August - September 2024 Loot

 Last day for September and I decided to post some Loot post as a wrap up! A sumptuous banquet of loot as usual over past two months! Too bad I still don't have time and space to put these onto display thus for now I will just have them properly stored. Just like many previous batch, Chinese made products have represented the majority of the batch by this time because they can offer possibly higher value compared to the Japanese counterpart for the same price. The Top 3 loot in this batch are easily VF-Hi Metal, ACT Mode Tia and Metal Build Kainar. Considering my backlog for Model Kits have piled up quite significantly, I am getting a new nipper myself to start plowing through these piles of shame. 

I also got myself some seasonal limited event Miku Nendoroid just to support some event from my previous company early this month. Then I also get myself Lila Prize Figure from Atelier Ryza since I quite liked her character when I still played Artery Gear. Lastly I got a Construction Vehicle toy set which is actually obtained from company gift exchange, while this one is just some toys set for Kids, I think I can still use it to complement my transformers collection and could look even better with some repaint.

Dungeon Meshi 1st Season

It has been few months since the 1st 24-episode Season of Dungeon Meshi finished its airing and I was only able to finish the marathon recently. I was never the FOMO type and my journey toward this series prove to be a fruitful one with this approach. At first I never think Trigger Studio would be a good fit to work on Dungeon Meshi series considering their Portfolio tend to lean on Mecha series as they inherit the bulk of Gainax Studio talents. But in the end this anime adaptation works out somehow even if it is not the best fit as Trigger Studio did give a suitable animation for one of the best Japanese Fantasy series over past decade.

Within the alloted slot of 24 Episodes, Trigger's studio Dungeon Meshi Anime managed to make it halfway through the Manga Storyline and the series just need another season to conclude its storyline properly. Never underestimate modern anime speed at consuming through the original source material. Overall the Dungeon Meshi anime adaptation is pretty much a faithful interpretation of the original source material, nothing much and nothing less. I suppose the production team are not experienced enough to flesh out this Top Tier source material but it is an acceptable one nonetheless. Given the Trigger Studio is the one making the Dungeon Meshi anime, from time to time you will see some over-the-top animation style that is a signature work of Gainax style animation.

My favorite part of the Dungeon Meshi 1st season is easily the scene where Laios mimicking Dog and I will certainly look forward to the Succubus episode and Killer rabbit in the 2nd season. I am hoping the best for Dungeon Meshi 2nd season and look forward for some more extra side stories for this series by Kui Ryoko-sensei.

Brave Express Amakuni Kizin Great Mightgaine

 Off 8 Yuusha series, Mightgaine might be one of the series that got quite a preferential treatment after Gaogaigar. Off all Protagonist Yuusha Final Form Mecha, Great Mightgaine gotta be one of the uglier one due to proportion issues. However Sentinel under the patronage of Amakuni appears to manage break the curse finally! Joining the Amakuni's Kizin lineup and standing 25cm tall, Kizin Great Mightgaine will be released in August 2025 with whopping 49800 Yen Price tag.

On Hindsight, in terms of Price tag Kizin Great Mightgaine actually cost the same with getting The Gattai Mightgaine+Mightkaiser. The Yuusha fans are given the option of transformation gimmick and playability with the Gattai lineup or properly proportioned Diecast rendition that will make an impressive showpiece with Amakuni Kizin Great Mightgaine. Truly, Amakuni Kizin gave the Great Mightgaine a proper Super Robot treatment that it deserves as it do address some glaring flaw of the original design. Most Notably the oversized Great Mightgaine Round Head Crest which i felt very unnecessary when I played SRW V. The base set of Kizin Great Mightgaine includes the necessary accessories for Mightgaine including the powered up version of Dorinken which will be equal match to Zankantou but there is an option part which include Mightgunner in Cannon form as shown below for Brave Express fans who wish to go for an extra mile.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Arthur Review

 Given the picture collections have been sitting in the dust for quite some time after the Instagram posts. I will be doing some Reposts for Sluban Super Mecha Champion Individual posts on weekly basis starting with Arthur! 

