Hachigatsu,

Interesting background, since I know nothing of this genre. I'll be looking for some of the titles you mention--any other recommendations from you or others welcome.

I can't speak to the theories about who stole what, but I looked at the character you mentioned as a possible Vader influence and I don't see it. Ralph McQuarrie's sketeches in the Art of Star Wars show the evolution of the character, and when you start with a samurai influence, there will always be overlap.

I was startled by some of the cranky reviews of this I saw online. I found it just so entertaining, and would love to watch some more in a similar vein. I just find too many US scifi action/adventures too static, not punchy or pulpy enough, probably because when you get to a certain budget level the studios don't seem to want you to risk alienating the audience by being very quirky. I'll be looking for the titles you mentioned.