Jet Riser

Jet Riser is one of three late-period Machine Robo powered suits from the Battle Hackers series.

Machine Robo was a brand in decline, but the Battle Hackers designs were among the finest mecha toys of the eighties. Bandai was hitting its stride just as Takara’s Transformers were stagnating. If only America had gotten these instead of the misbegotten 600 series MR toys.

Jet Riser is one of two deluxe “Risers,” featuring more armor than the comparatively stripped down BH-01 Power Riser.

Machine Robo packaging from this era is exquisite. The black background, bold yellow border, and dramatic toy photographs are unlike anything else, then or now.

Jet Riser comes in a styrofoam tray with tons of accessories. Missiles and ball projectiles for the two shoulder mounted guns are included.

The riser pilot figures are reasonably detailed and articulated for the time, but nothing special. This guy has some questionable paint applications.

The base armor is fantastic. With the armor covering up much of the suit, Plex could’ve gotten away with a far more generic sculpt.

Thoughtful details abound.

I especially like this mechanical panel behind the pilot.

The fully armored figure is dramatic. The layering of components creates a real depth and sophistication.

The arms have a good range of motion, but the legs are fairly static.

Most of the figure is plastic, but the lower legs are partially diecast.

I can’t recommend these Battle Hackers Risers enough. They are among the best realized powered armor toys ever made.