Buzz
For children of the 1980s, colossal Japanese robots such as Voltron and Transformers are unforgettable icons. Yet, these represent only a glimpse into the expansive world of mechanical giants that form the "Super Robot" genre, a cornerstone of Japanese manga (comic books) and anime (animated series) for over half a century. While a comprehensive history would be immense, here are some of the most impactful giant robots worth knowing.
1. Tetsujin 28-go
Tetsujin 28-go chronicles the exploits of Shotaro Kaneda, a 10-year-old boy, and his rocket-powered, remote-controlled giant robot, Tetsujin 28 (Iron Man #28). Originally designed by Shotaro's father as a wartime weapon during World War II, the robot was never deployed before the conflict ended and Dr. Kaneda's passing. Now, Shotaro employs #28 to combat crime and protect the world from rival giant robots, including his arch-enemy, Black Ox. However, control of Tetsujin 28 lies in the hands of whoever possesses its remote, making it a tool for both good and evil.
Mitsuteru Yokoyama's Tetsujin 28-go not only pioneered the Super Robot concept but also introduced many genre staples, such as the "orphaned prodigy" who commands the titular giant robot. Initially published as a manga in 1956, it gained global recognition after its 1963 anime adaptation. As with many foreign adaptations, Japanese names were altered for local audiences. For instance, in the U.S., Shotaro Kaneda was renamed Little Jimmy Sparks, and his robot became Gigantor, a name that still evokes nostalgia for fans of that era.
The introductory scene of Gigantor
Tetsujin 28 continues to be a legendary figure in Japanese pop culture. The enduring manga and anime series remain highly popular, spawning countless sequels and reboots over the decades. In 2009, the colossal robot was honored with a life-sized, 60-foot-tall, 50-ton statue in Kobe, the hometown of its creator, Mitsuteru Yokoyama:
The grand reveal of the Tetsujin 28 statue in Kobe
If you're interested in exploring the exploits of Gigantor, you can stream the entire series at no cost on Hulu.
2. Giant Robo
Following the release of 1954's Gojira (Godzilla), Japanese viewers became captivated by tokusatsu, a filmmaking style that emphasizes special effects and often features actors in rubber suits portraying monsters, aliens, and superheroes. This technique also extended to television, including the first live-action Super Robot series, Giant Robo.
Mitsuteru Yokoyama, the creator of Tetsujin 28-go, brought Giant Robo to life as both a TV series and a manga in 1967. The story revolves around Daisaku Kusama, a 12-year-old boy who commands Robo as part of Unicorn, a covert police force. Unicorn, comprising both children and adults, fights against the monstrous creations of the alien Emperor Guillotine and his human allies, known as "Big Fire." Like Tetsujin 28, Giant Robo can fly and boasts immense strength, but it also wields an array of weapons, such as laser eyes, fingertip missiles, a devastating "Megaton Punch," and more. Daisaku controls Robo by speaking commands into his wristwatch, a feature that has since become a staple in the Super Robot genre.
In its American adaptation, Giant Robo was renamed Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot
Giant Robo continues to enjoy popularity in Japan, with numerous manga and anime sequels, most notably the highly praised anime, Giant Robo: The Day the Earth Stood Still.
3. Mazinger Z
When the villainous Dr. Hell unleashes his Mechanical Beasts upon Japan, Professor Juzo Kabuto creates Mazinger Z, a giant robot forged from the enigmatic Chogokin alloy, to combat the threat. Tragically, the professor is slain by one of Hell's minions, leaving his grandson, Kouji, to pilot the robot and protect Tokyo.
The introductory scene of the Mazinger Z anime
The anime was syndicated in the U.S. as Tranzor Z in 1985. However, it struggled to gain popularity due to heavy censorship demanded by network regulators, which removed much of the violent content and left some episodes nearly incoherent. Internationally, Mazinger Z was succeeded by two sequels, Great Mazinger (1974) and UFO Robot Grendizer (1975), which featured different robots but shared characters, forming the Mazinger Trilogy (the trio is depicted in the image above left). After a hiatus, the series returned with the 1984 anime, God Mazinger, and has remained a staple in manga and anime ever since.
