Hexagear 1/18 Blauregen

 
 I always happy if there are any Hexagear products that caught my attention. Usually I only care about the Humanoid mechas of the lineup but this one truly eyecatching. Personally I never care about the 1/18 scale pilot model kit because of its price point, but this is one of the instance that Kotobukiya make good reuse of their existing lineup. Enter Hexa Blauregen which is a bundle of Governor Spartan and Sieg Springer with some alteration. Scheduled for January 2026 release, Hexagear Blauregen will be sold for 6800 Yen.

 Blauregen literally meaning Blue Rain in German really captures a futuristic mechanical knight and its steed. For some reason it just has more attractive charms compared to the regular version of Springer and Governer Spartan. Perhaps some minor alteration on the Steed that looks more aggressive while at the same time look more imposing, Personally, I always like Kotobukiya's Hexagear lineup that could come up with some cool futuristic high fantasy mecha team even though declining Japan capability really hinders this series potential alot. I will also look forward to the future collab with Moshow for the V-Thors

GITS OVA Hyper Body 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi

 
 It has been about one year since the passing of veteran seiyuu Atsuko Tanaka who is the centrepiece of Ghost in the Shell series. A coincidence or not, Major Motoko got an action figure just right around for 1 year memorial period. This time it is a Hyperbody lineup featuring her design from GiTS 90s OVA. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Hyperbody Motoko Kusanagi OVA ver will be sold for 10900 Yen price tag.

I think the decision to render this particular version of Major Motoko was no coincidence at all and can be seen as proper respect for Atsuko Tanaka in supporting GiTS to be a first rate Japanese Cyberpunk series. I did watch GiTS OVA more than a decade ago, while I didn't remember much the Motoko rendition in this OVA is quite different than SAC. Major Motoko is less playful in her OVA depiction and more mindful with her circumstances as cyborg drifting between the identity as human or machine. The scene of her fight with Tachikoma tank in the OVA still left me quite an impression as Motoko disregards the critical damage toward her body to dispatch the enemy. 

This Hyperbody certainly a good choice for GiTS fans who wish to have more expensive collection, as for myself I am still waiting for Major Motoko SAC rendition in her Leotard costume or combat uniform that comes with half decent sculpt. 

Howlingstar x Earnestcore Craft CZ-011B Kishin Colada

 
 Chinese manufacturers ability to take corrective measure always amaze me. From the manufacturer of Kishin Nebula model kit with the help of Earnestcore Craft, they come up with a very kickass mecha design. Dubbed as Kishin Colada, this model kit certainly will give Japanese modellers a run for their money when it comes to value for money. Scheduled for Q2 2026, Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft Kishin Colada will be sold for 339 RMB price tag.

The Gattai Mugen Gattai Gurren Dan Lagann Review

 
 A short review featuring my collection from 2 years ago from Gurren Lagann series. I might not be particularly big Gurren Lagann fan mainly due to obnoxious fanboy I encountered during my younger times, but I do admit the merit of the series as well-made Super Robot series despite I find some of the aspects were way too over the top.As such I consider Gurren Lagann to be worthy to join my mecha collections and in the end I picked The Gattai Gurren Dan Lagann.

Fruity Robot Yilichuangwan Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape

 
 Missed this one last month but, Yilichuangwan did release their 5th and 6th entry for Fruity Robo protagonist mecha with two Fruity Robot released concurrently. After Pineapple, Apple, Mandarin and Strawberry we got ourselves Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape. Scheduled for Q3 2025 release both Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape will be sold for 99 RMB.

Apparently forming the foot parts of Fruity Wargod, both Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape are agile type dual wielding melee weapon mecha filling in the Rogue class archetype. Peach surfer wields dual dagger while Turbo Grape uses tonfa, not a coincidence both are released at the same time since they complement each other quite well. While I thought Yilichuangwan had finished their Fruity Wargod, I think they still have one more to go as there is a Blue fruity robo that will form the lower torso. Quite sure there will additional parts for the necessary Combiner mode released along the last entry for Fruity Wargod

Legend of Heroes Gagharv Mobile Global Server EOS announcement

 Well, the inevitable fate for Gagharv Mobile has finally arrived. Yesterday Gagharv Mobile dev announced the End-of-Service notice for this game's global server after running for one year. Gagharv Mobile will officially close the Global server on September 24th 2025. After the closure, Gagharv Mobile will only focus on Korea and East Asia server and apparently Global server players have the option to migrate to Korea server with their existing account.

