Defenders of the Earth
Series Overview
Defenders of the Earth is an American animated television series produced in 1986, featuring characters from three comic strips distributed by King Features Syndicate—Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician—opposing Ming the Merciless in the year 2015. Supporting characters include their children Rick Gordon, Jedda Walker, Kshin, Mandrake's assistant Lothar, and Lothar's son L.J. The show lasted for 65 episodes; there was also a short-lived comic book series published by Star Comics, created by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita, Sr.. The closing credits credit Rob Walsh and Tony Pastor for the main title music, and Stan Lee for the lyrics. The series was later shown in reruns on the Sci Fi Channel as part of Sci Fi Cartoon Quest.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 65 Episodes
21 min per episode
1986 – 1986
Premiered: Mon, Sep 8, 1986
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 65: “Ming's Thunder Lizards”
The Defenders fly to Alaska to inspect a dinosaur alert. While following dinosaur tracks, Rick and L.J. discover that a long-dormant volcano, with an artificial dome placed over it, is mysteriously heating up. The senior Defenders and Jedda spot Ming and Garax, while the Defenders are attacked by two Allosauruses! After a narrow escape in a mountain cave, the group discovers Ming's evil scheme- he's used an earth drill to thaw out tens of thousands of beasts buried in the frozen tundra, and is sending them out to destroy the cities of the Earth! The young Defenders figure out how to work Ming's drill, and use it to blow up the drilling station. The volcano explodes, ripping off the dome, and the arctic climate returns --obliterating the Valley of the Dinosaurs.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Defenders of the Earth - Opening Sequence
Type: Opening Credits • Published 2019-11-12
Cast & Creators
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Lou Richards
Flash Gordon (voice)
Peter Mark Richman
The Phantom / Kit Walker / 26th Phantom (voice)
Peter Renaday
Mandrake the Magician (voice)
Buster Jones
Lothar (voice)
Ron Feinberg
Ming the Merciless/Warlock (voice)
Loren Lester
Rick Gordon / Young Kurt (voice)
Sarah Partridge
Jedda Walker (voice)
Dion Williams
L.J. (voice)
Adam Carl
Kshin / Young Kit (voice)
Diane Pershing
Dynak X / Dale Arden (voice)
William Callaway
Octon / Garax (voice)
Hal Rayle
Prince Kro-Tan (voice)
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Falk
Alex Raymond, Lee Falk
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Universal — Suitable for all audiences.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Defenders of the Earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Defenders of the Earth
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Defenders of the Earth about?
Defenders of the Earth is an American animated television series produced in 1986, featuring characters from three comic strips distributed by King Features Syndicate—Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician—opposing Ming the Merciless in the year 2015. Supporting characters include their children Rick Gordon, Jedda Walker, Kshin, Mandrake's assistant Lothar, and Lothar's son L.J. The show lasted for 65 episodes; there was also a short-lived comic book series published by Star Comics, created by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita, Sr.. The closing credits credit Rob Walsh and Tony Pastor for the main title music, and Stan Lee for the lyrics. The series was later shown in reruns on the Sci Fi Channel as part of Sci Fi Cartoon Quest.
How many seasons does Defenders of the Earth have?
Defenders of the Earth comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Defenders of the Earth?
Key cast members in Defenders of the Earth include Lou Richards, Peter Mark Richman, Peter Renaday, Buster Jones, Ron Feinberg.
Who created or directed Defenders of the Earth?
Defenders of the Earth was developed and directed by Lee Falk.