Getter Robo is a name synonymous with innovation and influence in the world of Japanese mecha anime. First introduced in 1974, this series revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking concept of combining robots, piloted by multiple individuals working in perfect harmony. The brainchild of Nagai Go, a visionary who was already well-established in the world of anime, Getter Robo introduced audiences to a narrative that combined intense action, teamwork, and technological advancement, all of which contributed to its enduring legacy.
This article delves into one of the most iconic pieces of animation history: the original production cel of Getter 1 throwing the Getter Tomahawk from Episode 33, titled “Swear to the Unlimited Sky.” The article will explore the significance of this cel, the art of cel animation, the cultural importance of Getter Robo, and its profound influence on the mecha genre. Additionally, we will discuss the value of production cels as collectibles and the importance of preservation in the ever-evolving world of anime.
The Birth of Getter Robo: A Revolution in the Mecha Genre
The Rise of Mecha Anime in the Early 1970s
Before delving into the specifics of the production cel and the scene it represents, it is essential to understand the significance of Getter Robo within the context of mecha anime. The 1970s were a pivotal era for the genre. While robots had appeared in Japanese animation before, the mecha genre had yet to evolve into the complex and richly layered storytelling vehicle it would become.
Enter Getter Robo, created by Nagai Go and co-written with Ken Ishikawa. The anime series broke away from the traditional formula of having a single pilot control a giant robot. Instead, Getter Robo introduced the concept of combining robots, a revolutionary idea where three separate jets piloted by three distinct characters could merge to form three different robot forms: Getter 1, Getter 2, and Getter 3. Each form had its own unique abilities, making the robot more versatile and adaptable in combat. This idea of combining mechs would inspire future mecha series and eventually become a hallmark of the genre.
The plot of Getter Robo is centered around humanity’s struggle against the Dinosaur Empire, a race of ancient creatures that have come out of hiding to reclaim the Earth. To combat this threat, the Earth Defense Force develops the Getter Robo, which is piloted by three courageous individuals: Ryoma Nagare, Hayato Jin, and Musashi Tomoe. Together, these pilots must work as a team to operate the Getter Robo and defend Earth from the onslaught of the Dinosaur Empire’s monstrous forces.
Episode 33: “Swear to the Unlimited Sky” – A Pivotal Moment in Getter Robo
The Emotional Weight of the Episode
Episode 33, titled “Swear to the Unlimited Sky,” is a standout installment in the Getter Robo series. It serves as a critical turning point for the characters, particularly Ryoma, the hot-blooded lead pilot of Getter 1. Ryoma, often driven by his passion and intensity, faces a moment of doubt and emotional vulnerability in this episode, forcing him to confront his limitations and the weight of responsibility that comes with piloting Getter 1.
The episode also showcases the unwavering bond between the three pilots, emphasizing the theme of teamwork that is central to the series. As the pilots grapple with personal conflicts and external threats, they must reaffirm their commitment to one another and to their mission of protecting Earth.
The Iconic Scene: Getter 1 Throwing the Getter Tomahawk
In the climax of the episode, the Getter Robo faces off against a formidable enemy, and Ryoma, piloting Getter 1, unleashes one of the robot’s most powerful attacks: the Getter Tomahawk. This move, where Getter 1 hurls a massive, axe-like weapon at its foe, has become one of the most memorable and visually striking moments in the series. The animation captures the sheer force and precision of the attack, with dynamic lines and fluid motion that showcase the skill of the animators behind the scene.
The cel of Getter 1 throwing the Getter Tomahawk encapsulates this climactic moment, freezing it in time for collectors and fans alike to appreciate. The scene not only demonstrates the raw power of Getter 1 but also highlights the teamwork and determination of the pilots, as they synchronize their efforts to deliver the final blow to their enemy.
The Production Cel: A Rare and Valuable Piece of Anime History
What Is a Production Cel?
Before the advent of digital animation, anime was traditionally created using hand-drawn cels. A production cel is a transparent sheet on which characters, objects, or specific moments from a scene are hand-painted. These cels are then layered over background images to create the illusion of movement. Each cel represents a single frame in the animation process, and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of these cels are used to complete a single episode.
In the case of this particular cel from Getter Robo, the Getter 1 throwing the Getter Tomahawk cel is a one-of-a-kind piece of anime history. It captures a significant moment in the series, allowing fans and collectors to own a tangible piece of the show.
Details of the Getter 1 Cel
This cel from Episode 33 includes the following key components:
- Layer 1 – Getter 1 Cel: This layer features the detailed hand-painted image of Getter 1 in action, preparing to throw the Getter Tomahawk. The artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating this cel are evident in the attention to detail, from the shading on Getter 1’s armor to the dynamic lines that convey motion and power.
- Three Sets of Douga: In addition to the cel itself, this piece includes three sets of douga, which are the rough key drawings that animators use to plan out the motion and layout of a scene. These douga offer a unique insight into the animation process and provide collectors with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into creating each frame.
- Acid-Free Copy Background Made by TCG: To preserve the cel’s quality, it is layered over an acid-free copy background created by TCG. This ensures that the artwork is protected from degradation over time, allowing it to be displayed and appreciated for years to come.
Size and Condition of the Cel
The standard size of this cel is approximately 10.5 inches by 9 inches (or 26.8 cm by 22.8 cm), making it a substantial piece that can be easily framed and displayed. While the exact condition notes for this specific cel are not provided, the fact that it includes acid-free materials for preservation suggests that it is in excellent condition, which is crucial for maintaining the cel’s value over time.
The Art of Cel Animation: A Dying Craft
The Labor-Intensive Process of Hand-Drawn Animation
The creation of anime in the 1970s and 1980s was a labor of love. Animators spent countless hours drawing and painting each individual cel by hand, ensuring that every frame was meticulously crafted to convey the desired emotion, action, and atmosphere. The process typically involved multiple steps:
- Storyboard Creation: The story was first visualized in a storyboard format, outlining key scenes and dialogue.
- Key Animation (Douga): Senior animators would create key frames (douga) that represented the most critical moments in a scene. These sketches laid the foundation for the animation.
- In-Between Animation: Junior animators filled in the gaps between the key frames, creating the fluid motion that would bring the scene to life.
- Cel Painting: Once the drawings were complete, they were transferred onto transparent cels, which were then meticulously painted on the reverse side to maintain clarity and vibrancy.
- Background Art: Separately, background artists painted the static scenery over which the animated characters would be layered.
- Photography: The cels were then photographed frame by frame over the background art, creating the final animated sequence.
The Transition to Digital Animation
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the anime industry began transitioning to digital animation techniques, making cel animation a rare and increasingly obsolete craft. While digital animation has streamlined the production process and allowed for more complex effects, many fans and collectors still hold a deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication that went into hand-drawn cels. Owning an original cel is like owning a piece of history, a tangible reminder of the immense skill and creativity that defined the golden age of anime.
The Legacy of Getter Robo: Its Influence on the Mecha Genre
Pioneering the “Combining Robots” Concept
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Getter Robo was its introduction of the combining robot concept. Prior to this series, most mecha anime featured a single robot piloted by one or more individuals. Getter Robo flipped this idea on its head by creating three separate robots that could combine into different forms, each suited for a specific type of combat.
This innovation paved the way for future series that would expand on the concept, including Voltron, Power Rangers, and even the Transformers franchise. The idea of teamwork being essential to the operation of a powerful robot added a new layer of complexity to the mecha genre, making it not just about physical strength but also about the bond between the pilots.
