito Hayama.
Magic User’s Club(1996-1997)
A Series by Triangle Staff headed by Junichi Sato, who had built a reputation under Toei Dōga. Sato had directed Maple Town Stories in 1986 at a young age and was offered to do Kiki’s Delivery Service, but was turned down in favor of Takahata, he did however run a program training both Toei and Ghibli animators and was the series director for Codename: Sailor V and Junkers Come Here and was involved in the Alcion trilogy due to having met Hideaki Anno when he was a student. Magic User’s Club was his first original work. A strange alien object called the Bell appears several miles over Tokyo. It sits in the air and destroys anything that attacks it while sending out probes. A group of children who discovered they possess genuine magic powers thanks to one member finding a magic book, believe the Bell will attack Earth and begin to prepare for that day, making it a rare case of both a magical girl and magical boy show.
Sanctuary(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Sho Fumimara(known as Buronson), writer of First of the North Star. The Series follows two childhood friends Akira Tojo and Chiaki Asami who struggle to survive in Japan. They play rock paper scissors to make important decisions with Akira joining a Yakuza gang and Chiaki striving to become a politician hoping to change Japan for the better. Both fought in the Cambodian War and have the same goal of turning Japan into a Sanctuary, but by different means. Akira’s rise is much quicker as he kills his way to the top while hoping to reform the Yakuza into a force for good. Chiaki finds himself at odds with the current government of older politicians and forms his own political party made up largely of Japan’s disenfranchised youths. Both succeed by the end with Akira united the Yakuza and reforming it, turning the supposed front for the organization into the entire organization and Chiaki becoming Prime Minister of Japan. They then travel to Cambodia where their journey began before Chiaki passes away.
Shamanic Princess(1996-1998)
The throne to another dimension known as the Guardian World is stolen and a two groups of guardians are sent to retrieve it as its absence threatens to destroy their world.
Starship Girl Yamamoto Yoko(1996)
In 2999 AD, two factions called TERRA and NESS fight to a standstill using spaceships that teleport the pilot out before death, resulting in no casualties. A time traveller from TERRA recruits four teenage girls from 1999 to help his faction win the stalemate.
V.G. Neo(1996-1997)
A Hentai based upon the video game series of the same name. The premise of the game franchise involved an all female tournament in which the losers were publicly and sexually humiliated or assaulted, though many still compete due to the large amount of money offered[13].
Fake(1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1995 to 2000. A gay love story about a half Japanese cop named Randy Maclean who is partnered in New York with Dee Laytner.
His Soul is Marching onto another World(1996-1997)
Also known as the “John Brown Isekai”. The title coming from a lyric from the song John Brown’s body made in his honor. John Brown, after his death, finds himself stuck in a fantasy world that practices slavery, where he immediately resumes his quest and begins brutally killing slave owners while quoting bible verses, Pulp Fiction style and forming an army of freed slaves while armed with a shotgun, and then later with medieval weapons and magic[14].
Jewel BEM Hunter Lime(1996-1997)
Based on the Video Game series. A portal opens to a magical world and two beings named Lime and Bass follow a Demon who has stolen six power gems to the human world and must recover them all.
Kimera(1996)
Essentially, a gay Vampire story. A mysterious ship crash-lands in America and begins to drain people of fluids with tentacles. A Japanese foreigner named Osamu and his fired Jay are traveling when they are attacked by Vampire like creatures when they discover a mysterious man named Kimera. Jays’ father is a member of a research team studying the vampires. A Vampire named Kainu attacks to reclaim Kimera while another named Ginzu protects him. Osamu and Kimera begin to fall in love[15].
Maze(1996-1997)
Based on the novel by Satoru Akahori. Maze is a girl who wakes up in her wrecked house with amnesia. A girl named Mill appears and thanks her for saving her life as her house killed her attackers. Maze discovers that she has magic powers and can command Mill’s family mecha. She also discovers that she gains a separate male personality and swaps gender during the day. She becomes embroiled in the conflict to find out how she got there and restore Mill to the throne.
My Dear Marie(1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1994 to 1996. Hiroshi Karigari is a college student who is shy and awkward around humans but an expert in robotics. He had a crush on another girl named Marie and creates an android of her to practice talking to her also named Marie. The android Marie is virtually identical to the real Marie but somehow develops its own different personality. The android Marie meets the real one and Hiroshi lies and says that the other Marie is their long lost sister. A tough girl with a crush on Hiroshi named Hibiki learns the truth and blackmails Hiroshi to become her boyfriend.
Butterflied Away:
Tatsunoko’s collapse butterflies away a Cinderella adaptation they made this year.
Magical Girl Pretty Sammy-Butterflied away due to being a spinoff of Tenchi Muyo! Itself butterflied by Bubblegum Crisis not existing, it’s inspiration.
Slayers Return. Slayers being a TV Series, the second film was folded into it.
Brave Command Dagwon. Butterflied away as the Brave series doesn’t exist.
NOTES
[1] Would follow a similar plot to Urasawa's Pluto manga but much earlier. See the Netflix series for an idea of how the plot would go, sans the side plot about the reason for the war as that was inspired by OTL's Bush's "There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq". It's happening earlier as an adaptation of Urasawa's Monster was a hit earlier and kickstarted a trend of Anime adaptations.
[2] The "Finale" to Doraemon is based on a fan made manga that many believed to be the real finale to the series. You can read it here.
[3] OTL cancelled movie which replaces a Sonic the Hedgehog OVA. Details provided here:
This film will do just enough to get a sequel which like OTL's Sonic the Hedgehog would have a sequel introducing Tails and Knuckles and a final film in 2001 tying into the then recent introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, and also introduces Amy Rose and Rouge the Bat.
