The genius robotics professor, Dr. Komyoji has created Kikaider – a humanoid robot tasked with the protection of Dr. Komyoji’s son and daughter. Gifted with the ‘conscience circuit’, Kikaider is given the power to simulate real emotions that helps to distinguish between ‘right and wrong’. Can Kikaider protect Dr. Komyoji’s children and battle against the evil Dr. Gill and his army of androids? The fight against world domination lies in the hands of Kikaider. Manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori’s reworking of “Pinocchio” was made into a live-action series in 1972; this later anime version (2000) is done in a retro style that reflects the influence of Osamu Tezuka and some American cartoons. Professor Komyoji is killed in his lab while creating Jiro, a super-android who looks like a human–until he morphs into his battle form. What sets Jiro apart is the “Gemini Circuit” that gives him a conscience. Jiro meets Komyoji’s daughter Mitsuko and son Masaru, who initially welcome him. But when Mitsuko checks her father’s data, she learns that the Gemini Circuit is flawed: if it cannot be repaired, Jiro must be destroyed. Jiro flees, but finds himself battling the insect-like mecha sent by the evil Dr. Gill. The basic story is familiar, but it’s presented with more feeling than most mecha tales. (Rated 13 and older: violence) –Charles Solomon

List Price: $ 29.98

Price: $ 3.39