Grendizer collectible figures

General information about Grendizer figures

Why is Grendizer also called Goldorak, UFO Robot Grendizer or Goldrake?

UFO Robot Grendizer is the international title derived from the original Japanese title, while Grendizer is the robot's original name. When the series was broadcast in different countries, the names were adapted: it became Goldorak in France and parts of the French-speaking world, and Goldrake in Italy.

They therefore refer to the same character, except when a product explicitly carries the name Grendizer U, which refers to the new series launched in 2024.

Which brands make Grendizer figures?

Bandai Tamashii Nations is the main manufacturer, notably with the Soul of Chogokin, Robot Spirits, Figuarts ZERO and Jumbo Machinder ranges.

HL Pro offers Metaltech and Vinyl Figure Collection figures, including Vega monsters and secondary characters. King Arts, Evolution Toy, Tsume, ABYstyle, Plastoy and other manufacturers also produce officially licensed figures and statues.

Versions and appearances of Grendizer

What is the difference between the classic Grendizer and the Grendizer U version?

The classic Grendizer is based on the robot from the original series broadcast between 1975 and 1977. The Grendizer U version is a new interpretation created for the 2024 series.

Its silhouette, face, arms, articulation and several mechanical details have been modernised. It is therefore not simply a new colour scheme but a genuinely redesigned version.

Why do Grendizer's proportions vary between figures?

Grendizer's design is not perfectly consistent throughout the animated series: its silhouette can appear bulkier or slimmer depending on the episode, animation team and shot. Manga adaptations also have their own interpretations.

The sculptor's choices and constraints related to articulation, the Spazer or the amount of metal used can also affect the proportions.

Which figure reproduces Grendizer from the anime most faithfully?

There is no absolute answer because the robot's appearance varies within the series itself. The Soul of Chogokin GX-04 is closer to the bulky and powerful image that many viewers associate with the earlier episodes.

The GX-76 adopts a slimmer and more detailed silhouette, closer to some later appearances. Bandai's Robot Spirits Side Super version was designed specifically to reproduce the style of the animated series.

What is the difference between a classic, Anime Color, manga color, Kurogane or Black Edition version?

A classic version generally uses the standard colours chosen for the initial release. An Anime Color version uses shades intended to more closely match the animated series. The term manga color refers to a palette inspired by printed illustrations or by the manufacturer's interpretation of them.

A Kurogane finish generally uses darker, more metallic colours. A Black Edition is a primarily black decorative variant, sometimes combined with gold elements. These terms are not completely standardised, so their exact meaning should be checked on each product page.

Soul of Chogokin and other ranges

What does “Soul of Chogokin” mean?

The Japanese term Chogokin roughly means “super alloy”. Soul of Chogokin is a Bandai Tamashii Nations range aimed at adult collectors, generally combining die-cast metal parts with ABS, PVC or other plastics.

The range focuses on weight, mechanisms, accessories and faithful reproductions of classic robots.

What is the difference between the Soul of Chogokin GX-04 and GX-76?

The GX-04, originally released in 2000, features a compact and bulky silhouette, chrome elements and a design characteristic of the early years of the Soul of Chogokin range. It was also designed to be combined with its Spazer.

The GX-76 D.C., released in 2018, features a slimmer sculpt, more elongated proportions, additional details and more modern articulation. The Spazer and other spacecraft were sold in separate companion sets.

The two models therefore represent different interpretations rather than simply an old and a new version of the same product.

What is the difference between the GX-76 and GX-76SP Anime Color?

The GX-76SP retains most of the sculpting, articulation and accessories of the GX-76. Its main difference is a revised colour palette designed to more closely resemble the appearance of the animated series.

The GX-76SP was also released as a limited edition, whereas the original GX-76 was a standard retail release.

What is the difference between Bandai, HL Pro, King Arts and Evolution Toy figures?

Bandai Tamashii Nations offers the widest variety, with products ranging from compact figures to Soul of Chogokin models containing metal. Its products generally focus on engineering, articulation and compatibility with different accessories or vehicles.

HL Pro is best known for its Metaltech range, which includes Grendizer as well as Vega monsters and mechanical characters that are rarely reproduced. These figures generally combine metal, ABS and PVC.

King Arts has produced larger models, often focused on display presence and detailed interpretations of the robot. However, the term “die-cast” does not mean that the entire figure is made of metal: the exact proportion varies from one product to another.

