Mazinger Z is the first entry in the Soul of Chogokin line. Originally, the design was meant to be a part of the High Complete Model series (HCM), but Bandai took it to the next level and created this die cast masterpiece instead.<.p>

Released in December of 1997 for 5,800¥ , the GX-01 ushered in a new era of modern chogokin. Ask many Japanese toy collectors what got them back into collecting, and many of them will say "Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Z".

The figure is fully poseable and constructed of die cast and plastic. It even has a waist-joint for dynamic poses. Mazinger-Z comes with 2 hover pilders, Mazinger Punch & Iron Cutter Punch launching mechanisms, Missile launcher elbow attachments, Jet Scrander, Opening waist Missile bay with pop-up missile and a detailed display stand to hold it all.

Mazinger Z is not without its flaws. The red emblems on his chest fall off, the upper legs are prone to cracking, and the spare hover Pilder does not stay on the base. Bandai addressed these concerns with it's bigger, badder GX-01R (The "R" stands for renewal).

SOC MAZINGER Z RELEASES

• 1997 - Mazinger Z (GX-01)
• 1998 - Mazinger Z Black (GX-01B)
• 2001 - OVA Mazinger Z (GX-07)
• 2002 - OVA Mazinger Z (Toy's dream project edition)
• 2002 - Mazinga Z Renewal Version (GX-01R)
• 2003 - Mazinga Z Renewal Gold Version (GX-01RG)
• 2003 - Mazinga Z Renewal Black Version (GX-01RB)