Bikkuriman

ビックリマン

Aired: 1987

An adventure fantasy anime based on Lotte's massively popular chocolate snack sticker series 'Devils vs. Angels Stickers.' Produced by Asahi Broadcasting, Asatsu, and Toei Doga, the show depicts the grand conflict between the angel side -- led by divine emperors such as Saint Phoenix and Herakrist -- and the devil side under the command of Black Zeus. Built as a classic adventure tale following protagonist Shaman Khan's journey of growth, it was enormously popular among elementary school children of the era. Adapting the lore up to Series 18, it laid the groundwork for the long-running franchise that continued with 'Shin Bikkuriman.' The series became a social phenomenon in tandem with the sticker-collecting craze.