Evolution Toy notably produces the Dynamite Action range, with some models featuring magnetic assembly systems and numerous accessories or vehicles.

Which model can be considered an essential Grendizer figure for a collection?

The Soul of Chogokin GX-04, or the GX-04S set, remains an iconic reference because of its age, bulky appearance and association with the Spazer and other vehicles.

For a more modern and slimmer interpretation, the GX-76 or GX-76SP is an important alternative. The choice therefore depends on your personal image of Grendizer: nostalgia and solidity with the GX-04, or slimmer proportions and more modern articulation with the GX-76.

Metal and plastic

Which parts of a Soul of Chogokin Grendizer are made of metal?

The distribution varies depending on the model. Die-cast metal is generally concentrated in the internal frame, pelvis and certain parts of the legs or feet to provide weight and stability.

The outer armour, hands, horns, joints and accessories are mainly made from ABS, PVC or POM. The amount of metal should therefore be checked model by model rather than assumed solely from the Chogokin name.

Is a figure containing a lot of metal necessarily better quality?

No. Metal provides weight, a feeling of solidity and sometimes greater stability, but it can also restrict articulation, cause paint rubbing or place more stress on the joints.

High-quality plastic may be preferable for moving parts, thin components or accessories. Overall quality depends mainly on sculpting, assembly, articulation, paintwork and how the different materials have been used.

Size, scale and display

Do Grendizer figures follow a specific scale?

Most do not follow a common scale. Manufacturers favour a size suited to each range: some Grendizer figures measure around 13 to 15 cm, Soul of Chogokin models are often around 18 to 20 cm, while Jumbo Machinder figures can reach approximately 60 cm.

Two figures of the same height therefore do not necessarily represent the robot at the same theoretical scale.

What size should you choose for a small display cabinet?

For a shallow display cabinet, a model between 13 and 20 cm is generally the easiest to display. However, the width of the shoulders, Double Harken weapons, display base and arm position should also be taken into account.

A Spazer requires considerably more depth than Grendizer displayed on its own. It is therefore best to measure the interior space of the cabinet and check the complete product dimensions rather than just its height.

How can you display Grendizer without damaging the paint or joints?

It is preferable to choose a stable pose that does not place the legs, shoulders or elbows under constant tension. Heavy weapons should be supported when their weight pulls on the joints, and painted parts should not remain in contact and rub against each other for long periods.

The figure should be protected from direct sunlight, excessive heat and humidity. When handling it, hold parts close to their joints rather than by the horns, pointed elements or ends of the weapons.

Vintage figures, authenticity and counterfeits

How can you recognise an official Grendizer figure?

Check for the manufacturer's name, copyright and licensing information, product reference and packaging matching the official photographs. Print quality, consistency of the accessories and the seller's reputation are also important.

Missing logos, incorrect names, unusual fonts, accessories that differ from the official contents or an abnormally low price may indicate a counterfeit.

How can you tell a reissue from a first edition?

Check the manufacturing date, manufacturer logos, legal information, country of production, barcode, reference number and differences in packaging. Colours, accessories or stickers may also change.

For some modern reissues, the product retains the same reference and packaging very similar to the original release. In such cases, the batch number, information printed underneath the box or proof of purchase may be required to determine the exact production run.

Price, availability and reissues

Why are some Grendizer figures so expensive?

The price can be explained by the size, amount of metal, complexity of the articulation, number of accessories, inclusion of vehicles and limited production volume.

Large statues and sets containing several vehicles are also more expensive to manufacture, package and transport. Once a product is sold out, its price then depends on available supply and collector demand.

Are sold-out Grendizer figures ever reissued?

Some are, occasionally several years after their original release. A model may return unchanged or as a new edition featuring different colours, accessories or packaging.

No reissue is ever guaranteed. Waiting may help avoid high prices on the secondary market, but also carries the risk that the product will never be produced again.

Can a Grendizer figure increase in value?

Some older, limited or rarely reissued products can increase in value. This nevertheless depends on demand, condition, completeness, packaging and the possible arrival of a new version.

An increase is never guaranteed. A figure should therefore primarily be purchased for collecting rather than as a financial investment.

Do reissues reduce the value of older versions?

A reissue can reduce the price of an older version when buyers are mainly looking for an affordable figure to display. It increases the available supply and reduces the practical rarity of the character.

The first edition may nevertheless retain particular value if it has different packaging, specific colours, older manufacturing characteristics or historical significance. A modern reissue does not therefore always replace the original version in the eyes of collectors.