PANDA-Z

PANDA-Z (or Panda-Z: The Robonimation [パンダーゼット THE ROBONIMATION Pandā Zetto Za Robonimēshon]), is a spoof of Mazinger Z (also known as Tranzor Z) that has no comedic relation to the anime it's spoofing.

The PANDA-Z Universe was created by Shuichi Oshida in 1997 (or 1999) and it became popular pretty quickly. A Toy Line was introduced in 2004 from MegaHouse (Bandai's [Japan only] toy division) and the cartoon Robonimal PANDA-Z: The Robonimation was aired on Kids Station on April 12th, 2004 and ended on November 11th, 2004. Even though the anime ended, the series still airs on Kids Station in reruns.

Did you know? The anime is a collaboration between Shuichi Oshida and Go Nagai.

Plot
Panda-Z chronicles the misadventures of Pan Taron and his giant robot Panda-Z, as they battle the evil Skull Panda and his Warunimal forces.

Characters
PANDA-Z LABS Warunimal
 * Pan-Taron
 * Dr. Pan-Ji
 * Denwan
 * Rabinna
 * Etekky
 * Rescue Bear
 * Fire Bear
 * Medical Bear
 * Zoutank
 * Hamu Jiro
 * Hamu Ichiro
 * Skull Pander
 * Moo-Gyuu
 * Ruby Rabby
 * Wolfgar
 * Warunimal Soldier
 * Doctor Jangarly

Stateside?
Recently, Bandai Entertainment licensed Robonimal PANDA-Z The Robonimation for Region 1 DVD release

Vol. 1 released on September 27th, 2005, Vol.2 will release on November 22nd, 2005 and Vol.3 will release on December 27th, 2005.

Volumes 4 & 5 are not confirmed as of yet.