In recent weeks, I've been asked a few times how I got into anime (which just goes to show they didn't read my editorial in fps #3). Each time, I've surprised people by telling them that in the 1970s through to the late 1980s, Quebecers got a lot of anime on French-language TV—so much so that people of a certain age who wouldn't consider themselves anime fans can recognize Maya's apian smile on sight.

It elicits even more surprise when I point out that Goldorak (originally UFO Robot Grendizer) was pretty huge over here. I'm still sad that I couldn't get the 24-inch–tall Goldorak figure I spotted at the drugstore, complete with shoulder-mounted astro-hache ("astro-ax," literally) blades, just like in the show. But I was able to console myself with stickers, notebooks, and other tchotchkes, though I passed on the various soundtrack albums.

Yeah, good times. And I'm not the only one who remembers: every so often in Montreal, people get the opportunity to catch these old shows on the big screen. One such occasion is coming up this weekend. This Saturday and Sunday, Théatre National will play host to Télé Rétro, which will include screenings of Goldorak, Capitaine Flam (Captain Future), Albator (Captain Harlock), Astro le petit robot (Astro Boy), Lady Oscar (The Rose of Versailles), and others. (I should mention that it's not just an anime event; Astérix and Gumby will be among the non-anime titles.)

There are some great extras as well; DJ XL5 will present his Retro Zappin' Party, which I expect will be every bit as entertaining as the Zappin' Parties he's presented at Fantasia. There will also be a guest appearance by Flora Balzano, voice of Astro, Mini-Fée's brother Dany, Petit Castor, and Vic the Viking, plus a few other surprises.

Labels: anime, events

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