Tuesday 28 May 2013

Toybox REVIEW: S.H. Figuarts Deka Green

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

"Three! For the future of scientific investigation!"

Hot on the heels of the Tamashii Web exclusive Deka Blue was S.H. Figuarts Deka Green, the third release from Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger. Like Blue, Deka Green is also a web exclusive leaving Red as the only mass release member of the team (unless Deka Break or Deka Master are potentially announced at some stage...but that's unlikely) and was originally released back in December 2012. Bandai's methods aren't ideal if you're someone planning to buy the whole team, but this is a much better option than not getting the figures at all.

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai BandaiSH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

Once again we have the standard Dekaranger packaging, only this time in green and sporting a "3" like the ranger inside. The green on the clear window is a brighter shade than the box itself, making the name of the character probably stand out the most on the whole thing. The box is standard Figuarts size, with just one plastic tray to house all of the components.

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai BandaiSH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

If you've been buying the Dekarangers as they come out (which is likely unless a particular exclusive one is your favourite), you'll probably be quite familiar with the body by now - only this time its in green! Much like Deka Blue the little silver SPD details seem that much sharper than the mass release Deka Red, and the weird shoulder style of Sentai Figuarts has clearly evolved from being a potentially scary break area. Sure you'll probably find yourself poking them around by hand in order to cover up the inner mechanics, but the fact they move so freely when posing the arms is a very fair trade off. The articulation is superb as usual, with  a fully poseable head, shoulders, waist, (swing-down) thighs, ankles, double jointed elbows/knees and a hinged toe area to top it all off.

Deka Green comes with three weapon holsters that can be plugged into the belt, all of which fit very firmly and don't move about even when getting the figure into the more dynamic poses it can pull off.

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai BandaiSH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

Deka Green features a wide number of accessories including 13 alternate hands, flip-open SP license, D-Knuckle and D-Rod (both folded and extended). Admittedly these are also the accessories included with Deka Blue, however this is accurate to the show as they did indeed use the same weaponry. The only unique accessory is the combined D-Knuckle and D-Rod, which forms the D-Blaster (as opposed to Blue, who comes with the D-Sniper).

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai BandaiSH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

SH Figuarts Deka Green Dekaranger Super Sentai Bandai

Out of the three Dekarangers released so far, I have to say that Green is probably my favourite. There aren't any big differences between him and Deka Blue (other than the colour obviously) aside from the combined weapon piece, but Deka Green feels like a much tighter figure overall. He's easy to get into good poses, and the holsters stay securely locked into the belt even when you're handling the figure trying to get it into a good pose. It's status as a (rather rare at the moment) Tamashii Web exclusive may put a few people off, but if you can actually track one down they go for a quite reasonable price. Deka Green isn't a perfect figure since it's still the same mould as the other two, but rest assured if you're picking him up or planning to get the whole set you may find yourself pleasantly surprised with Deka number 3.

Friday 24 May 2013

Series REVIEW: Big Bad Beetleborgs

Big Bad Beetleborgs Saban Juuko B-Fighter

While Power Rangers and Masked Rider borrowed from Toei's two most successful tokusatsu franchises, they also had two other shows that borrowed from their third lesser-known-but-still-beloved Metal Heroes franchise. Whilst VR Troopers took the difficult task of merged three wholly unrelated shows into one, Big Bad Beetleborgs took the two B-Fighters series as its inspiration. The first season of Beetleborgs ran for a total of 53 episodes in 1996-7, and would later be followed by sequel series Beetleborgs Metallix.

Beetleborgs Drew, Jo Roland
"Three typical average kids, inside a haunted mansion..."

While the easiest way to get the plot quickly would be listen to the infectiously catchy theme song, I shall relay it here too. Beetleborgs takes place in the town of Chaterville, and follows kids Drew, his sister Jo and Roland. When exploring the haunted Hillhurst Mansion as part of a dare, they are attacked by a number of monsters and inadvertently release a phantasm named Flabber from his pipe organ prison. As gratitude, Flabber offers to grant the kids one wish. The three choose to wish to become their favourite comic book superheroes - the Big Bad Beetleborgs.

However in gaining the Beetleborg powers, they also get everything else that comes with it. Flabber's magic also brings the Beetleborgs enemies the Magnavores to life, led by the evil Vexor. As the Magnavores summon more monsters from the comic books in order to take over the planet, the new real-life Beetleborgs must fight using all their powers to defend the Earth and find a way to send them back to the comic world.

