Hi all, here's my review (finally!) of the Gx-76 Grendizer Spazer sets 1 and 2.
Soul of Chogokin Gx-76X Grendizer D.C. Spazer and Double Spazer
Extra hands and torso cover are hidden inside the display base.
Impressive pearl paint finish on the Spazer.
Attaching the wings aren't that hard. It's easier than how the SRC Spazer wings had to be attached.
Getting the Grendizer into the Spazer requires opening up a LOT of panels and hatches.
When sliding the front blue panels to the back, make sure you flip out these fins out first, as they will cause resistance when you push the blue panels backwards. You're supposed to flip these red fins out anyways since that's what happens in the Anime when Grendizer docks with the Spazers (the red fins sprout out of the Spazer).
The torso protector (right side, the one with painted parts) prevents sliding and paint scrapping of Grendizer while inside the Spazer. It also provides a rail system of sorts so you can easily "eject" Grendizer out without incident.
To remove the torso protector, this is what the split half should look like, the tab should be on Grendizer's left side.
It's hard to push the halves open even when using the tab. Alternately, you can also pry the connection loose by lifting the thigh parts upwards until the connection in the back splits open. It's faster to do this but I don't really recommend doing this often as it's still clear plastic that you're exerting force on.
Spazer Cross!
For a while, there was some doubt as to whether Bandai would actually release the Spazer for the D.C. Grendizer as the sample model was teased for some time at various Tamashii events before Bandai officially announced a release date.
Some parts swapping is required when it comes to getting the saucers weaponized.
Spin Drills
Spin Saucers
Chute in! Dizer go!
Koji Kabuto's TFO (Terrestrial Flying Object).
The TFO is entirely plastic, sadly.
Double Spazer
Koji got shot down so many times in the TFO, then he upgraded to the JFO (Japanese Flying Object) a triangular ship that still got shot down a lot again in the manga (it also appeared in the Anime in episode 30), before he finally upgraded to the Double Spazer so he could fight better against the Vegans. As to why he didn't just go get Mazinger Z instead is just pure insanity.
The JFO
Double Cutter
The Double Spazer's other armaments include
-Cyclone Beam - 300,000 volt energy beams fired from the wings
-Double Missile- The Double Spazer carries up to 25 missiles
The Double Spazer is powered by a Photonic Energy reactor and can travel at a max speed of Mach 4 (the Spazer can go up to Mach 9). The vehicle first appeared in episode 35. First time combining (in dramatic fashion) in episode 36.
This is what the Double Spazer is supposed to look like in "parked" mode.
To get the wings to fold up or down, it is recommended you pull the wings to the side out first to give it some allowance to move, otherwise, there's going to be some plastic on plastic friction.
To enable the Double Spazer to attach to Grendizer you have to do some parts swapping.
"Attachment On!"
"Scramble Turn! Combination Cross!"
Display base
You will have to use the attachments to attach the Spazers into position.
Likewise you will also have to swap out parts on the bottom of the Spazer to get it to peg onto the display base.
Sadly the TFO does not have its own attachment and has to share with same post with the Double Spazer, or you can opt to leave it sitting on the corner of the platform.
The display base combines with the Gx-76 display base.
You will need this little block for the Spazer to "land" on.
Alternately, if you're short on space, you can use just the Gx-76 display base and attach the new arm stand on it for the Spazer.
There's a ratchet joint at the neck of the stand, so you can pose the Spazer flying at an angle.
To pose Grendizer with the Double Spazer you will have to use the all clear torso cover to plug the figure onto the display base.
Using the same ratchet joint for the Spazer, you can pose Double Spazer Grendizer at an angled flight mode as well.
Both display stands used
Comparison with the old Gx-04 versions. Gx-76 on the left.
The Good-Spazer is beautifully painted.
-Grendizer no longer needs to "shrink" its legs to fit into the saucer.
-Good engineering with regards to the opening hatches on the Spazer.
-"Rail" gimmick for a smooth Grendizer launch is clever.
-Spazer weighs 291 grams and Double Spazer weighs 31 grams. By comparison, the original Gx-04 Spazer weighs 193 grams and Double Spazer is 74 grams.
The Bad-The set is ENTIRELY PLASTIC. Zero diecast on any of the ships in this set.
-I wish the TFO had opening hatches, or at the very least, a clear canopy.
-Removing the torso cover for Grendizer is very hard if you don't know what to do.
-Some parts swapping involved (to cover Grendizer's back) when plugging in Grendizer into the Spazer.
