A thorough review of the TV broadcast of "Shin Mazinger Impact! Z Edition"!

"Shin Mazinger Impact! Z Edition" - Nagai Go's legend is reborn

"Shin Mazinger Impact! Z-hen" is a TV anime series based on Nagai Go's masterpiece "Mazinger Z", and was broadcast on TV Tokyo and other broadcasting stations nationwide from April 4 to September 26, 2009. This work firmly inherits the essence of the original work, but develops a deeper story by adding new characters and settings. It was directed by Imagawa Yasuhiro, animated by BEE MEDIA and Code, and produced by Kurogane-ya (Dynamic Planning, Lantis, Bandai Visual).

story

The story begins with Dr. Hell, who is after the super energy photon power extracted from Japanium ore, attacking the Photon Power Laboratory in a plot to take over the world. The protagonist, Koji Kabuto, pilots Mazinger Z, a super robot created by his grandfather, Juzo Kabuto, and fights against Dr. Hell and his subordinates, Baron Ashura and Count Brocken. Koji throws himself into a fierce battle with the mechanical beasts together with Mazinger Z, which is made from the strongest metal, Super Alloy Z. However, many stories are hidden in this battle, including the past feud between the Kabuto clan and Dr. Hell, the mysteries of the Mycenaean civilization and Bardos Island, and the secrets of Mazinger Z.

Commentary

"Shin Mazinger" is a work that will not disappoint fans of Go Nagai. While following the original work, familiar characters such as Koji Kabuto and Baron Ashura are depicted using the latest animation technology. For the anime adaptation, many new characters and settings were added, and the profound story, filled with many hints and mysteries, will draw the viewer in and keep them coming. It can be said that director Yasuhiro Imagawa has succeeded in bringing the "true" Mazinger legend to life.

cast

The main cast includes a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Kenji Akabane as Koji Kabuto, Ayumu Fujimura as Shiro Kabuto, Yasuaki Suzuki as Juzo Kabuto, and Yoko Honda as Sayaka Yumi. The villains are also well-cast, including Kazuhiko Kishino as Dr. Hell, Koji Ishitobi and Kaori Yamagata as Baron Ashura, and Minoru Inaba as Count Brocken. In addition, Tesshō Genda serves as the narrator and Cross, enhancing the atmosphere of the entire work.

Main Staff

The original work was written by Nagai Go, the character designs were by Takeuchi Shinji, and the Mazinger and mechanical beast designs were by Nonaka Tsuyoshi (Plex). The color designs were by Kikuchi Kazuko and Inoue Akiko, the art direction was Muto Masatoshi, the cinematography was Kuwahara Yoshito, and the editing was by Seyama Takeshi and Matsuhara Rie. The music was by Miyagawa Akira, with music production by Lantis. The director, composition, and script were by Imagawa Yasuhiro, and the animation was done by BEE MEDIA and Code.

Main Characters

Koji Kabuto, the central figure of the Kabuto clan, is a high school student aiming to become a motorcycle racer. Although he is usually calm, he loses his temper when he decides that something is unforgivable, and is a brave boy who will stand up to any opponent, no matter how strong. He is entrusted with Mazinger Z by his grandfather, Juzo Kabuto, and throws himself into the battle against the mechanical beast army led by Dr. Hell. Koji's younger brother, Shiro Kabuto, is a lively and cheerful elementary school student who lives by his motto of living as easily as possible, but sometimes his honest remarks can make those around him nervous. Juzo Kabuto is an authority on robotics and photon energy research, and is the person who built the foundation for refining photon energy and Super Alloy Z from Japanium ore. Kenzo Kabuto is Koji and Shiro's father, and was thought to have died in an accident during research, but appears before the landlady in Germany.

