“We need Megazord power, NOW!”
SDCC had some powerful exclusives for Power Rangers collector’s this year. Exclusives that are now making the rounds at a number of North American conventions such as Fan Expo Canada and New York Comic Con. Today, we’re taking a look at by far the most spectacular of these exclusives with the SOC Soul of Chogokin GX-72B Black Megazord!
The Black Megazord/Daizyujin is an elaborate repaint of the original SOC release, primarily in black, with a plethora of gorgeous gold trim, green accents, and silver chrome. This color scheme is directly inspired by and meant to compliment the Soul of Chogokin Dragonzord/Dragon Caesar, which is a bit of a different take on the black repaint tradition than we usually get for MMPR or Zyuranger. Each of the Zords functions identically to the first release, but they look so spectacular in these new colors. We’ve included a number of comparison shots with the first release, with some fun mix & match possibilities as well.
Attached are 120 images of this gorgeous set. You can also read up on our full review of SOC Black Megazord in the full gallery thread by clicking “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. And don’t worry if you’ve missed one of it’s various con releases either, it’s being made available through the Tamashii Web Shop in Japan next year as well.
I'm sure some of you will recall my gallery of the original release of Soul of Chogokin Megazord/Daizyujin from earlier this year. It's a toy that I marvel at. It manages to outclass the original DX Daizyujin & Megazord as well as the Legacy Megazord (especially this one) by leaps and bounds. If you can afford to, don't settle for any of those. They've been put to shame by this wonderful collector's piece. The SOC realizes the concept of these creatures and their combinations in a way that the DX simply couldn't be engineered to by Bandai Japan in 1992. And as a scaled down simplification of that original design, the Legacy release pales even further in comparison to this SOC masterpiece. I feel exactly the same way, some months later, handling this gorgeous toy in it's slick new black color scheme.
Today we tackle the gorgeous SDCC 2018 exclusive Black repaint of the SOC Megazord Daizyujin! Originally sold exclusively at SDCC, it has since been made available to pick up at NYCC as well, and will even be sold through the Tamashii Web Shop by Tamashii Nations as a web exclusive in Japan, next year. Sadly that means the exclusivity of this release, as well as it's value, are diminished. With that in mind, let's go!
***We've broken the review portion down into 7 individual sections. 1 for each Zord/Guardian Beast with a rundown of what they can do individually, then one for Megazord Tank Mode/Dino Tanker, and finally Megazord/Daizyujin itself. There will be 4 posts with images in this thread containing a total of over 120 images of this gorgeous set. Be sure to check them all out! But to kick things off:
Packaging
The packaging that you'll see in this gallery is actually that of the western market Bluefin release of this set, made available at SDCC & NYCC 2018. Thankfully a new trend has begun with Bluefin dual-branding their Power Rangers releases with Zyuranger markings as well. Making the differences between the two market releases minimal, such as the SOC Dragon Caeasr/Zord. Unlike the original release of this set, which unfortunately had radically different box art from it's native Japanese release. Since these are more dual releases I'll refer to everything in the set by both American & Japanese names as well.
The packaging itself is quite a departure from Bluefin's own original release of the SOC, featuring the toy, rather than new art this go around. But the stock photography is indeed gorgeous and far exceeds any of my work. Stock photos can be kind of magically nice. I actually really enjoy this packaging quite a bit as well. The interior is identical to the previous Megazord/Daizyujin release. I always love styrofoam trays, and Soul of Chogokin almost always feature these. It's a nice throwback that I appreciate more than is necessary I think.
The functionality I discuss in this review is identical to my first gallery of the SOC molds, there's no physical difference between this release and that one whatsoever. Though I will talk about paint app differences. This color scheme by the way, is meant to match the SOC Dragon Caesar/Dragonzord. The black/gold/green colors go perfectly with that figure, one I sadly do not have yet at the moment but will soon. If you'd like to see some comparisons, we did galleries of the original vintage DX Black Daizyujin as well as the Legacy Black & Gold Megazord in the past.
Tyrannosaurus Zord/Guardian Beast Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus kicks things off for us. For starters this big dino is a very impressive looking beast. It was a dynamic design for it's original time anyway, but the SOC has overhauled it in all the best ways to make it look a bit more proportional and (as much as a robotic dinosaur spirit thing can be) believable. With this new take on the figure we get the expected levels of SOC articulation to really hammer home it's high end nature, as well as that gokin heft to give it real weight. Tyranno has an opening mouth that functions in such a way as to make it appear there's a real neck joint, much like the original. Inside the mouth are sculpted in blasters to replicate Tyranno's sonic attacks.
