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Is the Anime Finished?
Is the Anime Finished?
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Is Time Bokan Finished? Your Complete Guide to the Franchise

Finished Adventure Comedy Magic Mecha Magical Boy
Table of Contents

What is Time Bokan?
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Time Bokan is a classic blend of adventure, comedy, and magic. The story centers on Dr. Kieta, a brilliant but absent-minded inventor who creates a time machine in the form of a giant robot insect. While attempting to prove the machine’s safety, Dr. Kieta vanishes, leaving behind only a talking parrot and a precious stone known as the Dynamond.

To find the missing doctor, a search team is formed, including the inventor’s assistant, Tanpei, and his granddaughter, Junko. Their quest is complicated by a trio of comical villains known as the Time Skeletons. If you are looking for a mix of mecha action and magical boy themes, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to experience this whimsical journey.

Is the Anime Really Finished?
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If you are asking whether the original 1975 series is finished, the answer is yes. However, Time Bokan is less of a single story and more of a sprawling franchise. While the initial search for Dr. Kieta concludes, the universe has expanded through numerous spinoffs and remakes over several decades.

For those who enjoy the world-building, there is plenty of content beyond the original series, meaning you won’t be left hanging, but you may find yourself wanting to explore the many different iterations of the Time Bokan formula. To help us keep investigating these complex franchises, feel free to support the site on Ko-fi!

Audience and Appeal
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Time Bokan is best suited for viewers who enjoy lighthearted comedy and adventurous plots. Its appeal lies in its unique combination of genres: the scale of mecha battles paired with the charm of magical boy themes and slapstick humor. It is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate vintage anime aesthetics and comical antagonist dynamics.

Watch Order Guide
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Because this franchise is so expansive, the best way to navigate it is by referring to the relationship tree provided on this page. Here are the three best ways to approach the series:

Release Order
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For those who want to see how the franchise evolved, start with the original Time Bokan (1975) and proceed chronologically through the spinoffs, such as Yatterman (1977), Zendarman (1979), and Time Patrol-Tai Otasukeman (1980), continuing through to the modern entries like Time Bokan 24 (2016).

Recommended Order for Newcomers#

If you want a curated experience, start with the original Time Bokan to understand the premise. From there, Yatterman is a highly recommended next step. If you prefer modern animation, you might jump straight to the 2008 Yatterman remake or the more recent Time Bokan 24 and its sequel, Time Bokan: The Villains Strike Back.

Completionist Order
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Completionists should follow the relationship tree meticulously to ensure no entry is missed. This includes:

  1. The original 1975 series.
  2. All early spinoffs (Yatterman, Zendarman, Yattodetaman, etc.).
  3. The 2008 Yatterman remake and its related short-form content like Yatterman Night.
  4. The 1993 Time Bokan: Royal Revival (recently added to HIDIVE).
  5. The modern era: Time Bokan 24 followed by Time Bokan: The Villains Strike Back.

For those who don’t mind supplementing their watch list with other media, we highly recommend checking out the Yatterman manga, including the reimagining of the villain Doronjo as a reincarnated villainess.

Useful Extras and News
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There is still a lot of activity surrounding the Time Bokan universe. Recent updates include:

  • New Releases: HIDIVE has added Time Bokan: Royal Revival and Gyakuten Ippatsu-man to its library.
  • Live Action: The Yatterman villain Doronjo has received her own live-action show.
  • Collectibles: Given the iconic robot designs, fans often look for Time Bokan merchandise to commemorate their favorite mechs.
Time Bokan • anime • 1975-10-04 to 1976-12-25
  └─(spinoff)→  Zendarman • anime • 1979-02-03 to 1980-01-26
  └─(spinoff)→  Yatterman • anime • 1977-01-01 to 1979-01-27
   └─(related)→   Yatterman • anime • 1977-03-19
   └─(remake)→   Yatterman • anime • 2008-01-14 to 2009-09-27
    └─(related)→    Yatterman • anime • 2009-08-22
    └─(related)→    Yatterman Dengeki Daisakusen! • manga • 2009-08-21
    └─(related)→    Yatterman Night • anime • 2015-01-11
  └─(spinoff)→  Time Patrol-Tai Otasukeman • anime • 1980-02-02 to 1981-01-31
  └─(spinoff)→  Gyakuten Ippatsu-man • anime • 1982-02-13 to 1983-03-26
  └─(spinoff)→  Yattodetaman • anime • 1981-02-07 to 1982-02-06
  └─(spinoff)→  Itadakiman • anime • 1983-04-02 to 1983-09-03
  └─(spinoff)→  Kaitō Kiramekiman • anime • 2000-04-05 to 2000-10-04
  └─(spinoff)→  Time Bokan: Royal Revival • anime • 1993-11-26 to 1994-01-01
  └─(related)→  Time Bokan 24 • anime • 2016-10-01
   └─(sequel)→   Time Bokan: The Villains Strike Back • anime • 2017-10-07

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