GaoGaiGar Merchandise Information (updated at 2001/12/02) ----------------------------------------------------------- written by: Yoshii "RaidenG" Kiyohiko INDEX 1) Introduction 2) Video 2.1) Video for the TV seires 2.1.1) Videotapes 2.1.2) LDs 2.1.3) DVDs 2.2) Video for the FINAL series 2.2.1) Videotapes 2.2.2) DVDs 3) CDs 3.1) CDs for the TV series 3.2) CDs for the FINAL series 4) Books 4.1) Books for the TV series 4.2) Books for the games 5) Comics 6) Novel 7) Games 7.1) Eiyuu Tan series 7.1.1) Eiyuu Tan 7.1.2) Eiyuu Tan R 7.1.3) Eiyuu Tan 2 7.2) Brave Saga series 7.2.1) Brave Saga 7.2.2) Brave Saga 2 7.2.3) Brave Saga New Chapter Astalia 7.3) Other 7.3.1) The Blockaded Numbers 7.3.2) Harobots 7.3.3) Shin-Seiki Yuusha Taisen 8) Other 8.1) Plastic Models 8.2) Gashapon ====================================================================== 1) Introduction In this text, I wrote about the merchandise information on Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar, the Japanese cartoon aired during 1998-1999 on TV. I paid attention not to add spolier element in this text, so you shall not be surprised by an unwanted spolier. I can't show you overall GaGaGa-related items, since GaGaGa is the kids' cartoon, many kind of items (such like chocolate and chewing gum) were released during the airing period. I don't have enough information about those items. # Currently, most notable item missed out of this text is the toy by # Takara. I heard most of those toys are well-made and sturdy. # But those are already out-of-production. Beside explanation, I described an item as its title, ISBN# (or production #, if any), and its price in the Japanese currency "Yen". # Roughly equal 1 US$ to 110 yen. If you want to know accurate rate, # or compare to another currency, please check the newest exchange # rate. I don't know how the Japanese sales-tax (called "Shouhi Zei" in Japan) is handled if an order is placed outside Japan, So, to make existence of imposition clear, I added a symbol representing inclusion/exclution of the Japanese sales-tax. # At the time of writing, the Japanese sales-tax is 5%. If an item has "(e)" after its price, it means the sales-tax excluded price, and "(i)" means the sales-tax included price. If you are interested in buying a item, you'll eventually find many of them, especially books, can't be obtained now. Since many items were released around the airing period and never be re-producted since then. 2) Video All video mediums are recorded in the NTSC standard. So if you want to watch them, you must have a player (and TV?) capable of decoding the NTSC signals. And generally speaking, You should NOT buy Japanese DVD, unless you have a DVD player which is capable of decoding a Japanese DVD. As you may know, the DVD-Video Standard have the regional restriction, i.e., if your DVD player doesn't have the permission to decode the Japanese DVD, you can't watch it at all. Make sure to consult the manual of your DVD player before buying the Japanese DVD!! # For your reference, the Region-Code of general Japanese DVD is "2". 2.1) Video for the TV seires 2.1.1) Videotapes Listed below are the all video cassettes of GaGaGa. Each tape have four episode except for the Volume 0. Note that the Volume 0 is the special-preview video which contains episode 1 (only) and talking of GaGaGa's producer and director. All are filmed in VHS/NTSC. All VTRs are distributed by the Victor, inc., Japan. Volume 0: (VCT S-0/VVAS1029) 1,980yen (e) [has episode 1 only] Volume 1: (VCT S-1/VVAS1031) 6,800yen (e) [have episode 1-4] Volume 2: (VCT S-2/VVAS1032) 6,800yen (e) Volume 3: (VCT S-3/VVAS1033) 6,800yen (e) Volume 4: (VCT S-4/VVAS1034) 6,800yen (e) Volume 5: (VCT S-5/VVAS1035) 6,800yen (e) Volume 6: (VCT S-6/VVAS1036) 6,800yen (e) Volume 7: (VCT S-7/VVAS1037) 6,800yen (e) Volume 8: (VCT S-8/VVAS1038) 6,800yen (e) Volume 9: (VCT S-9/VVAS1039) 6,800yen (e) Volume 10: (VCT S-10/VVAS1040) 6,800yen (e) Volume 11: (VCT S-11/VVAS1041) 6,800yen (e) Volume 12: (VCT S-12/VVAS1042) 7,800yen (e) 2.1.2) LDs There are 12 volumes of LD in total. Each package has one LaserDisk which contain four episodes and some visual bonus (usually non- subtitled Opening and Closing, and the spot CMs of GaGaGa). The 12th (last) has two LDs and "special" visual bonuses which are the spot CMs of video/LDs, and some unidentified images of Guy, Mikoto, and other unknown GGG personnel. These image have no explanations. The 1st and 7th volume have a special LD case which can store up to 6 volumes. Those cases are bundled only on the first-press. And for those who bought all 12 LDs, there are more bonus. The large GaGaGa tapestry, a seal of GGG emvlem, and a cell of GaGaGa (only for first- comers). # Note that the subscription of those bonuses were already closed # at the end of December, 1998. All LDs are distributed by the Victor, inc., Japan. Volume 1: (JVLA68011) 6,800yen (e) * normal, without-case edition : (JVLA266) 6,800yen (e) * limited, with-case edition Volume 2: (JVLA68012) 6,800yen (e) Volume 3: (JVLA68013) 6,800yen (e) Volume 4: (JVLA68014) 6,800yen (e) Volume 5: (JVLA68015) 6,800yen (e) Volume 6: (JVLA68016) 6,800yen (e) Volume 7: (JVLA68017) 6,800yen (e) * normal, without-case edition : (JVLA267) 6,800yen (e) * limited, with-case edition Volume 8: (JVLA68018) 6,800yen (e) Volume 9: (JVLA68019) 6,800yen (e) Volume 10: (JVLA68020) 6,800yen (e) Volume 11: (JVLA68021) 6,800yen (e) Volume 12: (JVLA78008-9) 7,800yen (e) 2.1.3) DVDs There are 2 volumes of GaGaGa DVD-Box in total. Each package have seven DVDs. The jacket art of each DVDs are the same with LDs', though the liner notes are newly written (i.e., DVD Boxes don't have the LD liner notes). Those new liner notes are accompanied with each DVD mediums, so there are seven liner notes in a given DVD Box. At first, there was an announcement that the production