Moby Dick Five

Centuries ago two great civilizations, Atlantis and Mu, clashed and Atlantis was defeated. Instead of disappearing, Atlantis transformed into a small planet and slipped forward in time to the modern era, aiming to renew its campaign for domination. In response, five Mu warriors gather on Easter Island and link up with an enormous cyborg white whale that carries the brain of Mu's ancient queen. Together they travel to famous ruins and landmarks around the globe, engaging Atlantis' forces in high-stakes battles that mix ancient myth with futuristic technology. The show keeps its focus on action and camaraderie, avoiding big reveals about its deeper mysteries in early episodes.

Released in 1980 as an animated TV series, Moby Dick Five was directed by Tetsuo Imazawa and created by Hiroyuki Hoshiyama. The principal cast includes Kazuhiko Inoue, Sachiko Chijimatsu, Hirotaka Suzuoki, and Rihoko Yoshida, and the series blends science fiction imagery with classic anime character design.

The series did not register major industry awards, and there’s little record of prominent nominations. It remains more of a niche title in retrospectives of vintage anime than a decorated festival favorite, so formal accolades are limited.

Visually and conceptually the show stands out, thanks to its cyborg white whale and the globe-spanning clash of two mythic continents. Those elements make Moby Dick Five a frequent mention among collectors and fans of 1980s animation who trade recommendations on specialty forums and vintage anime discussions.

Critical coverage at the time was sparse and contemporary ratings are thin, though the available user score sits at 8.2 out of 10 from a small sample. The series leans into themes of ancient identity meeting modern weaponry, the responsibilities of leadership, and the strength of teamwork, wrapped in episodic battles that emphasize spectacle and heroic resolve.