Choujinki Metalder (超人機メタルダー, Chōjinki Metarudā^?), roughly translated as Super Human Robot Metalder was Toei's first robot hero TV series since Uchuu Tetsujin Kyoudain, the failed replacement show for Kamen Rider Stronger. The series was initially meant to be a remake of an older Toei Tokusatsu series, Kikaider. (Metalder's suit, motorcycle and attacks are near-direct copies of Kikaider's equivalents.) Metalder had the shortest run of any Metal Heroes series, running from March 16, 1987, to January 17, 1988, for only 39 episodes due to poor ratings and being overbudget. The cause of the low ratings was the fact that, unlike previous Metal Hero series, Metalder had a grim, depressing, and serious feeling throughout the entire series. This caused younger children (at whom most Tokusatsu Hero TV shows are aimed at) to lose interest. On the other hand, many adults greatly enjoyed Metalder and remember it fondly due to the same reasons for which children did not enjoy it. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Toei Animation. ... Kamen Rider Stronger , Masked Rider Stronger in English) is a Japanese tokusatsu television series. ... Kikaida or Kikaider ) is a Japanese superhero created by Shotaro Ishinomori. ... The Metal Heroes, Space Sherrif Gavan to Ironbark Detective Robotack The Metal Heroes Series ) is a genre of tokusatsu superhero TV series produced by Toei for Japanese television. ... Space Sheriff Gavan, the first hero of the Metal Heroes franchise Metal Heroes is a series of tokusatsu superhero TV shows produced by Toei in Japan. ... Icons of tokusatsu in the late 1970s: Spider-Man, Kamen Rider Stronger, Kamen Rider V3, Battle Fever J, Ultraman Jonias, as well as the manga and anime icon Doraemon Tokusatsu ) is a Japanese word that literally means special effects. ...

Some of its footage was used for VR Troopers season one and combined with the Spielban footage. The original pilot for VR Troopers was called Cybertron and featured only Metalder footagem, but due to copyrights this was instead combined with Spielban and premiered as such. The show was also aired in France and Brazil (with a new soundtrack and dubbed voices for the respective regions) as simply "Metalder". In February of 2007, Toei released a complete, Region-2 DVD Box Set of the entire Metalder series and movie. VR Troopers (Virtual Reality Troopers) was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban (creators of the similar Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series) from 1994 to 1996. ... Jikuu Senshi Spielban ) translated as Spacetime Warrior Spielban is a Japanese tokusatsu television series, part of the Metal Heroes franchise created by Toei Co. ... VR Troopers (Virtual Reality Troopers) was a syndicated live action show produced by Saban (creators of the similar Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series) from 1994 to 1996. ... Jikuu Senshi Spielban ) translated as Spacetime Warrior Spielban is a Japanese tokusatsu television series, part of the Metal Heroes franchise created by Toei Co. ...

Story

In 1945, Dr. Ryuuichirou 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 Carcass base and left for America to work for NASA. During the 42 years, Dr. Koga's colleague Major Muraki, became the evil GodNeros, ruler of Neros Empire. Godneros sends out his massive armies to kill Dr. Ryuuchirou who learned of their organization and returned to Japan to activate Metalder. Ryuuchirou desperately tries to activate his android creation, who he named Tsurugi Ryuusei, but the android is unable to understand what he should do. In order to give Ryuusei a "purpose," Ryuuchiro runs out of the Silver Carcass base, allowing Nero's troops to kill him. Suddenly seeing his creator die, Ryuusei becomes shocked, and soon is kicked around and beaten by Nero's troops. After being tossed around Ryuusei 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), Ryuusei goes onward, meeting Mai Oogi who befriends him along the way. Ryuusei will not stop fighting until he has avenged his creator's death and defeated Godneros' empire! Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... For other uses, see Pacific War (disambiguation). ... Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... For other uses, see NASA (disambiguation). ...

