Detonator Orgun (1991– ) User Reviews

Before Tekkaman Blade, there was Detonator Orgun

[Rectangular_businessman · 7/10 · 20 December 2023]

I remember seeing this anime many years ago in a brazilian cable channel during the 90s. While I didn't understand the plot very well, I was quite impressed back then with its animation, action scenes and mechanical scenes, which felt like nothing I have ever saw before. Well, with the exception of Tekkaman Blade/Teknoman. Even when I didn't speak portuguese, the similarities between two works were still pretty evident.

Truth to be told, this actually predates the 90s remake of Tekkaman Blade by a year. There are so many points in common one actually would think Detonator Orgun was some sort of "pilot version" of that remake.

But it seems that such similarities are a result of the director making an homage to the original Tekkaman Blade series from the 70s.

Now, having rewatching it recently, I wasn't as impressed as in my childhood, but I still appreciate many qualities from this miniseries, such as the aftermentioned mechanical designs, and the art style, which has a certain charm most modern anime lacks.

I still found the plot a bit confusing at parts. But it still was an entertaining experience overall.

I do admit the English dub is honestly cheesy, and that must be the reason the rating is so low.

Enjoyable sci-fi hero fantasy

[iainsmith · 9/10 · 13 January 2001]

This movie is an excellent sci-fi romp combining intense actions sequences with a tense plot. Basically the story centers around an alien invasion of earth and a teenager who finds himself forced into the battle with the aid of a prototype suit of armour which could be the planet's only saviour.

I recently caught this movie as part of a anime run on Sci-Fi, and almost missed this enjoyable piece of science fiction. Detonator Orgun dives straight into the action with a sequence which although enjoyable is slightly confusing. After this sequence the actual story begins and starts the process of explaining the situation and characters. As the movie progresses the plot unfolds, leading to more excellent action sequences and a plot that draws you in. By the end it all makes sense, but somehow you still want more.

I would recommend this movie to anime fans, and sci-fi fans alike. If you can cope with the initial confusion, the remainder of the film bears the marks of a classic. Extremely enjoyable.

Excellent

[J-bot6 · 8/10 · 22 March 2020]

I've seen a ton of anime over the last 40 years and this is one of the best.

What really surprises me is that I didn't see this before now.

The art direction is great (borrowing from Blade Runner, Aliens, and Return of the Jedi). Mech designs are excellent. I suspect that the designer of these is likely the same person who later designed the mechs for Evangelion. Of course, this pre-dates Neon Genesis by many years.

The story is a simple one with an important message. It's a theme that appears in a lot of anime. Today's viewers should put this into context and realize that many famous anime have borrowed from this series. And for the message that it conveys, Detonator Orgun succeeds where Harmageddon failed.

Top all of this cool presentation off with a soundtrack that features a vocalist that sounds like a Japanese version of Ultravox. Awesomeness abounds.