Confession time: Even in the midst of the big Power Rangers boon back in the mid-90s, I did not own a single figure that could be described as “Mighty” or “Morphin”. Mostly because I was at that age where it was considered uncool to still be playing with action figures, and that the acceptance of my peers was way more important to me than what I actually liked. Looking back, I was kind of a dumb kid in some ways. Now I’m just a dumb adult in MANY ways. Also they were kinda big, and I was never a fan of oversized action figures.
Skip ahead 20 years (ugh, I am old) and we find ourselves celebrating the 20 Anniversary of the Power Rangers American debut. What does that mean for the show? I dunno, I think I stopped watching it after the first season. For the toys it means Bandai has released a line of S.H. Figuarts based on the popular live-action show. The line started off with both the White and Green Ranger, as well as the Red Ranger, but what got me to drop $45 on one was the Armored Red Ranger variant, which as you can see comes with the golden armored chest piece, armbands and a Dragon Dagger and holster for said blade.
It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten my hands on a SH Figuarts, and I’m really pleased with the final product. While the knee, wrist and elbow joints look at little odd at times (well at all times with the knees), the figure seems a little more durable than it’s competition. The sculpt is extremely faithful to the show, and the paint job is great, as the armored pieces are nice and shiny, where as the parts that are supposed to be fabric are “flatter” for lack of a better word. My only issue that the diamonds on the boots on my A.R.R. were not fully filled in with paint, so they look at a little off. I’m also glad Bandai didn’t skimp on the sculpting for the chest and belt, because they look great up close, and it’s impossible for me to hate on any figure that hans a tiny T-Rex slapped on it’s belt.
In terms of accessories, The Armored Red Ranger does not disappoint. You get 4 pairs of variant hands which can be swapped out to hold one of the 3 weapons packaged with the figure. Said weapons consist of a Power Sword, Ranger Stick, and Dragon Dagger, all of which sound like something you’d find in a Sex Shop (Please tell me I’m not the only one who thought that). Much like the figure itself, these weapons are all well sculpted and painted, the sword especially rocking some sick detailing, by which I mean another tiny T-Rex. The weapons fit nice and snug into the Ranger’s hands, although I had some issues fitting the Stick into the white holster and….yo that still looks in an innuendo. #ladies
It’s nice when a figure you were excited for delivers. If you’re a fan of the show, or hell just want a cool piece of nostalgia in Figuarts form like I did, this is the figure for you. It looks great, it’s plenty poseable and the selection of accessories packaged with it is kinda swell too. I just wish it came with some sort of stand like past Figuarts, instead of it being a separate purchase. But still for $45, you’re getting your money’s worth. We have both the Armored and non-armor versions in stock, as well as previously mentioned Green and White Rangers, so if you want ’em, we got ’em!
