Tiger & Bunny

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 and MBS, and ended on September 17, 2011.^[1] Viz Media are also simulcasting the series, streaming on Hulu and Anime News Network.^[2] It is set in a futuristic city where heroes fight crime whilst promoting real life sponsors, focusing on two superheroes, the old-fashioned Kotetsu T. "Wild Tiger" Kaburagi and the rookie hero Barnaby "Bunny" Brooks Jr., as they 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^[3] and the production of two films based on the series were announced during a special event on November, 2011. The first film, entitled Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning was released on September 22, 2012. The second film, Tiger & Bunny: The Rising, was released on February 8, 2014.^[4]

Plot

The series takes place in "NC 1978" in a fictional, re-imagined version of New York City called Stern Bild City, where 45 years before, superpowered individuals known as "NEXT" (an acronym standing for Noted Entities with eXtraordinary Talents) 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 saving 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 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.

Media

Anime

The anime by Sunrise aired in Japan between April 3, 2011 and September 17, 2011. It was also simulcast 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 Kazé distributed through Manga Entertainment in the United Kingdom. For the first thirteen episodes, the opening theme is "Orion wo Nazoru" (オリオンをなぞる, "Trace of Orion") by Unison Square Garden while the ending theme is "Hoshi no Sumika" (星のすみか, "A Star's Dwelling") by Aobouzu. For episodes fourteen onwards, the opening theme is "Missing Link" by Novels while the ending theme is "Mind Game" by Tamaki.

The series began broadcasting in the United States and Canada on Viz Media's online network, Neon Alley, on October 2, 2012.

Films

The production of two films based on the series was announced during a special event on November 13, 2011. The first film, titled Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning was released in Japan on September 22, 2012, also receiving screenings in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries, and was released on Blu-ray-Disc and DVD on February 22, 2013.^[5][6][7] The first half of the film recaps the first few episodes whilst also introducing a new story. A second film, Tiger & Bunny: The Rising, is an entirely new work which was released on February 8, 2014.^[8] The second movie also takes place about a year after the anime finale, so sometime around the epilogue, with Kotetsu's identity now public, and Tiger & Bunny return to their team dynamic.

Manga

A one-shot manga drawn by Masakazu Katsura was released in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine on August 4, 2011,^[3] followed by a serialized manga series drawn by Hiroshi Ueda which began serialization in Miracle Jump magazine on October 2011.^[9] The manga, along with a 4-Panel Comic Anthology by various artists, has been licensed in North America by Viz Media and was released in 2013.^[10]

Video games

A video game titled Tiger & Bunny On Air Jack! (TIGER&BUNNY オンエアジャック！, Taigā Ando Banī On Ea Jyakku!) was developed by Namco Bandai Games for the PlayStation Portable for release on September 20, 2012. The game was announced by Sunrise producer Masayuki Ozaki on July 31, 2011.^[11][12] A second game, Tiger & Bunny Heroes Day (TIGER&BUNNY～ヒーローズ デイ～, Taigā Ando Banī ~Hīrōzu Dei~), was released by D3 Publisher for PSP in March 20, 2013.^[13]

Stage play

A stage play titled Tiger & Bunny the Live ran at Tokyo's Zepp Diver City theater from August 24 to September 1, 2012 featuring the voice actors for main characters Kotetsu T. Kaburagi and Barnaby Brooks Jr. reprising their roles. It also featured two new characters, Brian Vai and Babel.^[14]

Live-action film

On October 9, 2015, Sunrise announced at their New York Comic Con panel that a live-action Hollywood film adaptation of Tiger & Bunny is in the works.^[15] The film will be produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer through their production company Imagine Entertainment, along with series producer Masayuki Ozaki from Bandai Namco Pictures and Sanford Climan and Annmarie Bailey through All Nippon Entertainment Works. Imagine's Erica Huggins will oversee the project.

Marketing

In-show advertising

Each of the heroes in the series is sponsored by fictional and non fictional companies. These include large brands such as Pepsi and Bandai, others are Amazon.com.jp, SoftBank, UStream and Domino's Pizza.^[16] None of the company logos are visible in the manga adaptation.

