Z-Knights
Z-Knights were a series of toy model kits designed and produced by Japanese toy company TOMY (now Takara-Tomy). Each model was designed in 1/72 scale and had features that would activate once the kit was fitted with a battery and turned on. The models are very similar in design and construction to another of Tomy's lines, Zoids, and although the two series are not officially linked (with the exception of a passing mention in the backstory of Planet Zi and its metallic inhabitants) many collectors consider Z-Knights to be a sub line of the popular Zoids franchise.
Z-Knights went on sale in Japan during the early 90s. There were 3 distinct sizes of model and each incorporated easy construction (rubber bolts and clips hold parts together so that no glue is required), motorised movement/walking and decals to apply once the model is complete. The four largest Z-Knights (Z-Knight, Great Z-Knight, Marinekaizer and Gilga) also had a pilot.
The line proved fairly successful and 22 models were produced (including several limited editions). A selection of models were also recoloured and released in Europe.
Backstory Summary
The backstory details how, in the future, exploration of the galaxy has led to the discovery of a planet called Zi that is inhabited by metallic lifeforms. Some of the organisms were returned to Earth for experimentation and this led to the development of the Zoid-armour Titans, six huge semi-organic war machines. However, they caused such terrible damage when used in combat that use of the Titans was soon outlawed: the project was abandoned and the machines were sealed deep underground.
Many years in the future Earth has become heavily polluted and the smog is having a detrimental effect on the planet's inhabitants. News that Earth is further threatened by an approaching meteorite results in Earth's social elite abandoning the planet to colonise Mars; anyone not rich or well-connected is left to die.
The meteor collides with Earth as predicted but instead of destroying life it actually restores the planet's atmosphere! Meanwhile, Mars is ravaged by a solar wind that reduces the artificial atmosphere by 40% and, jealous of the planet they left behind, the Mars colonists plot to return by force. Using scaled-down technology from the Titan project, the colonists (under the command of General Cald) manage to capture the space station Atlantis to use as their base of operations during their attack on Earth.
Cald begins by targeting the resting place of the original Titans so as to awaken them and use them against Earth's inhabitants. The scientists under his command succeed in bringing the 'Marine Kaizer' back into operation but the pilot, swamped by the operating system, is driven insane and causes such chaos that another Titan is awoken. The second titan (called Z-Knight) falls into the control of a young Earth lieutenant who challenges (and defeats) the Marine Kaizer but by doing so unwittingly brings about all-out war between Cald's troops and the army of Earth. The Z-Knight, heavily damaged from its battle, is rebuilt into Great Z-Knight and the defeated Marine Kaizer is repaired and absorbed into Earth's military. From here the battle escalates with both sides producing Titans of their own design in an attempt to defeat the other...
The Models
Brewster (Earth natives)
*Z-Knight
*Marine Kaizer
*Great Z-Knight
*Northeglaiver
*Gaimu
*Nilas
*Deviking
*Deviking Prototype Colouration (Deathdoll Vs. Deviking twin-pack)
*Solsaber + Brewster tank r/c unit
Cald (Mars colonists)
*Gilga
*Aegir
*Desert Walker
*Skullviper
*Deathdoll
*Deathdoll Stealth Colouration (Deathdoll Vs. Deviking twin-pack)
*Guyzack
*Megahornet
*Darksizzar
*Vigace
*Zellgaia
*D.Battler + Cald tank r/c unit
The tank controller was also sold on its own. This version was identical in design to the version packaged with Solsaber and D.Battler but was coloured royal blue.
Z-Knights went on sale in Japan during the early 90s. There were 3 distinct sizes of model and each incorporated easy construction (rubber bolts and clips hold parts together so that no glue is required), motorised movement/walking and decals to apply once the model is complete. The four largest Z-Knights (Z-Knight, Great Z-Knight, Marinekaizer and Gilga) also had a pilot.
The line proved fairly successful and 22 models were produced (including several limited editions). A selection of models were also recoloured and released in Europe.
Backstory Summary
The backstory details how, in the future, exploration of the galaxy has led to the discovery of a planet called Zi that is inhabited by metallic lifeforms. Some of the organisms were returned to Earth for experimentation and this led to the development of the Zoid-armour Titans, six huge semi-organic war machines. However, they caused such terrible damage when used in combat that use of the Titans was soon outlawed: the project was abandoned and the machines were sealed deep underground.
Many years in the future Earth has become heavily polluted and the smog is having a detrimental effect on the planet's inhabitants. News that Earth is further threatened by an approaching meteorite results in Earth's social elite abandoning the planet to colonise Mars; anyone not rich or well-connected is left to die.
The meteor collides with Earth as predicted but instead of destroying life it actually restores the planet's atmosphere! Meanwhile, Mars is ravaged by a solar wind that reduces the artificial atmosphere by 40% and, jealous of the planet they left behind, the Mars colonists plot to return by force. Using scaled-down technology from the Titan project, the colonists (under the command of General Cald) manage to capture the space station Atlantis to use as their base of operations during their attack on Earth.
Cald begins by targeting the resting place of the original Titans so as to awaken them and use them against Earth's inhabitants. The scientists under his command succeed in bringing the 'Marine Kaizer' back into operation but the pilot, swamped by the operating system, is driven insane and causes such chaos that another Titan is awoken. The second titan (called Z-Knight) falls into the control of a young Earth lieutenant who challenges (and defeats) the Marine Kaizer but by doing so unwittingly brings about all-out war between Cald's troops and the army of Earth. The Z-Knight, heavily damaged from its battle, is rebuilt into Great Z-Knight and the defeated Marine Kaizer is repaired and absorbed into Earth's military. From here the battle escalates with both sides producing Titans of their own design in an attempt to defeat the other...
The Models
Brewster (Earth natives)
*Z-Knight
*Marine Kaizer
*Great Z-Knight
*Northeglaiver
*Gaimu
*Nilas
*Deviking
*Deviking Prototype Colouration (Deathdoll Vs. Deviking twin-pack)
*Solsaber + Brewster tank r/c unit
Cald (Mars colonists)
*Gilga
*Aegir
*Desert Walker
*Skullviper
*Deathdoll
*Deathdoll Stealth Colouration (Deathdoll Vs. Deviking twin-pack)
*Guyzack
*Megahornet
*Darksizzar
*Vigace
*Zellgaia
*D.Battler + Cald tank r/c unit
The tank controller was also sold on its own. This version was identical in design to the version packaged with Solsaber and D.Battler but was coloured royal blue.
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