The 1 Second Before Mazinger's Explosion!!

"The 1 Second Before Mazinger's Explosion!!" it's the 79th episode of Mazinger Z. This episode first aired in Japan on June 2, 1974

Summary
The Underground Empire holds a ceremony to honor Baron Ashura. Dr. Hell reveals his newest Mechanical Beast, Jetfire P1, built in Ashura's likeness and promises use it to destroy Mazinger Z. Archduke Gorgon arrives to pay his respects to Ashura and offers to join forces with Count Brocken in the next attack by deploying his Greeks ΨII alongside Jetfire.

The recent wave of attacks got Koji stressed out. As he believes the Underground won't be attacking so soon after Ashura's death, he decides to go out fishing. Despite showing some resistance at first, the scientists try to be understanding of Koji and opt to allow him to do as he pleases. Unfortunately, the Iron Masks quickly detect Koji. Realizing he is alone and away from the lab, they ambush and capture him. Meanwhile, Greeks attacks the Photon Power Laboratory. Realizing Koji forgot his communicator watch at the lab, Misato offers to go fetch him, but Morimori insists to go in her place. Diana A and Boss Borot are sent to fight Greeks.

Noticing Dr. Morimori approaching, the Iron Cross soldiers plant a landmine in the road. Koji watches helpless as the scientist drives towards his death. Despite's Koji attempts to warn Morimori of the danger, he gets caught in the ensuing explosion. Koji manages to cut the nylon strings holding him with his bare teeth and rushes to aid Dr. Morimori only to have him die in his arms. Koji vows to avenge Morimori's death by killing every single member of the Underground Empire. Koji makes his way towards the Photon Power Laboratory while escaping attacks from both Mechanical Beasts. After informing his friends about Dr. Morimori's demise, a enraged Koji sorties in Mazinger Z. Despite Sayaka's pleas for him to calm down, Koji pushes Diana A aside and insists on facing both Jetfire P1 and Greeks ΨII on his own. Greeks gets destroyed by friendly fire, but Jetfire manages to restrain Mazinger Z with a grab. Count Brocken brags Jetfire will self destruct, taking out Mazinger Z and Koji with it. Sayaka begs for Koji to eject the Pilder, but he refuses to leave Mazinger Z behind. After briefly losing hope, Koji gets encouraged by a vision of Dr. Morimori and shoots Jetfire with the Photon Gun. The Mechanical Beast is forced to let go of Mazinger just before blowing itself up.

The episodes ends with the Mazinger team paying their respects at Morimori's grave not much unlike the Underground Empire did for Ashura.

Recurring

 * Koji Kabuto
 * Sayaka Yumi
 * Shiro Kabuto
 * Gennosuke Yumi
 * Dr. Hell
 * Baron Ashura
 * Count Brocken
 * Archduke Gorgon
 * Boss
 * Nuke
 * Mucha
 * Misato
 * Three Scientists

Machines

 * Mazinger Z
 * Jet Pilder
 * Diana A
 * Boss Borot
 * Jetfire P1
 * Greeks ΨII

Weapons

 * Mazinger Z
 * Rocket Punch/Iron Cutter
 * Diana A
 * Diana Missile
 * Scarlet Beam