Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 6, 2026

Zoids

Zoids is a Japanese science fiction media franchise owned by Tomy that features mecha called Zoids, with designs being based on animals including dinosaurs, mammals, insects, arachnids and mythological creatures. The franchise started as a line of plastic model kits and includes multiple anime series as well as video game and comic adaptations.

Last revised
Jun 6, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
324 w
Citations
6
Source
Zoids
Created byTakara
Games
Video game(s)List of Zoids video games
Miscellaneous
Toy(s)Takara Tomy

Zoids (ゾイド, Zoido) is a Japanese science fiction media franchise owned by Tomy that features mecha called Zoids, with designs being based on animals including dinosaurs, mammals, insects, arachnids and mythological creatures. The franchise started as a line of plastic model kits and includes multiple anime series as well as video game and comic adaptations.1

Model kits

Zoids model kits depict robotic creatures and are typically motorized and able to move once constructed. The first Zoids toys were released in Japan in 1983 by Takara. They began as simple model kits and later releases increased in complexity. The brand was acquired by Tomy in the 2000s, and Zoids products from Tomy began implementing more complex motorized mechanisms, lights, and sound effects. Zoids model kits range in complexity to appeal to hobbyists with different skill levels.2

Media

The Zoids franchise has seen multiple adaptations in media such as anime, video games, comics, and manga. The first anime series was Zoids: Chaotic Century, which was followed by Zoids: New Century, Zoids: Fuzors, Zoids: Genesis, Zoids Wild,3 and Zoids Wild Zero.4 Zoids was adapted in the 1980s into a series of comics written by Grant Morrison and published by Marvel Comics.5 There have also been multiple Zoids video games.6

References

References

  1. Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 940–942. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  2. "The Ultimate Guide To Zoid Model Kits". IPMS Cleveland (UK). 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  3. Greenall, Jonathon (2020-08-15). "Every Zoids Anime Ranked, From Worst to Best". CBR. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  4. "Zoids Wild Zero Anime Reveals Cast, Staff, October 4 Premiere". Anime News Network. 2026-04-23. Archived from the original on 2020-09-13. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  5. "Grant Morrison: The Zoids Years". Sequart Organization. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
  6. "Looks Like We're Finally Getting A New Zoids Game In The West". Nintendo Life. 2020-06-16. Archived from the original on 2026-01-25. Retrieved 2026-04-23.
External links