About SSSS.Gridman
SSSS.Gridman stands as a revolutionary fusion of tokusatsu heritage and contemporary mecha storytelling, transforming a classic 1990s television series into a profound meditation on digital existence, emotional healing, and the power of human connection.
Created by director Akira Amemiya at Studio Trigger in collaboration with Tsuburaya Productions, this groundbreaking franchise emerged in 2018 as both celebration of and evolution beyond its tokusatsu origins, establishing new possibilities for cross-generational storytelling in anime.
The SSSS.Gridman franchise features biomechanical entities called kaiju and the titular giant hero Gridman who battles them within digital spaces that blur the boundaries between virtual and real worlds. Unlike traditional mecha series, these conflicts take place in carefully constructed realities where the very nature of existence becomes central to the narrative.
SSSS.Gridman is the foundational work that redefined what tokusatsu adaptation could achieve in anime form. The franchise has since expanded through SSSS.Dynazenon and the crossover film Gridman Universe, creating a shared cosmos known as the Gridman Universe.
SSSS.Gridman emerged from Amemiya’s unique vision of modernising classic tokusatsu for contemporary audiences whilst preserving the emotional core that made the original series resonate. His approach transcends simple nostalgia, instead exploring how digital worlds can serve as spaces for psychological healing and personal growth.
This methodology transformed SSSS.Gridman from entertainment into cultural phenomenon, influencing discussions about virtual reality, digital identity, and the role of technology in modern Japanese society.
Gridman Universe
The Gridman Universe represents Tsuburaya Productions and Studio Trigger’s collaborative vision for expanding the Gridman legacy across multiple interconnected narratives. This shared universe explores how different characters interact with digital realities and giant mecha across various timeframes and locations.
SSSS.Gridman established the universe’s foundational concepts through its exploration of the digital city Tsutsujidai and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Akane Shinjo’s creation of both the virtual world and its inhabitants. The series reveals that the entire narrative takes place within a computer simulation designed as a form of therapeutic environment.
Notable entries in chronological order:
- SSSS.Gridman (2018) - The founding anime series
- SSSS.Dynazenon (2021) - A sequel exploring different characters and mecha
- Gridman Universe (2023) - Crossover film uniting both series
The universe’s approach to world-building distinguishes it from traditional mecha franchises by prioritising psychological realism over technological complexity. Each entry examines how individuals process trauma and find meaning through their relationships with both technology and each other.
History of SSSS.Gridman
Creation and early development
In 2015, director Akira Amemiya created a short film titled Gridman the Hyper Agent: boys invent great hero for the Japan Animator Expo. This experimental work, produced during his time at Studio Trigger, served as proof of concept for modernising the classic Gridman the Hyper Agent tokusatsu series from 1993.
The original Gridman the Hyper Agent was a groundbreaking tokusatsu series produced by Tsuburaya Productions that told the story of three computer-savvy children who discover their video game creation has been possessed by an interdimensional police officer. The series was notable for being the first tokusatsu production shot on digital video and for its unique focus on battles taking place within computer networks rather than the physical world.
Amemiya’s 2015 short impressed Tsuburaya Productions sufficiently that they approached Studio Trigger about developing a full anime adaptation. The director’s vision emphasised emotional storytelling over action spectacle, drawing inspiration from classic Gainax productions whilst incorporating modern animation techniques and psychological themes.
Studio Trigger collaboration
During Anime Expo 2017, Studio Trigger announced three major projects: Darling in the Franxx, Promare, and SSSS.Gridman. The studio described their Gridman project as “their anime take on the tokusatsu series” with an original storyline unrelated to the earlier live-action work.
Production of SSSS.Gridman took place alongside Promare, with staff members noting that creative decisions for both projects were often discussed simultaneously during meetings. This parallel development influenced both works’ visual styles and thematic approaches.
