Chogokin Action Figures Identification Tool with Pictures

Popy creates the Chogokin toy line in Japan

Neither Bandai nor Popy was the first company to use die-cast metals to create toys. Toy companies first used die-cast metals to create toys in the early 20th century. While this technique was usually used to create vehicles like cars, Popy decided to give heft to their robots by including zinc alloys within the construction.

The Chogokin toys were not simply another toy line, Popy aimed to create high-quality toys using die-cast parts. Multiple licensed brands fell under the Chogokin banner, especially those with Japanese Mechs like Mazinger Z.

In fact, the line’s name, Chogokin, originated from the Mazinger Z series. Roughly translated to “super alloy,” this fictional material granted the show’s mechs great power and durability. As the GA-01 Mazinger Z toy from 1974 ushered in the line, it made sense that Chogokin was chosen.

The scales for Chogokin action figures

The classic line basically had two different scales in which it made toys. Those from the ST category, which indicated standard, averaged around 5” tall. Meanwhile, the DX category, which stood for deluxe, was much larger. The DX toys featured combining robots, like GoLion, along with taller robots.

Meanwhile, Popy’s Mini-Mini line, which predated Chogokin, transformed into the Popynika toy line. These toys complimented the Chogokin line by providing cheaper, albeit smaller, options. The line also placed a stronger emphasis on vehicles than robots.

Over the years, the Chogokin toy line has featured many different robots from Japanese media. In addition to the Mazinger characters, there were robots from Getta, Raideen, Gaiking, and many other series. Basically, any Japanese show with a giant robot received a Chogokin toy.

The Chogokin toy line lasted for several years. During that time, the toys were split up into two different series. The GA series, which launched the line, remained active until 1979. Then, Popy introduced the GB series from 1979 until 1983. Popy’s last series within the line was 1983’s GC series. After Bandai reabsorbed Popy back into the main company, they took over the GC series until 1988.

Mattel introduces the Chogokin action figures to America

Mattel imported many of the original Chogokin toys and created a united narrative with the Shogun Warriors. The American company had Marvel create a comic book series to help sell this brand-new take on toys that most Americans knew nothing about.

Chogokin Toys had a second chance to make it on US toy shelves with Bandai’s Godaikin toy line. Unlike Mattel’s take, Bandai imported the toys and kept the original names.

The decline of Chogokin in the 1980s

The Chogokin toy line vanished in the 1980s as cheaper materials like PVC and ABS plastic became standard. Moreover, competition from Bandai’s Diaclone toys, which later became part of the Transformers line, began outperforming Popy’s toys. Since die-cast toys were more expensive to make, the plastics were more economical. However, the process did not fade away completely.

As those who grew up with Chogokin and other die-cast toys became adults, a new market for adult collectors opened up. Thus, companies could produce high-end toys at a higher price point for these customers.

The toy line’s triumphant return

The line triumphantly returned in 1997 with a brand new name: Soul of Chogokin. Once again, Mazinger Z heralded this new line with the GX-01 version of the figure. Like the vintage Chogokin line, the Soul of Chogkin toys are now part of the GX series, which is still the active line. 

Years later, Bandai introduced a brand new subsidiary company dedicated to producing collector’s grade toys, Tamashii Nations, in 2007. This new part of the company took over the production of the Soul of Chogokin toys. It also introduced many other popular brands, like MonserArts and FigurArts.

The Soul of Chogokin toy line is still going strong today. It has featured multiple new brands, including Pacific Rim, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and One Piece. It has also produced newer versions of some of the classic figures, especially those from Mazinger Z.

Bandai also introduced a similar line that kept the spirit of the Chogokin toys while using cheaper materials. The Super Robot Chogokin toys were also smaller, averaging around 5 ½” tall. This line has featured robots from Super Sentai and other Japanese shows.

Unfortunately, the immense success of the Chogokin toy line has made the word synonymous with die-cast robots in general. Even though 超合金 (Chogokin) is a registered trademark of Bandai, other companies have decided to mimic the line when they create toy robots. So, they often only carry the suffix -gokin, but have no relationship with Bandai.