Out of the blue - Space Warrior Baldios!

Out of the blue we get not one but two new Baldios toys from two different manufacturers. They are both great toys in their own rights, but each is for a certain type of collector.

Baldios arrives courtesy of Yamato Toys USA

But first, a little about the character. Baldios comes from the anime series Space Warrior Baldios (宇宙戦士 バルディオス, Uchū Senshi Barudiosu), a 32-episode anime that ran from 1980-1981. There was also a feature film that was adapted into English as "Space Warriors: Battle For Earth Station S/1 - Baldios"

So I mentioned that there are two Baldios toys out right now. There's the GN-U Dou Baldios (which we are looking at now) and the CM's Brave Gokin Baldios. So which one is right for you?

The Yamato GN-U Dou Baldios has your standard internal frame common to all GN-U figures, and gives it a pretty decent range of articulation. There's not a lot of competition though, considering the last Baldios toys were made by Nomura in 1981, a time not known for its articulation.

The skeleton is covered with armor plates that snap togother leaving no screw holes. Baldios is one of the better GN-U figures in terms of parts actually staying on the figure.

Proportions are good, articulation is good, and the detail is sharp. Pieces are either molded in color or painted in a flat finish that creates a cell-shaded anime feel.

Accessories are limited to a set of variant hands, one attached to the Pulsaber sword.

Baldios looks sharp on your shelf, and is a great addition to your classic super robot collection. As of December 2008, 3,000 yen translates into about $33.00 USD, making this a rather pricey action figure for the casual collector. But then you have to consider the alternative..

You can pre-order your Baldios at Yamato Toys USA

The $230.00 diecast Brave Gokin Baldios...

We know the good of the GNU series. High quality, attention to detail, sharp sculpts. But we also know the flaws - lack of accessories, parts that fall off easily, tough to switch hands. Dancouga is no different. He looks great and poses great, but some parts fall off if you look at them the wrong way.

Dancouga Nova comes from the revamped Dancouga series entitled "Juso Kiko Dancouga Nova" (獣装機攻ダンクーガ ノヴァ). This 12 episode TV anime aired in Japan in early 2007.

The design is obviously meant to be an upgrade from the original Dancouga.

Originally, CM's had planned to do a large diecast transforming version of this, but cost and lack of interest canceled it.

Now, here it is in a more accessible format - the GN-U Dou Dancouga Nova.

The Dancouga Nova uses the standard GN-U DOU frame and thus is about the same size as all of the others in the line.

Constructed of high-quality POM, ABS and PCV plastic, the toy feels indestructible. That's not to say parts wont fall off, but that they wont BREAK off.

We know the good of the GNU series. High quality, attention to detail, sharp sculpts. But we also know the flaws - lack of accessories, parts that fall off easily, tough to switch hands. Dancouga is no different. He looks great and poses great, but some parts fall off if you look at them the wrong way.

The most notable offenders are the small waist skirt peices and the large yellow wings on the chest. Sure, they snap right back on, but you wish you didn't have to.

Accessories include a giant sword, 2 extra hands, and a large back cannon.

The cannon plugs into the back and can be positioned over the head. The small cannons on the side move as well.

Unfortunately, the joints in this cannon are so tight, each time you try to position it, the cannon comes right off the back. What I do is position it first, and THEN put it on the back.

Despite all that, Dancouga Nova looks great on the shelf, and I had a really fun time photographing him. I think these may be some of the best pictures I've taken. He's very photogenic.

Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger is such an under-appreciated mecha design from the 80's.

Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger is such an under-appreciated mecha design from the 80's, and I am so glad Yamato is showing it some love. But I am always confused as to what this thing is called. The box Says Sasuraiger, but the vintage toy says Batrain. So which is it? I'm going with Sasuraiger.

Sasuraiger comes from the show "Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger" which aired in 1983. It was the third in the J9 trilogy, following Braiger and Baxinger. I think its cool that Yamato released all three robots in the GN-U DOU line. I mean, all three J9 robots together? That's all kinds of awesome.

Sasuraiger comes courtesy of Angolz.com.

This is a stunning represetation of Sasuraiger. The proportions are so stately and dignified. It's a really modern sculpt of a classic character that has remained intact. I still think that Sasuraiger has one of the best robot heads out there.

