Go Nagai's iconic mecha was given a slick update while retaining its classic look in Getter Robo Armageddon. Bandai released the original Getter trio way back in the ancient time known as 2001. In modern times, they took all their years of toy design and manufacture and released this amazing diecast robot in 2010. Loaded with detail, poseability, and some fun little extra bits, it's a dynamite release. Hit the jump to learn more!
The Getter Robo is the end result of Professor Saotome's Getter ray research. He created three jets that could combine into three distinct giant robots depending on what order they combined. Originally designed by Saotome for exploring space, the Getter Robo would end up being put to use defending humanity against the forces of the Dinosaur Empire. The original Getter Robo was destroyed in the final battle against Emperor Gole and replaced with the Getter Robo G.
Fast forward a few years and things happened to the Getter team. Saotome had recruited Ryoma Nagare, Hayato Jin, and Musashi Tomoe. Benkei Kuruma was also recruited to pilot after the death of Musashi. Assisting the Getter team in their battles was Saotome's daughter, Michiru and his young son Genki. In the build up to Getter Robo Armageddon, drastic events fracture the team. Alien invaders who are monstrous and parasitic attack the earth and Michiru is an early casualty. Her death would be the beginning of the end for the Getter team. Professor Saotome would blame Ryoma and Hayato for her death, and events culminated with his death and Ryoma's incarceration for murder.
By the time Getter Robo Armageddon starts, everything has really gone to hell. Saotome has returned hell bent on revenge with an army of mass produced Getter Robo G units. With no other hope, the government releases Ryoma from jail and puts him into a rebuilt Getter Robo to finish the job. Saotome throws an army at Ryoma in the Getter 1, but he proves to be more than a match for mass produced automatons.
Enough with the history lesson. Let's talk toy! The Getter 1 is plain and simple one of the best toys I've ever bought. The fit and finish are flawless. For it's size, it has surprising heft, only the arm blades, head, hands, and the upper cowling are plastic. Everything else is delicious diecast. It comes with a stand that accomodates all the accessories that come with the Getter 1. You get your standard variant hands, 2 Getter tomahawks, 2 big machine guns, and one Getter Beam attachment.
The cape goes into a slot underneath the cowling in the back. The cape is made of a flexible plastic and has a molded shape and is detailed to look raggedy at the bottom. I kind of wish it was a little more dynamic like the Revoltech releases or even made of cloth, but I realize it'd be a mess on the stand and throw off the balance.
Close-up on the head of the Getter 1. Details are sharp and they did a great job making the plastic bits look like the metal bits.
The guns are huge and the stock of both pull out about a centimeter. They are all plastic and require a special gun holding set of hands. I do wonder why there are scopes on the guns, it just doesn't make sense to have a scope on a gun used by a giant robot, piloted by a guy in a cockpit with all sorts of targeting computers at his disposal. Maybe I think about this too much.
To help accomodate more drastic poses, the Getter 1 has pop out joints in both ankles that give a little more clearance. The underside by the crotch also pops down to give more room to move the legs at the hips. Also, the arms move out enough to pose them around the cowling on the upper chest.
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The knee joint features a collapsible panel on the back side to make the Getter capable of some deep knee bends. Perhaps the Getter is about to pop the big question?
Detailed feet are always a plus.
The Getter has a good side profile, it's actually a lot sleeker than the broad front and back make it seem.
The Getter Beam attachment pops into the belly. There's a little panel there that pushes back and then the attachment fits in snugly. A nice touch for fans of accuracy.
Pros
This toy is darn near flawless. It is a nice heavy chunk of modern diecast. Every fan of robot shows, super or real, should own a Getter Robo and a Mazinger. This one has all the bells and whistles in an updated, but still classic design. Since it's pretty new, you can get one for a fair price and not get gouged in the aftermarkets.
Cons
Nothing at all. If you push me for an answer, I might say the cape, but really this toy is pretty much perfect to me.
Verdict
What are you still doing here? Go out and buy this! It's the Getter Robo kids! It looks so good that Indiana Jones should be fighting for it and telling smugglers that it belongs in a museum. Of course, seeing as this is Getter Newtype reviews, I am probably a little biased. As always, just a little fun at the end. Thanks for reading!
(r-l, Getter 1, Getter Dragon, Shin Getter 1, New Getter 1)
YMCA!
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