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Plastic Little
Plastic Little
Plastic Little
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Plastic Little
The cover of the Plastic Little DVD.
プラスチックリトル
(Purasuchikku Ritoru)
GenreScience fiction[1]
Created by
Original video animation
Plastic Little: The Adventures of Captain Tita
Directed byKinji Yoshimoto
Produced by
  • Kazuhiko Ikeguchi
  • Hideaki Fujii
Written byMayori Sekijima
Music byTamiya Terashima
StudioPierrot
Licensed by
Released21 March 1994
Runtime47 minutes
Manga
Plastic Little: Captain's Log
Written byKinji Yoshimoto
Illustrated bySatoshi Urushihara
Published byGakken
English publisher
MagazineComic Nora
PublishedMay 1994

Plastic Little (プラスチックリトル, Purasuchikku Ritoru) is a Japanese original video animation film and a manga series created by Satoshi Urushihara. It was released in North America on VHS by ADV Films in July 1994. It was released on DVD in February 2002.[2] Along with Burn-Up Excess, it is one of two ADV titles to include the trademarked "Jiggle Counter".[3][4]

Plot summary

[edit]

The main character of Plastic Little is Tita Mu Koshigaya, a young woman who captains a ship, the Cha-Cha Maru, whose business is capturing exotic creatures in the 'sea of clouds' of the planet Ietta, apparently a gas giant of some kind, and selling them to collectors and zoos. By chance, she saves Elysse Aldo Mordish, a young woman of her own age, from a rogue faction of Ietta's own military forces, led by the armored commander Guizel, who already killed Elysse's scientist father. As the military conducts a vicious chase for Elysse, it becomes apparent that she holds the key to a secret that could determine the fate of the entire planet's independence.

Although the anime's overriding goal is of course that of saving the world, an almost equal amount of time is spent on character interaction. Much of Tita's crew once served under her father, and Tita has inherited much of the respect and devotion that he earned from them. Tita and Elysse's relationship is the focus of much screen time; Tita risks life and limb for Elysse seemingly on a whim, later explaining that she felt it was impossible to stand by and watch her capture. In a small heartfelt speech delivered during a sunrise breakfast, Elysse speaks of feelings for Tita that could be interpreted as being "like love at first sight". Tita has also shown some fondness for Nichol Hawking, a somewhat bumbling young man on her crew who has a long-term crush on her. Tita's feelings for Nichol are shown in much less detail, restrained to a small, chaste kiss on his forehead after Nichol has fallen asleep beside her sickbed. Tita never makes romantic feelings clear for either of the possible love interests.

In a short miniseries of comics that followed the OVA, this tendency to use action and adventure mostly as a vehicle for character interaction continues. Elysse and Tita are not together physically, but apparently keep in very regular communication via videophone. (For which communications, Tita does not seem particularly inclined to wear clothes.) Other issues see Tita searching the Cloud Sea in the vain hope her father might somehow still be alive, and helping Nichol to win a race he has been attempting for years. Much is made of a family dynamic among the crew, with Balboa an obvious father figure for Tita, Mei as mother, and Mikhail as gruff grandfather.

