Post by Omni Existence on Dec 3, 2003 11:59:32 GMT -5
Toy Review
Soul Of Chogokin
GX-18: Getter Dragun
When news first broke out that Bandai was doing a Soul Of Chogokin rendition of the Getter G Super Robots, I was ecstatic. I kept following any news, and saved any pic I could find on message boards and other hobby sites.
Now I finally have mine. I haven't put it through it's paces but I've had about 30 minutes to see what makes the toy tick.
BOX:[/b]
The box is trademark SOC. Nice pictures of the actual toy as the box art, with it's accessories and gimmicks at the back side. The "fiery" colors on the box compliment the pics of the toy very well. It's about as thick as the GX-02R box, but slightly taller.
CONTENTS:[/b]
The box contains two large plastic trays that house the accessories like the hands, weapons, etc. One small styrofoam tray containing the diecast Getter Machine 1, and the "transforming" headpiece. One large cardboard box containing the display stand for the robot and the Getter Machine 1, and lastly, the large styrofoam tray housing the Dragun itself.
ACCESSORIES:[/b]
The Accessories contain the following:
- Dragun Head X 1
- Dragun Transforming Head X 1
- Forearm attachment 1 Pair
- Assorted Hands X 7 (6 pairs + 1 "handshake" hand)
- Getter Wing X 1
- Getter Tomahawk X 2
- Tomahawk Bar/Handle X 3 (2 short+ 1 long)
- Shoulder Armor (cowl) X 2
- Getter Machine 1 X 1
- Back Support X 1 (2 pcs)
- Display Stand X 2 (1 for Getter Dragun +1 for Getter Machine 1)
- Head Display Piece X 1
I like the fact that the Getter Tomahawks on Getter Dragun now sport a more solid feel compared the the bubblegum tomahawks on the Getter One. It also uses a PVC bar/handle that you can plug into the Tomahawk Blades. It's not the metal shaft for the Miracle House Shin Getter Tomahawk, but good enough none the less.
Another design on this toy that I defintely give a two thumbs up to, is the shoulder armor, or "cowl", attachment. It's balljointed, allowing freedom of movement for posing the shoulders.
The additional "transforming head" for immitating the "gattai" in the animation is also a cool touch. The pic of Getter Dragun in the middle of the change, like it's predecessor, looks dead on.
GETTER DRAGUN:[/b]
Now for the toy itself.
What can I say? Bandai definitely did their homework on this toy. The toy comes in a large styro "coffin" and is separated into 3 sections. The torso, the legs and the cowl.
As always, Bandai did not stiff us on the diecast content as this bad boy is heavy. The paint finish is exquisite as always. No paint blotches and paint chips or seam gaps like the EVA "scandal." The Getter Dragun is almost flawless (I'll get to that later).
After attaching the other parts of the robot like the cowl, forearms, hands, and of course the head, Getter Dragun is ready for some action.
Like most of the recent SOC's, the hip[ joints on this toy are TIGHT! It took a little persuation to make it move, but I wasn't afraid since it's a Bandai (yeah...right, I was sweating bullets ). Anywhoo, after a little pushing, I was able to move the legs to various poses. The shoulders are smooth and ratchety, and detachable to allow you to set the other arms on the Dragun's upcoming bretheren. For something sizable, this toy has some good balance, unfortunately, it somewhat suffers the same narrow feet syndrome as Great Mazinger. It cannot decide whether to lean forward or backward. Thank goodness to the back support that comes with the stand.
Like it's predecessor, the Dragun, despite the small feet, can pull off some nice, but limited poses, no comparison to the GX-07's range of motion and stability. The Dragun also has a nice neckpiece similar to Great Mazinger, and Grendizer. This neckpiece allows the toy to tilt back it's head, although the additional tilt provided by the balljoint attachment bothers me since it shows the neck off like Dragun was beheaded.
One major improvement I saw in this toy was the waist attachment. Compared to the original Getter One set, the hip joint on this toy can be locked in more easily now and has larger magnets. So easy I can connect the hip to the body with just one hand. Also, the locking button is now firmly set where you won't click on it by accident when playing with the toy.
Other minor add ons like the leg stabilizers (a la Great Mazinger), details on the elbow and knee joints, make the Getter Dragun all the more beautiful.
GIMMICKS:[/b]
What this toy may have in aesthetics and accessories, it lacks in gimmicks.
Other than the 'erector" type of connections similar to the Getter One set, this toy in particular only has the spinning blades on it's forearms, nothing else that I can consider a gimmick.
