Mazinkaiser Vol-1: Turbo Smashing Sensation! (2001)
Animation Production: Dynamic Planning/Dentsu/Bandai Visual
Released by: ADV Films
Episodes: 4
By Jeffrey Couto

Introduction

"Mazin Go!" It was with that that phrase that I was plunged into the world of classic Super Robot anime that was started by Go Nagai in the early seventies with his landmark TV series Mazinger-Z and continued with such programs as Great Mazinger, UFO Robot Grandizer and Kotetsu Jeeg. Unfortunately after the original series ran their course the Mazin world that Go Nagai created would not be revisited for many years in any official capacity.

During the 80's and early 90's there were attempts made at bringing Mazinger back in alternate worlds such as God Mazinger, Psycho Armor Govarian and Go Nagai World, but to a large extent these experiments did not enjoy the success of their predecessors. It would not be till 2001 that Go Nagai and Dynamic Pro/Dentsu/Bandai Visual would team up to bring us a true successor to the original shows in the form of Mazinkaiser.

The Story

"Dr. Hell has resurrected an ancient army of mechanical monsters to conquer the world, but first he has to destroy the photon power lab and the one thing standing in his way: Mazinger! But it’s going to take more than defeating Mazinger for Dr. Hell and his evil henchman Baron Ashura to clear their way for world domination, because there’s a new kid in town—MAZINKAISER—and he packs quite an atomic punch! Can young Kouji Kabuto, as the runner behind the amazing robot Mazinkaiser, deal out the thunder faster than Dr. Hell’s army can take it? With the help of the team of Mazinger, Boss Borot, and Venus Ace, photon power may yet save the world!" -- ADV's Mazinkaiser Page

Review

Mazinkaiser is the kind of anime series that reminds me of why I took up this hobby in the first place and why I enjoy it so much. Unlike more recent takes on the giant robot genre this OVA series goes back to the roots of what made these shows so much fun to watch in the first place and updates it for today's younger audiences, who most likely have had limited (if any) exposure to the originators of this anime staple.

In sharp contrast to present day productions in which realism is the rule of the day, Mazinkaiser takes complete advantage of its giant robot premise and makes it work through the use of physics-defying weapons that are activated by the loud & heroic shouting of their names, extravagant mechanical designs (most being updates of robots used in the original shows) and lively characters. The program also manages to maintain a level of high-energy throughout each episode that seems missing from other mecha-based anime and further connects Mazinkaiser to the original series as far as style & substance goes.

The animation is particularly good and seems to be on a level slightly higher than that of the Shin Getter Robo OVAs, featuring smooth moving characters and well managed mechanical segments, including some great recreations of the original Mazinger-Z and Great Mazinger launch sequences.

Probably my favorite aspect of this release is the decision that was made to base the story and character designs more closely on the original Manzinger-Z manga that was released by Go Nagai in the seventies, rather than the animated series. I think the characters benefit greatly from this, as it gives them a more solid/crisp feel when they appear on-screen.

In volume one of ADV’s release of Mazinkaiser we get the first 4 episodes from the OVA, these include:

Episode 1: A Fierce Fight! Double Mazingers
Episode 2: A Descending Malevolent Deity
Episode 3: Koji Assassination Order
Episode 4: Sayaka Rescue Operation

Episodes 1 & 2 are directly connected and basically serve as our re-introduction to the Mazinger universe, its characters, robots and the evil forces of Dr.Hell and Baron Ashler. Episodes 3 and 4 serve as character building episodes as they present Koji, Sayaka and Boss in different battles against Baron Ashler and his giant monsters.

Overall ADV’s release of Mazinkaiser is excellent, featuring not only the original language track, but also a really good English dubbed version of it. One thing that pleasantly surprised me about the dub is that they kept the original pronunciation of the Mazinger name, which to an old fan like me shows a great deal of respect for the license. The DVD also has some fun extras for fans that include: Mazinkaiser’s technical specs, original Japanese artwork, production sketches and the original Japanese opening.

Conclusion

Mazinkaiser is a must buy for all anime fans, especially those who enjoy giant robot battles! I commend ADV for bringing this titles stateside and look forward with great anticipation to their release of volume 2 of this classic anime! Now get out there and buy yourself a copy of this great series, you won't regret it!

Jeff