What are some Japanese giant robots with 1940-1950's aesthetics?

Question

I'm writing, or rather, planning to write a story and comic script set during World War II. The geeky twist is that each nation involved has its own set of special soldiers, based off of their culture at the time just before, during, and just after the war. I.E., there are American superheroes fighting Japanese giant robots in the Pacific, and British mythological creatures fighting alongside wizards and super-spies, against an army of Italian zombies. (It fits, if you're geeky enough and think about it, though admittedly it's not a 1940's thing) I've found it pretty easy to think up supeheroes, both original and analogues to mainstream superheroes. However, I don't know a whole lot about Japanese robots. So far, the only ideas I've come up with for them are analogues to Astro Boy and Gigantor. What I'm asking for, I guess, are some giant robots with retro aesthetics to draw inspiration (read: steal) from. Any help is appreciated, thank you in advance

Answer 1

There's a miniatures game from a few years ago called Gear Krieg, which had WWII with mecha, but that may be more "realistic" than "retro".



Any Go Nagai stuff (Mazinger, Getter Robo, Raydeen, etc) is likely to fit the bill, though. They're essentially the generation right after Astro Boy and Gigantor. Wikipedia has an insane amount of material on Go Nagai creations. Also, Gigantor's entry on Wikipedia should have links to a bunch of his foes, some of which might help you out.

Answer 2

My friend, what you are looking for is the one and only original Bozo the Iron Man. Hugh Hewitt, and inventor, fought a mad scientist and captured his big robot that a man could climb in and 'wear' and ride in to fight crime.



This was WAY before Marvel ever thought of putting out a character called Iron Man...!



You can find out more about Bozo and Hugh on Toonopedia.



Enjoy!



10 JUNE 08, 1605 hrs, GMT.

Answer 3

Watch Giant Robo.

Answer 4

I love my giant robots, but surprisingly, I can only think of one that relates to what you're talking about. I'm assuming you want that Iron Giant or Rocketeer kind of look? Well, since you aren't afraid of stealing your material haha, you should steal it from Kishin Corps. Kishin Corps is actually about giant robots in Japan during WWII. :)