Machine Build Series Machine Robot: Kronos Strikes Back - Blue Jet" is thoroughly reviewed by voice actor Yasuyuki Tai! Transformations and actions are exactly as in the anime!

The most robot-loving voice actor in the voice acting industry, Taiyuki, plays around with the latest toys and hobbies that interest him in this popular series!

Yasuyuki's Toys & Games Vol. 28 Machine Build Series: Machine Robo Kronos Strikes Back - Blue Jet

This time, we will be reviewing the third "Machine Build" series product to be released by MegaHouse, the Blue Jet from the TV anime "Machine Robo: The Cronos Strike Back.

Machine Robo" was originally a toy series released by Bandai (Popy at that time) in 1982 as a series of transformable toys priced at 600 yen each. Later, the story was added to these items, and the animated version became "Machine Robo: The Great Counterattack of Kronos.

This time, the figure is based on the anime version, so it incorporates designs and elements that were not available in the toys at the time.

The first "Rod Drill" and the second "Bike Robo" were previously released as part of the "Machine Build Series," and this is the third in the series. Along with the Rod Drill, the Blue Jet, the wielder of the Sky Seriousness, who fought alongside Rom Stoll, the main character in "Kronos Strikes Back," to save the planet Kronos from the clutches of the space pirate Gandler, is now on the market.

As the name suggests, the Blue Jet transforms into a "jet plane," but instead of an actual airplane, it transforms from a toy's original science fiction jet into a robot. It is a "fun to hold" item that can be enjoyed as a hobby and as a figure.

This review is based on a borrowed prototype. Please note that the specifications may differ from the production version.

Jet form with particular attention to reproduce the form of the anime

I wasn't sure which figure to show you first, but let's start with the jet form. Jet!

The long, sharply drawn jet form reproduces the nose shape of the anime version. For those who remember the images from those days, this is a nostalgic figure. The color scheme and details are reproduced from the items of the time, showing respect.

The main wings are designed to be folded in the middle to make it more compact when transformed. There is a canopy, but since Machine Robo is a super-living organism, no one is supposed to climb into it, except for a few exceptions.

I was able to see the image of the play here and now, which was not seen in the toys of the time. I felt like that.

The vertical tail fin is also movable, and can be made to stand parallel like the toys of the time, or angled outward and down like the image in the play. The jet nozzle is exposed from the sole of the foot when in robot form. When transformed, the jet nozzle is retracted inside.

Since Machine Robot is basically in robot form when it lands, Blue Jet has no landing gear. However, since both arms and toes line up almost horizontally, it can be left flat.

The silhouette, viewed from directly across, is also almost exactly as the toy was at the time.

From above. Triangular silhouette with a sense of stability.

From directly below. The face of the robot form was visible in the original toy, but this time it is hidden!

A powerful image from the front. The scene where the robot approaches the enemy at high speed, transforms, and enters the battle was also well depicted.

I lined it up with a toy I had on hand at the time. The difference in size is obvious. You can see that the nose is deformed, especially in the jet form. Still, you may notice that the arrangement and shape of each part is close to that of the original.

For those who wish to recreate the toys of the time, the nose can be removed and the face can be turned downwards to recreate this state. Either pattern can be fully transformed.

Comparison of the deformation pattern with the toys of the time. The nose is a little smaller than the body, but the balance has been kept within a range that does not cause any discomfort.

From the bottom, they look like brothers.

In the play, there is a line in the conversation between the machine robots, "When they were small," so you can see the toys of that time as their childhood appearance.

Even with the long nose attached, the face can be kept facing down.

As the toy was slightly rearranged by the animator in charge even in the play, it is also slightly rearranged in the toy. The vertical tail fins were spread out at V and angled to the main wings.

The blue jet and rod drill depicted in the initial ending theme were especially cool.

Since it is a jet plane, I would like to display it in flight. This time, I used a commercial product with a C-shaped arm type prop.

What do you think? As you can see, the jet looks great when displayed in flight.

Robot form that can reproduce the action perfectly!

Now, let's take a look at the "transformation" that is the highlight of the Machine Robot.

The "Blue Jet" is here!

Fold down the main wings and open the locking panel on the top of the fuselage.

Lift up the nose and fold it to the top of the fuselage, and deploy the arms from the underside of the fuselage. The rear of the fuselage is extended to form the legs. The legs are designed so that the jet nozzles on the soles of the feet retract when the legs are extended.

Stand the fuselage up and fold the nose to 180°.

Orient and position the elbows and wrists to the position they are in when in the robotic state. ......

Rotate the head 180° to complete the transformation! The figure is a perfect representation of the appeal of "Blue Jet" with its handsome face, shiny goggles, firm chest, tight waist, and strong legs.

The nose part, a unique interpretation of this item, also sits comfortably on the back. There are no specific deformation instructions for the vertical tail fin, so it would be best to utilize it for posing as a heel aid.

Range of motion. The head is ball-joint connected. It rotates 180° even in deformation, so rotation can be 360° with ease. It can also be tilted back and forth and left to right by pulling it lightly upwards to create nuances.

The shoulders are jointed on the body side, allowing the arms to be lifted horizontally to nearly 90°. A ball joint connection is also provided at the base of the arm. By rotating the arms forward and backward, they can rotate 360°.

Thanks to the deformation gimmick, both shoulders can swing forward. The elbows are double-jointed and can be bent to nearly 180°. The wrists are ball-jointed and can move freely. The wrists are easily interchangeable with the included wrists.

The waist can be bent forward and swung at the joint. Both parts can be moved as far as they touch each other.

The left and right leg openings are flexible, as you can see, since the waist side armor can be flipped up.

The front and rear leg openings are also excellent. Not only is this a transformable toy, but the quality as an action figure is also fine.

