[Den-O]

Some of the staff got together to share what their top picks for Toku Toy of the year were. But we wanted to know, what were yours? Share here!

Staff Picks

Den-O-

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1. S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive Type Speed- Just absolutely one of the most brilliant Figuarts I've ever handled. Eveyr positive thing I had to say about Gaim Orange Arms turned up to 11. It's just a perfect representation of the character in figure form with all the swagger and style of the real suit.

2. S.H. Figuarts Vul Shark & Panther 2-pack- a brief addition to the Sentai subline of S.H. Figuarts and the only one for the entirety of 2015. It makes my list because Vul Eagle was already one of my favorite toys for 2015 and these 2 figures reuse that magnificent body again and still have the same kind of exquisite detailing and personality.

3. S.H. Figuarts Tridoron - The behemoth companion to my #1 pick. I just love super premium releases like this. Tridoron is unlike anything else in the line. Drop dead gorgeous, functional, loaded with accessories & display options, it's the most all inclusive package you could ever hope for. I love everything about it.

Extremely honorable mentions -
S.H. Figuarts Doras
S.H. Figuarts Drive Type Formula
S.H. Figuarts Proto-Drive
Super Sentai Artisan Shinobimaru
DX Shurikenjin

Kickback-

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1) S.H. Figuarts Tridoron

Rarely would you ever see a Kamen Rider's vehicle show up in anyone's Top 3/5/10 whatever lists, but Tridoron is a different story. Complete with diecast metal, working LED lights, and incredible detail throughout, it perfectly captures and recreates the Tridoron from the actual show. The only real thing that it's missing is seat belts. It works as the show's premiere item release, leaving collector's everywhere scrambling to afford it or kicking themselves for missing it when it was available.

2) Legacy Saba

Kudos to Bandai America for successfully creating a working replica of one of the most iconic weapons from the Power Rangers franchise. With working sound effects, the original voice actor (Tony Oliver) reprising his role with new lines for Saba, as well as the animatronics to make the mouth of Saba move, the Legacy Saba is an item that no Power Rangers fan should go without. In a world dominated by "Masterpiece Transformers", you HAVE to tip your cap to Bandai America for creating a line that focuses on show accuracy down to the smallest detail.

3) Legacy Blade Blaster

A late release in the year, the Legacy Blade Blaster is a fun roleplay weapon that makes my Top 3 list. There's nothing ground-breaking about this item except that it's nearly identical to the actual show, except for the fact it may be a little thin. You can easily turn the weapon from blade to blaster and back again in mere seconds, just as in the show, and the added electronic effect where depending on how fast you push the "fire" button will result in the explosions from the laser effects happening at the same rate is pretty impressive. The Legacy Blade Blaster is currently at $80 and while you may be tempted to rush out to get one now, if you can wait for it to be closer to $50 you will feel much better about your purchase. Kind of like how the Legacy Megazord is worth a good $50 and not $80, the Legacy Blade Blaster feels the same way.

Honorable Mentions - S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Mashin Chaser, S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Drive, S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Ryugen Yomi Arms.

KamenRiderOOO-

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SHF: ProtoDrive. Gorgeous repaint/remold, and a stunning exclusive. Perfect replication of the suit.

Roleplay: GanGun Saber. Don't own it, but the multiple modes make it awesome.

US Toy: Blade Blaster. It is my first legacy toy and it doesn't disappoint

Shin Densetsu-

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Legacy Tigerzord

This is not s perfect release but is a great example of the potential the Legacy line has. While it isn't as big as the original, it has none of the negative qualities the original had. Hated stickers that peeled over time and having to keep track of the red orbs? Neither issue is present here. The more slender silhouette and refined sculpt result in a more show accurate figure. The heft adds a good feel to the toy. I love how everything is painted on. In comparison it looks like a collectible whereas the original definitely looks more like a toy. This isn't to say the Legacy release is completely superior(it isn't IMO), but it's got beneficial improvements.

I think all the Legacy items are overpriced. However I do think the line features zord toys the way we wanted them to be as kids; not necessarily all they can be presently. Nonetheless, the Tigerzord is one of the best in the Legacy line so far.

ZeoRangerV-

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Okay here's my top 3:

1) SIC Kikaider - Kikaider is the series that Kickstarted the SIC line and this is a brilliant update that captures perfectly why the character is so suited to the line. Beautifully detailed, nicely articulated and some really well thought-out effect parts included. Definitely my favourite toku figure of the year.

2) S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Mach - All of the Drive figures are utterly fantastic but Mach wins because he's the only one that doesn't heavily rely on extra sets. Perfect sculpt, really nicely done figure.

3) 66action Kamen Rider Ryuki & Kamen Rider Accel - It's no secret that I absolutely adore this line, but for cheap candy toys these two were really something else. Not only are they fully articulated chibi figures, but Accel is fully transformable and Ryuki comes with a fully functional Dragredder. How cool is that?

We hope everyone had a fantastic 2015 and we're all looking forward to the amazing releases on the way for 2016!