Mazinger Z vs. The Great General of Darkness is a 1974 Japanese mecha animated film that served as an alternative link between the Mazinger Z series and the Great Mazinger series. It basically introduces Great Mazinger to the audience, as well as his enemies from the Mikene Empire, showing the defeat of Mazinger Z. It was released on July 25, 1974. The final episode of the Mazinger Z anime series would tell the story a bit differently, but with similar results in the plot.