The opening sequence of Tranzor Z, tailored for American viewers
4. Getter Robo
Originally designed as three specialized jets for space exploration by Professor Saotome, the plans were abruptly altered when the Dinosaur Empire, descendants of surviving dinosaurs, launched an assault using robotic Mechasauruses. Now, the professor must enlist three teenage pilots to unite their forces and form the Getter Robo team, humanity's last hope for survival.
The introductory scene of the Getter Robo anime
The Getter Robo manga and anime, co-created by Ken Ishikawa and Go Nagai in 1974, lasted only a year but revolutionized the genre by introducing "combining robots," a concept that paved the way for Voltron and the Constructicons from Transformers. The three jets could merge into three distinct robots, each equipped with unique weapons and optimized for specific environments: Getter-1 excelled in aerial battles, Getter-2 dominated on land, and Getter-3 was designed for underwater combat.
While the original series never reached American audiences, its successor, Getter Robo G, along with the Mazinger Z sequel UFO Robot Grendizer, was adapted as part of Force Five, a syndicated anime collection popular in the U.S. during the late 1970s and early 1980s. In Japan, the franchise has seen multiple sequels, with the most recent being 2004's New Getter Robo.
5. Brave Raideen
The opening sequence of Raideen the Brave, featuring English subtitles for the song lyrics
Debuting in 1975, the anime Raideen the Brave (often referred to as Brave Raideen) follows Akira, a young boy who learns he is a descendant of the ancient civilization of Mu. When the Demon Empire invades Earth, Akira becomes the sole individual capable of controlling Raideen, an ancient Mu robot, to combat Barao, the leader of the Demons.
Akira "fading in," or merging with, Raideen for the first time
Equipped with an arsenal of weapons, including missiles, a forearm-mounted shield and sword, a boomerang, a bow with massive arrows, and more, Raideen's ultimate attack involved transforming into the God Bird, a jet plane with enhanced offensive capabilities. This transformation not only introduced a groundbreaking concept in anime and manga but also revolutionized robot toys. The Chogokin Raideen action figure could replicate this transformation with a few simple adjustments, much like in the show. This innovation inspired many other Super Robots to adopt alternate forms, including the beloved Transformers.
Brave Raideen remains a highly popular anime in Japan, leading to two remakes: 1996's Raideen the Superior and 2006's Raideen. It also holds the distinction of being the first anime to achieve mainstream success in America, airing in syndication across numerous markets and spawning merchandise like T-shirts and toys.
6. Shogun Warriors
The Shogun Warriors toyline included 13 Super Robot action figures, such as Brave Raideen (renamed "Raydeen" for American audiences), Great Mazinger, Grandizer, the trio of robots from Getter Robo G, and other Japanese favorites, including Leopardon, the giant robot from the Japanese Spider-Man series. (The Japanese Spider-Man show diverged significantly from its American comic counterpart, but that's a tale for another time.) Children adored the extensive accessories, the ability to transform certain robots into alternate forms, and the iconic Rocket Punch feature, which became a hallmark of the series.
A commercial promoting Shogun Warriors toys
However, the toyline's popularity waned after reports emerged of children swallowing small missiles or being injured by the spring-loaded fists. These incidents led to stricter toy industry regulations, causing sales to plummet. By 1980, Shogun Warriors had disappeared from shelves, but their legacy influenced the rise of Transformers, Voltron, and the broader Japanese toy, anime, and manga craze that has since captivated the United States.
Since their 1970s heyday, Super Robots have seen a decline in popularity. Interestingly, this shift is often credited to Yoshiyuki Tomino and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, creators of Brave Raideen, who introduced the "Real Robot" genre with their 1979 anime Mobile Suit Gundam. This new genre, which includes titles like Patlabor, Macross, and Robotech, focuses on realistic elements such as fuel consumption, ammunition limits, and maintenance, and doesn't guarantee victory for the protagonists. While both Super and Real Robot genres remain influential, the era of Super Robots' dominance has sadly passed.
