Name(s): Mazinkaiser / マジンカイザー
Format: Original video animation [OVA] (7 episodes)
Studio(s): Brain’s Base
Related: Mazinkaiser: Deathmatch! General Dark (2003)

“Crash on crash!” It’s a shame that the only classic Mazinger franchise stuff with decent subs are this and Shin Mazinger. Shin Mazinger definitely towers over Mazinkaiser in quality, but this is still pretty cool.

It’s standard fare as far as super robot shows go. Mazinger Z is defeated and Koji finds Mazinkaiser. From here, he defeats a new monster each episode until the last two when things get serious with the final battle against Dr. Hell and Baron Ashura in a two-part finale.

Mazinkaiser is such a beast that it defeats anything it fights with little problem, so most of the episodes instead revolve around Baron Ashura’s various schemes to defeat Mazinkaiser through ways other than force, such as hostages and destroying its base. Once Mazinkaiser is able, the problem is pretty much solved.

Sound bland? Well, it kind of is. But the Mazinger franchise still has classic characters and amazing character designs on its side. The franchise at large often possesses this bouncy, carefree kinetic energy to it that makes it a lot of fun. The sense of humor is great, too. Animation quality is pretty nice, with no noticeable framerate drops. Not to mention, it has one of the best openings ever in “Fire Wars.”

It was a good idea to make this revival series into an OVA. It’s formulaic, but not long enough to the point it gets boring. Just another joyous romp with the usual, memorable Mazinger cast. Thus, I give thee the distinction: for converted Mazinger or classic-era super robot fans only!