is a

manga Manga ( Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is use ...

series written by Sachi Oshimizu. It was later animated into a 3 episode

anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japanese, (a term derived from a shortening of ...

OVA , abbreviated as OVA and sometimes as OAV (original animation video), are Japanese animated films and series made specially for release in home video formats without prior showings on television or in theaters, though the first part of an OVA ...

series in 1996. Both the

and the

have been licensed by

Media Blasters Media Blasters, sometimes abbreviated as MB, is an American entertainment corporation that was founded by John Sirabella in 1997 and is based in New York City. It is in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American ...

for distribution in the USA. It follows the story of a humanoid created by a robotics expert named Dr. Otoi for his grandson, Nobuhiko. But in the process of writing and applying the programming, an unfortunate mishap took place when Nobuhiko sneezed. Now, whenever Nobuhiko sneezes, the humanoid (named Signal) transforms from a temperamental adult robot into a chocolate-loving baby version of himself. Despite this, the days spent with the Otoi family are usually fun. Animals, people, and robots all live in harmony. One day, Signal is attacked by Pulse, a robot created by Dr. Otoi some time ago as Signal's prototype. Pulse is incredibly nearsighted, but makes up for what he lacks in vision with firepower. Dr. Otoi's mysterious rival has packed him to the brim with amazing weaponry, with the intent of stealing the Doctor's most recent technology.

Characters

;Signal : :The namesake of the series, Signal is the newest HFR (Human Form Robot) to be created by Professor Otoi. He is unique because of the MIRA and SIRIUS technology in him, which sometimes makes him a target of those wishing to steal his data. He is programmed to be a fighter and an older brother to Professor Otoi's grandson, Nobuhiko. Due to an accident in the lab during his creation, when Nobuhiko sneezes, it transforms Signal into a much smaller version of himself. He is referred to as 'Chibi Signal', is very hyper, and adores chocolate. ;Nobuhiko Otoi : :The grandson of Professor Otoi. Signal's 'little brother'. Because Nobu interrupted Signal's programming by sneezing, he ended up causing a glitch in MIRA. Every time Nobuhiko sneezes, Signal transforms into a 3-year-old chibi signal. ; : :Nobuhiko's grandfather. ;Mini Signal : ;Chris Sine : :The one and only super smart robot scientist" as she would say. She's somewhat loud and obnoxious but yet still a likeable character. However despite her claims of being such a genius and beautiful robot scientist, Kris is a bit of a flop. Her robots often end up failing, or going berserk, or just simply getting smashed by Signal. But she wishes to create a super robot more powerful and impressive than any other, despite her failures. She soon becomes the apprentice of Dr. Otoi and appears to be friends with Pulse. ;Pulse : :The prototype for Signal made by Otoi-sensei and Masanobu. Originally he was seen with silver hair and a grey styled outfit. He was a very kind and gentle robot but then one day Masanobu made some changes, upgrading him into a highly skilled combat robot. His look then changed to black long hair and dark clothes with two massive blades connected to his arms. It also appears that he conducts electricity through his hair and then charges that power through his eyes like a laser. These changes were not entirely for the best. Now he seems to be VERY nearsighted and if he should get too worn down he passes out. His laser also decreases energy. He has what appears to be robotic narcolepsy. He and Signal constantly fight and tease each other, but Pulse seems to have a soft spot for Chibi Signal and often talks with him. It also appears he was/is friends with Kris. ;Elara (also Erala) : :A somewhat ditsy little robot that really can't cook and tends to find herself in a lot of trouble. Yet she is very caring and loving. She seems completely oblivious to Signal's love for her. ;Masanobu Otoi : :Professor Otoi's son, and Nobuhiko's father. Masanobu is also a robot scientist. He views the HFR's as tools with the exception of his former brother-figure, Karma. ;Minoru Otoi : :Nobuhiko's mother and Masanobu's wife. She is a scientist as well. ;Officer Maki : ;No. 3 : ;Flag : :Pulse's flying companion in the OVA. ;Hoshimaro Umenokoji : ;A Suke : ;B Suke : ;Arano :

External links

* {{Tokyo Kids 1996 anime OVAs Gangan Comics manga Shōnen manga Square Enix franchises