[4] ITTL due to the end of the Lupin III franchise, the initial concept that became Detective Conan was repurposed into Lupin IV, which due to the cancelled Lupin VIII existing, there is a precedent for there being further successors to the Lupin name, plus this one's a Detective rather than a thief, leading to a unique contrast.
[5] Unlike OTL, director Takeyuki Kanda does not die in a car crash and lends his assistance to the series. The show is actually a composite of several OTL Gundam shows as rather than creating new shows while one ran and create competition. The elements of the shows were mixed, butterflying away After Gundam X, and Endless Waltz.
[6] OTL Robert Rodriguez was to direct but left the film over creative differences.One contribution of his to rename was Antonio Banderas as the lead while before it was Andy Garcia.Sean Connery play Diego De La Vega and Shakira as the love interest were also in consideration.
[7] A combination of two incidents involving Nishizaki. An arrest in 1997 where he was found with drugs and weapons(M16, Grenade Launchers and Glocks) and again in 1999(this time with Howitzer shells) along with an allusion to his OTL Death. OTL he was the producer that gave Space Battleship Yamato its name, and his steamboat was also named that. The OTL series Martian Successor Nadesico had to be renamed with the word Yamato being used as its title was an allusion to that series, which it was parodying, specifically the phrase "Yamato Nadeshiko" which is a type of flower. Here it took "Akito" the name of the protagonist.
[8] Muramada originally wanted to do a Karate Kid style series. ITTL the Saint Seiya characters were introduced ITTL's Sailor Moon as essentially the male equivalents to the Sailor Senshi, making this a case of a spinoff, though it's seen as a good one. OTL the author was forced to end the series earlier. Conjecture is that since one are had them fight Poseidon, and then the next had them fight Hades, Zeus would be next as the "Big Three Olympian Gods".
[9] ITTL Transformers: Headmasters does not exist ITTL as OTL it was created during a lull in Transformers content. As a result of the delay ITTL, the Transformers Anime will be a continuity overhaul with the classic characters rather than a sequel to the movie. Crossovers with TMNT will lead people in Japan to associate Transformers/TMNT crossovers rather than the US Transformers/G.I.Joe crossovers. While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will get its own dedicated post, the comic and the Animated Series are both more or less the IDW run which had co-creator Laird return to the franchise. Here is a summary which can double as one for the Animated Series, and the Anime being an alternate universe where Shredder escapes the final battle:
[10] Will not elaborate too much...yet... but this is somewhat analogous to the 2019 Kyoto Animation Arson Attack. For those who don't know the author Watsuki was arrested for Child Pornography in 2017. While it's difficult to find when this started. ITTL he is a casualty of the attack.
[11] OTL Gekisou Sentai Carranger was released. It's considered one of the weaker Sentai series as they swapped out the transforming vehicles for Cars. A problem which many believe led it to ruin the Power Rangers franchise when they decided to adapt that Sentai Work for Power Rangers Turbo. ITTL Power Rangers began much earlier, Saban pitching it for decades and so it used a different Sentai series and diverted before it got to Turbo. Red Racer and Zonette being in love was a subplot in the original Sentai series. The title comes from an OTL 2019 Anime with the same basic premise, has more of an impact ITTL as its now coming out at the Zeitgeist of the thing it is parodying. It's placement is based on the existence of Special Duty Combat Duty Shinesman, which was a series that was considered just Ok and also included the hero and villain on both sides fall in love as a joke. The series did have a unique twist of the alien invades instead invading by forming a corporation to monopolize most of the Earth's resources.
[12] A hybrid of several later parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, specifically OTL's Diamond is Unbreakable(largely Josuke and Kira), Stone Ocean(Jolyne, Pucci and the Disks), and Steel Ball Run(President Funny Valentine and the Corpse plot). This is largely because the series moving chunks of time forward every part means Araki wanted to use all his ideas involving Jotaro and his children and relatives. President Funny Valentine could be seen as roughly analogous to the role the Speedwagon Foundation holds in OTL's Jojo's Bizarre Adventure as an organization that can seemingly do anything to help the Jojo's, except its the President pulling some strings in exchange for giving them assignments.
[13] OTL the OVA based on the game toned down the more explicit elements which evidently hurt its progress. Since this kind of plot wouldn't be acceptable now and probably not ITTL, both are now adults only. I assume the Video Games would have a lot of players losing on purpose.
[14] Based on an OTL Joke that emerged about how many Isekai protagonists are ok with slavery, being in words that practice it and doing nothing to stop it. This largely emerged in 2019 when Rise of the Shield Hero became popular and contained this trope complete with the slave being freed but willingly letting themselves be enslaved again out of love for their new owner and other series also copying that aspect. John Brown, of course is as anti-slavery as you can get down to shooting on sight and freeing the slaves. The placement is based on a forgotten Anime called Garvey's Wings where the protagonist has the same goals of freeing slaves, that is now largely forgotten. The DVAs unexpected popular will have a ripple effect on Isekai protagonists working to end slavery rather than take part in it.
[15] OTL the OVA changed the plot in a disliked way by turning the titular character largely female while most readers saw them as male. This change not only makes it a gay love story, but also changes the plot, which was about Kimera's pursuers wanting her in order to mate and continue the species.