Making a vast improvement on the original DX, this go around Tyranno also has poseable arms. These tiny vestigial arms may not look like much on the original, but here the shoulder and elbow have lots of range to them. The shoulder can even angle out a bit away from the body. The claws are also articulated in 2 sections per hand. When combined with the lower body articulation you can get some dynamic results. That's largely thanks in part to the torso joint. While this joint get's lost in the fully combined modes, Tyranno can make use of it to turn about 45 degrees to each side. The hips, while not quite as dynamic, can also angle out and back/forth on some really strong hinges for stable posing. The diamond shaped chunk of armor on the outside of each hip needs to be angled correctly to give the hips the room they need though.
Surprisingly there is also a sliding thigh joint. When pushed outward it gives him a wider stance, and is primarily meant for the Megazord/Daizyujin combo. We also get a swiveling thigh joint just below here that allows each leg to turn completely outward. Again primarily meant for combined mode, but still a really welcome addition. Sadly the knees don't bend very far forward, most of their use comes into play for the combined mode where they fold backwards. The same can be said for the ankles which only tilt back and forth and don't have a side to side rocker. The hips and thigh joints mostly alleviate that though. Finally we have a segmented and articulated tail. Each of the 6 segments is on a nice tight floating joint so they have room to move up or down slightly as well as side to side. Just enough to cover what you'd need. Tyrannosaurus could definitely get physical with this thing in the series, and I think the SOC accurately represents the range he had with it. As probably the most memorable and iconic of the Zords/Guardians, he's the one they needed to nail individually.
The new color scheme for this set really makes the Tyrannosaurus look very imposing, and even a little sinister. Though we lose a lot of that gorgeous painted silver from before, the new gunmetal and black are accented by perfectly gold outlines and some hints of metallic green that really set this thing off. Gotta love those red eyes as well.
Mastodon Zord/Guardian Beast Zyumammoth
Of all the beasts it's the Mastodon/Mammoth (and Pterodactyl/Pteranodon) that are by far the most simplistic still, and largely similar to their original toys. With Mastodon it's just the design. There's not a lot to make more dynamic for it's individual mode. Now it's transformation process has been greatly enhanced to get to both modes. But as an individual, it doesn't bring much to the table. Other than a properly articulated trunk that can fold up or down, which is still an improvement over the original DX or Legacy figures. The head can also angle up on a "neck" of sorts. As with Tyranno, Mastodon has some nice heft to him to make him feel like more of a collector's piece than any previous release. We'll discuss it more for the combinations below.
I also tend to think that the Mastodon benefits most from the new color scheme. Since it was primarily black previously anyway, the accents are the real game changer here. The bright metallic green is just so striking on the "m" emblems and when fully combined they seriously pop.
Triceratops Zord/Guardian Beast Triceratops
Triceratops actually has some really great improvements compared to the original toy that just really make it feel totally different. The individual design hasn't really changed much but there are some features added for the combined mode that are a great service to it. For the Tricera mode however the biggest addition by far is chained horns that can be extended from the head. The chains are fairly long and luckily for storage you just need to carefully lower them back down inside the head. Tricera also has an opening mouth like Tyranno. The tail comes out about the same as the original toy, just looking a bit more accurate. Like Mastodon, many new features go on display in the combined modes. Like collapsing panels not present on any previous release.
Triceratops doesnt get as much detailing as the T-Rex or Mastodon, but it certainly benefits from the colors scheme change as well. The head really pops more than anything, but the gold trim on it's back is just so nice as well.
Sabretooth Tigerzord/Guardian Beast Sabre Tiger
Sabretooth is a far more dynamic figure than the original or it's legacy counterpart as well. That's thanks largely in part to the design of the legs. The rear legs feature hips and ankles, while the front legs have both as well as some middle knee joints. This results in the Sabretooth being able to assume a natural walking or running stance, or even allow it to sit on it's rear end and look down in combination with the tails' movement. The central section of the body that connects to the neck also features a side to side joint primarily intended for Daizyujin mode. It allows for ankle tilting, but also goes a little way to letting the head move side to side. On topic, the head has rotating sabre teeth like the original and this figure also features an opening mouth. Sabreooth is right up there with Tyranno in terms of dynamic improvements. The original toy is a far cry to this masterpiece.
I do think this one looks a bit boring in the new color scheme without the bright yellow and silver paint to contrast against it. Being primarily black with select accents on the sides and head, it comes off just a bit more dull than the others. Still a gorgeous piece however.
