The anime of our youth (ours, if you're a millennial, roughly) were Italian cartoons (rumor had it originals existed in Japanese somewhere, but we all heard only the Italian version), produced in the '70s and aired in the '90s due to discounted licenses. We remember the songs to this day - the Italians had an uncanny talent for turning every Japanese opening into catchy tunes that got stuck in our heads, with echoes of hits like “Gigi la trottola” or “Yatta man, yatta man” still resonating years later.
So, let's remind ourselves of the anime (even if we didn’t know it was called that back then) we had the pleasure to watch on the unforgettable Polonia 1.*
* According to my information, these are all 23 anime aired during the '90s on Polonia 1. No mainstream titles like Dragon Ball or Sailor Moon are here since they came later. The order isn't a "best to worst" ranking – because of nostalgia, these shows defy objective judgment. They are arranged according to their first airing date in Japan.
(click anime's title to go to the article or scroll to read in the order).
English title: Sally the Witch
Romaji title: Mahōtsukai Sarī
Kanji title: 魔法使いサリー
Creator: Mitsuteru Yokoyama
Airing (Japan, worldwide): 1966-1968
Airing (Polonia 1): '90s
Studio: Toei Animation
Short plot description: Sally, a young princess from the Magic Kingdom, arrives on Earth to understand human life. She assumes the form of a regular girl and embarks on various adventures using her magical powers. Before there were cartoon girls transforming into the warrior princesses of Sailor Moon, our screens were graced by Sally - a lovely witch who didn’t need a dark alter ego to shine on screen. Actually, looking through the lens of anime history, Sally was one of the first "magical girls" (mahō shōjo) in this art's history. A pioneer.
The main plot revolves around Sally's daily life. Unlike stereotypical princesses, she didn’t long to sit cross-legged on a throne in the Magic Kingdom. Instead, she chose to explore our world, the world of ordinary people. Interestingly, this wasn't a walk in the park! Having magical powers is one thing, but dealing with daily school life challenges or understanding why you shouldn’t levitate in public places on Earth is another. Fortunately, Sally had her trustworthy friends: Kabu and Poron, also from the Magic Kingdom.
"Sally the Witch" was more than just another children's anime. It's a story about growing up, self-discovery, and friendship. About trying to understand what it means to be human and how to find one's place in this world. While its message might sound cliched and naive, it was refreshing in the times of Beavis & Butthead.
Original Title (Kanji): ひみつのアッコちゃん (Himitsu no Akko-chan)
English Title: The Secrets of Akko-chan
Romaji Title: Himitsu no Akko-chan
Creator: Fujio Akatsuki
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1969 - 1970
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Brief Plot Description: Akko, seemingly an ordinary girl, possesses a magical mirror. With it, she can transform into anything she wishes, simply by reciting a spell. If you wanted to compile a set of essentials for a little fashionista from the 90s, Akko's magical mirror would have to top the list. It wasn't just another Barbie or Cindy doll; it was something more – a true symbol of magic and adventures that awaited every little girl who dreamed of owning such a gadget.
In Akko's world, school life intertwined with fantastical transformations. Each time she looked into her mirror and recited the spell, she was transported into another world, another character, another life. Yet, such powers came with responsibility. Akko learned that not everything that glitters is gold. Often, she discovered that being someone else isn’t necessarily better, and that true happiness lies in being yourself and accepting yourself as you are.
Always surrounded by loyal friends and family, Akko taught her young viewers important lessons about friendship, honesty, and the value of truth.
Original Title (Kanji): タイガーマスク (Taigā Masuku)
English Title: Tiger Mask
Romaji Title: Taigā Masuku
Creator: Ikki Kajiwara
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1969-1971
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Brief Plot Description: The story of a wrestler who dons a tiger mask to fight dishonesty in sports and support the orphanage from which he came.
One might think that the wrestling ring is not a place for heroic deeds and moral values. But Tiger Mask proved otherwise. While most anime focused on magic and adventure, this cartoon brought a realistic and raw world of hand-to-hand combat.
On the surface, the story told of Naoto Date, a wrestling athlete, who donned a tiger mask. But it was not just a mask. It was symbolic of his fighting spirit, determination, and persistence in the face of challenges. Behind this mask lay a tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and a desire to prove that good always prevails. However, Tiger Mask did not fight for himself alone. His true aim was to support the orphanage from which he came, and to protect younger children from the brutality and injustice of the world.