FILM
The Mighty Atom(1996)
It is the 22nd Century. Tobio Tenma, the young son of inventor Umataro Tenma, is caught in a car crash and killed. He becomes obsessed with creating an android child to replace him against the warnings of his friend and colleague Dr. Ochanomizu(shortened to Ochan most of the time). The android awakens in a Frankenstein-style sequence. Tenma is overjoyed but over time begins to dislike his creation as it shows more robotic traits Tenma sells the robot to a Circus which kills Robots in grotesque violent shows. The android’s defenses kick in and his superhuman abilities lead him to accidentally kill a robot opponent during a fight. Dr.Ochanomizu witnesses this while protesting for robot rights and approaches the robot. There is a fire at the Circus from a robot rebellion and the robot saves as many as he can. After saving the circus owner, Dr.Ochanomizu is allowed to adopt the robot and named him “Atom”. “Atom” begins to perform heroic acts and saving lives. Tenma, learning of his creation’s fate, takes an antagonist role and vows to destroy Atom, becoming the film’s antagonist.
The Film received positive reviews, usually around 76%. Many in Japan were happy to have a live action film adaptation of such an iconic character. Plans were made for a sequel. Spielberg wished to pass on the franchise to another director. Writer of Monster, Naomi Urasawa, was approached and wrote a pitch for a sequel film based on the storyline “The Strongest Robot in the World” which served as the basis for the script for the next film in the series titled in Japanese The Mighty Atom: The Strongest Robot in the World and in English The Mighty Atom II: Pluto[1]
The next Phase of the Japan Heroes Universe was being planned. With an Atom sequel in the works, an Ultraman film by Hideaki Anno, the Dororo sequel was further pushed back so as not to have two Tezuka projects in one phase.
Boys Over Flowers(1996)
A Live Action film based on the manga series by Yoko Kamio that ran from 1992 to 2004. One of the best selling manga of all time. The series a girl from a middle class family named Tsukushi Marino being sent to an elite high school. The male bullies at the school, called the F4, harass her, but then each begin to develop a crush on her.
Crayon Shin-chan: Great Adventure in Henderland(1996)
Shinnosuke is among a group of student who take a field trip to Henderland, a theme park based on a fairy tale about a Prince named Gorman, who fought a dragon to save Princess Mimori of Henderland, but was captured by the evil magical dolls of Joma and Makao. He finds a doll that moved and talked like a human named Toppema Mappet. Toppema reveals the Henderland story is real but Shonnosuke refuses to help even after Topeka gives him magical cards. A monster sent by Joma and Makao is defeated but Shinnosuke’s parents are abducted and replaced by puppets, who are revealed and defeated, leading Shinnosuke to take the cards and fight his way through Henderland to rescue his parents, succeeding and freeing the imprisoned Prince Gorman.
Doraemon at the End of the Line(1996)
A Crossover between Doraemon and Galaxy Express 999 which would end up being the final Doraemon film of the original run of films that began in 1980, due to the death of Doraemon co-creator Hiroshi Fujimoto, which led to the second Doraemon creator Motoo Abiko, to end the franchise, possibly inspired by the end of the Lupin III series after the death of the original voice actor. The two had written an ending for Doraemon that was incorporated into the film, which was quickly rewritten from a tribute story and “Just another adventure” to a touching finale. The film is scene as a metaphor for grief and Motoo missing his friend after their death is paralleled within the story itself[2].
The Film begins with Nobita and friends being nervous as Doraemon has been missing for a few days. He then reappears and announces he has purchased tickets to the future train Galaxy Express 999 in the 22nd century. Nobita notices that he is acting strange. Nobita is also concerned as it’s a school day but Doraemon reveals that since the train is in the future, they will use time travel to the exact moment they left and Nobita can finish his homework. The Train is revealed to be made up of carts which separate and rejoin at various points after the carts travel across time and space. The Train could theoretically arrive at tis destination almost immediately, but the enjoyment comes from the journey, not the destination.
The cast splits up to enjoy the various planets. A Parasitic race called the Yodori attack and begin infecting beings like a cart full of Dinosaurs as well as Nobita’s friends. As the crew fights for their lives, Doraemon reveals that because of the actions of the Yodori threatening all of time, a new law has been passed by the Time Police that will ban time travel, Doraemon tried to appeal but failed and realized this was his only chance to show Nobita and friends the future he really comes from, which is their true destination and for them to meet Doraemon’s creator, which unknown to Nobita, is Nobita’s own great grandson. Sewashi Nobi. Doraemon is excited for the two to finally meet only for them to be forced to meet earlier than expected to deal with the Yodori threat when Sewashi Nobi interferes to save his own ancestor, though he hides that they are related. The Yodori are thwarted by the group as Sewashi and Nobita work to create a cure that would purge the parasites. The Leader Yodori 9, infects Nobita but through sheer willpower and support from his friends, he is able to break free and expel the parasite. Doraemon expels most of his energy to release a cure for the Yodori. This succeeds but Doraemon is left exhausted and drained of much of his power. The Time Police Agency arrives and reveals that they have put a ban on time travel to prevent the Yodori from spreading until they are finally defeated. Sewashi says farewell and the group departs with Doraemon saying he will return to his own time soon.
When the group returns to the present, Nobita and Doraemon say goodbye to their friends, who have not been told about the end to time travel. Doraemon is clearly drained of power and acts like he’s dying while Nobita holds him in his room. Doraemon says “Oh Nobita, there’s one more thing I wanted to ask you…” He then powers down, drained of batteries. Nobita panics and starts trying to wake him up. When nothing works, Nobita vows to find a way to wake him up.
