Having released numerous classic super robots, featuring "large size" and "articulation" as its selling points, the "GABM" (GRAND ACTION BIGSIZE MODEL) series of toys from Japanese toy company EVOLUTION TOY is scheduled to release a large, articulated figure of the original concept character "Energizer Z" (エネルガーＺ) from the classic work "Mazinger Z" in April 2023!
Created by the renowned manga artist Go Nagai, "Mazinger Z" (マジンガーＺ, also translated as "Demon God Z") is undoubtedly a familiar work to many, and a beautiful childhood memory. The work was first serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" in February 1972, and was animated and broadcast on television in October of the same year. Later, when broadcast around the world, it received considerable acclaim, even achieving an astonishing 80% viewership rating when aired in European countries such as Spain and Italy (Spain even has a large statue of Mazinger Z), demonstrating its extraordinary charm.
▼ "Mazinger Z" First Edition TV Anime Opening Theme Video:
Some friends might not be familiar with the origin of "Energizer Z." In fact, it was the original appearance of Mazinger Z when Go Nagai first conceived it. Since the inspiration for Mazinger Z initially came to Go Nagai while he was stuck in traffic, the earliest ideas were all based on vehicles. The initial plan was for the pilot to ride a motorcycle, using a ramp to ride to the top of the robot and combine with it. This idea was later revised into the Pilder (command module) small aircraft, and the robot's head design was modified, becoming the current Mazinger Z. This concept was later applied to the second generation of Aphrodite A, "Diana A" (ダイアナンA).
▼ Sayaka Yumi (さやか) riding a motorcycle to combine with Diana A - Launch Video:
This GABM series Energizer Z released by EVOLUTION TOY is a product that materializes Go Nagai's original concept. Standing approximately 40 cm tall, it has a similar appearance and form to the current Mazinger Z, but with a different head. The Pilder has become a motorcycle, and the robot's back also features a ramp-like panel for the motorcycle to ride up, resembling a cape. Additionally, the shape of the heat sink plates on its chest is somewhat more rounded.
EVOLUTION TOY GRAND ACTION BIGSIZE MODEL Energizer Z
Reference Price: 39,380 JPY (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: April 2023
Size: Approximately 40cm in height
via： EVOLUTION TOY