Golden Bat, a.k.a. Ōgon Bat or Phantaman, is an immortal superhero from ancient Atlantis who fights against monsters and criminals to protect the innocent. His appearance is that of a golden-skinned man with a bare skull for a face.
Overview[]
Originating from the lost continent of Atlantis, legend tells that every five thousand years the world is threatened with destruction, but can be protected if Ōgon Bat is awakened from his casket. A drop of water is all that's needed to reawaken him. The person who awakened him will have a special connection with Ōgon Bat and be able to summon him whenever danger arises.
Golden Bat in the Anime.
Ōgon Bat is immortal and invulnerable, and a thoroughly heroic figure in spite of his macabre appearance. He cannot be harmed by fire, freezing temperatures, bullets or other conventional weapons. The weight of a giant robot stomping on him repeatedly does no damage whatsoever. His only weakness is complete dehydration, and even that doesn't actually kill him, but causes him to go back into hibernation and only wake up when he's in contact with water again.
He carries a magic staff which can shoot blasts of energy, has superhuman strength and is able to fly, create gusts of wind, teleport and become invisible. He can also summon his staff by telekinesis. He has enough strength to burst through metal walls easily, and can project illusory images of himself to appear to be in more than one place at once. He often laughs maniacally when confronting his opponents.
His archenemy is Dr. Zero and has an evil counterpart named Dr. Death.
Appearances[]
- Ōgon Bat, movie (1966)
- Ōgon Bat, animated series (1967 - 1968)
Gallery[]
Notes[]
- Debuting in kamishibai (Japanese paper theater) in 1931, Ōgon Bat is often regarded as the first modern superhero.