I like Zoids, but the selection of bugs is always surprising. The ZW-07 Kuwaga is neat, and is derived from the stag beetle - which, like the rhinoceros beetle, is a pet in Japan. So of course, you would want one as a robot steed. It checks out. The wind-up motor powers six scurrying legs across a table and also causes the mandibles to open and close. Bonus side mandibles are manually controlled, as are little wings on the backside.
This isn't the first stag beetle kit - there was the Double Sworder in both 1983 and 1999. It looks a bit meaner, and this Zoids Wild version seems almost more organic in appearance. Almost.
The 5-inch long 1:35 scale creature sports a blue top with a few moving parts and tons of 3mm pegs for future expansion. You can put caps on them if you like, or older weapons if you have any around. Transformers Siege C.O.M.B.A.T. blast effects also fit - which could be great for dioramas. It has metallic-ish red eyes you can plop in the sockets, but not a whole lot of color otherwise. A frosted clear rider sits on the figure's back, a departure from the bland grey figures commonly seen 20 years ago but nowhere near the metallic gems of the 1980s. I assume you can customize these if you want, and if/when the anime becomes a hit I also assume they could sell upgrade figures in capsules or blind bags. As it is, it's OK - but I miss the old vac-metal figures a lot.
A custom sticker sheet is included with faction symbols and other markings. This kit belongs to "Death Metal," which is, apparently, not referencing music. It has a skull and crossbones symbol, which you can see in the pictures.
It's cute and a fast build. Given inflation, the price makes some sense - but this toy would've been an obscenely cheap $4-$6 20 years ago. At about $12 today, it's acceptable and comparable to other similar toys in the marketplace. The only paint is on the eyes, and the build was pre-trimmed from any plastic part frames. Kids can slap this together in a few minutes, and I will always suggest every adult toy fan buy one of these just to try it out. Wind-up toys are far and few between, as are kit toys. Given this is both, I'm a little surprised they aren't being sold in American toy stores under the guide of being some sort of STEM toy. (Mattel was all about STEM a few years ago. It passed.)
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