We then see a montage of Nobita and friends as teenagers and then as adults and finally as older people. Nobita has married Shizuka, and had been shown to become a world renowned scientist by selling many of his inventions, including an impressive energy source but is obsessed with still reviving Doraemon. Nobita’s friends dismiss Doraemon as they believe he left without even saying goodbye and Nobita and Shizuka don’t correct them but seem sad at this. The World outside has become a futuristic society from Nobita’s inventions. In the Final Scene, Nobita tries a new battery and inserts it into Doreamon with Shizuka present. Doraemon suddenly awakens and says “Did you finish you do your homework!?”. Noibta and Shizuka and Doraemon looks at them, seeing their younger selves as he recognizes them. Nobita and Suzuka begin to break down laughing with tears in their eyes and Nobita hugs Doraemon, the image transitioning to a painting of the younger Nobita hugging Doraemon, and with that the series ended.
The end of the Doraemon series, along with the end of World Masterpiece Theater and the Lupin III series led many to believe the 90's was a decade where "TV Movies went to die", though only Doraemon and Lupin III could be said to have had a connected reason for ending.
Sonic the Hedgehog: Wonders of the World(1996)
Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s own Super Mario Bros Movie. Released by MGM and Pen Densham as executive producer. Richard Jeffries wrote the script. It was released alongside Sonic’s 3D debut in Sonic Extreme for the Sega Saturn.
The film follows Josh Pinski, a 12 year old son whose parents are divorced. His father Hal, builds a supercomputer called XRI(Extremely Radical Intelligence) which malfunctions when Josh Pinski connected a Sega Saturn to it, bringing Sonic(Voiced by Jaleel White) to the real world as a 3D character. He and Josh meet and form a friendship. Dr.Robotnik(played by Robin Williams) escapes into the real world with his moons. Sonic finds himself losing his power and is unable to stop him. Sonic and Josh then head out to look for the Chaos Emeralds. Robotnik takes over an amusement park and turns it into his base, threatening to turn children into Badniks. Sonic with the Emeralds works to defeat Robotnik leading both to be sent back into the real world, though Sonic makes contact with Josh again[3].
Spring and Chaos(1996)
A film based on the life of poet Kenji Miyazawa, a beloved children’s film author in Japan and the turmoil he went through during World War II and the horrors he was exposed to.
X(1996)
Directed by Rintaro, who believes he got the job for the similar in style Gemma Wars. This was his first time working with CLAMP and found it to be a unique experience, working with them to rewrite the tragic ending as he felt it would be rejected by many viewers. This was also the first time he used computer animation. The protagonist is Kamui Shiro, whose mother died in a ritual to create a “Sacred Sword” sealed within his body. Shiro goes to Tokyo to try and learn his destiny, learning of a war between two factions known as the Dragons of the Heavens and the Dragons of the Earth. The head of both clans end up killing each other in a battle that devastates the city. Kamui ends up meeting his childhood friends Fuma and Kotori Moon. Princess Hint seeks to recruit Kamui into the Dragons of the Heavens with the intent that they protect Earth from their enemies and save mankind. Kamui is forced to when several fighters are murdered and the Dragons of the Earth target him and his friends. While the battle is a victory, most of the city is devastated and Fuma is killed, mourned by Kamui.
TV
Lupin IV(1996-)
A series following the young son of Lupin III following the conclusion of his series. Known for being a long runner[4]
Chrono Trigger(1996-1997)
An Adaptation of the Chrono Trigger video game, capitalizing both on the Final Fantasy Game Adaptations which began with the first game in 1994 , and the popularity of the DragonMan series, also by Akira Toriyama. It was deemed too complex for a single film and so was made a TV show.
Dragon Quest Saga(1996-1997)
The Previous Dragon Quest series was a loose adaptation of the first three games. This series adapted the other three games released since then, loosely tying their plots together.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team(1996-1999)
The series is set in Southeast Asia where the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon are fighting a guerilla war. Zeon has an experimental mobile suit and its pilot Aina Sahalin. Ensign Shiro Amada of the Earth Federation became commander of the 08th MS team. Aina and Shiro share a starcrossed lovers relationship while being on opposite sides[5].
Hell Teacher Nube(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga that ran from 1993 to 1997 by Takeshi Kano. The Series follows a Teacher and Exorcist who protects his students using a Demon sealed within his left hand.
The Legend of Zorro(1996-1997)
An Anime Adaptation of the Famous Zorro character. The Anime saw success largely due to coinciding with the release of Robert Rodriguez’s The Mask of Zorro starring Antonio Banderas, Sean Connery and Shakira[6].
Martian Successor Akito(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Kia Asamiya. The show was a hybrid of comedy and drama whole also parodying Anime tropes with a fictional anime within the world of the series called Gekigangar, that parodies giant Robot Anime. There were also many tropes present and references to Asteroid Ship Icarus and Battle City Megaroad. The show was originally to be called Martian Successor Yamato, but there was controversy stemming from when Producer Yoshinobu Nishizaki, who was caught smuggling drugs and weapons, including Howitzer shells. He attempted to flee in his car and made it to his Yacht, the Yamato. A police chase ensued and ended with the Police firing on the Yamato, causing it to sink and coincidentally, settle on the ocean floor on top of the remains of the battleship Yamato from which it got its name, taking the life of Nishizaki. An autopsy revealed that Nishizaki had actually suffered a heart attack and fallen overboard during the shootout[7].
In the year 2196, Earth is at war with alien invaders called the “Jovian Lizards”. A company called Neural Heavy Industries designs a battleship called the ND-001 Nadesico with eccentric scientists and experts brought onboard. A young boy named Akito Tenkawa from Mars is brought onboard with no memories and while he wants to become a chef, he is forced to become a pilot. Nearly all the female members of the crew are attracted to him, including the Captan Eureka Misumaru, but he just wants to cook and watch his favorite anime Gekiganger.
