Dancouga Nova

Dancouga Nova comes from the revamped Dancouga series entitled “Juso Kiko Dancouga Nova” (獣装機攻ダンクーガ ノヴァ). This 12 episode TV anime aired in Japan in early 2007.

The design is obviously meant to be an upgrade from the original Dancouga.

Originally, CM’s had planned to do a large diecast transforming version of this, but the cost and lack of interest canceled it.

Now, here it is in a more accessible format – the GN-U Dou Dancouga Nova.

The Dancouga Nova uses the standard GN-U DOU frame and thus is about the same size as all of the others in the line.

Constructed of high-quality POM, ABS and PCV plastic, the toy feels indestructible. That’s not to say parts won’t fall off, but that they won’t BREAK off.

We know the good of the GNU series. High quality, attention to detail, sharp sculpts. But we also know the flaws – lack of accessories, parts that fall off easily, tough to switch hands. Dancouga is no different. He looks great and poses great, but some parts fall off if you look at them the wrong way.

The most notable offenders are the small waist skirt pieces and the large yellow wings on the chest. Sure, they snap right back on, but you wish you didn’t have to.

Accessories include a giant sword, 2 extra hands, and a large back cannon.

The cannon plugs into the back and can be positioned over the head. The small cannons on the side move as well.

Unfortunately, the joints in this cannon are so tight, each time you try to position it, the cannon comes right off the back. What I do is position it first, and THEN put it on the back.

Despite all that, Dancouga Nova looks great on the shelf, and I had a really fun time photographing him. I think these may be some of the best pictures I’ve taken. He’s very photogenic.