Planet Robot Danguard Ace (1977)
Leiji Matsumoto's sole giant robot anime, a classic 1977 mecha series from Toei Animation that earned a devoted international following.
Planet Robot Danguard Ace - Series Information
- Original Title: 惑星ロボ ダンガードA
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 1978
- Created by: Leiji Matsumoto
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 28 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 56
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace (JP), 혹성로보 당가드A (KR), Danguard la Conquête des Planètes (FR)
- Production Companies: Toei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Planet Robot Danguard Ace - Plot
Planet Robo Danguard Ace is a Japanese science fiction anime series created by Leiji Matsumoto with Dan Kobayashi. It was licensed by Jim Terry Productions as part of the Force Five promotion as simply "Danguard Ace". English dialog was written for re-dubbing by Lynn Garrison who then combined a number of episodes into a feature length presentation which gained a cult following on the Showtime network during the eighties. The titular robot also appeared in Marvel Comics' Shogun Warriors series, as well as the toy line of the same name. In 2009, William Winckler Productions produced three all new English dubbed movie versions edited from the original series. Producer William Winckler, known for Tekkaman the Space Knight, wrote, produced and directed the English films, which are seen on broadband in Japan.
Dangard Ace is Matsumoto's only contribution to the giant robot genre.
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Planet Robot Danguard Ace - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Leiji Matsumoto
Main Cast
- Akira Kamiya
- Hiroshi Otake
- Kenichi Ogata
- Toshio Furukawa
- Rihoko Yoshida
- Kei Tomiyama
- Mami Koyama
- Banjo Ginga
- Kosei Tomita
- Hidekatsu Shibata
Planet Robot Danguard Ace - FAQs
Who created Planet Robot Danguard Ace?
Planet Robot Danguard Ace was created by the legendary manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, in collaboration with Dan Kobayashi. Matsumoto is celebrated for iconic works like Galaxy Express 999 and Space Battleship Yamato, and Danguard Ace stands as his sole venture into the giant robot genre.
Is Danguard Ace Leiji Matsumoto's only mecha series?
It is. Among Matsumoto's vast body of work — spanning space operas, war dramas, and cosmic adventures — Planet Robot Danguard Ace remains his one and only contribution to the super robot genre, making it a genuinely unique entry in both his career and classic mecha history.
How did Danguard Ace reach Western audiences?
Jim Terry Productions licensed the series for Western markets as part of the Force Five package, re-dubbing it into English. It gained a cult following on the Showtime network in the 1980s. In 2009, William Winckler Productions released three new English-dubbed movie versions edited from the original episodes.
Did Danguard Ace appear in any comic books or toys?
The titular robot featured in Marvel Comics' Shogun Warriors series and the accompanying Shogun Warriors toy line, both of which brought several classic Japanese super robots to American audiences during the late 1970s and early 1980s, cementing Danguard Ace's place in Western pop culture.
Who are the main voice actors in the series?
The Japanese cast features Akira Kamiya as Takuma Ichimonji, Toshio Furukawa as Hideo Oboshi, Kenichi Ogata as Futoshi Adachi, Rihoko Yoshida as Lisa, Kei Tomiyama as Jet Joe, Mami Koyama as Miraa, Banjo Ginga as Doppler, and Hidekatsu Shibata as Dantetsu Ichimonji, among others.
How many episodes does Planet Robot Danguard Ace have?
The series ran for 56 episodes across a single season, airing on Fuji TV in Japan from 1977 to 1978. There are also 2 additional special episodes, bringing the total episode count to 58 when including supplementary content.
What genre is Planet Robot Danguard Ace?
Planet Robot Danguard Ace is a mecha anime series blending science fiction and fantasy with classic super robot action. It belongs to the late-1970s wave of giant robot shows produced by Toei Animation, sharing DNA with contemporaries like Getter Robo and Combattler V.
What shows are similar to Planet Robot Danguard Ace?
Fans of Danguard Ace often enjoy other classic and modern mecha series. Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984) shares a similar retro super robot spirit, while Kuromukuro (2016) and Eureka Seven (2005) offer more contemporary takes on mecha storytelling with compelling characters and rich world-building.
More About Planet Robot Danguard Ace
Explore further details about this classic mecha anime on these authoritative resources.