We’re now at that point in the transforming robot action figure scene where third-party groups not only produce figures based on the Transformers brand, but also do original designs, and not related to any existing property. While they are clearly original, they are inspired by real world mechanical marvels, like Metal Souls Doragus over here from ToysEasy.
Doragus is based on the Schwerer Gustav (or “Heavy Gustav” in English) which is a German railway gun active during World War II. It is a massive vehicle with a massive cannon, and it’s also got a ton of details that the toy is able to capture. I’m not an expert in trains or cannons loaded onto trains, so I’ll just let the photos below explain how detailed this piece is.
In case you’re enamored with the sheer details present in vehicle mode, don’t forget that this is a transforming robot figure. And it has quite a gorgeous design as you can see below.
In robot mode, Doragus looks sick as heck. The previously black exterior of the vehicle mode has been sprinkled with red accents. And the base of the train turns into this cross-shaped element mounted on the back.
A highlight of this figure is that face sculpt that looks truly menacing with the red optics and a mouth that can open with that appears to be teeth-like details lining it up. It allows for very expressive displays and poses. My intent, if ever I get Doragus, is to make it some sort of Prime (and I’ll call it Doragus Prime) that has gone rogue as it also comes with a faceplate as you can see at the top. And then when it gets angry, the faceplate drops as it reveals its true visage.
Not only is the face expressive, but Doragus has the articulation needed to be even more expressive and dynamic. I’m not expecting this guy to do high kicks and karate chops, but this figure is extremely far from being a brick. I’ll just add several more photos below to reinforce that idea.
Lastly, here’s everything Doragus comes with.
As you can see, the main train sections become the cross-shaped backpack unit exclusively while the rest become the robot itself. The cannon itself is detachable and can be mounted on the forearms. The set also includes a train track display base in vehicle mode and comes with a flight stand attachment in for robot mode. Lastly, Doragus comes with an acrylic character stand if you get a copy as part of the first production run.
As for me, I’ve yet to pull the pre-order trigger for this guy, but after watching this stop-motion preview from Mangmotion over at YouTube, then I might just do.
Metal Souls Doragus
November 2023 / $210
Order via HobbyLink Japan
