Glyos Phase Arm and Gobon Blaster

Review by Sanjeev

We're fans of Onell Design around here. We first learned about these local (Massachusetts, USA) toymakers a couple years ago when we met creators, Matt and Jesse, and learned about their retro styled injection-molded PVC "Glyos" figures.

The toys are unique, but those with a trained eye can see that they incorporate design elements harkening back to classic toy lines like Takara's Microman/Henshin Cyborg and Mego's Micronauts. Sure, these figures are meant to be played with, but they're still designer toys that appeal to adult collectors due to their nostalgic styling.

Get your CDX-exclusive Wraith Pheyden here!

These figures are tough. "Injection-molded" PVC means that they can take a pounding...as evidenced by our lunacy here, here, and here (please note that we at CollectionDX do not recommend smashing your toys to prove a stupid point)! To learn more about the two flagship characters of the Glyos series, check out JoshB's review of Wave 1 Pheyden and Exellis.

Well, in the grand tradition of boys' toys, it's about time these guys got an upgrade!

First, let's talk about the Warp Zone. Term sound familiar? Those cool "Easter eggs" in 80's video games like Super Mario Bros, where you got to "warp" to a bonus level? Well, if you check out Glyos.com regularly enough, you'll see the "warp zone" image near the top, right-hand side. At the moment, it's locked...but about a week or so ago, it was "active". This link (and other Easter egg links that occasionally pop up on the site) lead to special store pages where folks can score extra-special goodies not found on the regular Onell shopping page.

Anyway, entering the warp zone a couple weeks ago would take you to a page where you could order special editions of Standard Pheyden Mk II and the Standard colorway of the new head sculpt, Sarvos, complete with bonus Exellis head!

Welcome, Standard Sarvos!

Well, what made these editions "special" was the inclusion of two new beta-version accessories: Pheyden's Phase Arm and the Gobon Blaster! Now, what makes these accessories "beta" is that they were shot in PVC that was way too hard and, as such, needed their connectors modified by Matt before shipping. The final versions of these will be softer, like the regular figures, and easy to disassemble in order to create any weird combinations your mind can come up with!

Along with Standard Pheyden Mk II and Standard Sarvos, I also scored Reverse Pheyden and Metran Pheyden below:

Please note that I got a little home-cooking with these guys! If you'll notice, my Sarvos and Metran Pheyden above came with two Phase Arms and Gobon Blasters! Those who've ordered from Onell before should find this as no surprise--Matt's infamous for throwing in extras...especially to friends and repeat customers.

So what's the big deal about a couple extra pieces?

Well, it's all about what you can do with those extra bits! The Phase Arm actually comprises three separate parts; the Gobon Blaster, two. Each part has different male-female connectors (pegs/holes). Typically, you can just replace a Glyos dude's hand with the tool of choice just to spice up your battles or shelf display.

But once you get a couple Phase Arms & Gobon Blasters together, start pulling the bits apart, and begin swapping, things start to get very interesting very quickly!

Cyborg cannon-arm Pheyden? Why not?

Those well-versed in the art of Glyos construction will find these combo's amateurish, at best. Please forgive me: I'm an abject beginner at kit-bashing Glyos stuff! But still, after cracking open the bagged figures last night, I immediately threw together some great-looking combos:

Granted, these combinations were featured on Glyos.com before, but I just couldn't help myself! The added bulk from the extra bits replace the almost-cute proportions of the figures with the noble stature of powerful heroes!

But the possibilities are endless with these parts! Once they get a wide release in softer material and matching colors/translucent/glow colorways, these things are going to be amazing...especially when combined with the also-upcoming Buildman.

After shooting the combinations above, I started messing around with the bits and quickly came up with these guys below:

Not bad for a rookie!

Lastly, I wouldn't feel right leaving y'all without a little glow: