Most of us have witnessed a blue cat robot in our childhood, who travelled back in time to assist the most loser protagonist to ever exist survive in his daily struggles. Yes, we are talking about Doraemon, however, after becoming an adult, it may not bring the same thrill as it did in our childhood. So, the mind behind the iconic series, Fujiko F. Fujio, is bringing another creation to life on Netflix.
Time Patrol Bon anime is premiering on May 2nd, 2024. Surprisingly, this anime is also about time travel and science fiction, but is it simply a rehash of Doraemon with a new coat of paint? Let’s delve into the facts to see if Time Patrol Bon carves its own path.
Fujiko F Fujio’s creations
The most immediate connection between Time Patrol Bon and Doraemon lies in their creator. Fujiko F. Fujio is a legendary name in anime, responsible for gifting the world with both Doraemon and Kiteretsu. It comprised of artists Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko, their most famous work, this shared origin hints at a potential for similar themes and storytelling styles.
Time Patrol Bon anime vs. The Gadget Cat: Key Differences
Both Time Patrol Bon and Doraemon involve time travel, a popular theme in anime. However, their approaches seem to differ:
- T.P Bon: Based on the manga Time Patrol Bon (1978), the story revolves around Bon Namihira, a regular junior high school student recruited by a time patrol agency. Bon joins a team tasked with protecting history by preventing accidents and tragedies.
- Doraemon: Time travel in Doraemon serves a more personal purpose. Doraemon’s arrival from the future aims to improve Nobita’s future, with time travel used more sporadically for specific situations.
Differences:Â Time Patrol Bon anime seems to take a more serious approach to time travel, focusing on the responsibility of maintaining the timeline. On the other hand Doraemon only uses time travel for comedic situations and personal growth of the protagonist, Nobita.
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| Feature | Doraemon | T.P Bon |
| Genre | Comedy | Science Fiction, Action |
| Main Character | Nobita Nobi (a lazy boy) | Bon Namihira (an ordinary student) |
| Time Travel Purpose | Help Nobita improve his life | Prevent historical disasters |
| Tone | Lighthearted, comedic | Serious, action-oriented |
These differences suggest Time Patrol Bon will appeal to a more mature audience who enjoy a balance of historical accuracy with thrilling adventures.
Doraemon’s impact:
Debuting in 1973, Doraemon became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and beyond. The story follows a robotic cat named Doraemon from the 22nd century, sent back in time to help a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Doraemon’s brings the future gadgets in his overflowing pouch, allowing Nobita to face bullies and learn valuable life lessons. The time travel is extremely normalized in Doraemon universe.
However, their success was not limited to the children’s anime. TP Bon anime is based on their 1978 science fiction manga of the same name, predating Doraemon by several years. This lesser-known work explores similar themes of time travel and adventure, but with a more mature focus.
Given Fujiko F. Fujio’s history, Time Patrol Bon might share some characteristics with Doraemon. We can expect a humorous tone, with characters facing challenges that offer moral lessons.
Genre and target audience
While both anime are family-friendly, there might be a slight shift in target audience:
- Doraemon: Primarily aimed at children, Doraemon uses absurd humor and lighthearted adventures to entertain and teach life lessons. Doraemon also uses brighter color palette that suits more to the younger audience.
- T.P Bon: Early trailers suggest a more action-oriented story with a focus on teamwork and the importance of historical preservation. TP Bon uses a darker color palette with bright and flashy visual effects. This could appeal to a slightly older audience compared to Doraemon.
Storylines:
- Doraemon:Â Each episode typically features a standalone adventure where Nobita uses gadgets to overcome challenges or achieve goals.
- T.P Bon:Â The series likely follows a more serialized format with Bon and his team tackling specific historical events to prevent catastrophe.
What to expect from TP Bon
Ultimately, Time Patrol Bon isn’t a replacement for Doraemon, but rather a new story within the same creator’s universe. With its focus on action and historical adventures, TP Bon promises to entertain a broader audience while retaining the charm associated with Fujiko F. Fujio’s work.
So, whether you’re a longtime Doraemon fan or a newcomer to the world of Fujiko F. Fujio, Time Patrol Bon is definitely worth checking out when it premieres on Netflix on May 2nd, 2024.