Mokuyobi Post - Zillions

Zillion is a sci-fi action series based on the Sega Master System game of the same name.  It originally aired in Japan in 1987.

    In the far future a human colony has been invaded by an alien race bent on enslaving humanity for its own designs.   The only thing capable of stopping them is a specialist team of soldiers armed with the Zillion defense system.  Apple, Champ and JJ go on dangerous missions to strike at the invaders and rid the colony of their presence.

    While originally airing on TV in Japan as 31 episodes only 5 were ever released as OAV's in North America along with a movie.  This series reminded me quite a bit of Robotech: Next Generation.  But it is really just a vehicle for selling the video game.  The animation is pretty sub par, even for the late 80's but the story can be enjoyable.  I have only ever watched the 5 episode OAV set and the movie, but have been trying to gather all of the original TV episodes and will watch them when I have them all...pretty close at this point, so look for a full review sometime in the future I suspect.

    This is a pretty obscure series and doesn't appear to ever have made it into DVD format in North America.  I still hold onto the VHS copies and actually have both Zillion and Zillion 2 game carts for the Master System, but have never played them.  If you enjoyed the classic Robotech titles this one is right up your alley.  Good luck finding it though!