Great Mazinger
Review by NekroDave
Following on the heels of Mazinger Z, Unifive's next release in their line of Jumbo Machines was naturally Great Mazinger (グレートマジンガー). For many collectors, this is THE piece to get in the line. Many people loved the Mattel Shogun Warriors jumbo version of this character, but were either unwilling or unable to get the original Popy, or maybe didn't even know of its existence. This edition from Unifive was practically identical to the original, but at a fraction of the cost. And it is a tremendous improvement over the Mattel toy.
While the Mattel toy has a missile launcher in place of the left fist, this version restores the symmetry of the original with normal matching fists. This version also has a nicely molded chest piece instead of the sticker that some of the Mattel versions had. While most collectors are pretty familiar with this toy, seeing it in its proper form reminds of just how nice it is.
But Unifive wasn't content to just match the beauty of the Popy toy. Instead, they went the extra mile and actually included the Scramble Dash accessory. This set of removable wings makes Great Mazinger go from just a great jumbo to an absolute MUST HAVE. The Scramble Dash included here is different from the original. The original came in 4 parts and you had to connect the wings to the center. Here you only have to connect the yellow fin on top. Then just slide the connector around the robot's waist and it will rest snugly on it's back.
I can't overstate how much cooler this toy is with this feature than without it. The only minor downside is that it can be slightly hard to display it with your other jumbos with the wings on. because of their size. The wingspan is about 17.5" across and the finadds another 5" to the depth of the toy. Perhaps the best way to display it might be with the wings on, but the fin detached. But that is a very small price to pay. I thnk the only other minor gripe one might have with this toy is that although it comes with two swords that can be stored in and removed from the hips, only the right hand actually has a hole that you can hold one in.
Everything else is like the vintage Popy Jumbo Machinder. There are 5 missile clips on the exterior of each leg and two more on each shoulder for a total of 14 missiles. Unfortunately, there is nothing to shoot them with, but since you got the wings included, I guess you can't complain too much about having to buy the separately sold missile launcher accessory.
The Brain Condor can be removed from the head, the fists removed to accomodate the accessory fists and there are wheels on the feet. The soft vinyl head can be turned side to side and the arms raised and lowered, but neither of the fists shoot. The box is a new image, but an obvious homage to the original Popy box.
While all the Unifive Jumbos can still be found fairly easily, this might be the hardest of the regular releases (ie; not including the exclusive black Garada K7) to get these days since demand for it is so high. But if you're into Jumbos, it's a no brainer. You need this one.
Comments
8 comments postedThis is the only Jumbo I own, and I absolutely love it. I almost bought a Mattel Mazinga, but I saw this for sale at local comic shop and did not hesitate for long before dropping the $100 it cost. For people who do not have Jumbos, the box it comes in is like a small child's coffin. Jesus Christ is this thing huge. It dominates my room and it is just standing up on my bookshelf. Right next to Jumbo Mazinger is Unicron, looking like he has a serious Napoleon complex.
Don't think these are very common anymore. I got all the U-5 s back when they were released. I still have this one in the box, but you know I had to open that Scramble Dash and throw it on my vintage Great M!!!
Grandzinga....
I think you still see U5 Jumbos regularly enough, but they are starting to climb in price a bit now, especially this one. Is your vintage GM a Popy or a Shogun? If it's a Shogun, I'd have left the Scramble Dash on the U5. Or bought a vintage Scramble Dash for the Shogun. That accessory can still be had for a decent price, when they show up.
"This must be settled the way nature intended....with a vicious, bloody fight!"
Onyx Blackman
Principal, Flatpoint High
Yes- it is just a first version Shogun. I just have the U5 sitting there in the box so I thought why not break out 'ol scramble dash for a nice display without shelling out one more red cent for another one.
I'm the only one who looks at all the stuff in the room anyway. Not to many museum tours going on here.
Grandzinga....
Huh. I just find it odd that you'd choose to display a Shogun version instead of the U5 version, when you have both to pick from. Oh well, takes all kinds, I guess... :)
"This must be settled the way nature intended....with a vicious, bloody fight!"
Onyx Blackman
Principal, Flatpoint High
Well I think it is because the GM Shogun is from my actual childhood toy collection that I grew up playing with while the U5 is displaying just fine in the box as a backdrop to the others. The U5 is a "new" release that I've purchased as an adult and placed on a shelf. Not much sentimental value in that. I noticed that you don't care too much for the Mattel releases. If I grew up in Japan playing with the Popy versions that would have been grand. Alas- I am American and only had access to Shogun Warriors in the '70s and I blissfully embraced them as a child. I owe my entire collected interest in Japanese robot toys to the Mattel import line of Jumbos.
Grandzinga....
Me too. It's just that most collectors I've seen, although they love the Shoguns of their youth, can't upgrade to one with proper fists fast enough, often paying good money in the process to do so. So to have a Great Mazinger with two fists, but to opt to display the one with a rocket launcher, is a little different is all. :)
"This must be settled the way nature intended....with a vicious, bloody fight!"
Onyx Blackman
Principal, Flatpoint High
Not only is my GM Shogun 1st version displayed with the original import missile hand, my 2nd version GM Shogun is displayed with the Japanese accessory ZZ-4 New Alloy Bowgun hand attached. And get ready for this... my U5 Mazinger is displayed with both XX-13's attached. I bet that must really blow your mind!
Grandzinga....