Characters

[edit]
Titaniva Mu Koshigaya
Voiced by: Yuriko Fuchizaki (Japanese); Amanda Winn-Lee (English)
The chief heroine of Plastic Little, Titaniva Mu Koshigaya (or Tita to her friends) is the captain of the Cha-Cha Maru, a pet shop hunter ship she inherited from her father, Gentaro Koshigaya. A tomboy at heart, whenever she gets time away from the gas ocean, Tita often enjoys riding on her jetcycle. However, Tita would prefer to cruise the gas ocean. Although it is apparent her father is dead, Tita still believes that a part of Gentaro still lives or that he may be still alive.
In the manga version of Plastic Little, it is further known that Tita also has the ability to sense weather patterns at least a day ahead of time. She can even know if a storm is due just because of the air currents.
Elysse Aldo Mordish
Voiced by: Hekiru Shiina (Japanese); Tiffany Grant (English)
The target of Lord Guizel's search, Elysse Aldo Mordish had escaped the gravity belt complex with the aid (and ultimate sacrifice) of her father, Nalderof Aldo Mordish. Her last twelve digits of her D.N.A. sequence, decoded using the BRG method, is the code to unleashing the Gravity Destruction Ray, a potent weapon created from one of the gravity belts which could destroy the island colony.
When she was first rescued by Tita, she was more than a little bashful, even when Tita invited her to the Cha-Cha Maru's bathhouse (and VERY embarrassed when Tita accidentally fondled her when she helped her undress for that bath). However, as time went on, she began to trust her. However, in the end, Ellyse decided to go back to the colony to continue her father's work.
Joshua L. Balboa
Voiced by: Norio Wakamoto (Japanese); Aaron Krohn (English)
Joshua L. Balboa (called "Balboa" for short) serves on the Cha-Cha Maru as a sailor. In the manga, he is revealed to be a former high-ranking army commander by the name of Andy Furlong, who disappeared following a failed assassination attempt against "Cloud Killer Whale", the boss of the North Colony Mafia, and the supposed death of his partner, Jeff Griess, and was subsequently taken in by Tita's father. 12 years later, however, Griess resurfaced as a cyborg, forced into service by the Mafia until he learned that Andy/Balboa was still alive, and enlisted his help in taking down "Cloud Killer Whale" once and for all. In the end, Balboa shot Griess to grant him a merciful demise after the latter's cyborg life systems were critically damaged. Due to his military training, Balboa is a skilled pilot and combatant.
Mei Lin Jones
Voiced by: Keiko Yokozawa (Japanese); Marcy Rae (English)
Medical officer on board the Cha-Cha Maru, Mei Lin Jones is charged with the health of the crew. The medical talents of this stunning beauty is tested to the limit, especially when Tita is gravely injured at the hands of Guizel.
In the manga, Mei is depicted as a sister figure to Tita; Tita was raised as part of Mei's family after her father died. It is also revealed that Mei once saved Tita's life when Tita was suffering from a deadly disease called 'Ietta Fever'. She is also a skilled martial artist.
Mikhail Diagilev
Voiced by: Chikao Ōtsuka (Japanese); Tristan MacAvery (English)
The chief engineer of the Cha-Cha Maru, Mikhail Diagilev might be the most loyal supporter of Tita on board. His service goes back to Tita's father the previous owner of the Cha-Cha Maru. He still bears guilt of allowing Tita's father to die when he jettisoned the engineering section eleven years prior and would die rather than seeing Tita die as well.
Nichol Hawking
Voiced by: Kappei Yamaguchi (Japanese); Spike Spencer (English)
Nichol Hawking, the Cha-Cha Maru's chief pilot, has a big crush on Tita. Once he, with a little help from Roger Rogers, spied on Tita as she and Ellyse bathed (and suffered a nosebleed as a result). Tita, however, got even with the both of them. When Tita was injured by Guizel, Nichol stayed at her bedside while she healed.
Nichol is an expert pilot. Although he tends to panic, he knows enough to keep a level head in a crisis situation, especially when Tita leads the Cha-Cha Maru against the rogue fleet of Guizel. In the manga, he is shown to be a natural favorite at a dangerous racing event, which he eventually wins with Tita acting as his navigator.
Roger Rogers
Voiced by: Ryusei Nakao (Japanese); Doug Smith (English)
Roger is an Afro-American serving as assistant engineer aboard the Cha-Cha Maru. While highly dependable in a crisis situation, in everyday life Roger demonstrates few redeeming qualities: He is a peeping tom who likes to spy on Tita and Mei Lin while they are in the bath; a glutton who regularly depletes the ship's food supplies; and he keeps tempting Nichol with dirty stories about Tita. In the manga, his background story and age are listed as "Unknown".

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Plastic Little

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Plastic Little (プラスチックリトル, Purasuchikku Ritoru) is a Japanese (OVA) and series created by . The OVA, directed by Kinji Yoshimoto, was released on March 21, 1994, as a single 45-minute episode produced by KSS. The , written and illustrated by Urushihara, was serialized from May 1993 to April 1994 in Comic NORA and collected in a volume by Gakken in May 1994. Both adaptations are set in a universe on the planet Yietta, where colonists exploit its unique liquid-gas oceans for resources. The narrative follows Tita Mu Koshigaya, a young captain of the submersible ship Cha-Cha Maru, which specializes in capturing exotic sea creatures for the pet trade. After rescuing Elysse Aldo Mordish—a blonde scientist's daughter—from soldiers of a rogue military faction, Tita and her crew, including mechanic Balboa and the young Mei-Lin, become entangled in a larger conflict. Elysse possesses knowledge of her late father's secret military project, which the faction's leader, Colonel Guizel, seeks to exploit for imperialistic control over Yietta's independence. The story blends action, adventure, and comedic elements as the group evades pursuit across the planet's treacherous "sea of clouds." Classified in the genres of and yuri, Plastic Little is notable for its emphasis on fanservice, particularly Urushihara's signature style of depicting curvaceous female characters and lighthearted sexual humor. Urushihara served as character designer and for the OVA, contributing to its visual appeal with detailed designs and key animation. The production featured voice acting by talents such as Yuriko Fuchizaki as Tita and as Elysse in the Japanese version, with an English dub later provided by ADV Films. The ending theme, "," was performed by Keiko Tōge. While the OVA received mixed reviews for its plot simplicity overshadowed by gratuitous elements, it has garnered a among fans of for its energetic pacing and distinctive art.

