There’s something particularly alluring about robots and vehicles of any kind emerging from secret bases hidden behind waterfalls or other in-plain-sight concealments, and yet, we do not get nearly enough collectibles representing this trope. This is one good reason why fans of UFO Robot Grendizer, and retro mecha in general, should take note of the Scene Selection 02 Grendizer: Fierce Battle in the Sky! from Premium Bandai.
The second entry in the Scene Selection line (read: diorama), following Scene Selection 01 Mazinger Z: Rocket Punch!, this collectible captures the iconic anime moment of UFO Robot Grendizer launching from its secret hangar. The diorama freeze-frame one of the most memorable sequences of the series, recreating the massive hydroelectric dam with its launch gate opened, interrupting the spillway channels as water blasts out from three vertical shafts.
The sculpture freezes the falling water mid-motion, drawn out with convincing downward spillage, as the Spacer jets out from the hangar gate. This sculpted “drawn water” doubles as the platform on which the Spacer is mounted to complete the scene. Actually, no, the scene is still not done. It further depicts the dramatic parting of the downstream water caused by the sheer force of the Spacer’s emergence.
The hydroelectric dam itself has been faithfully recreated with appropriate weathering, along with portions of the surrounding cliff faces on both sides, complete with a handful of generic conifer-like trees. Kudos to Bandai for taking the extra effort to include the cliffs on each end of the diorama. It is an absolute beauty, and a fitting homage to one of the granddaddies of mecha anime.
Anyhoo, this is an impressive diorama and a noteworthy collectible for any mecha devotee, IMHO. All told, the Bandai Scene Selection 02 Grendizer Diorama measures approximately 17 cm (6.7 inches) deep and 10 cm (3.9 inches) tall, with the height to the hydroelectric dam’s tower coming in at about 8 cm (3.1 inches).
The Bandai Scene Selection 02 Grendizer Diorama retails for 7,480 yen [JP] (tax included) in Japan when it becomes available in April 2026. Reservations have already closed in Japan. That said, order books in Singapore have just opened and will close on January 6, 2026, with an asking price of S$69.
Images: Premium Bandai.
