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Daigunder(Bạo đấu tuyên ngôn ダイガンダー,Bakutō Sengen Daigandā)is a Japaneseanimetelevision series about humans using robots in tournaments. Created byNihon Ad SystemsandTakaraand animated byBrain's Base,the studio’s first television production, the series aired onTV Tokyoandits affiliatesfrom April to December 2002.[1]A series ofDaigundertoys were produced that could interact with TV screens.
Daigunder | |
Bạo đấu tuyên ngôn ダイガンダー (Bakutō Sengen Daigandā) | |
---|---|
Anime television series | |
Directed by | Hiroyuki Yano |
Written by | Shinzō Fujita |
Music by | Yasunori Iwasaki |
Studio | Brain's Base |
Original network | TXN(TV Tokyo) |
English network |
|
Original run | April 5, 2002–December 27, 2002 |
Episodes | 39 |
Plot
editSet in a futuristic time where talkingrobotsare common, there is a tournament where robot teams pit off against each other in. The Battle Robots look like humans and transforming animals.
A boy named Akira Akebono plans to win the Titan Belt with his robots Bulion, Eaglearrow, Drimog, Bonerex, Despector, Trihorn, Ryugu and also Daigu who form the mighty Daigunder. The Daigunder unit was a creation of Akira's grandfather Professor Hajime Akebono. Managed by a girl named Haruka Hoshi, Team Akira enters many tournaments for Akira to reach his goal. However, there are many occasions when a Battle Robot named Ginzan is out to destroy Daigunder. Ginzan does this under the orders of the evil and mysterious Professor Maelstrom and he is later joined by Tigamaru and Rogamaru. Akira and his friends soon find a new ally in DragonBurst and new comrades in his assistants DragonFlame and DragonFreezer.
Characters
editTeam Akira
editAkira and his robots' base of operations isDailandand they get around in their plane called theDaishuttle.Team Akira's Battle Robots consist of the Daigunder Unit (Ryugu, Daigu, DragonFlame and DragonFreezer), the Animal Unit (Bulion, Eaglearrow and Drimog), and the Dino Unit (Bonerex, Despector and Trihorn). When damaged, Sabuto gives them upgrades whenever they need it.
- Akira Akebono(Thự アキラ)
- Voiced by:Fujiko Takimoto(Japanese);Barbara Goodson(English)
- The Commander of Team Akira, Akira is the grandson of famed Battle Robot creator Hajime Akebono. His dreams of winning the Titan Belt lead him to compete or the Battle Robot Tournament. He challenges other teams with his group of robots. His most powerful and trusted ones is Ryugu and Daigu. The first robot of Team Akira was Bulion (also Hajime's first creation), who Akira played with even as a child.
- Haruka Hoshi/Heruka(Tinh ハルカ/ヘルカ)
- Voiced by:Juri Ihata(Japanese);Lara Jill Miller(English)
- Haruka Hoshi (initially spelled Haruka in the closed captioning, then changed to "Heruka" [sic] to match the English pronunciation) is a young girl who looking to become a manager of Team Akira & a Battle Robots team. After Team Akira defeats Team John & gains a Battle Robot License, she becomes Akira's manager & helps to tune up his robots.
- Hajime Akebono(ハジメ bác sĩ)
- Voiced by:Tomohisa Asō(Japanese);Steve Blum(English)
- Hajime Akebono is ascientistwho is Akira's grandfather. He is a famous Battle Robot Creator who created the robots that Akira uses, including DragoBurst along with Professor Maelstrom but DragonFlame, DragonFreezer and DragoBurst have gone berserk and gone against them years ago. Hajime later made the Animal Unit (made up of Bulion, Eaglearrow and Drimog) and then the Dino Unit (made up of Bonerex, Despector and Trihorn) and eventually the Cluster System, which is made up of Ryugu and Daigu, who combine to form Daigunder. He likes to travel to different places. It is to be noted that Bulion was Hajime's first powerful battle robot.
