Tiger & Bunny

Tiger & Bunny
Cover of the first Blu-ray volume
タイガー＆バニー (Taigā Ando Banī)
Genre	Science fiction, Superhero
Anime television series
Directed by	Keiichi Sato
Produced by	Kenji Hamada (Bandai Visual) Masayuki Ozaki (Sunrise) Seiji Takeda (MBS)
Written by	Masafumi Nishida
Music by	Yoshihiro Ike
Studio	Sunrise
Original network	BS11 Digital, MBS, Tokyo MX
Original run	April 3, 2011 – present
Episodes	23 announced
Manga
Written by	Masafumi Nishida
Illustrated by	Masakazu Katsura
Published by	Shueisha
Magazine	Weekly Young Jump
Demographic	Seinen
Published	August 4, 2011

Tiger & Bunny (タイガー＆バニー, Taigā Ando Banī) is a 2011 Japanese anime television series produced by Sunrise under the direction of Keiichi Satou. The screenplay was written by Masafumi Nishida, with original character design by Masakazu Katsura. The series began its broadcast run in Japan on April 3, 2011 on Tokyo MX followed by rebroadcasts on BS11 Digital and MBS. Viz Media are also simulcasting the series, streaming on Hulu and Anime News Network. It is set in a futuristic city where two superheroes, the old-fashioned "Wild Tiger" and the rookie hero Barnaby Brooks Jr. are forced by their employers to work together. A one-shot manga drawn by Masakazu Katsura was published in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine on August 4, 2011.

Plot

The series takes place in the year "NC 1978" in a fictional, re-imagined version of New York City called Sternbild City, where 45 years before, superpowered individuals known as "NEXT" started appearing and some of them became superheroes. Each of the city's most famous superheroes work for a sponsor company and their uniforms also contain advertising for real-life companies. Their heroic activity is broadcast on the popular television show "Hero TV", where they accumulate points for each heroic feat accomplished (arresting criminals or evacuating civilians, for example) and the best ranked hero of the season is crowned "King of Heroes". The story mainly focuses on veteran hero Kotetsu T. Kaburagi aka Wild Tiger who is assigned with a new partner, a young man named Barnaby Brooks Jr. However, Barnaby and Kotetsu usually have trouble working together as they have conflicting opinions on how a superhero should act while at the same time trying to crack the mystery of the murder of Barnaby's parents. In addition, the appearance of a homicidal vigilante NEXT named "Lunatic" stirs up the public and makes them question the meaning of heroes.

Characters

Heroes

Kotetsu T. Kaburagi (鏑木・T・虎徹, Kaburagi T. Kotetsu) / Wild Tiger (ワイルドタイガー, Wairudo Taigā)

Voiced by: Hiroaki Hirata

One of the main protagonists and a veteran superhero past his prime whose total disregard for private property when fighting against crime earned him the nickname "Crusher for Justice". Originally, he was the least popular among the heroes of Sternbild City and his company (a fictional publication known as "TopMag") had been taken over thanks to the high costs of his collateral damage. He was then forced by his new employers, "Apollon Media", to become Barnaby's partner. His wife Tomoe (友恵) died from a disease five years prior to the series, and his daughter Kaede lives with his mother in "Oriental Town" out in the country. Like most people outside of Hero TV, Kaede is initially unaware of her father's secret identity. Kotetsu possesses the power to increase his physical abilities hundredfold for five minutes (known as the "Hundred Power"), after which he cannot use it again for one hour. Later on in the series his ability starts to change, at first becoming more potent at the cost of a shorter time limit, signified by red-orange eyes and an orange aura instead of the normal blue. Tiger's old employer, now working as a cab driver, finds out about Tiger's power boost and informs him that it is actually a precursor to his powers fading away for good, a rare condition among NEXT. The Hundred Power's potency is now back to its original strength, and its time limit now grows shorter with each activation, currently being around three minutes, 45 seconds. Kotetsu keeps a journal to track his decreasing power, each entry showing a decrease of two to five seconds per use.

