2024 is quickly becoming one of the best the mecha genre has in years. Not only are we getting several mecha (and mecha-adjacent) series this season, we are also getting several Gundam projects, and a modern Grendizer anime. Speaking of modern anime, Sunrise/Bandai Namco Filmworks has just dropped info that they are also doing a new Wataru anime aimed for the new generation.
The new series is titled Mashin Souzouden Wataru, and as mentioned, it is being marketed as the Wataru series for the new generation. I’m not sure if this is going to be a remake or continuation of the existing story. To those not familiar, Chou Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru was released in 1998 and is considered as a remake of the series. While in 2020, Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru: Shichi Tamashii no Ryuujinmaru was released online and it was a continuation of the original story. I’m inclined to think this new series will be in the same vein as the 1998 remake, but we’ll have to see once more information is revealed.
In the meantime, you can check out the teaser they dropped below.
The teaser appears to be sporting a digital aesthetic with block imagery, which may provide a possible hint of the plot. We also get a quick glimpse of the new Ryujinmaru design. If you think that glimpse was too quick, then you’re in luck as Bandai Spirits also announced a new HG Ryujinmaru kit, providing a better look to the new design.
They have been slowly, but surely releasing these Wataru kits, and I’m glad they’ve already confirmed the newest one. This new Ryujinmaru design has all the nuances of the original, though the asymmetrical dragon head on the right shoulder is a new touch. Much like the anime, no other information has been revealed for this model kit.
