Join us for a Shokugan Modelling Project double feature: a detailed dive into the SMP Blue Beet and PB King Kyoryujin Minipla sets!
Hello, once again, toku toy lovers! We have been blessed from the team at Bandai Japan with a detailed look at two upcoming sets in the Shokugan Modelling Project line: the Blue Beet figure from Toei’s B-Fighter and the Premium Bandai exclusive King Kyoryujin Minipla set from Ohsama Sentai KingOhger. Both sets are bound to tickle the fancy of any collector and/or model enthusiast. Let’s dive on in with this months release…
SMP Blue Beet
There he is! In all of his boxed glory, Blue Beet from the Metal Heroes series “B-Fighter” or more commonly recognised as Blue Stinger Beetleborg from the Saban show “Big Bad Beetleborgs” to western toku audiences. Having only previously released in the S.H. Figuarts line back in 2015, it’s nice for fans to get another shot at obtaining him in a collector scale, albeit a little scaled back in budget but, in turn, making him cheaper than the aforementioned release.
Here he is next to box for March’s release of Black Beet, otherwise known to western toku fans as Shadowborg. Pushed together in parallel, the B-Fighter logo is formed which makes for a cool display for any “in box” collectors!
Perhaps, you’d rather turn the boxes? Then you’d be treated to this cool confrontational image between the two! Another awesome way to display for “in box” collectors or rather perhaps a display inspiration for them both once assembled? Anyhow, enough of the boxes! Let’s see what’s inside…
The general idea of this set isn’t too different from Bandai’s Kamen Rider and Ultraman Figure-Rise Standard lines; you get an assortment of runners that, once completed, form into a heavily articulated 6-inch figure. The Figure-Rise Standard line oftentimes cuts back in some colours (looking at you Genm) and/or details, it makes up for it with an abundance of stickers. Here, the stickers are minimised and a large percentage of the figure is amazingly pre painted! Colour me impressed with the team’s effort here!
Of course, stickers aren’t completely off the table! But they are minimised to a point, that even the biggest of sticker haters can’t complain much… surely?
The Bandai Candy team promised that none of the stickers will be needed for the body of the figure and it’s looking true to their word! The finished Blue Beet is meant to be 15cm, just edging on 6 inches, scaling him just a tad taller than most S.H. Figuarts, but pretty well with Hasbro’s Power Rangers Lightning Collection for anyone that wants to create the 90s dream team-up of Big Bad Beetleborgs with Power Rangers.
The Input Magnum is a part of his included repertoire, only utilising a single sticker! The hands are made with an ABS material, which will make it easy to attach and detach the included weapons.
Pulsaber is also included (as you may have spotted earlier) and can be combined with the Input Magnum to form the Saber Magnum.
The Stinger Blade and parts to form the Stinger Drill are also included! A majority of the included sticker sheet will be needed to bring out the details of the weapon. The ‘Beetle Shell’ part of the Blade seemingly can slide, expanding and revealing the small fan piece.
Here is our look at the completed kit and all that comes with him! Below is also a selection of recreated action poses to give you an idea of how dynamic the figure can be.
SMP B-Fighter Blue Beet releases THIS MONTH! Get your orders in to avoid disappointment! Info at the end of the article.
Don’t forget to also order Black Beet, which releases in March 2024 and comes with the pieces to recreate “Super Blue Beet”.
PB King Kyoryujin Minipla
Hail to the king! King Kyoryujin that is. His DX counterpart released back in October 2023, but all the real ones out there (myself included) know the Minipla is the superior version, right? Articulation AND a cheaper price tag, what’s to dislike?
Bandai have revealed that this particular set will feature a large number of runners, especially when compared to the original Kyoryujin Minipla. For all intents and purposes, the following images will feature the product without sticker detailing. Don’t let that put you off from adding this to your collection; it’s still a beauty.
You can see the team have utilised a lot of parts for the head alone. They’ve also tried to colour code the pieces to allow the colouring of the kit to stand out on it’s own.
The team have made sure the silver torso pipes and toes have been produced on separate coloured plastic compared to the original Kyoryujin Minipla, which utilised silver stickers in those places. Likewise, the tail originally utilised yellow and black stickers. It really gives you and idea how much more advanced this particular iteration is and how far the Minipla lines has came.
I’m happy to report a minimisation of stickers, as this is all the stickers for the Gabutyra section of the Minipla!
Here we see a physical comparison between the old (left) and new (right). The new model features a larger head with better proportion and definition; the legs are made stronger and the body size has increased.
The jaw is also now double jointed, with the head now being on a ball joint to add so much more articulation and expression; a welcome addition.
The body is also much more flexible in comparison to it’s precursor Minipla.
With better colours, better joints and better articulation, Gabutyra can be positioned very easily into all of his iconic poses and more! It doesn’t end there though, as the set comes with four Shugods as well and they’ve all been improved subtly when compared to their previous versions…
God Dragonfly has had some slight modifications with the new (right side) model having both an expanded body and wingspan along with a slightly deeper blue colouring.
God Praying Mantis has received a brighter yellow colouring to the body.
God Papillon has been giving a more vivid and deeper purple colouring.
God Hachi’s colouring has been changed from black to more of a charcoal grey. It may not bee (get it?) too noticeable under standard lighting, but it’s there if you squint your eyes!
The team have also opted to fully paint the head with this iteration, rather than give the usual Minipla mech head sticker piece. A surprise to be sure but a welcome one!
The Gabutyra tail can open up! Doing this will allow God Dragonfly to attach onto the back of Kyoryujin.
Now we get a look at the range of motion available in the arms. The team managed to create a 4-part joint that will over an incredible range of articulation despite the mecha’s large shoulders.
Likewise, the legs will also have an incredible range of motion. I’d even argue that it has larger range than the original KingOhger Minipla mecha. The God Hachi and God Praying Mantis pieces are expected to have the same articulation as the originals, so this new range of flexibility is really just from the Kyoryujin alone.
Okay, so I technically lied… there’s more than one sticker sheet!
Again, despite the Minipla being nicely colour coded, there will be this additional sticker sheet along with the previous to bring out those extra details should you really want to.
A ‘Hidden Mode’ has been applied to allow you to use the Gabutyra legs to recreate the Kyoryujin’s original standing formation. Perhaps you want to utilise the other Shugods?
Here’s a quick comparison with the original model (left). Not only is the new iteration improved in every single way but it’s taller too!!!
Also those joints look similar. I wonder if…
IT DOES!!! The new Kyoryujin is compatible with the original Kyoryuger Minipla mechs from 10 years ago!!! Should you not want this set for the KingOhger mechs, perhaps you may want it to update your original model? Exciting stuff!
That’s gonna be it there folks! Perhaps this was an interesting way for the team to end their detailed look at this set. The PB King Kyoryujin is expected to release May 2024.
Now excuse me while I go secure one for myself…
Remember folks, you can secure either of these items via special order! Email us at contact@thetokusource.com or reach out on social media to place your order.
What are you most looking forward to? Would you love to see more Metal Heroes toy representation? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more detailed looks at SMP products and more, here at The Toku Source!
