It has been 50 years since the publication of the first manga by Go Nagai, the mastermind behind classic properties such as "Devilman," "Cutie Honey" and "Mazinger Z." To mark the occasion, a number of Go Nagai anime adaptations are out this year, including the film "Mazinger Z/Infinity" (Jan. 13).
"Infinity," a sequel to the original 1970s "Mazinger Z" series, centers around Koji Kabuto, pilot of the titular super robot, who defeated the dastardly Dr. Hell at the tender age of 16. In the new film, Koji is 10 years older — and in possession of a brand-new voice. Showtaro Morikubo takes over the role from Hiroya Ishimaru, who starred as Koji in both the original series and many of its spinoffs.
"Basically, I was told to do it the same way Ishimaru did," Morikubo tells The Japan Times ahead of the film's premiere. But when he asked the veteran voice actor (who himself has a cameo in the film) for advice on the role, Morikubo says, "I think he was half-joking, but he told me, 'It was too long ago! I don't remember! Just make it your own.'"