Supported by his friend Ruriko, Naoto faced various opponents in the ring, while also battling his own demons and past traumas. It was not just another superhero story. It was a tale of a man who chose the path of combat to inspire others and bring hope where it was lacking. The lessons he conveyed were universal: never give up, fight fairly, and remember where you came from. Tiger Mask showed us that even in the brutal world of wrestling, there is room for honor and integrity. Ultimately, these values proved to be Naoto's greatest strength.
English Name: Magical Emi, the Magic Star
Romaji Name: Mahou no Star Magical Emi
Kanji Name: 魔法のスターマジカルエミ
Creator: Studio Pierrot
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1985-1986
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Brief Plot Description: Mai is fascinated with magical arts, which she has observed in family stores since childhood. Her life changes dramatically when she comes into possession of a mysterious mirror that transforms her into "Magical Emi". In Mai's world, magic was not just an illusion or fleeting delight – it was a way of life.
Her family ran a magic trick store, and she herself dreamed of becoming a real magician one day. When she received a magical mirror that allowed her to transform into "Magical Emi", her dream became a reality, but not without challenges. As "Magical Emi", Mai gained popularity through her impressive performances.
However, she soon discovers that life in the spotlight is not always what it seems. Balancing between her stage life and personal life, as well as challenges related to growing up and discovering her own identity, become the main themes of this anime. For the Polish audience who had the chance to watch "Bia – The Magical Challenge" on Polonia 1, this series was not just entertainment but also a reflection on how difficult it is to find one's own path in life, especially when in the limelight.
Name: Paul's Amazing Adventures
Romaji Name: Pōru no Bōken Sekai
Kanji Name: ポールの冒険世界
Creator: Hiroshi Saitō
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1981-1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Sunrise Studio
Brief Plot Description: A young boy, Paul, discovers a mysterious gate in his backyard leading to other fantastic worlds. Each episode takes viewers to a unique country where Paul embarks on adventures and meets new friends, learning valuable life lessons along the way.
Paul's Fantastic World certainly captivated many young viewers in Poland when it was first broadcast on Polonia 1. With its help, children had the chance to travel to places they had never dreamed of and accompany the young protagonist on his remarkable journeys. Every world Paul encountered was unique, offering its own challenges.
Whether underwater kingdoms, flying islands, or mysterious jungles full of prehistoric creatures – Paul had to adapt to each environment, solve problems, and build relationships with the inhabitants of these lands. Despite all the dangers and surprises, Paul could always count on the support of newly met friends and his own wit and courage. His adventures were not just a thrilling escapade into the unknown but also an instructive tale about friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
For many Poles growing up in the 1990s, Paul's Fantastic World became a symbol of a carefree childhood, full of dreams and endless possibilities. The anime reminded them that the world is filled with amazing places and adventures waiting to be discovered.
English Title: Yatterman
Romaji Title: Yattāman
Kanji Title: ヤッターマン
Creator: Tatsuo Yoshida
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1977 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Brief Plot Summary: Brave heroes, Gan and Ai, also known as Yatterman, face off against a daring trio of villains. Driven by greed, these antagonists incessantly try to claim treasures for themselves. Despite the menacing nature of the antagonists, the series maintains a comedic tone, often delving into absurd humor.
Yatterman gained popularity due to its unique blend of action, humor, and distinctive characters. Upon its broadcast in Poland on Polonia 1, it captured the hearts of many young viewers, offering both thrilling fight scenes and hilarious comedic situations.
Distinctive features of the series include the heroic duo's reliable battle machines and gadgets, as well as the comical and exaggerated behaviors of the antagonists. The series, filled with action and adventures, never forgot about humor, making it a top choice for both younger and older audiences.
English Title: Brave Leader Daimos
Romaji Title: Tōshō Daimos
Kanji Title: 闘将ダイモス
Creator: Tadao Nagahama
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1978 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Sunrise
Brief Plot Summary: Earth faces a new threat as the Baam race, led by King Richter, decides to colonize our planet. At the heart of these conflicts is the powerful robot, Daimos, piloted by the young and courageous Kazuya Ryūzaki.
What sets Brave Leader Daimos apart from other mecha productions of this period is its central romance between Kazuya and Erika, a representative of the Baam race. This love story questions the concepts of enmity and mistrust. Can true love endure in the midst of war? The character of Daimos, with its versatile arsenal and fighting capabilities, became an icon of the genre.
