Released at the Winter Wonder Festival held on Feburary 24th, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan this is the Guylos Specification Molga and Gator Zoids set. Each was sold separately and I have read that the Molga went faster than the Gator, and waiting times, as well as lines, were quite harsh. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few sets. Each Molga and Gator was limited to 720 pieces. As a limited release, we are treated to something other than the traditional "white box," which is nice for a change.
Pictured Below: Box Fronts
The center of each box features a very welcome old school Guylos Empire logo. Written across the logo is either Molga or Gator, depending on which one you are viewing. The word "ZOIDS" resides on the upper left hand side and "TOMY TAKARA" is prominently featured on the upper right hand side of the box. The back of each box has a short description, as well as the usual array of copyright material. The upper right hand side of each box has a small icon designating the contents of the box, be it Molga or Gator. This is all finished in a beautiful monochromatic (very) deep blue color scheme.
Pictured Below: Box Backs
With Dead Border being on my own personal top five favorites list, I was ecstatic to hear about this release. I love Dark Zoids. I don't know what's more appealing? The Guylos history? The sinister nature? The black and glowing neon green color scheme? Whatever it is, I had to have this set. So, what is the neon green goodness, and why do the Dark Zoids have it? Below is a little history on the Dark Zoid's mystic nature.
Pictured Below: Box Sides
Dark Zoids originate from the same continent as Gul Tiger, known as "The Dark Continent of Nyx," it is the special material only found on Nyx that gives the Dark Zoids their special glow. This material, dubbed: "Deochalcum," acts as a generator that allows the Dark Zoids to absorb both heat and light and covert it into energy that powers their weapons systems. The by product of the conversion process is the eerie greenish glow they each give off. The emissions also directly affect the environment by having a severely dehydrating effect. Another interesting fact about Dark Zoids is their specialized cockpits, which are designed to function as a shield protecting the pilot from intense light, as they are native to the dark environment of Nyx.
Pictured Below: Box Tops
Pictured Below: Box Bottoms
These sets we all over Yahoo Japan the day they came out, and I was actually surprised at how many were for sale. It remains to be seen if there will be a second production run, and just how rare this set will become. Could they be common and cheap like the HT Gojulas? Or super rare like the one blox Sea Panther? Only time will tell, but for now let's take an in depth look at these two beauties.
Dark Molga Consists of:
3 Sprues
2 Gear pieces
3 Cockpit pieces
1 Motor
12 Caps
1 Pilot
1 Sticker sheet
1 Instruction sheet
1 Roller wheel piece
I decided to do a full build review of both pieces, and on my site I am currently re-doing my Dark Zoids section to consolidate some information, pictures, ect. Look for it soon! Building the Dark Molga starts with placing the motor inside the frame.
A clip then holds the frame together.
Both the loose gear and the gear rod is then placed.
The single axle and wheels are then fitted.
The two tail halves are constructed, and the roller wheel is secured.
The two upper body halves are then fitted over the main frame and held in place via two caps, and the tail segment is secured.
The tail "hidden" gun and tail cover is are then placed.
The end of the tail and the antenna are then secured with two caps.
The cockpit is then assembled.
The unit is then finished by placing the cockpit between the two facial guards, and the top cover is secured.
The unit is then finished and ready for the stickers to be applied.
The unit is then ready for display.
Some close up views.
Family portraits:
Dark Molga's glow in the dark abilities are truly accentuated by photographing in UV light. This thing shines brighter than a light bulb, and to me it's a very impressive feature that only adds to the awesomeness of this unit.
Dark Molga with Holotec Molga
Next up is the Guylos Specification Gator. Gator is an innovative little wind up, and I was very happy to learn of it's new Dark make over. Let's have a look.
Dark Gator consists of:
3 Sprues
12 Caps
1 Motor
3 Cockpit pieces
1 Sticker sheet
1 Pilot
1 Instruction sheet
This build is unique in that you have a couple of different combinations to choose from. The first choice starts with the inner body segment in the first step of the build, but more on that later. In the first step the motor is inserted into one of the inner body halves, the tail unit is also fitted.
The second inner body half is the fitted.
Next the left strut like piece is held in place by an outer body half which is held in place via two caps.
This same process is then repeated on the opposite side, and the body frame is complete.
Next, the unique leg structure is configured.
The legs are then fitted, this is another step in which you have a choice of color combinations. Each leg is secured via one cap.
The same process is then repeated on the opposite side.
The small six barrel cannon is then placed on the spine, and the spine itself is inserted into the unit's back.
The cockpit is then assembled.
The head is then secured, the pilot placed, and then there are some choices to be made. The Gator comes with two sets of inner body as well as two sets of leg pieces. These are offered in both classic gray or Dark Zoid green allowing for some nice variations on the unit. Below is the black inner body with green legs.
Below is the black legs with green inner body.
Below is the combination I liked best, more bang for your buck in my eyes. The green may be a bit overwhelming for some. The unit is then ready for stickers.
After the stickers are placed, the unit is then ready for display.
A few close up views.
With Gatordus.
Not to be outdone by Molga, Gator does some glowing of it's own.
I am a little biased when it comes to Dark Zoids, and I think very highly of this set. I like the new sticker sheets, the choices we are given on assembling the Gator, and of course the most wicked of color schemes.
Without a doubt, this set is a must add to any Dark Army.
This has been a Zoid.US production. No image may be used without permission. � 2008 -WIKD