Gear Fighter Dendoh

Gear Fighter Dendoh was an undistinguished mecha anime from the turn of the century. The show followed the exploits of a young boy who pilots the titular mecha to defend against an alien menace. I’ve never seen the cartoon, but I have admired the mechanical designs from afar.

Bandai released a couple of solid figures when the show first aired, and has now revisited the characters for its Super Robot Chogokin line.

Review sample courtesy of our friends at HobbyLink Japan (Hlj.com)

Dendoh arrives in the typical SRC box, with sharp die-cut windows and attractive graphics.

Inside, the figure rests in a plastic clamshell with its accessories, including an alternate face, alternate head, backpack engine-extension thing, horse-head-sword thing, and variant hands. Also included are three clear resin pieces which convey movement (more on those later).

I was immediately struck by the sheer quality and presence of this toy. The finishes and materials are top notch. The character design is superb, beautiful and dynamic from any angle.

The diecast is a little scarce for a Chogokin, but I don’t really mind. So high is the quality of plastics, and so well balanced is the figure, you don’t want any more heft. Metal is in connecting bars in the arms and legs, as well as the chest.

Like a fine sports car, Dendoh looks like he’s moving when he’s standing still. Dendoh’s posture is like a boxer’s, coiled and ready for battle.

This thing is a posing monster. All of the joints are buttery and do whatever you want.

Check out these knees:

And those hips:

Dendoh is a joy to photograph. After reviewing countless homely rejects, it’s a real pleasure to work with a super model.

The alternate faces and fists and extra pieces make the figure come alive. Such swagger!

The afore-mentioned resin pieces add interesting notes to the posing.

I can’t recommend Dendoh enough. I rarely gush over a modern toy, but this is what a modern toy can, and should, be.