{"product_id":"chodenji-robo-combattler-v-超電磁ロボ-コン-バトラーv-original-hand-painted-production-cel-ga-セル画-of-combattler-v-with-chodenji-yo-yo-a-10-action-sequence-frame-toei-soeisha-sunrise-production-circa-1976-77-copy-1","title":"“Chōdenji Machine Voltes V” (超電磁マシーン ボルテスV), Original “A-1” Hand-Painted Master Production Cel-ga (“セル画”) of Kenichi Gō \/ Steve Armstrong (剛健一), Toei \/ Nippon Sunrise Production, circa 1977–78","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"198\" data-end=\"814\"\u003eA single \u003cstrong data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"258\"\u003eoriginal hand-painted production cel-ga (“セル画”)\u003c\/strong\u003e, measuring approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"300\"\u003e27.5 x 23 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, depicting \u003cstrong data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"326\"\u003eKenichi Gō\u003c\/strong\u003e (剛健一), known internationally as \u003cstrong data-start=\"359\" data-end=\"378\"\u003eSteve Armstrong\u003c\/strong\u003e, the principal hero and leader of the Voltes Team. The work presents Kenichi in a rare, oversized close-up portrait composition, his face filling the frame with a tense, alert expression. Executed in hand-painted animation colour on transparent cel, the image preserves the sharp black hair silhouette, warm flesh tones, white highlights and strong late-1970s television anime linework characteristic of the original production period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"816\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eThe upper margin is marked with production notation including \u003cstrong data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"887\"\u003e“131”\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"892\" data-end=\"906\"\u003e“A1 \/ A-1”\u003c\/strong\u003e, identifying the sheet as the first cel in the primary A-layer of its production sequence or cut. In animation cel notation, the letter generally identifies the cel layer and the number identifies its position within the sequence; first and last cels are often treated by collectors as key or lead sequence cels, though definitive key-frame status would require matching timing sheets or studio exposure sheets. The work also retains visible handwritten production notes, including a red marginal annotation identifying \u003cstrong data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003e“健一”\u003c\/strong\u003e (Kenichi) and additional red pencil direction lines, giving the cel strong production character. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1627\" data-end=\"2203\"\u003eThe present work comes from \u003cstrong data-start=\"1655\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003eChōdenji Machine Voltes V\u003c\/strong\u003e (超電磁マシーン ボルテスV), the landmark Japanese super-robot television series broadcast from \u003cstrong data-start=\"1769\" data-end=\"1796\"\u003eJune 1977 to March 1978\u003c\/strong\u003e. Toei Video records the series as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1876\"\u003e40-episode colour television production\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1883\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003eTadao Nagahama\u003c\/strong\u003e as chief director, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003eSaburō Yatsude\u003c\/strong\u003e as original creator, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1980\"\u003eHiroshi Tsutsui\u003c\/strong\u003e as composer, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1994\" data-end=\"2009\"\u003eYuki Hijiri\u003c\/strong\u003e as character concept designer, and production by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2093\"\u003eTV Asahi, Toei and Toei Agency\u003c\/strong\u003e, with production cooperation from \u003cstrong data-start=\"2128\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003eTohokushinsha and Nippon Sunrise\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2205\" data-end=\"2663\"\u003eVoltes V occupies an important place in the history of the Japanese \u003cstrong data-start=\"2273\" data-end=\"2288\"\u003eSuper Robot\u003c\/strong\u003e genre. Produced after the success of \u003cem data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003eChōdenji Robo Combattler V\u003c\/em\u003e, it became the second work in the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eNagahama Romance Robot\u003c\/strong\u003e line, extending the five-machine combining-robot formula into a more serious dramatic structure involving family separation, hidden lineage, resistance, revolution and the class hierarchy of the Boazan Empire. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"3349\"\u003eThe character shown here, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2691\" data-end=\"2705\"\u003eKenichi Gō\u003c\/strong\u003e, is the eldest of the Gō brothers and the central protagonist of the original anime. The official story summary names Kenichi among the five pilots who board Voltes V to fight the Boazan invaders, while later international naming tradition identifies the equivalent character as \u003cstrong data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"3004\"\u003eSteve Armstrong\u003c\/strong\u003e. The \u003cem data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3028\"\u003eVoltes V: Legacy\u003c\/em\u003e official character page describes Steve Armstrong as the pilot of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3095\" data-end=\"3107\"\u003eVoltes V\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3148\"\u003eVolt Machine No. 1, Volt Cruiser\u003c\/strong\u003e, the leader of the Voltes Team and the eldest Armstrong brother; Animate Times explicitly identifies Steve as the counterpart of original anime character \u003cstrong data-start=\"3303\" data-end=\"3310\"\u003e剛健一\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3351\" data-end=\"3905\"\u003eThe cel is especially appealing as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"3388\" data-end=\"3424\"\u003elarge-scale protagonist portrait\u003c\/strong\u003e, rather than a distant group shot or mechanical action frame. Kenichi’s face is cropped close to the picture plane, heightening the emotional force of the composition. This type of close-up would have been suited to a moment of dialogue, reaction or dramatic tension. