The only part I would argue is that the older collector market in Japan, especially for anything mech-related, is much, MUCH greater than the United States. That could be because Japan is also much smaller than the United States population wise. Not saying that Super Sentai isn't geared towards children, but the ability to appeal to a wider demographic, as well as knowing your export market is HUGE, will make a difference.

If I'm Bandai of Japan and I know that I will sell plenty of my DX Mechs to Japan consumers, and I will make an even bigger killing by exporting it to US online retailers, I am going to make something that will appeal to the most people to get the most money - ie the demographic of 15 to 35. That's why so many of the "small action figures" that Bandai of Japan makes for those small kids end up going for clearance at BBTS for like $4. No one in Japan wants them, no one in the US wants them.

On top of that, different safety laws and regulations as well. There's so many different pieces that fit in to this puzzle that it's a little rough around the edges. Just know at the end of the day Bandai of America is aiming strictly for the 4-11 age demographic with the mainline stuff, while giving us a nod here and there, while Bandai of Japan can automatically aim for 15-35 and have absolutely no worries about shelf-warming product unless it sucks.

Well...damn. More money out of my pocket. Bandai, you magnificent bastards. I want these so bad.

When you look at the Megazord closely, there is quite a lot of molded detail that is unpainted. Good for a customizer.

Really, the only thing I dislike about modern BoA Megazords is the build and plastic quality. If they used better plastic and stronger joints, they'd be more appealing.

I think in addition to that, the American consumer is generally less willing to spend. You'll notice the Bandai of Japan toys are often 2 to 3 times more expensive than their American counterparts, and at that price difference, there will definitely be a lot more toy.

Unless you can convince parents that $70 Megazords (like the import ShinkenOh) are better options for their kids than $30-40 BoA Megazords, Bandai of America will continue producing the cheaper stuff as the mainline.

I do hope, however, they continue importing the BoJ ones, even at limited quantities.

Im right behind you. :)

Im so psyched about the sword now!
Xmas is going to be showy!

I think the reason Japan has the better quality is that Sentai is a lot more popular and well known over there.Here a lot of people know about Power Rangers,but not about the latest series.Ask anyone in Japapn,child or adult,and they could probably give you the past 5-7 sentai series.

You know for what it is, this looks great. My only two issues with it are this. Size and the Gaolion/shinkenger mode looks silly. Will you still be able to make Legendary Megazord ride on gaolion?

WOW! That figure is soooo much smaller than Gokaigoh. And it looks like I'm going to have to get some Zord builder figures.

Don't forget about competition. There are a LOT more shows fighting for kid's toy sales over there than there are here. We only have a handful of series while there are dozens in Japan.

True,which is why I'm glad we get what we get.I know there is going to be a lot of disappointment when our version of GoZyuJin comes out,but as long as they come out with a version of Machalcon and it can combine and form Kanzen GokaiOh,I'll be ok with it.I have a big fear though that Kanzen GokaiOh is going to be one of those already built mecha that's remote controlled.Man I hate those.

To explain it further on finding the toys...

There are 4 different toy assortments on the pallet display in the center of the aisles: Legendary Morpher (Deluxe Morpher), Legendary Megazord (Deluxe Megazord), Red/Blue/Green 6.5" Double Action Figures (6.5" Feature Figures) and Deluxe Super Mega Saber (Deluxe Battle Gear).

The pallet can be tracked by calling your local TRU with the item number 043789. You can ask them to see if it is in stock, and see if any other stores have it or are scheduled to get it on the next truck. If they have it, this doesn't mean it is on the floor. It may be in the back being prepared to be brought out when they get a chance, like available space or time.

The 4 toys on the pallet have their own TRU item numbers:

Legendary Morpher (Deluxe Morpher): 043593
Legendary Megazord (Deluxe Megazord): 043658
Red/Blue/Green 6.5" Double Action Figures (6.5" Feature Figures): 043700
Deluxe Super Mega Saber (Deluxe Battle Gear): 043755

The problem with using the above item numbers at this point to locate it that I have been told from TRU is that the system is not properly separating the pallet's contents into the individual item listings and filling up those listings with the proper inventory amounts. Because of this, the pallet stays in the inventory, and when someone buys one of these toys, the individual listing's inventory goes into the negatives.

This negatives side effect can work to your advantage in locating the pallet. If you call and any store shows a negative inventory for any of those 4 individual toys, that means the pallet is on the floor and people are purchasing items from it.

So....good luck and Super Mega Godspeed.