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under General Tokusatsu News, Metal Heroes

It’s time to take a moment out of your busy schedule to celebrate VR Troopers recent 20th Anniversary!  Although this series may not be like the Power Rangers juggernaut of today, it’s still a classic! Spliced together from 3 Metal Heroes shows (Chojinki Metalder, Jikku Senshi Spielban, & Uchuu Keiji Shaider) VR Troopers was one unique product. The biggest reasons why the show still gets love is the very awesome actor who played Ryan Steele, Brad Hawkins, whom you may also know as the voice of the Zeo Gold Ranger! In honor of this  momentous occasion TokuNation is proud to present the Action Works Chojinki Metalder gallery!

Released in Japan in September 2009, coincidentally then VR’s 15th anniversary, Action Works Metalder should appeal to any fan of VR Troopers or Metalder. Though not an S.H. Figuart, Action Works Metalder is more than on par with that line even by today’s standards. There’s no way of knowing when or if we’ll see S.H. Figuarts Metalder/Ryan  Steele from Bandai so for now this figure is the perfect stand it for any collection. Though it’s 5 years old it faithfully recreates the incredible Metalder suit perfectly and includes a compliment of great accessories such as his signature Katana and his robotic partner/brother Springer! 

VR Troopers turned 20 this year and despite not having much in the way of new merchandise to support it, love for the series is always growing. For now, throw your support behind an awesome guy and follow Brad Hawkins on Twitter @VRBradHawkins. And be sure check out 60 images of this amazing figure after the jump with more than a couple group shots to make Metal Heroes & Saban Heroes fans very happy.

 

under Kamen Rider

It’s time for TokuNation to take a look at one of the most anticipated rider releases in the S.H. Figuarts line, Kamen Rider Hibiki!

Hibiki is one of the often most overlooked Kamen Riders by Bandai & Toei. A unique character from a very unique series, Hibiki and his fellow riders were Oni. Rather than putting on a suit, their rider/Oni forms were their true forms. And true to the gorgeous designs of the series, S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Hibiki is fantastic. Utilizing the same premium design process that was first employed with Kabuto Renewal, Hibiki was built from the ground up beginning with an incredibly sculpted skeletal frame.

Besides looking gorgeous Hibiki is also armed to the teeth with some of the best and most plentiful accessories of any figuart out there. From alternate hands to his trademark Ongekikou Rekka, several Disc Animals, and some fantastic flame effect parts, Hibiki has it all. As one of the last main riders out there that hadn’t been released yet, Hibiki brings this line closer to completion for main forms. At this point we only need Kamen Riders J & Kiva in their basic forms to catch up to this years Drive!

But for now let’s take a look at over 70 images of this absolutely gorgeous figure. Click “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post to see S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Hibiki in all his glory!

under Conventions, Power Rangers, San Diego Comic Con, Super Sentai

San Diego Comic-Con 2014 has come and gone, the TokuNation.com crew had a great time at the show, and of course we had to share a souvenir or two with you. So up today is our final entry (for now) in the long list of Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger/Mighty Morphin Power Ranger’s galleries we’ve worked on for the last year. Today we look at the 2014 Exclusive SDCC Armored Black Ranger!

A unique product of the “Zyu2” footage created for MMPR season 1, Armored Black Ranger is a very unique toy as well. This figure shares the honor of being one of only two truly US exclusive MMPR related figuarts released here, along with the female bodied Yellow Ranger. Created in response to the demands of the US market Armored Black Ranger is a fantastic release that continues the tradition of quality and excellence that the Zyuranger/MMPR line of S.H. Figuarts releases has had from the beginning. Likely the last releases in this particular franchise of figures, Armored Black Ranger ends it in style. This awesome yet briefly seen form from the finale of MMPR season 1 “An Oyster Stew” is incredibly satisfying to finally own. If you have the chance to pick this figure up, we highly recommend it.

To check out the full 60 image gallery of this fantastic release, just click “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. And while you’re at it, take a stroll down memory lane with us too! Here are some handy links in case you’d like to take a look back at any of our previous Zyuranger/Mighty Morphin Power Rangers related galleries!

S.H. Figuarts Tyranno Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin Red Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin Green Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Kiba Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin White Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Ptera Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Armed Tyranno Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Armored Red Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Mamoth Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin Black Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Tricera Ranger Gallery[/URL] AKA Mighty Morphin Blue Ranger
S.H. Figuarts Tiger Ranger Gallery[/URL]
S.H. Figuarts Mighty Morphin Yellow Ranger (Female) Gallery[/URL]

under Conventions, Power Morphicon, Power Rangers

You didn’t think we were done did you? We took a ton of pictures of everything over the course of Power Morphicon 2014 and we’re still catching up! Alongside our previous pics of the upcoming Power Rangers Dino Charge Megazord, the Power Rangers Dino Charge Morpher and Sword, and the Power Rangers Dino Charge Bike with Red Ranger Figure, we are pleased to bring you 35 pictures of the upcoming 5″ Power Rangers Dino Charge Figures!

