Galaxy Express 999

Galaxy Express 999 is an anime series based upon the original manga written and drawn by Leiji Matsumoto, who is popular for the Captain Harlock franchise and its related series in what is known as the Leijiverse. The first series was published in Shounen King magazine for its entire run, starting in 1977 and ending in 1981. The anime series is directed by Nobutaka Nishizawa, has music composed by Nozomi Aoki, and was produced by Toei Animation. Consisting of 113 episodes, the series made its Japanese debut on September 14, 1978 and ran until March 26, 1981.

Creation

Series creator Leiji Matsumoto has said that the inspiration for the the series came from Kenji Miyazawa's 1934 novel Night on the Galactic Railroad. The novel tells the story of a young boy with a troubled life who travels across the skies in a steam locomotive and gets into numerous adventures during his journey.

Plot

After his mother is killed by the evil Count Mecha, Tetsuro Hoshino (Joey in the original English dub), resolves to get an immortal metal body. Impossibly expensive on Earth, they are reputedly given away free to anyone who reaches Andromeda (Megalopolis in the original English dub), the last stop on the Galaxy Express. A ticket on the GE is also impossibly expensive, but the ethereal beauty Maetel, who looks uncannily like his mother, offers him one for free. She helps him to board the Galaxy Express 999 on the understanding that he must accompany her on her travels.

Characters

Tetsuro Hoshino Tetsuro is a young boy who lives a life of crippling poverty with his mother. The two of them of them dream of getting mechanical bodies, which they believe will improve their lot in life. When Tetsuro's mother is killed, Tetsuro vows to get a mechanical body himself. Tetsuro's hard life has given strong sense of loyalty, honor, and the willingness to protect those he loves by any means necessary. Tetsuro Hoshino voiced by Masako Nozawa in the anime series.

Maetel Maetel is a mysterious woman who bears a striking resemblance to Tetsuro's mother. In the series, she gives Tetsuro a boarding pass for the GE999 and is essentially the catalyst for Tetsuro to travel amongst the stars. Maetel is very kindhearted and has no hesitations when it comes to protecting Tetsuro and making sure that his dream will come true. Additionally, Maetel has numerous skills ranging from using computers to armed/unarmed combat with a variety of weapons. Maetel is voiced by Masako Ikeda in the anime series.

The Conductor The Conductor serves as the liasion between the Galaxy Railways and the passengers aboard the GE999. The Conductor has a serious personality and is a stickler for following policy, regardless of the outcomes or particulars of the situation. This often puts him at odds with Tetsuro and Maetel. However, this is balanced by a strong passion to protect the passengers aboard the GE999, which has earned him their respect. The Conductor is voiced by Kaneta Kimotsuki in the anime series.