Goldorak – Animated Series: A Complete Overview

“Goldorak” (also known as “Grendizer” or “UFO Robot Grendizer“) is a landmark anime and manga series created by the legendary Go Nagai. It stands as the third entry in the famous Mazinger series, a staple of the mecha genre, known for its giant robots and action-packed adventures. Since its debut in the mid-1970s, Goldorak has gained global recognition, captivating fans across multiple generations with its unique storyline, characters, and innovations in the world of anime.

Origin and Background

Goldorak was created by Go Nagai, a prolific manga artist known for revolutionizing the mecha genre. The series made its debut on October 5, 1975, and aired until February 27, 1977, on Fuji TV. The anime was produced by Toei Animation under the direction of Tomoharu Katsumata and written by Shozo Uehara. The story revolves around a giant robot, Goldorak (Grendizer), piloted by Duke Fleed, a prince from another planet who fights to protect Earth from alien invaders.

The series was not only an essential part of the Mazinger franchise but also became a global phenomenon, especially in Europe, where it was known as Goldorak or Goldrake.

Manga Versions of Goldorak

Goldorak’s success extended into several manga adaptations, each bringing its own unique perspective on the story:

1. Original Manga (1975-1976): Written by Go Nagai and published in TV Magazine by Kodansha, this two-volume series was the first manga adaptation aimed at a Shōnen demographic.
2. Second Manga (1975-1977): Illustrated by Gosaku Ota, this five-volume series was published in Boken Oh by Akita Shoten. This version was also aimed at Shōnen readers and ran for a longer period.
3. Children’s Manga (1975-1977): Illustrated by Eiji Imamichi, this version was published in TV Land by Tokuma Shoten and catered specifically to a children’s audience. It ran for one volume.
4. Additional Manga Versions: The 2014 Grendizer Giga manga, written by Go Nagai and published by Akita Shoten in Champion Red, was aimed at a Seinen audience. Another upcoming manga, Grendizer U: The Inception (2024), is written by Go Nagai and illustrated by 8KEY for the Seinen demographic, serialized in Comiplex magazine.

These various adaptations allowed fans to enjoy Goldorak in different formats and targeted readers of all ages.

The Anime Series

The Goldorak anime is where the series truly made its mark on global pop culture. The show consisted of 74 episodes, airing from October 5, 1975, to February 27, 1977, on Fuji TV. Directed by Tomoharu Katsumata and featuring music by Shunsuke Kikuchi, the anime brought the mecha battles to life with thrilling animation by Toei Animation.

The anime focuses on Duke Fleed, who escapes his home planet with the giant robot Grendizer after his planet is destroyed. He hides on Earth and, with the help of his robot, defends the planet from the invading Vega Empire.

Goldorak became incredibly popular, especially in France, Italy, and the Middle East, where it was dubbed and aired under the names Goldorak or Goldrake. Its action-packed episodes and heartfelt storylines made it a beloved classic worldwide.

Anime Films and Specials

In addition to the TV series, Goldorak also inspired several anime films:

1. UFO Robot Grendizer: Akai Yuuhi no Taiketsu (1976) was one of the most popular films associated with the series. Directed by Tokiji Kaburaki and produced by Toei Animation, the movie was released on December 19, 1976, with a runtime of 24 minutes. It featured an epic battle sequence between Duke Fleed and his adversaries.
2. UFO Robot Grendizer (1975): A 24-minute anime film directed by Yoichi Kominato and released on December 20, 1975, was another addition to the Goldorak saga, bringing new adventures to the fans.

Modern Adaptations and Remakes

In 2024, the Goldorak legacy continued with the release of Grendizer U, a modern remake of the original series. Directed by Mitsuo Fukuda and Shun Kudō, this adaptation brought the classic mecha anime into the 21st century with updated animation and a new storyline. The series premiered on July 5, 2024, on TV Tokyo.

This remake introduces the world of Grendizer to a new generation of fans while retaining the core elements that made the original so beloved. Kohei Tanaka composed the music, adding a fresh yet nostalgic touch to the series.

Goldorak in Pop Culture and Legacy

Goldorak’s impact extends beyond anime and manga. The series had a strong presence in toys, notably with the Shogun Warriors line, which introduced the robot to American audiences in the 1970s. Additionally, Goldorak was a significant part of Jim Terry’s Force Five series in the U.S., further expanding its global reach.

In Europe, Goldorak became a pop culture icon, with dedicated fanbases in France and Italy, where it was a significant part of 1970s and 1980s youth culture.

Goldorak Video Game Adaptation

In 2023, Goldorak ventured into the world of video games with The Feast of the Wolves, an open-world action game developed by Endroad and published by Microids. The game was released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows via Steam.

The game allows players to pilot Grendizer and battle enemies in an immersive world. Released globally on November 14, 2023, it gives fans a new way to experience the iconic mecha battles.

Conclusion

Goldorak is a timeless series that continues to influence the anime industry decades after its original release. From manga and anime to toys and video games, Goldorak has left an indelible mark on pop culture worldwide. With the release of Grendizer U and the new video game, the legacy of this giant robot lives on, captivating both new fans and long-time enthusiasts.