Beetleborgs Flabber
"Just by chance freed a ghost, who looked like Jay Leno..."

A show where kids are the protagonists you say? Surely a recipe for disaster! Actually it turns out far better that you might expect, possibly because the whole team are kids as opposed to one in say, Power Rangers Turbo. For child actors they all play their characters well (well for a show of this caliber anyway), and are far from the worst thing this show has to offer. Well, that is until episode 39, where Jo's actor changes over via a rather convoluted story. Things like this can't be helped due to behind-the-scenes reasons, but Jo #2 is nowhere near as likable or convincing as the original and sticks out like a sore thumb for the remainder of the series. Oh well, maybe she gets better in Metallix.

The real draw of Big Bad Beetleborgs is the suits themselves. The metallic, armoured bug look is quite different to most other Saban-adapted Tokusatsu series (save for VR Troopers) and by the looks of it good use was gotten out of them as there's quite a bit of new footage. Unfortunately the splicing between this and the Juuko B-Fighter footage is rather and obvious, and isn't helped by the major weapon issue the series has. While in B-Fighter the guns are grey, in Beetleborgs they're...pink and purple. And it switches between the two each fight sequence A LOT. Glaring issues aside, the Beetleborg suits, their weapons and A.Vs (giant bug shaped assault vehicles) are a pleasure to watch.

Beetleborgs Hillhurst Monsters Mums Wolfgang Fangula Frankenbeans
Decent characters? Maybe. Utterly pointless here. Most likely.

The real problem with Beetleborgs is that it isn't quite the show it would like you to think it is. The main premise of the show is these children gaining the powers of comic book superheroes to battle the villains who have been brought to life, and for a Power Rangers-esque show that's a pretty cool concept on paper. It's one that the series tries to stick to, whether it be for better (the "lifted from the comics" transformation sequences) or for worse (the over abundance of Adam West Batman style sound effects appearing on screen). The trouble lies in this main plot is actually very rarely the central plot, with most episodes revolving around hi-jinks with the Hillhurst monsters. The general consensus on these characters is rather negative, but I don't particularly think any of them are bad characters. Flabber is basically Saban ripping off the Genie from Disney's Aladdin, and the other four monsters (Count Fangula, Mums, Frankenbeans and Wolfie) all have their comedy moments. But NONE of these characters need to be in the show, and that's the flaw. If this was a show primarily about kids having adventures in a haunted house it would be excellent at what it does.

Beetleborgs Magnavores Vexor Jara Typhus Noxic
The Magnavores. Also known as the idiot club.

What also isn't helping Beetleborgs' case is just how pathetically incompetent the villains are. Vexor stands around doing mostly nothing for all 53 episodes, and his three "generals" (Noxic, Typhus and Jara) are bumbling idiots. There's nothing wrong with comic relief characters, but at least show how they are actually a problem for the heroes once in a while. The monsters of the week are also usually dispatched pretty easily, it only taking one or two laser blasts to send them flying back to the comics.

However despite these rather glaring flaws, when the show is at its best it is golden. The very peak of Beetleborgs is the six-part Shadowborg arc, which sees the heroes face off against an evil Beetleborg. It's a very straightforward plot, but works so well for the series. The Shadowborg is an absolute badass, besting the Beetleborgs at every turn and stealing their powers, forcing the creation of a fourth white Beetleborg. Ultimately this Beetleborg doesn't fit at all with the rest, only lasts for a few episodes and is a throwaway character who is never seen again after the arc ends, but at least the show makes an effort to raise the stakes. The arc ends with the Blue Beetleborg getting a beautiful new upgrade form, which is seen all but 3 or 4 times afterward. If you watch this show enjoy the hell out of the Shadowborg arc, but once it's done the show moves back to its usual mundane affairs. That is until the last two episodes when we're introduced to the equally badass Nukus, but that's more of a set up to the next season than anything else.

Beetleborgs Shadowborg
A much needed hint of badass.

