{ "id": "epp3p53gz4", "slug": "bakugan-battle-planet", "title": "Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット)", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_manga", "label": "Anime and manga", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_manga" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series", "label": "Anime series, episodes, and franchises", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series.anime_tv_series_2020s", "label": "Anime television series, 2020s", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series.anime_tv_series_2020s" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series", "label": "Asia (other) · 2001 to 2020: Anime series, episodes, and franchises", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series", "path": [ { "id": "geo.asia", "label": "Asia (other)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001", "label": "Asia (other) · 2001 to 2020", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_manga", "label": "Anime and manga", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_manga" }, { "id": "geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series", "label": "Anime series, episodes, and franchises", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.asia.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series" } ] }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Other (Canada, Oceania, polar regions, oceans) · 2001 to 2020: Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series", "path": [ { "id": "geo.other", "label": "Other (Canada, Oceania, polar regions, oceans)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other" }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001", "label": "Other (Canada, Oceania, polar regions, oceans) · 2001 to 2020", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001" }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001.culture" }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series", "label": "Series and fictional screen worlds", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.other.t2001.culture.performance.screen.series" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット) is the 2019 TMS Entertainment anime reboot of Bakugan, first of generation 2, co-produced with Spin Master and Nelvana; 50 episodes, TV Tokyo from April 1, 2019, Cartoon Network from December 23, 2018, followed by Armored Alliance.", "snippet": "Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット) is the 2019 TMS Entertainment anime reboot of Bakugan, first of generation 2, co-produced with Spin Master and Nelvana; 50 episodes, TV Tokyo from April 1, 2019, Cartoon Network from December 23, 2018, followed by Armored Alliance.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.series.series_anime_series.anime_tv_series_2020s", "markdown": "# Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット)\n\n**Bakugan: Battle Planet** (爆丸バトルプラネット) is a Japanese-Canadian animated television series, the first season of the second generation of the Bakugan franchise, produced by [TMS Entertainment](https://www.edgepedia.org/tms-entertainment) in international co-production with the Canadian companies [Spin Master](https://www.edgepedia.org/spin-master) and Nelvana[1](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html) • [2](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/190227_goods_1/). It rebooted the Bakugan boy's battle-hobby franchise, whose first anime, *Bakugan Battle Brawlers*, had aired in 2007[2](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/190227_goods_1/). The series ran for 50 episodes: it premiered in North America on [Cartoon Network](https://www.edgepedia.org/cartoon-network) on December 23, 2018, and in Japan on the TV Tokyo 6-station network from April 1, 2019 to March 30, 2020[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/bakugan_battle_planet/s01) • [1](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html).\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Format | 50 episodes of about 30 minutes, each built from two eleven-minute segments rather than the traditional 22-minute single story[1](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html) • [4](https://bakugan.wiki/wiki/Bakugan%3A_Battle_Planet) |\n| Japanese broadcast | TV Tokyo 6-station network, Mondays 5:55–6:25 pm, April 1, 2019 to March 30, 2020[1](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html) • [5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf) |\n| North American broadcast | Cartoon Network, premiere December 23, 2018; rated TV-Y7 (FV)[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/bakugan_battle_planet/s01) |\n| Production | TMS Entertainment (animation), with Spin Master as original creator and Nelvana; directed by Kazuya Ichikawa (市川量也)[1](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html) • [6](https://aniphoria.com/anime/bakugan-battle-planet) |\n| Music | Yasuharu Takanashi (Team-MAX); theme song performed by HiHi Jets[7](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/archives/pdf/release/2019/20190315_bakumaru.pdf) • [8](https://filmarks.com/animes/928/726) |\n| Toy line | Takara Tomy released the first wave of 8 products in Japan on April 20, 2019, priced from 1,000 yen for single figures to 