Space Ace (TV series)
An alien boy rides a galaxy ring through Tatsunoko's early sci-fi anime.
Space Ace (also known as *Uchū Ēsu* or *Uchuu Ace*) is a Japanese sci-fi anime from Tatsunoko Production. It ran on Fuji TV from May 8, 1965, to April 28, 1966. The story follows an alien boy named Ace, who often gazes at the stars, seeing the faces of his loved ones reflected in the night sky. His main gadget is the galaxy ring, a flat white hoop he can summon from his fingers to throw or ride. Key characters include Dr. Tatsunoko, a father figure to Ace; his daughter Asari, who is Ace’s love interest; and the comic-relief reporter Yadokari, who frequently interrupts scenes by riding his jet skycycle and demanding interviews. Another major figure is "Ebo," a humanoid robot that Ace imagines projecting into the sky. The voice cast includes Sumiko Shirakawa as Ace, Iemasa Kayumi as Dr. Tatsunoko, Kenji Utsumi as Ibo, Kinya Aikawa as Yadokari, Mariko Mukai as Asari, and Yutaka Ohyama as Dr. Montgomery. In 2014, Anime Sols attempted to crowdfund the series. A manga adaptation, written and illustrated by Tatsuo Yoshida, was serialized in Shueisha's *Shōnen Book* from June 1964 to May 1966.
- Japanese title
- 宇宙エース (Uchū Ēsu)
- Also known as
- Uchuu Ace
- Production company
- Tatsunoko Production
- Network
- Fuji TV
- Original run
- May 8, 1965 – April 28, 1966
- Manga adaptation author
- Tatsuo Yoshida
- Manga serialization
- Shueisha's Shōnen Book (June 1964 – May 1966)
Lore & Background
Space Ace follows an alien young boy named Space Ace (or Ace for short), who is given to homesick stargazing with the faces of his loved ones ghosted across the heavens. His tool of preference is the galaxy ring, a flat white hoop he can produce from his fingers to be thrown or ride on. The supporting cast includes Dr. Tatsunoko, who is almost a father figure to Ace, and his daughter Asari, Ace's love interest. Providing the show's comedy relief was crusading investigative reporter Yadokari, who usually burst on the scene riding his jet skycycle at the worst possible moment, screaming for Ace to give him interviews. One of the show's most important characters is 'Ebo', Ace's imagined projection into the night sky depicted as a humanoid robot. The voice cast includes Sumiko Shirakawa as Ace, Iemasa Kayumi as Dr. Tatsunoko, Kenji Utsumi as Ibo, Kinya Aikawa as Yadokari, Mariko Mukai as Asari, and Yutaka Ohyama as Dr. Montgomery.
Reader's Guide
Space Ace represents an early entry in Tatsunoko Production's catalog, airing on Fuji TV for nearly a year from 1965 to 1966. Its manga adaptation, written and illustrated by Tatsuo Yoshida, preceded the anime by a year, running in Shueisha's Shōnen Book magazine. The series is notable for its blend of science fiction and comedy, with characters like the intrusive reporter Yadokari and the robot projection Ebo. In 2014, Anime Sols attempted to crowdfund the series, indicating continued interest in preserving and distributing the show. The series is listed on IMDb, Tatsunoko Production's official English website, and Anime News Network's encyclopedia, providing modern access points for researchers and fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Space Ace (TV series)?
Space Ace, also known by its Japanese title Uchū Ēsu, is a Japanese science-fiction anime produced by Tatsunoko Production that aired on Fuji TV from May 1965 through April 1966. The series centers on a young alien boy who bonds with an Earth family while exploring the cosmos.
What is the galaxy ring in Space Ace (TV series)?
The galaxy ring is Ace's signature gadget — a flat white disc he materializes from his fingertips at will. He can hurl it at opponents or mount it to glide through the sky.
Who are the main characters in Space Ace (TV series)?
The core cast includes Ace, the alien protagonist; Dr. Tatsunoko, the scientist who takes Ace in as a surrogate father; Asari, Dr. Tatsunoko's daughter and Ace's romantic interest; and Yadokari, a bumbling reporter who keeps barging into action sequences aboard his jet.
How long did Space Ace (TV series) run?
The anime premiered on Fuji TV on May 8, 1965, and wrapped up its broadcast on April 28, 1966, spanning roughly one full year of weekly episodes.
Is there a manga version of Space Ace (TV series)?
Yes — Tatsuo Yoshida created a manga adaptation that retells the anime's story in comic form, extending the franchise beyond the television screen.
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