I wanted to try my hand at making something big. Super Shogun Warriors are a favorite of mine, but they're a little too expensive for me to collect, especially the one I really want- Garada K7! The Garada K7 Jumbo Machinder- as the line is known in Japan- was either never released, released in tiny numbers or only released as store displays- no one is really sure. What we are sure of is that there are only four known to be in existence. Obviously, I would need a more economical solution. There are modern versions, but I wanted to make my own.
If you're not familiar with him, he was a villain robot in Mazinger Z, the original and most subsequent remakes.
My sculpt is not a faithful reproduction of the original toy. It's my own design that I tried to incorporate my favorite elements of the toy and original cartoon look into. The color scheme is based directly on the orignal toy. In the cartoon, he's pretty much just solid lavender and red. I think this is a lot more fun.
The primary material used insulation foam board coated with paper mache. I had to experiment with glues to find one that wouldn't dissolve or interact with the foam. I landed on regular rubber cement. Most Spray paints will also dissolve this foam, but there are acrylic spray paints and plastic formulated spray paints out there that work fine. I was the most surprised that Plasti-Dip dissolved it.
I used Crayola air-dry clay for teh details around his eye sockets. I started by sculpting them round and painting them black, but then I scooped them out for those nice, hollow skull eyes that he needs.
All together Garada took me about a month to get together. I still need to tweak him here and there, but I'm ready to call him done.
The Great Mazinger Shogun Warrior is my own from childhood. As you can see he made it through almost intact. lol
All questions and crits are welcome.
Thanks for looking.

 

Really cool. How big is that thing?

 

Thanks! He's about 23 inches at the top of his head, about 26 at the top of the horns.

 

You sir, are my Hero!
I love Shogun Warriors, and I LOVE Go Nagai's mecha even more so.
You did a masterful job on this. I cannot express how I truly feel about your custom, but I hope this means something, because it is perfect.

 

It means a lot! Thank you!

 

Thanks! There is a modren one but it is pretty pricey.

 

Excellent!

I remember the good old days where these beasts would only cost you $14.

"Only" as in 7 weeks worth of allowance, but still.

 

That is truly incredible. Fantastic job!

 

Thank you!
The Mazinger here is tve only one I ever had, but I loved him a lot. I'm still keeping an eye out for parts to complete him thst won't breaj the bank.

I appreciate it. Thanks!
Here's a peak at ny next jumbo project.

 

Amazing work! God bless!

 

The amount of work to replicate the original figure is outstanding. I remember getting hit in the eye with one of those fist projectiles as a kid. They don't make spring missiles like they use to any more  

 

Hell yeah

 

Thanks Everyone! I'm glad you like it!

Back at ya!

I've been thinking about buying some repro missiles. I got my Mazinger secondhand, so I never had them as a kid. I might wait until I find a leg though.

You know it!

 

Incredible!

Interesting approach and materials, love it!

 

Thanks! It's something I learned on a job years ago. It gives me a way to scale up the techniques I use on small models.

 

The original one it's definitely a holy grail, too bad it was never reissued or remade the same way.
Good work!