Media adaptations

OVA

Plastic Little is a single-episode (OVA) released on March 21, 1994, functioning as a standalone sci-fi adventure with a runtime of 45 minutes. Produced in the mid-1990s boom for distribution, it features fluid action sequences and detailed world-building within its compact format, emphasizing high-seas exploration on a distant . The was handled by Studio Pierrot, known for its work on various OVAs during the , with character designs provided by , who contributed his distinctive style of curvaceous and expressive figures to enhance the visual appeal. Technical aspects include vibrant cel with meticulous attention to mechanical designs for spaceships and creatures, supporting the adventure's dynamic pacing without extending into a series. Music for the OVA was composed by Tamiya Terashima, featuring an orchestral score that blends electronic elements with adventurous motifs to underscore the sci-fi setting. The ending theme, "," was performed by Keiko Tōge, providing a melodic close that highlights emotional undertones in the narrative. The Japanese voice cast includes Yuriko Fuchizaki as the protagonist Tita Mu Koshigaya, delivering a spirited and youthful performance, and as Elysse Aldo Mordish, adding depth to the supporting role with her expressive range. Other notable voices include as Joshua L. Balboa and as Nichol Hawking, contributing to the ensemble's lively interactions. A unique humorous element in the English DVD release by ADV Films is the "Jiggle Counter," a bonus feature that playfully tracks instances of character breast movements, reflecting the OVA's fanservice aspects in a manner. This gag underscores the production's lighthearted approach to its elements, originating from the original manga concept by .

Manga

The manga adaptation of Plastic Little, subtitled Captain's Log, was written and illustrated by , the same artist who created the character designs for the OVA. It was serialized in Gakken's Comic Nora magazine from May 1993 to 1994 as a comprising a single volume. The story was collected into a edition, first published by Gakken on May 6, 1994. An English adaptation was published by CPM Manga from August 1997 to December 1997 as a 5-issue limited series. A full-color version of the complete edition was re-released by Gakken on October 2, 2012, featuring enhanced visuals alongside additional promotional artwork. Urushihara's artwork in the manga showcases his distinctive style, characterized by highly detailed and sensual depictions of female characters, intricate sci-fi environments, and dynamic panel layouts that highlight expressive facial emotions and expansive world-building elements unique to the static medium. As the original source material, the shares the OVA's core plot centered on Captain Tita's adventures but expands on narrative details through illustrated sequences rather than animated action.

Production

Development

Plastic Little was conceived by and , who developed the core story concept around a female captain leading a crew in a futuristic sci-fi setting featuring a vast "sea of clouds" on a planet, where they hunt exotic creatures for the pet trade. This idea emerged in the early , positioning the project initially as a single-episode (OVA) that blended adventure storytelling with sci-fi elements, including ship pursuits and military threats. Key producers included Kazuhiko Ikeguchi and Hideaki Fujii. Urushihara's renowned approach to depicting female characters, characterized by detailed and sensual illustrations, influenced the project's tone. The project originated with Urushihara's , serialized in Comic NORA from May 1993 to April 1994 and collected in a single volume by Gakken in May 1994; the OVA adapts elements of this story, while the includes a short continuing the plot after the OVA's events.

