New Getter Robo Renewal (weathered version)

Review by Shogundan

Growing up in the US makes my knowledge of the Getter Robo franchise limited. My only real knowledge of Getter Robo is Getter Robo G which was brought to us in the USA as Starvengers, Part of Jim Terry's Force Five TV series. From what I can gather, over the years, Getter Robo has had many reincarnations. So many that I get quite lost wondering how everything may connect or even if the stories do connect. With all that being said, I will just talk about the toy I am reviewing today and not its background. So, sparing you any further verbal diarrhea, I present to you Aoshima's New Getter Robo (weathered version) which incidentally was provided by Aoshima's website, Hobby World Japan Let's start off with the packaging. Aoshima always seems to hit the mark with the way they present their toys. I don't care which figure you buy from them, you can always expect great artwork or illustration of the figure within the box in a cool dynamic pose. As you can see below, New Getter Robo is no exception.

Upon opening the box, you are greeted with every chogokin collectors dream... A big chunk of metal entombed in Styrofoam. Aoshima was even kind enough to include tissue wrapping the figure. I guess the tissue paper is for those of us who may get to excited opening the box. So, enough with the jokes, what's inside the box already!

• New Getter Robo
• One pair of weapon holding fists
• Open right hand (detailed backhand)
• Open right hand (detailed palm)
• Three pairs of back wings (1 set of small/closed, 1 set of open/down, 1 set open/extended
• Two axes

You can clearly see in the photo below, all that is mentioned above. This version of New Getter Robo is called a weathered version. This basically means that the paint has shading added to give it a more realistic appearance. Let me just say that the paint job is stunning. The figure stands approximately 7.5" tall and is comprised of almost 90% die-cast metal as well as other quality materials. The large die-cast content really gives the figure nice heft and quality feel when you hold it. Something about a toy that weighs over 1 pound (1 lb. 3 oz. to be exact) really makes you feel like your money was well spent.

You can see below that this figure has great articulation allowing it to do some cool poses with the 2 axes that are included. Clicking ratchet joints are used in combination with tight friction joints. The combination of the 2 mentioned joints enable you to pose the figure as you choose.

Here is where the toy kinda fails for me. I really wish that some caps were included for the screw holes. I think the exposed screw holes really take away from the realistic look of the figure.

Enough about the exposed screw hole shortcoming. Heck, just turn the figure around and look at it from the front. You have to admit, this New Getter Robo looks quite fierce wielding his spiked battle-ax. Also note the added shading on the axes adding to the weathered look.

The detailing on this figure is really nice, look at the translucent green chest panels that reveal the mechanics underneath. Note how well the green on the face matches up with the translucent chest pieces.

Be careful, those forearm spikes are kinda sharp! You don't want to let the young-ins to get a hold of this one folks!

Moving right along, yes I am turning the figure around again. I am doing this to show the 3 sets of wings that I mentioned earlier in the review. The pictures go like this, 1 set of small/closed, 1 set of open/down, 1 set open/extended. The open extended wings are my personal favorite.

Here is something that kinda bothers me a little. Look at how odd the elbow joints appear when the arms are bent. Most Aoshima figures have this style elbow joint. I really wish Aoshima would come up with a more aesthetically pleasing joint.

Joint aesthetics aside, New Getter Robo is very well balanced figure. Just check out the photo below of him unleashing an ass whipping on CollectionDX's Nor-Easter Vegitius. No tricks, New Getter Robo is actually holding that pose!

So in conclusion, I love this toy. It is a big sturdy hunk of die-cast Chogokin goodness! Aoshima has once again produced a quality modern chogokin. The formula is simple, great materials and craftsmanship in conjunction with a uncomplicated design is always going to be a winner in my book. You can grab one of these metal beauties at Aoshima's website, Hobby World Japan.