Mazinger Z (Super Robot Chogokin)

Mazinger Z is the first giant robot in anime to be piloted from the inside. In 1972 Go Nagai started a phenomenon when Kabuto Kouji first docked the Hover Pilder into Mazinger Z's noggin. Mazinger Z led the way in a boom of 1970's super robot anime and established several conventions of the genre. I've only watched the first handful of episodes but enjoy the funky designs of the robots and the action scenes. There's some casual 1970's sexism despite the fact that the female pilot of the robot Aphrodite A is more experienced and competent than Kouji is at first. The Super Robot Chogokin line is primarily for collectors who either cannot afford or don't really have room for the larger Soul of Chogokin figures. I probably fall into both of those categories but the smaller Super Robot Chogokin dudes are well articulated and are probably akin to the S.H. Figuarts line but focussing only on robots and still maintaining some die cast metal content.

Mazinger Z has a very shiny finish on his torso and there's some pretty reflective chrome and gold on his accessories. The Pilder is removable so you can relive the sequence of Kouji landing and bringing the giant robot to life. As I've only seen a few episodes of the anime I haven't seen the sword or the bigger hand. But they are cool and this robot is pretty awesome.

No brain yet.

"Mazin Go!"

"Pilder On!"

I love the grill mouth. It hints at Medieval knights but also something darker & more monstrous.

Regular fists.

Die cast feet make for solid balancing.

Robo-knees.

There's the metal!

Open hands.

Mazinger Z is not amused.

"Talk to the hand!"

"KHAAAAAAAN!"

Or I guess more accurately: "Dr. HELLLLLL!"

"Whoops, forgot something!"

"By the power of..." will I ever get tired of that joke? Probably not.

Shiny sword.

Okay, I have learned that this hand is for the Kyoukagata Rocket Punch.

Stronger and more heavily armoured.

Ready for Rocket Punch.

Mazinger can't actually fly unassisted.

"Gettin' jiggy with it."