Heldigunner
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The Heldigunner (also written as Hel Digunner) is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.
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OverviewThe Heldigunner is a Iguana-type Zoid, used by the Guylos Empire.The Heldigunner was originally one of the “Dark” Zoids; built by bonding the rare material called Deochalcum (likely named after the legendary metal Orichalcum) to the Zoid's core. This allows them to absorb light and heat into their bodies, and convert it into power for their weapons systems. As a result, while the Heldigunner is only a mid-sized Zoid, it is capable of taking on Zoids far larger than itself. The Dark Zoids give off a distinctive green glow from their power plant and other components. The Zoid is capable of operating on land and in the water with equal effectiveness, making it an ideal amphibious assault unit. It is also capable of burrowing into the ground and tunnelling through anything short of dense bedrock. The Heldigunner's main cannon is a powerful long-ranged beam weapon, composed of three separate cannons that fire simultaneously. This weapon is in turn powered by energy fed from its specialised power system. Additionally, the Heldigunner was very well armoured for its size, with an overall level of protection comparable to some larger Zoids. Because the Zoidians native to the Dark Continent are very sensitive to bright light, the Heldigunner’s cockpit is covered by a specialised shield that protects the pilot. After the destruction of much of the Dark Continent, the Empire lost the ability to create Dark Zoids. Despite this, the Heldigunner design survived. The Zoid's design was altered to use conventional power sources, which resulted in a significant decrease in capability. Despite this, the Zoid was still on par with machines like the Black Rhimos and Command Wolf, and was an effective combatant. Battle Story appearancesThe Heldigunner first appeared in approx ZAC 2051, when forces from the Guylos Empire attacked the Central Continent. The Dark Zoid’s power sources had a detrimental effect on the environment around them, causing plants to wilt, animals to die, rivers to dry up and the very ground itself to crack. The Heldigunner was used for amphibious assaults and, alongside the Deadborder, were used to attack the armed forces of both the Helic Republic and the Zenebas Empire.Heldigunners were also used to defend the Dark Continent against the Helic invasion of Nyx. The Zoids were used as the first line of defence, patrolling the Continent's costs and attacking the Helic forces before they could land. Many Helic Zoids were destroyed by these attacks, substantially reducing the forces that actually reached the continent. Heldigunners also were used to defend the interior of the continent. All existing Heldigunners were destroyed when a meteor struck Zi in ZAC 2056. The destruction of much of the Dark Continent, along with the wider changes across Zi, destroyed the sources of the ores needed to construct the Zoid’s power sources. While most of the original Heldigunners were destroyed, and the ability to manufacture them was lost, the design itself survived. Redesigned to use conventional power sources, the Heldigunner became a mainstay of the new Guylos army. During the invasion of the Western Continent in ZAC 2099, the Heldigunner was used alongside the Redhorn and Brachios to spearhead the Guylos assaults. Heldigunners lead the amphibious landings, using their considerable firepower to dispatch most of the initial defenders. The Zoids were also used during the land war, proving to be adept at desert warfare. Media appearancesAnimeChaotic Century and Guardian ForceThe Heldigunner first appeared in ' and again in ', where it was used as a mainstay of the Guylos Empire's forces. The Zoids also appeared with other groups that the heroes encountered. The most notable examples were the Crossbow Brothers, a pair of desert mercenaries who worked with the notorious assassin Stinger. Generally, the Heldigunner was used as a generic, cannon fodder Zoid.In the final episodes of Chaotic Century, a squad of Heldigunners protecting the Imperial Palace were depicted in the colours of the Original Japanese Release version. New Century ZeroIn , a Heldigunner was used by Benjamin, one of Harry Champ's robot pilots. This Zoid was somewhat modified, sporting a pair of CP-10 Gojulas Supercannons on its sides. Like the rest of the Champ Team's Zoids, this version is not available as a model, and can only be built with considerable customisation.FuzorsA single Heldigunner appeared in an episode of , used by Dan and Matt.ModelsOriginal Japanese Release
The Heldigunner's construction is surprisingly involved for a Zoid of its size, and can be rather fiddly. The Zoid uses a wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Heldigunner will walk forward while opening its jaws and raising and lowering its cannons. The Zoid's tail can be manually positioned, while the canopy can be opened, and the tail-mounted cannon can be rotated. The cannon has a position for a second pilot figure, however only one is included with the kit. The Heldigunner was released in Japan in 1989. Several other versions of the Heldigunner have been produced. They are detailed below. TechnozoidsThe Heldigunner was re-released in the Technozoids line in the US and Canada, under the name Demon Lizard. This version was identical in colour to the OJR version, but the green parts and stickers do not glow.Zoids2The Heldigunner was also released as a part of the Zoids2 line, again under the name Demon Lizard. This version was recoloured in chrome silver, grey, and red, with a clear canopy. This version also introduced a moulding flaw; with the gap at the back of the body being widened considerably. This flaw was carried forwards to all subsequent versions.New Japanese ReleaseThe Heldigunner was re-released in 1999 with the first wave of NJR Zoids. The Zoid was recoloured in dull metallic grey and dull red, with a red canopy and a blue pilot. The mould flaws from the Zoids2 version were unfortunately retained. Likewise, the tubes were now moulded form a far more brittle rubber than before, and can snap easily.An optional weapon was also released for the Heldigunner, the CP-07 Shot Cannon. The kit consists of a single large cannon that is mounted on the Heldigunner's back in place of the cannon turret. Unfortunately, the Heldigunner needs to be largely dismantled before the cannon can be installed. New American ReleaseThe Heldigunner was released in North America by Hasbro as a part of the first wave New American Release. This version was identical to the NJR version, except for the packaging.The Zoid was also re-released in near identical packaging as a part of the New Pacific Release. New English ReleaseThe Heldigunner was re-released by TOMY in England in 2004. This version was identical to the NJR Heldigunner, except for the packaging.
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