Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot (1967–1968) User Reviews

Take A Bow !!!

[Lord_Aragon · 9/10 · 11 July 2011]

Aah, childhood, those halcyon days, all those memories associated with them are indelible. I was five years old, and our neighbors had just got a new television. In India, we had only one TV channel then and the programs were more related to news based items or were culture oriented. Watching a Egyptian mummy faced robot fighting monsters was a dream for me as well as for every other kid I knew. I remember how hard I cried when the giant robot lost his eyes and also during the episode where he was beaten badly, I envied Johnny so much. Today I know the special effects are much much better and there are a plethora of new sci- fi based programs but they cant even hold a torch to good ol' Johnny and his robot.

For the people of my generation this is as good as gold. C'mon Johnny quit playing games, come back. I miss you.

One Ultra-Cool, If Slightly Goofy Series!

[grendelkhan · 8/10 · 16 November 2014]

I only saw a few episodes of Johnny Sokko in my youth, but the imagery stuck in my head enough to buy the few Orion Pictures video releases and then the official DVD release. It's just a really fun, action-packed bit of 60s fun, with a slightly demented world on display.

Obviously, the series is the American redubbing of the Japanese series Giant Robo (or Jianto Robo). The names have been changed, though the premise is largely intact. The alien Emperor Guillotine seeks to conquer the Earth, through his criminal organization of thugs and monsters; and, what an organization it is! The Gargoyle Gang consists of beatnick Che Guevara/Nazi soldiers (with stylish wraparound sunglasses), a silver headed alien lieutenant with shelf- like eyebrow ridges (Dr. Botanus); a buck toothed, giant foreheaded, one legged lieutenant (Fangar); a one eyed playing card obsessive (Harlequin), and a nutjob in golden knight's armor (Goldennock). meanwhile, their leader is a cross-eyed alien, with tentacles hanging from his head. This bunch of misfits, along with their various monsters and weaponry, seek to subjugate the planet, for whatever reason. Opposing them is Unicorn a security organization that thinks it's OK for a little boy (and, later, a little girl) to casually be exposed to danger and carry a gun. To be fair, the kid seems to be the only one with any sense in the organization. They also seem to adopt stereotypical dress in their subsidiaries around the globe (tyrolean hats, turbans, etc...). The group usually needs the Giant Robot to get them out of a jam, though they do occasionally rescue the kid, so he can call in the robot.

The show is just a lot of fun, as so many adventure shows of the 60s were. They aren't too concerned with kids being exposed to violence, so there is a lot more action and drama, thanks to the dangers involved. This certainly stood out in the 70s, when I first saw the show. However, it is never gratuitously violent, or particularly bloody.

The show was essentially spawned by the success of Tsuburaya's Ultraman (though the series was adapted from a manga); but it proved groundbreaking, as many elements of it would go on to influence other Japanese adventure flair, like Gatchaman and the Sentai series that spawned the Power Rangers. Ultraman had better monster suits and battles, but Johnny Sokko had better action with the human cast, with a nice blend of spy-fi, monster fights, and giant mecha, much of which became a staple for other live action series from Toei.

This is definitely worth picking up for any fan of spy-fi, monster movies, or action-adventure, regardless of age.

Unmitigated genius

[empty-bin · 8/10 · 21 August 2014]

This show is 130% imagination. More imaginative than anything that's been on American TV in at least a generation.

It's Japan of the 60's so that's already a plus. Relatively empty city streets, bullet shaped cars, drab Japanese home interiors...

...and that Jazz! Every episode is PACKED to the gills with an absolutely surreal jazz score that can't be explained. You NEED to experience it. I don't even

A villainous army of Japanese Che Guevara clones (shades, berets, goatees and all), ridiculously over-sized machine gun props, jet packs, toy tanks which shoot sparks. Giant Robot's head bears a mechanical approximation of Gulliver's face adorned with an abbreviated ancient Egyptian headdress.

It sounds like something that would get you fired, then assassinated by your former studio exec employers. But it's all fascinating! The entire production is just fascinating and some of the imagery has been etched permanently into my mind since childhood.

This show was massive when I was a child and it's still amazing when I look back on it as a mature adult.

This could never be made again.

