View source for Birdy the Mighty

{{Short description|Japanese manga series by Masami Yuki}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = Birdy the Mighty (1985).png
| caption         = Cover of the original series volume, featuring Birdy Cephon Altera
| ja_kanji        = 鉄腕バーディー
| ja_romaji       = Tetsuwan Birdy
| genre           = {{ubl|[[Action genre|Action]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Meek|first=Bradley|title=Birdy the Mighty: Decode|url=https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1115|website=[[THEM Anime Reviews]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=March 8, 2009|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027140249/https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1115|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Science fiction comedy]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Birdy the Mighty Decode Sci-Fi Comedy TV Ad Streamed|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-24/birdy-the-mighty-decode-sci-fi-comedy-tv-ad-streamed|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=June 24, 2008|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027140248/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-24/birdy-the-mighty-decode-sci-fi-comedy-tv-ad-streamed|url-status=live}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). --> 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Masami Yuki]]
| publisher       = [[Shogakukan]]
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]}}
| imprint         = Shōnen Sunday Books
| magazine        = [[Shōnen Sunday Super|Shōnen Sunday Zōkan]]
| first           = 1985
| last            = 1988
| volumes         = 1
| volume_list     =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| director        = [[Yoshiaki Kawajiri]]
| producer        = {{ubl|[[Masao Maruyama (film producer)|Masao Maruyama]]|Atsushi Sugita|Fumio Ueda|Kazuhiko Ikeguchi|Satoshi Yoshimoto}}
| writer          = {{ubl|[[Chiaki J. Konaka]] (1–3)|Yoshiaki Kawajiri (3–4)}}
| music           = [[Kow Otani]]
| studio          = [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
 | NA = [[Central Park Media|US Manga Corps]]
}}
| first       = July 25, 1996
| last            = February 25, 1997
| runtime         = 29–40 minutes (each)
| episodes        = 4
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = Masami Yuki
| publisher       = Shogakukan
| publisher_en    = 
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]}}
| magazine        = {{ubl|[[Weekly Young Sunday]]|{{noitalic|(December 26, 2002 – July 31, 2008)}}|[[Big Comic Spirits|Weekly Big Comic Spirits]]|{{noitalic|(September 6–22, 2008)}}}}
| first           = December 26, 2002
| last            = September 22, 2008
| volumes         = 20
| volume_list     =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Birdy the Mighty: Decode
| director        = [[Kazuki Akane]]
| producer        = Narue Minami
| writer          = {{ubl|[[Hiroshi Ōnogi]]|Seishi Minakami|(OVA, 14–25)}}
| music           = [[Yugo Kanno]]
| studio          = [[A-1 Pictures]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
 | AUS = [[Madman Entertainment]]
 | NA = [[Funimation]] (expired)
 | UK = [[Manga Entertainment]]
}}
| network         = [[Television Saitama|TV Saitama]], [[Television Kanagawa|tvk]], [[Kyoto Broadcasting System|KBS]], [[Sun Television|Sun TV]], [[Tokyo MX]], [[Nippon BS Broadcasting|BS11]], [[Tohoku Broadcasting Company|TBC]], [[TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting|TVQ Kyushu]], [[Okinawa Television|Okinawa TV]], [[Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting|CBC]], [[Chiba Television Broadcasting|Chiba TV]], [[Hokkaido Broadcasting]]
| network_en      = {{English anime network
 | US =  [[Funimation Channel]]
}}
| first           = July 5, 2008
| last            = March 28, 2009
| episodes        = 25 + OVA
| episode_list    = List of Birdy the Mighty: Decode episodes#Birdy the Mighty: Decode
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| title           = Birdy the Mighty: Evolution
| author          = Masami Yuki
| publisher       = Shogakukan
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|Seinen}}
| magazine        = Weekly Big Comic Spirits
| first           = October 11, 2008
| last            = August 27, 2012
| volumes         = 13 
|volume_list     =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{nihongo|'''''Birdy the Mighty'''''|鉄腕バーディー|Tetsuwan Bādī|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Masami Yuki]]. His initial attempt with the story ran in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shōnen Sunday Super|''Shōnen Sunday Zōkan'']] from 1985 to 1988, but it was eventually abandoned. Over a decade later, Yuki began a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]], which was serialized in ''[[Weekly Young Sunday]]'' (2002–2008) and ''[[Big Comic Spirits|Weekly Big Comic Spirits]]'' (2008); its chapters were collected in 20 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. A sequel, titled ''Birdy the Mighty: Evolution'', was serialized in ''Weekly Big Comic Spirits'' from 2008 to 2012, with its chapters collected in 13 {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes.

