"Mazinger Z vs. the Great General of Darkness", Original Japanese First-Release Poster 1974, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) P20
This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1974 for Mazinger Z vs. the Great General of Darkness (「マジンガーZ 対 暗黒大将軍」), issued as a period promotional sheet tied to TV Magazine’s “Mazinger Z Encyclopedia” special (「テレビマガジン増刊 マジンガーZ大百科号」—with the on-sale date and 300-yen cover price printed at the bottom). Created by legendary manga artist Go Nagai (Dynamic Pro), Mazinger Z is one of the defining works of the super-robot era—often credited with popularizing the cockpit-controlled giant robot concept—and it remains a cornerstone of mecha culture with a passionate, truly global fanbase.
Film background
By 1974, Mazinger Z had already become a phenomenon, and “vs. Ankoku Daishōgun” (“Great General of Darkness”) represents one of the franchise’s most iconic escalation points—pitting Mazinger against the villainous general and his fearsome forces while teasing the arrival of Great Mazinger (a hook famously billed here as “not seen on TV”). Decades later, Mazinger endures as a cult favorite and a gateway title for collectors: instantly recognizable designs, unforgettable villains, and a legacy that stretches far beyond Japan through international broadcasts, dubs, toys, model kits, and modern revivals.
Poster design
A high-impact, full-color illustration with explosive 1970s graphic energy: Mazinger Z dominates the sky with enormous foreshortened fists, while circular insets punch in additional action and characters. The bold scarlet title 「マジンガーZ」 is slammed diagonally across the yellow field, the red “対” medallion sets the match-up, and the huge 「暗黒大将軍」 lettering anchors the threat below—fronted by the horned Great General of Darkness and a parade of heroes and villains across the bottom band. Right-side copy trumpets: 「テレビでは見られないグレートマジンガー登場」 (“Great Mazinger appears—unseen on TV”), while the footer promotes 「テレビマガジン増刊 マジンガーZ大百科号」 with the printed on-sale date 「7月15日発売」 and price 「定価300円」. Copyright line reads © ダイナミックプロ・東映動画, with Toei/Eirin marks at lower right.
Condition
Excellent overall with crisp color and exceptionally strong eye-appeal. Light original fold lines are visible, with only minimal handling wear at the borders and tiny pinhole/pressure impressions at the margins from past display. The blank verso is clean with typical fold evidence. Please review the photos; they show the exact poster for sale.
This poster is an original Japanese theatrical-era B2 printed in 1974.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 52 years old!
Certificate of Authenticity included.
