July 2024 Loot

 Relatively modest loot batch compared to previous months, but still very sumptuous one on the courtesy of Chines hobby manufacturers on making their cheap products having large packages. Obviously the Spa Duck Model kit easily become the center of attention with its sheer Box Size despite it is not the most expensive of the bunch. The most expensive from the lot is actually the Infinity Studio Crimson Typhoon, so don't be fooled with the unremarkable packaging. 

Also I finally got myself the Figma for Moon Princess Arcueid herself as well which I obviously get the DX version without any doubt. This is probably one of the reason why she came upon my Chaldea with relative ease back in FGO 7th Anniv. All in all given my current work schedule, these ones will sit on my pile of Shame for quite some time.

Kannazuki no Miko - Destiny of Shrine Maidens

 One of the Mecha anime that I have been avoiding for long due to the Yuri fanservice but due to recent turn of event I decided to give this series a watch as Hobby industry consider the series worth their time to make some merchandise out of it. Overall Kannazuki no Miko is still a wasted potential like many of its peers, but it got really good song from Kotoko that instantly gives me nostalgic vibe which makes me sticks around long enough to reevaluate the merit of this particular series. I never like Yuri subgenre but Kannazuki no Miko could really thrive If it really had some good writer to execute the ideas behinds the series which are great actually.

As the Kannazuki no Miko Mechatalk serialization has concluded its run I will be updating this article with the Mechatalk article Links for easier access

• Part 1 - Orochi Seven
• Part 2 - Take no Yamikazuchi
• Part 3 - Ame no Murakumo & Orochi
  

Sky x Studio SXD Gokin Tobikage

 Tobikage is one of the many forgotten Mecha series by Japan but out of the blue is given another chance by China. Picked up by a Chinese studio named Sky x Studio, Tobikage is given a Diecast Robot treatment. No scale information is given at the moment, but the Preorders will be opened starting from Chinajoy event with 1288 RMB Price tag thus the size shouldn't be much different than your typical Metal Build.

On Hindsight, Tobikage was one of those 80s Mecha anime that were wasted by the incessant Toy sales pursuit of their sponsor. The series just don't have much things going despite Tobikage got some decent looking mechas and as long as the Articulation department is handled well, this SXD Gokin Tobikage will be one of the definitive products for Tobikage surpassing Bandai's old Soul of Chogokin. Looking on the track record, Sky X Studio did some Diecast product for classic mecha series ranging like Tekkaman Blade, Getter Robo and Mazinger so they can be trusted to know what they are doing. I wonder if Sky x Studio will be interested to continue on the Tobikage's Animal mechas which do appear to require more overhead and efforts .

Record of Lodoss War Nendoroid Deedlit

 It has been more than 30 years since Record of Lodoss war OVA aired but it is never too late that we are getting any yet another new product! By the courtesy of GSC, This time we are getting a Nendoroid for the first popular Elf Waifu, Deedlit! Scheduled for December 2024, Nendoroid Deedlit will be sold for 6800 Yen.

Deedlit may not be the first Elf character in Japanese anime, but this High Elf is the one who popularize the whole Elf waifu thing through her adventure with Parn. She is pretty much responsible for making the Elf niche thrived to this day despite at times become the short end of Degenerate contents. If Deedlit is popular enough, I am confident that other popular Lodoss characters would join in as well whether it is Parn, Ashram or Pirotess. Perhaps in near future I will pay a visit on the Lodoss metroidvania game which happen to be the latest installment for Lodoss series.

Nuke Matrix CF-06 1/12 Caroline Rolphe - Mad Wolf

 There is this particular CN Hobby company called Nuke Matrix that has been releasing some really cool Mecha Musume products over past few years. But their product revealed on early this year gotta be the one that catches my attention the most. Coming in Viking berserker Theme with tons of Wolf Aesthetics, this Nuke Matrix Mecha Musume is dubbed Mad Wolf. This model kit was released already around Q2 2024 with 228 RMB price tag.