However, the intricate human relationships, moral dilemmas, and unexpected plot twists ensured the series' wide acclaim among viewers. Its emotional depth, combined with dynamic action, made each episode memorable. During its broadcast in Poland on Polonia 1, Brave Leader Daimos won the hearts of many young fans.
English Title: Hela Supergirl
Romaji Title: Sarutobi Ecchan
Kanji Title: さるとびエッちゃん
Creator: Shōtarō Ishinomori
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1971 - 1972
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Brief Plot Summary: Although Hela is small, her bravery and determination surpass her size. Raised in a ninja environment, she possesses skills that frequently come in handy in her daily life. School life is not easy for Hela, but with her ninja skills, she often manages to overcome the challenges she encounters.
Using her abilities, she not only helps herself but also defends the weaker ones and those in need. However, Hela isn't just a warrior; her everyday life is about fun, making new friends, and finding her place in the world. She learns that real strength comes not from combat abilities but from the heart and spirit.
The anime "Hela Supergirl" became a favorite among young viewers in Poland during its airing on Polonia 1, offering fun adventures and conveying values like bravery, friendship, and self-trust.
English Title: Flower Angel
Romaji Title: Hana no Ko Lunlun
Kanji Title: 花の子ルンルン
Creators: Shiro Jinbo, Toei Animation
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1979 - 1980
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Brief Plot Summary: Lunlun, a young and vivacious girl, is given an essential task: to find a magical flower that is the key to saving the Flower Kingdom from a looming curse. Her journey is not easy.
As she traverses different parts of the world, she faces numerous challenges. However, with the help of her loyal dog, a mysterious bird, and her indomitable spirit, she is determined to find the flower. Each country and city she visits brings a new adventure and new friends who join her in her mission. It's not just a story about finding a flower but also about friendship, courage, and determination.
"Flower Angel" captivated both young and older viewers, offering an emotionally-rich plot and colorful animation. Lunlun, with her unwavering optimism and belief in good, became an inspiration for many, reminding that even in hard times, it's essential to maintain hope and believe in oneself.
English Name: Captain Hawk (originally: Captain Tsubasa)
Romaji Name: Captain Tsubasa
Kanji Name: キャプテン翼
Creator: Yōichi Takahashi
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1983 - 1986
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tsuchida Production
Brief Plot Description: The series tells the story of the aspirations and experiences of young soccer player Tsubasa Ōzora and his friends, from playing in school soccer teams to a professional soccer career.
Tsubasa Ōzora, known in Poland as Captain Hawk, is a young boy with a passion for soccer that becomes the focal point of his life. Supported since childhood by his family and his mentor Roberto, Tsubasa dedicates every free moment to perfect his skills on the field. His exceptional talent quickly gets noticed, leading him to participate in the most important school soccer championships.
But "Captain Hawk" is not just a story about soccer. It's a tale of friendship, rivalry, passion, tough choices, and sacrifice. Through sport, young heroes learn important life lessons, understanding team values and the significance of hard work. Alongside friends like Kojirō Hyūga and Taro Misaki, Tsubasa experiences both triumphs and defeats. Regardless of the outcome of each match, his love for soccer remains unwavering, inspiring viewers to pursue their dreams and achieve them.
In Poland, "Captain Hawk" won the hearts of many young viewers, becoming an inspiration and motivation for them not only in sports but also in everyday life.
English Name: The Legend of Snow White
Romaji Name: Shirayuki-hime no Densetsu
Kanji Name: 白雪姫の伝説
Creator: The Brothers Grimm (based on their fairy tale)
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1994-1995
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Brief Plot Description: An adaptation of the classic fairy tale about Snow White, whom the wicked stepmother wants to kill out of jealousy for her beauty. After many twists and turns, Snow White finds refuge with seven dwarfs.
The classic tale of Snow White comes to life in this Japanese anime adaptation. The story begins when the evil queen, jealous of Snow White's innocent beauty, decides to get rid of her. After a failed attempt to murder her by a huntsman, Snow White flees to the forest where she discovers the home of seven dwarfs.
The dwarfs welcome her, offering shelter and companionship. In this new environment, Snow White finds a true family and friends who are ready to defend her from all evil. But the evil queen doesn't give up and repeatedly tries to harm Snow White using black magic and deceit.
The anime adds many new elements and characters to the classic story while retaining the spirit of the original fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. As a result, "The Legend of Snow White" is both nostalgic and fresh, appealing to both younger and older viewers. In Poland, the series gained significant recognition, becoming one of the favorite children's programs of the 90s.
