Leopardon: An Underrated Character From The Marvel Universe!

Do you know Leopardon? Who the hell is he? Maybe Vicigers don't know much about this character.

Leopardon is a giant robot used by Spider-man Japanese version to fight its enemies. Yep, I didn't read that wrong. Spider-man Japanese version!

If you are curious about this character, let's read the discussion below!

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Get to Know the Japanese Version of Spider-Man

Before reading this article, did Vicigers know that the Japanese version of Spider-Man is different from the American version? Yes, Spider-man The Japanese version has unique and interesting costumes, powers and stories, you know! So for Vicigers who don't have thighs yet, let's read the review further!

The Japanese version of Spider-Man first appeared in 1978, when Marvel Comics collaborated with Toei Company to create a live-action television series adapted from Spider-Man comics. However, due to cultural and market differences, Toei Company made some major changes to Spider-man's characters and storyline.

Starting with the first biggest change, the Japanese version of Spider-Man is not named Peter Parker, but Takuya Yamashiro. He is a motocross racer and the son of an astrophysicist named Dr. Hiroshi Yamashiro.

The second change is in the way the main protagonist gains power. Takuya gained his spider powers after being saved by an alien named Garia from the Planet Spider race. Garia gives Takuya a bracelet that can turn him into Spider-man and summons a giant robot named Leopardon!

Yes, you read Vicigers right! The next change made to the Japanese version of Spider-Man is that he has a giant robot that he can control to fight his enemies. Leopardon is one of the characteristics of the Japanese version of Spider-Man, which combines elements of tokusatsu and mecha which were popular in Japan at that time.

Leopardon also became an inspiration for Marvel Comics to create other giant robots, such as Sentinel and Iron Man 2020. Apart from the robot, the Japanese version of Spider-Man also has enemies that are different from the American version.

The main enemy of the Japanese version of Spider-Man is the Iron Cross Army, an evil organization led by Professor Monster and Amazoness. The Iron Cross Army wants to rule the world by using the monsters they created called Machine BEM. Spider-man has to face various BEM Machines, such as Ninders, Bamba, Jigura, and others.

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How Fun Is Spider-Man Having a Summonable Leopardon?

The Japanese version of Spider-man had 41 episodes that aired from May 1978 to March 1979. Although not very commercially successful, the Japanese version of Spider-man still has loyal fans who appreciate its uniqueness and creativity.

As explained above, one of the selling points of the Japanese version of Spider-Man is his ability to summon a mecha named Leopardon.

This robot is more than 60 meters high and weighs more than 25 thousand tons. Like a robot used to fight monsters, he is equipped with various weapons. Uniquely, instead of being depicted as a robot with a strong spider feel, Leopardon (as the name suggests: Leopard), is depicted as a Vicigers leopard robot!

This is considering that spider insects are often considered an unfavorable entity in Japanese belief. Not only that, the personification of the leopard had a better selling point for boys in the land of the rising sun at that time.

In addition, Leopardon can fly at Mach 15 in the atmosphere and light speed in outer space. Leopardon is also equipped with a cannon on its front, which can destroy most of the Iron Cross Army monsters.

Leopardon can also cast spider strings (Leopardon Strings), throw a crown on his head (Arc Turn), and create an energy shield (Spider Protector). However, Leopardon's most powerful weapon is the Sword Vigor, a glowing sword that he can pull out at any time!

Leopardon never wielded the sword in battle, but threw it as his ultimate move (Ultimate Skill) to defeat the Iron Cross Army monsters. This sword is very powerful because it can destroy most of the Iron Cross Army monsters with just one blow.

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So, that was the discussion about Leopardon, one of the mecha from the Marvel Universe! Watch other reviews about other anime and manga at vcgamers.com!