Overview of Locke the Superman#
If you are looking for a classic blend of action and science fiction, Locke the Superman (also known as Chōjin Locke) is a definitive title in the superhero genre. This series follows a powerful protagonist in a sci-fi setting, offering a vintage experience for those who appreciate early genre-defining works.
If you’re considering diving into this series, you might be wondering about the best way to experience the story. To help you decide, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the anime and its source material.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking “is the anime finished,” the answer depends on what you are looking for. The anime adaptation has several entries, including the original 1984 production and three subsequent sequels. While these provide a significant amount of content, the story originates from a manga that began in 1967.
Interestingly, the source material has had a very long life; news reports from 2023 indicate that the story of the Locke the Superman Aspiration manga was only recently finished by the late Yuki Hijiri’s assistant. Because the manga is the foundation and has seen recent completions to its narrative arcs, viewers who want the most comprehensive and definitive conclusion to the story may find it necessary to supplement the anime with the Locke the Superman manga.
Audience and Appeal#
Locke the Superman is best suited for fans of:
- Classic Science Fiction: The series leans heavily into sci-fi themes and settings.
- Superhero Action: As the title suggests, it focuses on a “superhuman” protagonist navigating high-stakes conflicts.
- Retro Aesthetics: Given its production history, it appeals to those who enjoy the style of 80s and 90s animation.
If you enjoy these themes, you can explore more of the series by picking up some Locke the Superman merchandise to celebrate the legacy of this sci-fi hero.
Recommended Watch Order#
Navigating the various entries of Locke the Superman can be confusing. We recommend referring to the relationship tree provided on this page to see exactly how the adaptations and sequels connect. Here are the best paths for different types of viewers:
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was released to the public, follow this sequence:
- Locke the Superman (1984)
- Locke the Superman: Lord Leon (1989)
- Locke the Superman: New World Command (1991)
- Locke the Superman: Mirror Ring (2000)
Completionist Order#
If you want every piece of available media, the best path is to start with the original 1967 manga before moving into the anime release order listed above. This ensures you have the full context of the characters and world-building before seeing the adaptations.
The “Source-First” Path#
For readers who do not mind starting with written material, we highly recommend reading the manga first. This provides the most complete narrative experience, especially given the recent completion of the Aspiration manga storyline.
You can watch the anime on Prime Video (which collaborates with Crunchyroll in some countries) to start your journey today.
Additional Information#
For those looking to collect physical media, Discotek has previously added Locke the Superman to their science-fiction anime catalog, and HIDIVE has also streamed the anime film.
If you find our investigation into anime completion helpful and want to keep our guides coming, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!
Locke the Superman • manga • 1967
└─(adaptation)→ Locke the Superman • anime • 1984
└─(sequel)→ Locke the Superman: Lord Leon • anime • 1989-10-23 to 1989-12-15
└─(sequel)→ Locke the Superman: New World Command • anime • 1991-08-21 to 1991-10-23
└─(sequel)→ Locke the Superman: Mirror Ring • anime • 2000-12-22