Rintaro of the Galaxy(1996-1999)
A Series by Masami Kuramada, known for Rintaro. While Kurumada conceived of the concept independently, the series is essentially a spinoff of Codename Sailor V[8], due to the Seiya appearing as the male equivalent to the Sailor Senshi within that series. Seiya is an orphan living in the Sanctuary in Greece who is granted protected armor and joins the Goddess Athena’s 88 Warriors.The series initially begins prior to that series and follows Seiya, who is forced to compete in a tournament with other Saints to win the strongest Cloth, the Sagittarius Gold Cloth, but the cloth is stolen by the vengeful Phoenix Bronze Saint Ikki, who is fought and defeated. The second major arc has the Saints discover the reincarnation of Athena is Saori Kido and that the Pope of sanctuary is corrupt. The Saints discover that members of the other Saints have also become corrupt while some have remained good. The Pope is found to have split personality and takes his own life when his good side regains control. The next arc features Poseidon, who has been reincarnated in the body of Julian Solo and intends to flood through world. He is discovered to be manipulated by Gemini Kanon. The next antagonist is Hades, who revives the Dead Gold Saints and Pope to kill Athena. Saori kills herself to travel to the underworld and fight Hades with the others following. Seiya sacrifices himself and the others returns to Earth. The Final arc pits the group against Zeus, with a brainwashed Seiya being revived and force to break free of mind control to save his friends.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(1996-1997)
An Anime based on the TMNT franchise. With the Animated Series having recently concluded. The franchise was looking for other avenues to explore and the idea of bringing the franchise to Japan, along with G.I.Joe and Transformers. Tezuka productions and the resident “Madhouse” as a group of the creators were called chose TMNT because of the established connection to Japanese culture. They were hesitant to accept G.I.Joe and were conceiving of ideas for Transformers. While they were given creative control, the series was given some elements of being a sort of alternate universe sequel. In the original series, Shredder was defeated in New York. In this version, Shredder and his henchman are defeated but escape to Japan. The Turtles and Splinter take the fight to the Foot Ninja’s headquarters in Japan and more details were given regarding the history of Saki Oroku and Yoshi Hamato and the past segments where the two were Samurai centuries ago that led to Yoshi and his four sons being killed but vowing to be reincarnated and seek revenge on Saki[9].
Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Rurouni: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story by Nobuhiro Watsuki that ran from 1992 to 1997. The series is set in 1878 during the Meiji era. Himura Kenshin wanders the countryside with a reverse-bladed Katana. Kenshin was unnamed in the first two stories, which featured him rescuing Chizuru, the daughter of a merchant, from a jealous former Samurai. The second was expanded upon by the introduction of three siblings: Kaoru, Megumi and Yahiko. Their father had been a comrade of Kenshin’s. Megumi is shy and submissive. A former student takes over the Kamiya Dojo and demands to marry Megumi to obtain it legally and turn it into a gambling hall. After Kenshin defeats the former student, he is invited by the siblings to stay a while he is an infamous assassin, he is peace loving and not cold-hearted. Kenshin then learns of Shishio Makoto, who seeks to conquer Japan. Kenshin trains to defeat him with his friends without resorting to the cold-blooded killer he was when he defeated him previously. Kenshin and friends are then forced to fight against the maniacal Yukishiro Enishi. After his defeat, Kenshin marries Kaoru and they have a sone named Himura Kenji with Kenshin passing on his blade to Yahiko.
While a Sequel was planned by Watsuki, it would sadly never materialize due to tragedy. Nobuhiro Watsuki was one of the victims of a tragic shooting at the animation studio...[10].
Saber Marionette J(1996-1997)
Set sometime in the 22nd Century, Humanity has grown so much they have expanded into space. One expedition crashes on a planet dubbed Terra II but with only six men surviving. They get to work and build a futuristic society after perfecting cloning. The planet’s lack of women is countered by the creation of Marionettes, or female androids. Teenager Otaru Mamiya discovers a Marionette that possesses free will.
Those Who Hunt Elves(1996-1997)
A group is transported to a fantasy world with military weapons and a tank. In order to return home they must find five spell fragments tattooed onto the skin of several Elves. The show uses the idea of the group having to strip elves naked for comedy rather than sexuality.
Violinist of Hamelin(1996-1997)
Set in a world in which Demons called Mazoku share the Earth but with their leader, King Chasta having been sealed away in Pandora’s box. Pandora herself conceived two children operated as infants. The protagonist Hamel has an enchanted violin that makes enemies repent their sins and kills themselves but Hamlin is an immoral fiend who wants to extort those he saves. He kidnaps a young girl named Flute as payment for saving a village and is joined by a crow named Oboe, Hamel’s childhood fired Raiel, who duels with a golden piano that summons spirits and controls people, and Trombone, a young prince from the warrior nation of Dal Segno. Hamel’s Violin is broken during a battle and it is revealed he is the son of King Chestra and intends to kill his father and rescue his mother. They journey to the kingdom of Sforzando, where they discover Flute is actually the lost Princess of the Kingdom. Hamel leaves to repair his violin and the Kingdom is attacked while he and Raiel are absent, but they return Just in time to turn the tide of the battle and take the fight to King Chasta.
Baby & Me(1996-1997)
Based on the manga by Marino Ragawa that ran from 1991 to 1997. The series follows Takuya Enoki, a 5th grader who has two take care of his two year old brother on his own after his mother dies and his father works long hours.
