Gaogaigar Amakuni King J-Der

 From my experience Amakuni is usually associated with Waifu PVC figures which are borderline R18 at times but they do have close ties with Hobby Japan magazine and now they release a heavyweight item for Gaogaigar! I suppose that Genesic Gaogaigar wasn't a fluke. Standing tall on 30 Cm with complete transformation gimmick and partial diecast parts, Amakuni's King J-Der will be scheduled for December 2024 release schedule with 58000 price tag which is kind of expected from non Bandai manufacturer.

No doubt this version of King J-Der outclass the Super minipla version and appear to have somewhat decent articulation too. As expected Sentinel had a part in this massive project and i wonder if the team behind the Gattai Da Garn also had a hand behind this project, if so i hope their work on Mightgaine is not lagging behind. King J-Der is always one of my favorite mecha from Gaogaigar and Yuusha series as it is a dedicated Heavy support mecha that can stand on its own ground admirably well. Another reason I had a soft spot on King J-Der also due to the pilot himself, Soldat-J who once turned villain against the Braves as Zonder, but never forgot his pride as warrior. Once regained his original identity as Soldat J, he remains stoic and continues his fight against greater enemy even if all of his former comrades are long gone already. Apparently King J-Der also made appearance in SRW 30 which i should give a check as well

Earnestcore Craft Robot Build RB-13V Valhallan

 Around last year there has been a new Mecha toys lineup that caught my interest called Robot Build which is made by manufacturer called Earnestcore craft and they appear to be of Chinese origin. Their product lineups reminds From Software's Armored core series but with more sense of individuality especially the humanoid types. For the newest entry, they are making a bulky Aerial type mecha unit named RB-13V Valhallan which is just a sick looking design. This one appears will be sold for 9500 Yen with early Q2 2023 release schedule but not sure whether this one will be distributed by Wave for Japanese channel like the previous series.

From the first glance, RB-13V Valhallan looks like a Protagonist mecha specializing in Aerial combat with its Rifle weapon capable of changing into dual blades for melee choice. This mecha is also have transformation gimmick into Jet fighter and Geno Breaker expy. Valhallan leaves very strong impression on me since it really reminds me of a crossbreed between Murakumo Unit and Crest Type armored core which are both made by From Software. For the reference here is the model kit for Murakumo made by Plum few years ago.

Elusive Samurai

 

 Some Japanese historical fiction manga that kept popping up on my feed and in the end i gave a chance for this manga to show its charms. Turns out Elusive Samurai is drawn by assassination Classroom mangaka and thus the manga had automatic pass when it comes to basic quality. Taking place in Northern-South Court era that is rarely covered by Japanese manga, Elusive Samurai tells the story of a young Samurai named Hojo Tokiyuki, the last surviving Hojo Clan Heir of Kamakura Shogunate. In Elusive Samurai, the main protagonist embarks on a Hero's journey gathering allies and train himself and confront his main adversary someday which happen to be Ashikaga Takauji, the founder of Ashikaga Shogunate. Unlike most Shonen manga protagonist, Tokiyuki appears more cowardly as he mostly relies on his wits to overcome adversities but his mental willpower is stronger than average indeed as he faces many life and death situations when he is just 10 years old.

 Compared to Assassination classroom, Elusive Samurai have more gores to portray Feudal Japan era which is quite brutal even before the Sengoku Period. If you like Shanaoh Yoshitsune, you will be right at home with Elusive Samurai. Time will tell if the manga will last longer than Assassination Classroom or the main protagonist will face tragic ends just like his real historical counterpart.

Castlevania Netflix Nendoroid 1899 Alucard

 A rather surprise choice but one of the most iconic character from Vampire Slaying Castlevania series, Alucard got his copy of Nendoroid! Nendoroid Alucard will be scheduled for May 2023 release date with 8000 Yen Price.

 Instead of the SOTN version which are no doubt more popular among Castlevania fans, Alucard's Nendoroid is based on the Netflix animation series which i recalled had better conclusion for the iconic villain Dracula. Alucard popularity is owed to the unique approach of Bishonen design by Ayami Kojima and the fresh storyline he played in Castlevania Saga where Alucard side with humanity to fight against his own father, Lord Dracula even reluctantly. To be honest there are no Vampire design that surpassed Alucard in terms of the Bishonen charm so far which is why this Half-Vampire enjoyed relative popularity for quite a long time already.

Arknights Nendoroid 1757 Amiya DX

 

 It has been quite a journey for Arknights as it managed to survive its 3rd year and still keep going well on merchandising section too as the main Heroine Amiya got her upgraded Nendoroid. This Nendoroid rendition for the Donki daughter is basically repackaged of the previous Nendoroid including generous amount of new parts for her Guard class form. Nendoroid Amiya is scheduled for June 2023 release with 9800 Yen price.

The DX version of Nendoroid Amiya included new arms part to wield the Chi Xiao Sword and the Dragon Spirit which should work well for Nendoroid Chen too. Apparently she comes with another 3 new Face parts which makes her have 6 in total which is quite alot compared to its peers. Good thing i haven't bought Nendoroid Amiya before over past few years  as i feel somewhere down the line she will get another major merchandise given her Main heroine status. In any case i will look forward to Myethos Skadi Alter statue who i might get if she still around 20000 Yen price range.