His new suit includes advertisements for the Japanese S.H. Figuarts toy line and Japanese media company SoftBank. Tiger also possesses a motorcycle called the "Lonely Chaser", which is able to combine with Barnaby's own bike as a sidecar. Tiger's suit also includes a pair of wire guns known as the "Wild Shot". Having been inspired by a hero named Mr. Legend, who helped him to accept his powers, Kotetsu has traditional ideals of justice, always relying on his instincts, putting lives over ratings, and prioritizing hero work over publicity stunts. After helping Barnaby defeat Jake Martinez and finally earning his partner's trust, Kotetsu has become far more popular and has gained much more respect from the public, his employers, and his fellow heroes. In the first Drama CD for the series, it was revealed that Kotetsu and Antonio "Rock Bison" Lopez were punks in their high school days, and it was Kotetsu's class representative Tomoe (who later became his wife) who came up with the name "Wild Tiger".

Barnaby Brooks Jr. (バーナビー・ブルックスJr., Bānabī Burukkusu Junia)

Voiced by: Masakazu Morita

The other protagonist, known as the "Super Rookie", who is nicknamed "Bunny" by Kotetsu because of his armor's earpieces and his penchant for long jumps and kicks. A 25 year old rookie hero who does not conceal his appearance or identity and the newest addition to Hero TV. Partnered with Wild Tiger, he has the same superpower, though Barnaby relies more on strategy than outright brute force, saving his Hundred Power for the most dire of circumstances. His powered suit displays advertising for Amazon.co.jp as well as Bandai and its "Crusade System" Card Series. He is also equipped with a motorcycle called the "Lonely Chaser" that is able to use Tiger's own bike as a sidecar. When he was four years old, his parents, robotics engineers and the inventors of "nano-metal", were assassinated by someone originally thought to be Jake Martinez of the crime syndicate "Ouroboros". Barnaby was taken in by Albert Maverick and dedicated his life to investigating Ouroboros and its connection with the death of his family. The trauma of seeing his parents murdered hardened Barnaby's heart and consumed him with thoughts of revenge, making it impossible for him to trust anyone until he began his partnership with Kotetsu. It was revealed that Barnaby took his real name, also his father's, as his hero name as a declaration of war against Ouroboros.

After defeating Jake Martinez and learning to trust Kotetsu as his partner, Barnaby adopted a positive outlook on life, becoming more open and willing to work with others. He now addresses Kotetsu by name instead of as "Old Man", and accepts "Bunny" as his nickname. His successful partnership with Kotetsu led Barnaby to rank first in the Hero TV rankings, earning him the "King of Heroes" title in his debut season. He recently surpassed Mr. Legend's points-per-season record, and now dreams of a "Hero World" envisioned by his surrogate father, Albert Maverick.

Karina Lyle (カリーナ・ライル, Karīna Rairu) / Blue Rose (ブルーローズ, Burū Rōzu)

Voiced by: Minako Kotobuki

Nicknamed the "Super Celebrity of the Heroes", Blue Rose is a highschooler with freezing powers who still lives with her parents and makes use of her heroic feats to boost her career as a singer. She also works as a pianist under her real name. Her rather revealing costume, which her father disapproves of, includes advertising for Pepsi NEX, a zero calorie Pepsi available in Japan developed by Suntory, a company who took part in the experiment which successfully produced the first true blue rose through genetic engineering, hence her alias and rose-themed uniform. She is also equipped with a snowmobile-like vehicle, which she propels using her powers. Despite claiming to dislike Kotetsu, Karina developed feelings for him, which causes her much internal conflict considering the age difference. At the insistence of her sponsor company and to her distaste, Blue Rose always tells criminals "My ice may be a little cold, but your crime has been put completely on hold!" upon apprehending them. She also has a habit of comically retreating from fights if they get too difficult for her, an act Hero TV's announcer dubs the "Cutie Escape". Her sponsor company is "Titan Industry".

Keith Goodman (キース・グッドマン, Kīsu Guddoman) / Sky High (スカイハイ, Sukai Hai)

Voiced by: Go Inoue

Also known as the "Wind Wizard", Sky High is an enthusiastic and friendly hero who was the most popular hero in the city and longtime consecutive holder of the "King of Heroes" title at the start of the series. His overly dramatic and optimistic personality is actually his main selling point, with his catchphrases being a cheerful "Thank you, and again, thank you!" to his fans and his own name when he launches an attack. Sky High is able to fly with a rocket backpack and has the power to control the wind. His uniform includes advertising for Bandai's subsidiary Tamashii Nations and streaming website Ustream.tv. His sponsor company is "Poseidon Line".