Toys

In September 2011, Bandai's Tamashii Nations division released a series of figures under their S.H. Figuarts line. The first of these was a Wild Tiger action figure.^[17] The figure was an instant success, with most Japanese retailers/dealers being caught off guard and the figure selling out quickly. Next up was the Barnaby Brooks Jr. (aka Bunny) action figure, and figures of Rock Bison and Sky High soon followed. Every release in the line has sold out just as quickly as Wild Tiger did, to the point where they had to produce additional runs to keep up with the demand. All of the figures feature diecast metal parts and sponsor logos printed on the armor, such as Softbank & Amazon.jp.^[18]

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".^[19] 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.^[20]

Tiger & Bunny: The Rising grossed ¥130 million in its opening weekend.^[21]

References

External links

• Official website
• Official stage play website
• Official Tiger & Bunny on Air Jack! website
• MBS official website
• Hulu's Streaming Site
• Tiger & Bunny (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Tiger & Bunny – The Beginning (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Tiger & Bunny – The Rising (film) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

Sunrise
1970s	Chief Joker (1972–1973) Hazedon (1972–1973) Zero Tester (1973–1974) La Seine no Hoshi (1975) Brave Raideen (1975–1976) Kum-Kum (1975–1976) Chōdenji Robo Combattler V (1976–1977) Dinosaur Expedition Born Free (1976–1977) Robot Child Beeton (1976–1977) Chōdenji Machine Voltes V (1977–1978) Invincible Super Man Zambot 3 (1977–1978) Majokko Tickle (1978–1979) Tōshō Daimos (1978–1979) Invincible Steel Man Daitarn 3 (1978–1979) Cyborg 009 (1979–1980) Mobile Suit Gundam (1979–1980) The Ultraman (1979–1980) Scientific Adventure Team Tansar 5 (1979–1980)
1980s	Invincible Robo Trider G7 (1980–1981) Space Runaway Ideon (1980–1981) Strongest Robo Daiohja (1981–1982) Fang of the Sun Dougram (1981–1983) Combat Mecha Xabungle (1982–1983) Aura Battler Dunbine (1983–1984) Armored Trooper Votoms (1983–1984) Ginga Hyōryū Vifam (1983–1984) Heavy Metal L-Gaim (1984–1985) Giant Gorg (1984) Panzer World Galient (1984–1985) Choriki Robo Galatt (1984–1985) Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985–1986) Dirty Pair (1985) Blue Comet SPT Layzner (1985–1986) Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ (1986–1987) Metal Armor Dragonar (1987–1988) City Hunter (1987–1988) Mister Ajikko (1987–1989) Mashin Hero Wataru (1988–1989) Ronin Warriors (1988–1989) City Hunter 2 (1988–1989) Jushin Liger (1989–1990) Madō King Granzort (1989–1990) City Hunter 3 (1989–1990) Patlabor: The TV Series (1989–1990)
1990s	Brave Exkaiser (1990–1991) Mashin Hero Wataru 2 (1990–1991) The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird (1991–1992) Future GPX Cyber Formula (1991) City Hunter '91 (1991) Armored Police Metal Jack (1991) Matchless Raijin-Oh (1991–1992) Mama is a 4th Grader (1992) The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn (1992–1993) Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbaruger (1992–1993) The Brave Express Might Gaine (1993–1994) Nekketsu Saikyō Go-Saurer (1993–1994) Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (1993–1994) Shippū! Iron Leaguer (1993–1994) Brave Police J-Decker (1994–1995) Haō Taikei Ryū Knight (1994–1995) Mobile Fighter G Gundam (1994–1995) The Brave of Gold Goldran (1995–1996) Wild Knights Gulkeeva (1995) Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995–1996) Brave Command Dagwon (1996–1997) The Vision of Escaflowne (1996) After War Gundam X (1996) Ganbarist! Shun (1996–1997) Raideen the Superior (1996–1997) The King of Braves GaoGaiGar (1997–1998) Ultra Mashin Hero Wataru (1997–1998) Outlaw Star (1998) Ginga Hyōryū Vifam 13 (1998) Sentimental Journey (1998) Brain Powerd (1998) DT Eightron (1998) Gasaraki (1998–1999) Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999) Crest of the Stars (1999) Space Pirate Mito (1999) Aesop World (1999) Angel Links (1999) Betterman (1999) Turn A Gundam (1999–2000) Seraphim Call (1999) The Big O (1999–2000) Infinite Ryvius (1999–2000)
