Gamba no Bōken


Gamba no Bōken is a Japanese anime series based on the 1972 eponymous novel, Bōkenshatachi: Ganba to 15-hiki no Nakama by Atsuo Saitoh and directed by Osamu Dezaki. Its 26 episodes were broadcast on Nippon TV between April 7, 1975 and September 29, 1975 and was animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and Madhouse. A first movie was released March 4, 1984 and was animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The series has been adapted into a movie, titled Ganba to Kawauso no Bōken, which was released in Japan on July 20, 1991 and again was animated by TMS. On March 4, 2003 Bandai released a puzzle and action PlayStation game called Gamba no Bōken: The Puzzle Action. A 3D CG animated film adaptation was released in Japan on October 10, 2015, titled Gamba: Gamba to Nakama-tachi, which was later released in the United States by Lionsgate and Grindstone Entertainment Group in 2017 under the title Air Bound.

Plot

Gamba, a brown mouse, embarks on a sailing journey with his childhood friend. They gather experienced mice sailors at a harbour. They encounter Chūta, a mouse who has been injured and is seeking help. He appeals for Gamba and Bōbo to assist him in defending the island of Yumemishima and its inhabitants from the cruel and wicked invading Noroi Clan. Gamba elects to sail to Yumemishima with Chūta to help defend the island, and Gamba recruits more mice to join their cause on the island.

Characters

Main characters

;Gamba
;Bobo
;Manpuku
;Yoisho
;Gakusha
;Shijin
;Ikasama
;Chūta
;Noroi

Sub characters

;Shioji
;Toragorō
;Tsuburi

Episode listing

Theme songs

Opening theme: "Ganba no uta"
Ending theme: "Bōkenshatachi no Ballad"

Reception

In a 2006 poll of Japanese celebrities conducted by TV Asahi, Gamba no Bōken was ranked as respondents' 22nd favorite TV anime out of 100, beating many other series including: One Piece, Naruto, Pokémon, Evangelion, and Fullmetal Alchemist.