Space Ace: A thorough dissection of the futuristic hero legend!

Space Ace - Uchuu Ace - Reviews and Recommendations

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

May 8, 1965 - April 28, 1966 Every Saturday 18:15-18:45 (episodes 1-48)
Every Thursday from 19:00 to 19:30 (episodes 49 to 52)

■Broadcasting station

Fuji Television

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 52

■Original Story

Tatsuo Yoshida

■ Director

Hiroshi Sasagawa

■ Production

Tatsunoko Productions, Yomiko Advertising Agency

■Works

©Tatsunoko Productions

■ Story

A young boy named Ace from the planet Pearlum gets separated from his space fleet and ends up on Earth. Dr. Tatsunoko, a world-renowned scientist, and his daughter Asari discover the capsule Ace is in and wake him up, but he turns out to be a very mischievous boy. With his powerful powers, Ace goes on a rampage on Earth, taking on villains, monsters, and aliens, and even into space.

■Explanation

A science fiction adventure about an alien boy named Ace who washes up on Earth and uses his superpowers to achieve great things. This is the first animated work by Tatsunoko Productions, and is the origin of Tatsunoko's works, embodied by the passion of the staff who took on the challenge of anime production for the first time.

■Cast

・Ace / Sumiko Shirakawa ・Professor Tatsunoko / Ieyuki Iemasa ・Asahi / Mariko Mukai ・Ibo / Kenji Utsumi ・Hermit Crab Reporter / Kin'ya Aikawa

■ Main staff

・Original story: Tatsuo Yoshida ・Planning: Kenji Yoshida, Ippei Kuri, Masato Tenma ・Character design: Ippei Kuri ・Music: Akihiro Komori ・SF research: Uchujin Doujin ・Producer: Kenji Yoshida, Akio Rokugo ・Director: Hiroshi Sasagawa ・Production: Tatsunoko Productions, Yomiuri Advertising

■ Main Characters

Ace is the only boy from the planet Pearl who was washed up on Earth. He has superhuman strength far surpassing that of any human on Earth, and the ability to create "silver rings" that can be used as weapons or for flight.
Dr. Tatsunoko is a world-renowned scientist who becomes Ace's guardian on Earth until he finds a companion from the planet Pearl.
・Daughter of Professor Asari Tatsunoko. A friend of Ace's and like a family member.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1/Ace's Birth・Episode 2/Revenge Robot・Episode 3/Expulsion from Earth・Episode 4/The Ant Man Kingdom・Episode 5/The Hero's Resurrection・Episode 6/Magne Sun Part 1・Episode 7/Magne Sun Part 2・Episode 8/The Glowing Lake Castle・Episode 9/The Primitive Giant Appears・Episode 10/Space Pirates・Episode 11/Space Clown・Episode 12/Space Flower・Episode 13/The Invisible Monster Star・Episode 14/Mermaid Song・Episode 15/Fake Ace・Episode 16/The Fighting Alien・Episode 17/Platinum Ray・Episode 18/The Fourth Dimension Loophole・Episode 19/The Fishman Realm・Episode 20/Hibernating Man・Episode 2 Episode 1/Skyscraper Boy・Episode 22/Monster Giller・Episode 23/Galactor's Challenge・Episode 24/Confrontation on the Moon・Episode 25/Departure of the Seahorse・Episode 26/X13 Station・Episode 27/Ace Attack・Episode 28/Intergalactic Conference・Episode 29/Operation 78・Episode 30/Phantom Infiltrator・Episode 31/Echo Robot・Episode 32/The Greatest Devil in the Universe, Part 1・Episode 33/The Greatest Devil in the Universe, Part 2・Episode 34/Phantom Earth・Episode 35/Naughty Revolution・Episode 36/The Race Around the Sun, Part 1・Episode 37/The Race Around the Sun, Part 2・Episode 38/The Mad President・Episode 39/Space Ghost Ship・Episode 40/Mars SOS
Episode 41: Time Machine Operation Episode 42: Command R001 Episode 43: Earth's Close Call Episode 44: The Lost 99 Hours Episode 45: Answer the Third Planet Episode 46: Galactor's Counterattack Episode 47: Saturn Escape Plan Episode 48: Space Courier Episode 49: Telekinesis Alien Episode 50: The Devil's Space Fortress Episode 51: Cyborg Fleet Episode 52: Great Space Battle

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・In the Flame of the Stars・Lyrics by Takashi Yanase・Music by Taku Izumi・Singer by Misuzu Children's Choir

review

"Space Ace," which aired from 1965 to 1966, was the memorable first work of Tatsunoko Productions and can be said to be a pioneer of sci-fi adventure anime. This anime tells the story of Ace, a boy from the planet Pearl who is washed up on Earth and uses his strong powers and silver ring to fight villains, monsters, and aliens. The work, which is appealing for Ace's mischievousness and bravery, gave children dreams and a sense of adventure.

Ace's character is characterized by his superhuman strength, far surpassing that of humans on Earth, and his diverse abilities, which he obtains using his silver ring. His mischievousness and sense of justice add excitement to the story and draw the viewers in. The story also portrays Ace's relationship with Professor Tatsunoko and his daughter Asari in depth, and the process of Ace building a family-like bond on Earth is moving.

The story expands from adventures on Earth to space. Each episode features different enemies and situations, and Ace's exploits are depicted. Particularly memorable episodes include "Magne Sun" and "The Greatest Devil in the Universe." These episodes tested Ace's courage and wisdom, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

The quality of the animation was high for its time, with great attention to detail in the character designs and background art. In particular, the scene with Ace's silver ring was visually very appealing and stimulated children's imaginations. The music was also written by Akihiro Komori, and the theme song "Hoshi no Honoo ni" (Hoshino Honoo ni) is still loved by many fans today.

"Space Ace" is the origin of Tatsunoko Productions and has influenced many later science fiction anime. This work, which depicts Ace's adventures and growth, is enjoyable for both children and adults. It is a must-see for those who love science fiction and adventure.

Recommendation

"Space Ace" is a must-see for fans of sci-fi adventure anime. The story depicts Ace's mischief and courage, as well as his bond with his family on Earth, and will leave viewers with a sense of excitement and adventure. It is also valuable as the origin of Tatsunoko Productions, and its influence on later anime works cannot be overlooked.

To enjoy this work, please pay attention to the following points:

• Ace's character and his development
• The familial bond between Dr. Tatsunoko and Asari
• Different enemies and situations in each episode
• Ace's performance using the silver ring
• Music and theme song "Hoshi no Honoo ni"

"Space Ace" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and is highly recommended for those who love science fiction and adventure. Please experience Ace's adventure and growth through this work.