-Parts swapping for Double Spazer as well.
The UglyLack of diecast. I know I already mentioned it but for a Soul of Chogokin release, I think this may be a first in the line, wherein nothing in the set has metal.
Overall, I'm not too crazy for it, in some ways it feels like a step back for the SOC line. Considering this whole set consists of plastic parts when the older version had diecast, it seems wrong. It wouldn't be so bad if it meant the price was drastically lowered, but sadly, no. The good news is that sculpting is perfect and I think it captures the likeness of the vehicles in the show more than the original Gx-04 pieces. The engineering is good and I love the addition of the sliding gimmick to make it fun to launch Grendizer from the Spazer, but that too has some problems itself (namely removing the torso protector). It's hard to recommend a release when it doesn't give you a decent bang for the buck, but I think it's still a must have since Grendizer just feels incomplete without his Spazer.
Soul of Chogokin Gx-76x2 Grendizer D.C. Drill Spazer and Marine Spazer
It's a shame the boxes don't stack up evenly, but I guess it is what it is.
Marine Spazer
The Marine Spazers armaments include
-Marine Cutter
-Marine Missiles - can carry up to payload of 25 missiles.
-Marine Beam
-Chain Anchor - can fire 2 chains for capturing and towing opponents
The Marine Spazer can travel at a maximum speed of 40 knots under water. The Marine Spazer appeared briefly as a teaser in episode 40, then fully appearing and combining with Grendizer in episode 41.
"Scramble Turn! Combination Cross!"
Drill Spazer
Sigh... not only are the tank treads now just plastic, they don't even roll anymore. What the??
The Drill Spazers armaments include
-Drill Missiles
-Spark Bomber - an energy projectile fired from the dorsal fin of the machine
-Drill Beam - energy projectiles fired from the tip of the main drills
Despite being designed for underground battles, the Drill Spazer can actually fly with a max speed of Mach 4 (same as the Double Spazer). The Drill Spazer first appeared in episode 45, originally piloted by Koji and combined for the first time in the same episode. The series intro and closing credits were changed once Maria Fleed was introduced into the show starting episode 49, now showcasing all the Spazers together in the opening credits. Maria Fleed took over as pilot for the Drill Spazer starting episode 51
Drill Missiles.
The center of the Drill Spazer can split.
"Scramble Turn! Combination Cross!"
Display base
The set does not come with its own display platform but piggybacks on the existing Gx-76 bases, with just the addition of new display arms. The new display arms require extra add-on attachment for some reason. Why not just make the connection block already molded in by default? Is it for the TFO? Curious.
Be mindful of how you hold the new display arm attachments, as this will cause the base tops to flip open if you lift it while holding the arm.
Using the torso protector from the Double Spazer set, you can mount the Drill or Marine Spazer Grendizer on the display base.
Comparisons with the Gx-04S version.
The King of Space - Dynamic Classics version
Grendizer team go!
I think I prefer the old Gx-04S Spazer display layout better. The Spazer being stuck there in the back and obstructed from view seems like a poor design choice.
The Good-Marine Spazer weighs 36 grams and Drill Spazer weighs 95 grams. By comparison, original Gx-04 Marine Spazer weighs 79 grams and Drill Spazer weighs 148 grams.
-Good sculpting details and is very show accurate in terms of looks, more than the original Gx-04S versions
The Bad-Zero diecast parts!
-Drill Spazer treads are now just molded plastic.
-Drill Spazer treads do not roll.
-Grendizer's forearms need to be removed before you can plug him into the Drill Spazer.
-No firing gimmicks but I guess we all expected that at this point.
-No display base of its own.
-Pricey due to it being a Tamashii Web Exclusive. Ouch.
The UglyAgain same issues with the other Spazer set, this set is all plastic.
Overall, wow, I really hope this does not become a regular thing with the SOC line. The set again comes with Spazers that have zero diecast. Worse, the higher SRP due to it being a Website exclusive feels like highway robbery. Don't get me started on the non rolling Drill Spazer tracks too. I gotta say I am very disappointed with this release. It could have been better but it seems like Bandai didn't put their best foot forward here and just went for the quick cash grab. I wouldn't mind paying more for this set as long as they at least gave us working tank treads, but it didn't happen. Sorry, I really can't recommend this one. If you're on the fence with this release, skip it. Just get the first Spazer set so Grendizer has a ship and call it a day.
Heh, it just dawned on me one would wind up paying almost the same amount as a DX SOC if he gets the complete Gx-76 set. That's just evil.
Gold