Flame Toys Go! Kara Kuri Power Rangers Dragonzord
This one came out on time! And we've already got the next release scheduled for the end of this year, and the following release has been announced, too! Still no word on the GKK Gambaruger they showed off concept art for forever ago, but I'll take what I can get.
That all said, Flame Toys has apparently been taking fan feedback into what Megazords people want for future releases, so I thought I'd forward what I put out here just 'cause.
As a general "complete the line" thing, I would like to see their take on Titanus and the Tigerzord, but with caveats. I'd like Titanus to actually integrate as an actual combination with this combo, and since this is specifically Power Rangers, I'd like if the Tigerzord could combine with the Dragonzord in some way, even if it's just wearing the cowl. As for new seasons, while I'd probably be happy with anything, I want integrated combos. Things like Lightspeed, SPD, or if we're feeling spicy maybe Ninja Storm. More about good toys than scratching any particular nostalgic itch.
The Good: One at a time, the Dragonzord is good. Has great posability, including a waist, though does not have a neck. It's capable of holding its tail up with no issue, it can hold accessories, no problems here.
Battle Mode is probably my favorite. It does the most transformation to get to the right size, but it's also very sleek, not possessing anything like the wings or tail of the Dino Megazord to disrupt shelf space. Like, if they released just the Triceratops, Saber-Tooth Tiger, and Mastodon in the Dragonzord's colors, I'd jump on it. It keeps the Dragonzord's waist while having all the limb posability of the Dino Megazord. And, like, it can just hold the spear. Like, every other release I've handled either can't or has trouble with it, but despite its spear being the biggest, it has no issues. Oh, and you can take the mask off, for some reason.
The base Ultrazord is pretty solid, kinda just being a more decorative version of the standard cowl, with the multi-arm configuration being a bit less so in exchange for more posing options.
The Bad: A few notable issues. Firstly, while the original Dragonzord splits into 3 major chunks, this one turns into considerably more. There are some vanity panels on its back that are supposed to plug into the shoulders in certain modes but can't? And I do worry I'll forget a lot of the intricacies of this transformation over time due to how complex it is.
The Ultrazord is the only Mode I have issues with. The cowl attaches firstly via two hooks that latch under the Mastodon, which I wish there were detents for because they'll ride back up while you're trying to hook it in. And I did mention that the multi-arm formation is less stable, but it's mostly just holding the spear is a bit much for it, causing the cowl so start falling off. Also, swapping parts while the cowl is attached can cause it to separate, too.
Oh, and there's just this tiny adapter to attach the wings to the tail, but there's no storage for it? Or at least none I can find. Only piece.
Overall, two very solid modes, one-and-a-half I wish were a bit more so but are still cool. I'm excited for the Thunder Megazord since it's a toy I don't have anymore but appreciate way more now than I did when I was a kid, and I've never had the Shogunzord but have messed with a friend's, so both are new iterations on toys I don't have but have experience with. Should be a good time.
