Choujinki Metalder

Choujinki Metalder
Created by Toei
Starring Akira Senō
Hiroko Aota
Kazuoki Takahashi
Hiroshi Kawai
Toshi Fufuchu
Hana Arashi
Narrated by Issei Masamune
Composer(s) Seiji Yokoyama
Country of origin Japan
No. of episodes 39
Production
Running time 30 minutes (per episode)
Release
Original network TV Asahi
Original release March 16, 1987 (1987-03-16) – January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)

Choujinki Metalder (超人機メタルダー Chōjinki Metarudā, Super-Robot Metalder) is the sixth and shortest entry of the Metal Hero Series, running from March 16, 1987, to January 17, 1988, for only 39 episodes. It was the first series to air on Sundays instead of Mondays. Metalder bears many similarities to Toei's earlier program Android Kikaider, and Kikaider 01 are particularly in its themes, characters, and the hero's costume design. The action footage of Metalder was adaptated for the live action series VR Troopers. On February 21, 2007, Toei released the complete Metalder TV series and film on a seven-disc DVD set.

For distribution purposes, Toei refers to this television series as Metalder.[1]

Story

In 1945, Dr. Ryūichirō Koga designed Metalder as a top-secret weapon for the Japanese Imperial Army for use in the Pacific War, modeling it after his late son, Second Sub-lieutenant Tatsuo Koga. However, the pacifistic Dr. Koga put Metalder to sleep in the Silver Caucus base and left for the United States to work for NASA.

During the 42 years, Dr. Koga's former colleague Kunio Muraki became evil God Neros, the ruler of the Neros Empire which is notorious as a merchant of death. God Neros sends out his massive armies to kill Dr. Kōga, who learned of their organization and returned to Japan to activate Metalder. Koga desperately tries to activate his android creation, who he named Ryūsei Tsurugi, but the android is unable to understand what to do. In order to give Ryusei a "purpose", Koga runs out of the Silver Caucus base, allowing Neros' troops to kill him. Suddenly seeing his creator die, Ryūsei becomes shocked, and soon is beaten by Neros' troops. Ryūsei becomes fueled with rage, evoking the conversion to his true form, the android known as Metalder. After a brief battle with Coolgin (which he loses), Ryūsei goes onward, meeting future friend Mai Ougi.

Characters

Metalder

Metalder (メタルダー Metarudā) is a "Choujinki", a powerful war android built by Dr. Koga at the end of World War II originally as a countermeasure against the Americans. He was hidden in a secret base of the Japanese Imperial Army until Dr. Koga activated him years later to fight the Neros Empire. His human guise, Ryusei Tsurugi (剣 流星 Tsurugi Ryūsei), is directly modeled after that of Dr. Koga's son Tatsuo of whom he lost during the war. Whenever his energies reach a peak from rage, with the cry "Ikaru!" (怒る!, "Anger!"), he transforms into his metallic form. Like Tatsuo, he loves music and plays the saxophone from time to time. His Reflection Circuit gave him the same feelings as humans and a sense of right and wrong. Powered by 'super-gravitational energy', his killing techniques include "Laser Arm", "G-Kick", "Metal Tornado" spinning kick, "Head Crash" ram, "Plasma Punch", "Metal Bomber" punching attack from above, and "1000 Hand Punch". At the end of the series he defeats God Neros but in the process, his super-gravitational energy is greatly damaged, as a result whenever he moves longer, he will explode and the world will be destroyed by its impact. With Kita's help, Metalder is spared from destruction but at the cost of his human form and his ability to fight as a Choujinki.

Allies

Neros Empire

The Neros Empire (ネロス帝国 Nerosu Teikoku) is the underbelly of the Kirihara Konzern (桐原コンツェルン Kirihara Kontserun) Corporation. Located at Shinjuku, it covertly controls all activities of the world's criminal organizations, including terrorists and finance. The Neros Empire's goal is world domination with economic and military might. The leaders meet at the Ghost Bank, a ring of gates containing key army officers surrounding God Neros' throne. The area enclosed by the gates and throne serves as both an arena and as a strategy room. Divided into four Units: Armored, Robotic Warrior, Monster and Armament.

The Four Armies of the Neros Empire (ネロス帝国軍4軍団 Nerosu Teikokugun Yon Gundan) are God Neros' primary fighters. Each is led by a "Victorious Saint" (凱聖 Gaisei): Coolgin, Valsky, Geldring, and Dranger, with nine ranks beneath it. From highest to lowest:

Members that are ranked below from Keitōshi through Gekitōshi are named after the severity levels of earthquakes in Japanese (i.e. Gekitōshi is derived from gekishin (激震), a severe earthquake).

