The show is loosely based on the three books in the Star Wolf series by American science fiction novelist Edmond Hamilton: The Weapon from Beyond[1] (published in 1967), The Closed Worlds[2] and World of the Starwolves[3] (both published in 1968). The name of the main character, an Earthman who was raised on the high gravity planet Varna and developed super-human strength and reflexes, was changed from Morgan Chane to Ken Shinsei. Starting with episode 14, the series was retitled Space Hero Star Wolf (宇宙の勇者 スターウルフ Uchû no Yûsha Sutâurufu).
American adaptation
The Japanese series was edited into two feature-length films for American television under the titles Fugitive Alien and Star Force: Fugitive Alien II.[4] They were released directly to television by King Features Entertainment, the first film in 1986, running for 102 minutes, and the sequel in 1987, running for 98 minutes.[4] Both films were featured on Season 3 of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Fugitive Alien in episode 10, first shown on August 17, 1991, and Star Force: Fugitive Alien II in episode 18, first shown on November 16, 1991.[5] Of note, both movies had also featured in the early KTMA era of MST3K, appearing out of order in episodes K12 and K03 respectively, before being revamped for the Comedy Channel era.