Tekkaman Blade

Tekkaman Blade (宇宙の騎士テッカマンブレード) is a Japanese anime series that aired from 1992 to 1993. It is a reimagining of the 1975 series Tekkaman: The Space Knight, with a darker and more mature narrative. The series is set in the year 2087, where Earth is facing an invasion by the Radam, a parasitic alien race composed of grotesque insect-like creatures and armored warriors known as Tekkamen. The Radam’s spaceship lies dormant on the dark side of the Moon, awaiting repairs before initiating their conquest of Earth.

The story follows Takaya Aiba, a young man who becomes the titular Tekkaman Blade. His family encounters the Radam during a deep-space mission, leading to their capture and transformation into Tekkamen. Takaya’s father manages to free him before he is fully transformed, and Takaya escapes to Earth. Upon arriving, Takaya joins the Space Knights, an elite defense force, to fight against the Radam invasion. As the story unfolds, Takaya battles other Tekkamen, faces internal struggles, and uncovers the tragic fate of his family.

The series explores themes of identity, loss, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. It is known for its deep emotional drama, complex characters, and intricate plot. The design of the characters, particularly the Tekkamen, is influenced by Masami Obari’s unique style, which brings a mechanical and angular aesthetic that distinguishes it from the original series. Tekkaman Blade left a lasting impact on the mecha genre, inspiring video games, model kits, and figures, and was followed by a six-episode OVA, Tekkaman Blade II, which takes place ten years after the original series.