Armored Army

The Armored Army (ヨロイ軍団 Yoroi Gundan) is a group consisting of cyborgs and humans wearing armor. In the final episode, the helmets of every member (with the exception of Ben K) were revived to prevent Metalder from reaching God Neros. The heads crash into a wall and explode to damage Metalder.

Tagsky (タグスキー Tagusukī) and Tagsron (タグスロン Tagusuron) are the "Tag Brothers", two swordsmen. Tagsky wears red and yellow armor and is an expert with the sword while Tagsron wears green and black armor and is a master of the naginata. Both brothers fight Metalder together and separately. They first appear in battle in Episode 7 where they attack Metalder together. They demonstrate their combined attack to the Emperor on a repair robot outside the Ghost Bank, destroying it. They are defeated when Metalder tricks them into stabbing each other, causing them to retreat. In Episode 10, they appear again. This time they fight Rhapsody in the Ghost Bank and are non-fatally defeated when he breaks both of their weapons. In the movie Tagsky, and Tagsron are defeated by Metalder's Laser Arm. These two returned in Episode 23, during the Four Army relay race. Tagsron fights Metalder with the Shadow Light Fighters, in Episode 25, and is defeated by Metalder's Metal Tornado Move. Tagsky weeps at learning of his brother's defeat, and then seeks vengeance. Before he can do so, he is defeated after landing on a landmine in Episode 26. The two are shown wearing their armor in the background of the Ghost Bank during Episode 27 (these warriors are either different from those seen before or perhaps this episode aired out of order). Although Tagsky is killed earlier, his armor is given to Mai's brainwashed father to wear in Episode 36. Tagsky's armor is scrapped afterwards.

Chuubo (チューボ Chūbo) is a Samurai-like master of the katana and the hook. He led FuuFuuChu, Mukimukiman, Wogger, Gebaros, and Zakembor into killing Dr. Koga and fights Metalder in his first battle. He fought Metalder for a second time in Episode 19, only to be defeated by his Metal Tornado move. He is restored soon afterwards, only to finally be destroyed by Metalder's Laser Arm attack in Episode 37, standing as the final guardian of God Neros.

Wogger (ウォッガー Woggā) is a master of the spear. His entire body looks like a collection of grey tubes. He accompanies Chuubo in his attack on Dr. Koga, which also leads to his first battle with Metalder. In Episode 14 he gains a chance to battle Metalder again, though this time alongside Madonna. He is the first to admit being impressed by Madonna's battle skills and the first to inform her about her promotion. In battle, he discharges electrical energy from the tip of his spear, as well as manipulates enough wind to generate a sandstorm. He imprisons Metalder in a deep ditch by using this sandstorm attack, and tries to bury him alive, with the help of some projecting and imprisoning bars. After escaping from the trap, Metalder uses one of the bars as a weapon and causes Wogger to lose his footing. In a classic feint, he calls out to Metalder for assistance. When Metalder approaches him, Wogger unleashes more aggressive attacks, until Metalder realizes he was a lost cause and uses his Laser Arm attack to slice Wogger in half. In Episode 27, Wogger II first appears. He is summoned to lead the hunt for a triad of biological experiments called Gorigons which had escaped from the Ghost Bank. He is defeated by Metalder during the hunt, when Metalder uses his Metal Tornado Move on him. He was restored and makes his final appearance, in battle, in Episode 37 while searching the Kirihara building for Metalder and Top Gunder. He is destroyed for good by Metalder's Laser Arm attack.

Galador (ガラドー Garadō) is a Ninja master of magic, equipped with dirty tricks including explosive cards, shurikens, and self-duplication. He also seems to be able to send Metalder into another dimension and throw/summon fire. In Episode 12, he battles Metalder one-on-one, bringing with him the Shadow Light Fighters. He also attacks Wisdom in that episode when she fails to defeat Metalder. In Episode 15, he is assigned by Coolgin to capture Wisdom. He appears in Episode 23, during the Four Army relay race. In Episode 24, he uses all his magical talents to fight Metalder, until he is defeated by Metalder's Laser Arm attack. Restored to full function, he appears in Episode 33, but loses to Top Gunder during an interrupted training exercise. He appears in Episode 37, his final appearance, after being restored, while searching the Kirihara building for Metalder and Top Gunder. He is destroyed for good by Metalder's Laser Arm.

Robinken (ロビンケン Robinken) is a camouflage-garbed commando. He appears in episode 14, falsely attacking Madonna so that Metalder would come to her rescue and fall into a trap. He appears in Episode 14 performing a sneak attack against Metalder. He appears in Episode 19, alongside Chuubo, Jamune, and various members of the Armament Army. Robinken has the rare mentality of not caring about rank. During the Four Army relay race in Episode 23, he captures a camera-toting youth wandering in the area reserved for the race. Robinken leads Metalder along a circuitous path to the Four Army finish line. When Metalder escapes with the hostage, Robinken gives chase, coaxing Metalder into a trap-laden course of his own design. The traps ultimately failed and Robinken is destroyed by Metalder's Laser Arm attack.

