Every childhood has its own Soukaizan, a place you can never truly return to.
Remember those super-deformed mechs from your childhood? The ones that were short, stout, and somehow both incredibly cool and undeniably cute? After a two-year wait since its predecessor, the Ryuujinmaru, the HG Ryuuoumaru finally made its grand entrance earlier this year. Mine has been gathering dust in the backlog for a few months, so it's high time to crack open the box, reconnect with that inner child, and take a brand new Step!
Thanks to Bandai's latest parts separation technology, the kit faithfully reproduces Ryuuoumaru's color scheme right out of the box. However, all the parts are molded in their base plastic colors—no plated parts are included. If you're looking for a more premium finish, you'll have to break out the paints.
For this build, aside from using standard base colors for the white and gray parts, I opted for metallic paints for all the other colors.
To achieve a brilliant, glossy finish, the entire model was sealed with a gloss coat and then polished.
The black forehead piece is designed to be swappable and can be easily pushed out from the inside for removal.
Of course, this is for swapping in the awesome version with the golden dragon crest that appears when Ryuuoumaru unleashes its special moves!
FULL POWER!
HENSHIN! RYUUOUMARU! (Ooooooh!)
Even though it's not screen-accurate to have it on all the time, the dragon crest version just looks too good. I'm just going to leave it on for the rest of this showcase!
To really appreciate its size, you have to compare it with the previous Ryuujinmaru. The new Ryuuoumaru definitely has a more imposing presence.
Born from the spiritual fusion with Kuujinmaru, Ryuuoumaru's design incorporates flight elements, instantly cranking its cool factor up several notches.
The Sheath Shield can be mounted on its back in its stored form, giving it a clean and streamlined look.
In terms of articulation, the arm joints can be slightly extended, allowing for a deeper elbow bend.
Combined with the pull-out joints on the sides of the chest (be careful, those C-clips are fragile!), Ryuuoumaru can strike a battle-ready pose, drawing its sword from the shield, despite its short limbs.
Adding some effect parts from the SD Sangoku Soketsuden line really brings out that dynamic, combat-ready aura.
When fully deployed, the massive Sheath Shield has the distinct look of a dragon's head emerging from its scabbard.
Its primary weapon has evolved from the Touryuuken to the more powerful Houryuuken, which features a newly sculpted, significantly longer blade.
Posing it in its classic sword-and-shield stance is enough to bring a tear to your eye.
Wataru! Draw your sword!
FINISHING MOVE! SHORYUKEN!
HOU-RYUU-KEN!
The dragon claws on the shoulders can be detached to recreate the Ryuugaken boomerang attack, though you'll need a separate stand (not included) to display them in flight.
And finally... it's time for the transformation into the legendary Houou Form!
Combine the platinum wings on the back, then swap the stowed bird claws on the arms for the alternate feet parts, which feature ball joints.
Next, retract the main head into the chest cavity and pull out the... bird head... hidden in the crotch.
Flip out the primary feathers on the heels, spread the legs wide, and the magnificent Houou, wings spread to the wind, has arrived!
The lower beak can open to reveal the hidden cannon for its Houraihou attack.
Carrying the phoenix spirit of the destroyed Kuujinmaru, it soars through the heavens, riding the spiraling updrafts.
Though we must all eventually say goodbye to childhood and return to the real world, the rainbow hanging over the horizon of Soukaizan will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