IN THE NEWS
Saban entertainment obtains Science Ninja Team Gatchaman license. Gatchaman planned included in Japan Heroes Universe phase II, joining Ultraman and Atom II: Pluto. At this time, a logo was leaked consisting of a diamond with four squares. The shadows of Atom, Ken the Eagle, and Ultraman were featured but the bottom square was left with a question mark. Memory Oshii has expressed the belief that if there is one repeat on the four squares, then they should not appear again, suggesting a future plan to swap out Atom.
Mizuiro Jidai(1996-1997)
Based on the manga that ran from 1991 to 1994 by You Yabuchi. The series follows Yuko Kawai, a high school student as she comes of age, such as falling in love with the boy next door.
Love after World Domination(1996)
Based upon a cancelled Sentai series: Gekisou Sentai Carranger. The plot follows a scenario where the ranger Red Racer and the villainess Zonette fall in love with each other while being on opposite sides of a conflict[11].
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable(1996-1997)
At the conclusion of the last part, Dio Brando was finally defeated but both Roberto Pucci and Funny Valentine escaped with independent plans. It is now the 1960’s and Jotaro Joestar has had two children, Josuke and Jolyne. The two are polar opposites in terms of personality. Josuke is a good kid in school who will stand up for other teens who are being bullied while Jolyne is in juvenile prison(actually for taking credit for something her boyfriend did). Funny Valentine has become President of the United States as his ability to look into alternate universes allowed him to change history. He convinced John F.Kennedy to not run by showing him he would be assassinated. Valentine has promised to leave the Joestar’s alone and even offer them protection provided they help take down rogue stand users. In a flashback, Jotaro Joestar and Giorno Giovanna tracked down Roberto Pucci but refused to kill him. Valentine manipulates the system so Jolyne would be sent to the same prison for stand users that Pucci is being kept in the hopes that Pucci would try to kill Jolyne and would either be killed in self defense or succeed in killing her which would goad Jotaro or Josuke into killing Pucci. Both Joestar’s request to be let into the prison to save Jolyne.
Pucci hires a death row stand inmate named Angelo to try and kill Jolyne. When Jotaro intervenes, another stand user named White Snake steals Jotaro’s memories in the form of two disks. This places Jotaro in a coma until the discs are retrieved. One disc falls into the hands of Pucci as he makes his escape while the other falls into the hands of President Valentine, who uses it to force Josuke and Jolyne to chase after Pucci. Both Pucci and Valentine are revealed to be searching for the same thing, the pieces of a corpse said to belong to Jesus Christ scattered across the United States. Pucci intends to use it to complete Dio’s Over Heaven plan while Valentine plans to use it to resurrect himself due to having a vision of his perceived assassination. Pucci, learning of Valentine’s plan, hires a serial killer stand user named Yoshikage Kira with a stand named Killer Queen, which he uses to erase evidence of all his murders. Kira refuses to assassinate Valentine due to his preferred target being women, but accepts a mission to kill Jolyne from Pucci. They are granted a team of Stand users.
Pucci obtains a piece of the corpse and experiments on it, creating a Homunculi called the Green Baby, which Pucci fuses with to increase his own power before retreating to Orlando, Florida and the site of a planned launch of a space shuttle to the moon with the intent to use the Shuttle as part of the ritual to activate Over Heaven as well as assassinate Valentine, who is at the launch. Kira nearly kills Jolyne in an attack which changes his mind and he decides to kill Valentine, to do this he kills and impersonates another man named Kosaku. Kosaku’s son begin to suspect something and eventually discover’s Kira’s plan to kill Valentine, but he is trapped by another stand user with “Time in a Bottle” forcing him to repeat the same events and telling anyone will kill them. They finally find a way to break free thanks to Funny Valentine being warned and using his ability to summon a heroic version of Dio from another universe with the World cancelling out the Time in a Bottle ability. Kira is killed when his skull is crushed under an Ambulance’s tires. Giorno Giovanna also arrives to help battle Pucci. The Launch is nearly prevented when Joestar team member Weather Report interferes with the launch of the Shuttle but is killed by Pucci, who activates his plan as “Made in Heaven” and begins to warp reality, speeding everything forward in time. The Joestars are able to awaken Jotaro Joestar, who uses his version of the World in combination with the Heroic Dio’s to stop “Made in Heaven” at the cost of the Hero Dio’s life. The reversal allows Weather Report to kill Pucci. The reversal goes back too far and results in Valentine’s assassination being successful but Kira is killed soon after. It is implied Valentine’s assassination was part of his plan as looking into other universes led him to learn that in order to ensure world peace he would need to become President and then die a martyr[12].
DVA
Angel Densetsu(1996)
Based on the manga by Norihiro Yogi that ran from 1993 to 2000. The Series follows a boy named Kitano, who is a nice boy with the heart of an angel but due to several awkward misunderstandings, is believed to be a juvenile delinquent. The opposite of his true personality.
Apocalypse Zero(1996)
Based on the manga by Takayuki Yamaguchi. Two brothers named Kakugo and Harara are trained by their father Oboro to battle monsters in a post apocalyptic Tokyo following a powerful earthquake. They are given cyborg exoskeletons forged with the souls of deceased warriors. Harara becomes possessed by an evil within and is corrupted with a desire to destroy all mankind. Kakugo must now defeat his evil sibling and his demon army.
Birdy the Mighty(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Manami Yuki that ran from 1985 to 1988. The series follows Federation Agent Birdy Cephon Altera, who follows a criminal to Earth. When a high school boy is fatally wounded, Birdy takes his mind into her own body while his own body is repaired. They end up becoming partners as they work together to thwart aliens attacking Earth.
