Best Adventure Anime of 1972

Facing the threats of resource depletion and escalating pollution, the International Scientific Organization (ISO) is founded to tackle environmental problems worldwide. However, the criminal syndicate Gallactor, established by the extraterrestrial being Generalissimo X and led on Earth by the masked Berg Katse, aims to seize global domination by taking over the ISO. To counter Gallactor and its robotic monsters, Dr. Nambu of the ISO assembles five courageous young individuals into a team called Gatchaman, the Science Commandos. Enhanced with advanced scientific abilities and striking bird-themed costumes, the Gatchaman Squad can confront Gallactor anywhere on the planet. Ken (the Eagle) serves as the wise leader, supported by the sometimes-impulsive Joe (the Condor), the beautiful Jun (the Swan), the eager young Jinpei (the Swallow), and the powerful Ryu (the Horned Owl). Each member wields unique scientific weapons, but their greatest asset is the aircraft Phoenix, which can transform into a fiery arrow capable of penetrating even the most formidable threats. GATCHAMAN is a saga of thrilling action and suspense as Ken, Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu remain constantly alert to counter each new scheme by Gallactor to take over the world.

A remake of the earlier Moomin series from 1969-70, this 1972 version adheres more closely to the original books by Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson.

Five millennia ago, the Triton clan lived peacefully in Atlantis until the Poseidon clan wiped them out. Triton, a descendant of the Triton bloodline, sets off on an adventurous journey across the sea to battle the Poseidon clan.

This rendition of Pinocchio follows a wooden doll brought to life by a mysterious blue fairy, who is exceptionally gullible, naive, and morally confused. Pinocchio (Mokku) is depicted with many character flaws he must overcome to earn humanity, including selfishness, rudeness, insensitivity, indolence, obstinacy, over-trusting, self-pity, stupidity, disobedience, compulsive lying, arrogance, greed, cowardice, recklessness, cruelty, foolishness, and an inability to learn from mistakes. Throughout the series, Mokku, often due to his own delinquency and repeated disobedience, must endure costly ordeals of hardship and pain where he is continuously tormented, persecuted, bullied, humiliated, tricked, ridiculed, ostracized, beaten, downtrodden, and subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment. Its stark depiction of the austere reality of being literally subhuman while growing up in a world of danger and difficulty makes this another strong example of traditional Japanese stories, which instill moral observance through tough endurance.

Chappy's tale parallels that of Mahou Tsukai Sally (Little Witch Sally). Tired of the old traditions of her people, Chappy departs the Land of Magic to live in the human world. Her family soon sees how much she has found in that other realm and decides to join her in her new home. Chappy is noted as the first witch to wield a wand, and her unique incantation is "Abura Mahariku Maharita Kabura." Mahou Tsukai Chappy is the fifth magical girl anime ever created.

A young swordsman finds himself involved in a plot to overthrow the shogunate.

Tamagon is an adorable monster with a great love for eggs. He offers his services as a problem-solver to anyone in need, charging only eggs as his fee. After eating his payment, he immediately gets to work. Unfortunately, no matter how cleverly he plans, his attempts usually end in disaster, and he ends up being chased by his angry clients. Though brief, the show is packed with comedy and lively humor.

The story revolves around a goby fish named Hazedon, born from a mermaid and a blowfish. He dreams of journeying across the globe on adventures alongside his closest companion, Puyang.