Articulation is fairly limited on this one. Sure, all the GN-U jointwork is there, but the design of the character restricts the range of motion. For example, the hips are covered and have almost no clearance to move. There are two side straps that tuck into the hip that can come out if you try to move the figure too far.

Accessories... well you get a gun and a hand. That's it. GN-U figures usually don't include many accessories, and this is no exception.

So there you go - Sasuraiger. It looks cool, but does not move much.

If you would like some Sausraiger to brighten your morning, go to Angolz.com.

Super Beast Machine God aka God Bless The Machine Dancouga! To find out what that means, read more inside!

Here's a little bit of trivia for you that I bet you didn't know. The full Japanese name of Dancougar is "Choju Kishin Dankuga" which translates to "Super Beast Machine God Dancouga". However, for some reason, the Japanese companies chose a different English name for the character, which is "God Bless The Machine Dancouga". Why? I have no idea. But until Yamato released Dancouga as a GN-U figure, I had no idea that it had a different name.

Dancouga comes courtesy of Angolz.com.

This GN-U figure adds a lot of play value into the equation, but it is still struck with a few flaws.

First of all, Dancouga is not transformable. The toy is typical GN-U in that it has an internal skeleton with ABS parts covering it. Dancouga's design limits the poseability, but it does well with whats available.

Some interesting things of note: The trunk in the front is articulated, and can move depending on the pose.

The large gun (DankuHo) on his back can unfold and be positioned over the head. and the two smaller Beam Launchers on his back can be swung around he sides near the waist.

Included with Dancouga is the giant DankuKen sword, which actually comes in two pieces. Variant hands are included, including one to hold the sword. First the hilt goes in the hand, and then the top of the sword attaches. It's big, but not as ridiculously oversized as with the SOC.

OK so I mentioned flaws. Most of the figure is really great, but the armor over the hips does not stay on at all. I'm sure a drop of superglue would keep the two halves together, but i don't see why this couldn't have been one piece. Let's not over-engineer what should be a simple toy, okay Yamato?

SO if you would like to get your hands on a GN-U Dancouga, stop looking at internet porn and head over to Angolz.com. Yeah, I'm looking at you.

How crazy is it that we are getting toys of all these unloved 80s robots? Baxingar is actually pretty cool!

How crazy is it that we are getting toys of all these unloved 80s robots?

Baxingar is from the 1982 anime series Galactic Gale Gaxinger (銀河烈風バクシンガー). People refer to it as both Baxingar or Baxinger. It is the sequel to Braiger, which also got the GNU treatment. He arrives today courtesy of Angolz.com.

While Baxinger is relatively unknown in the US, some may be familiar with the bootleg of the Beserk Combination Baxinger from Takatoku, which flooded dollar stores and flea markets as "Motor Jumbo" or "Mustanger". As far as I know the show never aired in the US.

Yamato has brought Baxingar back to the spotlight with their GN-U Dou release. It uses the same GNU skeleton as the previous releases.

I have to say, I always thought Baxingar was kind of stupid looking. However, looking at it now in this GN-U format it is actually very nice. I just think maybe the character never got the toy it deserved.

The outer shell is made out of hard ABS plastic while the fists are made out of PVC included with this release is one variant hand, and one sword with the hand molded on (which, IMHO, is they way they all should be done).

Its really nice, good quality, pretty poseable, but the character is so obscure.. It's hard to justify the price, considering the lack of accessories. I know its a common price point for all GN-U Dou figures, so whether or not this is worth it to you depends on your love for Baxingar.

To satisfy your Baxingar cravings, head on over to Angolz.com and pick one up.

This is the first time a character has appeared in TWO GNU lines, but hopefully not the last.

Braiger, what an odd duck you are. I really didn't care about you at all, that is until Yamato released the larger GNU-GOU Braiger. I love that thing, although I get tired of defending it sometimes. But through that, I really got to like the Braiger design, and now Yamato has released a version of Braiger in its GNU-DOU line. This is the first time a character has appeared in TWO GNU lines, but hopefully not the last.

This is Yamato's GNU-DOU #005 Galaxy Cyclone Braiger, brought to you by Angolz.com

The whole idea of the GNU-DOU series is that these ABS/PVC/POM figures contain a common internal skeleton that they slap a different character onto. This is the second figure to feature the standard GNU body.

Its not so much of an internal skeleton as it is a series of interconnecting joints. Not only do these joints provide a ton of flexibility, but think of the opportunities for customizers.

