Back when the Mazinger Z: Infinity anime movie was announced one of the big things that stood out was the updated design for the titular Mazinger Z. Specifically, that it looked a lot more muscular and it’s this new design that Bandai has brought to life with a Metal Build toy.
Mazinger Z started out as a manga in the early 70s and then was adapted into an anime shortly afterward. One of the main proponents of the super robot boom of that era, it featured the fearless Koji Kabuto piloting the almost invincible Mazinger Z and its subsequent legacy has been suitably far-reaching in Japan and across the world.
This new Mazinger Z: Infinity anime movie continues on the narrative but also with the intent of introducing an all-new and younger audience to the adventures of Koji and his massive super robot.
Released in Japan last year, the movie also came briefly Westward and was shown in a few select theaters across the U.S. and there is a Blu-ray release planned later this year.
So the timing of this Metal Build toy decently ties into all this and as you would expect from Bandai, it doesn’t disappoint.
The term “chogokin” in mecha toy circles also dates back to the original Mazinger Z, with the “super alloy” being part of the manga and anime narrative. Only for it to be later appropriated by toy manufacturers to indicate that the tie-in toys used diecast metal.
It is only fitting then that this new Mazinger Z toy harks back to that chogokin lineage but it does so in a slightly different way.
Normally, Bandai tends to release new Mazinger Z related toys in one of Soul of Chogokin toylines or similar spin-off lines. This time though, Bandai chose the Metal Build line and that’s interesting.
This is because the Metal Build line is all about depicting more athletic real robot mecha, so to include one of the formative super robots in that looks initially a bit odd. However, once you realize that Takayuki Yanase penned this updated design of Mazinger Z it begins to make sense.
If you are not familiar with Yanase’s work, he is known for designing sleek and modern looking real robot type mecha. So in this instance, Yanase has brought a touch of the real robot to Mazinger Z’s design and it’s this that has made it looked more athletic and warranted its entry into the ranks of other Metal Build toys.
Now when I say “athletic”, it’s worth highlighting the obvious here. Yanase didn’t just make Mazinger Z sleeker, he gave it abs. A lot of abs.
Abs on the arms, abs on the knees, abs on the shoulders, abs on the back, abs everywhere. This new Mazinger Z is basically made of abs.
To see what I mean, you need to see the original concept art (shown above) and then the true scope of what Yanase has done becomes apparent. This is no longer your father’s Mazinger Z, this is Chadzinger; slayer of Crossfit and maker of gains.
Joking aside, the design is an interesting and intricate one and Bandai hasn’t shirked from its duty to recreate it in toy form.
The base figure itself is very well done. Obviously, the detailing and sculpt are very finely done, which considering all the abs on show is essential. However, there is a lot of diecast here as well and the result is a nicely weighty toy that feels like a proper chogokin.
The next big thing that jumps out at you is the sheer number of accessories included. From the entirely necessary Jet Scrander, you also have all manner of effects parts for when Mazinger Z flies around or enacts a rocket punch.
You also get stands for everything so you can recreate various poses and attacks from the movie.
The articulation is also very solid and holds poses well. One particular point of note is that the knee joint has an interesting folding hinge setup at the rear. Quite ingenious and it allows for a smooth lower leg all around without a gaping hole at the back of the knee.
The only thing that bugs me about this Mazinger Z toy is that despite all the accessories and fastidious attention to detail, it lacks spring-loaded fists. The Mazinger Z toys of old used to include spring loaded arms so you could do the rocket punch from the manga and anime. It was and still is Mazinger Z’s party piece if you will.
So to have it absent here is a bit sad and on top of that, while you get some nice hand accessories it would have been great to include at least one pair with articulated fingers.
Bar those minor gripes though, this is a very nice toy of the new Mazinger Z. It captures Yanase’s ab fueled styling but also retains all the hallmarks of a proper chogokin release, even a more athletically infused one.
So if you are a fan of abs and Mazinger Z, then this new Metal Build is one for you and is a nice sturdy piece that is perfect for playing around with as well as displaying in all its ab related glory.
This Metal Build Mazinger toy is priced at $307 and is currently available from Amazon.
Disclosure: Bandai sent me this toy for the purposes of this review.
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