Star Blazers (1974)
The pioneering American anime adaptation that brought serialized, arc-driven space opera storytelling to a generation of young viewers.
Star Blazers - Series Information
- Original Title: Star Blazers
- First Air Year: 1974
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Leiji Matsumoto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Drama, Animation
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 77
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Sunwagon Productions, Claster Television Productions
Star Blazers - Plot
Star Blazers is an American animated television series adaptation of the Japanese anime series, Space Battleship Yamato I, II, and III. Star Blazers was first broadcast in the United States in 1979. Significantly, it was the first popular English-translated anime that had an overarching plot and storyline that required the episodes to be shown in order. It dealt with somewhat more mature themes than other productions aimed at the same target audience at the time. As a result, it paved the way for future arc-based, plot-driven anime translations.
Star Blazers - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the epic space adventure that defined a generation:
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Star Blazers - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Leiji Matsumoto
Main Cast
- Eddie Allen
- Michael Bertolini
- Amy Howard Wilson
- Lydia Leeds
- Kenneth Meseroll
- Tom Tweedy
- Gordon Ramsey
- Mike Czechopoulos
- Christopher Collins
- Morgan Lofting
Star Blazers - FAQs
Is Star Blazers based on a true story?
Star Blazers is not based on a true story. It is an American adaptation of the Japanese anime Space Battleship Yamato, created by Leiji Matsumoto. The story is entirely fictional, set in a future where Earth faces extinction and a lone starship crew embarks on a desperate mission across the galaxy.
Why was Star Blazers considered groundbreaking for its time?
Star Blazers was the first popular English-translated anime to feature a continuous, overarching storyline requiring episodes to be watched in order. This arc-driven format was revolutionary for American animation in the late 1970s and directly paved the way for future serialized anime adaptations in the English-speaking world.
Where can you stream Star Blazers online?
Streaming availability for Star Blazers varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription, rental, or purchase options currently available.
What is Star Blazers about?
Star Blazers follows the crew of the Space Battleship Yamato on a race against time to save a dying Earth. Across three seasons, they battle alien empires — from the Gamilons to the Comet Empire — in a serialized space epic that tackled themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and survival with unusual depth for its era.
Who are the main voice actors in Star Blazers?
The English voice cast includes Kenneth Meseroll as Derek Wildstar, Tom Tweedy as Mark Venture, Amy Howard Wilson as Nova Forrester, Eddie Allen as Dash Jordan, and Michael Bertolini as Homer Glitchman, among others. Christopher Collins and Morgan Lofting also appear as memorable villains.
How many seasons and episodes does Star Blazers have?
Star Blazers ran for three seasons totaling 77 episodes. Season 1, The Quest for Iscandar, and Season 2, The Comet Empire, each contain 26 episodes, while Season 3, The Bolar Wars, wraps up the saga with 25 episodes. Each season tells a self-contained yet connected story arc.
What anime series is Star Blazers adapted from?
Star Blazers is the American adaptation of Space Battleship Yamato, the landmark Japanese anime created by Leiji Matsumoto. The U.S. version adapted all three original Yamato series — Yamato I, II, and III — and was first broadcast in the United States in 1979.
What shows are similar to Star Blazers?
Fans of Star Blazers often enjoy other classic sci-fi adventures like Star Trek (1966), Space: 1999 (1975), and Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs (1987). For more modern picks, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) and Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (2013) offer similarly epic space storytelling.
More About Star Blazers
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