[Paladin]

“Kamen Rider Kabuto” could be considered the most “textbook” Rider Series, incorporating all the classic elements from the franchise: insect-based heroes, constant motorcycle combat, a consistently-looming enemy threat and impressive character arcs throughout the series. This return to form after several years of radical alternate approaches was a big hit with fans and sellers.

These are my thoughts on the primary toyline from the series- "Cast Off Rider," abbreviated COR.



This Kabuto figure is a bulky, armored fighter- well insulated to guard against the enemy Worms' onslaught. I was afraid the armored parts (particularly around the arms) would hamper Kabuto's articulation but there actually IS an elbow joint built right into the armor to grant Kabuto a greater level of posability than expected.

Furthermore the armor is light enough to not interfere with Kabuto's balance while posing. I am certainly impressed with the design teams' forethought in this case.

What else is there to this figure?

Well, two words:

CAST OFF!

By pressing the button in the Kabuto Zector Belt, the heavy armor restraints are launched off (and I do mean “Launched;” the armor is loaded on relatively powerful springs that I'm confident would indeed knock back any Worms if they had been prowling on my desk).



The resulting new form is the design most people think of when the name “Kamen Rider Kabuto” comes up, red chest-armor with the signature beetle-horn helmet. Its much more visually impressive than the initial armored statge.

This form also allows Kabuto to access the signature combat power of the Masked Rider System: the ability to “Clock UP” and fight the alien Worms on a hyper-accelerated “Matrix-esque” scale. For better or worse, the action figure series cannot replicate this effect.

And unfortunately because of the launching points required for the armor system Kabuto does lose articulation in some areas- specifically the upper arms and shoulders. This is disappointing but Kabuto is still articulate enough to be enjoyable, and the uniqueness of the Cast Off system somewhat compensates for the lack of movement.

COR Kabuto comes with his signature weapons, the Kunai Gun- a laser pistol that also functions as an axe and contains a small dagger in the axe-handle for Clock-Up combat. All the necessary tools for Worm-hunting!




For reference this figure is slightly larger than a standard SH Figuart release in both height and bulk; meaning scale between other Riders isn't exact but I'd say its close enough to work.


My verdict on this Cast Off Rider? I'd say worth it; the Kabuto design is one of the best modern Kamen Riders to date and the Masked armor gimmick certainly sets it apart from others. If nothing else the enjoyment I get from this figure proves that SH Figuarts isn't always the only option for Kamen Rider collectors.