Duralumin

Also known as ジュラルミン (Jurarumin)

Hello, My Name (in English) is…

His name in Japanese is borrowed word from the English word “Duralumin”, a metal alloy of aluminum which containins traces of copper, magnesium, and/or manganese.

Distinguishing Features

Recognizable by his squat “middle-aged” physique, balding double-hair poof, and bushy black eyebrows, Duralumin is a pompous villain everyone loves to hate.

Status: Secondary Star (★★)

Despite thinking very highly of himself, Duralumin’s blustering exterior hides the heart of a coward. An aristocratic schemer who prefers to let his henchmen, usually Nylon, to do his dirty work, he is often cast as a villain who is primarily concerned with his own desires for power and wealth, rather than one who is truly evil.

Notable Roles

Although Duralumin’s debut role was as the main antagonist in Princess Knight [Shojo Club] (1954-56), it is theorized that Prime Minister Abuzu Nobumitchi, from The Fossil Man Strikes Back (1952) is an early prototype. Of course Duralumin famously reprised his signature role as the villainous Duke in the Princess Knight [Nakayoshi] (1963-66) remake. However, beyond that, he has also made a few memorable appearances in Black Jack (1973-83), Don Dracula (1979) and Rainbow Parakeet (1982-83).

Manga Appearances

If you spot an appearance not already listed, please let us know in the comments section below!

1954

Princess Knight [Shojo Club] as “Duke Duralumin”

1963

Princess Knight [Nakayoshi] as “Duke Duralumin”

1974

Black Jack (“Two Shujis”) as “Akechi Mitsuhide, Vice-President of the East-West Railway”
Black Jack (“Pinoko Lives”) as “a doctor”

1975

Black Jack (“Amidst Fire and Ashes”) as “the President of Nippachi Industries”

1976

The Three-Eyed One (“Towering Miracle”) as “the Manager of “J” Construction Co.”

1978

Black Jack (“The Last Train”) as “the director”

1979

Don Dracula (“Dracula Lives by Night”) as “the cult leader”

1980

Black Jack (“Accident”) as “a police officer”

1982

Rainbow Parakeet (“The Marriage Application”) as “FBI Director, Far-East”