August 19, 2004

{ Bandai - GX-08 Aphrodai A - Soul of Chogokin }

Weapons of Mass Destruction! This is one of four female robot designs released in Bandai's Soul of Chogokin series of die-cast figures, all four equipped with interchangeable "warheads" that are spring-loaded to fire off of their chests. Named after classical Greek and Roman Goddesses (Aphrodai, Mineva, Dianan, Venus) these Shogun Warrior-style babes apparently kick it with the ever popular Mazinger, one of Japan's most well-known giant robot heroes. While this just may be the most bizarre trainwreck of sexist repressed male sexuality and robo-geek toy culture the world has ever seen, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Bandai trumps themselves with a Snapping Deadly Vagina Claw or Hyper Clitoral Burning Laser Cannon. Word has it that this line (released in 2002) is due for a remake* in '04 or '05, and I'm sure they'll be ready to up the fembot ante. *see below In all fairness, it's not as if this mammary-missle phenomenon is an entirely new thing. Fans of Kikaider, Mazinger Z and dozens of other more obscure anime and live-action rubber-suit duke-em-outs have been witness to the boob rocket before. And the giant robot toys have always had body-based projectiles, from Missle Fingers and Rocket Fists to Thigh Rockets and Toe Missles. Still, to see it represented here in die-cast metal toy form is a bit much. You really owe it to yourself to see the packaging box art for these figures as well, and I've provided a link below so you can check it out. The link also includes a more studious review of the figure, as opposed to the general piss-take that this review has become. These figures were fairly popular, especially Aphrodai, and have become harder and harder to find at a decent price over the past two years. Originally retailing for around $40 US, they are now bringing in an easy $70 US from importers who still have stock and $100+ at online auctions. * UPDATE: It looks like the ladies are getting a new paint-job and some weapons upgrades for '04. As a part of the "Angel" series, the first remake (Aphrodai) will be released at the end of this month in a chrome and yellow metallic paint scheme with some strange tattoo-like flourishes around her left thigh. While no crotch-oriented weapons seemed to have been included, the Tit Missles are getting some serious S&M upgrades- the package art for the figure shows a spiked mace-like ball warhead and a giant half-moon crescent blade attachment that can be swapped out for the relatively normal (by comparison) standard C-cup Boob Rocket. I didn't get to see what surprises the other gals are packing, but I did get to scope two of the new paint jobs. Venus is rocking some chrome body-base with copperish details including simulated "stockings" that are capped off by little heart embellishments. Her wig is looking hot too, all brownish and metallic. Dianan is playing it rather safe in a mostly metallic blue look, but there appear to be a pair of wings and a halo painted in directly on her pelvis, right above her robo-vajayjay. Whether this indicates some new weaponry or is a symbolic tribute to the heavenliness of her crotch remains to be seen. I've provided a link below to JustBeToys out of Portland, OR. You can see what I've seen there. They are accepting pre-orders for these three, so make sure you snatch up your favorite (no pun intended) and look into their current stock list if you're reading this after August to see if they have any Aphrodai left.

» See more (note eBay links at bottom to purchase)
» Preorder "Angel" series

By Adam in Toys | Comments:

Comments

Holy crap, I've seen that before! Busdriver put it on the cover of his 2004 Big Dada debut album, "Celestial Cleavage"...

Posted by: Ryan at August 20, 2004 8:02 AM

Strange synchronicities abound.
BusDriver apparently has excellent taste in robot toys. Since he lifted his album cover from the box-art I thought it only fitting that I lift a fresh pic for this article from said album cover.
Now I must track down BusDriver for an interview....

Posted by: Adam at August 20, 2004 6:57 PM