- Beebot(サボット,Sabotto)
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- A small robot that does the maintenance on Team Akira's robots.
Daigunder/Dragon Unit
editA creation of Professor Hajime,Battle King Daigunder(Bạo đấu vương ダイガンダー,Bakutō ō Daigandā,Explosive War King Daigunder)is the Metamorphic Fusion of Ryugu and Daigu. Nicknamed the "King of the Battle Robots", he was equipped with special system called theCluster System.Daigunder can attack his enemies with hisDragon Cannon(his finisher) andDragon Sword.With Despector as his left arm he can perform theEcho Blast.When Both DragonFlame and DragonFreeze weapon use with Daigunder, it can use its most powerful attack, theDragon Buster.He can also combine with DragoBurst.
- Flaming Robot Warrior Ryugu(Nhiên える long kỵ sĩ リューグ,Burning Dragon Knight Ryugu)
- Voiced by:Yuki Kaida(Japanese);Joshua Seth(English)
- Ryugu is Akira's constant companion and as stubborn as he is. At first he refuses to obey Akira, until he sees Akira protect him. His attacks areKnight SlashandKnight Quake.Ryugu is a smallknightrobot.
- Daigu(Bạch き bất thẩm hạm ガンダー,White Unsinkable Ship Gunder)
- Voiced by:Kiyoyuki Yanada(Japanese);Michael Sorich(English)
- Daigu never fights unless fused with either Ryugu, Bulion or Bonerex. While he most often all he says is "Daigu!" he has spoken other words on occasion. He is adragonrobot.
- Magma-Born Hot-blooded warrior DragonFlame(マグマが sinh んだ nhiệt huyết kiếm sĩ ドラゴフレイム)
- Voiced by:Susumu Chiba
- Part of the Daigunder Unit. One of two robots built by Professors Hajime and Maelstrom when they were partners. After finding out about Big Bang's true motives, DragonFlame and DragonFreezer ran off with their leader DragoBurst on a space station in outer space. Later on in the series, they joined Team Akira. DragonFlame's animal is a Fire Dragon and attacks withMagma Dynamic.DragonFlame can Armor Fuse and become a sword by saying Saber Change for either DragoBuster or Daigunder. Like Daigu, DragonFlame mostly says one word "Flame!". DragonFlame can also combine with DragonFreezeer to become a kind of two-headed dragon for Daigunder to ride on for flight.
- Blizzard-Born Cold-blooded Sage DragonFreezer(Xuy tuyết が sinh んだ lãnh huyết hiền giả ドラゴフリーザ)
- Voiced by:Nobutoshi Canna
- Part of the Daigunder Unit. One of two robots built by Professors Hajime and Maelstrom when they were partners. After finding out about Big Bang's true motives, DragonFreezer and DragonFlame ran off with their leader DragoBuster on a space station in outer space. Later on in the series, they joined Team Akira. DragonFreezer's animal is an Ice Dragon and attacks withBlizzard Strike.DragonFreezer can Armor Fuse by saying Shield Change and become a shield for either DragoBuster or Daigunder. Like Daigu and DragonFlame, DragonFreezer mostly says one word "Freeze!". DragonFreezer can also combine with DragonFlame to become some kind of two-headed dragon for Daigunder to ride on for flight.
Bulion
editVoiced by:Tetsu Inada(Japanese); Bob Papenbrook (English)
Blue Thrasher Bulion(Thương き đạo thê ブライオン,Blue Lightning Bulion)is the Leader of Team Akira's Animal Unit and attacks with hisThunder Clawattack. His animal form is alion.He can Metamorphic Fuse with Daigu to becomeBattle King Daigulion(Cách đấu vương ダイガライオン,Grappling King Daigulion)who attacks with his "Thunder Fang Battle Claw". With Eaglearrow and Drimog on his arms he can perform theDaigulion Blaster,and his finisher is "Thunder Fang Battle Claw". Bulion could also Armor Fuse with DragonBurst to becomeBlack Lightning Burstlion(Hắc き đạo thê バーストライオン).