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"4525\"\u003eWhat makes the work especially compelling is its survival as a physical artifact of pre-digital animation production. Traditional cel animation relied on transparent painted sheets photographed frame by frame, often over backgrounds or layout elements. Here, that process remains visible through the \u003cstrong data-start=\"4207\" data-end=\"4232\"\u003etransparent cel sheet\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"4234\" data-end=\"4262\"\u003eupper registration holes\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"4264\" data-end=\"4287\"\u003ehand-painted colour\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"4289\" data-end=\"4336\"\u003egraphite and red pencil production markings\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the surviving sequence notation. The visible red and graphite linework beneath or around the painted areas functions as a production guide for expression, shadow and colour placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"5117\"\u003eThe image also carries broader collector significance. Original production material from \u003cstrong data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4628\"\u003eVoltes V\u003c\/strong\u003e has received renewed international attention following the revival of the property through \u003cstrong data-start=\"4720\" data-end=\"4740\"\u003eVoltes V: Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e, a Philippine live-action adaptation whose popularity prompted renewed Japanese theatrical and home-video activity around the original series. Toei Video specifically notes the original anime’s enduring popularity in the Philippines and the release of a negative-scan HD remastered Blu-ray edition in connection with the \u003cem data-start=\"5062\" data-end=\"5070\"\u003eLegacy\u003c\/em\u003e revival. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5119\" data-end=\"5519\"\u003eFor collectors of \u003cstrong data-start=\"5137\" data-end=\"5149\"\u003eVoltes V\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"5151\" data-end=\"5169\"\u003eTadao Nagahama\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"5171\" data-end=\"5206\"\u003eToei \/ Nippon Sunrise animation\u003c\/strong\u003e, Super Robot history and original Japanese cel-ga, this is a strong character-focused production piece. Its appeal rests on the combination of subject, scale and notation: \u003cstrong data-start=\"5379\" data-end=\"5411\"\u003eKenichi Gō \/ Steve Armstrong\u003c\/strong\u003e, the lead hero of the series, preserved in an \u003cstrong data-start=\"5458\" data-end=\"5489\"\u003eA-1 close-up production cel\u003c\/strong\u003e with visible studio markings.\u003cstrong data-start=\"5521\" data-end=\"5553\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6212\" data-end=\"6381\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6212\" data-end=\"6226\"\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"6226\" data-end=\"6229\"\u003eAcquired in Japan from a \u003cstrong data-start=\"6254\" data-end=\"6296\"\u003ewell-known private collection in Kyoto\u003c\/strong\u003e; same provenance as the referenced Ultraman Ace original genga \/ production artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6383\" data-end=\"7405\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"6383\" data-end=\"6396\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"6396\" data-end=\"6399\"\u003eOverall very good for period animation production material of this type, with strong surviving colour and excellent display presence. The cel shows expected age toning, light handling wear, minor edge and corner wear, small surface marks, visible registration holes, and original production annotations including \u003cstrong data-start=\"6712\" data-end=\"6721\"\u003e“131”\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"6726\" data-end=\"6740\"\u003e“A1 \/ A-1”\u003c\/strong\u003e. The left margin retains red handwritten production notation, identifying \u003cstrong data-start=\"6826\" data-end=\"6842\"\u003eKenichi \/ 健一\u003c\/strong\u003e, together with red pencil directional or paint-reference marks. Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact item for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7407\" data-end=\"7710\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7407\" data-end=\"7423\"\u003eAuthenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7423\" data-end=\"7426\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"7437\" data-end=\"7495\"\u003eoriginal period hand-painted production cel-ga (“セル画”)\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong data-start=\"7501\" data-end=\"7530\"\u003eChōdenji Machine Voltes V\u003c\/strong\u003e (超電磁マシーン ボルテスV), depicting \u003cstrong data-start=\"7558\" data-end=\"7590\"\u003eKenichi Gō \/ Steve Armstrong\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is not a reproduction, printed cel, sericel, modern replica or digital print. Certificate of Authenticity Included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"7712\" data-end=\"7804\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"7712\" data-end=\"7719\"\u003eAge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"7719\" data-end=\"7722\"\u003eThis work dates to \u003cstrong data-start=\"7741\" data-end=\"7758\"\u003ecirca 1977–78\u003c\/strong\u003e and is now approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"7784\" data-end=\"7803\"\u003e48–49 years old\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56821300003194,"sku":null,"price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/wall-shelf-with-ornaments-2026-04-20T184746.020.jpg?v=1776679567","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/chodenji-robo-combattler-v-%e8%b6%85%e9%9b%bb%e7%a3%81%e3%83%ad%e3%83%9c-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%b3-%e3%83%90%e3%83%88%e3%83%a9%e3%83%bcv-original-hand-painted-production-cel-ga-%e3%82%bb%e3%83%ab%e7%94%bb-of-combattler-v-with-chodenji-yo-yo-a-10-action-sequence-frame-toei-soeisha-sunrise-production-circa-1976-77-copy-1","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}