Merda

The Merda (sometimes romanised as Marder or Marda, better known in the west as the Hellrunner) is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.

Merda
Merda
EMZ-13 (01) Ornitholestes Type Zenebas Empire
Crew	1
Weight	17.5 tons
Depth	16.8 m
Height	12.2 m
Maximum Speed	450-500 km/h
Weapons	Electromagnetic Launcher, Missile Pod
Equipment	VTOL Nozzle, Independently flight-capable cockpit

Overview

The Merda is an Ornitholestes-type Zoid, created and used by the Zenebas Empire.

The Merda is an early Zoid, one of the first created by the Zenebas Empire. The Zoid was created for high-speed strikes and recon, and is the fastest purely land-based Zoid ever created. The Zoid can run at over 400 km/h, and with its high-manoeuvrability thrusters engaged, it can reach 500 km/h. At the time of its creation, no Zoid could come close to catching it; even by modern Zoid standards it is still very fast.

While the Zoid is fast, its armaments are rather limited. The Zoid either carries a beam cannon or small missile pod on its back. It lacks melee weapons, but can still make powerful kicks. Its armour is rather weak, relying more on high speed and agility to protect it.

Battle Story appearances

The Merda was one of the first Zoids created by the Zenebas Empire, appearing in the ZAC 1980s. Initially designed for rapid strike and recon duties, the Zoid proved to be capable as an infantry machine as well. The Zoid was more than a match for its opponents; it was nearly twice as fast as the Garius and far more agile. Despite this, its design made it rather limited; having little endurance and not performing well in situations where it couldn't keep moving.

With the arrival of the Iguan in ZAC 2030, the Merda was gradually phased out from frontline service. The newer Zoid was nowhere near as fast, but more than made up for it by being far more versatile. The Merda remained in service with the Zenebas Empire's forces, serving until its fall in ZAC 2039. Considered to be obsolete, the design is yet to be revived.

Media Appearances

Video games

Merda's media appearances are limited to the electronic games, in particular the Game Boy Color game Jashin Fukkatsu! Geno Breaker Hen (Evil God Revived! Geno Breaker Story) and the Game Boy Advance Zoids Legacy.

Its appearance in the latter is odd, as it is one of only three Original Japanese Release Zoids to appear in the game, and the only one to appear as a regular opponent. (The other two, being the Gil Vader and King Gojulas, were "Easter eggs"). Oddly enough, in the English version of the game, the Zoid was called Hellrunner, its OER name.

UK Zoids comic

The Hellrunner was the most numerous Zoid type found in the Red mutant army and served as its main infantry units, and appeared throughout the comic's run. The Zoids made up for their relative weakness with sheer numbers, often swarming enemies in mass numbers.

Models

Original Japanese Release

• Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
• The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint.

The Merda comes on three frames along with a small wind-up motor, a separate head piece, a clear canopy, six rubber caps a small chrome silver pilot and label sheets. The Merda is moulded in maroon and silver with a red canopy. The head was shared with several other Imperial Zoids, including the Malder and Molga.

The Merda’s construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid comes with two back weapons, whereas it only has the room for one of them; the weapons can be freely interchanged after the Zoid is completed. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Zoid walks forwards at a reasonable pace. The Zoid's arms, legs and back weapon can all be manually positioned, and the canopy opened.

The Merda was released in Japan in 1983 with production continuing until about 1987.

Original European Release

The Merda was re-released in Europe in 1985-86, under the name Hellrunner. This version was identical to the OJR version, except for the packaging.

The name "Hellrunner" has actually become more popular than the Japanese name in the West, and is usually used when referring to either the European or Japanese versions.

Robostrux

The Merda was re-released in the US as a part of the Robostrux line, under the name Runna. The Zoid was recoloured in blue and teal, with a red canopy.

Zoids2

The Merda was also released as a part of the Zoids2 line, under the name Hellrunner. This version was recoloured in silver, chrome silver and black. Several variants exist, with black, silver or grey canopies.

Zenebas Memorial Box Set

The Merda was re-released in 2006 in the Zenebas Memorial Box Set. This set was released with the same spirit than the Toys Dream Project first set, which was containing the first five White Head Zoids in one box, but this Zenebas set wasn't limited and was made by Tomy. This version of the Zoid was identical to the OJR version. The set also included similarly coloured versions of the Molga, Zatton, Geruder and Gator.

Merda TS

Merda TS

A limited edition kit as a part of the 25th annyversary line. This was the last model kit from the line. It was colored in Guylos Dark Army Colors, despite the zoid never being revived by the Guylos Empire, according to the Battle Story. It also included new parts for weapons. The new thing was also that this Zoid was battery operated and no longer wind-up, like Barigatior TS. No other changes were made to the model.

List of Zoids

A-F

G-L

M-R

S-Z