Engineering Excellence: A Deep Dive into Tamashii Nations' DX Chogokin and DX Soul of Chogokin Lines
The term Chogokin—Super Alloy—is more than just a brand name; it is a promise of quality, engineering, and nostalgia that has defined premium robot collectibles for over fifty years. Bandai Spirits' Tamashii Nations division has elevated this legacy with its two flagship lines for adult collectors: DX Chogokin and DX Soul of Chogokin. These figures are not mere toys; they are complex, die-cast masterpieces that represent the pinnacle of mecha collectible design.
This guide explores the distinct philosophies and groundbreaking features of these two lines, showcasing the iconic mecha that have been immortalized in die-cast metal, including Macross, Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger, Combattler V, Voltes V, Gaiking, and Mechagodzilla.
Part I: DX Chogokin – The Art of Perfect Transformation
The DX Chogokin line is dedicated to the most complex and demanding mechanical designs, primarily focusing on variable mecha that require flawless transformation. The line's core philosophy is to achieve a "perfect transformation" without the need for part-swapping, a feat of engineering that distinguishes it from almost every other collectible line.
Macross: The Flagship of DX Chogokin
The Variable Fighters (Valkyries) from the Macross franchise are the undisputed stars of the DX Chogokin line . Figures like the VF-25 Messiah Valkyrie and the YF-19 Excalibur are celebrated for their ability to seamlessly transition between three distinct modes:
•Fighter Mode: A highly detailed, realistic aircraft with a heavy die-cast frame.
•GERWALK Mode: The iconic intermediate mode, achieved through intricate joint systems.
•Battroid Mode: The fully articulated robot form, standing stable and imposing.
The use of die-cast metal is crucial, providing the necessary weight and stability for the complex locking mechanisms and joints. This line offers the ultimate expression of the Macross experience, often including extensive accessories like Super Parts, Armored Packs, and custom display stands.
Part II: DX Soul of Chogokin – The Super Robot Titans
The DX Soul of Chogokin line (DX SOC) is reserved for the most ambitious projects in the super robot genre. These figures are defined by their massive scale, intricate internal mechanics, and cutting-edge electronic features, serving as definitive, museum-quality tributes to the classic heroes of the 1970s and beyond.
1. The Mazinger Dynasty: Lights, Sound, and Scale
The Mazinger series figures in the DX SOC line are renowned for their sheer size and technological integration.
•DX SOC Mazinger Z (50th Anniversary Ver.): This figure stands approximately 300mm (12 inches) tall and is a technological marvel . It features a built-in light and sound system that activates the "Breast Fire" effect via a luminous sheet in the chest. Crucially, it includes a voice IC that plays character dialogue and four theme songs sung by the legendary Ichiro Mizuki, all controlled by an infrared remote. The figure also boasts removable armor to reveal the internal mechanical structure, a hallmark of the line's informative design.
•DX SOC Great Mazinger: Following the success of Mazinger Z, the Great Mazinger figure maintains the impressive scale, standing at 325mm (12.8 inches). Its size alone makes it a commanding presence, nearly doubling the height of standard Soul of Chogokin releases.
2. The Combination Kings: Combattler V and Voltes V
The DX SOC line has mastered the art of the transforming and combining super robot, capturing the essence of the "Gattai" (combination) sequence from the anime.
•DX SOC Combattler V: Standing at 355mm (14 inches), this figure perfectly replicates the combination of the five Battle Machines into the final robot . The figure includes a voice IC that plays key dialogue and sound effects, allowing collectors to relive the "Combine!" sequence with a press of a button.
•DX SOC Voltes V (Volt in Box): The Voltes V figure is equally impressive at 360mm (14.2 inches). It is a true "Volt In Box" experience, with five separate machines that combine to form the final robot . The figure's base features five buttons that trigger 27 lines of dialogue and sound effects, including the famous "V Together!" call.
3. The Kaiju Mecha: Mechagodzilla 1974
The DX SOC line extends its reach beyond traditional super robots to include iconic mecha from the Kaiju genre.
•DX SOC Mechagodzilla 1974: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its film debut, this figure stands 270mm (10.6 inches) tall and is packed with electronic features . Its dorsal fins act as switches to activate the built-in LED and sound IC, which plays the "Mechagodzilla Appears" theme music, roaring sounds, and weapon effects like the "Space Beam" (with multi-colored LED eyes) and the "Cross Attack Beam" (with a light-up chest hatch).
4. Gaiking: Honorable Mention - Soul of Chogokin
The most recent, large-scale version—the GX-100 Gaiking & Daiku Maryu—was released under the standard Soul of Chogokin line, not the DX line. However, it still embodies the spirit of the DX line with its massive scale (the Daiku Maryu carrier is 750mm long) and voice IC features, demonstrating the continuous innovation across the entire Chogokin brand.
Comparison of the Premium Chogokin Lines
The distinction between the two premium lines is clear: DX Chogokin prioritizes complex, realistic transformation, while DX Soul of Chogokin prioritizes scale, electronic features, and internal detail.
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Feature
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DX Chogokin (e.g., Macross Valkyries)
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DX Soul of Chogokin (e.g., Mazinger Z)
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Primary Focus
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Perfect Transformation, Variable Mecha
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Scale, Electronic Gimmicks, Internal Detail
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Key Engineering
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Intricate locking mechanisms, seamless mode change
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Voice IC, LED lighting, complex combination sequence
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Typical Scale
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1/48 or 1/60 (Valkyries)
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Large-scale (300mm+), often twice the size of standard SOC
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Featured Franchises
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Macross, Gundam (rarely)
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Mazinger, Voltes V, Combattler V, Mechagodzilla
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Price Range
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Premium (approx. $150 - $260 USD)
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Ultra-Premium (approx. $270 - $570 USD)
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Conclusion: The Ultimate Mecha Collectible
The DX Chogokin and DX Soul of Chogokin lines offer collectors an unparalleled experience. Whether you are drawn to the engineering marvel of a transforming Macross Valkyrie or the technological spectacle of a sound-and-light-equipped Mazinger Z or Mechagodzilla, these figures are the ultimate expression of the Super Alloy legacy. They are investments in art, engineering, and the enduring passion for mecha anime.