The space monster investigator Jaspion, or just Jaspion, is one of the most well-known heroes of the tokusatsu genre, especially in Brazil. In February 1988, the first episode of this series was broadcast on TV Rede Manchete in Brazil.
Its debut in Japan was in 1985, under the name Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion (巨獣特捜ジャスピオン), produced by Toei Company, on TV Asahi, with 46 episodes. The original name “Juspion” comes from the combination of two English words, “Justice” and “Champion”. (Champion of Justice).
The story begins when a human boy, traveling with his parents in a spaceship, is attacked. Only the young boy survives, being adopted by a wise man named Edin, who raises him as if he were his son, giving him the name Jaspion.
Until a malevolent force called Satan Goss threatens to take away the peace of the universe. Jaspion then decides to fight against evil and receives from his adoptive father some equipment, including his famous armor and the Daileon, a spaceship that transforms into a powerful giant robot.
Jaspion then travels through various planets until he reaches Earth. There they encounter Satan Goss and his son MacGaren, who become our hero’s enemies. These villains wanted to dominate Earth and turn it into the empire of monsters. Thus begins the great journey of Jaspion and his allies here on Earth.
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The success of Jaspion in Brazil
The series became a fever here in Brazil, surpassing all other productions of the genre shown here. This not only popularized the series but also opened the doors for new series of the genre to come to Brazil. The success was so absurd that even being broadcast on a small network, its audience was larger than Globo’s.
Soon, various themed products from the series became a sales success. From backpacks, lunch boxes, toys, clothes, to comic books. These magazines were produced by Brazilian artists and featured unpublished stories of the character. Even though this popularity was not as great as in Japan, Jaspion became one of the most famous “metal heroes” in the world.
Other series of this type had already been broadcast here in Brazil, such as Ultraman, National Kid, and Zillion, but none of these achieved the status that Jaspion did. After that, many other series of this style were brought to Brazilian TV. Here are some:
- Flashman – 1989
- The Incredible Ninja Jiraiya – 1989
- Flashman – 1989
- Jiban, the Steel Policeman – 1990
- Metalder, the Machine-Man – 1990
- Cybercop, the Future Policemen – 1990
- Gavan – 1991
- Special Squad Winspector – 1994
- Kamen Rider Black RX – 1995
Among many others.
Some curiosities about Jaspion
- Jaspion was brought to Brazil by a descendant of Japanese who had a video rental store;
- The series was rejected by both Globo and SBT;
- The hero’s rival named Satan Goss was entirely inspired by Darth Vader;
- Jaspion’s main weapon is the Spadium Laser, basically a lightsaber;
- Jaspion’s armor granted powers such as super strength and speed, x-ray vision, optical sensor, and much more;
- Jaspion’s hair had to be changed several times throughout the episodes, all to increase acceptance among the oriental audience;
- So much success that Brazilian TV changed the name of another series called Spielvan to Jaspion 2. Even though one had nothing to do with the other;
- Jaspion was one of the pawns responsible for making tokusatsu popular in Brazil.
Villains and Megabeasts of Jaspion
Do you remember the villains and megabeasts of Jaspion? See a list below and try to remember by name…
- Aiger
- Aqua Rocky
- Badogres
- Balloom
- Boga
- Brima
- Deathchillas
- Destran
- Diagorth
- Donges
- Dou
- Dyna Seijin
- Fake Miya/Ebizhol
- Fuu
- Gaios
- Galactic Witch Gilza
- Gamagorath
- Gasler
- Gelgon
- Giga
- Gilmarza
- Hanedar of Beeze
- Head Dorimar
- Headstone
- Iki
- Jimushi
- Ka
- Kabegonta
- Kidama
- Kumoda
- Mad Gallant
- Magnadar
- Majin
- Marigos of Beeze
- Moke
- Moku
- Namagerath of Dodo
- Oceanking
- Onideviler
- Phodon
- Phodon 2
- Pirazar
- Portsanky
- Prawnzole
- Rock Gorilla
- Satan Gorth
- Seablur
- Shishion
- Sodomon
- Sui
- Tetsugos of Peace
- The 4 Deva Kings
- The 5 Space Ninjas
- The hirelings of Mad Gallant;
- Zampa
Music from the Tokusatsu Jaspion
Here are some of the songs that became popular during the airing of this tokusatsu:
- Ore ga Seigi da! Juspion, by Ai Takano
- Powerful Fighter Juspion, by Akira Kushida
- Itsu no Hi Heiwa ga, by BOBBY
- Kyojuu Tachi Yo, by SPACE MINSTRELS
- Ginga no Taazan, by Akira Kushida
- I’m Juspion, by Henry
- A Wolf In Space Juspion, by Henry
- Neppuu Yarou Juspion, by Ai Takano
- Ryuusei no Senshi, by Ai Takano
- Chou Wakusei Sentou Bokan Daileon, by Akira Kushida
- Mabushii Aitsu, by Akira Kushida & Columbia Yurikago Kai
- Space Wolf Juspion, by Ai Takano
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