Another giant robot by Mitsuteru Yokoyama

[ebiros2 · 21 February 2006]

Giant Robo was a comic which was first featured in a weekly comic magazine "Shonen Sunday" in the late '60s by comic artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama, then turned into a TV series. Yokoyama drew another comic featuring a giant robot under a boy's control; the "Gigantor" (Tetsujin Nijyuhachi-go) which also became a TV series (four times). Giant Robo was supposed to be a weapon for the bad guys, but because U7 (Disuke Kusama) first spoke into the wrist watch remote control, it only obeyed his command. Like Gigantor, its first incarnation to TV was acted by a real live actors, then the second series was animated. I have memories of this series like many people who wrote here including having a crush on U5. I don't know what it is about these classic Japanese TV sci-fi but there's something that leaves a lasting impression on people. Yokoyama has another comic with giant robot obeying master's commands (Babyl II or Babyl Nisei) which also became a TV series. He is considered along the likes of Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), Ishinomori Shotaro (Kamen Ryder, Kikaida, Go Rangers, Cyborg 009), and Fujiko Fujio (Obake no Q-taro, Doraemon) as a founding father of genre we now call "Manga", and has legion of fans around the world. Just a great show from a great comic artist.

Jonny Sokko and his Flying Robot

[creator67-1 · 10/10 · 1 August 2007]

I have noticed that people have asked if anyone has this show. I have all 26 episodes that aired in the U.S. and will be willing to share these with anyone interested. All I require is that you supply the VHS tapes or Blank DVD's I have them on both formats and pay for shipping. My email is [e-mail], just send me an email and your request and I will notify you and we can make the arrangements. The quality is very good and they are very enjoyable to watch especially if you have not been able to see them since they aired in the 60's. It was one of my favorite shows as a child and hold a very special place in my heart because it brings back a lot of memories of my childhood as well as other shows like Ultraman and Astroboy.

Peter

Awesome show in oh-so many ways !

[ronnybee2112 · 10/10 · 17 January 2021]

My heavens what a great show! If you were ever young you will enjoy this immensely. It is extremely imaginative and extremely funny in my opinion. The dialog is often hilarious. What a shame this only lasted from October '67 until April '68,only 26 episodes total. As crude as they are,the special effects are great in their own way. The model cities that are destroyed,the costumes,the monsters,the ways that they switch from small sets to full-sized sets,the explosions,all of it is great. A lot of imaginative work is accomplished for a very low budget. Sure,some or most of it may look silly,but that is part of the charm-the show has heart! Everyone in the show puts in an honest effort. I love this show,it is a one of a kind treat! Check out the charming little girl Unicorn agent,when she talks she sounds like she should be selling popcorn,candy,and flowers ! 🌞

Everything you could want in cheesy dated poorly-dubbed fun...

[dsgraham212002 · 9/10 · 25 December 2014]

I've seen this mentioned in other posts that, "Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot", instilled in them a love for monsters at a young age. Ditto, here. Who can forget a gigantic 'eye monster' that sucked things into its pupil? Other ludicrous monsters were so ridiculous-looking you couldn't help but laugh out loud (even then!), and make you play a 'spot the zipper' game. I just found out that Johnny's voice was a woman's and, quite sadly, the actor who played him is no longer with us, passing in 1997. The robot's weaponry was incredible, even in today's terms. Rockets from fingertips, a ray emitted from its metallic eyes, and an 'atomic punch' all kicked monster butt. Oh yeah, he flies and can even go underwater (I think).

I'm watching an episode right now, as I type. The Robot is fighting a monster called Tyrox, who sports dreadlocks-like something-or-others on its head that would make a Rastafarian jealous! A masterpiece!!

Fun, on a grand scale...

[poe426 · 8/10 · 3 June 2013]

JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT begins with the discovery of a giant robot that has been built to be used for Evil (by The Gargoyle Gang), but inadvertently falls into the hands of The Good Guys (The Unicorn Organization); like TETSUJIN 28 (GIGANTOR), said giant, flying robot comes under the control of a kid (in this case, Johnny Sokko). (If I'm not mistaken, the same woman who dubbed the kid's voice in the animated version of GIGANTOR, Bobbie Byers, also dubs the voice of Johnny Sokko in this live-action series.) Like most of the live-action giant robot shows from the '60s and '70s (ULTRA MAN, RED BARON, THE IRON KING, etc.), JOHNNY SOKKO is just plain FUN. American filmmakers have more often than not dropped the ball when it comes to children's programming because they tend to produce s*** so stupid that their intended audience thinks it's dumb (take a look at the original version of THE POWER RANGERS and compare it to the watered-down U.$. version); they would do well to study very carefully what has come before...

My memories of Johnny sokko

[gary-65317 · 10/10 · 3 December 2019]

This brings back so many memories before DVDs before videotapes yeah 3 either watch it or try to record it when you can annatas on DVD I can show my children and bring back these great memories they don't make great heroes like this anymore

Giant Robot was the most popular Japanese TV serial ever on Indian TV.