Main characters

• Metalder: A android built by Dr. Koga at the end of WW2. Normally known in human form as Ryuusei Tsurugi, whose looks and personality are directly modeled after that of Dr. Koga's son Tatsuo. Whenever his energies reach a peak from rage, with the cry "Anger!", he transforms into his metallic form. Like Tatsuo, loves music and plays saxophone from time to time. His Reflection Circuit gave him the same feelings as humans and to tell right and wrong. Powered by 'supergravitational energy', his killing techniques include "Super Oscillation Laser Arm chop", "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 is greatly damaged on the left side of his middle waist.
• Springer(2-39): A Robot dog that guards the Silver Carcass, he was built by Dr. Koga before Metalder. Hence was Metalder's "big brother". Capable of human speech, he repairs Metalder and runs the machines inside the Silver Carcass. Enjoys watching TV, particularly anime.
• Mai Ougi(2-39) : A Tomboyish camerawoman who works for a magazine. She is Metalder's first human friend and constant companion.
• Shingo Ougi(34-39): Mai's father, living at Washington DC as a news reporter. As a favor to Mai, he investigated Dr. Koga's past and learned about Godneros' identity in the process. In Episode 35, he is abducted by the Secretaries and taken to the Ghost Bank. In Episode 36, he is brainwashed by Godneros and forced to wear the armor of the late Tagsky to battle Metalder. Shingo became free from the brainwashing when Metalder struck him with his Lightning Chop attack during the battle.
• Kita Hakkou(16-39): Grand Prix motorcyclist intending to be the world's best. Originally head of a motorcycle gang. He met Ryuusei and Mai on a photo shoot for a new motorcycle magazine, only to get involved in the fighting. Calling himself the 'Neros Hunter', Kita saw himself as Mai's bodyguard as he has feelings for her. Though Kita was willing to aide Ryusei's war against the Neros Empire, his efforts almost always result in a comedic or humiliating defeat.
• 2nd Sub-lieutenant Tatsuo Koga: Dr. Koga's only son, whom Metalder was modeled after. He died on October 1944 as the first member of the Kamikaze Special Attack Squads. Loved music and played the violin with the potential to be a great violinist.
• Dr. Ryuuichiro Koga (1): The man who created Metalder. After WW2, Dr. Koga went to America and became a staff member at NASA. Returned to Japan when he learned of the existence of the Neros Empire. Shortly after reviving Metalder, he died at the hands of Tubo and the Neros Empire members. With his death, a sense of purpose was given to Metalder.
• Violent Spirit Top Gunder(4-6, 16-17, 19, 30, 33, 35-37): A soldier of Godneros' Combat Robot Army, Top Gunder is a lone gunman in black tights who believes in fair play. Though he originally intended to kill Metalder in a 1-on-1 fight, Top Gunder later gained respect for our hero and became close allies with Metalder instead. In Episode 33, a fake robotic Top Gunder was created to bait Metalder into a rescue, as the real TopGunder had been captured by the armies of GodNeros. The fake robot attacked Metalder shortly after being rescued, only to be shot and destroyed by the real Top Gunder when Crosslander exposed the deception. Also, in Episode 33, Top Gunder revealed that he, like Zargen, was capable of dreaming. He helped Metalder to bring down the Ghost Bank in Episodes 35-37, only to be killed by God Neros, who was in Coolgin's old armor.

For other uses, see NASA (disambiguation). ...

Vehicles

• Side Phantom: Metalder's motorcycle vehicle with a side-car.
• Metal Charger: A transforming, 4-wheel flying Mazda car Metalder drives.

Neros Empire

Main article: Neros Empire

A secret empire that is the underbelly of the Kirihara Konzern Corporation located at Shinjuku, it covertly controls all activities of the world's criminal organizations, terrorists, finances, etc. The Neros Empire's goal is world domination, with economic and military might. They all meet at the Ghost Bank, a ring of gates containing key army officers surrounding Godneros' throne. The area enclosed by the gates and throne served as both an arena and as a strategy room. The Neros Empire is a secret empire from the fictional television series Choujinki Metalder (part of Toei Companys Metal Heroes franchise). ...

