Gear Fighter Dendoh Amakuni Kijin Dendoh

 

It has been more than 10 years since Gear Fighter Dendoh received any major merchandise, and Amakuni has finally broken that long hiatus with one of the most deluxe and expensive renditions of the series. Similar to their Gaogaigar lineup, Amakuni’s Kijin Gear Fighter Dendoh, made in collaboration with Flame Toys, is clearly aimed at high-end collectors. Scheduled for release in October 2026, it will retail for 42,000 yen.

For over 40k Yen die-cast action figure, this version of Dendoh comes with many of the gimmicks fans would expect from the mecha. As seen in previous Flame Toys collaborations, the design features a slimmer waist and a more stylized proportion overall. Despite these extensive gimmicks, this rendition does not include any of the Data Weapons, which feels like a notable omission for a premium release. It does come with Dendoh’s sword. Personally, I would have preferred a slightly less luxurious version that includes all 12 Data Weapons instead at this price point.

Up until now, I haven’t watched Gear Fighter Dendoh in full, but I’ve had some exposure through the PlayStation game and Super Robot Wars MX. The PSX game is quite fun and worth trying, although Super Robot Wars MX provides a more complete story experience for those interested in the series.

SRW OG Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Weissritter

It has been quite some time since Flame Toys released their version of Alteisen, and now they are finally unveiling their take on Weissritter. As expected, the iconic protagonist mecha of Super Robot Wars OG wouldn’t feel complete without its partner unit. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Flame Toys’ Weissritter will carry a hefty price tag of 45,000 yen.

As usual, Flame Toys products are positioned firmly in the premium range, which naturally limits their target audience. Pound for pound, the value still doesn’t quite surpass comparable releases from CCS Toys. While Flame Toys’ Alteisen at least included the Shishio Blade as an extra weapon to help justify its high price, Weissritter appears to come with little more than a carbine handgun, which feels rather underwhelming given the cost.

At this point, I’m hoping CCS Toys will eventually return to the SRW OG lineup. With 20 years has passed since OGs release,we could also use some port series for OGs.

Transformers Flame Toys Kuro Karakuri Ultramagnus

 Flametoys Transformers Diecast Products are always a sight to behold! While they are very expensive and non transformable most of the time, this particular manufacturer always managed to elevate the mecha designs of Transfomers into even more heroic. In fact, the first product that made me paid attention to Flametoys was their take on Transformers Drift. Long story short after plenty of Transformers have joined Flametoys Portfolio, it is the turn for Optimus second in command, Ultramagnus which obviously got awesome makeover in Kuro Karakuri lineup. Scheduled for July 2025 release, Kuro Karakuri Ultramagnus will be sold for 56000 Yen.

Being one of the bulkier Autobots, Ultramagnus become a heavy fire support specialist in Flametoys take on him. With his giant cannons on his arm and shoulder, Flame toys Ultramagnus will provide tons of Dakka support from the rear while helping optimus to give command to the Autobots at the same time in the heat of battle. I definitely won't be getting this one since I prefer the one with cast off Gimmick with smaller White Optimus unit, but this one certainly an excellent display piece for devout Transformers fans with disposable budget for these.
 

Pacific Rim Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Gipsy Danger

 The Mecha vs Kaiju movie series Pacific Rim is getting love again! This time we are getting another Diecast Toy from Flame Toys albeit more liberal take of the Original design. The Posterboy Gipsy Danger is getting another one after the last Soul of Chogokin and this rendition comes with Weapon parts from other fellow Jaegers in the first movie ranging from Striker Eureka Chest Missile to Coyote Tango Gigantic Cannons. This Kuro Karakuri version of Gipsy Danger will be sold for 370 USD with October 2024 schedule release.

 Standing 21 Cm tall, I knew this diecast product for Gipsy Danger will be pricey when Flametoys is going to be the manufacturer but the biggest problem lies somewhere else. The Inherited weapon parts from other Jaegers are cool but the biggest offender of this particular product lies in Gipsy Danger's proportion which has no necessity to be altered at all. For some reason the Designer thhink that making Gipsy Danger's Torso Proportion even slimmer would be cool of all things but it is a mistake in my opinion. Unfortunately Pacific Rim is not a shonen Mecha series but a gritty Giant Robot vs Giant Monster all out brawl that is porrayed to be as grounded as possible. With that lanky body, Gipsy Danger will only get thrown around like Ragdoll by Kaijus and those new fancy weapons will not help at all. In any case I will stick around with Infinity Studio as their's still seem to be the best option available at the moment.

SRW OG Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Alteisen

  A Surprise Toy for SRW OG but this one is too expensive... . A few days ago there are some teasers about Flame Toys making Alteisen Diecast Toy which soon revealed in Winter Wonderfest last weekend along with Weissritter Prototype. This version of Alteisen will be released in September 2023 with whopping 43780 Yen Price tag. For the price of 8 Pcs of Kotobukiya 1/100 Alteisen, you will get a 1/100 Diecast Alteisen that comes with Shishiou Blade and Autocannon Bandolier as accessories.

 The first time I knew Flame Toys is from its product for Transformers Drift which caught my attention with its very cool and heroic design. I don't know if hefty Price Tag is due to licensing cut but my thought of double dipping this version of Alteisen is instantly gone when I see it cost over 40k Yen. In the end i will stick with my Kotobukiya 1/100 Alteisen as I don't think the product will give much higher satisfaction compared to the former. I would imagine Flame Toys Weissritter will cost the same but I might still get one if it is able to be sold below 30k Yen. In the end due to the expensive price tag, I will skip this good looking version of Alteisen and wait for CCS Cybuster which hopefully more affordable.