of these DVD Boxes will be closed at the end of March 2000. But now, I can't check that announcement is still valid or not. These DVD Boxes' most significant downside is its high price tag, but it's cheaper than buying all VTRs/LDs anyway. ;) The DVD-Boxes are distributed by the Victor, inc., Japan. "Yusha-Oh GaoGaiGar DVD Box Division 1" : (JVBA111-117) 38,000yen(e) This DVD-Box was released at 22 September 1999, and have the episode 1 to 24 in six DVDs. The rest (7th) is the extra DVD named "Disk X", which contain many bonus images (most are the bonus images of video and LDs, like the interview of GaGaGa's producer and director). Among other things, the Disk X's most interesting bonus is the Korean-dubbed episode 1 which seem to be aired in South Korea. I have no information about this "Korean GaGaGa", so if you have any info., please notice me. I have the intention of making the new chapter for that "Korean GaGaGa". :-D "Yusha-Oh GaoGaiGar DVD Box Division 2" : (JVBA118-124) 38,000yen(e) This DVD-Box was released at 21 October 1999, and have the episode 25 to 49 in seven DVDs. The seventh DVD have only one episode (#49), and some CMs for DVD Boxes as a bonus image. Most interesting things of this DVD Box are the liner notes, and the jacket art of the seventh DVD. One of liner notes show the rough-sketches of "Gagagaddy" which is the initial name of GaGaGa. At its initial conception, settings are more fantasy-like atmosphere and only Galeon and Mamoru are exist. It seems there are no GGG and Guy... And image of seventh jacket is reprinted from the GaGaGa tapestry, which is the special-bonus of LD series. 2.2) Video for the FINAL series "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar FINAL" is tha neme of the OVA. It is the offical sequel to the TV show, and contain elements of all the existing GaGaGa-related stories like CD Drama, comic, and novel, according to the ad. After a year's delay (from the initial announcement), this new series start to release. For now, Sunrise have the intention to release the eight volumes, though the date to release aren't determined yet. The FINAL series are distributed by the Victor, inc., Japan. According to the announcement from Victor, inc., this series will be released only on the DVD and VCR mediums, not on the LD. 2.2.1) Videotapes Episode "FINAL 1" ... release date : 2000/01/25 : (VIVF-7) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 2" ... release date : 2000/03/23 : (VIVF-8) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 3" ... release date : 2000/07/26 : (VIVF-9) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 4" ... release date : 2000/12/22 : (VIVF-10) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 5" ... release date : 2001/10/24 : (VIVF-11) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 6" ... release date : 2002 Spring 2.2.2) DVDs Episode "FINAL 1" ... release date : 2000/01/25 : (VIBF-1) 5,800yen (e) * normal, without-case edition : (VIZF-4) 5,800yen (e) * limited, with-case edition Episode "FINAL 2" ... release date : 2000/03/23 : (VIBF-2) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 3" ... release date : 2000/07/26 : (VIBF-3) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 4" ... release date : 2000/12/22 : (VIBF-4) 5,800yen (e) Episode "FINAL 5" ... release date : 2001/10/24 : (VIBF-5) 5,800yen (e) * normal, without-case edition : (VIZF-14) 5,800yen (e) * limited, with-case edition Episode "FINAL 6" ... release date : 2002 Spring 3) CDs There are many music/song CDs and the Drama CDs, which are distributed by the Victor Entertainment, inc., Japan. 3.1) CDs for the TV series Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Shudaika CD single: (VIDL-10849) 1,020yen (i) The word "Shudaika" is a Japanese one which can be translated in English "Theme Song(s)". This CD-single contain two GaGaGa theme songs "Yuusha-oh Tanjyou!" and "Itsuka Hoshi no Umi de". Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Original Soundtrack 1: (VICL-60015) 3,045yen (i) This CD contains BGMs and some songs (include Opening and Closing). Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Original Soundtrack 2: (VICL-60019) 3,045yen (i) This CD contains rest (not all) of BGMs and some more songs. Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Song Collection: (VICL-60023) 3,045yen (i) This CD contains almost all GaGaGa songs (from CD single, Sound Track #1 and #2, and Drama CDs). Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Special Drama CD 1: Cyborg Tanjyou! : (VICL-60018) 3,045yen (i) The first of the Drama CD series which feature the original, but somewhat connected to the main plot, story. Its title can be translated to "Cyborg is born!" Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Special Drama CD 2: Robot An-Koku Bouken Ki : (VICL-60020) 3,045yen (i) Its title can be translated to "the Dark-and-Severe Adventure Story of Robots". Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Special Drama CD 3: Saikyou Yuusha Bijyo Gundan : (VICL-60021) 3,045yen (i) Its title can be translated to "The Strongest Corps of the Beauties". Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Special Drama CD 4: ID5 ha Eien ni : (VICL-60022) 3,045yen (i) Its title can be translated to "I.D.5 Forever". 3.2) CDs for the FINAL series Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Shudaika CD single: (VIDL-30470) 971yen (e) This CD-single contain two FINAL theme songs: "Yuusha-oh Tanjyou! Mythology version" and the closing theme "Shishi no Jouou". Tune of the opening song is same with TV series' opening song, only rlyrics are rewritten for the new FINAL series. The closing song "Shishi no Jouou" (= "Queen of Leo") is new one and seems to be dedicated to the new character Renat. Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Original Soundtrack 1 : (VICL-60531) 3,045yen (i) .... release date : 2000/02/23 This CD contain the FINAL's 12 BGM, opening & closing songs, six not-yet-published-on-the-CD BGMs for TV show, and one surprise: that is the special version of "Yusha-Oh Tanjyou!" sang by *- mai -. Originally, the singer named "*- mai -" sang the BetterMan's closing song, and at first his identity was wrapped in mystery. But recently, the truth was revealed. In fact, *- mai - is the pseudonym of the director Yonetani Yoshitomo. In short, This CD contains one special song sang by the directer himself. (^^; Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .1 GUY edition: (VIZL-43) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2000/08/23 This series feature mini-drama for one character per one Single-CD. GaoGaiGar's small figure is appended to the first- press as a bonus. In this CD, Guy was featured as kinda comic relief. The closing theme of this CD, "Let's FinalFusion", is sang by Kageyama Hironobu & Endou Masaaki. (Note: In another Yuusha series Yuusha-Tokkyuu MightGaine, there were one song used in the transformation sequence: it's name is "Let's MightGaine", and sang by above-mentioned persons, if I remember rightly. Kinda joke, huh?) Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .2 MIKOTO edition: (VIZL-44) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2000/10/04 This one will feature Mikoto, and the closing theme song will be sang by Hanba Tomoe who voice-acts Mikoto. Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .3 SOLDATO-J edition : (VIZL-45) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2000/12/22 Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .4 KORYU&ANRYU edition : (VIZL-46) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2001/01/24 Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .5 MAMORU&HANA edition : (VIZL-47) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2001/02/21 Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo-Character set vol .6 RENAT edition : (VIZL-48) 1,890yen (e) .... release date : 2001/04/21 Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Saikyo Character Song syuu : Normal ver.: VICL-60757, 2,500yen (e) / Kanzen ver.: VICL-60758, 2,900yen (e), *first-press only* .... release date (both ver.) : 2001/07/25 This CD contain all songs stored in "FINAL Saikyo-Character set" series, & its karaoke. Plus, Kanzen (means "Perfect") version have following extra: 1) Two more songs, "Shishi no Jyouou" French version (sang by Lige) & "Itsuka Hoshi no Umi de" Characters version. 2) Two more Karaoke for each part of the duet "Let's Final Fusion". 3) Vocal disk is burnt by the CD-Extra format, containing all jacket images of FINAL Saikyo-Character set and its scripts. 4) Six character cards (Kaidou, Mamoru, Hana, Mikoto, Guy, Renais, & Papillon). 4) Books In fact, there are only a handfull of books/mooks about GaGaGa. Listed below are such GaGaGa books which I know. I don't have all, and may missed some unknown book. If you know such a book, please inform to me. Note: Generally speaking, an Anime-related book has bothersome tendency to become out-of-print very, very quickly. And the books listed below are no exception. In other word, even in Japan you probably can't buy the books I mentioned. So please take this chapter as a kind of reference. # Other items have similar temdency, I'm sad to say. 4.1) Books for the TV series Listed below are the books/mooks for the TV series. "NewType Film-Book series: Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar 1" Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-852884-X C0076 840yen (e) First Press:1997/12/01 Pages: 111 This is one of Kadokawa's "film-book" series, which have many images from the show on very tiny book. I've heard some film-book were bad work and thus some Anime fans dislike "film-book" itself. Though GaGaGa's film-books are good work and, maybe, have most in-depth information. This book cover episode 1-19. "NewType Film-Book series: Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar 2" Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-852914-5 C0076 900yen (e) First Press:1998/02/01 Pages: 112 This book cover episode 20-31. "NewType Film-Book series: Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar 3" Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04-852916-1 C0076 960yen (e) First Press:1998/03/01 Pages: 111 This book cover episode 32-49. "Kanzen Syuuroku Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar: Project GaGaGa! File.1" Publisher:Media Works & Syufu no Tomo Sha ISBN 4-07-306555-6 C0076 1,600yen (e) First Press:1997/06/01 Pages: 80 This book cover some initial episodes, and contain interview with director, producer, and voice-talents. "Kanzen Syuuroku Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar: Project GaGaGa! The Complete" Publisher:Media Works & Syufu no Tomo Sha ISBN 4-07-308353-8 C0076 2,600yen (e) First Press:1998/04/01 Pages: 111 This book cover al episodes, and contain many interviews & images. "Rapport Deluxe Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar Fusion Guide - KING OF BRAVES GAOGAIGAR FUSION GUIDE" Publisher: Rapport ISBN 4-89799-198-6 1,400yen (e) First Press:1997/08/01 Pages: 103 This book covers episodes 1-19. [Note: This info. is provided from David Rains. Thank you David-san!!] "Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar GGG Sentou Kiroku-syuu" Publisher: Keibunsha ISBN 4-7669-2834-2 1,400yen (e) First Press:1997/10/01 Pages: 111 This book have brief explanation of each episode until episode 30. "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaoiGar Astounding Anime Abstract" Publisher: KSS Shuppan ISBN 4-87709-248-X C0076 1,800yen (e) First Press:1998/07/01 Pages: 371 This book is published at July '1998, 6 months after the end of the show, and features plenty of general informations, from mechanics