Drossel
Review by JoshB
When the Figma Drossel came out, it took the otaku world by storm. Everyone had to have one. No doubt Bandai noticed this and said: “We have to make one!” Well, the Figma version is a great toy in its own right, so how could Bandai make it better? Easy, make it bigger, and make it METAL.
Thus, we have the Chogokin Drossel. Despite being a Chogokin, it has no Chogokin series number. It just… is.
This figure arrives courtesy of HobbyLink Japan.
The box is nice enough, featuring a die-cut window that reveals some of the parts inside. The inside back panel has a rendering of Drossel’s caretaker, Gedächtnis. Oh, how I wish they would make a Chogokin of him.
Pull out the clear plastic tray, and you also pull out the Styrofoam tray featuring the diecast body of Drossel. It’s packaged just like a Soul of Chogokin, and it pretty much is an SOC, except for the subject matter. Drossel stands 180mm tall.
When you first unwrap Drossel, you are taken back about how much metal is in this thing. It’s heavy, with most of the legs being metal as well as the arms, and no doubt a fair amount of internal diecast. The head, torso, and waist are all plastic.
Drossel comes with three heads, representing the different ways she appears in the Fireball animated shorts.
The default head comes with two articulated hair parts. These parts are solid plastic with precision tampo printing.
They attach to the head with snap-in ball joints.
This head holds a secret. You can pry off the front face panel to reveal an alcove with a black switch.
Flick the switch and her eyes light up, blazingly bright. Seriously, do not look directly into these eyes, you will go blind. The batteries are replaceable, and are accessed behind the switch area. The light-up eyes are a great effect, but it is unfortunate that you have to remove the faceplate to access the switch.
The second head is the flight unit "Obruchev". In the show this first looks like just a big headdress, but then out pop wings and engines.
Well, Bandai has kind of replicated the effect with this head. With none of the accessories attached, you can collapse the side panels. Pressing the center panel on the back makes them pop out.
You can then attach the two jet engines and four wings. Each wing is keyed to only go on a certain way. Unfortunately, this head does not light up.
The third head is one replicating a music player, or headphones called "Belinda". This head does nothing except look cool. Those thin straps are both clear and flexible. This too does not light up.
A multitude of variant hands are included: my favorite is the metal horns. Although not used that way in the show, that’s what they are.
Finally, Drossel includes a stand designed to look like a section of the floor of the palace the series takes place in. There is one peg, which inserts into her foot, allowing a few more dynamic poses.
Overall this is a great piece, but I think the deciding factor comes down to the character. If you love Drossel, this is THE Drossel to own. The Figma one is fine, but this is better. Super Robot or Chogokin fans may be put off by the cuteness or girlyness of it, but really, would this character be out of place in Robocon or any other kids show?
Chogokin Drossel is available at HobbyLink Japan.
Comments
14 comments postedAwesome review. Wasn't sure if you were even going to get this.
Aww man! The eyes don't light up with the other hats? What a missed opportunity! :(
A little pricey for me for what it is, but I will gladly accept one as a gift ;P
I think I'll opt for the figma because it's cheaper
Just love how this Drossel looks, and has metal parts too!
I just wish you posted this review a bit earlier, before it went out of stock :(
Hey, If i could figure out a way to get them before they were released, I would!
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CollectionDX Admin
I saw a pic that showed that the chest and skirt armor are removable.
I saw that picture too, but I saw no noticable way to remove it. Besides, I'll keep her clothes on. it's the decent thing to do.
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CollectionDX Admin
Wow, that's cool! Wanted to see what it was from so I ended up watching all the shorts on youtube. Pretty funny! I might wana get this someday...or go for the Figma. I think this one looks better, but I dunno if I can drop that kinda cash now. Good to know the cash is well spent, though. Lots of great extras!
Angloz.com has it for 90 it was 80 at HJ, but it is on sale at anime export for 68...
Thank you for the tip, I usually do my online shopping from HLJ only, because they always deliver on time with no problems and they have a very good customer service, since they responded to my very first mails to them about the shipping methods available, even before I had an account with them (never got an answer from angolz). I haven´t tried other websites because it may be more expensive to deliver the items to my country (so bad to live at this side of the world)
never knew there was gonna be a chogokin version of drossel but i think bandai did a really good job!
i'm not really bothered by the other heads not lighting up since in the show she only lit her eyes on the normal head
(and she couldnt see XD)
I love all the little markings, the warning labels and the "Firmengruppe (whatever)" manufacturer's mark.
Great photos in this review, really working the personality inherent in the toy.
I like that it is the only female robot that does not make you look or feel like some perverted geek. Her lines are simple and elegant...not some weird looking robot with high heels and breast rockets....collecting toys as an adult is funny enough...having a Minerva robot that looks like a prostitute is hard to justify...for me anyway...no offense to those that the Mazinger angels are the heart of their collection...