Nathan Seymour (ネイサン・シーモア, Neisan Shīmoa) / Fire Emblem (ファイヤーエンブレム, Faiyā Enburemu)

Voiced by: Kenjiro Tsuda

A flamboyant hero with flame abilities known as the "Bourgeois Open Flame Broil", equipped with a highly maneuverable race car. He displays an advanced level of control over his abilities, able to shape his flames into many elaborate shapes and sizes with varying levels of intensity. He is also the owner of his sponsor company, "Helios Energy," and his costume contains advertising for FMV of Fujitsu and anime/manga retailer Animate.

Pao-Lin Huang (ホァン・パオリン, Hwan Paorin) / Dragon Kid (ドラゴンキッド, Doragon Kiddo)

Voiced by: Mariya Ise

A young, tomboyish Chinese girl, known as the "Lightning Bolt Kung-Fu Master", armed with a staff and able to generate strong electrical discharges. Pao-Lin's parents did not come with her to Sternbild City, and stayed behind in China. They did, however, leave her a purple flower hairpin that she was originally against wearing, claiming it was "too girly", despite her caretaker's insistence. However, after learning the flower's symbolic meaning was "thinking of you always", she makes a habit of wearing the hairpin whenever she is in civilian attire. Her usual civilian attire is the yellow tracksuit like the one worn by Bruce Lee in the movie Game of Death. Her Chinese-styled uniform includes advertising for Japanese food company Calbee and Japanese website DMM.com. Her sponsor company is "Odysseus Communication".

Antonio Lopez (アントニオ・ロペス, Antonio Ropesu) / Rock Bison (ロックバイソン, Rokku Baison)

Voiced by: Taiten Kusunoki

A green-armored brute nicknamed the "Bull Tank of the West Coast", and Kotetsu "Wild Tiger" Kaburagi's best friend since high school. His power renders him invulnerable. After ranking last in Hero TV's standings behind Origami Cyclone, he was in danger of losing his job as a hero before helping to catch a backstage thief. His bull-themed costume, which is equipped with large drills on its shoulders, includes advertising for Japanese barbecue restaurant chain Gyu-Kaku. His sponsor company is "Kronos Foods".

In the first drama CD for the series, it was revealed that Antonio and Kotetsu were both punks in their high school days. Antonio, then the leader of a different school's gang, had repeatedly challenged Kotetsu to fights because of his reputation, and was turned down until Tomoe, Kotetsu's class representative and future wife, was kidnapped. Kotetsu, believing Antonio to be the kidnapper, finally accepted the challenge and the two fought after discovering their opponent was a NEXT. After the fight, Antonio insisted he did not know of a kidnapping, and the nearby warehouse where Tomoe was being kept burst into flames. Kotetsu, not using his Hundred Power up to this point, activated his powers and saved Tomoe, inspiring Antonio to only use his powers to protect people from that day forward.

Ivan Karelin (イワン・カレリン, Iwan Karerin) / Origami Cyclone (折紙サイクロン, Origami Saikuron)

Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto

The "Hidden Hero", a young hero in a ninja-themed costume who rarely takes action and engages himself more in advertising than in actual crime-fighting, appearing in the background of photos and broadcasts to please his sponsors. His shapeshifting ability allows him to copy the appearance and voice of other people, but not their abilities or powers, and change into various inanimate objects such as a poster on a wall. Ivan was originally a very reluctant hero, only acting as he did because of insecurities regarding his "useless" power and guilt over becoming a hero over his former friend, Edward. After helping Edward (who had broken out of jail to kill Ivan in jealousy) escape Lunatic's judgement, Ivan vows to become a more active hero and move out of the background, quickly rising out of last place in Hero TV's rankings for the first time. However, he still engages in the occasional "photobomb", with a running joke having him appear hidden somewhere in the background of a scene, even ones not broadcast on Hero TV. His sponsor company is "Helperidese Finance".

Origami Cyclone's involvement in the Ouroboros incident tremendously boosted his popularity and reputation as a true hero and not just a walking billboard. His costume contains advertising for anime goods website ".ANIME" and has recently gained other sponsors: internet service provider Livedoor, Namco's NAM-Chara Cheer Squad, and Katsuya Takasu's beauty clinic, likely because of his newfound popularity.

