Blue Submarine No. 6

Blue Submarine No. 6 (青の6号) is a post-apocalyptic manga series by Japanese mangaka Satoru Ozawa, first published in 1967, which was subsequently developed into a four-episode original video animation (OVA) series by Gonzo.

Plot
The story begins in the near future, when the Earth's oceans have risen and flooded most of the sea-lying land on Earth. The rogue scientist Zorndyke caused the flooding, which killed countless individuals and most of humanity's remaining cities have been attacked or destroyed by Zorndyke's army of half-animal "hybrids". The remaining humans begin to wage war against Zorndyke's seagoing creations for simple survival. Humanity's best hope for a resolution to the conflict lies with its submarine forces, among which is the focus of the story, Blue Submarine #6. It is revealed that Zorndyke is attempting to decisively end the conflict in the favor of his hybrid children by artificially inducing a polar switch using geothermal energy at the South Pole.

Manga
The original Blue Submarine No. 6 manga was written by Satoru Ozawa. It was serialized Shogakukan magazine Shōnen Sunday from January 8 to November 5, 1967. Three tankōbon (collected chapter books) were released by Akita Shoten between March and August 1974.

OVA
The anime adaptation was released in the United States on April 4, 2000. It uses a hybrid approach, combining 3D computer graphics with traditional animation, and is a pioneering example of this technique. It aired in the United States on Cartoon Network's Toonami block on November 6, 2000. The jazzy and atmospheric score was provided by rock n' roll big band The Thrill.

Video games
Two Japan-exclusive video games based on the Blue Submarine No. 6 OVA have been released. Ao no 6-gou: Antarctica was developed and published by Bandai for the PlayStation on September 28, 2000. Ao no 6-gou: Saigetsu Fumahito Time and Tide was developed and published by Sega for the Dreamcast on December 7, 2000.

Live-action film
In 2005, Shōji Murahama of GONZO stated with NewWords Magazine that a live-action Blue Submarine No. 6 film will be produced for approximately 10 billion yen (US$84 Million). Masahiko Ōkura will direct the movie. This is to be G.D.H.'s first live-action project with 30 more live-action projects under consideration.

Reception
The Blue Submarine No. 6 OVA was ranked as the 70th best anime of all time by the Japanese magazine Animage. It was ranked 25th best anime of all time by Wizard's Anime Invasion. The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation awarded the it "Best OVA, U.S. Release" for 2000.

Related links

 * J-pop.com review
 * J-pop.com review

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