April 25, 2002 CURRENT RUMBLE couple of months ago, I was thumbing through a Dengeki Hobby for my latest fix on my Gokin addition, I ran across a very bitch'n prototype of a Popynika Machine Dolphin from the upcoming OVA release of the Cyborg 009 animation. After studying the 2 inch by 3inch resin mock in Dengeki Hobby, I knew I have to have it (just retails at ¥3500)! Around the same time, I stumble into a very cool local toy dealer Sean from MechaHawaii at our local collectable show. I mentioned that I was looking for this obscure ship and if he was able to find one through his distributors... ...a month later, Sean emails me and my nifty ship has arrived! I was in SHOCK! At first glance, the packaging other then the inner packing, the sleek coated card stock seems too close to be a soul of GX-XX style box and art. As for the toy, it's just too cool! Panel lines, hidden panels, folding wings, detail display base, and two additional mini vehicles (Tordo and Porpoise) that docks into the main ship. The only spring operating gimmick I noticed was the transformation feature of the Dolphin from a submarine mode to the jet mode. The landing gears are well hidden under the haul of the ship and is very easy to deploy. The mini vehicles, Tordo (looks like a Mazinger Hover Pilder) and the Porpoise is only about an inch. While the Tordo which docks within the nose cone area of the Dolphin, has a set of retractable wings with circular fan "Vornado" like fans which can expand to form it to the jet mode. The Porpoise which docks in the under belly of the Dolphin can be unfolded into a little ATV like tank. Other than the soft Gashapon PVC like material used for the rear fins and other parts of the ship (i think it was for safety reasons), it's a very cool toy! Bandai has my thumbs up on this killer addition to the Popynika line, hope they will keep up with this quality and engineering for future gokin toys.  RUMBLE INDEX  |  CURRENT RUMBLE