In 1996, ''Birdy the Mighty'' was adapted into a four-episode [[original video animation]] (OVA) directed by [[Yoshiaki Kawajiri]]. A 25-episode [[anime]] television series adaptation, titled '''''Birdy the Mighty: Decode''''', animated by [[A-1 Pictures]] and produced by [[Aniplex]], was broadcast for two seasons on [[TV Saitama]] and other networks from July 2008 to March 2009.

==Plot==
Birdy Cephon Altera is a Federation agent chasing [[wikt:interplanetary|interplanetary]] criminals to the planet Earth. While in pursuit of one such criminal, she accidentally kills a high school boy named Tsutomu Senkawa. However, there is a way to keep him alive. He ends up being merged into Birdy's body and must remain so until the repair of his body is complete.

So, Tsutomu is stuck sharing a body with an attractive, strong, and impulsive space police agent while trying to keep his family and friends from finding out about Birdy. In the meantime, Birdy continues her investigation. Together, they take on a secretive group of evil [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]]s planning to perform experiments on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Earth.

==Characters==
===Main===
[[File:Tetsuwan Birdy protagonists.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Protagonists of ''Birdy the Mighty: Decode'' TV series. From left to right: Tsutomu Senkawa, Birdy Cephon Altera.]]
;{{visible anchor|Birdy Cephon Altera|}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Kotono Mitsuishi]]|Alex McCord}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|[[Saeko Chiba]]|[[Luci Christian]]}} (TV)
:A Federation police officer, she arrives on [[Earth]] in pursuit of alien criminals who are using the planet as a refuge. During one of her missions, she accidentally kills Tsutomu and has to fuse with him in order to keep him alive. In ''Birdy the Mighty Decode'', she meets her childhood friend Nataru later admitting to Tsutomu that she is indeed in love with Nataru.
In the 2008 anime, her false identity on Earth is rising [[Japanese idol]] Shion Arita. She is accompanied by a robot named "Tuto". Birdy is an "Altan", a human-like alien, possibly from a planet orbiting the star [[Altair]]. More specifically, Birdy is an "Ixioran Altairian", a bio-engineered [[supersoldier]] bred for combat.
;{{visible anchor|Tsutomu Senkawa}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Tetsuya Iwanaga (voice actor)|Tetsuya Iwanaga]]|Justin Thompson}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|[[Miyu Irino]]|[[Micah Solusod]]}} (TV)
:A high school student who has his mind hosted within Birdy after being killed during her confrontation with an alien criminal. Birdy tries to let him live a normal life until his body is rebuilt.

===Civilians===
;{{visible anchor|Natsumi Hayamiya}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Yukana|Yukana Nogami]]|Matty O'Shea}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|[[Kanae Itō]]|[[Cherami Leigh]]}} (TV)
:Tsutomu's friend and classmate. In the OVA, she has a more prominent role whilst in the TV show she is just a minor character.
;{{visible anchor|Hazumi Senkawa}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Tomoko Maruo]]|[[Debora Rabbai]]}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|[[Mikako Takahashi]]|[[Jamie Marchi]]}} (TV)
:Tsutomu's older sister. She does not live with Tsutomu and is rarely seen on the show. She comes by for random inspections and is first seen in the first episode saying goodbye to their parents.
;{{visible anchor|Sayaka Nakasugi}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Maaya Sakamoto]]|[[Brina Palencia]]}} (TV)
:A classmate of Tsutomu, Sayaka was originally a sickly girl until she was involved in a near fatal car accident and became the vessel for the superweapon, Ryunka. After fusing with Ryunka, Sayaka became far more cheerful and social, eventually becoming romantically involved with Tsutomu.
;{{visible anchor|Shoko Kagami}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Ayako Kawasumi]]|[[Maxey Whitehead]]}} (TV)
:A young girl whose legs are recovering. She is very fond of Nataru and tends to be hostile towards Birdy because she thinks Birdy's trying to 'steal' him from her. She had also lost her older brother in the Ryunka incident.

