"New" Astroboy trailer 2003 series

January 19, 2005

This may be off-topic, but I just wanted to say that I watched Princess Mononoke the other week and I loved every minute of it. Maybe my favourite anime (film) so far in my viewings. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did - thanks for the recommendation. To be honest, I prefered it to Spirited Away - even though I liked that one a lot too.

January 20, 2005

This may be off-topic, but I just wanted to say that I watched Princess Mononoke the other week and I loved every minute of it. Maybe my favourite anime (film) so far in my viewings. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did - thanks for the recommendation. To be honest, I prefered it to Spirited Away - even though I liked that one a lot too.

Well, anything's on topic in this thread. Mononoke is great. No doubt.

LInk to MIyazaki on the IMDB :http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594503/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnxteD0yMHxzZz0xfGxtPTIwMHx0dD1vbnxwbj0wfHE9TWl5YXpha2l8aHRtbD0xfG5tP

W9u;fc=1;ft=57;fm=1

Miyazaki's coming out with a new film by the way. Howl's moving Castle

Castle in The Sky is Very Good

Kiki's Delivery Service is a really good movie but it's not for everyone

Lupin III The Castle of Cogliostro is reportably fantastic. An inspiration for Speilberg who reportably loves the car chase and calls this one of the best adventure movies of all time. Gotta get this one from my cousin soon.

Myself, I think I'll be getting the first two volumes of the Tiger Mask anime series that I see are now available at Highspots. I've seen the ending of the series but not the beginning.

January 20, 2005

This may be off-topic, but I just wanted to say that I watched Princess Mononoke the other week and I loved every minute of it. Maybe my favourite anime (film) so far in my viewings. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did - thanks for the recommendation. To be honest, I prefered it to Spirited Away - even though I liked that one a lot too.

Mononoke is great, one of the best.

January 20, 2005

This may be off-topic, but I just wanted to say that I watched Princess Mononoke the other week and I loved every minute of it. Maybe my favourite anime (film) so far in my viewings. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did - thanks for the recommendation. To be honest, I prefered it to Spirited Away - even though I liked that one a lot too.

Mononoke is great, one of the best.

Just a joy to watch.

Speaking of anime, for whatever reasons these two shows just popped in my head.

One was a movie about Heidi which was an anime I believe. I watched it quite awhile ago and was with impressed with it. One of the last scenes with Heidi encouraging her wheelchair bound friend in it was very emotional. Apparantly there was a TV series too but I'm not talking about that.

Another was a TV show about 14 years ago that aired on Canadian TV. It was the Jungle Book story but this was definitely not Disney. From memory they had interesting charactors, situations and would really give a slow build to certain parts of the TV show one would be anticipating. This really stood out from the pack.

Anyone familiar with these shows?

January 20, 2005

Looks like Sony's putting out a DVD set of the rescent Astroboy series

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/cata...3396047181.html

Astro Boy - The Complete Series (5 discs) - DVD

Format: DVD

Running Time: 1009 Min.

Rated NR

SYNOPSIS

Blast off with the all-new ASTRO BOY, a state-of-the-art update of Tezuka Osamu’s classic series that started the anime explosion. Filled with exciting action, humor, and drama, ASTRO BOY tells the story of a young robot boy modeled after the deceased son of a research scientist. This atomic-powered robot becomes a reluctant superhero who fights for justice and peace – for humans and robots alike! For the first time on DVD, this collector’s edition contains the entire 50-episode series on 5 discs, with 25 episodes never-before-aired in the United States.

DVD FEATURES

• Full Screen Presentations

• Languages: English (Stereo), Portuguese, Spanish

• 5-Disc Set!

About the Film

• Writer: Tezuka Osamu

• Genre: Anime

• CC: Yes

• Color/B&W: Color

And Here's a treat for all the Astroboy fans in this thread. This is an article about some kind of dangerous device that can see through walls, stop electronic devices from working, kill goldfish and do all sorts of bad things to your health.

http://www.baytoday.ca/content/news/details.asp?c=6657

January 21, 2005

http://www.dvdalliance.net/article.php?sid=8520

French version of the new 2000 series

Astro Boy : Les premières infos

Posted on Mardi 11 janvier 2005 à 12:00:19

Beaucoup de monde doit se souvenir du dessin animé Astro Boy (plus connu peut-être sous le nom "Astro le petit robot"), notez donc que le 22 mars les nostalgiques pourront s'offrir 24 épisodes de la toute nouvelle série en DVD zone 2

Ces épisodes seront par pack de 4 sur un DVD soit à l'unité, soit dans un coffret de 6 DVD et même dans un collector édité seulement à 999 exemplaires et qui contiendra une figurine Attakus exclusive à l'intérieur ! On ne connait pas encore les détails précis mais je vous invite déjà à consulter les visuels dans la suite...

Source : Pascal

All RIght, looks like I might be on to something here. This looks like it could be my mysterious Jungle Book Tv show right here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283750/?fr=c2...;fc=1;ft=4;fm=1

Some NIce Info Right Here

Jungle Book Shonen Mowgli

Japanese name: Jungle Book Shonen Mowgli

Japanese name:

English name: Jungle Book: Boy Mowgli; The Jungle Book

French name: Le Livre de la Jungle

German name: Das Dschungelbuch

Dates: October 2, 1989-October 29, 1990

Number of episodes: 52

Animation Studio: Nippon Animation

Production Company:

Broadcaster: TV Tokyo

RTL II (Germany)

Creator(s): Rudyard Kipling (novel: The Jungle Book)

Series Director: Fumio Kurokawa

Episode Director(s):

Producer(s): Koichi Motohashi (executive producer), Kenichi Tominaga, Shunichi Kosao

Planning:

Storyboard(s):

Layout:

Writer(s): Kimio Yabuki

Art Director: Shôhei Kawamoto, Nobuaki Numai

Character Designer(s): Sadahiko Sakamaki

Animator(s): Takuhiko Sakamaki

Backgrounds:

Music: Hideo Shimatsu

Sound:

Voice Actors

(regular characters): Issei Futamata (Mowgli)

Genre(s): historical (India), jungle, adventure, animal characters, literary adaptation

Home Video

information: United States: VHS (Strand VCI Entertainment (partial))

Confirmed. This is definitely it. Here is a picture of the charactors on the show from a google search!

http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:snCgua...en+Mowgli&hl=en

Short summary of the series here:

http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:M2WAV4...en+Mowgli&hl=en

There is a Japanese anime television series called Jungle Book Shonen Mowgli broadcast in ( 1989 ). Its adaptation represents a compromise between the original stories and the Walt Disney version. Many of Kipling stories are adapted into the series, but many elements are combined and changed to suit more modern sensibilities. For instance, Akela, the wolf pack alpha eventually steps aside, but instead of being threatened with death, he stays on as the new leader's advisor. Also, there is an Indian family in the series which includes Rikki-Tikki-Tavi as a pet mongoose . Finally at the series' conclusion, Mowgli leaves the jungle for human civilization, but still keeps strong ties with his animal friends.

Some more information from animenewsnetwork

Genres: Adventure, Drama

Plot Summary: After his parents died, Mowgli is raised by the Wolf Pack of the Seeonee Forest led by Akela and other wild animals such as Bagheera and Baloo. The young boy goes through several heartwarming, bittersweet, and life-threatening adventures as he seeks after his true purpose in life. And one of many dangers he has to face is the man-eating tiger, Shere Khan...

Running time: 23 minutes

Number of episodes: 52

Episode titles: We have 52

Vintage: 1989-10-02 to 1990-10-29

Opening Theme:

"Look Up!" by Suzi Marsh

Ending Theme:

"A Child is Growing" by Suzi Marsh

And finally a link to a fan page!

http://geocities.com/metal_former/junglebook/jbmain.html

January 23, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY

And Just Because I Can!

Here's a picture of my love once again

WP -- I just ordered in the first 16 episodes of the Tiger Mask anime from highspots. After I recieve them I'll be sure to state what I thought of them. It's a very cool series.

Ohtani of Time, I've now watched the first 3 Star Trek movies for the first time ever! First one was good, second one was good and the third one was very good which is my favourite so far.

Random thoughts -- Did anybody else notice there were no fights at all in the first 2 Star Trek movies? Well, the third one made up for that with Captain Kirk once again going back to his wrestling roots where he executes a drop toe hold. But nothing and I mean nothing could've prepared me for when Kirk landed on his feet ala The Cobra and Tiger Mask after the Klingon playing the role of the Dynamite Kid!!!!! grabbed his leg to push him backwards.

I loved everything getting destroyed at the end with Kirk and the Klingon fighting to the end. Best visual part of the movie so far

I liked the charactor of Kirk's kid here specifically when he saves Spock and did what "Kirk would do" by taking a risk with Genesis

The female Vulcan luteniant was very hot!

Liked how the Genesid planet had different seasons on it

The whole Starship getting destroyed bit I really enjoyed. Kirk looking at it from a distance was awesome.

STAR TREK III >> STAR TREK II or STAR TREK by a signifigant margin. I had heard that the even numbers were better than the odd numbers but so far that does not seem to be the case.

January 24, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY!!!!!

Here's a cool pic that's a combination of Atlas and Astroboy. It's one of those pictures that depending on the way you look at it you can see two completely different things. Enjoy.

Hey Ohtani, I just finished Star Trek IV and V. IV was pretty good but a lot of it was comedy so it was hard to compare it to the others. Very good though. V was very good to great with many of the elements that make Star Trek so great. Some comedy, the camradie between Bones/Kirk/Spock was on and put to the test which I really liked and it had a good sense of mystery going in. I didn't like it quite as much as III but it wasn't too far off. Maybe if they had a fight with wrestling moves they could've topped III but once again they deny us! What's up with that? The wrestling is the heart of Star Trek.

Oh yes, and Spock emulating Astroboy in Star Trek V was a major markout moment. Tremendous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have VI rented so I might be awhile before I see that. Looking forward to it though!

Take care. Live long and prosper!

January 26, 2005

ASTROBOY PIC of the Day!

SPECIAL TREAT FOR READERS OF THIS THREAD

Gi Joe Fan Made Movie at http://www.ifilm.com/?sctn=fanfilms&pg=fanfilms Pt 1

Check it out!!

January 26, 2005

Astroboy PIcture Of The Day!!!!

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

January 28, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY!!

January 29, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY!

January 29, 2005

Astroboy The Brave in Space is now Available

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=XT-1707

Osamu Tazuka Anime World Mushi Production Osamu Tezuka Chohen 3 Busaku "Shin Takarazima," "Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy), " "Jungle Taitei Leo" DVD Box

Animation

Catalog No.: XT-1707

Format: DVD

(See Editions Details)

Number of discs (or other units): 3

Release Date: 2005/04/02

Price: 9500yen (US$ 93.05)

Item weight: 330 g

Availability:

Usually ships in 1-3 business days following release

Credits

Osamu Tezuka (Author)

Description

Contains two theatrical features: "Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy) - Uchu no Yusha" & "Jungle Taitei Leo," and a rare TV anime "Shin Takarajima." Booklets included.

(All product details, including availability, images, language(s), special features, and bonus extras, are subject to change without prior notice. Actual item weight may be different from the one indicated above.)

Edition Details

Running Time: 220mins.

Data Format: DVD Video

NTSC Format

Layers: single-sided/single-layered

Aspect Ratio(s): 4:3

Regional Encoding: 2

Audio Track :

Japanese: Dolby Digital Monaural

(Please make sure that your DVD player can play region-2 DVDs (Japan, Europe, Middle East, South Africa) and the specs on audio and subtitles meet your satisfaction before finalizing your order.)

Other links

http://en-f.tezuka.co.jp/anime/sakuhin/mv/mv004.html

http://en-f.tezuka.co.jp/anime/sakuhin/sp/...p/sp001_02.html

http://en-f.tezuka.co.jp/anime/sakuhin/mv/...v/mv005_03.html

January 30, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY!!

January 31, 2005

ASTROBOY PICTURE OF THE DAY

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

January 31, 2005

Looks like Sony's putting out a DVD set of the rescent Astroboy series

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/cata...3396047181.html

Astro Boy - The Complete Series (5 discs) - DVD

Format: DVD

Running Time: 1009 Min.

Rated NR

SYNOPSIS

Blast off with the all-new ASTRO BOY, a state-of-the-art update of Tezuka Osamu’s classic series that started the anime explosion. Filled with exciting action, humor, and drama, ASTRO BOY tells the story of a young robot boy modeled after the deceased son of a research scientist. This atomic-powered robot becomes a reluctant superhero who fights for justice and peace – for humans and robots alike! For the first time on DVD, this collector’s edition contains the entire 50-episode series on 5 discs, with 25 episodes never-before-aired in the United States.

DVD FEATURES

• Full Screen Presentations

• Languages: English (Stereo), Portuguese, Spanish

• 5-Disc Set!

About the Film

• Writer: Tezuka Osamu

• Genre: Anime

• CC: Yes

• Color/B&W: Color

And Here's a treat for all the Astroboy fans in this thread. This is an article about some kind of dangerous device that can see through walls, stop electronic devices from working, kill goldfish and do all sorts of bad things to your health.

http://www.baytoday.ca/content/news/details.asp?c=6657

Astro with an attitude?????????????????? Thank you sooo much Sony.

Remember when I was complaining about how they were trying to turn Astro away from his roots in North America into some kind of Bart Simpson earlier in this thread? Well, this confirms it beyond a shadow of a doubt. Words can not describe how vomitish this makes me. This is what they try to teach our kids these days. Ay crumba, what a fabricless society we live in.

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

January 31, 2005

Just doing this for my own personal benifit and hopefully some discussion.

Since I'm always scared this site will go down I'm going to copy and paste the episode descriptions of the Tiger Mask anime from there onto here since this is the only site I know of that has descriptions of the episodes.

http://www4.airnet.ne.jp/pancra/tigre/

EPISODE #1 which I have yet to watch but is currently in the mail coming to me!

ep.001: The Yellow Devil

The mysterious villain masked wrestler who had brought fear to all America, "the yellow devil" Tiger Mask returned in Japan.

The mysterious villain masked wrestler who scattered fear in all America, "the yellow devil" Tiger Mask had returned to Japan. Each one of Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion, including Giant Baba, couldn't completely accept his unjust fight. However, because foreigner wrestlers requested an encounter with Tiger Mask, Baba permitted Tiger's being raised to the ring reluctantly. However, the foreigner wrestlers who fought against Tiger became bait of the no-rule fight with Tiger, one after another.

Baba who had explained the fight with Tiger as a TV commentator, said that Tiger might be from Tiger's Cave. Tiger's Cave was a mysterious organization that gathered various young people with various qualities from around the world, and trained them to be villain wrestlers, and to violate the law. Training there was very severe, and it was rumored to produce many dead people.

Kenta of an orphan asylum Chibikko House (means Kids House in Japanese) felt admiration towards the figure of Tiger Mask. Mr. Wakatsuki who managed the House and his younger sister Ruriko felt that Kenta looked very often like the figure of Naoto Date, who had disappeared from the House 10 years ago. At that time, Naoto spat out "I become strong like a tiger!" and he had disappeared on the day before the House which had been managed by Mr. Wakatsuki's father broke up.

When Ruriko saw Tiger Mask on the television screen, suddenly she thought that Tiger's eyes looked like Naoto's eyes very much.

EPISODE #2

Kenta jumped from Chibikko House into the pro-wrestling arena, and met Tiger Mask there.

ep.002: Tiger the Stormbringer

Kenta who yielded in the quarrel with the bad boy who made the orphan of Chibikko House a fool, ran away somewhere, and he didn't come back. Disregarding everyone's worry, Kenta entered the pro-wrestling arena. Though Kenta was caught by Tiger Mask, Tiger said "look for a seat by yourself" and set Kenta free. This strengthened Kenta's respect for Tiger Mask.

Tiger organized a tag team with Antonio Inoki, and fought against legitimate descent Jack Brisco and villain Baron Sciculuna. Though Inoki expected that the technique of Brisco might be able to hold down Tiger, the dreadfulness of the no-rule fight of Tiger exceeded the expectation of Inoki, and both Brisco and Baron went down by the unjust bucket drop kicks of Tiger to the sea of blood.

At that time, Tiger Mask, who came back to the dressing room momentarily, and Ruriko's eyes met. Their eyes met, and Ruriko pictured Naoto Date again. Tiger seemed to feel that he had seen the figure of Ruriko before, too.

EPISODE 3

Naoto Date who disappeared 10 years ago visited Chibikko House which he'd lived before, after a long time.

ep.003: The Man Who Returned

Naoto Date who had covered his traces 10 years ago visited Chibikko House that he had lived before, after a long time. At present, Mr. Wakatsuki and his younger sister Ruriko who was the childhood friend of Naoto managed the House. Naoto who grew up well was welcomed by them. But, Ruriko believing that Tiger Mask was Naoto, had her doubts strengthened all the more by the timely appearance of Naoto.

At that time, Akanuma Gumi of the gang came there, and Akanuma Gumi required that the House be taken because of debt. Men of Akanuma Gumi began a scuffle with them. But, Akanuma Gumi withdrew quietly in the place because Naoto promised that he would pay the debt. Naoto explained to Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko that "my rich relatives passed away and his legacy has rolled onto me."

On the other hand, Tiger Mask fought against The Monster. Though it suffered from a head BUTT attack, it got over it, by the no-rule fight, and Tiger made an admirable victory.

A check from Naoto was delivered to Chibikko House just when they watched the battle of Tiger on television. Mr. Wakatsuki decided that he borrowed this money because there was a letter written by Naoto. "This is just pocket money for me." Ruriko who felt gratitude said "I want to meet Naoto soon and say thanks," too.

EPISODE #4

The manager of Tiger's Cave, Mr. X came in front of Tiger Mask who disobeyed the law of Tiger's Cave, and he raised the warning to Tiger

ep.004: Law of Tiger's Cave

Akanuma Gumi's boss came to Chibikko House. Though Mr. Wakatsuki offered the check which Naoto had sent to him, it only covered half of the amount of debt of the excessive profit interest. If the rest of the money wasn't paid back, he said anrily that he would have to move out in accordance with the promise. Then he went home

An encounter with Mr. Wolf whose nickname was the "mask-tearer," Tiger was in a crisis whereby his face without makeup would be exposed. Ruriko sat in front of the television the day when the doubt that Tiger might be Naoto would become clear as well. Though Wolf who found Tiger's careless, he bit the mask of Tiger, but not even a tooth. Tiger who had taken special training with a fierce animal in Tiger's Cave, and the terrible Tiger's counter attacked Wolf. Though it had already come to a conclusion, Tiger didn't ease the hand of the attack. Ruriko who couldn't endure any more such cruelty averted an eye from the television screen. She said "Kind Naoto doesn't resemble Tiger at all. I just imagined it."

Tiger came back to the dressing room amist suffering jeers. When he took the mask off, his true character was Naoto Date as Ruriko expected. He had been picked up on the day that he disappeared at Ueno Zoo by the scout of Tiger's Cave. That was 10 years ago.

The manager of Tiger's Cave, Mr. X, appeared. He came to give warning of the revenge because Tiger disobeyed the law, that was, "to give 50% of every fight money to Tiger's Cave." Naoto spent the money on the debt of Chibikko House. However, because Naoto swore "I surely comply with the law from now on" clearly, Mr. X said "don't forget this word the next time," and he passed the dressing room.

EPISODE #5

ep.005: Tiger Is Ready to Die

Naoto offered the fight money which should be paid to Tiger's Cave to save Chibikko House.

Tiger Mask fought the African Champion, Popo Africa. Giant Baba's patience met a limit for Tiger Mask's cruelty when he did not stop attacking Popo Africa even when the fight was finished. "This is a shame to Japanese Pro-wrestiling!" thundered Giant Baba , and threw the letter of insulation at Tiger Mask. But after watching the little ask for Tiger Mask's autograph without being frightened of him, Giant Baba thought, "A child's eye cannot be fooled. Maybe Tiger Mask's true nature is at a different place", and withdrew the letter of insulation. Tiger Mask was relieved inside since he was able to get the Fight money that he can give to Tiger's Cave.

When Naoto visited Chibikko House, Mr. Wakkatsuki and Ruriko told him that the check he sent was only good to pay back half of the loan. If the other half is not payed, they will have to move out of the Cibikko House. Naoto, who wasn't convinced at all with this, went to Akanuma Gumi with Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko.

Naoto fought against the boss of Akanuma Gumi from the front. A problem wasn't solved in not paying a debt though the boss who faced the force of Naoto toward the front felt fear "This man is the tiger of the thing confusion in the death." So, Naoto offered the fight money which he had to obtain in Tiger's Cave again. Naoto betrayed Tiger's Cave again. It became decisive by this that Naoto had a life aimed at by Tiger's Cave.

Naoto confronted the boss of Akanuma Gumi. Although the boss felt that Naoto was a "Tiger fighting for his life" and feared Naoto's inner force, the problem was still not solved unless the loan was paid off. Naoto then paid off the debt with the other half of his fight money that he had to pay to Tiger's Cave. This meant that Noato betrayed Tiger's Cave again, and because of this, it was clear that Tiger's Cave was after his life.

EPISODE #6

The first assassin wrestler of Tiger's Cave, Black Python attacked Tiger who betrayed Tiger's Cave, and this two guys faced directly in the battle as the wire netting death match.

ep.006: Terrible Death Match

The first assasin sent by Tiger's Cave, Black Python, came to Japan. Python beat up a violent tiger that broke loose from it's cage at the airport and declared in a high and proud voice that he will also defeat Tiger Mask.

Their battle which was called "the death match of the century" was a wire death match. Foul play was allowed in this fight and weapons and bitings were allowed too. Although Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki thought that this was a shame to Japanese Pro-wrestling, they also assumed that there must have been some special reason for Tiger Mask to have had to fight in such a battle.

Although Tiger Mask fell in a crisis when Python did his favorite "Python scissors" (body scissors) on him, he was able to escape from this attack by moving Python's mask. Tiger Mask was encouraged by the only voice that supported him in the whole arena. But he was shocked when he found out that the voice who encouraged him belonged to Kenta from Chibikko House, who sneaked into the arena. Not only that, Ruriko, who came to look for Kenta, also appeared at the ringside. Kenta told Ruriko, "I want to become a villain and live the rest of my life with foul play". This made Ruriko very upset.

Then, Ruriko entreated Tiger. "Mr. Tiger, you may be a man whom I possibly know well. However, I ask you even if you are him or not. Please teach to this kid who yearns you. He must live seriously properly even if it is hard for him."

Tiger Mask's movement stopped when he heard her words. Python, who was fixed to the rope, did not miss this chance, and made a counter attack.

EPISODE #7

ep.007: The Bloodstained Tiger

Tiger granted the entreaty of Ruriko, and he decided to be confronted with Python by the fair play without no-rule fight.

The mortal combat between Tiger Mask and Black Python was still going on. Tiger took the iron black jack from his opponent, but he then remembered Ruriko's words. Tiger Mask hesitated, and let the iron blackjack fall to the ground. He had listened to Ruriko's cry. Python will not have overlooked this chance. Python picked up the blackjack that Tiger Mask had dropped, and started attacking him and brought Tiger Mask to bloodshed. Tiger Mask, who had sealed his foul play, was not his normal self.

But at the last moment, Tigermask made a counterattack. A beautiful backdrop. Python went down to the mat by this single blow. Baba and Inoki were at awe when they saw Tiger Mask's orthodox technique.

After the match, Kenta swore to Tiger Mask that he has changed his way of thinking. Ruriko also said that Tiger Mask was an angle to have opened up Kenta's heart. But Tiger Mask spat out and told them, "I am a yellow devil. What I did today was just a whim!"

After Kenta went home to the Chibikko House, he started to brag about his conversation with Tiger Mask. This bragging annoyed Yoshi-bo who felt a rivalry towards Kenta. The next day, they finally started a fist fight. During this fight, Naoto visited the Chibikko House. Naoto proposed a soccer game to the two boys fighting. Kenta and Yoshi-bo finally become friends after realizing the importance of teamwork. Naoto, who watched the two boys become friends again, also swore to himself that he was going to confront Tiger's Cave with fairplay.

EPISODE #8

ep.008: Trap of Tiger's Cave

Three killers employed by Tiger's Cave started the operation to kill Naoto Date even when he got off the ring.

Naoto received a telephone call from Mr. X just as he was being troubled by a bad dream about Tiger's Cave. Mr. X threatened Naoto. "The assassin wrestlers of Tiger's Cave are going to Japan one after another." Moreover, Mr. X also targeted Naoto who was leaving the ring until they came because it took too time till they arrived at Japan.

This word was not a lie, and Mr. X demanded to assassinate Naoto using three killers in the room of a certain hotel. They succeeded in putting hypnotism on Naoto smoothly. Naoto was manipulated by the hypnotism of the killers to go to Chibikko House, and attempt pistol suicide in front of Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko. But, Naoto was helped severely by Kenta and then, recovered his consciousness. After Naoto explained the false circumstances to Mr. Wakatsuki, he went to the place of the confrontation alone.

Naoto faced three killers in the waste article place on Dream Island. The present Naoto didn't have any carelessness, and he could strike down the three men one after another. Even Mr. X could not but admit his defeat when he knew that. Even tough he was, he had a hateful smile. "It is decided that you will taste the pain of hell in the ring in the near future."

EPISODE #9

ep.009: The Starved Gorilla Man

The second assassin wrestler of Tiger's Cave, "The Beast" Gorilla Man visited Japan, and Mr. X was full of confidence and declared a challenge to Tiger.

