Name(s): New Getter Robo / Shin Getter Robo / 新ゲッターロボ
Format: Original video animation [OVA] (13 episodes)
Release Date(s): April 9, 2004 – September 10, 2004
Studio(s): Brain’s Base

New Getter Robo Review

This turned out kinda poorly written cuz I was tired, but I think my feelings still come across fine.

I was hoping that New Getter Robo (NGR) would be a rebooted half-retelling half-original storyline affair like Shin Mazinger. Unfortunately, I found out that NGR’s original story took priority. I guess it’s my fault for having the wrong initial impression. Still, I think calling the series “New” could be a slight misnomer.

Is It “New” Enough?

It’s certainly a newer Getter Robo story, but is it a truly modern substitute for the original anime series? I dunno about the latter, but NGR’s dark color palette has it look like something from the late ’80s or early ’90s. You could say it’s neat how it looks like an era-appropriate independent, Western comic with its thick outlines. But given the subject matter, they were probably going for a traditional Japanese ink painting look. Either way, the whole series kind of looks and sounds cheap. On the bright side, the animation is nice and the framerate is above average.

I disliked the infusion of ancient Japan elements into the storyline. The onis were lame enemies, and this is coming from a series where they’re usually battling robot dinosaurs. I also strongly dislike the “going back in time to a historical era” plot device. It all just clashes with the modern sci-fi elements, and while I’m here for the robots I’m thinking the ancient Japan stuff is lame. I can at least give them credit for staying consistent with the theme. The oriental touches on all of the music were great.

New Getter Robo Verdict

Overall quite enjoyable, but carried by the strength of the cool unorthodox anti-heroes more than an interesting plot or fun fight scenes. All of my favorite parts of New Getter Robo were when the team were outside of the mech and interacting with each other.