This Jumbo Megazord was the last to prominently feature parts of animals in the design. That combined with a lack of gimmicks and Jumbo fans had already become disillusioned with these toys by this point. Although two more would be produced, it often feels like this line really died with this release.

The Jumbo Thundersaurus Megazord was the fifth entry in Bandai Creation's line of Jumbo sized Power Ranger robots and the first from the Dino Thunder series. It followed previous releases the Wildforce Megazord and Isis Megazord from the Wild Force series and Storm Megazord and Thunderstorm Megazord from the Ninja Storm series. In my opiniion, it's one of the weaker entries in the line, possibly the weakest. I tend to flip flop on whether I like this or the Wildforce Megazord the least.

I think I would like it more if it didn't have those silly patterns within the gold on the legs and shoulders. I just tends to remind me of bad wallpaper. Also, there's something about a robot with toes that just seems off to me. Also, the right hand looks kind of awkward to me. I can't quite put my finger on it.

The giant drill/tail for a left arm doesn't bother me that much like it would many other Jumbo collectors. I've heard some people complain about it, but no one complains about the drill arm for Getter 2. I think it might just be an anti-sentai sentiment at work. The arm on this toy can turn, but it doesn't actually spin unfortunately.

I do quite like the sculpt of the head, even though it tends to remind me of Dancougar.

I'm not quite as enamored of the head that sticks out from the chest. It sticks out a bit too far for my liking. It really seems seems out of place on what is otherwise a very thin robot.

Both heads are made of soft vinyl and need to be attached when you buy the toy. Another plastic handle for the back is also included again. As is the case with some of the other toys in this line, some of the paint applications are a little bit spotty.
Again, the box can be displayed either landscape or portrait style.

As a fanatic for anything Jumbo, I'm glad I bought this guy. But I suspect that if you were collecting when this came out and didn't get it then, then nothing will change your mind about it. There are no hidden surprises with these things. Basically, either you like the way it looks or you don't.

I’m still kind of surprised that this toy was even released in the US. It’s just so big and bulky, and the price tag was pretty high.

I’m still kind of surprised that this toy was even released in the US. It’s just so big and bulky, and the price tag was pretty high.

The Mezodon Megazord is the US equivalent to the Bakuryuu Gattai DX Max Ohja from Abaranger. In the US it was released as part of Power Rangers Dino Thunder.

The toy consists of two main sections. The Stryracozord is a Stryracosaurus dinosaur. Attached to it is the Triassic Megarover, a chariot that attaches to the rear section. The combined unit is motorized – add two AA batteries to the Mezodon unit and flick a switch to make the zord roll ahead, towing the trailer behind.

The two axe accessories can attach to the top of the chariot, and the golden helmet zord rests in the middle. The wheels and the spiked sections on the side of the rover are removable as well. The whole unit is hard plastic, with some rubber tread on the wheels for traction.

Also included with the set is a Triassic Ranger figure and stand. This figure was not included in the Japanese release, and was presumably added to give more play value. The stand attaches to the back of the Stryracozord and enables the Triassic ranger to ride the zord.

Combining the two units is relatively easy, but be aware that there is a lot of parts swapping going on. It is more like a kids puzzle than a transformer. Pieces are blocky and easy to assemble – its ideal for kids.

In robot mode, the Mezodon Megazord is huge, the biggest Megazord in the Dino Thunder line. It commands attention, and takes up a lot of your shelf space. In this mode, the battery action is still available. This time it activates the spinning shoulder blades. The Mezodon Megazord can hold either of the gold bird weapons as axes. (Note that one axe here is chewed – thanks to my dog).

Parts from the Mezodon Megazord can be used to help form another combined Megazord, the Valkasaurus Megazord.

In addition to being one of the largest Megazords, it is also one of the worst in terms of its transition by the hands of Bandai America. They really did a disservice to the US consumers by releasing this toy the way they did.

First of all, one of the key points of play value in the original toy was that the Max Ohja could combine with the four supplemental Bakuryu to form Maxryuuoh. In the Power Rangers Dino Thunder show, this form is called the Tricerimax Megazord. It is the ultimate expression of power in the TV show. Well, for some reason, Bandai America decided NOT to release one of the dinozords required to make this combination. So not only are you paying a ton of money for this toy, but you can’t even make one of the main Megazords with it! This resulted in prices on the secondary market for the Japanese Bakuryu to go through the roof, sometime fetching hundreds of dollars. Now that the show has been off the air, the prices have cooled, but they are still in demand. Two of the Zords were released in a separate set, why did they not add the Cephalazord to the set??