Among the members of the Photon Power Laboratory is Sayaka Yumi. She is the pilot of Aphrodai A and the daughter of Yumiyanosuke. She helps Koji, who is confused by the invincible power he suddenly gained, Mazinger Z, and watches over his growth. Yumiyanosuke is the director of the Photon Power Laboratory, and is working day and night to research the peaceful use of photon energy. Boss is Koji's fighting buddy and the self-proclaimed boss of the Japanese gang leader alliance. He acts with Nuke and Mucha, and mistakes Koji for the gang leader of the Atami district, and pursues him in order to dominate the country. The three doctors (Sewashi, Morimori, and Nossori) are three doctors of robotics and old friends of Juzo Kabuto. They are in charge of the maintenance and further strengthening of Mazinger Z, and they also created the robots of the Mazinger Corps and the Jet Scrander. Roll and Rolly are twins who pilot Million and are members of the Mazinger Corps. Azuma is the pilot of Baion β, and Oide is the pilot of Dion γ.

The members of Kuroganeya include Tsubasa Nishikori. She is the proprietress of the hot spring inn "Kuroganeya" that Kabuto Juzo is on friendly terms with, and is a mysterious woman who has the head clerk Cross, the waitress Kikunosuke, the employee Yasu, and the chef Sensei under her command. Cross is the head clerk of "Kuroganeya", Django is a wandering gunslinger who greets guests, Sensei is a chef, Yasu is an employee and bathhouse attendant, and Kikunosuke is the head waitress.

Other characters include Detective Ankokuji, a detective at Atami Police Station. He is investigating mysterious incidents occurring around Kabuto Juzo's mansion. Lorelei is the daughter of Dr. Stroheim, a lively girl who Shiro falls in love with at first sight, but she has a secret. Stroheim Heinrich is a doctor of robotics and Lorelei's father. He created the Danube Alpha 1 and is also the landlady's former fiancé. Ken Tetsuya is an Energar Z pilot and is a refreshing young man, but he appears to the landlady as a ghost. Detective Juzu is a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department, and the detectives who visit Kurogane-ya with him may not look like detectives, but they are the strongest police force in the Metropolitan Police Department that has gathered in Atami.

Characters on Birdos Island include Dr. Hell. He is a bioscientist who plans to take over the world using mechanical beasts, a legacy of ancient Mycenae. Baron Ashura is an ancient Mycenaean who has been entrusted with the undersea fortress Salud by Dr. Hell. The Iron Mask Soldiers act as the working forces of each legion, and include the Iron Mask Swordsmen, the Iron Mask Machine Gunners, and the Iron Mask Cavalry. Count Brocken is a legendary soldier who was feared for his ruthless tactics, and was reborn as a commander through bio-revival technology. The Brocken Capsule & Carrier is Count Brocken when he arrived on Birdos Island, and has not yet awakened. The Iron Cross Soldier is a soldier of the Iron Cross Corps led by Count Brocken, and is aboard the mobile fortress Ghoul. Viscount Pigman is the strongest sorcerer in the Scorching Country, and has psychic powers that allow him to control even wild beasts at will. Gamia is a beautiful android assassin sent by Baron Ashura to the Kuroganeya.

Mycenaean characters include Tristan and Isolde, a married couple of priestesses from ancient Mycenae.

Main Robot Items

Mazinger Z, the main robot of the Kabuto Clan, is an invincible super robot with an ironclad body made of Chogokin Z. It is equipped with powerful weapons such as Rocket Punch, Breast Fire, Photon Power Beam, and Rust Hurricane. The Hover Pilder is Mazinger Z's mobile cockpit, and thanks to Juzo's consideration, the basic operation is the same as that of the motorcycle that Koji is used to riding. The Jet Scrander is the wing that Mazinger Z obtained, and was created by the three doctors based on the blueprints left behind by Juzo. The God Scrander is the last and strongest wing of Mazinger Z, made from the right arm of Zeus, and the God Scrander AI is an AI left behind by Juzo in case of an emergency. The Big Bang Punch is Mazinger Z's strongest special move, and it transforms by crossing with the God Scrander.

