Hi, this is hubby James writing this review...

I just got SUPER #1 ROBOT and it totally rocks. As much as I thought I knew about J-bots, this really showed how much I didn't know. Even if you are well-versed in "super robots" and anime mecha, expect to be surprised by some really far-out machines you've never seen, from shows you've never heard of (but wish you had)!

The photos are wonderful, shot from a proper low perspective, giving these tiny giants their respect. They look like huge works of art here, which in some ways, they truly are. Great work! I am looking forward to Alt's next book very eagerly.

My love affair with Japanese robots began with the Transformer toys of the 1980's...those generation one beauties that were at least part die-cast metal compared to the plastic versions of today. But as a collector my obsession grew once I found out there were Japanese Transformers that were never released here in the states, or were variations on the American versions such Twin Cast a re-colored version of Blaster which cold hold two of the mini-cassettes instead of one, or Sound Blaster which was an awesome black repaint of Soundwave. But as I started to get into collecting these Japanese versions I started finding other interesting toys...Macross I had been aware of for some time, mostly as model kits. And I knew that Takara had licensed a version of the transforming Valkyrie that would be called Jetfire. But then I discovered Popy, Bullmark, and Takatoku, among others and began learning about Mazinger and the Jumbo Machinders and so many others.

While long time collectors may know all the history that "Super #1 Robot" relates, less knowledgeable collectors will certainly find it valuable. The book spans the history from 1972 to the early 80's and covering the first Popy toys right up to Bandai's Valkyries. These toys first started appearing on American toy store shelves in the mid-1970's but under new names with new background stories created for them. We knew them as Shogun Warriors or Micronauts. The book traces the history of Japanese robot toys which began to take off after WWII as weapons factories were re-tooled to make toys. Popy, a division of Bandai, would introduce the first Chogokin Mazinger Z toy in 1974. Made almost entirely of hefty die-cast metal, with bright enamel paints and real firing missiles and fists, they took Japan by storm. By 1977 there were over a dozen giant robot shows on Japanese TV and over two dozen makers of toys.

The book provides a brief history on the main players such as Popy, Bullmark, Ark, Takatoku, and Takara. Popy introduced the Jumbo Machinder in 1973. Standing two feet tall and made of sturdy polyethylene these giant toys would become Shogun Warriors in the states, complete with a Saturday morning cartoon and comic book from Marvel Comics. But the real robot craze would begin a few years later with Takara's Diaclone series of transforming vehicles which would eventually make their way to our shores as the Transformers.

Some 250 pages of full color photos trace the history of these robot toys from 1972 to 1982, just before the arrival of the Transformers. The photography by Tim Brisko is absolutely stunning and is worth the price of the book alone. Each photo has the toy name and number and the manufacturer. So what's pictured? Here's just a brief list: Getter 1 Chogokin, Great Mazinger, Robocon, Robo Meka, Black Raideen, Getter Ryger, Robo X, Gakeen, Dangard A, Buildplan Daikengo, Gokai Dragon, Tetsujin 28, GoLion, Royal Comination Daiojya, Combat Armor Dougram, VF-1F Super Valkyrie, and the Destroid Tomahawk.

This is simply a fabulous book and one that needs to be in the collection of any die-hard Japanese robot collector or fan!

Reviewed by Tim Janson

Finally, an English language book about the Japanese toy robot phenomenon that swept the world in the 70s! Awestruck by Shogun Warriors and Micronauts in those days, I always suspected there was much more to these mysterious visitors from Japan. As an adult, I have rediscovered my childhood robot friends and have been learning about them and even collecting them. If you are just starting on this path as well, this book will be like finding a long lost family album of Super Robot relatives that you never knew existed!

Matt Alt and Robert Duban's tight, capable writing allow the brief 22 pages of text to be informative and entertaining while leaving the rest of this 256 page book for outstanding full page color photos by Tim Brisko. This photographic emphasis shows that the authors truly understand the appeal of Super Robots and their kin. The fantastic designs, colorful forms and dramatic lines of these extraordinary creations captured the imaginations of children across the globe and it's that aesthetic value that takes the spotlight in this book. Let's face it, these rocket punching, brightly colored enamel painted die-cast and plastic toys are exciting to behold and no descriptive text, historical account or checklist could be as satisfying as high-quality photos. The book makes no attempt to be a comprehensive checklist or field guide. Instead, it highlights what the authors believe to be the best of the best Japanese robots from the Super Robot era with an emphasis on representing as many different characters as possible. From Mazinger Z to Gundam, there are plenty of wild creations by toy companies like Popy, Bullmark, Takara, and more! Chances are that your favorite is in there!

Super #1 Robot is a wonderful book, chock full of Chokogin, jammed with Jumbo Machinders, and suitable for both novice and expert Japanese robot enthusiasts!