The highly anticipated new TAMASHII NATIONS product, "METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE Ryujinmaru," which has generated significant buzz since its prototype reveal, is officially set to release on July 30th. Many "Mashin Hero Wataru" fans are undoubtedly eager to get their hands on this Ryujinmaru with its innovative new structure. To give collectors a sneak peek at its features, TAMASHII NATIONS has released an exclusive unboxing of a sample unit, guided by the development team!
The brand-new METAL BUILD spin-off series, "METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE," builds upon the established hallmarks of the MB line, such as its use of alloy parts with a substantial, premium finish and character-specific reinterpretation of design aesthetics. This new series further introduces unique features like "movable exterior armor resembling dragon scales" and "an internal structure imbued with a soul."
The outer packaging for "METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE Ryujinmaru" is comparable in size to other METAL BUILD releases, featuring a matte print adorned with gold foil lettering for the product name. The package contents include the Ryujinmaru main unit, two types of interchangeable hand parts, the Toryuken sword, a back-mounted sword hanger, left and right effect parts, and a display base set.
The overall design has been reinterpreted by mechanical designer Manabu Shintani of ASTRAYS. While retaining the original silhouette, he has infused the figure with a higher density of intricate details, such as metallic internal structures and enhanced armor separation to create more distinct layers, giving Ryujinmaru a much stronger "mechanical" aesthetic.
Standing at an impressive 23 cm tall, the figure boasts an overwhelming sense of presence compared to previous Mashin releases in the ROBOT Damashii and NXEDGE STYLE lines, which typically stand under 10 cm. Furthermore, numerous joints and frame components are crafted from alloy materials, providing a substantial, weighty feel that sets it apart from purely plastic figures of the past.
Beyond its high-density sculpted details, the figure incorporates a variety of materials and a rich color palette to elevate Ryujinmaru's mechanical texture. The horns on its head and the dragon crests on its shoulders feature electroplated finishes, while the red magatama on its neck is crafted from clear parts. Key joints are made with alloy components, complemented by pearlescent white and blue armor, all contributing to a truly metallic feel.
From the dragon head sculpted within the clear forehead parts to the exposed golden frame of the main torso, every detail emphasizes Ryujinmaru's design as the incarnation of a golden dragon. This perfectly aligns with one of the key features of "METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE": its soul-dwelling internal structure.
Another standout feature, "movable exterior armor resembling dragon scales," can be understood as the commonly referred to armor interlocking mechanism. The development team noted that this armor design was the most challenging aspect. Previous Ryujinmaru figures largely adhered to the original's sleek, single-piece armor design. For this release, they had to meticulously divide the armor without compromising its aesthetic, repeatedly testing part clearances to ensure no paint scratching. The overall articulation might be even higher than collectors anticipate, so be sure to consult the instruction manual for optimal posing.
The main joints extending from the torso are constructed with alloy parts, ensuring robust durability. Both the dragon claws on the shoulders and Ryujinmaru's three-fingered hands feature articulated mechanisms. The shoulder joints utilize a two-stage pull-out structure, allowing for dynamic poses that recreate the iconic "Toryuken" special move with both hands raised high.
The included effect parts can be attached to both hand parts, allowing collectors to recreate the impressive poses for the Ryuraiken and Enryuken attacks.
METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE Ryujinmaru
Suggested Retail Price: 22,000 JPY (Tax Included)
Estimated Release Date: July 2021
Materials: ABS, PVC, Die-cast parts. Pre-painted complete figure. Overall height approx. 230mm (Head height 160mm)
Product Contents: Main unit, Toryuken, interchangeable left and right hand parts, left and right effect hand parts, display base set.
via： 魂ウェブ