Dragonar 1 with Cavalier
Review by JoshB
In 2007 Bandai released two different Dragonar toys as part of their Soul of Chogokin SPEC line. They were the XS-05 Dragonar 1 from "Opening Sihouette" and the XS-06 Dragonar 1 with Cavalier. Each featured a die-cast internal skeleton with attachable armor. Despite looking similar at first glance, the core Dragonar figures for each set are entirely different. While the XS-05 is a representation of Dragonar as it appears in the opening sequence of the show, the XS-06 is how it actually appears in the show itself.
Dragonar comes in a fantastic box with a book cover-style opening flap. Inside a clear window gives you your first taste of the epic task you are presented with.
As you can see, there are a lot of parts. Back in 2007 I would have been very excited by this, but now it just looks like a giant pain in the ass. I know that when I pop open those clear trays pieces are going to go everywhere.
While the outside armor is different, the internal metal skeleton is the same. This fully poseable skeleton is a joy to pose and play with.
Assembling the armor is relatively easy, with each piece snapping on to the frame. Some parts are more secure than others, as we'll discuss more in detail.
Each shoulder features removable shoulder bombs.
On the back are two poseable nozzles.
The back of the legs features storage for two daggers. These lower leg armors have a tendency to fall off. All the time.
On each forearm is storage for a pair of ammo packs for its railcannon.
On both hips are movable clips where you can store the hilt to a beam saber.
The same Beam Saber can be held in either hand. There's also a special double hilt for double-bladed action.
The knives from the back of the leg can also be held, and throwing bomb can be mounted to the arm.
Dragonar can also bring out the heavy weaponry. The Photon Bazooka can be held in either variant holding hand.
The other big weapon is the Railcannon. This gun has a movable stock on the side, and a movable spot for the ammo clip on top.
Dragonar comes with a Lifter flight pack that can be attached to the back of the figure.
All four wings are movable on the Lifter.
Dragonar looks awesome all kitted up.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Dragonar comes with a Super Hybrid Shield. The shield attaches to the left arm with a clip.
NO WAIT THERE IS EVEN MORE!
The set comes with the Cavalier XC-00 Cavalier support unit. The unit requires assembly but when ready clips on over Dragonar (minus the Lifter unit).
The two large cannons on the front are on ball joints and can be slightly positioned.
Despite appearances, the little flaps all over are NOT poseable.
The addition of the Cavalier completely changes the look of the toy, and to be honest, it's what led me to purchase it in the first place. It just looks awesome.
COULD THERE STILL BE EVEN MORE? YES!
Finally, there's the display stand. It features a movable arm and two pads to position the toy on.
So, the toy looks great, right? What's not to like? Well, a few things. For one, there's too many parts. The attaching the armor to the toy is a nice gimmick, but parts just keep falling off as you try to position it. The worst offenders are the leg armor and the ammunition packs. And while alternate "soft" head fins are included, neither set stays on securely.
Also, as you may notice some slight discoloration on some of the armor pieces. I had this on display in my Detolf and over the years some parts have begun to yellow. It's subtle in the photos, but trust me, its there.
My verdict is mixed, your mileage may vary.