Wonder Momo

Wonder Momo

Aired Date:2014-02-06

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:30/100

Genres:Action, Mahou Shoujo, Sci-Fi

Season:1

Total Episodes:5

Duration:7 min/ep

Studio:Graphinica

Source:VIDEO_GAME

Format:ONA

Director:Yutaka Kagawa

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Crunchyroll

Synopsis

One day, a group of aliens planing to take over the Earth invade Tokyo. Momoko, who aspires to be an idol, gets involved in the fight in an unexpected form. Warudemon, king of the alien empire, uses various tactics to hunt down Momoko and the people around her. Momoko has decided to stand up to the Warudemon plain and simple.

Characters

Natsuhiko Terashima MAIN

Momoko Kanda MAIN

Akiho Matsuo MAIN

Yumi Fujita SUPPORTING

Glooder SUPPORTING

Glieger SUPPORTING

Momo SUPPORTING

Wonder Momo (2014): A Retro Revival That Stumbles in the Spotlight

By SON HAK & His Team (AxS Corp.)

When Wonder Momo first hit arcades in 1987, it was a quirky beat ‘em up from Namco, blending Ultraman-inspired superhero antics with a playful, slightly risqué charm. Fast forward to 2014, and Bandai Namco’s ShiftyLook initiative breathed new life into this obscure gem with a webcomic and a five-episode anime miniseries. Produced by Graphinica, Wonder Momo (2014) is a short, action-packed ONA (Original Net Animation) that tries to modernize the franchise while paying homage to its roots. As a fan of retro games and anime, I was curious to see how this revival would fare. Spoiler alert: while it has moments of charm, Wonder Momo struggles to capture the magic it aims for. Here’s a deep dive into the series, complete with spoilers, for those curious about this niche piece of anime history.

The Premise: A New Momo Takes the Stage

Wonder Momo (2014) is based on the 2012 ShiftyLook webcomic by Erik Ko, Jim Zub, and Omar Dogan, set 25 years after the original game. The story follows Momoko Kanda, a high schooler and aspiring idol who dreams of stardom in Japan’s competitive entertainment scene. Her life takes a wild turn when she encounters a green alien named Glooder, who grants her the powers of Wonder Momo, a superheroine with a hula hoop weapon and a knack for kicking alien butt. As Tokyo faces an invasion by the Warudemon alien empire, Momoko must balance her idol ambitions with her new role as a defender of Earth, facing off against foes like the villainous Warudemon and her rival, Amazona.

The series spans five seven-minute episodes, released weekly on Niconico and Crunchyroll from February 6 to March 5, 2014. With a voice cast featuring Yuka Fujiwara as Momoko, Misaki Komatsu as Akiho (Amazona), and Haruko Momoi as the original Wonder Momo, the show aims to blend action, comedy, and retro nostalgia. But does it succeed? Let’s break it down.

The Plot: A Rushed Superhero Saga

Spoiler Warning: This section contains detailed plot spoilers.

Episode 1: The Call to Action
The series kicks off with Momoko bombing an idol audition, only to stumble into Glooder, a quirky alien who warns her of an impending invasion. When aliens attack her school gym, Momoko transforms into Wonder Momo, using her Wonder Hoop and kicks to fend them off. The episode sets up the premise: Momoko’s an clumsy, ditzy teen thrust into a superhero role she’s not ready for. The action is brief, and the humor leans heavily on Momoko’s awkwardness, but the short runtime leaves little room for depth.

Episode 2: Rivalry in Akihabara
At an idol meet-and-greet in Akihabara, Momoko faces another alien attack and meets Akiho Matsuo, a popular idol who transforms into Amazona, a rival superheroine. The two clash, with Amazona showing disdain for Momoko’s inexperience. The episode introduces tension between the two, but the action feels underwhelming, with comic-style effects (like “POW!” bubbles) failing to add excitement.

Episode 3: A Tentacled Threat
A tentacle-wielding alien boss ups the stakes, and Momoko struggles to keep up. Just when things look dire, the original Wonder Momo—revealed to be Momoko’s mother—swoops in to save the day. This twist adds a layer of legacy to the story, but the episode’s pacing feels rushed, with the fight lacking impact.