to terms, and has few image. Though it have plenty of information, it is uncertain of reliability. The writers claim their book was based upon the Sunrise's restricted data _and_ their own guess, but they did not specify which information is the official one and which is their own guess! So this book don't suit, at least, for the authentic information source, I think. "Televi-kun Deluxe Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar GGG Chou-heiki Zukan" Publisher: Shougakukan ISBN 4-09-101460-7 C9474 1,500yen (e) First Press:19997/08/20 Pages: 66 This book may be the most interesting one, describing the GGG robots and tools in imitation of a pictorial reference book for kids. Imagine a book containing full of colorful, large pictures of trains, ships, planes, and/or animals, with brief explanation. That's what this book is. The first 50 pages are shown in color, with 16 more in B/W, in total it have 66 pages. The title in English is on the back, and reads "Brave King GAOGAIGAR - Gutsy Geoid Guard's Ultra Technology Arms and Armour Guide Book". (Ah, this book, too, have an usual mis-spelling "Brave King". (^_^;) "BRAVE Series Complete Manual (GAMEST Mook vol.145, WORLD series vol.15)" Publisher: Shinseisha ISBN 4-88199-533-2 C9476 2,500yen (e) First Press:1998/10/17 Pages: 192 (48 in color) This mook describes not only GaoGaiGar, but also the entire Yuusha series, featuring the brief description of _all_ episodes from _entire_ Yuusha series(!) and the interviews with some key-persons. Since there is few (maybe no) book/mook which deal with the Yuusha series itself, the importance of this mook is invaluable. (It seems that information on this mook are somewhat inaccurate, though.) "Televi-Magazine Great-Hyakka No.95 Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar Himitsu Dai-Zukan" Publisher: Koudansha ISBN 4-06-323096-1 C9474 630yen (e) First Press:1997/05/22 See below. "Televi-Magazine Great-Hyakka No.99 Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar Chou- Senryoku Dai-Zukan" Publisher: Koudansha ISBN 4-06-339400-X C9474 630yen (e) First Press:1997/10/22 This and above book are the colorful picture-book for kids, compiled by Televi-Magazine which is the monthly kids book dealing with many kids' TV show. [Note: Info. about these books and Chou- heiki Zukan are provided from Doug Rice . Thank you Rice-san!] "Mechanical Design Works Series: Okawara Kunio Brave Series Design Works" Publisher: MOVIC ISBN 4-89601-487-1 2,300yen (e) First Press:2000/08/15 Pages: 112 Ogawara (or Okawara) Kunio is the person who designed all Yuusha robots. Although the aim of this book covers entire Yuusha series (from Exkaizer to BaanGaan), it features mainly GaGaGa and other series aren't mentioned plentifully, only main Yuusha robot of each series are shown. As for GaGaGa, this book contains some interesting initial designs. [Note: This info. is provided from Jeff Teo. Thank you Teo-san!] "SUNRISE ART WORKS - Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar TV series -" Framer: Sunrise, Nippan Publisher: Book-ing ISBN n/a 3,000yen (e) + S&H First Press:2000/12/08 This is a made-to-order book, not published universally, so it lacks ISBN#. You can order it only at Book-ing. Note: That Web-page is written in Japanese, and I confirmed that the publisher never accept order from outside Japan. It contains many setting-sketches of GaGaGa TV series, though most of it are already shown on other materials (mostly LD liner-notes) so you may ignore this book. But this book have one valuable information: the GaGaGa-related merchandise list, showing extensive items from chocolates to video. All 200 page are B/W. 4.2) Books for the games Listed below are the books/mooks for the GaGaGa- and/or Yuusha- related games. "Playstation Hissho-hou Special: Brave Saga" Publisher: Keibunsha ISBN 4-7669-3102-5 C0076 1,200yen (e) This book explain the walkthrough of the game Brave Saga. "Brave Saga Dai-Hyakka" Publisher: Keibunsha ISBN 4-7669-3084-3 C9476 790yen (e) This tiny book is a companion of the book above, and explain the brief informations about the Yuusha and other series which are shown in the Brave Saga. "Brave Saga Kanzen Kouryaku Guidebook" Publisher: NTT Shuppan ISBN 4-7571-8031-4 C0076 1,200yen(e) This book, too, explain the walkthrough of the Brave Saga. "Sunrise EiyuuTan Mechanical Graphics" Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten ISBN 4-04707-040-8 1,300yen (e) First Press:1999/12/01 Pages: 95 This book feature images of robot/mechanic appeared in the game. "Sunrise EiyuuTan Complete Databook" Publisher: Koudansha ISBN 4-06339-357-7 1,300yen (e) First Press:1999/12/01 Pages: 113 This book feature walkthrough of the game. "Kikou Seiki Eiyuu Retsuden -Sunrise EiyuuTan Special Fan Book-" Publisher: Media Factory ISBN 4-84010-005-5 1,600yen (e) First Press:1999/12/01 Pages: 159 This book feature the 3D CGI of all robots appeared in the game. "Sunrise EiyuuTan-R Character Guide" Publisher: Keibunsha ISBN 4-76693-666-3 1,280yen (e) First Press:2000/11/01 Pages: 95 This book introduce the works (especially characters) appeared in the game, not the game itself. 