Starzinger (1978)
A classic Leiji Matsumoto anime reimagining Journey to the West as an epic space odyssey, following three cyborg warriors and Princess Aurora across the cosmos.
Starzinger - Series Information
- Original Title: SF西遊記 スタージンガー
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1979
- Created by: Leiji Matsumoto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 73
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Italian, Japanese
- First Air Date: April 2, 1978 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: 별나라 손오공 (KR), Il Saiyuki fantascientifico Starzinger (IT), Spaceketeers (US), Sci-Bots (UK), Starzinger Les Chevaliers De L'Espace (FR)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation, ADK
- Production Countries: Japan
Starzinger - Plot
Three powerful cyborgs must assist Princess Aurora on her dangerous journey to the Great Planet, in order to restore balance in the universe.
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Starzinger - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Leiji Matsumoto
Main Cast
- Kazuko Sugiyama
- Hiroya Ishimaru
- Kei Tomiyama
- Kosei Tomita
- Eiko Masuyama
- Joji Yanami
- Keiichi Noda
- Kenichi Ogata
- Noriko Ohara
- Satomi Majima
Starzinger - FAQs
Is Starzinger based on a classic literary work?
Starzinger is a science-fiction reimagining of the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. Leiji Matsumoto transplanted the tale into outer space, recasting the monk Xuanzang as Princess Aurora and the legendary Monkey King Sun Wukong as the cyborg hero Jean Kugo, blending ancient mythology with futuristic adventure.
What is Starzinger about?
Starzinger follows Princess Aurora and her three cyborg guardians — Jean Kugo, Sir Djorgo, and Hakka Don — on a perilous journey across the cosmos to reach the Great Planet. Their mission is to restore the life energy of the universe, battling alien threats and cosmic dangers along the way.
Who created the Starzinger anime series?
Starzinger was created by legendary manga artist and animator Leiji Matsumoto, the visionary behind Galaxy Express 999 and Space Battleship Yamato. Produced by Toei Animation and broadcast on Fuji TV, the series showcases Matsumoto's signature blend of epic space opera and mythological storytelling.
Where can you watch Starzinger today?
Streaming availability for Starzinger varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch or purchase episodes, check JustWatch, which aggregates current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your country.
How many episodes does Starzinger have?
Starzinger ran for 73 episodes across a single season, airing from April 1978 to 1979 on Fuji TV in Japan. The series also includes 3 special episodes. Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes, making the full series a substantial and rewarding watch for anime enthusiasts.
Was Starzinger released outside Japan?
Starzinger reached audiences across multiple countries under different titles. It aired as Spaceketeers in the United States, Sci-Bots in the United Kingdom, and Il Saiyuki fantascientifico Starzinger in Italy. It was also broadcast in South Korea as 별나라 손오공 and in France as Starzinger Les Chevaliers De L'Espace.
Who are the main voice actors in Starzinger?
The Japanese voice cast features Kazuko Sugiyama as Princess Aurora, Hiroya Ishimaru as the cyborg hero Jean Kugo, Kei Tomiyama as Sir Djorgo, and Kosei Tomita as Hakka Don. Supporting roles include Eiko Masuyama, Joji Yanami, Keiichi Noda, Kenichi Ogata, Noriko Ohara, and Satomi Majima.
What anime series are similar to Starzinger?
Fans of Starzinger may enjoy other classic and modern anime adventures such as Cyborg 009, which shares themes of enhanced warriors on a heroic mission, as well as Aquarion and DreamWorks Dragons for their blend of action and fantasy. Star Wars: Clone Wars also captures a similar epic, space-faring spirit.
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