I previously placed a pre-order for The Robot Spirits Grendizer (Grendizer U) figure back when it was announced, but ultimately decided to cancel it since I thought that I could easily secure a copy, possibly cheaper, down the line. And I might still do, but the reveal of this particular set had me revisit that cancellation and order it again.
I’m talking about The Robot Spirits <Side SUPER> Spazer & Mazinger Z (Grendizer U) set, a bundle I didn’t expect, yet I totally get why Tamashii Nations are going with it. I always wondered how they’re going to release this particular version of Mazinger Z and I do agree that it might not warrant that much demand when given a standalone release.
To those unfamiliar, the Spazer is a saucer-shaped support vehicle that Grendizer, and other robots of similar origin, use for transport and possibly additional firepower. In the original UFO Grendizer, the central section of the Spazer is hollow and Grendizer slips with its arms spread across the outer rim to give that saucer shape, hence the title of the series. The Super Robot Chogokin figure of this version worked in the same way.
While I’m pretty sure the Spazer works in the same way in Grendizer U, I don’t think this figure has an opening front section to accommodate Grendizer. The solicitation does mention that an additional torso part is included to replicate Grendizer docked to the Spazer. It’s basically parts replacement, which is kind of how Tamashii Nations approaches things when they can’t/choose not to do actual transformation.
The other half of this set is Mazinger Z and at quick glance, you won’t easily notice how this design differs to the original Mazinger Z. But if you look closely, the joints are covered in gold, which I guess is a Fukuda thing, just like how the Villkiss from Cross Ange and Strike Freedom Gundam from Gundam SEED DESTINY also have gold-coated joints. The red chest heat sinks also have a curved design, which is probably an homage to Energer Z’s chest heat sink design. It does get changed when Mazinger Z gets upgraded to Mazinger X later on.
Just like other Mazinger Z figures, this one also comes with a Jet Scrander, though I believe that’s it as far as accessories go. It doesn’t have a removable Hover Pilder, which is good for how small that would be, nor removable forearms to replicate the rocket punch attack, which I believe has been a staple of Mazinger Z figures.
As mentioned, I decided to reorder Grendizer because this set won’t make much sense without it. Likewise, I would also need to get the Super Robot Chogokin Grendizer with Spazer set now for all the comparisons. Do note that this is limited to Tamashii Web Shop and fortunately for the most of us, these don’t sell out like hotcakes unlike Gunpla.
The Robot Spirits ⟨Side SUPER⟩ Spazer & Mazinger Z (Grendizer U)
June 2025 / ¥22,000
Premium Bandai Exclusive
There is a video on YouTube (in Japanese), showing how the Spazer set works. The torso part that comes with this Spazer set is basically a part needed to replicate the docked Grendizer, if you do not have the standalone Side Super Grendizer U figure. What’s impressive is that there is no parts forming involved for the Side Super Grendizer U (unlike the disappointing crotch-partsforming needed for SOC GX-76). The only additional part needed for Grendizer U to dock with the Spazer is the bottom panel, the same part used for the aforementioned torso part.
I’ve just got my Side Super Grendizer U and I must say although the figure is small, it feels weighty for its size; paint job is immaculate and the blades for the screw punch attack have very good tightness that I believe will stand the test of time.
Im very impressed with this, to be honest…
As for other options for Grendizer U:
1. the SMP version is basically a model kit with stickers (already a turn off). And the head is too small. The Robot Spirits Side Super version has better proportions. Not to mention the SMP feels Gunpla-y; probably best for display and not play.
2. SOC: so far only the Grendizer U figure is shown.. looks impressive. But the price of SOC nowadays are rather high, coupled with the fact that there was no SOC Spazer announced (yet)…
Yes, I did saw that video, the Bandai Mania one I believe and all the points you mentioned are correct. I did get the Spazer set because of the Mazinger Z figure and it caught me off guard how small it is, meant to scale with the Spazer and the stand-alone Grendizer U figure. That said, I don’t have problems with it.
Ultimately, I have no reasons to skip on the eventual Mazinger X figure because of all of these.