Marvel Release 2 Episodes of Japanese Spider-Man

Change Leopardon!

If you've read Amazing Spider-Man #12 recently, then you will have noticed that one of the Spider-Men that have been recruited to the cause by Peter Parker, was none other than Takuya Yamashiro. Now no doubt many of you will currently be reading these words and seeing Takuya's name and reacting pretty much like this. 

Takuya Yamashiro, or as he's also known......in Japan at least Spider-Man. 

Back in the late 1970's the Toei company produced 41 episodes of the Tv show Spider-Man. Now it wasn't exactly the Spider-Man we all know and love for one thing this spider-man is partnered with a giant transforming robot known as The Marveller or Leopardon. which is one of the weapons that Spider-Man uses to battle the evil Professor Monster. and as you can imagine watching this show gets a bit confusing. especially as the Spider-Man here is granted his powers by an Alien named Garia. 

This Spider-Man isn't exactly a "Friendly Neighbouthood Spider-Man" either. more an "Emissary from Hell" 

So why all the sudden interest now? well in a word Spider-Verse. Waaaaaay back in the beginning we were told the storyline would incorporate any and every spider-Man ever! and as the series has gone on this has proven the case. (Before anyone points it out, Movie Spider-Man cannot appear as Sony hold the rights to those versions as is the case with the US Tv series version with Nicholas Hammond) 

Now those who knew of Takuya Yamashiro's exploits were eagerly awaiting his arrival, and it finally came in Amazing Spider-Man #12 and lets face it the introduction wasn't entirely subtle either was it. 

However in order to help as many fans out there understand who exactly Takuya Yamashiro is and why he fits into the wider Spider-Verse. Marvel have recently dusted off a couple episodes of the 70's Japanese show and made them available Here with subtitles 

There is also a second episode available on the the same site. Apparently Marvel indeed released these episodes as a box set Dvd back in 2009 so I'd like to hear from anyone who has seen all 41 episodes.

By doing this it would also appear that Marvel have now put aside their distaste for the character after all Toei did take more than a few artistic liberties with the property. but for all the campy aspects and the weirdness and the monsters of the week. these episodes have a charm to them. they are fun, quirky and although the effects look cheesy it's good to see how other cultures look at universal heroes such as Spider-Man. 

and it also has one of the best intro's to a Spider-Man show I've seen. I'm sure you'll agree.

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