Perman (1967 TV Series)

Aired: 1967 - 1968

The first TV anime series (monochrome) produced by Tokyo Movie. Based on the manga by Fujiko Fujio (Fujiko F. Fujio) serialized in Shogakukan's grade-level magazines (Yoiko, Yochien, Shogaku Ichinensei) and Weekly Shonen Sunday. Broadcast in 54 episodes (108 segments) on the TBS network from April 2, 1967 to April 14, 1968 in a 15-minute two-segment format. Elementary school student Mitsuo Suwa (voiced by Katsue Miwa) transforms into 'Perman' using a cape, helmet, and badge given by the Superman-like alien Birdman, gaining the ability to fly at 119 km/h and exert 119 times his normal strength. Together with fellow chosen heroes Pa-ko (voiced by Eiko Masuyama), monkey Booby, and Perman 3, he fights everyday evils. As the second Fujiko anime adaptation after Obake no Q-taro (1965), the franchise was remade in color by Shin-Ei Animation in 1983. The badge-removal system, which allows him to return to ordinary life as a 'part-timer,' gives the series a unique dual-life charm. (C)Fujiko Pro / Shogakukan