Kodocha(1996-1998)
Based on the manga by Miho Obana that ran from 1994 to 1998. The series follows Sana Kurata, a cheerful popular eleven year old child actress who attends a chaotic elementary school and begins a friendship with a boy named Akito Hayama.
Magic User’s Club(1996-1997)
A Series by Triangle Staff headed by Junichi Sato, who had built a reputation under Toei Dōga. Sato had directed Maple Town Stories in 1986 at a young age and was offered to do Kiki’s Delivery Service, but was turned down in favor of Takahata, he did however run a program training both Toei and Ghibli animators and was the series director for Codename: Sailor V and Junkers Come Here and was involved in the Alcion trilogy due to having met Hideaki Anno when he was a student. Magic User’s Club was his first original work. A strange alien object called the Bell appears several miles over Tokyo. It sits in the air and destroys anything that attacks it while sending out probes. A group of children who discovered they possess genuine magic powers thanks to one member finding a magic book, believe the Bell will attack Earth and begin to prepare for that day, making it a rare case of both a magical girl and magical boy show.
Sanctuary(1996-1997)
Based on the Manga by Sho Fumimara(known as Buronson), writer of First of the North Star. The Series follows two childhood friends Akira Tojo and Chiaki Asami who struggle to survive in Japan. They play rock paper scissors to make important decisions with Akira joining a Yakuza gang and Chiaki striving to become a politician hoping to change Japan for the better. Both fought in the Cambodian War and have the same goal of turning Japan into a Sanctuary, but by different means. Akira’s rise is much quicker as he kills his way to the top while hoping to reform the Yakuza into a force for good. Chiaki finds himself at odds with the current government of older politicians and forms his own political party made up largely of Japan’s disenfranchised youths. Both succeed by the end with Akira united the Yakuza and reforming it, turning the supposed front for the organization into the entire organization and Chiaki becoming Prime Minister of Japan. They then travel to Cambodia where their journey began before Chiaki passes away.
Shamanic Princess(1996-1998)
The throne to another dimension known as the Guardian World is stolen and a two groups of guardians are sent to retrieve it as its absence threatens to destroy their world.
Starship Girl Yamamoto Yoko(1996)
In 2999 AD, two factions called TERRA and NESS fight to a standstill using spaceships that teleport the pilot out before death, resulting in no casualties. A time traveller from TERRA recruits four teenage girls from 1999 to help his faction win the stalemate.
V.G. Neo(1996-1997)
A Hentai based upon the video game series of the same name. The premise of the game franchise involved an all female tournament in which the losers were publicly and sexually humiliated or assaulted, though many still compete due to the large amount of money offered[13].
Fake(1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1995 to 2000. A gay love story about a half Japanese cop named Randy Maclean who is partnered in New York with Dee Laytner.
His Soul is Marching onto another World(1996-1997)
Also known as the “John Brown Isekai”. The title coming from a lyric from the song John Brown’s body made in his honor. John Brown, after his death, finds himself stuck in a fantasy world that practices slavery, where he immediately resumes his quest and begins brutally killing slave owners while quoting bible verses, Pulp Fiction style and forming an army of freed slaves while armed with a shotgun, and then later with medieval weapons and magic[14].
Jewel BEM Hunter Lime(1996-1997)
Based on the Video Game series. A portal opens to a magical world and two beings named Lime and Bass follow a Demon who has stolen six power gems to the human world and must recover them all.
Kimera(1996)
Essentially, a gay Vampire story. A mysterious ship crash-lands in America and begins to drain people of fluids with tentacles. A Japanese foreigner named Osamu and his fired Jay are traveling when they are attacked by Vampire like creatures when they discover a mysterious man named Kimera. Jays’ father is a member of a research team studying the vampires. A Vampire named Kainu attacks to reclaim Kimera while another named Ginzu protects him. Osamu and Kimera begin to fall in love[15].
Maze(1996-1997)
Based on the novel by Satoru Akahori. Maze is a girl who wakes up in her wrecked house with amnesia. A girl named Mill appears and thanks her for saving her life as her house killed her attackers. Maze discovers that she has magic powers and can command Mill’s family mecha. She also discovers that she gains a separate male personality and swaps gender during the day. She becomes embroiled in the conflict to find out how she got there and restore Mill to the throne.
My Dear Marie(1996)
Based on the manga that ran from 1994 to 1996. Hiroshi Karigari is a college student who is shy and awkward around humans but an expert in robotics. He had a crush on another girl named Marie and creates an android of her to practice talking to her also named Marie. The android Marie is virtually identical to the real Marie but somehow develops its own different personality. The android Marie meets the real one and Hiroshi lies and says that the other Marie is their long lost sister. A tough girl with a crush on Hiroshi named Hibiki learns the truth and blackmails Hiroshi to become her boyfriend.
Butterflied Away:
Tatsunoko’s collapse butterflies away a Cinderella adaptation they made this year.
Magical Girl Pretty Sammy-Butterflied away due to being a spinoff of Tenchi Muyo! Itself butterflied by Bubblegum Crisis not existing, it’s inspiration.
Slayers Return. Slayers being a TV Series, the second film was folded into it.
Brave Command Dagwon. Butterflied away as the Brave series doesn’t exist.
NOTES
[1] Would follow a similar plot to Urasawa's Pluto manga but much earlier. See the Netflix series for an idea of how the plot would go, sans the side plot about the reason for the war as that was inspired by OTL's Bush's "There were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq". It's happening earlier as an adaptation of Urasawa's Monster was a hit earlier and kickstarted a trend of Anime adaptations.
