This is an original Japanese B2 promotional poster produced in 1984 for Heavy Metal L-GAIM Odyssey (重戦機(ヘビーメタル)エルガイム オデッセイ), released by STARCHILD / King Record Co., Ltd. The lower margin on this poster corresponds to the soundtrack’s catalog numbers—K25G-7187 (LP) and K25H-4207 (cassette; alternate printing of K25G-7187)—which firmly places it as period promotional material rather than later merchandise.
Most surviving L-Gaim items are smaller flyers or standard series materials; large-format B2 promo posters tied to specific STARCHILD/King Records releases are significantly harder to find, especially with strong color and clean borders.
Heavy Metal L-Gaim (重戦機（ヘビーメタル）エルガイム) is a landmark 1984–1985 Japanese mecha TV anime produced by Nippon Sunrise, directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, with the series created by Mamoru Nagano. The show originally ran from February 4, 1984 to February 23, 1985 and is set in the Pentagona System, blending political rebellion, science-fantasy worldbuilding, and distinctive “Heavy Metal” mechanical design that helped define an era of 1980s mecha aesthetics.
What makes this poster especially desirable is the credited poster artwork and the unmistakable “premium illustration” approach: the design is pure image, with only minimal title text (“Heavy Metal L-GAIM”) in the upper-left corner—exactly the kind of striking, gallery-worthy art STARCHILD promos are known for. The surreal scene features a vast cosmic sky and spiral galaxy, a monumental stone hand reaching upward like a ruined colossus, and biomechanical blue flowers in the foreground that echo the organic/industrial fusion central to L-Gaim’s visual identity. A lone armored figure stands at the edge of a reflective plain, facing a distant fortress-like skyline—an epic, contemplative composition that feels closer to classic sci‑fi cover art than typical TV-anime advertising.
The poster art is credited to Shigemi Ikeda (池田繁美), a noted Japanese illustrator and art director, and the artwork bears an “IKEDA” signature in the lower-right area of the image.
Ikeda is recognized for a long career in illustration/art direction (including establishing his own atelier) and even received a Primetime Emmy for animation-related work (Afro Samurai: Resurrection).
Condition
Very good to excellent overall, with minor edge/corner wear and a few small handling/age marks visible in the close-ups (typical for an original poster that has been stored/handled across decades). Please review the photos provided; they show the exact poster for sale and include close detail on the borders and lower credits/signature.
It is over 40 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
