NG Knight Lamune & 40 – the 1990 anime series

11 September 2023

In the vast universe of Japanese anime, certain series would manage to get noticed even if they were hidden in a forest of competing titles. “NG Knight Lamune & 40” is one of these gems, a series that, despite its production date way back in 1990, continues to revive, thanks also to the acquisition of the rights by Discotek Media in 2019 and the subsequent availability in streaming on Crunchyroll.

The Charm of Lamune

The series, part of the Lamune group of shows and OVAs, has highlighted the use of the term “NG,” which stands for “New Generation.” But what makes this series so fascinating to a new generation of fans? The answer may lie in its roots. Developed by a team known as “B3”, consisting of Takehiko Ito, Satoru Akahori and Rei Nakahara, “NG Knight Lamune & 40” brings with it an explosive mix of adventure, humor and mecha design.

The Taste of Nostalgia

If you grew up in the 90s, you'll know that the appeal of video games was something indescribable. The series captures this feeling through its protagonist, Baba Lamune. After an embarrassing day at school, Lamune meets a mysterious girl who sells a video game called “King Sccasher”. Having purchased the game, Lamune discovers that he is the blood relative of the legendary hero "Lamuness" and is catapulted into a parallel world to fight the evil Don Harumage.

Beyond the Title

One of the most interesting things about “NG Knight Lamune & 40” is the creativity that permeates every element, from the character names to the cultural references. Take for example the name “Lamune”, which is also the name of a popular Japanese lemon drink. Or Milk, the mysterious video game seller, also a reference to a drink. It is this level of detail that makes the series a cult for fans.

Reputation Overseas

After three decades since its first release, the series has finally been made available to North American audiences thanks to Discotek Media. And not only the original anime, but also OVA series such as “NG Knight Lamune & 40 EX” and “NG Knight Lamune & 40 DX”, thus expanding the offering for fans old and new.

History

The story opens with Lamune, an ordinary boy who finds refuge from school hardships in the virtual worlds of video games. Returning home after another awkward day at school, he crosses paths with a young peddler who seems to have trouble explaining that her stall doesn't offer matches, but something far more alluring: a mysterious video game called "King Squasher."

Without thinking twice, Lamune buys the game and, with his infectious enthusiasm, convinces other people to do so too. But when she comes home and asks what game it is about her, she disappears into thin air, leaving him with more questions than answers.

Steeped in mystery, Lamune can't help but try out the new game right away. After a marathon that takes him until midnight, he finally manages to complete "King Squasher". But surprisingly, the TV becomes a portal through which the mysterious saleswoman, revealed to be called Milk, emerges to reveal a shocking truth: Lamune is the heir to the legendary hero Lamuness and is destined to save the world of Hara-Hara. by the evil Don Harumage.

Before he can even process the extent of what he's been told, Lamune is catapulted into this fantasy world. Here he meets Tama-Q, a pocket advisor robot who can not only transform him into Lamuness, but can also summon the Guardian Knight, King Squasher. Armed with these powers and a brave heart, Lamune is finally ready to take up arms against Don Harumage to save the world of Hara-Hara.

Characters

Baba Lamune

Lamune is a 10-year-old boy with an unbridled passion for video games, which unfortunately often comes at the expense of his grades in school. He is endowed with a good heart, but does not always show attention towards others. He likes to point out that he's not a pervert, but the reality is slightly different, as evidenced by his adventures in the spa. His catchphrases reveal a guy who is easily surprised and embarrassed. He is the protagonist who is destined to become the hero of the world of Hara-Hara. In the sequel, we find out that he has a son named Lamunade.

Princess Milk

Originally from the Arara Kingdom, Milk is a girl with a strong and somewhat monolithic personality, endowed with elven ears. She is friendly but can also be quite arrogant, especially in the presence of her sister Cocoa. She is responsible for Lamune's journey into her own world, and is one of Arara's three "Maiden". At the end of the series, she becomes Lamune's wife.

Cocoa

Milk's older sister is an intelligent woman with a talent for scientific subjects. She is a thoughtful, if somewhat absent-minded, person and is instrumental in guiding the group through the world. She is slow-spoken and seems to pique Lamune's interest when she takes off her glasses.

Tama-Q

This little advisory robot is the key to summoning the Guardian Knights. It is powered by coins which Lamune has to insert into a slot on his head. His name is a pun on the Japanese word “Tama-kyuu,” which means billiard ball.

From Cider

Initially an antagonist, Da Cider is one of the minions of the evil Don Harumage. Over time, he realizes that he has been manipulated and joins Lamune's group, while maintaining a villainous air. He is stubborn, arrogant and often conflicted with Lamune.

Leska (Caffè au Lait)

Da Cider's companion and lover, Leska is a woman obsessed with fashion and seems little interested in what is happening around her. However, she is also revealed to be one of the "Maiden" of the Kingdom of Arara, and the older sister of Cocoa and Milk. She was manipulated by Don Harumage.

Heavy Meta-Ko

A small robotic snake that lives on the shoulder pads of Da Cider's armor. He is in love with Da Cider and can summon the Knight Guardian Queen Cideron when Da Cider plays a flute to charm snakes.

Data Sheet

Anime TV series: NG Knight Lamune & 40

Japanese title: NG騎士[ナイト]ラムネ&40 (NG Naito Ramune & 40)
Directed by: Hiroshi Negishi
Film script: Brother Noppo, Satoru Akahori
Music: Tadashige Matsui, Tetsushi Ryuu
Production studio: “B3”, Asatsu, Ashi Productions
North America License: Discotek Media
Original network: TV Tokyo
Transmission period: From April 6, 1990 to January 4, 1991
Episodes: 38

Original Video Animation (OVA): NG Knight Lamune & 40 EX

Directed by: Koji Masunari
Music: Tadashige Matsui, Tetsushi Ryuu
Production studio: Asatsu, Ashi Productions
North America License: Discotek Media
Release: From 21 July 1991 to 21 November 1991
Episodes: 3

Original Video Animation (OVA): NG Knight Lamune & 40 DX

Directed by: Naori Hiraki
Music: Tadashige Matsui, Tetsushi Ryuu, Akira Odakura
Production studio: Asatsu, Ashi Productions
North America License: Discotek Media
Release: From June 23, 1993 to September 22, 1993
Episodes: 3

Anime TV Series: VS Knight Ramune & 40 Fire

Directed by: Hiroshi Negishi
Music: Akira Odakura, Akira Nishizawa, Shinkichi Mitsumune
Production studio: Asatsu, Ashi Productions
North America License: Discotek Media
Original network: TV Tokyo
Transmission period: From 3 April 1996 to 9 September 1996
Episodes: 26

Original Video Animation (OVA): VS Knight Ramune & 40 Fresh

Directed by: Yoshitaka Fujimoto
Production studio: Ashi Productions
North America License: Discotek Media
Release: From May 21, 1997 to November 21, 1997
Episodes: 6