OVA
Description
In New Cutey Honey, the character Danbei Hayami is reintroduced as a cyborg, having survived the century that has passed since the original series. He is the patriarch of the Hayami family, a role that now extends to his descendants, including his grandson Chokkei Hayami. Physically, Danbei is a short, bald older man with characteristically long eyebrows and mustache, but his most defining feature in this iteration is his cybernetic body. This new form is modeled after the super robot Mazinger Z, granting him an armored, mechanical frame, significant superhuman strength, and integrated weapons such as the Rocket Punch. His traditional personality remains intact, blending a comedic and perverted nature with a fierce sense of justice and protectiveness. He is easily excitable and often engages in inappropriate behavior, such as making lewd comments or attempting to peep on Honey, treating her with a familiarity that crosses into harassment. Despite these flaws, he is deeply loyal and courageous, especially when his family or allies are threatened.
Having lived for over 150 years, Danbei’s motivation is to continue his lifelong fight against evil. He serves as a key ally to Honey Kisaragi, who has lost her memories at the start of the series. Upon their reunion in Cosplay City, he immediately recognizes her and works to help restore her true identity. He views Honey as a surrogate daughter, a continuation of the familial bond established in the original series where he provided her shelter. His role is to provide direct combat support, leveraging his new cyborg capabilities in battle against the city's new threats, including the villain Dolmeck. Throughout the story, Danbei remains a constant source of both comic relief and formidable power, proving that his spirit and sense of duty have not diminished with age. His long-standing relationship with Honey is a core element, as he is the living link to her past. In terms of development, Danbei represents the enduring legacy of the original story, having transformed himself from a skilled but aging martial artist into a powerful cyborg to continue his mission. His abilities in New Cutey Honey are a dramatic upgrade from his previous skills in ninjutsu and other martial arts; while he remains a capable fighter, his cybernetic enhancements are his primary means of engaging enemies who would otherwise be beyond the reach of an ordinary human.
Having lived for over 150 years, Danbei’s motivation is to continue his lifelong fight against evil. He serves as a key ally to Honey Kisaragi, who has lost her memories at the start of the series. Upon their reunion in Cosplay City, he immediately recognizes her and works to help restore her true identity. He views Honey as a surrogate daughter, a continuation of the familial bond established in the original series where he provided her shelter. His role is to provide direct combat support, leveraging his new cyborg capabilities in battle against the city's new threats, including the villain Dolmeck. Throughout the story, Danbei remains a constant source of both comic relief and formidable power, proving that his spirit and sense of duty have not diminished with age. His long-standing relationship with Honey is a core element, as he is the living link to her past. In terms of development, Danbei represents the enduring legacy of the original story, having transformed himself from a skilled but aging martial artist into a powerful cyborg to continue his mission. His abilities in New Cutey Honey are a dramatic upgrade from his previous skills in ninjutsu and other martial arts; while he remains a capable fighter, his cybernetic enhancements are his primary means of engaging enemies who would otherwise be beyond the reach of an ordinary human.