Chappy is a supporting character in the 1965 black-and-white anime series Uchū Shōnen Soran. Chappy is a space squirrel and serves as the constant animal companion and sidekick to the protagonist, the cyborg boy Soran. Their bond is established from the outset, as Chappy accompanies Soran when he returns to Earth from the high-gravity planet Soran. Together, the pair live with the archaeologist Dr. Kotsuki and his daughter Mika while Soran searches for his long-lost sister.

Chappy plays an integral part in the story’s action, often aiding Soran as he uses his superhuman strength to combat various threats and solve mysteries. The character’s importance to the narrative is highlighted by several episode titles that focus on Chappy, including episode thirty nine, Chappy Where Are You Going?, and episode ninety two, The Monster Chappy. These titles suggest that Chappy is not merely a passive pet but an active participant whose own experiences and well-being can drive a story’s plot. The series presents Chappy as a faithful and helpful companion, contributing significantly to the duo’s dynamic of fighting for justice.

The character design of Chappy is notable for its connection to a well-known controversy in manga and anime history. The design was believed to be very similar to the initial concept for a squirrel character that Osamu Tezuka was planning for his series Wonder Three. Concerns over potential plagiarism led to what is known as the Wonder Three incident. In response, Tezuka changed his planned squirrel character into a rabbit character named Bokko to avoid the resemblance, and Tezuka’s manga was moved to a different publication. This context establishes Chappy’s design as a point of historical interest within the industry.