Sunday, March 14, 2010

Bandai Soul of Chogokin GX-30 Battle Fever Robo

A different kind of robot from the transformers, these giant robots came before the transformers (1984). They were the Super Sentai, where the heroes must control giant robots to defeat a monster who itself has grown to a gigantic size (or anything similar). The name was given to the long running Japanese "superhero team" genre of shows produced by Toei Company Ltd. "Super" refers to their use of mecha, and "sentai" is the Japanese word for "task force" or, literally, "fighting squadron". The shows are of the tokusatsu genre, featuring live action characters and colorful special effects, and are aimed mainly at families. This series is one of the most prominent tokusatsu productions in Japan, alongside the Ultra Series, the Kamen Rider Series, and the Metal Hero Series.

Battle Fever J (バトルフィーバーJ, Batoru Fībā Jei) was co-produced by Toei Company and TV Asahi and aired on TV Asahi on February 3, 1979 - January 26, 1980 with a total of 52 episodes. The Battle Fever team's trump card is the Battle Fever Robo. Battle Fever Robo (バトルフィーバーロボ, Batoru Fībā Robo) is a giant robot that resembles a samurai, and this was one of the first of many giant robots in Super Sentai history.

To be honest, I've never seen a single episode of Battle Fever Robo but this 6.5 inches (16.5cm) tall die-cast figure by Bandai just got me hooked, line and sinker. I've always admired the samurai and their code of honor so when I saw this robot samurai, I was sold. Only after I got this die-cast metal robot figure did I google for more information about it.



Battle Fever Robo has a variety of weapons. There's his Lightning Sword (電光剣, Denkō Ken): Samurai-type sword. It also has a scabbard. On the grip, you will see the letters "ACFKJ" (America, Cossack, France, Kenya (Although Battle Kenya is technically a Black Warrior, the "K" on the grip is green), Japan).

Though this robot is of Japanese origin, I liked that the chest emblem is using the English letters, B and F. It's like the creator knew that this robot will cross cultures and invade the homes of the English speaking people and win fans all over the world.

Besides the DenkuoKen, he also has Swords Fever (ソードフィーバー, Sōdo Fībā): The throwing daggers stored in sheaths attached to the robot's legs. It was used in the Cross Fever (クロスフィーバー, Kurosu Fībā) attack.

Other weapons in his arsenal (from top to bottom) - Stick Attacker (スティックアタッカー, Sutikku Atakkā): A spear; Attack Lancer (アタックランサー, Atakku Ransā): A trident. It can be used in conjunction with either Chain Crusher; Chain Crushers (チェーンクラッシャー, Chēn Kurasshā): The chains stored in the robot's arms; Cane Knocker (ケーンノッカー, Kēn Nokkā): A shakujo. It was used in Episode 24 to fight the Dracula Robot - that must have been a most interesting episode; there's also his Knuckle Punchers (ナックルパンチャー, Nakkuru Panchā): Knuckle dusters (shown partially hidden in the base of his display stand).

Battle Fever Robo also has Fever Axe (フィーバーアックス, Fībā Akkusu): The hatchet, and Battle Shield (バトルシールド, Batoru Shīrudo): A defense tool. It can withstand 28,000 tons of pressure.

Bandai Soul of Chogokin GX-30 Battle Fever Robo (die-cast) standing on his display stand with his array of weapons by his side and within easy reach, all ready to do battle.

Notice the colorful letters "ACFKJ" (America, Cossack, France, Kenya (Although Battle Kenya is technically a Black Warrior, the "K" on the grip is green), Japan) on the grip of his Lightning Sword (電光剣, Denkō Ken).


Bandai Soul of Chogokin GX-30 die-cast Battle Fever Robo also comes with extra hands for gripping his weapons and also for signature poses.



2 comments:

supekudx said...

A classic of the Robots!

alex teo said...

i just lurve the look of the robot ;)