Ok, since the week-end is nearing at a very fast pace, I think it is about time we ended things in a more jolly, happy fashion, don't you? And what better way than writing an article about a giant-sized robot that has been built in Kobe? The robot's name is Tetsujin; however, some of you might know him as Gigantor, the remote controlled, rocket-powered backpack using steel robot controlled by a little 12-year-old boy named Jimmy Sparks.

Built in Kobe's Wakamatsu Park, Gigantor is 60 feet tall, weighs 50 tons and will be admired starting with October 4 (yes, just two days from now). Well, the robot is nearly finished and I have to say, looking at it, I am expecting any moment now to see Dorothy and Toto running around singing “We're off to see the wizard!” I know it has nothing to do with Gigantor but after looking at the pictures, those of you that saw the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz (you know, the one with Judy Garland) will probably recognize some of The Tin Man's features.

But enough about that. Let's talk about the story behind the robot. Well, it was initially developed by Jimmy Sparks' father as a weapon; however, it was reprogrammed afterwards to act as a guardian and not a soldier. As for Jimmy Sparks, he lives on an island with his uncle called Dr. Bob Brilliant (hey, the series was released in 1956, stop with the name-related jokes already) and is the brain behind the crime fighting (intelligence lacking) Gigantor.

Ok, I think you've had enough history lessons for today, haven't you? How about you take a look at the picture and the video too and notice how building a fake robot looks a lot like building a real one. Or perhaps someone isn't spilling all the beans? I mean, I still have trouble thinking the Tokyo Gundam is fake!




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