Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace
Encyclopedia
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.
After this event, an individual named Mr. Doppler leaves toward Promete on his own ship, and declares himself Chancellor of the planet. Using Promete's resources, Chancellor Doppler constructs a vast military force greater than that of Earth's. He forbids anyone approaching the planet, under the insane belief that only he is entitled to it.
To gain control of Promete, the governments of Earth begin constructing massive combat robots. Doppler is able to attack and destroy all robots before they are completed, except for Danguard Ace. The forces sent to attack Danguard's base were destroyed because of the efforts of Captain Dan. Nothing is known of this mysterious man, save that he previously served Doppler while under mind control.
Takuma Ichimonji, son of the man who betrayed the initial Promete exploration team, becomes a cadet at Danguard's base. Ichimonji hopes that he might restore his fathers honor by fighting against Doppler's forces.
In the early 1980s a French dubbed version was released through Jacques Canestrier Productions. Titled "Danguard - La Conquete des Planetes", only the first volume of 3 or 4 episodes was released on VHS.
OVA Gunbuster
. Several characters and plot elements of Gunbuster
are mirrored from Danguard Ace. Ex: The character Noriko from Gunbuster
is treated roughly as a cadet since her father was a famous Admiral
, whereas Ichimonji from Danguard Ace is treated the in much the same way because his father was a traitor. Both shows feature stoic and demanding trainers: Coach in Gunbuster
, and Capt. Dan in Danguard Ace. Both shows feature incomplete robots that were not usable at the onset of the show.
Some of the main characters designs were similar to characters appearing in Space Cruiser Yamato or known in the U.S. Market as Star Blazers.
Takuma Ichimonji character resembles Space Cruiser Yamato character Susumu Kodai.
The doctor on the show is resembles Dr. Sakezo Sado from Space Cruiser Yamato.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series created by Leiji Matsumoto
Leiji Matsumoto
is a well-known creator of several anime and manga series. His wife is also known as a manga artist.-Space opera:Matsumoto is famous for his space operas such as Space Battleship Yamato...
with Dan Kobayashi. It was licensed by Jim Terry Productions as part of the Force Five
Force Five
Force Five was a syndicated anime cartoon anthology during the late 1970s/early 1980s. In the US, this series was primarily shown only in New England and Virginia, though it did make brief appearances in other markets, such as Dallas, Texas and San Jose, California on KICU-TV 36. It was also shown...
promotion as simply "Danguard Ace". English dialog was written for re-dubbing by Lynn Garrison
Lynn Garrison
Lynn Garrison is a Canadian pilot and political adviser. He was an RCAF fighter pilot from the 403 City of Calgary Squadron, commercial pilot, film producer, director and mercenary...
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
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
' Shogun Warriors
Shogun Warriors
The Shogun Warriors were the central characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s that consisted of a series of imported Japanese robots based on the then popular anime shows featuring giant robots...
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.
Plot
Danguard Ace takes place on a future Earth in which nearly all natural resources have been depleted. People have begun looking toward other planets to survive, in particular the fictional tenth planet, Promete. Although people had hoped to peacefully begin settlement there, disaster strikes as the first explorers are destroyed by betrayal.After this event, an individual named Mr. Doppler leaves toward Promete on his own ship, and declares himself Chancellor of the planet. Using Promete's resources, Chancellor Doppler constructs a vast military force greater than that of Earth's. He forbids anyone approaching the planet, under the insane belief that only he is entitled to it.
To gain control of Promete, the governments of Earth begin constructing massive combat robots. Doppler is able to attack and destroy all robots before they are completed, except for Danguard Ace. The forces sent to attack Danguard's base were destroyed because of the efforts of Captain Dan. Nothing is known of this mysterious man, save that he previously served Doppler while under mind control.
Takuma Ichimonji, son of the man who betrayed the initial Promete exploration team, becomes a cadet at Danguard's base. Ichimonji hopes that he might restore his fathers honor by fighting against Doppler's forces.
In the early 1980s a French dubbed version was released through Jacques Canestrier Productions. Titled "Danguard - La Conquete des Planetes", only the first volume of 3 or 4 episodes was released on VHS.
Influences
Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace was a major influence to the popular animeAnime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
OVA Gunbuster
Gunbuster
Gunbuster, known in Japan as is a six episode anime OVA series created by Gainax in 1988. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title is a combination of the titles of classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace!, whose plot inspired...
. Several characters and plot elements of Gunbuster
Gunbuster
Gunbuster, known in Japan as is a six episode anime OVA series created by Gainax in 1988. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title is a combination of the titles of classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace!, whose plot inspired...
are mirrored from Danguard Ace. Ex: The character Noriko from Gunbuster
Gunbuster
Gunbuster, known in Japan as is a six episode anime OVA series created by Gainax in 1988. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title is a combination of the titles of classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace!, whose plot inspired...
is treated roughly as a cadet since her father was a famous Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
, whereas Ichimonji from Danguard Ace is treated the in much the same way because his father was a traitor. Both shows feature stoic and demanding trainers: Coach in Gunbuster
Gunbuster
Gunbuster, known in Japan as is a six episode anime OVA series created by Gainax in 1988. It was the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, best known as the director of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The title is a combination of the titles of classic tennis anime Aim for the Ace!, whose plot inspired...
, and Capt. Dan in Danguard Ace. Both shows feature incomplete robots that were not usable at the onset of the show.
Some of the main characters designs were similar to characters appearing in Space Cruiser Yamato or known in the U.S. Market as Star Blazers.
Takuma Ichimonji character resembles Space Cruiser Yamato character Susumu Kodai.
The doctor on the show is resembles Dr. Sakezo Sado from Space Cruiser Yamato.