The series featured unprecedented collaboration between anime and tokusatsu production teams. Masayuki Gotou, who had worked on recent Ultraman franchise instalments, designed the new Gridman, whilst character designs were handled by Masaru Sakamoto. Music was composed by Shiro Sagisu, known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Evolution and expansion
SSSS.Gridman premiered in October 2018 to both critical acclaim and commercial success. The series was praised for its sophisticated approach to psychological themes, exceptional animation quality, and respectful treatment of its tokusatsu source material. The “SSSS” in the title served as both reference to the American adaptation Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad and acronym for “Special Signature to Save a Soul,” reflecting the series’ therapeutic themes.
Following the success of the initial series, Tsuburaya Productions announced SSSS.Dynazenon at their Tsubucon convention in December 2019. This sequel series, which premiered in April 2021, explored different characters and mecha whilst maintaining thematic continuity with the original work.
The franchise culminated with Gridman Universe, a theatrical film released in March 2023 that brought together characters from both television series. This crossover demonstrated the franchise’s evolution from single adaptation to comprehensive universe spanning multiple narratives and creative approaches.
Thematic resonance
Digital identity and virtual worlds
SSSS.Gridman distinguishes itself through sophisticated exploration of digital existence and virtual reality. The franchise examines how computer-generated environments can serve as spaces for psychological healing, suggesting that virtual worlds offer unique opportunities for individuals to confront and resolve emotional trauma.
The series positions digital spaces not as escapes from reality but as alternative forms of existence with their own validity and emotional weight. Characters’ relationships with technology reflect broader questions about how digital natives process identity, connection, and meaning in increasingly connected societies.
Psychological healing through mecha
Unlike traditional mecha anime that focus on warfare or coming-of-age narratives, SSSS.Gridman frames giant robot battles as metaphors for therapeutic processes. The kaiju represent manifestations of psychological distress, whilst Gridman’s interventions symbolise the healing power of empathy and understanding.
This approach transforms tokusatsu’s traditionally straightforward good-versus-evil conflicts into complex examinations of mental health, interpersonal relationships, and emotional growth. The franchise suggests that true victory comes not from defeating enemies but from helping individuals find peace and connection.
Technology and human connection
The Gridman Universe explores how technology can both isolate and connect individuals, examining the dual nature of digital communication and virtual relationships. Rather than presenting technology as inherently positive or negative, the franchise demonstrates how human intention and emotional awareness determine technology’s impact on relationships.
Through its depiction of characters who form meaningful bonds across digital and physical spaces, SSSS.Gridman argues that authentic human connection transcends the boundaries between virtual and real environments.
Media expansion and cultural impact
SSSS.Gridman’s influence extended far beyond its initial television broadcast, spawning an extensive multimedia franchise that includes manga adaptations, light novels, video games, and merchandise. The series achieved particular success in model kit sales, with Good Smile Company and other manufacturers producing highly detailed figures of Gridman, the kaiju, and key characters.
The franchise’s impact on popular culture was demonstrated through its inclusion in major crossover projects. Super Robot Wars 30 featured SSSS.Gridman as its first Tsuburaya property, marking a significant milestone for both franchises. Additionally, mobile game collaborations with titles like Azur Lane introduced Gridman characters to broader audiences.
The series influenced academic discourse about anime, tokusatsu, and digital media, with scholars examining its treatment of virtual reality, psychological healing, and technological anxiety. Universities began incorporating SSSS.Gridman into courses on contemporary Japanese media and animation studies.
International reception and legacy
SSSS.Gridman achieved remarkable international success, streaming simultaneously on Crunchyroll and receiving an English dub through Funimation. The series premiered on Toonami in January 2021, introducing tokusatsu concepts to Western audiences unfamiliar with the genre.
Critical reception praised the series for its sophisticated storytelling, exceptional animation quality, and respectful treatment of source material. Western critics particularly noted how the series made tokusatsu concepts accessible to international audiences without sacrificing cultural authenticity.
The franchise’s success demonstrated the viability of tokusatsu-anime collaborations, leading to increased international interest in Tsuburaya Productions’ other properties and setting precedents for future cross-media adaptations.
