"Thunderbirds Are Go" (サンダーバード), Original Japanese Theatrical Movie Poster 1967 (for the 1966 film), B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — ZA856
This is an original Japanese B2 poster for Gerry & Sylvia Anderson’s Supermarionation feature Thunderbirds Are Go (『サンダーバード』). The film was produced in 1966 and released theatrically in Japan in 1967.
A domestic theatrical sheet printed with テクニカラー／テクニスコープ (Technicolor/Techniscope) is noted on the artwork—exactly as shown on this poster.
Design
Maximum rescue spectacle: the Zero-X craft detonates across a crimson sky while two towering “Mars monster” figures fire energy beams in the foreground—an exuberant Japanese-market embellishment to the film’s Mars jeopardy. Down the left margin, portrait-and-vehicle panels introduce the International Rescue / Tracy family lineup (Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon, John) alongside signature machines and hardware.
A battery of explosions, missiles, and the blue ground unit streak across the lower band, while the gigantic brush title サンダーバード slams along the base, with the English mark THUNDERBIRDS are GO tucked at lower right—pure Showa-era impact.
Cult status / film notes
The Andersons’ feature debut for the series remains a cult favourite in Japan, where Thunderbirds achieved huge TV popularity and a long-lasting merchandising wave. Japanese one-sheets from the early theatrical era—especially designs like this with the full battle painting and character strip—are prized for their kinetic layouts, colour, and uniquely Japanese “bigger and louder” reinterpretation of the material.
Condition
Excellent / Near Mint. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
A beautifully preserved example with strong colour and an exceptionally clean overall presentation, including a very tidy reverse (see photos). Once framed, this will display superbly.
This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1967 release period.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 58 years old!
Certificate of Authenticity included.
