“Danguard Ace, Transformation, Switch on!” Danguard Ace, or Wakusei Robo Danguard Ace, as it was originally known, is the brainchild of ’70s anime creator Leiji Matsumoto, who brought us such timely gems as Space Battleship Yamato, Galaxy Express 999, and Captain Harlock. On November 19, Shout! Factory released Danguard Ace: The Movie Collection just in time for the holidays.
The films are edited and dubbed versions of the original television series, which was first seen here in the U.S. as part of the Force Five series in the late ’70s. The story takes place in the future, where the Earth has been depleted of its natural resources. A fictional planet, named Promete (pronounced Pro-May-Tay) is beginning to enter the solar system. In response, Earth sends out a manned mission to explore the new planet in the hopes of colonizing and using its resources to save humanity. But Dr. Doppler, a man bent on using the planet for his own purposes, opposes the mission, and sets himself up as Chancellor on the new planet. Through mind control, he causes the team leader of the expedition to sabotage his own mission and then enslaves the survivors to his will. Chancellor Doppler then builds up defenses on Promete, forbidding Earth forces to land there. Leaders on Earth presume that the mission is completely lost, with all hands killed in action.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press