The Energon Pub

It is with sadness that we bring reports of the passing of anime director and storyboarder Hidehito Ueda, who worked on Transformers: Armada (among many other well-received anime series and movies, such as A.D. Police, Cybuster, Gantz to name a few) - the first part of what has come to be known as the Unicron Trilogy. The news comes from fellow Seibertron.com member Emerje, and the site animenewsnetwork, who state that Ueda, aged 61, had been battling with cancer for over a year.

Armada still holds an ambiguous status in its reception in the fandom, though recent developments in the franchise have been paying homage to the series in the comics and toys.


Seibertron.com would like to extend our warmest condolences to Ueda's family and loved ones.

The hindsight for the series is only in question because the kids who grew up on it are only now starting to become adults with disposable income. These are the people who will see it fondly, much like we who grew up on G1 look past its many faults.

To add more, Armada was a runaway financial success. It was hugely popular for its time. They couldn't make enough toys and had to supplement it with the first Universe line to keep product on the shelves.

RIP, thanks for the memories.

Armada was the first Toyline I dove into and completed as a collector. Thanks for the memories and being the gateway into my current collection.

Counterpunch wrote:The hindsight for the series is only in question because the kids who grew up on it are only now starting to become adults with disposable income. These are the people who will see it fondly, much like we who grew up on G1 look past its many faults.

To add more, Armada was a runaway financial success. It was hugely popular for its time. They couldn't make enough toys and had to supplement it with the first Universe line to keep product on the shelves.

Very true.

(Though I wanted the most neutral tone possible, given the article.)

That's sad news he directed many of my favorite anime. By the way should be Gantz, crazy anime, do not recommend to the kiddos.

It's moments like this that make me really glad that the original version of Micron Densetsu that Ueda-san directed is now finally accessible for the Western World to watch in its original language format with corrected animation and English subtitles.

Rest in peace, Ueda-san. Your work has finally broadened its horizons for all to see, and (once I finally get around to watching it) will not be forgotten by this fan.