China hobby manufacturers really kept people amazed with their product as this Mecha Musume model kit comes with plenty of goodies that could have been sold for over 10000 Yen if it is made by their Japanese counterpart. Nuke Matrix Mad wolf obviously comes with generous amount of Melee Weapon despite the Mecha musume itself is scantily clad focusing on ferocity and speed. Nuke Matrix really ticked alot of checkboxes with this kit as this product synergize many aspects that are traced from Gundam Barbatos Lupus, 40k Space Wolves and a little bit of Berserk and Zinogre. Seriously with some repaint, this Mecha musume could pass off as Zinogre Female Hunter with customized armor. I am never a big Mecha Musume fan but these sort of products will even make me give some of my attention. To conclude this post, here are the contents you are getting out of Nuke Matrix Mad Wolf.

Wolf Fang: Kuuga 2021 1/35 Soryu

 When I still frequently played my JP version of PS Vita, there was this particular Horizontal Mecha Shmup game that I played called Wolf Fang and certainly it was a rather unique experience. This game is quite cut above for something published by DataEast which don't exactly have good reputation when it comes to Consistency. Fast Forward to 2024, out of the blue Plum decided to release a model kit from this series that has went past its heyday under 1/35 Scale. Scheduled for October 2024 release, 1/35 Soryu will be sold for 4500 Yen.

 Given Plum's track record in releasing Model Kit for non mainstream Mechas like Assault Suits and Powerdolls, It is somewhat expected that they will move on to Wolf Fang at some point though it is commendable for them to do such attempt in the current difficult economic situation. For a 4500 Yen Model Kit, you get a 13 cm Soryu Model Kit in its default getup along with the Pilot model kit. Considering the Price Tag, I really doubt this one got cockpit gimmick even if It could use one. What makes Wolf Fang rather special is its degree of customization for the Mecha loadout which consist of Components like Main & Melee weapons and Leg type. Wolf Fang even got the Pilebunker as one of possible loadout even though I still find laser blades to be more reliable option. If you like Mecha and never played Wolf Fang, I strongly recommend to give this game a try in PSX version which even got Voiceover! Perhaps in near future I might even make a dedicated article for this game.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model Review

 I think It has been a very long time since I post anything related to this Blog Review section because nowadays I will just dump my collection Photoshoots from my spare time on Instagram. Perhaps this will be once in a blue thing or perhaps it will kickstart the revival for Realm of Darkness Review post once again. 

 So over past 4 months I have been collecting the Go-to available collectible for Super Mecha Champions which came in the form of Sluban SMC Brick Models. Out of 9 variants made, I managed to obtain 8 of them leaving Hot Steel being the only missing one and I would like to share some of my opinions about this lineup.

Konosuba Nendoroid Eris

 With Konosuba 3rd Season concluded its run, Kazuma's favorite Goddess Eris finally gets her Nendoroid! Quite sure Chris has gotten one before, but turns out Eris is the one who gets the Nendoroid first. Scheduled for January 2025 release, Nendoroid Eris will be sold for 7300 Yen.

 Given the current economy situation, Nendoroid Eris are rather pricey as usual with lackluster accessory just like many Nendoroids announced within this year. However the faceplates at very least capture Eris expressions perfectly fitting for the most Perfect Goddess in Kazuma's Eyes. Being the ruling deity in the World that Kazuma isekai'ed into, Eris is prim and proper goddess being the exemplary gentle Lawful Good Goddess. However she gets into trouble when Aqua came into the world she is in charge as despite losing some of her divinity, as the useless Water Goddess able to bully Eris to do her bidding being her Senior Goddess after all. Due to Kazuma's shenanigans, Eris do get bullied from time to time but she is still very gentle toward the Hikineet protagonist which makes her being the Perfect Heroine in his eyes. Perhaps once I finished my business with Sakura Taisen series, I will pay a visit to the Konosuba game backlog that I had.

Starting Sakura Taisen 4 Playthrough

 Having wrapped up my unfinished business with Sakura Taisen 2 last week, It is time for me to move on to the last of Sakura Taisen original Tetralogy with Sakura Taisen 4: Fall in Love Maidens. This is the ultimate Swansong for Sega Dreamcast as Ogami will conclude his journey in the series and settled down with one of the 13 Maidens from Teikoku & Paris Kagekidan. 

If it was not for Sega throwing the towel on the Console race which spells the demise of Dreamcast console, I believe Sakura Taisen 4 could have even reached a greater height that this series deserved. In any case, I have planned out my route playthrough for Sakura Taisen IV and will commit to finish at 80% completion at very least. At some point I might even will backtrack to Sakura Taisen 3 for the completionist sake before aiming for Sakura Taisen 4 100% completion, If I ever reached that point. At the moment I will just savor everything that the final present that Sega bestowed upon Sakura Taisen fans.

