TLDR;
This video explores the origins, abilities, and story of Mazinger Zero, one of the most powerful and darkest versions of Mazinger. It traces back to the original Mazinger Z and details the reimagining in the 2009 manga series "Shin Mazinger Zero." The video covers Mazinger Zero's creation, its evolution into an unstoppable force, its unique abilities derived from the seven black boxes, and its ultimate defeat through the combined efforts of Koji Kabuto and various giant robots from different universes.
- Mazinger Zero's origins and transformation from Mazinger Z.
- The significance of the seven black boxes and their powers.
- Koji Kabuto's role in controlling and ultimately defeating Mazinger Zero.
- The fusion of multiple realities and the appearance of various giant robots.
Introduction to Mazinger Zero [0:05]
The video introduces Mazinger Zero as one of the most powerful versions of Mazinger, originating from the 2009 manga series "Shin Mazinger Zero." The video thanks Philip from Canal Kyodai for his research assistance and features Mark (Gao Guy King the Great VA) as a guest, who is a longtime subscriber and mecha genre enthusiast known for voice acting videos and comic dubs on YouTube.
The Origins of Mazinger Z [1:05]
The history of Mazinger begins in 1972 with Go Nagai's Mazinger Z, a giant robot controlled by Koji Kabuto. Mazinger Z is constructed from Super Alloy Z, powered by photon energy derived from Japanium, an element discovered by Professor Juzo Kabuto. Juzo created Mazinger Z to fight Dr. Hell and his mechanical beasts, but he died before completing it. Koji Kabuto inherits and pilots Mazinger Z, battling Dr. Hell with allies from the Photon Laboratory. Mazinger Z is considered a forefather of the mecha genre, setting standards for future anime.
Shin Mazinger Zero: A Dark Reimagining [2:31]
"Shin Mazinger Zero," a 2009 manga series, is introduced as a dark reimagining of Mazinger. Written and illustrated by Yoshiaka Tabata and Yuki Hugo, it features intense action, violence, and gore, with cameos from other Go Nagai works like Devilman and Cutie Honey. The story begins with Professor Juzo's obsession with creating the ultimate robot, Mazinger Z.
The Creation of Mazinger Zero [3:30]
Professor Juzo, unable to complete Mazinger due to age, creates Minerva X, an android with time-travel capabilities. Unlike her original small role, this Minerva plays a significant part, using photon connectability to send memories and data back in time, helping Juzo advance his research. Juzo uses Mazinger to conquer the world, upgrading it with each time journey, eventually drawing Dr. Hell's attention and starting their rivalry. In one timeline, Juzo creates an uncontrollable Mazinger Z that evolves into Mazinger Zero, a planet-destroying demon. Minerva spends thousands of cycles trying to prevent this transformation, repeatedly killing Koji to send his soul to other timelines.
The Role of Dr. Hell [5:37]
In one timeline, Koji and Mazinger are heroes fighting Dr. Hell. This version of Dr. Hell is particularly terrifying, having conquered the world in 10 days and modified his body for near immortality. He is skilled in karate and even killed Koji in one battle. Koji is revived with a cybernetic body, continuing the fight against Dr. Hell. Despite defeating Dr. Hell, the arrival of the Mycenae Empire leads to Zero's awakening and further destruction, forcing Minerva to repeat the time loop until Koji finds a way to defeat Zero.
Mazinger Z's Abilities and the Seven Black Boxes [7:11]
This version of Mazinger Z has similar attacks to previous versions, such as photon beams, rust hurricane, breast fire, and rocket punch. However, it contains seven hidden black boxes within its Mazin Power circuit, granting it demon god powers. These boxes are similar to the seven chakras in Mazin Saga, drawing inspiration from Hindu chakras.
The Powers of the Black Boxes [8:20]
During the battle with Dr. Hell, Mazinger activates six of the seven black boxes. The first grants regeneration, the second assimilation of energy attacks, the third strengthening of armor and reactor core, the fourth prediction of events, the fifth metamorphosis for stronger body parts, and the sixth reality manipulation. The sixth box allows Koji and Mazinger to witness parallel worlds, summon alternate counterparts, and launch countless rocket punches, defeating Dr. Hell with the dynamic fire attack.
The Transformation into Mazinger Zero [10:08]
The seventh black box is the most dangerous, incorporating the pilot into Mazinger and combining all previous abilities, transforming Mazinger into Zero. In this form, Mazinger becomes sentient, monstrous, and immensely powerful, capable of destroying the planet. This transformation can be triggered by the appearance of another Mazinger, the death of Sayaka, or Dr. Hell combining with Mazinger. When Dr. Hell combines with Mazinger, Zero enters "Jigoku" or Hell Mode, becoming more vicious and capable of slicing the Earth and Moon.
Koji Kabuto's Role and Zero's Weakness [12:21]
Zero has destroyed numerous timelines, becoming an entity of multiversal scale. However, its weakness is Koji Kabuto, who can tap into Mazinger's powers due to the changing timelines. Koji uses the reality manipulation black box to combine alternate realities, creating Zero's ideal universe where Mazinger Z is a popular media icon.
The Final Battle Against Zero [12:45]
In Zero's ideal universe, Koji saves Tetsuya, gaining power over reality. Koji and Tetsuya materialize and fight Zero, using the power of imagination to bring other giant robots to life from within Mazinger's photon engine. These robots include notable mecha such as Gurren Lagann, Gypsy Danger and many more. Overwhelmed by the numerous giant robots, Zero is defeated by the "All Universal Sure Kill Technique Thunder Break and Photon Beam." Zero warns that Mazinger will be forgotten, but Koji assures that its spirit will live on through other robots. Zero accepts defeat, causing an event horizon that recreates the multiverse with endless possibilities.