Last modified 12/11/98

Bandai SOC 2

Great Mazinger (4.5*)

It’s finally here.  After all the rumors and speculations, I finally have a chance to examine this toy for myself. My initial impression is that the paint scheme looks different from Mazinger Z. In contrast to Mazinger Z’s metallic blue forearms and lower legs, Great Mazinger is painted almost entirely of silver and black. Bandai did retain chrome plating for the upper arms, which is a nice touch. In my opinion, Great Mazinger’s paint job is not quite as detailed as in Mazinger Z. (It’s close, but I can easily tell the subtle differences.)

The toy assembly is much simpler in comparison with Mazinger Z. Most of the arms and wings are pre-assembled. It only took me 5 minutes to put Great Mazinger together. Of course, it is one of the most posable figure ever produced, but unfortunately the head does not really tilt backward, which hinders its flying pose. Like Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger comes with a large assortment of fists and forearms, including standard closed fists, opened fists to hold swords, Thunderbeam fists, and Atomic-punch forearms. The detachable Great Boomerang is magnetically affixed to the chest and can be held in his hand. The gut missile launcher is cleverly designed and the release button is located on the left lumbar area. The vertical stabilizers (for flying) on the legs are also retractable.  SOC 2 comes with all the extra weapons Great Mazinger acquired through out the series, such as the leg and knee armors.  As a final surprise, it also comes with Mazinger Z's Jet Pilder to complete SOC 1.  (You can remove the wings of the Jet Pilder, so it will fit into Mazinger Z's head.)