This version of the classic Mazinger Z was a Mail-Away exclusive.

This version of the classic Mazinger Z was a mail-away exclusive. It came out of nowhere - I had no idea. Iron Z comes courtesy of Anime-Export

Of course this looks very similar to the previously released Energer Z figure. What's the deal, you ask?

Well, Energer Z was the original name of the first design of Mazinger Z. The design was changed before it got turned into the legendary robot we know and love. It was recently issued as a 40th anniversary version Soul of Chogokin, with only 3000 pieces made.

This new toy is Iron Z, which is based off of Energer Z, but is used in a new Mazinger manga. This character actually has TWO pilots - Koji Kabuto and new pilot Kikunosuke Abashiri (who is female actually). The toy was offered as a magazine mail away with which you clip a coupon and send 6800 yen to get one.

Fortunately, some dealers (ie Anime-Export) have gotten small stock of Iron Z and are offering them to the public without having to track down the manga.

Iron Z is slightly different than Energer Z. Both toys use the GX-07 OVA Mazinger Z as a base, but the Iron Z has chrome metal arms and thighs, as opposed to the plastic on Energer. This version also has TWO motorcycles, and also includes iron cutter fists.

Also included is a stand, launching forearms, and a set of regular arms with different hands.

This SOC was really refreshing - simple, clean and fun to play with. I had almost forgotten what had made me love the SOC line in the first place. This is just a nice piece of metal that feels good in your hands.

Tracking one down may be tough, but Anime-Export has them in stock - but supplies are limited. Get them before they are gone!

Buy Iron z at Anime-Export

Venus A is one of the better entries into the Mazinger Angels series. It's actually not as good as the original, but it makes up for it a bit with some additional accessories.

These toys are based on designs appearing in a new Mazinger Z Manga, called Mazinger Angels. They are re-styled versions of the original female robots from Mazinger Z. The Angels first appeared in 2004, and as of 2006 they are still releasing versions.

Venus A is one of the better entries into the Mazinger Angels series. It's actually not as good as the original, but it makes up for it a bit with some additional accessories.

Included in with this toy is:

• Display Stand (3 pieces) (nameplate is a label)
• Mazinger Sword (O.P.M. 07)
• 3 sets of hands
• 2 Drill Pressure Missiles (O.P.M. 02)
• 2 Standard Oppai Missiles
• 2 Empty Oppai Missiles
• 2 Venus Typhoon Missiles (O.P.M. 05)
• 1 Queenstar ship.
• 2 antennae

The two O.P.M. included are the Drill Pressure Missiles, and the Venus Typhoon Missiles. Both shoot from the chest, as well as the regular and "empty" oppai missiles. You have to attach the 2 antennae and insert the small Queenstar ship into Venus A's head. Be careful with those antennae, if you lose them, there are no replacements.

The sword is kind of cool, but it is not made of metal. Venus A can hold the sword in either hand, and the stand has a place for it when not in use.

The stand is basically the same stand as the previous Mazinger Ladies. Bandai remains inconsistent with their use of either labels or nameplates, this time opting for labels.

The Hong Kong version of this toy came with a special premium, a metal compact. It's a clamshell case with a mirror for doing makeup. The Mazinger Angel logo is on the outside, while Venus A's head is embossed inside.

One thing that was kind of a letdown with this figure is the lack of a scrander. That made the original figure really spectacular. But the design of Venus A is nice and sleek that it doesn't really suffer too much without it. Still, I prefer the original design.

The addition of the extra armor really makes a difference in this figure. While the original SOC was kind of tame and boring, this version really brings something new to the table.

These toys are based on designs appearing in a new Mazinger Z Manga, called Mazinger Angels. They are re-styled versions of the original female robots from Mazinger Z. The Angels first appeared in 2004, and as of 2006 they are still releasing versions.

Minerva X (超合金魂 マジンガーエンジェル ミネルバX / Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Angel Minerva X) is one of my favorite Mazinger Angels. The addition of the extra armor really makes a difference in this figure. While the original SOC was kind of tame and boring, this version really brings something new to the table.

Included in with this toy is:

• Display Stand (3 pieces) (nameplate is a label)
• Sword
• 6 Fists
• Alternate Oppai
• Alternate head (w/ flight pack)
• tail armor

Like the original Minerva X, this one does not fire any Oppai Missiles. The big gimmick here is the alternate mode, which takes the docile-looking Minerva and turns her into a demon-like character. I'm not sure what this represents in the manga, or if this form has a different name. To switch her, replace the head, hands, and oppai, as well as attach the tail armor. Minerva looks really evil in this mode.