Beetleborgs is a disappointing series, but I personally wouldn't go as far to completely write it off as so many people have. It's not the same sort of animal as Power Rangers, no matter how much it would like to pretend it is. If you can go into the show expecting a semi enjoyable kids show that's balls-to-the-wall crazy and NOT a full-blown superhero show, there are things to be enjoyed about it. And if all else fails, the Juuko B-Fighter suits and vehicles are gorgeous and this could be the only chance you'll have to appreciate them in English (be it dubbed or subbed) any time soon.


Wednesday 22 May 2013

Reviews in Time & Space: Doctor Who Season Seven Part Two - An Overview

Doctor Who Season 7 Part 2 Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

After the Ponds bowed out at the end of The Angels Take Manhattan back in October, the Doctor has turned his attentions towards a new mystery. Following his second encounter with the "impossible girl" Clara Oswald in The Snowmen, finding out who she really is and how she can exist in more than one place has become the Doctor's newest priority. Luckily, it doesn't take him long to find a new Clara to take on adventures in the second half of Doctor Who's seventh (modern) season!

Doctor Who The Bells of Saint John Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman Great Intelligence

We begin the half-season with The Bells of Saint John (★★★) which, while not a bad episode in itself, doesn't feel like anything the audience hasn't seen before. The Great Intelligence is back again, only this time moving away from snow-related henchmen to a more contemporary scheme. The not-so-subtle commentary on just how vulnerable we would be from a wifi attack is great, but the dodgy looking robot things and motorcycle action sequences just reek of a generic flashy season opener. Jenna Louise Coleman makes an impressive debut as a third Clara, managing to set this modern version apart from her Victorian and *ahem* Dalek counterparts.

Doctor Who The Rings of Akhaten Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

Unfortunately the biggest flop of the entire series comes next with The Rings of Akhaten (★), where the Doctor takes Clara on what seems like the routine "first trip to the future" for a new companion. This episode certainly does its best to present a universe brimming with alien life forms (even if it does feel a little Mos Eisley at times) and has some interesting ideas but ultimately is dashed by horrific padding and poor execution. The story tries to have all the flash and grandeur of a big budget Doctor Who adventure, but not the plot to go with it. Not that Who always needs a lightning fast plot and non-stop action scenes, but a nice little intro exploring Clara's birth and an exceptional monologue from Matt Smith will only get you so far.

Doctor Who Cold War Ice Warriors Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

Meanwhile Mark Gatiss' first penned episode for this season saw the return of a popular classic monster. Cold War (★★★★), or "Dalek on a submarine featuring Alien" as I like to call it, saw the return of the Ice Warriors in the form of a single creature - Grand Marshall Skaldak. This episode is the first to explore what the Ice Warriors are like outside of their armour, keeping the mystery and suspense up really well until a final revelation at the end. Whether this was actually necessary is up for debate (I personally wanted it to remain a mystery), but either way the shoddy CGI doesn't really do such a big moment justice. Cold War is also a great example of how a story can have a happy ending for both sides, even if a few people unfortunately don't get out alive.

Doctor Who Hide Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

After a poor first attempt, Neil Cross brings it back with Hide (★★★★) and proves he shouldn't be written off just yet. What feels like it could be just a standard ghost story actually turns out to be so much more than that. The creepy corridors of a dimly lit mansion are quickly swapped for foggy forests and frantic camera movement, but the two seemingly opposing worlds blend together for an episode that's actually more down to Earth than it may seem. While it DOES include the obligatory monster (which is pretty disturbing even for Who standards), it's not in the role one might expect it to be. The only thing keeping the episode from a perfect score is the rather gaping plot holes relating to the TARDIS use. Hide also features perhaps Clara's strongest moment in the entire series - her confrontation with the Doctor upon the realisation that everyone must seem like a ghost to him.

Doctor Who Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

If there's one thing Doctor Who has lacked since it's relaunch, its a proper dive into the world of the TARDIS itself - to the point where it wouldn't be surprising if they thought it was just the console room and maybe a bedroom or two. Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS (★★★) aimed to rectify this, and while it did deliver a story set entirely inside the time machine it wasn't perhaps what people were expecting. While we do get a look at some other rooms inside the TARDIS and just what makes her tick, the episode itself is a pretty standard "running around corridors" sci-fi affair complete with reset button ending and side characters that offer pretty much nothing to story. The monsters look great, but the twist behind their identity far too obvious and rather poorly explained. In the end it all feels a little bit like a low budget version of Danny Boyle's Sunshine, but with some Moffat brand timey wimey thrown in for good measure.