5) Comics Most comics listed below are the GaGaGa fan-fiction comics (i.e. Douzinshi) published by the _commercial_ publisher. "Dengeki GaoGaiGar" Publisher: Media Works & Syufu no Tomo Sha ISBN 4-07-308637-5 C0979 950yen (e) First Press:1998/04/01 Pages: 170 This book has the official comic "Chou-dokyuu Senkan J-Ark", showing the episode "43.5" (which means the story goes between the episode 43 and 44). Note that the cover of this book was drawn by Urushibara Satoshi. I know some peoples bought this book only for its cover. :D "Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar 1st" Publisher: Gakken ISBN 4-05-601747-6 C9979 848yen (e) First Press:1997/10/01 This book has the official (it should be) comic from Drama CD #1 "Cyborg Tanjyou". Its title has the word "1st", but there is no "2nd" (or more). Sad. ;-< "Final Fusion Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar parody Kessaku-Sen 1" Publisher: Rapport ISBN 4-89799-255-9 C9979 857yen (e) First Press:1997/06/01 An anthology of fan-fiction comics. "Final Fusion Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar parody Kessaku-Sen 2" Publisher: Rapport ISBN 4-89799-260-5 C9979 857yen (e) First Press:1997/08/01 An anthology of fan-fiction comics. "Final Fusion Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar parody Kessaku-Sen 3" Publisher: Rapport ISBN 4-89799-267-2 C9979 857yen (e) First Press:1997/10/01 An anthology of fan-fiction comics. "HobbyJapan Comics Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar Comic Anthology" Publisher: HobbyJapan First Press:1997/10/01 ISBN 4-89425-165-5 C0979 952yen (e) An anthology of fan-fiction comics. "Brave Saga 2 comic volume 1" Publisher: EnterBrain ISBN 4-7577-0275-2 C0979 600yen (e) First Press:2000/12/09(printed on the book), 2000/11/01(real date) Pages: 165 This is the official comic for the game BraveSaga 2, drawn by Ishiki Masato. First third part of story is nearly same with game, but rest are original. I don't know whether there was official comic for the first BraveSage game. 6) Novel For now, there is only one novel. That is "Shishi no Jyouou" which have the six episodes written by the show's writer and is published serially on the HobbyJapan's monthly magazine "Hobby Japan". # Sunrise frequently use the word "Lion Reine". This is the French # word and seem to be equivalent with the English word "Lion Queen". # But I can't confirm such spelling is correct or not. At least to # say, on my research, "Reine de Lion" seem to be the correct # representation to "Shishi no Jyouou" (in English "Queen of Leo"). That story seems to be focused on the French cyborg woman versus the crime-syndicate BioNet. I don't read at all that, thus has no in-depth knowledge. If it become in book form, I'll add more information. # Now I got all episodes of Queen of Leo & am writing for this # chapter. But when I can finish is uncertain for now. It's tough... 7) Games Yuusha series sometimes appear in the consumer products for console platforms like Dream Cast, Game Boy Color, Play Station, and Play Station 2. This chapter will show you information about such games. Listed below are the product covered in this chapter, sorted by its release date. Release Date Price (*) Title --------------+-------------+----+--------------------------------- 1998/12/17 6,800yen (e) PS Brave Saga 1999/04/08 6,800yen (e) PS The Blockaded Numbers 1999/12/02 6,800yen (e) DC Eiyuu Tan 2000/05/02 7,800yen (e) PS Brave Saga 2 2000/11/22 7,800yen (e) PS2 Eiyuu Tan R 2000/12/01 4,800yen (e) GBC Harobots 2001/01/26 4,800yen (e) GBC Brave Saga New Chapter Astalia 2000/12/20 7,800yen (e) PS2 Eiyuu Tan 2 (*) PS: PlayStation, PS2: PlayStation 2 by SCEI, DC: DreamCast by SEGA, GBC: GameBoy Color by Ninendo NOTE: Since SCEI played the regional protection on their PlayStation series platform, usually you'll be not able to play the Japanese PS games. Though I have no information about such protection of SEGA Dream Cast platform and other, It's quite likely they have. But, don't despair. There are some solutions like hardware-modification, emulator software, and movie-clipping tool. (I have few knowledge about them, though.) 7.1) Eiyuu Tan series 7.1.1) Eiyuu Tan Third is the strategy/RPG hybrid game using Sunrise's robots, for Sega's new-machine Dreamcast, named "Eiyuu Tan" (which can be translated to "Hero Story" or such), featuring many Sunrise's works. Listed below are such works shown in this game (in total, 14). "Aoki Ryuusei SPT Layznar" "Armored Trooper Votoms" "Aura Battler Danbain" "Giant Gohg" "Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam" "Heavy-Metal L-Gaim" "Kikou-Kai Galiant" "Kikou-Seiki G-Breaker" (This seems to be made for this game.) "Kikou-Senki Dragoner" "Mobile Suit Gundam" "Sentou-Mecha Zabungul" "Sin Kidou Senki Gundam-Wing" "Taiyou no Kiba Dougram" "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar" It was release at December 2, 1999, and its price is 6,800yen(e). I have few information about this game. Please refer the Eiyuu Tan R for its introdution-story and game-system. 7.1.2) Eiyuu Tan R This one is not for the DreamCast, but for the SCEI's PlayStation 2 (JP version). It is released at 2000/11/22 & priced 7,800yen (e). The scene is placed on the fictional planet called Sunrise (no kidding!), where the strange impassable "clouds" cover entrire planet, with many continents floating on it. Due to the clouds, each civilization on continent grows separately, wondering what is lying over the clouds. The story starts on one of such continents, called Cloudia. People on that continent have long history to seek to travel beyond clouds, and eventually invent the cloud-passing technology. At the day their first cloud-ship (a coined word, in contrast with "star-ship") Astante make her maiden voyage, unknown forces come on *beyond* the clouds: Cloudian aren't only people who found the way! And the unknown visitors aren't friendly, they open fire on cities of Cloudia: they are the invader. With few forces on board, Astante have no way but escaping to another, yet unknown to them, continent, hoping to find a solution and/or support at there... # BTW, I feel interesting that it don't use a usual "multi-verse # world" approach. Maybe it was already used in BraveSage series? Basically, this is the port from the DreamCast version (at least, introduction shown above might be same), and additionally new elements are added. First, all lines of characters are spoken by respective voice-talents. (Note that some characters who were voice-acted by deceased are done by