A new anime adaptation of the action/comedy manga, Kinnikuman, is slated to premiere on Netflix on July 7. This new adaptation, Perfect Origin Arc, is based on the 2011 revival manga arc by the same name, and it comes over 20 years since its previous anime iteration.
At Anime Expo 2024, director Akira Sato, producer Rui Kuroki, and voice actor of the titular character Mamoru Miyano made an appearance to discuss the new series. Dressed in a black t-shirt emblazoned with Kinnikuman himself and the words “He’s back,” Miyano posed while flexing one arm as he loudly greeted the whooping crowd. It was clear that Miyano’s immense popularity drew much of the crowd, eager to hear about his latest work. Overwhelmed by the passionate cheers from the crowd, Sato expressed his gratitude to the audience.
Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc begins with the world at peace, as the three Chojin (superhuman) races have agreed to live in harmony. Meanwhile, Kinnikuman has returned to his home planet to serve as its king and start a family. However, when one Chojin race decides peace isn’t what they want, the world may need Kinnikuman and his friends once more.
When it came to chatting about the appeal of Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc, the team all agreed on two things: the muscles and all the flexing of said muscles. Kuroki succinctly explained, “Muscles transcend all borders.” In all seriousness though, Sato pointed to the story’s focus on the power of friendship, which brings everyone’s strength together to battle against a threat to world peace.
As for challenges when creating the show, Sato and Kuroki said that the team had to get creative to develop and animate special attacks for each of the many different Chojin characters and their unique characteristics. Succeeding the role from veteran voice actor Akira Kamiya, Miyano shared that his own challenge was deftly switching back and forth between the character’s serious and comedic sides. To the crowd’s delight, he performed a quick demonstration, speaking in a booming hero-like voice and then squeaking out a few words with a voice crack.
As the show’s premiere is right around the corner, Sato concluded, “When they get in the ring, they just fight like idiots. I hope you empty your heads and enjoy the show, while laughing your head off.”