Staff and animation

The OVA adaptation of Plastic Little was directed by Kinji Yoshimoto, who oversaw the integration of its sci-fi action sequences, including high-stakes pursuits across alien landscapes. The screenplay was written by Mayori Sekijima, who crafted the chase-driven narrative centered on interstellar intrigue and personal stakes. Animation production was handled collaboratively by Studio Pierrot, alongside partners such as KSS and , employing traditional animation techniques characteristic of mid-1990s OVAs, which allowed for vibrant, hand-drawn visuals in a pre-digital workflow. Character designs originated from Satoshi Urushihara's foundational concepts, emphasizing exaggerated yet fluid forms. Specific animation highlights include the smooth, dynamic motion of exotic creature designs during capture sequences and the elaborate of ship battles amid the planet's "sea of clouds," where layered cel overlays created depth in gaseous ocean environments. For the North American release, the English dub featured notable voice talent, with voicing the protagonist Tita (Titaniva Mu Koshigaya) and as the fugitive Elysse, contributing to the adaptation's energetic delivery in action-oriented scenes.

Story and characters

Plot summary

Plastic Little is set on the planet Yietta, a world where human colonists sustain themselves by harvesting resources from its vast "sea of clouds," a unique liquid-gas ocean teeming with exotic . The story centers on the Cha-Cha Maru, a specialized vessel operated by a crew that captures rare creatures from these depths for sale to zoos and aquariums across the galaxy. This routine operation forms the backdrop for the narrative, blending everyday adventure with escalating tension as the crew navigates the perilous environment filled with unpredictable sea beasts and environmental hazards. The central conflict arises when the Cha-Cha Maru encounters Elysse, a young woman fleeing pursuit by a rogue military faction. Tita Mu Koshigaya, the ship's captain, and her team rescue Elysse during a creature capture mission, drawing them into a high-stakes chase across the sea of clouds. The military, seeking to suppress threats to their control, relentlessly tracks the vessel, interrupting the crew's hunts with aerial assaults and blockades that force evasive maneuvers through treacherous cloud formations. Elysse's pursuers, led by the armored commander Colonel Guizel, are driven by her connection to a classified research project developed by her late father, a whose work holds potential to alter the planet's balance of power and support bids for from oppressive rule. As the story unfolds, the crew's protective efforts lead to a series of confrontations involving advanced weaponry and suits, transforming their standard expeditions into a desperate bid for survival. The narrative builds to climactic clashes that test the limits of the Cha-Cha Maru's capabilities, weaving sci-fi action with themes of resistance in a self-contained tale of pursuit and discovery.

Characters

Tita Mu Koshigaya serves as the protagonist and energetic 17-year-old captain of the Cha-Cha Maru, a vessel that captures exotic sea creatures on the fluid of Yietta for sale to affluent clients and zoos. Having inherited the ship and her role from her father, who perished aboard it, Tita demonstrates exceptional piloting skills and a natural talent for handling animals, which defines her adventurous lifestyle and leadership style. Her decisive nature and compassion often place her at the center of high-stakes rescues, solidifying her as a reliable figure for her crew and unexpected allies. Elysse Aldo Mordish is a 16-year-old and the daughter of the renowned Nalerof Aldo Mordish, whose leaves her as the sole guardian of his confidential research on a gravity-manipulating superweapon. This knowledge makes her a prime target for military forces, positioning her as the narrative's pivotal element in the struggle over the weapon's potential for planetary destruction or salvation. Elysse's vulnerability contrasts with her determination, fostering a deep bond with Tita, who shelters her and integrates her into the Cha-Cha Maru operations, highlighting themes of trust and mutual reliance in their evolving friendship. The Cha-Cha Maru crew forms a loyal support network under Tita's command, each member contributing specialized skills during creature hunts and the ensuing military evasion. Pilot Joshua L. Balboa excels in maneuvering the ship through perilous underwater environments, ensuring swift escapes. Cook and mechanic Mei Lin Jones maintains the vessel's functionality while preparing meals, occasionally stepping into medical duties to tend to injuries sustained in conflicts. Navigator Mikhail Diagilev plots optimal routes across Yietta's vast, turbulent seas, aiding in strategic positioning against pursuers. Doctor Nichol Hawking provides healthcare for the team and captured animals, while nursing a subtle crush on Tita that adds light interpersonal tension without disrupting operations. Communications officer Roger Rogers handles interstellar signals and coordination, keeping the group informed of external threats. Collectively, the crew's camaraderie and diverse expertise underscore Tita's effective leadership, turning potential chaos into coordinated resilience during crises. Guizel acts as the chief , a cunning and ambitious renegade commander leading a faction of Yietta's in pursuit of Elysse to commandeer her father's for personal domination. His ruthless tactics and imperialistic goals create ongoing antagonism with Tita's group, forcing alliances and heightening conflicts as he deploys advanced forces to capture or eliminate obstacles. Interactions with Guizel reveal the crew's unified front, with Tita's bold decisions often countering his schemes and protecting Elysse's secrets.