Episode List & Air Dates

1. Hurry! Towards the Good Filled Heaven 03/16/87
2. Neros Becomes More Than a God 03/23/87
3. Hammer Man BenK Cries For the Love Shown to a Hare 04/06/87
4. Torpedo Agmis VS Second Navy Lieutenant Metalder 04/13/87
5. Hold Your Ground! Never-Missing Gunplay 04/20/87
6. Anger! KO the Heavyweight Ruler Galdos 04/27/87
7. Decide the Goal! The Tag Brothers and the Flames of a Duel 05/04/87
8. Farewell, Barlock! Secrets of the Iron Mask 05/11/87
9. A Dreaming Monster! Lovers in a Crossfire 05/18/87
10. High Art! The Violin Attack of the Famous Music Robot 05/25/87
11. Pursuit of the Brave! The Giant Who Rises in the Sky!! 06/01/87
12. A Monster's Beloved -- Sieging Ninjas! 06/08/97
13. Critical Moment! Restore the Parent and Child's Love to the Umineko Valley 06/15/87
14. Sister is Alive! Sorrowful Lady Soldier Madonna 06/22/87
15. Soaring Monster; Son, Mother Prays! 06/29/87
16. The Rival For Love is a Noisy Biker 07/6/87
17. Critical Mai! Hurry, One-Eyed Dragon Topgunder 07/13/87
18. Mai's Secret Information; the Poolside's Trap 07/20/87
19. A Summer Vacation with an Adventure Tour to the Ghostbank 07/27/87
20. The Target is Puppies? The Blazing Revenge of the Armament Army 08/17/87
21. A Citywide Mystery; the Beautiful Girl Who Calls Fireflies 08/24/87
22. Soaring Rollerskaters! Raid of the Red Dolphins 8/31/87
23. Who is Top?! The Big Meet of Best to Worst 09/07/87
24. Princess Tenkou VS Galador's Black Magic Battle 09/14/87
25. Rush Out! JACK Blitzkrieg Cheering Party 10/04/87
26. Champions! The Blaze of the JACK Guys 10/11/87
27. Help! The Beloved Gori-chan's Escape Journal 10/18/87
28. Lovely Thief; the Young Lady's Prayer Lies Within the Shining Diamond 10/25/87
29. Sorrowful Story of the Dog 11/01/87
30. Guard It! Secret Base 11/08/87
31. The Target is the Power Surge! Love the Dreaming Girl 11/15/87
32. Century Beauty Legend 11/22/87
33. Large Siege Network, Escape of Heated Friendship 11/29/87
34. Neros, The Emperor Who Has a Thousand Faces 12/06/87
35. The Emperor, Neros' True Identity Is...? 12/13/87
36. Strong Offense! Combat Robot Army 12/20/87
37. Grand Collapse! Neros Empire 12/27/87
38. Great Counterattack! The Wastelands of Love and Hatred 01/10/88
39. Big Face-off! Metalder Forever 01/17/88

Movie & Release Date

• Super Human Robot Metalder 07/18/87 (Takes Place Between Episodes 17 & 18)

Cast

• Metalder/Ryūsei Tsurugi, Tatsuo Koga (メタルダー/剣 流星、古賀 竜夫, Metarudā/Tsurugi Ryūsei, Koga Tatsuo^?): Seikō Senō (妹尾 青洸, Senō Seikō^?) (Played as Akira Senō (妹尾 洸, Senō Akira^?))
• Metalder (Voice) (メタルダー (声), Metarudā (Koe)^?): Michirō Īda (飯田 道朗, Īda Michirō^?)
• Mai Ougi (仰木 舞, Ōgi Mai^?): Hiroko Aota (青田 浩子, Aota Hiroko^?)
• Hakkō Kita (北 八荒, Kita Hakkō^?): Kazuoki Takahashi (高橋 和興, Takahashi Kazuoki^?) (Played as Hiroshi Kawai (河合 宏, Kawai Hiroshi^?))
• Armored Army Center Fighter Mukimukiman (ヨロイ軍団中闘士ムキムキマン, Yoroi Gundanchū Tōshi Mukimukiman^?): Mukimukiman (ムキムキマン, Mukimukiman^?)
• Armored Army Center Fighter Fūfūchū (ヨロイ軍団中闘士フーフーチュウ, Yoroi Gundanchū Tōshi Fūfūchū^?): Bōbenkei Daikoku (大黒 坊弁慶, Daikoku Bōbenkei^?) (Played as Hana Arashi (花 嵐, Hana Arashi^?))
• Beautiful Secretary K (美人秘書K, Bijin Hisho Kē^?): Yūko Mitsui (美津井 祐子, Mitsui Yūko^?)
• Beautiful Secretary S (美人秘書S, Bijin Hisho Esu^?): Emiko Yamamoto (山本 恵美子, Yamamoto Emiko^?)
• Shingo Ougi (仰木 信吾, Ōgi Shingo^?): Hiroshi Arikawa (有川 博, Arikawa Hiroshi^?)
• Gouzou Kirihara (桐原 剛造, Kirihara Gōzō^?): Ken'ichi Mochizuki (望月 賢一, Mochizuki Ken'ichi^?) (Played as Shinji Tōdō (藤堂 新二, Tōdō Shinji^?))
• Dr. Ryūichirō Koga (古賀 竜一郎 博士, Koga Ryūichirō Hakase^?): Kiyoaki Ikehata (池端 清亮, Ikehata Kiyoaki^?) (Played as Ken Uehara (上原 謙, Uehara Ken^?))
• Narrator (ナレーター, Narētā^?): Issei Masamune (政宗 一成, Masamune Issei^?)

External links

• Chôjinki Metalder at the Internet Movie Database
• Metal Hero FAQ