Media and spin-offs
Manga adaptations
Multiple manga series expanded the Gridman Universe beyond its anime origins. The primary adaptation by Yuki Konno retold the main series narrative with additional character development and backstory details. Several spin-off manga explored alternative perspectives and timeframes:
SSSS.Gridman ANOTHER LOAD by Aya Satsuki featured Borr and Vitt travelling to alternate dimensions. Sengoku Gridman by Yuki Tamura transported the titular hero to Japan’s feudal period. SSSS.Gridman: Neon Genesis Junior High Students Butler Cafe by Misaki Sako provided comedic slice-of-life content featuring the Neon Genesis Junior High Students.
Gridman Dogma by Hazumu Sazuka served as a more mature exploration of the franchise’s themes, running from April 2021 to April 2022 on Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch website.
Light novels and supplementary media
SSSS.Gridman NOVELIZATIONS by Yume Mizusawa provided interquel content set after episode eight of the original series. These novels explored character relationships and backstory elements that expanded the anime’s narrative scope.
Voice dramas released alongside each episode provided additional context and foreshadowing for upcoming plot developments. These audio productions, initially uploaded to Tsuburaya Productions’ YouTube channel, offered fans deeper insight into character motivations and world-building details.
Video games and digital media
The franchise’s digital themes made it particularly suited for video game adaptations and crossovers. Beyond major titles like Super Robot Wars 30, SSSS.Gridman characters appeared in mobile games, virtual reality experiences, and social media campaigns that extended the series’ reach into interactive entertainment.
SSSS.Junction XD served as the final Symphogear XD collaboration, featuring Gridman characters alongside musical combat elements. These crossovers demonstrated the franchise’s versatility and appeal across different entertainment mediums.
Key creators and staff
Akira Amemiya
Director Akira Amemiya emerged as the defining creative voice behind the modern Gridman franchise. A former Gainax animator who joined Studio Trigger as a founding member, Amemiya brought extensive experience from projects including Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill.
His directorial approach emphasised emotional storytelling over spectacle, drawing inspiration from classic Gainax productions whilst incorporating contemporary animation techniques. Amemiya’s personal connection to tokusatsu culture, combined with his understanding of modern anime aesthetics, enabled him to bridge generational gaps between classic and contemporary entertainment.
Collaborative creative team
Scriptwriter Keiichi Hasegawa brought experience from Rage of Bahamut: Genesis and various Zoids series to provide narrative structure and character development. His collaboration with Amemiya established the series’ distinctive balance between action sequences and psychological exploration.
Character designer Masaru Sakamoto developed character designs that incorporated subtle references to Transformers whilst maintaining distinctly Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. Composer Shiro Sagisu created musical themes that honoured both tokusatsu traditions and contemporary anime production values.
Tsuburaya Productions partnership
The collaboration between Studio Trigger and Tsuburaya Productions represented unprecedented cooperation between anime and tokusatsu production teams. Tsuburaya’s Masayuki Gotou, who had worked on recent Ultraman productions, designed the new Gridman whilst ensuring continuity with the original 1993 character design.
This partnership established new models for cross-media collaboration, demonstrating how traditional tokusatsu companies could work with anime studios to create content that honoured legacy properties whilst appealing to contemporary audiences.
Technical innovations
Animation and production techniques
SSSS.Gridman pioneered new approaches to mecha animation by combining traditional 2D character animation with sophisticated 3D CGI for mechanical elements. Graphinica handled the CGI production, creating kaiju and mecha designs that deliberately evoked the physical weight and presence of tokusatsu suits and models.
The series achieved its distinctive visual style through careful attention to lighting, camera movement, and environmental design that replicated tokusatsu cinematography within anime production pipelines. This approach required extensive collaboration between 2D and 3D animation teams to maintain visual consistency.
Sound design and music
Sound director Toshiki Kameyama and sound effects specialist Eiko Morikawa created audio landscapes that combined classic tokusatsu sound effects with contemporary anime production techniques. Morikawa’s return from the original Gridman the Hyper Agent series provided crucial continuity between the 1993 and 2018 productions.