Braiger is 130mm tall and the majority of the plastic on the outer shell is hard ABS plastic while the jointwork is POM. All of the parts just sort of snap together, with no noticable glue marks or screw holes. This makes for a really sharp action figure that looks fantastic from all angles.

The downside of the GNU-DOU system, in my opinion, is that because everything just fits together and relies on tight tolerances. Over time, these tolerances will wear out somewhat, and pieces may come off easily. On Braiger, the fingers are just attached to pegs, and they can come off rather easily, espescially when holding the sword. Still, they pop right back on with ease.

Still it makes for an extremely poseable and great looking figure. The only accessory included is the sword.

Braiger reminds me of an earlier release in both form and function. Remember the Story Image Figure Ideon? This is a figure in the same spirit. Similar materials and construction as well as similar paint. The Ideon lacked the internal skeleton, and sold for much more money. But shows that they had this idea back in 2004, they just had to wait until the market was ready for it.

You can get your Braiger GNU figure at Angolz.com

I've always been a big fan of the Goshogun design, from the classic gokins to the recent CM's Brave Gokin. There's just something really cool and classic about the look of this bot.

I've always been a big fan of the Goshogun design, from the classic gokins to the recent CM's Brave Gokin. There's just something really cool and classic about the look of this bot.

This is Yamato's GNU-DOU #004 Goshogun, brought to you by Angolz.com

The whole idea of the GNU-DOU series is that these ABS/PVC/POM figures contain a common internal skeleton that they slap a different character onto. While the first three Macross Plus GNU figures we're unique, this is the first figure to feature the standard GNU body.

Its not so much of an internal skeleton as it is a series of interconnecting joints. Not only do these joints provide a ton of flexibility, but think of the opportunities for customizers.

Goshogun is 130mm tall and the majority of the plastic on the outer shell is hard ABS plastic while the jointwork is POM. All of the parts just sort of snap together, with no noticable glue marks or screw holes. This makes for a really sharp action figure that looks fantastic from all angles.

The downside of the GNU-DOU system, in my opinion, is that because everything just fits together and relies on tight tolerances. Over time, these tolerances will wear out somewhat, and pieces may come off easily. With this Goshogun, the side panels on the hip and the arms can detach rather easily.

Still it makes for an extremely poseable and great looking figure. Included with the figure are two variant hands - one holding a sword.

When removing the hands, don't just pull out, pull sideways. The pegs that hold the hands into the arm tend to come out if you pull straight out.

Goshogun is not a bad figure at all, and I am looking forward to see how the rest of the line comes out.

You can get your Goshogun GNU figure at Angolz.com

In a way the VF-11B is the little valk that could.. it's the underdog, and I always have a soft spot for the underdog. Includes video overview of all the Macross Plus GNU-DOU

In the anime Macross plus, the VF-11B Valkyrie is the standard service valkyrie until the decision was made to replace it with one of two fighters - the YF-19 or the YF-21. While the new fighters are more advanced, the VF-11B is no slouch....

In a way the VF-11B is the little valk that could.. it's the underdog, and I always have a soft spot for the underdog.

Jump to video

The GNU-DOU VF-11B is available at Angolz.com

I always liked the design of this battroid, and I actually liked the early Yamato 1/72 valkyrie, despite the QC issues. I just thought it was a great design that didn't get enough love - until now that is.

The VF-11B is the third entry into the GNU-DOU line and it keeps up the fantastic quality of the previous releases. The paint detail is crisp, the molding sharp, and there is not a screw hole in sight. Accessories are sparse with only a few variant hands and a gun, but really, that's all it needs.

The gun seems a bit big for the figure but it looks damn cool. There is also a shield that pops into the arm with a ball joint.

I'm not sure what the exact makeup of the materials here is, but it seems that the body and limbs are made of ABS while the jointwork is made out of POM.

In addition to the awesome articulation, the VF-11B has a moveable antenna, and moveable wings.

So, if I haven't beat it into your head yet, go get one. Where Revoltech has chosen to also release their versions of the YF-19 and 21, they have decided to overlook the VF-11B - so this is your only chance to get one at this time. You can get yours at Angolz.com

The GNU-DOU VF-11B is available at Angolz.com

The YF-21 looks nothing like any valkyrie that has come before it. It has a definite Zentradi influence to it, looking more like a Q-Rau than a Valkyrie. I'm sure this is no coincidence - it's pilot is half Zentradi.

in the 1994 anime Macross Plus, two rival test pilots face off in two different valkyries, not only to see who's fighter is better, but to see who gets the girl...