===Aliens===
;{{visible anchor|Capella Titis}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Kaori Nazuka]]|[[Trina Nishimura]]}} (TV)
:An Altarian antagonist who works for Irma later on.
;{{visible anchor|George Gomez}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Akio Ōtsuka]]|Cory Carthew}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|[[Unshō Ishizuka]]|[[Newton Pittman]]}} (TV)
:An alien criminal who had been hiding on [[Earth]] in disguise. He is an Altarian henchman of Christella Revi.
;{{visible anchor|Christella Revi}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Mako Hyōdō]]|Mary Alice McGuire}} (OVA)
:{{Voiced by|Mako Hyōdō|[[Monica Rial]]}} (TV)
:A rogue alien scientist who is the antagonist of the story.
;{{visible anchor|Nataru Shinmyou}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Masaya Matsukaze]]|[[Eric Vale]]}}
:Birdy's childhood friend. He lives on Earth as a refugee and pretends to be a human. Nataru is an Ixioran like Birdy and has the ability to teleport. In ''Birdy the Mighty Decode'', he confesses to Birdy saying he is in love with her.
;{{visible anchor|Skelezzo}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Norio Wakamoto]]|[[Christopher Sabat]]}}
:Skelezzo was once Birdy's advisor. He now resides on Altaria.

==Media==
===Manga===
[[File:Birdy the Mighty (2002) vol. 1.png|130px|thumb|First volume cover of the 2002 series]]
Written and illustrated by [[Masami Yuki]], ''Birdy the Mighty'' was serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Shōnen Sunday S|Shōnen Sunday Zōkan]]'' from 1985 to 1988,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:人気マンガ「鉄腕バーディー」作者、「ヤンサン」休刊も連載継続宣言。|url=https://www.narinari.com/Nd/2008079786.html|website={{ill|Narinari.com|ja|Narinari.com}}|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214025327/https://www.narinari.com/Nd/2008079786.html|archive-date=February 14, 2010|language=ja|date=July 7, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> being serialized while Yuki was working on ''[[Kyūkyoku Chōjin R]]'' in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]''.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:究極超人あ～る|url=https://websunday.net/4260/|website=Web Sunday|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815141420/https://websunday.net/4260/|archive-date=August 15, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> Yuki eventually abandoned the project, leaving it unfinished.<ref name="Ex.org">{{cite web|last=Luce|first=Eric "Scanner"|title=Birdy the Mighty (Tetsuwan Birdy)|url=http://www.ex.org/2.6/27-manga_birdy.html|website=Ex.org|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980522214811/http://www.ex.org/2.6/27-manga_birdy.html|archive-date=May 22, 1998}}</ref> Shogakukan released a single volume, which was listed as "volume 1", on July 18, 1996.<ref name="Ex.org"/><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー / 1|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091248217|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718064952/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091248217|archive-date=July 18, 2012|language=ja}}</ref>

Over a decade later after its original run, Yuki decided to make a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] of the manga, keeping certain details from the original work.<ref name="YS-debut">{{cite web|last=Yuki|first=Masami|script-title=ja:あの作品はじめました|url=http://www.yukimasami.com/sketch/index.php?id=63e4853def2f736077273ffdf639c8cc|website=yukimasami.com|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051104235244/http://www.yukimasami.com/sketch/index.php?id=63e4853def2f736077273ffdf639c8cc|archive-date=November 4, 2005|date=December 23, 2002}}</ref> The series ran in Shogakukan's [[Seinen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|seinen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Young Sunday]]'' from December 26, 2002,<ref name="YS-debut"/> until the magazine ceased its publication on July 31, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Shogakukan Confirms End of Young Sunday, Judy Mags|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-05-30/shogakukan-confirms-end-of-young-sunday-judy-mags|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=May 30, 2008|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724012139/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-05-30/shogakukan-confirms-end-of-young-sunday-judy-mags|url-status=live}}</ref> It later ran in ''[[Big Comic Spirits|Weekly Big Comic Spirits]]'' from September 6–22, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=More Revealed on Aftermath of Young Sunday Mag's End|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-30/more-revealed-on-aftermath-of-young-sunday-mag-end|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=July 30, 2008|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624120342/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-30/more-revealed-on-aftermath-of-young-sunday-mag-end|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ビッグコミックスピリッツ 2008年43号|url=http://www.muhyojo.com/magazine/Syougakukan/Weekly-BigComic-Spirits-0809-43/|website=muhyojo.com|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010011914/http://www.muhyojo.com/magazine/Syougakukan/Weekly-BigComic-Spirits-0809-43/|archive-date=October 10, 2008|language=ja|date=September 22, 2008}}</ref> Shogakukan collected its chapters in twenty {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes, released from June 5, 2003,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー / 1|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091530710|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722153700/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=4091530710|archive-date=July 22, 2012|language=ja}}</ref> to October 3, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー / 20|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091513878|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130501032422/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091513878|archive-date=May 1, 2013|language=ja}}</ref>