The main robots of the Photon Power Laboratory are the Photon Power Laboratory, a research institute built for the peaceful use of photon power, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, where researchers continue to research photon power day and night. The Science Fortress Laboratory is a new laboratory that Kabuto Juzo secretly built deep underground at the Photon Power Laboratory, and unlike the Photon Power Laboratory, which is for peaceful use, it is equipped with powerful offensive weapons such as a photon power beam cannon. Aphrodite A is a super robot completed by Yumiyanosuke as a practical test operation of photon power energy, made of alloy "Z" and has a female form. Venus A is Sayaka's robot that replaces Aphrodite A, developed for combat use and equipped with a photon power beam and Z cutter. The work robot is a work robot of the Photon Power Laboratory operated by Boss Nuke Mucha, and Boss Borot is a boss-only robot created by modifying the security robot of the Photon Power Laboratory. Million Alpha is a robot operated by Roll Lawley, with both hands as drills, and can perform simple repairs on the machine. Million Alpha 1 is a modified Million Alpha equipped with a Photon Gun. Bion Beta is a robot piloted by Azuma. Bion Beta 2 is a modified Bion Beta equipped with a Rust Hurricane. Dion Gamma is a robot piloted by Oide. Dion Gamma 3 is a modified Dion Gamma equipped with a Breast Fire.

The main robot of Kuroganeya is Chogokin Cross, the hidden face of Kuroganeya's manager Cross, whose body has been augmented with Chogokin by the proprietress. The other members of Kuroganeya have also been augmented with Chogokin.

Other main robots include Danube Alpha 1, a robot created by Dr. Stroheim whose power rivals that of Mazinger Z, but its true power is unknown and it hides a major secret. Energer Z is the prototype of Mazinger Z, and Energer Z Meltdown ver. is its red-hot form caused by a photon-powered meltdown. Pilder is a motorcycle operated by Ken Tetsuya, known as a genius pilot, and is also the original Pilder. Detective Rosary Items are super alloy items that detectives have, including Super Alloy Z rosary, handcuffs, and toothpicks, all of which have the letter Z engraved on them.

The main robots on Birdos Island include the Undersea Fortress Salud. This is an underwater mobile ship commanded by Baron Ashura, with the upper half disguised as an artificial island and the main body below the surface of the water. The Flying Fortress Ghoul is an aerial mobile ship that also serves as a large transport aircraft commanded by Count Brocken, and is designed to resemble a bird. The Undersea Fortress Bood is a new undersea fortress commanded by Baron Ashura, replacing the sunk underwater Salud. King Gordon of Hell is a gigantic mobile fortress that appeared after the collapse of Birdos Island, the base of Dr. Hell's army. It is piloted by Dr. Hell himself and fires the Gordon Cyclone and Gordon Fire, which are invulnerable to Lust Hurricane and Blest Fire, as well as the Finger Barrier, which repels photon beams.

The main robot of Mycenae is the god Zeus. He is one of the three great gods of Mycenae, and is the commander of a war based on Earth, but he rebelled to protect the people of Earth and fought against the gods. Kedora is a relic of ancient Mycenae, and is a mechanical lifeform developed as a combat brain. Grand Duke Gorgon is a soldier who leads the vanguard of ancient Mycenae, and is half human, half beast, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a tiger. Hades is one of the three great gods of Mycenae along with Zeus, and is also known as the king of hell and the king of the underworld, and is a dark god who rules the land of the dead with the power of fire that burns everything. Poseidon is one of the three great gods of Mycenae along with Hades and Zeus. The Brave Galadabra, Galada K7 and Dabras M2, were originally a single mechanical god called Galadabra that was split into two by Dr. Hell, and in ancient Mycenae they were called "brave" and could speak.

