Godaikin, a line of die-cast super robot toys produced by Bandai in the 1980s, brought some of Japan’s most iconic mecha to the American market. This collection featured robots from various popular anime series, each with its unique design and capabilities. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Godaikin super robots and the series they starred in.
The Godaikin Lineup:
1. Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor)
The large blue robot on the far left is Tetsujin 28, known as Gigantor in the West. This classic robot, created by Mitsuteru Yokoyama, first appeared in manga in 1956 and later starred in multiple anime adaptations. Tetsujin 28 is a remote-controlled robot piloted by a young boy named Shotaro Kaneda.
2. Leopardon
Next to Tetsujin 28 is Leopardon, the giant robot from “Spider-Man” (Supaidāman), a Japanese tokusatsu series. Piloted by Takuya Yamashiro, the Japanese Spider-Man, Leopardon fights against the evil Iron Cross Army.
3. Daitarn 3
The red and blue robot with a distinctive helmet is Daitarn 3, the main mecha from the anime series “Invincible Steel Man Daitarn 3” (1978). Piloted by Banjo Haran, Daitarn 3 fights against the Meganoids, alien invaders from the planet Pole.
4. God Sigma
To the right of Daitarn 3 is God Sigma, from the anime series “Space Emperor God Sigma” (1980). Piloted by Toshiya Dan and his team, God Sigma defends Earth against the invading Elddial forces.
5. Voltes V
The central figure with a V-shaped chest emblem is Voltes V, from the anime “Chōdenji Machine Voltes V” (1977). Voltes V is formed by combining five separate vehicles piloted by the Goh brothers and their allies, fighting against the Boazanian Empire.
6. Daimos
To the right of Voltes V is Daimos, the titular robot from “Tōshō Daimos” (1978). Piloted by Kazuya Ryuuzaki, Daimos defends Earth against the Baam alien race.
7. Danguard Ace
The smaller robot to the right of Daimos is Danguard Ace, from the anime “Planetary Robot Danguard Ace” (1977). Piloted by Takuma Ichimonji, Danguard Ace protects Earth from the insectoid alien race known as the Gandora.
8. Combattler V
The rightmost large robot is Combattler V, from “Chōdenji Robo Combattler V” (1976). Like Voltes V, Combattler V is formed by combining five separate machines, each piloted by a member of the Nanbara Connection team.
9. Raydeen
In front of Combattler V is Raydeen, from the anime series “Brave Raideen” (1975). Piloted by Akira Hibiki, Raydeen is an ancient robot god awakened to defend Earth against the Demon Empire.
10. Gaiking
The smallest robot in the front row is Gaiking, from the anime “Gaiking, The Great Space Dragon” (1976). Piloted by Sanshiro Tsuwabuki, Gaiking battles against the alien Zelans to protect Earth.
The Godaikin line allowed American fans to own high-quality representations of these iconic Japanese super robots. Each toy featured die-cast metal parts, multiple points of articulation, and often included combining or transforming gimmicks true to their on-screen counterparts.
While Godaikin was relatively short-lived in the U.S. market, it played a crucial role in introducing American audiences to the world of Japanese super robots. Today, these toys are highly sought-after collectors’ items, representing a golden age of mecha design and storytelling.
References:
- Clements, J., & McCarthy, H. (2006). The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917. Stone Bridge Press.
- Patten, F. (2004). Watching Anime, Reading Manga: 25 Years of Essays and Reviews. Stone Bridge Press.
- Schodt, F. L. (1988). Inside the Robot Kingdom: Japan, Mechatronics, and the Coming Robotopia. Kodansha International.