Doctor Who The Crimson Horror Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman Strax Madam Vastra Jenny Flint

Mark Gatiss returns to the writer's chair for The Crimson Horror (★★★★), which proves to be every bit as successful as his earlier episode. Gatiss' flair for Victorian England originally seen in The Unquiet Dead returns here in a much more refined fashion, along with our old friends Madam Vastra, Jenny and Strax. This is probably the episode most comparable to the "Doctor-light" one's of the RTD era, the Doctor taking a back seat to this popular new threesome and Clara essentially chews the scenery for 50 minutes. Strax remains hilarious as ever, Jenny gets the screen time she so desperately needed and Madamn Vastra is still shrouded in enough mystery to keep her interesting. Once the Doctor shows up the plot becomes a little too faster paced rushing up to a quick resolution, but the episode's flaws are easy to overlook thanks to some brilliant acting from Diana Rigg and real-life daughter Rachael Sterling.

Doctor Who Nightmare in Silver Cybermen Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman

Possibly the most hotly-tipped episode of this half-season was Neil Gaiman's Nightmare in Silver (★★★), which teased that the Cybermen would receive the Victory of the Daleks-esque update they've been in dire need of for years. Story-wise there's isn't too much to complain about outside of the quickly wrapped up ending and annoying children (who in fact are mostly superfluous to the plot), but Gaiman's Cybermen leave a lot to be desired. The streamlined vacant look is effective, but many of the powers they display take away for me what makes the Cybermen so scary. The Cybermen are reduced to mere puppets, can move at lightning speeds and are able to remove body parts and limbs at will. Had a newcomer been watching the episode, they could easily mistake these Cybermen for being purely robots. Smith plays excellently off himself as the new Cyber Planner (a term not heard since 1968's The Invasion), but it isn't enough to disguise how much of a pale imitation of Star Trek's Borg the Cybermen have become. Which is ironic since they were among the inspiration for the Borg in the first place.

Doctor Who The Name of the Doctor Great Intelligence Clara Oswald Matt Smith Jenna Louise Coleman John Hurt River Song Strax Jenny Flint Madam Vastra

A title like The Name of the Doctor (★★★★★) is enough to strike dread and reservation into any Doctor Who fan, but much like last season's The Wedding of River Song Moffat  takes a dodgy concept and turns it into one of the best episodes of the season. Vastra & co return for yet another outing (if you don't like them I'd get used to them, they look like they'll be around a while), as well as a post-Library River Song. The Great Intelligence shows up again in a role that could have perhaps been filled by any villain, but here the effects of the actions are what's important rather than the cause of them. The mystery of Clara is wrapped up neatly, and the name of the Doctor still remains a tightly guarded secret. The real highlight of the episode however is the use of Clara spliced into footage with former Doctors which, while pretty shoddy at times, will have fans of the Classic series grinning in a way they probably haven't since the relaunch began back in 2005. John Hurt's debut at the end of the episode is also bound to turn some heads, but whatever you think of that no one can deny that it puts the hype for the 50th anniversary special up to 11.

Much like the previous season, Doctor Who's seventh season has been a rather mixed bag. There's been a stark fluctuation between excellent episodes and downright awful episodes, but with the majority straddling in the "average" territory. Despite there being excellent chemistry between the Doctor and Clara, the new companion has felt sidelined to a point where she often feels completely unnecessary to the plot. By no means do I think we need another Rose, River or Amy gracing screens any time soon, but Clara has little impression on the show outside of the "impossible girl" angle (which doesn't actually come up all that much, and is pretty much resolved come the finale) and a few little quips with the Doctor. Maybe Moffat's writing style is just waning on me, but this half-season in particular failed to deliver any real punch until the very last episode, and even that was more due to its tie-in with what will be coming next. With 50 years of Doctor Who just around the corner, this is where it'll become clear what the show needs next. Be it change or otherwise.

Saturday 18 May 2013

Toybox Review: S.H. Figuarts Gavan

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

Jōchaku! Finally making an entry into Bandai's S.H. Figuarts line is the original Metal Hero - Space Sheriff Gavan! This is the original version of the character rather than the new Type-G Gavan (who will be getting a release a little later), who appeared in the original Gavan series and more recently the Gokaiger vs. Gavan crossover movie. Gavan was a Tamashii web exclusive figure, and also a little more expensive than the standard Figuart.