Jamune (ジャムネ Jamune) is a boxer with expensive upper body padding. In battle, he can launch his boxing glove-shaped fists at his opponents. In Episode 8, he is Barlock's lackey, helping him retrieve the scientist hostage that the Neros Empire had taken. He appears in episode 14, falsely attacking Madonna so that Metalder would come to her rescue and fall into a trap, and sneaks an attack on Metalder later. He also appears alongside Chuubo in Episode 19. In Episode 21, he battles Metalder one-on-one. Metalder defeats him by discovering his weak spot in his legs and knees. Metalder defeats Jamune with his Metal Tornado move, which knocks Jamune into a lake and out of the battle. He was restored to full function in Episode 33, but was defeated by Top Gunder during an interrupted training exercise. In Episode 37, he was restored again and made his final appearance while searching the Kirihara building for Metalder and Top Gunder. He was destroyed for good by a fatal shot from Top Gunder.

Mukimukiman (ムキムキマン) and Fuufuuchu (フーフーチュウ Fūfūchu) are half-naked, comical wrestling rejects. Mukimukiman has a muscular build and is dressed in white battle gear with white hair; Fuufuuchu is obese and wears a large black helmet and red vest. In the first episode, they fight Metalder during his first battle and are pummeled and tossed aside. Their final appearance is in episode 37, where Mukimukiman, Fuufuuchu, and the Secretaries K and S died in the collapse of the Ghost Bank.

Robotic Warrior Army

The Robotic Warrior Army (戦闘ロボット軍団 Sentō Robotto Gundan) consists of androids that make up the Neros Army. They were developed from the same technology used to create Metalder.

Galdos (ガルドス Garudosu) is a robotic boxer with grey, floormat-like plating on his head, shoulders, and thighs. Galdos can discharge electricity through tentacles that sprout from his forehead. In episode 6, Metalder destroys him. He is rebuilt again, appearing in Episode 15, when he leads the initial attack on Metalder until Hedogross Jr. appears. He appears in Episode 23 during the Four Army Relay Race. In Episode 30, he leads the initial scheme. During this battle, Galdos reveals he can launch/detonate warheads from a special glove, blast electricity from the slot on his forehead, and blast energy from a clawed/rod-like device he conceals in his chest. He is destroyed in battle, during the same episode, by Metalder's Laser Arm attack.

Crosslander (クロスランダー Kurosurandā) is a VIP assassin dressed in red spandex with white armor. He fancies himself as one of the best, but has ideals on morality very different from Top Gunder's, who he succeeded in the army. A master marksman who wields twin pistols, he worked with American terrorist organizations, killing government officials and receiving a promotion from Explosive Fighter to Violent Spirit before coming to Japan to kill Metalder and deal with Top Gunder. He also obtains a handgun custom-made for battling Metalder. Crosslander loses his first encounter with Top Gunder, but in their second encounter, he defeats and damages the traitor. He originally wore a winged snake ornament on his forehead, but Metalder damaged it during their first encounter. His second, upgraded head is also damaged, this time by Top Gunder, even though it was equipped with a secret blaster that Top Gunder also damages. In Episode 23, he hides in the tall grass near the finish line of the Four Army relay race and shoots Strobe down each time he tries to become airborne. He fights Top Gunder and Metalder again and is destroyed by Metalder's Laser Arm attack in Episode 33.

Jars (ジャース Jāsu) is a shark-headed fighter in white tights with twin shoulder cannons and four cannons on his upper arms. In Episode 11, he rats out Gochak when the robot helps Bigwayne escape. In Episode 15, he fights Metalder as part of the Empire's initial assault that day. He also attacks Metalder briefly in the Ghost Bank in Episode 19. In Episode 22, he battles Metalder and leads the day's attack. He is accompanied by Goblit, Dedemos, and Gebaros. Metalder's Metal Tornado move defeats him. He is restored to full function in Episode 33 when he is defeated by Top Gunder during an interrupted training exercise. He is presumably rebuilt/restored soon afterwards, appearing in the background of Episode 36 when he is destroyed for good by a blast from Top Gunder.