We've already looked at the first entry in Yamato's GNU-DOU line, the YF-19 Valkyrie. Now we take a look at Isamu's rival - Guld Goa Bowman's YF-21. The YF-21 GNU-DOU comes courtesy of Angolz.com

The YF-21 looks nothing like any valkyrie that has come before it. It has a definite Zentradi influence to it, looking more like a Q-Rau than a Valkyrie. I'm sure this is no coincidence - it's pilot is half Zentradi. And the difference between the two is more than appearances - the YF-21 is controlled by the MIND of the pilot as opposed to traditional controls.

The toy shares the similar construction and quality as the YF-19. The toy is made of sturdy ABS and POM parts, and has a wide range of movement. Seriously. It's the most poseable YF-21 made to date.

The head has a great range of articulation, considering the limitations of the design. To move it you have to pull it back a bit and tilt the front down, and then you will find you can move it around.

Also like the YF-19, there isn't much in the way of accessories. You get 3 variant hands and a gun. No stand, no fastpacks. Still, this figure looks great and it's actually kind of refreshing to not have to keep track of all those parts.

Detail, paint and finish are all excellent. Even the small flaps on the rear engines are separate pieces. Yamato manages to pull off a great figure with no screw holes by making the whole figure essentially Lock together like a puzzle. You can remove the back section to separate the shoulders, which then release the fuselage and so on. Still, the figure holds together well.

The is my second GNU-DOU and so far they are on a roll. If you like what you see you can get yours at Angolz.com

Get your YF-21 atAngolz.com

The big question is - are they worth it? The GNU-DOU average about 1,000 yen (about $10) more than a Revoltech. Honestly - I think they are. They are made out of a better material, are sturdier, and are a little larger. For a non-transforming toy, the engineering is pretty complex, and the toy for the most part feels very sturdy.

For the most part.

The YF-19 valkyrie is the first release in Yamato's GNU-DOU line of poseable super robots. The GNU-DOU line is characterized by hard plastic and an internal frame. these can be thought of as Yamato's answer to Kaiyodo's Revoltech line, but these are larger with better quality material.

This is one of my favorite valkyrie designs, and it comes from one of my favorite anime - 1994's Macross Plus. In the series, the YF-19 is a prototype valkyrie in the running to be selected as the new fighter for UN Spacy. Piloted by hotshot Isamu Dyson, The YF-19 represents the next generation of fighter (at the time).

The GNU-DOU comes in at 13cm tall, just a bit taller than a Revoltech. The YF-19 is constructed out of high quality ABS and POM, so the figure is durable and the detail is machine sharp. The joints are solid and provide a wide range of motion. There is motion in unexpected places - the head antenna, the flaps on the shoulders, and the large wings on the hips. There's a lot to this figure. You can get your YF-19 at Angolz.com.

One thing I found interesting about these figures are their modular design. there are no visible screw holes on these figures, as Yamato has found a way to assemble each figure carefully, almost as if they were some kind of puzzle. for example, you can pull the sides of the chest off and see how they use tabs in that part to anchor the shoulder parts in. The arms and legs are snapped together with tight tolerances and hold the jointwork in place. Contrary to popular belief - there is no internal skeleton with the GNU-DOU series, but the jointwork does extend a good amount into the sections.

Accessories include a few variant hands, a gun, and a shield. That's it. I suppose you don't need a lot of accessories for a non-transforming toy, but even the Revoltech toys manage to include a stand.

yep - the GNU-DOU does not come with a stand.

The GNU boxes are decidedly simple - A window box with the toy packed in a clear plastic tray.

The big question is - are they worth it? The GNU-DOU average about 1,000 yen (about $10) more than a Revoltech. Honestly - I think they are. They are made out of a better material, are sturdier, and are a little larger. For a non-transforming toy, the engineering is pretty complex, and the toy for the most part feels very sturdy.

For the most part.

The only issue I had with the toy was with one of the small fins on the legs. I hit one of the fins the wrong way and it came right off. Fortunately it looked as if there wasn't enough glue holding it on, so a bit of super glue made it all better.

You can get your YF-19 at Angolz.com