On the Olympus of Absurdity and Mild Lewdness

If an Olympus of absurd and colorful anime series existed, "Yattaman" would undoubtedly hold an honorable place there. This absurd mix of superheroes, robots, elaborate tortures, and sometimes heavily exaggerated yet brilliant ideas amused, intrigued, and sometimes even disoriented its viewers over the years. "Yattaman" is not just another title in the library of Japanese animation; it's more a relic of times when the boundaries of imagination in anime seemed limitless, and the creators' creativity tested the boundaries of reality. And the boundaries of the audience.

 

Starting with the scantily clad Miss Dronio in the opening, through the sometimes quite brutal and grotesque tortures of the three main characters (yes, I consider the Doronbo gang as the main characters of the series), to lines that in modern times would not pass TV censorship. Let's remind ourselves of a few lines from Yattaman to better navigate the rest of the article in this quite twisted world:

 

Dronio: I've had enough of this life. Every time we meet Yattaman, we get beaten up, everyone watches me undressed. I've wasted my youth. I can't stand it any longer.

 

Dokurobei: Fools! You've failed again! Dronio: This time it's not our fault. The information was inaccurate. There was no stone there. Dokurobei: I cannot disappoint the viewers who are waiting to see you punished.

 

Tonzler: From here, you can only see the sea water and the heavenly air. Boyakki: How lucky! Just think, what if we saw the sea air and heavenly water.

 

Dronio: If you like me so much, we can get married. Boyakki: I won't ruin my life for temporary pleasure.

 

 

The History of the Time Bokan Series and Yattaman

The "Time Bokan" series was created by the Japanese animation studio Tatsunoko Production, known for creating innovative and influential anime series. "Time Bokan," launched in 1975, quickly became popular thanks to its unique blend of humor, action, and time travel. The series consists of several separate titles, including "Yattaman" (1977), "Zendaman" (1979), "Time Patrol-Tai Otasukeman" (1980), as well as later continuations and spin-offs. Each of these series, although different in terms of characters and plot, followed the main theme of time travel and the fight of good against evil, which became the hallmark of "Time Bokan."

 

"Yattaman," the second series within the "Time Bokan" franchise (the first one from 1975 was simply called "Time Bokan"), premiered in 1977. It was created by Hiroshi Sasagawa, one of the leading creators at Tatsunoko Production, who was responsible for many other well-known anime series (e.g., "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman," "Speed Racer," and "Polymar"). Sasagawa, known for his skill in combining humor with dynamic action, gave "Yattaman" its characteristic, slightly absurd tone, which attracted viewers of various generations.

 

Tatsunoko Production, founded in 1962 by brothers Tatsuo and Kenji Yoshida, played a key role in shaping the history of anime, and "Yattaman" became one of their flagship titles, cementing their reputation as innovators in the field of animation. In the context of the late 1970s, when "Yattaman" was released, it was a period when Japanese animation began to gain international popularity, and the series significantly contributed to this trend.

 

 

Naming

The word "Yattaman" in the anime series has its roots in a Japanese play on words. "Yatta" in Japanese means "Did it!" or "Done!", an expression often used to express joy in achieving success. The suffix "-man" is a typical addition in Japanese superhero names, comparable to the English "man" in names like "Superman" or "Spider-Man." In the context of "Yattaman," this name conveys the series' characteristic humor and joyful tone, combining heroism with lightness and fun.

 

"Time Bokan" is the name of the series to which "Yattaman" belongs. "Time" refers to time, which is crucial, considering that time travel is an important theme in the entire "Time Bokan" series. "Bokan" is a distortion of the word "bakuhan," which loosely translates to "time explosion." Together, "Time Bokan" can be interpreted as "explosions in time," perfectly reflecting the dynamic and adventurous character of the series.

 

The character names in "Yattaman" also have their meanings. The main heroes, Gan-chan (Yattaman-1) and Ai-chan (Yattaman-2), have typical Japanese names. "Gan" can mean "hard" or "durable," fitting his role as a hero, while "Ai" means "love," which may refer to her kindness and goodness. The antagonists, known as the Doronbo trio, consist of Doronjo, Boyacky, and Tonzura. "Doronjo" sounds similar to the Japanese word "doron," which is an onomatopoeia for disappearing or escaping, fitting her character as a cunning villain. Boyacky and Tonzura have less obvious meanings, but their names add a comedic character to their personas, reflecting the light and humorous tone of the series.

