- Advanced Zi Series


 In 2023, Takara Tomy released the Anniversary line. Based on frames from their past Masterpiece Zoids series, this line of model kits reimagined their predecessors, the protagonists of the successive anime series. Each kit was retooled, with the motorization streamlined, some features added or removed, and some brand new gimmicks. The line represents 40 years of evolution, not just in the Zoids franchise as a whole, but in Takara Tomy's unique talents towards motorized model kits. Upon the release of the AZ-07 Death Saurer it became clear that the line would continue, and it was rebranded as Advanced Zi.


- Advanced Zi Lineup


AZ-01 Blade Liger

AZ-01EX Blade Liger Leon Toros Ver.
AZ-02 Liger Zero

AZ-03 Murasame Liger

AZ-04 Shield Liger

AZ-05 Saber Tiger

AZ-06 Liger Zero Phoenix

AZ-06EX Phoenix Republic Ver.
AZ-07 Death Saurer

AZ-08 Molga

AZ-09 Geno Saurer
AZ-10 Sea Panther



- Zoids List

Standard Releases
Limited Releases
AZ-01 Blade Liger
AZ-02 Liger Zero
AZ-03 Murasame Liger
AZ-04 Shield Liger
AZ-05 Saber Tiger
AZ-06 Liger Zero Phoenix
AZ-07 Death Saurer
AZ-08 Molga
AZ-09 Geno Saurer
AZ-10 Sea Panther
AZ-01EX Blade Liger Leon Toros Ver. (TT Mall Exclusive)
AZ-02EX Liger Zero Ray Greg Ver. (Zoid Core Box)
AZ-06EX Phoenix Republic Ver. (TT Mall Exclusive)


- An Introduction to AZ Kits

 So what are the AZs?
 AZ is a line of high-detail motorized model kits. I wouldn't say they can be easily compared to the motos of old, however. These kits are complex, with a much higher degree of detail in their motorized movements. They even come with LEDs, such as shining eyes and a shining core light inside the motor. Included stands also help you enjoy the motorized actions without having to constantly move the kit around.

 What does AZ Mean?
 AZ, which began as the Anniversary Zoids line was later renamed to Advanced Zi, starting with the AZ-07 Death Saurer, making it clear that Takara Tomy planned to continue the series.

 Are these anime based?
 Yes, AZ kits have thus far had a heavy focus on the anime, mimicking some traits of the series in the kits. For example, they usually come with a 1/72 scale pilot based on the anime characters and the Liger Zero Phoenix comes with custom face armor pieces, so you can display it with the white muzzle (like in the anime) or without it (like in the model kits.)

About The Build

 Advanced Zi kits, like the old Masterpiece Zoids they were based on come with this special wrench. For those new to the AZ line, this is to screw in the caps, which act kind of like ratchet joints. Press the end against a medium or small cap and turn until you feel the click of it snapping in place! It's hard to put into words how this affects the build, but it makes building your kits feel more like actual machinery work, which is interesting.

 Most kits require two AAA batteries.

 They also tend to include painted parts, but these parts usually aren't in locations that'll have cut marks, so they don't need touched up.

Scale


 When the AZ line started they reused the Masterpiece Zoids Shield Liger / Saber Tiger frame. Though 1/72 scale like HMM and the old motos, this meant that they now stood considerably larger than both. People who are curious about kitbashing, say, a Phoenix onto an HMM may be disappointed by how oversized the parts would look. The first AZ kit not to use the MPZ base was the AZ-07 Death Saurer, which wasn't much different in height than its predecessor, so time will tell how future kits will stand up size wise.

- Notable Facts


     
  • These facts are specific to the AZ series as a whole, but more can be found on individual Zoids pages!

     
  • When it was decided that the Anniversary Zoids line would continue as Advanced Zi, they mentioned wanting to also create kits that never appeared in the animes of the past. The first kit to fill this role was the Sea Panther.

     
  • One of the goals of AZ is to reimagine old wind-up designs as fully motorized toys instead of relying on wind-up motors.