The sword is kind of cool, but it is not made of metal. Minerva X can hold the sword in either hand, and he stand has a place for it when not in use.

The stand is basically the same stand as the previous Mazinger Ladies. Bandai remains inconsistent with their use of either labels or nameplates, this time opting for labels.

The Hong Kong version of this toy came with a special premium, a metal compact. It's a clamshell case with a mirror for doing makeup. The Mazinger Angel logo is on the outside, while Minerva's head is embossed inside.

I think Minerva X is probably the best of the Mazinger Ladies, and Bandai did a good job re-imagining the original toy, which in my opinion was kind of lame. However, Minerva X is not without her flaws. As great as she looks, she can't stand on her own worth a damn. If you are going to spend this much time creating a great looking toy, how hard is it to make it stand up? The base has a clip that enables her to stand, but still....

Aphrodai A (マジンガーエンジェル　アフロダイＡ) has an updated paint job, new weapons and some slight mold changes. Like the original, it's mostly diecast metal and fully articulated.

These toys are based on designs appearing in a new Mazinger Z Manga, called Mazinger Angels. They are re-styled versions of the original female robots from Mazinger Z. The Angels first appeared in 2004, and as of 2006 they are still releasing versions.

Aphrodai A (マジンガーエンジェル　アフロダイＡ) has an updated paint job, new weapons and some slight mold changes. Like the original, it's mostly diecast metal and fully articulated. While this version has a more dynamic look, I prefer the classic design, mostly out of nostalgia.

Included in with this toy is:

• Display Stand (3 pieces) (nameplate is a label)
• 2 Iron Cutter Missile (O.P.M. 01)
• 2 Megaton Hammer (O.P.M. 04)
• Mazinger Sword (O.P.M. 07)
• 2 Regular Oppai Missiles
• 2 "Empty" Oppai Missiles
• 4 Fists
• Clear dome

Any of the Oppai (breast) missiles can be fired by buttons on the back. To be honest, I think they are kind of silly, but Aphrodai wins points for having CHAIN weapons.

The sword is kind of cool, but it is not made of metal. Aphrodai can hold the sword in either hand, and the stand has a place for it when not in use.

The stand is basically the same stand as the previous Aphrodai. Bandai remains inconsistent with their use of either labels or nameplates, this time opting for labels.

The Hong Kong version of this toy came with a special premium, a metal compact. It's a clamshell case with a mirror for doing makeup. The Mazinger Angel logo is on the outside, while Aphrodai A's head is embossed inside.

While Aphrodai A is nice and shiny, I don't think it is an essential item. If you are a SOC completist, you will enjoy this item.

Dianan A was one of the less interesting Mazinger ladies when they were first released, is only marginally better as part of the Mazinger Angels line.

These toys are based on designs appearing in a new Mazinger Z Manga, called Mazinger Angels. They are re-styled versions of the original female robots from Mazinger Z. The Angels first appeared in 2004, and as of 2006 they are still releasing versions.

Dianan A was one of the less interesting Mazinger ladies when they were first released, is only marginally better as part of the Mazinger Angels line. Granted, the toy looks good, but aesthetically, its too far removed from what I like in a toy. It's essentially the same as the original, minus the chrome paint job and alternate accessories.

Included in with this toy is:

• Display Stand (3 pieces) (nameplate is a label)
• Mazinger Sword (O.P.M. 07)
• 4 Fists
• 2 Screw Crusher Missiles (O.P.M. 03)
• 2 Standard Oppai Missiles
• 2 Empty Oppai Missiles
• 2 Liquid Shooters (O.P.M. 06)
• Scarlet Mobile Motorcycle.

The Screw Crusher Missiles appear to be a nod to Grendizer's "Screw Crusher Punch" attack, with the blades looking just like Grendy's. They, along with all the Oppai missiles, can fire by pressing a button on the figures back. The liquid shooters can be held in either hand but don't actually shoot anything. Lastly, the scarlet Mobile attaches to Dianan A's head.

The sword is kind of cool, but it is not made of metal. Dianan A can hold the sword in either hand, and the stand has a place for it when not in use.

The stand is basically the same stand as the previous Mazinger Ladies. Bandai remains inconsistent with their use of either labels or nameplates, this time opting for labels.

The Hong Kong version of this toy came with a special premium, a metal compact. It's a clamshell case with a mirror for doing makeup. The Mazinger Angel logo is on the outside, while Dianan A's head is embossed inside.

This figure didn't do much for me. Don't misunderstand me, it is a quality toy, and I see how a lot of people would totally dig its updated looks, but the style of these angels just isn't for me. I prefer their old-school original incarnations. If you like this restyling, you won't be dissapointed.