The Mikene Empire are the villains in the anime and manga Great Mazinger. In the context of the series, they once ruled the world, but were driven underground long ago. From their vast underground caves, they launch attacks on the surface world. At the beginning of the Great Mazinger series, they were led by the Great General of Darkness, who in turn reported to the godlike Emperor of Darkness. Most of the Mikenese have artificial bodies that are roughly 25 meters tall, with the character's "real" face in the middle of the body's chest (exceptions include Minister Argos whose real face is in the pommel of his cane, and General Angoras, whose real face is on the end of a stalk that extends from the forehead of his body).