Wayback Wednesday Series - Chōdenji Robo Combattler V

Yes, the robot series that started to touch the hearts of Filipino super robot fans.

[---Part 1 of 3 in the Robot Romance Series Specials---]

Oh my God!

When I was in grade school many years ago, I particularly watch this classic anime that is Chodenji Robo Combattler V. And guys, this classic robot anime is the first part of Robot Romance Trilogy (or Nagahama's Romance Robo Series) that is directed by the late Tadao Nagahama. The robot's name is a creative portmanteau of 'combine, combat and battle', and the V is partially intended both an abbreviation for 'victory', and in reference to the five machine that formed, as well as the five pilots. The series was created by Saburo Yatsude*, who later on to create Golion (Voltron). The series is animated by Sunrise on Toei's behalf. Combattler V's first appearance on western television was in the late '70s as part of a toyline called 'Shogun Warriors' by Mattel under the name of Combattra. The 54-episode series is aired in Japan from April 17th, 1976 to May 28th, 1977. Later on it aired in the Philippines by ABS-CBN, GMA, and IBC 13.

About thousands of years ago, the people of Planet Campbell decided to leave their planet and seek out new worlds to inhabit. But one group, led by Oreana the scientist, landed on Earth, but it was delayed from their mission. Oreana's group reawakens and thus begins their evil plan to conquer Earth in the early 21st century. The only effect defense against the giant bio-mechanical slave beasts by the Campbellians is none other than the super-electromagnetic robot that is Combattler V.

Hyoma Aoi (aka Glen in the PH), the speed freak, avid motorcyclist and the hot-blooded leader of the team, and pilot of the Battle Jet, is voiced by Yuji Mitsuya, in his debut role. Many years later he will go on voicing Tatsuya Uesugi in Touch and Joker in Smile Precure.

The cool, level-headed Olympic-class marksman and pilot of the Battle Cruiser, Juzo Naniwa (aka Jason in the PH) is voiced by Keaton Yamada, who is known in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam as Jamaican Danigan and Wakusei Robo Danguard A as Tony Harken.

The big guy, the pilot of the Battle Tank (that machine can't fly!), the judo master and a sketching freak, Daisaku Nishikawa (aka Bob in the PH) is voiced by Kazuya Tatekabe, who is known as Jaian (aka Damulag) in Doraemon, Daigo Daima in the Tiger Mask anime, and Schweinlinch in Yakitate!! Japan.

Chizuru Nanbara (aka Stephanie in the PH), the team's only member, Hyoma's love interest, Dr. Nanbara's granddaughter and pilot of the Battle Marine, is voiced by Miyuki Ueda, who is known for her career as the voice of Starsha in Space Battleship Yamato and Rex in Weiß Kreuz (aka Knight Hunters).

The youngest of the team, child genius, inventor and the pilot of the Battle Craft, Kosuke Kita (aka Kevin in the PH) is voiced by Sachiko Chijimatsu, who is known for voicing her role in Doraemon as Nobita's mother and Haruna Shiratori in Great Mazinger.

Other voice actors starred in the series includes Noriko Tsukase, Masako Nozawa (aka Goku in Dragon Ball), Ken'ichi Ogata, Kōsei Tomita and the late Gorō Naya, who played as Doctor Nanbara, the team's mentor.

It is now time to relive the battles of the legendary Combattler V! Let's Combine!

* - In case you didn't know, it's a pseudonym which refers to the collective staff at Toei.