Sembo Blocks Moshow Progenitor Effect Blind Box

 Following after Blokees success with their Transformers Blindbox lineup, a Chinese Brick Block manufacturer called Sembo doesn't want to fall behind and now collaborating with Moshow to release their own Mecha Blindbox! Using the Moshow popular Diecast Robot like Takeda Shingen or Lancelot as base model, Scheduled for Late Q3, Sembo Progenitor Effect will be sold in a Blindbox costing 160 RMB each.

Compared to Transformers Blokees, Sembo Progenitor Effect probably require more assembly which the complexity makes it more like a Blindbox for collectors. For the 1st edition of the Progenitor Effect blindbox, Sembo features 6 available variants along with 3 Secret ones which are variants of Date Masamune and Takeda Shingen Mecha. The mechas that I look forward the most from the roster would be Marquis of Wucheng and Lancelot whom the latter 1/72 Diecast is a very impressive. Previously I was only familiar with Sembo toys with their Brick Toy product that are sold on KKV store but this one is certainly a step up. If the articulation of these products can be at least on par with Blokees, it will be a good rival for the former. Apparently Cangdao Toys Diecast Mecha will also get the Diecast toy treatment which I will look forward to.

Aura Battler Dunbine Metal Build Dragon Scale Billbine / Bellvine

 Up until now Sirbine is the only mecha that I pay special attention to from Aura Battle Dunbine due to its Top Tier Knight Mecha design. However the Metal Build Dragon Scale series really open a new avenue for other Dunbine mechas starting with the TV series Billbine! Released as P-Bandai item yet again, Billbine is getting a Metal Build Dragon Scale treatment and recently has open up for pre-order selling for 35200 Yen.

Up until now Billbine simply never catches my attention due to many various reasons. But this Metal Build Dragon Scale literally put Izubuchi aesthetics all over the Dunbine Upgrade unit which certainly succeeds at demanding my recognition. If Sirbine is the ultimate Bug Knight mecha that emphasis on graceful fighting style, this version of Billbine is more of a Fighter itself never shying away from any slugfest if it had to, being overall bulkier than Sirbine for starters. While the price tag is rather high, Metal Dragon Spirits come with many quality to justify its price tag compared to other P-Bandai stuff with more selection of weapons including Sword Rifle that literally turn into Raiser Sword. As an owner of Metal Build Sirbine, this one certainly will not disappoint because the Wing part which is one of the best part of Sirbine are replicated very well in this one as well. Will look forward this sort of rendition for Dunbine, Green Bellvine and Zelbine someday.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Shinguji Sakura

 At long last we are finally at the last destination of Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk! This side project which started from early June last month now concluded at the Final stop with the titular main heroine of Sakura Taisen series, Shinguji Sakura! While Sakura has always been the titular main Heroine since the first game, Sakura Taisen 2 decide to step up the game and really puts her in the spotlight! Throughout ST2 main story, you will get to see why this Yamato Nadeshiko is the main star of this classic series of the Sega's Crown jewels.

Hexagear 1/24 Steelrain

 Kotobukiya's Hexagear lineup might not be as active it used to be, but there have been plenty of interesting designs joining this lineup. One of the more interesting Hexagear product I overlooked gotta be the Steelrain model kit which was released back in 2020 for 9800 Yen.

 Hexagear Steelrain is definitely one of the more interesting Hybrid Mecha Vehicle that ever got Physical product. While there have been plenty of Jet plane mech on the courtesy of Macross, There were not much Helicopter Gunship Type outside Transformers. As expected from a Gunship mechs, Steelrain packs plenty of Dakka with its generous amount of Gatling Gun and Missile Pod. On top of that Steelrain got 3 transformation gimmick mirroring after Macross which is impressive engineering despite it is not the best looking. Steelrain is one of my Kotobukiya wishlist as I gave Hexagear a taste which started with V-Thors.
 

Sakugan

 Some mecha anime in my backlog that I finished out of obligation and as expected with many of the similar genre that are released in this period, this one fails to deliver yet again. Back in 2021, Sakugan caught my attention due to the interesting mecha design that reminds me of Tron Bonne series and It was not until I played Super Mecha Champions which had Sakugan Collab around May that I decided to give this series a go.