Antagonists

Yuri Petrov (ユーリ・ペトロフ, Yūri Petorofu) / Lunatic (ルナティック, Runatikku)

Voiced by: Kōji Yusa

Sternbild City’s Administration of Justice’s judge as well as the TV heroes' curator. He is also Lunatic, a vigilante NEXT who can generate blue and green flames more powerful than Fire Emblem's and exercises greater control over them, shaping them into arrows that he fires using his crossbow, or using them to propel himself in the air. He can also use his flames to teleport, pass through solid objects, or encircle his target to prevent their escape. Lunatic is obsessed with justice and order; he believes in cleansing the world of evil by murdering criminals and wrongdoers rather than protecting the public, and questions the effectiveness of heroes. Yuri adopted his idea of justice and hatred of heroes after killing his father, Mr. Legend. The handprint design on Lunatic's mask is a reminder of the burn he got in the process, and he covers the disfiguring scars with heavy cosmetics when in public. Yuri cares for his senile mother, who usually believes Mr. Legend is still alive and Yuri is still a child, only to launch into a hateful rage directed towards Yuri when he insists otherwise. Lunatic's appearances are marked by a giant red moon hanging in the sky.

Jake Martinez (ジェイク・マルチネス, Jeiku Maruchinesu)

Voiced by: Keiji Fujiwara

A NEXT who leads a small sub-faction of the Ouroboros criminal organization, Jake was originally thought to be the man who killed Barnaby's parents. He was captured by Legend 15 years before the start of the series and was serving a 250 year long sentence in prison, but in the present day his comrades staged a large scale terrorist attack, threatening to bring down Sternbild City unless he was released. His main objective is to have the NEXT take over the world with him as their leader, believing NEXT to be intrinsically superior to normal humans almost to the point of godhood.

He has the ability to produce force fields of various sizes, which he can use both defensively and offensively. It is later discovered that he has a previously unheard of second power, telepathy. Jake's left leg was lost in an accident at some point in the past, being replaced by a mechanical prosthetic by the present day. He is eventually defeated in his fight with Barnaby thanks to Tiger's help. While trying to escape via helicopter, he is restrained by Tiger. In retaliation, he fires off an offensive barrier, misses, and hits his own getaway helicopter, which falls on him and kills him. Unlike other NEXT, whose eyes and body glow blue when using their powers, Jake's aura and eyes shine orange. Later in the series, Kriem reveals that Jake had kidnapped her on the very day that Barnaby's parents were killed and was with her at the time that the murders took place. Despite Barnaby initially dismissing these claims, Kotetsu later reveals that Jake had no Ouroboros tattoo on the back of his right hand, a feature Barnaby recalled in his memories. The revelation that Jake was not the true murderer of the Brooks family sent Barnaby into a depressed, enraged stupor.

Kriem (クリーム, Kurīmu)

Voiced by: Michiko Neya

Another NEXT member of Ouroboros whose ability is to control inanimate objects (typically dolls) with needles made from her hair. She is Jake Martinez's most loyal follower and is implied to have been romantically involved with him. During Tiger and Barnaby's confrontation with Ouroboros, Jake accidentally shot down the helicopter she was piloting, causing her to fall out onto the stadium roof. After the conflict, she fell into a coma and was hospitalized, her head shaved to prevent her from using her powers should she awaken. Ten months later, Kriem came out of her coma, only to reveal that Jake had kidnapped her on the day that Barnaby's parents were murdered.

Kriem was harassed by people for being a NEXT throughout her childhood, which made her feel worthless and inferior to humans. When she was kidnapped by Jake, her parents, ashamed and afraid of their daughter, did not bring the ransom. Urging Jake to kill her and end her worthless life, Jake instead taught her that she was superior to humans and that they only ostracized her because they were afraid of her. From that day on, she joined Jake in the fight to create a world where only NEXT existed. Upon revealing her past, she ripped out the IVs keeping her alive, telling Barnaby that he would live the rest of his life in doubt as punishment for killing Jake before dying. She also revealed in her final moments that Jake only controlled a small portion of Ouroboros, and the organization is far bigger than anyone could comprehend.

