Zoids facts for kids
Zoids (ゾイド, Zoido) are awesome giant robots from Japan! They are part of a science fiction world created by Tomy. These robots are designed to look like animals, such as dinosaurs, insects, spiders, and even creatures from myths.
The Zoids world started with toy models that you could build yourself. It grew to include five main anime TV shows: Chaotic Century, New Century, Fuzors, Genesis, and Wild. There are also many video games and manga (Japanese comics).
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Cool Zoids Model Kits
Over the years, more than 200 different Zoids models have been released! These models have come out in Japan and other countries. Different companies have made Zoids, too. This means you can find Zoids as metal figures, detailed models you can pose, smaller action figures, and even PVC figures.
Original Japanese Zoids
In 1983, after some success in other countries, Tomy brought Zoids back to Japan. This time, they were a huge hit! The Zoids line ran from 1983 to 1990. Each model kit came with a "Battle Story" on the box or in catalogs. This story told about the Zoids' adventures.
At first, Zoids were split into two groups: the Helic Republic and the Zenebas Empire. In 1989, the Zenebas Empire was replaced by the Guylos Empire. Fans often call this the OJR (Original Japanese Release).
New Japanese Zoids
In 1999, Tomy relaunched the Zoids line in Japan. At first, they re-released older Zoids with new colors. But soon, they started making brand new Zoid designs! The Zoids were again divided into Helic and Guylos groups. The Zenebas Empire even returned later.
The battle story from the OJR continued on the new boxes. The Zoids anime and manga also used ideas from this new battle story. This line ended suddenly in 2004. Fans call this the NJR (New Japanese Release).
Blox Zoids
In 2002, Tomy introduced a new type of Zoids called Blox. These Zoids didn't have motors. They were designed to be super flexible and easy to build. You could take them apart and combine them with each other, or even with regular Zoids!
High-End Master Models
Starting in 2006, Tomy and Kotobukiya teamed up to create the High-end Master Model line, or HMM. These models are known for being super high-quality. They are very detailed and can be posed in many ways. They are based on Zoids that already existed.
Zoids Battle Stories
The "Battle Story" is a made-up timeline of events. You can find parts of it on the boxes, instructions, and catalogs of some Zoid model kits. It helps collectors learn about the Zoids world from the Zoids' point of view.
Original Battle Story
The first battle story started soon after the original Japanese Zoids were released. It told about the fight between two rival nations: the Helic Republic and the Zenebas Empire. Their main weapons were Zoids, which were like living war machines made from metal creatures on Planet Zi.
As more advanced models came out, humans from Earth crashed on Zi. Their technology helped both sides, making the Zoids even stronger. The war continued with new Zoids and new enemies. Eventually, a comet hit Zi's moon, causing huge destruction and leaving the planet in chaos.
New Battle Story
When Zoids came back in 1999, a new battle story began. After many years of peace, the Emperor died, and a young heir named Rudolph was left. His helper, Prozen, used this chance to restart the war between the Guylos Empire and the Republic.
As technology improved, new Zoids were created. The war got more intense. The story ended with the Republic taking back their capital city, pushing the Zenebas Empire back to another part of the continent.
Awesome Zoids Anime Shows
There are six main Zoids anime series. The first five shows take place on a planet called Zi. The newest show, Zoids Wild, has a different setting.
Chaotic Century
Zoids: Chaotic Century is the first Zoids anime. It follows a boy named Van Flyheight. He meets a girl named Fiona who can't remember anything, and a small creature called Zeke. Van helps Fiona find her memories and a mysterious thing called "Zoid Eve."
Their adventure pulls them into a big war between the Helic Republic and the Guylos Empire. In the US, this story was split into two parts. The second part, called Guardian Force, takes place a few years later. The two warring nations have made peace, and Van joins a special team called the Guardian Force to keep the peace.
New Century Zero
Zoids: New Century Zero happens after Guardian Force, but it's a new story. In this world, Zoid battles are a popular sport, like a tournament! The main character is Bit Cloud, who finds a wild Zoid called the Liger Zero. This Zoid is hard to control, but Bit and Liger become a great team.
Bit and Liger join the Blitz Team and compete in many matches. A group called the Backdraft Group tries to get the Liger Zero because they want to control Zoid battles. This was the first Zoids show to air in America on Cartoon Network.
Fuzors
Zoids: Fuzors follows RD, a new Liger Zero pilot, and his team, Mach Storm. They live in a high-tech place called Blue City and compete in Zoid battles. RD discovers special "Fuzor" Zoids that can combine with each other. His Liger Zero learns to combine with other Zoids like the Fire Phoenix.
RD and his friends get caught up in a plot to take over the city. They discover the secret of a mysterious "Alpha Zoid" and work with other pilots to save their home.
Genesis
Zoids: Genesis aired in 2005. The story begins after a huge natural disaster on Planet Zi, called "Gods' Fury," destroyed old civilizations. People rebuilt, and they now search for Zoids buried underground.
Ruuji, a teenage boy, finds an ancient Liger-type Zoid called the Murasame Liger. His village is attacked by "Bio-Zoids" who want their powerful Generator. Ruuji awakens the Murasame Liger and fights back. When the Generator gets damaged, Ruuji sets off on a journey to find someone who can fix it.
Wild
Zoids Wild is the newest Zoids anime series. It started airing in 2018. A cool thing about this series is that the characters ride on top of their Zoids, instead of inside a closed cockpit like in earlier Zoids shows!
UK Zoids Comics
In the 1980s, Zoids had its own comic book series in the UK called Spider-Man and Zoids. This comic had its own unique story. It didn't connect to the Japanese anime shows because they didn't exist yet! The comic was made to go along with the Zoids model kits released in the UK and Australia.
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