SODO news is back on The Toku Source with a (Rider) kick! Lets talk about some SODO and SHODO toy lines. Today, news from Kamen Rider Gotchard and Chojin Sentai Jetman.
After a long hiatus, SODO, SHODO, YUDO and CHODO news is back on The Toku Source. In case you’re not sure what all those letters mean, each is the name of a line of constructable action figures from any of Bandai’s licensed tokusatsu series, like Kamen Rider, Super Sentai or Ultraman. They’re sometimes referred to as ‘candy toy figures’ because of the fact each box comes with a small piece of ramune candy. Don’t worry, nobody’s going to eat your action figure!
With that out the way, let’s get into the news, and stick around to the end for an announcement.
Kamen Rider Gotchard
Another Sunday means another Bandai Candy Toy reveal and what do we have today? Super Gotchard! SODO Gotchard 04 was just revealed with a look at the premium editions of two Gotchard forms: Super Gotchard Cross X-Rex and Super Gotchard Cross UFO-X.
Now, remember these are the premium editions and as such, more is expected from them than the standard SODO retail releases. Changes such as more paint and less stickers, along with compound eyes are to be expected and, thus, a higher price point than the standard releases.
Here we get a closer look at the heads on both forms. The difference in quality is very noticeable with the compound eyes and painted head pieces on the premium editions compared to the standard releases, which continues the SODO tradition of stickers for both.
Now for a much closer look at the rest of Cross X-Rex and Cross UFO-X. Both forms feature some very nice translucent armour pieces which isn’t very common in SODO but look really good. There are still some stickers on Cross X-Rex around the torso and legs, along with the usual stickers for the Gotchard’s Gotchardraw Holder. Cross UFO-X seems to use the same under suit as Cross X-Rex and, as such, stickers on the legs look to be about the same; while hard to see in the initial images, the Gotchardraw Holder is also on Cross UFO-X, which will require stickers too. Overall, the amount of stickers is very minimal compared to the SODO figures that have preceded the Gotchard line, so it’s a nice option for those who may want to get into this line in the future.
The premium set of Cross X-Rex and Cross UFO-X features a nice little extra: a silver painted goggle hand for Gotchard! Use it with your premium or standard release of Gotchard’s Steam Hopper form to create a unique pose and add a little more flair to your Gotchard Rider display.
Like the previous Geats and Gotchard premium sets, not only will they come with the new flat board style figure stands but also the SODO classic black stands, should you want to pose your figures with a more dynamic style.
Here we get a complete look at Kamen Rider SODO Gotchard 04, which looks to include the newly debuted, very popular Kamen Rider Legend along with the mysterious Kamen Rider Zein, who made their debut in Kamen Rider Outsiders. Overall SODO Gotchard 04 looks to be a really solid set and will be available in January 2024. Like the last few SODO and YUDO set, Bandai will be doing a Gashapon release of SODO Gotchard 04, which will be available February. Don’t miss out!
SHODO Super Chojin Sentai Jetman
Bandai have also treated us to a closer look a the upcoming SHODO Super Chojin Sentai Jetman set.
Here we get a good look at their range of articulation, allowing for many desired dynamic poses; they can even recreate the poses of their individual role calls! Each figure is really detailed in their paint applications but, like past SHODO Super sets, may require a sticker or two in places to keep their price point down. In this case, it looks to be the belt and buckle. Weapons & accessories are likely to have stickers if past SHODO Super sets are any indication.
As you can see from the image above, the Bandai Candy Toy team have ensured that the chest detail isn’t restricted to one side, but rather all around the bird emblem which is quite incredible given the scale of these figures. The colouring of the paint applications are still being adjusted by the team.
Now, on to accessories. It seems all characters will be getting their individual Jet Wings!!!
Each figure will come with a back peg hole, allowing for the attachment of the Jet Wings while leaving room for the standard SHODO peg hole, enabling you to create even more dynamic and interesting poses and displays.
The Wing Gauntlet also makes an appearance in this set and will include two forms: wing expansion and storage. These will also need to be stickered if you’re wanting to individualise them between each character. The third image shows you how to install them onto the figure.
The Bringer Sword also makes an appearance in this set. The SHODO Super set will also include a hand piece allowing the sword to be held comfortably in the flying pose. This accessory will likely need stickers.
As a standard with any Sentai, blasters will be included along with optional forms. While they wont be able to fit within the figure holsters, SHODO Super sets tend to come with two holsters: one with a weapon and one without. The SHODO Super Chojin Sentai Jetman set will be no different.
Lastly, the Jet Striker makes an appearance in this set. The Jet Striker can also be transformed into the Fire Bazooka with the included optional parts. While it can’t fit any of the SHODO figures inside, it’s still an impressive inclusion and allows for four team members to hold it in unison, allowing a ‘team blast’ display. The SHODO Super Chojin Sentai Jetman set releases in March 2024.
SODO Sundays is Back!
Long standing followers of The Toku Source (formerly Toku Toy Store) will remember Bandai candy toy news being a staple of our content offer with the fortnightly series, SODO Sundays. The series, produced by tokusatsu community darling, Joshua Perry, brought you all the news about SODO, SHODO, YUDO and CHODO toy lines. We’re pleased to announce that, under the management of passionate candy toy figure afficionado, Scott – who is new to The Toku Source team – that the series will be returning! Check back here on thetokusource.com for all of the latest news, information and release dates for all your favourite figures.
That’s all for now, but keep an eye out for more posts regarding the SODO, SHODO, YUDO and CHODO toy lines here at The Toku Source!