A sequel, titled ''Birdy the Mighty: Evolution'', was serialized in ''Weekly Big Comic Spirits'' from October 11, 2008,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:2008年10月11日のアーカイブ|url=http://manganohi.jp/2008/10/11/|website=manganohi.jp|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024221017/http://manganohi.jp/2008/10/11/|archive-date=October 24, 2008|language=ja|date=October 10, 2008|quote={{lang|ja|【ビッグコミックスピリッツ】ビッグコミックスピリッツ 46号　発売！ ★完全リニューアルで「新」連載スタート!!! 「鉄腕バーディーEVOLUTION」ゆうきまさみ＆アニメ「鉄腕バーディー」 第２シーズン特報}}}}</ref> to July 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Tetsuwan Birdy Evolution Manga to End in 4 More Chapters|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-17/tetsuwan-birdy-evolution-manga-to-end-in-4-more-chapters|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 28, 2018|date=June 17, 2012|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828105700/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-17/tetsuwan-birdy-evolution-manga-to-end-in-4-more-chapters|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「鉄腕バーディー」シリーズ完結、月スピに後日談＆付録|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/73364|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027085613/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/73364|url-status=live}}</ref> An epilogue chapter was published in ''[[Monthly Big Comic Spirits]]'' on August 27, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:月スピに「鉄腕バーディー」後日談、付録はラフスケッチ集|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/75388|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|date=August 27, 2012|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027085613/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/75388|url-status=live}}</ref> Shogakukan collected its chapters in thirteen {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, released from February 27, 2009,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーEVOLUTION / 1|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091823588|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713144943/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091823588|archive-date=July 13, 2012|language=ja}}</ref> to September 28, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーEVOLUTION / 13|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091846686|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130501072721/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=9784091846686|archive-date=May 1, 2013|language=ja}}</ref>

===Original video animation===
The original ''Birdy the Mighty'' manga was adapted into a four-episode [[original video animation]] (OVA) by [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]] and directed by [[Yoshiaki Kawajiri]],<ref name="OVA-DVD"/> released by [[Bandai Visual]] on VHS from July 25, 1996,<ref>{{cite web|title=Releases: Japan|url=http://www.ex.org/1.1/18-releases_japan.html|website=Ex.org|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980523164616/http://www.ex.org/1.1/18-releases_japan.html|archive-date=May 23, 1998}}</ref> to February 25, 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=Import Releases|url=http://www.ex.org/2.1/36-importrelease.html|website=Ex.org|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981206032602/http://www.ex.org/2.1/36-importrelease.html|archive-date=December 6, 1998}}</ref> The four episodes were later re-released on DVD on June 25, 2001.<ref name="OVA-DVD">{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー スペシャル|url=http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/webuser/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-0880|publisher=[[Bandai Visual]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020816042121/http://www.bandaivisual.co.jp/webuser/shop_product_info.asp?item_no=BCBA-0880|archive-date=August 16, 2002|language=ja}}</ref>

