OVA
Description
"Shinesman" is a two-episode OVA series that blends corporate satire with the conventions of tokusatsu superhero shows. The narrative centers around a group of salarymen who double as a secret team of color-coded superheroes known as the Shinesmen. Their mission is to protect Earth from alien invaders, but their battles are often overshadowed by the mundane challenges of office life, such as meeting deadlines, navigating office politics, and dealing with demanding bosses.

The protagonist, Matsumoto, is a new recruit to the Shinesmen team, assigned the role of Shinesman Red. Despite his lack of experience, he is thrust into the team’s operations, which involve combating alien threats while maintaining their cover as ordinary employees at the Shinesman Corporation. The team includes other members like Shinesman Gray, a seasoned veteran; Shinesman Sepia, who struggles with his role; and Shinesman Moss Green, who often clashes with others due to his abrasive personality. The team’s leader, Shinesman Black, is a no-nonsense figure who balances his responsibilities as a hero with his duties as a corporate executive.

The plot unfolds as the Shinesmen face off against an alien race known as the Crab People, who disguise themselves as humans to infiltrate Earth. The aliens’ plans often involve corporate sabotage, forcing the Shinesmen to confront them in both physical battles and boardroom meetings. The series humorously juxtaposes the high-stakes action of superhero battles with the banalities of office work, highlighting the absurdity of their dual lives. Themes of teamwork, professionalism, and the struggle to balance personal and professional responsibilities are explored through the characters’ interactions and conflicts.

The tone of the series is comedic, with a focus on parodying both the superhero genre and corporate culture. The Shinesmen’s battles are often interrupted by mundane concerns, such as filing expense reports or attending mandatory training sessions, creating a unique blend of action and workplace humor. Despite its short runtime, "Shinesman" effectively establishes its premise and delivers a self-contained story that appeals to fans of both comedy and tokusatsu-inspired narratives.
Information
Shinesman
特務戦隊シャインズマン
The Special Duty Combat Unit Shinesman
Type: OVA
Anime Episodes: 2
Movie/Episode length: 28 min.
Date: 02/21/1996 – 03/21/1996
Categories
Genre
Comedy
Settings
Sci-Fi
Tags
Parody
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Staff
  • Director
    Shinya Sadamitsu
  • Storyboard
    Shinya Sadamitsu
  • Original story
    Kaim Tachibana
  • Art Director
    Hiroshi Katō
  • Mecha design
    Akihoro Tobe
  • Director of Photography
    Hisao Shirai
  • Music
    Yoshihiro Ike
  • Character Design
    Akiharu Ishii
  • Animation Director
    Akiharu Ishii
  • Sound Director
    Noriyoshi Matsuura
  • Executive producer
    Masaki Sawanobori
    Yasuhisa Kazama
    Keiichi Oshidari
Production
  • Production
    Animate
    Relations