In SMC, Arthur is one of the starter mech that the player got when starting out on the game. This unit heavily specialize in Close Combat, capable of shooting flurry of electromagnetic Sword waves before closing in and settle for the melee once the opponent are immobilized. I never able to Arthur to its full potential due to awkward melee control but this guy had quite high skill ceiling that Pro Players able to showcase.

Among the available variants of Sluban SMC lineup, Arthur gotta be the best all rounder choice as expected from its poster boy status. This guy just wins so much in terms of look despite being a brick model kit that look sharp with the extra cape accessory. This guy could have more playability if it is not for its weight fall more on the Upper Torso part. Seriously Arthur could use some more premium treatment by Chinese Mecha Toys like Moshow or CCS since there are plenty of cool designs to choose from for this Knight Mecha. If it was not for Netease ineptness at handling their IP, I would say it could have happened already 1-2 years ago. In any case I still hope SMC will stick around long enough until they got some premium quality toys the IP deserve.

Digimon Vpet Color - Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary edition

 Capcom has been very generous in leasing out their Monster Hunter IP lately in anticipation of their latest iteration of Monster Hunter game, but this one is yet another unexpected collaboration! Off all IPs, Monster Hunter decided to do a collab with Digimon which is an interesting pick but works out nonetheless. This collaboration results in Digimon Vpet Color getting a Monster Hunter edition with Rathalos and Zinogre being the available variants. Vpet Color Monster Hunter edition will be scheduled for February 2025 release with 7700 Yen Price tag.

 Digimon Vpet Color has been around for 2-3 years by this time and I suppose Bandai consider Monster Hunter IP to help propping up this particular lineup. I am quite curious how the evolution tree will work in this Monster Hunter Vpet. Considering Bandai promise there will be around 36 Monster Variants available for this Vpet. I would assume the famous Wyverns like Rathalos, Zinogre and Rajang will be likely the part of final evolution tree while the weaker wyverns serve as the early evolutions which we will see the truth once the final product are released. As a bonus of this Vpet, apparently Greymon and Garurumon will get a unique jogress with Rathalos and Zinogre respectively.

Himegami no Miko

 One never expect that Kannazuki no Miko got some sort of sequel since the anime, but the series do have some sort of continuation after the original series. Couple years ago, the creator of the series, Kaishaku did make some manga called Himegami no Miko where the reincarnation of Chikane and Himeko are intertwined once again in a Yuri fanservice escapade.

Himegami no Miko is a relatively short manga spanning around 3 Volumes where Chikane and Himeko got into a situation where one must be sacrificed to seal the Evil Demon threat once again. Since this series got no mecha at all unlike Kannazuki, Himegami no Miko will be your typical generic Yuri manga which the Yuri Miko couple trumps over all odds which unfortunately not my cup of tea. But at least my curiosity is sated enough, to see that the series potential stuck at certain point and Soma ironically turned into evil female character in this one. Regardless I do commend that Kaishaku's artstyle has improve leaps compared to the original manga as a testament of the time spent on his craftsmanship. Apparently there are another 2 iteration manga for Kannazuki no Miko manga which I would expect not much different with this one.

Berserk SHF Nosferatu Zodd

 Just after GSC announced Figma Skull Knight Preorder, Bandai Tamashi Nation soon followed up with their continuation of SHF Berserk Lineup as a counterattack which is no other than Nosferatu Zodd! After a very long time, One of the coolest Rival antagonist that ever graced Berserk series finally had its Physical representation as SHF. Scheduled for April 2025 release, SHF Zodd will be sold for 13500 Yen.