The Beast" Gorilla Man who brought up by mountain gorillas was put in the cage on a cargo ship, and visited Japan. He was the second assassin wrestler from Tiger's Cave. This news was introduced to Chibikko House as well at once. Kids saw the demonstration that Gorilla Man dragged five buses through the television screen, and they were very much surprised with Naoto. The manager of Gorilla Man, Mr. X were proud, and he declared a challenge to Tiger Mask. Kenta who saw it felt uneasy with the heart of anxiety, and ran up before the poster of Tiger. He muttered. "Please win surely, my Tiger." Naoto stared at such Kenta gently.

Giant Baba who praised Tiger awakened to the legitimate descent established a tag team with him, and fought toward the foreigner team. However, Tiger couldn't fight like usual because he sealed no-rule fight personally. Though Tiger himself didn't notice it, a tiptoe drop kick as one of the secret no-rule fights was used, and he won a victory at the end. Only Baba wasn't deceived by him though the humor of Tiger was very fine.

"The Beast" Gorilla Man appeared with Mr. X on the ring after this battle. Though the foreigner team which yielded to Tiger and Baba provoked Gorilla Man, they became a bait of the Fresh-Bomb Megaton Drop (hip drop) which is the favorite attack of Gorilla Man. Furthermore, Tiger thrust his finger in Gorilla Man's eyes because even Baba who tried to help them was caught by Gorilla Man, too. The fate between Gorilla Man and Tiger became conclusive as a result.

Tiger wasn't confident of winning against Gorilla Man without no-rule fight. Therefore, he tried to run away to the foreign countries. But, when he made a telephone call in Ruriko as last one, he was made to know from Ruriko that Kenta entered a hospital in the acute pneumonia. Naoto got flustered and rushed to the hospital. Naoto heard that Kenta prayed the victory of Tiger and he did bathe all night long. Naoto who heard it renewed a heart, too, and decided that he would fight against Gorilla Man without no-rule fight. He cried in his heart, "Tiger Mask will die. But one tiger will die to the end with doing his best!"

EPISODE #10

ep.010: "Fresh-Bomb" Megaton Drop

Will Tiger be able to win when he meets the Fresh-Bomb Megaton Drop of "The Beast" Gorilla Man?

Tiger was devoted worldly to practice because the match with "The Beast" Gorilla Man was approaching. The counter measure needed for the deathly Fresh-Bomb Megaton Drop was to be a strong bridge. When he was presenting his strong bridge, Baba ends up hurting Tiger's neck during the demonstration. He could no longer protect himself from the Megaton Drop by the bridge. From the result, Tiger and Baba were left on bad terms as the game date came to date.

All of the kids of Chibikko House were invited to the arena by Naoto. He wanted the kids to learn the virtue of giving 100% even if the chance of winning is slim. The fact that he was called "The Beast" would have Tiger fighting against heavy odds as expected. Tiger fought uses his speed and technique but is bleeding profusely. When Tiger collapsed on the ring, Gorilla Man jumped from the corner which he set up for the Megaton Drop. He would have used his bridge if it weren't for his hurt neck. He had no choice but to just dodge from it. When Gorilla Man misses his target, he penetrates through the mat and gets stuck in the hole he made.

Tiger wanted fair play which led him to give the helpless Gorilla Man a hand out of the hole. From Tiger's compassion, Gorilla Man's fighting spirit withered away at once. But Mr.X would not have that. He pushed and pushed Gorilla Man to keep fighting. Then, Tiger adopted a fighting tactic using the hole left behind by "The Beast". He used the force from the rope and jumped at Gorilla Man, overthrowing him into the hole as planned. Even Gorilla Man could not get up from this attack and the winner was clear.

Tiger expresses his gratitude to Baba in the interview. If he had used the bridge to stop the Megaton Drop, his neck would have surely been broken. He understood this after he fought the match. After hearing this, Baba nodded with content.

EPISODE #11

ep.011: The Marvelous World League

Giant Baba introduced a martial artist, Arashi Toranosuke to Tiger who had mental delusion.

Tiger was asked by Giant Baba to participate in the next World League. However, he did not have the confidence to be in a league where there were clean fights and strict rules. And for him to be in a long term league of this kind was something he could not decide right away. When Naoto visited the Chibikko House, he found out that Kenta and the other kids were looking forward for Tiger to join the league and win the league. Naoto said to himself, "Tiger can't destroy the dream, the dream which these unfortunate children believe in" and decided to join the league.

After Tiger tells Baba about his intent to join the league, Baba pointed out that Tiger sometimes commits fouls without realizing it. Baba then introduces Tiger to a certain man. This old man is none other than Toranosuke Arashi. He is a famous Judo master who was known as Arashi Ju-dan (tenth degree black belt). Tiger was invited into Arashi's house. Arashi was able to realize in an instant, that Tiger had a distress. He told him that Tiger was afraid of something and that his heart was disturbed. Tiger was in fact afraid that he might commit fouls again without reailizing it. After realizing this from Arashi's teachings, Tiger starts remembering the origin of fighting, and starts getting back his stable stage of heart.

Tiger challenged the opening of the World League with new determination, and perfectly defeated Tarzan Mayler.

EPISODE #12

ep.012: For Whom Is This Fight for?

Tiger pushed injury, and participated in the battle forcibly to save an orphan asylum in Osaka, Echoes School.

In Osaka. Tiger teamed up with Antonio Inoki and fought with Lozinski & Jesse Cortes, and hurt his leg during the fight. Giant Baba then orders Tiger to default the fight for the next day.

While walking the streets of Osaka after taking off his mask, Naoto meets a young boy named Goro. After finding out that Goro lives in a orphanage named Yamabiko-en, Naoto decides to visit this place. At the orphanage, a friend of Goro was lying in bed with a cold. They say that Yamabiko-en is so poor that they couldn't even turn on the oil heater. The environment is so bad that on top of this, the cliff behind the orphanage starts to collapse when it rains. Naoto, who happened to be there by chance, was also carried out to help out with the landslide.

After hearing that it costs 300,000 yen to repair the cliff behind the orphanage, Naoto decides to participate in the fight with his injured leg. Even though Baba and Antionio Inoki tried to stop him, Tiger Mask still went out to fight "the human battleship" Luccarch. Tiger Mask still defeated him perfectly, and won the prizemoney. With this money, the cliff behind the orphanage was able to be fixed. There was also a gift for oil and Takoyaki ( Japanese snack) to the Yamabiko-en. The director of the orphanage and Goro were filled with gratitude by this unexpected anonymous contribution.

Naoto secretly visited the Yamabiko-en. After saying goodbye to Goro, who had no idea that it was Naoto who had made the contribution, Naoto quietly left the place.

EPISODE #13

ep.013: The Fearsome Hell Operation

The assassin of Tiger's Cave, Skull Star and Mr. Shadow attacked Tiger with the "Hell Operation."

The fight between Tiger Mask and Skull Star at the World League. The Chibikko House kids who were led by Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko, were also in the arena.

Skull Star is a masked wrestler of Tiger's Cave who was brought to Japan by Mr.X. When Naoto saw Skull Star's figure, and heard his voice, he started to picture his comrade during his Tiger's Cave years. As soon as the fight started, the lights went out in the arena and Skull star's whole skeleton pattern was the only thing that appeared in the darkness. This was Skull Star's "Hell Operation." Mr. Shadow, who was dressed all in black, was holding Tiger Mask back in the dark. Tiger Mask was not able to do anything and was just being attacked. It was Mr.X that had turned out the lights in the arena.

Feeling that something was wrong when he saw Tiger Mask get beaten up without being able to fight back, Kenta turned on the lighter and walked towards the ringside. Then, the audience realized that Tiger Mask was being attacked by both Mr. Shadow and Skull Star. Mr. Shadow kicked off Kenta who was clinging on to him when he was trying to escape. This really got Tiger Mask pissed off. As soon as the lights went on, Tiger Mask started to K.O. Mr. Shadow and Skull Star one after another. After taking the mask off the two wrestlers, he found out that the two were his former comrades from Tiger Cave, Rocky and Rico, just as he had imagined.

Even though Tiger had defeated the fearsome "Hell Operation," he was depressed at the fact that his former comrades had become his assassin. However, he also praised Kenta for taking a courageous action to help save Tiger Mask.

EPISODE #14

ep.014: The Secret Training in Tiger's Cave

The best friend of Naoto of Tiger's Cave age, Daigo Daimon took an order to erase Tiger Mask with being unwilling for him.

A letter from his best friend, Daigo Daimon, reached Tiger Mask who was winning the World League matches consecutively. Daimon was Naoto's classmate during his Tiger's Cave years. Back then, Naoto was not able to win once by skill, against Daimon, The content of the letter was advice for Naoto to withdraw from wresting and hide out overseas. It was from Daimon who was worried about Naoto's safety. But after Naoto returned from his shower, the letter from Daimon which he had left on his desk, was gone.

Mr. X showed up at the headquarters of Tiger's Cave in the Alps, in order to give the progress report regarding the Tiger Mask Assasination Project. The three red masked rulers did not forgive Mr. X for his repeated failures and sentenced him to death, but Mr. X pleaded for his life with the letter (which Daigo sent to Naoto) in his hand. He had already thought of the next plan, which was to set up Daigo as the next assassin for Tiger Mask. Mr. X knew that Tiger Mask was never able to beat Daimon. Daimon, who was now the coach at Tiger Cave, was agonized by Mr. X's order. If he did not obey Mr. X's order, his own life was in danger because he was the one who had secretly sent the letter to Naoto.

Even though troubled, Daimon finally agrees to fight against Tiger Mask and his training started from that day. Naoto was not only Daimon's best friend, but he had also saved Daimon's life in the past, when Daimon tried to escape from Tiger's Cave. Daimon had not forgotten that incident. The fact that Daimon had agreed to assassinate Tiger Mask, was actually a camouflage. Daimon escaped Tiger's Cave when he got the chance.

During his flight back to Japan, Mr. X was thinking about a new Tiger Mask Assassination Project.

ep.015: Victory with Countless Wounds

Tiger couldn't move the left arm which was numb because it was shot by the anesthesia gun of the sniper of Tiger's Cave, Saples No.1.

Kenta got excited because he saw the battle of Tiger Mask through the television. So, he had the imitation of Tiger and gave a back drop to Chappy's stuffed animal, but he hit the television and broke it. Kenta was completely depressed. Chibikko House didn't have enough money to buy a new television. Kenta didn't feel fine though he was comforted by Ruriko because he knew his responsibility.

Naoto who refrained from the confrontation with "the bitter" Branchy was absorbed in the thought alone in the port of the place of the tour. Saples No.1, the sniper of Tiger's Cave, was putting a tail on him. The anesthesia gun which Saples No.1 shot damaged him, so Naoto was numb and couldn't even walk. The car driven by Saples No.1 to run over such Naoto attacked him. Someone jumped out of darkness at the last moment, and Naoto was helped. Naoto saw his profile and the big scar on that momentarily. He had to been Daigo Daimon, Naoto's best friend. But, though Naoto stopped him, Daimon ran off in the silence Naoto couldn't know why.

Tiger's left arm which was damaged by the anesthesia gun of Saples No.1 couldn't get the power at all. Tiger only fought hard because he fought with Branchy under such bad condition. Branchy tried to tear the mask of Tiger soon by using the bitting, his favorite attack. The kids of Chibikko House who were presented a new color television by Naoto, were watching the hard fight of Tiger and were anxious. As if such minds of Kenta and other kids were understood, Tiger started a counterattack. He thrust his heel in Branchy's mouth and planned to give Branchy's tooth damage. Being disappointed, The gong which ment the time-out rang at that time. But Tiger was full of confidence because he fought to the end though he had been able to use right arm only.

EPISODE #16

ep.016: Defeated Tiger

The comrades when Naoto was enrolled in Tiger's Cave, Rocky and Rico took the order to erase Naoto from Mr. X.

Rocky (Skull Star) and Rico (Mr. Shadow) were blamed by Mr. X for failing in Tiger crossing out. And Mr. X told them to kill Naoto when he got off the ring. Because they had the past which they had been suffered an obligation by Naoto once, they said "we can't do behavior like such killers" and rejected the order of Mr. X. Therefore Rocky was killed by Mr. X just looking with the accident. Reluctantly, Rico went to kill Naoto. Rico fought against Naoto at the roof of the building. But Rico mistook measuring at a guess, fell and died tragically.

One of the leading best bouts in the World League, Tiger Mask vs. Antonio Inoki, had tried to begin. Mr. X appeared before Tiger in the passage before the battle. He showed Tiger the photograph of Rico and Rocky, and blamed the death of two people for being the responsibility of Tiger. It was the mentality operation which gave Tiger agitation before the battle.

As expectation, this battle became a wonderful technique battle. But when it went into the middle, Tiger remembered the dead Rico. Inoki didn't miss this carelessness, and his sharp drop kick exploded in Tiger. Tiger fell under the ring. A count proceeded as it is, then result became the ring out defeat of of Tiger, that was great regret for him. The mentality operation of Mr. X succeeded perfectly. Mr. X laughed satisfactorily. "It was easy to push you down to the assassin wrestler of Tiger's Cave."

It was Kenta that received a shock most for the defeat of Tiger. He burned all the photographs of Tiger which he had for all time carefully. Ruriko advised such Kenta. "Even Tiger fails once in a while because he is also but a human being. It is important to get over failure." When Ruriko asked "do you like Tiger very much even now?", Kenta nodded greatly, and they hoped cheerfully that Tiger recovered.

At this time, Naoto who visited Chibikko House by chance was hearing their conversation stealthily. Naoto swore himself that he would recover because he was encouraged for their conversation, though he decided a retirement once as he had trouble with the death of his comrades

WP -- Good to have a backup. I should be watching these shows not too long from now so comments on the eps shouldn't be too long away!

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

January 31, 2005

ep.017: Tiger Awaked

Chappy was in the hit-and-run accident during the running convention of Chibikko House.

Naoto worried whether former comrades might die again, so far as he resisted Tiger's Cave. On the other hand, he couldn't leave from the ring not to break the dream of Kenta and other kids. Then, Naoto came to hope to die well as Tiger as result which he became unstable between such two thoughts.

At such time, Naoto participated in the running convention of Chibikko House. Chappy was in the hit-and-run accident in this running convention. Luckily Chappy was fine though she had to enter a hospital for about one month. However, the criminal of the hit-and-run accident hadn't been caught. Ikuo, son of the Koide Camera Shop, took pictures of that hit-and-run accident spot by accident at all. In fact, he criminal was took in that photograph. It was Kyotaro, son of the president of the Sugawa Gumi (a moneylender company) lending money to the Koide Camera Shop. Therefore, Ikuo's father was forced to hide truth from the Sugawa Gumi.

Kenta who knew it arrived alone to the Sugawa Gumi. But, of course, there was no chance of winning at all as one kid. Pushed surprise, Tiger Mask appeared there. Tiger said that Kenta was "his friend" so that he appeared to help Kenta. Kyotaro, the hit-and-run accident criminal who tried to kill himself was caught thanks to the action of Tiger. At last, both Kyotaro and his father, the president of the Sugawa Gumi, reformed themselves. Kyotaro promised Kenta and Tiger to surrender himself to the police, and solved this case.

Tiger remembered his own word to Kyotaro who tried to kill himself. "Coward! Why don't you try to make up for it before thinking to die! Suicide is what the worst coward in this world does!" It had to be the word which really applied to present Tiger himself as well. He ashamed of himself who remembered to die and swore again that he continued the way of living as Tiger, not to be wasted the death of Rocky and Rico.

ep.018: The Fate Showdown

Daigo Daimon who entered stealthily and secretly in Japan was caught by Mr. X, and he was forced to fight against Tiger Mask again

Daigo Daimon who entered in Japan stealthily and secretly, was swayed and confined by Mr. X, after he watched the fight of Tiger Mask. Mr. X compelled a battle with Tiger Mask from Daimon. Though Daimon kept refusing it, he couldn't finish standing torture and he approved of battle against Tiger at last. On the other hand, Naoto received a letter from Daimon, and anxious for Daimon who chased by Tiger's Cave as himself very much.

Though Tiger met the battle with Comanche, one of the Indian pair, strangely Comanche didn't come to the sight and the unearned win of Tiger was declared. As a matter of fact, Comanche had lenient confinement done in the dressing room by the instigation of Mr. X. Mr. X came to at the ringside, and offered a fight with another wrestler to Tiger. It was the mysterious masked wrestler who put on the mask of the "fudo-myo-oh" (means the Immovable King in Japanese, one of gods of Buddhism). His true character was Daigo Daimon.

Because Tiger also held a doubt that he might be Daimon, Tiger couldn't be concentrated on the fight. But this man insisted "I am not Daimon" and set the no-rule fight which was unbelievable if he was Daimon. Therefore, Tiger believed that he was not Daimon, and changed himself to beeing in his best fight. Though he fought hard, Tiger obtained the victory. When he struck and broke a enemy's mask, this man's true character was Daimon exactly. Tiger was shocked very much.

It was the operation to make Tiger encouraged that Daimon had set no-rule fight. Naoto who noticed that matter, was afraid of Daimon and ran after him outside of the arena. Mr. X who aimed at Daimon was there. Mr. X said when Naoto stood before him. "Daimon is owed to you and forgive him tonight. But, we surely kill both you and Daimon!" Daimon also disappeared in the silence in night darkness as if he avoided Naoto who followed him.

ep.019: Two Hours Till the Starting Bout

Before a battle began, Tiger who went shopping met one boy of the name of Morio, and did the act which was useful for the boy's life improvement.

It was the World League at Kazamatsuri. Spending two-hour free time before the bout start, Tiger went to shopping. There he met a boy who said that he was being followed by a kidnapper. Though Tiger parted from this boy soon at first, as Tiger felt that his attitude was so unusual, he went to Hinode-cho which that boy lived in by the guidance of a taxi driver.

That boy, Morio, was a ragman though he was in the second grade in the junior high school. He had to work so that he might help his sick mother after his father had died. The man running after Morio wasn't a kidnapper, but a worker of the welfare office, named Shibusawa. Though Shibusawa made effort to enter Morio and his mother to the home for mothers and children, but Morio didn't approve of leaving Hinode-cho which his father's recollection was left in. And he was insisting that he lived by himself. Therefore, he was avoiding Shibusawa.

Thinking of Morio's and his mother's benefit, Tiger decided that he would cooperated with the persuasion of Morio, too. But, time to the bout start was near at hand gradually. At such time, Morio's mother emitted blood and was carried to the hospital by ambulance. Morio touched the warmness of Tiger who took care of them kindly even at such time, finally he approved of going into the home for mothers and children.

Though this was affair settlement, it was left for only 20 minutes to the bout start. Gen-san, Morio's colleague of ragmans, proposed to take Tiger to the arena by his truck. Tiger was in time at the last moment for his bout start. Tiger ran splendidly to the ring which audience waited for him after he told "give this to Morio" and handed his wallet to Gen-san.

ep.020: Shadow of Tiger's Cave

Naoto who refrained from the encounter with Black Jaguar was attacked by the killer of Tiger's Cave, and then he got injured the left arm

Mr. X who got into a scraped by the failure which occurred repeatedly, employed killers again and planed Naoto Date without mask crossing out. Three killers attacked Naoto who played with the kids of Chibikko House in the amusement park. Though Naoto got over the attack narrowly, he got injured his left arm by the persistent attack of Mr. X.

At that time, Chibikko House welled up in the news that Yoshi-bo's mother was found. But it was proved that this was an incorrect news after all. Kenta encouraged Yoshi-bo who got depressed warmly. When Naoto watched this situation, he refreshed determination that he couldn't go to a reason not to take part in the battle though he was anxious about his injured left arm. The battle of Tiger Mask was exactly the vitality source for the kids of the House.

This time, the opponent of Tiger was Black Jaguar, one of strong and tough maskmen. Because Jaguar had been told about the injury of Tiger by Mr. X in advance, he troubled Tiger by the attack of aiming at injury point. But Tiger who remembered kids' figure roused himself. Eliminated unfavorable conditions, he made a victory perfectly.

ep.021: The Red Fang with Revenge

The younger brother of Jack Brisco who was ever tormented before by Tiger, Mike came to Japan with the revenge hidden in the heart.

Cherished revenge to Tiger Mask, a man like the crewman got off and stood up to Japan. This man's name was Mike Brisco. He was the younger brother of Jack Brisco, who had been tormented by Tiger of the Yellow Devil age before and had to spend with wheelchair. Mike was also pro-wrestler and offered a fight with Tiger to Giant Baba. But Baba didn't permit the participation in fight of Mike, because he was anxious about Tiger who turned a just wrestler now.

Whatever Baba said, Mike couldn't believe that Tiger threw the no-rule fight away and passed. At such time, Mr. X appeared before Mike. Mr. X handed a red mask to Mike, and taught him the plan to challenge Tiger with this mask put on. Mike reorganized in the masked wrestler, Red Fang, burst for the battle of Tiger, and realized a confrontation with Tiger forcibly.

How much attacks Mike put up by the no-rule fight, Tiger hadn't set the no-rule fight. Soon Mike sallied out with the last violent attack, but his power was not enough and he was defeated by the just technique of Tiger. Then Mike was ashamed of himself who was sticking to the the revenge, and finally accepted that Tiger became a very just wrestler.

Mike rode on the ship which was the same as when he comes, and left Japan. Tiger who united with the new friendship with Mike saw him off.

ep.022: Challenge for Tomorrow

Naoto met the young man who became a desperate, Akira in the town of the fishing which a fish can't employ any more and which was deserted.

In the battle with Tarzan Mayler and Don Luccarch, Tiger took the equipment attack using a gong and got injured his chest, so he reached the crisis to be absence of the next battle, against Killer Lozinski.

At such time, Naoto met a young man, Akira Hamasaka, who tried to sell a false pro-wrestling ticket to him. He visited the Akira's home because of a certain reason. Akira lived in the rural area which had prospered with the fishery before, with his grandfather only. But it became the dark sea where they couldn't catch fishes now, and it was completely deserted there. Therefore, Akira went astray.

He was trying to go to Tokyo city with his bad friends, left his grandfather. However while Naoto spoke to Akira, he believed that Akira wasn't despairing to the fishing completely yet. Akira had a dream that he did deep-sea fishery by big ship, cooperated with all fishermen in that area. But they couldn't buy a satisfactory ship because of the poverty area, therefore he was desperate so much. Naoto who knew it wanted to teach Akira not to throw the left hope, by fighting a battle with Lozinski even if he had got injured his chest.

On the day that Akira intended to go to Tokyo with his friends, his grandfather fell. When exactly Akira who reflected came back to his home, one of his fishermen friends visited him there. This friend said to Akira that there was a large sum of contribution anonymously as fund for the deep-sea fishery. The only condition was to name the new ship "The Hope." From the shade, Naoto watched gently this two young men who stared at the sea with big hopes in their hearts and expected new departure.

ep.023: Tiger Risks His Life

Tiger strengthened the determination that he participated in the Maskmen World League set by Tiger's Cave to earn a blind girl's operating fee.

As usual, Tiger visited a orphan asylum in the place of the tour with many presents. Naoto met one blind girl at this orphan asylum, Home of Hope (Kibo-no-ie, in original Japanese). This girl named Chizuru, said to Naoto that they didn't have enough money for her eye operation, but she was living cheerfully. By the encounter with Chizuru, Naoto realized that there were still many orphans who were in the environment which wasn't favored like her in whle Japan. However, Naoto got impatient very much with not solving this situation only by his fight money.

Naoto who came back from the tour of country areas visited Chibikko House after a long time. There Naoto watched the pro-wrestling special TV program with the kids. In that program, it introduced the news that the group of the grotesque wrestlers led by Mr. X visited Japan. The Lion Man, The Egypt Mummy, King Saturn, The Golden Mask, Mr. No and The Dracula. They were of course the wrestlers of Tiger's Cave. Mr. X announced holding of the Maskmen World League and called Tiger Mask to participate in it too through the TV. The victory prize of this League was exactly 100 thousand dollar (36 million yen at that time exchange rate) surprisingly.

Naoto knew clearly that the Maskmen World League was the death trap set by Tiger's Cave. But he wanted to relieve orphans in whole Japan, including Chizuru whom he met with Home of Hope earnestly. For him, the victory prize 100 thousand dollar was the fascination which was hard to throw away. At last, he strengthened the determination of taking the challenge of Tiger's Cave directly risking whole his life.

ep.024: The Opening of the Maskmen League

Tiger started a trouble with Giant Baba, and participated in the Maskmen World League. He fought against Mr. No first in the first battle.

Tiger offered separation of Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion's World League halfway to participate in the Maskmen World League instead. Because of this, he parted from Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki in anger. Tiger wanted prizes 100 thousand dollar even if he was insulted as the betrayer. To save the orphans in the whole Japan who were not favored.

The Maskmen World League opened at long last. As expected, the jeers showered by the audience were stuck in Tiger coldly. There were his enemies at both the inside and the outside of the ring. The convention rule, that was, "the violating the rules was competely free," was announced by Mr. X who affected the referee.

The first battle opponent of Tiger was Mr. No. Mr. No's whole body costume was made by his vinyl with greasing, so Tiger fought hard. Moreover, the power of his head bat was terrible. On the other hand, Tiger had a hard fight forced because he had to keep the promise with Kenta and continue the justice fight, even though it was the rule of the violating the rules free.

Then, a message from Kenta was delivered to the TV commentary seat. He said that "no-rule fight is rather expected tactics in the battle without just rule." Tiger who heard it felt fine, and started a counterattack. He beat Mr. No at last by the violent attack which violating the rules mixed with. At the end, there was a cruel sight which he pull Mr. No's neck away! However, it was not a neck but an iron ball. In fact, he hid an iron ball under the costume.

