Mazinger Z

Super Robot Chogokin is the newest robot figure line from Bandai. What makes this line different from things like Robot Spirits or Composite Version Ka is that they are like mini Soul of Chogokins with actual metal. It’s as if Bandai decided to relaunch the old ST style of releases without the ST label.

The first release in this new line is of course Mazinger Z, which makes sense for a new chogokin line as the term ‘chogokin’ originated in Go Nagi’s original Mazinger Z manga.

I am not going to recount the convoluted history and spin-offs of the Mazinger franchise here in this review. If you need all those details you can hit up the Wikipedia entry to get all the details.

The figure and the parts and pieces come in a 4-color box with window slots cut into the front of the box so you can see Mazinger inside.

Inside the package, all is stored in a clear vacuum-formed tray. No styrofoam packing here.

I personally do not own any SOC’s as of this article (I am considering changing that with the upcoming reissue of Godmars though.) I have; however, handled many over the years so I am pretty familiar with their fit and finish, so please believe me when I say this new Mazinger Z is a mini, shrunk down SOC! I’d consider it an ST version to the SOC’s DX style treatment of classic robots.

Mazinger features the same exacting craftsmanship that we have come to expect of the larger Soul of Chogokin line.

The figure feels very solid and has a nice weight. Metal content is present in the lower legs, hip joints and front chest plate. The majority of the figure is a dense, high quality ABS plastic with the Hover Pilder and swappable hands being softer PVC plastic.

The articulation on this release is excellent, using a mix of tension, extension, and ratcheting joints.

The knees feature the main set of ratchet joints on the figure. They give a very satisfying click when moved and feature an excellent range of motion.

Ball joints are at the ankles, hips, shoulders and neck and feature smooth, fluid range of motion without any of them feeling loose.

The hips, waist and chest all feature an expanding joint that allows for some incredible range of motion. Honestly this figure may be even more pose-able than the latest SOC release of Mazinger Z.

The elbows feature a double hinge mechanism, giving a joint above and below the elbow. The joint above is ratcheted and the joint below is tension.

All this comes together to give you a highly articulated and posable representation of Mazinger Z.

Closed, punching hands are equipped on Mazinger Z, but more accessories are included…

• Mazinger Blade
• Hover Pilder
• Pair of Sword Holding Fists
• Pair of Open Palms
• Powered Up Right Arm Sheath
• Powered Up Right Fist
• Powered Up Right Palm
• Stage.ACT 5 stand adaptor

This initial release also included a styrofoam rock base to display your sexy new Mazinger Z on. I believe later reissues won’t include it.

Now you may notice there is no Jet Scrander included. That accessory as well as some other nifty pieces is available in a separate Mazinger Weapon Set which I will publish tomorrow.

This is an excellent release that combines the very best of Bandai’s engineering from its various toy lines. Mazinger is a solid and affordable chogokin and an excellent toy. Highly recommended!