[Den-O]

Go!

TokuNation has at long last made it's way back to the first Sentai. Well, the show that retroactively is known as the first. Himitsu Sentai Goranger! Though it was nearly 20 years after it's debut that this series gained it's sentai status it's unquestionable that the series began a long tradition of colorful spandex heroes helping some big eyed bug men save Japan.

Tamashii Nations has at long last delved into the depths of Toei's sentai library to release a figure from this original series. S.H. Figuarts Akaranger! Note that the name on the box is spelled Akarenger, the official romanization of his name. Generally his name in English is accepted to be Akaranger and Toei's subsequent use of the actual word "Ranger" in many series and hero names would imply that should be the correct term in this instance. Likely it's spelled "renger" here to line up with how the name sounds when spoken. But onto the figure!

*Post #2 contains additional images

Packaging
In an era of S.H. Figuarts when many figures are released as part of larger overall lines it's nice to get more of a one off release now and then like Akaranger. Seeing as he may be the only member of Goranger released for some time, his unique packaging art is a nice refresher. A nice shot of Akaranger himself on the front and one of his iconic yellow stripes wrapping around the box set it apart. Though there isn't much else here we don't normally see like the stock photos on the back.

Main Figure
S.H. Figuarts Akaranger is a great figure but there are a few things you should know about it. There is an elephant in the room when it comes to him. Well it is him. Akaranger is a huge figure. Oddly this figure is designed around a new type of larger body that's closer to an Ultra-Act in size than a Figuart. It's kind of odd, jarring, and especially noticeable when you put him up against a Kamen Rider like Ichigo. It's crazy how much taller he is. nd he's rather built, pretty big arms and legs. He also towers over most Sentai figuarts though not as noticeably. He stands out, but looks good in large groups.

Size issues aside the figure is wonderfully detailed. Featuring more of Bandai's sculpted in fabric details, this guy looks very much like the real suit he's based on. The paint apps appear to be nice and crisp as well making Akaranger look great in all the right places. His belt is sculpted wonderfully and fully properly painted. And the sculpted in version of his gun holster is quite nice. The helmet itself though is where the best detail is. Right down to the eye holes which were present on the real thing so the suit actor could see, this thing is a perfect replica of the real deal.

My one real complaint is that straight out of the box you need to use an accessory. His cape. I know Figuarts aren't known for using cloth with figures but this probably would have been a great time to make an exception. Unlike certain other figures where the capes have been hinged or included dynamic parts to change out with, Akaranger's cape is exactly what you see here. A static hunk of plastic that all but disallows the use of Tamashii Stages. It's one big rigid chunk that gets in the way of just about everything. As you can see from the images below it's hard to work around that thing. If only this figure could have incorporated the complexity used for something like Kamen Rider Knight.

Accessories
Now despite Akaranger's shortcomings he does include quite a number of accessories:

4 &1/2 - sets of additional hands for various poses and gestures. Several to hold the other included accessories.

2 - versions of the Red Bute rope weapon. Again, this is where cloth would have done this figure justice. Even though Bandai easily included a proper Rope Arm for Figuarts Riderman, Akaranger's signature ROPE weapon is a hard piece of inflexible plastic. The first version is suppoed to be the Bute rolled up before use, the sculpt on it is weak and pretty unconvincing. The second is the rope in it's Spear Bute form, which as the toy represents properly is a rigid staff weapon.

1 - alternate empty pistol holster. To be swapped for the standard one when he's holding his included pistol

1 - Silver Shot pistol. A weapon literally almost never even seen in Akaranger's hand, yet included here in two forms (sculpted into holster, and individual accessory). Yet no real rope?

1 - new belt with the Birdie flight equipment attached. This was the extra that really sold me on this figure. A great bonus to be included. Though sadly because of the afformentioned cape issues it's a bit hard to get good flying shots of this guy.

1 - Goranger Storm Ball. Though not the standard generic ball seen that usually starts this technique. This version of the ball is actually a fully powered version ready to kick at the monster of the week after the passes to the other 4 Gorangers are completed. A bit of an odd choice, but certainly more interesting than a standard ball.

Final Thoughts
S.H. Figuarts Akaranger is an odd figure for me. He's a bit too tall for my taste, and too bulky as well. But it's one of my favorite Showa costumes and is a truly iconic design. My nostalgia almost gives this guy a free pass, and despite his shortcomings he's still a solid figure. The wealth of accessories included and just the fact that the original red is in toy form make this a must own for me. And damn it all he looks good on my shelf.