Great General Garuda emerges as the primary antagonist in the series' first half. Created as an android by scientist Oreana, he was designed to be her perfect son and lead the Campbellian invasion of Earth. Implanted with fabricated memories, he initially believed their relationship was biological. Commanding assaults on Earth's cities, he deployed bio-mechanical slave beasts against humanity, provoking the formation of the Combattler V team to oppose him.

Garuda possesses the ability to shift his physical form between a blue-skinned, blonde-haired humanoid and a humanoid eagle. Initially ruthless, employing destruction and murder for amusement, his demeanor evolved to reveal honorable traits: genuine concern for his soldiers, acknowledging worthy adversaries, and preferring an honorable death over surrender.

His assistant android, Miia, harbored unexpressed love for him. When Oreana moved to dismiss Garuda after his repeated failures against Combattler V, Miia sacrificed herself to save him, confessing her feelings. This sacrifice prompted Garuda to recognize his own love for her. Attempting Miia's repairs in Oreana's secret lair, he discovered the truth of his artificial origins. Learning he was merely Oreana's latest creation shattered him initially.

Consumed by vengeance upon this revelation, Garuda completed the construction of the incomplete slave beast Big Garuda. When Oreana revealed her mechanical body and attempted to drain Combattler V's power using a 'Null Electromagnetic Ray', he used Big Garuda to destroy half of her head, killing her. He then engaged Combattler V in a final battle. Defeated by the team, he faced death with dignity, acknowledging their combat skill. His last words expressed the hope of reuniting with Miia in death.