Hans Chuckman (ハンス・チャックマン, Hansu Chakkuman)

Voiced by: Kenta Miyake

A member of Ouroboros. He has no NEXT powers, but he is a firm believer in the organization's cause. After he is kidnapped by the heroes, he is subsequently killed by Jake.

Albert Maverick (アルバート・マーベリック, Arubāto Māberikku)

Voiced by: Nobuaki Fukuda

The President and CEO of Apollon Media, the company responsible for Hero TV and sponsor company for Wild Tiger and Barnaby. He was a good friend of the Brooks family and often took care of young Barnaby when his parents were working. After Barnaby's parents were killed, Maverick took him in and became his adoptive father. It is later revealed that Maverick is a NEXT with the power to alter memory, and is the true murderer of Barnaby's parents. Over the years, he intentionally shaped Barnaby's memories and life to cover his tracks and, seeing great potential in the boy, inspire him to become the perfect hero. In order to get Hero TV's ratings up from their initial slump thanks to public distrust of NEXT, Maverick had worked with Ouroboros to set up extravagant crimes for heroes like Mr. Legend to thwart. Maverick was forced to assassinate Barnaby's parents when his father threatened to out the whole operation because the family's "nano-metal" hero suit compound was being given to criminals. Eventually, Maverick sets up an elaborate ploy to continue covering his tracks, framing Kotetsu for the murder of Barnaby's Aunt Samantha and wiping the heroes' and Hero TV employees' memories of Kotetsu, but not of Wild Tiger. He also commissions the creation of new, more advanced black and red hero suits for Barnaby and an unknown person posing as Wild Tiger to further the ruse.

Supporting Characters

Ben Jackson (ベン・ジャクソン, Ben Jakkuson)

Voiced by: Katsuhisa Houki

Tiger's old employer at the very start of the series, the president of a company known as "TopMag". Because of the ever-rising repair costs of Tiger's antics, TopMag goes bankrupt and is bought out, causing Jackson to lose his job. He becomes a cab driver later on the series, and remains a good friend of Kotetsu, having total faith in him as a hero. He later appears to Kotetsu when his powers get a boost, telling him that is a sign that they will eventually fade and that his idol, Mr. Legend, faced the same problem. Jackson appears once more to provide support to Tiger when he is framed for murder by Maverick. Jackson provides Kotetsu with his old TopMag Wild Tiger costume, declaring he was always a big fan and that he will always support Wild Tiger.

Agnes Joubert (アニエス・ジュベール, Aniesu Jubēru)

Voiced by: Yuhko Kaida

The producer for Hero TV. Her top priority is to increase the show's ratings and please her boss and the sponsors, regardless of the impact on the heroes' work.

Alexander Lloyds (アレキサンダー・ロイス, Arekisandā Roisu)

Voiced by: Wataru Yokojima

Albert's subordinate on Apollon Media responsible to manage Kotetsu and Barnaby's career. Originally, he would quiet any protests made by Kotetsu by presenting resignation as an alternative, but after Kotetsu and Barnaby's fame increases thanks to defeating Jake Martinez, his attitude becomes much friendlier.

Doc Saito (斉藤さん, Saitō-san)

Voiced by: Hiroshi Iwasaki

An engineer working for Apollon Media in charge of developing equipment for the company's superheroes. He normally speaks respectfully in a barely audible voice, but shouts loudly and brazenly over radios and intercoms. He also has a penchant for adding new upgrades to the heroes' suits that have very little usefulness in the field, such as a complicated clock on the left arm of Tiger's suit for checking the time, and "Good Luck Mode". Good Luck Mode consists of flashy add-ons to Tiger and Barnaby's armor that create a giant fist and leg, respectively, when their power is close to running out. Good Luck Mode was initially thought to increase Tiger and Barnaby's strength, but Saito reveals that the parts and their special effects are just for show and it was actually the pair's excellent teamwork that helped them. Saito also developed a special sleep chamber for Barnaby that allows him to access his memories more clearly in his dreams by depriving him of outside stimuli. Saito displays an almost sadistic level of glee whenever tests must be done on Kotetsu or his suit, seemingly making them agonizing for Kotetsu on purpose.