If you do manage to track down the other Zords, you can form the Tricerimax Megazord. This mode changes around the transformation a bit and adds on the following four zords:

• Cephalazord
• Dimetrozord
• Parasaurzord
• Ankylozord

The Cephalazord becomes the right arm, and when the power feature is activated, the arm has a punching action. This Zord was not released in America

The Dimetrozord goes into the compartment on the right leg. It has no action feature in this place.

The Parasaurzord was found in the Dino Stegazord set and goes into the left leg. It has no action feature in this place. This toy was available in the Dino Zord set.

The  Ankylozord becomes the left arm, and features a spinning action when activated. One of the gold wheel parts attaches to the end and then the two gold spears attach to that, making a powerful swirling attack. This toy was available in the Dino Zord set.

We all know Bandai America has a tendency to remove some paint applications during the process of bringing sentai toys to the US. But this time they got ridiculous. If you see the original version of the toy – they look completely different. All of the gold chrome and silver paint is gone. Paint detailing on the weapons is gone. All of the paint detail on the arms and feet is gone. Sure, we got an extra Triassic ranger, but was it worth it? Was it worth losing half of the play value and half of the paint applications?

I think Bandai America knew this toy was doomed from the start. The prohibitively high price and it being a TRU exclusive meant to me that they had no faith in the product. If Bandai thought they were throwing the fans a bone by bringing this over like this, they were mistaken. Fans would rather it not be brought over at all than be done like this.

Don’t get me wrong, it is a fun, sturdy toy. Taken on its own, out of comparison with its Japanese counterpart,  it is a good toy for kids to beat on and re-enact their favorite scenes. But I bet kids look at this thing and think “This doesn’t look like this on the show.”

Aside from the additional unnecessary Triassic Ranger & saddles (which I don't even bother using), these are some fun toys. The action features they add to each megazord are fun ideas, and it's nice to be able to use them separately as well.

As part of the experiments secretly performed years earlier by Dr. Tommy Oliver and Dr. Anton Mercer to create fusion-powered replicants of dinosaurs using their DNA, the Parasaur Zord and Anklyo Zord serve well in the battle against the evil dinosaur-mutant Mesogog.

In 2002, when Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger introduced the special Karakuri Ball series of collectable transforming weapons in separate sell-alone sets, they were released into the Power Rangers Ninja Storm line included as bonus pieces with the Deluxe transformable robots. But even then, not all of them came over. Well, Bandai America has done it once again with 2003's Bakuryuu Sentai AbaRanger. Now, instead of releasing the 5 Bakuryuu Action Series in their separate sets of Bakuryuu & Dino Plate, English audiences will be treated to only three of them- the Dimetro Zord included with the Deluxe Dino Stegazord (sold separately), and the Anklyo Zord & Parasaur Zord included in this 'special edition' Dino Zord Set.

Because the Cephalo Zord was not brought over, the Triceramax Megazord toy combo cannot be formed, so it will not review it here.

The Dino Zord Set includes an Anklyo Zord and its back shield, a Parasaur Zord, two single-color saddles, an extra Triassic Ranger figure, and a sheet of black-&-white instructions. All of the pieces are displayed in a cardboard box featuring a clear plastic window.

The two saddles are single-piece add-ons used with the Triassic Ranger figure to allow him to ride atop each Auxiliary Zord. The orange saddle goes on the Anklyo Zord with its back shield removed, and the green one gores on top of the Parasaur Zord. The Parasaur's saddle must have been redesigned after the instructions came out because it no longer snaps into place as the instructions say it should, so it will not stay on. The Anklyo's saddle, on the other hand, fits quite snugly on top of the black rotating joint, and allows its back shield to be snapped onto it as well.

• Parasaur Zord is the same as the Bakuryuu Parasaurokkiru from AbaRanger, and is based on the dinosaur called parasaurolophus. The Parasaur Zord is a graceful machine featuring a long crest on the back of its head, and scissor-like claws on its small forearms. This Auxiliary Zord functions as the left arm of any megazord combination, and has a scissor-like cutting attack when activated. It also serves as part of the left leg of the Triceramax Megazord.
  
