The appeal and reputation of Great Mazinger: A thorough explanation of the legendary robot anime

Great Mazinger: The Tale of the Eternal Hero

Broadcast on Fuji TV from September 8, 1974 to September 28, 1975, for 30 minutes every Sunday from 7:00 pm, Great Mazinger is a TV anime series based on the original work by Go Nagai and Dynamic Production. It is produced by Toei Animation and the copyright is owned by Dynamic Planning and Toei Animation. The series was a 56-episode series that captivated audiences.

story

Immediately after Koji Kabuto controls Mazinger Z and defeats Dr. Hell, the Mycenae Empire, hiding underground, begins its invasion of the surface world. Koji Kabuto challenges them in Mazinger Z but is forced into a difficult battle. Then, a new robot, Great Mazinger, controlled by Tetsuya Ken, appears. Great Mazinger is now tasked with defending the surface world and must fight to stop the invasion of the Mycenae Empire.

Commentary

"Great Mazinger" is the sequel to "Mazinger Z" and the second in the Mazinger series. Great Mazinger appeared in the final episode of "Mazinger Z" and also in "Mazinger Z vs. the Dark General", which was released in theaters before the original broadcast of "Great Mazinger", and various other devices were used to liven up the anime. These strategies were successful in attracting the interest of viewers and increasing the popularity of the entire series.

cast

The main cast includes Noda Keiichi as Tsurugi Tetsuya, Nakatani Yumi as Jun Honoo, Sawada Kazuko as Kabuto Shiro, Shibata Hidekatsu as Kabuto Kenzou, Otake Hiroshi as Boss, Ogata Kenichi as Mucha, Kato Osamu as Nuke, Ishimaru Hiroya as Kabuto Kouji, Ogata Kenichi as Dark General, Kami Hiromu as Hell's Generalissimo, Otake Hiroshi as Chief of the Intelligence Army Argos, Kato Osamu as Grand Duke Gorgon, and Kitahama Haruko as Marquis Janus. The passionate performances of these voice actors further enhance the appeal of the work.

Main Staff

The project was handled by Yokoyama Kenji, Kasuga Azuma, and Bessho Koji, while the original combat beast designs were handled by Nagai Go, Ishikawa Ken, Isoko Masaru, Kaze Shinobu, Muramasai Makoto, Takanashi Shunichi, Yasuda Tatsuya, and Takashima Shigeru. Music was by Watanabe Chumei, production was handled by Sugawara Yoshiro, art was handled by Urata Mataji, Yamazaki Makoto, Tsuruoka Takahiro, Hata Hidenobu, Chiba Hideo, Endo Shigeyoshi, and Shimokawa Tadami, and character design was handled by Morishita Keisuke. It was produced by Toei Animation and Asahi Tsushinsha.

The theme songs are the opening "I Am Great Mazinger" (lyrics by Koike Kazuo, composition and arrangement by Watanabe Chumei, sung by Mizuki Ichiro, Columbia Yurikagokai) and the ending "The Brave is Mazinger" (lyrics by Koike Kazuo, composition and arrangement by Watanabe Chumei, sung by Mizuki Ichiro, Columbia Yurikagokai), both released by Columbia Records and Asahi Sonorama. These theme songs are deeply etched in the hearts of viewers and can be said to be symbols of the series.

Main Characters

Tetsuya Tsurugi is a former orphan who was taken in and raised by Kenzo Kabuto as the pilot of Great Mazinger. He is a complex character with a strong sense of rivalry and various internal traumas, which led to his death. Jun Hono is an orphan who was raised by Kenzo Kabuto, just like Tetsuya, as the pilot of Venus A, a robot that supports Great Mazinger. She has a tomboyish personality and is quite provocative, and is half black and half Japanese. Koji Kabuto is the eldest son of Kenzo Kabuto, the pilot of Mazinger Z, and is sociable and polite. Kenzo Kabuto was the director of the Science Fortress Research Institute, and died once in an accident, but was resurrected as a cyborg by Kenzo's father, Juzo Kabuto, and designed robots such as Mazinger Z and Great Mazinger. Great Mazinger is a robot that Kenzo Kabuto took 15 years to create. It is made of "Super Alloy New Z" and is larger than Mazinger Z, but is approximately four times stronger than Mazinger Z and lighter.