[hnggg · 9/10 · 7 December 2006]

Giant Robot was the most popular Japanese TV serial ever seen on Indian TV. It was targeted to children and we saw a robot for the first time in our life.

Many Indian children must have even seen a machine for the first time outside the school textbooks.

The serial also showed a child in an adults organization fighting evil. No doubt, many of us who have seen Giant Robot in our childhood long for our own robots and as a stopgap arrangement look upon our computers in the same way.

This show also portrayed ideal adults, (referring at Jerry, Johnny's buddy friend and Unicorn chief Azuma). We grew to respect Japanese progress and still view Japan as the ideal Asian nation.

BTW, at that time, there were no satellite TV channels in India and the govt owned broadcaster did not show much of Disney cartoons. I guess that was how child serials like giant Robot got appreciated. Nowadays there is Pokemon etc but they are no so fascinating or alluring as Giant robot.

Johnny Sokko---a nice flashback to my childhood

[activista · 3/10 · 9 October 2018]

For anyone who remembers this low-budget but entertaining '60s era Japanese sci-fi kids' show being shown in the early '80s, it's currently being shown on the new sci-fi digital channel CometTV at noon in the daytime, and 3:00 a.m. at night time. I first saw this show as a monster-movie loving ten year old who'd already seen a good number of Godzilla films, and grew up seeing that other popular Japanese sci-fi kids' show Ultraman, so I was all for watching this. It came on right after I came home from school--perfect time to watch it, and see some cool monsters five days a week, when the Godzilla flicks wouldn't come on until the weekend. Yeah, it looks cheap and the special effects are outdated by today's standards, but the weird as hell looking villains, the even stranger-looking monsters, the cute Unicorn agent U3, the giant flying robot, and the adorable little pint-sized hero Johnny Sokko made up for it. Nice trip down memory lane it you can catch it.

Mister Roboto

[tgs333 · 18 December 2004]

How could I ever forget Johnny Socko and his flying robot! I started watching the show when in 1979 at the age of 6. I remember it being on TV for a couple of years, I suppose when I was about 8 or 9 – would have been the last time I watched the show.

Johnny Socko and his Flying Robot was my favorite TV show growing up then as a child. Among my other list of favorites (at that age of 6ish to 8ish years old): Batman, Lost in Space, Superman, Leave it to Beaver, G-Force, Incredible Haulk, Greatest American Hero, and yes even Dallas…. Put at the top of that list: Johnny Socko and his flying robot! I remember I had my own fleet of Socko Robots that I made out of Legos. I wanted my own giant robot so bad! There is one episode that seems to stick out…and that is the one where the Giant Robot loses his eyes… or they get messed up real bad and the poor giant robot can’t see anything… and he’s thrashing about knocking over any thing his arms hit. And wasn’t there a show where the Giant Robot turned on Johnny and all the good people of the world? Ha ha ha…. I remember when the Robot lost his eye sight, Johnny was crying over it. Amazing the things you remember from when your child.

I keep looking for VHS copies of this TV show to no avail. It would be nice if the SCI FI channel would re run this TV series! Also, the actor that played Jonny died in 1997.

British children.escaped having to see this....thank.god.

[stephensonk-62156 · 1/10 · 21 April 2019]

Until recently I had never heard of this show, and I am sorry for the upset I will cause, but somebody should have been.sectioned for inflicting this drivel on Japan.and America, plus anywhere else that showed it, but this has to rank as about the worst thing ever filmed. It makes Plan 9 From Outer Space look like Shakespeare. Rubbish is too good a word for it.

My favorite show as a child!!!

[briksfamily · 25 November 2004]

This was one of 3 shows I first remember watching, from the age of 2-6 years, and was my absolute favorite. The other two shows were Speed Racer and Batman.

I have not seen an episode of Johnny Sokko and His Giant Flying Robot, (as I remember it called), since I was about 8 years old. Through the years,I have mentioned it in conversations with others and surprisingly have never run across anybody who remembers it. Sure was cool to find it on this sight along with a couple positive comments! Let's hear from more!

P.S. Batman was campy and Godzilla's special effects were just as dated as 'Johnny Sokko' but look at the legends they've become. In my memories, Johnny Sokko is right there with them.

A wonderful Giant Robo show that deserves to be seen.

[tvoice · 29 February 2004]

If you like Godzilla, Giant Robo, Ultraman or any other big monsters that fight and save the world then this is the best best. Sure it's old and campy...but it's a lot of fun. I have old tapes that I pull out every once in a while. Still enjoy the show. Sure they didn't have the greatest special effects but who did back then? Everyone complaining about how the monsters or explosions look shouldn't compare the show to present day shows but others from the same period. This is good.

