Topic summary
Mazinger Edition Z: The Impact!
Mazinger Edition Z: The Impact!, known in Japan as True Mazinger Impact! Chapter Z (真マジンガー衝撃! Z編, Shin Majingā Shōgeki! Zetto Hen), translated in the Soul of Chogokin toys line as Shin Mazinger Impact Z!, is a Mazinger anime series, directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa (of G Gundam, Giant Robo and Getter Robo Armageddon fame) which premiered in Japan on April 4, 2009. According to the production staff, it has no relation to the 1970s show and should not be described as a Mazinger Z remake. The series is a "retelling" of the basic story of Mazinger Z, featuring most of the same characters, mechanical beasts, and some general plots of the original series, plus some additional material. It keeps the original plot line of Mazinger Z, but makes references to other Go Nagai works, such as Z Mazinger, Devilman, Violence Jack, Mao Dante, Abashiri Family, and others. Elements from other related Mazinger works appear in the series, such as the story of Kedora (based on an original Mazinger Z story by Ken Ishikawa) and the appearance of Energer Z, the original concept before Mazinger Z.
Along with the TV series, a new manga, Shin Mazinger Zero started on April 18, 2009 (cover date June 2009) in the magazine Champion Red. The pair responsible for the shōnen manga Akumetsu, and , write and illustrate the Shin Mazinger Zero manga. In 2010 a game based on the series was released for the PC.