Coming in his Golden era version, SHF Zodd is armed with a pair of Cleaver and Battle Axe as his weapon of choice. Among many Apostles that Guts faced. Zodd was rather special case  have some sense of honor as a warrior and as  not particular bore any ill-will toward his enemies.  I thought Zodd's weapon getup would be the pair of Kushan Blades, but I guess my memory did elude me as his default weapon. SHF Zodd do stand few centimeters tall compared to SHF Guts which do explain his above 10000 Yen Price tag. Regardless SHF Zodd will be a great addition for Berserk Fans to pair with Figma Skull Knight or SHF Guts. This one will even look good with Pop Up Parade Zodd despite version differences or one could go with the Prime One if they have the money to spare. Given most of the Famous berserk characters got their Action figure turn, I wonder which ones will be next. I would say Farnese and Serpico do have a good shot as well as Casca, if Bandai or GSC interested to explore her variants.

Mospeada Moshow Non Scale Ride Armor Cyclone YR-052F

 

 Mospeada Fans gotta be eating good as we are getting something from Moshow where the Iconic Motorcycle Power Armor is getting Nobleclass Diecast Treatment! Released under Robotech lineup for some reason, this Moshow rendition of Power Armor will stand 26cm and scheduled for Q1 2025 release with 980 RMB Price tag.

 Of all things, I am not sure why Moshow had to pick Robotech IP considering they could have easily afforded the Mospeada. Perhaps it is due to the former being easier option and Hasbro/HG is more than willing to lease the IP easily just to spite the original IPs. Nevertheless given the previous Noble Class Diecast Products, this Moshow rendition of Ride Armor certainly will not disappoint. Despite the anime series was nothing special, I always have a soft spot toward Mospeada series with the potentials that it had and quite willing to double dip for this Ride Armor. Of many old mecha series, Mospeada definitely could use some reboot because the present anime talent had what it takes to elevate this classic series.

Super Robot Heroes Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Cassowary

 Orange Cat is back with their Protagonist Mecha Estailev! This time it is the Estailev red variant that comes with different weapon loadouts. Compared to Japanese Price, The CN version are sold for a very affordable price tag starting from 135 RMB Member price and then 198 RMB regular price with release date within September 2024.

Compared to previous Estailev, Estailev Cassowary comes with rather modest Weapon Loadouts as it has a Shotgun as the default ranged weapon and then Gating Gun installed on the iconic looking cross shield. In terms of Role, Estailev Cassowary probably takes the position of Close ranged skirmisher harassing the enemy targets while other unit deliver the killing blow. I would love to see what kind of heavy ranged variant that Future Estailev will have down the road.

Warhammer 40000: Marneus Calgar

 Being the Posterboy of Warhammer 40k, Ultramarines has been always the recipients of many preferential treatment in media Exposure, including Comic Books. Of all publishers, I am surprised that Marvel was the one to be the partner for the 40K book but it is a decent read nonetheless. From this collab project we got ourselves a Comic Book dedicated to Ultramarines Papa Smurf, Marneus Calgar. This particular comic take the reader to visit Calgar's past before he became Space Marine and his quest as the Chapter Master to settle his old debt.

While many 40K fans are not amused with the golden child treatment for Ultrasmurfs by Geedubs, While I favored some Pre Heresy Traitor Legions and Salamanders more, I do admit Ultramarines are quite worthy First Founding nonetheless after I moved on from Matt Ward memes, as there are plenty of named Ultramarines that are worthy representing the Chapter's ethos of "Courage and Honor" which Marneus Calgar do count as one. Nonetheless Marneus Calgar had relatively interesting backstory despite being the chapter master of one of the more "Vanilla" Space Marine Chapter. As even he become Chapter Master, he walked the same path  with many Space Marine aspirants who have to survive many Life and Death situations while resisting the temptations of Chaos. In the end Marneus Calgar showed that only the personal quality of the individual matters to be worthy to join the ranks of Space Marine.

Pacific Rim Infinity Studio Heavy Mecha Cherno Alpha

 After Crimson Typhoon, the Russian Jaeger Cherno Alpha is the next one getting the Diecast Mecha treatment from the Infinity Studio! Took about one year but the release is quite close as it appears the line production has been set up. Scheduled for Q4 2024 release, Heavy Mecha Cherno Alpha will be sold for 1280 RMB.

