Raideen

This is a Korean version of Raideen, made by Dae Dong Co. It’s all plastic, and about the same size as the Medicom Miracle Action figure.

I totally love this toy. It’s a completely original design, and it has one of the best bird modes of any Raideen toy to date. To make the bird mode, you have to put a small panel in to cover the face – the side panels do not close like the other toys. Then you remove the hands and slide in the wing sections. The arms are anchored to the body so the wings are always in the correct place. The bottom of the wings has wheels on them. On the underside, you attach a set of wheels under the nose. Lastly, pull the legs up closer to the chest. The proportions are perfect!

In robot mode, Raideen is kind of a letdown compared to other Raideen toys, but you can’t deny the funk. Check out the blue / red / yellow color scheme, or how about the stickers from Tryder G-7?

The box art is completely original and absolutely stunning. But the Korean toy makers couldn’t just let it be; they go and add a small Jan Coogo from Starzinger in the corner as if it is now marked with their seal of approval.

This is a pretty rare toy – I’ve never seen another. Definitely, something to look for if you are a Raideen fan.