English Name: Yattodetaman
Romaji Name: Yattodetaman
Kanji Name: ヤットデタマン
Creator: Hiroshi Sasagawa
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1981 - 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Brief Plot Description: Beppe Tomorrow and Tiny Yesterday work as the indispensable right hands of detective Arsenio Magret. However, their peaceful life in the town is disrupted when a mysterious princess named Sunday arrives from the year 2980, accompanied by a giant robot named Robot.
She reveals that Beppe and Tiny are the founders of her family in the future. The princess asks them to help find the Cosmic Peacock - a legendary bird that symbolizes power and is the key to the throne in the Kingdom of the Calendar. But they are not the only ones searching for this creature.
Sunday's enemy, the ominous Prince Black Friday and his followers, also seek the bird to seize power for themselves. As the story progresses, our four heroes will have to face not only threats from Prince Black Friday and his followers but also solve various mysteries and go through many dangers to ultimately retrieve the Cosmic Peacock and save the Kingdom of the Calendar.
"In the Kingdom of the Calendar" is an action-packed tale of good versus evil, where traditional fairy tale motifs blend with science fiction elements to create unforgettable experiences for both young and older viewers.
English Name: Dash Kappei
Romaji Name: Dashu Kappei
Kanji Name: ダッシュ勝平
Creator: Noboru Rokuda
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1981 - 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Short plot description: Gigi is a spirited, passionate young man who, despite his short stature, dreams of a big sports career. When he decides to join the basketball team, many people doubt his abilities.
However, thanks to his determination, amazing skills, and unique playing style, he quickly gains recognition and becomes a key player on his team. His adventures don't end with basketball. Gigi, always in search of new challenges, tries his hand in various sports disciplines, such as swimming or table tennis, surprising everyone with his talent and unconventional approach.
In the background of these sports struggles, there's also a love story. Gigi is deeply in love with Anna, a classmate. He experiences many ups and downs, trying to win her heart and show that despite his distinctive, sometimes comedic behavior, he can be a serious and responsible partner. "Gigi" is not just a story about sports and competition but also a tale of growing up, first love, and pursuing one's dreams despite adversity.
English Name: Lucy of the Southern Rainbow
Romaji Name: Minami no Niji no Lucy
Kanji Name: 南の虹のルーシー
Creator: Phyllis Piddington
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1982
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation
Short plot description: Lucy is a young girl who, together with her siblings and father, decides to move from cold England to sunny Australia in search of a better life. The new continent is full of unknown challenges, but it's also filled with incredible adventures and unforgettable moments.
In Australia, the family faces challenges related to building a home, adapting to a new place, and the absence of their mother, who died a few years earlier. Lucy, being the oldest sibling, often takes on motherly duties, caring for the younger ones and helping her father with daily tasks.
Throughout her adventures, Lucy meets new friends, discovers the beauty of Australia's wild nature, and learns what it means to be strong and independent. At the same time, she grapples with homesickness for England, nostalgia for past times, and faces challenges related to growing up in a new country. "Lucy May" is a touching tale of growing up, friendship, family ties, and the strength of character in the face of adversity.
English Name: Ganbare, Kickers!
Romaji Name: Ganbare, Kikkāzu!
Kanji Name: がんばれ!キッカーズ
Creator: Noriaki Nagai
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1986-1987
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Short plot description: Young Daichi Kakeru has always dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However, the path to fulfilling this dream is not easy. When a new coach comes to his school, Kakeru gets the chance to create his own soccer team, which he names "Kickers."
With a group of enthusiastic classmates, each with individual talents and weaknesses, they begin to compete against other teams in local matches. During training and games, the Kickers team not only learns soccer techniques but also values such as friendship, determination, teamwork, and honor.
Although initially underestimated by others, their perseverance, passion for the game, and strong bonds between team members garner them more and more supporters. "Ganbare, Kickers!" is an inspiring story about determination, goal-setting, and the power of a team. It shows that even in the face of adversity, with the right dose of passion and the support of friends, success can be achieved.
English name: Magic Tickle
Romaji name: Majokko chikkuru
Kanji name: 魔女っ子チックル
Creator: Gō Nagai
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1978 - 1979
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s Studio: Toei Animation
Short plot description: "Magic Tickle" is a Japanese anime series that tells the story of a young witch named Tickle. After being punished for her mischief by being locked inside a book, she is freed by a young girl named Chiiko (known as Tiko in the Polish version). Tickle introduces herself as a witch who was imprisoned in a book for her pranks and was later released by Chiiko.
