MA-31 Ryuguno & MA-32 Ryujino

TAKARA JOIN TOKUSATSU ACTION!

However, one of the genre that would be perfect for Micro Action format, tokusatsu, is largely missing. (Tokusatsu is a term for Japanese live-action super hero TV show, usually gear toward kids but recently are becoming popular with adults). The only tokusatsu character so far for Action Series is Casshern from the movie "Casshern". One of the reason is the fact that most of the popular tokusatsu series (Kamen Rider and Sentai series) are produced by Toei which co-own partly by Bandai so naturally all the toy properties go to Bandai. In 2006, Takara begin to enter this segment of the market long dominate by Bandai and sponsor a new tokusatsu show call Ryukendo. (Probably something they learned during their short stint as part of Konami). Ryukendo is produced by Studio Shochiku (same one that produce Casshern movie). Takara has the right to produce merchandise for Ryukendo series which mainly gear toward kids, this include the usual tokusatsu toys - 5" action-figures, vehicles and role-play (cosplay) accessories. It is not a big surprise to see Ryukendo characters show up under Microman Micro Action series banner.

RYUGANO AND RYUJINO FULL ACTION BODY!

Micro Action Series Ryukendo is essentially a collector series of Takara Ryukendo merchandise. (Takara produced another 5" action-figures series aimed at kids). Three months after the released of Ryukendo and Tsukaima, Takara follows up with two more figures from Ryukendo series MA-31 Ryuguno and MA-32 Ryujino. Like most recent tokusatsu genre, the main hero are now often join by two other heroes that work together to fight the bad guys.

RYUGUNO FULL ACTION

Ryugano is Madan Gunfighter (or Gunslinger). He is actually older and wiser of the three Mandan heroes. Ryugano, like Micro Action Ryukendo, uses the modified Microman Full Action body. Ryuguno has several remolded pieces and looks even better than Ryukendo figure release several months ago. Ryugano has techno theme with gray color body with red and gold trim. The figure has very nice and tight joint with very good paint job. The only problem pieces are the pair of bracer which use the same design as Ryukendo figure (peg mount). Since Ryuguno does not have interchangeable bracer, Takara should have just glue the bracers to the forearms. (Though this can easily be fix by just superglue it if you just want them to stay put). The figure is excellent addition to Micro Action line especially if you are a fan of the show or if you like the modern Japanese tokusatsu style heroes.

MADAN FIGHTERS RYUKENDO SERIES

Ryukendo is typical live action series, the designs overall is like a mixture of the recent Kamen Riders with some of the Sentai designs. (So it is hardly original). The premise of the story is the usual tokusatsu plot, secret evil organization (in this case the demons) are planning to take over the world and our hero with magic device (or sometime techno gadget) then transform into super-hero to fight these bad guys.

RYUJINO FULL ACTION

Ryujino is Madan Fighter (as in martial art fighter). He is the renegade type or loner character (one of the typical archetype character in tokusatsu series). Like Ryukendo and Ryuguno, Ryujino uses the modified Micro Full Action Body. His design is much more elaborate than the other two. He is black with gold trim. The figure is very well made and his bracer is permanently glued onto the forearms make him the least troublesome to pose of the three. Overall, Takara did excellent job with the Ryukendo series and hopefully they will put out more tokusatsu Micro Action figures in the future.