 Cherno Alpha is one of the oldest surviving Jaeger in 1st Pacific Rim movie that met untimely end despite being a kickass Old Guard archetype because Gipsy Danger has to be the reigning supreme in a Hollywood Movie. From the sample pictures, Heavy Mecha Cherno LED parts would be one of the stronger selling point considering previous rendition were lacking on this department. Compared to Crimson Typhoon, I would say Cherno looks less bulky thus the manufacturer able to sell this fellow for lower SRP though for some reason the local distributor sells this one for higher price. Nonetheless I would expect Striker Eureka would be likely the next Jaeger to make it given the possible pattern of the Heavy Mecha release.

Chrono Crusade

 Late 90s/Early 2000s saw Japan made some really good mangas which some become major success and still have lasting legacy until this day. Where as in this particular period, some of them have very well developed world outlook which makes it appealing for International readers. After Gunslinger Girl,  Chrono Crusade is another of those "renaissance" manga that has that particular International charm and It was also one of my favorite read too back in High School.

Taking place in fictional 20th Century setting, Chrono Crusade is Modern Biblical adventure of Human vs Demons which a Trigger-Happy Sister and her Demon boy partner served as the main character. In this heavily Christian themed Japanese Manga, there are more things that meets than the eye as the protagonists will have to eventually confront a group of enemies world ending threats related to their past. Chrono Crusade is notably remembered for its short yet action packed  3-Act storyline spanning over 8 Volumes. This is one of those manga that had bittersweet ending and If you like modern fantasy genre, this one surely worth a read. Back then Chrono Crusade also have 24-episode anime made by Deen, but better stick with the Manga for this one.

Brave Express Super Robot Chogokin Mightgaine Review

 Took couple months to kickstart my interest but here are the limited revival for Realm of Darkness! The new Review posts will be mostly a repost compilation for the stuffs from my Instagram but from time to time it will include some pics that didn't make the cut over there. To start off, I am picking SRC Mightgaine as the first candidate.

While I don't have specific reason to pick Mightgaine, SRC Mightgaine review has been a long due one as I got him around the time when I got my Physical copy of SRW V. At the time of the picture were taken, I already had the Yuusha Candy Toys as well as The GATTAI counterpart of Mightgaine so I got good amount of comparison. Despite I already parted with my copy of SRC Mightgaine, in terms of playability, this particular rendition remains to be the best one because you can always rely on Bandai for the best possible articulation.

30 Minutes Fantasy - Liber Bishop

 After the Fighter class, turns out it is the Cleric job that becomes the next main class to join 30 Minutes Fantasy. With the priest serve as the basic class and available in Liber/Rozen variant as usual, the designated class up item is the Bishop Class. Scheduled for January 2025 release, 30 MF Liber Bishop will be sold for 2700 Yen.

 As always the Liber variant of the Bishop Class looks like a hreo type that exudes divine Aura and works side by side with the Liber Paladin where as the Rozen Bishop actually looks equally cool perfectly playing the act as the Head Honcho of the evil faction. Surprisingly the cousin lineup of the 30MS Spinatio Royal Knight do look good as the Liber Bishop summon Bodyguard which makes me interested to look into this lineup again at some point. I wonder which class would be the next to join 30 MF, either Wizard or Rogue would be a suitable addition.

SRW OG HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe

  Given that Bandai kept working on SRW OG Model Kits, it is bound to happen that Trombe variants of Ratsel Feinschmaker will pop out eventually. However Bandai's choice for the Personal Trooper to get Trombe Variant proves to be a rather peculiar one. For some reason Bandai choose to pick Huckebein Mk-II as the candidate to receive the Trombe treatment which is weird but looks good nonetheless. Planned as P-Bandai item HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe will be sold for 4700 Yen with December 2024 release schedule.

