Future Boy Conan logo

Future Boy Conan Animated TV Series Episode Guide

Episode 3 image from Future Boy Conan series on RetroCrush streaming platform.

Short Outline | Long Outline | FAQs

Future Boy Conan: Episode 3 – The First Friend

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Short Outline

Future Boy Conan – Episode 3 Guide

The First Friend

ACT 1 – Voyage
  • Stormy Journey: Conan survives multiple twisters and tallies 12 stormy days in a row.
  • Out of Supplies: He catches a fish using his toe and eats it raw.
  • Hope on the Horizon: A new island appears as the skies clear.
  • He attempts to collect rain but fails—thirst and hunger are setting in.
ACT 2 – The New Island
  • Arrival & Exploration: Conan lands on the island, unknowingly being watched.
  • Ruins & Resources: He finds water, fruit, and glimpses of a mysterious figure.
  • First Contact: A hilarious, escalating chase ends with Conan and a new boy locking horns.
  • They argue, brag, and play—trading tall tales and pulling off ridiculous physical feats.
  • The chase ends with both crashing into a tree and calling a truce.
  • They share names—Conan and Jimsy—and laugh: it’s Conan’s first real friend.
ACT 3 – The First Friend
  • Jimsy’s Hut: They eat frogs and talk about girls (Jimsy thinks they’re stupid!).
  • Moonlight Memories: Conan remembers Lana under the moon.
  • The Barracuda Returns: Jimsy recognizes the foghorn; the ship has returned.
  • Trade & Oppression: Industria’s crew trades goods for labor, exploiting the islanders.
  • Comic Chaos: Conan hijacks a robot, causing total mayhem before crashing it with Dyce onboard.
  • Escape & Bonding: Jimsy saves Conan and they camp together, sharing smokes and stories.
  • Decision Made: Conan learns the ship belongs to Industria and decides to sneak aboard with Jimsy.

LONG OUTLINE

Act 1 – Voyage

The episode opens with an ominous image: whirlwinds tearing across the ocean. Conan sits inside his boat’s hull, carving tally marks for stormy days. Five sunny days. Twelve stormy ones. He gnaws on half a fish, unfazed.

At last, the skies clear, but Conan’s out of food and water. He uses his toe as bait, catches a fish, and devours it in one bite—tossing the skeleton behind him.

He hears gulls and cries, “Water!” Spotting dark clouds, he positions a bowl to catch rain, but the storm drifts past too quickly. Just then—land!

A new island rises in the distance. He’s made it.

Act 2 – The New Island

Conan calls out as he arrives, unaware someone is silently watching him. He wanders into a ruined town overtaken by nature—crumbling buildings, vines, and trees reclaiming the land.

He finds running water and drinks desperately. In the shadows, the hidden observer remains. Then: fruit! As Conan eats, a sound startles him. A chase begins.

Instead of his pursuer, Conan finds a mirror. He gawks, goofs off, and grins—until he catches another glimpse of the figure. He gives chase again, only to slip as the structure beneath him crumbles.

Back at the beach, Conan finds his boat destroyed. But there are footprints—leading into the forest.

Suddenly he clutches his throat and collapses.

The watcher steps forward—it’s a scruffy boy with a bow and arrow. Just as he approaches, Conan bolts upright like a sprung trap. He was faking it!

They lock eyes. “You’re short!” “No, YOU are!” The kids devolve into a petty, hilarious back-and-forth.

They argue over Conan’s sail and the fruit he ate. Then brag about wild beasts they’ve supposedly hunted—Conan says he killed a whale the size of an island; Jimsy counters with “over 142 million rats… and a half!”

They try to outdo each other with beetle-catching tricks—Conan snags one with his toes.

Eventually they run around wildly in sync until they crash into a tree. They see a massive lizard and yank its tail—it comes off and keeps wiggling. A shared laugh follows.

Finally, the posturing ends.

“I guess you’re pretty tough.”

“So are you.”

They laugh, shake hands. A draw. A friendship. Conan’s first.

Act 3 – The First Friend

Jimsy takes Conan to his forest home—a makeshift hut where they feast on frogs.

Conan asks if they’re in High Harbor. Nope—Jimsy says this is his island, and there are others living on the far side. He avoids them; they steal his frogs and potatoes.

Conan asks about Lana. Jimsy bursts into laughter—chasing a girl? So dumb! Conan defends her fiercely. They leap from the hut in a swirl of silly animation.

