Ogon Bat

Ogon Bat, or Golden Bat, is a 52 episode adaptation by Asatsu-DK, based on the popular Paper Theater character of the 1930s- named after the cigarette brand-, whose popularity persists to the currently running Champion Red manga adaptation. While a number of manga have been made about this early superhero, a notable version would be from Osamu Tezuka, published in the early 1940s.

The golden skull faced Ogon Bat from Atlantis wakes 10,000 years into his future in present day. A young girl named Mary often summons our Bat after he is awakened by her to fight the scientist Nazo. Episodic villainous schemes are put to a stop by the mysterious hero and his catchy theme song that served for both opening and ending song.

The idea of a hero being summoned by another- a child- was seen in Big X with a robot, but as a fan of bats and skulls, this is far more my speed. Nazo's appearance with a claw arm and cat-like ears are reminiscent of Inspector Gadget's Dr. Claw. I would have liked to see more of Atlantis before it sinks back into the sea by the end of the first episode, but I guess it's fine since the backgrounds are nice, but not anything breathtaking. I did chupse at yet another portrayal of native islanders who made a brief appearance in episode two. 

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The art style may leave something to be desired for the average viewer, but the series has a strong personality- and a high body count. Nazo is not messing around. It feels odd that this is the only anime for such an influential character, so a few episodes would be good for anyone to check out- especially superhero fans.

Also the way Mary prays for Ogon Bat's help reminds me of Chibi-usa and Helios I had to toss this in somewhere take that how you will.