4,500 yen for the starter set[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf) |\n| Sequel | *Bakugan: Armored Alliance*, the second season of the generation, began airing in 2020[9](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/210329_1/) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Premise and characters\n\nThe story begins with a mysterious planet colliding with Earth, an event called the \"Great Collision\" that shocked the world twelve years before the series starts[10](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/global/alltitles/2010s/624105.html). Dan Kouzo and his friends Wynton Styles, Lia Venegas, Shun Kazami, and their dog [Lightning](https://www.edgepedia.org/lightning) form a team called the \"Awesome Ones\" that films cool videos and uploads them online. Investigating the site of the Great Collision to solve its mystery on camera, they meet a curious creature that appears in a flash of light: Drago, a Bakugan who takes the form of a dragon, usually stays in the shape of a small sphere, and can grow enormous and unleash powerful special attacks[10](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/global/alltitles/2010s/624105.html).\n\nDrago tells the children that beings like him are called Bakugan. At the same moment the Awesome Ones meet Drago, other Bakugan are discovered all over the world, touching off a Bakugan boom. Bad actors soon appear, eyeing the creatures' mysterious powers and causing trouble, and the Awesome Ones deepen their bonds with their partner Bakugan while resolving the incidents[10](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/global/alltitles/2010s/624105.html) • [8](https://filmarks.com/animes/928/726). Behind the scenes, a dark presence of immense power is being born[8](https://filmarks.com/animes/928/726).\n\nSeason arc. Early episodes follow the team's rise as brawlers and their encounters with rivals and bullies; mid-season, the Awesome Ones venture into the labyrinth world of Vestroia, defend the powerful Core Cell energy source from the monster Tiko, and learn to evolve their Bakugan, with Dan evolving Drago into his L2 form[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/bakugan_battle_planet/s01). The finale pits the Awesome Ones against Tiko and the Dusk Forces in a showdown that leaves the future of Earth and Vestroia hanging in the balance, and the team returns home as heroes[11](https://watch.sling.com/1/franchise/d9e99c39ebdfdf4a816117bcdc5d629c/browse).\n\n## Production\n\nSpin Master, the Canadian toy company that co-created the original Bakugan, filed \"Bakugan Battle Planet\" as a trademark on November 16, 2017, and announced the global relaunch of the franchise in partnership with Cartoon Network, TMS Entertainment, and Nelvana in October 2018[4](https://bakugan.wiki/wiki/Bakugan%3A_Battle_Planet) • [12](https://spinmaster.mediaroom.com/2018-10-09-Spin-Master-Announces-the-Global-Relaunch-of-BAKUGAN-In-Partnership-with-Cartoon-Network-TMS-Entertainment-and-Nelvana-Limited). The stated aim was the most toy-linked anime in the series' history[7](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/archives/pdf/release/2019/20190315_bakumaru.pdf).\n\nThe main staff listed in the production announcement: original concept by Spin Master with series proposal by Michitoshi Sugimoto (杉本道俊), direction by Kazuya Ichikawa, chief writer Kazuhiko Inukai (犬飼和彦), character design by Mari Takada (髙田真理), Bakugan monster design by Yuki Onishi (大西佑希), sound direction by Shoji Hata (はたしょう二), and music by Yasuharu Takanashi of Team-MAX, with animation by TMS Entertainment and production cooperation from Studio Hibari[7](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/archives/pdf/release/2019/20190315_bakumaru.pdf). In the Japanese cast, Dan Kouzo is voiced by [Rie Takahashi](https://www.edgepedia.org/rie-takahashi) and Drago (Dragonoid) by Shunsuke Takeuchi[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf); the English cast includes Jonah Wineberg as Dan, Devon Mac as Wynton, Margarita Valderrama as Lia, and Jason Deline as Dragonoid[13](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/bakugan-battle-planet).\n\n## The toy line\n\nBakugan is a battle hobby in which spherical figures instantly transform into monsters to fight[7](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/archives/pdf/release/2019/20190315_bakumaru.pdf). The core play mechanic carries over from the original franchise: a player flicks a spherical Bakugan toward a hexagonal metal-lined plate called a BakuCore (爆コア), and the magnet built into the ball reacts with the plate's metal so that the figure transforms into its monster form the instant it lands[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf). New to this generation are \"DX Deluxe Bakugan\" that perform flashy actions such as somersaults as they transform[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf).\n\nPlay scales with skill. Beginners can compete in simple transformation and shooting challenges; multiple players can run 3-versus-3 battles over BakuCores or card points; advanced players use the expert deck battle, in which two players each field three Bakugan and a deck of 40 trading cards[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf). Takara Tomy acquired the sales rights for Japan and Asia, releasing the first wave of eight products on April 20, 2019, including single figures of Dragonoid, Trox, Pegatrix, and Nillious at 1,000 yen each, Howlkor DX at 1,400 yen, a storage case, a battle arena, and a starter dash set at 4,500 yen[5](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf). In North America the toy line launched in January 2019, with a worldwide release following in the second quarter of 2019[4](https://bakugan.wiki/wiki/Bakugan%3A_Battle_Planet).\n\n## Reception and place in the franchise\n\nThe series is rated TV-Y7 (FV) in the United States, and Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 8 and up, noting intense Bakugan battles with oversized monsters, explosions, and screen-shaking effects, and that the show is part of an extensive franchise of toys, games, and other merchandise[3](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/bakugan_battle_planet/s01) • [13](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/bakugan-battle-planet). The review credits the show with positive messages about teamwork and trust as Dan, Wynton, and Lia develop strong bonds with their Bakugan, while observing that brawling is the only means of conflict resolution shown[13](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/bakugan-battle-planet).\n\nFranchise context. Battle Planet opened the second Bakugan generation and was followed by four more seasons under the same continuity: *Bakugan: Armored Alliance* (2020), *Bakugan: Geogan Rising*, *Bakugan: Evolutions*, and *Bakugan: Legends*[9](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/210329_1/) • [14](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/220325_1/). Nelvana and Spin Master greenlit the second season, *Armored Alliance*, at 104 eleven-minute episodes while Battle Planet was still airing, and distributed the series through international broadcast deals[15](https://assets.corusent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Bakugan_Distribution-Round-Up_MIPCOM-2019_PressRelease_FINAL.pdf). Spin Master's 2021 corporate playbook listed *Bakugan: Battle Planet* as airing in more than 190 countries[16](https://downloads.ctfassets.net/r3qu44etwf9a/3z2plBJ1B9wi2fmxhSIxqD/e506fff00075900c510862a029826065/SpinMaster-2021-Playbook.pdf).\n\n## References\n\n1. [爆丸バトルプラネット｜TMS作品一覧, TMS Entertainment](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/alltitles/2010s/624105.html)\n2. [大ヒットTVアニメの新シリーズ『爆丸バトルプラネット』放送スタート, SEGA](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/190227_goods_1/)\n3. [Battle Planet – Bakugan: Battle Planet, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/bakugan_battle_planet/s01)\n4. [Bakugan Battle Planet, The Bakugan Wiki](https://bakugan.wiki/wiki/Bakugan%3A_Battle_Planet)\n5. [『爆丸バトルプラネット』玩具シリーズ 2019年4月20日発売, Takara Tomy press release (PDF)](https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p190227_01.pdf)\n6. [Bakugan: Battle Planet, Aniphoria](https://aniphoria.com/anime/bakugan-battle-planet)\n7. [NEWS RELEASE, メインスタッフ・イントロダクション, TMS Entertainment (PDF)](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/archives/pdf/release/2019/20190315_bakumaru.pdf)\n8. [爆丸バトルプラネット, Filmarksアニメ](https://filmarks.com/animes/928/726)\n9. [「爆丸」アニメ新シリーズ『爆丸ジオガンライジング』配信スタート, SEGA](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/210329_1/)\n10. [BAKUGAN BATTLE PLANET, TMS Entertainment (English)](https://www.tms-e.co.jp/global/alltitles/2010s/624105.html)\n11. [Watch Bakugan: Battle Planet, Sling Freestream](https://watch.sling.com/1/franchise/d9e99c39ebdfdf4a816117bcdc5d629c/browse)\n12. [Spin Master Announces the Global Relaunch of \"BAKUGAN\", October 9, 2018](https://spinmaster.mediaroom.com/2018-10-09-Spin-Master-Announces-the-Global-Relaunch-of-BAKUGAN-In-Partnership-with-Cartoon-Network-TMS-Entertainment-and-Nelvana-Limited)\n13. [Bakugan: Battle Planet – Parents' Guide & TV Review, Common Sense Media](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/bakugan-battle-planet)\n14. [北米で大人気のアニメ「爆丸」新シリーズ！『爆丸エボリューションズ』4/1より配信, SEGA](https://www.sega.jp/topics/detail/220325_1/)\n15. [Nelvana and Spin Master Take Bakugan: Battle Planet Internationally, Corus Entertainment (PDF)](https://assets.corusent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Bakugan_Distribution-Round-Up_MIPCOM-2019_PressRelease_FINAL.pdf)\n16. [2021 Playbook, Spin Master Corp. (PDF)](https://downloads.ctfassets.net/r3qu44etwf9a/3z2plBJ1B9wi2fmxhSIxqD/e506fff00075900c510862a029826065/SpinMaster-2021-Playbook.pdf)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › Anime and manga › Anime series, episodes, and franchises › Anime television series, 2020s*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット)](https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet](https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Bakugan: Battle Planet (爆丸バトルプラネット)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/bakugan-battle-planet. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Bakugan: Battle Planet is the 2019 TMS Entertainment anime reboot of Bakugan, first of generation 2, co-produced with Spin Master and Nelvana; 50 episodes, TV Tokyo from April 1, 2019, Cartoon Network from December 23, 2018, followed by Armored Alliance." }