The Birth of a Miraculous Robot

The Birth of a Miraculous Robot (驚異のロボット誕生 Kyōi no Robotto Tanjō) is the first episode of the original Mazinger Z anime series. This episode was first aired in Japan on December 3, 1972.

Summary
After a long absence, Baron Ashura returns to Bardos. He's greeted by Dr. Hell who introduces him to his army of Mechanical Beasts. Hell gives Ashura a Bardos Wand, a device that can be used to control these giant robots. However, before they move to take over the world, there is something that must be taken care of. There is still one man alive who knows about Dr. Hell's ambitions and poses a threat to them, Juzo Kabuto.

In the Photon Power Laboratory, Dr. Kabuto and Dr. Yumi are presenting their work to a group of reporters. Juzo explains how they used japanium, an element discovered by him, to develop Super Alloy Z and proceeds to show them the metal's unique properties. After dismissing their guests, Dr. Kabuto reveals his retirement to Yumi and makes him the Photon Lab's new director.

Back at Bardos, Dr. Hell sends Ashura to kill Juzo. Taking Garada K7 and Doublas M2 with him, Baron Ashura boards Saluud and leaves to search for Dr. Kabuto.

Koji arrives at his house in time to see Ashura and his goons leaving. Inside, he finds Shiro crying over the house maid's dead body. Ashura killed Rumi after getting Juzo's whereabouts from her.

Noticing the Iron Masks approaching his manor, Juzo calls Koji and tells him to come there with Shiro. Before they arrive, Ashura's forces use bombs to try to kill Dr. Kabuto. Althoguh Juzo survives by entering the basement through a hidden trapdoor, he ends up fatally injured and stuck bellow a iron beam. When Koji and Shiro arrive, he tells them Hell was responsible for the attack and instructs them to use Mazinger Z to stop him. Before succumbing to his wounds, Juzo warns Koji about Mazinger Z's power claiming whoever controls it can become either a god or a demon.

After learning about Juzo's death, Hell orders Ashura to use the Mechanical Beasts to wreck havok and take over the Photon Power Lab.

Meanwhile, Koji tries to control Mazinger Z to no avail. Aphrodite A arrives just in time to save Shiro from being accidently crushed by Z. Turns out she's being pilot by Gennsuke Yumi's daughter, Sayaka, Watching the events unfold from afar thorugh a monitor, Dr. Yumi recognizes Mazinger Z. He correctly deduces Koji must be the pilot and is having a hard time keeping him under control. Mazinger Z runs off and Sayaka chases after him.

The episode ends with Garada K7 and Doublas M2 beginning their rampage.

Debut

 * Koji Kabuto
 * Sayaka Yumi
 * Shiro Kabuto
 * Gennosuke Yumi
 * Dr. Hell
 * Baron Ashura
 * Juzo Kabuto
 * Rumi (Only appearance)

Machines

 * Mazinger Z
 * Hover Pilder
 * Garada K7
 * Doublas M2
 * Saluud
 * Aphrodite A

Weapons

 * Mazinger Z doesn't use any weapons in this episode.

Trivia

 * The original anime series was aired two months after the first chapter of the original Mazinger Z manga was published in Weekly Shonen Jump in October 2, 1972.