That night, Conan steps out to relieve himself. The moon reminds him of Lana’s cry for help.

The next morning—a loud foghorn. “The ship!” Jimsy exclaims.

They race to the shore. It’s the Barracuda. Industria’s crew has returned.

On the beach, Dyce and his crew are bargaining with the locals—but it’s more coercion than trade. Workers labor for goods while clunky, person-shaped robots patrol the site.

Dongoros controls one with ease—just three levers make it salute like a person. They’re searching for plastic to refine into oil.

Jimsy trades a dead rat for five “smokies” (cigarettes) and swipes a sixth. He runs off to enjoy it, but Conan slips away.

Conan watches a robot dig up an old bike. Dongoros rides it off, leaving the robot behind.

Big mistake.

Conan fiddles with the levers—soon the robot dances, salutes, runs backwards… right toward the captain. Dyce hops on to stop it, but the robot scales a cliff and topples—crushing Dyce underneath.

Jimsy grabs Conan and they flee. Conan wants to apologize, but Jimsy says they’ll lock him up.

Later, by the fire, Jimsy smokes. Conan asks if Jimsy likes living alone. Grandpa once said no one should live that way.

Jimsy grins. They’re real friends now. He offers Conan a smoke. Conan takes a puff, turns gray, and collapses, smoke pouring from his nose.

“My very first friend,” he sighs.

Jimsy mentions Industria. Conan’s face darkens. The Barracuda is from Industria. Lana might be close.

The boys look out at the ship under the stars. They’ll sneak aboard together.

Fade to Black.

Future Boy Conan Episode 3 – FAQ

What happens in Episode 3 of Future Boy Conan?

In Episode 3, titled “The First Friend,” Conan braves stormy seas and discovers a new island. There, he meets Jimsy, a mischievous and resourceful boy. After a humorous clash, they become friends. Conan learns about Industria’s involvement with the islanders and decides to sneak aboard the Barracuda with Jimsy’s help.

Who is Jimsy in Future Boy Conan?

Jimsy is a boy living alone on a remote island. He’s independent, playful, and skilled with a bow. He becomes Conan’s first real friend after an intense and hilarious series of encounters. Jimsy has a crude hut, hunts frogs, and trades with the crew of the Barracuda for cigarettes (“smokies”).

Why is the episode called “The First Friend”?

The title refers to Conan meeting Jimsy, who becomes his first true companion outside of Remnant Island. Their friendship is forged through shared challenges, laughter, and a growing trust as they decide to team up against Industria’s oppressive forces.

What is the Barracuda in Future Boy Conan?

The Barracuda is a ship operated by Industria’s military. It returns to Jimsy’s island to force locals to dig for plastic, which they refine into oil. The crew includes Captain Dyce and Dongoros, and they command large, clunky humanoid robots used for labor and intimidation.

What do the robots do in Episode 3?

The Industria crew uses robots to dig and carry materials. They are controlled with simple levers and have surprisingly lifelike movements. Conan hijacks one, causing comic chaos before it tumbles down a cliff with Dyce on board.

Does Conan mention Lana in this episode?

Yes. Conan speaks about Lana when Jimsy mocks him for chasing a girl. He also thinks of her at night under the moonlight, showing that she remains his primary motivation. By the end of the episode, he learns the Barracuda is tied to Industria and wants to pursue it to find her.

What’s the tone of this episode?

The episode mixes adventure, humor, and emotion. The lighthearted rivalry between Conan and Jimsy balances the darker themes of exploitation by Industria. It highlights Conan’s growth and the importance of friendship.

What is the significance of plastic in this episode?

Industria is seen exploiting islanders to dig for plastic, which they refine into oil. This detail hints at the resource scarcity of the post-apocalyptic world and Industria’s control over energy and supplies.

What’s with the “smokies” Conan and Jimsy share?

“Smokies” are cigarettes used as a form of currency. Jimsy collects and enjoys them, even sniffing them for pleasure. He offers one to Conan, who tries it and turns gray, overwhelmed. It’s a humorous bonding moment that cements their friendship.

Is this episode important for the overall story?

Yes. It introduces Jimsy as a key companion, adds comic relief, and expands the world beyond Remnant Island. It also builds tension as Conan inches closer to Industria—and to Lana. It’s a pivotal step in his journey from isolated survivalist to determined hero with allies.