Garland (Factory Color Version)

The Garland is a high powered motorcycle (Maneuver-Craft Mode) that transforms into a combat robot (Slave Mode) that is given to Shogo Yahagi in the OVA series Megazone 23. This leads to our Protagonist discovering a dark secret about the world he lives in and the piece of technology he now possess. But I’m not here to spoil the series for you if you haven’t seen it. If you must know all the details without watching the series you can read the Wikipedia entry here.

I am however, here to tell you about Yamato’s latest release to their 1/15th scale Megazone 23 line of collectibles, the Garland – Factory Color Version. By the way that’s Two-Three not Twenty-Three lest the fanboy’s lynch you.

This is the fourth entry in the series of Garlands produced by Yamato. The first release was the Red version that is seen through out most of the series (you can read the full review of that release written by Josh here .) followed by a Complete Box Set: Megazone 23 which featured a Metallic Red Garland, Military Issue Garland and then the Factory Color Version.

The Factory Color Version is an original color scheme that doesn’t actually appear in the film. Despite that, I must say this is a beautiful looking color scheme that really seems to suit the design. It looks very much like it could have been in the series.

The Garland is molded in the silver with the red trim painted on in fine detail. Paint detail is nice and tight with no over spray or missed spots. Included with the standard accessories from the first release is a racing helmet for Shogo and a sticker sheet to decorate your Garland any way you see fit (notice the Skull Squadron and Valkyrie intake markings.)

Standard Accessories are:

• Shogo Yahagi figure
• Regular head
• Bandana/Headset
• Visor/Headset
• Shoulder Pads
• Gun

In robot mode (Slave Mode) this guy looks real good and is highly poseable. The toy holds poses very well and despite repeated handling and posing everything remains nice and tight. This is a seriously good looking mecha in either mode.

Now I must say I have been a fan of this mecha since I first got a look at the line-art for it back in the late 80’s. I don’t know why but I am a sucker for a transforming motorcycle, be it the Garland or a Mospeada (both designed by the very talented Shinji Aramaki .) I think that Yamato did an excellent job in translating this from cartoon into a transforming reality. It makes me smile actually.

The first release of the Garland did have some production issues. Early releases had problems with the die-cast swing bars for the arms being too tight and breaking for some. The other issue (which got me with my Garland) was the plastic used in the shoulder area would crack after a few transformations. To their credit Yamato USA was diligent in exchanging this product and not only exchanged my Garland immediately also sent me improved shoulders when they where available.

Well, I am happy to say that those production issues have been worked out and the latest release is perfect right out of the box. I have transformed this well over two dozen times and no sign of trouble. I will say Yamato does go out of its way to correct issues when they come up, a sign of a truly customer service oriented company.

The Garland and its accessories come packed in the near legendary Yamato Window Box with it’s contents neatly arranged and easily viewable by lifting the lid.

Yamato brings an excellent level of detail and engineering to this toy and it despite some problems with earlier releases this latest offering is indeed a solid toy and a fine collectible at the same time. If you like the mecha design I can unabashedly tell you to drop the cash for it as it will look spectacular in your collection and you will love picking it up and transforming it.

Here’s the full video review:

And here is the full transformation:

You can get yours at Yamato USA