I was hoping for a projectile, but I guess, Getter Dragun doesn't have any projectile weapons (or does he?).
NITPICKINGS:[/b]
Like any other toy, inspite of it's awesomeness, the GX-18 does not come with some minor problems.
These are just minor nitpicks on my toy, and should not be considered as "engineering flaws" or anything else for the entire line.
Double Tilt Neck Assembly- The main neckpiece (the one attached on the shoulder) on this toy, as mentioned above, is basically the same one used for Great Mazinger, and Grendizer. It allows the head to tilt backwards to simulate the head position when flying. It's nice and all, but Bandai decided to add a secondary tilt on the balljoint attachment (right on the mian neckpiece).
This additional tilt causes the head to "throw-back" ridiculuously. You have limited control over the main neckpiece, as the secondary piece will tilt first before it, causing the toy to look like it was beheaded. I wish Bandai made the secondary piece fixed. The balljoint alone should compensate enough for any additional movement for the head.
Tight Elbow Attachment- When I first attempted to attach the forearm to the bicep, the fool thing was too tight that the magnet doesn't even reach the other end of the bicep. I found out that Bandai added "teeth" on the joint, making the attachment too darned tight. Forcing the joint works, but then you loose the ability to rotate the elbows. It's scary since the forearm attachment is made of plastic, and may break. The only fix I can think of is either wear down the teeth, or shave a few milimieters off with an Xacto Knife, just enough to make it more negotiable.
Scratches- Well, it didn't have any paint blotches, but my Getter Dragun has some very light paint scratches on the front and back of the neck, out of the box.
OVERALL:[/b]
Overall, I would say that this is one of the best SOC's yet. It's heavy, the attachment points have better magents and a better locking mechanism compared to the Getter One set. The colors are crisp, nice poseability, and proportions. Unlike some reports and comments about this toy being "skinny" I would say not. Let's just say he's no Schwarzenegger (big and bulky), but he's defnintely lean like Dolph Lungren in Rocky 4. ;D ;D ;D
The GX-18 is a very nice compliment to your Getter One set, Shin Getter, and Neo Getter (if you have them) and a very nice addition to your collection. Overall, I rate this toy a 9 out of 10.
I hope you enjoyed my review.
Pics to follow....I hope. ;D
Peace!
Soul Of Chogokin
GX-18: Getter Dragun
When news first broke out that Bandai was doing a Soul Of Chogokin rendition of the Getter G Super Robots, I was ecstatic. I kept following any news, and saved any pic I could find on message boards and other hobby sites.
Now I finally have mine. I haven't put it through it's paces but I've had about 30 minutes to see what makes the toy tick.
BOX:[/b]
The box is trademark SOC. Nice pictures of the actual toy as the box art, with it's accessories and gimmicks at the back side. The "fiery" colors on the box compliment the pics of the toy very well. It's about as thick as the GX-02R box, but slightly taller.
CONTENTS:[/b]
The box contains two large plastic trays that house the accessories like the hands, weapons, etc. One small styrofoam tray containing the diecast Getter Machine 1, and the "transforming" headpiece. One large cardboard box containing the display stand for the robot and the Getter Machine 1, and lastly, the large styrofoam tray housing the Dragun itself.
ACCESSORIES:[/b]
The Accessories contain the following:
- Dragun Head X 1
- Dragun Transforming Head X 1
- Forearm attachment 1 Pair
- Assorted Hands X 7 (6 pairs + 1 "handshake" hand)
- Getter Wing X 1
- Getter Tomahawk X 2
- Tomahawk Bar/Handle X 3 (2 short+ 1 long)
- Shoulder Armor (cowl) X 2
- Getter Machine 1 X 1
- Back Support X 1 (2 pcs)
- Display Stand X 2 (1 for Getter Dragun +1 for Getter Machine 1)
- Head Display Piece X 1
I like the fact that the Getter Tomahawks on Getter Dragun now sport a more solid feel compared the the bubblegum tomahawks on the Getter One. It also uses a PVC bar/handle that you can plug into the Tomahawk Blades. It's not the metal shaft for the Miracle House Shin Getter Tomahawk, but good enough none the less.
Another design on this toy that I defintely give a two thumbs up to, is the shoulder armor, or "cowl", attachment. It's balljointed, allowing freedom of movement for posing the shoulders.
The additional "transforming head" for immitating the "gattai" in the animation is also a cool touch. The pic of Getter Dragun in the middle of the change, like it's predecessor, looks dead on.