  
• Anklyo Zord is the same as the Bakuryuu Anklyoveilus from AbaRanger, and is based on the dinosaur called anklyosaurus. Walking on four squat legs, and covered in silver spikes, the Anklyo Zord is a fierce little ally with a powerful tail missile. This Auxiliary Zord functions as the right arm of any megazord combination, and features a spinning drill attack and a spinning reflective shield when activated. It also serves as part of the left arm of the Triceramax Megazord.

The action features of the two Auxiliary Zords are simple to use even when they're not combined with a megazord.

On the Parasaur Zord, there's an indent between the large back legs that, when pressed down on, opens its tail. When released, a spring on the inside snaps the tail together again. The small arms are made of soft PVC, and snap at 90º increments only, though the shoulders can rotate a full 360º. The legs also have limited poseability and only snap backwards in 15º increments. It has a movable jaw, and the head can point up and down a little. The crest on the back of the head is also made of soft PVC. No parts are removable, so once it's off, it's off for good!

The Anklyo Zord has the same limitations of action. When the back shield is attached and spun by hand, the large tail spins as well at the same time. The jaw has limited movement, and the four legs snap at 45º increments. The bronze-colored tip of the tail can be removed by pressing on a small button towards the end of the tail. Reconnecting it again just by snapping it back in place. The tail as a whole can be removed and reattached as well.

Transformation is extremely simple for both Auxiliary Zords, and really requires only closing the jaws, rotating the legs out of the way into position, and, on the Parasaur Zord, rotating the head around 180º. Really, this is the most disappointing thing about all of the Bakuryuu / Auxiliary Zords. Not much thought was put into transformation, and they were designed as if all that mattered was that they attached to a larger robot without interference.

Anklyo Zord forms a left arm with a spinning tail drill, and a shield. When the electronic feature is turned on, the tail and shield spin around. Parasaur Zord forms a right arm with a large claw-like scissor. When the electronic feature is turned on, the tail starts to open and snap shut about 20 times every half-minute. However, this is about half the speed seen from the series.

They can be either attached separately or together to a Deluxe Thundersaurus Megazord (sold separately), Deluxe Dino Stegazord (sold separately), or Deluxe Blizzard Force Megazord (sold separately). And since the Anklyo Zord & Parasaur Zords occupy different sides of the robots, they can be used at the same time.

For those of you wondering what the differences are between the Parasaur Zord and Anklyo Zord from Power Rangers Dino Thunder, and their original Japanese counterparts- the Bakuryuu Parasaurokkiru and Bakuryuu Anklyoveilus from Bakuryuu Sentai AbaRanger- it's a relief of sorts:

• The only modification found is in the Anklyo Zord, where the spring-firing feature on the tail missile was removed, and left empty. This is probably due to US Toy regulations. (Grr...) But otherwise, both toys were untouched during their transition to English-speaking countries. The only new thing is the small black copyright stamp on the belly of each.
• The special Dino Plate accessories used for the electronic transformation devices were not included with the Dino Zord Set, while they are present in the separate Bakuryuu Action Series sets in Japan.
• As opposed to being sold separately like they are in Japan, the Anklyo Zord and Parasaur Zord are sold in this combined Dino Zord Set. The two saddles were never seen in Japanese boxes, and the 4" Triassic Ranger figure is the same as ones found in other Dino Thunder toy sets.

Because they are virtual copies of their original Japanese counterparts, the Parasaur Zord and Anklyo Zord are cross compatible with their brethren Bakuryuu from AbaRanger, and can use the Bakuryuu Joints just as easily.

Aside from the additional unnecessary Triassic Ranger & saddles (which I don't even bother using), these are some fun toys. The action features they add to each megazord are fun ideas, and it's nice to be able to use them separately as well. My loudest complaint would be either that the spring was removed from the Anklyo Zord's tail, the associative Dino Plates were not included, or the limits on poseability. Otherwise, I love'em, and they're just as good as the originals!

The Jumbo Dino Stegazord is the 6th entry in Bandai's Jumbo line, and is the best one yet.

Don't let the fact that it is made for and sold in America fool you - this one is a true Jumbo. Japanese fans must be going insane that we have these and they do not.

What makes this one the best so far? How about shooting missiles? The two claws at the waist shoot out by pressing the back of the missile. It uses a ball on the missile to keep it locked into place, much like the missile firing action used by several of the newer transformers. The missile doesn't shoot far, but it's a firing missile on a Jumbo! What more could you ask for, besides maybe firing fists?

The toy comes partially disassembled in a sturdy cardboard box. You have to put the head, tail and handle on. No stickers are required - all details are painted on. On mine, the silver paint on the shoulders had been obviously touched up by hand. The body of the Jumbo Dino Stegazord is made out of ABS and polyethylene, while the head is some kind of vinyl. Articulation is limited to the head and shoulders.

