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Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
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Is Dr. Slump Finished? Watch Order and Guide for Arales Adventures

Finished Comedy Science Fiction Action Retro Anime
Table of Contents

Welcome to Is The Anime Finished?
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Everything you need to know before committing to an anime.

If you are looking for a series that defies logic and embraces the absurd, look no further than Dr. Slump. This series follows the wacked-out misadventures of Senbei Norimaki, an incompetent inventor, and his android “daughter,” Arale. Together, they live in the surreal Penguin Village—a place where the sun eats ice cream, parodies of Superman and Tarzan roam the streets, and piles of poop walk and talk.

Whether you are a fan of retro sci-fi or just want some high-energy comedy, you might be wondering if this chaotic journey has a definitive end. Let’s dive in.

Is the anime really finished?
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For those who only watch the anime, the experience is quite expansive. There are two primary anime runs: the original adaptation from 1981 to 1986 and an alternate retelling that aired from 1997 to 1999.

However, if you are looking for a truly “complete” conclusion to the story, you may need to look toward the source material. While the anime covers a vast amount of the story, there is a manga sequel titled Chotto Dake Kaettekita Dr. Slump (published between 1993 and 1996) that provides further content beyond the initial run. To get the full picture of Senbei and Arale’s lives, reading the Dr. Slump manga is highly recommended.

Appeal and Audience
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Dr. Slump is best suited for viewers who enjoy surrealism, slapstick humor, and lighthearted action. Its primary appeal lies in its unpredictability and the charmingly chaotic relationship between an inventor and his super-strong android child. It doesn’t take itself seriously, making it a perfect “palate cleanser” series for those who want to escape heavy plots in favor of pure, imaginative comedy.

If you’re ready to enter Penguin Village, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to start your journey.

Recommended Watch Order#

Because Dr. Slump has various adaptations, retelling series, and numerous films, the order can seem confusing. You can refer to the relationship tree below for a visual breakdown of how these titles connect.

The Release Order
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If you want to experience the franchise as the world did, follow this timeline:

  1. Dr. Slump & Arale-chan (1981-1986)
  2. The Movie Era (1981-1994): Including Hello! Wonder Island and the Hoyoyo! series.
  3. Dr. Slump (1997-1999): The alternate retelling series.
  4. Special Releases: Arale no Bikkuri Bān (1999) and later specials like Dr. Mashirito Abale-chan (2007).

The Completionist Order
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For those who want every single piece of content, we recommend starting with the 1981 series, followed by every single movie and OVA (including the Hoyoyo! films and Ncha! specials), and then moving into the 1997 alternate retelling and its subsequent related specials.

The Source-Material Order
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For those who don’t mind reading, the best way to experience the story is:

  1. Dr. Slump Manga (1980-1984)
  2. Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Anime (1981)
  3. Chotto Dake Kaettekita Dr. Slump Manga (1993-1996)

If you’ve enjoyed these characters, you might also want to pick up some Dr. Slump merchandise to celebrate Arale’s chaotic energy!

Useful Extra Information
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For those looking for ways to watch, Dr. Slump has seen various releases over the years. Notably, Tubi TV has added the series to its library, and Discotek Media has worked on bringing several of the anime films—such as Hoyoyo! The Secret of Nanaba Castle and The City of Dreams, Mechapolis—to North American audiences.

Interestingly, the franchise’s influence extends beyond the screen; characters from Dr. Slump have appeared in gaming titles such as J-Stars Victory Vs.

If you find our research helpful in deciding what to watch next, consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep the blog running!

Dr. Slump • manga • 1980 to 1984 (Shonen Jump 1980 No.5+6 to 1984 No.39)
  └─(adaptation)→  Dr. Slump & Arale-chan • anime • 1981-04-08 to 1986-02-19
   └─(alternate retelling)→   Dr. Slump • anime • 1997-11-25 to 1999-09-22
    └─(related)→    Dr. Slump: Arale no Bikkuri Bān • anime • 1999-03-06
    └─(part)→    Dr. Slump • anime • 1998-04-01
    └─(related)→    Dr. Slump • manga • 1997-12 to 2000-07
   └─(related)→   Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: Hello! Wonder Island • anime • 1981-07-18
    └─(related)→    Dr. Slump: Hoyoyo! Space Adventure • anime • 1982-07-10
     └─(related)→     Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Great Race Around the World • anime • 1983-03-13
      └─(related)→      Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The Secret of Nanaba Castle • anime • 1984-12-22
       └─(related)→       Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The City of Dreams, Mechapolis • anime • 1985-07-13
        └─(related)→        Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Ncha! Penguin Mura wa Hare no chi Hare • anime • 1993-03-06
         └─(related)→         Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Ncha! Penguin Mura yori Ai o Komete • anime • 1993-07-10
          └─(related)→          Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Hoyoyo!! Tasuketa Same ni Tsurerarete. . . • anime • 1994-03-12
           └─(related)→           Dr. Slump & Arale-chan Ncha! Wakuwaku Hot Natsu Yasumi • anime • 1994-07-09
            └─(related)→            Dr. Slump: Dr. Mashirito Abale-chan • anime • 2007-03-03
  └─(sequel)→  Chotto Dake Kaettekita Dr. Slump • manga • 1993-02-21 to 1996-09

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