Playmates Toys will launch a Kickstarter campaign on August 18th for a new 10-inch Dragonzord action figure. the combinable toy features missile-launching hands and a spinning drill tail.
A 10-inch Dragonzord with missile-launching hands
The upcoming Dragonzord figure from Playmates Toys is designed as a high-articulation piece, standing nearly 10 inches tall with movement integrated into the shoulders and hips. According to the report, the figure includes a drill-spinning tail and hands capable of launching missiles, catering to the technical preferences of long-term collectors.
Beyond its standalone features, the Dragonzord is engineered for compatibility. It can combine with previously released Dinozords to form two specific configurations: the Dragonzord Battle Mode and the Mega Dragonzord Mode. For the foreseeable future, Playmates Toys intends for the Kickstarter campaign to be the only way for consumers to acquire this specific figure.
The shift from Walmart shelves to Kickstarter funding
The decision to move to a crowdfunding model stems from a volatile retail environment. Matt Aguilar of Playmates Toys explained that while Walmart previously held an exclusive window for Green Ranger products, internal brand prioritization and intense competition for retail shelf space made a traditional store release uncertain. As reported by the source, discussions with partners failed to produce a clear path forward for a standard retail launch.
By utilizing Kickstarter, Playmates Toys is effectively shifting the financial risk of production onto the community. Because this is the largest Zord the company has produced to date, the crowdfunding model allows the firm to gauge demand through preorders before committing to the expensive tooling required for a figure of this scale. This refleccts a growing trend in the toy industry where "whale" items—large, expensive collectibles—bypass big-box stores to avoid the risk of unsold inventory.
Hong Kong 3D models and the three-week wait for a master
There has been some friction regarding the visual representation of the Dragonzord, as early promootional renders differed from the images seen on the packaging. Matt Aguilar noted that Playmates Toys is replacing those initial quick sketches with more precise 3D computer models developed in Hong Kong, which are currently undergoing final adjustments.
The company expects to have a painted master version of the Dragonzord ready for official photography in approximately three weeks. While the core design is set,Playmates Toys is investigating "stretch goals" for the Kickstarter, which may include decorative treatments or molded play pieces to increase the product's overall value.
The August 8 Tigerzord release and Comic-Con Room 10 reveals
Despite the Dragonzord's move to crowdfunding,Playmates Toys is not abandoning traditional retail entirely.. The Tigerzord is scheduled for a Walmart exclusive release in the United States around August 8, suggesting that the company is still capable of securing shelf space for certain high-demand items.
The company is also using the current momentum to tease a broader portfolio of licenses. Playmates Toys is scheduled to reveal further plans for Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, MonsterVerse, and Dungeon Crawler Carl during a Comic-Con panel today at 5:30 PT in Room 10. Whether these other brands will also see Kickstarter campaigns depends on the level of mobilization within those specific fan communities.
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