The audience was very quiet in the silence without any words though Tiger won. Only the kids of Chibikko House celebrated the victory of Tiger in front of the TV.

ep.025: Deadly Battle with the Golden Mask

Tiger met the next battle with the Golden Mask with a body numb by the anesthesia attack though he beat The Dracula

Tiger was fighting against The Dracula on the the second day of the Maskmen World League. Tiger fought hard because the stubborn whole-body hair of Dracula was the wire which seep anesthetic drag as a matter of fact, and further more, he bit Tiger like a real vampire. But at the end, Tiger obtained a victory by the artistic pile driver. Though physical numbness didn't come out completely from Tiger who received the anesthesia by the Dracula, he met the next battle with the Golden Mask.

The Golden Mask disappeared of Tiger by the mysterious ray which he set in his mask made of special glass, and carried the battle in the predominance. His special mask was hard like iron, and right after the mouth of his mask opened greatly with the strange sound, a sharp tusk, which could bite even the rope around the ring off at a moment, was attacked Tiger mercilessly. Finally, Tiger noticed that he could avoid a mysterious ray when he watched closely in the foot of the Golden Mask, then he took back his pace gradually.

Tiger who didn't overlook small carelessness set a giant swing in the offense and defense outside the ring. The Golden Mask crashed at the corner post and knocked down completely. When Tiger tried to examine his mask, the machine device to control mysterious ray and tusk was hidden in its reverse side. However, because of the anesthetic by the Dracula or many bleeding by bitting by the Golden Mask, Tiger's body was fascinated and he also couldn't come back onto the ring. The result of this battle was the draw of out-of-ring both, regretly.

After the battle, The biggest opponent, the Lion Man appeared on the ring, and gave the demonstration toward the battle against Tiger.

ep.026: Beyond the Glory

Tiger who beat the Lion Man & the Egypt Mummy as a tag team with the mysterious Great Zebra who appeared suddenly got the prize of 100 thousand dollar at last.

A mysterious maskman, the Great Zebra appeared in the middle of the demonstration of the Lion Man. Zebra said that it was a chance to spread his name, and required forcibly an fight against the Lion Man and the Egypt Mummy as the pair with Tiger Mask. The Lion Man who got angry said "this is the chance which destroys two guys at the same time," and approved of a requirement from Zebra. But Tiger couldn't throw the doubt away that Zebra was also the killer wrestler of Tiger's Cave.

After this battle began, the doubtful attitude of Zebra lasted. But, as the battle proceeded, it was found out that all Zebra's behavior was to help Tiger. At first, Tiger was determined to isolated and be in the battle as only one against three enemies. However, nowadays, he trusted Zebra and was relieved and confronted against the Lion Man and the Mummy. At the end, he fixed a powerful cobra twist perfectly though he was troubled by the Lion Man's the marvelous power. The Lion Man emitted blood from his mouth, and collapsed on the ring.

Finally, Tiger got prizes 100 thousand dollars. While he did so, his mate Zebra ran back to the dressing room. Tiger followed him quickly. Tiger ignored Zebra who was troublesome and went into the dressing room forcibly, then he approached to reveal Zebra's true character. Tiger guessed one man as Zebra's true character.

As Zebra yielded to questioning of Tiger, he laughed and removed his mask. His true character was the man as Tiger guessed, that is, Giant Baba. Once this two guys parted in anger. But Baba realized that Tiger participated in the Maskmen World League because he wanted to get prizes 100 thousand dollars to relieve the people for who not to be favored. So he rushed to help Tiger hiding his true character with mask of Zebra.

Because Tiger was impressed with the hot friendship of Baba, he promised to Baba to revert to Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion from the next series.

ep.027: Open Your Eyes, Tiger

The operation of repairing the eye of blind girl Chizuru succeeded safely thanks to the anonymous contribution from Tiger. However, Tiger was worried by a certain thing.

A blind girl Chizuru who lived in the orphan asylum, Home of Hope, was suddenly decided to move to a school for blind persons. All kids, including Jiro who was her good friend, grieved over this parting with her. On the day when Chizuru was leaving from Home of Hope at long last, she received one letter. A sender was anonymity "A". In the envelope, with the letter written "with this money, get an eyes operation to Chizuru," there was a large sum of check. Chizuru would be able to see. Not only for this matter, Chizuru is gladder for also not to part with her friends.

Eyes operation of Chizuru succeeded in the perfection. New world opened for her who took the eye bandage off with both expectation and worry in her heart. She called the anonymity "A" who gave her contribution "kind man like God," and she was filled with feeling of gratitude.

At the same time, Tiger's fight style became completely dirty because he had kept fighting in the Maskmen World League which had the violating the rules free. His impatient feeling became strong day by day, though Tiger absorbed in the training to recover the just fight style hardly. In such a situation, he met the battle with a marvelous powerful wrestler, King Cobra. Tiger who fought hard by the tough Cobra Hug (bear hug) used no-rule fight unconsciously. Though Tiger won, he couldn't become good feeling.

When Tiger came back to the dressing room, Baba handed a newspaper to him gently. On it, there was an article introduced that an eye operation of Chizuru succeeded. Tiger thought that it was very meaningful that he participated in the Maskmen World League even for only Chizuru's happiness, and he could finally get comfort. At the same time, he himself refreshed the determination to open the eyes for making his original favorite attack too.

ep.028: Tiger's Cave Revives

Tiger's Cave was reorganized as an organization of the modern equipment of making the most of a computer. Then, Mr. X flew to each place in the world to scout the young man of the new age.

Mr. X who failed in Tiger crossing out in the Maskmen World League as the trump was called back to the headquarters of Tiger's Cave . Though Mr. X was resigned to the execution, the plan of the boss who came to the sight was really contrary to the expectation. The boss said that an old age system was the cause of Tiger's Cave weakening, and declared a rearrangement to the modern training establishment where they made the most of computers. So, the order to Mr. X was to go to the around world and scout new boys for new system. Tiger Mask crossing out plan was interruption until the rearrangement of Tiger's Cave was completed.

America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Mr. X advanced scout smoothly in each places in the world. He succeeded in the scout of a boy named Kentaro Takaoka in Japan. But a man witnessed stealthily when Mr. X came to Japan. He was Daigo Daimon who became a taxi driver.

Daimon succeeded in taking out Mr. X to a deserted warehouse. He tormented Mr. X and tried to get the secret of Tiger's Cave, but he missed Mr. X with being disappointed at last. Daimon swore afresh that he still challenged Tiger's Cave alone and erased it from the earth.

On the other hand, Tiger burned his fighting spirit to acquire his only original attack to escape from the slump after the Maskmen World League.

ep.029: Challenger Strong

The true character of assassin Strong Arm sent newly by Tiger's Cave was "the Iron Arm" Joe, the coach who looked after Naoto and Daimon.

Strong Arm, he was the masked wrestler who damaged his opponents in every places by his favorite attack, Strong swing. He was new assassin wrestler to Tiger sent by Mr. X. He declared a challenge to Tiger powerfully through the TV just after he came Japan. Daimon who saw it by chance guessed his true character. It was "the Iron Arm" Joe, the devilish coach who took care of both Daimon and Naoto stealthily, when they had spent all their time training in Tiger's Cave.

Strong Arm came to the sight in front of Daimon who engaged in the construction work. His true character under the mask was "the Iron Arm" Joe as Daimon's guess. He was anxious for Daimon whom he looked after as much as he recommend Daimon as his successor coach. But he said that he couldn't forgive the betrayer Tiger who resisted Tiger's Cave openly unlike Daimon who hid. However, when he was told by Daimon that Tiger betrayed Tiger's Cave to save orphans, he was ashamed of himself. Then he promised to show a respectable fight when he encountered with Tiger, and parted in Daimon.

The battle of Tiger and Strong Arm began. Strong was truly one of the strong and tough fighters. When would Strong Swing, a variation of giant swing, the no-rule skill which was throwing the opponent at the corner post, explode? However, the conversation with Daimon revived in mind of Strong who tried to give that technique. The Strong Swing ended in. After that, Strong changed to do just fight, and scattered by the good technique of Tiger.

Naoto ran up to "the Iron Arm" Joe who tried to ride on the returning airplane. Joe confided "I was an orphan, too" to Naoto who asked the reason why he sealed a no-rule fight. He left with praying Naoto's and Daimon's safety. He hadn't know that Mr. X had set a time bomb in his baggage yet.

ep.030: The Eternal Burning Spirit: Rikidozan Story

Mr. Arashi who knew that it was distress that Tiger didn't have a favorite attack for him told Tiger an episode about the man who fought against the same distress, Rikidozan.

Naoto visited Chibikko House after a long time. Kids came back home there, too. It seemed that Kenta had a quarrel with the children in the neighborhood as he was teased by them about that Tiger didn't have his only favorite attack. Heard this, Naoto was impatient again, because he himself knew that he didn't have a favorite attack.

Baba hardly saw such Tiger, and took Tiger to the Arashi house. Mr. Arashi told to Tiger that "there was a man who had troubles in the same way as you before." That man was the father of Japan pro-wrestling, the greatest Rikidozan. Mr. Arashi began to tell the secret story about the birth of Rikidozan's karate chop, very famous as a powerful favorite attack.

Rikidozan who gave up his career as a Sumo wrestler visited Mr. Arashi, and confided conversion to pro-wrestling. After one year from that, the debut fight of Rikidozan was held. Though the result was draw game, Rikidozan became a bit of desperation because he couldn't summon his strength at all. Mr. Arashi sent a advice to such Rikidozan, "you must acquire your own skill."

Rikidozan crossed to America and raised his ability smoothly by the hard special training. He produced the karate chop at last as result of investigating the individual fighting style adopting old Japanese martial arts, they werr, the sumo wrestling, judo and karate. He won consecutively in each places, soon came back home country and established the Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion. He overcame the super battle with Masaji Ohmura, the former judo champion, and obtained the Japan Championship in his hand. Rikidozan who became the top of the Japan pro-wrestling both in name and reality, met Mr. Arashi after a long time and told that his next target was Lou Chesz, the strongest world champion. This ambition became true soon, too.

Mr. Arashi who finished telling the episode of Rikidozan, prayed the mercy of the late Rikidozan and introduced a sword dance in the garden to Tiger. Tiger discovered the hint of his original favorite attack in this sword dance. Tiger took back the fighting spirit, and promised "I must announce the pro-wrestling dance of Tiger Mask on the ring" to Mr. Arashi, and left behind the Arashi house.

ep.031: So Special Training at Daisetsuzan

Tiger who learned a favorite attack at last by the special training in the Daisetsuzan realized an encounter with the younger brother of the Apollon Brothers, Ulthus forcibly.

The South America tag champion team, named "the blood-stained star of South America," Star and Ulthus, the Apollon Brothers visited Japan. Compared with the dynamic Ulthus at the press conference, the gentle attitude of older Star disappointed the reporters. He said "pro-wrestling is art. An artist can't produce the excellent work if his mind doesn't face it." Therefore, he left fights to his younger brother, and intended to enjoy the study tour of old Kyoto and Nara.

At that time Naoto stayed in the Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido, which was high mountain with much snow, and absorbed himself in the severe special training to work out his original favorite attack. It was Kenta and Mr. Arashi that appeared on his mind. It was an encouragement for Naoto. Then, Naoto completed the favorite attack at last.

On the other hand, Ulthus Apollon sank the young fighters of the Japanese pro-wrestling in the sea of their blood one after another. Who would stop the attack of Ulthus? Attention gathered here, and the expectation put to the left Ohki, Inoki and Baba more and more. Then, though it reached the day when Ulthus would fight with Ohki at long last, it was not an Ohki, but Tiger Mask to appear in the ring surprisingly. Baba who came to the TV commentary seat explained this mystery. Tiger who came back from the disappearance insisted that they should choose the opponent of Ulthus fairly by lottery, and fortunately he himself makd a hit.

Like this surprisingly early, the battle of Tiger and Ulthus was realized and the gong which told the start of the batle rang.

ep.032: His Original Attack Is Born!

The favorite attack of Tiger used for overthrowing Ulthus was named Ultra Tiger Drop. However, hair wasn't put in the space, and the older brother of the Apollon Brothers, Star threw a written challenge at Tiger.

This was Tiger vs. Ulthus Apollon. Tiger's usual condition didn't appear in because his intuition wasn't regained in the long-awaited fight or he was tired by the special training. He only had to do a defensive fight for the no-rule fight of Ulthus. Though the referee tried to tell Tiger's win at the first round because of Ulthus' lawless attack to him, Tiger himself recognized that it was OK of Tiger's loss at the first round.

The second round began. Then Tiger's new favorite attack exploded at last! Carried up to his shoulder Ulthus who rushed to him. Next, jumped from the upper rope around the ring. Finally, threw him to the mat vigorously. It was not but the wild attack! Even Ulthus didn't finish standing and was knocked down. Ulthus couldn't continue the fight at the third round just it was. With the completion of the favorite attack, Tiger obtained the victory in his hand.

After the battle, Tiger came to the TV commentary seat and confided that a hungry brown bear in the Daisetsuzan was an experimental subject to complete this favorite attack. Baba named this favorite attack which was new born. Named it, Ultra Tiger Drop.

At that time, Star Apollon appeared on the ring. "The cowardly older brother who hid behind the strong younger brother" was exact false image, and a matter of fact, Star himself was the great miracle fighter that Ulthus couldn't rank with. At its evidence, he trifled with even Baba by the Argentina buster (standhand throw) and despised Tiger as "the nauseating unskillful wrestler," then he challenged Tiger in this place. Star boasted that even Ultra Tiger Drop wasn't useful. Now a spark between his eyes and Tiger's scattered, and a tension forward the new battle was rising to the high stage all the more.

ep.033: The Marvelous Battle

Tiger fought hard very much, and reached the biggest pinch so far by the encounter with miracle master Star Apollon.

In preparation for the battle with Star Apollon, Tiger was concentrated on the training. However as he thought more, Star was a fearful opponent more. Would his technique be useful for Star? Naoto went to Chibikko House, a prop for him, to wield himself who was losing confidence. Just then at the House, Ruriko blamed kids that recently they tended to be to dependent on Naoto's contribution. Ruriko who said so, began wash by her own hands without an electric washing machine under the cold weather sky as if she didn't indulge herself. "There is a battle here, too!" Naoto was made to realize it, couldn't call Ruriko and left behind the House with a fresh feeling in his heart.

At long last, it was the day of decisive battle between Tiger and Star. Tiger was trifled with Star who had the miracle technique beyond the imagination. As it was, he lost the first round by Star's surfboard hold. Beyond regretfulness, touching marvelous and strictness of the proper pro-wrestling, Tiger's heart was filled with impression. "I don't repent even if I die in the ring now!" He determined to challenge Star again with the resolution at the risk of his life.

At the second round too, the artistic technique of Star was very skillful. Even if Tiger tried to set Ultra Tiger Drop, Star closed his both legs tightly, so Tiger couldn't open them at all. At such time, Giant Baba gave him an advice, that was the proverb "if wind blows, a pail shop is profitable." As soon as he heard it, he jumped on Star's shoulder with flash and used the operation to break down Star's balance. When Star couldn't endure and opened his legs, Tiger crept under his thigh in a moment. Ultra Tiger Drop exploded at last. Star couldn't stand up as he did, and Tiger got the victory at the third round.

After the battle was finished, Tiger and Star praise each other's good fight and hug each other unconsciously. What a impressive scene it was! Tiger said "An enemy is a best friend after the desperate struggle which they did their best!" Star had the same thought, too. The scene was so wonderful that even Ulthus was crying unconsciously, too.

ep.034: A Hot-Blooded Boy in Tiger's Cave

What kind of destiny waits for Kentaro Takaoka who practices training with Tiger's Cave, and his mother and sister left for Japan to be anxious for him?

Threw the constitution of the former bloody hell away, Tiger's Cave was reorganized in the modern training organization. However, its actual condition was "the surface is the heaven, but the reverse side is hell." The posture which tried to manipulate boys as they wanted to be. The expression of Kentaro Takaoka who absorbed in the training in such Tiger's Cave wasn't skillful somehow. He seemed to repent to accept the scout of Tiger's Cave according to the momentary thought.

At that time in Japan, his little sister Yoko visited Tiger Mask. She said that her mother seemed to die with her fece sad, and asked Tiger for help. When Naoto Naoto visited her mother, she was very sickly and told him that her son, Kentaro, had scouted by Tiger's Cave and putting a large sum of money, disappeared with the word "I must become like Tiger Mask!" Yoko clung to Tiger because the name of Tiger came out in that word. Though Tiger hadn't seen that boy Kentaro, he couldn't hide indignation to Tiger's Cave which troubled people as before.

Soon Kentaro's and Yoko's Mother died. Kentaro was told this news by Mr. X in Tiger's Cave, too. Because Mr. X hinted that Tiger Mask was responsible for his mother's dying, Kentaro had a baseless grudge to Tiger. He swore he himself would replace Tiger Mask someday.

Became an orphan, Yoko decided to live Chibikko House by the introduction of Naoto, and she received warm welcome by Ruriko and kids.

ep.035: Road to the Champion: Giant Baba Story

Giant Baba told his personal bitter experience because Tiger minded the past as a villain wrestler and reluctant to participate in All Asia Championship.

Giant Baba requested Tiger to participate in the All Asia Championship held in India as Japanese representative. But, as Tiger worried about his dirty past as the Yellow Devil, and declined this proposal. Because Tiger didn't accept persuasion by all means, Baba began to tell "I had been also a villain wrestler before. . ."

Though the young Baba joined Tokyo Giants (professional baseball team in Japan), he broke his left arm in the accident, and his dream bet on baseball disappeared evanescently. At such time, he watched the pro-wrestling battle of Rikidozan on the street TV and he became Rikidozan's pupil at once to chase a dream again. After he stood severe practice and fulfilled a debut fight, Baba was went out to America to perfect his skill. But, it was the intense prejudice as "Japs are no-rule wrestler" to wait for him there. Soon Baba notice that it was also the trial which Rikidozan gave him, he fought for his life so that and they might give up the bad name of the "Japanese equal villain wrestler."

More, the battle which he had been broken his favorite attack, Giant kick, by his lifelonger rival, San Lutiano. The battle which he had been ran away by world champ Raja by a temporizing violating the rules defense. Baba told Tiger the experiences that they were at his young training age in America one by one. Tiger realized that the present Baba wasn't here without such hard fights in past time. Now Tiger wasn't really ashamed of past himself. Tiger offered participation in the All Asia Championship to Baba powerfully.

ep.036: The Opening of All Asia Championship

Tiger started on a journey to India to participate in All Asia Championship. He met a mysterious wrestler, Mr. Question in the place.

Saw off by Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki and Yoshimura Michiaki, Tiger started on a journey to New Delhi, India, to participate in the All Asia Championship. But one news was brought to Baba right after the airplane which Tiger rode on took off. Is said that "a phantom wrestler" Mr. Question would take part in the All Asia Championship. Mr. Question was the mysterious wrestler who put on the white whole-body costume with big mark of "?" on breast, burst for the big battle like the world title matches, cut down first-class wrestlers in it, and disappeared immediately to somewhere we didn't know where. Baba was sincerely anxious for Tiger who had to fight against the mysterious wrestler who had such magical secret power.

It was in New Delhi. Kintaro Ohki who took part in the convention as Kim Ill, South Korean (his home country) representative was there, too. While Tiger was absent, when Ohki wore the mask of tiger in Tiger's room as the mischief, Mr. Question attacked him. He was felt unconscious after all though he explode his favorite one-foot atomic head bat one with putting on mask of tiger. Told this event by Ohki, Tiger who came back thought "that guy's aim is me!" and braced himself with Ohki.

The All Asia Championship opened at long last. Among each country representative wrestlers entered one after another, that magical Mr. Question who attacked Ohki in the hotel, was also there. Tiger knocked his eyes with anger against the magical Mr. Question who continued the uncanny suppressed laugh. Mr. Question flatly returned his eyes again, too. All wrestlers who took part in it swore the victory to their homeland including this two men, then keen battle had been started.

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

January 31, 2005

ep.037: The Yeti of Himalaya

The happening of the wonder happened in the convention first day as a battle proceeded when Tiger was fighting against Snow Singh.

As the first battle of All Asia Championship, Tiger fought against Snow Singh, local Indian representative, early. Snow Singh adjusted the timing uncannily. Blown off to the outside of ring by his terrible fantastic strength, Tiger fought so hard from the beginning. Moreover, the mysterious threat of Mr. Question who stared at him fixedly from the passage attacked Tiger, too.

Tiger thought it was disadvantage for him to attack Singh's fantastic strength directly, so he used the operation of the projectile, for example, drop kicks. However, he was caught easily in the air by Snow Singh. Now there was no attack for Tiger exept his favorite Ultra Tiger Drop, but he was too tired to do any attack. So, until strength were recovered, he ran about and gained time as the tactics.

However, this caused a wonder happening. As 30 minutes ended in time cutting and 15-minute extra round proceeded, white body hair began to grow from the whole slippery body of Snow Singh. That figure was really a Himalayan Abominable Snowman itself. Because Snow Singh had knocked down any enemies so far within 10 minutes, so this frightening fact had been hidden until now! Exposed his true character, Snow Singh was perfectly enraged. But his carelessness occurred there. He evaded Singh who had rushed, and his Ultra Tiger Drop exploded at last.

Mr. Question appeared on the ring just at the same time with the end of the battle. He took unconscious Snow Singh away somewhere. When returned to the ring, Mr. Question grasped an Indian national flag firmly and tightly. "Snow Singh is my cute pupil." "I am the Indian representative." His low voice was dried up just like a mummy. Then, he declared toward the all audience filled arena, "I will surely break Ultra Tiger Drop!"

ep.038: Tiger Who Aims at the Champion

Kintaro Oki who participated in the All Asia Championship as a South Korean representative sealed his favorite skill, an one-foot atomic head bat.

Kintaro Ohki sealed his favorite atomic-bomb head bat in the battle against Calmen Z which we didn't know why. Oki only said "this is the third mysteries of the All Asia Championship with the "Snowman" Snow Singh and the "Magical" Question," to Tiger who was doubtful. In Japan, though Antonio Inoki wasn't also satisfiedt with this news that Ohki didn't used his favorite head bat, Giant Baba stated "he might just keep it." A mystery called another mystery certainly.

Daigo Daimon met Kenta and Ruriko of Chibikko House at a "oden" (one of Japanese foods) stall by chance, and remembered his childhood from this experience. It was in Hiroshima right after atomic bomb dropping. There was no food, no cloth and no place to live at all. That was miserable age that all people might continue fighting to survive. Though he thought that we didn't have to reach such age again, there were children who actually suffered from the war damage in somewhere in the world even now . Daimon envied Naoto who kept fighting for such children, and was impatient at himself who could do nothing. Only thing what Daimon could do now, was at least to send the international telegram of the encouragement to Naoto in New Delhi.

The All Asia Championship proceeded smoothly, and hot fights unfold. Especially the strength of the "Magical" Mr. Question was fierce, and at encounter with Kim Ill, a.k.a. Kintaro Ohki, trifled with him. On the other hand, Ohki sealed his favorite head bat again we didn't know why, therefore he became a bait of Question's cobra twist creaking bones. "Why didn't you use the atomic-bomb head bat?" Oki carried with the stretcher laughed, and he didn't answer such question of Tiger. The three mysteries of the All Asia Championship were not obvious yet.

ep.039: Victory Crown with Tears

Are there any operations left for Tiger who had favorite attack Ultra Tiger Drop broken by "the Mysterious" Question?

Tiger Mask vs. Mr. Question. . . that was the encounter of winning all. Though Mr. Question was a powerful opponent, Tiger also roused himself, so at the first half of the battle, it was very close. Soon Mr. Question attacked Tiger from the sky. It was the biggest chance of Ultra Tiger Drop! However, the "Magical" Question took the top rope around the ring, then defended this perfectly. Tiger's favorite attack was defeated now! His mental shock was too big, so it was only a matter of time that Tiger would be defeated. . .

Then, Ohki of the second sent advice to him. It was to pretend to use a head bat at first, but soon to take Question's feet conversely, then at last to aim for giant swing. Was the operation of such a childish trick used to very first-class Mr. Question? Though Tiger was suspicious, there was no plan left for him besides. When he attacked as Ohki's advice bravely, he succeeded it unexpectedly. Tiger who strengthened reverse Boston crab won after defeat seemed certain. Oki didn't forget that he made atomic-bomb head bat succeed once, when he was attacked by Mr. Question in the hotel.

Because Ohki wore the mask of tiger at that time, Mr. Question might believe that head bat was probably one of the favorite attacks of Tiger, too. It was the intention of Ohki. He made the sacrifices of particularly sealing his favorite head bat at his own battle to use it as the last trump. He wanted Tiger to win to do even so to do a repayment to Japan Pro-Wrestling, and more, it was because he liked Tiger Mask so much.

When defeated Mr. Question took his mask, an old man face came out there. He was the great wrestler in 1920's, famed as the strongest man in history, "the Indian Solar King" Great Zuma. He couldn't endure the degeneration of the recent pro-wrestling field and to punish showy wrestlers, he had changed completely to Mr. Question even though he was over 90 years old. However, he recognized that the ability of Tiger was very real, and it wasn't regret to be defeated by Tiger. So he disappeared brightly again in front of the audience.

Tiger, who beat the biggest difficulty enemy Mr. Question, smashed King Animal perfectly on the final day, then got the All Asia championship in his hands.

ep.040: Triumphant Return of Tiger the Phoenix

Though Tiger fulfilled a triumphant return from the All Asia Championship, the shock that a favorite attack was lost for him was too big.