2000s	Mighty Cat Masked Niyandar (2000–2001) Banner of the Stars (2000) Dinozaurs: The Series (2000) Brigadoon: Marin & Melan (2000–2001) Argento Soma (2000–2001) Gear Fighter Dendoh (2000–2001) Inuyasha (2000–2004) Z.O.E. Dolores,i (2001) Banner of the Stars II (2001) s-CRY-ed (2001) Crush Gear Turbo (2001–2003) Witch Hunter Robin (2002) Overman King Gainer (2002–2003) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002–2003) The Big O II (2003) Machine Robo Rescue (2003–2004) Crush Gear Nitro (2003–2004) Tank Knights Fortress (2003–2004) Planetes (2003–2004) Superior Defender Gundam Force (2004) Kaiketsu Zorori (2004–2005) Sgt. Frog (2004–2011) My-HiME (2004–2005) Onmyō Taisenki (2004–2005) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (2004–2005) Yakitate!! Japan (2004–2006) Majime ni Fumajime Kaiketsu Zorori (2005–2007) GaoGaiGar Final -Grand Glorious Gathering- (2005) Cluster Edge (2005–2006) My-Otome (2005–2006) Zegapain (2006) Gin Tama (2006–2010) Intrigue in the Bakumatsu – Irohanihoheto (2006–2007) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006–2007) Kekkaishi (2006–2008) Dinosaur King (2007–2008) Idolmaster: Xenoglossia (2007) Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007–2008) Dinosaur King D-Kids Adventure: Pterosaur Legend (2008) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (2008) Battle Spirits: Shounen Toppa Bashin (2008–2009) Tales of the Abyss (2008–2009) Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season (2008–2009) The Girl Who Leapt Through Space (2009) Black God (2009) Battle Spirits: Shounen Gekiha Dan (2009–2010) Inuyasha: The Final Act (2009–2010) Hipira (2009)
2010s	SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors (2010–2011) Battle Spirits: Brave (2010–2011) Tiger & Bunny (2011) Gintama' (2011–2012) Sacred Seven (2011) Battle Spirits: Heroes (2011–2012) Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere (2011) Mobile Suit Gundam AGE (2011–2012) Phi Brain: Puzzle of God (2011–2014) Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012) Natsuiro Kiseki (2012) Accel World (2012) Good Luck Girl! (2012) Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere Season 2 (2012) Battle Spirits: Sword Eyes (2012–2013) Gintama': Enchousen (2012–2013) Aikatsu! (2012–2016) Love Live! (2013–2014) Valvrave the Liberator (2013) Battle Spirits: Saikyou Ginga Ultimate Zero (2013–2014) Gundam Build Fighters (2013–2014) Buddy Complex (2014) KERORO (2014) Mobile Suit Gundam-san (2014) Buddy Complex: The Final Chapter (2014) Tribe Cool Crew (2014–2015) Gundam Reconguista in G (2014–2015) Gundam Build Fighters Try (2014–2015) Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragons (2014–2015) Gintama° (2015–2016) Battle Spirits: Burning Souls (2015–2016) Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015–present) Brave Beats (2015–2016) Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096 (2016) Battle Spirits: Double Drive (2016–present) Aikatsu Stars! (2016–present) Love Live! Sunshine!! (2016) Heybot! (2016–present) Classicaloid (2016) Magic-kyun Renaissance (2016) Gin Tama (2017)
Films	Mobile Suit Gundam (1981) Mobile Suit Gundam: Soldiers of Sorrow (1981) Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space (1982) The Ideon: A Contact (1982) The Ideon: Be Invoked (1982) Crusher Joe (1983) Dougram: Documentary of the Fang of the Sun (1983) Choro-Q Dougram (1983) Xabungle Graffiti (1983) Arion (1986) Dirty Pair: Project Eden (1986) Bats & Terry (1987) Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (1988) Mobile Suit SD Gundam (1988) The Five Star Stories (1989) City Hunter: .357 Magnum (1989) Mobile Suit SD Gundam's Counterattack (1989) Gunhed (1989) Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (1991) Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: The Last Blitz of Zeon (1992) Mobile Suit SD Gundam Festival (1993) Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz -Special Edition- (1998) Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team: Miller's Report (1998) Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M (1999) Crest of the Stars: SPECIAL (2000) Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea (2000) Banner of the Stars: SPECIAL (2001) Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001) Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001) Turn A Gundam: Earth Light (2002) Turn A Gundam: Moonlight Butterfly (2002) Crush Gear: Kaizaban's Challenge (2002) Inuyasha the Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002) Inuyasha the Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003) Steamboy (2004) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Special Edition: The Empty Battlefield (2004) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Special Edition: The Far-Away Dawn (2004) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Special Edition: The Rumbling Sky (2004) Inuyasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island (2004) Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam A New Translation: Heirs to the Stars (2005) Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam A New Translation II: Lovers (2005) Keroro Gunsō the Super Movie (2006) Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam A New Translation III: Love is the Pulse of the Stars (2006) Kaiketsu Zorori: The Battle for the Mysterious Treasure (2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Special Edition: The Shattered World (2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Special Edition: Their Respective Swords (2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Special Edition: Flames of Destiny (2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Special Edition: The Cost of Freedom (2007) Keroro Gunsō the Super Movie 2: The Deep Sea Princess (2007) Chibi Kero: Secret of the Kero Ball!? (2007) SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers: The Next (2007) Keroro Gunso the Super Movie 3: Keroro vs. Keroro Great Sky Duel (2008) Musha Kero: Debut! Sengoku Planet Ran Big Battle!! (2008) Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Pailsen Files Movie (2009) Keroro Gunso the Super Movie 4: Gekishin Dragon Warriors (2009) Kero 0: Depart! Assembly of Everyone!! (2009) Keroro Gunso the Super Movie: Creation! Ultimate Keroro, Wonder Space-Time Island (2010) Chō Denei-ban SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors (2010) Gintama: The Movie (2010) King of Thorn (2010) Colorful (2010) Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer (2010) s-CRY-ed: Alteration TAO (2011) Sacred Seven: Wings of Gingetsu (2012) s-CRY-ed: Alteration QUAN (2012) Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning (2012) Nerawareta Gakuen (2012) Zorori's Big Big Big Big Adventure! (2012) Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya (2013) Short Peace (2013) Kaiketsu Zorori: Protect It! The Dinosaur Egg (2013) Tiger & Bunny: The Rising (2014) Aikatsu! The Movie (2014) Love Live! The School Idol Movie (2015) Aikatsu! Music Awards - The Show Where Everyone Gets an Award! (2015) Kaiketsu Zorori: Uchū no Yūsha-tachi (2015) Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky (2016) Accel World: Infinite Burst (2016) Aikatsu! The Targeted Magical Aikatsu Card (2016) Aikatsu Stars! The Movie (2016) Zegapain Adaptation (2016)
OVAs/ONAs	Shiroi Kiba White Fang Monogatari (1982) VIFAM: News from Kachua (1984) Dirty Pair: Affair of Nolandia (1984) VIFAM: The Gathered 13 (1984) VIFAM: The Missing 12 (1985) VOTOMS: The Last Red Shoulder (1985) VIFAM: Kate's Memory (1985) GALIENT: Chapter of Ground (1986) GALIENT: Chapter of Sky (1986) VOTOMS: Big Battle (1986) GALIENT: Chapter of Iron (1986) LAYZNER: Eiji 1996 (1986) LAYZNER: Le Caine 1999 (1986) LAYZNER: Engraved 2000 (1986) L-GAIM: Pentagona Window + Lady Gablae (1986) L-GAIM: Farewell My Lovely + Pentagona Dolls (1987) Dirty Pair: With Love from the Lovely Angels (1987–1988) Dougram vs. Round-Facer (1987) L-GAIM: Fullmetal Soldier (1987) Dead Heat (1987) Dirty Pair 2 (1987–1988) VOTOMS: Roots of Ambition (1988) New Story of Aura Battler Dunbine (1988) Mobile Suit SD Gundam (1988–1990) Starship Troopers (1988) Armor Hunter Mellowlink (1988–1989) Crusher Joe: The Ice Prison (1989) Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989) Ronin Warriors Gaiden (1989) Crusher Joe: The Ultimate Weapon: Ash (1989) Wataru Majinzan (1989) Ronin Warriors: Legend of the Inferno Armor (1989–1990) Dirty Pair: Flight 005 Conspiracy (1990) SD Gundam Gaiden (1990–1991) Obatarian (1990) City Hunter: Bay City Wars (1990) City Hunter: Million Dollar Conspiracy (1990) GRANZORT: The Final Magical Battle (1990) GRANZORT: Non-Stop Rabi (1990) Patlabor: The New Files (1990–1992) Mobile Suit SD Gundam Scramble (1991) Ronin Warriors MESSAGE (1991) Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (1991–1992) GRANZORT: The Mado Stone (1992) Raijin-Oh FINAL (1992–1993) Future GPX Cyber Formula 11 (1992–1993) Mashin Hero Wataru: The Endless Story (1993–1994) Dirty Pair Flash (1994–1996) VOTOMS: Shining Heresy (1994) Future GPX Cyber Formula ZERO (1994–1995) Ryū Knight: Adeu's Legend (1994–1995) Iron Leaguer: Under of The Banner of Silver Light (1994–1995) Ryū Knight: Adeu's Legend II (1995–1996) City Hunter: The Secret Service (1996) Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996–1999) The Silent Service (1996–1998) Future GPX Cyber Formula EARLY DAYS RENEWAL (1996) Gundam Wing: Operation Meteor (1996) Ryū Knight: Adeu's Legend Final - Onsen Dungeon no Kettō (1996) Future GPX Cyber Formula SAGA (1996–1997) Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (1997) City Hunter: Good-Bye My Sweetheart (1997) DAGWON: The Boy with Crystal Eyes (1997) Gundam: Mission to the Rise (1998) Dinozaurs (1998–2000) Future GPX Cyber Formula SIN (1998–2000) Z-Mind (1999) City Hunter: Death of the Vicious Criminal Ryo Saeba (1999) The King of Braves GaoGaiGar Final (2000–2003) Passage of the Stars - Birth (2000) G-Saviour (2000) Zone of the Enders: 2167 Idolo (2001) Afro-Dog (2001) Kanzen Shouri Daiteioh (2001) Gundam Evolve (2001–2007) Argento Soma: Alone and by myself (2002) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Astray (2004) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED AFTER PHASE (2004) Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War (2004) Hotori: Tada Saiwai wo Koinegau (2005) Banner of the Stars III (2005) Gin Tama (2005–2016) The Wings of Rean (2005–2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: FINAL PLUS (2005) Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079 (2006) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer (2006) Cluster Edge Specials (2006) My-Otome Zwei (2006–2007) Freedom Project (2006–2008) Armored Trooper Votoms: Pailsen Files (2007–2008) Code Geass: Black Rebellion (2008) My-Otome 0~S.ifr~ (2008) Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Gravity Front (2008–2009) Urusei Yatsura: The Obstacle Course Swim Meet (2008) Code Geass: Zero Requiem (2009) Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Special Edition (2009–2010) Black God: Tiger and Wings (2009) My-HiME: The Black Dance/The Last Supper (2010) My-Otome: The Holy Maiden's Prayer (2010) VOTOMS: Phantom Chapter (2010) Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010–2014) Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G (2010) VOTOMS: Case;Irvine (2010) Votoms Finder (2010) VOTOMS: Alone Again (2011) Coicent (2011) Five Numbers! (2011) Code Geass: Nunnally in Wonderland (2012) Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (2012–2016) Accel World (2012–2013) Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team: Battle in Three Dimensions (2013) Mobile Suit Gundam AGE: Memory of Eden (2013) Love Live! (2013) Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (2015–present) Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (2015–present) Gundam Build Fighters Try: Island Wars (2016) Dream Festival! (2016)
Related	Sunrise Interactive Bandai Namco Pictures
Category (BN Pictures) Category (Sunrise)