Mazinger Z vs Devilman: The appeal and reputation of the crossover

Mazinger Z vs Devilman: A fierce battle between two of Nagai Go's greatest

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

July 18, 1973 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toei

■Frequencies

43 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Nagai Go and Dynamic Productions "Mazinger Z" and "Devilman"

■ Director

Katsumata Guji

■ Production

Fuji Television, NET, Toei

■ Story

Sirene, a demon with fearsome psychic powers, suddenly appears and destroys buildings one after another. Upon learning that she has returned to life, Fudo Akira transforms into Devilman and pursues Sirene. Returning to Japan, Fudo Akira tells Kabuto Koji about the emergence of the Demon Clan. Meanwhile, Professor Yumi is researching the Jet Sclander so that Mazinger Z can fly. While Koji and Fudo Akira are on guard, Dr. Hell launches an all-out attack. Hundreds of mechanical beasts, demonic beasts, attack one after the other.

■Explanation

This animated film was released at the Toei Manga Festival on July 18, 1973. It is a collaboration between two works, Mazinger Z and Devilman, both originally created by Nagai Go. Characters from Devilman make guest appearances in the world of Mazinger Z. This work depicts a fierce battle between two of Nagai Go's greatest works, making it a must-see for fans. In particular, the scene where Devilman and Mazinger Z fight together left a strong impression on many viewers. For the children of the time, it was also the moment when their dream collaboration became a reality.

■Cast

・Koji Kabuto/Hiroya Ishimaru ・Professor Yumi/Joji Yanami ・Devilman/Akira Fudo/Ryoichi Tanaka ・Dr. Hell/Kosei Tomita ・Baron Ashura/Hidekatsu Shibata, Haruko Kitahama ・Demonic beast Sirene/Kyoko Satomi

■ Main staff

Produced by Junichi Tobishi, Fuji Television (Mazinger Z), NET Television (Devilman), Toei; Production Manager: Seiichi Moro; Planning: Ken Ariga, Toshio Katsuta; Original Story: Go Nagai and Dynamic Productions; Screenplay: Susumu Takakuwa; Music: Chumei Watanabe (Mazinger Z), Go Misawa (Devilman)
Editing / Hitoshi Komura / Sound / Hiromi Kanbara / Music selection / Shigeru Miyashita / Sound effects / Hidehiko Hata / Recording / Chikako Ohashi / Recording studio / Tabak / Development / Toei Chemicals / Art director / Mataji Urata / Animation director / Koichi Kakuta / Direction / Guji Katsumata


・Theme song "Flying Mazinger Z"
Lyrics by Susumu Takakuwa Music and Arrangement by Chumei Watanabe Vocals by Ichiro Mizuki

■ Main Characters

Koji Kabuto is the protagonist of Mazinger Z. He is a 16-year-old high school student who pilots the robot Mazinger Z, left to him by his grandfather.

Professor Yumi is Koji's grandfather Juzo's top student. His daughter Sayaka is the pilot of Aphrodite A and Koji's girlfriend.

・Fudo Akira A boy who was able to transform into Devilman by fusing with a demon. He has both the heart of a human and the power of a demon.

Dr. Hell: A genius evil scientist who leads an army of mechanical beasts and aims to take over the world.

Baron Ashura: An executive of the Underground Empire led by Dr. Hell, with a combined body of half male and half female.

・Demon Beast Sirene A beautiful demon with large white wings. She often fights Devilman.

■ Related works

・Simultaneous screening: "Kamen Rider V3 vs. Destron Monster"
"Robot Detective"
"Kikaider 01"
"Babel II"
"Sally the Witch"

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and significance of the work

"Mazinger Z vs. Devilman" is an animated film released in 1973, and is the realization of the dream collaboration of two of Go Nagai's greatest works. This work was special to children at the time, and was beloved by many fans. In particular, the scene in which Devilman and Mazinger Z fight side by side left a strong impact both visually and narratively. This work is an example of the breadth of Go Nagai's creativity and his worldview, and is a must-see for fans.

■ The appeal of the story

The story begins with the demon Sirene suddenly appearing and destroying a building. This tense introduction immediately draws the viewer into the world of the story. The scene in which Fudo Akira transforms into Devilman and pursues Sirene emphasizes Devilman's superhuman strength and courage. The scene in which Kabuto Koji and Fudo Akira fight together portrays the individuality and friendship of the two characters, moving the viewer. Furthermore, Dr. Hell's all-out attack and the efforts of Mazinger Z in countering it are visually and narratively spectacular. Overall, the story is a mix of tension and emotion, and is structured in a way that keeps the viewer engaged.

■Charm of the characters

Koji Kabuto, as the protagonist of Mazinger Z, is a brave and righteous character. His growth and bond with Mazinger Z deeply move the audience. Professor Yumi plays an important role as Koji's supporter, and his knowledge and skills drive the story forward. Akira Fudo, as Devilman, is a character who possesses both a human heart and the power of a demon, and his conflict and growth are depicted. Dr. Hell leaves a strong impression on the audience as an evil genius scientist. Baron Ashura and the demon beast Sirene, as villains, add tension to the story and draw the audience in. Overall, the individuality and growth of the characters enrich the story.

■ The appeal of video and music

Visually, the animation is stunning, making full use of the technology available in 1973. In particular, the battle scenes of Mazinger Z and Devilman's transformation scene are visually very impactful. As for the music, the music by Chumei Watanabe and Go Misawa adds excitement to the story. In particular, the theme song, "Flying Mazinger Z," is a song that leaves a strong impression on viewers, and can be said to be the symbol of the work. Overall, the images and music come together to create a work that leaves a strong impression on viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Mazinger Z vs. Devilman" is a dream collaboration between two of Go Nagai's greatest works, and is a must-see for fans. The tension and emotion of the story, the individuality and growth of the characters, and the appeal of the visuals and music all combine to leave a strong impression on viewers. In particular, the scene in which Devilman and Mazinger Z fight together is visually and narratively spectacular, and leaves a deep impression on viewers. This work is an example of Nagai Go's creativity and the breadth of his worldview, and is a must-see for fans. We hope you will watch it and experience its charm for yourself.

■ Introduction of related works

Other works shown at the same time as "Mazinger Z vs. Devilman" include "Kamen Rider V3 vs. Destron Monster," "Robot Detective," "Kikaider 01," "Babel II," and "Sally the Witch." You can also enjoy Nagai Go's worldview in these works, so be sure to check them out. Other works by Nagai that are also recommended include "Getter Robo" and "Cutie Honey." These works also allow you to feel Nagai Go's creativity and the breadth of his worldview, so be sure to watch them.

■ Summary

"Mazinger Z vs Devilman" is a dream collaboration between two of Go Nagai's greatest works, and is a must-see for fans. The tension and emotion of the story, the individuality and growth of the characters, and the appeal of the visuals and music all combine to leave a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the scene in which Devilman and Mazinger Z fight together is visually and narratively spectacular, and moves the viewer. This work is an example of Go Nagai's creativity and the breadth of his worldview, and is a must-see for fans. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself. Also, check out the other works by Go Nagai and other works that are being screened at the same time to enjoy Go Nagai's worldview even more.