Though won the All Asia Championship and fulfilled a triumphant return, Tiger was depressing because he lost his favorite attack, Ultra Tiger Drop. He bluffed to the young eagle, Seiji Sakaguchi, who was starting on a journey to America, "I just produce the new favorite again if I lose the old one. . ."

That was the triumphant party of Tiger Mask. The kids of Chibikko House were invited there, and they were very glad. Mr. Arashi celebrated the victory of Tiger very much, too. Then, Naoto fulfilled the long-awaited reunion with Daigo Daimon, his best comrade, who disguised as a waiter of the hotel, at last. This two men encouraged each other, glad at this reunion again and again, and raised laughter from their hearts.

Tiger fought against Leonard and Marty in the first battle after return to Japan. He went mad because they used the victory trophy of All Asia Championship which he took by his blood and his sweat as dirty equipments. Kicking them in the crotch, blinding their eyes using rope around the ring. . . He flowed backward in the former yellow devil age. Giant Baba, Tiger's partner couldn't bear it and touched to him forcibly, then took victory of the first round. Baba refused touch to Tiger as it was, and won continuously at the second round. Kenta who watched it on TV was discouraged at this, too.

Naoto was worried in the dressing room after the fight alone. He knew the real intention of the behavior of Baba as much as painful. He tried to show the teaching, that was, "the real champion must have the spiritual strength which stands up to adversity," by his own body to Tiger who lost his favorite attack and went mad. The heart of Naoto flared up again when he thought he had to become the real champion for the kids of Chibikko House too.

ep.041: The Red Death Mask

The fearful enemy sent by Tiger's Cave appeared before Tiger again. The name was the Red Death Mask.

At that time, Tiger was fighting against "the bitter" Branchy. He got victory at the first round smoothly but at the second round, when he turned out Ultra Tiger Drop continually, Branchy defended it by the Mr. Question's way. Tiger lost the second round by a fall at it was, and he fought hard fight the the final round, too. Suddenly at that time, uncanny sound rang in the arena, and it was wrapped by a doubtful atmosphere. A mysterious red shadow attacked Branchy. Branchy was stained with his own fresh blood at once. The criminal was the mysterious masked wrestler who wrapped his body in the red costume. Audiences' blood froze by the appearance of the fearful guy who continued the fearless suppressed laugh.

Mr. X appeared there. Mr. X introduced the mysterious wrestler who burst to Tiger. "The strength of tiger, the slyness and attachment of snake, the wing of vulture. . . the man who keeps all the minds of the villain wrestlers in Tiger's Cave. . . the vampire of the 20th century. . . his name is . . . the Red Death Mask!" Mr. X and the Red Death Mask left behind the ring calmly after they threw the challenge of the death at Tiger.

Giant Baba told to the reporters. "The Red Death Mask is the worst no-rule devil in the history who had 2 thousand kind of no-rules skills." He was the fearful wrestler so much that he had came to a town to well up in the pro-wrestling boom, then had sent all wrestlers to the hospital. He changed a ring to the graveyard and he disappeared to somewhere we didn't know. . . that was the Red Death Mask! Baba declared not to permit Tiger to fight against the Red Death Mask.

Naoto was called by Daimon, and he received an advice even here. "Run away from the Red Death Mask!" In fact, the Red Death Mask was very fearful enemy for Tiger who'd just lost his favorite attack. But Naoto who couldn't still run away easily responded vaguely, and left from Daimon.

ep.042: No Tomorrow for Tiger

The people around Tiger showed various responses when Tiger was resigned to the death and he decided that he was confronted with the Red Death Mask

Mr. Arashi advised "there is no way except to confront by oneself alone against fear in heart!" to Tiger who visited the Arashi house to ask mental support. Added this, he expounded the mind of the bushido (the way of samurai) to Tiger. That was, "bushido is exactly to die!"

Tiger met Daimon working as a gardener of the Arashi house by chance again, and told him to determinate to fight against the Red Death Mask. Daimon advised that "No-rule skill, which you'd cultivated in Tiger's Cave, is the only one weapon for you who'd just lost favorite attack!"

Naoto visited Chibikko House, and went to the sea bathing with all kids because of pestering it. Kenta who was afraid of Tiger was low-spirited, but it was not only Kenta who was no vigor. Ruriko was also so much worried about the state that Tiger, that was, Naoto thought,. Naoto himself decided his death in his heart, too, and thought "this may be the last opportunity to see these children's smiles." Ruriko finally told such Naoto. "I know you're trying to stand up in the ring resigned to the death. . . but please not die!" However, Naoto shook himself free from her, and left that place.

Resolute Tiger who was ready for the death did a practice fight with "the young leo" Antonio Inoki toward the battle with the Red Death Mask. Even Inoki tended to be pushed to hard spirit of Tiger. Neither Baba nor Inoki could do except to watch Tiger without more words, because of facing Tiger's such hard spirit. . .

ep.043: The Strongest Heel on the Earth

The time when Tiger fought against the Red Death Mask at last was reached. Tiger went with the no-rule devil of the century for the counterattack of the vote death, too.

At last, the battle of the Tiger Mask vs. the Red Death Mask was begining. Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki and Kintaro Ohki came to the sight as seconds of Tiger. It was because they were very anxious for Tiger. But, even this three men could do nothing facing the Red Death Mask who set surprise attack before the bout starting. Tiger very fought hard, early. Though Tiger counterattacked, soon he became a bait of the no-rule wild attack, as eye blinding and jaw breaking by the Red Death Mask.

However, Tiger was from Tiger's Cave, too. Tiger bit the Red Death Mask's foot, then aimed at his foot, exploded knee drop and smashed his knee. That figure was really the same with him as the former Yellow Devil age. Baba and Inoki of the second were worried so much.

Now the Red Death Mask was the fierce animal which got hurt one leg. He broke the wooden long chair of the press seat which he brought from the out of ring, and he raged as if he hit and pierce it to Tiger. However, Tiger's resolution of the death exceeded him. He took long chair by force, and used the cruel attack that he made the Red Death Mask stab it conversely. It very really fouled in the century. Though he won, he felt emptiness so much because he flowed backward to the big villain. "Any more, I can't remain here." Tiger left somewhere. Baba and Inoki only saw him off without word.

Kenta felt lonely as same, too. Kenta's mixed feeling of wasn't refreshed though Ruriko said "Tiger will surely recover someday as the real champion." Kenta run outside alone. "Tiger! My Tiger! I don't mind even you're a villain. . . Even if you're any villain, I still like you as I did!" He cried to the night sky. At the end, he muttered "I like you, Tiger. . . so much. . ."

ep.044: The Challenge from Kamikaze

Tiger who went for the trip of the world consecutive games knew the existence of the mysterious Japanese wrestler in Los Angeles which it came to in the start.

Tiger regretted that he committed no-rule fight at the last moment in the encounter with the Red Death Mask, though he'd decided death. Ashamed of himself who betrayed kids and Baba,Tiger went for the trip of fights around the world. Until he mastered the second favorite attack next to Ultra Tiger Drop, he decided that he wouldn't return to Japan again.

In Los Angeles which he came first to, he met Jack and Mike, the Brisco brothers who'd fought against him before. Now Mike grew up as a just wrestler, and Jack healed the injury which Tiger damaged, and managed a training gym, too. Jack told "a wrestler beyond the Red Death Mask appeared in Los Angeles" to Tiger. That wrestler was the mysterious Japanese masked wrestler, Mr. Kamikaze.

At first, Tiger doubted that Kamikaze was also one of the killer wrestlers of Tiger's Cave. But when he watched the battle of Kamikaze, even though Kamikaze's skill was very terrible as no sympathy to opponent, his karate attack was obviously different from the no-rule skills of Tiger's Cave. Tiger felt the threat which was not by that time.

On the other hand, he fulfilled a long-awaited re-battle with Mike Brisco. The battle of Mike who grew up as the just wrestler versus him became a wonderful technique battle. Just at the moment it ended as the time-up draw, Mr. Kamikaze appeared on the ring and challenged Tiger. "When next time we meet, that will be the time of our battle!" He spat the word out, and left from the ring. Tiger swore to himself, "I must master the second favorite attack by that time absolutely!"

ep.045: A Boy with Nostalgia to Home Country

Tiger who refrained from the encounter with Map Man in Germany met Japanese boy Tsuyoshi.

It was in Hamburg, Germany. Tiger Mask got acquainted with a boy Tsuyoshi and his father Fritz, both were pro-wrestling maniacs, on the day before the fight with Map Man, local hero. They were father and son in law. Tsuyoshi's late parents were Japanese and the best friends of Fritz. Though Tsuyoshi was insisting "I'm a German," he had admiration to homeland Japan so hard that he's collecting postcards of Japan.

Tiger was invited to Fritz's home and then, introduced Airhult, a good fur craftsman to make a new mask. However, right after taking this request, Airhult got the fit of the asthma. Tsuyoshi as Tiger fan carried away the old mask which Tiger delivered to Airhult as sample. If he didn't take back a mask from Tsuyoshi, he was not in time for the battle with Map Man. Tiger approached Tsuyoshi as Naoto without mask to take back old mask from Tsuyoshi.

So, there was a chance for him to take back mask stealthily. However, Naoto decided a forfeited fight because he wanted not to hurt Tsuyoshi who had admiration to Japan. But, Tsuyoshi was made to know the fit of Airhult too, so he returned mask with the personal intention.

Like this, Tiger could begin the fight with Map Man safely. Though he was troubled by Map Man's favorite bear hug, he won by the back drop at the end. After the fight, old mask of tiger was given to Tsuyoshi by Tiger Mask formally . Added it, Fritz received a letter from Tiger. "Take Tsuyoshi to Japan once. He must not make the homeland in his heart remaining as a mirage." With this letter, large sum of money was left to them.

ep.046: The Secret Mission of Tiger's Cave

Trainee Pier of Tiger's Cave visited Naoto who hid in Monaco, and asked Naoto to help to look for his father.

It was in Monaco. A French boy named Pier visited Naoto staying at a little hotel. Pier was one of the boys scouted by Tiger's Cave. He explained that he had a vacation temporarily because of illness. He came to Naoto, a superior of Tiger's Cave, to ask to help to look for his father who was absorbed in the casino. Naoto decided to help him to look for his father on condition that he cut a connection with Tiger's Cave.

At such time, Naoto noticed that Jose, a spy of Tiger's Cave, watched Pier. Naoto caught Jose, then Jose told him that "Pier's heart is so bad that he can live only more several months," so he was very shocked. Not knew so, Pier was being absorbed in the training admirably, and Naoto could tell him nothing.

As Tiger's Cave knew that Naoto hid in Monaco, they sent a killer wrestler, "The Bull" Samson, to Monaco from Spain. Garcia, the millionaire of Monaco, set a battle of Tiger and "The Bull" Samson on the ship forcibly. Because Tiger wanted the doctor's fee of Pier, he approved of this battle with Samson, too.

A ring was prepared for in the bow of the luxurious passenger ship. While Pier watched it, Tiger dropped to the sea Samson intensely and obtained a victory admirably. After the fight, Pier met his father again thanks to Tiger's effort. Father told to Pier. "Let's live with me from now. Then, you can get an operation by a large sum of money which Tiger left." Pier stared at the Monacan sea from the window so that he looked for Tiger who left Monaco without the greeting of parting.

ep.047: Verbal Warfare in the Ring

Jungle Cobra who fought against Tiger had a secret weapon except for the favorite attack Cobra's head lock.

That was in France. Before tha fight with Jungle Cobra who appeared in the ring with real cobra around his neck, Tiger was invited to Maurice Dolchan's home who'd fought with cobra before. Dolchan broke his foot in the fight with Cobra, and his comeback became impossible. Dolchan said "it is terrible mentality tactics in fight that Cobra whispers to near opponent's ear." Black Cobra moved white Dolchan's wife, who was also black to the target, and blamed as "black's betrayer." Therefore, Dolchan lost his mind and became Cobra's bait easily.

Dolchan hadn't told his daughter Poline yet that his comeback became impossible. It was because he was afraid that his daughter was disgusted at the pro-wrestling as result. However, finally he determined to tell Poline truth when they would be seeing battle of Tiger vs. Cobra tonight. So, he invited Tiger to ask to watch out for Cobra's mentality tactics and to fight by fair play admirably.

When the fight began, as expected, Cobra sallied out against the mentality tactics that he took advantage of Tiger's weakness. "You are the Yellow Devil." "You don't have any favorite attack now." He whispered what Tiger minded most. Though Tiger'd been advised so much, he fitted in the art of Cobra and was given Cobra's head lock, so he defeated at the first round in fading consciousness away. But Tiger used the mentality tactics same as Cobra, as "eye for eye," and won the second round. Cobra who was advised by Tiger reformed himself, and both of them fought fairly in the third round, and finally Tiger obtained the victory.

His finish attack which he unconsciously. . . that was very wild one. . . he lay down on the ring, kicked up opponent many times under that condition, and at last, threw opponent to the mat. In this attack, Tiger discovered a hint of the second favorite attack.

ep.048: The Battle with Kamikaze

As the second favorite attack wasn't completed, Tiger who returned in Los Angeles had to fight against Mr. Kamikaze.

Tiger visited Los Angeles again after fights around the world. He started training at once in the gym of Jack Brisco to complete the second favorite attack. The phantom favorite attack that he flashed in the battle with Jungle Cobra in France. When he was told by Brisco brother that Mr. Kamikaze appeared in Los Angeles at the same time too, he braced himself all the more.

The rule of the battle of Tiger and Kamikaze was decided as the death match with no time-limite and no-rule free. Tiger kicked up the sand bag which put lead, and aimed at the completion of new original attack. On the other hand, Kamikaze also surprised reporters in the demonstration that he chopped brick and kicked a sand bag to broke it. The trend of the encounter rose gradually, and reached the decisive battle day at long last.

The battle proceeded in quiet but strain. Truly Mr. Kamikaze was off his guard, and Tiger was inferior. The elbow attack which broke even bricks attacked Tiger without mercy, then he had bloodshed. Though Tiger tried a counterattack, soon Kamikaze reformed his posture. Elbow attacks, flying kicks, cross chops and fist punches. He had to try his new favorite attack which hadn't been completed to face for Kamikaze's violent attack so quickly!

Taking a risk, Tiger took Kamikaze's both hands who rushed, and kicked him up to the high sky. After he repeated this many times, at last he stood up and catched Kamikaze's body who fell to him with his head. It was the special back breaker. It was at the moment of the second favorite attack completion. Brisco brothers who watched it was very much surprised at this skill of keeping the double or triple destructive power.

Kamikaze saw off Tiger who left Los Angeles. Kamikaze accepted his defeat manly, and they exchanged a stubborn promise "next time, we fight in our homeland Japan!" then they parted.

ep.049: Tiger Mask Revives

Tiger who fulfilled a return at last organized a tag team with Seiji Sakaguchi of the triumphant return in the same time.

At the Los Angels Olympic Auditorium, Tiger smashed the invincible "man who has a hundred masks" Willie Mascard by his new-born favorite attack. Finished fights around the world with this, and he fulfilled a long-awaited return to Japan at long last. Mr. Arashi, Daigo Daimon, Mr. X, Kenta, Ruriko, Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki waited for Tiger's return with their each thought.

Naoto who visited Chibikko House took hot welcome from the kids. Even Kenta who was surly in usual, was friendly because of joy of Tiger's return. Naoto tasted the miso soup which Ruriko made, and healed the fatigue of the consecutive battles which were hard. It was in the World League at the triumphant returning.

Tiger teamed Sakaguchi who returned to Japan at the same time, and challenged to The Outlaw at the first battle. After Sakaguchi took the first round, at the second round, Tiger's new favorite attack exploded at long last. It was the favorite attack beating Mr. Kamikaze and Willie Mascard. Macky who became a bait trembled for fear. "This is devil's skill, hell's skill! Just same as throwing at the top of the Fujiyama Mountain, and stopping my breath!" It was the new favorite attack which everyone was surprised at. This attack was named Ultra Tiger Breaker by Antonio Inoki at the TV commentary seat. The activity of Tiger who acquired the second favorite attack had just and still begun.

ep.050: Give Your Affection to the Children

The thought of Naoto that we must not repeat the tragedy of the atomic bomb which attacked Hiroshima before became stronger and stronger

Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion party visited Hiroshima in the fighting tour. Tiger hoped to want to transmit the tragedy of the atomic bomb which attacked Hiroshima once to the kids of Chibikko House. Therefore, he had his eyes deprived by the model of the precise atomic bomb dome which Antonio Inoki bought by chance. As he was told that this model was already out of the stock, he went to the manufacturer all the way. There was the poor tenement house, and at there, a married couple gave efforts to model-making. When Naoto ordered a model, they returned an answer in the attitude-less that it was already filled up by the reservation to the future.

Naoto who still stood unwillingly in the park, met Saburo and little Megumi there. They were the children of that married couple who were model-making crafts. Because they didn't had to interrupt parents' work, they couldn't come back to the house in the daytime. Saburo told that their mother was a victim of radiation sickness caused by the atomic bomb and she might gett sick someday. Therefore, their father was concentrated on atomic bomb dome model-making as "prayer to the peace."

Tiger couldn't forget the parent and children whom he met in the daytime even during the fight. He crowded to the city on the next day as day before, and met Saburo and Megumi again. He felt suspicious because the Saburo and his friends began homework in the park. Then Saburo said that because their small room was occupied with the material of the piecework done at home, so there was no residence place for children. Naoto who heard it donated to the local welfare officer anonymously to build a small house for children where they could spend time.

Just before leaving Hiroshima, Naoto asked the salesclerk of the stand to send the model of the atomic bomb dome to Chibikko House if it arrived next time, then jumped on the train in a fluster. So, he was made to know Inoki had to leave the World League tour on the way suddenly to hold the defense fight of the International tag championship with Giant Baba in U.S.A.

ep.051: An Eagle and a Tiger

Kenta who was anxious for Tiger fighting in the World League started a certain action.

It was during Takamatsu convention of the World League. Bill Hercules and Sakaguchi Seiji, two fighters who are never defeated until the moment fought. As a result, Hercules won and became the finalist of the tournament, who made the most of a nasty no-rule fight. If Tiger would win against Mohican Kid in the next Okayama convention, the final battle would become Tiger vs. Hercules. However, to make his comrade Hercules win the championship, Kid must have challenged Tiger with deadly guts. Kenta was afraid of it and couldn't sleep well, so he went to Okayama to meet Tiger in the same as running away from home.

Tiger went to look after Kenta to the police, disapproved of Kenta's reckless act, but promised firmly that "I will do my best to win the championship for you." Kenta was relieved by this Tiger's promise, and came back to Tokyo with Ruriko who came to take him.

Mohican Kid troubled Tiger by head bat used hair like steel and equipment attack such as the ring rope. But, because Tiger was strong beyond him, finally Tiger won perfectly by Ultra Tiger Breaker, and proceeded with step in the tournament finals battle without lost.

After the battle, Mr. X came in the dressing room to sentenced Tiger to the death again. Tiger made a fighting spirit flare up conversely and he swore to obtain the victory trophy in his hand even thought there was the disturbance of Tiger's Cave.

ep.052: Win the World League!

When the finals battle of the World League was started soon, there was a shadow of the magnate of Tiger's Cave, Shark II.

Magnate Shark II of Tiger's Cave got off Japan stealthily. Of course it was Mr. X to meet him. Two went to Osaka soon, and met with Bill Hercules who refrained from the final battle of the World League in certain Japanese food restaurant secretly. Though Mr. X said to Hercules "I teach you the weak point of Tiger Mask," as a matter of fact, he cherished a plot any further. Daimon working by chance in the restaurant called Naoto, and advised it.

The day of the final battle of Tiger and Hercules came at last. When the battle began, Hercules was a powerful enemy more than the expectation. "He is the good opponent!" Though Tiger did his best, too, he fought hard by the no-rule fight of Hercules. Tiger had surprise thrust for the knife attack which was hidden behind the ring shoes specially. However Tiger got a pile driver, then took the first round. But Tiger was anxious that the no-rule fight by Hercules looked like the Tiger's Cave very much.

At the second round, the behavior of Hercules was strange. Being surprised, the face of Hercules was a good special mask, then the face of Shark II came out bellow it. Shark II posed as Hercules by the stratagem of Mr. X. Therefore the anger of Tiger exploded, and got his favorite Ultra Tiger Breaker perfectly.

Thought the final battle suffered from the unbelievable happening, the commissioner admitted the victory of Tiger formally, then he became the winner of the 13th World League. Tiger defended a victory trophy desperately though Baba and Inoki didn't take part.

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

February 1, 2005

ep.053: Mystery of the Miracles

Tiger's Cave sent The Miracles to Japan because all the ability of Tiger was searched for.

Kentaro Takaoka was continuing the training in Tiger's Cave to kill Tiger Mask and become Tiger Mask the second himself. Kentaro volunteered for the special training personally that fought against tiger done only by as graduation test. Though Kentaro killed a tiger perfectly, he used the equipment which he hid under the shoes. Kentaro knew that he didn't reach Tiger best with his present ability. The three rulers of Tiger's Cave also knew the height of the ability of Tiger very well. So they sent the Miracles to Japan.

Mr. X who wasn't made to know this plan in advance, couldn't understand the rulers' real intention. The Miracles who participated in the Silver League following the World League attacked Tiger outside the ring at once. Giant Baba who was remonstrated with Tiger who tried to be put on the provocation. Baba saw it through "the Miracles might come to measure the ability of Tiger." Baba advised Tiger that "don't act thoughtlessly as the World League winner."

Tiger formed with Antonio Inoki, and fought against the Miracles officially. The Miracles were the twins who were born in the condigion that one's left arm partly adhered to each other's right arm. Only that was hard like steel because the part where it weakened when they separated them was reinforced. Moreover, they kept the inspiration that twins' were special, and they could do the attack that there were eyes entirely on the back, too.

Tiger saw it through, and tried to divide them from each other. But, the purpose of sincerity of the Miracles was to search for the ability of Tiger, so the fight result didn't matter to them. It was only Mr. X who watched it stealthily in the seat that noticed this fact

ep.054: A New Friend

The girl of the name of Micro who lost mother came newly in Chibikko House.

A new friend came in Chibikko House. Because she was too small, she was named "Micro" soon by Kenta. Micro didn't get used with the friend of the House, and didn't go to school, so several days was gone.

Ruriko was afraid, and remembered that when Naoto was child, he hadn't go to school same as Micro. She called Tiger of the place of the tour bravely, and he discussed abount Micro. Both Tiger and Ruriko did a strange conversation so that they didn't know that the true character of Tiger Mask was Naoto.

Ruriko visited the apartment which Micro was living in with her dead mother by the advice of Naoto. By that inhabitants' talk, the cause of un-going to school of Micro traced in dead mother's overprotection .

Micro asked Ruriko to talk any about Tiger Mask because she became interested in Tiger at watching TV fight. One after another, Ruriko told to Micro about Tiger sogently. Tiger was also an orphan. . . once he was the villain hated by people. . . but as he felt lonely, he changed his attitude. . . Micro impressed deeply by the story by Ruriko, recovered vigor, and began to go to school from the next day.

Tiger knew it by the telegram from Ruriko, and very glad that he could do the help which was different from the money.

ep.055: The Sun in Soot and Smoke

Tiger who went on an expedition to Yokkaichi to be worried about the pollution was involved in the disturbance which Rota of Hiba Arborvitae School caused.

Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion toured in Yokkaichi where worried pollution. Yoko, a girl who lived in Hiba Arborvitae School, orphan asylum in Yokkaichi, was suffering from the asthma. Mr. Yamagishi, the principal of Hiba Arborvitae School, entreated a municipal office to move school to the place where environment was better, but the situation didn't proceed.

Rohta, one of Yoko's friends, couldn't endure it any more, climbed the chimney of the industrial complex, and resisted to the factory which produced pollution. Tiger who knew this event went to persuade Rohta at once. But, even Tiger couldn't move Rohta's determination.

At such time, Tiger noticed a distant hill, and muttered "air won't be committed in the smoke at that hill. If we can move the establishment of Rohta and Yoko. . ." Rohta heard it, and terribly glad. However, Tiger didn't have a definite plan. Would it be possible that Hiba Arborvitae School was really moved as expected?

Though Tiger fought a battle with Big Amazon at that night and won due to the continuance of the favorite attacks, his feeling wasn't refreshed . Tiger regretted the rashness of himself who did an impossible promise. Tiger being troubled by a bad dream was woken up by Giant Baba. With Baba, Rohta and Mr. Yamazaki came into Tiger's room. According to their talk, the move of Hiba Arborvitae School was adopted with the start in the municipal assembly that the event of Tiger and Rohta appeared on the newspaper. Tiger who heard it became very happy.

However, all the pollution problems of Yokkaichi weren't solved yet. Tiger prayed heartily that the day might come to take back blue sky and clear water for not only Hiba Arborvitae School but also all citizens in Yokkaichi.

ep.056: The Black Deity

Popo Africa who swore revenge to Tiger declared that he beat favorite attack Ultra Tiger Breaker.

Next opponent Popo Africa stood before Tiger who beat Mr. Zero. Popo who had the experience bullied by Tiger when he'd been called the yellow devil, declared to audience that he blockaded Ultra Tiger Breaker, that was Tiger's favorite attack, and fulfilled revenge.

It came the day of the battle of Tiger Mask vs. Popo Africa. Popo attacked with his profit Iron Head-bat, on the other hand, Tiger used the operation that avoided an approach fight. Then, Ultra Tiger Breaker exploded at long last. But Popo replaced a posture in the air, and fell from the head. It was the result which Popo who had an iron head thought over. Though it seemed that offense and defense was reversed, Tiger didn't have a fault. He moved his body very quickly, and set pile driver in Popo.

