I haven’t been paying much attention to the SMP [Shokugan Modeling Project] line and its releases recently, and I can narrow it down to three reasons. First, they’re doing combining Brave Series mecha, to which I prefer Kotobukiya’s approach of non-transforming kits. Second, they’re also doing Super Sentai mecha that I decided to stop buying altogether, though I do appreciate going the extra mile to add articulation. And third, they’re doing Super Robot Wars kits when I prefer the High Grades from Bandai Spirits.
However, I cannot say the same for the SMP Alternative Destiny sub-line and to those unfamiliar, this is basically them doing artistic liberties to designs for the best visual impact, even if it means changing some of the mechanics we’ve come to expect. Case in point SMP Alternative Destiny Exkaiser, which doesn’t transform unlike its on-screen counterpart, but does combine with its version of the Dragon Kaiser unit. The omission of a transformation gimmick does wonders to its stability and proportions.
So when they announced the fourth entry in the line, I got quite interested.
As they are once again tackling Dancouga from Super Beast Machine God Dancouga, an iconic design and is apparently celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, right on schedule with this kit’s release.
If you’ve been following the SMP line back when it was still known as Super Minipla, then you should be aware that they did release a transforming Dancouga kit as part of the line. In fact, I do have two copies of that kit, with one intended to be built as Dancouga while the other as the separate individual machines. For this version, I don’t need to get two copies since the transformation feature has been removed in favor of more heroic proportions and dynamic articulation.
According to a recent post over at the Bandai Candy/Shokugan Staff Blog, the kit will come in a total of 50 runners! Now these aren’t full sized runners but a combination of standard and smaller ones, with the latter allowing for more color separation. What’s more, there are still pre-painted parts that should allow for easier assembly, and a great looking kit out-of-the box.
Despite not transforming or being a combination of smaller units, the kit has all the details that will lead you believe the opposite. Having removed the transformation also allows for better poseability and articulation, which you’ll see in the next set of images along with the accessories that it comes with.
The same blog post notes that while Dancouga primarily uses the Dancouken to defeat its enemies, especially in the OVA, it’s more often seen using hand-to-hand combat in the TV series. This is where the need to have high degrees of articulation is important, with emphasis on being able to do human-like action. Several hand parts are also included, mimicing various combat stances, for more display options.
So I didn’t realize this until this post, but apparently, the original Super Minipla Dancouga set didn’t include the Reinforced Wing parts, which is understandable. But it also didn’t include the Dancouken, which is like the primary weapon of this machine. I’ll probably have to track it down once I get to building my copies. Fortunately, I won’t have to worry the same for the SMP Alternative Destiny version as not only does it include the Reinforced Wing, but the Dancouken as well.
With everything the set comes with, you can definitely put Dancouga into the Dancouhou pose and unleash all sorts of attacks.
I am inclined to think we’ll probably get the Black Wing as a Premium Bandai exclusive or something. That said, they did have a prototype of the Gandor/Gundoll on display in the recent SMP Union event, and it is a massive piece of kit. I don’t have any plans of getting that kit so I’m probably good with this one, especially being a regular retail release.
SMP Alternative Destiny Dancouga
May 2025 / ¥9,980
Order from HobbyLink Japan
