Legacy Shock: Urusei Yatsura (2022) Honors Its Past with Original Voice Actor Cameos and A Definitive Manga Adaptation

The 2022 resurrection of Rumiko Takahashi’s foundational series, Urusei Yatsura, helmed by David Production, instantly ranked among the most eagerly awaited anime events of its era. Moving beyond the beloved, sprawling 1980s adaptation, this contemporary iteration serves as a masterfully constructed tribute, rich with calculated production decisions, deliberate visual throwbacks, and fascinating trivia that profoundly connects the new version to its historical roots. This revival is far more than a simple modern polish; it is a meticulously crafted homage to the romantic comedy that launched the career of one of manga's most revered figures, whose later works include global sensations like Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha.

A crucial element of the 2022 adaptation's success lies in its handling of the immense legacy of the original 1980s show. David Production faced the daunting task of simultaneously satisfying long-time devotees steeped in nostalgia and captivating a new generation of viewers. They executed this balance brilliantly, particularly through inspired casting choices that bridged the decades.

While the central roles of the electrifying alien princess Lum and the chronically unlucky protagonist Ataru Moroboshi were entrusted to new voices—Maaya Uchida and Hiroshi Kamiya—the production team ensured the original cast’s presence remained integral. Fumi Hirano, the iconic original voice of Lum, returned to lend her recognizable tones to the character of Lum’s mother. Similarly, Toshio Furukawa, who defined the hapless Ataru for a generation, stepped into the shoes of Ataru’s father. This poignant decision symbolized a passing of the torch, allowing the founding voices of the franchise to remain woven into the fabric of the show, a move that delighted purists.

The selection of David Production, a studio globally recognized for the distinct, kinetic visual flair of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, initially sparked curiosity. However, their artistic vision proved exceptional. They forged a visual style that successfully modernized the animation quality while fiercely retaining the vibrant, idiosyncratic retro aesthetic central to Takahashi's early character art.

They utilized striking, near-neon color palettes and highly fluid movement, especially during Lum’s dramatic, electrically charged outbursts. This approach highlighted the series' supernatural absurdity, creating a look that was visually fresh compared to the softer tones of the 80s, yet undeniably authentic to the spirit of Urusei Yatsura.

Furthermore, the 2022 series was structured as a definitive, multi-cour adaptation, designed explicitly to cover selected, crucial stories from the manga that had been previously omitted or loosely adapted. This commitment provided purists with the definitive animated narrative arc of Takahashi’s original work, finally bringing long-awaited, fan-favorite chapters to the screen. Even the character design of Lum Invader was subject to meticulous research; the team studied Takahashi’s original cover art and early panels to give Lum a sleeker, sharper appearance than her 80s counterpart, ensuring her signature tiger-striped bikini—a symbol of her alien heritage—translated perfectly into modern high-definition animation.

The series’ enduring comedic foundation rests on the protagonist's name, which contains a linguistic joke central to his fate. Ataru Moroboshi's surname, Moroboshi (諸星), means “many stars,” directly connecting him to the cosmic chaos brought by Lum. His given name, Ataru (あたる), is the Japanese verb meaning “to hit,” “to strike,” or, most fittingly, “to be struck by.” This perfectly encapsulates his destiny as a magnet for bad luck and electric shocks. The 2022 anime expertly leverages this inherent comedic structure, using modern pacing to maximize the impact of Ataru's perpetual, electrifying misfortune.