I don’t like doing anime reviews anymore, since most of the current shows are over blogged, and by those who know Japanese. And older ones have already been blogged about. However occasionally something comes along that I just can’t not write about, and this series is definetley one of those.

Salary Man Kintaro ran for forty volumes of manga, but for some reason only had an anime run of twenty episodes, which i feel is a great shame since it’s definatly up there with the other great anime. Though for some reason it dosen’t seem to be very well know.

I’ve had this on my shelf for god knows how long, i’ve never really considered watching it because something about the title was off putting. Just what could be interesting about watching a guy doing work >.<

This is a great failure on my part since i’ve missed out on a great anime (that i’m busy watching for the third time in a row lol).

Running in 2001 for twenty episodes, the art style looks very dated compared to the current art of anime. However it dosent hinder the series in any way, rather it sort of fits. Not sure i could see this series in modern art hehe

The series follow Kintaro, a famouse biker gang leader who retires to become a salary man so as to look after his new born son. His easy going attitude cause some problems at first, but as the series progresses and people get used to him, he becomes central to their lives.

What i loved about it was they didn’t try to mask his personality. The fact he’s still a biker at heart comes through in every episode, and the way he resolves things is definatly interesting. Though he has a very human side that comes through as well.

The one element i both hate and love at the same time, are the love interests. Initialy Kintaro is adamant about remaining faithful to his deceased wife. However he soon ends up with a girlfriend.

I had no problems with the previous love interests, because while they all persued him pasionatly, he clearly states that the only women for him was his deceased wife. then not long after he gets together with Misuzu. there’s nothing wrong with this per say, and i love the change the realtionship brings to the series, and to Kintaro. But i can’t help feeling to came about to fast. I’m guessing it’s due to them only running for twenty epsiodes.

The other thing i regret about this series is that little is revealed about Akemi, Kintaro’s deceased wife. Although we get the basic facts of their relationship, i’d love to know more about their relationship.

Sadly, like a lot of good anime this one is semi-out of print, so if you want it go grab it fast!!

I’m still holding out for a remake, and for some one to license the manga, i’d love to see how things carry on from the end of the anime.

Not only did it have an anime run, but also a live action movie, and a drama that ran for forty five episodes, shame no one licensed those Insanely the manga is still on going apparently, though it does go through long periods of inactivity (not unlike series like D.N. Angel)