Anyone familiar with Tatsunoko hero works of the 1970s will surely feel a surge of excitement the moment they hear the name “Tekkaman: The Space Knight.” However, this MODEROID Tekkaman is not a product that simply relies on nostalgia. Rather, it might be more accurate to say that through modern plastic model technology, that unique hero design has been revived with a fresh charm. Looking at the finished figure, the design peculiar to classic heroes, where roundness and sharpness coexist, is very striking, possessing the power to draw in not only anime fans of the era but also those who have recently developed an interest in retro SF works. The size, with a total height of approximately 160mm, is also exquisite; it commands a solid presence when placed on a desk while remaining easy to handle and fitting naturally onto a collection shelf, giving the impression that it was made with a deep understanding of the “joy of displaying.”

The first thing that surprises you when handling this kit is the balance of joint articulation. Some people might have an image of old hero plastic models as things you just stand up and that's it, but this MODEROID version is different. The moment you pose the arms or have him hold the Tech Lancer, the atmosphere of a true “fighting hero” resides there. Especially as you change the posing, the vibe of a solitary warrior that the character Tekkaman possessed naturally emerges. Since replacement wrists are also provided, you can reproduce subtle nuances rather than just having him hold a weapon, which is a truly enjoyable point. Because the impression changes significantly with just a slight adjustment to the pose, it is a plastic model that can be enjoyed for a long time after completion.

Personally, I was particularly drawn to the craftsmanship of the Tech Win. By adopting a flexible cable for the whip portion, a “flow” can be created in the weapon. This is more effective than imagined; just extending it straight has impact, and by bending it, you can even produce a sense of dynamism reminiscent of combat scenes in the anime. These kinds of details are difficult to convey through text alone, but when you actually move it with your hands, you can appreciate that “I see, this is a design meant to be moved and enjoyed.” Furthermore, because it is designed so that the grips of the Tech Lancer and Tech Win can be stored in the waist holsters, it's a nice touch that he looks cool not only in an armed state but also in a standby state. I feel it is a design that thoroughly understands the romance of hero toys.

Although color-coding technology in recent plastic models has evolved, the finish on this Tekkaman is quite impressive. Since the characteristic chest stripes are reproduced through molded colors via part separation, it already has the atmosphere of a finished product the moment it is assembled. Of course, it is a kit that can be further transformed if you go all out with painting, but even a straight build offers high satisfaction, making it content that can be enjoyed with peace of mind even by those who say, ”I like plastic models, but painting is a high hurdle.” Since pre-painted parts are also used effectively, it's great to be able to fully experience the ”sensation of gradually becoming Tekkaman” during the process. The assembly time itself turns into a feeling as if you are touching the world of the work.

”Tekkaman: The Space Knight” was broadcast as the third Tatsunoko SF action hero work following “Neo-Human Casshern” and “Hurricane Polymar,” but even among them, it was a work with a unique sense of gravity. This MODEROID version isn't just a 3D realization of an old character; it carries an atmosphere as if the hero culture of that era itself has been carefully brought into the modern age. A design that is somewhat gritty yet futuristic, and the classic hero image of a ”lonely warrior protecting humanity,” are all tightly packed into this kit. It's mysterious how, once placed on a shelf after completion, it looks not just like a plastic model, but like a figure symbolizing the history of Showa SF heroes.