Plane crashes and sightings of mysterious phenomena abound on the recently-discovered planet Zarkadia (named after its discoverer, 7-Zark-7), a new ally of Earth. Chief Anderson and G-Force travel there in the Phoenix to investigate, discovering that Spectra has created a giant robotic mummy to terrorize the planet. The plutonium-powered robot’s target is Dr. Sweet, who has discovered and refined a plutonium-neutralizing mineral called anti-pluton. Silencing the scientist will allow Spectra’s plutonium-powered terrors to rampage across the galaxy unchecked. The mummy has only one vulnerable point, and Mark has to find it with little time to spare.
written by Jameson Brewer
directed by Hisayuki Toriumi
music by Hoyt Curtin and Bob Sakuma
Voice Cast: Casey Kasem (Mark), Ronnie Schell (Jason), Janet Waldo (Princess / Susan), Alan Young (7-Zark-7 / Keyop), Alan Dinehart Jr. (Tiny / Chief Anderson), Keye Luke (Zoltar)
Note: This is the first episode to feature new animation of the existing Gatchaman characters created expressly for Battle Of The Planets, namely, Mark on 7-Zark-7’s viewscreen (the difference between the Japanese animation and the American animation is instantly recognizable to any anime afficionado). Chief Anderson is said to be aboard the Phoenix for its interplanetary flight to Zarkadia (presumably the people of this planet didn’t already have a more dignified name for their homeworld), but since Dr. Nambu seldom, if ever, boarded the God Phoenix in Gatchaman, he is not seen there. Another thing not seen here is the entire opening teaser from the original Japanese episode, completely cut due to its violent images. The Zarkadians (really?) are apparently immune to the common cold. For the corresponding episode of Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman, click here. The airdate listed here is approximate, not exact; see the bottom of this page for information on Battle Of The Planets airdates.
LogBook entry by Earl Green