Finally! An affordable alternative for Jin Roh addicts…
It’s been quite awhile now since I first saw the animated film, Jin Roh: Wolf Brigade. Released in 1999, it was a second installment in the 3-part saga – the first two being live-action movies. Aside from the convoluted storyline, what really caught my attention was the armor design of the Protect Gear. Based on Mamoru Oshii’s manga of his 3-part Kerberos saga, the Protect Gear refers to the distinct armor worn by the Wolf Brigade / Panzer Cops in a 1950′s setting of Japan. The design, by Yutaka Izubuchi, borrows a lot from German World War II helmets, as well as the gas masks, the Mauser side-arm, etc. There are also mecha influences, too, as per Izubuchi’s style. Oshii also worked on Ghost in the Shell, directing it’s animated movie incarnation, so everything’s pretty reliant on the stunning visuals.
Anyway, with the number of 12-inch “dolls” out there featuring the Panzer Cops wearing their Protect Gear, I’ve always been confused as to which one to get – there’s versions from Medicom, Takara, and Dragon. But being tight on a budget, I’m really glad that Kaiyodo released a Revoltech version – a toy line I’ve been following for a while now.
Packaging
Typical of the Revoltech series, the box hard-sells the entire action figure on the front, shielded by the clamshell, with all weapons in separate ares of the tray. Other accessories are packed in small plastic bags behind the figure in the box – they’re not highlighted until after you open the box – which will add to the surprise and excitement when you get to them. Neerd!
The back of the box is also quite fun to look at, as it shows photos of your Panzer Cop in different poses, acting as guides for when you’re tinkering with your little soldier. Giggles.
Sculpt
This little guy, at a standard Revoltech 5-inches, fits in the Humanoid category of the series (others are Super Robot, Real Robot). Details abound, loyal to the Protect Gear armor in the movies. Quite impressive is the helmet, housing the red spectacled gas mask.
The bric-a-brac (small details) on the mask and neck area are accurate, with cloth wrinkles and such. The shoulder pads on the right and left look sleek, covering the rubber hoses running across each arm. The chest plate is studded with impressive details as well, like a digital calculator on the left chest, which would make Darth Vader proud.
The armor parts are made of black shiny plastic, with the cloth parts running underneath, properly emphasized with a different shade of plastic/rubber gray. The belt area houses several pouches, including a holster for a non-removable gun. The pants balloon a bit, like an army officer’s pants should during some by-gone era. The knee and shin pads look sleek, down to the boots.
Wait…the boots do look a tad small. But then again, amidst the armor and clothing, it may still be proportional. So, nothing wrong there…
Articulation
The Panzercop can pose in any way he wants to, what with the 37 points of articulation given him. Revoltech “Revolver” technology allows big freedom of movement, and there’s no disappointment to be expected here. Though the leg joints aren’t given the full treatment especially underneath the ‘skirt’, it still works to suit its function.
Paint
Blacks and grays dominate the Protect Gear – the armor and metal getting the semi-glossy black, the cloth parts the matte gray. The red spectacles also have semi-gloss, and will stand-out when light hits them (as seen on the pic above, when the camera flash shone on them). Weapons are painted well also, with shiny gray for metal parts and a dash of brown for wood finish where appropriate.
Accessories
This guy’s got a full arsenal for your disposal!
- 1 FG42 automatic rifle
- 1 MG34 machine gun
- 1 ammo belt
- 2 Mauser C96 pistols – one can be equipped, one is chopped in half and can be clipped halfway inside his arm-shield
- 6 pairs of hands – 2 fists, the rest can hold guns
- 1 antenna for the backpack – it’s just one thin stick so be very careful not to lose this
- Revoltech standard display base – ‘V’ base with short stand
Just be a bit careful when replacing the hands – the pegs are small and the holes are located on the hands themselves, so you’ll be focusing effort in pushing the hands towards the arms. This will prove to be a problem when all you have to grip on are the fingers sticking out.
Overall, damn, I’m so happy with this purchase – I got mine through a Hong Kong seller for about US$24 including shipping. Had to wait several weeks though because of some HK post mix-ups with the seller. No regrets whatsoever when I finally received the package. Wait was well worth it, especially since I’m a nut for the Protect Gear. It’s a quick fix compared to having to shell out about US$200 for a 1/6 doll. I’d get one of those sometime in the future but for now, having a Panzer Cop on my office desk which I can also bring home anytime is the best solution.
If you like Revoltech action figures, don’t pass up on this one. If you’re a fan of the Kerberos saga, or heck even if you just dig the cool armor design of the Protect Gear, you’d be the one to lose out if you miss this.
Me, I’m getting another pair of these so I can build my miniature Wolf Brigade ; )
More pics for your delight…
