Zoid - Figures
The 1980s saw the rise of mecha and plastic model toy lines both in Japan and around the world. While Gundam may still hold the title of the most famous mecha model line, Zoids comes in at a close second. What makes Zoids unique is that the Zoids themselves aren’t simply large piloted robots. They are biomechanical creatures with their own will and lifeforce resembling animals on Earth. For almost half of Zoid’s existence, there was no accompanying narrative, just the battle story snippets on kit boxes. This makes the Zoids themselves the heart of the franchise more than the characters added to pilot them. The newer anime, however, has introduced beloved pilots that made a reputation for themselves. The best models and figures for Zoids fans are “Zoids EZ-026 Geno Saurer Plastic Model Kit Raven Ver. (Re-Release),” “Nendoroid Rei Mii,” and “Zoids Command Wolf Rail Gun Custom Plastic Model Kit.”
Zoids EZ-026 Geno Saurer Plastic Model Kit Raven Ver. (Re-Release)
One of the most iconic Zoids affiliated with the Guylos Empire, Geno Saurer, comes in this re-released model kit. Geno Saurer itself is a scaled-down clone from the surviving Death Saurer core after the destruction of Zi’s third moon. Geno Saurer was part of the original 1999 Reboot line and made its anime debut in Chaotic Century. This particular model shows Raven’s second Geno Saurer, with a striking red and black color scheme that brings out the vicious image of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. A main component of the model is Geno Saurer’s signature weapon, the Charged Particle Cannon, equipped on its back. The model also includes two figures of Geno Saurer’s main pilot, Raven, and his draconic organoid companion, Shadow.
Product Name: Zoids EZ-026 Geno Saurer Plastic Model Kit (Raven Ver.) (Re-Release)
Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Specifications: Pre-painted plastic model kit
Accessories:
Two Raven Figures
Shadow Figure
Rei Mii (Nendoroid) Figure
The second Nendoroid from the Zoids: Genesis anime is the brash and energetic Rei Mii. The basic appearance of the figure itself is modeled after her appearance in the ending theme of the anime. However, her proportions are altered to the classic chibi dimensions of a Nendoroid. Her tomboyish personality makes for an adorable Nendoroid, as shown with her aggressive battle face plate. The figure also includes a happy expression and a softer sad expression. Her best pose has to be with the miniature version of her Zoid, Lanstag. Humorously, the figure also includes an accessory whole chicken on a skewer, Rei Mii’s specialty.
Product Name: Nendoroid Rei Mii
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Hajime Kaiya
Specifications: Painted, non-scale, PVC & ABS figure with base
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"
Includes:
Accessories and stand
3 Expression face plates
Zoids Command Wolf Rail Gun Custom Plastic Model Kit
As part of the Zoids Originals series, no plastic model would represent the series than Command Wolf. Though heavily featured throughout the series run, Command Wolf first debuted in 1987 as part of the Helic Republic line. The model comes with three different customization options, all involving the rail gun motif. First is the Command Wolf RGC with the rail gun mounted on its back. Second is the Zappa, piloted by its namesake, Zappa, equipped with the “Dragon Head” armor. Last is the Inceptor with the long-range rifle mounted on its back. The model is also not pre-painted for further customization of fan’s preferred color scheme appearances.
Product Name: Zoids Command Wolf Rail Gun Custom Plastic Model Kit
Manufacturer: Takara Tomy
Specifications: Plastic Model Kit
Accessories:
Rail Gun Bullets (Display only; cannot be launched)
8 Runners
1 Clear Part
1 Power Unit
12 Caps
Pilot
1 Gear
Zoids Series Story
The first battle story centered around a conflict on Planet Zi between the Helic Republic and Zenebas Empire. The Helic Republic formed under King Helic as a result of uniting the original tribes. After Helic II took over for his father, Zenebas broke off and formed his own Empire in response to the new era’s corrupt politicians. Zenebas himself was betrayed by his allies in the Dark Continent, taking over his forces to form the Guylos Empire. Before the climax of the final battle, a comet struck Zi’s third moon, causing catastrophic damage on the planet. Later storylines retell the original conflict with more human elements and political scandal as well as following up on the future of Planet Zi after the meteor damage.
Zoids Series Development
Zoids (or Zoido) began as a model kit line by toy line TOMY under the name Mechabonica in 1982. When these models failed to do well in Japan they were re-released under the name Zoids in Europe and North America. This positive reception led to a re-release in Japan with new branding. Early models featured a “battle story” between the Helic Republic and Zenebas Empire to appeal to science fiction and animation fans. This timeline only appeared as blurbs on model kits boxes. In 1999, a New Battle Story began with the accompanying anime produced by Xebec called Zoids: Chaotic Century. Since the first anime, TOMY created five additional series, the most recent being 2018’s Zoids Wild.
Links
Zoids EZ-026 Geno Saurer Plastic Model Kit Raven Ver. Re-Release
Nendoroid Rei Mii
Zoids Command Wolf Rail Gun Custom Plastic Model Kit
Zoids Series Label
Rei Mii Label