Pterodactyl Zord/Guardian Beast Pteranodon
Much like Mastodon, Pterodactyl is essentially designed the same way as the original toy with new modern paint apps and flourishes. At it's core it's the same design. Right down to the way the "feet" which are normally stored within the Tyranno's chest, attach to the body. The way the head and wings function is the same as well. The best change this go around on Pterodactyl is of course the chrome silver chest. Which for this black release of the set is a bit darker. When you stand that Pterodactyl upright, all of the new paint apps are on full display and it just looks so good. It makes a gorgeous chest for the combined form.
Megazord Tank Mode/Beast Tank Dino Tanker
This mode is one that I feel has been severely underappreciated throughout the years. These types of unique battle modes for megazords/sentai robos are just few and far between, especially in today's age. It's a unique way of getting multiple uses out of a few toys. These types of "mid" or "3rd" modes always tend to be creative and weird. To get to this mode we start by folding up the Triceratops tail flush to the body, collapse the legs/tank treads on the sides into the main body, and fold down the square cover that's set over the open knee port on the back. The collapsing treads is by far my favorite thing about the Tricera itself. It's a genius feature that none of the previous DX style releases have had. It compacts the body down very well and gives it more proper heroic proportions to it as a leg. The Sabretooth is of a very similar design overall, just no collapsing joint. The legs need to essentially be straightened out properly and folded up under the body. The Sabre teeth need to be folded straight up as well. Collapse the tail and fold it up against the body, then fold down the same square panel as the Tricera. The legs/tank treads are ready.
Next, the Tyrannosaurus forms the bulk of the Tank. The black panels on the shins hide the octagonal die-cast pegs that connect to form the knees. You need to push them up along with those black square panels above them. This requires a little effort. Next use the sliding thigh joint to push the legs further out to accommodate the wide stance you need for the Tricera and Tiger to connect. Be sure to remove the Pterodactyl feet from the chest as well, then position the Tyranno in sort of a hunched over stance that brings his feet parallel to the ground and the die-cast pegs properly in line with where they connect. This connection within the Tricera and Tiger is very nice and snug. Make sure to straighten the tail out parallel to the ground as well.
Next remove the head/shield from Mastodon. And here's where this particular figure really innovates. Rather than the large black back sections that just rotated up and out to become Megazord/Daizyujin's shoulders on older toys, we have a new folding panel system. The bulk of the shoulder armor rotates up, while the central panel cover folds up and in upon itself 4 times and tucks neatly back within the shoulder to leave a clean open area for what will become the arm, to move through. Next, extend the rear legs up and out, then fold out the entire back section to the sides, just like the original. This entire assembly lays on the Tyrannos' back, but doesn't actually have a proper joint to connect to on the back, just some pegs that rest in grooves. The true connection that holds Mastodon in place is the clips on the shoulders of Tyranno. Even without something to plug into the back, this surprisingly creates a more than secure connection for the entire assembly. You then need to position the Mastodon legs out parallel to how the Tiger & Tricera are positioned. Fold out the small gold panel on the Tyranno's chest next, this allows you to plug the Mastodon Shield on snugly and securely. Don't forget to also plug the barrels (Pterodactyl feet) for the Tank Cannons into the Mastodon feet.
Finally, with Pterodactyl we just want to fold the wings in flush to the interior. And bring the neck up. On the Mastodon's feet (now on the back) there are two small gray tabs that need to be folded out. These will plug into some shallow and very very tight holes on the Pterodactyl below the chrome plate. I found it to be extremely difficult to get these plugged in, it really felt like I'd brake them, even more so than on the first release. But, with that, we have the Megazord Tank Mode/Beast Tank Dino Tanker! This is a big bulky, cumbersome, and AWESOME mode for these toys to assume. Like I said above, these types of mid-transformations are so few and very far between now. This is such a fantastic use of these toys and the SOC executes it better than any previous version. These new black/gold/green colors unify this mode in a way it simply never has been before and it's glorious.
I'm half tempted to display this team in this fashion, but then there's the final dynamic mode...
Dino Megazord/Daizyujin
And here we are, the main event, Megazord/Daizyujin! The transition from Tank to Megazord mode is every bit as fluid & intuitive as it ever has been. Beginning the transformation is simple, remove the Tank Cannons and rotate the Mastodon's feet inward to reveal the fists. Each rotates on a swivel joint 360 degrees, has fingers that open up, and a ball jointed thumb. Remove the Pterodactyl from the Tank's back and attach the cannons in place there. The Tyranno's tail will then fold up flush onto the back while the end tip of it will fold back and down. Remove the Mastodon Shield and set it to the side, be sure to fold the gold panel on the Tyranno chest back up as well. Next bring the Sabretooth & Triceratops heads up at 90 degree angles, and straighten the Megazord's legs out starting with the Tyranno's hips. Bring the Mastodon arms down parallel to the body as well. Now we have a mostly formed Megazo rd standing upright, I've always dug this design with the T-Rex head still in play. The final steps include opening the chest cavity again and folding down the Tyranno's head inside and bringing the Pterodactyl in by folding it's head and wings back down within the body. On either side of it's back is a small clip that can fold out and peg onto the Tyranno as well. This creates a solid connection to the chest while the "tail" of the Pterodactyl clasps around the torso of the T-Rex to secure the connection. And the final step, fold out the horns from the sides of the head to behold, the Black Dino Megazord AKA Black Daizyujin!
