You don’t have to be a Macross fan in the slightest to see what all of the hype is about regarding the DX Chogokin VF-1J.
Producer: Bandai Tamashii
Price: Approx. $175 USD
Release Date: Jan. 2019
Item Height: Approx. 10.25″ tall in Battroid Mode, and 12″ x 12″ in Fighter Mode
Item Weight: N/A
WHERE TO BUY: AmiAmi (Long Sold Out)
In late December of 2018, Bandai released one of the most anticipate figures of one of their most popular toy lines in the DX Chogokin Macross VF-1J. From top to bottom this piece is absolutely stunning and isn’t just a treat to have reviewed but to look at in my display when I pass by. Check out the phenomenal piece in motion in the videos above and check out my further thoughts and gallery below.
Presentation: The Bandai Tamashii DX Chogokin VF-1J and the first release stand come in two separate, thick, cardboard boxes held together inside of a sleeve. The graphics and pictures on the boxes are well done and everything is well packed inside of the plastic clamshells. It was especially impressive to see that every single accessory had a designated spot inside of the clamshell as well vs. the smaller piece being put inside of a plastic bag.
Build: The DX Chogokin VF-1J is a mixture of diecast and plastic with the majority of the diecast pieces being parts of the frame and the feet. It has a very nice, and heft feel to it. The plastic shell has a mixture of both matte and glossed finish. The joints are majorly friction-based and feel smooth yet tight in play.
Accessories: The DX Chogokin VF-1J comes with a variety of hands featuring both the television and movie stylings, the GU-ll blaster, an antenna for its backpack in Gerwalk mode (as well as an extra in case of loss or breakage,) fillers for its side in Battroid mode, a stand with adapters for all three of its modes, as well as a separate stand specifically for the Fighter mode the can hold it at different angles.
Articulation: The VF-1J is much more articulated than I expected it to be. minus ab crunch, it can honestly meet or exceed most pieces with advanced articulation with a good amount of moving pieces to keep it from looking “gappy” while doing so.
Overall Score: 10/10 – Even having no attachment to the Macross franchise, I can honestly say that the Bandai Tamashii DX Chogokin VF-1J is one of the finest toys on my shelf and further proof that Bandai are the proverbial “kings” of higher-ended, mecha toys for a reason. This VF-1J manages to keep a magnificent size, look, and feel while still being an extremely manageable and fun toy to handle, pose, transform, etc.. This one is long sold out and going for more than double its retail price but if you can find one for a price they you feel is alright, then by all means do it. It doesn’t take having a history with the franchise to tell that this is a once-in-a-lifetime piece.
Check out a few pictures of these in the gallery, and even though the Bandai Tamashii DX Chogokin VF-1J is sold out, make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming Bandai DX Chogokin Macross Products at AmiAmi!