Sakugan is an adventure story with Subterranean setting where the main protagonist of a young prodigy girl with a big dream sets out on journey to reach the place from her dream, dragging along her deadbeat father who was once an explorer himself. Sakugan could work what its premise but as expected from a  Satelight series which are known for good mecha design yet lackluster storyline. Throughout the span of 12 Episodes, Sakugan fails to make good use of their time leaving the impression of a half finished product. 

To be honest it is understandable that some series are not able to do much within 12 Episodes. However considering the unforgiving environment of Japanese anime Industry, Sakugan won't be even given another cour to finish the story it try to convey unless there are some generous sponsor which doubtful if it is coming from Japan.

Loongspirit Zodiac Transformer - Rat Noodle

  Chinese Hobby manufacturer these days never cease to amaze me with their Products that comes with impressive engineering and this time got yet another one that got with really cool novelty. Created by Chinese manufacturer called Loongspirit, there is yet another new Model Kit product using Chinese Zodiac as a theme but this one comes with another twist! On top of Rat themed Zodiac Model Kit this one features Instant Noodle packaging as one of the transformable form! Not sure about the release date but this one will be sold for 198 RMB!

Super Robot Heroes 1/100 Estailev Rollout White Ver

 Orange Cat Industries are cooking something cool again with their Estailev Model Kit! As a part of collab with Hobby Japan, 1/100 Estailev is getting a rerelease in alternate color scheme. This time the Iconic Protagonist Mecha gets a rerelease in Alternate palette swap! Scheduled for November 2024 release, 1/100 Estailev Rollout White will be sold for 8800 Yen.

 In terms of loadout, Standing 25 cm tall complete with LED Gimmick Estailev Rollout White Ver comes in roughly similar armament with the Regular version which are quite generous. Through this recolor variant of Estailev, Orange Cat are providing a second chance for mecha collectors to get Estailev albeit in different color which still looks good when displayed side by side with the original one. To be honest the color remind me of the Titanomachia Edelstein whether intentional or not. But regardless the coincidence, the white color scheme makes the Estailev look like the Prototype mecha used by a secret Ace Pilot sidekick who will save the main character in the nick of time. Personally wouldn't mind to double dip if the original one ever get rerun

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Magnus the Red

 

 After giving 40k Fans a week or two of rest, Joytoy is starting to hit hard on the Fans wallet once again. Taking the position of the 6th Primarchs to be released by Joytoy and the 3rd one in 2024, The Primarch of Thousand Sons, Magnus the Red joining the fray after Leman Russ! Scheduled for October 2024 release, 1/18 Leman Russ would be scheduled for 140 USD Price Tag.

 Magnus the Red is the Primarch of Thousand Sons, the first founding chapter that dabbled the most with Psyker ability. Their obsessive pursuit of powerful magic however led to their tragic downfall as Magnus will be tricked by the Chaos God of Tzeentch himself to join the Horus Heresy on Chaos Side soon after ruining his father God Emperor Webway in the attempt to warn of the Horus defection. Magnus being the next Primarch to be released after Leman Russ is definitely no coincidence as Joytoy probably intend the collectors to reenact the Fall of Prospero for once with Joytoy products.

Personally I got familiar with Magnus due to his role in Emperor Text-to-Speech series where he become best buddy with Kitten. Considering I have a proxy for Kitten, I am highly considering getting a copy of him considering Joytoy Primarch products are Top tier stuff.

Demon Slayers: Kimetsu no Yaiba

 At long last I finished my journey with this particular popular mainstream manga after reading it halfway years ago. Back when I was still working in Hobby Industry, I was always bewildered how Kimetsu no Yaiba got plenty of merchandise support including some rather absurd one. But all in all through this reading marathon, I got to see what it's worth from Kimetsu no Yaiba. 

Overall even if I finished reading the series, Kimetsu no Yaiba is still not exactly my cup of tea but I do understand why this series is a mainstream success. To be Frank, Kimetsu as a Shonen Manga had the perfect amount of blandness to be the Cash Cow for the major Japanese corporation as it tries its best as a Shonen Genre and nothing less. I would say, that one thing that Kimetsu no Yaiba did really well is that it is really good manga if you want to see many teenagers to die a pointless dog's death which KNY provide in graphic detail.

