Mystery toon

My sister-in-law has remembered that the mystery cartoon was Battle of the Planets (G-Force) from 1978.  This toon also appeared in a comic book first published by Gold Key and then Top Cow Productions more recently.

It sounds like you came across an episode of Battle of the Planets.

The shows premise was 5 teenage heroes (cyborgs?) all who had bird like abilities, and, wore, bird inspired uniforms. Their spaceship, the Phoenix, could be transformed into a replica of the mythical fiery Phoenix.

The show was an English dubbed version of an Japanese show. Originally syndicated by Sandy Frank. It reappeared some years later with a different sound track under the name Eagle Force. The Battle of the Planets title did have an American comic book adaptation, probably briefly. I remember seeing the book once, though I don't remember who published it. (Probably Dell/Gold key, who was known for doing comic book adaptations of TV shows.)

I presume that this in on Don's list as to be included in the Toonopedia, some day.

Indeed it is, Chuck! But it's a long list, and there's no telling how long it'll take to get to any particular one.

So many toons, so few brain cells.

Quack, Don

Thank you for your replies. It was indeed Battle of the Planets (according to my wife and her sister). Both my wife and her sister would like to say thank you for your help in answering this question.

 "Battle of the Planets", had several other titles in the U.S, depending on who was distributing it including "G-Force". 

The original Japanese show was called Science Ninja Team Gatchaman

Any way you slice it the show was awesome, and a favorite of discerning children of the 70's

I already have it down for inclusion when I decide to open the floodgates of Japanese stuff with a big impact on America. (Which better be soon, because that Speed Racer movie is barrelling down at me.)

Quack, Don

Thank you again and I hope you are able to add this toon to Toonopedia sometime Real Soon Now.

I remember watching Speed Racer when it first showed up on television in this country but my wife doesn't remember it. However, since I am five years older than her, the age difference may have something to do with it. Also, she grew up in a small town in rural Wisconsin while I was born and raised in Chicago. We will probably watch the movie when it shows up in a local theater.

I'm glad I got it done, but I'm kind of intimidated by all the Japanese stuff I have to go through over the next few weeks, to get coverage of that category up to the level of the natural-born American stuff. This is not my area of expertise, but I've written things that needed to be researched from scratch before.

Quack, Don