Monday 5 November 2012

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Deka Red

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

"One! I hate evil being done to the people!"

We're back again with another red senshi figure from Bandai's S.H. Figuarts line, once again made possible (or rather, hurried along) thanks to Akibaranger. This time its the fiery hero from the 28th Super Sentai series Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger, Banban Akaza aka Deka Red. Originally released in June this year, since Deka Blue and Green have been released as Tamashii web exclusives and Pink and Yellow on show at various Tamashii Nations events. Here is the review.

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPDDeka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Sporting a slightly thicker box to house the extra Akibaranger goodies inside, Deka Red's packaging is very in-keeping with the character. The black "1" on Deka Red's costume is on the left hand side of the window with the SPD logo also on display next to the character name. The back features two action shots of the figure, pictures of all the accessories and then a smaller sub-section covering the Akibaranger inclusion.

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPDDeka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

While the Deka Ranger suits are relatively basic, they do include little bits of detail which it was important Bandai didn't skimp on. Little touches like the SPD badge, the belt buckle and helmet crest are all present, albeit a little simpler than I might have liked. The use of translucent plastic for the helmet sidelights is perfect, but my copy of the figure has very limited motion in his neck. Deka Red shares the same type of shoulders previously seen on the Shinkenger Figuarts, only this time they've seen some improvement. The movement around the joint itself is much more fluid, covering the inner-mechanics without stressing the whole arm is about to break off when positioning it. Its a shame the upper arm swivel that was included on the Gokaigers is missing, but everything else not already mentioned is in tip-top shape. Included in the box are three holsters (two side ones for the guns, and a back one for the SPD license) which can be clipped to the belt. The license one fits very snugly, however the other two are prone to falling off when posing the legs.

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPDDeka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

The policeman's accessory count include 11 alternate hands (closed fists, open hands, variety of gripping hands and two special right hands to help recreate Ban's various rollcall poses), SPD license, D-Magnum 01, 02 and the hybrid magnum combination. The SPD license is nicely detailed on the outside, but sadly features no inner detailing for judgement decisions. While it can open up, it only reveals a plain black plastic surface. It would have really added to feature had a sticker been included, even if it was one you needed to apply yourself. While I expected it (as this was an earlier release than Bouken Red), thankfully he doesn't share the problem the fiery adventurer's penchant for fiddly hands that are difficult to change.

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Finally we have the Dekaranger inordinate power included to be used with the Akibarangers, which takes the form of a giant set of D-Wappers. These huge handcuffs are hinged and can be separated from the central piece, so that they can also be wielded as claw-like weapons. The D-Wappers can also be combined with the Bouken Scooper (included with Bouken Red) and Jet Winger (included with Red Hawk) to form the Akibaranger Inordinate Cannon!

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPDDeka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Deka Red Dekaranger Bandai Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts D-Wapper D-Magum Akibaranger SPD

Since Dekaranger is one of my favourite Super Sentai series, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on Deka Red. While he isn't the best Sentai Figuart released and in some way feels a step backward from the Gokaiger releases, its still an excellent representation of the character and an insanely fun figure to play about with. The inclusion of the Akibaranger inordinate power only sweetens the deal. He's still readily available from Japanese retailers, so if you're a fan of the series or franchise what are you waiting for?

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