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Mazinga was also one of the first four Shogun Warriors released in the US Both the Japanese Mazinger and Great Mazinger robots were controled by a pilot who would fly his plane into a docking port that made up their craniums. The Mattel toy reflected this with a removable plane in the first two versions (called "Mazinga" on the box), and an unremovable one in the later versions (renamed "Great Mazinga" on the box). Mazinga came with two swords (even though he could only hold one), and a rocket firing fist. The figure initially came with 14 rockets with rocket holders on his shoulders and legs. Later versions came with only 10. As with the other initial release Shogun Warriors, Mazinga under went several running changes during its production: (As a note, each version's boxes usually reflected the interior toy's configuration, came with small cardboard inserts, instructions (rarely seen) and a Mattel warranty card). Click here for a comparison of First and Third boxes and figures.
The first release may be identified by several features: The head mold is much more defined and pointed with an unusual arrow shaped hole on top for the removable plane. The firing hand is molded in a navy blue and has only 3 screws holding it together (if opened, the firing mechanism for each rocket is made of a single piece of plastic with a metal spring). The chest "V" is a separate piece of red molded plastic, very pointed, and juts from the chest. The wheel trucks on the bottom of this version's feet are molded on the feet, as are the missile holders on the shoulder. The missiles have true triangular vanes (unlike the later versions which have clipped vanes...as a note, the triangular vaned rockets are later used by Gaiking. Go here for a missile comparison. The red shield decal on the knees is usually split as it straddles the upper and lower leg. This version comes with 14 rockets (the leg holders hold seven each) and two swords.
The second release was basically a refinement of the first release. The head mould has more rounded corners and the hole for the removable plane is triangular. The firing hand is moulded in black and has 4 screws (the firing mechanism is now made of two pieces with a metal spring). The chest "V" is larger and has heavier points and sharper corners. The wheel trucks are now separate, held on with two screws, as are the shoulder missile holders. The missiles have clipped vanes and the knee shield is now moulded on the bottom half of the leg. This version comes with 14 clipped-vaned rockets.
The box for first and second release Mazinga reads:
Spaceship/Brain Detaches
Head Turns
14 Rockets
Gauntlet Fists
Arms Raise & Lower
2 Swords
Fist Fires Rockets
Leg Rollers
No Batteries! No Electricity!
CONTENTS: MAZINGA™ warrior 23 1/2" tall, with rocket-firing fist, 14 rockets, two swords & accessories. Arms are detachable. Comes FULLY ASSEMBLED. Swords and rockets not for use with all SHOGUN© Warriors.
©Y. & K. Toel
Distributed by Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne, CA 90520. MADE IN JAPAN. Manufactured by Bandai Co. Ltd.
| Mattel No. 9860 Great Mazinga! |
The third release further simplified the figure. Mattel also re-labeled the toy as "Great Mazinga," probably to have a better tie-in to the die-cast toy line (or maybe Mattel thought that the longer name would make up for all that was taken away from the original toy!). The head mold is even more rounded, and the removable plane is replaced by an unremovable "plug" (removal of this plug often results in a cracked head...common in loose figures). The chest "V" is replaced by a red decal and the knee shield decal is missing. This version comes with 10 rockets and is proably the most common. The box art and text reflect changes made to the toy. The box front also has the following printers codes added: R6493> P643>9860"
The box for the Great Mazinga reads:
Gauntlet Fists
2 Swords
Arms Raise & Lower
Leg Rollers
Head Turns
Fist Fires Rockets
Triggers
Rockets
No Bateries! No Electricity!
CONTENTS: GREAT MAZINGA™ warrior 23 1/2" tall, with roctet-launcher fist, 10 rockets, two swords & accessories. Arms are detachable. Comes FULLY ASSEMBLED. Swords and rockets not for use with all SHOGUN© Warriors.
©Y. & K. Toel
Distributed by Mattel, Inc. Hawthorne, CA 90520. MADE IN JAPAN. Manufactured by Bandai Co. Ltd.
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All Mattel images and captions are copyright Mattel and used without permission. All other content, including images and editorial, is Copyright © 1997-2008 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton, by clicking here.
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