 Either my memory eludes me but I only remembered Huckebein Mk-III as the one that ever get Trombe version but perhaps it was a secret unit back in SRW OGs. The Bandai Model Kit pretty much include all original Huckebein MK-II loadout and I think the Trombe include Assault Blade as extra weapon. Trombe units in SRW series is rather special because the Trombe unit theme always override any BGMs including the boss which probably started as a Glitch but passed down as tradition hereafter. This Huckebein Mk-II release perhaps hints out Bandai's next plan for SRW OG HGs like Aussenseitter release considering Dygenguar already had one or even we will be one step closer for SRW OG Video Game series.

Kotobukiya Modelling Support Goods Combat Cell Dark Green ver

 Kotobukiya from time to time do release some very interesting Model Kit accessories as part of their Modelling Support Goods lineup. Due to their higher price tag compared to Bandai's , they are easily overlooked but this one is yet another one that got pretty good engineering. Released previously in White color, MSG Combat sell is a Tactical Backpack unit that can turn into assortment of Guns, this time in Military Dark Green color scheme. Scheduled for January 2025 release, MSG Combat Cell will be sold for 2200 Yen.

Diaclone DA-109 Diabattles X-1

 Takara Tomy dropped a yet another high yield payload for their Diaclone series! Complete with Full Trailer video, This Diaclone Mecha is called Diabattles X1 is what Alpha V2 would look like if it is given Big Powered treatment. Scheduled for February 2025 release, Diabattle X-1 will be sold for 29700 Yen.

 On the first glance, Diabattles X-1 is literally what Alpha V2 would look like if it is given Rodimus Prime treatment. It is an understatement that Diabattles X-1 has so many Gimmicks to play with. Consisting of 3 Main Vehicle Units that have 2-5 transformation modes whether it is for Individual or Combined forms. To top it off, compared to the larger Diaclones, Diabattles X-1 Got many armaments to play which I recalled even Big Powered didn't have that much, giving this guy a boost in main Protagonist aura. If fortune allows it, Diabattles X-1 is most likely the larger Diaclone item that I will get first since I missed my chance for Convoy. Quite sure Takara Tomy could even throw in some add on parts for this guy if they ever like it.

Warhammer 40k : Space Marines 2 Joytoy 1/18 Captain Demetrian Titus

 Games Workshop really do their prep work thoroughly for Space Marines 2. As we are getting Captain Titus collab event in Tacticus within few days, Joytoy joins in for a Pincer attack by releasing their 1/18 Warhammer 40k action figure for Captain Titus. Captain Titus might be demoted and called Lieutenant in SM2, but for 40k and Ultramarine Fans he will always be the Space Marine Captain! Scheduled for Dec 2024 release, Joytoy Captain Titus will be sold for 57 USD.

ToysEasy Super Alloy Warship God CV-16 Type 001 Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Shennong

 While Toyseasy caught my attention with their Tiger Tank Transformers, their Battleship Transformers under the lineup Super Alloy Warship God are the real deal! There were couple of the lineup released already but the Aircraft Carrier Shennong got to be the main piece. Released back in Q1 2024, Toyseasy Super Alloy Warship God was available in 2 versions sold for 1149 and 999 RMB respectively.

 I was considering getting Broadside transformers as part of my TF collections but what Toyseasy could offer totally scrap that plan all over. Standing over 30 Cm, Toyseasy Shennong is an aircraft carrier transformer based on China PLA Flagship Liaoning Class Aircraft carrier.  While Shennong is not the only Toys rendition of Liaoning Aircraft Carrier, it gotta be one of the best one easily surpassing the typical japanese stuff. What makes this particular Chinese transformers stands out is that it has the winning combination from the best parts of Gundam, Pacific Rim and Transformers. I am not sure the exact difference but the Special version of Toyseasy Shennong comes with extra Submarine transformers that transform itu Giant cannons to be used by Shennong. Apparently Toyseasy also design the Super Alloy Warship God Mechas in mind to be capable of combining together into a Giant transformers which certainly will give Hasbro Large size transformers a run for their money and I might plan to cover all of the roster from this mecha series. Last but not the least, Toyseasy Shennong comes with extra miniature planes and military vehicles befitting Aircraft Carrier which are quite plenty and I am always a sucker for Mecha toys that can turn into playsets as part of the gimmick.

