MAZINKAISER - Bandai Infinitism HG 1/144 scale Plastic Model Kit Figure

 

Mazinkaiser is the 4th action figure model I have built in the Infinitism line of plastic model kits. For those who don't know, these kits are similar to Gundam Gunpla kits. They include pre-colored plastic snap-together parts that result in a fully articulated figure, complete with accessories and a display stand. They tend to run in the $60 range upon release. The line began with two figures (Mazinger Z and Great Mazinger) whose design was based on the movie Mazinger Z: Infinity (hence the "Infinitism" moniker for the line). The figures must have done well-enough to warrant an expansion into giant robot characters who were never included in the film. Grendizer was the third release, followed by Mazinkaiser, Getter Dragon and the upcoming Steel Jeeg. All of the figures have a similar internal structure, and follow the heavily-panelled look of the Infinity designs. In terms of construction, they go together fairly easily, most of the sprue snips are pretty well-hidden, and the articulation even features some of the gimmicks you'd find in a real, quality action figure. For instance, the hips can pull down to allow for a greater forward kick, and the elbows feature hidden panels within the forearms allowing for a huge range of flex motion. The finished kits are sturdy enough to make messing around with them and reposing them fun, but they are very light and feel more fragile to me than a 1/100 scale Gundam kit. I wouldn't suggest these would hold up to play - just very careful posing.

One of the absolute highlights to the entire line is the incredible artwork featured on the box fronts. These are so beautifully done that I'm planning to cut them out and frame them at some point. There's also a neat ongoing "story" told on the outside of the box, as well as within the excellent instruction booklet (they are referring to the models as "Infinitism novels" and it looks like their storyline will somehow expand to incorporate the robots from various properties into one cohesive tale).

Mazinkaiser ends up standing around 8 to 9 inches tall when complete. He features a truly enormous Kaiser Scrander, which measures almost 18 inches from tip-to-tip once expanded. The Kaiser Scrander has wings that can be articulated, and the entire thing can be easily removed via a peg that fits into Mazinkaiser's back. The downside to this enormous accessory is that it adds a good bit of weight to a figure that's already pretty light. So, having the stand certainly helps to keep him...well, standing.

The jewel in the center of his chest features a sticker underneath, giving the builder 3 different possibilities of symbols (I chose the boring "Z", but it looks really cool). The jewels in the giant Final Kaiser Blade have matching Z stickers. There are two additional, slightly smaller Kaiser blades, as well as 2 alternate hands to allow for the figure to hold them. You get two different versions of the Kaiser Pilder - one in docking mode and one in flight mode. There's an additional arm stand for mounting a Turbo Smasher Punch, along with 2 flame effects. I do wish we had 2 of the thinner armature stands to do a dual Turbo Smasher Punch, but I was able to use the main stand to kind of get one going (though the main stand is so big and obtrusive, it kind of ruins the look).

I love these Infinitism model kit figures! They are fun to build, they are pretty fun to pose and re-pose, they come with lots of cool stuff, and they look incredible on the shelf. I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking to get into the figure-building hobby, or for anyone looking to save money on a cheaper substitute for high-end Chogokin or Metal Build figures. I'm hoping the line continues on past the next announced figure, Jeeg, who I knew absolutely nothing about, but decided to get just because these are such great fun! I'd love to see Infinitism versions of Shin Getter and Devolution Getter...

The final pose for Mazinkaiser on my shelf...