The mechanical beasts are the army of mechanical beasts sent by Dr. Hell, giant weapons born from ancient science, a legacy of ancient Mycenae. Their movements are as agile as beasts, and Dr. Hell regenerates excavated mechanical beasts and uses them as vanguards for world domination. Garada K7 uses the giant giant cutter on its head to cut through enemies at will. As its two heads indicate, Dubras M2 has the power of two bodies, and when the beams fired from each head cross, it creates a destructive force that can kill in one hit. Groizer X10 is a newly created mechanical beast that uses the know-how of mechanical beasts, and is dropped from the flying fortress boot in the form of a cannonball and transforms into an airstrike form. Nonacargo H2 is a mechanical beast with a huge body that traps Aphrodai A inside its body. Stronger T4 is a mechanical beast with whip-shaped hands, and is defeated by Rust Hurricane. Brighton J2 is defeated by a rocket punch from Mazinger Z in the chest. Toros D7's horns can even pierce the Super Alloy Z. Kingdan X10 has a sword as tall as his body, and cuts Aphrodai A in half with a single blow. Vargas V5 is likely based on the ancient Mycenaean warrior god, and gives us a glimpse of the culture of ancient Mycenae. Ghost Fire V9 uses a giant iron ball chain built into its arm to toy with Mazinger Z. Glossum X2 is a mechanical beast specially designed for underwater combat, and can fire a super-high heat beam comparable to Breast Fire. Mario N7 is a mechanical beast with a body covered in many tentacles, and can freely control a marionette with special radio waves emitted from the fingers of his hands. The marionette jumps nimbly with sharp blades on both hands and attacks the enemy. Monkey Mannequin is a monkey-type mannequin that can move around freely with its long limbs. River F9 is a mechanical beast equipped with rocket engines on both shoulders, and was lent to Baron Ashura by Brocken. Groizer X09/Groizer X11/Groizer X12 are from the same Groizer series as Groizer X10, and each has its own unique form. Garuda C3 is a mechanical beast sent to sneak Kedora into the Photon Power Laboratory, and has a bird-like beak and sharp claws. Varga M4 is a mechanical beast that, along with Garuda C3, was used as a cover for Kedora to take over Mazinger Z, and was hit by Breast Fire and crushed by Rocket Punch. Gyrocross A4/Buzz Kahn A5/Parabolantis C8/Bomb Cat T3/Lizardos E5 are mechanical beasts that Dr. Hell had hidden in order to capture Mazinger Z, which Kedora had taken control of, but they were blown away helplessly by the photon power meltdown caused by the out-of-control Kedora. Even after being defeated once, Giglos was still controlled by Kedora and, in his battered state, fought Mazinger Z and was crushed. Schwan J6/Jinrai S1/Dimer U5 are mechanical beasts that fought Energar Z. Head Hawk V10/Layer D5 are flying mechanical beasts released by Brocken, and are defeated by the Mazinger army with new powers. Birdon B7/Jacer J1 both sortie from Ghoul, Birdon B7 fires light bullets from its chest to attack enemies, and Jacer J1 sucks in and crushes enemies with the huge wings in the center of its body. Baron Ashura is a mechanical beast created by Dr. Hell for Baron Ashura. Abdullah U6 defeated Gokyuun U5 and wanted to fight Mazinger Z, and as you can see from his confidence, he is good at power-based combat. Bajin B9 is a mechanical beast that can manipulate gravity to nullify enemy attacks, and can even make the trajectory of rocket punches uncontrollable. Uraa P9 is a mechanical beast that fights with a shield and spear that can block breast fire. Grogoros G5 fires small rockets from its body, its left hand is also a rocket, and its right hand is a giant arm. Dogura S1/Magura F2 can split into two, Dogura and Magura, trapping the enemy between them and attacking by passing electricity through them. The Baron Ashura mechanical beast that appeared in the duel with Koji was a disguised Dogura Magura. Gokyun U5 is a mechanical beast that has the skill to shoot arrows through the powerful whirlwinds of the Rust Hurricane, and its bow and arrow weapon appears from a hole in its chest. Bamaras Y1 is a mechanical beast with tentacle-like heads and fingertips that wrap their long tentacles around the enemy's body and swing them around to slam them down.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Great Finale (2009/04/04)
• Episode 2: Start! Mazinger! (2009/04/11)
• Episode 3: The Ashura Corps (2009/04/18)
• Episode 4: Clash! Mechanical Beasts vs. Mazinger (2009/04/25)
• Episode 5: Attack! Count Brocken (2009/05/02)
• Episode 6: Fire! Photon Power Beam!! (2009/05/09)
• Episode 7: Legend! The Mechanical Beasts of Birdos Island! (2009/05/16)
• Episode 8: The Birth of Baron Ashura! (2009/05/23)
• Episode 9: The Japanese Invasion Plan Begins! (2009/05/30)
• Episode 10: Iron Wall! The Kurogane Five! (2009/06/06)
• Episode 11: Pincer Attack! The Great Mechanical Beast Strategy! (2009/06/13)
• Episode 12 Escape! Undersea Fortress Salud! (2009/06/20)
• Episode 13: First love? Beautiful girl Lorelei! (2009/06/27)
• Episode 14: Shame! The Kabuto family's grave sins are revealed! (2009/07/04)
• Episode 15: Showdown! The Blue Danube of Sorrow! (2009/07/11)
• Episode 16: Excavation! Battle Brain Kedra! (2009/07/18)
• Episode 17: Joint Struggle! A Dangerous Journey to the Past! (2009/07/25)
• Episode 18: Vanishing! The Last Day of Mycenae! (2009/08/01)
• Episode 19: Grudge! Kuroganeya's Longest Day! Part 1 (2009/08/08)
• Episode 20: Grudge! Kuroganeya's Longest Day! Part 2 (2009/08/15)
• Episode 21: Grudge! Kuroganeya's Longest Day! Part 2 (2009/08/22)
• Episode 22: Dream! Ashura in the Sleeping Cocoon! (2009/08/29)
• Episode 23: Approaching! Baron Ashura the Mechanical Beast! (2009/09/05)
• Episode 24: Death Line! All-Out Attack on Dr. Hell! (2009/09/12)
• Episode 25: Turnaround! The Fall of Birdos! (2009/09/19)
• Episode 26: Conclusion! 100 Consecutive Rocket Punches! (2009/09/26)