Konosuba KDColle Yunyun Light Novel 10th Anniv verion

 Megumin doesn't come alone in the second batch of the 10th Anniv Konosuba Light Novel KDColle series as her self proclaimed rival Yunyun tags along! If Megumin got her flashy Witch outfit, Yunyun got something more down to earth as a lovely village maiden.  Scheduled for May 2025 Release, KDColle Yunyun will be sold for 9000 Yen.

To be honest a simple outfit for Yunyun actually suits her character well since she is one of the nicest girl that Kazuma ever met in his Isekai life with his party of misfits. Despite lacking in common sense at times, Yunyun had that latent main Heroine aura as shown in the Konosuba VN games. If Kazuma had played his cards right and acted nice with Yunyun, he would have gotten himself a lovely maiden who will be more than eager to settle down with Kazuma and have him become the village Chief of Crimson Demon clan. I will most likely get her along with Megumin provided my budget allows for it and lets see if Wiz or Chris will follow up in a month or two.

Iron Blooded Orphans MG 1/100 Vidar Gundam

Despite being one of the popular AU Gundam series, Iron Blooded Orphans have gotten rather awkward treatment by Bandai. However the latter decide to pull off some combo breaker by releasing another Master Grade for this series! A rather odd choice after Gundam Barbatos of the first season, but we are getting Gundam Vidar as the next Master Grade model kit. Scheduled for March 2025 release, MG Vidar will be sold for 6000 Yen.

While IBO fanbase are slightly abit more annoying, this series is no doubt way better compared to Witch from Mercury thus deserve better treatment. IBO rarely got any new products after the series end despite the series end in relatively positive note and certainly not a trainwreck like its successor. As a Vidar fan, I do welcome its entry to MG lineup and willing to double dip despite I already got the Full mechanics. I don't know what significant improvement that the Master Grade have in store because the FM version are pretty decent already but I expect the MG will have some LED parts. I would expect Lupus Rex or Bael will be the next candidate but I am still hoping a miracle that Kimaris Vidar will make it as 1/100 MG eventually.

Tensei Colosseum

 Over past few years, Fantasy Isekai or Tensei manga are quite bountiful. Most of them are relatively forgettable utilizing R18 fanservice as a bait. But from time to time there are handful that are actually good like this Tensei Colosseum.

Just like many Isekai Manga, Tensei colosseum had a protagonist from a modern life setting transported into Fantasy world. Instead of getting the typical Hero welcome, deemed worthless by the summoner, the main protagonist instead are sent to fight in Colosseum against fighters where the winner had their way with the loser's body just like many R18 Visual Novel. Sharing the look of  Devil Survivor 2/ Persona 3 protagonist, the main character is an Avid gamer who surprisingly not a betamax guy. Only possessing copycat skill and gifted with his Video Game knowledge, the main protagonist surprisingly thrived in the colosseum, defeating several beautiful female fighters who kept falling for him after he had his way with them.

For a R18 Fantasy Manga, Isekai Colosseum is surprisingly a very good Battle manga for its type. So any Shuumatsu no Valkyrie fan would easily take a liking with this one because the battle parts is done pretty well and the story is interesting enough. It appears that Isekai Colosseum mangaka had extensive experience in Doujin scene before he made this series because you won't get a Quality R18 fantasy battle mangaka before gaining some extensive experience. To be frank Isekai Colosseum content is decent enough that it can survive without relying on the R18 contents. However the mangaka is just that generous to let the reader enjoy some good fanservice while looking at what Isekai Colosseum could offer. If anyone interested to look further into this genre, you can look at Toushin Toshi which had similar setups with this manga especially on the latter part.