Giant robots have always been an anime staple since time in memorial; From the modern day Gundam to the classic Mazinger. We’ve had all kinds of iterations on the Giant Robot archetype, both from western and Japanese media. But who does it best?

The History of the Giant Robot

Giant Robots, or Super Robots as they’re more commonly known as in Japan, appeared shortly after World War II in 1956. It was a short Japanese comic known as ‘Tetsujin 28’ which was later adapted into an animated cartoon in 1963. It featured a giant robot made at the end of WWII by the protagonist’s father and it could be controlled via a big remote device. Though this was one of the first giant robots, it was famous mangaka, Go Nagai, who defined the Super Robot genre.

In 1972, Go Nagai released ‘Mazinger Z’, a series that would define the core design of Super Robots. It was the first series to depict a robot that could be ridden and controlled like a car. But, that’s not everything that defines a Super Robot. Super Robots are generally one-of-a-kind giant humanoid robots designed by either an alien race, an ancient civilization, or a human scientist to combat a large threat.

After the success of Mazinger Z, many series would join the Super Robot genre. Shows like ‘Planetary Robot Danguard Ace’, ‘Raideen the Brave’, and one of the first combining robot shows, ‘Getter Robo’. While the genre saw much success, it eventually stagnated for a while. That is until the creation of ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’.

Mobile Suit Gundam was the first reimagining of the giant robot genre and introduced a brand new perspective. Unlike in the Super Robo series, Gundams weren’t portrayed as heroes, but instead as ultimate weapons. This is when the ‘Real Robot’ genre was first established. It differed from the Super Robot genre by being grittier and focused more on mature themes like death and war.

In the 1980’s, America hopped onto the giant robot craze with its adaptation of ‘Beast King GoLion’. Many people know this series as Voltron.

The Better Giant Robot

This is a rather hard debate because it really boils down to preferences. Some people enjoy the superhero vibe of Super Robots, while some prefer their giant robots gritty and badass. This is, however, not a debate about the best giant robot. We have to pick between America and Japan and who designs the better giant robot.

With that said, let’s look at what each side has going for them. Going with the OG granddaddy of giant robots, Japan has produced hundred of iconic series that are beloved to this day. Being the founder of the genre and having years of production, it would be easy to crown them the king. However, America has also pumped out stellar hits since the 90’s. Additionally, Japan gave us Gundam and Voltes V, arguably two of the top contenders to date in the mecha genre. Their designs have influenced a ton of modern series, both Japanese and American.

Japan also gave us Gurren Lagann, a slam-dunk entry to the Super Robot genre. It takes the Mazinger and Getter Robo aesthetic and cranks everything up to 11. The anime is over the top and it knows it. Gurren Lagann also gave us the biggest mecha in anime history (It’s bigger than a galaxy).

Western Robotics

On the other hand, America broke onto the scene with Voltron. Despite having a similar name to Voltes V, it’s actually adapted from the anime Beast King GoLion. Confusing? Definitely, but it makes more sense when you find out that GoLion is about 5 lion bots forming one giant robot on a far off planet. Another iconic giant robot that everyone knows from America is ‘the Iron Giant’.

Arguably one of the most iconic giant robot movies that impacted the lives of both children and adults alike. America also gave us ‘the Transformers’ series, a cult classic but not exactly the biggest giant robots around. In modern times, we got Jeagers from ‘Pacific Rim’. One of the coolest robots to date as well!

The Best Giant Robot

Given all of these, we have to give this round to Japan. Not only did they start the genre, but they also perfected it. Many giant robot series would not exist if not for Japan and if they did, the designs would be completely different from the ones we know and love. While America has some homerun designs of their own, you can see that a lot of modern iterations find their roots in Japanese Super Robots.

I personally love Voltron, Transformers, and the Megazord for Power Rangers, but Japan really does it better. Their Super Robots are iconic and their gritty Real Robots are way too badass to pass up. While not everyone knows the difference between Voltron and Voltes V, almost everybody knows a gundam when they see it.

Here are other comparisons to ponder when you’re done here!

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