Blue Blink
Tezuka's final anime, completed after his death.
Blue Blink (青いブリンク, Aoi Burinku) is a fantasy adventure anime series created by Osamu Tezuka. It draws from the classic Russian animated film *Konjok-gorbunok* by Ivan Ivanov-Vano, which itself adapts Pyotr Pavlovich Yershov's fairy tale of the same name. The series marks Tezuka's final anime project; he passed away during its production, and the studio completed the work following his plans.
The story begins when the hero, Kakeru, rescues a mystical pony named Blink from a thunderstorm. In gratitude, Blink promises that if Kakeru ever needs help, calling his name three times will summon him. At summer's end, Kakeru returns home to find his father—a children's story writer—kidnapped. Weeping, Kakeru calls Blink, who appears instantly, and the two set off to find Kakeru's father.
The series was streamed on Anime Sols but was removed after failing to meet its crowdfunding goal for a DVD release. It is currently legally available only on Viki.com.
- creator
- Osamu Tezuka
- based_on
- Konjok-gorbunok by Ivan Ivanov-Vano / Pyotr Pavlovich Yershov's fairy tale
- type
- Fantasy adventure anime series
- status
- Completed posthumously
- legal_streaming
- Viki.com
Quick Facts
- Ja Romaji
- Aoi Burinku
- Genre
- Fantasy, adventure
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The story opens with the meeting between the hero, Kakeru, and a mystical pony named Blink. Kakeru saves Blink from a thunder shower and in gratitude, Blink tells him that if he is ever in trouble, all Kakeru needs to do is call out his name three times and he will appear. At the end of the summer when Kakeru returns home, his father, a writer of children's stories, is kidnapped. Kakeru, weeping, calls out Blink's name and, as promised, Blink immediately appears, and the two set out on the trail of Kakeru's father.
Reader's Guide
Blue Blink holds significance as Osamu Tezuka's final anime series, completed posthumously by the studio according to his plans. It adapts a classic Russian fairy tale through the lens of Japanese animation, bridging cultural traditions. The series was briefly available via crowd-funding platform Anime Sols but was removed when it did not meet its goal for a DVD release. Currently, it is only legally streamable on Viki.com. Its legacy is tied to Tezuka's broader body of work and the completion of his last creative vision.
Did You Know?
- Blue Blink is based on the Russian animated film Konjok-gorbunok by Ivan Ivanov-Vano.
- Osamu Tezuka died while Blue Blink was in production; the studio finished it per his plans.
- The series was removed from Anime Sols after failing to meet its crowd-funding goal for a DVD release.
- As of the source article, Blue Blink is only legally available for streaming at Viki.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Blink?
Blue Blink is a fantasy adventure anime series created by Osamu Tezuka. It centers on a young boy named Kakeru who befriends a magical pony and sets off on a string of fantastical adventures.
What is Blue Blink based on?
The series is an anime adaptation of the Russian animated film Konjok-gorbunok, directed by Ivan Ivanov-Vano, which itself retells the classic fairy tale by Pyotr Pavlovich Yershov. Tezuka reinterpreted this Eastern European story for a Japanese audience.
Who is Kakeru and how does he get Blink?
Kakeru is the young protagonist who rescues a mysterious pony named Blink from a thunderstorm. As a thank-you, Blink promises that calling his name three times will summon him whenever Kakeru is in need.
Was Blue Blink finished despite Tezuka's death?
Tezuka passed away while the series was still in production, making it his last anime project. The studio completed the remaining episodes by following his original plans and vision.
Where can I watch Blue Blink legally?
The full series is available for streaming on Viki.com. It is one of the more readily accessible Tezuka anime titles for international viewers.
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