Great Mazinger

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

The follow up to Go Nagai's seminal super robot show, Mazinger Z, Great follows the previous manga introducing a new pilot, Tetsuya Tsurugi, of a second robot, "Great Mazinger". While there may be a tendency to view this as the "next stage" in the Mazinger series, it's closer to a continuation that introduces a second robot, alongside Mazinger Z, and builds towards something more akin to Power Rangers/Super Sentai than what one would expect from Super Robot. While the manga suffers from pacing issues, and doesn't have particularly stellar art, the designs of the machines and innovation of the story make up for the lack ... in both while pioneering an entire sub-genre. Admittedly, much of the manga is reliant on Shotaro Ishinomori's innovations in series like Cyborg 009 and Super Sentai. However the way in which the formula is put together is starkly different, and Go Nagai's bold, almost offensive story telling helps provide an identity that has given Mazinger status of a classic in manga.

Often times the arcs feel rushed, or poorly put together, but there is always the possibility that the serialization nature of this alongside the original anime helped supplement some of the material better, filling out characters personalities and giving them a more well rounded, appealing vibe to your average reader. In the manga, they often feel a bit hollow, like there should be something more to it, but I'm willing to be forgiving in this aspect.

Overall I would recommend most people read this although i would argue Getter Robo, serialized around the same time, is a much more modern, succinct take on the Super Robot genre. Mazinger being so early tends to be a bit all over the place, and at this point in time has yet to really find an identity.

I also want to note in this review that I am reviewing the Go Nagao drawn version of Mazinger. It's odd so few users have read this version on MAL, and more have read the other by Outa Gosaku, despite that version being much harder to find, and not the "official" continuation. If I had to assume it's because many are, incorrectly, thinking they are reading this version and adding the other version to their list, but this is the version with two volumes.

I'll be dividing this review in Story, Art and Characters, ending of course with a conclusion.

[STORY]: Great Mazinger starts right where Mazinger Z left wich is not to say much because Mazinger Z just finished from one chapter to another. We found ourselves again following the young Kouji Kabuto and his friends in their fight to stop the evil forces of Dr. Hell. But this won't be the main focus of the story because Great Mazinger actually gives us the conclusion to the seemingly endless fight between Mazinger Z and Dr. Hell's army. After this we are presented to a new enemy, the Mycenae Empire, ... an ancient civilization that wants to conquer the world. With this new enemy we are also presented with a new protagonist Tetsuya Tsurugi, the pilot of the recently created Great Mazinger. As you could expect the story continues with a series of fights between Great Mazinger and the Mycenae Empire, but this time we do have a proper conclusion to the story.
Although the monster of the week formula is repeated in this new series it is much less exploited. And having a proper ending this time around is a welcome addition (not to count the ending to Mazinger Z)

[Art]: Well, there's not much to talk about in this regard. You kinda like it or not, i myself really enjoy the expressiveness of the drawings made by Go Nagai. The action is perfect, over the top powers with super creative designs are all you need to enjoy a good fight.

[Characters]: Here is were the manga drags the most, apart from the definig characteristics of each character you are not given too much reason to care. For the most part they end up being one-dimensional characters with no other objective than to being bad ass, funny or evil.

In conlusion Great Mazinger is an improvement from it's predecessor Mazinger Z, but it still misses some shots. I'd say that if you liked Mazinger Z or you like good old mechs you give it a try. If you haven't already readed Mazinger Z i would recomend you to go and read that one before starting this one.