MOVIE REVIEW: Mazinger Z: Infinity

When I was but a wee lad in Puerto Rico my Grandmother would tune me into the 3PM animation on local TV. One of the programs I truly enjoyed and stuck with me forever was the old Mazinger Z cartoons that starred, Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger and Grendizer, by my grandma putting me on to this particular show it lead me on the path to fandom I am today! My love for big robots, huge monsters and the selfless hero, started with this program! Even Guillermo del Toro derived inspiration from Mazinger Z in his epic movie, Pacific Rim! With that said, Viz Media and Fathom events held a screener for the latest Toei Animation production, Mazinger Z: Infinity. 

Before the film began we heard a few words from Junji Shimizu, the director of the film as well as the lead animator from Toei and original creator of the franchise, Go Nagai. They provided details in the filmmaking process as well as their personal stories about their fandom into the Mazinger Z. They all have a nostalgic love for the character, going on 50 yrs. strong and it truly shines through in the film.

The Story begins 10 years since the great war with against the mad scientist Dr. Hell and his Underground Empire. There has been peace in the world and it is recovering. Since 10 years have passed our main protagonists have also grown. Koji Kabuto, our heroic pilot of Mazinger Z, is no longer piloting Mazinger Z. He has followed in his grandfather and father’s steps and became a scientist at the Photon Power Lab. Sayaka Yumi became the Photon Lab’s new Director, Sayaka’s father, Prof. Yumi, has become Japan’s Prime Minister. Koji’s younger brother, Shiro is a pilot working for the lab while Boss and his gang continue to work for it. Tetsuya Tsurugi and Jun Hono who fought with Koji have gotten married and Jun is pregnant with Tetsuya’s child. Lastly, we have 2 new characters in the cast, LiSa, an AI with a purpose and the gigantic Mazinger Infinity!

The film kicks off with HELLA action! We see an army of Ki-Kaiju approaching a Photo Power Supply Station. The size and sheer number , as,displayed, looked amazing.The Ki-Kaiju in their differing looks and sizes all were scary to look at. However, the Great Mazinger is on deck to protect the facility and the action that ensues is EPIC! When the animators stated to really look closely at the action and the effects of gravity have on the robots battle scenes, as they are not in space this time, is jaw dropping! The mix of traditional animation with tid-bits of CGI made for a smooth looking and highly detailed animation! With the return of the Ki-Kaiju there are questions to be answered since they had believed them all dead. But apparently death is not permanent as Dr. Hell reveals himself after being declared dead in the past along with his henchmen Count Brocken and Baron Ashura. Dr. Hell plans to use Infinity’s unlimited potential to activate its ultimate weapon Gragon to reshape the world. The former hero Koji along with his allies work on plans to be rid of Dr. hell and his forces,they must make a decision for the future of all mankind…. The future is once again entrusted to Mazinger Z!

The story moves along at a good pace keeping you glued to the screen. Fans of the old will appreciate the nods to the ol’skool and new fans can dive into the mythos with a new unique story that sets a bright future for the Mazinger franchise. To see the characters grow, the way they have, as an ol’skool fan, was a nice touch. The Boss Robo and Professors team-up as well as the appearance of the Mazin Girls are VERY funny moments in the film, that otherwise had serious tones throughout. The tones are in regards to environmental issues and politics but nothing that felt too forced.

The animation, the writing, the nostalgia, all combine to make a great film! I recommend this to all fans of big robots, Mazinger Z is after all the grand-daddy of the “using robots as vehicles with a pilot” stories that inspired many others through the years. It’s great fun for old and new fans alike, I give it a 4/5!

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

PILDER ON!

A thank you to Viz Media and Fathom Events for providing a press pass to the screener!

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Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!

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