When Ultraman Blazar was first revealed earlier in 2023, one of the things that caught my attention was Earth Garon or the Type 23 Special Tactical Armored Kaiju “Earth Garon.” Recent Ultraman series have the monster response team utilize a piloted or non-piloted mecha as part of their arsenal, and Earth Garon is the latest in this tradition. However, as much as I had interest in it, I have yet to watch Ultraman Blazar despite many claiming it to be different from its predecessors. So, when the S.H.Figuarts version was announced, I didn’t have any intention of picking it up since I had no attachment to the character.
But I saw the figure at almost 40% discount on HobbySearch so I decided to pick it up, which was also around the time this option set was announced.
As mentioned, I didn’t catch Ultraman Blazar while it was airing, but I was aware that Earth Garon got several upgrades via two support units. When combined, these formed three additional configurations for Earth Garon, designated as Mod. 2, Mod. 3, and Mod. 4, with Mod. 4 being a combination of both units. You can see from a mile away that Tamashii Nations is going to release these parts as an option set and so, here we are.
To those unfamiliar, Earth Garon Mod. 2 is formed after the combination with the Combat Support Unit. It’s primarily a backpack unit that houses two heavy weapons that, when combined, are fixed above the shoulders. Earth Garon Mod. 3 is the same concept, but instead utilizes the Flight Support Unit, allowing for improved aerial mobility and offers potential upgrades for space combat use.
When either configuration is not enough, then both can be combined to form Earth Garon Mod. 4, its most powerful upgrade. The set will come with all the connector parts needed to form all configurations so there shouldn’t be any problems switching between each.
In addition, the set also includes replacement optical parts to display Earth Garon when deactivated. Most importantly, and I personally don’t know why this wasn’t included with the figure itself, but the set will include effect parts, and a dedicated stand, for the Earth Fire attack. Quite the sneaky move Tamashii Nations did there, but from a business standpoint, completely understandable.
And if you purchased the S.H.Figuarts Ultraman Blazar figure to go along Earth Garon, then you’re in luck as this set also includes effect parts for the Spiral Burrade, both as the black hole-like visualization of its formation, and the actual spear itself that Ultraman Blazar can hold.
S.H.Figuarts Type 23 Special Tactical Armored Kaiju “Earth Garon” – Mod. 2 / 3 / 4 Option Parts Set
October 2024 / ¥6,000
Premium Bandai Exclusive