Kaede Kaburagi (鏑木 楓, Kaburagi Kaede)

Voiced by: Rina Hidaka

Kotetsu's ten year old daughter, who lives with her grandmother in Oriental Town since her mother died and her father became Wild Tiger and moved to Sternbild. She is initially unaware of her father's life as a hero, and resents and distrusts him for always being tied up with "work" and not understanding her more mature needs and fears of being left alone. Ironically enough, she is a huge fan of Barnaby, her father's partner, since he saved her from falling debris early in his career. She keeps dozens of pictures of Barnaby in her desk drawer, usually cutting out Wild Tiger whenever he is present in them. Kotetsu's one dream in life is to make his daughter think he is "cool", and he tries his hardest to balance his roles as hero and father with varying degrees of success. Kaede recently awakened as a NEXT, with the power to copy the abilities of any NEXT she comes in physical contact with, usually exhibiting little control over their activation. Kaede treats her new abilities with distaste, as they cause her and her family much stress. After learning of her father's true identity when he is framed for murder, Kaede travels to Sternbild alone to prove his innocence, having a run-in with Albert Maverick upon reaching the Apollon Media building and inadvertently copying his power.

Samantha Taylor (サマンサ・テイラー, Samansa Teirā)

Voiced by: Yoshiko Takemura

Barnaby's childhood caretaker. When Barnaby asked her about what she was doing on the day his parents were murdered, she discovered a photo of herself with Barnaby instead of Maverick as Barnaby remembered. She was going to reveal it to Kotetsu, but Maverick orchestrated a crime to keep the heroes occupied and used the opportunity to kidnap her. She was later murdered under orders by Maverick with the photo burned and Kotetsu was framed for the crime.

Mr. Legend (ミスター・レジェンド, Misutā Rejendo)

Voiced by: Jūrōta Kosugi

Sternbild City's first superhero and father of Yuri Petrov, better known as the vigilante NEXT Lunatic. He was the one who inspired Kotetsu to accept his powers and become a superhero himself and taught his son to never turn a blind eye to evil. After his death, other NEXT followed his example, leading to society's current acceptance of NEXT and heroes. His power seemed to be increased strength and durability, which contrasted with his out-of-shape appearance. Mr. Legend faced the same fading power problem Tiger is facing, and turned to alcohol to drown his sorrows, pressured by the public's expectations. In addition, the other heroes of his time would put up a ruse, apprehending criminals then falsifying police records to give Mr. Legend credit, which kept him at the top of the rankings. Mr. Legend was killed by his son after he beat his wife in a drunken rage, the emotional strain causing Yuri's powers to awaken for the first time. His spirit continues to torment Yuri many years later, questioning the validity of his actions.

Media

Anime

Main article: List of Tiger & Bunny episodes

The anime by Sunrise began airing in Japan from April 3, 2011. It is also being simulcasted with English subtitles on various streaming sites such as Hulu, Viz Media and Anime News Network. The anime has been licensed by Viz Media in North America and Manga Entertainment in the United Kingdom. For the first thirteen episodes, the opening theme is "Orion o Nazoru" (オリオンをなぞる, "Trace of Orion") by Union Square Garden whilst the ending theme is "Hoshi no Sumika" (星のすみか, "A Star's Dwelling") by Aobuzu. For episodes fourteen onwards, the opening theme is "Missing Link" by Novels whilst the ending theme is "Mind Game" by Tamaki.

Manga

A one-shot manga drawn by Masakazu Katsura will be released in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine on August 4, 2011. This will be followed by a serialized manga series drawn by Hiroshi Ueda which will begin serialization in Miracle Jump magazine from October 2011.

Video game

Sunrise producer Masayuki Ozaki announced on July 31, 2011 that a video game based on the anime is being produced by Namco Bandai Games. No platforms or release dates have been announced as of yet.

Reception

In Anime News Network's Spring 2011 preview guide, Zac Bertschy gave the first episode a 5 out of 5. He states that it set up a great and clever superhero premise with some twists. He also said that the show has "the potential to be the kind of smash hit we haven't seen in a long time". While Theron Martin gave it a 4.5 out of 5, he credits Sunrise for their excellent hero designs and CGI animation. He also stated that it had the look and feel of an American animated series.

External links

• Official website
• Template:Official FaceBook
• MBS Official website
• Hulu's Streaming Site
• Tiger & Bunny (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia