Soul of Chogokin Robot Toys
Bandai and the New Diecast Metal robots
Around 1997 Bandai toys of Japan decided to begin making metal robot toys again. It all started with the robot Mazinga Z, labeled as GX-01, and then spread out to encompass toys like Kargasaur, Dancougar, and Getta Robo teams.
Keep in mind that most of these toys are remasterings of the original 1970's toys made of diecast metal. Just as GA-01 or Mazinga Z started the lineup in the 70's, a similar GX-01 Mazinga Z started the lineup that continues to this day. A few of our characters were not originally made by Bandai in the 70's and 80's, but over time their licenses were acquired.
Soul of Chogokin (SOC) robot toy details
In general Soul of Chogokin toys are bigger than the originals, often made in China or Thailand, and don't have as many firing fists. Paint is now applied in a perfect finish and most joints are poseable. Bandai Engineers have given us all the anime correctness that fans craved. That and we have new toys that won't completely break the bank (as opposed to vintage toy prices).
|
 |
GX-01 SOC Mazinger Z
Mazinga Z started it all and here are a few pictures of the SOC toy for you to enjoy. You will notice that the fists canflip up, the Jet scrambler pack can be removed, and the abomen rocket can flip out. |
 |
GX-02 Soul of Chogokin Great Mazinga
Great Mazinga was the second installment of the successful Soul of Chogokin robot series. Bandai super sized the original robot and then added two sets of wings to the package. As before, this SOC toy received a display stand to hold all missiles, fists, and accessories.
|
 |
GX-03 S.O.C. Combattler V
Here we have a picture review of the third SOC installment by Bandai. Bandai gave us our first redesign on a "gestalt" or combination robot. Combattler is the first one released in the 1970's |
 |
GX-04 Soul of Chogokin Grandizer Chogokin toy
Grandizer is arguably the most poplar of the SOC robot toys. Here are pictures of the first release where we got a display stand, extra fists, and one backpack along with the Saucer. |
 |
GX-05 Daiku Maryu and Gaiking Soul of Chogokin robots
Remember Kargasaur from the Shogun Warriors? No, well do you remember a spikey blue dinosaur with horns......in your Japanese chogokin dreams? Here we have it, details behind Bandai's GX-05 Daiku Maryu. We have great new detailed pictures. |
 |
GX-05-B Black Daiku Maryu and Gaiking
Kargasaur came in a gloomy black version also. This black and gold redeco has gained notoriety as time has passed. I find that the gold trim is not overdone. |
 |
GX-06 Getta Robo Soul of Chogokin
Getta Robot toys were some of the first toys by Popy in the early 1970's. Accordingly, Bandai re-released Getta Robo 1, 2, and 3 early in the soul of chogokin series. I happen to love the quirky Getta Robo 3 the most. |
 |
GX-10 Boss Borot
Many of you won't know the Boss. Boss Borot was actually the side-kick of Mazinga in the old Mazinga anime shows. He was pretty wimpy but always did his best to help out and then cause a good laugh. |
 |
GX-12 Venus A
One of Mazinga Z's anime girlfriends has been sent to diecast. Venus shoots her chest and is dressed to impress. Check out those red knee-highs. |
 |
GX-13 Dancouga
Our own Getta Robo G has been kind enough to give us a taste of Bandai's wonderfully complex GX-13-- Dancouga. Soul of Chogokin has been raised to a new level of perfection (and complexity). Click on the link above to enjoy our Dancouga review and enjoy this neo-godaikin. |
 |
GX-14 EVA-01 Prototype Evangelion
EVA-01 was the first departure from old school robots into new robot shows. This toy has the ultimate poseability and can grasp a ton of accessories and bend at almost every joint.
|
 |
GX-23 Soul of Chogokin Zambot 3
Curse the computer gods for my P.C. troubles. That, though, won't get in the way of getting showcasing the astonishing GX-23. Zambot is reborn for the 1970's ashes into a new leader of the SOC world..... |
 |
GX-24 Tetsujin 28 Chogokin robot
I thought I would never see a poseable rendition of my favorite character, Tetsujin Go. Well Bandai made me proud and has produced a 2004 version of the Pot-bellied master himself along with Sidekick Jimmy Sparks. |
 |
GX-34 Gunbuster robot
|