Roll and rotate on the thighs. The knees are double-jointed and can be bent to about 90 degrees.

Ankles are movable with ball joints only at the toes. Twist, swing, and raise and lower toes to help ground expression.

The nose on the back can be lifted and rotated with the axis connection. It can be used to add facial expressions when posing with momentum.

Nose part removed. The back of the figure is just as it was in the movie.

Comparison with toys of the time. The figure is almost twice as tall as the original toy, and the movable parts have been greatly enhanced, but the atmosphere, image, and silhouette have been retained, which is impressive.

If you look closely at the arms and torso, you can see that the number of thread carvings and the shape of each part are in accordance with the original products. We can feel the respect in these parts.

The head is not only the "anime version" but also ......

A version of the head that is based on the toy head of the time is also included. Which design do you prefer?　Well, you can't really choose either one, can you?

The leg parts have also been taken over from the toy design of the time. In particular, the details of the knees, which used to be represented with stickers, are now well sculpted. I noticed this because I had the toys from that time, but I was impressed by how much respect was paid to the details.

Back view. By removing the nose part, the figure looks really similar to the original. It is packed with this and that, which could not be done with the size and price of the product at that time.

Blue Jet is known for his swordsmanship, but he can also be posed in action poses like this.

The legs are massive, and the hip joints are very movable, so as you can see, high kicks are possible with ease.

The side armor on the waist is not only the one shown on the left, but also the one on the right.

By replacing the waist side armor, it can be used as a belt. In the anime, the hilt protrudes from the side armor, and when it is pulled out, the blade appears, an expression unique to the anime. The obi sword style is an original way of equipping this product, and it is in good taste!

The shoulder and arm parts are movable, allowing the figure to be posed in the "Battou" pose, with the handle held by the weapon handle while wearing the belt.

"Tenku Serious..."

Kamaitachi!

What a surprise!　The sword can be held powerfully with both arms.

"Whoa!

You can also swing the sword with both hands. You can recreate your favorite poses with this figure.

Two swords are included. It is also possible to display her with two swords!

The swords are quite long, so even if you pose her quietly, you can create a dynamic effect.

The swords can be attached to both of her hips.

The head variation, choice of nose parts, etc., can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The item is half-assembled and pre-colored, but you may want to add more smiling to emphasize the details.

This time, I did not do any smudging because I borrowed the prototype, but I would like to do it when I get my own.

I lined up the machine-built series!

Now, let's see! Here is a quick look at the rod drills and bike robots that have already been released!

The "MACHINE BUILD" series are semi-finished products that are partially assembled. The "MACHINE BUILD" series are semi-finished items that are partially assembled and even pre-painted. Some parts are detached from the runner and assembled to the main body, just like a plastic kit.

This finish is achieved by simply assembling the parts. Color, shape of parts, details, and style...... can all be seen at a glance, and we are sure that you will be very satisfied with the results.

Incidentally, Bike Robo has been arranged with motorcycle engine parts, which were surplus parts in toys of the time, on his back and in his hands as weapons.

Comparison with the model I had at the time (left), although it is missing a lot of parts. Isn't this reproduction amazing?　Even the shape of the wrist has been reproduced, and the tires of the bike have been arranged to be more powerful.

Motorcycle form has also evolved. It is a wonderful arrangement.

In addition to the standard wrist, the bike robot also comes with a flat hand and a weapon grip, as you can see. The range of motion of each part is also excellent.

I let him hold the handle to the rod drill. As you can see, it was too heavy for the rod drill to be used on board.

Comparing the Rod Drill with the original item (left), you can see how well this item reproduces the details of the original toy. The shape of the wrists is particularly noteworthy.

Although the movable joints have been enhanced, the transformation mechanism is basically the same, so the drill tank form also looks exactly the same!

The "MACHINE BUILD" version can also be replaced with drill parts for a more form-focused look. The "MACHINE BUILD" version can also be replaced with a drill part to emphasize the shape. I was surprised at the bold length of this part.

In addition to the anime and toy versions, a version with the mouth mask removed is also included.
The top left photo is the head of the toy at the time. Please compare.

Like the Bike Robo, a five-fingered wrist not included in the anime setting is also included. It is possible to pose the figure in a different way than in the anime.

MACHINE BUILD" series 01-03 in robot form. The height of the figures is almost the same, so if the lineup of the series continues to grow, you will want to line up as many figures as possible, just like the toys of the time!

Moreover, the "MACHINE BUILD" series moves well, so I can't help but fantasize about what it will be like when it becomes a commercial product.

Last but not least, the Blue Jet's sword can be attached to the underside of the main wing when in jet form. You can enjoy it without any surplus parts except for the replacement parts.

Considering the fact that this is a product from the "Machine Robo: The Cronos Strike Back" anime, it is expected to be used in future combined items such as the "Devil Saturn 6" and "Land Commander 5", or even the "Bali Girl X" and "Land Commander 5". There may be a possibility of commercialization of "Bali Girl X" and "Baikan Fu" in the future!

There are still many characters that have never been remade, so please support the "MACHINE BUILD" series!

[Product Information

■MACHINE BUILD Series Machine Robo: The Great Counterattack of Kronos, Blue Jet

Release date: Late July 2023

Suggested Retail Price: 4,950 yen (tax included)

Manufacturer: MegaHouse

Appearance information of Taiyuki

・ NETFLIX foreign drama "Locke&Key" Season 1 and 2 available (as Tyler)
Tachibana Neko Kogyo "Hundred Edge" PV narration
YouTube Gundam Base Live ch Kawaguchi Meijin no Suipura" every Wednesday at 18:00 (assistant)

(c)PLEX/MachineRobo Partner