Tag: Chogokin

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

This is the High Complete Model MS-062R-2. I picked up all my HCM’s on eBay. I am going to have to come back and take some better pictures for these. These are terrible. I took them with my iPhone and now I wish I hadn’t. I always get this yellowish tinge on my photos.

Let’s talk about what doesn’t suck. I love this Zaku in red. It really kicks ass. It is a much better red than I have seen in the more recent Bandai MSIA releases in 2001-2003. The size and detail on these are preferable to the 4.5″ Zaku’s that came out with the Cartoon Network Toonami. This is probably my favorite HCM. The High Complete Model(HCM) were essentially completed models of anime robots usually Gundam, aimed at younger children or adults who did not have the time or skill to make model kits. Basically, me LOL.

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

I just added these images of the High Complete Model MS-062R-2 and they are much better than what I had up before.  It really shows off how nice this figure is. This is one of those really cool 80’s robots.

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

High Complete Model MS-062R-2 Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II 1/144 HCM

Not really sure what these are or why there is a set. Too bad there was no box when i purchased it, only the plastic container. But it was nice to have a small set of Super Sentai robots. I’m sure they are from Bandai. Took me a while to figure out the name for each figure. It was hard to find, as half the robots never had a US release(the Megazord came out with the Power Rangers and Dynaman and Bioman were released as Godaikins) and most of the information is in Japanese for the other 3 robots. This is a set of Super Sentai Robo from various series all plastic that are 3″ high. It is a pretty cool set.

The top line of robots is Turbo Robo, Daizyujin(aka Megazord!), and Live Robo.

Sentai Robo Collection with Turbo Robo, Daizyujin, Live Robo, Dyna Robo, Jetman, Bio Robo

On the bottom row is Dyna Robo, Jetman or Jet Icarus, and Bio Robo.

If anyone knows what this is, please drop a comment so I can figure it out.

Ok so after a little research I think these may be the Robo Sentai Collection, Sentai Robo Collection(ok, this was wrong)or a bootleg of it that came out in 1993 by Bandai. This may also be the cheap plastic versions you can get a train station kiosks. My only other theory is that maybe these are a prize Gashapon set for for those arcade claw machines. I think arcades are more more popular in Japan than they are here in the United States.

Since I see no copyright marking or branding I am pretty sure now that this a bootleg(which I figured out a year after I wrote this initially, duh!). It was just hard to figure out without the box. If I had the box I am pretty sure I would know right off the bat.

The Power Ranger Wikia really came in handy for the Japanese tokusatsu shows I had never heard of before. Without out it I likely would never have figured out the Live Robo and Turbo Robo.

This is a 5″ Chogokin Jr Kurojishi figure from the anime Ninja Senshi Tobikage. That appears to be this yellow lion robot. After a little search I found this ninja robot anime. I have watched a little of the first episode Ninja Robots in English dubs by Cartoon Network in 1995 and Japanese version from 1985 – 1986 on Youtube, but it looks like they stream it on Anime Sols. It might be worth watching, though I usually like the Japanese version as they will not edit out the violence.

I liked the bigger DX robots Tobikage & Houraioh, but not this little all plastic ST version. It does not earn the Chogokin Jr name as there is no diecast metal in this robot. I was trying to get the other figures in the series but only ended up getting this little one. This one looks cheap and clunky. There was not a lot of thought put into the build for this. It is pretty much just a brick except for a little arm rotation. Probably one of those cheap train station toys to shut up the kids. The Kurojishi toy and box reminds me a lot of the Victora Albegas  I have here. Sadly, I am afraid the thing I like most about this robot is the box.

Chogokin Jr Ninja Senshi Tobikage Kurojishi by Bandai 1985

Chogokin Jr Ninja Senshi Tobikage Kurojishi by Bandai 1985

Chogokin Jr Ninja Senshi Tobikage Kurojishi by Bandai 1985

Here is the opening for the anime tv show Ninja Senshi Tobikage from 1985-1986

Think this is a reissue of the original Popy GC 28 which has a red shield. The five Super Sentai guys pictured on the cover kinda look like cops. They are from Dengeki Sentai Changeman. Even though I am not a fan of Super Sentai, I still like the robots. Change Robo is one of them. I try to only collect the 70’s and 80’s chogokin robots. I couldn’t fit the sword in the fist because it was so tight, but it was fun shooting the head off. The fists do not shoot off with much zing and the robot is a little light in die cast metal, but I really like this ST robot which fits in well with my Godaikin collection, but the DX robot looks really good too. My copy is missing the 5 little plastic Changeman Sentai figures.

Plastic Changeman figures from the Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985

The DX robot came out as a late release Godaikin in 1985 or 1986. Change Robo is pretty rare as Godaikins go. I have only seen him a few times on auction and lost every time. The ST is a Popy robot as it has the Popy label, though I did not know it at the time I purchased it. So it’s one of the only  two Popy robots I have.

The robot’s design reminds me a lot of Goggle V robot. It is a simple but solid design, that you can change into a decent looking jet, car and helicopter(the Jetchanger, Helichanger, and Landchanger). The only real difference between Goggle V and Change Robo is in color scheme. A few tweaks to the design & color and you would have Goggle Five which is a good thing. It is a lot like the Generation 1 Transformers that all used the same molds like Bluestreak, Smokescreen and Prowl . If I ever display these two, I would have to put them right next to each other.

Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985

Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985

Change Robo and accessories. Lightning Sword, Change Shield, propeller and head missile

Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985

Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai instructions

Change Robo GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985 from tv show (電撃戦隊チェンジマン Dengeki Sentai Chenjiman) 1985-1986

Change Robo (チェンジロボ Chenji Robo) GC-28 by Popy Bandai 1985

Change Robo(チェンジロボ Chenji Robo) GC-28 robot toy by Popy Bandai 1985 from Super Sentai tv show 電撃戦隊チェンジマン Dengeki Sentai Chenjiman 1985-1986

First thing I noticed about Daitetsujin 17 is that it is so heavy. A majority of this robot is metal  which is awesome. You can see it in the pictures. Daitetsujin 17 ‘s a pretty cool robot, not so good as a flying fortress. After watching the movie, I actually prefer the toy robot to the one in the show. I tried shooting the fists and the stomach missile and they got some pow going 5 feet. I have all the parts and it looks mint. I would have transformed it if I wanted too. But it didn’t look like it was worth the time. I like the blue and red color scheme and overall it is a nice looking robot. My only beef with this robot is that they could have made the arms a little more proportional to the body.

I really don’t have that many Godaikins to go to complete my collection. Too bad the last ones I need are so expensive. This robot hails from a live action “tokusatsu” show like Godzilla and Ultraman in 1977 all its cheesy goodness. Watching the intro seems amusing enough. I listened to the movie below and occasionally watched while I was writing this post.

The movie Daitetsujin 17(大鉄人17)below appears to be a dubbed movie. The dub is so funny! OMG. The narration seems like something from Rocky and Bullwinkle. You should definitely watch this! Enjoy.

The open chest compartment and shooting chest missile.

The foot compartments and robot legs.

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Back view of robot and wings

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Daitetsujin 17 GoDaiKin by Bandai 1984 aka Daitetsujin 17 DX GA-81 1977 by Popy

Popy gave these to us first as Golion GB-35 in 1981. This is the iconic robot from the 80’s. I don’t have anything bad to say about this robot. Golion has a great design and is a great ST version with the sword and shield.

I have the Voltron version. I wish the Voltron versions had a sword. The DX and ST Voltron from Matchbox and do not have the sword or any of the Golion accessories and I have both. Guess I know what I will do if I ever get a 3D printer. I did not realize this one had never been opened. The tape and tie to hold it to the styrofoam are still there. Guess it’s opened once now, but as mint as it will ever be. Seems like the legs and the chest are die cast metal(only the head and arms are plastic) so it’s a pretty heavy robot likely making this one from its Chogokin line or roughly translated Super Alloy. If you notice, I mention that a lot. I am a fan of the old toys they made with metal. They seem more sturdy and substantial, like American cars from the 70’s. My little cousin clocked me in the head with an old metal Tonka truck I had and that one time, I wish it was plastic.

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

The American version of the cartoon for this robot was pretty lame, but I can only say I liked a few robot anime. Getta Robo, Dangard Ace, Gaiking, especially Macross and Gundam. Not the American versions. Hate Matchbox for depriving us of swords for Voltron, bastards.

Anyway checked out a couple of the original Japanese Golion episodes and it was a much better. Seems like they made a lot of changes to the plot and removed the violence.

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 Lion Instructions Super Alloy or Chogokin

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

Voltron III Matchbox Miniature Lion Space Robot 1984 from cartoon Voltron Defender of the Universe 1984-1985

I heard the anime for GoLion was edited for violence, so I am definitely watching the Japanese version. Enjoy!

Here is the Dual Model Soltic Round Facer from the anime Fang of the Sun Dougram. I have been meaning to watch the anime, but I keep forgetting to watch. Looks like there are quite a few episodes on Youtube. I never opened the Soltic robot, so I never got excited about it. I think I will need to purchase a loose one just for display purposes.

The Takara Dougram series of robots are pretty cool robots. I liked the Soltic and Dougram armors as they felt like realistic mecha would, like the Votoms or Gundam robots. The dark green coloring gives the Soltic a nice military vibe and evokes an image of  tank in my mind or military vehicles in general. The modern feel of the Soltic robot reminds me of newer Gundam designs as opposed to the clunkier Votoms robots.

Soltic H8 Round Facer 1/72 scale Takara 1981 Japan from anime tv show Fang of the Sun Dougram 1981-1983

The Soltic is a perfect example of a solid 80’s robot. Good design and quality, realistic in its look, a good portrayal of the robot in the anime, solid build, and diecast metal awesomeness. It is one of the reasons I love robots from this era. It was nice as they actually released Dougram robots in the USA and Japan. They were not that popular, as the anime was never released here or dubbed. But a lot of the models for Dougram were released by Revell as part of their Robotech line.

Soltic H8 Round Facer 1/72 scale Takara 1981 Japan from anime tv show Taiyou no Kiba Dougram(太陽の牙ダグラム) 1981-1983

Soltic H8 Round Facer 1/72 scale Takara 1981 Japan

Soltic H8 Round Facer Series-02 1/72 scale Takara 1981 Japan from anime tv show Fang of the Sun Dougram 1981-1983

Soltic H8 Round Facer Series-02 1/72 scale Takara 1981 Japan

Episode 1 of anime Fang of the Sun Dougram 1981-1983