Defeated Popo declared that he sent his No.1 pupil, named Black V, to Japan to attain his revenge. Listened to this name, Giant Baba, the second of Tiger, turned pale. According to Baba's explanation, Popo Africa was troubled by racial discrimination, then he decided the revenge plan, that was, "all white wrestlers massacre." Black V was the black wrestler whom Popo chose as his successor from several ten thousands to carry out his plan exactly.

As listened more, he was a fearful enemy more. However, Tiger was the man who bet his life on the square mat, too. He thought as "come always!" and burned with the new fighting spirit.

ep.057: His V-Sign Calls Death In

Black V which visited Japan showed demonstration at once by the press conference and the public practice.

Black V who visited Japan showed the demonstration that struck and broke the hard oak table by the head bat at the press conference. Also at the open training, he beat up five young member wrestlers by the V-style missile head bat. He tried to set the missile head bat as terrible self-introduction even to Tiger who was in the place by the accident. Though Tiger was safe thanks to Giant Baba protecting him, he could not but brace himself facing this terrible attack.

Baba proposed the special training of death to Tiger to compete for the terrible missile head bat by Black V. The place where they went was a baseball field. It was the special training that's judging the ball which Baba knocked on as the missile head bat, and evading his body. Tiger became desperate, and stood special training with making the bruise of balls in his whle body.

However, the information that such special training became useless was brought by one reporter. Black V said "Ultra Tiger Breaker isn't effective in me" in the interview. Surprisingly, Black V could bend joints in his body freely, so he called "rubber human being" or "big black octopus." Any submission holds wasn't effective in him. Of course Ultra Tiger Breaker was contained in that, too. Black V, exactly he was the perfect wrestler whom Popo Africa brought up to win in the pro-wrestling world.

Naoto visited Chibikko House as usual to get courage now facing the powerful enemy. He played with soccer with Kenta and kids, so tried to forget fear as much as he could. When he left behind the House, he made the fighting spirit and flared up for the battle with Black V in his heart.

ep.058: Black V

Missile head bat and Ultra Tiger Breaker. What happened on earth to the result of the favorite attack crash?

It was Tiger Mask vs. Black V, the maskmen world title match. Tiger appeared splendidly with the champion belt around his waist, on the other hand, Black V appeared with a candle in his hand, which he put the grudge of the black men troubled by racial discrimination. As soon as he raised to the ring, Black V made the V-sign of the victory.

Before the battle start, by the proposal of Tiger, the safety mat laid around the ring was removed. To Giant Baba who was afraid of Tiger, Tiger said "this fight is the serious one which bets life and death!" But, the anxiety of Baba came true, Tiger was blown off on the concrete floor by Black V's missile head bat. Terrible missile attack lasted after that, so Black V got the first round.

Tiger recovered vigor at the second round, found opportunity, then tried to set Ultra Tiger Breaker. But, Black V of the rubber body didn't accept back breaker as his notice. Tiger still set second Ultra Tiger Breaker.

Though Black V received it with ease, Tiger's attack didn't end in it this time. With the posture of back breaker folding, Tiger jumped to the outside, and threw Black V on the concrete floor. It was really for this attack that Tiger made remove safety mats. Even Black V couldn't stand up by this attack, and Tiger succeeded in the title defense narrowly.

ep.059: A Reckless Challenge

Tiger who visited the gym of the mentor of the Hozumi-Ryu traditional martial arts, Kazue Hozumi had to do a duel with his son, Itsuma.

Tiger who toured in Sendai, visited Kazue Hozumi, the dojo master of the Hozumi-Ryu traditional martial arts, old friend of Mr. Arashi. Because Kazue was sick and lay down unfortunately, his daughter Chizuko introduced the Hozumi-Ryu martial arts, proud of the tradition in 400. Then Itsuma, Kazue's son and now worked as master in the dojo instead of father, appeared.

Itsuma despised professional wrestler like Tiger as "public performer of the contest of strength" and he was reproved by his father. He ran into debt to the moneylender, Mr. Tamaki, to spread a gym, it was secret to his father, but with doing not have the prospect which him returning, he worked as Tamaki's body guard. In the chat with Tamaki, when they talked about Tiger Mask by chance, Itsuma told he had intention to challenge Tiger, then Tamaki agreed very well. Tamaki promised that his debt made a veil remove it, if Itsuma won against Tiger. Itsuma called Tiger to the ruins of the "Aoba-jo" castle at once, and pressed him for the duel. However, Tiger said "I can't fight seriously to the amateur fighter" and ignored Itsuma.

The place of the second duel was a barbed wire ring in the free warehouse where Tamaki prepared for. It was the Japanese death match, that was, connecting each other's wrist with the skin string. Though Tiger challenged this battle but had trouble because he had the matter of the debt told by Chizuko, so thought that "I can't win this fight!"

Suddenly Kazue, Itsuma's father, appeared there. Though appreciated the feeling of Itsuma and Tiger, Kazue said "it is meaningless to continue the dojo contrary to the way" and handed over the right evidence of the land and the building of the dojo to Tamaki. Tiger left behind Sendai with having a feeling which wasn't satisfied.

ep.060: Tiger and a Awkward Doctor

Tiger who went on an expedition in the Tohoku district met an eccentric doctor, Dr. Sakaki

During the Tohoku tour, on the way by train with Giant Baba and others, Tiger met a man who drunk so much. He was the doctor named Sakaki. At such time, the train caused crossing accident, and a driver of car got injured. Dr. Sakaki insisted that he carried an injury person to the hospital. But because he was intoxicated by liquor, Tiger drove a car. Sakaki emitted that "you are an odd fellow."

They arrived at Sano hospital in Morioka. This was the big hospital with the great difference as for the clinic which Dr. Sakaki was holding in the remote place, and Dr. Sano, the director, was one of Dr. Sakaki's friends. Because Sakaki often took patients and the payment was overdue, the head official of the Sano Hospital was ill by this. However, Sakaki shouted that "hospital is not the place to make money!" He sent an injury person to a hospital forcibly.

Next day, Tiger was anxious about Sakaki, so went through mountain pass by bus and visited Dr. Sakaki's clinic. Many villagers were waiting for treatment by Sakaki there. Though Sakaki worked busily and was awkward, he said "you can pay a doctor's fee later" and the trust with the villagers of him was very good. Tiger met the unsophisticated children in the village too, so left behind Sakaki's clinic with refreshing feeling.

The car of the medical opportunity ingredient company came, replaced with the bus which Tiger rode on. The man of the company received a message from certain person to deliver any things what Dr. Sakaki was necessary for. The man left another message to pay later by himself. It was clear that the man was Tiger. Sakaki cried toward the direction which the bus passed. "You are the odd fellow same as me, too! The man who does the act not for money is fool fellow!"

ep.061: Road of "Shogi" King

His right hand didn't move freely now though Mr. Negoro was the piece-making master of the "shogi" before.

In Tiger's Cave headquarters, using the reports of Tiger Mask which The Miracles gathered, young Rudolf was working on the plan to overthrow Tiger. Even the Miracles who were training companions and whose experience which was abundant was trifled with by the operations which Rudolf thought about, and three rulers seemed to be satisfied. There was no doubt in Rudolf's becoming the next assassin to Tiger any more.

At that time, Tiger invited the kids of Green-Glass House, an orphan asylum in Yamagata, to a bus trip to the "Zao" Mountain, and enjoyed refreshing feeling. There by accident, he met an old man who tried to kill himself by the chisel, and caught him quickly. This old man, Mr. Negoro, was one of the excellent piece-making masters in Tendo, Yamagata where was famous as piece-making of the "shogi", but lost the hope for live because he lost free of his right hand by the slight apoplexy. Tiger was surprised the work of the "shogi" piece which Negoro carved with his left hand only, but Negoro himself wasn't satisfied because he had the spirit of a master artist.

Tiger advised to Negoro that "you should keep carving "shogi" pieces with your left hand for "shogi" fans in the whole Japan." Such Tiger was also hurt with the chisel his right hand when he stopped the suicide of Negoro. Could he fight only with the left hand on the next day? However, Tiger fought in spite of the injury for fans in the whole Japan. Got over the dangerous scene of the middle, he smashed San Gania perfectly.

Negoro who watched this battle through TV with the kids of Green-Glass House, was deeply impressed by Tiger's fighting spirit, was ashamed of himself, then got courage. He swore to keep carving "shogi" piece with his left hand to Tiger.

ep.062: The Black Challenger

Naoto met the cheerful children of the orphan asylum, High Ambition School, and spent a refreshing moment.

The strong and tough fighter, Baron Chameleon, suffered from the defeat of emergency in the battle in Rome which bet the challenge to the Maskmen Title Match to Tiger Mask by the newcomer, Black Panther, and met death. Tiger felt the shadow of Tiger's Cave due to the new challenger's appearance, and couldn't hide agitation during the training as well.

That day, Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion toured in Naoetsu, Niigata. Naoto went out before the fight, and met the kids of High Ambition School, an orphan asylum. A young man, Rokuro, the graduate of this school, kept helping there even now, for example, ground repair. Dreams of Rokuro were to be a carpenter, and to give the establishment such as livestock hutfors to the juniors who stayed at school. Naoto who was told Rokuro's sincere dream was ashamed of himself who was being frightened at the appearance of Black Panther. At the night, Naoto invited the kids of High Ambition School to the fight against Bloody Mask, and won perfectly before them.

On the next day, to High Ambition School which was still exciting by the battle of Tiger, much gravel donated was carried by contribution anonymously. Thanks to that, ground maintenance became easy for them. With new feeling, Rokuro's and kids' expressions who continue ground maintenance together were very bright.

ep.063: "Meriken" Joe

A mysterious old man was called unreliable the battle of Tiger, and he had an unexpected career.

At the fight to decide next challenger to the Maskmen world title, Mr. Eagle who had both super strength and speed overwhelmed Moth. By this result, Eagle and Black Panther remained as challenger candidates at last. Tiger at position to receive challenge was made feigned calmness. But Giant Baba saw through that Tiger was irritated because of the pain which he had to wait in fact.

He fought against The Demon with such incomplete mental state. Among the audience, there was one old man who criticized Tiger. "Not good! Not good! I'm not interesting because it's fight of a toy tiger!" Been anxious about him, Naoto followed him hidden his true character after the fight. His name was "Meriken" (means American in old Japanese) Joe, and when he was young, he'd been to America and been ever active as a wrestler.

Naoto visited a cottage where "Meriken" Joe lived and was told stories further about the fights of Joe's young age. The battle against a buffalo. . . the death match on field covered snow. . . They were the battles which were violently but concentrated on the entertainment in the West which reclaimed frontier spirits thickly. Old Joe had noticed that Naoto was Tiger Mask. He blamed Tiger because of lack the concentration in the fight on that day, "pro-wrestling must be serious fight and you must not be reserved with opponent at all."

By this word, Naoto reflected that his thought was wrong. A huge bear appeared there suddenly. In the end of hard battle, Naoto succeeded in dropping this bear under the cliff. Watching this all, Joe praised him, "the concentration is the most important!" Naoto talked with Old Joe in the cottage all night, and next morning, he got off mountain having refreshing feeling.

ep.064: Till When the Fortunate Bell Rings

The boy who lost father by the traffic accident, Takashi took to Naoto like father.

Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion toured in Kofu City, Yamanashi. Before fight, Naoto met a boy who had eyes which were so lonely in the town. Because Naoto picked up a glove which this boy dropped, they got along. He was told that this boy's name was Takashi, and his father had been dead by the traffic accident. It was cause that he lost father to seem so lonely.

Naoto visited Takashi's apartment with him who got along asking for it. Until Takashi's mother came back, they spent pleasant time. His mother who came home appreciated Naoto because it was long-awaited that she heared Takashi's so enjoyable voice.

After left Takashi's apartment, Naoto couldn't hide his indignation, "unfortunate children have increased places where I couldn't reach." Naoto became gloomy feeling. "What will I do for these kids?" As only comfort, Naoto invited Takashi who was a fan of Tiger Mask with his mother to the pro-wrestling arena, and fought with big The Angel in front of them.

After the fight, he was told by Giant Baba that the challenger of the Maskmen title was decided at last. That was the mysterious wrestler, Black Panther. Though Tiger doubted he might be the wrestler of Tiger's Cave, he couldn't run away here. To give unfortunate boys like Takashi many dreams as much as he could.

ep.065: Deadly Battle on the Maskmen Championship

New challenger Black Panther sent by Tiger's Cave reached the time of the encounter with Tiger at last.

At last, the day of the Maskmen world title match between Tiger Mask and Black Panther was decided. When Naoto visited Chibikko House, he saw that Kenta was worried this time again. He swore to himself to fight as much as possible to give kids courage.

After that, when he visited the dojo of Mr. Arashi, his best friend Daigo Daimon acted as the judo practicing companion for Arashi. Daimon was studying Black Panther's fight individually to discover Panther's tactics for Ultra Tiger Breaker. Continued the study together with Arashi, he taught Tiger this result.

The fight of Tiger and Black Panther began while Kenta, Daimon and Arashi watched it. In the beginning, there was speedy development of skills of each other. How to fight of Panther was as clean as not to think that he was the man of Tiger's Cave. Moreover, Tiger fought hard more than the expectation because he had studied Tiger very much. When the battle became rough, didn't overlook carelessness of Panther, Tiger tried to set Ultra Tiger Breaker. Expected this attack, Panther showed tactics on schedule.

It was to dodge his body in the air and run away to the outside of the rope when he was kicked up on the ring. Though it was not a counterattack, he expected that Tiger was upset because of confining his favorite attack. But Daimon had already seen through this tactics. As the direction given by Daimon, Tiger chased Panther who tried to land outside the rope and caught him on the corner post perfectly. From the condition, Tiger used the irregular attack that he struck Panther to the mat.

Even Black Panther, the hard enemy who kept aiming at Tiger, couldn't stand up after took this attack. This was the victory of Tiger supported by Daimon's friendship.

ep.066: The Terror of Tiger's Cave

Naoto who asked after Kenta who caught a cold looked back at a past hard fight with seeing the scrapbook of Kenta

Though Naoto beat the powerful enemy, Black Panther, he'd still being threatened by the menace of Tiger's Cave. He couldn't refuse the assassin who attacked him one after another, if he didn't brace himself all the more.

Naoto visited his home Chibikko House to make himself encouraged. At that time, Kenta had cold. Naoto remembered past battles with finding the scrapbook of Tiger Mask which Kenta established, turning over pages.

In the first place, it was start to come to be run after by Tiger's Cave, to swear that he intended to tell that he lived properly in Kenta and other kids. From that time, he defeated the powerful enemy, such as, Black Python, the Red Death Mask and Mr. Kamikaze, and he had got the victory of the Maskmen World League and the All Asia Championship.

However, Naoto knew that the persistent attack of Tiger's Cave wasn't finished fully, too. Especially, He was anxious about those wrestlers whom he remembered with Kenta's accidental words. When he was in Tiger's Cave once, Mr. X had told him that "They'd retired because they was so strong that there was no opponents who was against them". . . yes, they were exactly "the Phantom Wrestler of Tiger's Cave". . . Big Tiger, Black Tiger and King Tiger. Could Naoto win against them? At any rate, Naoto swore to himself that you had to keep winning to keep kids' happiness again.

ep.067: Resurrection of the Yellow Devil

Kentaro Takaoka who got over the cruel special training of Tiger's Cave appeared as the villain masked wrestler, Yellow Devil

Three young guys who passed the test of Tiger's Cave with the record which was equal to Tiger Mask, left Tiger's Cave headquarters together with each thoughts, and were sent off to the battle field of ring. Kentaro Takaoka who swore revenge to Tiger Mask firmly was among them.

Soon, Naoto took contact from Daimon, that was, "A 'Yellow Devil' appeared in America!" "Yellow Devil" was the bad name which was charged with Tiger Mask when he was the villain before. Therefore, Naoto had an unpleasantness in this name. As to tease such Naoto, the masked wrestler named "Yellow Devil" appeared in America unexpectedly. Moreover, because his mean attitude was very similar to one of former Tiger Mask, American fans considered this Yellow Devil the second coming of Tiger.

Daimon and Naoto thought that Yellow Devil was the new assassin from Tiger's Cave. If Yellow Devil was a Japanese, Naoto had the man of the idea. Thas was Kentaro Takaoka, the older brother of Yoko who got along with the kids of Chibikko House completely nowadays.

As Tiger imagined, Yellow Devil was Kentaro. To Kentaro who shout "When can I fight againt Tiger!", Mr. X told "To lure Tiger in America, that is our plan." In fact, Tiger was anxious about Yellow Devil, and was in unstable mental condition. However remonstrated by Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki, Mr. Arashi and Daimon, Tiger finally took back his presence of mind. "This is the fight of heart againt heart!" He made his fighting spirit flare up toward the encounter with Yellow Devil which would come someday.

ep.068: Phantom of the Yellow Devil

Tiger who went to America to look for the news of Yellow Devil fulfilled moving meeting again with Star Apollon.

The no-rule fight by Yellow Devil exerted rage in America. When Tiger Mask arrived in America to find out Yellow Devil's true character, it was too late, and he'd already disappeared. Then Tiger visited Big Borson, who was the top promoter in American pro-wrestling field, and asked him to find out the place where Yellow Devil was and to make the fight of Yellow Devil and him. Borson accepted his request with big interest. He said "It's the new and original "yellow devil" battle!"

However, he couldn't locate the residence place of Yellow Devil though he used the information network of Big Borson. However, Tiger met the man who didn't think again, instead. He was "the artist who is proud of the 2000 skills," Star Apollon, who had truly friendship with Tiger after their hard fight. Borson offered this two men who were glad at meeting again, to fight each other, but Tiger rejected this offer.

He couldn't endure that American fans still kept thinking him to be a no-rule devil. Star talked to such Tiger. "But, I know you are the very clean fighter, now. Why don't you try American fans to know your real fight?" Tiger made up his mind in this Star's word, and approved of the re-match with Star.

The battle of Tiger and Star became the wonderful clean fight such as skills vs. skills. At first, audiences were discontent in Tiger who didn't use no-rule fitht. But they were fascinated soon by the techniques of two fighters, and jeers changed encouragement. When the fight finished by time-up draw, the arena was full of tremendous applause. It was the moment American fans recognized that Tiger changed to the clean fighter.

Passed up by the Apollon Brothers, Star and Ulthus, Tiger left America. While he was soaked in the trailing note of good fight against Star, remembered the existence of Yellow Devil, Tiger tightened his heart again.

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

February 1, 2005

Do you ever remember something you were going to do and say to yourself, "man, how could I forget that?!" I say this because a long time ago I planned to buy the Samurai Jack DVD, but somehow I COMPLETELY forgot about it until today. Oddly enough I remembered Jack after watching Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Luckily DVDplanet.com has Jack season 1 for $22.

February 1, 2005

Do you ever remember something you were going to do and say to yourself, "man, how could I forget that?!" I say this because a long time ago I planned to buy the Samurai Jack DVD, but somehow I COMPLETELY forgot about it until today. Oddly enough I remembered Jack after watching Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Luckily DVDplanet.com has Jack season 1 for $22.

Buy it man! And tell me when you do. I was going around a couple of months ago here in Nova Scotia looking for it but of course nobody had it. Looks like I have to do some real long distance trecking to find it. It'd be a great buy because there's still some random episodes I haven't seen.

February 1, 2005

Do you ever remember something you were going to do and say to yourself, "man, how could I forget that?!" I say this because a long time ago I planned to buy the Samurai Jack DVD, but somehow I COMPLETELY forgot about it until today. Oddly enough I remembered Jack after watching Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Luckily DVDplanet.com has Jack season 1 for $22.

Buy it man! And tell me when you do. I was going around a couple of months ago here in Nova Scotia looking for it but of course nobody had it. Looks like I have to do some real long distance trecking to find it. It'd be a great buy because there's still some random episodes I haven't seen.

Hmmm, I've now been told that it's coming in real soon but the place I was at is ridicuously expensive so I might still have to look elsewhere.

February 2, 2005

ep.069: The Rule-Brake Challenger

The young warrior whom hot blood is popular, Hans betrayed Tiger's Cave, and he challenged Tiger with the dogmatism.

Disobeyed the plan of Tiger's Cave headquarters, Hans Streizer, a.k.a., Natis Junker who has just graduated from Tiger's Cave, challenged Tiger Mask by his own judgment. Though the rulers of Tiger's Cave and Mr. X considered that Hans could never win, Hans wanted honor because he was too young.

Visited Japan, Hans met one boy in the airport. The boy's name was Tsuyoshi. He made friendship with Tiger in Germany once, and accepted the invitation by Tiger, came to Japan with his father-in-law, Fritz. Tsuyoshi was born in Japan but now he had German nationality. Because they were same Germans, Hans was completely congenial to Tsuyoshi. But Hans got angry because he saw Tsuyoshi talked with Tiger very friendly, after parted from him. "I can't forgive Tiger who trifles with the boy who has pure heart!" He made more fighting spirit flare up toward battle againt Tiger on the next day.

The battle began. As Mr. X was apprehensive, the young Hans, Natis Junker, couldn't match Tiger at all. Contrary to his fighting spirit, he was defeated too easily. Tiger, also with being doubtful why this opponent was too weak, tore off the defeated Junker's mask. Saw the face of Hans appeared there, Tsuyoshi and Fritz were very much surprised who were among audience. It was Fritz who took bady Hans to the establishment, when Hans' parents had do suicide by inhaling gas before.

After the fight, Tsuyoshi, Fritz and Hans stayed at Chibikko House. Told Tiger's actual figure by old acquaintance Fritz, Hans realized that the thought given by Tiger's Cave was wrong. However, said "Disobeys law, challenged Tiger and lost, the boss never forgives me," then Hans ran off from the front of all. In spite of the wish of desperate Fritz and others who looked for him, Hans was killed by the car which Mr. X drove.

ep.070: Regret at the Ring

Daigo Daimon who watched a battle between Kamikaze who came back with Tiger brought about delusion in his heart.

Knew the death of Hans, Naoto regretted that he couldn't save him, and hated Tiger's Cave all the more. Daimon also regretted, "If I could be by the side of you, we might have been able to save Hans." They encouraged each other to act not to waste the death of Hans.

At such time, Mr. Kamikaze who fought with Tiger in Los Angeles before came back Japan. It was decided that he would do re-match with Tiger as the Maskmen world championship. Kamikaze exchanged the threat, the typical of the martial artist, with Mr. Arashi who appeared by chance there. His feeling of the coercion was as before. On the other hand, Tiger reached the battle day though he couldn't forget the death of Hans.

The fighting spirit of Kamikaze was terrific because he was defeated by Tiger in America. He got the win at the first round easily because Tiger had delusion in his heart. Reached here, Tiger determined to forget the death of Hans, and got the win at the second round quickly by the back drop. At the final round, it finished as time-up draw.

Both Tiger and Kamikaze were invited in the Arashi house after the fight. Both Arashi and Kamikaze saw through that Tiger had a worry in tonight fight. However, they didn't investigate it deeply, and Mr. Arashi and Kamikaze faced judo practice, then Tiger and Daimon were left in the rest.

Daimon confessed to Tiger. "I can't endure as best friend to see you who is worried about the death of Hans. I want to stand in the ring and fight again!" Been anxious for Daimon, Tiger said "I can get the encouragement because you are supporting me outside the ring." But, after all, he said "It is your problem whether you return to the ring or not." Which way would be choiced by Daimon finally?

ep.071: Tiger Meets the Crisis!

King Jaguar who was the new generation of Tiger's Cave and is equal to Yellow Devil, Natis Junker fought against Tiger.

The next challenger to Tiger Mask was King Jaguar. He who made his debut in the same time as Yellow Devil was the young Chakil Ranpapher, who graduated from Tiger's Cave in the same time as Kentaro Takaoka and Hans Streizer. He declared "I earn the money for the money!" to the Three Rulers of Tiger's Cave. By this hot spirit, he permitted the challenge to Tiger. It was decided that the Miracles accompanied the second at the fight with Tiger.

Daimon was afraid that Tiger hadn't recovered from the death of Hans yet. To the oden (one of Japanese foods) stand where such Daimon was drinking quietly, a car which King Jaguar drove and mistook handle operation, had rushed by accident. The stand was damaged badly, and the insurance policy of 2 milion yen which the stand woman's dead son and his wife left for their son, so that woman's grandchild, burned too. Knew the value of the money very well, King Jaguar promised compensation to her. But it was the money which he should pay to Tiger's Cave headquarters. He paid the money easily because he had the confidence that he would won against Tiger. Knew his confidence, Daimon felt uneasy.

The Thai Jaguar attacked Tiger by the skills of Muai-Thai boxing. However, when offense and defense was reversed and Jaguar became unfavorable, the Miracles went in the ring and disturbed the battle. Daimon watching the Miracles who attacked Tiger disregarded the fight, as the one of audience, couldn't endure it, and finally he was raised to the ring. He scattered the Miracles in cooperation with Tiger. "I do it! I never get off the ring!" He declared he reverted to the wrestler powerfully.

ep.072: Mr. Fudo Comes Onstage

Daimon decided to revert as a wrestler at last to support Tiger for who to be upset by the appearance of Yellow Devil.

Daigo Daimon, a.k.a. Mr. Fudo, held the reversion fight against Smily Joe. He won by the powerful fight. His mentor Mr. Arashi said "you were excellent" as the word of blessing, and left the arena. But the appearance of new betrayer Mr. Fudo after Tiger made the Rulers of Tiger's Cave enraged.

