Even outlaws tremble at its uncool coolness (Galaxy Cyclone Braiger)
I believe it was back when I was a preschooler, as is often the case.
There was a time slot for children's programs, what we would call 'Nichi-Asa' (Sunday morning) today, and I, like the children of today (including the big kids), was glued to the television.
I don't know if I just happened to turn on the TV then or if it was that moment of clarity after watching the previous show, but I only remember being dazed.
Then suddenly...
"Braiger! In the shadows where the stars of the night sky twinkle, the laughter of evil echoes (omitted) Galaxy Cyclone, Galaxy Cyclone, Braiger!"
(ﾟдﾟ) Wow, I was completely blown away.
Just when I thought some tumultuous preamble had started, an opening sequence began with a super cool song and a bizarre mecha going on a rampage, leaving the toddler me completely behind.
This was my first encounter with an anime produced by Kokusai Eigasha, my meeting with Galaxy Cyclone Braiger (1981).
The theme song, Galaxy Cyclone Braiger, sung passionately by Isao Taira, has a personal peak for me starting around the 'Expanding plasma...' part, where the coolness of the song and the uncoolness of Braiger synchronize and merge, reaching a climax of excitement... Yeah! (ﾟ∀ﾟ)b
The depiction of both the mecha and the characters as they actually use 'Bry-Synchron Maxim' to change into Braiger and head toward the enemy, followed by the indescribable movement of Braiger flying away, is a masterpiece that truly earns its reputation as being better than the show itself.
It is very rude to call a lead robot uncool, but if I were asked what I think of Braiger, both the me from back then and the me looking back at Braiger now would, across 40 years of time, 'synchronize and merge' (enough with that already) with the word 'uncool,' so it can't be helped. No, 'uncool' isn't accurate enough to express my feelings... 'Uncool-cool!' is the correct answer.
(It actually is cool)
Whether it was when they didn't abandon the revenge for a client who met a tragic end, saying 'The contract is already complete,' or the moment they rushed to the aid of their comrades,that Braiger would appear from its bizarre transformation gimmick.
I've seen talk on social media or somewhere that the animation quality of the main show was terrible, that the voice actors had to step up, or that once you've watched the opening, you've basically finished watching Braiger, but personally, while there are certainly rough edges, I think it's a very charming work.
I don't think I understood the differences between production companies back then, but even so, I could feel a unique atmosphere in Braiger, and of course other Kokusai Eigasha works, that was somehow different from other shows.
The opening with the Kanada perspective is amazing. The lighthearted delivery of the voice actors. All of this is true, but even when looking at the work as a whole, it feels like a waste not to watch it including the unique 80s sci-fi vibe and the energy that feels like it's 80% momentum, so I would love for you to experience it in its entirety if you'd like. Oh, and as expected of a Kokusai Eigasha production, Masayuki Yamamoto's music is also charming.(Of course, there's also plenty of room for the teasing everyone loves!)
Come to think of it, regarding the chorus part passionately sung by Isao Taira that I mentioned earlier, the fact that the lyrics are in hiragana, perhaps out of consideration for the target age, combined with the fact that Braiger's uncool coolness reaches its peak, makes it very amusing.
Gal-ax-y Cy-clooone
Well, I've also started to feel the urge to watch it again after a long time, so shall we enjoy a one-wayfly-by together? See ya! (ﾟ∀ﾟ) Oh yeah!
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Is this an association game where I recommend favorite songs and sound effects without any sound? It's a project where the enthusiasm is spinning out of control and showing signs of losing its way.