In North America, the OVA was licensed by [[Central Park Media]], who released the episodes on two VHS sets in 1999,<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Manga Corps|url=http://www.centralparkmedia.com/usmanga/uslibrary4.htm|publisher=[[Central Park Media]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990922080037/http://www.centralparkmedia.com/usmanga/uslibrary4.htm|archive-date=September 22, 1999}}</ref> and on two DVD sets in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Birdy the Mighty: Double Trouble (of 0)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2747.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308052413/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2747.php|archive-date=March 8, 2005|date=March 9, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Birdy the Mighty Vol. #2: Final Force (of 2)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2904.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101152538/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2904.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=May 11, 2004}}</ref> The OVA was broadcast with an English dub on [[Starz Encore]]'s Action channel in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Starz Encore Action Channel Anime Chedule extended|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-08-30/starz-encore-action-channel-anime-chedule-extended|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=August 30, 2000|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027122100/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-08-30/starz-encore-action-channel-anime-chedule-extended|url-status=live}}</ref> Central Park Media discontinued the series' distribution in 2006,<ref>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Central Park Media Discontinues Titles|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-14/central-park-media-discontinues-titles|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=October 14, 2006|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027122100/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-14/central-park-media-discontinues-titles|url-status=live}}</ref> before filing for bankruptcy in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Central Park Media's Licenses Offered by Liquidator|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-08/central-park-media-licenses-offered-by-liquidator|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=June 8, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209063759/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-08/central-park-media-licenses-offered-by-liquidator|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Anime television series===
{{Main|List of Birdy the Mighty: Decode episodes}}
An [[anime]] television series adaptation was announced by ''Weekly Young Sunday'' in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=New Birdy the Mighty Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-11-01/new-birdy-the-mighty-anime|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=November 1, 2006|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131125/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-11-01/new-birdy-the-mighty-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> Titled {{nihongo|''Birdy the Mighty: Decode''|鉄腕バーディー DECODE|Tetsuwan Bādī Dekōdo}}, the series was animated by [[A-1 Pictures]] and directed by [[Kazuki Akane]], with [[Hiroshi Ōnogi]] handling the series' scripts.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=New Birdy's Title Revealed: Birdy the Mighty Decode|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-03-22/new-birdy-title-revealed-birdy-the-mighty-decode|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=March 22, 2008|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131127/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-03-22/new-birdy-title-revealed-birdy-the-mighty-decode|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was first broadcast on [[TV Saitama]] (and later on twelve other terrestrial stations) for thirteen episodes from July 5 to September 27, 2008.<ref name="MA-B01">{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーDECODE|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C11794|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027122152/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C11794|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|TV Saitama listed the air dates for the series on Friday at 25:00, which is effectively Saturday at 1:00 a.m. [[Japan Standard Time|JST]].<ref name="On-Air-S1">{{cite web|script-title=ja:TV ANIMATION 鉄腕バーディー DECODE|url=http://www.birdy-tv.com/season01/oa/index.html|website=birdy-tv.com|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118044920/http://www.birdy-tv.com/season01/oa/index.html|archive-date=January 18, 2013|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>}} [[Aniplex]] collected the episodes in seven DVDs, released from September 24, 2008, to March 25, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーDECODE – blu-ray/DVD|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/lineup/anime/birdydecode/blu_ray.html|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211027125723/https://www.aniplex.co.jp/lineup/anime/birdydecode/blu_ray.html|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series was followed by a second season, ''Birdy the Mighty: Decode 02'', which was broadcast for twelve episodes from January 10 to March 28, 2009.<ref name="MA-B02">{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーDECODE:02|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C11926|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027123814/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M78018|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|TV Saitama listed the air dates for the series on Friday at 25:00, which is effectively Saturday at 1:00 a.m. [[Japan Standard Time|JST]].<ref name="On-Air-S2">{{cite web|script-title=ja:ON AIR 鉄腕バーディー02 DECODE|url=https://www.birdy-tv.com/oa/|website=birdy-tv.com|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211027123953/https://www.birdy-tv.com/oa/|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>}} Aniplex collected the episodes in six DVDs, released from April 22 to July 1, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディーDECODE 02 – blu-ray/DVD|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/lineup/anime/birdydecode2/blu_ray.html|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211027125716/https://www.aniplex.co.jp/lineup/anime/birdydecode2/blu_ray.html|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> An unaired episode that connects the first and second seasons was included with the special DVD "''Birdy the Mighty Decode: The Cipher''", released on July 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Unaired Birdy the Mighty Decode Episode to Ship on DVD (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-04/unaired-birdy-the-mighty-decode-episode-to-ship-on-dvd|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=March 4, 2009|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131127/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-04/unaired-birdy-the-mighty-decode-episode-to-ship-on-dvd|url-status=live}}</ref>

In North America, the series was licensed by [[Funimation]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Funimation Adds Sekirei, Tetsuwan Birdy Decode & Decode:02 (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-22/funimation-adds-sekirei-tetsuwan-birdy-decode-and-decode-02|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=November 22, 2009|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131124/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-22/funimation-adds-sekirei-tetsuwan-birdy-decode-and-decode-02|url-status=live}}</ref> The rights to the series expired on October 14, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Funimation's Birdy the Mighty: Decode Rights Expire in October|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-03/funimation-birdy-the-mighty-decode-rights-expire-in-october/.106071|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|date=September 30, 2016|archive-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027131124/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-03/funimation-birdy-the-mighty-decode-rights-expire-in-october/.106071|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Soundtracks===
The music for ''Birdy the Mighty: Decode'' was composed by [[Yugo Kanno]]. The original soundtrack was released on September 24, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー ＤＥＣＯＤＥ ＯＲＩＧＩＮＡＬ ＳＯＵＮＤＴＲＡＣＫ|url=https://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/22261|website=[[Billboard Japan]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211027134500/https://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/22261|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> The original soundtrack of ''Birdy the Mighty: Decode 02'' was released on April 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:鉄腕バーディー DECODE：02 ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&lay=ANX&cd=SVWC000007621|website=[[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Sony Music Shop]]|access-date=October 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027134413/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&lay=ANX&cd=SVWC000007621|archive-date=October 27, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live| title=SonyMusicShop }}</ref> The first opening theme, {{nihongo|"Sora"|そら||"Sky"}}, was performed by [[Hearts Grow]], while the first ending theme, "Let's go together", was performed by {{ill|Afromania|ja|アフロマニア}}.<ref name="MA-B01"/> The second opening theme, "kiseki" ("Miracle"), was performed by [[Nirgilis]], while the second ending theme, {{nihongo|"Tane"|タネ||"Seeds"}}, was performed by [[no3b]].<ref name="MA-B02"/>

