No crying until the end.

I knew this news was coming eventually, but I was hoping we had more time with him.

I find some comfort in the fact that he got to fulfill his wish - performing until the very end.

Do what you love every day of your life and to will have lived a hundred lifetimes. And will have touched countless more lives.

This is how I will always remember him.

On stage.

Electrifying the audience.

A true showman.

Please indulge me in a quick personal story:

There have been more than a few moments in my life where everything felt hopeless. Like a darkness that you just can't shake.

In my early 20s, circa the early 2000s, I was going through a period like that.

As we tend to do in moments where we are seeking comfort, I decided to do a deep dive into some of my favorite anime songs from when I was younger. Mazinger Z being a huge favorite of mine. It would be a good distraction, and some nostalgia that I could lose myself in.

I hadn't seen it in years, but I figured it should be easy enough to find online.

This just so happened to be around the time songs from the Super Robot Spirits 2000 live show started to appear online.

This led me down the rabbit hole - first to the live version of Mazinger Z from that aforementioned concert - then to the overflowing trove of other songs Mizuki Ichiro performed. Steel Jeeg, Baratack, Kamen Rider Stronger, countless others. Crossovers with other performers I adored. Jazzy opening themes of adventure and bravado; bluesy ballads of loss and perseverance that played over end credits.

I realized that this man was the sound of my childhood.

I'll always find comfort in that Super Robot Spirits 2000 concert.

The energy from those performers was infectious. It was hard not to smile when they took to the stage and ignited the audience. It was joyful and exciting and kinetic and moving. It helped me through a period when I was struggling to find joy. It helped me understand the importance of sharing joy.

And it all started with Mizuki Ichiro

Not just for me.

For millions, all across the world.

He was the spark that lit the fire of the genre. He was the electricity that made it light up. One of the greatest voices to ever perform, and it never mattered that it was "just" music from cartoons.

The world will be a darker place now that Mizuki Ichiro is gone. But we'll always have his music. His love of performing. And the countless other artists he inspired along the way.

Rest in peace, Aniki - thank you for everything. Your music got me through some very hard times. Still gets me through them.

Comparing a series long suit to the one off obscure suits is so weird. I feel like people don't actually remember G Gundam, and how over the course of the series Domon basically assembled a squad of fighters who respected him and were willing to fight along side him.

Bolt, Maxter, Rising, and Dragon are far more likely than the ones I see people hyping for.

it has been approximately 10,000,000 years since this was last posted

What a kit! This is without a doubt my favorite out of Bandai's offering of Getter Robo kits. The build quality is fantastic all around, and even includes some gimmicks like moving armor panels when the elbow is bent. It feels incredibly solid. It was also a joy to paint. That said. It does look really good right out of the box if painting isn't your thing.

The deep panel lines and perfect color separation, complete with high gloss plastic, gives it a stunning look right out of the box, and you really don't have to do much aside from assembly if you don't feel like it. Every single seam line is also cleverly hidden as a panel line, which is a nice bonus.

I'd highly recommend this kit for any fan of Getter Robo, or just someone who loves cool robot kits.