Gochak (ゴチャック Gochakku) is a silver wrestler called to defeat Metalder, after Barbery fails, in Episode 2. His signature move is putting his opponents in headlocks and twisting their heads off, which he demonstrates to the Emperor, in the Ghost Bank, on Damnen. Metalder was losing in battle against him, but managed to gather his last bit of power to crack Gochak's face. Metalder snaps off Gochak's arms and tears off his head. After being beheaded, Gochak sproutd a cannon head. Metalder destroys Gochak for good with a Laser Arm, but collapses after the fight. Gochak was presumably rebuilt, as he reappears in Episode 11 when he tries to help the rebellious Bigwayne escape from the Robotic Warrior Army and the Armored Army. Jars rats him out to Valsky and he is chained up by the others for treason. He escapes too late to help Bigwayne. He turns Bigwayne's spot of destruction into a memorial mound. In Episode 15, he joins Galdos' group during the initial attack on Metalder. In Episode 19, he attacks Metalder in the Ghost Bank. He is decapitated by a blast from Top Gunder in Episode 36.

Gebaros (ゲバローズ Gebarōzu) is silver with thick thighs, high jumping ability, and a featureless black faceplate. He can turn his right hand and forearm into a sword blade and his left hand into pincer claws. He accompanies Chuubo to kill Dr. Koga and fight Metalder. He fights Ben K for the chance to fight Metalder. Ben K smashes his robotic head open with his giant hammer, resulting in a destructive loss. This damage was presumably fixed, as he appears in Episode 11. In Episode 15, he joins Galdos' group during the initial attack on Metalder. He also attacks Metalder in the Ghost Bank, in Episode 19. In Episode 22, he participates in the Four Army relay race. In Episode 36, he battles alongside Valsky, but is destroyed by Metalder's Laser Arm attack.

Zargen (ザーゲン Zāgen) is a Grim Reaper-themed fighter with a sickle blade in place of a left hand. In Episode 15, he joins Galdos' group during the initial attack on Metalder. In Episode 18, he had a dream in which Metalder brings down the Ghost Bank. Zargen's scheme to prevent that involves the public abduction of a scientist transporting a briefcase containing valuable information. Metalder takes the bait and retrieves the briefcase. The scientist was a fake, however, but the bomb inside the case fails to destroy Metalder. Before his next battle with Metalder, Zargen asks God Neros to implant him with an explosive device, in order to guarantee his victory. If Metalder struck him directly in close combat, the bomb would destroy them both. During the battle, he lodges his armblade into Metalder's right shoulder and attempts to finish the task with an electric discharge from the spikes on his head. To Zargen's surprise, Metalder severs his own arm to put distance between them. Metalder then throws his severed arm at Zargen's torso, triggering the bomb and destroying him.

Lortail (ローテール Rōtēru) is a white-colored female robot. She aids Valsky before his final battle with Metalder in Episodes 36 and 38. For most of the series, she remains a background character and does not gain her first real mission until Episode 36 when she is chosen to analyze and store all of the data of the robots' fights. It seems she has deep feelings for Valsky and plans to use the uploaded information for/on him so he can defeat Metalder. She manages to successfully transfer the data/her spirit into Valsky after taking a fatal blow from Metalder's G-Kick in Episode 38.

Goblit (ゴブリット Goburitto) and Dedemos (デデモス Dedemosu) are Crosslander's assistants. Both are Light Fighters. Goblit is black and silver and armed with a bayonet while Dedemos was blue with horns and uses a handgun and a drill. Goblit and Dedemos are seen in Episode 19, when they battle Metalder in the Ghost Bank. They appear again, alongside Jars and Gebaros in Episode 22. In Episode 23, these two both appeared in the Four Army relay race and in Episode 30, to help Galdos. In Episode 35, they appear one last time in battle with Geldring, assisting him, only to be destroyed together by Top Gunder.

Monster Army

The Monster Army (モンスター軍団 Monsutā Gundan) is composed of genetically altered–engineered mutants. After being killed, they tend to melt into a puddle of green slime:

Bridy (ブライディ Buraidi) is a white furred wolf creature who ains a detachable spider-like parasite on his back. Bridy is extremely ferocious and uses his claws and fangs to attack Metalder. Bridy can shoot webbing to bind his victims. He is among the monsters sent to capture Top Gunder. In Episode 15, he presents Wisdom as a hostage as well as leading the Monster Army and the Shadow Light Fighters into fighting Metalder and Hedogross Jr. In Episode 19, he fought Metalder and Springer in the Ghost Bank. At one point during that battle, Springer bites him, once freed of imprisonment. He battles and bites Metalder in Episode 23, frying his circuitry. During that same episode, he participates in the Four Army relay race, which the Monster Army wins through heavy cheating. In Episode 28 he reveals he can launch his claws like sharp missiles as well as shapeshift into a humanoid form via the power of a special diamond. He was thought defeated in Episode 28, melting into a puddle of slime. Restored, he appears in Episode 32. He appears with his parasite in Episode 34 when Metalder learns of this weakness and kills the parasite during their final battle with his Laser Arm attack. This kills Bridy and he dissolves into slime.

