Toushi Gordian [Season 1 Episodes 1-73]

Gordian Warrior: A Retro Sci-Fi Gem Lost in Time

If you’re scrolling through anime recs and stumble upon Toushi Gordian (1979–1981), you might double-take. With its 73 episodes of “SF mystery-drama” set in a Wild West-meets-futuristic world, this underrated classic feels like a time capsule—one that’s been gathering dust, waiting for a new generation to crack it open.

Let’s start with the basics: Gordian Warrior isn’t your typical 70s mecha fare. Yeah, there’s action, but it’s wrapped in a slow-burn mystery that keeps you guessing. Who is Daigo, the drifter with a panther sidekick? Why are alien invaders targeting this spaghetti Western landscape? And what the heck is Gordian—this mysterious force pulling the strings? It’s the kind of show that doesn’t spoon-feed answers, which is both its charm and its curse.

Visually, it’s pure retro eye candy. Think dusty canyons, saloons with neon signs, and cowboys toting laser guns—like Star Wars crashed a Wild Wild West set. The animation is clunky by today’s standards, but that’s part of the appeal. Those hand-painted backgrounds and over-the-top mecha designs? They scream “classic anime,” the kind your parents might’ve watched if they were into weird sci-fi.

But here’s the catch: Gordian is a hidden gem because it’s hidden. Try finding subs—good luck. Most fans stumble on raw episodes or partial dubs, which is a bummer because the story deserves to be unpacked. It’s the kind of show that would thrive in today’s “retro revival” wave, right alongside Space Dandy or Cowboy Bebop (yes, I said it—Bebop vibes, minus the jazz).

What makes it stand out? The pacing. In an era of 12-episode binges, 73 episodes sounds daunting, but Gordian uses that space to build its world. Each episode peels back a layer: Daigo’s past, the invaders’ motives, the true nature of Gordian. It’s not fast-paced, but it’s intentional—like a puzzle where every piece matters.

And let’s talk about the vibe. There’s this gritty, almost noir-like tension mixed with campy Western tropes. Imagine a gunfight at high noon… but the guns shoot plasma. Or a saloon brawl where the bartender is a robot. It’s absurd, but it works—because the show takes its characters seriously. Daigo isn’t just a cowboy; he’s a man with a mission, haunted by his connection to Gordian. His panther? More than a pet—she’s his conscience, his protector, his partner in crime.

So why hasn’t Gordian Warrior blown up? Maybe it’s the length. Maybe it’s the lack of accessibility. Or maybe it’s just that retro sci-fi isn’t everyone’s jam. But for those who love digging into anime’s roots, it’s a must-watch. It’s a reminder that anime wasn’t always about isekai or slice-of-life—sometimes it was about big questions, weird worlds, and characters who feel like old friends.

If you’re tired of the same old shows, give Gordian a shot. Track down those raw episodes, grab a fan-made sub (if you can find one), and settle in. You might not understand every twist, but you’ll be hooked by the mystery. And hey—maybe you’ll be the one to spread the word about this forgotten classic.

Gordian Warrior isn’t perfect. It’s slow, it’s dated, and it’s hard to find. But it’s also bold, imaginative, and full of heart. In a world of flashy, 10-episode hits, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best stories take time to tell.

So saddle up, partner. The West is wild… and the future is weirder than you think. 🤠✨