Bonerex
editVoiced by:Ryotaro Okiayu(Japanese);Paul Schrier(English)
Jurassic Soldier Bonerex(ジュラシックソルジャーボーンレックス)is the leader of the Dino Unit who attacked the mayor's town when the mayor was placing an amusement park in the Dino Units area. He and the Dino Unit later joined Akira and attacks with hisBone Bladeattack. His animal form is aTyrannosaurus.He can Metamorphic Fuse with Daigu to become theSwordplay King Daigarex(Kiếm đấu vương ダイガレックス),with attacks such as theAir-Slicing Beast SwordandDaigurex Fire,which he performs with Despector and Trihorn on his arms. Bonerex can also Armor Fuse with DragoBurst to formJurassic Darkness Burstrex(ジュラシックダークバーストレックス).
Megarex
editIncredible Quadruple Robot Megarex(Trùng kích の4 thể 駆 động メガベックス,Four Body Force Shockwave Megavex)is the Power Fusion of Eaglearrow, Drimog, Despector, and Trihorn. This combination is seldom used, as it sometimes takes a lot of power out of them. Eaglearrow forms the chest armor. Drimog forms the lower torso and legs. Despector forms the back and wings. Trihorn forms the head, upper torso, arms and feet. Megarex is powerful enough to withstand Ginzan's Power Blast attack.
- Descending Disaster Eaglearrow(Tô るウィリアム・テルイーグルアロー,Resurrection ofWilliam TellEaglearrow)
- Voiced by:Isshin Chiba(Japanese);Richard Epcar(English)
- Member of the Animal Unit. He is one of the fliers of Team Akira since his animal form is aneagle.Constantly argues with Drimog. Attacks withFire Arrow.
- Underground Fighter Drimog(Duyên の hạ の bạo れん phường ドリモーグ,Wild Child Under the Edge Drimog)
- Voiced by:Masaya Onosaka(Japanese);Steve Kramer(English)
- Member of the Animal Unit who can dig underground. His animal form is amoleand he constantly argues with Eaglearrow. Attacks withCrash Burn.
- Dark Reaper Despecter(Tử thần quý tộc デスペクター,Aristocratic God of Death Despector)
- Voiced by:Kōichi Tōchika(Japanese);Lex Lang(English)
- Member of the Dino Unit that joins Team Akira. One of Team Akira's fliers. His animal form is aPteranodon.Attacks withSpecter Slash.
- Gate Keeper Trihorn(Quái lực môn phiên トライホーン,Super-Strong Gate Keeper Trihorn)
- Voiced by:Isshin Chiba(Japanese);Lex Lang(English)
- Member of the Dino Unit that joins with Akira. He can be a bit dumb at times. His animal form is aTriceratops.Attacks withHorn Strike.
Allies
edit- Commissioner Spinklestarber(コミッショナー)
- Voiced by:Keiichi Sonobe(Japanese);Joey D'Auria(English)
- Commissioner Spinklestarber is the one of the Battle Robots Tournament who observes all tournaments. A running gag is that Akira cannot seem to get his name right.
