Dr. Slump is a vibrant remake of the original anime series, presenting an alternate retelling of the beloved Dr. Slump manga. This second adaptation brings a fresh and modern touch to the beloved story, introducing updated character designs that breathe new life into the quirky world created by Akira Toriyama. The series showcases the whimsical adventures of Arale Norimaki, a mischievous robot girl, and her creator, the inventive Senbei Norimaki, voiced by Taeko Kawata and Yusaku Yara respectively.
The 1997 Dr. Slump series consists of 74 episodes that aired from November 26, 1997, to September 22, 1999. Beyond its standalone charm, this iteration cleverly integrates references and cameo appearances from the popular Dragon Ball franchise, enriching the crossover appeal for longtime fans. Adding to the series' entertainment value, one film titled "Dr. Slump: Arale's Surprise" was produced, expanding the storytelling and offering fans an additional dose of the show's signature humor and heart.
In more recent developments, an English dub trailer for Dr. Slump briefly surfaced on YouTube on April 7, 2018, sparking excitement and speculation within the anime community. However, the video was quickly removed by the uploader, leaving the origins of this dub and the availability of other copies on video sharing platforms shrouded in mystery. Fans remain hopeful for an official English release that would introduce this classic, reimagined series to a broader audience.
Full Cast of Dr. Slump
Taeko Kawata
Arale Norimaki (Voice)
Taeko Kawata's involvement in the classic anime series 'Dr. Slump' was marked by her role as a voice actress that brought vibrancy and charm to the characters she portrayed. Her performance was well-received by fans and critics alike for its energetic and expressive delivery, capturing the quirky and whimsical essence of the show's characters. What made her contribution unique was her ability to infuse humor and warmth, which complemented the show's playful and comedic tone. A lesser-known fact about her work on 'Dr. Slump' is that during recording sessions, Kawata was known for improvising certain lines, adding a spontaneous flair that often delighted directors and fellow cast members, enriching the final dialogue beyond the script.
Yusaku Yara
Senbei Norimaki (Voice)
Yusaku Yara's performance as Senbei Norimaki in the TV series 'Dr. Slump' stands out for its lively and comedic energy, perfectly capturing the quirky and inventive spirit of the character. His voice work brings a unique blend of charm and eccentricity that distinguishes Senbei from Yara's other roles, which often portray more serious or stoic characters. A notable trivia fact is that Yusaku Yara reprised his role as Senbei Norimaki in various 'Dr. Slump' specials and crossover appearances, showcasing his long-term association with the beloved character.
Yuko Minaguchi
Midori Yamabuki (Voice)
Fans of Yuko Minaguchi will appreciate their role in the TV series 'Dr. Slump' as it showcases their versatility and ability to bring playful and energetic characters to life. While Yuko Minaguchi is perhaps best known for their iconic performance as Sailor Mercury in 'Sailor Moon,' where they portrayed a calm, intellectual, and gentle personality, their role in 'Dr. Slump' allows them to explore a more comedic and whimsical side. An interesting detail is that, despite the light-hearted nature of 'Dr. Slump,' Minaguchi's character is pivotal in adding depth to the storyline, and Minaguchi was part of the cast early in their career, highlighting their growth as a voice actor.
Shinichiro Ohta
Taro Soramame (Voice)
Shinichiro Ohta played a significant role in the TV series 'Dr. Slump,' lending his voice to characters that added vibrant energy and humor to the show. This role was pivotal in showcasing Ohta's versatility as a voice actor early in his career, allowing him to blend comedic timing with unique character voices. Compared to his earlier or more widely recognized work, his performance in 'Dr. Slump' stood out due to the show's quirky and lighthearted tone, which allowed him to explore a broader range of expressions and comedic styles. This experience contributed to Ohta's development and recognition as a dynamic performer in the anime industry.
Hiroko Konishi
Akane Kimidori (Voice)
Megumi Urawa
Pisuke Soramame (Voice)
Motoko Kumai
Obotchaman (Voice)
Bin Shimada
Nikochan (Voice)
Masako Nozawa
Son Goku (voice)
Chie Ishibashi
Gatchan (Voice)
Crew of Dr. Slump
Full backstage crew list →