I LOVED Giant Robot

[juneybug33 · 29 October 2003]

When I was in Kindergarten and First Grade I remember watching these episodes. I think Johnny Sokko was my first crush. I loved all the monsters and that good always won over evil. I also agree that this instilled my love for monsters. I remember going out to a brick pile behind our house with one of my best friends and we tried to build our own Robot out of bricks and wire. I was sooo upset that it didn't come to life. Anyway, I wish they would show these again so I can see how really cheesy they were.

Johnny Socko!

[caustic1234 · 3 December 2005]

I loved this show when I was a kid. The robot was incredible (keep in mind that there was very little stuff like that for kids back then, you kids today are very lucky...now get off my lawn!) especially with the finger rockets, the pharaoh's headdress, and the pre-flight cheerleader moves.

I recently sought and found a VHS copy (albeit poorly recorded) of the show and realized that you did have to be a kid, uninhibited with today's inundation of CGI and advanced cartooned robots, to enjoy it. But it was a wonderful trip back down memory lane. Now, too find a collection of the old (rubber suited and flashing chest light) Ultra-Man series.

Beatnik Man rises...

[gazzo-2 · 25 February 2000]

This is a weird one, from back in the late 60s you have this Japanese import, about a kid, a Casio-watch controlled 100 foot flying robot, a guy in a real bad Squid/jellyfish papier-mache mask who shakes a trident alot(he's the evil villain, Emperor Guillotine!), fakey rubber suited monsters, a group of terrorists who shoot plastic machine guys, and intend to take over the world with their 9 inter-changeable members, a '58 Bel-air and some godawful monsters.

You have to see it to believe it-the dreaded Nuclion, a bowling ball/landmine/baby toy from outer space(!!) which rolls downhill and crushes an onslaught of plastic tanks before being hauled up by Giant Robot, who then drops it onto the '58 Belair that the 'Gargoyle Gang' have helpfully piled into(actually, the last guy diving for cover dives UNDER the car...oh its a scream...)...

You have these villains...fanger, silver-faced DrBotanus, who is some kind of Evil Plant wiz, a panther-griffin cross who likes eating toy trains whole, a giant eye Opticus(oh that one is a scream!), and this short guy with a peg-leg, who is sposedly a master of disguise(!?)...God, WHAT were they thinking??

Guys get killed and come right on back without explanation. Take 'Beatnik Man'-one of the head Gargoyle Gang guys. Has the shades, bad greasepaint beard(troweled on by the looks...) and beret. I think he winds up quite dead at least 4 times-shot up by a plastic machine gun, caught in an atomic cherry bomb explosion(don't ask), flattened by Nuclion, etc. At the end, he is now wearing a goatee, but its our guy, Beatnik Man in the flesh...

Bad models, bad acting, bad dubbing--and as a kid, I loved every minute of it! People Do remember it, not from its name but from the content, of seeing Giant Robot(who looks like a silver George Washington in a King Tut get-up...),who flies, shoots missiles outta his fingers, etc.

It is kinda fun in a MST3K way, but not more than that.

I give it *** stars outta **** on the hilarity scale, *1/2 in the actual quality scale. Its a hoot. Yes! See it if you can or dare.

Best Cheese Money Can Buy

[lordzedd-2 · 1 November 2002]

A fun show that I grew up with as a young kid. It influenced my life and I fell in love with monsters since that day. Any DVD companies looking for new ideas. PUT THIS SERIES ON TOP OF YOUR LIST!!!!!!!

OUT OF 10 STARS (10 BEING BEST)

I GIVE "Jaianto robo":

10 STARS:

**********

One of Japan's Wildest Exports

[Sargebri · 30 September 2003]

This had to be one of the weirdest shows to ever come from the Land of the Rising Sun. If anyone today were to try to promote a show featuring a ten year old kid and his flying robot, that person would either be thrown out on his ear or have the guys in the white coats come and pick him up. However, this was an enjoyable show featuring not only some crazy action, but some of the wildest monsters ever created for the whole kaiju eiga genre. The only thing that undoes this show are the poor special effects. However this show is still a cult classic and for the life of me I don't know why this isn't shown on television anymore.

Come Giant Robot

[Sirsharp · 20 August 2005]

I was just a in Kindergarten when I first seen this show. I remember I had to be in front of the television everyday to watch it. Along with Speed Racer.

I remember running around with my friends and yelling into my watch, "Come Giant Robot".

