Takara released its' latest Toys-R-Us Exclusive figure in the Car Robot line called God Fire Convoy with Super God Sword [Special Clear Version] on the 23rd of November, 2000.  This package is quite huge measuring approximately 22"x16"x3.75".  As with all of the latest box art in this line, there are two variations to display the box.  God Fire Convoy (CGI) is displayed on one side (horizontally) holding the Super God Sword with Fire Convoy & God Magnus standing in the background.  The other side of the box (vertically displayed above) shows God Fire Convoy with the Super God Sword (actual toys).

This clear version of God Fire Convoy has some minor color changes.  Of course the colors are still the same as the original release with Fire Convoy maintaining his Red color and God Magnus with his Blue.  More information will be provided below.

Since there are no significant changes that I've found besides the colors, I won't describe their "bells & whistles".   Please refer to their respective pages for more information; Super Fire Convoy, God Magnus.

This photo above shows the back of the figures in robot mode with the Super God Sword packaged and attached to Super Fire Convoy.

Besides including the instruction sheets for C-001 Super Fire Convoy, C-023 God Magnus, and the Super God Sword, Takara was nice enough to add a true God Fire Convoy tech-spec card. This now replaces the Scratch Card tech-spec card in my inventory.  Another thing I noticed was that a catalog was omitted from this release.  It appears that the Japanese characters on the back of the tech-spec card is different so look for a posted translation (possibly) at the Protoform Project webpage.

S U P E R    F I R E   C O N V O Y

G O D   M A G N U S

God Magnus is not a bad looking robot as stated in my previous review but doesn't look as good as the first version.  It think the clear sides look kind of odd in vehicle mode which is why I prefer the early release over this clear version. 

This photo shows the clear plastic parts which replaced the sides and ramps of God Magnus' trailer.  The cab's windows as well as the weapons "sight" or Heads Up Display have been tinted neon Green which replaced the Blue from the first version.

S U P E R   G O D    S W O R D

The Super God Sword measures 60cm or 2 feet long.   Now that's one big sword!  The sword is made up of 3 separate pieces that connect together; blue upper blade, black lower blade & base, and gray hilt.  This double-edged sword has been modified for this release but originated from the Japanese release of Fortress Maximus in 1987 called the Master Sword.  Besides a color change and decal (pre-applied at factory), the hilt has the biggest change to be a two-handed weapon.    

The new hilt has a nice look to it which attaches firmly to the base of the blade.  The appearance is outstanding but you'll be very disappointed with the firmness as I was.  It is too flexible and can not handle the weight of the blade.  I tried to set-up God Fire Convoy in a "attack" stance holding the sword like a samurai (or close to it), but it just flopped over.

So where's the photo of Brave Maximus holding the sword?  That's the question everyone's asking.  It seems that Takara didn't bother to add a separate hilt with this sword that would make it compatible with Brave Maximus.  Maybe they will make it part of an exclusive item or just not release it at all.  Or it may be included as part of the "Power Up" campaign in Japan which means that there will be 1000 very happy people!  I don't have any hard facts about the campaign so I can't confirm the contents of the actual prize.   

You can really see in the photo above how much the sword is bending due to the weak plastic and weight of the blade.  The lower half of the blade & base is made of a much stronger plastic which should've been used for the rest of the sword.  But I can understand why it wasn't and my best guess would be if it didn't "give" as much as it does, it can pose as a safety hazard for the children.  Sometimes I forget that these toys are targeted for kids and not adults :)   

I thought I'd show a close-up shot of the characters shown on both sides of the sword.  It took a second to figure out what it said since the letters are mixed (normal & inverted), but if you take a closer look you'll see the phase "TILL ALL ARE ONE".  If you're interested in looking at the actual instruction sheet for the sword, just select this link: TF:CR Instruction Sheets.  It takes a few seconds for the page to load so be patient.

Overall, I really think this variation is sort of a let down since I was expecting more from the Super God Sword.  My opinion would've changed dramatically if the sword was produced with a much stronger plastic.  The color variation is a plus for Super Fire Convoy and a minus for God Magnus and I'm sure some would agree.  This exclusive is still a must have since you can't get the Super God Sword unless you win in one of the campaigns identified in various Japanese anime magazines.  I have entered a few drawings myself but never had any luck.  Maybe someday...