Princess Knight

Princess Knight, created by revered Japanese animator Osamu Tezuka and produced by Mushi Production, first aired from 1967 to 1968. Under the banner of Anchor Bay Entertainment, the critically acclaimed series was later distributed internationally, making it one of the first anime programs to earn a global fan base. At heart, the series is a fast-paced adventure, a medieval fairytale steeped in chivalry, magic, and the enduring battle between good and evil. Nevertheless, true to Tezuka's genius, it scintillates with a blend of genres — fantasy, comedy, action, drama, and even a hint of romance.

The storyline revolves around the lead character, Princess Sapphire. Born into the royal family, Sapphire, due to an error made by a clumsy stork in charge of delivering Heaven's blue heart of a boy and the pink heart of a girl, ended up with both a male and female heart. This unique aspect of her existence enables her to embody the strength and courage conventionally linked to males and the grace and empathy typically associated with females. She grows up disguised as a prince upon the orders of her father, King Duralumin, who fears the loss of the throne in their patriarchal kingdom if it's discovered they bore a daughter instead of a promised son.

This peculiar situation sets the stage for the show's engaging narrative. Sapphire, with the persona of Prince Knight, fights nefarious enemies who crave her kingdom's throne while she struggles to protect her dual identity. Helping her in her endeavors are her faithful horse, Tink — who happens to understand and converse in human language — and the charismatic rogue, Captain Blood, who, unbeknownst to Sapphire, has plans of his own.

But the challenges before Sapphire aren't just physical battles. The series delves into her internal conflicts too, presenting the protagonist's struggle in reconciling the two halves of her identity. What does it mean to be a boy, a girl, a prince, a princess? These questions have not been explored in children's animation prior to Princess Knight, making the show a pioneer that introduces viewers to nuanced concepts of gender and identity.

One of the most delightful elements of the show is the fascinating array of villains, from jealous dukes and power-hungry satanic figures to selfish, competitive angels. This eclectic collection of foes ensures that every episode presents a new adventure, a new battle for Sapphire to wage and win. And win she does, not just with the physical prowess of a valiant knight but also with the compassion and understanding of a princess.

Aside from the captivating narrative, Princess Knight showcases a unique animation style that was groundbreaking for its time. The character design beautifully blends Western fairy tale aesthetics with Japanese Manga-style graphics. The vibrant colors and dynamic action sequences are balanced with detailed backgrounds, giving life to Sapphire's world, making it enticing and immersive for viewers.

The series treads the fine line between serious thematic discussions and entertaining storytelling with grace, making it enjoyable for a wide age of viewers. It's a fairy tale that speaks of courage, humanity, and, importantly, of embracing one's true self, making it much more than just a bedtime story.

The sound score complements the visual storytelling, with catchy theme songs that will remain with you long after you've finished watching. Each character has unique musical themes that accentuate their personalities and moods, giving another layer of depth to the series.

In conclusion, Princess Knight stands as a testament to animator Osamu Tezuka's vision and storytelling prowess. Its winning combination of unforgettable characters, distinctive animation, engaging plotlines, and progressive themes make it a classic in children's anime. It may have been created in the '60s, but its enduring charm and wisdom make it a show that can still captivate and inspire audiences today.