SD Gundam

Report by Douglass Kern
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Last year, SD Gundam debuted with a big launch. For 2004, Bandai has plans for tons of interesting new products. There was so much new product on display, it was a bit over whelming seeing it all. As with last year, Bandai is keeping the same size categories as well as product types divided between toys and models.

Models
There was not as much on display for models compared to what was shown for toys. Most of what was on display has already been shown off via the SD Gundam website. Also, the SD Flextion kits are being brought over from Japan.

Mini Defenders
This line of figurines based on Gashapon toys is being expanded in 2004. The previously announced Dark Gundam playset is still set for release for June, and joining it will be the first two Mini Defender sets based on the SD Gundam Force show. While not on display, both a SDG Gunperry and a Tank Big Zam have been announced.

An even larger playset is scheduled for release in the summer. This is a playset based around a Musha Gundam Fortress from the SD show. Since this has not appeared in the show as of yet, this location is likely from the upcoming Season 2. Included with the set are 10 Mini Defender figures that are exclusive to this set. The Fortress can also double as a carrying case for the Mini Defenders figurines.

Action Figures
The largest portion of the SD display was centered on the action figures. Tons of new designs were on display, many which were really nice surprises. If you enjoy the SD Gundam Force show, you are going to love what Bandai has in store. Almost every show robot character is getting a toy!

First off, Bandai is doing a special pack in promotion. Some figures will be packaged with a bonus DVD of the show, but there was no word on which episodes will be included.

In addition to the standard and deluxe size classes established in the line, three new size categories are being added to the action figure line. These are:

5" Action Defender Combination Set
These are the SD figures that combine with a companion. Knight Tallgeese and Knight Zero Custom fall under this category. They will sell for $12.99.

5" Action Defender Deluxe Vehicle Set
The SD figures in this category come with a large vehicle. The Gunbike set is in this size class. Each set will sell for $19.99

Battery Operated Mega Size Changing Defender
This is the high-end toy of the SD line. The mighty Gun Panzer is a motorized walking robot that can also transform into a transport vehicle to carry the smaller figures. Gun Panzer is 9" tall. The one on display was a prototype, but from his details, he looks like he is from Neotopia in the show. He will sell for $29.99.

Since I am not totally positive under what size classes some of these figures fall under, I am just going to describe each one individually.

Gold Captain Gundam
Captain Gundam is getting a gold repaint. He looks similar to the Hyper Mode Mobile Fighters from G-Gundam.

Pawn Leo
Yes, the Pawn Leo is getting an action figure! One of the nicest surprises of the entire showroom for me was this little figure. Bandai was kind enough to show off his action feature to ASM. When the gimmick is activated, Pawn Leo's faceplate will spin until it sets on an expression symbol. The symbol I managed to see was the little spiral that the Pawn Leos often displayed on the show. Pawn Leo also comes with a little crossbow gun.

Mercurius the Knight of Thunder and Vayeate the Knight of Storm
I am grouping these guys together for convenience. Both of them are getting figures, and they look great. The figures are a great representation of the characters.

Cobramaru
Cobramaru's gimmick was a bit of a surprise. His entire cobra portion, hood and tail, can separate from his figure. The figure underneath has a ninja-esque look to him, while the cobra parts seem to become some sort of sled.

Ashuramaru
Remember the nifty arm-unfolding trick Ashuramaru did in the show? The toy has the same feature! Ashuramaru also includes more then enough weapons to hold in each of his extra hands.

Destroyer Dom
This guy was on display last year, but now he is going to be sold as a deluxe and not include the extra vehicle.

Knight Tallgeese and Griffon
Pictures of this guy have appeared but only of him separated from the griffon. The combined Griffon Tallgeese was on display, and he looked great, with a huge wingspan that dwarfs the main figure. He also has the big lance he used in the show.

Zero the Winged Knight and Fenn
This is the companion set to the Tallgeese. It comes with a complete Zero figure as well as Fenn as the Feathered Dragon. The Zero figure included in the set looks like the standard Zero released last year, but it is an entirely new figure. Fenn is in his Gundam Dragon form. Fenn can combine with Zero to become Zero Custom, the Knight of Silver Wings. Like Griffon Tallgeese, Zero gains a pair of gigantic wings in this form. He also has the twin swords he used in the show -- Bakunetsumaru and Entengo. The Blazing Samurai and his faithful steed are another new set. Entengo is rather large, so it is a good chance that he is in the same size class as the Gunbike. The Bakunetsumaru figure included is different from the one sold on a card, as he can ride Entengo! He also has a removable helmet.

Gunbike, Shute and Captain Gundam
This set is just about ready to appear in stores soon. Gunbike is huge and can convert to battle mode. The sidecar is also removable. This set includes Shute, which is the only human figure in the line so far. Also, this set has a Civilian Captain Gundam figure included who maybe able to switch from mouth to faceplate.

All figures were great representations of the characters from the show. It's wonderful that SD Gundam had such a huge display highlighting a bunch of stuff to look forward to in the coming year.

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