NEWBIE GUIDE

Hello, and welcome to The American Kinnikuman Information Archive's Newbie Guide! (Try saying that three times fast!)

This, the Newbie Guide, is here as sort of an alternate FAQ to answer your most basic questions about Kinnikuman, such as who he was, what he did (Sort of), and when the show ran. I also added a few Japanese words that are likely to appear in move names, etc, and a handy pronunciation guide that you should find to be helpful.

Q: When did the TV show run?

A: The Show ran from April 3, 1983, to September 16, 1986.

Q: What was it about?

A: Basically, the plot of the Manga/Anime revolved around Kinnikuman, the prince of an alien race, and his attempts to become a hero and prove himself to his family.

A: Who published the Manga? What IS manga, anyway?"

A: The manga was published by Shonen Jump Comics. Manga refers to a Japanese "Comic Book." Unlike the ones in America, though, manga is always in black and white, and usually follows one cohesive storyline- designed by the artist. Generally, a show and a manga go totally hand-in-hand, with only minor things added to the TV show so it doesn't get ahead of the manga.

Q: I don't know Japanese! Can you help me?

A: Well, NEITHER DO I!!! But, I do know a few words. Here are some small definitions of oft-used words that will show up a lot...

Chiyoujin: Straight up Japanese definition: Super-Human. Kinnikuman definition: A type of person with a special, extreme type of power that is usually ngranted to them- most Chiyoujin are also theme-based, like most modern-day superheroes. Also the name of the individual fighters who participate in the tournaments. You will hear them mentioned multiple times. Take note that although it is pronounced "Chojin," it is spelled "Chiyoujin."

Kinniku: Means, "Muscle."

No: Japanese for, "Of."

Daiou: Japanese for "King."

Kami: Japanese for "God."

Akuma: Japanese for "Devil."

-San: Male Term of affecion.

-Chan: Female term of affection

-Sama: Term of extreme respect.

Baka: Japanese for "Idiotic Fool."

Shine: Japanese for "Die."

Jigoku: Japanese for "Hell."

Kendama: A popular Japanese children's toy, has a MUSCLE named after it. It's similar to the old European "Cup and Ball" toy. It consists of a wooden handle, three cups of different size, and a peg. The ultimate goal is to put the ball in each cup in succession, then land it perfectly on the peg.

L and R: "L" and "R" are for the most part interchangeable in Japanese spelling, and they tend to cause confusion. Hence: "Brokken," "Blocken," Etc.

Manga: Refers to a drawing style usually referred to as "Anime style." Also refers to an Anime comic book.

Anime: Anything animated in Japan, or one that goes by the "Manga Style." usually, they are based on a manga- the series are- but not always. If you want to be referred to any more anime/manga besides Kinnikuman, Check the Anime Turnpike

Q: How do I pronounce words in Japanese?

A: Here- for the sake of the majority of the population who does NOT know Japanese, I have a pronunciation guide for you.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

A: Pronounced "Ah" (as in "Talk")

E: Pronounced "Eh" (as in "Take")

I: Pronounced "EE" (as in "Need")

O: Pronounced "Oh" (As in "Note")

U: Pronounced "OO" (as in "Spoon")

Also realize that Japanese is a phonetic language, so for exmaple, "Brunt" would be "Buruntu." Not just that, but each word is required to end with either a vowel, or the letter "N." generally, they tack on a "U" when necessary. So, "Brunt" would be "Buruntu." That should help a bit when translating names, and attemnpting to pronounce them.

Q: Tell me more about the Chiyoujin! What role do they play in Kinnikuman?

A: Basically, in Kinnikuman, the Chiyoujin are an advanced form of humans/aliens/whatever, with a lot of power. Generally, your Chiyoujin power is either given to you, trained in you, you are born with it, or it is awakened by your "Burning Inner Strength." There are several different types of Chiyoujin:

1: Regular Chiyoujin: Basic, normal kind of Chiyoujin. Sukarubozu and Blocken Man are good examples of this type.

Seigi Chiyoujin: These are the "Justice Chiyoujin," or the Good Chiyoujin. They fight for justice and for what is right, and to protect the humans. Yujou Power, the power of Friendship and teamwork, is their strength. Kinnikuman and Terryman. are good examples of this type.

2: Akuma Chiyoujin: A Chiyoujin who receives his power from The Devil. Generally, these kinds are abnormally powerful, and incredibly ruthless. Akuma Chiyoujin power comes with a price, though- if you fail, you are severely punished. Buffaloman and Akumashogun are good examples of this type.

3: Zangyaku Chiyoujin: The Zangyaku Chiyoujin are neutral, Mysterious Chiyoujin who fight for neither love nor hate, good nor evil. They fight purely for the money, or for their own reasons and purposes. Mongolman and The Manriki are good examples of this type.

4: Perfect Chiyoujin: Supposedly a "Lost Art," the Perfect Chiyoujin are next to the gods in strength. They fight by a very strict set of rules, and fight without emotions or mercy. To them, Love and hate mean nothing in the fight, only winning. After all, "An ant who burns with love or hate is still an ant. He can't beat an elephant." (Quote from Kendaman) Neptune Man and Big the Budo are good examples of this Type.

How does a Chiyoujin come back from the dead the way that Wars Man, Kinnikuman, Robin Mask, etc. all did?

A: There are four ways to do this.

1: When someone gives his power to you- I. E, a man gives 1,000 of his power to resurrect someone who had 1,000 originally.

2: When a Chiyoujin dies, he goes to work for the demons in the Chiyoujin Graveyard. If he works hard enough, he is given the "Balls of Life." if he collects for balls, he is granted life again. It can take as short a while as a few days, or as long as 100 years to get the balls.

3: A God or the Devil can restore someone to life- like Geronimo, who was restored by the Golden Mask.

4: When Kinnikuman does his "Face Flash," which will be explained in full detail elsewhere on the site soon.