Gigantor

Adult Swim Premiere	October 31, 2005
Original Network	Syndicated
Seasons	1
Episodes	52

Gigantor is an American adaptation of the Japanese anime, Tetsujin 28-go. Only 52 episodes from the anime were adapted for the American market. The show debuted on television in the United States in 1964 and became an immediate hit with adolescent audiences. As with contemporary imports Speed Racer and Astro Boy, the characters' original names were altered and the original series' violence was toned down for American viewers.

In February 2003, Gigantor aired in place of commercials during Cartoon Network's Giant Robot Week, a week-long Toonami special event. The show later aired on Adult Swim from October 31, 2005 to March 24, 2007. The show returned to Adult Swim for one night only on April 1, 2012, as part of Adult Swim's Toonami April Fools' Day event. Gigantor has also become a running gag in various Bumps, usually involving the theme song.

Plot

Set in the year 2000, the show follows the exploits of little Jimmy Sparks, a 12-year-old boy who controls Gigantor, a huge flying robot, with a remote control. The robot is made of steel and has a rocket-powered backpack for flight and is capable of incredible feats of strength. Gigantor is an automaton that is controlled by a remote control and whoever has the remote controls Gigantor.

Originally developed as a weapon by Jimmy's father, Gigantor was later repurposed to act as a guardian of peace. Jimmy lives with his uncle Dr. Bob Brilliant on a remote island. Together, Jimmy and Gigantor battle crime around the world and clash with the many villains who are always trying to steal or undermine the giant robot.

Characters

• Jimmy Sparks — The ten-year-old son of Dr. Sparks. He is Gigantor's assigned controller, with a deep emotional attachment to the robot. Jimmy is a boy detective famous throughout Tokyo. Jimmy can be seen frequently driving a car and carrying a firearm even though he is only 10.
• Dr. Bob Brilliant — Dr. Spark's assistant, later Jimmy's mentor and guardian. He is caring and very dedicated to his work, but usually looks serious and deadpan. He is married, and has a son named Button.
• Inspector Blooper — The Chief of the Tokyo Police. He is warm in personality and very enthusiastic, which isn't to say he doesn't take his job seriously. He is very close to Bob and also takes care of Jimmy.
• Dick Strong — A former intelligence officer who begins to help Inspector Blooper and Jimmy.
• Dr. Katzmeow — A reclusive mad scientist who created the robot Black Ox. He is calm and very knowledgeable, but unfortunately uses his talents to create dangerous robots.