Act 5: Hyper Boxer Parapsychic "Razorback"

Spiral Zone Act 5: Hyper Boxer Parapsychic “Razorback”

In 1986 Bandai released four extra protect suits for their SF Spiral Zone action figure line. Unlike the first three sets which featured a protect suit and a SZ figure, these basic sets included the protect suits and armor only. These were essential re-colored armor and cloth sets of Act: 1 Bull Solid and Act 2: Hyper Boxer. Unfortunately Bandai chose not to recolor and release Act 3: Sentinel Bear.

Reissued and re-colored releases of previously manufactured toys have always been a blessing and a curse for collectors. Some re-releases could be very creative and well thought out while other releases can be a blatant cash out for the manufacture without any thought to the quality of the toy line. The prices of casting molds for the injection machines are quite expensive and receiving the most from the investment can justify the re-colored projects in the eyes of the manufacturer. No toy manufacturer is immune to this, Hasbro, Kenner, Mattel, Bandai, Takara, etc have done this at one time or another with their respected toy lines.

As is, Spiral Zone was a small line to begin with, with only 12 releases total with four of the Acts re-colored from the first two releases, Act 1: Bull Solid and Act 2: Hyper Boxer. I believe Bandai was marginally successful with the re-colored extra protect suits. Not only was the price point an issue as one could spent $5.00 more and get a deluxe protect suit and figure set but generally they were not as aesthetically pleasing as the deluxe sets.

Act 5: Hyper Boxer “Parapsychic” is the first of two and the least attractive of Hyper Boxer re-colored sets. Although the black armor looks great I do not know why Bandai decided to give Act 5 a silver threaded lame suit with orange paint highlights. It completely dismisses the military overtones of the Spiral Zone line. The orange trim could look good but it visually clashes with the silver of the suit. It is simply just a mess of colors.

The only reason why I do like the set is that I never had one back the 80’s and it is somewhat of a mystery set as I never seen one in person until I received this one from Japan a few months ago. One other feature that I do like is the stencil stickers that come with call numbers for the side of the leg armor. It is great to finally have a representation of Act 5 in my display case, but otherwise, it is the weakest representation of the protect suits colors in the Spiral Zone line.

If Bandai had given this set a black real cloth uniform with white trim on the helmet and call numbers It would be a definite standout protect suit like the all black Act 4: Bull Solid “Parapsychic”. Yutaka’s Action Figure Series “Ninja” not only comes with an original 1985 Spiral Zone body that can be used for Act 5 but also a black uniform that could be used to replace the silver uniform for this set. The picture above is Act 5 with Act 3 Sentinel Bears black uniform.

As is, I do not suggest this set for the casual Spiral Zone fan due to its rarity and the fact that it does not entirely represent the aesthetic pleasing quality of the rest of the Spiral Zone line.

© 2008 article and photos Leonardo Flores “ModCineaste” & CollectionDX.