Space Gundam V
| Space Gundam V | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin |  South Korea |
| Original release | |
| Release | July, 1983 |
Space Gundam V (스페이스 간담브이) is a South Korean animated series directed by Kim Cheong-gi, released on July 1983. Despite its title, the series is not related to Mobile Suit Gundam. It is known for incorporating the VF-1J Valkyrie of Macross fame and the heroic elements of Brave Raideen.[1]
The series is currently available on DVD in South Korea.[2]
Background
Prior to the Kim Dae-jung administration of 1998, Japanese media such as films, books, manga and music were banned from South Korea for decades. As a result, many Japanese anime and toy companies were unable to bring their titles and products directly to South Korean shores. During this period, a Korean toy company called Joons licensed the 1/55 Macross VF-1J Valkyrie toy from Takatoku Toys. There, they produced a locally-animated series to promote the toy.[3]
Unlike the original Macross version - which portrayed the Valkyrie as a realistic combat mecha, Space Gundam V was presented as a Super Robot with quasi-mystical powers that battled a villainous entity on every episode. Notable villains included a giant rat and a winged devil.
Space Gundam V received international notoriety when clips of the series surfaced on YouTube. Despite its licensing origins, the title has been commonly panned by anime fans as being a ripoff of Macross or Robotech, as well as Gundam due to its name.