At Chibikko House, kids' opinions was divided when they were watching the fight of Fudo through TV. Kenta who was the enthusiastic fan of Tiger hadn't forget that Mr. Fudo ever appeared as an assassin to Tiger. Therefore, he was flatly opposed to Gaboten who supported Fudo. Kenta couldn't still trust Fudo though it was decided that Tiger and Fudo organized a tag team on next fight.

Opponents were King Boa and Anaconda from the circus. The attack by Tiger and Fudo was skillful though they had difficulty in the opponent of the idiosyncrasy. At the end, Tiger who took a touch from Fudo got the win by the high-angle body slum. The wonderful teamwork of Tiger and Fudo. . . and Fudo's good spirit who handed over the victory to Tiger. . . Finally, Kenta accepted that he was wrong frankly, then bowed to Gaboten. On the ring, Tiger and Fudo shook hands powerfuly.

Tiger and Fudo kept winning after that as well. But it was obvious that Tiger's Cave might set new attack to kill them. In preparation for the attack from Tiger's Cave which might come soon, they swore to protect partner for their life, each other.

WP -- THe first episode of Tiger Mask I ever watched. I've watched the series from here on out

ep.073: The Trump of Tiger's Cave

A decisive battle with Yellow Devil brought up to erase Tiger by Tiger's Cave, and Tiger was started.

secret weapon of Tiger's Cave, Yellow Devil challenged Tiger at last. Kentaro Takaoka a.k.a. Yellow Devil believed his mother was killed by Tiger. Therefore, he excited "I surely kill Tiger Mask!" when I'd finally faced the encounter with Tiger.

On the other hand, Tiger was doubting that Devil's true character should be Kentaro. If so, he might rescue Kentaro safely from Tiger's Cave, and make him meet his younger sister, Yoko. But, it was the biggest crisis to have delusion for him on the occasion of the encounter with this powerful enemy. Daimon also adviced as the following. "Looseness of the instant mind causes the death. You must think only to win!" Heard it, Tiger threw reserve away and went to the ring of the hard battle with Mr. Fudo as his second.

As soon as Devil came in the ring, he threw the referee because he thought "No referee for the death match!" At first, Tiger fought hard against Devil who continued the sharp attack. He was cut with the knife hidden at the bottom of ring shoes, and had bloodshed terribly. Though Mr. Fudo took this knife away somehow, the attachment of Devil hadn't been finished yet.

Even if he faced Tiger's favorite Ultra Tiger Breaker, he dodged his body in the air, escaped at the apron of the ring, and move to the outside-ring fight. However, Tiger's anger exploded here. He threw Devil at the corner post violently by using the giant swing. He used an artistic back drop at the end. Even Yellow Devil collapsed at last.

When Tiger tried to tear off the mask of loser Devil, he muttered quietly. "Yoko. . ." Heard this, Tiger believed that Devil might be Kentaro Takaoka. Tiger promised that "Daimon and I will rescue you from Tiger's Cave, and make you to meet your sister, Yoko certainly!"

ep.074: The Traitor No.3

Naoto and Daimon were anxious for Yellow Devil who lost a game with Tiger, that is, Kentaro, and they exerted themselves

Tiger's Cave didn't forgive Kentaro Takaoka a.k.a. Yellow Devil defeated by Tiger. But it was decided that his execution should be carried out after they came back to the headquarter. Mr. X and others gave Kentaro who lost mind a ride in the car, and went to the Haneda airport. The car which was driven by Daigo Daimon chased them.

Mr. X who noticed Daimon's chase set a trap conversely. Therefore, Daimon's car fell from the road, and exploded so hardly. Though they were satisfied and arrived at the airport, Daimon had escaped just before the fall. Peeped at the chance, he rescued Kentaro perfectly.

Not to finish throwing the grudge to Tiger away, Kentaro shouted at Daimon, instead of thank. "Make me fight with Tiger again!" Daimon advised such Kentaro. "Don't you want to meet your sister? Tiger made effort to meet you with Yoko." After that, he took Kentaro to Chibikko House which Yoko had lived.

After they reached the House, Kentaro was told the story about Tiger from Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko. "Mr. Tiger is our big benefactor." "Tiger's fight is the support for the kids' heart." So, he was shocked very much. It was because their story was too far from Tiger's scoundrel image that had been told in Tiger's Cave. Then, Yoko came here. They met again impressively. Yoko told him that Tiger took care of her when their mother died. Heard it, Kentaro finally recognized that he kept being deceived by Tiger's Cave. The story about Tiger by Daimon, Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko was truth exactly.

He reflected and said "I want to make up for it!" to Daimon. Daimon had bright feeling, too. Very soon, Kentaro made his re-debut in the Japan Pro-wrestling promotion as Ken Takaoka, a clean fighter. Tiger and Mr. Fudo watched him gently.

ep.075: Great Escape from Tiger's Cave

When he listened to the news that Kentaro began a new battle, best friend Roku left in Tiger's Cave had mixed thought in the heart

Because Kentaro Takaoka betrayed Tiger's Cave as well as Tiger Mask and Daigo Daimon, Tiger's Cave strengthened guard as betrayers after them appeared one after another. In fact, Roku, Kentaro's best friend, and Michael had planned the big escape stealthily.

Then, the escape was carried out as scheduled at long last. A room make of Roku and Michael, Billy rejected to join the escape. But the Three Rulers got angry so hard because he overlooked even if he knew the escape plan, so he was sent to the underground prison. Billy was shocked, and ran away getting chance. He caught up with Roku and Michael. "You broke my dream!" he blamed them. But Roku said to him that Hans or Chakil defeated by Tiger, were killed by Tiger's Cave terribly. And, he agreed to escape together further with them, too.

They continued the flight eagerly to shake off the severe chase. However, very disappointed, Roku caught a bullet and dead. Before Roku died, he left a letter to his best friend, Kentaro, to Michael and Billy. Received this blood-stainde letter, they swore that "We must not waste the death of Roku." They left with shedding tears.

Faced this escape plan, the Three Rulers' feeling of the crisis got strong all the more, then called the managers back from around the wourld, including Mr. X. In front of them, the Three Rulers declared strongly. "The phantom wrestlers of Tiger's Cave. . . Big Tiger, Black Tiger and King Tiger had thrown the challenge at Tiger Mask just now!" In front of surprised Mr. X and other managers, the Three Rulers jumped! This Three Rulers were actually the phantom Three Tigers. . . "the Big Three"!

ep.076: The Phantom Wrestlers

The true characters of the Three Rulers of Tiger's Cave were the phantom Three Tigers who disappeared unexpectedly before from the pro-wrestling world.

Naoto was wandering in the town dejectedly. That reason were letters from Tiger's Cave which were reached to him on the previous day. One was a challenge to Tiger Mask from King Tiger, and another was a one to Tiger Mask and Mr. Fudo from Big and Black Tiger. He didn't know how to tell Daimon this challenge, so he had troubles.

However, he could hide nothing to Daimon, his best friend. After Naoto's story, Daimon couldn't say but "The time has come at last." They looked at each other with the tragic determination.

To calm mind down, Naoto visited Chibikko House with Daimon. This is the first time to come Chibikko House to Daimon. "This is the place where Naoto had grown up. . ." He was moving. Because Daimon was very kind and gentle, kids took to him soon. Using of a carpenter's experience, he built a hut where the kids could play even in the rainy day. He enjoyed much communication with the kids. Chibikko House became an important place for Daimon too.

At that time, Kentaro received a letter written by dead Roku, sent from Billy Heyse. He was completely discouraged, so Naoto could only comfort him. "What could I do to save Daimon and Kentaro?" Naoto was distressed. Daimon encouraged such Naoto. "I don't care even if I dies for you. But you must live for all!" Encouraged in Daimon's friendship, Naoto made his fighting spirit flare up all the more for the decisive battle with Tiger's Cave.

ep.077: Tag Team in the Deadly Battle

The phantom wrestlers, Big Tiger and Black Tiger stood before Tiger and Mr. Fudo.

Big Tiger who was proud of the terrible power. . . Black Tiger who had incredible speed. . . The battle with these two phantom enemies approached the next day, so Tiger Mask and Mr. Fudo tightened their minds. Specially, Fudo's determination was not the ordinariness outline. He swore himself to protect Tiger even at the cost of his life.

One day had passed. As soon as the fight began, Tiger fought hard by Big Tiger's terrible power soon. Though he escaped from the pinch somehow, he was trifled with by the sequential drop kicks by Black Tiger who took turns with Big quickly. He finally took the place of Mr. Fudo. However, didn't match for the no-rule fights by two evil tigers, Fudo also fought hard very much. Really, Tiger and Fudo fought defensive one side.

Took turns again, Tiger was attacked by Big's neck tightening used the wire made of thin high manganese steel, which couldn't be seen. Tiger fell into the terrible pinch. Saw this evil no-rule fight, Mr. Fudo's anger exploded at last. He scattered them outside the ring, and challenged outside-ring rough fight by himself. Tiger was still falling on the mat. It was the unfavorable battle for Mr. Fudo, that was 1-to-2 battle, and he put his leg to a hole of the floor. Equipment attacks by Big and Black came to Fudo who couldn't move at all. Fudo's big pinch!

However, Fudo succeeded in getting out from his pinch, didn't mind breaking his bone of leg. Lost target, Big and Black hurt each other cruely. Fudo was in dangerous condition because of the excessive bleeding. Nevertheless, he was anxious about Tiger, and said "So you can fight againt King Tiger in best condition. . . ", then lost consciousness. Left Tiger who was afraid of Fudo alone, Fudo, now, Daigo Daimon, was carried to the hospital by ambulance.

ep.078: Tiger Against Tiger

Tiger left Daimon injured by the desperate struggle to Kentaro, and faced the ring of the decisive battle with left King Tiger.

Not only the injury of leg, Daimon also suffered the serious injury that his broken rib stuck in internal organs. Dangerous condition had lasted after the operation, so both Tiger and Kentaro were very afraid. The kids of Chibikko House who knew that Mr. Fudo was Daimon, were very afraid of his condition, too.

However, took no rest, the next enemy King Tiger waited for Tiger Mask. Left Daimon to Kentaro, Tiger went to the ring of the decisive battle.

King Tiger hurt him by the attack combined the power and the speed. Of course, his no-rule fight was also much superior. Added it, because he had the revenge for Big and Black Tiger, the fight did progress as King's advance. However, because his best friend Daimon had been damaged by them, he also became the ogre of the revenge.

Each other was so positive and it was bloodshed so much. Now, they kept fighting only with each one's fighting spirits. Using his last power, Tiger set his favorite Ultra Tiger Breaker. After the air rotated, King ran away to the apron of the ring. However, he slip by blood and fell to the outside. There, the broken desk stuck on King's back. He collapsed at last at the end of this terrible fight. The goddess of the victory smiled at Tiger.

At same time, in the hospital, Daimon died nursed by Kentaro, that was, his operation became useless. He didn't know the victory of Tiger. . . Tears overflowed Kentaro's eyes who watched Tiger who got the victory through TV.

ep.079: The Big Boss of Tiger's Cave

Because Three Tigers was defeated, a fix made Tiger's Cave stand up, and the boss who was mysterious at last came to the sight before Mr. X.

What did people who were friendly with Daimon think when they knew the news of "Daimon dies"? Arashi sent a word to Tiger. "Your life is not for only yourself any more. You must treasure it for the late Daimon as well." After that, when he played the sword demonstration alone dedicated to the late Daimon, his eyes were wet by tears. The kids of Chibikko House picked flowers, went to Daimon's grave to comfort Daimon's spirit.

On the other hand, Tiger's Cave lost the Phantom Three Tigers. The big boss had just came in front of Mr. X and other managers at last. He said "The weakening of Tiger's Cave is the cause of defeat," and nominated Mr. Y and Mr. Z to the new ruler among managers. Mr. X who thought to be executed was given new duties as a promoter. At the same time, he just took a strict order to kill Tiger Mask. The boss said "Kill Tiger Mask by any means, not only in the wrestling fight!"

But the boss didn't trust Mr. X perfectly because of the past experience of Mr. X. He determined that he intended to kill Tiger by himself if Mr. X failed. He had the pride as he himself was exactly the best fighter in Tiger's Cave, held the power like Big Tiger, the speed like Black Tiger, and the no-rule skill like King Tiger.

Though Tiger Mask defeated the Phantom Three Tigers, he couldn't forget the last word by King Tiger. "A fighter beyond us is left in Tiger's Cave yet. . ." Therefore, he had trained so more than before, and prepared for the new attack from Tiger's Cave.

ep.080: A Nova Is Born

Kentaro who continued the clean fight as Ken Takaoka received the report that he was singled out by a main eventer.

After Daimon's death, Ken Takaoka thought that only he could protect Tiger, and he trained eagerly. There was one more reason for Ken to train so hard. If he became the main eventer and his fight was broadcasted through TV, he thought his sister Yoko would be very glad. But at this time, he fought in the opening bouts, so he appeared on TV only when he combined tag team with Tiger Mask or he was the second of Tiger.

Such Ken received a good news from Giant Baba. At long last, it was decided that Ken became the main eventer. Visited Chibikko House with Naoto, Ken shared joy with Yoko and other kids.

It was the day at last when Ken fought the first bout as the main eventer. Yoko seemed to be happy very much when she watched her brother's fight through TV. His opponent was Handsome Johnny. Ken won easy and it was so easy that he used superior's favorite attacks, for example, Baba, Inoki, Yoshimura, Sakaguchi and of course Tiger Mask.

However, Naoto couldn't be frankly glad. Because, until now, Ken was the existence as Tiger's shadow, but this selection stimulated Tiger's Cave and it was certain that he became the target same as Tiger Mask. "Until we win against Tiger's Cave, we couldn't have the day of celebration." So Naoto gave attention to Ken who became cheerful. Became calm by Naoto's word, Ken nodded frankly.

ep.081: The Promotor in Hell

The boss who attempted the rearrangement of Tiger's Cave by taking command directly gave Mr. X a promoter's part.

All opponents of Ken who became the main eventer were strong and tough fighters. Today, "the black missile" Black Hurricane stand against Ken. Ken found Mr. X in the arena during the battle. Because of agitation, he became inferior at once.

But changed feeling, he got the victory. If Mr. X came, it was obvious that Tiger's Cave started the new plan. Lost the Three Tigers, and Tiger's Cave didn't give up erasing betrayers. After the fight, Tiger and Ken exchanged the rugged eyes, and tightened their minds.

That was another day. This time, Mr. X appeared again in the arena of Tiger Mask vs. Golden Bear. Because Naoto couldn't wait any more, he ambushed Mr. X in the hotel and pressed him. "What do you plot on earth?" However, Mr. X wasn't truly upset as well. He said with fearless smile. "Our plan is only one. . . to kill betrayers!" Given "license to killing" by Tiger's Cave, Mr. X had full of confidence now. Didn't hand over each other, they had to part quietly this time.

Got task as a promoter, Mr. X began the selection of the fighters to send Tiger Mask to kill him when he came back his room. He chose Universal Mask from the file.

ep.082: The Deadly Battle in Cage

It was Universal Mask that Mr. X who became a promoter invited first.

Universal Mask employed by Mr. X as the promoter came to Japan. The cage death match between he and Tiger Mask was decided. Giant Baba asked Tiger, "Why did you accept the death match such the evil way?" Tiger answered. "It is a decision at the end which I thought as the maskmen champion."

The battle started at last. Universal Mask romped about splendidly like a gymnast entirely in the cage. His terrific jump ability was really equal to the name of the universe mask. He set drop kicks and , summersolt kicks one after another. Tiger couldn't run away because it was the ring surrounded by the cage.

Universal Mask who jumped on Tiger's shoulder, tried to tear off Tiger's mask. In this, it was the crisis for Tiger appearing his real face miserably. By running up in the rope, and falling backward by himself, Tiger got over this biggest crisis.

Then, Tiger was superior later. He attacked foot which was the most advantage for Universal Mask thoroughly. Though Universal Mask took out an equipment, Tiger knocked him down from the top of the cage, and succeeded in the title defense admirably.

Mr. X failed in the plan to erasing Tiger Mask as a promoter. "My boss can't forgive me for this." He was very anxious for himself. But he thought, "Though I failed this time, next time I must surely succeed in another way." He didn't give up cornering Tiger both at the inside of the ring and the outside.

ep.083: When Does Happiness Come?

Micro who was the new comrade of Chibikko House met her uncle and aunt by chance.

Naoto who visited Chibikko House went to shopping with Ruriko to the department store. Chappy and Micro went with them. The couple of the middle age who saw Micro by chance in the department store was surprised, and had spoken to Micro. They were Micro's uncle and aunt though Micro herself didn't remember it very much.

They, Mr. and Mrs. Takada, had kept being anxious for Micro all the time, so they wanted to look after Micro in this opportunity. Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko said, "It is lonely." On the other hand, Chappy was envious of Micro, and was un-humor. Naoto thought with staring at the state of such Chibikko House. "What is happiness for the orphans?" Could Micro make good relationship with the relative as well as expected though she was taken back by them?

Naoto went to see off Micro with Kentaro in the day when she was taken back. Because the Takada was very rich, kids were afraid that Micro could do well with them. As expected, Micro came back to the House at night. Though the direct cause was not to show the pro-wrestling program, especially Tiger Mask, she couldn't still get used to the new environment actually.

Ruriko worried, so called Tiger and discussed with him about Mirco same as the time when Micro did refusal to attend school before. Naoto visited the House soon as Tiger Mask, and persuaded Micro. Persuaded by her favorite Tiger, Micro approved finally being returned to the Takada home.

She called her uncle who came for meeting "my daddy", and took the first step to the new environment forward. Seeing her off, Tiger was encouraged her gently. "I keep fighting as much as possible to give you fight!"

ep.084: An Oath for Victory

Mr. X sent the doubtful temptation to Kentaro that he should try to betray Tiger.

Mr. X appeared in front of Kentaro who spent a holiday with his sister Yoko. Though Kentaro watched out, Mr. X said to him, "I want to speak closely. I will make contact with you later." Then, he left. Naoto who was told this, warned Kentaro. "Don't approach that guy." But Kentaro thought that it was a chance to know their enemy, and hesitated to ignore Mr. X.

After all, he went to meet Mr. X. Mr. X said "As promoter, I want you." At first, Kentaro didn't hear Mr. X because he knew that Tiger's Cave was so cruel for betrayers. But, Mr. X said to him that he could look after his pretty sister if he approved of Mr. X. He felt temptation a little in this word.

At such time, he visited Chibikko House to meet Yoko. There, he loved Yoko so much that he hurt other kids unconsciously. He was ashamed of his hasty behavior, and he knew the Naoto's deep affection for every kids. Kentaro flatly refused the proposal of Mr. X not to betray such Naoto.

He fought against the Bad brothers with Tiger Mask with a fresh feeling. This is the first time they made a tag team. Their condition and combination were very fine, so they won as 2-0. Tiger's look who watched Ken who fought with all his power was full gentle.

ep.085: The Hunter of Death

Mr. X who kept failing in Tiger crossing out was impatient in the boss' shadow, and sent a killer to Naoto.

A event of Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion in Shimoda, Shizuoka was tomorrow. Only Tiger Mask who asked after Kenta of cold was delayed to go from all. Mr. X knew this as he'd sent a spy around Tiger. "This solo action is a chance to erase Tiger." He set the death trap on the way to Shimoda.

The professional killers, Jane, Iron and Geyond, were sent particularly from the headquarters of Tiger's Cave to succeed Mr. X's plan. Jane cornered the car of Tiger which ran through the Tomei Highway by the driving skill which was superior from men's one. She got off first to the normal way, and ambushed at the cliff. But Tiger ran away narrowly here.

However, Tiger's Cave didn't stop attack, so Iron and Geyond approached Tiger this time. Because they acted as the stranger, and attacked with the various means, even Tiger seemed to die. He was locked up in the car that was controled remotly, and seemed to fall from the cliff. However, he succeeded in the escape narrowly again, too.

He was picked up by the car which passed there fortunately, and went to the pro-wrestling arena at Shimoda. There, he was just in time for the fight start. Giand Baba and Kentaro who waited for his arrival were relieved anxiously and Tiger ran to the ring which audiences waited for him.

February 3, 2005

Do you ever remember something you were going to do and say to yourself, "man, how could I forget that?!" I say this because a long time ago I planned to buy the Samurai Jack DVD, but somehow I COMPLETELY forgot about it until today. Oddly enough I remembered Jack after watching Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Luckily DVDplanet.com has Jack season 1 for $22.

Buy it man! And tell me when you do.

Ordered it today! Should be here in a week or two.

February 3, 2005

Do you ever remember something you were going to do and say to yourself, "man, how could I forget that?!" I say this because a long time ago I planned to buy the Samurai Jack DVD, but somehow I COMPLETELY forgot about it until today. Oddly enough I remembered Jack after watching Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai."

Luckily DVDplanet.com has Jack season 1 for $22.

Buy it man! And tell me when you do.

Ordered it today! Should be here in a week or two.

Sweet. I may have a situation coming up soon concerning money so I might not be buying anything soon. Of course, make sure to tell us what you thought. Favourite episode and all that.

February 3, 2005

ep.086: Jekyll And Hyde

The popular man wrestler invited by Mr. X, Jekyll And Hyde fought against Tiger.

Mr. X succeeded in the invitation of Jekyll And Hyde, the very first-class no-rule devil who had very high technique and popular wrestler. The Maskmen Title Match between Tiger Mask and he was decided as the death match. But Tiger said "even if this is the death match, this time is only no-time limit fight without the cage" with ease. He seemed rather to look forward to Jekyll's technique.

At first, Jekyll did the orthodox technique as the strong style to meet Tiger's expectation. Tiger felt well and he tried the counterattack with his full spirit. The moment he began to take the initiative of the fight, Jekyll ran up to the corner post slowly, and took the medicine which he hid there. Soon, he began to peel his tusk, changed completely into strange look, and did no-rule fight like a different person from the before. Began from the toe kick, then various equipment attack outside the ring. "This is really the same as the novel 'Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'!" the TV announcer was very surprised.

But Tiger couldn't be defeated because he invited the kids of Chibikko House in the arena after a long time. Added anger because of betraying the expectation of the clean technique, he took the umbrella of the equipment by force, and counterattacked with it. He won perfectly at the end by his favorite Ultra Tiger Breaker.

He was surprised because he knew as Jekyll was famous Duke Sharp, a famous wrestler as so clean fighter. "Always, there is a sad face under the mask of the masked wrestler. The same am I, too. . ." Tiger's mind went down. But, the cheerful smile of the kids of Chibikko House who visited dressing room was the vitality source for Tiger like usual. "I must become a prop not these kids to mistake to go their way." He made fighting spirit flare up for tomorrow.

ep.087: The Tiger Hunting Plan

Terrible noise happened in Chibikko House because they listened to the news that Gaboten was protected by the police.

The boss of Tiger's Cave started training to overthrow Tiger by himself at long last. But same time, he was careful. "If I am defeated, Tiger's Cave is end." He was looking for the assassin wrestler whom he sent to Tiger, too.

On the other hand, Naoto who visited Chibikko House was made to know that Gaboten was protected by the police, got flustered, then went to the police. Both Naoto and Ruriko imagined the reason why Gaboten was protected, and they were very much worried. Gaboten who came back to the House began to explain a circumstance to other kids. . .

In the morning, Gaboten had been going to school like usual. On the way of that, he had met three friends, but it had seemed to be late. So, they had failed to go to school somehow, and had wanted to try to go in the somehow distance. Therefore, they had been mistaken for the boys running away from home, and protected by the police.

After the fight that night, Naoto told Kentaro closely. "A life seems to keep being made always toward the wind. It is full of the accidental possibility overturned to bound." "Though trying running away from home is still not so bad. But what will we do when kids try to go into the more evil way" They themselves were in the middle of the battle of not seeing an exit with Tiger's Cave, too. So, their conclusion was that "if we are attacked, we must just fight!"

The boss of Tiger's Cave who kept looking for wrestler by the individual route found the wrestler who was the most suitable into tiger hunting plan at last. This was Devil Spider who overthrew an opponent with blood in the strange ring named "the spider nest death match." "Next time, Tiger will be surely overthrown cruelly!" The boss didn't have laugh stopped.

ep.088: Scaffold with Fire

Mr. X who planned the assassination of Naoto incorrigibly sent a killer under the minute plan.

Noticed that the Boss himself came to Japan, accompanied Devil Spider, the next assassin to Tiger, Mr. X was impatient more strongly. Again he carried out the plan of trying to kill Tiger, employed killers (Jane, Iron).

The day was Ruriko's birthday by chance. He guessed that Naoto might go to buy present for Ruriko. So, commanded killers, he set a trap in the way, and waited for arriving Naoto's car. But Naoto was lucky, so he escaped the trap which was supposed to be prudent one after another.

As the final operation, the killers locked up Naoto's car in the underground parking lot of a department store, and they made a petroleum trailer to turn over sideways in front of the entrance, then caused petroleum drain accident. Caught fire the petroleum which flowed, there was fire whole around Naoto's car. As the door of the car was worked, he couldn't escape at all.

"I attained it at last!" Mr. X believed his victory. However, Kentaro shook off the restraint of Jane, and jumped into the flame in the parking lot desperately. Narrowly, he was in time for the relief for Naoto. Though Naoto suffered a burn, there was no danger in his life, and he called Ruriko from the hospital. He could forget violent battle with Tiger's Cave in that moment to listen to birthday song by the kids which could be hear from the other side of phone.

ep.089: Happiness of Yoshi-bo

A feeling wavered in not only Yoshi-bo but also other children because a certain rich married couple wanted to look after Yoshi-bo.

Tiger Mask couldn't move his own body easely because his injury which was caught by the killers of Tiger's Cave hadn't finish curing. Hardly saw it, Kentaro and Giant Baba advised him to be absent from the training. He accepted frankly this time, and agreed to take his place of Kentaro in the next fight too.

