Question about different JAP Mazinger versions

[shopperx]

Dear members,

I was looking to buy a japanese vintage Mazinger Z (for a start) and i stumbled upon many versions.

My question is, what is the difference in size, maker, launch date and any other important detail i should know between:

- GA-01
- CGA-01
- GT-01
- Any other version i should be warned of?

Between these Japanese versions and the shogun warriors version (great mazinger, gaiking, etc) i really dont know where to start collecting.

I will appreciate if you can give me more information on these MZ versions.

Thanks in advance.

[KingboyD]

GA-01 - Only vintage one of the three. Other two are reissues. Largest of the three, also. Comes in many different versions (see www.toyboxdx.com/datafiles/data/popy_data/ga/ga01.htm). Expect to pay big bucks for one of these, unless you find one of the KOs. You can do a search on this board to find more info about these.

CGA-01 - Gashapon version. Mostly plastic, and the smallest of the bunch. Fists and missiles don't fire. Could be had for a few dollars.

GT-01 - The Chogokin version. A very nice reissue that can be had for about $20. A smaller replica of the most popular GA-01 version. Nice diecast content and very well made. If you're on a budget, its highly recommended.

There are plenty more Maz Z toys out there, but none that have the same sculpt as these.


Regarding the Shogun Warriors, Mazinger Z never made it into the line. Only Great Maz. Shogun Warriors are more affordable than the Japanese respective ones, and you can find different generations/versions of the toys within the line, so know what you are looking at before buying.

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Edit: Here's some old photos of mine I found. Not the best pics, but you could see the size differences.

[shopperx]

Thanks KingboyD for the explanation. I loved that pic from your collection.

I just bought these:

GA-01 1986 Bandai - 5 inches ("Etarnal Heroes" Box - Version 5)
GA-01 1999 Banpresto - Unkown height?? (Version 6)

Quite expensive if you ask me...

I got two more questions:

1) Is the "GA-05 Great Mazinger" the same as the 5'' Shogun Warriors Great Mazinger?

2) Are all the GA-** 5 inches or are there some 3 inches?

Thanks

[admin1 aka Ed]

The GA-05 is the same mid-model version. Japan had a different Great Maz early version (I think the chest chevron stuck out differently). Then the U.S. had different late versions for Shogun Warriors. The knees were less felxible and stickers were deleted on the knees.

Most of the GAs are roughly the same size. Strongar, an early GA-13, is about .5 inches higher. The robocon GA toys are usually a bit fatter and shorter.

robotjapan.com/Gallery/Popy/

robotjapan.com/Gallery/Popy/GA-09RaideenDX/Raidebk.jpg

Ed

[shopperx]

Thanks ed for the links and info, it help me made a decision.

I think i will go for the shogun warriors this time, they are more affordable and easier to find.

Im not a fan of the 3'' versions thats why i keep asking for the height but i know in a future i will end up loving the smaller versions too just like what happened with the fewture mazinger, i didnt like it at first and now is on my shopping list.

I will post pictures from my small and humble collection soon, i hope someone can enjoy looking at them as much as i do everyday.

Thanks again

[shopperx]

Last night i was lurking at yahoo auctions japan and i noted a few things.

- Only one seller had the GA-01 Version 1 for sale and the start bid was around $1,200 USD.
- I only saw one "Etarnal Heroes" for sale and its price was around $250, which is close to what i paid for it, MIB.
- I saw so many GA-01 Version 5 from 1979 (not the 1986 reissue) for sale, i was impressed... it was as common as the GX-01R. If you are on a budget this is the one to get first.
- There were many GA-01 banpresto 1999 for sale and the average price was $100 MIB, this was the most common version for sale at YJ.

You can check the following link if you are looking to buy one of these:

search.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/search?sb=desc&desc=%a5%de%a5%b8%a5%f3%a5%ac%a1%bcZ&acc=jp&at=true&alocale=0jp&f=0x16

I hope someone finds this as exciting as me.

PD: I added to my collection a GA-01 1979 Bandai - 5 inches (Version 5), now i just need the Version 1 to be in chogokin heaven