The two girls, although different in origin and abilities, start living together, attending the same school, and sharing everyday life. Their days are filled with various adventures, often a direct result of Tickle's magic and spells.
The anime focuses on humorous situations stemming from Tickle's innocent but often impulsive spells and the relationship between the two main characters. Throughout their adventures, the girls learn about values like friendship, responsibility, and trust.
English Title: Jungle Book Shonen Mowgli
Romaji Name: Janguru Bukku Shōnen Moguri
Kanji Name: ジャングルブック 少年モーグリ
Creator: Rudyard Kipling (based on his book)
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1989-1990
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation
Short Plot Description: Mowgli is a young boy found and adopted by wolves in the heart of the Indian jungle as an infant. Raised by a wolf family, he learns the laws of the jungle under the guidance of the wise and stern Bagheera, a black panther, and the benevolent bear named Baloo.
Mowgli earns the respect and friendship of many jungle animals but also faces several dangers, including the sinister Kaa the cobra, the wild Dhole dogs, and the man-hating tiger, Shere Khan.
Mowgli's adventures portray his path to adulthood, attempts to understand himself, and his place in both the world of men and animals. Although the jungle is full of perils, it also upholds values such as friendship, honor, and bravery. The "Jungle Book" anime offers a fresh take on Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, showcasing the adventures of Mowgli and his friends in a vibrant and thrilling manner.
English Title: Attacker YOU!
Romaji Name: Atakkā yū
Kanji Name: アタッカーYOU!
Creators: Jun Makimury, Shizuo Koizumi
Broadcast (Japan, worldwide): 1984 - 1985
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Kōdansha
Short Plot Description: You Hazuki is an energetic and determined girl with one major dream: to become the best volleyball player and represent Japan in the Olympics. Her path to realizing this dream is not easy.
She moved to Tokyo to join a prestigious volleyball club and train under renowned coaches. In Tokyo, she meets various individuals that influence her life both positively and negatively. Her most significant rival and also a friend is Nami Hayase, with whom she often competes on and off the court.
You also falls in love with her coach, Shinichiro Oka, adding another layer to her life and aspirations. "Angels' Duel" is a tension-filled tale of passion, rivalry, friendship, and love in the world of sports. With the support of her friends, You has to endure rigorous training, overcome her fears, and defeat her opponents to achieve her dream.
English Name: Mako the Mermaid
Romaji Name: Mahō no Mako-chan
Kanji Name: 魔法のマコちゃん
Creator: Akio Chiba (based on the manga)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1970-1971
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot Synopsis: Young and curious mermaid, Mako Urashima, dreamt of the human world. One day, she saves a boy's life and falls in love with him. To be close to her love and experience life as a human, Mako decides to leave her royal underwater home, leading to a myriad of adventures, challenges, and dilemmas.
With the ability to transform into a human on land and a mermaid in water, Mako tries to adapt to human life while yearning for her oceanic home. Along her journey, she meets various characters teaching her about human values, friendship, love, but also betrayal and loneliness.
"Mako the Mermaid" is a touching tale of love, identity discovery, and the pursuit of dreams at great personal sacrifice.
English Name: Trapp Family Story
Romaji Name: Torappu Ikka Monogatari
Kanji Name: トラップ一家物語
Creator: Maria von Trapp (based on her memoirs)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1991
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Nippon Animation
Plot Synopsis: The "Trapp Family Story" anime chronicles the life of Maria, a young woman who becomes a governess for the seven children of Captain von Trapp in pre-war Austria.
Over time, Maria falls in love with the captain, and the Trapp family becomes inseparable. Music plays a significant role in their lives, uniting them and expressing themselves. As Nazi Germany annexes Austria, the Trapp family faces the challenging decision: stay and risk persecution or leave their beloved homeland seeking sanctuary.
The series is laden with emotions, music, and adventure, highlighting the hardships of living in uncertain times, but also the strength of love, family, and music in facing adversities.
English Name: The Secret Garden
Romaji Name: Himitsu no Hanazono
Kanji Name: 秘密の花園
Creator: Frances Hodgson Burnett (based on her novel)
Broadcast (Japan/world): 1991-1992
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot Synopsis: Following the tragic deaths of her parents in India, young Mary Lennox is sent to England to live in her uncle, Archibald Craven's vast mansion. The immense and desolate house initially overwhelms her.
During one of her walks, Mary stumbles upon a mysterious garden locked away for years. This hidden gem becomes her escape from reality, a place teeming with magic and secrets.