 

The sadistic Dokurobei, on the other hand, is a mysterious and enigmatic leader, whose name combines "dokuro," meaning "skull," with the suffix "bei," which may indicate his position as a leader. This name emphasizes his dark, mysterious character and dominant role in directing the Doronbo group.

 

 

Yattaman: Plot Description

The "Yattaman" series takes viewers into a colorful world full of humor, absurdities, and adventures. The plot focuses on the battle between a well-organized group of superheroes, known as Yattaman, and a chaotic team of villains called Doronbo, whose mission is to acquire powerful artifacts, the so-called Skull Stones. Each episode of the series brings new challenges, in which Yattaman must thwart the malicious plans of the Doronbo group, while maintaining the lightness and humor characteristic of the series.

The main heroes of "Yattaman" are two young, energetic superheroes: Gan-chan (Yattaman-1) and Ai-chan (Yattaman-2). Gan-chan is brave, full of enthusiasm, and always ready to act, making him the natural leader of the duo. Ai-chan, on the other hand, brings intelligence, cunning, and empathy to the team. Together, they form a cohesive team, in which the combination of strength and cunning allows them to overcome obstacles posed by Doronbo.

 

An important role in the series is also played by the character of Dokurobei, the mysterious leader of the Doronbo group. He regularly provides the villains with new, often absurd inventions and gadgets, designed to assist them in their nefarious plans. Although these inventions rarely work as they should, they add an element of surprise and humorous unpredictability to the series.

 

A unique element of "Yattaman" is their impressive defensive mechanisms – huge robots known as Yatta Vehicles. Each of these robots has unique abilities and is essential in the fight against the Doronbo group. These battles are often dynamic and full of special effects, adding an element of spectacle and visual richness to the series. In this way, "Yattaman" combines traditional superhero elements with innovation and creativity, attracting and continuing to attract viewers of various generations.

 

 

Repetitiveness, Like Clockwork

"Yattaman" is unique in its repetitiveness, and in contemporary times, this might not have been possible. Namely, each episode happens according to a strictly defined pattern and almost never deviates from it. The pattern goes like this...

 

The episode starts with a new scam by the Doronbo group, aiming to acquire money or other resources. Then the mysterious Dokurobei appears, issuing them an order and delivering the latest invention to help in acquiring the next Skull Stone. The Doronbo group then constructs a robot to assist in their mission. Meanwhile, the Yattaman go on a pursuit, leading to a series of events at the location where the artifact is hidden. Eventually, it leads to a clash between the villains' robot and the Yattaman's robot, which always ends in the heroes' victory and a comedic punishment for the Doronbo group, often in the form of humorous humiliation or exaggerated physical punishment (often the most anticipated part).

 

This repetitive structure creates a rhythmic and predictable pattern, which is one of the series' distinctive features. Is it bad? It could be bad and boring. But in the case of Yattaman, it worked perfectly.

 

 

The Trio of Villains: Icons of the Series

Characteristics of the Doronbo Characters

The trio of villains from the Doronbo group, consisting of Doronjo, Boyacky, and Tonzura, is a key element of the "Yattaman" series. Doronjo, with her cunning charm and wit, is the group's leader. Boyacky, the inventor and technical genius, is responsible for creating various devices that often fail at crucial moments. Tonzura, the group's workforce, is characterized by his naivety and simplicity. Together, they form a team that, despite their evil intentions, constantly falls into funny and absurd situations, symbolizing the comedic side of the series.

 

Evolution and Development of the Characters

Throughout the series, the Doronbo characters undergo subtle evolution. Initially portrayed as typical villains, over time they gain more depth and nuance, becoming more three-dimensional characters. Their failed attempts to obtain the Skull Stones and their endless failures make viewers see more in them than just opponents for the Yattamans. Their mutual relationships, personal dilemmas, and humorous failures add warmth and a human dimension to the series, which is incredibly attractive.