Release and reception

Release history

The Plastic Little OVA was initially released in Japan on March 21, 1994, produced by KSS, , and Sony Music Entertainment. International distribution followed shortly thereafter, with a German release in 1995 by OVA Films GmbH and a French release in 2002 by KAZÉ. A pirated Korean edition of the OVA appeared in 1994 under the title Female Captain Tita. In , ADV Films issued the OVA on on July 20, 1994, followed by a DVD release on February 5, 2002. ADV Films' license has since expired, and the OVA currently has no active official distributor in the region. The ADV DVD edition featured unique bonus content, including the trademarked "Jiggle Counter," an on-screen tally tracking instances of character breast movement during playback. The accompanying , serialized in Comic Nora magazine by Gakken from May 1993 to April 1994 and collected in a single volume in May 1994, received a full-color re-release in October 2012 as Plastic Little All Color Complete Edition under the Nora Comics Deluxe imprint.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Plastic Little received mixed reviews, often praised for its visual appeal but criticized for its narrative shortcomings and emphasis on fanservice. On , it holds an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 based on 660 user votes, reflecting a polarizing reception among viewers. Similarly, users rate it 6.12 out of 10 from over 7,650 evaluations, positioning it as a middling entry in the 1990s OVA landscape. awarded it a 5 out of 10, noting that while certain sequences shine, much of the content feels extraneous and diminishes the overall value. On , it averages 3.2 out of 5 from 569 ratings, with commentators appreciating its brevity despite rapid character development. Critics frequently highlighted the OVA's strong animation and character designs as standout elements. Reviews commended the vibrant visuals, sharp backgrounds, and detailed artwork by , which contribute to an engaging adventure atmosphere even in fast-paced action scenes. The fluid animation during chases and battles was seen as a high point, elevating what might otherwise be a standard sci-fi romp. However, the plot drew consistent for its generic structure and lack of depth, with reviewers describing it as shallow and underdeveloped, relying heavily on tropes without meaningful exploration. The pervasive fanservice, including frequent and exaggerated physical animations, was often labeled excessive and detracting from the story, making the OVA feel dated and objectifying. In Anime Abandon's retrospective, host Bennett the Sage characterized it as "stupid" in a way that invites mockery, underscoring its over-the-top elements. Over time, Plastic Little has garnered a among fans of 1990s , valued for its unapologetic fanservice and as a of the era's OVAs. Its legacy is tied to humorous hallmarks like ADV Films' trademarked "Jiggle Counter" feature on the DVD release, which tallies instances of exaggerated and has become a meme-worthy of early fanservice tropes. Despite this niche appeal, modern discussions remain limited, with few in-depth analyses due to its age and focus on superficial elements over substantive storytelling.

References

  1. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=289
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=2823
  3. https://myanimelist.net/anime/2332/Plastic_Little
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110845/
  5. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28091150-plastic-little
  6. https://anidb.net/anime/254
  7. https://vgmdb.net/album/23470
  8. https://myanimelist.net/anime/2332/Plastic_Little/characters
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110845/trivia/
  10. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/2wd3piq/plastic-little
  11. https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comics/series/158914/plastic-little
  12. https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-1357611
  13. https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/urushihara_satoshi.htm
  14. https://myfigurecollection.net/item/126298
  15. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-gallery/2009-01-24
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110845/fullcredits
  17. http://www.theanimereview.com/reviews/plastic.html
  18. https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=317
  19. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Plastic-Little/
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110845/plotsummary/
  21. https://www.abcb.com/parents/plastic.htm
  22. https://animanga.fandom.com/wiki/Plastic_Little
  23. https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/11/plastic-little
  24. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2284453.Plastic_Little
  25. https://www.suruga-ya.com/en/product/504003550
  26. https://letterboxd.com/film/plastic-little-the-adventures-of-captain-tita/
  27. https://thereviewheap.home.blog/2023/08/12/plastic-little-purasuchikku-ritoru/
  28. https://myanimelist.net/anime/2332/Plastic_Little/reviews
  29. http://benthesage.com/anime-abandon-plastic-little/
  30. https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/7nwv8k/the_great_oav_watch_week_48_plastic_little/
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