On this SODO Sundays: an ‘Ultra’ look at some CHODO!? Plus a detailed look at Kamen Rider Gotchard SODO 4 standard release and a ‘Mega’ addition to the SHODO Super Sentai collection…
Salutations SODO fans! Scott here, once more, to give you a detailed look at some of the new reveals from Bandai’s candy toy team; this time with a detailed look at the standard retail release of Gotchard SODO 4 along with CHODO Alpha Ultraman 9. That’s right Ultra fans, you’re being acknowledged too!
SODO Kamen Rider Gotchard 4
It’s Kamen Rider Gotchard X-Rex and UFO-X!!! You’re probably thinking “whaaaaa? But we’ve seen these!?” and you’re right! What we previously saw was one half of SODO Gotchard 4, in it’s premium edition state! Bandai’s candy toy team are now giving us a look at the wider standard retail editions.
As you can see here, the standard releases may not have the gorgeous compound eye effect, but the team are still giving them the clear & translucent armour pieces. This is nice to see as they could have easily just have been solid painted parts with stickers to achieve a “shining” effect.
Translucent effects within SODO is nothing new of course, as the team have achieved it to varying results in SODO Build, SODO Zero One and more recently in SODO Revice!
The end result of both figures is a created by utilising a mixture of both MABS (Transparent ABS) and PVC. The other 19 letters of the alphabet are on reserve until we discover new types of plastic.
Despite the size of the lower jaw piece, posing options have not been sacrificed, allowing you go crazy with display & play options.
The team have also made UFO-X’s helmet clear, so you can see those beautiful details stand out from underneath. Hopefully the interior connectors don’t limit head articulation.
A Legend returns in this golden hour!!! That’s right, Kamen Rider Legend himself is also part of the standard retail release of SODO Gotchard 4! Enlarged bulge sold separately.
Unlike many retail SODO releases, it seems his eyes are painted for a change whereas it would normally require stickers. A welcome addition in my books!
His shiny gold details will utilise a healthy mix of both paint and stickers, but nevertheless, the results should look fantastic.
Don’t worry, he comes packing heat (in more than one way) in the form of his Legend Ride Magnum. He’ll be ready to take down his foes…or a certain passing by Rider!
Speaking of which, you know what’s better than Kamen Rider Decade? Kamen Rider ‘Gorgeous’ Decade. It’s in early prototype, but the team are looking to create and supply the pieces to recreate this and other Legend Rider forms for Kamen Rider Legend. They acknowledge that the SODO body specifications have changed over time, but should they successfully pull it off, it will give you another reason to dig out your old SODO figures.
Now we get in’zein’ in the membrane with the final reveal of SODO Gotchard 4: Kamen Rider Zein. Kamen Rider Zein obviously made their appearance in Outsiders but nevertheless, it’s a welcome addition to anyone’s collection.
The colour combination is very sleek! Both shoulders will have a detachable ‘cape’ piece. Having them be detachable allows them to be swiveled so they don’t hinder posing. It’s not too dissimilar to the YUDO Kingohger sets if you need a mental frame of reference.
Zein also comes with a card hand piece as well as three specifically chosen Rider Final Form cards to choose from. There is also two options of belt driver stickers; one with and one without the Legend Rider card engaged.
Here is the SODO Gotchard 4 set in full, utilising a total of 8 boxes! Don’t forget you’ll need both boxes to complete the figure. SODO Gotchard 4 releases this month!!! Get your special orders in ASAP!
CHODO Alpha Ultraman 9
CHODO Ultraman 9 has been revealed and there’s a great selection for fans of the Showa Ultra era!
Now, I’ll be honest, I know next to nothing when it comes to Ultraman, having only seen Shin Ultraman myself and a happy & proud owner of the Shin Ultraman CHODO set, I want to still provide you Ultra fans with same quality of reveals that Sentai and Rider fans get treated to through SODO Sundays. With that out of the way, lets ‘rise’ to the occasion…
We’ll start our reveals off nice and simple with the best addition for casual and hardcore fans alike: Ultraman! The first Ultraman gets an updated figure design from his previous appearance in CHODO Ultraman 4, but now comes with the Jet Beetle for a range of play & display options. By purchasing the expansion pack, will this allow you to utilise his Spacium Beam.
Next up is Ultraman Jack! Unlike the previous Ultra fig, he seemingly comes packed with his Spacium Beam as well as an alternative left hand without the Ultra Bracelet. Should you want to utilise the Ultra Lance, you will need the expansion pack again.
Ultraman Ribut joins the set, complete with his Spacium Beam. Should you want his Ribut Blocker or Spreader Rod, you’re gonna have to purchase that pesky expansion set.
This time we have something a little different: Shining Ultraman Zero; an enhanced form of Ultraman Zero. Add him to your collection with his super yellow Spacium Beam! Of course, the Ultimate Aegis is part of the expansion set, doubling as both a cool set of armour and durable weapon.
Last but certainly not least… Astra! The Twin brother of Ultraman Leo joins the collection, allowing you to finally complete the pair if you picked up Leo in CHODO Alpha Set 2. You’re gonna need that expansion set if you want the addition of the Ultra Key. That’s all we have for now! CHODO Alpha Ultraman 9 will release June 2024.
SHODO Super Jaden Sentai Neziranger
In a surprising but welcome reveal, the Bandai candy toy team have finally revealed a look at the SHODO Super Neziranger set, complete with weapons and paint. Power Ranger fans will instantly recognise these characters as the Psycho Rangers, debuting in Power Rangers In Space and Megaranger.
They are such a gorgeous looking set! Ready to strike fear into the hearts of the Megarangers, who’s SHODO set just released last month.
Here we get a good look at them recreating the same pose. You’ll notice, despite the same suits between them, the candy toy team have given the females a separate mould. Some of the latest SHODO Sentai sets have included one or two stickers to add to the figures, but the team are happy to report that the Nezirangers will not include any stickers at all!!!
All those small details and weapons will be painted and ready to go right out of the box which is a very refreshing change of pace for SHODO Super fans and those looking to dive into the line. I’m genuinely so excited for this set!
But that’s not all….
Like the aforementioned Megaranger set, the Neziranger set will include Nezi Silver!!! Power Ranger and Megaranger fans similarly will remember Silver being a disguise to fool the enemy, but the team have included him for however you want to display him, with or against the Nezirangers?!
Recreate your favourite moments from the show with both this set and the previously released Megaranger SHODO Super set!
Here’s a look at all the accessories included! Each Neziranger will have 8 separate sets of hands for numerous gestures and expressions! SHODO Super never misses when it comes to their hand options and that much is true here.
That’s all for now! The SHODO Super Jaden Sentai Neziranger set is expected to release June 2024!!!
We expect to stock these soon at The Toku Source but they can also be secured via special order. Email us at contact@thetokusource.com or reach out on social media to place your order.
Do you collect CHODO Ultraman? Which Ultra characters would you love to see? Excited for SODO Gotchard 4? Planning to get the Nezirangers? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to stay tuned for more YU-DO, SODO, SHODO and even CHODO news here at The Toku Source!
