Getter Robo (Anime)

Getter Robo Opening

Getter Robo is a manga and anime series co-created by Ken Ishikawa and Go Nagai of Dynamic Productions. It is the first among the Getter Robo Saga introducing the main characters and the concept of combining mechas.

Development

Going through some old documents and design from Mazinger Z, Ishikawa and his employer Nagai co-created the Getter Robo. Ishikawa created the main characters as well as the gradual plot for the series and its sequels.

Plot

The Saotome Research Institute has completed a robot for space exploration, the Getter Robo. However, the Dinosaur Empire had risen from the depths of the Earth to retake the surface with their Mechasaurus robots. The power source of the Getter Robo, the mysterious Getter Rays are the only means able to combat them. The Empire's ruler Emperor Gore gives the order to prevent development of this energy source. So Dr. Saotome recruits three students from Asama High School: soccer captain Ryoma Nagare, loner Hayato Jin, and Judo captain Musashi Tomoe all of whom have a strong sense of justice and the ability to pilot the three high powered jets needed to form the Getter Robo and cooperate in the battle against him.

Near the end of the series, a giant Mechasaurus attacks and the Getter Team attempt to use a three-staged attack using the Getter Machines armed with bombs to destroy it along with some help from anti-aircraft weapons. However due to Musashi's clumsiness the strategy failed and Ryoma and Hayato are injured. With the group in a corner, Dr. Saotome and Michiru try a different strategy using Michiru's machine with a more powerful bomb as a sure fire suicide mission. But before Michiru can go, Musashi feeling guilty about his failure goes instead. However the Mechasaurus fought back and Musashi was unable to drop the bomb properly. But Musashi does not turn back and instead goes in for a suicide bombing attack that destroys both him and the Mechasaurus. His death was mourned by his comerades who honor Musashi as a hero.