The eagerly awaited first episode of the new Grendizer U anime series has finally dropped, and it’s quite a treat for both old-school fans and new viewers.
Grenadier U
The original UFO Robot Grendizer, which hit the airwaves back in the late ’70s in Japan, quickly gained a massive following across Europe and Saudi Arabia. This Middle Eastern connection is especially noteworthy, as much of the funding for this new Grendizer U comes from Saudi Arabia.
This reboot of Grendizer is a fascinating blend of nostalgia and innovation. While it retains the heart of the original series, the modern animation and character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto breathe new life into it. Sadamoto, known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion, brings a fresh yet familiar aesthetic to the beloved series.
For those who might not remember, the original premise of Grendizer revolved around Duke Fleed, who escapes to Earth with his mecha, Grendizer, to fend off the alien Vega forces bent on galactic domination.
While the core storyline remains intact, there are a few significant updates. Firstly, the setting is now more focused on Saudi Arabia, reflecting the regional investment in the series. This shift feels natural and contemporary, much like Gundam 00, which also had parts set in the Middle East. After all, an alien invasion would be a global event, so why not view it through a Saudi Arabian lens?
The second major update is a real game-changer for fans of the franchise: Koji Kabuto is now piloting Mazinger Z. In the original series, Koji flew the TFO (Terrestrial Flying Object), later upgraded to the JFO (Japanese Flying Object), before piloting the Double Spazer to assist Grendizer in flight. Seeing Koji in the cockpit of Mazinger Z is a thrilling departure, directly comparing the legendary mecha with the more powerful Grendizer.
Grendizer U is not just a continuation but a respectful nod to the entire Mazinger saga. By integrating Mazinger Z more prominently, the series sets up the potential for epic super robot showdowns and alliances. This crossover could be a clever strategy to rejuvenate the Mazinger saga for contemporary audiences.
The animation and character designs are top-notch, thanks to Gaina, who have done a stellar job capturing the essence of the original while modernizing it. Kohei Tanaka’s music is another high point, with his experience in scoring for super robot anime like GaoGaiGar adding a powerful and emotive soundtrack.
Director Mitsuo Fukuda’s approach to the story is notably more upbeat and hopeful. The inclusion of Mazinger Z suggests that we’re in for some serious team-up action. If the series continues on this path, we might see other iconic mecha from the Mazinger saga making appearances, setting the stage for an all-out super robot extravaganza.
In conclusion, Grendizer U is shaping up to be a fantastic blend of old and new, honoring its legacy while pushing the boundaries of the super robot genre. As a longtime fan, I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Grendizer U is streaming in the GCC on Shahid.
