Spider-Man (1978 film)
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, also referred to as ''Japanese Spider-Man'', is a 1978 Japanese
superhero film A superhero film (or superhero movie) is a film that focuses on the actions of superheroes. Superheroes are individuals who possess superhuman abilities and are dedicated to protecting the public. These films typically feature action, advent ...
based on the
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
character Spider-Man and also a spin-off from the Japanese
Spider-Man television series The character of Spider-Man from Marvel has appeared in multiple forms of media besides the comics, including on television numerous times, in both live action and animated television programs. Live-action ''Spidey Super Stories'' (1974–1 ...
. The film was directed by Kōichi Takimoto, written by Susumu Takahisa, and produced and distributed by
Toei Company () (also styled TOEI) is a Japanese film, television production, and distribution and video game developer and publishing company. Based in Tokyo, Toei owns and operates thirty-four movie theaters across Japan (all but two of them operated by ...
.


Plot

The film takes place between episode 10 ("To the Flaming Hell: See the Tears of the Snake Woman") and 11 ("Professor Monster's Ultra Poisoning"). The Iron Cross Army are sabotaging oil-tankers with the help of their monster, the Sea-Devil, a semi-mechanical anthropomorphic swordfish with an ability to shoot torpedoes from its mouth. Spider-Man employs the help of the interpol agent Jūzō Mamiya to help him stop the Iron Cross Army. Spider-Man uses his remote controlled Marveller to prevent the Sea-Devil from bombing an industrial complex by making its missiles explode in the air. After that the monster's master makes it grow giant and Spider-Man has to use his Marveller to transform into a giant mech to fight the monster, after they exchange blows Spider-Man uses the mechs giant sword to disintegrate the Sea-Devil.


Cast

* Shinji Todō as Takuya Yamashiro / Spider-Man * Noboru Nakaya as Jūzō Mamiya


Production

The film was directed by Kōichi Takemoto and written by Susumu Takaku. The movie was the first appearance of the character of Juzo Mamiya, who subsequently appeared in three episodes of the series, episodes 11, 12 and 14. The film is the same length as the series episodes but was shot in widescreen. The stunts in the film were choreographed and the acrobatics performed by the Japan Action Club (JAC).


Release

The film premiered on the Toei Manga Matsuri film festival on July 22, 1978. It was released in some non-American territories. Like the rest of the series, the film was made available for streaming on Marvel's official website in 2009. The movie appeared listed as "episode 0" on the site. Both the film and episodes were later taken down.


See also

* Spider-Man in film *
List of films featuring giant monsters This is an alphabetical list of films featuring giant monsters, known in Japan as '' kaiju''. Overview One of the first films involving giant monsters was the 1933 classic ''King Kong'', as developments in cinema and animation enabled the creati ...


References


External links

*
Post about the film
from Brian Michael Bendis {{Live-action theatrical films based on Marvel Comics Spider-Man films Kaiju films Featurettes 1970s American films 1970s Japanese films