Tomopop Review: DX Gojyujin by Bandai

6:00 PM on 12.30.2011   |   Andres Cerrato

There's something to be said about the power of nostalgia. I haven't really followed much of Sentai up until this year's series, Pirate Sentai Gokaiger. A lot of us on the staff got hooked as it was trip down memory lane. Much like Kamen Rider Decade, it combines all of the past into one series, introducing the new generations to the teams we grew up with.

As a Sentai/Power Rangers fan, I've always loved the sixth hero. The new guy was always the coolest and I absolutely loved how they introduced him. Gai, the sixth hero from Gokaiger is just that. Given that he's a massive fan of Sentai in the series itself, it's amazing to watch how his character reacts to the goings of the show. His mecha is no different and it appeals to just about every base of mecha fan. Let's head into the review of the Kaizoku Gattai DX Gojyujin.

Figure Name: Kaizoku Gattai DX Gojyujin
Figure Maker: Bandai
Retail Value: ¥6,800
Available at: HobbyLink Japan

These figures are about as massive as you remember them. The DX Gojyujin is a hefty chunk of plastic that you could easily club someone to death with it. Given the sheer size and weight, this is a durable toy that will last and last. This is something that is meant to be played with and can easily withstand anything you put it through, not to mention flood you with nostalgia.

However, this is a toy that's loaded with gimmicks. It's meant as something to cater to just about anything a kid would love. Is it a giant robot? Check. It can become a dinosaur? Double check. Oh, and it's a spaceship too? All your bases have been covered. This is a toy that appeals to every conceivable base and does so very well.

Talking about each form, let's get into the namesake which is Gojyujin. What stands him out is just how massive he is. He's about 10 inches tall, which puts him just under the height of a Perfect Grade Gundam model. For his arms, he's got a massive drill for his right arm (there's another demographic taken care of) and a hand concealed in a T-Rex's head for the left.

On his back is a key, which if turned, will have his fist and drill arm spin. It's a cool little gimmick and will certainly entertain many.

The drill on his right arm also splits open to reveal a spear, going full in with the nautical pirate theme of the series. The drill parts also fold back and spin to provide a shield mode.

Given all there is in just Gojyujin, he still has two more modes. Easily my favorite of the three though is Gojyurex. There's not really a lot of poseability options with him, but he's a giant mecha T-Rex and I'm not going to argue the greatness of this.

As you could probably predict, the drill arm from Gojyujin is now his tail. Drills and tails go great together, as it did with Dragon Caesar (Dragonzord). Given that Gojyujin's forms are based off the rangers he gained his powers from, one of which being Burai the Dragon Ranger (Tommy's Green Ranger), it's not a surprise for me that I love this form the most.

Last but not least is Gojyudrill, the ship mode. Suffice to say, it's still rather huge. The drill is now moved to the front of the ship while the legs fold back to provide the thrusters. Given all of these transformations, what I will say is that this thing holds up. I've transformed this a good 50 times and he just holds up. No sign of joint wear, this will last.

For many of us, any Sentai mech will be compared to the original Megazord. While this is the 2009 version of the Megazord by Bandai of America, you get the impression that Gojyujin will stand its own. They are about the same height, but the one thing I have to point out is that everything on Gojyujin is painted.

Every detail is finished with a lovely coat of paint. Not a sticker in sight, and it's done amazingly well. The dark blue and red is a great glossy finish, while the silver, gold and sky blue is a lovely metallic, which really stands out from the gloss.

All in all, this is a great toy. While it is a tad expensive considering the conversion rate and when compared to prices for the American versions, it's easy to see where the extra cost is put. If you love Gokaiger, grab it if you can. As far as a transforming toy, it's incredibly simple, but that's probably what makes it so satisfying for me.

[A special thank you to Hobby Link Japan for providing us with this review sample.]