Classic ’80s Anime Announces Comeback With Live-Action Film

Classic '80s Anime Announces Comeback With Live-Action Film

As a gamer who has been following the anime scene since the 80s, I can confidently say that it was a golden age for the medium, and “Wing-Man” is a perfect example of that era’s creativity and innovation. Though it may not have reached the same heights as some of its more popular contemporaries, the fact that it’s coming back now is a testament to the lasting impact it had on the anime world.


The 1980s stood out as a distinctive period for the anime community, characterized by experimentation and risk-taking. During this time, some groundbreaking anime series and films were released, paving the way for the anime industry we recognize today. Given the resurgence of anime’s popularity and numerous revivals and reboots, it’s no wonder that a significant piece from that era is making a grand comeback. To put it simply, Wing-Man, originally published as a manga in 1983, will be returning to the scene later this year with a live-action TV adaptation that offers a fresh take on an iconic hero.

Although you may not recognize the show called Wing-Man, it shares numerous characteristics with the Sentai genre, which features superheroes battling monsters using disguises and technology that outclasses anything else out there. The Sentai genre has been instrumental in creating endearing franchises like Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, VR Troopers, among many others. Even though Wing-Man might not have achieved the same level of fame as some of its peers, its revival suggests that it still holds potential.

Wing-Man Flies High With New Series

As a hardcore fan, I can hardly contain my excitement! The long-awaited live-action series based on the iconic franchise is finally set to premiere in Japan on October 22nd next month. Each week, new episodes will drop every Tuesday as we celebrate an impressive 40 years of this beloved franchise. With the original manga series spanning over two years and the anime adaptation boasting a whopping 47 episodes, there’s plenty of source material for this live-action show to draw from.

10/22 (or 22nd of October) at 24:30 (or 10:30 PM)

— ?????????????????? (@tx_wingman) September 2, 2024

What is Wing-Man Anyway?

It’s clear that the character design of Wing-Man might remind fans of shows like Kamen Rider, but make no mistake, this series has a unique twist all its own. The story follows middle-schooler Kenta Hirono who obtains powers from the mysterious “Dream Notebook” given by a woman named Aoi. With these newfound abilities, he assumes the role of Wing-Man and uses his powers to combat evil. Intriguingly, it’s quite different from the popular anime series, Death Note, as instead of manipulating events, Hirono protects the Dream Notebook from falling into the wrong hands.

Although the original Wing-Man anime generated many episodes, it can be challenging to watch them now since it doesn’t seem to be accessible on any streaming platforms at the moment. This could appear ironic given that Toei Animation, a studio known for producing popular series like One Piece and Dragon Ball Super, was the one responsible for adapting Wing-Man into an anime in the 1980s.

The Anime of The 1980s

In the 80s, Wing-Man wasn’t the sole significant anime debut. During this era, there were some animes with a violent theme such as Fist of The North Star, M.D. Geist, Guyver, Vampire Hunter D, among others that grabbed the limelight. However, it was also a time when various projects like Dragon Ball, Ranma 1/2, Akira, and Macross were launched, which continue to have a substantial impact on the anime world. These shows played a crucial role in shaping the medium we appreciate today.

Interested in knowing about other anime series that are getting a comeback? Keep up-to-date with the team at ComicBook for the most recent news from the anime universe.

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2024-09-11 21:10