Bankora (バンコーラ Bankōra) is a grey-skinned scorpion-like monster with white fangs on his chest and legs, and a third arm on his back. He can spew acidic saliva from his mouth and he can teleport. In Episode 5, he is chosen by Geldring to battle Top Gunder in the Ghost Bank. He loses, but survives by forfeiting. He is one of the monsters sent to capture Top Gunder. He later appeared to snag a hostage for Hedogross. He fights Metalder and Springer in the Ghost Bank, only to be viciously attacked and bitten by Springer. He competes in the Four Army relay race in Episode 23. During the battle in Episode 35, he fights alongside Geldring. He is eventually destroyed for good when Metalder binds him with his own arm and then sends him flying with his G-Kick, causing him to collapse and explode.

Gamadone (ガマドーン Gamadōn) is a brown-skinned monster with antennae and tentacled arms that electrocute enemies. He can also produce green slime on his tongue and spit it at opponents, as well as turning his right hand into a crab-like claw and breathing fire. In Episode 4, he is injured by Metalder when the hero yanks out one of his internal organs and knocks him into the water. He survives and is seen fighting Hedogross Jr. in the Ghost Bank in Episode 15. In Episode 17, he kidnaps Mai to lure Metalder to him and tries to make love to her. He then battles Metalder again and is destroyed by his Laser Arm attack.

Damnen (ダムネン Damunen) is a red-eyed lizard-like mutant. He fights Gochak for the privilege of fighting Metalder in Episode 2, but loses when his head was twisted backwards by Gochak. Battling Gochak, Damnen reveals he can blast lightning-bolt like lasers from his eyes. Even though he loses to Gochak, he survives. He appears in Episode 5 with Zakembor to spy on Top Gunder. Both are caught and punished by Valsky and Geldring. He is one of the monsters hunting Top Gunder. In Episode 8, he helps Hedogross fight Metalder. Damnen is badly injured fighting Hedogross Jr. in the Ghost Bank in Episode 15. In Episode 19, he fights Metalder in the Ghost Bank. In Episode 32, he appears alongside Geldring in the hunt for the rare plant. He is destroyed when Metalder kicks him off a cliff and explodes after landing at the bottom of the quarry.

Zakembor (ザケムボー Zakemubō) is a red-eyed cicada-like mutant. He can emit sonic waves by flapping his wings and spit a green, acid-like liquid. He accompanies Chuubo who kills Dr. Koga and first fights Metalder. He and Damnen sneak away to spy on Top Gunder in Episode 5. Both are caught and punished by Valsky and Geldring for sneaking off. In Episode 8, he helps Hedogross battle Metalder. Zakembor fights Hedogross Jr. in the Ghost Bank in Episode 15, and is badly injured. Later, he fights Metalder and Hedogross Jr. again and is destroyed by the latter.

Armament Army

The Armament Army (機甲軍団 Kikō Gundan) consists of walking arsenal robots.

Megadron (メガドロン Megadoron) is a humanoid tank robot with a circular head flanked by twin shoulder cannons. He also has cannons for fingers. He appears during the hunt for Bigwayne in Episode 11 as well as assisting Chuubo in Episode 19. In Episode 20, after the weapons test, he formulates the plan to use the Armament Army's prototype machine against Metalder. He appears during the Four Army Relay Race in Episode 23, and again in Episode 24 helping to blast Metalder during his fight with Galador. He is destroyed alongside Bulchek in Episode 37.

Darbarbo (ダーバーボ Dābābo) is a humanoid rocket silo. He has missile launchers on his chest and shoulders. In Episode 8, he trains with the other members of the Empire. In Episode 9, he and Bulchek interfere in Hedogross' battle by firing on him and Metalder. In Episode 10, he destroys Rhapsody after the violinist fails to destroy Metalder. He appears in Episode 11 during the hunt for Bigwayne and again in Episode 19 as backup to Chuubo. In episode 20, he acted as controller of the artillery robot and is used by Metalder to destroy it shortly thereafter. He gets rebuilt and appears in Episode 23, during the Four Army Relay Race. In Episode 24 he helps even the odds during Metalder's clash with Galador. In episode 37, he is destroyed by the second volley fired by Metalder, after the Ghost Bank had collapsed.

Agmis (アグミス Agumisu) is a humanoid torpedo robot. He is mobile and red and grey. He is armed with a spear gun. In Episode 4, he self-destructs in an attempt to blow up Metalder on a boat. He was presumably rebuilt, as he appears briefly in Episode 11, during the hunt for Bigwayne. He takes over for Bulchek midway through the relay race in Episode 23, but has some difficulty, as he is better suited for water than land. He is destroyed with Darbarbo, in Metalder's second volley, after the Ghost Bank collapses in Episode 37.

Barbery (バーベリィ Bāberi) is a humanoid helicopter. He shoots explosive missiles from his wrists. His first encounter with Metalder in Episode 2 results in a mid-air collision which damages him considerably. Barbery is spared by God Neros and ordered to be repaired. He usually appears alongside Strobe in battle and missions. He is destroyed in mid-air by Top Gunder in Episode 37.

Strobe (ストローブ Sutorōbu)is a humanoid jet plane. He shoots exploding missiles from his wings and is often sent on missions/appears alongside Barbery. In Episode 23, he uses his air superiority to assist Bulchek, Agmis, and Megadron by carrying them across difficult sections of the course. He is destroyed in mid-flight by Top Gunder in Episode 37.

Bulchek (ブルチェック Buruchekku) is a humanoid tank. He has a long cannon-like nose that can launch artillery. In Episode 8, he trains with fellow members of the Empire. In Episode 9, alongside Darbarbo, he blasts Hedogross and Metalder while they battle together. He appears in Episode 11 during the hunt for Bigwayne and again in Episode 19 as backup to Chuubo. He discovers the boxful of abandoned puppies in Episode 20 during the weapons test cleanup and protects them, even when they are designated as bait because he loves all animals. While attempting to rescue a puppy wandering amid the mines, Bulchek accidentally triggers one and is heavily damaged. The puppy is unharmed, and he leaves it in Metalder's care. He is the Armament Army's first choice for the Four Army relay race in Episode 23. In Episode 24, he helps Galador by blasting at Metalder during their scuffle. He is finally destroyed in Episode 37, alongside Megadron, during Metalder's first volley.

Others

Hidouman (ヒドーマン Hidōman) is master of the tachi and the spiked ball. He battles with both of these weapons on a single chain. While engaged in a secret meeting in an active mineshaft, one of the miners accidentally witnesses the event. Hidouman is assigned to silence the miner, so he takes the miner's family hostage, which lures Metalder into battle. Metalder confuses him through duplication techniques inspired by a previous fight with Galador, and then strikes his hand to separate him from his weapon. Metalder then destroys him with his Laser Arm attack, which also splits him in half.

Bigwayne (ビッグウェイン Bigguwein) dresses in black with grey armor plates. His original nickname is the 'Titan of Legend.' A former Brave General, he retires to become a rankless repair robot. He presumably retired because he became bored, never once losing. He mutinies and escapes from the Empire, and fights Metalder, partially to aid his beloved disciple Gochak. He fires arrows from his right forearm and seems to have super strength. He seems to have a revolver, when he opens the plating on his chest, and can sprout/launch spikes from the plating on his arms. He survives Metalder's Laser Arm, but eventually wears himself out. He falls over from exhaustion and explodes.

Bluekid (ブルキッド Burukiddo) is a robotic grunt trained by Bigwayne, who resembles a Shadow Light Fighter, but with a blue outfit. He is destroyed by Metalder in episode 11.

Hedogross (ヘドグロス Hedogurosu) is a green frog-like mutant who took a female slave, Wisdom, as his wife. Hedogross can dissolve into green slime and first appears in the Ghost Bank arm wrestling with the Medium Fighters and repair robots. In Episode 8, he fights Barlock in the Ghost Bank and wins the chance to fight Metalder. With the help of Bankora, he takes a scientist hostage. Barlock sneaks in on him and knock him out, swiping the hostage in the process. His fellow mutants, including Geldring, mock him for his love of Wisdom. He fantasizes about being promoted in the Empire so that he can both love Wisdom and be a respected and powerful warrior. God Neros promises a promotion, and that his dreams would come true, if he destroys Metalder. However, he dies first. Battling Metalder, he damages his armor. Darbarbo and Bulchek seem to cause interference in the battle. Metalder's combined Laser Arm and G-Kick attacks cause him to fall over and explosde. Before dying, Hedogross spews liquid all over himself and dissolves into slime. Sometime before his death, he conceives a son with his wife Wisdom, who would be named after him.

Foot Soldiers

Shadow Light Fighters (軽闘士影 Keitōshi Kage) are a group of grunts trained in ninjutsu.

Mechanics

Metalder

Silver Caucus (シルバーカークス Shirubā Kākusu) is Metalder's secret base of operation, hidden within the Wind Caves of Fuji, underneath the ruins of the former Imperial Army's Headquarters. It is the place where Metalder has lain dormant for over 40 years until his activation at the start of the series. The Silver Caucus is usually kept underground until Metalder needs to dispatch a vehicle, when it rises to the surface. Springer remains there for standby in case Metalder needs him, particularly when Metalder needs repair. When the Neros Empire drew closer to locating the Silver Caucus, Metalder relocates a portion of the base at another cave with Springer.

Side Phantom (サイドファントム Saido Fantomu) is Metalder's motorcycle vehicle with a detachable side-car.

Metal Charger (メタルチャージャー Metaru Chājā) is a transforming, four-wheel flying car based on a sixth-generation Mazda Familia that Metalder drives.

Neros Empire

Ghost Bank (ゴーストバンク Gōsuto Banku) is the secret lair of the Neros Empire, where the Four Armies gather. It can move anywhere, but its usual location is underneath headquarters building of the Kirihara Konzern. Each member of Neros Army has their own warp gate used to transport themselves to the Ghost Bank.

Miragehasha (ミラージュハシャ Mirājihasha) is a motorcycle with a sidecar used exclusively by the Armored Army.

Circulader (サーキュラダー Sākiyaradā) is a motorcycle used exclusively by the Robotic Warrior Army.

Captron (キャプトロン Kiyaputoron) is a motorcycle usually used exclusively by the Monster Army, except when ridden by Coolgin in the first episode.

Drygun (ドライガン Doraigan) is a combat jeep that has been produced for each of Neros Army. When one is deployed, it carries the flag of its division.

Dark Guncarry (ダークガンキャリー Dāku Gankyarī) is a station wagon that has been produced for each of Neros Armies. It is mainly used to transport troops.

Dester X1 (デスターX1 Desutā Ekkusu Wan) is an advanced military machine tested by the Armament Army during a demonstration to potential buyers. Equipped with a variety of weapons and heat sensors, by coincidence it is used against Metalder. When the Armament army realizes Metalder was in the area looking for abandoned puppies, these puppies were then used as bait and placed in a minefield guarded by the robot. Metalder deceives the machine using a heated stone which gives him an opening to disable it. It is finally destroyed when Metalder throws Darbarbo onto it, the impact presumably causing his shoulder-mounted artillery to detonate.

Episodes

On October 4, 1987 (The day that episode 25 aired) the show began airing on Sundays instead of Mondays.

  1. Hurry! To the Hundred-Demon Spirit World (急げ! 百鬼魔界へ Isoge! Hyakki Makai e)
  2. Neroz Becomes More Than a God (余は神・ネロスなり Yo wa Kami・Nerosu Nari)
  3. Hammer Man Ben K Cries to the Love for a Hare (野兎への愛にハンマー男ベンKが涙する Nousagi e no Ai ni Hanmā Otoko Ben Kei ga Namidasuru)
  4. Torpedo Agmis VS Navy Second Lieutenant Metalder (魚雷アグミス対海軍少尉メタルダー Gyorai Agumisu Tai Kaigun Shōi Metarudā)
  5. Hold on! Never-Missing Gunplay (耐える! 百発百中のガンプレイ Taeru! Hyabbatsuhyakuchū Ganpurei)
  6. Anger! Knockout the Heavyweight Rules Galdos (怒る! ヘビー級王者ガルドスをKOせよ Ikaru! Hebī Kyūōja Garudosu wo Kei Ō seyo)
  7. Decide the Goal! The Tag Brothers and the Duel of Flames (ゴールを決めろ! タグ兄弟との炎の決闘 Gōru wo Kimeru! Tagu Kyodai tono Honō Kettō)
  8. Farewell, Barlock! The Secret of the Iron Mask (さらばバーロック! 鉄仮面の秘密 Saraba Bārokku! Tetsu Kamen no Himitsu)
  9. Dreaming Monster! Lovers in a Crossfire (夢みるモンスター! 十字砲火の恋人たち Yumemiru Monsutā! Jūjihōka no Koibito-tachi)
  10. Excellent Technique! The Violin Attack of the Famous Music Robot (超絶技! 名曲ロボットのバイオリン攻撃 Chōzetsu Waza! Meikyoku Robotto no Baiorin Kōgeki)
  11. Pursuit of the Brave! A Giant Rises in the Sky!! (勇者の追撃! 天空にそそりたつ巨人!! Yūsha no Tsuigeki! Tenkū ni Sosoritatsu Kyojin!!)
  12. Monster's Beloved・Sieging Ninjas (愛しのモンスター・包囲する忍者たち! Aishi no Monsutā・Hōisuru Ninja-tachi!)
  13. Critical Moment! Valley Umineko Restores the Love of Parent and Child (危機一髪! 親と子が愛をもどす海猫の村 Kiki Ippatsu! Oya to Ko ga Ai wo Modosu Umineko no Mura)
  14. Little Sister is Alive! Sorrowful Lady Soldier Madonna (妹よ生きて! 哀しみの女戦士マドンナ Imōto wa Ikite! Kanashimi no Joshi Madonna)
  15. Soaring Monster・Son! Mother's Wish! (翔くモンスター・息子よ、母の願いを! Tobuku Monsutā・Musuko yo, Haha no Negai wo!)
  16. Love's Rival is a Cruching Biker Family (恋のライバルはバリバリ爆走族 Koi no Raibaru wa Baribari Bakusōzoku)
  17. Mai at Risk! Running One-Eyed Dragon Top Gunder (危うし舞! 走る独眼竜トップガンダー Ayaushi Mai! Hashiru Dokuganryū Toppu Gandā)
  18. Mai's Secret Information・Poolside's Trap (舞の秘密情報・プールサイドの罠 Mai no Himitsu Jōhō・Pūrusaido no Wana)
  19. Summer Vacation is a Adventure Tour to the Ghost Bank (夏休みはゴーストバンクへ冒険ツアー Natsuyasumi wa Gōsutobanku e Bouken Tsuā)
  20. Target is the Puppies? Fire-Breathing Army Armaments (ターゲットは仔犬? 火をふく機甲軍団 Tāgetto wa Koinu? Hi wo Fuku Kikō Gundan)
  21. A Citywide Mystery・The Beautiful Girl Who Calls Fireflies (大都会ミステリー・ホタルを呼ぶ美少女 Daitokai Misuterī・Hotaru wo Yobu Bishōjo)
  22. Sky-Soaring Rollers! Raid of the Red Dolphins (空飛ぶローラー! 赤いイルカの襲撃 Soratobi Rōrā! Akai Iruka no Shūgeki)
  23. Who's Top?! The Best and Worst's Big Sports Day (トップは誰だ?! ピンからキリの大運動会 Toppu wa Dare da?! Pin kara Kin no Daiundōkai)
  24. Princess Tenko VS Galador's Black Magic Technique Battle (プリンセス天功VSガラドーの魔術合戦 Purinsesu Tenko Tai Garadō no Majutsu Kassen)
  25. Fly! JAC Blitzkrieg Cheering Party (とびだせ! ジャック電撃応援団 Tobidase! Jakku Dengeki ōendan)
  26. Winners! Blazing JAC Guys (ぶっちぎり! 炎のジャック野郎 Bucchigiri! Honō no Jakku Yarō)
  27. Help! The Beloved Gori-chan's Escape Journal (助けて! 愛しのゴリちゃん逃亡日記 Tasukete! Aishi no Gori-chan Tōbō Niki)
  28. Lovely Thief・Shining Diamond Shines Upon a Virgin's Wish (可愛い盗賊・きらめくダイヤに乙女の願いを! Kawaii Tōzoku・Kirameku Daiya ni Otome no Negai yo!)
  29. The Sorrowful Story of the Stray Dog (ある哀しいのら犬の物語 Aru Kanashimi Norainu no Monogatari)
  30. Protect! The Secret Base (守れ! 秘密基地 Mamore! Himitsu Kichi)
  31. Target the Power Surge! The Girls Who Dreams Love (瞬転を狙え! 愛を夢みる少女 Shunten wo Nerae! Ai wo Yumemiru Shōjo)
  32. Legend of the Century Beauty (百年美人伝説 Hyakunen Bijin Densetsu)
  33. Big Siege Network, Escape of Heated Friendship (大包囲網 熱き友情の脱出 Daihōimō Atsuki Yūjo no Dasshutsu)
  34. The Emperor with a Thousand Faces・Neros (千の顔を持つ帝王・ネロス Sen no Kao wo Motsu Teiō・Nerosu)
  35. Emperor・Neroz's Identity is? (帝王・ネロスの正体は? Teiō・Nerosu no Shōtai wa?)
  36. Big Counteroffense! The Robot Army's Showdown (大反撃! 戦闘ロボット軍団 Daihangeki! Sentō Robotto Gundan)
  37. Great Collapse! Neroz Empire (大崩壊! ネロス帝国 Daihōkai! Nerosu Teikoku)
  38. Great Counterattack! Wasteland of Love and Hatred (大逆襲! 愛と憎しみの荒野 Daigyakushū! Ai to Nikushimi no Kōya)
  39. Great Decisive Battle! Metalder for Eternity (大決戦! メタルダーよ永遠に Daikessen! Metarudā yo Eien ni)

Movie

A film version of Choujinki Metalder premiered on July 18, 1987 at the "Toei Manga Matsuri" film festival, where it was shown as part of a quadruple feature alongside Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle, Saint Seiya: The Movie and the film version of Hikari Sentai Maskman.

Cast

Guest actors

Songs

Opening theme
Ending theme

References

  1. ↑ "Library – English Titles – TOEI TV Website". Retrieved 2007-12-28.

External links

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