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal HeroesS.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

Much like the character himself, there's something that feels gloriously retro about Gavan's packaging. Lots of grey and black colours and angular shapes with some effective red text tampoed on the packaging window. As you can see the back adds a little more colour into the mix, showing off the figure in front of a fiery orange background.

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal HeroesS.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

The most notable thing about the Gavan Figuart is just how shiny it is - so shiny that you can probably see the reflection of me taking all these pictures in him. Almost the entire body is covered in vac metal chrome finish, with the little that isn't a matte black. The Gavan suit design is certainly a product of its time and if you're a fan then there's very little here to disappoint you, every little detail no matter how simple has been faithfully recreated. Just be warned that handling this guy with sticky fingers is sure to leave a mark or two!

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal HeroesS.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

Due to simple design featuring no overhanging armour Gavan enjoys all the articulation a standard Figuart body can offer. Among it is a fully moveable head, rotating shoulders, double jointed elbows, swing down thighs, double jointed knees, ball-jointed ankles and even a hinged toe section. My only concern is that getting the most out of the shoulder articulation could potentially result in scuffing the chrome shoulder pieces against the main body of the figure. A couple of complaints I've noticed on my figure is that the hips are really loose - to the point where the figure struggles to hold most poses without some careful balancing. The other thing (that admittedly bothers me with most new Figuarts) is how awkward to hands are to switch out. Only here it's not just the hand joint I'm worried about breaking, it's scuffing the finish too.

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal HeroesS.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes

Unfortunately, even with a slightly higher price tag Gavan's accessory count is a little on the low side. Included are the alternate "lit up eyes" head, 8 pairs of hands, a standard sword and energy slash effect part sword. The additional head felt almost a necessity, so including that doesn't feel like too huge a bonus. The hand count feels a low and including no charged up energy blade feels like a massive misstep. This figure might have the chrome, but Megahouse's old Action Works Gavan came with much more.

S.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes Gokaiger Gokai RedS.H. Figuarts Space Sheriff Gavan Bandai Tamashii Nations Metal Heroes Gokaiger Gokai Red

Ultimately Gavan is a beautiful looking figure, and the use of so much vac-metal chrome makes it unique even amongst a collection of Figuarts. However being both a slightly more-expensive Figuart and a Tamashii Web Exclusive is something that could easily put some off. The floppiness on mine isn't something that's going to be a widespread issue, but the difficult hands and low accessory count are. Still, the great thing about this Gavan is he works in a standalone display, a Gokaiger display or (once Type-G, Sharivan and Shaider) a Metal Heroes one.

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Toybox REVIEW: Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger Minipla Zakutor, Parasagun & Ankydon

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Parasagun Ankydon

After a rather mediocre beginning, Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger is back with its second entry in the annual Super Sentai candy toy/minipla line. This additional set includes three new arms for Kyoryuzin, covering the remaining combos that have been seen in the show up until episode 11.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Parasagun Ankydon

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Parasagun AnkydonBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Parasagun Ankydon

This second wave of Kyoryuger minipla includes Zakutor, Parasagun and Ankydon, each made up of one box each. The building instructions are printed on the inside of the box, and included with the contents is the usual piece of soda flavoured candy. As usual I've chosen to paint my minipla, so if you're interested how the figures look with just the stickers applied check out this blog post HERE.

ZAKUTOR

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Kyoryu Green

In the first box we have Zakutor, the Velociraptor Zyudenryu and partner of swordsman Souji/Kyoryu Green. Zakutor is the first of the second type of Kyoryuzin arm, sharing a mould with Parasagun and the yet-to-be-released Bunpachy. Zakutor features quite a few moving parts so is a little more complex than the smaller Zyudenryu that have come before him, but still incredibly easy for Super Sentai minipla standards.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Kyoryu GreenBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Kyoryu Green

Zakutor's stickers cover pretty much every necessary detail aside from the silver/black detailing on the back and black hand, however it should be noted that there is one inaccuracy. The stickers give Zakutor grey/silver arm claws, however the show model and DX toy both actually have yellow claws. Zakutor features quite a bit of articulation, throwing in knees and elbows to go with the standard arm and leg articulation. The tail can pop open into the 3-blade formation, and the jaw can open up and down for dino chomping action.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Kyoryu GreenBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Zakutor Kyoryu Green