GETTER DRAGUN:[/b]
Now for the toy itself.
What can I say? Bandai definitely did their homework on this toy. The toy comes in a large styro "coffin" and is separated into 3 sections. The torso, the legs and the cowl.
As always, Bandai did not stiff us on the diecast content as this bad boy is heavy. The paint finish is exquisite as always. No paint blotches and paint chips or seam gaps like the EVA "scandal." The Getter Dragun is almost flawless (I'll get to that later).
After attaching the other parts of the robot like the cowl, forearms, hands, and of course the head, Getter Dragun is ready for some action.
Like most of the recent SOC's, the hip[ joints on this toy are TIGHT! It took a little persuation to make it move, but I wasn't afraid since it's a Bandai (yeah...right, I was sweating bullets ). Anywhoo, after a little pushing, I was able to move the legs to various poses. The shoulders are smooth and ratchety, and detachable to allow you to set the other arms on the Dragun's upcoming bretheren. For something sizable, this toy has some good balance, unfortunately, it somewhat suffers the same narrow feet syndrome as Great Mazinger. It cannot decide whether to lean forward or backward. Thank goodness to the back support that comes with the stand.
Like it's predecessor, the Dragun, despite the small feet, can pull off some nice, but limited poses, no comparison to the GX-07's range of motion and stability. The Dragun also has a nice neckpiece similar to Great Mazinger, and Grendizer. This neckpiece allows the toy to tilt back it's head, although the additional tilt provided by the balljoint attachment bothers me since it shows the neck off like Dragun was beheaded.
One major improvement I saw in this toy was the waist attachment. Compared to the original Getter One set, the hip joint on this toy can be locked in more easily now and has larger magnets. So easy I can connect the hip to the body with just one hand. Also, the locking button is now firmly set where you won't click on it by accident when playing with the toy.
Other minor add ons like the leg stabilizers (a la Great Mazinger), details on the elbow and knee joints, make the Getter Dragun all the more beautiful.
GIMMICKS:[/b]
What this toy may have in aesthetics and accessories, it lacks in gimmicks.
Other than the 'erector" type of connections similar to the Getter One set, this toy in particular only has the spinning blades on it's forearms, nothing else that I can consider a gimmick.
I was hoping for a projectile, but I guess, Getter Dragun doesn't have any projectile weapons (or does he?).
NITPICKINGS:[/b]
Like any other toy, inspite of it's awesomeness, the GX-18 does not come with some minor problems.
These are just minor nitpicks on my toy, and should not be considered as "engineering flaws" or anything else for the entire line.
Double Tilt Neck Assembly- The main neckpiece (the one attached on the shoulder) on this toy, as mentioned above, is basically the same one used for Great Mazinger, and Grendizer. It allows the head to tilt backwards to simulate the head position when flying. It's nice and all, but Bandai decided to add a secondary tilt on the balljoint attachment (right on the mian neckpiece).
This additional tilt causes the head to "throw-back" ridiculuously. You have limited control over the main neckpiece, as the secondary piece will tilt first before it, causing the toy to look like it was beheaded. I wish Bandai made the secondary piece fixed. The balljoint alone should compensate enough for any additional movement for the head.
Tight Elbow Attachment- When I first attempted to attach the forearm to the bicep, the fool thing was too tight that the magnet doesn't even reach the other end of the bicep. I found out that Bandai added "teeth" on the joint, making the attachment too darned tight. Forcing the joint works, but then you loose the ability to rotate the elbows. It's scary since the forearm attachment is made of plastic, and may break. The only fix I can think of is either wear down the teeth, or shave a few milimieters off with an Xacto Knife, just enough to make it more negotiable.
Scratches- Well, it didn't have any paint blotches, but my Getter Dragun has some very light paint scratches on the front and back of the neck, out of the box.
OVERALL:[/b]
Overall, I would say that this is one of the best SOC's yet. It's heavy, the attachment points have better magents and a better locking mechanism compared to the Getter One set. The colors are crisp, nice poseability, and proportions. Unlike some reports and comments about this toy being "skinny" I would say not. Let's just say he's no Schwarzenegger (big and bulky), but he's defnintely lean like Dolph Lungren in Rocky 4. ;D ;D ;D
The GX-18 is a very nice compliment to your Getter One set, Shin Getter, and Neo Getter (if you have them) and a very nice addition to your collection. Overall, I rate this toy a 9 out of 10.
I hope you enjoyed my review.
Pics to follow....I hope. ;D
Peace!