Shin Getter 1
I’ve always felt that this Getter design was a reaction to the heavy Spawn craze in Japan in the early 90s. Toy collecting was not a huge deal in Japan, at least, not outside of hardcore Otaku. But when the Spawn figures hit, a whole new wave began. People started collecting toys again, and the Spawn aesthetic slowly infiltrated Japanese toys. Its influence can be seen to this day in toy lines like S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin). I can see this influence in the design of Shin Getter 1, from the large black wings to the exaggerated forearm blades.
Shin Getter Robo First made its appearance in a 1993 Manga called Getter Robo Go, but didn’t become animated until 1998’s Change!! Getter Robo (Released as Getter Robo Armageddon). The new modern design gained Getter Robo a whole new legion of fans, while alienating some fans of the original 1970s show.
The design has been made into toy form many times in the past, most notable is the Aoshima / Miracle House version. This diecast monstrosity is practically a weapon, with loads of diecast and sharp details. However, with its hefty price tag, this toy is not for everyone.
Kaiyodo throws its hat into the ring with a Revoltech version of the Shin Getter Robo, available from HobbyLink Japan. How does Shin Getter transition to the Revoltech format? Let’s find out.
Shin Getter features a stunning 44 points of articulation made up of a combination of Revoltech joints and traditional cut joints. The large purple wings are connected to the body with Revoltech joints and ship unattached. Other accessories include a 2-piece Getter Tomahawk, Stoner Sun Shine effect parts, four extra hands and a display base.
Articulation is really great, but it is one of those toys that seems impossible to do a neutral pose with. The feet are connected in such a a way that it makes it all but impossible to make him stand up straight. I guess that’s what the stand is there for, might as well use it.
The Getter Tomahawk is large and all plastic. It comes shipped in two pieces and you have to put it together. Shin Getter comes with optional hands so you can hold the tomahawk with one or two hands.
The Stoner Sun Shine is an energy weapon that manifests out of Shin Getter’s palm. Included is a special hand with a hole in it to attach the energy ball to, and then the blast part of the energy attaches to that.
Pay careful attention around the sharp points of this toy. The wing tips and arm blades are very sharp and made out of hard plastic. You could definitely puncture skin with them.
The display stand is your typical Revoltech stand – three parts and a Revoltech joint. The joint attaches at the back of the figure so you can put Shin Getter into flying poses.
In all, it’s a pretty cool figure. I know a lot of you collectors already have a few Shin Getter designs in your collection, but if you are a fan, you should definitely check this one out.
Shin Getter Revoltech is available at HobbyLink Japan.