subtitle

The subtitles of each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Great Mazinger, the Hero of the Sky
• Episode 2: Hell's Messenger!! Galaria, the Dark Mastermind
• Episode 3: Blazing Guts!! Wild Venus!!
• Episode 4: Catch and Attack!! Science Fortress Laboratory!!
• Episode 5: Charge!! The Angry United Combat Beasts!!
• Episode 6: Tetsuya Ken falls into hell
• Episode 7: Impossible to Rescue?! The Terror of the Liar Boy
• Episode 8: The Finishing Blow!! Drill Pressure Punch!!
• Episode 9: Explosive Death!! A Beautiful Human Volunteer!!
• Episode 10: Mazinger in danger! A moving madness zone!
• Episode 11: Wake up, Shiro! The end of a loveless battle!
• Episode 12: The Counterattack of the Fierce Bull Bysonia
• Episode 13: Fierce Battle!! Dr. Kabuto vs. the Dark General!!
• Episode 14: On the verge of capsizing! Save the laboratory!
• Episode 15: Bloodsucking!! The terrifying lizard hell
• Episode 16: Stand Up!! The Young Prince of Mycenae!!
• Episode 17: Tetsuya!! Climb out of the darkness of hell!!
• Episode 18: Black Trap! Docking Combat Beast!!
• Episode 19: Snow, dye the young blood!
• Episode 20: Desperate!! The Mycenaeans attack force breaks in!!
• Episode 21: An angry command! The Emperor of Darkness appears!
• Episode 22: The Duke of Gorgon!! Falls on a Volcanic Island
• Episode 23: The Mysterious New Commander, Marquis Janus!!
• Episode 24: Deadly Battle! Risk your life for this blow!
• Episode 25: In a pinch!! Fly, Venus A
• Episode 26: The Phantom Father!! Dr. Kabuto's Secret!!
• Episode 27: Burn it!! An angry and desperate counterattack
• Episode 28: Escape!! Janus' Lava Torture!!
• Episode 29: Big reversal! Fire up the secret weapon!
• Episode 30: Victory is at hand!! The Dark General Rise!
• Episode 31: Deadly Battle!! The End of the Dark General!!
• Episode 32: Tetsuya, solve the mystery of the heart...!!
• Episode 33: Great Mazinger's Legs Are Blown Off!!
• Episode 34: Now! Back Spin Kick!
• Episode 35: Super Ninja! The Cat Loo Gang!!
• Episode 36: Revive!! Love Overcomes Hatred!!
• Episode 37: 3:00 AM Assassinate Dr. Kabuto!!
• Episode 38: Don't cry, Tetsuya! Mazinger has been stolen!
• Episode 39: The Final Challenge!! Sky Fortress Michelos
• Episode 40: The Red Cross That Brings Death!!
• Episode 41: Landing!! The invincible fortress Demonica!!
• Episode 42: Deep Sea Graveyard!! A Scarred Escape!!
• Episode 43: No Time to Wait!! Science Fortress Laboratory!!
• Episode 44: An angry counterattack! The volcanic island base explodes!
• Episode 45: Mad Great Mazinger!!
• Episode 46: Fighting Spirit!! Until this life burns out!!
• Episode 47: Special Move!! Super-Speed ​​Great Booster!!
• Episode 48: Special Attack Operation!! Sayaka Appears!!
• Episode 49: Hang in there, Shiro! There are no holidays for heroes
• Episode 50: Beyond the Tears is the Sun...!!
• Episode 51: Shine Star!! Mazinger Z Returns!!
• Episode 52: Combat Beast Volunteer!! Youth Scattered in the Backlight!!
• Episode 53: The Great Heroes!! Fight Tetsuya and Dash Koji!!
• Episode 54: Defeat Demonica! An invincible double attack!
• Episode 55: An all-out war with no tomorrow! Send Tetsuya and Koji to hell!
• Episode 56: Bell of Peace, ring above the hero's head!

Related Titles

Great Mazinger is deeply connected to its companion works, Mazinger Z and Mazinger Z vs. the Dark General. These works form the storyline of the entire series, providing a consistent narrative experience for the audience.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Great Mazinger" has captivated viewers with its epic storyline, fascinating characters, and innovative robot designs. In particular, the humanity of the characters is portrayed in depth, such as Tsurugi Tetsuya's growth and struggles, Honoo Jun's strength and kindness, and Kabuto Koji's courage and friendship. Great Mazinger's battle scenes also provide visual impact and tension, never letting viewers get bored.

This work is a landmark of robot anime in the 1970s, and its influence continues to this day. In particular, the fusion of Nagai Go's unique worldview and Toei Animation's technical capabilities left a strong impression on viewers. The music, too, was also a factor in making it stick in viewers' minds, with the theme songs composed by Watanabe Chumei adding to the atmosphere of the series.

The reason we recommend "Great Mazinger" is because of its entertainment value and deep themes. It depicts universal themes such as courage, friendship, and growth, and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults. It is also an important work in understanding the history of robot anime, making it a must-see for fans.

Furthermore, you can gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment by watching this work together with related works. The story, which begins with "Mazinger Z," goes through "Great Mazinger," and continues with "Mazinger Z vs. the Dark General," depicts a consistent world view and character growth, moving viewers.

"Great Mazinger" is the story of an eternal hero, whose appeal continues to shine through the ages. Please watch this work and experience its excitement and thrills.