An unexpected situation happened in Chibbiko House which he visited as rest. The proposal of the adoption had came to Yoshi-bo. Mr. and Mrs. Shimazu lost their only son three years ago, so they seemed that Yoshi-bo was their son's reincarnation. Yoshi-bo didn't also seem to be bad feeling for this proposal.

But he lost word, didn't know why, when he faced friends raudy beyond himself. In fact, it found out that he had mixed mind. Because of envious or loneliness, other kids were cold somehow to him. Like as repel such friends, Yoshi-bo proposed accepting adoption to Mr. Wakatsuki.

After that, he spent a day in the Shimazu. However, that was not comfortable place for Yoshi-bo, either. "I dislike loneliness. I want to be with my friends!" In the rainy night, Yoshi-bo came back to the House. His friends welcomed such Yoshi-bo warmly in the same way as before.

Naoto realized that "thing which kids are looking for is not fake happiness, but true affection!" To give them the courage to face their future serve reality, Tiger enforced the battle with Big Robo in spite of injury. He won admirably regardless of Baba and Kentaro who were afraid of him.

ep.090: The Uncrowned Champ

Mr. X went to America, and planned the invitation of The Michiganian who is reputed as a Uncrowned Champion

"If I wait for that Devil Spider whom the Boss found as challenger to Tiger, my life will be end." So Mr. X ran around the United States to look for a strong fighter. The strong and tough fighter whom he finally found in Detroit, Michigan, was the Missiganian who was very famous as the hero.

The Missiganian was the justice guy in the opposite side of Tiger's Cave. Mr. X still said "I will move mind of any wrestler by the money," and visited the Missiganian's house at once. But, because the Missiganian had pride as the uncrowned champ who shouldn't be necessary both money and honor and showed interest only in the battle with the true fighter, he rejected the proposal by Mr. X sincerity.

But, Missiganian's complexion changed the moment he knew that his opponent was Tiger Mask. It was because he was told by Star Apollon, his one-and-only best friend, that Tiger was one of few real wrestlers. He went to Japan together with Mr. X. But, he never necessarily became the comrade of Mr. X. An that proof, he ignored Mr. X who compelled changing completely into the maskman, and applied for the non-title match with Tiger Mask to Japan Pro-Wrestling Promotion by himself.

The fight became the technique battle as the expectation. It proceeded speedily. However, at last, Tiger attacked with cobra twist. Mr. X tried to hand over a knife to the Missiganian in this crisis. Of course, the Missiganian, the man who had high pride, didn't received it. He escaped to the rope by himself, then the gong for the battle end rang. It was time-up draw.

Tiger who did a good fight, send a look of gratitude to the Missiganian's back who passes quietly from the ring. On the other hand, Mr. X who failed in the overthrow Tiger plan again, was meeting the Boss' visiting to Japan with frightened feeling.

ep.091: Devilish Spider Nest

Devil Spider who visited Japan together with Miracle 3 who was the boss of Tiger's Cave fought against Tiger in the strange death match.

At last, the Boss of Tiger's Cave camed to Japan, accompanied with Devil Spider whom he excavated personally. Mr. X was late for reception for the Boss because of traffic congestion. The Boss couldn't trust such a X, and said that he himself would become the second of Devil Spider at the battle with Tiger Mask. It was as a mysterious masked wrestler, named Miracle 3.

The Spider Nest Death Match. . . it was really very similar to nest of spider, hung to about 30 feet from the ground, and that ring was made of unstable mesh of many tight ropes around. Tiger who hasn't been accustomed it, couldn't even walk, caught his foot in the mesh. Could he do his best as usual given such handicap?

As soon as fight began, Devil Spider moved on the net like in his house, and attacked Tiger quickly and one-sidedly. Tiger kept being attacked like a insect caught on nest of spider. Though he could pull out his foot from the mesh, next, Devil Spider inserted his head in the net, and fastened his neck.

While his consciousness faded out far away, smile of kids of Chibikko House and Ruriko came in Tiger's mind. It gave Tiger new energy. He escaped from the crisis by the tactics which he stuck to Devil's body, then getting the knack of this battle field, he attacked conversely.

Felt the change of situation, Miracle 3, the second of Devil, cut a rope that was supporting the high nest ring. Only Tiger fell from 30 feet high, and his body crashed on the floor very much. Devil tried the deadly knee drop from the sky as finish. But before its finish, Tiger rolled his body to side a little. Crashed to the floor, Devil couldn't continue fighting any more. Tiger who showed stickiness at the last moment won, and succeeded in the defense of the Maskmen Championship.

ep.092: Suspicion of the Mysterious Man

Miracle 3 who was the boss of Tiger's Cave made an encounter with Tiger a point feed, and nominated a foreigner wrestler in the encounter fighter.

After Devil Spider was defeated by Tiger Mask, the Boss of Tiger's Cave was considered the next one was himself at last. However, because he recognized that "Tiger has something except for but technique," he thought he had to continue research of this enemy until he ascertained what was that "something." Therefore, he said to Mr. X that he intended to continue fight with other foreigner wrestlers as Miracle 3 for a while.

Tiger and Ken, who heared Miracle 3 nominated foreigner wrestlers as his opponent, couldn't understand why by all means. On the other hand, they were interested what kind of fighter Miracle 3 would be. Furthermore, to search for the real porpose of Tiger's Cave, they intended to overlook Miracle 3's behavior this time.

The opponents of Miracle 3 was Bill Buffalo, who was so tough fighter that anyone had ran away from him because of afraid. Audiences had premonition what this newcomer Miracle 3 wouldn't be able to win against Buffalo. However, Miracle 3 was persistently calm as soon as the fight began. He showed off terrible power, and handled Buffalo like as a child conversely. And his technique was much superior, too. He didn't provide his best with ease, and he knocked out Buffalo one-sidedly.

Because he kept insulting Buffalo even though the fight was finished, Killer Karl Pops, who was Buffalo's teacher and second, couldn't endure it, then challenged Miracle 3. Tiger felt the terrible real ability toward Miracle 3 who wasn't really upset by this happening. "An intuition of wild beast whispers to me. . . Miracle 3 is exactly the arch-enemy in my life!"

ep.093: For Today's Life

Miracle 3 showed a miraculous technique as his name and the power. Of course, is the miracle left at the end a no-rule fight?

It was the fight of Miracle 3 vs. Killer Karl Pops. Saw Miracle 3 who beat Karl Pops in an instant soon by his hyper power, Naoto couldn't hide his agitation. Then, he realized he wouldn't match Miracle 3 if he didn't still forge more and more.

On the other hand, Miracle 3, that was the Boss of Tiger's Cave, was concentrated on research of Tiger in the room of a hotel, after the fight. Yet, he couldn't know all about Tiger Mask. So, he chose the Piranhan as the next assassin sent to Tiger. He intended to fight against Tiger himself after that.

When Kentaro visited Chibikko House, Ruriko worried about Kenta, who didn't come back yet though it was too late. As a matter of fact, on the day, Kenta was bullied because he was an orphan, so completely depressed. He was crouching down at riverside alone. Kentaro took such Kenta to meet Tiger Mask to encourage him.

"You must do your best even when it is hard or severe!" Tiger encouraged Kenta, too. "Those kids have tomorrow which they must cleave destiny only with their own power. I show the guts that will be necessary at that time!" Tiger fought with much spirit more than usual. Tiger's feeling was fully conveyed to Kenta who watched the fight with Kentaro. "I feel guts, too. I never give up!" He promised powerfully to Kentaro.

ep.094: The Substitute of Tiger

Kentaro put on the mask of the tiger in place of Naoto involved in the accident during a picnic of Chibikko House.

Naoto went on a picnic at the riverside with Ruriko and kids of Chibikko House. So, he forgot keen battle with Tiger's Cave, and enjoyed momentary rest. But, Kenta and Yoshi-bo who were always rivals, began a quarrel even in such place. Scolded by Ruriko, they decided that they would get conclusion by swimming to the other side of river. But, it was the swimming prohibition area where currents whirled. Naoto rescued them who were drowned as quick as he could, but Yoshi-bo's consciousness wasn't clear and he was in emergency condition.

Naoto repeated heart massage desperately though even a doctor gave up. By this zeal, Yoshi-bo finally came back to life. Naoto shared joy with Kenta who felt responsibility. However, Naoto lost time by this disturbance and it seemed there wasn't enough time for him to go to the area. Though Naoto hurried as much as possible to the arena, it seemed his fight renunciation wouldn't be avoided.

He didn't regret saving Yoshi-bo's life, but on the other hand, he was sorry to betray Giant Baba and audiences who knew nothing. However, Tiger who had to not be in time, had stood in front of today's opponent, Judas. It was Kentaro who knew that Tiger was late.

The moment Naoto arrived at the arena, he saw Kentaro's beautifull and powerfull German suplex hold. He appreciated Kentaro who grew up well and protected the honor of "Tiger Mask." Miracle 3 saw through that Kentaro served as the stand-by of Tiger. "At first, I must beat Ken! If I smash that guy, time is now!" He ascertained a new target.

ep.095: The Piranhan

The mysterious trap to kill Tiger was planned for the pool death match with The Piranhan.

The special ring established on the pool. . . that was the battle field of Tiger Mask vs. the Piranhan, the World Maskmen Championship. It was called the pool death match. The Piranhan was also the assassin whom the Boss of Tiger's Cave called to fight against Tiger.

Because it was ring without ropes around, the whole of the could become battle field. But, as Giant Baba as the TV commentator said "only cool looks is its merit," it seemed little danger than usual death match. However. . .

The Piranhan appeared from the water with the really uncanny costume which was very similar to real piranha. Stuck his sharp dorsal fin, Tiger was bloodshed very mush soon. His sharp tusk was also his important weapon, and it tore Tiger's mask mercilessly. Tiger kept fighting hard because the Piranhan moved well from inside the ring into the water. Then, when the Piranhan invited Tiger into the water, an accident happened.

The Piranhan reverted to the ring soon, on the other hand, from the tremendous quantity of blood flowed through the water which Tiger was still in. Being surprised, real piranhas lurked in the pool. It was the trap which Mr. X planned completely. The Piranhan applied special ointment to his body, so escaped from piranhas.

After Tiger rolled at the bottom of the pool bottom and cleared piranhas which bit his body, he reverted to the ring. Tiger who got angry terribly dropped ointment from Piranhan's body by the ground technique, and went into the water once again with Piranhan. This time the Piranhan couldn't escape from the sharp tusk of piranhas, that was, he became captive by the trap set by himself. Though Tiger overlooked the Piranhan who couldn't stand up, hd couldn't relax as thougt "on earth, when will Miracle 3 challenge me?"

ep.096: Who Is Tiger Mask?

Kenta who wanted to know the true character of Tiger Mask started the operations of every possible means

It was very fine day. Kenta thought about a certain thing when he was airing a mask of Tiger Mask which he had been presented by Tsuyoshi, a friend from Germany before. "What kind of face is hidden behind this mask, on earth?" When he thought so, couldn't endure, he started plans to find out true character of Tiger using various means.

He approached Kentaro who always did behavior together with Tiger. Being convenient, Kentaro had visited Chibikko House frequently to meet his sister Yoko. Though he asked Yoko to ask Kentaro about true character of Tiger, Kentaro, prohibited by Naoto to tell the secret, never told. Then, he stole into the trunk of Kentaro's car, but Kentaro changed car at halfway, so this plan also failed.

At that night, Kenta who was watching the fight of Tiger through TV as usual, noticed an unexpected fact. Naoto who had visited Chibikko House on that day, and Tiger who was fighting now in TV, was hurt same point of their head and wrist. Was brother Naoto possibly Tiger? Kenta himself was most surprised at this blind fact.

However, Gaboten who was told Kenta's reasoning, only laughed and didn't believe him. Soon, by tact by Naoto and Ruriko who wanted to hide the true character of Tiger, Kenta understood his reasoning was wrong. This time, it settled situation. "Kenta, when proper time come, I will teach you true character of Tiger. But I don't know when it is." It was Naoto's honest mind.

ep.097: Presentiment of Defeat

Miracle 3 who showed off overwhelming strength was faced toward the front, and Naoto was afraid of not only himself but also Kentaro.

Miracle 3 was producing whirlwind in Japan Pro-Wrestling. Today, he showed sharp techniques with high speed in fight with Red Gallo, and won easily. Today's marvelous technique was added to the superior power which he'd showed in previous fight. They were exactly "miracles." Mr. X said to Tiger that "we'll show you one more miracle soon," then left.

After that, Tiger simulated the battle with Miracle 3, but he couldn't think Miracle 3's any fault. Moreover, said that he kept "one more miracle." Would he have chance of winning on earth? However, it was as Mr. X's aim. From the first, it was their plan to make Tiger upset.

Tiger was afraid of Kentaro, more than of himself. Judged from Tiger's Cave's character, there was possibility that the left "one more miracle" was violently no-rule fight beyond our imagination. He couldn't be made Kentaro, who finally met his sister Yoko again, and began to be in happy life, to be a bait of Miracle 3's no-rule fight. He wasn't allowed to repeat Daimon's tragedy.

ep.098: The Desperate Tiger

Though the shadow of Miracle 3 didn't leave a head in Tiger, today's enemy Cyclone Gaston was the enemy who couldn't despise it for him, too.

Toward the battle with Miracle 3, Tiger had practiced more hard than usual. But even Kentaro could feel that Tiger lost his presence of mind. He advised Tiger that if he was in such mental state, he had better postpone fight with Cyclone Gaston, it might be on the next day. It was natural that he said so. Because Gaston was the stalwart guy who had killed a bear by his powerfull "bear hug." Tiger himself was desperate to take back his presence of mind somehow.

At such time, Naoto had usualy visited Chibikko House to get new energy. But in House, Kenta started trouble. He was plundered a beetle which he found as homework of summer vacation by mean boys. Ruriko had just stopped Kenta eagerly, who tried to jump in revenge. "Even though your opponent is mean, you must be clean to become the man of men." Naoto talked to advise such Kenta. It seemed that Kenta understood it.

The word that Naoto gave to Kenta, was also one that for himself who was frightened at Miracle 3's shadow. Noticed that fact and decided his resolution, he could face the fight with powerful enemy Gaston with calm feeling. Though Gaston was proud of the fantastic power as rumor, Miracle 3's power was more powerful, and further more, he has also excellent technique. Thought about it, he couldn't loose time at this stage.

Gaston showed his favorite bear hug, but Tiger who was persistently calm, tided over this crisis, caught Gaston's carelessness, and attacked by German suplex hold. It was exactly Tiger's desperate guts who really decided resolution. This mind power might become big weapon at the battle with Miracle 3.

WP -- I'm curious about how many people are actually reading this thread and who you are. If you are reading it please just make a quick post saying that you are indeed reading. Thanks very much. All cooperation is sincerely appreciated.

Remember this is now a Samurai Jack combined with an Astroboy thread so feel free to talk about Samurai Jack as well.

February 3, 2005

ep.099: Howl for Blood, Wolf!

Before he himself fought against Tiger, Miracle 3 who was a boss hoped to want to study Tiger, and made Lone Wolf crash into Tiger.

The next challenger to Tiger's Maskmen Title was decided Lone Wolf. He was the killer fighter whom Tiger's Cave sent as before. Lone Wolf was once a so-called "wolf boy" who had lived among nature wolves, then Tiger's Cave discovered him, and made him a pro-wrestler. He was the last assassin whom Miracle 3 chose to study Tiger Mask.

Soon, the desperate struggle between a tiger and a wolf began. As Lone Wolf was promised that "if you overthrow Tiger, Tiger's Cave will set you free," so he was full of energy. Welling up wild blood, he was confronted to Tiger the champion.

At the beginning, it lasted to stare at each other to guess opponent's ability. It was Wolf who took action first when he couldn't continue to face the strain. Bitting used sharp tusk was his only skill, but using it, he bite and broke Tiger's mask, and bloodshed Tiger. It was really attack as his nickname, "man-eating wolf."

Tiger was inferior though he competed by orthodox technique. When he succeeded in breaking Wolf's tusk outside the ring, full moon appeared through the window. Saw it, Wolf blame up his wild blood of wolf, then recovered his vigor suddenly. He attacked with the iron claw which was using nail, his only left weapon. It was the crisis of Tiger! But finally, he waited for Wolf who rushde toward him at the side of rope, then through him to out of ring, then it was his win. Miracle 3 was satisfied with Wolf even though he was defeated by Tiger. It was because he succeeded in drawing Tiger's new skill. Eyes of Miracle 3 and Tiger Mask scattered bright spark. . . The time when they fought was near at hand to the imminence any more.

ep.100: Create Your Own Tomorrow

The man who was father of Yoshi-bo visited Chibikko House, and proposed wanting to look after Yoshi-bo.

There was an unexpected visitor to Chibikko House. He was Mr. Sasaki, who introduced himself Yoshi-bo's father. He said that eight years ago, at the New Year's Eve, snowing night, he had left baby Yoshi-bo in front of Chibikko House's gate, because he'd stood up in the fix as his wife had ran away. But, at present time, his live was recovered and his wife had also returned to him. He who visited the House after so worring, proposed to look after Yoshi-bo.

On the next day, this time Jiro, Yoshi-bo's brother, visited him. Sudden appearance of family perplexed Yoshi-bo. Hardly saw Yoshi-bo who couldn't decide what he would action, Naoto took him to the apartment which his family lived in. There, he saw his mother's face for the first time. But he ran off from in front of his mother who teared tears and apologized. "Why did she leave me?" He couldn't throw such reserve away.

Friends gathered around Yoshi-bo who came back to the House. But he felt sensitively that their attitude changed delicately from usual. At that night, he told Mr. Wakatsuki and Ruriko to decide to live in the Sasaki. Afraid of him who seemed something lonely, Mr. Wakatsuki said "if you don't want to go there, you may be here." But he answered "I feel I won't be well with Kenta and other friends any more" with tears.

"A boy who is not orphan anymore, can't share mind with other orphan kids. He hasn't shared mind yet with family that appeared suddenly in front of him. Do your best, Yoshi-bo! You must cleave tomorrow by fighting as much as you can every day." Naoto encouraged him with his full mind.

ep.101: The Execution of Tiger's Cave

The moment he appeared in the ring, Miracle 3 who met an encounter with Ken Takaoka changed completely into Tiger the Great.

Miracle 3 expressed challenge to Ken Takaoka. Felt not to suit present Ken with Miracle 3, Tiger was upset, but Ken was man who didn't listened to Tiger's advice frankly. In fact, Ken went to Daimon's graveyard, and swore fighting spirit for the battle against Miracle 3. Naoto said "don't die uselessly." Ken swore "I must fight which isn't ashamed of Mr. Tiger and Mr. Daimon!"

At last, Ken Takaoka faced with Miracle 3 on the ring. At that moment, Miracle 3 dodged his body, then jumped highly. Another new costume appeared from under his old costume which he took off. It was whole gray body and gray tiger mask. In its breast, mark of a skull and a dagger. . . He, who was in very uncanny atmosphere, declared proudy that "just from now, my ring name is Tiger the Great!" As heared this word, Tiger believed again that this guy was the strongest wrestler in Tiger's Cave.

From beginning, Ken had been overwhelmed by the Great who was proud of terrible coercion. Moreover, the Great's no-rule fight was lifted the seal at last. He cornered Ken gradually as if a cat might torment a rat. Tiger, Ken's second, was very afraid, too. Ken exerted will. "Before fight with Tiger, I must give this guy damage as well as I can!" But, wasted that thought, Ken went down into sea of his own blood at last.

Though result of battle had been already obvious, the Great didn't stop hanging at the rope. Ken had to dead certainly if Tiger, who couldn't see any more, didn't stop him. "Tiger, the next are you at long last! Your execution is. . . death!" Great laughed arrogantly on the ring. Tiger answered "I must always take your challenge!" "As revenge for Daimon and Ken, I must surely smash Tiger's Cave!" It was just Tiger's tragic determination.

ep.102: The Truth of Tiger's Cave

Kentaro sent to the hospital by Tiger the Great told Ruriko who came in the inquiry for him a certain truth

Kentaro suffered serious injury in the battle with Tiger the Great, so he had to enter hospital and rest quietly. When he spoke with Ruriko who came to take care of him, he thought that she knew Tiger's true character was Naoto. Therefore, he asked her carelessly that "Naoto. . . he's just Tiger Mask. . . since when did you know?" Certainly she was aware of this fact, but as she was confided clearly just as this, she was upset very much.

After she took back calmness, she got various truth of Tiger's Cave out from Kentaro. Naoto, that was, Tiger Mask had been born in Tiger's Cave, and after he'd betrayed Tiger's Cave, various assassins had been set by Tiger's Cave toward him. The persistent attack of Tiger's Cave was still going on even now. Daimon had been also in Tiger's Cave first, but because he'd also betrayed Tiger's Cave, he was killed. Kentaro himseld had also had experience of aiming Tiger, as Yellow Devil, but thanks to Daimon's and Naoto's efforts, he could slip away from Tiger's Cave.

One after another, truth about Tiger Mask were explained. It was the severe battle world exceeding Ruriko's imagination far. Couldn't stand it any more, she asked Kentaro which hotel their had lived, then visited Tiger. In the room of that hotel, Tiger and Ruriko, they had stared at each other for a while without word. Then, when Tiger took his mask, Naoto's face appeared from that. It laughed sadly. "This . . . this is the moment Tiger Mask showed Ruriko his face behind tha mask!" She cried as "Naoto!" and rushed into Naoto's breast.

A little later, Naoto pushed her away with absolute word. "I must not die. So, you don't need to stop the next fight." However, he muttered after she went out of the room. "Forgive me, Ruriko. Though I had thought torn up, I must puch your image away!" "Now I'm standing on the last moment when I must overthrow Tiger's Cave, even though what's happened!"

ep.103: The Struggle Tiger's Cave

Mr. X started the desperate last operations to kill Tiger before the boss fought against Tiger.

Though Ruriko, now knew a truth which "Naoto was Tiger Mask," was afraid of him who faced too hard battle, she was sad because she could help him nothing. According to the result of battle with Tiger the Great, she could not reward his kindness at all. "Naoto has gone to the place where I couldn't reach. There is only one word that I can say now. . . please don't die, Naoto!"

The fight of Tiger Mask vs. Tiger the Great approached next day. To make his feeling calm, Tiger asked after Kentaro, then went to Daimon's grave. A killer whom Mr. X sent was putting tail on him, but he'd already noticed it. He wasn't anxious about this killer because he had already consentrated to the battle with the Great. He said "now, even a killer is nothing for me" to Mr. Arashi whom he met in front of Daimon's grave, then left there.

But, the attack by Mr. X who declared "to kill Tiger is my reason for living," was persistent very much. It was also a proof of his impatient that his own life would be in danger if he didn't kill Tiger before the battle between the Boss and Tiger. Tiger went to the place where Mr. X was waiting unwillingly.

They faced at last at a contruction site where it was rainy and quiet. Mr. X failed in his plan because he was impatient that this was the last chance to kill Tiger. On the way to chase Tiger, Mr. X fell to the huge hole and was smashed by a car which fell after him. It was his suddenly death time. "Finally, I must die even though I has not killed Tiger. . . Damn!" It was the last word of Mr. X.

ep.104: The Bloody Battle with Tiger's Cave!

Though which fighter won, a battle with Tiger the Great was a final decisive battle with Tiger's Cave for Tiger Mask

At last, it was the day of the battle between Tiger Mask and Tiger the Great. Tiger had consciousness that this was the last battle with Tiger's Cave. And the Great was same, too. He was certain to concentrate all his energy so that he might kill Tiger the betrayer. While Giant Bata, Mr. Arashi, Kenta and Ruriko watched, two tigers appeared. The gong which noticed battle start rang, at last.

The Great was truly the boss of Tiger's Cave, so he fought coercively. Tiger could not but become careful because he watched the Great's power, technique and no-rule skill which were praised as miracles. Even though, he couldn't still prevent the Great's attack completely, and he received the Great's deadly toe-kick to his body, then had bloodshed early. Though the attack of Great didn't decline after that, didn't miss one chance, Tiger set his favorite Ultra Tiger Breaker. However, though Tiger had full confidence for this attack, the Great supported his own body above Tiger's head with both his arms, and ran away.

Tiger, who was broken his favorite attack, seemed lost his fighting spirit any more, so kept being attacked by the Great very hard one-sidedly. He was dropped under the ring, and received many punches to his head, so had bloodshed. After come back to the ring, he wring his neck among the ropes around the ring, that was, exactly one of bad no-rule one. It was already beyond wrestling fight any more. Ruriko who watched it through TV, said "Naoto, until when will you continue such fight?" and averted an eye.

"I give you the pain of hell fully before your death!" Great strengthened power to his arms which wringed Tiger's neck gradually. Tiger's consciousness faded away gradually, too. . .

ep.105: Tiger Mask Goes Away

As we expected it, the battle of Tiger and Great became a bloody terrible battle. What happened as expected to the end of a war?

Tiger the Great was continuing his persistent attack. Though Tiger escaped from the neck wrung using ropes around the ring, next he was dropped under the ring by the Great's kick. The deadly knee drops, machine-gun kicks, hittings of TV monitor set at ring side. . . The Great's attack weren't still finished. Tiger reached terrible pinch by the neck wrung used cut TV monitor cable. Ruriko whom couldn't watch any more, left in front of TV, and muttered smally, "my god, please help Naoto."

