1999 BANPRESTO RE-ISSUE GA-01 MAZINGER Z - COMMEMORATING THE FIRST CHOGOKIN TOY!

Mazinger Z was the very first chogokin toy launched in 1972. It was so popular that until today the chogokin toyline from Bandai is still running. In 1999 Banpresto released a re-issue of the very first Mazinger Z figure. This was not for sale, it was given as a prize item in exchange for some coupons of a Banpresto game. Last month I managed to hunt down one from Japan. Here it is, it all its chogokin glory!

This toy came in a white mailer box. The white box started to show wear and age.

The figure is wrapped in a soft foam and not in styrofoam.

What's interesting about this version is the Rocket Punch firing button is located at his shoulder. This was later revised with the firing button on his 'biceps' in later versions.

And this toy is very heavy - heavier than the Super Robot Chogokin Mazinger!

The chest plate opens revealing missile firing weapon

Quite expensive in the secondary market now. eBay prices ranges from USD200 - 250.