This show was one of the best memories at that age. Fortunately for me I have most of the episodes on video tape. They aren't the best copies in the world, but when I sit down and watch them....boy do the memories flow.

One of my most favorite episode is where the bad guys steal the watch that controls Giant robot and I believe they clone Johnny Sokko. They use the clone who orders Giant robot to destroy things. At one point in the episode, Giant Robot is ordered to destroy the good guys. A very emotional part happens as the real Johnny Sokko is looking at his best friend Giant Robot picking up something to throw to destroy him. Johnny Sokko began to cry, and ask giant robot to do the right thing.....the robot has a hard time throwing the item at the good guys and freezes...until one shocking ending....

Needless to say...it has a happy ending...

I give this show one of my highest ratings...hey the special effects weren't the best, but it was the 70's!!!

a good movie for the kids

[planktonrules · 1 July 2005]

This is no great movie and many adults will find themselves quickly bored. However, considering this was aimed at kids, it's a pretty good flick--especially since it breathes some life into the moribund Japanese mega-monster genre.

Johnny is a cute kid who discovers a giant flying robot who he is able to control. The kid uses the robot for good and they become friends (or at least as close to friendship as you can get with a giant flying robot). Does this sound familiar? To those out there who have kids, it should as this idea was completely ripped off in the movie The Iron Giant. It does for Johnny Sokko what The Lion King did to Kimba the White Lion (i.e., American studio steals the idea blatantly and the original writers and actors are screwed).

FYI--this was a movie AND a television series. I think the movie was actually just pieced together from the TV show. I saw the movie and never really had a desire to watch the TV show, as it came out in the US when I was about 15--and I thought I was way too old and too cool to watch a kids show (or so I hoped)!

Hmmmm. I've done a lot of reviews, but I notice there is no rating button for the film. In that case, I give it a 6.

My memories

[Mr_Minnow · 21 February 2003]

I do recall this show but I remember from at least the late 70's to early 80's it was on in the afternoon after school. I loved it the previous posts nailed it right on the head for its cheese factor but they forgot to mention that the good guys were called Unicorn and Johnny was U-7. Plus a few monsters they missed were Scallion a giant reptile with armpit flaps he also spits acid out of his nose (I remember the hand melting away) The Claw: A huge robotic claw(controlled by on of his classmates if I do recall.) The blob(I don't remember it's name but I do remember the dummy robot used to fool it, The blob came through a duct in the floor of some sort and melted the dummy robot) The Clone: An almost copy of the hero robot with a weird shield. I remember 3 scenes. Scene 1 the finger missles reflecting back at the good robot. Scene 2:His eye lasers doing the same thing. Scene 3:After winning Johnny says we'll go to the store to buy you some new eyes. What store I don't know:). I also remember the series finale in which Emperor Guillotine threatens to blow up the earth with himself(pulls off finger nail and throws it and it explodes and he says "That's only a finger nail!" Then the robot grabs the Emperor and flings them both into the Sun meanwhile Johnny is trying to stop him. Classic Cheesy ending it's just fitting for this show. Ahh what memories of childhood I have.

a great move

[jetoisdad · 29 June 2005]

the move Gaint Robot was so good when i was young that it made all the kids at school have something to do on the play ground. It made the play ground a battle field good v. evil and it had its war field, the play ground. kids would talk about the robot and Johnny to there friends. Giant Robot was a great move and i think that the move should be put on DVD or put on TV for one of those monster move week end deals. As for me now as a grown up i would love for my kids to see the movie as well as myself like i said before it was a very good move and if i had it to watch it i would watch it with my kids and there friends. Giant Robot was for good and he save the day and help the world through hard times bring back JOHNNY and the Robot

I remember this...

[kwazimoto · 20 June 2004]

I remember this "farout" Japanese import, me and my brother saw, on the bowling for dollars movie of the week. It was on KTLA with Chick Hearn. It was literally the movie of the week,they showed the movie everyday all week,and we saw it everyday it showed. I recall the robot would only obey the first voice that gave him a command. Little Johnny spoke into the transmitter/watch, "giant robot start to move". That's how little Johnny took control of the robot, I mean, that's why it would only obey him. It's nice to know that there's others out there who have the same childhood nostalgia. It's kind of funny how you remember movies that you saw when you were a kid. I recall lots of them, but when I had the chance to view them again as an adult, they had lost their childhood charm. Lots of them had some occultist overtones, Inframan, bedknobs and broomsticks,etc. We used to buy tickets for the upcoming summer vacation. It had all the movies that they were going to show for the summer, they punched the ticket every time you saw a movie.