[DreamSword]

Been watching reviews of the latest LC figures to get released, and I gotta say, the Ryu Ranger actually introduces a new bit of articulation that I really appreciate. The line is finally doing something that the GI Joe line has been doing for years: Having a ball joint at the base of the neck which offers better movement. When it comes to head-to-neck connection though, sadly, Hasbro still hasn't actually implemented double-ball pegs properly. So while the neck articulation is better, it's still not optimal.

They also started implementing drop-down hips like the GI Joe line has, but given that they often lead to the hips being loose and with not much in the way of extra range, I really wish that they hadn't. They could offer some great high kick potential if done properly, but standard ball pegs hips can offer all the range you'd ever really need if the proper pivot points are chosen and with much less of a chance of the hips being loose.

Looking at the Alien Ranger promo pics more closely, it seems as though White is using this new articulation setup(you can see a very small gap at the base of her neck), while the rest of the team is reusing old parts, as evidenced by White being pinless but the rest of the team still having pins in their joints.

I'd be totally down for other Rangers getting put under the "deluxe" line like Blue Centurian if it meant more hand accessories and paint apps.