The Revival of a Classic: High School! Kimengumi Returns with a Modern Twist
Fans of classic anime are in for a treat as the beloved series High School! Kimengumi is making a comeback with a brand-new television adaptation. This upcoming anime promises to bring the timeless humor and charm of the original manga into the modern era, captivating both old and new audiences alike.
The new series, set to premiere in January, will air on the Fuji TV network’s Noitamina programming block every Friday at 11:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. EST). This highly anticipated revival will introduce a fresh cast of characters while retaining the essence of the original story, which first captivated readers in the 1980s.
A Fresh Take on a Beloved Story
The original High School! Kimengumi manga, created by Motoei Shinzawa, debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in September 1980. The story initially followed a group of five delinquent students known as the “Bangumi,” who had repeated a year in junior high school. As the characters progressed to high school, the manga was renamed High School! Kimengumi and continued to run from 1982 to 1987.
The new anime will transport the story to the contemporary Reiwa era, updating the setting and characters while preserving the comedic spirit that made the original so popular. The series will focus on a group of five eccentric students who befriend the cutest girl in school and her best friend, promising a blend of nostalgia and modern humor.
Meet the New Cast
The lead role of Yล Nihiruda, the leader of the Bangumi group, will be voiced by Nobuhiko Okamoto. The rest of the Bangumi members will be introduced in the upcoming episodes, with their unique personalities and quirks adding to the comedic dynamics of the show.
Behind the Scenes
Kazuaki Seki, known for his work on live-action adaptations and music videos, will be directing his first anime at Animation Studio Seven. Takashi Nishikawa, who has worked on notable series like Strange+ and Nobunaga Teacher’s Young Bride, will serve as the animation director. Shigeru Murakoshi, renowned for his work on Zombie Land Saga and The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse, will oversee the series scripts. Character designs will be handled by Yuka Abe, who has previously worked on Fire Force and Full Dive.
Night Tempo will produce the project’s songs, while Slow Curve will handle the planning and production. The creative team’s combined expertise promises a high-quality production that honors the original while bringing something new to the table.
A Modern Reimagining
The first anime’s theme song, “Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi,” will receive a modern cover by Shiraishi and Hasegawa, with a contemporary rearrangement by Night Tempo. This update aims to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Looking Back at the Original
The original High School! Kimengumi anime aired for 86 episodes between 1985 and 1987, becoming a nationwide hit. Its success spawned a feature film in 1986, titled Teenage Masked Tribe. The first anime was directed by Hiroshi Fukutomi, with character designs by Hatsuki Tsuji and Hiroshi Kanazawa. The music was composed by Shunsuke Kikuchi, and the voice cast included Issei Futamata, Kaneto Shiozawa, Miki Takahashi, Naoki Tatsuta, Naoko Matsui, Shigeru Chiba, and Tesshล Genda.
The original series was later made available with English subtitles on YouTube, thanks to REMOW, making it accessible to a global audience.
Exciting Times Ahead
With the new High School! Kimengumi anime on the horizon, fans can look forward to a fresh take on a classic story. The combination of a talented creative team and a modern setting promises to deliver a unique and entertaining experience. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to welcome back the Bangumi group in a whole new light.
News Source: Animenewsnetwork.com
