Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace
A mecha anime classic from Leiji Matsumoto and Tadao Nagahama.
Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace is a Japanese science fiction anime series directed by Tadao Nagahama, with Leiji Matsumoto contributing to the original concept alongside the production committee (credited under the pseudonym Dan Kobayashi). While Matsumoto is famous for his work on the series, it is not his only contribution to the mecha genre—he also worked on other mecha projects such as Space Battleship Yamato. The series is set on a future Earth where depleted natural resources drive humanity to seek survival on the tenth planet, Promete, leading to conflict with the tyrannical Mr. Doppler.
Quick Facts
- Ja Kanji
- 惑星ロボ・ダンガードA
- Ja Romaji
- Wakusei Robo Dangādo A (Ēsu)
- Genre
- Mecha
- Creator
- Leiji Matsumoto / Dan Kobayashi
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The story begins when the first explorers to Promete are destroyed by betrayal. Mr. Doppler then declares that all attempts to reach Promete must surrender to his command, using his own vast military force to forbid anyone from approaching the planet under the belief that only he is entitled to it. Earth's governments build massive combat robots to counter him, but Doppler destroys all except Danguard Ace, thanks to the efforts of Captain Dan, a mysterious man who previously served Doppler while under mind control. Takuma Ichimonji, son of the man who betrayed the initial exploration team, becomes a cadet at Danguard's base, hoping to restore his father's honor by fighting Doppler's forces.
Reader's Guide
Danguard Ace holds significance as Leiji Matsumoto's only foray into the mecha genre, distinguishing it from his more famous space opera works. The series features character designs similar to those in Space Battleship Yamato, with Takuma Ichimonji resembling Susumu Kodai and the doctor resembling Dr. Sakezo Sado. Its international release history is complex: an early English dub by M&M Productions saw limited release in Hawaii and the Philippines, with only a Story Record LP surviving. Jim Terry Productions later redubbed it for the Force Five promotion, and a film edit gained a cult following on Showtime in the 1980s. In 2009, William Winckler Productions produced three new English-dubbed film versions. The robot also appeared in Marvel Comics' Shogun Warriors series and toy line. A French-dubbed version was released in the early 1980s, and the series was the first anime broadcast on a private channel in Italy in 1978.
Did You Know?
- Danguard Ace is one of several mecha anime Leiji Matsumoto contributed to, including Space Battleship Yamato and various design projects.
- The character Takuma Ichimonji resembles Susumu Kodai from Space Battleship Yamato.
- The series was released in English three times, including a 2009 version by William Winckler Productions.
- It was the first anime ever broadcast on a private channel in Italy in 1978.
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