[retrosofa]

Let's dive into some trivia for Cutie Honey episode three: "Traps Set By the Red Axe."

Screenwriter: Susumu Takaku

Art Director: Mataharu Urata

Animation Director: Joji Kikuchi

Director: Osamu Kasai

Although she appears in the first episode, Panther Zora makes her formal debut here. She was not included in the original series proposal, rather Panther Claw was to have a "mysterious, unknown leader." Sister Jill was originally known as "Sister Zora" but ended up becoming two separate characters.

Zora was voiced by Nobuyo Tsuda, who also voiced Hyster. She narrated most of the episode titles as well.

Natsuko's casual clothes are based on one of Miki Makimura's outfits from the Devilman manga.

Natsuko is pretending to practice zazen, a type of sitting meditation. It originates from the teachings of Buddha, and is meant to give insight into your true nature of being.

There’s a poster of singer Tom Jones hanging up in the teacher’s lounge. The “poster” is actually the Japanese vinyl cover of Tom Jones: Live in Las Vegas.

The shop featured in this episode, "Tihenny Jewelers", is a parody of the renowned real-life jewelry brand, Tiffany & Co. or Tiffany’s from New York City. Tiffany’s opened their first Japanese store in October 1972, a whole year before Cutie Honey premiered. This momentous event likely served as inspiration for this episode.

Although never addressed within the episode, production materials reveal Tomahawk Panther’s human alias is “Lydia.” Tomahawk Panther is voiced by Taeko Nakanishi, who will go on to voice various Panther Claw members during the first half of the series. She is probably best known as the narrator in Candy Candy.

The episode previews typically featured some unused or slightly variant animation. The preview for this episode included quite a few shots that ended up on the cutting room floor. Apparently the scene where Honey fights Panthers at Tihenny's was originally going to be longer.

The shot of Seiji screaming the English word “help” is lifted straight from Casino Royale, the 1967 film adaptation of the first James Bond novel. In the film the character Evelyn Tremble (played by Peter Sellers, best known for playing Chief Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films) is tortured by experiencing a series of psychedelic hallucinations. At one point he sees himself walking alongside a marching band while the word “help” is animated flying out of his mouth.

Tune in next time for episode four!

Updated: 6/4/2026

[retrosofa]

Updated the trivia post for Cutie Honey episode 3 because I never realized Natsuko wears one of Miki's outfits from Devilman.

You learn something new everyday!

[hotwaterandmilk]

Cutey Honey Flash by Iisaka Yukako (Vol. 4, Shougakukan, 05/1998)

[retrosofa]

I finally had some time to draw! I was inspired by this glorious piece of art. I was originally going to have Honey sitting on Naojiro but I kept running into issues with his anatomy.

[retrosofa]

Heads up - this design is available as a sticker through South Street Art Mart!

[retrosofa]

My friend Pietro and I got to meet the Italian actors for Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask - Elisabetta Spinelli and Marco Balzarotti. We attended their panel where they answered questions and even did a live reading. Elisabetta was especially lovely and very sweet. They both signed a beautiful poster Marco Albiero had drawn and gifted me.

[retrosofa]

Mahou no Mako-chan volume eight from the second DVD box. Each cover has the same template, with only the main image of Mako changing. While the front cover is horizontal, the back cover is vertical.

Scanned from my personal collection. Please do not repost without my permission.

[retrosofa]

Another grail item obtained! Cutie Honey hand mirror by Patra. This is one of the few girl-centered toys released for the original series back in the 70's. There's another design that features Honey Kisaragi.

Huge shoutout to my friends Ayumi Shinozaki and @showamagicalgirls for helping me get this. I am absolutely over the moon!

[hotwaterandmilk]

Cutey Honey Flash by Iisaka Yukako (Vol. 2, Shougakukan, 10/1997)

[retrosofa]

Majokko Megu-chan volume one from the first DVD box. With the exception of the heart-shaped visuals, each disc jacket has the same artwork.

Scanned from my personal collection. Please do not repost without my permission.

[retrosofa]

The original Mahou no Mako-chan DVD boxes featuring beautiful illustrations by Yoshihiko Umakoshi.

Scanned from my personal collection. Please do not repost without my permission.

[retrosofa]

A new ASMR based on Cutie Honey Nova will be released via Amalgaam sounds in June. Kaori Ishihara will be voicing Honey Kisaragi.

[hotwaterandmilk]

Series: Cutey Honey Flash Artist: Shimogasa Miho Publication: Animedia Magazine (06/1997) Source: Scanned from personal collection

[hotwaterandmilk]

Series: Lingerie Senshi Papillon Rose Rebuild Artist: Tobita Shinji/Hanazono Ai (Minoboshi Tarou) Product: B5 Shitajiki Comics Ver. Comiket 87 (12/2014) Source: Scanned from my personal collection

[brickme]

[vamptoll]

Cutie Honey form: Misty Honey, dressed up in men's (???) clothes

[retrosofa]

She uses the term 男装 (danso) here. This is the translation Toei provided Discotek when they originally released the series on DVD:

For the SD Blu-ray release, I translated this as "The crossdressing Misty Honey."

[retrosofa]

A page from Noriko Sato’s Honey Moon doujinshi. I am still absolutely floored by how gorgeous her artwork is.

Scanned from my personal collection. Please do not repost without my permission.

[coolerkinghilts]

This just came from the mail today—these little Cutie Honey-related items provided by @retrosofa , including a Honey sticker, two postcards, some photo cards, and his “Charming Witches + Pretty Soldiers” zine. I also love the little Flash Honey drawing he drew inside the Cutie Honey F notebook and the Melfina sketch in the back of the envelope. Thanks once again for these goodies. 😊

#CutieHoney #SailorMoon #OutlawStar #magicalgirls #animehaul

[retrosofa]

I'm glad you liked everything!

[notbuckybarnes]

IÑAKI GODOY ONE PIECE 2.06 "Nami Deerest"