This particular take of the direction by KNY particularly received very well by the manga main target audience who are mostly young adults. As the gory details of the young demon slayers dying horribly getting maimed here and there reflects the bleak outlook of the Japanese young adults who are burdened with immense duty to work slavishly with little gain to support their society and senior population. There were many mangas that tried to follow the same footstep with KNY like Jigokuraku or Chained Soldier, but they are likely won't be getting the same success because their quality are not just the one sought by the major backers in anime industry.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Reni Milchstrasse

 7th Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk is here and we are almost at the end of this great journey! I tend to reserve the best things for the last and so does for this particular Mechatalk series. The 7th Mechatalk will feature no other than the second and the last Teikoku Kagekidan member, Reni Milstrasse the Wunderkind aka Wonderchild from Germany that graced upon Sakura Taisen series. Being one of the newer Heroine, Reni do get special treatment just like Orihime but her route quite stands out because you get to Ogami in his coolest moments during her route.

Arknights Integrated Strategies #3 Mizuki & Caerula Arbor

 Integrated Strategies have to be one of the best game mode in Arknights for endgame and veteran players alike, as this Roguelike mode offers an opportunity for players to put their fully raised units into the test. In this opportunity I would like to discuss the 3rd Scenario of Integrated Strategies given I have almost completed my journey in this mode that spanned over 3 weeks. IS#3 is a bit special for me because this scenario apparently involves Abyssal Hunters as main cast especially my all-time favorite in Arknights series, Skadi who supposed to be the main actress of the show.

Fate/Grand Order Nendoroid 2513 Assassin Kama 1st Ascension

 Over its 9 years of Lifespan, FGO series has gotten plenty of Nendoroids for the main popular waifus derivatives servants whether it is Artoria or Rin. However Matou Sakura's derivatives in FGO haven't got much attention save for Meltlilith/Passionlip which are not even voiced directly by Noriko Shitaya herself. But finally GSC decided to release something which is no other than Kama in her 1st Ascension of her Assassin class servant. Scheduled for November 2024, Nendoroid Kama will be sold for 7500 Yen.

Just like many of the recent product of GSC, this Nendoroid version of Nugget Kama is rather lackluster for its value because it doesn't capture the bratty and stupid evil nature of one of the most popular servant in its year release. Kama is literally one of the Damegamis or Useless Goddess in FGO along with Ishtar who is actually powerful but end up having her scheme failed miserably when facing with Chaldea Master. To be honest FGO really gives plenty of opportunity for Matou Sakura to really shine as she is given plenty of Top Tier Sakura Base servants to perform and Kama is one of the best. Given the lackluster effort by GSC, this one will be easy skip for me but I am more than willing to wait any Figma rendition considering both version of Kama have visited my FGO account and do look forward to Durga's product next.

Composite Ver Ka Robot Spirits Xi Gundam Movie Version

 This gotta be the most absurd P-Bandai Item for Gundam series so far. If you think Gundam Seed Freedom MRS are overpriced, this one takes the cake for that department. Just like its older counterpart, Xi Gundam will be getting P-Bandai Robot Spirits action figure this time comes in the Hathaway Flash Movie edition. Scheduled for December 2024, this version of Xi Gundam will be sold for 33000 Yen.

With that over 30k Yen Price Tag topped with P-Bandai status, might as well buy Soul of Chogokin or The Gattai or Metal Build. While Xi Gundam stands taller than average Robot Damashi likely sporting over 20cm ish tall, It just doesn't have much things to justify its absurd price tag which is pretty much 3 times of its older counter part and I don't even expect much improvement on this one. This is just yet another Blunder that Bandai piled on while the Chinese competitors are seizing every single inch of opportunities created by their mistake. Might as well use that money to get myself a Metal Build Hi-Nu Gundam if it ever get a rerun and stick with my copy of NXEdge Xi Gundam instead. I will just leave you the picture of the 2013 version of Xi Gundam Robot Spirits as a reference for everyone else to judge on the value of this product.

Taiyou no Yuusha Fighbird The GATTAI Granbird

 Yuusha series Main Protagonist 2nd Mecha may be very forgettable most of the time which Taiyou no Yuusha Fighbird was no exception. However they are still essential for the main Protagonist Final Form mecha which are always the main selling point. So after for months since The GATTAI Fighbird announcement, Granbird is now ready to follow up. Scheduled for June 2025 release, The GATTAI Granbird will be sold for 29000 Yen.