Important note right off the bat – these are painted prototypes. These are not finalized as of this exact moment and you will see in the pictures just how hand-painted they are. Their weapons are most likely going to be the bright neon yellow color that you see – it’s the same color used in the actual roleplay sword from an earlier picture gallery we did. While many are put off by super bright colors, I personally think it matches with the bright colors that this show is giving. It can’t be worse than pitch-black that we got with Power Rangers Super Megaforce.

The foot soldier and the Americanized version of DoGold do not have official names at the moment – simply “villain” and “foot soldier” for the time being. The amount of detailing on those two figures is pretty impressive – we especially love the attention to detail in what will be the first available figure for the DoGold character. All of this, of course, is from Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, the series that is being adapted to create Power Rangers Dino Charge.

What are your thoughts? Join in our discussion on the forums. Are you going to pick up these 5″ figures? Do they look okay or do you think they need more detail? Sound off and let us know Ranger Nation!

under Conventions, Power Morphicon, Power Rangers

One of the most debated items from this year’s San Diego Comic Con 2014 was the individual zords that make up the Power Rangers Dino Charge Megazord. As you may recall, the triceratops belonging to the Pink Ranger was colored purple, and the statement made to us was that a pink colored component on a toy targeted to boys wouldn’t sell. Thanks to ODot92 from RangerCrew.com, we learned that Bandai of America had changed their tune due to fan outrage and had decided to color it pink instead. As Power Morphicon went forward, Bandai of America changed their reasoning, saying that the triceratops was simply colored wrong from the manufacturer and was always meant to be pink. To showcase their change, it was purposely put at the front and middle of their display as every attendee walked in to the convention floor. What is the truth in the story? Who knows and frankly who cares – we have a pink triceratops again and that is all that matters!

Now, Bandai of America uses the Zord Builder feature on all their zords. That poses a slight problem with the Japanese counterpart from Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger, which relies on the batteries to make the actual connection to the other zords. With that in mind, we asked Bandai of America what purpose the Chargers will have in the toy line since they will be sticking with the Zord Builder combination feature.

For starters, each zord will have a feature to be unlocked by using the charger. The Red Ranger‘s zord will have the “spike hairs” pop up, the Blue Ranger‘s zord will have the spikes on the back of the body stand up, and the Pink Ranger‘s zord will have the drill pop out from the tail. At this time, there are no plans to have the Chargers unlock sound in the Megazord.

Once again, if this is a deal breaker for you, we suggest importing the Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger version of this figure now before prices go up as they always tend to do when the Power Rangers version comes out. But please check out 40 images of the Power Rangers Dino Charge Megazord. We tried to get as many different angles of the combined form for you so you can make your own judgement on this upcoming figure. Please join our discussion thread and share your thoughts!

under Conventions, Power Morphicon

Now that most wary travelers who spent their weekend and their mortgages at Power Morphicon are returning home, this one included, we have plenty of pictures to upload and share with you on our adventure in Pasadena. One of the places we went to was none other than the Bandai of America booth at Power Morphicon – and we spent many hours there talking with Bandai of America as well as taking tons and tons of pictures for you all to enjoy and eagerly anticipate the release of various items.

This time we are bringing you the two roleplay items – the as-of-yet-unnamed Dino Charge saber weapon and the Dino Charge morpher. First thing first – the morpher is smaller than it’s Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger counterpart. Also, it does not appear to be able to take more than one charger (battery) at a time. If that’s a make or break deal for you then you’d better hit up online retailers and middle-men services to get your Gaburevolver before the prices skyrockets much like the Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Mobirates did.

Enjoy 15 images of these upcoming items. What’s your opinion – are you going to get the Power Rangers Dino Charge morpher, or are you going to stick with your Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger Gaburevolver instead? Sound off in our discussion thread!

under Conventions, Power Morphicon, Power Rangers

It’s time to get ready and charge up our coverage of Power Morphicon! 

Veteran to the Power Rangers franchise and executive producer for Dino Charge, Judd “Chip” Lynn”, was kind enough to share an incredible Dino Charge teaser video at the just concluded Saban Brands’ Panel.  This teaser has it all. Shots of our rangers in action, of the pre-historic dinosaurs guarding the mystical Energems, and our very first look at a brand new villain, completely original to Dino Charge! This new as yet unnamed character does not originate from any Sentai footage! IT IS CURRENTLY UNKNOWN IF THIS IS A NEW VILLAIN TO THE SERIES OR IF THIS WAS CREATED SIMPLY FOR THE MARKETING TRAILER. SABAN BRANDS DID NOT VERIFY.

On top of that, while our own Kickback was behind the camera catching the teaser video, he also spun around to give us an HD look at the new rangers themselves! Introduced to attendees, and the world, for the first time are the Power Rangers Dino Charge! 

