TV-Series
Description
The character known as Dolphin Prince is the protagonist of a short, experimental black-and-white anime series that aired in Japan in 1965. He is an undersea boy whose adventures were inspired in part by the novel "Deep Range" by Arthur C. Clarke. He lives in a world where he works alongside a marine policing agency, a concept that would later be expanded into the better-known series Marine Boy.

Dolphin Prince is a young, intelligent, and athletic boy, likely in his early teens. His father is a scientist named Dr. Mariner, who is affiliated with the Ocean Patrol, and it is through this connection that Dolphin Prince becomes equipped for his underwater duties. His most constant companion is a loyal white dolphin, though the creature's name in this original series is not specified in the available information. He is also frequently accompanied by a young mermaid named Neptuna, who is described as his friend.

To perform his duties protecting the oceans, Dolphin Prince relies on several remarkable inventions provided by his father. His primary gear is a red wetsuit that is highly resistant to penetration and temperature extremes. The suit includes retractable flippers and boots with powerful jet-propellers built into the heels, which can propel him through the water or even move heavy objects. Most notably, he has no need for a breathing apparatus or face mask. Instead, he chews a special type of "oxy-gum," which provides oxygen to his system for hours at a time, allowing him to remain submerged indefinitely. For offense and defense, he wields a foldable, razor-sharp boomerang made of a hardened alloy. When thrown, this weapon can generate a powerful electric shock, making it highly effective against both enemies and their machinery.

Dolphin Prince is a proactive and brave hero with a headstrong personality, often insisting on getting involved in dangerous situations. His natural athleticism is augmented by his skills as a martial artist. He has a great affinity for sea life and shares a close bond with his dolphin companion, whom he can apparently understand, and he also communicates effectively with his friend Neptuna. During their adventures, which include tales like "Secret Of The Red Vortex" and "Attack Of The Sea-Star People," he frequently directs Neptuna to safety while he confronts the villains directly. Though his gadgets make him formidable, he is not invincible and is sometimes knocked unconscious or captured, requiring rescue by his friends. The character's role as a brave, gadget-using protector of the seas in this three-episode experiment would directly inform and lead to the creation of the more widely known hero Marine Boy from the subsequent color series.