''Lion-Maru has arrived!"
Kaiketsu Lion-Maru was a tokusatsu series running from April 1, 1972 - April 7, 1973 with a total of 54 episodes.
During the late 16th century, a trio of ninja orphans are wandering Japan and saving people from evil, specifically the evil Devil Gosun. These people consist of kid ninja Kosuke, kunoichi Saori and an adult ninja named Shishimaru... who can transform into a lion-headed Samurai named Lionmaru.
This work contains examples of:
- Big Bad: The demon lord Gohsun, who takes the opportunity to invade Japan ravaged by war.
- Bittersweet Ending: Tiger Jo dies, then later Lion Maru defeats Gohsun from going inside to attack his heart, making him explode. Saori and Kosuke wander off to a peaceful land.
- Evil Counterpart: Tiger Jo is Lion Maru's rival and evil equal counterpart.
- Eye Patch Of Power: Tiger Jo has a pretty cool eyepatch.
- Finishing Move: After cutting the monster, Lion Maru runs his hand down the back of his sword, causing the Monster of the Week to explode in a big bang.
- In the Name of the Moon: "Kaze O! Hikari O! Ninpô Shishi-Henge!" ("Oh Wind, Oh Light, Ninja Skill, Lion-Transform!")
- Jidaigeki: The show takes place in the late 16th century and the heroes are three ninjas.
- Mooks: The Skull Ninjas, undead warriors with a skull for a face. They serve as the expendable minions of the various monsters of the week.
- Monster of the Week: It wouldn't be a Toku without them. Gohsun's demon warriors serve as this.
- King of Beasts: Or else why would it be called 'Lionmaru'?
- Meaningful Name: The 'Shishi' in Shishimaru means Lion.