Got small chance, Tiger came back in the ring, but again he was fixed at the ropes, then the Great's missile head BUTT came toward him. However, the Great crashed outside the ring because Tiger twisted his body alittle. The piece of broken desk stuck in his shoulder. It set fire to the Great's anger. Used that piece of desk for reverse, he aimed at Tiger's face. "If I protect my mask, I'll killed by the Great. . . " As realized so, Tiger ran away there and his mask came off.

At last, Tiger Mask's real face was cleared. Kids of Chibikko House who saw it were very shocked. "Tiger Mask I's respected was. . . actually brother Naoto. . ." Kenta's word was interrupted halfway. On the other hand, Naoto in ring held tiger mask covered with his blood carefully, and laughed so lonely. Soon, his expression changed completely to be severe, then he threw mask at the Great. "Just from now, real battle begin!"

After that, Naoto attacked violently like as a different person from before. The no-rule skill, that was planted by Tiger's Cave, became just the last trumph to compete with Tiger's Cave. Blinding eyes used rope, various equipment attack outside the ring. . . Because he made so many no-rule attacks, the Great had aslo bloodshed very much, and the mat turned to sea of blood soon. At last, he wrapped the Great in his tiger mantle, and hung to light above the ring.

Though Great could hardly take any action, Naoto didn't still try to stop attacks. Every time he attacked, the Great's blood fell to the mat with uncanny sound. When Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki appeared to stop Naoto flusterly, the chain which hung light was cut off. The Great was crushed by the lighting which fell to mat. In dying, he muttered "damn. . . until kill you. . . to the honor of Tiger's Cave. . ." However, the Great died there at last. Ascertained it, Naoto picked up the mask stained with blood, and ran off from the ring without word.

Naoto, who did period for the long long battle with Tiger's Cave finally, reported this victory to Daimon's grave. The bloodstained mask was given to Kentaro. "From now, I must do same as what Tiger had did for long time. I do it, yes, I do it!" He swore firmly. At that time, Naoto was going toward a plane alone to leave Japan. Because he opened his real face on the mat and further more, he struck down the Great using various no-rule skills, he thought that he couldn't meet kids any more.

Going to the plane, he thought further. "For a long time, I have deceived kids. But only Ruriko must know my real mind certainly." As understood this thought, at that time, Ruriko in Chibikko House also thought. "Yes, I know, I know. If I tell this fact, my kids must understand too, certainly. It was the fact Naoto had tried to tearch strictness to live properly to orphans even at the cost of his own life. Therefore, I must tell my kids the fact.

Believing that kids might surely grow up properly before the time when he returned, Naoto left Japan to where anyone couldn't know. The airplane which Naoto took on disappeared soon into darkness of night sky. Ruriko hoped looking up at that night sky with kids. To Naoto come back as soon as possible. . .

Well, that's the end of her. THe ending of the show I have mixed feelings about which I might go into some day. One thing's for sure. The ending is something that can be discussed and talked about a great del.

February 3, 2005

Yet another nice post from Atoman on www.astroboy-online.com about Astroboy edits.

Hi Otaku,

Ok for the 60's they didn't just cut episodes, they skipped nearly half the 193 episode series, like the one called Yellow Horse, which was about drug abuse. Other times when they just cut episodes, they usually cut out lots of violence, like in the English dub of The Amless Dam, which was called The Robot Fortress in Japanese. I just saw it last night, and let me tell you the violence they cut was intense, lots of child abuse.

In the cut version Hamegg doesn't whip Astro, he tries to, but Astro grabs the whip and stops him. Ok in the raw Japanese version, Hamegg whips Astro once before Astro grabs the whip and then about 5 times more after, with Astro yelling Owch in Japanese I think. Poor Astro. The vionlence doesn't stop there though. When a human kid protects Astro from Hamegg's abuse, and gives Astro some needed energy so he can beat up Hamegg, the kid's jerk of a father slaps the kid upside the head several times none to gently, causing the kid to cry, then he tells his father off and runs away from him, You tell him kid.

Another one I just saw was actually one of the funniest Astro's ever. It featured a fight between Cobalt and Uran in which they punch each other's heads very hard, but Astro get's between them and breaks it up, whew, glad they weren't damaged. The episode featured a spoof of the Beatles, and one of them looks just like Ringo. Man that episode was so damn funny. I'm sure they skipped it because of the fight between Cobalt and Uran.

As far as the 80's version, they first butchered Japanese episode 1 and 2, taking out all the Atlas Boy scenes to make English episode 1. This sucked because, now you don't have an Atlas origin story. After that they cut pieces here and there of what they though was inappropriate for children, but there were some incosistances with their choices of what they cut. Like cutting scenes of Astro kicking some BUTT, but leaving in the scenes of Hamegg whipping a helpless Astro. Ok so It's ok too show child abuse but not ok to show a child defending himself. Come on people either cut it right or don't cut at all.

They also cut most of Uran's cute dance rutines, like in Uran's Twin and Uran's Quest, lame.

For the new series they cut things that were unforgivable like the addorable scene in which Astro falls asleap in Ochinomizu's car. AWWW. Why'd they have to cut that, it showed us how human Astro is. That scene better not be cut on the dvd version of the English dub or I may not buy it.

February 3, 2005

Back to talking about Tiger Mask here's a couple of cool tidbits about Ikki Kajiwara

FROM THE OFFICIAL PRIDE WEBSITE:

The top fighters from different combative sports: Wrestling, Karate, Judo, Kickboxing, and others — all fighting in one ring under the same rules.

This is what was meant by the word "FIGHT" all along.

Antonio Inoki first possessed the fervent dream of realizing an Olympic Games of combative sports. The late IKKI KAJIWARA depicted that dream through his illustrated stories, featuring fair rules, neutral rings, and most of all, fighters worthy of the game. All we need are fair rules for all, an independent ring, and eligible fighters.

Now, "PRIDE" has made it real. Beyond the existing structure of combative sports today, we feature the best. "Who is the best?" That was a universal search. Now we have the answer. That's what you'll see in the ring of PRIDE — the white stage of dreams.

ALso a story about the Hogan Inoki knockout IWGP Tournament match. Form the creator of the www.puroresu.com website:

From what I understand, both stories are not correct. Inoki was in a trouble with Ikki Kajiwara, author of "Tiger Mask" cartoon over the use of Sayama's gimmick. Initially, Kajiwara supported/authorized the gimmick but for some reason, he started threatening Inoki by using an organized crime group. Inoki was even "locked in" a hotel room once. The story is true up to this point. It was said that Inoki wanted to fake the KO so that he can be hospitalized and stay away from Kajiwara's group.

Inoki basically "fooled" just about everyone within the company, and Seiji Sakaguchi got so upset and once tried to leave New Japan because of that. Soon later, there was a coup within the office, and Inoki, Sakaguchi, and Shinma were forced to resign from their positions. Inoki and Sakaguchi returned within a year as the president and vice president respectively, but Shinma never returned to New Japan until he appeared at Tokyo Dome card this year after almost 20 years of absence from New Japan.

__________________

WP -- Very interesting and intriguing story!!

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While I'm talking here I just thought I'd ask if anyone's seen this before:

Shikakui Jungle - Kakudogi Sekaiichi

Documentary

Catalog No.: PCBE-50817

Format: DVD

(See Editions Details)

Number of discs (or other units): 1

Release Date: 2004/01/21

Price: 3800yen (US$ 37.03)

Item weight: 130 g

Availability:

Usually ships in 4-8 business days

(Learn More)

Add Documentary to Newsmail

What is Newsmail?

Credits

Ikki Kajiwara (Author) Antonio Inoki (Cast)

Benny Urquidez (Cast)

Description

A martial arts documentary film by Ikki Kajiwara ("Kyojin no Hoshi"). Featuring "Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki," and more.

Special Features: theatrical trailer(s)

(All product details, including availability, images, language(s), special features, and bonus extras, are subject to change without prior notice. Actual item weight may be different from the one indicated above.)

Edition Details

Running Time: 103mins.

Data Format: DVD Video

NTSC Format

Layers: single-sided/single-layered

Regional Encoding: 2

Color

Encoding: MPEG-2

Audio Track :

Japanese: Dolby Digital Monaural

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Ikki Kajiwara wasn't just known for Tiger Mask and Pride. Here's an article about soccer magna in Japan. Kajjiwara did lots of sports comics.

COMICS AND CARTOONS:

Millions Love Soccer Manga and Anime

Forza! Hidemaru is a new soccer anime. (SSU/TX/NAS)

Manga (comics) are very popular in Japan, and readers range from children to office workers. In the mid 1990s, Shukan Shonen Jump, a weekly comic collection published by Shueisha, reached a circulation of 6.5 million. Even Japanese people were surprised at how popular manga had become.

Heroes Withstand Tough Training

Heroic sports players who are put through hard training by coaches to improve their performance are a favorite of story lines in sports manga. These heroes are one of the reasons the comics are so popular. The series Akakichi no irebun (The Dark Red Eleven), created by Ikki Kajiwara, is considered the pioneer of soccer manga. Kajiwara is also famous as the creator of the baseball manga Kyojin no Hoshi (Hoshi of the Giants). Akakichi no irebun appeared in Shukan Shonen King, published by Shonengahosha, in 1970-71 and was made into a TV anime (cartoon) at the same time. The story takes place at a newly established high school in Saitama Prefecture, where the school's soccer team overcome many challenges in their quest to be the best team in Japan. The story is quite realistic, and the team is based on Urawa Minami High School, which won all three of Japan's high-school soccer titles in 1969, the year before the series began.

There were, however, many elements of fiction in the story. For example, the hero was able to score a lot of goals by performing such impossible kicks as the "submarine shot" and the "rocket shot." In any case, this manga certainly helped to boost the popularity of soccer in Japan following the national team's bronze medal in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. And Akakichi no irebun provided the inspiration for the uniform color of the J. League team based in Urawa, the Urawa Reds.

Soccer Comic Book Sells 50 Million Copies

The greatest of all Japanese soccer manga is probably Captain Tsubasa, drawn by Yoichi Takahashi. The hero of the story is Tsubasa Ozora, a young boy who loves soccer. The manga tells the story of him, his friends, and his rivals as they aim to be the best in the world. This manga was made into a TV anime series and a movie.

The Captain Tsubasa comic was carried in Shukan Shonen Jump beginning in 1980. It sold more than 50 million copies when it was released in book form. The series came to an end in 1988, but it was revived in 1994 under the title Captain Tsubasa: World Youth Version. The newest edition is Captain Tsubasa: Road to 2002, which is currently running in Shueisha's Shukan Young Jump and has also been made into an anime for TV. As the World Cup approaches, Captain Tsubasa is enjoying a new lease of life.

Baseball was the most popular sport among kids in the early 1980s, but after Captain Tsubasa first appeared, kids began to kick around soccer balls in Japan's parks and playgrounds. It is even said that Hidetoshi Nakata, a star of the Japanese national team who currently plays for Parma in Italy, practiced bicycle kicks after seeing Captain Tsubasa. There are some who say that soccer in Japan would not be so popular today if it weren't for Captain Tsubasa. Captain Tsubasa is popular overseas as well. Many Japanese might be surprised to learn that it is shown on TV in Tunisia, one of Japan's opponents in the first round of the World Cup.

Since the birth of Captain Tsubasa, there have been a large number of soccer manga in Japan. One of these is Offside, created by Natsuko Heiuchi. Offside, which tells the story of the soccer team at a small, weak high school that goes on to become the nation's top team, ran in Kodansha's Shukan Shonen Magazine in 1987-92, and it is now being shown as an anime series on satellite TV. The renewed interest in Offside is probably a result of the fact that the 2002 World Cup is being held in Japan. Shoot!, a soccer manga created by Tsukasa Oshima that ran for a long time in Shukan Shonen Magazine, was even made into a 1994 movie starring the members of SMAP, one of Japan's most famous pop groups.

New Manga

The titles of soccer manga have been undergoing changes recently. Whereas they once contained English words like "captain" or "eleven," some of the more recent ones are incorporating words from different languages. One example of this is Fantasista!, which was created by Michiteru Kusaba and runs in Shogakukan's Shukan Shonen Sunday. Fantasista is the Italian word for a soccer player who performs great feats of skill and artistry with the ball. These new manga may help further deepen the roots of soccer in Japan.

And a new TV anime program called Forza! Hidemaru began this April and tells the story of a dog named Hidemaru that follows the exploits of Hidetoshi Nakata in Italy. Nakata himself is giving his full cooperation to the project "in the hope that young people will become more familiar with soccer." This program is receiving attention as a new type of soccer anime

http://www.kungfucinema.com/reviews/karateforlife_011205.htm

Review of Karate For LIfe

REVIEWS

Karate for Life (1977)

AKA: Karate Baka-Ichidai

Premise: Karate expert Mas Oyama (Sonny Chiba) leaves behind his job as yakuza bodyguard to join Japan's top judo expert as they participate in a wrestling circuit in Okinawa. But when asked to lose in fixed matches, Mas refuses to cooperate and ends up at war with the criminals in charge.

Review: Karate for Life is Sonny Chiba's third and final entry in his series of films depicting the mostly fictional exploits of his real-life mentor and Kyokushin karate founder Masutatsu Oyama. Where Karate Bear Fighter basically rehashed the entire plot of Karate Bullfighter, Karate for Life strikes off in a new direction while adding to the flashy super-heroics of Sonny Chiba as he wipes the floor with one screen opponent after another. The movie opens very strong as Chiba takes on 101 karate opponents and eventually concludes with an unapologetic theft of the infamous mirror scene in Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon.

It's 1952 and Mas Oyama is working as a yakuza bouncer and bodyguard. But that doesn't stop him from continuing to challenge karate masters whenever he gets the chance. As the story opens, he walks into a dojo and takes on Yonajima and one hundred of his karate students in one mammoth brawl. Being short on cash, Mas takes an opportunity to travel to Okinawa to earn big money by competing in wrestling matches with American pro-wrestling opponents. He joins a fast-talking Japanese wrestler and a top judo expert on the mat. The only problem is that no one told him the matches are all for show and the Japanese fighters are supposed to lose. After winning a match, Mas makes a quick exit from an angry crowd. He takes to the streets and hooks up with a gang of juvenile thieves and befriends the troubled sister of one of the youths. A second attempt at pro wrestling again ends with Chiba left standing and this time the criminals in charge of the circuit want blood. They kill Mas' wrestling friend and kidnap the girl he was helping. Joined by the judo fighter, Mas walks into the criminals' headquarters looking for payback.

Most of Karate for Life is entertaining in one way or another, but the opening scene where Chiba takes on an entire dojo full of fighters is absolutely incredible and nothing else in the movie comes close to comparing with it. His main opponent is the dojo master, played by Masashi Ishihashi who is the lead fighting villain in most of Chiba's '70s movies. After a classic exchange of auditory bravado, Ishihashi informs his unwelcome guest that he'll have to take on all of his students if he wants to challenge the school. Chiba coolly agrees and begins beating one opponent after another. When things look grim for the students, they throw oil on the dojo floor and pad their own feet with sand. Chiba simply makes a human floor mat out of a handful of opponents and keeps on fighting until he eventually takes on Ishihashi. Stylish jerky and tilted camera work and speed editing give the scene a genuine "cool" factor, where when used in action movies today, those techniques just look overblown and clichéd. It helps when you can clearly see that Chiba can really deliver some awesome moves amid the editing. While Chinese director Chang Cheh once experimented with Japanese action film techniques, it's rarely seen in classic kung fu movies. It's a shame for these were cutting-edge techniques that modern action filmmakers are still discovering and stumbling through in weak attempts to replicate in lesser films.

Story-wise, Karate for Life should be a disaster. It's basically Enter the Dragon meets pro-wrestling. Instead of a remote and secret island we have Okinawa. Instead of a competition between the world's top fighters, we have Japan's top judo fighter and karate fighter versus American pro wrestlers, played by real-life fighters of the day like Eddy Sullivan and Rip Tyler. And instead of the evil "Mr. Han" we have a combination of a eye-eyed, revenge-seeking nemesis (Masashi Ishihashi) and a generic mob boss with a knife. The comparison is complete with the house of mirrors scene at the end that too closely resembles the end of Enter the Dragon. Even Bruce Lee's famous flying kick from that scene makes its way in during the opening of Karate for Life. Yet artistically, Kazuhiko Yamaguchi's direction exceeds Robert Clouse's abilities and this, coupled with Chiba's rugged action scenes, keeps the story afloat.

The wrestling action is almost surreal. Sonny Chiba is in a ring with who were once popular pro-wrestlers who look like cavemen. They dish out crazy moves like the "Airplane Spin Toss" and the "Atomic Drop" while Chiba's character is clearly out of his element. He eventually resorts to what he knows best, which is direct kicking and punching and that's not on the program. This whole premise is basically Chiba's version of Mas Oyama's real-life matches with foreign opponents. It's bizarre, but definitely fun to watch. The only detractor is the implausibility of Mas going into a "fixed" fight and not being told it's fixed, especially considering the consequences his team suffer for not sticking to the script.

Karate for Life is a wild and raucous martial arts classic with Chiba in top form. The karate action is fierce and plentiful, the lines are memorable and the opening scene is not to be missed. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more entertaining modern martial arts movie from Japan.

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Distributor: Adness

Format: Region 1 DVD, NTSC

Length: 90 min

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (2.40:1) anamorphic

Audio Tracks: Japanese (DD 2.0 Mono)

Subtitles: English

Extras: Eight original trailers for other Sonny Chiba classics.

Notes: This is an excellent print in nice packaging with the only complaint being minor graininess. The original Japanese audio track is in good shape. Removable English subtitles are easy to read and well written.

Genre(s): Martial Arts

Origin: Japan

Length: 90 min

Studio(s): Toei Co. Ltd.

Director(s): Kazuhiko Yamaguchi

Producer(s): n/a

Action Director(s): Sonny Chiba

Writer(s): Ikki Kajiwara (story), J. Kagemaru (story), Masahiro Kakefuda (script)

Cinematographer(s): Yoshio Makajima

Music: H. Kaburagi

Rated: NR - intense violence, profanity

Cast:: Sonny Chiba ... Mas Oyama

Yoko Natsuki ...

Hideo Murota ...

Masashi Ishihashi ... Yonajima

Kohjiro Hongo ...

Asao Uchida ...

Hiroshi Nawa ...

Katsu Shiga ...

Hiroshi Kondo ...

Toshiaki Minami ...

Hirohisa Makada ...

Hiromi Sairaiji ...

Eddy Sullivan ... Eddy Sullivan

Rip Tyler ... Rip Tyler

Snake Amami ...

WP -- Sounds like a must see!!

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Interesting article here with a paragraph in the middle that nicely shows Kajiwara's influence

Katsuaki Sato

Founder: Odo (The champion's way) Karate

Sponsor: All-Japan Point & K.O. Karate Tournament

Author: Odo no Karate

1st World Open Karate Tournament Champion

2-time All-Japan Karate Tournament Champion

Background

(From the book Cross-Over Training, by Dr. Iku Koyama - English translation)

Born on the island of Sakhalin on April 4, 1946, in 1947 his family moved to Nakoso, in Fukushima Prefecture, and it was there that he spent his childhood days. Following that, he went to Tokyo, and in high school joined a judo club, where he was a key "point-getter" (scorer) in team competitions.

After graduating, he went to work for the Kyodo News Service as a journalist, and also took evening classes at Chuo University. With dreams of becoming an instructor and promoting judo overseas, he trained dilligently in judo at the Kodokan and at the Mitaka police station.

However, at the age of 20, he injured his knee and shoulder, and had to give up judo. It was then that he began his training in Kyokushin karate. At that time, in the field of karate, he had an exceptional build, and with the advantage of a foundation forged through judo, within six months he was a brown belt, and in one year he had attained his black belt.

His first competitive appearance was in the Kyokushinkai-sponsored 2nd Annual All Japan Karate Tournament held in 1970, but he lost by a knockout from a left roundhouse kick to the chin by the eventual champion of the tournament, Kazuyuki Hasegawa. Springing back from that defeat, he trained even harder, and in the 3rd All Japan Tournament in 1971, he emerged as the tournament champion.

At that time, in Ikki Kajiwara's famous manga, "Karate Baka Ichidai", the author described Mr. Sato as a judo practioner from the Kodokan who came to challenge the karateka [in the 2nd All-Japan Karate Tournament]. Karateka, who were often portrayed as villians at that time, felt gratified [for this positive portrayal]. Unfortunately, many readers confused the fiction of this work with reality, which created some problems for Mr. Sato in the judo world.

In 1974, for the second time, he emerged victorious from the Sixth All Japan Tournament, and went on to become the first world champion in the First World Open Karate Tournament in 1975.

Before the First World Tournament, he went on a tour of the United States. It was a time when, while training inside the dojo, grabbing and throwing techniques were tolerated, although they were forbidden in the First World Tournament. In sparring foreign competitors, when the punches and kicks of the Japanese were not sufficient, judo throwing techniques were often effective. He was simultaneously striving to restrain the "mental recklessness" (wildness) of the foreign competitors, preserve the honor of Japan as the originator (of this martial art), and to train Japanese competitors to overcome their power disadvantage (to the foreigners).

"Because of the strength I had developed through my years of training in judo, I was also competitive in karate. And because of my judo techniques, I was able to be competitive even at a world-class level," recalled Mr. Sato, thinking back to those days.

After the First World Tournament, he retired and withdrew from the Kyokushinkai organization. At first, he devoted himself fully to the responsibilities of running the family business. But as a result of calls from those around him looking for instruction from the first world champion, in 1977 he founded Satojuku in the Mitaka area of Tokyo.

He split off from the Kyokushinkai organization without prideful arrogance in his achievements as a preeminent martial arts competitor and opened a private dojo without aspirations of large-scale expansion. That he rejects the idea of exploiting his karate fame for personal gain is consistent with the selfless principles by which he lives.

Martial arts and safety are contradictory by definition. Competition which emphasizes safety dilutes the intensiveness of martial arts. If you pursue true martial arts, there will be a safety problem. It is difficult to find a point of compromise between martial arts and safety.

However, by restricting grabbing attacks, repetitive low kicks, and techniques intended to inflict severe injury, you could still have the intensity of martial arts while recognizing the need for some safety. The tournament rules of Satojuku, known as "Point and K.O.", are intended to develop a highly precise karate style.

With the aim of "extracting unsuspected potential", he devotes himself to providing guidance and direction to youth and to training instructors. The words of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, "use your energies for a good purpose" and "oneself and others prosper together", along with the phrase "trust and gratitude" hang in frames on the walls of his dojo.

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QUICK INFORMARTIVE SITE I FOUND HERE ABOUT ANIME TV SHOWS. If you want to quickly know about a show this site looks like it'll do just that for you.

http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/tsuribe/anime/animeTe.html

HEY! Found some flattering info about Tiger Mask.

One of the masterworks in the sports anime genre, ranking with "Kyojin no Hoshi/Star of the Giants" (baseball anime, 1968-71) and "Ashita no Joe/Tomorrow's Joe" (boxing anime, 1970-71). The story of a young man raised in an orphanage, named Naoto Date, who became 'Tiger Mask', a tiger-masked, villainous wrestler because of his training in "Tiger's Hole", an organization for training villainous wrestlers. But he decided to fight for disadvantaged children and broke off with "Tiger's Hole". After that he plays life-or-death battles against villainous wrestlers from "Tiger's Hole" on the ring. Based on the pro wrestling manga (graphic novel) by Ikki Kajiwara (story) and Naoki Tsuji (drawing). 105 episodes. The animation production by Toei Animation. There is the sequel TV series 'Tiger Mask II' (1981-82, 33 episodes) too.

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Kyojin no Hoshi/Star of the Giants 1968-

71

An emotional, feature-length drama depicting a father and son who had devoted their lives to Japanese professional baseball. Based on the manga (graphic novel) by Ikki Kajiwara (story) and Noboru Kawasaki (drawing). A classic masterpiece of so-called 'Sports Konjou' genre ('konjou' means something like guts or spirit) and one of the nationally-popular manga/anime works. The story of a boy named Hyuma Hoshi, who became a powerful baseball pitcher with precision control and blazing fastball, through his hard practice and special training under his father Ittetsu Hoshi, who was once a third baseman of the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, a leading team in Japanese pro baseball league, but he injured his shoulder by the World War Two and retired. Hyuma joined the Giants and fights fiercely against his lifetime rival Mitsuru Hanagata, the batting genius of the Hanshin Tigers, developing his 'pitching magics'. Directed by Tadao Nagahama. Produced by Tokyo Movie. 182 episodes. There are also the sequel TV series, 'Shin Kyojin no Hoshi' (52 episodes, aired in 1977-78) and 'Shin Kyojin no Hoshi II' (23 episodes, aired in 1979). 'Kyojin no Hoshi Special Edition: Fierce Tiger Mitsuru Hanagata' (13 episodes, aired in 2002) is the re-edited version of the first TV series (with some new shots added), featuring Mitsuru Hanagata as the leading character

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Samurai Giants 1973-

74

A daring and amusing baseball anime by the creators of the blockbuster 'Star of the Giants': Ikki Kajiwara (original writer) and Tadao Nagahama (director). Based on the manga (graphic novel) by Ikki Kajiwara (story) and Koo Inoue (drawing). The leading character is an insolent wild boy named Ban Bamba, who was raised on the rough sea in Tosa, southern Japan. He was a baseball pitcher noted for the blazing fastball and the worst control, but he joined the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants in Japanese pro baseball league, and fights hard battles against his rival batters (Hikaru Mayuzuki of the Yakult Atoms, and Mansaku Taiho of the Chunichi Dragons), developing his incredible pitching magics such as 'high-jump pitching'. Directed by Tadao Nagahama. The drawing director is Yasuo Otsuka. 46 episodes. Produced by Tokyo Movie.

"New" Astroboy trailer 2003 series

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