PARASAGUN

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Parasagun Kyoryu Black

Ian/Kyoryu Black's Parasaurolophus partner Parasagun shares the same mould as Zakutor, however as the name might suggest there are a few differences. Alongside a different head, Parasagun houses a hidden gun in his tail. Once again, the building process shouldn't be difficult for even beginner model makers.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Parasagun Kyoryu BlackBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Parasagun Kyoryu Black

Sticker-wise its a similar situation to Zakutor, only this time the inaccuracy is in the arms (and admittedly more minor). The stickers add silver piping detail to the arms, however on the show model/DX toy its only present on the body and legs. The gun is left untouched, so if you want a completely accurate Parasagun you'd better dig out some red paint.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Parasagun Kyoryu BlackBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Parasagun Kyoryu Black

ANKYDON

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Ankydon Kyoryu Cyan

Ankydon is our first additional Zyudenryu (as in, outside of the core 5) of the line and the partner to Ramirez/Kyoryu Cyan. Ankydon shares the same body type as Stegotchi and Dricera, however his spined back and giant hammer tail give the impression that he's larger than he actually is. Like the previous two 4-legged dinos, Ankydon is incredibly easy to put together. Personally although not quite up to the level of Zakutor or Parasagun, Ankydon is more fun than his body-mates. The hammer is fun, and the light blue colouring is really nice.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Ankydon Kyoryu CyanBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Ankydon Kyoryu Cyan

Articulation wise Ankydon has moving legs, a hinged tail and a mouth that can chomp to its heart's content. Painting wise the only real details missing is that the tail is silver rather than blue, and once again the fist should be black. The stickers cover all other colour details, but personally I feel the spines look much better after being attacked with a silver paint pen.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Ankydon Kyoryu CyanBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Ankydon Kyoryu Cyan

KYORYUZIN COMBINATIONS

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Western Gabutyra Zakutor Parasagun

Combining Gabutyra with Parasagun and Zakutor results in the mighty Kyoryuzin Western formation. Transforming the two in their arm formation is a little less obvious than it is with Stegotchi/Dricera/Ankydon, but as long as you keep in mind that the yellow sections fit together in a straight line its fairly straightforward. Chomping them down on the arm ports will give you the sword-wielding, gun-blasting dino warrior.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Western Gabutyra Zakutor ParasagunBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Western Gabutyra Zakutor Parasagun

While it's important to note that whatever limbs you put on Kyoryuzin it isn't going to take away the disappointment that the thing has no elbows, the Kyoryuzin Western formation looks and feels considerable more fun than its standard one. It might be the colours clicking together, it might be the fact that the 2-legged dinosaur arms have a bit more bulk to them but whatever it is Kyoryuzin Western just looks that much more imposing.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Macho Gabutyra Ankydon Dricera

Elsewhere replacing Stegotchi with Ankydon on the standard formation results in Kyoryuzin Macho.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Macho Gabutyra Ankydon DriceraBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Macho Gabutyra Ankydon Dricera

So, how much better is a giant hammer than a sword/shield combo? My answer would be "very", but even if you disagree the cyan Ankydon goes much nicer with the bright red and pink than Stegotchi's navy blue. The hammer can also fold up into the arm should you feel that two long weapons are overkill.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Parasagun StegotchiBandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Stegotchi Zakutor

Then of course you can choose whatever formations you like for the arms, but I took a couple of shots of ones that have appeared on the show so far. The above left is Kyoryuzin Parasagun Stegotchi, while the above right is Kyoryuzin Stegotchi Zakutor.

Bandai Minipla Candy Toy Super Sentai Kyoryuger Kyoryuzin Gabutyra Stegotchi Dricera Zakutor Parasagun Ankydon

The base form of Kyoryuzin is a flawed figure, made up of one pretty good dinosaur and then two rather underwhelming ones. The lack of elbows is still a real problem, but the adding these extra dinos into the mix certainly makes for a more fun toy. Zakutor and Parasagun are more on the level of what I wanted out of the Kyoryuger mecha - bigger, more posable and much more fun when combined with Gabutyra. If you haven't been put off and have bought/planning to buy Kyoryuzin, getting these guys to go with him comes highly recommended. But given how Zakutor and Parasagun are part of the core team, you are probably thinking that anyway.