The series’ music seamlessly blended electronic and orchestral elements, creating themes that supported both intimate character moments and spectacular battle sequences. Opening theme “UNION” by OxT and ending theme “youthful beautiful” by Maaya Uchida became significant anime music hits.
Merchandise and commercial success
Model kits and figures
The franchise achieved remarkable success in the collectibles market, with manufacturers producing highly detailed representations of characters, mecha, and kaiju. Good Smile Company released multiple figure lines, including Nendoroid and figma series that captured the characters’ distinctive designs and personalities.
MegaHouse’s Actibuilder line provided poseable figures of Gridman and Gridknight with extensive articulation and accessory options. These products demonstrated strong international demand for high-quality SSSS.Gridman merchandise.
Cross-media collaborations
The franchise’s commercial appeal extended through numerous collaboration projects with brands, products, and services. Aviot released wireless headphones featuring character voice lines, whilst various apparel companies produced clothing lines inspired by the series’ aesthetic.
These collaborations demonstrated SSSS.Gridman’s broad cultural appeal and its ability to transcend traditional anime merchandise categories to reach mainstream consumer markets.
Cultural significance
Influence on contemporary anime
SSSS.Gridman’s success influenced subsequent anime productions’ approaches to adaptation, cross-media collaboration, and psychological storytelling within action-oriented genres. The series demonstrated that audiences responded positively to sophisticated thematic content combined with high-quality animation and respectful treatment of source material.
The franchise’s integration of digital themes with traditional mecha concepts influenced other productions exploring similar territory, contributing to broader conversations about technology’s role in contemporary Japanese society.
Academic and critical recognition
The series achieved recognition from academic institutions studying contemporary Japanese media, with scholars examining its treatment of virtual reality, digital identity, and psychological healing. Universities began incorporating SSSS.Gridman into courses on animation studies, media theory, and contemporary Japanese culture.
Critical analysis praised the series for successfully bridging generational gaps between classic tokusatsu traditions and modern anime aesthetics, establishing new possibilities for cross-generational storytelling in Japanese entertainment media.
Future prospects
The success of Gridman Universe and the franchise’s continued popularity suggest strong potential for future development. Studio Trigger has expressed interest in continuing their collaboration with Tsuburaya Productions, whilst the latter company has indicated plans to expand their anime initiatives based on classic tokusatsu properties.
The franchise’s proven ability to attract both domestic and international audiences positions it well for continued expansion across multiple media platforms. Potential developments might include new television series, additional theatrical releases, or expanded multimedia projects that further explore the Gridman Universe’s rich thematic territory.
Awards and recognition
SSSS.Gridman received the prestigious 50th Seiun Award, with director Akira Amemiya personally accepting the honour. The series’ opening theme “UNION” achieved first place in AniUta’s top 100 anime songs for October 2018, maintaining its position through November of the same year.
The franchise’s critical recognition extended beyond Japan, with international anime publications and festivals acknowledging its contributions to contemporary animation and cross-cultural storytelling.
Conclusion
SSSS.Gridman represents a remarkable achievement in modern anime production—a franchise that successfully honours its tokusatsu heritage whilst establishing entirely new possibilities for psychological storytelling within the mecha genre. Through its sophisticated exploration of digital identity, therapeutic healing, and human connection, the series has influenced contemporary discussions about technology’s role in mental health and social relationships.
The franchise’s success demonstrates that audiences respond to sincere emotional storytelling regardless of genre conventions, opening pathways for future creators to explore similarly complex themes within traditionally action-oriented formats. As the anime industry continues evolving, SSSS.Gridman stands as evidence that thoughtful adaptation and thematic innovation can create works that resonate across generational and cultural boundaries.
More than a simple tokusatsu adaptation, SSSS.Gridman established new standards for respectful modernisation of classic properties whilst maintaining their essential emotional cores. The franchise’s lasting influence on both anime production and tokusatsu appreciation ensures its place as a pivotal work in contemporary Japanese entertainment history.