Earlier this year, I got myself the Mini Gokin “Messenger of the Sun” Tetsujin 28 thinking I could easily get a similarly scaled Tetsujin 28 figure as a companion piece. Then, Good Smile Company announced their MODEROID kit combo of both the original and “Messenger of the Sun” versions of Tetsujin 28, which are in-scale with each other and would really look good together — which also left me feeling bummed for my Mini Gokin figure.
The fine folks over at Sen-Ti-Nel then add insult to injury as they (sort of) complete the Tetsujin 28 trifecta with their announcement of the RIOBOT Tetsujin 28 FX from the 1993 series of the same name. Obviously, this is a much higher-end item than the model kits offered by Good Smile Company and would fit more with Soul of Chogokin figures.
Regardless, if you’re a fan of the series, or old school mecha in general, then you may want to consider getting this guy.
Compared to the previous two iterations, Tetsujin 28 FX has a much more complex design and isn’t comprised of simple cylindrical shaped parts. This is likely a reflection of the time it was made, during the early 90’s. And while (I think) these images are mostly CG renders, the good folks at Sen-Ti-Nel do manage to capture the design and translate it to an imposing super robot.
Relatively complex designs aside, you are still able to put Tetsujin 28 FX here in dynamic poses thanks to the engineering and considerations made for better articulation. Outside of replacement hands/manipulators, this set only has another accessory, though it would add a lot to the display options of this set.
The primary accessory included with this set is the support machine No. 17 Phoenix, a flying unit which can combine to the back of Tetsujin 28 FX and provide it the same flight capabilities. The unit doesn’t do much on its own and is really meant to provide more display options to the main mecha. And a supporting flight unit doesn’t make much sense if the set won’t include a display stand, so it does, providing even more display options.
Lastly, and this is something Sen-Ti-Nel has started doing with many of their releases, the central crest on the chest of Tetsujin 28 FX is coated with paint that reflects UV or black light, which should act as a good replacement for installing LED units.
To be honest, I’ve been a little hesitant with the RIOBOT line ever since getting my hands on the RIOBOT SRX set. That said, this Tetsujin 28 FX and No. 17 Phoenix set doesn’t have the complexities of the former and is a straightforward articulated and detailed collectible figure. That said, I still won’t purchase one due to the cost and how it’s likely out of scale with my only Tetsujin figure. But for the rest of those interested, you can get one from the affiliate link I’ve provided below.
RIOBOT Tetsujin 28 FX & No. 17 Phoenix
August 2023 / ¥35,000
Order via HobbyLink Japan
