Molga

The Molga is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe. It resembles the larval form of the monster Mothra.

Overview
The Molga is a Caterpillar-type Zoid, created by the Zenebas Empire and later used by the Guylos Empire.

The Molga is an early Zoid, one of the first created by the Zenebas Empire. The Zoid was initially designed to be a standard infantry Zoid, supporting other early designs, including the Malder and Marder. The Molga's design meant that the Zoid is very well armoured for its size, far more than most other Zoids of its size, as well as allowing the Zoid to burrow into the ground.

The Molga's weapons are only average, but certainly enough to let it deal with similarly-sized Zoids. However, while the Zoid is fast and well armoured, its manoeuvrability is poor, and its handling over rough terrain only mediocre. The Molga's overall performance is rather average, the Zoid being designed more for use in large numbers as a massed force, not individually.

Battle Story appearances
The Molga was one of the first Zoids created by the Zenebas Empire, appearing in the ZAC 1980s. The Zoid was used as the standard infantry machine of the time, and proved to be more than a match for the early Helic Zoids like the Garius and Elephantus. The Molga quickly became one of the most common machines of the Zenebas army. The arrival of the Iguan in ZAC 2030 eclipsed it to a degree, with the newer Zoid being far more versatile. Despite this, the Molga remained in service with the Empire until its fall in ZAC 2049.

Following the destruction caused by the meteor strike of ZAC 2056, the Guylos Empire resurrected the Molga design to boost its devastated forces. The Molga served the Guylos Empire in the same way it served the Zenebas, as a standard infantry unit. Molgas were used heavily by the Guylos forces in their invasion of the Western Continent, and become one of the most numerous Zoids employed by any faction in the conflict.

Media Appearances
Anime
Chaotic Century and Guardian Force

The Molga first appeared in Zoids: Chaotic Century as Zoids belonging to members of the Desert Alcavaleno Gang. They were used to attack the Wind Colony in order to flush out the Organoid Zeke. These Molgas were defeated by Van's Shield Liger.
They later appeared as the standard infantry-type Zoid of the Imperial Army. Molgas were used en-masse by the Guylos forces, and were usually ploughed down in a very Redshirt-like manner.

The Molga would see far less action in Guardian Force, appearing in four episodes: Wild Molgas would be captured and held prisoner by the Zoid hunters, and in "The Devil's Maze" Reese would deploy a swarm of them in an attempt to hold off Thomas' Dibison.Also molgas equipped with CP-07 Cannons are shown in a testing lab and are used to shell the Geno Breaker when it is in its cucoon

Scaled down Molgas (about three or four feet long) were also used by the Empire. These were used against enemy personnel, and were armed with a sticky, silk-like spray, (similar to Mothra's caterpillar form). They were referred to by Empire personnel as Realgas (a portmanteau of real and Molga), and are possibly related to (or perhaps even are) the Wild Zoid the Molga design was based on.

New Century Zero
In New Century Zero, Molga was seen in Harry Champ's Zoid collection, but never in combat. Molgas also appeared in as holographic pieces in a board game played by Jamie and Leena in one episode, and as model pieces in Steve Toros' collection.

Fuzors
A group of Molgas appeared in an episode of Zoids: Fuzors, working with other Zoids lead by Marvis. The Molgas proved to be effective against a more powerful Command Wolf and Leostriker, by concealing themselves underground and then leaping up and ambushing them.

Genesis
Shot Cannon-armed Molgas appeared in Zoids: Genesis, used most commonly by the city of Ze Ruft, one of the groups opposed to the Digard Empire. The Molgas' Shot Cannons were effective against the Bio-Zoids, allowing the Zoids to perform hit and run attacks. The pilots usually would fire off a few shots before retreating underground.

UK Zoids comic
The Slitherzoid was one of the standard infantry Zoids of the Red Mutant army, probably the second most common after the Hellrunner, and appeared constantly throughout the run of the comic. Like many other mutants, many defected and joined Krark's forces.

Video games
In Zoids VS II (Zoids Battle Legends), the Molga is one of the four Zoids available at the beginning of the game.

Models
Original Japanese Release
*Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
*The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint.

The Molga comes on three frames along with a small wind-up motor, two separate cockpit pieces, a clear canopy, two small gears, twelve rubber caps, a small chrome silver pilot, and label sheets. The Molga is moulded in maroon and silver, with a red canopy. The head was shared with several other early Zenebas Zoids, including the Malder and Marder.

The Molga’s construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Zoid rolls forwards with a 'slithering' motion, its entire body flexing. A panel on the Zoid's back can be opened to reveal a small missile launcher, while a second panel on the front conceals the cockpit.

The Molga was released in Japan in 1983 with production continuing until about 1987.

Original European Release

The Molga was re-released in Europe under the name Slitherzoid in 1985-86. This version was identical to the OJR version, save the packaging.

Robostrux
The Molga was re-released in the US as a part of the Robostrux line, under the name Kreep. The Zoid was recoloured in rust-red and tan, with a green canopy.

Zoids2
The Molga was also released as a part of the Zoids2 line, under the name Slither. This version was recoloured in silver, chrome silver, and black.

New Japanese Release
The Molga was re-released in 1999, during the first wave of releases for the New Japanese Release line. The Molga's design was unchanged, but the colours were altered; the Zoid is now dull silver, metallic grey, and dull red, with a green canopy and a blue pilot.

An optional weapon was also released for the Molga, the . The kit consists of a single large cannon, mounted on the Molga's back.

Clear Molga
Often called "Crystal" by English-speaking fans, this version was available as a competition prize in Japan. The Zoid is moulded almost entirely from clear plastic; excluding the pilot that is blue, a black motor and red caps.

New American Release
The Molga was also re-released in North America by Hasbro. The Zoid was identical to the New Japanese Release version, save for the packaging.

Rokurou Molga

A limited edition version of the Molga was released in 2003, as part of the 'Yuji Kaida' series. This version was recoloured in bright green, blue, and silver, with neon pink caps. In addition, it also included a silver version of the CP-07 Shot Cannon.

This Zoid was featured in the Zoids Web Comic.

New Pacific Release
The Molga was re-released as a part of the New Pacific Release in near-identical packaging to the NAR version.

The Clear Molga was also re-released in Australia, included as a bonus with some larger Zoids. This version was identical to the earlier Clear Molga, save for the packaging.

New English Release
The Molga was re-released by TOMY in England in 2004. This version was identical to the NJR Molga, save for the packaging.

Genesis

Another version of the Molga was released as a part of the Genesis line under the name Cannonry Molga. This version was recoloured in dull green, dull blue, and grey, with an orange canopy. It also included a grey version of the CP-07 Shot Cannon. This version has experienced issues with mould quality.

Zenebas Memorial Box Set
The Molga was re-released in 2006 as a part of the Toys Dream Project Zenebas Memorial Box Set. This version of the Zoid was identical to the OJR version. The set also included similarly coloured versions of the Marder, Zaton, Geruder and Gator. The moulding issues that affected the Genesis version seem to have been repaired for this re-release.

Molga Guylos Specification
A limited version of Molga, recoloured to match the black-and-green Dark Zoids of the 1980s line, was released by e-Hobby at the start of 2008.

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See Also

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