Dungeon Meshi Figma Laios Touden

  Just as the 1st cour of Dungeon Meshi anime concluded, GSC is finally ready to release the Figma lineup for this really good Fantasy series starting with Laios Touden! Usually I will use decent picture to represent the product released for the product, but this one just might as well fit the character of the Main Protagonist of Dungeon Meshi. Scheduled for April 2025, Figma Laios will be sold for 12000 Yen.

In Dungeon Meshi, Laios Touden is a Fighter class and the leader of Touden adventuring party who decided to enter the Golden Kingdom dungeon once again to save her Sister who was devoured by a Dragon in the process of saving the party. Armed with his immense knowledge and interest about monsters, Laios enters the Dungeon and live off the cuisine made from the monsters his party defeated with the help of wandering Dwarf Chef Senshi. Despite lacking common sense at times and can behave downright creepy when it comes to his obsession of monsters, Laios proves himself a worthy leader leading his party against the perils in the dungeon.

 Firstly I don't know whether it is due to worsening recent Japanese Economy combined with the Global one, Figma Laios fell on rather pricy scale for a Figma with such price tag. The worst offender for me is that for 12000 Yen, the creepy iconic expression Faceplate of Figma Laios is not included by default and must be obtained through GSC Online Shop. This is one of the distinct characteristic of this unique protagonist Fantasy series that Goodsmile screw up rather badly which could jeopardize the subsequent release. At this point I just hope Marcille could have better release as the next Figma candidate.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Iris Chateaubriand

6th Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk is here! Without being realized we are almost done with this particular series which started from last month. To prepare what is coming up next for this Mechatalk series, the 6th Sakura Taisen Mechatalk will feature the youngest member of Teikoku Kagekidan, Iris Chateaubriand! Do not be fooled by her tender age though as this French Lass is full fledged member of the Floral assault squad through and through!

Arknights - Fuyukomori Kaerimichi / Perish in Frost

 Used my spare time recently to finish yet another backlog anime which is the 2nd season of  Arknights dubbed Fuyukomori - Kaerimichi! Just like the 1st season, Arknights 2nd season anime looks as bleak as well due to the depressing nature of the main storyline. Overall Perish in Frost served the main purpose of the anime series just like the predecessor as supplemental material but nothing more than that.

 Covering the Arknights chapter 4-6 Main Storyline, Perish in Frost dealt with Rhodes Island operators involvement in thwarting Reunion's plan to hijack Lungmen City which put the Doctor dealing directly with Frostnova and Mephisto. As visual supplemental material, the second season did a splendid job to portray the conflict between Rhodes Island and Reunion got into where most of the latter's operatives died a Dog's death for their struggle. But the most important thing, the crucial events like Faust's death and obviously Frostnova final Showdown is getting pretty animation.

Overall Arknights anime whether it is Prelude to Dawn or Perish in Frost are not exactly the best way to get into Arknights as it doesn't cover the colorful sides of the series given the limited amount of Arknights operators representation especially the waifus. We could expect Hypergryph to continue Arknights 3rd season because it features the Rhodes Island final confrontation with Talulah though they could 1 season to cover several of the side stories at some point though I do see the constraint on the latter. So in the end if you wish to get into Arknights series, the Mobile game is the way to go despite newbies have to catch up alot since I even still not able to raise all of my Operators to E2.

52Toys Beastbox BB65-Oasis

 After Scorpion themed Beastbox, 52Toys is making a Camel as the next 7cm Beastbox! Dubbed BB-65 Oasis, this one also comes with Tiny Diaclone pilots which is a big selling point just like myself. Scheduled for Q3 2024, BB65 Oasis will be sold for 58 USD SRP.

 While I am not exactly a big fan of Camel mech design, This one is yet another good overall design by 52Toys. The available option of Open and Enclosed cockpits for the Diaclone pilots are really some good touch by 52 Toys. With some modification from a skilled collector, I won't be even surprised if this one can be arranged to look like the iconic Star Wars AT-AT. Considering the pattern, I think the next 7cm Beastbox might be another of Desert themed whether it is some Jackals, Lizard or even turtle.