alternates.) Second, new story elements are inserted. Third, attribute of some units are re-balanced for optimal play-balancing. Listed below are the additive works. (As a result, 22 works are featured in this game.) "Cowboy Bebop" "Jyuu-Senki Galkeeva" "Mama ha Shougaku 4nensei" "Shin-Seiki GPX Cyber-Fomura" "Yoroi-Den Samurai-Trooper" (known as "Ronin Warriors" in US?) "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar FINAL" "Yuusha Sirei Dagwon" "Zettai Muteki Raizin-Oh" This game have two storyline. One is the story written above: that's the main plot, and other is kinda "bonus". You can play later one only after finishing the first one, and, I'm sorry to say, you can gain access to most of robots in that _later_ story. In the first story, it seems player can use only robots from Danbain, Galiant, GaGaGa (only GaoGaiGar), Gundam, Gundam-Wing, and Votoms. Moreover, most of newly-added works will not become usable units, while some of them become travel side-kicks. # Now I must point out that most noticeable works in the first story: # that are Gundam & Gundam-Wing, though the protagonists are the new # characters made for this game. As for GaGaGa, its appearance occur # quite later in the story. As for the game-system, it looks much like a competitive card-game like "Magic: the Gathering" ("MtG"), mixed with an adventure game, even though advertisements persistently state it is the RPG. (Note: In this game, there's almost no character-developing feature which most gamer might expect to RPG.) Every conflict is occured as the duel between two motherships with onboard robots: each ship deploy robots who then try to harm enemy ship or to defend their ship from attack. Motherships have a limited supply of the Energy which is needed to make actions like deploying robots, so you can't do all you want in a given turn. If a ship's Hit-Point reduces to zero, that side loses, regardless of how many robots are left. Combats are turn-based, have no ground/weather/line- of-sight effect, nor a tactical map. Forget about moving robots around like the BraveSage series. If you ever knows MtG, explanation is quite simple. Take the motherships as the Magi: the pool of Mana is translated to the Energy of mothership. Take the robots as the Monster cards: every robots have different Energy-requirement to summon, and some have special attributes such like Fly, Penetrate, etc... One twist is that you must seek out both robot itself & its pilot to use a given robot, while most robots are come with its respecitve pilots. And magic cards are translated as the weapon/item on board the ship. 7.1.3) Eiyuu Tan 2 As the name implies, this game is the sequel to its previous Eiyuu Tan / Eiyuu Tan R game. Some months after the finale of previous story, the planet Sunrise suffer again the new invaders, led by the mysterious man "Omega Fookurosu" ("four-cross" or "folklos", maybe). The heroes who once saved the planet stand again... Currently 7 works listed below are scheduled to be added. (There seems to be a possibility for adding more work.) "Brain-Powered" "Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbarugar" "Kidou-Butou-Den G-Gundam" "Mashin-Eiyuu-Den Wataru" "Mobile-Suit Z-Gundam" "Tenkuu no Escaflowne" "The Big-O" And this time, some of game-system are changed. First, the battlefield is represented by hex (like an old-fashioned strategy game?). But, according to available informations, it seems this does *not* mean units' total freedom of movement, but grant player an opportunity for choosing formation. Second, the physical size of unit affect the battlefield. What it means is uncertain for now, but it seems "how big they are determine how many hex they occupy" is most likely. Third, a human unit can enter the battle now. In previous series, only robots (or such) can do that. This time, human units will join in combat. Since most human are useless against the iron titans, I think number of usable human units must be limited to small, but it's still interesting. In G-Gundam, I heard some character can crush even a mobile-suit easily by barehand... As for GaGaGa-related info., HyoRyu, EnRyu, VolFogg, KoRyu & AnRyu will be added since they are shown in the promotional movie. Additionally, the TV's very last scene (Hana in wedding dress), along with the name "GaoFighGar", is shown. So it seems GaGaGa-related story will be taken place around there. This game is made for the SCEI's PlayStation 2 (JP version), will be released at 2001/12/20 & priced 7,800yen (e). 7.2) Brave Saga series 7.2.1) Brave Saga "Shin-Sedai Robot Senki Brave Saga" ("New-Generation Robot War- records Brave Saga", my translation) is for entire Yuusha series (GaGaGa is excluded, though). Some characters from Sunrise anime Votoms, Dougram, and Galient are appeared as one-shot guests. In this game, the new Yuusha named Baan is introduced as the saint of brave mind (i.e., courage). Baan is the one of defenders against the "Essential Evil" GranDark. Baan come to Earth searching for the Source of Courage which is needed to battle with GranDark and transform to his final form BaanGaan. He find the Source of Courage is a weak and timid boy Serizawa Shunpei. the same time, the GranDark armies start to invade Earth. The Yuusha such as MightGaine and FighBird respond to that and join the battle, but they are pulling back by the fiece enemies. Now, start the adventure of Baan and Shunpei... The Brave Saga is released in Japan at December 17, 1998, and priced 6,800yen (e). Other than normal packaging, there is the first-time- only package named "Brave-Charge Box" which are the assortment of the Brave Saga game and the life-sized, fixed-pose doll of its hero-robot Baan. (NOTE: The Baan's usual height is about 13 cm, or approx. 5 inches. :D When in action, with Shunpei's yelling "Brave-Charge!", he become bigger.) 