The unique color scheme really stands out amongst the other Bandai America Jumbos, and the stance is dynamic. It has much more presence than it's smaller toy counterpart.

So far this toy seems to have pretty spotty distribution. I hope Bandai continues this line, but if they don't, they went out on a high note.

• Drago Zord
• Stega Zord

The DX Dino Stegazord is comprised of 2 separate Zords.

• Drago Zord
• Stega Zord

Also packed in the box is a bonus Zord:

• Dimetro Zord

The Dino Stegazord is similar to the Japanese version (Killer-Oh), with some subtle paint and chrome differences.

Drago Zord and Stega Zord combine to become the Dino Stegazord. The Drago becomes the arms and legs, while the Stega becomes the main body. The main body of the Drago Zord becomes a spear weapon.

Stega Zord features motorized action. When the horns on its head are moved, it will roll forward and the scales on his back move back and forth. batteries are included. In Dino Stegazord mode, the motor powers any assortment of arm attachments, including the Dimetro Zord's spinning blade action.

For added play value, you can combine the Dino Stegazord with the Thundersaurus Megazord to create the Valkasaurus Megazord. The combined Valkasaurus Megazord stands on a motorized base made out of the Stega Zord, and it can roll into action.

This is a fantastic toy, and every Sentai and Power Ranger fan should have it in their collection.

Bandai America Incorporated's anticipated brand new line of Power Ranger all terrain vehicles (ATVs) will soon hit the streets, following the debut of the vehicles on the popular Power Rangers Dino Thunder television series on May 22, 2004. The new toy vehicles are modeled after the ATVs appearing on the popular series for the first time ever.

New to the Power Rangers lineup this year, each ATV includes a 5-inch action figure and features missile-firing action and a grappling hook and chain that can be deployed through the rear. The toys appear on shelves in august with a suggested retail of $9.99.

The figure is your standard Bandai Power Ranger figure, with added articulation in the knees for sitting on the bike. The figure is nicely sculpted and detailed.

The ATV features a powerful shooting missile - the whole front of the ATV. You can definitely get some good distance with it. The wheels are solid rubber and give the ATV a satisfying weight. There is no friction motor or pull back mechanism, which is kind of disappointing. The grappling hook stores below the seat and pulls out easily. The jaws on the hook do not open and close, but they do securely hold a figure if you want to drag them around your room. The chain is a solid molded piece of plastic.

There is also a black bar that you can unfold on the bottom that is supposed to create "Cool Stunts". What it does is really just prop up the front for a "Wheelie mode".

For the price that these are being offered, this is a great toy, and kids are sure to love it. Older collectors will find the lack of a motor and non-articulated chain a bit disappointing, but it will still make an excellent addition to your collection.

The DX Thundersaurus Megazord is the first DX Zord released by Bandai America as part of their Dino Thunder line. Dino Thunder is the US name for Abarangers, and Abaren-oh is the original name of this robot.

The US version is identical to the Japanese version. The US box is a new style for Power Ranger toys, with a book style cover. The flap is held in place by Velcro, revealing see-through windows. When you open the box, a flimsy plastic tray holds the three zords. Trying to get this tray and the paper backer back into the box is a chore. I miss the styrofoam packaging of the earlier Megazords.

Three Zords make up the DX Thundersaurus Megazord:

• Tyranno Zord
• Tricera Zord
• Ptera Zord

The Tyranno Zord makes up the main body of the Thundersaurus Megazord. Transformation is simple, but not well thought out. You have to remove the headpiece, rotate it, and re-apply it. The mechanism could have been built in easily to keep it one piece, but it looks like the designers at PLEX got lazy.

The Tricera Zord becomes the right arm, and it's tail can be removed and used as a weapon. The Ptera Zord dissembles, and part becomes The Thundersaurus' helmet and the other becomes the chest.

A switch on the DX Thundersaurus Megazords shoulder turns on the spinning action on the left arm. You can exchange arms with parts from other Megazords to activate future action features. Batteries are included.

You will also be able to combine the DX Thundersaurus Megazord with other DX Megazords to create even more powerful creations.

All in all, I really like the DX Thundersaurus Megazord. It is fun to play with, and sturdy. My only complaints are the aforementioned transformation issue, and also I think the head is too small. If you can live with that, you've got a great toy.