- Mysterious Unallied Gunman Ginzan(Địch か vị phương か mê のガンマンギンザン)
- Voiced by:Susumu Chiba(Japanese); Tom Wyner (English)
- A Battle Robot who worked for the mysterious Professor Maelstrom that attacked Daigunder on different occasions, nicknaming himself the "Ultimate Battle Robot". Although an enemy to Team Akira initially, he did team up with Akira and the Daigunder Unit for an Armor Fusion on some occasions like getting out of a cavern with sentient acidic liquid, subduing an out of control Battle Robot, and helping to find an abducted king. Ginzan can combine with Daigunder for an attack called "Dragon Revolver". The "Dragon Revolver" is one of the most powerful attacks, best remembered for almost destroying DragonFlame and DragonFreeze in space. Yet another notable Dragon Revolver attack was on Sacred Steel Tortoise, as it was successful in piercing its powerful shield. After learning about honor from Daigunder, he has begun to switch sides and eventually betrayed Professor Maelstrom when he learned his true intentions and how he felt that robots were merely tools. After fighting against Daigunder with Akira as his commander as part of a test, Ginzan decides to go away for a while and perhaps someday join Team Akira, as he now considers Akira his new commander. His animal form is awinged unicorn,his attacks includeSpin Revolverand his best attack isUltimate Revolverwhich forms the face of a Unicorn during its attack. After Maelstrom changed his ways, Ginzan returned to him along with Tigamaru and Rougamaru.
- Dark Beast of Legend DragoBurst, Battle Emperor DragonBurst(Vân thuyết の ám hắc thú ドラゴバースト)
- Voiced by:Norio Wakamoto
- A robot built by Professors Hajime and Deikun when they were friends and partners. After finding out about Maelstrom's true motives, he ran off and now he lives with his two companions DragonFlame and DragonFreezer on a space station in outer space. His ultimate goal is to get Daigunder on his team, destroy humanity and thereby establish a RobotUtopia.He can Armor Fuse with Daigunder to formLegendary Battle Warrior Dragon Daigunder(Vân thuyết の bạo đấu thần ドラゴンダイガンダー)with DragoFlame as a sword and DragoFreezer as a shield and attacks with hisBurst CannonandDragon Nova.After some talking-to from Akira and Daigunder, DragoBurst realized the truth about humans and helped Team Akira destroy Maelstrom's giant turtle robot using the power of the Cluster System. His animal form is a Black Dragon and attacks withBuster Black HoleandEnergy Fist.He is also capable of hypnotizing robots with his "Dragon Wave".
Villains
edit- Professor Maelstrom/Big Bang(プロフェッサー・ビッグバン)
- Voiced by:Kiyoyuki Yanada
- The primary antagonist of the series. Professor Maelstrom was once Professor Hajime's friend and partner when he was originally known asProfessor Deikun/Daikun.Together they built DragoBurst. When DragoBurst found out that Professor Deikun planned to use him to take over the world, he fired at him thus destroying the laboratory and left. Many years later, he has returned complete with a metal eye due to the accident. He built Ginzan, Tigamaru, and Rogamaru to defeat Daigunder for unknown purposes especially world domination due to Daigunder is creation of his former friend Professor Hajime. After Dragon Daigunder destroyed his ultimate Battle Robot, he changed his ways. His most powerful robotic invention was the "Sacred Steel Tortoise" as he thought it was the destined end of Daigunder and Dragonburst.
- Maneuvering Pirate Tigamaru(Cơ động đại đạo tặc タイガマル)
- Voiced by:Nobutoshi Canna(Japanese);Michael McConnohie(English)
- One of two robots who join up with Ginzan to destroy Daigunder. He, along with Rogamaru, often uses trickery and deceit in their schemes to defeat Daigunder. He can combine with Rogamaru to formManeuvering 2-Sword Style Double Fang(Cơ động nhị đao lưu ダブルファング)with either of them at the top. Tigamaru's animal form is atiger.Tigamaru's attack is theTiga Whirldwind Slicer.
- Maneuvering Ninja Scroll Rogamaru(Cơ động nhẫn pháp trướng ロウガマル)
- Voiced by:Nobuyuki Hiyama(Japanese); Brad MacDonald (English)
- One of two robots who join up with Ginzan to destroy Daigunder. He, along with Tigamaru, often uses trickery and deceit in their schemes to defeat Daigunder. He can combine with Tigamaru to formManeuvering 2-Sword Style Double Fang(Cơ động nhị đao lưu ダブルファング)with either of them at the top. Rogamaru's animal form is awolf.Rogamaru’s attack is theLoga Moon Slicer.
