Movie
Description
Dr. Richard Smith is a pivotal supporting character from the anime series often referred to as Voltus V, more widely known as Voltes V. He is a distinguished figure on Earth, recognized as the planet's top scientist and the former commander of the secret military installation known as Camp Big Falcon.
In terms of background, Dr. Smith is a colleague and close friend of the late Dr. Ned Armstrong. Together, they were the principal architects of the super robot Voltes V, designing and building the machine to serve as Earth's ultimate defense against alien invasion. His full name, as presented in some adaptations, is Richard Hamaguchi Smith. Physically, he is depicted as a tall man with messy gray hair, a mustache and beard, and black eyes, giving him the appearance of a seasoned and wise elder.
Regarding his personality, Dr. Smith is defined by his wisdom, empathy, and unwavering dedication. In the absence of the Armstrong brothers' father, Ned, Dr. Smith steps into a paternal role, acting as a mentor and father figure to the young pilots of the Voltes team, particularly to Steve, Bert, and Jon Armstrong. He balances scientific authority with genuine care, strictly training the team for the rigors of combat while also showing magnanimity and understanding toward their personal struggles.
His primary motivation is the defense of Earth. He dedicated his life to preparing for the Boazanians' invasion, a threat he took seriously after learning of it from his friend Ned Armstrong. This foresight drove him to not only help build Voltes V but also to oversee the establishment of Camp Big Falcon as a base to train pilots and coordinate the planetary defense effort.
Dr. Smith’s role in the story is that of the mission commander and lead strategist from the command tower of Camp Big Falcon. He guides the Voltes team during their battles, offering tactical advice and authorizing the use of new weapons systems. He is also responsible for the continued improvement of the Voltes V, such as developing the Ultra Magcon device to enhance its combat capabilities.
Key relationships are central to his character. His bond with the three Armstrong brothers is the most significant; he is a surrogate grandfather and guardian to them, having raised and trained them following their father's disappearance. He holds a deep respect and collaboration with Commander Oscar Robinson of the Earth Defense Force. He also has a relationship with his student, Dr. Sakonji, who later takes over command of Camp Big Falcon after Dr. Smith's death.
Throughout his development, Dr. Smith is portrayed as a man who grows from a base commander into a heroic martyr. In the original narrative, his character arc culminates in a selfless sacrifice. After being captured by the enemy, he uses his surprising martial arts skills to subdue his captors, commandeer an enemy craft, and crash it into a Beast Fighter to save the Voltes team, dying in the process. This act cements his legacy as a protector of humanity until the very end.
Notable abilities extend beyond his scientific genius. Despite his aged appearance, Dr. Smith is remarkably capable in hand-to-hand combat. He is known to fight off Boazanian soldiers using vicious roundhouse kicks, demonstrating a physical resilience and fighting prowess that belies his elder status.
In terms of background, Dr. Smith is a colleague and close friend of the late Dr. Ned Armstrong. Together, they were the principal architects of the super robot Voltes V, designing and building the machine to serve as Earth's ultimate defense against alien invasion. His full name, as presented in some adaptations, is Richard Hamaguchi Smith. Physically, he is depicted as a tall man with messy gray hair, a mustache and beard, and black eyes, giving him the appearance of a seasoned and wise elder.
Regarding his personality, Dr. Smith is defined by his wisdom, empathy, and unwavering dedication. In the absence of the Armstrong brothers' father, Ned, Dr. Smith steps into a paternal role, acting as a mentor and father figure to the young pilots of the Voltes team, particularly to Steve, Bert, and Jon Armstrong. He balances scientific authority with genuine care, strictly training the team for the rigors of combat while also showing magnanimity and understanding toward their personal struggles.
His primary motivation is the defense of Earth. He dedicated his life to preparing for the Boazanians' invasion, a threat he took seriously after learning of it from his friend Ned Armstrong. This foresight drove him to not only help build Voltes V but also to oversee the establishment of Camp Big Falcon as a base to train pilots and coordinate the planetary defense effort.
Dr. Smith’s role in the story is that of the mission commander and lead strategist from the command tower of Camp Big Falcon. He guides the Voltes team during their battles, offering tactical advice and authorizing the use of new weapons systems. He is also responsible for the continued improvement of the Voltes V, such as developing the Ultra Magcon device to enhance its combat capabilities.
Key relationships are central to his character. His bond with the three Armstrong brothers is the most significant; he is a surrogate grandfather and guardian to them, having raised and trained them following their father's disappearance. He holds a deep respect and collaboration with Commander Oscar Robinson of the Earth Defense Force. He also has a relationship with his student, Dr. Sakonji, who later takes over command of Camp Big Falcon after Dr. Smith's death.
Throughout his development, Dr. Smith is portrayed as a man who grows from a base commander into a heroic martyr. In the original narrative, his character arc culminates in a selfless sacrifice. After being captured by the enemy, he uses his surprising martial arts skills to subdue his captors, commandeer an enemy craft, and crash it into a Beast Fighter to save the Voltes team, dying in the process. This act cements his legacy as a protector of humanity until the very end.
Notable abilities extend beyond his scientific genius. Despite his aged appearance, Dr. Smith is remarkably capable in hand-to-hand combat. He is known to fight off Boazanian soldiers using vicious roundhouse kicks, demonstrating a physical resilience and fighting prowess that belies his elder status.