Inazuman

Inazuman (イナズマン) is a mutant superhero that appeared in tokusatsu, manga and anime.

Created by mangaka Shotaro Ishinomori, Inazuman first appeared in the self-titled 1973 tokusatsu TV series, Inazuman. He has become quite unique amongst the superheroes of the Henshin Hero genre.

Inazuman is, in reality, young college student Goro Watari (渡　五郎), a mutant. He lost his mother as a child, and had other dark moments in his childhood (he had a childhood girlfriend named Teresa, who was taken away by an American soldier during the US occuptation of Japan). But when the Newmanity Empire (新人類帝国 - Shinjinrui Teikoku) begins its invasion on mankind, he puts his mutant powers to the test . . .

First, he performs a henshin pose (crossing his arms in front of his chest) and uttering the phrase, "Gôriki Shôrai!" (強力招来 - literally "Mighty Strength Summons"), he is wrapped in a blue cocoon, which bursts, revealing the creature Sanagiman. He resembles an armored brown larva mutant with a white belt, which has a biomechanical power meter on it.

Then, when Sanagiman gathers enough energy on his belt, he crosses his fists in front of his chest, uttering the phrase, "Chôriki Shôrai!" (超力招来 - literally "Super Strength Summons"), and spreads them aside, with his chest emitting a swirl of colorful energy. Sanagiman's exterior then explodes to pieces, and in his place is Inazuman! He is a moth mutant, wearing the same power belt as Sanagiman, and resembles a blue man with huge colorful oval eyes, feathred lightning-shaped antennas, yellow scarf, black gloves & boots, and yellow lightning-shaped marks that stream down his blue body.

As both Sanagiman and Inazuman, his abdominal fighting cry is "Chest!" (as opposed to "Hyaa!" "Tou!" "Eii!" etc.)

NOTE: Inazuman's name is a cross between "inazuma" (a Japanese word for "lightning) and the English word "man". The same is done for Sanagiman ("sanagi" = Japanese for "chrysalis" or "pupa").

Inazuman (イナズマン) was produced by Toei Company Ltd. and broadcast on NET (now TV Asahi) from October 2, 1973 to March 26, 1974, with a total of 25 episodes. It was followed by a sequel series, Inazuman Flash. The series starred Daisuke Ban (as "Naoya Ban") of Kikaider fame in the title role.

This series was also featured on TV in Hawaii.

from Wikipedia