S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Cross-Z Gallery

"Right now, I get the feeling I can't lose!"

Ryuga Banjou. Boxer, idiot. Hero. When Banjou began the series there's no way most of us could have predicted where he would go, or where he would ultimately come from as well. An endearing character form early on, Banjou's stubbornness and eventual heroism are great examples of what it means to be a Kamen Rider. Overcoming the evils that brought him to be, Banjou has become a selfless and extremely powerful ally to Build, Grease, and Rogue in the fight against Evolt. Beginning his path to power, Banjou was given the Dragon Full Bottle thanks to the woman he loved. Allowing him to access his first rider form, which we review today. S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Cross-Z!

Packaging

Main Figure
I have to admit that when I first saw Cross-Z in show I didn't particular care for the design. By the time I really came around to it, Banjou had traded up to Cross-Z Charge (a form I really love). But by the time that basic Cross-Z re-emerged as Banjou's go to form, I was really in love with it. I initially had reservations about this figuart, but once having him in hand I happy to report that he's great as well.

The core body of this figure is largely identical to Build Rabbit/Tank Form. Starting with the lower body, the legs are largely identical to Build. The only mold difference being the removal of the rabbit spring from the left leg. The two legs are now designed symmetrically, both in blue, with the right thigh band featuring Cross-Z's orange flames. Be wary of these legs though, many owners have reported very tight hips. One of my friends actually wound up with a broken Cross-Z almost immediately because the hip was frozen. I've experienced pretty tight hips on my copy, nothing broken yet. But who knows. The biggest issue mine has is extremely tight knees. So tight that they squeak when posing. Regardless just be careful with your Cross-Z. Apply heat and shock oil to joints when you feel it necessary.

Moving up we have the Build Driver. This is carried directly over from Build so the driver itself is identical. The handle can rotate and the new Cross-Z Dragon is removable. Not only is it removable though, it can also transform into it's proper dragon mode AND the Dragon Full Bottle is removable as well. Like other Full Bottles in the line these little things are sculpted really well though some minor details are omitted. But at this scale that's totally understandable. I remember when figuarts Shift Cars weren't even half as well detailed. The Dragon bottle or any other can also be stored on the Full Bottle Holster on the left hip if you so choose.

For the upper body, the primary addition is the new dragon armor which comes down from the neck and shoulders and over the chest. The regular chest armor is the same as Build's, just with the protrusion from the left of the chest removed. The slivers with orange flames that come down over the chest are actually pretty long. Just be careful when bending the torso as the tips of these will impact the Driver & Dragon which could easily cause a break or chipping. Otherwise the articulation of the upper body isn't really impacted. I really love the detailing on Banjou's back. I know a lot of it is the same as Build, but I just think the extra spike on his spine and the diagonal lines really make him look amazing.

The arms are largely new parts. The forearms each feature newly molded spiked armor, the left with flames adorning them. The bicep section of the arms are identical to Build, but the shoulder armor is all new. The shoulder pads are attached the same way as Build's, just with a different shape and additional spike protrusion. Above this are guards which come out off the main torso on hinges. These hinged pads can move up to a 90 degree angle, and while in normal poses they don't impact the shoulder joint, you will have to paly around with the two parts sometimes to get a decent balance. If there were a little more clearance it wouldn't be an issue but sometimes they will run into one another.

That finally brings us to Cross-Z's head which is absolutely gorgeous. I think of the 4 Build releases thus far it's easily the best looking sculpt, and the compound eyes are absolutely gorgeous. The armor around the neck does limit what you can do with the head somewhat, but it's not detrimental. And it just looks so good. I'm honestly very pleased with the figure as a whole. I was really afraid it wouldn't wow me in hand but it really has. Can't wait to have my Cross-Z Charge in a week as well! I've included some images below of Cross-Z with the Contract Monster Dragblacker from Kamen Ruder Ryuki. It's the closest thing I have to a proper dragon to replicate his finisher kick. But I hope it gets the point across. And given that Dragblacker's rider is literally named Kamen Rider Ryuuga, it's a bit of fun word play too!

Accessories
Cross-Z comes with a basic loadout, but that's really all that Banjou needs:

5 - additional hands. That's 2 for holding his sword, one for grabbing the lever on the Build Driver,
and 2 open palms for dynamic posing.

1 - Beat Crosser. Cross-Z's unique musical/rythm based weapon that honestly didn't get a ton of play in the early part of the show. Especially after Banjou's transition to the Sclash Driver. As a scaled weapon, it actually looks really great, and is nicely detailed. I do find that either the grip is a little too thick for his hand, or the hand could be a bit more open. It's a tight fit that seems to stretch the hands a little.

1 - Grip End Starter. This is a replacement part for the bottom of the Beat Crosser grip. The regular grip can't pull out to simulate Banjou's finishing move, so this swap out part is included to do the job. It's a largely unnecessary inclusion, but I appreciate that it's there.

Final Thoughts
Like I said above, I wasn't really sure I'd love this figure but my eventual warming up to the design, and Banjou's excellent character growth in show went a long way to making me love this toy. In hand it really conveys Banjou's raw strength and brawler fighting style. Some minor articulation qualms aside, I really do love S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Cross-Z. And since we know this exact mold will be used for the upcoming Great Cross-Z, I think it's safe to say now that it will also be very very good.

"Smash hit!"

Part 2
- More Beat Crosser
- Riders together
- Dragonic Finish!

What can I say here... This figure is phenomenal, and easily could've been one of my favorite releases from the line yet, but...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Den-O

One of my friends actually wound up with a broken Cross-Z almost immediately because the hip was frozen. I've experienced pretty tight hips on my copy, nothing broken yet. But who knows. The biggest issue mine has is extremely tight knees. So tight that they squeak when posing. Regardless just be careful with your Cross-Z. Apply heat and shock oil to joints when you feel it necessary.

I see somebody picked up the Build Phone...

I haven't had any issues with my SHF Cross-Z, but after hearing it on the Discord servers I'm on and from some people online, it made me paranoid. Fortunately I think mine's pretty problem-free, the tightness isn't bad since I've been moving the joints carefully to be the point where it's basically tight, but not worryingly tight.

Also, kinda curious, but did you know that the Lock Fullbottle in the Beat Crosser can be removed, Den-O?

My dumbass son. I'm honestly incredibly happy I managed to get this. It's also surprisingly sturdy for me as I accidentally knocked it off of my shelf twice

It's a beautiful looking figure, but something about it is extremely boring to me. Can't figure out why exactly, but having the figure in hand, I'm not really feeling anything

Build has a bunch of amazing designs, but this one is just so good. I do wish the sword had more to it.