With Grendizer U Inception, this latest take is not necessarily part of a reboot that began with Grendizer U, but instead is a deeper layer of backstory added on top. With Tatsuto Higuchi handling this prequel of sorts, the update feels like it’s in good hands. Back when Go Nagai shifted from one kind of story to another, he probably didn’t realise his work would help define the giant robot genre. It began with Mazinger Z in 1972, and when he introduced Grendizer three years later, the 74-episode series set a precedent before Gundam came along.
The manga expands on why Prince Duke Fleed had to flee. His best friend, Gau Su Uls, is not who he seems, and what unfolds hints at betrayal along with the burden of honouring fallen family members. There’s a strong sense of survivor’s guilt running through the story, and that’s about all I can safely reveal regarding Uls. When Gau challenges Duke for the right to pilot Grendizer, that’s when everything goes to hell.
Most of the motivations are laid out in the first volume, and once the story shifts toward where the anime originally began, there’s a noticeable overlap. By the time the crown prince arrives on Earth and is discovered by Sayaka Yumi, the story longtime fans remember starts coming into focus.
After revisiting the older series and then diving into what’s presented here, the world and relationships make a lot more sense. The setup may feel lengthy, but it’s necessary. The personal motivations are explored far better in this version, and although the translation feels slightly muddled in places, I still understood what was going on.
Since this work leads into the remake, thankfully I only need to revisit thirteen episodes rather than the entire original run. At the same time, because I have fond memories of the classic series, I occasionally found myself mixing up details from both versions together.
For longtime mecha fans, Grendizer U is a long overdue reintroduction to a franchise many grew up loving. For newer fans, Inception works as a solid entry point into this revised story. Although only one translated volume is currently available, I’m looking forward to seeing where Titan Manga takes the rest of the release. While the first volume is lighter on giant robot action, that’s alright because once Duke fully regains his memories and returns to piloting Grendizer, alongside another ally operating Mazinger, the larger conflict to save Planet Fleed should properly ignite.
4 Stars out of 5
After Reading Grandizer U Inception,
Fans Can Watch The Anime