Episodes
edit- The Dream Begins
- Step One
- Training Battle
- Hybrid Match
- Enter Ginzan
- Robot Round Up
- Bots Will Be Bots
- There Is No "I" In Team
- Been There, Done That
- Friend or Foe
- Battling with Style
- Loose as a Caboose
- The Mystery of Team X
- The Enemy Within
- Too Many Robots Spoil The Broth
- A Royal Pain
- Brits, Bots and Betty
- A New Friend
- Two Bots or Not Two Bots?
- Goon With The Wind
- Fight or Get Off The Bot
- A Battle Down Memory Lane
- Fire and Ice
- The Stand in the Sand
- Maelstrom's Madness
- Daigunder My Thumb
- The Battle for Ryugu
- Maybe the Grass Ain't Greener
- Dazed and Karnfused
- Teamwork
- A Lesson Earned is a Lesson Learned
- Doctor Bridget Explains it All
- Desperate Trap for Daigunder/A Kinder Gentler Side of Rogamaru and Tygamaru
- Maelstrom vs. Dragon Burst/Saving Daigunder
- History of the Title Grosser
- Charge! Fight for the Hard Foughted
- Assault Declaration! Dark Beast's Secret Fortress
- Explosion Declaration! The Last Day of Dailand
- Future Declaration! Matchless Cluster Power/Endgame
Cast
editJapanese Cast
edit- Fujiko Takimotoas Akira
- Juri Ihataas Haruka
- Yuki Kaidaas Ryugu
- Kiyoyuki Yanadaas Daigu/Daigunder
- Isshin Chibaas Eaglearrow & Trihorn
- Kazuhiro Nakataas Boss
- Keiichi Sonobeas Announcer
- Kōichi Tōchikaas Despector
- Masaya Onosakaas Drimog
- Nobutoshi Cannaas Taigamaru
- Nobuyuki Hiyamaas Rougamaru
- Norio Wakamotoas Dragonburst
- Ryotaro Okiayuas Bone Rex/Daigurex
- Susumu Chibaas Ginzan
- Tetsu Inadaas Bulion/Daigulion
- Tomohisa Asou as Dr. Hajime
English Cast
edit- Steve Blum- Professor Hajime Akebono
- Joey D'Auria- Commissioner Spinklestarber
- Richard Epcar- Eaglearrow
- Barbara Goodson- Akira Akebono
- Steve Kramer- Drimog
- Lex Lang- Despector, Tri-Horn
- Brad MacDonald - Rogamaru/Wolf Fang
- Dave Mallow- Track Announcer
- Michael McConnohie- Tigamaru/Tiger Fang
- Lara Jill Miller- Haruka Hoshi
- Bob Papenbrook - Bulion/Daigulion
- Paul Schrier- Bone Rex/Daigurex
- Joshua Seth- Ryugu
- Michael Sorich- Daigu/Daigunder
- Tom Wyner - Ginzan
Additional voices
edit- Mona Marshall- Makoto
- Jason C. Miller-
- Philece Sampler- Dr. Bridget (in "Brits, Bots, and Betty" )
- Brianne Siddall- Jimmy (in "A New Friend" )
- Kari Wahlgren-
Crew
editEnglish Crew
edit- Tony Oliver- Producer
- Scott Page-Pagter- Voice Director
Theme Songs
edit- "Bakuto Sengen! Daigunder" byMasaaki Endoh(OP)
- "We Are the Heroes" byHiroshi Kitadani(ED)
Home Media
editThe entire series has been released as a 10-volumeVHSin Japan byNippon Columbia.The series has not been released inDVDor available digitally at Amazon Japan or Hulu. It was released on DVD in the United Kingdom.
References
edit- ^Erickson, Hal (2005).Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003(2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. p. 230.ISBN978-1476665993.
External links
edit- DaigunderatInternet Movie Database
- Daigunder(anime) atAnime News Network's encyclopedia