7.2.2) Brave Saga 2 Recently, Takara announced that they are now projecting the sequel to the Brave Saga game, named the Brave Saga 2. And they decide to include GaGaGa in the Brave Saga 2! GaoGaiGar will act some "important role", as they said. In the Brave Saga 2, there aren't only combat, but also some escort and/or rescue missions. Since many Yuusha stories featured such non- aggressive operations, it's good addition for the Brave Saga game. Brave Saga 2 is released at '2000/05/02, and its price is 7,800yen (e). This time, all speech are spoken by respective voice tarents, the advertisement stated, so it become the 2 CDs (and pricier than the first one). I checked it and confirmed some initial episodes feature GaGaGa. The GGG seem to become the collaborator of VARS, and the first some episodes (of Brave Saga 2) imitate the GaGaGa's early episodes, but is brended with the Brave Saga 2's own storyline. # "VARS" is kinda organization served as the center of Yuusha in # the first Brave Saga. They act same role in the Barave Saga 2. This time, the Earth is literally dis-assembled by the race called "Barudoh Empire"(?). Once they were the master of the ancient Earth, they claims, but were driven away and sealed up beyond the stars by human-race. Due to tremendous amount of "negative" energy emitted by GranDark (who is the boss-villain of the first Brave Saga), they can break out from their prison. To re-gain the Earth dominance, they killed sixteen-years-old-boy Shizuma and bear off his six "Afeta"(?). Shizuma is the descendant of the person who drove Barudoh away, and the owner of the Afeta which seem to be the representation of six elemental-power (Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Light, and Dark). But Shizuma is resurrected, as kinda ghost, by the last power of his mother who is the oracle of Afeta. With the robot Varion as his aid, Shizuma start out to avenge Barudoh. Barudoh, with the power of six Afeta in hand, make the Earth "Berutarnu"(?) which is the rightful and ancient form of this planet, they claims. Then they separate Yuusha from each other, to reduce their strength as a corps. The VARS respond this situation and start to search the lost Yuusha and investgate current situation on the Earth. At the same time, Zonder's invasion begin. GGG respond the threat and come into line with VARS. Gradually, VARS find out the current world become a mixture with another time-space, there are worlds of Votoms, Dougram, and Galient. Their trek contiune... As wrote ahead of this paragraph, the story of Brave Sage 2 become more fantasy and mysterious than preivous one. And, thanks to the confusion of space-time, the one-shot guests in the previous game become travel companions in this one. Moreover, some surprising characters from GaGaGa will join in action at later episode. 7.2.3) Brave Saga New Chapter Astalia [Note: This info. is provided from Jeff Teo. Thank you Teo-san!] This RPG is dubbed as the Brave series 10th Anniversary. It is aimed to the Nintendo's GameBoy Color platform by Takara. The scene is placed on the planet called Astalia, not the Earth. One boy crashes a cristal ball by mistake. From that, Demon Jaakin is appeared. He's the Essential Evil of Astalia & have been trapped within that vristal ball! To stop him, a boy start to seek Yuusha... This third installment of the Brave Sage sereis features 19 works. (Note: some source states it will feature *20* works, not 19. Maybe some works are hidden.) "Armored Trooper Votoms" "Densetsu no Yuusha DaGarn" "Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbarugar" "Giant Gohg" "Kikou-Kai Galiant" "Madou-Oh Granzord" "Nekketsu Saikyo Gouzaular" "Ougon Yuusha Goldran" "Taiyou no Kiba Dougram" "Taiyou no Yuusha FighBird" "Yoroi-den Samurai Trooper" "Yuusha Exkaiser" "Yuusha Keisatsu J-Decker" "Yuusha Shirei Dagwon" "Yuusha Tokkyuu MightGaine" "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar" "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar FINAL" "Yuusha-Seisen BaanGaan" "Zettai Muteki Raizin-Oh" 7.3) Other 7.3.1) The Blockaded Numbers This adventure game is only for GaGaGa, named "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar: The Blockaded Numbers" (price: 6,800yen (e)). It was released at April 8, '1999. Though it was categorized as an Adventure game, it's main part is an Anime. Mini-games are scattered between the Anime, and its result will affect the storyline. So it may be said this game is the "Anime with mini-games". Unfortunately, both Anime and mini-games are NOT good. ;( Many of Anime-parts are mere still-picture (or such), and many of mini-games are uninspired. The story consist of two episodes (#14.5 and #43.2). In the episode 14.5 "Umi no Valnar" ("Sea Valnar"), the new character Sumire will be introduced. She is Guy & Mikoto's junior when they are at highschool and seems to have an affection to Guy. In the episode 43.2 "Kin no Kiba to Gin no Tsume" ("Golden Fang & Silver Claw"), something ID5- related events will be occured. To play episode 43.2, you must solve episode 14.5 first. 