Movie
Description
Derek Wildstar, originally named Susumu Kodai in Japanese media, is a central character in *Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato*. His parents died in a Gamilas bomb attack on Earth, fueling a motivation for revenge. The apparent death of his older brother, Alex Wildstar, during a Pluto battle under Captain Avatar fostered initial resentment towards the captain and shaped his early hot-headed, impulsive personality.
Serving as tactical officer and deputy captain aboard the Argo (Yamato) during the first season's mission to retrieve the Cosmo DNA, his experiences catalyzed significant maturation, shifting his focus from anger to responsibility. After Captain Avatar's death, he became acting captain, demonstrating growing leadership. During this period, he developed a romantic relationship with Nova Forrester, the ship's radar operator.
Set one year after the Argo's return in *Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato*, Derek Wildstar commands an escort destroyer protecting Earth's resource fleets. He is engaged to Nova Forrester, with their wedding imminent. When a mysterious message warns of the approaching White Comet Empire, Earth's government dismisses the threat. At a council meeting, Derek Wildstar advocates for proactive defense, criticizing leadership complacency. Following the government's order to decommission the Argo and reassign the crew, he spearheads a rebellion to reclaim the ship, supported by most of the original crew, including key officers and Space Marines. Nova Forrester supports this decision despite the personal sacrifice.
Commanding the Argo against the Comet Empire, Derek Wildstar engages Emperor Zwordar's forces in multiple battles. The climax involves a direct assault on the Comet Empire's super-battleship. After Nova Forrester is killed, he carries her body to the bridge. He orders the crew to evacuate and remains aboard, piloting the Argo on a collision course with the enemy vessel, sacrificing himself to destroy it and save Earth.
Later installments depict Derek Wildstar formally promoted to captain for subsequent missions. He retires after *Final Yamato* but returns to command a rebuilt Argo in *Resurrection* following Nova Forrester's disappearance. The 2010 live-action film offers an alternate depiction where the character sacrifices himself to destroy a Gamilas missile threatening Earth.
Across all iterations, the character evolves from a vengeance-driven youth to a self-sacrificing leader, with his relationship with Nova Forrester and sense of duty serving as consistent narrative elements.
Serving as tactical officer and deputy captain aboard the Argo (Yamato) during the first season's mission to retrieve the Cosmo DNA, his experiences catalyzed significant maturation, shifting his focus from anger to responsibility. After Captain Avatar's death, he became acting captain, demonstrating growing leadership. During this period, he developed a romantic relationship with Nova Forrester, the ship's radar operator.
Set one year after the Argo's return in *Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato*, Derek Wildstar commands an escort destroyer protecting Earth's resource fleets. He is engaged to Nova Forrester, with their wedding imminent. When a mysterious message warns of the approaching White Comet Empire, Earth's government dismisses the threat. At a council meeting, Derek Wildstar advocates for proactive defense, criticizing leadership complacency. Following the government's order to decommission the Argo and reassign the crew, he spearheads a rebellion to reclaim the ship, supported by most of the original crew, including key officers and Space Marines. Nova Forrester supports this decision despite the personal sacrifice.
Commanding the Argo against the Comet Empire, Derek Wildstar engages Emperor Zwordar's forces in multiple battles. The climax involves a direct assault on the Comet Empire's super-battleship. After Nova Forrester is killed, he carries her body to the bridge. He orders the crew to evacuate and remains aboard, piloting the Argo on a collision course with the enemy vessel, sacrificing himself to destroy it and save Earth.
Later installments depict Derek Wildstar formally promoted to captain for subsequent missions. He retires after *Final Yamato* but returns to command a rebuilt Argo in *Resurrection* following Nova Forrester's disappearance. The 2010 live-action film offers an alternate depiction where the character sacrifices himself to destroy a Gamilas missile threatening Earth.
Across all iterations, the character evolves from a vengeance-driven youth to a self-sacrificing leader, with his relationship with Nova Forrester and sense of duty serving as consistent narrative elements.