Bismarck
Review by JoshB
Let's face it, eighties mecha rocks. Whether you are talking about Laserion, Vavilos, Albegas or even Commpoboy, there is something so cool about the vision of the future at that time.
Bismarck is a classic example of a design from that school. Hard blocky lines, copious amounts of chrome, red and black, this bot has it all. The Bismarck hails from the 1984 TV anime Sei Jushi Bismarck (星銃士ビスマルク Star Musketeer Bismarck) which was brought over to the US by World Events Productions (the same who did Voltron) as Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs. In Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Bismarck was known as Ramrod.
Even though this is a ST or standard) size chogokin, it still has plenty of gimmicks and for a gokin - really fantastic articulation.
First off, you can't ignore the giant guns on the chest. These guns can pivot up and down and are made out of a bendable plastic that resists breaking.
The left arm features a firing fist, while the right arm has some hand articulation that can hold a gun.
When not in use, the gun is stored in a holster at the side.
Just look at the arm articulation. Amazing stuff for a vintage gokin.
From there down the toy continues to impress. There's a waist joint, ball jointed hips, knees that bend, and articulated ankles.
The panels on the sides of the lower legs open to reveal working missile launchers with microscopic missiles.
While this toy does not have as many gimmicks as its impressive larger brother, it is still a great toy in its own right, and is one of the more affordable vintage gokin one can search after.
Comments
12 comments postedBismarck also has the distiction of being one of the more difficult robot toys to find on E-bay.
However, I've found some great deals on North Dakota memorabilia, German antiques, model battle ships, DVDs, and board games.
Noone ever mentions the awesome 80's logos. Every single 80's mecha has the best logos,and the best commercial bumpers/eyecatches. Even American stuff like Transformers or Voltron. It was the pinnacle of vaguely futuristic blocky fonts.
Call Me!
Wow, Josh, you may have convinced me to track one of these guys down! Great job!
--
Sanjeev
I remember seeing this show as a kid. For some reason in the US version wasnt that robot called RamRod or am I thinking of something totally different.
Nope. If you read the text above (or my review of the DX), the robot was called the "Ramrod Equalizer" in Saber Rider. Man, I loved that show!
--
Sanjeev
I have this toy, bought it from Kenzuo (Kaibutsuchan) not too long ago. I was very happy with this toy and would one day like to own the DX version. I am on a huge 80s mecha kick right now and have spent way more than I should have on vintage toys. This is a great review Josh, I love it when you review vintage toys.
thanks Sanjeev, I guess i should have read the review before I went and just posted a comment. This toy is very cool, I think Saber Riders just came out on DVD also.
Kenzou ("kaibutsuchan") is awesome, isn't he??? :)
And, yes, Neogetter: it looks like WEP has finally released the chronological episodes of Saber Rider on DVD! Killer!
--
Sanjeev
Yeah Kenzou is awesome. I have bought several toys from him. Sometimes I prefer to just pay a higher price and get the toy rather than hoping to win a toy auction at a low price (though sometimes I do get lucky). His selection is great too, I am trying to save to be able to buy one of his Cobraturtles.
They actually call it Ramrod??? Speaking of Bismarck, I pass on a Bismarck a couple month ago. I think it's different from Josh had review...
Currently I am suffering from Bismarckitis!!!!
I was lucky enough to find one in MINT IN MINT BOX condition on Yahoo Japan and win it!
Unfortunately since I was concentrated on winning also Paul's Miracle Car, I ended up losing a MINT IN MINT BOX BISMARCK DX Version for 50 Yen!!!!
Anyway it's a very nice toy and I'm very happy with it!