Chogokin (超合金) is a brand of toys and super robots aimed at collectors. The most popular line in the brand is Soul of Chogokin （超合金魂）, which features updated versions of the original toys produced by the company.
Chogokin is arguably the first brand of Japanese anime toys and super robots. Read on to find out more about these popular Japanese super robots and where you can find them.
History of Chogokin
In Japanese, Chogokin translates to “Superalloy.” Go Nagai coined the term in his hit anime and Manga called Mazinger Z. Later, in 1972, Poppy, which is owned by Bandai, adopted Chogokin as the name for a line of die-cast metal toys and robots.
The first Chogokin model was called “GA-01 Mazinger Z.” Although it was faulty and the company had to replace, it revolutionized the Japanese toy industry.
Generally, Chogokin toys come in DX or ST sizes. The ST or standard-sized toys are usually 5 inches tall while the DX or deluxe toys are much larger, come with more features, and sophisticated weaponry.
Perhaps the unique thing about Chogokin toys is the use of die-cast metal. Most other Japanese toy manufacturers abandoned die-cast metal for ABS plastic and PVC. However, the use of more high-quality material means that Chogokin toys are more expensive and are usually aimed at collectors, not children.
The Godaikin range was among the first line produced by Bandai in the early ’80s. The name loosely translates to “big alloy” and featured robots of up to 12 inches. The line drew inspiration from a wide range of anime, especially from the Tokusatsu series.
However, the price tag and competition from cheaper super robot lines such as Gobots and Transformers led to the decline of Godaikin. Still, the company continued producing them, and they are still available in second-hand market places.
Up to date, Bandai still produces Chogokin Toys. To remain relevant in the market, Bandai introduced the Soul of Chogokin line in the late ’90s. The line, which is still regularly updated, features updated versions of toys the company made in the ’80s and ’70s. In 2010, the company launched the Super Robot Chogokin as a cheaper alternative to the Soul of Chogokin line.
In 2000, the company introduced the Souchaku Henshin series, which also features characters from the Tokusatsu series.
Soul of Chogokin
The Soul of Chogokin (SoC) is by far the most popular line from Bandai’s Chogokin brand. Mecha robots from anime series from the ’70s and ’80s such as Leopardon (Japanese Spider-Man) and Battle Fever J. inspire soC models. However, occasionally, Bandai produces SOC models from newer anime series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion from the ’90s.
The first SOC model (GX-01) was Mazinger Z, from the series by the same name. Bandai has produced many other SOC models from characters in the series, such as Doublas M2and Grada K7. There are also renewals such as Great Mazinger and Mazinger Z DC.
The company also produces accessories for the SoC line, such as the Motorized Hangar for the Mazinger Z, Drill Spacer for the Grendizer, and the Secret Super Weapons Set 01, for the DC models.
Bandai also rewards fans with limited items released through coupon codes in the manga magazines and original CDs. Some of these limited items are announced during exhibitions.
If you’re a fan of Manga and anime produced later than 1980, you should consider the SoC SPEC series. The SPEC series focuses on robot characters from the late ’80s and ’90s, such as SPT Layzner, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Metal Armor Dragonar.
Some of the upcoming SoC models include Arcadia, from Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and Black Wing from Dancouga – Super Beast Machine God.
Super Robot Chogokin
The Super Robot Chogokin series is similar to the SoC line but features smaller robots. Another difference is the design – the Super Robot Chogokin models are more articulate and feature weapons sets (which are sold separately). Additionally, the Super Robot Chogokin models are cheaper than SoC models.
This line mostly focuses on characters from Super Robot and Super Sentai anime series. Some of the popular models in this line include Mazinger Z, Majin Emperor G, Steel Jeeg, and Mazinkaiser.
Super Imaginative Chogokin
Super Imaginative Chogokin (SIC) is a super robot’s series that focuses on the Kamen Rider franchise. The first SIC, Kikaider, debuted in 1998. Bandai regularly updated the series until 2016, with the Kamen Rider Drive – Drive Type Speed.
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