7.3.2) Harobots This one is the RPG using ton of Sunrise's robots, for Nitendo's handheld machine GameBoy Color. It's released from Sunrise Interactive. On the planet called "Cloudia", kids who reached at 10 years old obtain the pet-robot "Haro". It have ability to morph into the giant guardian-robot "Harobots" when its master is in danger. # Once "Cloudia" was used as the name of *continent* in Eiyuu Tan # series. I can't find out it's a mere coincidence or not. # Al leaset to say, both game have no apparent relationship. The protagonist 10-years-old kid, driven by player, travels world with his/her Haro, collecting scattered items & robot-data for Haro, educating it, battling against villains, and ultimately becoming the greatest Harobots Master!... This game's leading robot Haro is modeled after the pet-robot of Amuro (who is the protagonist in the first Gundom). Haro is one of long-time favorite, like Zak & Gundom. Note: By way of caution, the "real" Haro (shown in Gundom) have no morphing ability: it's a mere little cute machine floating about protagonist. :) Listed below are the title of works used in this game (sorted alphabetically). Its number is 41 in total, but advertisement states more than 41 works (over 120 robots) are used, so at least one work must be hidden (or simply they misprinted). "Aoki Ryuusei SPT Layznar" "Armored Trooper Votoms" "Aura-Battler Danbain" "BetterMan" "Brain Powerd" "Cho-Riki Robo Galatt" "Densetsu no Yuusha DaGaan" "Densetsu-Kyojin Ideon" "Gasaraki" "Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbarugar" "Giant Gohg" "Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam" 2Haoh-Taikei RyuKnight" "Heavy-Metal L-Gaim" "Kidou-Senshi Gundom" "Kikou-kai Galiant" "Kikou-Seiki G-Breaker" "Kikou-Senki Dragoner" "Madou-Oh Granzord" "Mashin-Eiyuuden Wataru" "Mugen no Ryvius" "Muteki Choujin Zanbot 3" "Muteki Koujin Daitaan 3" "Muteki Robo Traidar G7" "Nekketsu Saikyo Gouzaular" "Ougon-Yuusha Goldran" "Sakyo-robo Daiohjya" "Seiho-Bukyo OutlawStar" "Sentou-Mecha Zabungul" "Sippu! Iron-Leaguer" "Taiyou no Kiba Dougram" "Taiyou no Yuusha FighBird" "Tenkuu no Escaflowne" "THE Big-O" "Yuusha Exkaizer" "Yuusha Raideen" "Yuusha-Keisatsu J-Dekker" "Yuusha-Oh GaoGaiGar" "Yuusha-Shirei Dagwon" "Yuusha-Tokkyuu MightGaine" "Zettai Muteki Raizin-Oh" 7.3.3) Shin-Seiki Yuusha Taisen According to the bi-weekly magazine Dengeki PlayStation volume 174, one new Yuusha-related game is in production: that is "Shin-Seiki Yuusha Taisen", the first joint-product of Takara & Konami for SCE's PlayStation 2. That magazine show only a few screen shots, and informations listed below. First, it seems to be a simulation-RPG hyblid like the Brave Saga series which is Takara's own products, but its world-view will be (completely?) different from its predecessor. Second, robots in the game will be shown at full-size, not shrinked like previous Brave Saga series. And they are drawn by 3D CGIs (i.e. polygons). Third, new command "Brave" will be added. It's uncertain how it works. I suspect it acts like "Guts" in the Brave Saga 2. Fourth, aside from mundane statistics like HP, two interesting parameters "Brave" and "Friendship" will be added. It's uncertain how it works, but "Friendship" is one of distionction of entire Yuusha series. So it's appealing how they implement it in game. Fifth, currently only two works, GaGaGa and J-Decker, are determined to be appeared. Finally, its release date is not announced at all. But more information will be revealed at the forth-coming Tokyo Game Show. If I get more information, I'll add them here. 8) Other Merchandises 8.1) Plastic Models Aoshima co., one of the famous Japanese model-developer, released the GaoGaiGar's plastic-model at March 31, '1999. (price: 3,500yen(e)) It's not transformable, but its right fist can be launched (by spring) and left arm can be attached the Dividing Driver (which is included in the kit). They also released the GaoGaiGar "episode 30" version (also known as the "Dangan X" version) in the limited quantities. It was made of the light-accumulable plastics, so it glows a gleenish light in the dark. Aoshima co. also released the Goldy Marg (which can be attached to GaoGaiGar as Goldion Hammer, 2,000yen(e)) and Star GaoGaiGar (with Gattling Driver, 4,000yen(e)). They now intend to release the GaoGaiGar (with Goldion Hammer) Millenium Edition, which are the gold-plated. This one will be released at 2000/02/22 and the amout of only 2,222 set. If I can get more information, I'll add here. 8.2) Gashapon Do you know about a gumball dispenser? A large glass container, full of colorful gumballs in it, sits on a metal base with a handle, a little opening, and a coin slot. You can slot a coin (or coins) in a slot and then turn a handle. Once you do so, a gumball rolls out from a opening for you. That is a gumball dispenser, understand? Gashapon is a Japanese cousin of a gumball dispencer, but that's not sell a gumball, but a plastic ball containing a tiny figurine. Originally, that's an antique way of selling tiny toys to kids at quite low-price in Japan. That was called as Gashapon, Gachapon, GachaGacha, etc. etc... (those name seem to be derived from the noise emitting when dispencer works.) Since that's not high-priced, that could earn little significance until today. But now, that are re-born as a dispencer for figurine of Anime and Tokusatsu characters, granting a fan a quite easy (and less expensive) way to get their favorite figurine. Since which figurine will be acquired is not foreseeable, fans are forced to try repeatedly only to get all figurines. Today, this kind of distribution earn a favor both of customers and distributers. One of such renowned item is the Gashapon, distributed by the company Yujin. Yujin have released ton of tiny, painted figurines of many Anime & SFX series. One of their Gashapon series featured our favorite GaGaGa. Yujin have released some sets of GaGaGa figurine in Japan, and some more (including the FINAL's) sets are scheduled to release. I heard such GaGaGa Gashapon are sold in some U.S. hobby shop, so there are possibility for selling in other countries. Until today, Yujin have released three GaGaGa series as Gashapon, but the fourth and later series are (and will be) distributed as the boxed product, not Gashapon. They stated that figures become too large to house into a tiny capsule. Even though there are no more GaGaGa Gashapopon, I'll keep this chapter as "Gashapon". =============== Yoshii "RaidenG" Kiyohiko ==== |PGP fingerprint: 571A 2EE5 D5A2 F9E1 9A53 5294 0C81 FC10 260E DF1C | +-------------- "Be skeptical, if you want to believe something." ---+