‘Battle of the Planets’ TV title, 1978

Battle of the Planets first hit North American TV screens in the fall of 1978. The animated sci fi series is a Westernized version of Japan’s Science Ninja Team Gatchaman of 1972. BotP takes Gatchaman’s animation, removes much of the violence and all of the profanity, and adds new scenes featuring a robot called 7-Zark-7, who offers narrative VO and kid-friendly comedy to the mix.

Battle of the Planets follows five young, vaguely-superhuman members of the G-Force team who protect Earth – mostly from a villain named Zoltar. The G-Force heroes (Mark, Jason, Keyop, Princess and Tiny) fly around in their Phoenix spaceship that deploys smaller vehicles when needed, such as a race car and a motorcycle.

May the G-Force be with you (‘Battle of the Planets,’ 1978)

Battle of the Planets voice actors include; Alan Young of Mr. Ed fame (7-Zark-7), Keye Luke (Colonel Cronus), Casey Kasem (Mark), Ronnie Schell (Jason) and Janet Waldo (Princess). Take in the ancient intro below and have a happy Funshine Friday.

Battle of the Planets Wiki, IMDb

Previously on Funshine Friday: ‘Sealab 2020′ (1972)