Mazinger Z
Review by Atom
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!
Comments
32 comments postedGot this guy on release with Great and the Accessories pack: Man this thing is awesome. If you stick it on an Act 5 stage it's even cooler.
One of the legs on mine is a little looser than I would have liked which is a bit of a downer, but it's ultimately no big deal.
This new line is going to be fantastic.
I'm extremly glad to see this new line make it's debut on Collection DX. I pre-ordered mine and was as giddy as a school girl when i got it. The last few Mazinger Releases from the Soul of Chogokin Line were based on the shin Mazinger series, whereas this beauty is based on the classic Mazinger Z, there are some very small diffrences that only hard core fans will notice like the reshaping of the breast plate and the red paint surrounding Shin Mazinger's eyes. The fact that its not all made of metal is a small disadvantage that can be over looked by the wide range of posses that be achieved, its also understandable considering the rocket punch effect parts require the arms to be very light in order to work just right. Looking forward to reading the review of the accessories pack. Keep up the good work CDX.
If Bandai releases a SRC Aphrodite w/ Mazinger as boxset, they would look much sexier. : 3
Seems like a sharp figure. Lots of great poses, but since it's a "mini" I was most hoping to see a size comparison pic. (Doesn't have to be against the SOC, since Atom doesn't own one.)
I don't know who this "Japster" character is--or WHY he rates his own photo request--but I asked first. So that picture is mine and mine alone! Nobody else look!!!
Heh. No biggie. Happens all the time. ;-)
I always ignored it, until people started pitching hissies because they thought it was racist/insulting (nevermind the fact that it wasn't my actual handle).
- Front part of chest
- Hip joints
- Lower legs
Same applies to the SRC Great Mazinger...
}D
Yeap, pretty sure... just did a temperature check; the diecast parts are very cold (lower legs, hip joints, upper torso)while the plastic parts are not.
}D
Didn't preview photos of this set feature a launching Rocket Punch attachment? Is that part of this set?
You didn't say the rocket punch was part of the weapon set, only the scrander and other "nifty pieces". How am I to know the rocket punch is nifty? I mistakenly thought it was rad or maybe totally boss.
Metaltech Grendizer, Bandai SOC Boss Borot, and Bandai SRC Mazinger Z:
Bandai SRC Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, and Metaltech Grendizer:
Bandai SOC Boss Borot, Yamato Hero Collection Great Mazinger, and SRC Mazinger Z:
}D
What's with the white limbs?
I'm a sucker for anime accuracy, so the white limbs are a must for me.
}D
did you paint them white? I'm all for accuracy too but that kind of white seems a lil much, in any case as long as you like'em that's all that matters. Btw, can someone tell me what that stand is called? i saw pics of it early when they were showcasing the new line and assumed i would get it with my Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger or at least the accessories pack, but alas i couldn't find it, guess it must be sold separately, id really appreciate it if someone can tell what its called and where i could buy it from. Thanks
Yes, I painted the figures myself... and it was hell! I also got rid of the burnt gold color used for the eyes and horns. I truly like the white. To me it looks excellent, way better than the dull silver. It makes the figures look like they just left the assembly line. I have no love for weathering or anything else that makes the figures look old and dirty.
}D
What paints did you use for it? and how'd you keep the finish so smooth. I'm considering doing it for my Shin Mazinger so I can have a Mazinkaiser Mainger...
I'll get a Maz! Nice review Atom, with many excellent classic action poses you got out of that figure. Good job!
Kicking myself for not picking these 1st releases up at the good prices at the Tamashi Nations/BlueFin booth at NYCC. It was the 1st place I'd seen them in person, and they looked great. Just like you said, a new take on the ST sized line.
One forum member a while back made the good point that someone could probably do well if they reboxed these into an American/European release of "Shogun Warriors" like Mattel did back when.
Nice review Atom, I'm really excited for this line and I hope a Getter 1 makes its way into the line soon. The lower price point is really appealing and hopefully it means I'll be able to pick one up soon.
I've only opened Great Maz and I was underwhelmed. It feels like a very nice action figure, not anything in the realm of an SOC. I am hoping for great things from the promised/hinted at playsets. If they are grand this line will be worth it. If they aren't I'll likely never open that Mazinger or buy any more in the line.
Well, that depends on the SOC... quality-wise the first 3 SRCs released do cartwheels around some SOCs (GX-41 Reideen comes to mind). What playsets are you refering too???
}D
Nice pictures.
Take a look at the promo images. Looks like a photon energy lab, hanger and other stuff. At least that was my interpretation. I bought the mazingers only with the hope of those play sets.
You're not alone in that. I hope to see a bunch of playsets for this line, it was a major point when they started announcing all the other figures in the series this summer, they kept pushing the playset/diorama concept. I have a feeling we'll see it before next fall.
I am a huge sucker for playsets- I wish Bandai or the fans-project groups would make more...
I bought MAZINGER Z, GREAT MAZINGER, the MAZINGER WEAPON SET and RAIDEEN and now I'm looking forward for MAZINGER WEAPON SET 2!
THANK YOU BANDAI!
Hey guys,
Sorry to bring up an old review.
I was wondering if anyone else has had trouble keeping the Hover Pilder in the head of Maz? Mine does not seem to actually want to insert.