Soul of Chogokin Gx-37B King Joe Black
Same as previous releases, the display base and stands are packed in the underside of the styrofoam tray.
Optional springs and antennae pieces for the leg section UFO mode.
Display base
Similar to the previous SOC King Joe Black, the display base arm for the head and shoulders UFO unit is also black with this release. It’s also taller than the display base arm for regular King Joe to allow for the additional height from the Pedanium Launcher .
Nameplate
Remember to flip around the antennae pieces for King Joe’s shoulders.
Pedan Alien UFOs
“Secret compartment” in the display base for storing the fifth Pedan ship.
When not in use, most of the display stand arms can be stored underneath the base.
Only the black display stand arm remains, this is to help hold King Joe Black in place.
King Joe Black
Originally created by the Pedan Aliens, King Joe was one of the many foes of Ultraseven. Equipped with Pedanium Alloy armor, the King Joe is nearly invulnerable from most attacks. After being finally defeated by Ultraseven, King Joe eventually makes a return appearance in much later media as King Joe Black. Apart from the new color scheme, this version of King Joe is now equipped with a Pedanium Launcher on its right arm for more destructive firepower.
This figure is the 2024 reissue of Gx-37B King Joe Black release from way back in 2007, itself a redeco retool of the Gx-37 King Joe.
The figure’s redesign is prominently seen one of the main antagonists in the Ultra Galaxy: Daikaiju Battle (Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle) TV series that originally aired in 2007. The show was an adaption of the video game “Mega Monster Battle: ULTRA MONSTERS”.
Same as with regular Soul of Chogokin King Joe, this figure sports articulated fingers on the left hand.
Very nice paint detailing on the robot’s chest panel.
An “upgrade” over its predecessor, the King Joe Black comes with the Pedanium Launcher mounted on its right arm.
King Joe Black’s Pedanium Launcher is able to fire energy rounds as well as standard missile shots. Each shot is highly capable of destroying strong monsters such as Gomora with just a single blast. King Joe Black easily defeats several monsters at once in one scene in the show.
Constructed from Pedanium alloy, the Launcher is also highly durable and versatile. This allows King Joe Black to use the weapon for bludgeoning opponents as well as blocking enemy melee strikes.
To mount the figure onto the base in robot mode, simply peg the unit into the black display base arm to secure it.
Getting the secret panel to pop up with King Joe Black in robot mode is trickier, you’ll have to reposition his feet a bit.
I didn’t have time to dig out the original Soul of Chogokin King Joe Black. I guess that’s something for me to do down the road.
The Good
King Joe Black stands roughly 6.5 inches tall and weighs 390 Grams.
-Diecast parts include:
–Main torso section
–Upper legs
–Lower legs
–Feet
-The figure still feels very hefty thanks to all the diecast.
-Same as the older King Joe releases, this figure uses magnets to connect together.
-Styrofoam tray. I’m glad to see they didn’t take that away.
-Ratchet joints! I miss these on some of the newer SOC releases.
-The pop up secret door on the display base is always a hoot to mess with.
The Bad
-A straight up reissue of the Gx-37B King Joe Black from 2008. Nothing new has been added to this set.
-King Joe Black’s feet are on ball joints, this can sometimes cause stability issues when posing the figure.
-Shoulder articulation is very, very limited on this figure.
-Leg articulation is also very limited.
-Never lift the figure by holding just its torso. The lower section will fall out. Always lift by the figure’s legs.
The Ugly
Thankfully, no real QC issues here. Considering this set is a Tamashii Web/ P-Bandai exclusive, I’m not surprised.
Probably the biggest issue for me is the price. Looking at my old cost listings, the original King Joe Black from 2008 compared to the price of this reissue, this one cost 30% more. I’m not really sure how inflation works, but that’s quite a jump I think, especially considering we don’t get anything new added to this set.
Overall, nice, but not really a must have, same as the other King Joes that came before. Though admittedly, the paint does seem slightly better compared the original release (going by what I recall), so I guess that’s something. Given the choice between this or the 2008 release, this one is definitely the better option.
Personally, King Joe was always a bit of an odd offshoot for me to be included in the Soul of Chogokin line. I’ve always felt the King Joes should’ve been included in the main Chogokin line and not in the Soul of Chogokin series. This one’s definitely for the Soul of Chogokin completist and/or Ultraseven/ Ultraman fans.
Gold