With that, we have the most impressive iteration of this design that has ever existed in my opinion. We have a heavy, functional, accurate representation of the classic Megazord/Daizyujin design. In this form, it boasts more articulation than most any interpretation of the figure has save for the Super Minipla or Super Robot Chogokins. In the former's case though that's a small plastic mini-model with fewer features, and in the latter's case it was a super robot proportioned non-transforming action figure. This set however is transformable, and poseable, AND has premium engineering. The Megazord has a wide, powerful, stance owed in large part to the sliding thigh joints on the Tyranno and the angled joint in the Sabretooth & Triceratops. The Tyranno's functional rotating thigh also helps this toy assume poses that otherwise haven't been possible in the past. Sadly the waist joint from Tyranno is lost because the way it's tail lays between the mammoth legs. It could have been possible to fix this by making the tail separate and plug in, but given what they did to make this whole ensemble come together, I'm still very pleased.
The Megazord's arms make full use of all the functionality hidden in the Mastodon. Rotating fists are joined by proper elbows, rotating biceps, hinged outward shoulder joints, and rotating 360 forward/back shoulder joints. Even the transformation joint used to switch from mammoth foot to robot fist can be used to squeeze another ounce of motion out of these arms. The Megazord's head is on a simple rotating joint which I know many people think isn't good enough. But given how the Tyranno head has to cover it in two other modes, and the horns have to fold out, I'm not sure how much more poseable the head could possibly be. It's perfectly fine to me.
For weapons we have the Mastodon Shield first. You can fold out a handle for the Megazord to hold it and fold the trunk all the way under to give it a proper screen accurate appearance if you so choose. But the real star of the show is of course the mighty Power Sword AKA Dinosaur Sword God Horn! This gorgeous recreation of the sword is by far the most regal representation of it ever. The entire blade has a seamless application of silver chrome with some green painted accents, while the hilt is properly left bare. The Black SOC opts to go for a slightly darker chrome than the original as you can see in the comparisons bellow. I was worried about imperfections in the chrome but I'm happy to say that between this and the other components on the Megazord's body, it's largely flawless. The long hilt allows the mighty robot to even grasp the sword firmly and wield it believably in a way no previous toy has accomplished in my mind as well. If you make use of all the joints in the arms to some degree, you can even finagle a two-handed grip of the sword! Armed with his weapons Megazord/Daizyujin is truly an imposing shelf presence.
As is, this is a big beefy imposing robot that aims to impress, and it does just that. It may not be an S.H. Figuart in terms of it's poseable nature, but it's certainly superior to anything that's come before it. Funnily enough, it didn't hit me til I started messing around in this gallery, that with two paint schemes for the same SOC set, we actually have some mix & match play to work with. I've included a couple photos with some components of these two sets swapped out for fun, and honestly, they look pretty damn cool.
My one gripe with this release is that most Soul of Chogokins come with elaborate display bases of some sort to store weapons accessories etc. Looking to the recent Go-Lion & Big O releases, it's hard not to notice how sparse Daizyujin is. There may not be any other weapons to include other than the sword & shield, but a Chogokin display base for this big boy to stand on seems like a no brainer at least. But alas we didn't get anything like that with this one.
Final Thoughts
As a Soul Of Chogokin, the Megazord/Daizyujin strikes the perfect balance between form and function many collectors have craved for years. I firmly believe your money is better spent on this, than on any other iteration of this design. Period. And the SOC GX-76B Black Megazord/Daizyujin makes this masterpiece even more desirable with it's sexy new black color scheme.
Part 2
- Sabretooth Tiger
- Triceratops
- Pterodactyl
- Dino Zords united!
Part 3
- Megazord Tank Mode transformation
Part 4
- Megazord/Daizyujin!
This was MADE for Dragon Caesar. It completes it. The fact that it is black and green really makes Gouryujin and Zyutei Daizyujin look way better because of the unified color scheme. I can see BOOM MMPR comics use this color palette if they decide to give fans the all-green core 5 MMPR cast again.
Am I imagining things or did this already get a gallery post?
Keep reading: SDCC Soul Of Chogokin SOC GX-72B Black Megazord/Daizyujin Gallery - Page 2
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