Soon, Mary befriends local children: Dickon and his sister Martha. Her sickly cousin, Colin, joins them, and with the mysterious garden and newfound friendship, he slowly regains his health. Together, they experience nature's transformative power, bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy to their lives.
English Name: Il fichissimo del Baseball (Italian, no English version)
Romaji Name: Ippatsu Kanta-kun
Kanji Name: 一発貫太くん
Creator: Tatsuo Yoshida
Airing (Japan, World): 1977
Airing (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Tatsunoko Production
Short plot description:
Kanta Tobase (Japanese: 戸馳貫太) lives in the downtown with his mother, seven brothers and sisters, and the house dog. He is very enthusiastic about baseball. However, his mother never allows her children to even talk about baseball, not to speak of playing it since she believes that her husband died accidentally on account of baseball.
As for Kanta, however, he continues play baseball secretly from early morning. One day he is asked by his friend to play as a substitute on a team. As Kanta completes a big play, he sees his mother standing there with a grim look. She tells Kanta not to play baseball ever again.
But Kanta does not give up. As usual, he goes out to the field early next morning for practice. When his mother who is moved by Kanta's eagerness she decides to help Kanta and even proposes to organize a baseball team of their own.
Name: The Magnificent Zorro
Romaji Name: Kaiketsu Zorori
Kanji Name: 快傑ゾロ
Creator: Johnston McCulley (original creator of the Zorro character)
Broadcast (Japan, world): 1994
Broadcast (Polonia 1): 1990s
Studio: Ashi Productions, Mondo TV
Short Plot Description: Diego Vega, a young aristocrat, returns to his hometown of Los Angeles after studying in Spain. He finds his beloved city plagued by tyranny and injustice. Residents live in fear, and the poor are oppressed by local rulers.
Diego realizes he needs to act, but understands that an open fight against the oppressors would be unwise. Inspired to help the weak, Diego dons a mask and becomes Zorro - a mysterious avenger who fights injustice and defends the helpless at night. His bravery, fencing skills, and unyielding character make him a legend among the inhabitants of Los Angeles.
By day, he's a timid, clumsy aristocrat, but by night, he becomes a symbol of hope for those facing adversity. "Zorro" is an action-packed, romantic, adventurous story depicting the eternal battle between good and evil. The anime captures the spirit of the original Zorro character created by Johnston McCulley, adding new twists and characters that make the tale even more thrilling.
In the 1990s, Polonia 1 laid the groundwork, educating a new generation about what anime is. It did so using anime from the 70s and 80s, thus providing a history lesson. This provided a foundation for the further development of the anime fan scene. Would it exist without Polonia 1? Definitely, as anime is a powerful force in global entertainment and would undoubtedly have reached Poland. But would it look the same? Definitely not. Raising the first Polish “anime generation” on these series from the 70s and 80s that aired on Polonia 1 gave it a unique shape and direction. So when the Internet came along, opening the door to modern Japanese anime, we were already somewhat shaped as fans.
But let's reflect: were those series from Polonia 1 really as good as we remember them? Were they truly "masterpieces," or just "cartoon fast food" that simply tasted good to a young generation hungry for animated entertainment? We might be looking back through rose-colored glasses of nostalgia, overlooking naive plots, exaggerated characters, and animation that doesn't meet today's standards. After all, who hasn't revisited a favorite childhood series and thought, "Wow, I really loved this?" Sure, there were gems, and the world wasn't always black and white. Some of these anime tackled mature themes.
Nostalgia is beautiful yet deceiving. I can't and won't attempt to objectively evaluate the worth of these series. Perhaps we were simply young, innocent, and ready to fall in love with any animation on our TV screens. That's not the point, though. Memories are priceless, and the laughter evoked by reminiscing about those times is proof that it was worth it. Humming in Italian:
"Yattaman, Yattaman, al gran filone d'oro,
Yattaman, Yattaman, buona guardia fa, Yattaman,
Yattaman, divertente ma severo.
Coraggioso il battagliero Yattaman”.
A connoisseur of Asian culture with a deep-seated appreciation for various philosophies of the world. By education, psychologist and Korean philologist. By heart, an Android developer and an ardent tech aficionado. In tranquil moments, he champions a disciplined way of life, firmly believing that steadfastness, perpetual self-enhancement, and a dedication to one's passions is a sensible path for life.
Personnal Motto:
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (possibly)
Contact Us...
Ciechanow, Poland
dr.imyon@gmail.com
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