Be sure to follow the new Power Rangers Dino Charge on social media as well! Thanks to Nightmere10 of the Power Scoop for compiling this info!

Dino Charge Red – Brennan Mejia @BrennanMejia on twitter
Dino Charge Blue – Yoshi Sudarso (previous PR suit actor for live events) @Yoshistunts on twitter
Dino Charge Pink – Camille Hyde @MimiHyde on twitter (account currently protected)
Dino Charge Green – Michael Taber @PutItOnMyTable on twitter
Dino Charge Black – James Davies @BrenanDavies on twitter

Let’s get charged up for a pre-historic 2015!

under Conventions, Power Morphicon, Power Rangers

Power Morphicon continues in sunny Pasadena California! And kicking off today’s festivities our men on the inside, Kickback & Trekkieb47, just attended the Saban Brand’s Panel! 

Here’s the breakdown of the information they had to share, with images!

  • Shout! Factory has skipped this panel in favor of the MMPR one.
  • Andrew Gray discussed actor  inspired rewrites. Quoted as saying “There will be a lot more explanation” to a huge crowd cheer. More easter eggs  for fans with the final episodes.
  • Full Power Rangers Dino Charge Cast revealed! A first for the franchise, we have an African American Pink Ranger played by Camille Hyde! Character names yet to be revealed at this time however.
  • Apparently the Dino Charge video showed a new unique villain not adapted from Kyoryuger footage.
  • However Chaos from Kyoryuger confirmed to be the Bounty Hunter Sludge for Dino Charge

Dino Charge Cast details courtesy of The Power Scoops Nightmere10!

Red – Brennan Mejia @BrennanMejia on twitter
Blue – Yoshi Sudarso (previous PR suit actor for live events) @Yoshistunts on twitter
Pink – Camille Hyde @MimiHyde on twitter (account currently protected)
Green – Michael Taber @PutItOnMyTable on twitter
Black – James Davies @BrenanDavies on twitter

We’ll continue updating this post as more info becomes available!

under Kamen Rider

Melon!

The third release of the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Gaim line from Tamashii Nations is none other than the original melon warrior – Kamen Rider Zangetsu! A general release item, this figure retailed between 4,000 and 5,000 yen depending on where you ordered it from and at the time of this gallery and review is still readily available online as well as your favorite import shops (though prices will vary).

Kamen Rider Zangetsu, for those who do not follow the show Kamen Rider Gaim (you NEED to go watch it RIGHT NOW), is the prototype suit for Takatora, one of the heads of the Yggdrasill corporation. It is the first Armored Right suit to be made and was the test suit for all the others. The suit was only used in the show for the first 12 episodes or so of Kamen Rider Gaim before Takatora took up the Energy Rider suit known as Kamen Rider Zangetsu Shin (which has it’s S.H. Figuart release later this month!). The suit does appear again in the latter part of the 30’s in the show, but you’ll have to watch it for yourself as we do not believe in spoiling major story elements in our reviews!

Check out 55 images by clicking ”Discuss on TokuNation forums!” as well as to read the full review! You can also click “Read More” to simply read the rest of the review and check out the highlight images of the gallery.

[Read more…]

under Conventions, Power Rangers, San Diego Comic Con

If you’re a fan of Transformers then I don’t need to introduce you to Marcelo Matere because chances are you’ve already seen his work or you’ve met him personally at the various Transformers conventions. But if you’re not familiar with him or his work, please allow us the pleasure of introducing you!

Marcelo Matere has been a Transformers artist for over a decade now and has been working on official Hasbro products for years. Chances are you probably own a product that has his artwork as the packaging art. I personally have known Marcelo for many, many years now and consider him a dear friend. And I know just how amazing of an artist he is when it comes to drawing robots. So when I learned that he was going to be attending San Diego Comic Con 2014 I decided to see if he would do a commission work for me – I wanted to see how amazing he could make the Dragonzord and the original Megazord look as they engage each other in battle.

I was blown away as was everyone else I showed the artwork to – including Bandai of America. Even without the use of colors and just markers he managed to capture exactly what I wanted – an epic piece of artwork depicting everyone’s two favorite zords battling it out. Check out the image by clicking the news story.

Be sure to follow Marcelo Matere and let him know how much you love his work! I think everyone in Ranger Nation will agree – this guy needs to be doing professional work for Power Rangers!

– Follow Marcelo @marcelomatere on Twitter!
– Be sure to “Like” his work at Facebook.com/MarceloMatereArt
– Visit his professional website at www.marcelomatere.com
– Check out his Deviant Art profile at MarceloMatere.DeviantArt.com

A huge special thanks to our good friend Marcelo Matere who we got to spend some time with (but not nearly enough time) at this year’s San Diego Comic Con 2014. Please be sure to give this guy tons of love!