==Reception==
Since its release in the West, ''Birdy the Mighty: Decode'' has received generally favorable reviews. Bryan Morton, from ''The Fandom Post'', was positive toward the first season, citing the visuals and action as factors for it. In his review of the second season, while Morton stated that it was as enjoyable as the first, he was more critical of it.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2011/08/29/birdy-the-mighty-decode-part-1-uk-anime-dvd-review/|title=Birdy The Mighty: Decode Part 1 UK Anime DVD Review|date=2011-08-29|website=The Fandom Post|access-date=2017-04-30|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128233054/https://www.fandompost.com/2011/08/29/birdy-the-mighty-decode-part-1-uk-anime-dvd-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several criticisms were drawn to Tsutomu and his friends being more sidelined in the story, and the animation, which he pointed out as, "...appearing to have been animated on a shoestring budget.".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2011/11/08/birdy-mighty-decode-vol-2-uk-anime-dvd-review/|title=Birdy the Mighty: Decode Vol. #2 UK Anime DVD Review|date=2011-11-08|website=The Fandom Post|access-date=2017-04-30}}</ref> Bob Muir, from ''Japanator'', noted the ending for the show made it feel rushed, but overall recommended the series, calling it "...just plain fun, with no insipid moe characters or deathly serious world domination plots to drag it down."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.japanator.com/japanator-recommends-birdy-the-mighty-decode-18447.phtml|title=Japanator Recommends: Birdy the Mighty: Decode - Japanator|website=Japanator|language=en|access-date=2017-04-30|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511204214/http://www.japanator.com/japanator-recommends-birdy-the-mighty-decode-18447.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Josh Viel of ''the Escapist'', praised the visuals and soundtrack of the first season, bringing particular mention to the show's use of foreshadowing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/anime/7847-Anime-Review-Birdy-the-Mighty|title=Anime Review: Birdy the Mighty|work=The Escapist|access-date=2017-04-30|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212193605/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/reviews/anime/7847-Anime-Review-Birdy-the-Mighty|url-status=live}}</ref> On ''DVDTalk'', Todd Douglass Jr. commended both seasons for their character development, though criticized the pacing of the first season, as well as the antagonists, calling one of them, "... more of a Cigarette Smoking Man kind of guy and really seems to just be some shadowy figure doing what he wants to do in the sidelines.".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/46396/birdy-the-mighty-decode-part-1/|title=Birdy the Mighty: Decode Part 1|website=DVD Talk|access-date=2017-04-30|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010424/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/46396/birdy-the-mighty-decode-part-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Further points were directed toward the second season for having the same issues, yet still recommended the series as a whole.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/45661/birdy-the-mighty-decode-02/|title=Birdy the Mighty: Decode 02|website=DVD Talk|access-date=2017-04-30|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010658/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/45661/birdy-the-mighty-decode-02/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Legacy==
[[Zack Snyder]] said the ''Birdy the Mighty'' anime series was an inspiration for his take on ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-14|title=10 Big Hollywood Movies You Never Knew Have Anime Influences Or Equivalents|url=https://screenrant.com/hollywood-movies-never-knew-have-anime-influencesnces-or-equivalents/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418152353/https://screenrant.com/hollywood-movies-never-knew-have-anime-influencesnces-or-equivalents/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723185208/http://www.youngsunday.com/rensai/comics/birdy.html|title=''Birdy the Mighty'' official manga website at ''Weekly Young Sunday''}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.birdy-tv.com/|''Birdy the Mighty: Decode'' official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Anime News Network|manga|4980}}

{{Masami Yuki}}
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