Arknights Apex Toys 1/7 Chen Holungday Ten Thousand Mountain Ver

 After making plenty of quality Arknights Scale Figure. Apex Toys is making something rather special with this series this time. Being one of the few character that somewhat gained Main Heroine status in Arknights series, the dragon waifu Chen already have plenty of merchandise dedicated to her. But when It comes to Scale Figure this one gotta be one of the best one so far. Based on Chen Alter skin from Bloodline of Combat series called Ten Thousand Mountain, Apex Toys is releasing 1/7 Scale Figure that will be sold for 27500 Yen with August 2025 schedule.

This particular version of Chen had rather special background because it is one of the best Amend that Hypergryph made with their blunder. Back in its release, Chen Alter got into quite a controversy ranging from being Powercreep version of her Guard Counterpart or downright shitty lore as a result of half finished work. As for me, I just find her E2 L2D art being a lazy work for such top tier waifu. Then when Chen Alter got this Bloodline of Combat skin roughly a year after, it does fix most of the grievances that the original design had as. Because the overall lore are more appealing where Chen showcase her Wuxia cultivation art that she learned on her journey instead of using Raythean Water Gun that is somehow more powerful than Ancient heirloom blade.

Back on her release 2 years ago, there was particular soyboy who tried to make stupid drama out of Chen Alter that kinda ruins Arknights Community. At very least this particular Attention seeking Gen-Z troublemaker had left Arknights scene and migrate to other games. Regardless he will be forever a loser in his whole life if he keep his antics considering he will have employment issues from his actions.

Armored Core 1/72 Mirage Jack-O C04-ATLAS Fox-Eye

 A pleasant surprise for AC Nexus / Last Raven fans as we are getting yet another re-release for Iconic AC mech from the series on the courtesy of Kotobukiya! After strings of Gen-3 Armored core model kits along with AC4 For Answer, we are getting some of the ACs piloted by famous Ravens starting with Jack-O's Foxeye. Scheduled for January 2025 release, 1/72 Foxeye will be sold for 6600 Yen.

Jack-Os AC unit is a Heavy-Type Humanoid model that sports plethora of armaments with Heavy Firepower ranging from the Iconic Laser Rifle Karasawa, Heavy, Heavy Type Dual Missile and then Portable Grenade Launcher. In Last Raven series, Jack-O served as a charismatic Leader of the Group of Ravens called Vertex who band up to fight against the Corporations Alliance after their mishaps that leads to many deaths of Raven during Unmanned weapon attacks in the Navis conflict. Jack-O is pretty much one of the character who played major role in Last Raven, scouting any talented Ravens for his agenda while leading Vertex. 

It is implied in Last Raven story that Jack-O did try to find means to control the Deadly Unmanned weapons known as Pulverizers which backfire very badly. Though at least He did try to fix things by recruiting Zinaida and Last Raven to clean up the mess. While Jack-Os role is pivotal in Last Raven, his AC is really easy fight compared to Evangel and Zinaida which hopefully Kotobukiya will follow up their Model Kits after Jack-O.

Mobile Suit Gundam : The Witch from Mercury

 Finally finished the latest installment of Main Gundam series and gotta say this one is easily one of the weaker Gundam series out there along with G-Reco and Age. Witch from Mercury pretty much become the victim of Gundam IP success as high expectations from many stakeholders which more often than not conflict each other end up making this series a wasted potential. Theoretically WFM could have been another successful Gundam series but given the mismanagement of the story pieces cause this series have to be ended prematurely.

Taking the Post War setting where major conflict where Gundams were used to spread terror has recently concluded, Witch from Mars tried to deliver different sort of story in Gundam Universe with High School setting attempting to cater Gen-Z and Alpha audience. However the attempts ended up miserably because it alienates the existing Gundam Fanbase way too much especially with the Yuri crap they try to shove in. As a result WFM storyline is a pure mess despite the high production value while the Model Kits are relatively successful just as Bandai wanted. From the beginning right until the end, I never able to like the Main characters; Suletta and Miorine due to their poor writing and end up rooting for supporting Charas like Guel and Elan 5 who doesn't get the opportunity to shine even better due to the timeslot limitation. All we have in Witch from Mercury are bad angsty Teen dramas that just don't make good material for Gundam series. In any case given the blunder of WFM, I will just hope the next Gundam series will able to have some decent storyline and learn from its predecessor mistake.