Episode 4: Training and Teamwork
Momoko’s mother delivers a cheesy lecture about heroism, followed by a brief training montage. Another alien attack hits Odaiba, and Momoko teams up with Amazona and her mother to fight back. The episode tries to build camaraderie, but the dialogue feels stilted, and the humor (like Momoko’s clumsiness) falls flat.

Episode 5: The Final Showdown
The series wraps up with a battle against Warudemon, the alien king. Momoko, Amazona, and the original Wonder Momo unite to defeat him, with Momoko finally gaining confidence in her powers. The episode ends with Momoko embracing her dual life as an idol and superhero, but the resolution feels abrupt, leaving many questions unanswered.

What Works: Nostalgia and Potential

Wonder Momo has a few redeeming qualities. The premise of a modern idol inheriting a retro superhero mantle is intriguing, especially with the twist that Momoko’s mother was the original Wonder Momo. The show nods to the 1987 game’s Ultraman parody roots, with transformation sequences and over-the-top attacks like the Wonder Typhoon. Haruko Momoi’s performance as the original Wonder Momo adds a touch of authenticity, given her history with the franchise. The animation, while budget-conscious, has a clean, colorful style that suits the lighthearted tone.

The series also ties into the broader ShiftyLook revival, including the Wonder Momo: Typhoon Booster game by WayForward Technologies, released in 2014 for Android and Macintosh. This synergy between game, webcomic, and anime creates a nostalgic package for fans of Namco’s obscure titles. For viewers familiar with the original game’s quirky fan service (like Momo’s upskirt moments and towel-clad curtain images), the anime’s toned-down approach feels like a respectful update for a modern audience.

What Doesn’t Work: A Missed Opportunity

Unfortunately, Wonder Momo falls short in execution. The seven-minute episodes are too brief to develop the characters or story meaningfully. Momoko is a one-note protagonist—clumsy and ditzy with little growth beyond the final episode. Supporting characters like Akiho/Amazona and Glooder are underdeveloped, and even the reveal of Momoko’s mother feels like a plot device rather than a heartfelt twist. The humor, relying on Momoko’s bumbling nature, feels repetitive and predictable, lacking the sharp wit of the ShiftyLook webcomic.

The action sequences, which should be a highlight given the game’s beat ‘em up roots, are lackluster. The choreography is uninspired, and the low budget is evident in the simplistic animation. Critics, like those at Anime Herald, noted the fights lack real stakes, with Momoko never feeling truly threatened. The series also struggles with its identity, caught between being a nostalgic tribute and a standalone story. As one reviewer put it, it feels like a “90s OVA adaptation of a 90s anime fanfic,” with rushed pacing and a lack of narrative depth.

The show’s connection to the Wonder Momo: Typhoon Booster game and the ShiftyLook webcomic adds context but also highlights its purpose as a promotional vehicle. Released to drum up interest in the game, the anime feels like an afterthought, lacking the polish of other short-form anime like Yama no Susume or Teekyu. After ShiftyLook’s closure in 2014, the anime and game faded into obscurity, with the series now available only on niche platforms like CONtv (formerly Viewster).

The Legacy: A Niche Footnote

Wonder Momo (2014) is a curious artifact of Bandai Namco’s attempt to revive a forgotten franchise. It’s not without charm—the retro aesthetic, idol culture references, and mother-daughter dynamic have potential—but the execution feels half-hearted. Fans of the original game might appreciate the nod to its quirky roots, but casual viewers will likely find it forgettable. The webcomic, praised for its sharp writing and vibrant art, is a better entry point for exploring Momoko’s story.

Where to Watch

As of June 2025, Wonder Momo is available on CONtv and YouTube (via channels like Pinoyanime). It was originally streamed on Crunchyroll and Niconico, but availability may vary by region. Check these platforms or look for fan-subbed versions online.

Final Thoughts

Wonder Momo (2014) is a short, nostalgic trip that doesn’t quite stick the landing. Its heart is in the right place, aiming to celebrate a cult classic while introducing a new generation to Momoko’s superhero antics. But with its rushed pacing, flat characters, and lackluster action, it feels more like a commercial for the Typhoon Booster game than a fully realized anime. If you’re a diehard Namco fan or curious about retro revivals, it’s worth a quick watch for its historical value. Otherwise, you might be better off checking out the ShiftyLook webcomic or dusting off the original 1987 arcade game for some old-school fun.

Sources: Information drawn from Wikipedia, MyAnimeList, Anime News Network, and Anime Herald reviews.