[2] The "Finale" to Doraemon is based on a fan made manga that many believed to be the real finale to the series. You can read it here.
[3] OTL cancelled movie which replaces a Sonic the Hedgehog OVA. Details provided here:
[4] ITTL due to the end of the Lupin III franchise, the initial concept that became Detective Conan was repurposed into Lupin IV, which due to the cancelled Lupin VIII existing, there is a precedent for there being further successors to the Lupin name, plus this one's a Detective rather than a thief, leading to a unique contrast.
[5] Unlike OTL, director Takeyuki Kanda does not die in a car crash and lends his assistance to the series. The show is actually a composite of several OTL Gundam shows as rather than creating new shows while one ran and create competition. The elements of the shows were mixed, butterflying away After Gundam X, and Endless Waltz.
[6] OTL Robert Rodriguez was to direct but left the film over creative differences.One contribution of his to rename was Antonio Banderas as the lead while before it was Andy Garcia.Sean Connery play Diego De La Vega and Shakira as the love interest were also in consideration.
[7] A combination of two incidents involving Nishizaki. An arrest in 1997 where he was found with drugs and weapons(M16, Grenade Launchers and Glocks) and again in 1999(this time with Howitzer shells) along with an allusion to his OTL Death. OTL he was the producer that gave Space Battleship Yamato its name, and his steamboat was also named that. The OTL series Martian Successor Nadesico had to be renamed with the word Yamato being used as its title was an allusion to that series, which it was parodying, specifically the phrase "Yamato Nadeshiko" which is a type of flower. Here it took "Akito" the name of the protagonist.
[8] Muramada originally wanted to do a Karate Kid style series. ITTL the Saint Seiya characters were introduced ITTL's Sailor Moon as essentially the male equivalents to the Sailor Senshi, making this a case of a spinoff, though it's seen as a good one. OTL the author was forced to end the series earlier. Conjecture is that since one are had them fight Poseidon, and then the next had them fight Hades, Zeus would be next as the "Big Three Olympian Gods".
[9] ITTL Transformers: Headmasters does not exist ITTL as OTL it was created during a lull in Transformers content. As a result of the delay ITTL, the Transformers Anime will be a continuity overhaul with the classic characters rather than a sequel to the movie. Crossovers with TMNT will lead people in Japan to associate Transformers/TMNT crossovers rather than the US Transformers/G.I.Joe crossovers. While Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will get its own dedicated post, the comic and the Animated Series are both more or less the IDW run which had co-creator Laird return to the franchise. Here is a summary which can double as one for the Animated Series, and the Anime being an alternate universe where Shredder escapes the final battle:
[10] Will not elaborate too much...yet... but this is somewhat analogous to the 2019 Kyoto Animation Arson Attack. For those who don't know the author Watsuki was arrested for Child Pornography in 2017. While it's difficult to find when this started. ITTL he is a casualty of the attack.
[11] OTL Gekisou Sentai Carranger was released. It's considered one of the weaker Sentai series as they swapped out the transforming vehicles for Cars. A problem which many believe led it to ruin the Power Rangers franchise when they decided to adapt that Sentai Work for Power Rangers Turbo. ITTL Power Rangers began much earlier, Saban pitching it for decades and so it used a different Sentai series and diverted before it got to Turbo. Red Racer and Zonette being in love was a subplot in the original Sentai series. The title comes from an OTL 2019 Anime with the same basic premise, has more of an impact ITTL as its now coming out at the Zeitgeist of the thing it is parodying. It's placement is based on the existence of Special Duty Combat Duty Shinesman, which was a series that was considered just Ok and also included the hero and villain on both sides fall in love as a joke. The series did have a unique twist of the alien invades instead invading by forming a corporation to monopolize most of the Earth's resources.
[12] A hybrid of several later parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, specifically OTL's Diamond is Unbreakable(largely Josuke and Kira), Stone Ocean(Jolyne, Pucci and the Disks), and Steel Ball Run(President Funny Valentine and the Corpse plot). This is largely because the series moving chunks of time forward every part means Araki wanted to use all his ideas involving Jotaro and his children and relatives. President Funny Valentine could be seen as roughly analogous to the role the Speedwagon Foundation holds in OTL's Jojo's Bizarre Adventure as an organization that can seemingly do anything to help the Jojo's, except its the President pulling some strings in exchange for giving them assignments.
[13] OTL the OVA based on the game toned down the more explicit elements which evidently hurt its progress. Since this kind of plot wouldn't be acceptable now and probably not ITTL, both are now adults only. I assume the Video Games would have a lot of players losing on purpose.
[14] Based on an OTL Joke that emerged about how many Isekai protagonists are ok with slavery, being in words that practice it and doing nothing to stop it. This largely emerged in 2019 when Rise of the Shield Hero became popular and contained this trope complete with the slave being freed but willingly letting themselves be enslaved again out of love for their new owner and other series also copying that aspect. John Brown, of course is as anti-slavery as you can get down to shooting on sight and freeing the slaves. The placement is based on a forgotten Anime called Garvey's Wings where the protagonist has the same goals of freeing slaves, that is now largely forgotten. The DVAs unexpected popular will have a ripple effect on Isekai protagonists working to end slavery rather than take part in it.
[15] OTL the OVA changed the plot in a disliked way by turning the titular character largely female while most readers saw them as male. This change not only makes it a gay love story, but also changes the plot, which was about Kimera's pursuers wanting her in order to mate and continue the species.
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