Keluang Man
Keluang Man is a Malaysian comedy superhero animated television series aired on TV1 from 1998 to 2005. Based on the fruit bat (Malay: keluang),[lower-alpha 1] his costume and appearance is based on DC Comics' Batman.[2][3] It is created by Kamn Ismail, best known for his directorial role in Usop Sontorian. A live-action film adaptation is announced to be in development.[4]
| Keluang Man | |
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| Genre | Superhero Animation Comedy |
| Created by | Kamn Ismail |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
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| Voices of |
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| Theme music composer | Syed Imanzali |
| Opening theme | "Keluang Man" |
| Ending theme |
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| Country of origin | Malaysia |
| Original language | Malay |
| No. of seasons | 7 |
| No. of episodes | 144 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Running time | 20 minutes |
| Production company | UAS Animation Studios (M) Sdn. Bhd. |
| Release | |
| Original network | TV1 |
| Original release | August 1, 1998[1] – 2005 |
Overview
Keluang Man was created by Kamn Ismail and his team of animators in June 1997, following the end of Usop Sontorian as he wanted the presence of "National Hero" at the moment. A few months later, the team was augmented by a group of new junior animators.[5] Production halted for a while due to the economic crisis in 1997 and 1998, but later continued in 2000 until the series finally ended in 2005.
Synopsis
Set in Tampoi, Johor (near Johor Bahru), Keluang Man made his first appearance in an alley where a man is trying to rob a girl. Since then, Keluang Man has been media's most wanted. Keluang Man's real name is 'Borhan' and he is actually one of the mental patients in Tampoi Mental Hospital. The hospital security makes it hard for Keluang Man to act during daylight, so he decided only to fight for justice at night.
However, the existence of Keluang Man as a justice fighter did not make Inspector Shahab, the local police chief sit very well in his position. He sees Keluang Man as an annoying hero who always disturbs the police's business until he ordered that Keluang Man be arrested but was unsuccessful.
In the second episode of the first season, Tiong Man makes his first appearance as a counterpart, holding a similar role as Robin in the Batman series. Both superheroes work together to fight supervillains such as Badut (The Clown), Mata Batu Johan Hitam, Samsir, Majid Kilat, Meow The Cat Girl and many more with the hope that the town of Tumpoi will turn back into a peaceful place for everyone.
Broadcast
Keluang Man start aired on TV1 in August 1, 1998.[6]
Reruns
In 2008, Keluang Man was re-aired on TV9.
Adaptation
A comic based on the series was released on June 1, 1999.[7]
Notes
- Keluang (alternately Kluang) is also the name of a town in central Johor. It is 75 km northwest from Tampoi.
References
- "TV Guide". Life & Times. New Straits Times. 1 August 1998. p. 2.
- Lent 2001, pp. 143–144.
- Zainuri Misfar (25 July 1999). "Misteri Keluang Man". Berita Minggu. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- "Malaysian's Own Superhero, Keluang Man Is Getting His Own Live Action Movie Soon". The Rakyat Post. 23 May 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
- Sufian Thauri Muhammed (27 July 1998). "UAS animation terbit Keluang Man". Harian Metro. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- "Keluang Man disiar tahun depan". Berita Minggu. 16 November 1997. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- "Keluang Man dijadikan komik". Berita Harian. 28 May 1999. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
Bibliography
- Lent, John A. (2001). Animation in Asia and the Pacific. John Libbey. ISBN 978-1-86462-036-8.