Earth remains perilous as extraterrestrials from planet Zeraz threaten to invade because their own world is being consumed by a black hole. Commanded by Great Darius and four senior generals, they unleash waves of death across the globe. When an ESP fighter is slain by the invaders, Professor Hi-Tech recognizes the looming threat and constructs a colossal space dragon named Daiku Maryuu. He pairs it with the metallic robot Gaiking, whose pilot is former baseball star Sanshiro Shiwobuki. Daiku Maryuu resembles a massive dragon-shaped vessel, its head serving as Gaiking's torso. During combat, Daiku Maryuu deploys Gaiking's individual parts, reassembling its neck and tail to form an indestructible whole. The narrative follows the crew aboard the semi-transformable carrier Daikuu Maryuu as they confront the alien forces from Zela, whose planet faces annihilation. Gaiking is piloted by the sports legend Sanshiro Tsuwabuki, renamed Aries Astonopolis in the English dub, while the carrier is dubbed Great Space Dragon—an exact translation of Daikuu Maryuu. Notably, it stands among the rare super robot series set beyond Japan and pioneered mobile carriers for lead mecha. Daikuu Maryuu transforms from a transport into a battle, launching Gaiking's limbs like swift wings. During the clash, Darius unleashes a swarm of drones threatening to crush Earth's atmosphere. Forces of Pete and Sanshiro repel the assault, but alien commander demands a decisive strike together. In response, Hi-Tech activates the core, releasing a plasma wave that disables all invaders' weapons. The battle escalates as the alien fleet attempts breach Earth's magnetic field, forcing heroes to coordinate a counterattack together. With Gaiking's move, energy blast engulfs the alien mothership, sealing its fate. The victory restores safety, but the threat of black holes remains a danger for worlds.
Toei Animation Japan