Kinnikuman
A Nippon TV Original
Suguru Kinniku is a cheerful blowhard who stumbles into the spotlight as an unconventional hero. On the surface, he's loud, goofy, and not much to look at, yet the planet Kinniku's legends run in his blood. He learns that he may be the long lost prince of a world famous for turning out the... Read more
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About Kinnikuman
Suguru Kinniku is a cheerful blowhard who stumbles into the spotlight as an unconventional hero. On the surface, he's loud, goofy, and not much to look at, yet the planet Kinniku's legends run in his blood. He learns that he may be the long lost prince of a world famous for turning out the universe's strongest champions, and that burden becomes his oddball mission. To prove himself worthy of ruling, he dives into a series of wrestling showdowns filled with wacky moves and larger-than-life foes. Comedy and action collide in this over the top sci-fi adventure.
Directed by Tetsuo Imazawa, Yasuo Yamayoshi, and Takenori Kawada, Kinnikuman adapts the manga by Takashi Shimada and Yoshinori Nakai. The 1983 series brought the quirky hero to life with brisk action and energetic humor, while introducing a colorful stable of rivals and friends. The voice of Suguru Kinniku is provided by Akira Kamiya.
Over the years Kinnikuman pinged pop culture waves with its over the top entrances, goofy rivalries, and a hero who wins through heart as much as strength. It helped shape later gag heavy superhero anime and left a lasting mark among fans and collectors.
Critics and audiences embraced the blend of slapstick humor with arena style battles. The show explores identity and responsibility through an underdog figure who grows by testing himself, not by winning every fight. It holds a steady 7.8 out of 10 from 35 votes.
Awards: The series does not appear to have major nominations in prominent awards, a fate shared by many long running 1980s anime. Its lasting legacy comes from fans, memes, and the influence it left on wrestling themed adventures across anime and pop culture worldwide. Fans remember its outrageous gimmicks and memorable lines more than formal honors, and the series remains a touchstone for collectors and nostalgia researchers.
Details
- Release Date
- April 03, 1983
- Episode Length
- 25m
- User Ratings
- 35 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 2
- Episodes
- 183
- Network
- Nippon TV
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Animation, Comedy, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
- Country
- Japan
- Studio
- Toei Animation +1 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Akira Kamiya
Suguru Kinniku (voice)
Director: Tetsuo Imazawa, Yasuo Yamayoshi, Takenori Kawada
Created by: Takashi Shimada, Yoshinori Nakai
Seasons (2 seasons, 183 episodes)
Kinnikuman
137 episodes - 1983
Scramble for the Throne
46 episodes - 1991