The Combining Cyborg made its debut in the first issue of the KR|Horizon comic book series as a transitional character, introducing fans to the mecha-centred atmosphere of that line. When combined, the Cyborg itself takes on the appearance of a mecha and consists of three individual characters: Xonedar, Tang-Lha and Wrapthur.
Now, fast forward to the present time, when PoliganToys has decided to release a large-scale Combining Cyborg action figure at SDCC 2023! Up until this point, we only had the three separate figures I mentioned earlier (with only a few Horizon-accurate alternative parts for Xonedar). Having put my hands on this new figure, I can honestly say it is i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e!
Toy prototype details
Name: Combining Cyborg
Subtitle: hyper-technological giant warrior
Line: KR|Horizon
Item type: large scale figure - Nº 3 in the line.
Characters details
Names: Xonedar, Wrapthur and Tang-Lha
Classification: partially humans
Sex: males and female
Home: Tahron
Era: 15 years after Foundation
Affiliation: Theriom
Rank: colonel and lieutenant colonels.
Background
First appearance: KR|Horizon #1 - The Destructomorph legacy
Brief bio: two former Troopers who had displayed unwavering loyalty to Senior Minister Tir-Hing, Tang-Lha and Wrapthur were among the most valuable members of the Theriom Armed Forces thanks to their intelligence and incredible fighting skills. Always eager to carry out their mission without question, the two soldiers were seriously injured and almost killed during the first battle of Ra-Hal. They were eventually healed by their mentor and, in a way, adoptive father Colonel Xonedar, who transformed and grafted their bodies with cybernetic parts by encasing each of their cells into a microscopic robotic structure, a technology previously invented by and applied to Xonedar himself. By adjusting the properties of those techno-elements in their bodies, Tang-Lha and Wrapthur gained the ability to shape their physical forms into a plethora of highly advanced devices for use in battle. Equipped with multi-optic visors that could effortlessly see through any structures and a wealth of built-in capture weaponry that could subdue any adversaries, the two warriors were soon back in the forefront of the defences of the Republic of Tahron, now providing an outstanding service to Senior Minister Desion. When confronted by particularly tough opponents, Tang-Lha and Wrapthur could even merge with Xonedar to form a towering mecha endowed with tremendous robotic strength, which would allow the Therioms to win in any combat situations.
Articulation
Standard (new scheme).
Description
With an adequate height of 30 cm (approximately 12''), this figure displays an extraordinary construction that incorporates numerous die-cast metal parts. Its articulation is equally remarkable, allowing for seamless movement and posing to recreate a wide range of dynamic battle scenes, giving the figure a lifelike appearance.
Speaking of meticulous attention to detail, this figure takes it to a whole new level. Every inch of its body is adorned with intricate sculpting and impeccable paintwork. From the amazingly designed circuitry patterns on its limbs to the prominent bolts accentuating its shoulder and elbow articulation, this figure captivates the eye with its awe-inspiring look. It faithfully replicates the appearance of the three individual figures that serve as its components (a detailed description of how they combine is in my review of Tang-Lha & Wrapthur), featuring armoured forearms, thigh pads and lower legs complete with knee guards. The paint job is also exceptional, with metallic red coating on its legs, glossy black on its abdomen and arms, and metallic blue on its head and chest. The addition of silver accents throughout (mostly on the mid torso, hips and the above-mentioned armoured parts) further enhances its visual appeal, adding a touch of brilliance to this already impressive masterpiece.
The figure's ball-jointed head draws inspiration from the iconic mouth-shielded face of Xonedar, but with a more mecha-like twist. Borrowing elements from CoBoN's robotic head design, this portrait exudes a coolness factor, complete with a crown of silver horns that make a bold statement.
Action feature
In my previous review, I described how the three cyborg characters, Tang-Lha, Wrapthur and Xonedar, combine to create this ultimate mecha warrior (their fusion reminds me a lot of Saikyo Robo Daioja). When they merge, their respective chest reactors are placed in unique positions: Wrapthur 's reactor finds its place on the waist/groin area, Tang-Lha's one is split into two parts, positioned on the inner sides of the feet, and Xonedar's one dominates the chest region, its appearance enhanced by its larger size. The real showstopper, though, is the amazing light-and-sound feature embedded within this large chest reactor. Powered by a battery and activated by a button on the back, the Combining Cyborg comes alive with dazzling red-and-green lights and futuristic blasting/whirring sounds. For those who prefer a different experience, the cyborg comes with the option to replace the LED chest reactor with an inactive one, featuring a lenticular sticker instead. The process is simple - by detaching the chest plate, you'll unveil an internal arrangement of colourful non-moving parts such as gears, turbines and tubes, and will be able to disconnect the electronic assembly and attach the alternative piece.
Weapons and accessories
Similarly to its smaller counterparts, the Combining Cyborg also includes multiple silver-coloured (with a dark sheen) interchangeable weapon attachments that can replace its left hand. These consist of a rocket-shaped cannon, a grabber with four gripping jaws arranged in an X shape, and a cylindrical drill bit. It also comes with two handheld weapons such as a sort of trident-halberd, which is made up of a long dark-blue shaft and a double bitted silver battle-axe topped with a silver spear spike, and a round, fan-like laser shield with a mostly translucent yellow disc, which is seemingly produced by the unfolding silver blade of a machete-like sword. All these accessories are reminiscent of some of the weapons that came with Tang-Lha & Wrapthur, but they are of course much larger and more detailed.
Last but not least, there's an alternate faceplate that bears an exposed steel mouth, i.e., without the regular mouth shield. Replacing the faceplate is a piece of cake, but popping off the head from the ball joint takes a bit of effort. Even though all these pieces are included, most of them are never seen in the comics.
Final thoughts
Overall: this is an exceptional toy, a true marvel of engineering and design. Standing tall and boasting awesome articulation, sculpt and paint job, the Combining Cyborg is a must-have for any KR collector or fan. This figure seamlessly combines the best of three characters into a masterful creation. The light-and-sound feature elevates the play experience to another level, and the ability to switch to an alternate chest reactor is a thoughtful addition. Update: I heard rumours that there may even be a rare chase variant with switched colours of the chest and legs (inspired by the incorrect colour scheme appearing in a concept design), making this collectible even more desirable!
Rating: ☺☺☺☺☺ / 5
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