Theme songs and music

The opening theme from episodes 1 to 15 is "Feel Knight", with lyrics by Ayumu Date and Hironobu Kageyama, music by Kimio Mizutani, arrangement by LAZY, and sung by ULTIMATE LAZY for MAZINGER (LAZY, Tamio Okuda, Kazuyoshi Saito, JAM Project). From episodes 16 to 26, "The guardian", with lyrics and music by Hironobu Kageyama, arrangement by Kenichi Sudo, and sung by JAM Project. From episodes 1 to 13, the ending theme is "Brand New World", with lyrics by Saori Koda, music by Sena, arrangement by A-bee, and sung by Natsuko Aso. From episodes 14 to 26, "Strong One", with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, music by Koji Ueda, arrangement by Yuichi Nonaka "Masa", and sung by SKE48.

Ratings and Recommendations

For fans of the original work, "Shin Mazinger Impact! Z" is a work that will feel both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. With the addition of new characters and settings, and the deepening of the story, it is enjoyable even for viewers who are not familiar with the original work. In particular, the development of the story is very fascinating, including the growth of Koji Kabuto, the fate of the Kabuto clan and Dr. Hell, and the mystery of the Mycenaean civilization. In addition, the powerful battle scenes and the splendid robot designs make it a visual treat.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Respect for the original : By faithfully retaining the essence of the original while adding new elements, the show is sure to satisfy both fans of the original and new viewers.
• Deep storyline : A profound storyline filled with many hints and mysteries draws viewers in. In particular, the story is profound in the fate of the Kabuto family and Dr. Hell, and the mystery of the Mycenaean civilization.
• Character appeal : The growth and relationships of the characters, including Koji Kabuto, are carefully depicted, making it easy to empathize with them. The addition of new characters also breathes new life into the story.
• Powerful battle scenes : The battle scenes between Mazinger Z and the mechanical beasts are very powerful and visually appealing. The latest animation technology is used, making it a sight to behold.
• Music quality : The opening and ending theme songs, as well as the background music, were composed by Akira Miyagawa, and they really add to the atmosphere of the film. In particular, JAM Project's singing matches the intense battle scenes perfectly.

"Shin Mazinger Impact! Z" is a masterpiece that depicts Go Nagai's legendary work from a new perspective. We recommend this to anyone who likes robot anime or action anime, fans of the original work, and viewers who are looking for a new story. Please experience the world of Mazinger Z again through this work.