Recently with the success of the Gainax anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann there seems to be a bit more interest in the classic Super Robot shows from the 70s and 80s. One of the ones I remember the most is Brave Raideen.
Brave Raideen first aired in the 70s, I remember watching repeats of it when I was very young. Growing up in the 80s spoiled me when it came to the robot shows. :) Raideen was also one of the very first Super Robot shows to be shown in the US. Raideen looks awesome, I liked the show but even someone with no attachment to the original series should still be able to appreciate it if they approach it with an open mind.
Taken from Wikipedia, here's a quick breakdown of the show:
After a slumber of 12 millennia, the Demon Empire awakens to seize control of the Earth. Reideen, the giant robot-like protector of the lost continent of Mu, senses the evil presence and awakens within its golden pyramid. A young Japanese boy, Akira Hibiki, is alerted about the Demon Empire by a mysterious voice and rushes to the pyramid. It is soon revealed that Akira is a descendant of the ancient people of Mu who must help Reideen save the Earth.
In typical anime style, Akira is aided by Mari Sakurano, who happens to be the daughter of a prominent scientist, and his friends from the soccer club. Reideen was able to transform into a robotic eagle.
Even now, reading that still seems like a great concept for a show. :)
Here is the original opening song:
My favorite scenes in the entire series were the first time I saw Akira is riding towards the mountain, it spliting open to expose the giant robot,Reideen. I thought that was pretty awe inspiring but then this beam of light slashes out of the forehead of the robot hitting Akira and lifting him off the bike. He floats through the air towards Reideen and is absorbed into Reideen. Next you see him traveling down an organic tube, like the robots throat and finally into the pilot's chair.
ReplyDeleteEven more memorable to me is when the nun, (sorry, can't remember her name) who somehow has a link to Akira and Reideen, is trapped underground in a collapsed subway tunnel and calls out in this soul tearing voice 'Reideeeen!, REIDEEEEEN!'. Its been 40 years since I first heard that cry and it still sends chills through me.
Reideen still holds a place in my heart as one of the very best in the genre.