There are few super robots that retain their popularity over the years and Shin Getter Robo is certainly one of them, and this latest Metal Build toy certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Naturally, this Metal Build toy doesn’t handle the gattai or transformation aspects and is only of Shin Getter 1, but that aside Bandai Spirits has done a lovely job here.
To back up a bit, this is by no means the first high end toy we have had of Shin Getter 1 in recent years. Sentinel also did a very nice Riobot toy back in 2018, which I reviewed. That was an impressive toy but I think this new Metal Build version may surpass it.
Shin Getter Robo was originally introduced back in 1993 within the pages of Ken Ishikawa’s manga Getter Robo Go. It later ended up in Super Robot Wars 4 and in turn birthed Mazinkaiser (as Mazinger Z was exposed to Getter Rays in that version of the story).
The most well-known version of Shin Getter Robo was seen in the anime Getter Robo Armageddon, which had a pretty troubled production history despite turning out to be a fan favorite (it’s also available on Blu-ray and worth a look).
Over the years, the mecha’s popularity has only grown, from being featured in all manner of Super Robot Wars games and even as an out of place super robot in Another Century’s Episode 3 (they made it work by turning it into a heavy real robot, in case you are wondering).
In any case, Shin Getter Robo has been a very popular mecha design for a long time now, so I totally get why Bandai Spirits added it to their new Dragon Scale subline for their Metal Build toy range.
If you are unfamiliar with Metal Build toys, these feature a large amount of diecast in their construction. They also tend to be heavily stylized renditions of the original designs. All except for anything by Kanetake Ebikawa, which is something I should really get to the bottom of one of these days.
The athleticized styling has proved to a be huge draw for the Metal Build toys and their articulation is built to match that. The usage of diecast is also more than just a stylistic choice, as the joints and internal structure use this material for added strength.
So when it comes to Shin Getter 1, the Metal Build line has its work cut out for it. However, it certainly delivers on handling complex poses.
That aside, you also get a lot of gimmicks and accessories with this toy. From various hands to a wide array of effects parts, including a chunky and quite spiky Stoner Sunshine (shown above), you also get a fully transformable Getter Tomahawk. This shifts from a giant axe to a very impressive scythe.
You also have removable panels on the legs, to show the under armor and some interesting articulation around the shoulders.
The sculpt and detailing, while very stylized, are definitely in line with the original design. You also have lots of classic Getter Robo motifis snuck across the toy in various places. All of which give a gentle nod to the original Getter Robo, which is a nice touch.
You also have the suitably massive and thoroughly articulated Battle Wing included at the rear. This is now a multi-layered set of wings that can expand out into something pretty bat-like, as per the original design.
While the toy is already available in Japan, this Metal Build release will be getting its Western release this September. Priced at $310, this is by no means a cheap toy.
Overall, Bandai Spirits has done a lovely job with adding Shin Getter 1 to their Metal Build line. The build quality and articulation are impressively done and well worth the price tag. For those that are already fans of Getter Robo Armageddon, then you definitely need to pick one of these up.
This Metal Build Dragon Scale Shin Getter 1 toy will be released on September 1 for $310 and can be pre-ordered via Amazon.
Metal Build Dragon Scale Shin Getter 1 Gallery
Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
Released: September 1 2023
Price: $310
Disclosure: Bandai Spirits sent me a sample of this toy for the purposes of this review.
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