Toybox REVIEW: Shokugan Modeling Project GaoMuscle

Release Date: September 2021 

RRP: 8250 yen 

When Bandai announced that they would be rebranding their Super Mini-Pla line as Shokugan Modeling Project, they also revealed that this new chapter in the line would be kicking off with Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger – easily the most ambitious Super Sentai series the line has tackled yet. With multiple combinations spread across numerous Power Animals, there was no way collectors were going to accept half measures with this – and Bandai didn't take long to show their dedication. Hot on the heels of SMP Gaoking's release came the range's first Premium Bandai exclusive release – Shokugan Modeling Project GaoMuscle, the second of Gaoranger's long line of mecha. In addition to GaoGorilla, GaoBear and GaoPolar, this set also includes GaoRhinos and GaoMadillo – also giving fans the option to build the GaoMuscle Striker combination.

As with all of the Premium Bandai releases, the GaoMuscle set comes in one large box as opposed to individual component ones – however the design of which still mirrors that of the original DX release. But while one side of the box shows the standard version of GaoMuscle, the other side combines it with elements from the DX GaoRhinos/GaoMadillo packaging – showing off how this set also includes the GaoMuscle (and Gaoking) Striker parts. Inside the pieces to build the various Power Animals are spread across a number of different coloured runners (some of which contain pre-painted pieces), along with a number of sticker sheets, instruction leaflets and a single piece of Bandai ramune-flavoured candy.

The first (and central) component of this set is GaoGorilla, a chunky green gorilla that's easily one of the most fun Power Animals in the range. Not only is it a really fun build and looks great with its metallic green and gunmetal grey pieces, but it has a ton of playability even without the other Power Animals. Altogether it features a moving head, ball jointed shoulders, hips and feet, hinged elbows and even moveable fingers! With this much poseability it naturally has a lot of personality, from dragging its knuckles across the floor to beating its chest in victory.

While GaoGorilla is unable to combine with Gaoking in the same way the other components of GaoMuscle are, it is the only Power Animal in the set to come with its own accessory pieces. Also included are a pair of alternate hands wielding Banana Bombs – its signature attack which sees GaoGorilla summon a cluster of giant banana trees. Switching between the hands is as simple as unplugging the standard fingers and replacing them, and with the new hands attached GaoGorilla retains the same poseability. With its impressive level of articulation GaoGorilla is already one of the most notable Power Animals in the line, but little touches like this just make it even better.

Next up is GaoBear, a grizzly bear with fire symbols adorning its back. Although arm components tend to be among the more simplistic builds, GaoBear is a chunky little model with a number of interesting steps to cover both moving parts and hidden features. In animal mode however it doesn't have a whole lot of poseability – the legs are able to move a little, but it's more a product of the transformation than any real playability here. Like most Power Animals it does at the very least having a moving jaw though, giving it a bit of extra ferocity.

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