Lightning Collection Zord Ascension Project (ZAP) Dragonzord (Z-0121) - Pictorial Review

This come as surprised as I didn't expect it to be released so soon after ZAP Megazord. However, it's a welcomed release. With the issues that ZAP Megazord had, people were debating whether Hasbro dropped the ball or it's just, what you'd called, first-release bad luck. 

So let's see

In Package 

Continuing the design and theme of the previous release, Dragonzord comes in a premium-ish box with gorgeous artwork at the front. 

The box is smaller than that of Megazord and feels lighter. I'm not sure whether it's because of the size alone or Hasbro reduce the weight of the box

On the back it shows all 3 modes of Dragonzord and the 2 miniature Green Rangers.

I must say I love the inner box. It's the kind of finishing that I would love to see bring used for Transformers 

Artwork inside the cover

Dragonzord Mode 

Out of the box, the figure itself is as heavy as you would expect relative to Megazord. The mix of black, gold, green and silver used really brings out the 'premium' look.

It feels a bit more solid than Megazord but that might just be due to it having larger part's size as opposed to smaller parts (joined together) used by Megazord 

I can't stress this enough but the overall color and finishing are really impressive.

There's nothing extra in terms of its articulation (not that you should expect it to be highly articulated)

The head is static with movable jaw (for transformation), basic up and down movement of the hands and rotation at the fists.

It doesn't have any waist articulation possibly due to transformations design. The knees can be bend and the feet comes with are on ball joint (with limited rockers). The tail is articulated based at each segments 

It comes with 2 effect parts that can be attached to one of its 3 sets of hands.

2 other alternate hands

It comes with 2 miniature Green Rangers, one is him doing his power pose and the other is him playing his flute (the Dragon Dagger)

Size wise it is bigger than the tyrannosaurus but not so much that it looks out of place. Finishing wise it fits with the rest of the team.

To my surprise, it is very small compared to Megazord which doesn't follow the scale used in the series. But I think there's a reason to it in which we'll talk about later.

Dragonzord Battle Mode

Dragonzord Battle Mode is the combination of Dragonzord with Triceratops, Sabertooth Tiger and Mastodon.

Transformation is simple and straightforward. Dragonzord tabs together securely with all the 3 Zords.

Perhaps my only issue with the mode. The big feet looks weird and the thigh looks like it bends forward instead of straight down 

The power staff is a combination of a separate handle, the middle part of Dragonzord's body and 3/5 segments of the tail in which I think the friction tab would eventually wears off should you keep popping it out. 

The staff is heavier than what its elbow joint can handle so it can't really lift it up

One concern that I have is can the chrome parts on the chest last? I can't remember when was chrome parts last used in Transformers main line (non-MP) aside from ACG/SDCC Metroplex.

Mega Dragonzord 

In this 3rd mode, Dragonzord transform into an armor to be used by Megazord. And yes, it looks really crowded.

One thing I notice is that the proportion is closer to old toy version since in the series, the Dragonzord feet at the side (with the Dragonzord symbols) should've been smaller

This bring us to the issue of why Dragonzord is smaller than Megazord. Even with current size, the armor still looks bigger at some parts. I'm guessing, this is the most optimal size for it in both modes.

Admittedly, the design is too busy in this mode. But that's how the source material is. The overall armor is quite heavy and blocky which means he can't utilize his original articulation, not without falling down at least. The biggest weakness is the strength of the knees .

All in all, its 3 modes work really well, despite few small issues here and there. Poseabilty is not the biggest selling point especially the Mega Dragonzord mode where his role is to just stand straight and be pretty.

Does it suffer from minor QC issues here and there like Megazord? Not really. But not much can be said considering the nature of Dragonzord (one big blocky zord) and Megazord (5 smaller components, with small parts, combining together). Crucial addition to Megazord? Definately!

Apparently they won't go ahead and continue with Titanus next. We will see if the fans are really interested in the ZAP releases or just MMPR specifically.