Title: Android Kikaider: the Animation

Genre: Sci-fi

Distributor: BandaiCreator: Shotaru Ishinimori

DVD Info: 4 DVD’s, 16 episodes

Summary: Jiro Kikaider is an android who was created by the benevolent Dr. Komikyoji. He was given the Genesis Program, which simulates a conscience. Unfortunately, the evil Professor Gil, who helped create Kikaider, wants to destroy Kikaider in order to retrieve the program. Kikaider is now on the run. Helping him are Professor Gil’s daughter, Mitsuko, and her younger brother.

The Good: This is a great modern-day version of Pinocchio. Kikaider is an admirable hero who holds life in the highest regard and is so human you might forget he’s an android.

The Bad: The series ends rather abruptly. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I didn’t really like it. Also, the animation is quite loose and takes a little getting used to.

Offensive Material: The violence gets pretty graphic at times. One of the last episodes has a sex scene between Jiro and Mitsuko, but it’s short and done very tastefully. Kikaider wants to experience everything that goes with being human, even sex, which is why this scene occurs. Overall: If you’ve seen Artificial Intelligence and enjoyed it, I highly recommend this series. It’s not one for the kids, since it’s so violent.

My Review: 3.5

Category: C (Caution. Not recommended for those under 12) Note: This series is based on a live-action TV series that ran in Japan during the 1970’s. It was similar to the Ultraman series. Shoutarou also created the series Cyborg 009. CMX is publishing a manga version of Kikaider called Kikaider Code 02.