 

Why Doronbo Became Fan Favorites

A surprising but significant change in the series' perception is how the Doronbo trio became fan favorites. Their constant failures, often resulting from naivety or unlucky circumstances, make them more human and sympathetic than the traditionally infallible "good" heroes. Viewers can easily identify with their human weaknesses and mistakes. Additionally, the humor and creativity with which their misadventures are presented make them not just evil characters but primarily funny and colorful, contributing to their immense popularity.

 

 

Yattaman in Poland: Broadcast on Polonia 1

The broadcast of "Yattaman" in Poland began in the 1990s on Polonia 1, one of the country's first private television channels, offering an alternative to state television programs. At that time, Polonia 1 was a pioneer in introducing foreign animated series, including Japanese anime (another matter is that they were already over 20-year-old anime from the 70s, whose licensing fee was low), to the Polish television offering. "Yattaman," with its colorful aesthetics, humorous approach to adventures, and unique style, quickly gained popularity among young viewers, being one of the first encounters of the Polish audience with anime culture.

 

The unconventional plot of Yattaman, full of humor and unexpected twists and turns, made it a favorite among many young viewers. Characters from "Yattaman," especially the comical group of villains Doronbo, became iconic figures, and their adventures were widely commented on and imitated in schoolyards.

 

The broadcast of "Yattaman" on Polonia 1 played a significant role in shaping the perception of anime in Poland. For many viewers, it was their first contact with Japanese animation, which paved the way for interest in other anime series and manga. "Yattaman" contributed to building an anime fan base in Poland, inspiring subsequent generations to explore Japanese pop culture and opening the market for further anime imports.

 

The impact of "Yattaman" on Polish popular culture is enduring. The series not only introduced viewers to the world of anime but also became part of the nostalgia for the generation growing up in the 1990s. Its influence is visible in today's discussions about retro television, anime fan meetings, and online communities, where people still share memories and feelings of nostalgia for this iconic series. "Yattaman" remains a symbol of the era and an important part of the Polish media landscape of those years.

 

 

 

New Incarnations of the Series

The contemporary incarnation of "Yatterman" includes several significant productions that have refreshed the series for new generations. The most notable among these is the 2009 movie "Yatterman," directed by Takashi Miike. This film, a blend of live-action and special effects, brings a fresh perspective to the classic characters and themes of the series while maintaining its characteristic humor and style. Besides the film, "Yatterman" also returned in the form of new animated series, such as "Yatterman Night" (Yoru no Yatterman) from 2015, which tells the story from a completely new perspective, focusing on the descendants of the original series' antagonists, marking an interesting twist in the classic narrative.

 

In addition to television and film productions, "Yatterman" has also expanded its presence through manga and various forms of merchandising. The series has seen its own manga adaptations, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Yatterman in a new way. The toy and collectible figures market has also been enriched with "Yatterman" related products, including models of Yatta Vehicles and character figurines. These additional franchise elements not only maintain the interest of older fans but also attract a younger generation by introducing them to classic characters and themes in a modern rendition. Merchandising, playing a key role in maintaining the series' popularity, is an important aspect of "Yatterman's" contemporary legacy.

 

 

A Place for Yatterman in the 21st Century?

A series that was once the domain of television cartoons, today lives in memes, tweets, and forum posts. The sort of renaissance of "Yatterman" can be seen in nostalgic references to the series that appear on various online platforms, where adult fans share childhood memories (and I can timidly mention this article as well). Characters from the series, especially the Doronbo trio with their comic blunders, have become the subject of numerous jokes and memes, testifying that "Yatterman" still has something to offer to new generations of viewers.

 

While "Yatterman" is often viewed through the lens of nostalgia, its impact goes beyond mere longing for the past. The series, with its mix of humor, action, and unusual adventures, shows that there is no room for boredom in the world of anime. Even today, in an era of complex plots and advanced graphics, the simplicity and fun of "Yatterman" remind us that sometimes less is more. In this way, "Yatterman" not only maintains its place in the history of anime but also proves that classic series can still entertain and delight, even if they have aged a bit. Will we see more incarnations of "Yatterman" in the future? Time will tell, but one thing is certain – its place in the hearts of fans is secure (as long as we don't die out, which seems increasingly less distant as time goes by).