Spider-Man (Japanese TV series)

The Spider-Man (スパイダーマン, Supaidāman) television series is a tokusatsu production that aired in Japan from 1978 to 1979. Produced by Toei Company, it is based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man, but features a vastly different storyline and mythology than its American comic book counterpart.

The series stars Shinji Todo as Takuya Yamashiro, a motorcycle racer whose father, an astrophysicist, is murdered by the Iron Cross Army, an evil organization led by Professor Monster. Takuya is imbued with spider-like powers after receiving a blood transfusion from Garia, the last warrior from Planet Spider, who crash-landed on Earth. Garia also gifts Takuya with the Spider Bracelet, which controls the giant robot Leopardon.

Unlike the comic book Spider-Man, Takuya Yamashiro uses his abilities to fight the Iron Cross Army and protect Earth. He transforms into Spider-Man using the Spider Bracelet and pilots Leopardon to defeat larger monsters sent by Professor Monster. The series is notable for its dynamic action sequences, extensive use of mecha combat, and its contribution to the Super Sentai franchise, as the Leopardon robot prefigures the giant robots central to that series.

While visually based on the American Spider-Man costume, the character's backstory and powers are largely original. The series is considered a cult classic and an influential work in the tokusatsu genre. It is also significant for being one of the first collaborations between Marvel Comics and a Japanese production company, paving the way for future adaptations of Marvel properties in Japan. The show's concept of Spider-Man piloting a giant robot would later inspire elements in the Spider-Verse comic book storylines and film adaptations.