[Den-O]

TokuNation returns tot he Showa era with a new gallery from Kamen Rider ZO!

Originally created from the Neo Organism that Professor Motchizuki unleashed on the world, Doras came to exist in the Kamen Rider ZO movie. Yet another film created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kamen Rider franchise, as well as a new beginning of sorts. With the critical failure of it's predecessor, Shin Kamen Rider, ZO became the new de facto modern rider for a brief time. Though Shin, ZO, & later Kamen Rider J comprise a special trio of movies and riders that later came to be associated with the Showa era, they were entirely produced in the early Heisei era. ZO was meant to be the new modern day Rider 1 while J who purposefully shared a similar design, was meant to thematically be his Rider 2.

However Doras technically predates both of these heroes. Although ZO is referred to by the Professor as Cyborg #1 the Neo Organism he's been incubating is the first in a new breed of cybernetic Organism. When it matured it created Doras as it's avatar in the world. In effect Doras is more of a tool than character, and in fact is very pseudo-rider like. Though he doesn't transform he shares many design cues as riders and almost appears to be an even more monstrous version of Kamen Rider Shin. The character would appear many years later in the 2010 Decade/W movie wars first in it's initial form and then later in a more dangerous & evolved state.

Packaging
It's been some time since I ran across some Tamashii Web Exclusive packaging that wowed me, but finally the good stuff is back! Though I still don't have much to say, I absolutely love the line art created for releases like this. This box, much like the figure, is very reminiscent of Kamen Rider Shin from a design perspective. With an almost wire-frame version of the character on the front and spine and a good selection of stock photos on the back, what more could you ask for? Well a special clam shell within the plastic tray designed specifically to protect Doras' wonderful antennae!

Main Figure
I've really only ever said this once before about a figuart, but I'm prepared to say it again. This figures is absolutely monstrous and gorgeous. S.H. Figuarts Doras is a prime example of how wonderful sculpting and paint can transform what would otherwise be a limited run toy of a rather obscure character, into a masterpiece. Kamen Rider Shin was the same way, though he was solely organic unlike Doras who features numerous technological details on his body. The primary thing you'll notice is that Doras is almost entirely asymmetrical. Head to to toe, if you cut him down the middle the 2 halves would be very different. It brings to life the interesting premise that Doras' body was originally crafted from junkyard scrap metal. A true cyborg fusion of details.

The belt area and chest features some of the most detailed sculpting. Though it must be pointed out despite how good he looks, that Doras is not entirely accurate to the suit used in the film. While A very good representation of Doras, the Figuart can't quite capture the changing details of the actual suit. Several versions of it were used through out the film with varying degrees of weathering and detailing that are hard to replicate in figure form. Though I believe this figure has done and admirable job of doing so and is likely the most accurate representation of Doras ever.

The head itself is a marvel of detailing and paint wash, I only wish the mandibles could open, or that there were an alternate head included to simulate it. The truly terrifying moments with this character are when he's trying to consume Kamen Rider ZO. You should also be aware that Doras' gigantic antennae are very fragile, as are the various spikes on his appendages. The instructions go out of their way to warn you to be careful with these areas. Regardless the figure is incredibly solid, with some of the most sturdy flat feet I've ever seen. Great balance all around. Though sadly the hips leave much to be desired. The spiked hip armor impacts the waist keeping the legs rather restrained, its a design flaw for the toy but the look of the legs at least is accurate. This issue aside everything else is wonderfully articulated. shoulders, double neck joints, great ab crunch and floating upper torso. If the legs were just a bit better we'd be in serious business.

Overall though S.H. Figuarts Doras is a beautiful figure with some seriously nice details. He'll fit right into anyone's collection. It makes me very very hopeful that one day we'll see the Decade version of the character brought to life as well, or perhaps some of the S.I.C. Hero Saga versions of the Doras done up in S.H. Figuarts. Time will tell!

Accessories
Like many Web Exclusives Doras is rather lacking in the accessories department. It includes:

1 - alternate extended tail. This piece can be used by unplugging the small tail stump from his back. They're both on ball joints so the swap is quite easy. I am disappointed though that the tail doesn't have at least one pivoting joint for some kind of posing. You have to rely entirely on the ball joint at the base to get movement out of it.

2 - sets of hands. Sadly these are 2 very same-y sets of hands. Splayed open ones and then splayed even more open ones. They're just repetitious. One set over the other in favor of another accessory of some sort would have been better.

Usually I don't have a ton of suggestions for accessories that should be included with something. But here there's plenty of room for improvement. Doras is lite on the goodies but wow there are tons of options for things they could have included. A replica of his small orb like form, or of the later liquid metal form he assumes for rapid travel. An alternate torso with his chest open to simulate how he tries to kill ZO initially. A replaceable right arm and left leg with mechanical bits. The aforementioned alternate head with open mandibles. I mean come on those are obvious based on his regenerative abilities. It really saddens me that none of things were included. It would have enriched an already mighty figure.

Final Thoughts
If you're a die hard fan of Kamen Rider ZO, or just wonderful designed Kaijin in general, then this is the figure for you. I personally love that movie, it's one of my favorite rider films period, old or new. And Doras is an incredible kaijin design that rivals what you see even today. A monstrous foe for one of the best rider figuarts in recent memory. S.H. Figuarts Doras is the perfect companion piece to your Kamen Rider ZO and will fit perfectly in your Showa Rider display.