G Gundam HG 1/144 Mandala Gundam

 
 Gunpla High Grade are never in my strike zone but from time to time I do highlight the ones that catch my attention like this particular Gundam from G Gundam series. when it comes to G Gundam mecha designs, the series really stood apart from its peers with its unique mecha design featuring Japanese 90s stereotypes of other nations as Gundam. While I have expected Shuffle Alliance Gundams to make it as model kits, I never expected Mandala Gundam makes it as P-Bandai HG while Bolt Gundam haven't got one yet. Scheduled for November 2025 release, HG Mandala Gundam will be sold for 2650 Yen.

Not too long ago, Chinese Hobby Manufacturers showcased their prototype of Devil Gundam, whether coincidence or not Bandai revealed Mandala Gundam in return. Among G Gundam mechas, Mandala is probably the weirder designs to me along with Mermaid and Nether gundam. But never underestimate this fellow, because he is one of the stronger secondary character in the series that even give Domon a trouble.

As expected for its P-Bandai status, the effect parts and the gimmick are impressive. I even forgot that Mandala Gundam had the chonky bronze bell form which gave rather weird impression. While It takes a person quite some time and abit of acquired taste to appreciate G Gundam designs, the mechas from this series do have quite some personality and the anime series do try make the designs to be believable. Would look forward to Bolt and Tequila Gundam and I think G Gundam sequel would be a great opportunity for Sunrise to create better Gundam designs based on nation stereotypes.

Genesis Climber Mospeada Pose+ Metal 1/28 Legioss

 
 Of all underrated mecha series, never expected Mospeada got some luxurious treatment on the courtesy by Artstorm. As a result, we got ourselves 1/28 scale Legioss made out of diecast parts standing 33cm. By far this got to be the largest rendition of Legioss with the complete transformation gimmick. Scheduled for May 2026 release, Pose+ Metal Legios will be sold for whopping 72500 Yen SRP.

It can't be understated the feat pulled off by Artstorm to create a masterpiece product for often overlooked Macross distant cousin. They could just make popular Diecast products for Yuusha series like Gaogaigar, but they devote their effort for Mospeada instead. This rendition of Legioss gotta be the most elaborate we have so far. This 1/28 Legioss are not merely the largest transformable rendition of Mospeada's protagonist mecha but it also comes with elaborate internal structure for certain parts of the mecha. Not to mention Pose+ Metal Legioss comes with elaborate cockpit gimmick along with 1/28 Stigg in his Bike Power Armor. No need for elaborate bike power armor when the mecha cockpit gimmick are so intricate. 

If I had the money to burn, I would have highly considering obtaining this product but since I can't get one without tearing my wallet, I will have to be content with my Sentinel Legioss and Moshow Mospeada instead. This pose+ Legioss truly a crown jewel for any Mospeada fans who have the money to spend but of all things why sword accessories though? 

Rozen Maiden Nendoroid Shinku 2.0

 
 Rozen Maiden is not exactly popular series as it used to given the decline of Japan Pop Culture industry, but it doesn't mean that GSC can't make any merchandise this once beloved series. Given how old the first iteration is, Goodsmile decide to give Shinku a Nendoroid 2.0 treatment! As expected, this one cost much more compared to the past series due to present economic circumstances of Japan but still have its share of merit. Scheduled for March 2026 release, Nendoroid Shinku will be sold in 2 versions; Regular for 7500 Yen and 13000 Yen for Deluxe.

Compared to the first incarnation of Nendoroid Shinku, the present iteration appears to cost three times more than the original version for some reason but there can be some justification on it. Given GSC effort on Nendoroid Doll Shinku, they find it would be a waste to have their sculpts sitting on the dust and thus reuse it for regular Nendoroid version. As a result, we got ourselves more expressive version of Shinku including her Tsundere expression which look adorable. 

But what catches my attention is the vintage Suitcase rendition of Shinku 2.0 iteration. The first version of Nendoroid Shinku came with this suitcase accessory for relatively cheaper price but this one had its own merit. The first Nendoroid Shinku suitcase was way smaller that a Nendoroid cannot fit in, but this one able to fully enclose a Nendoroid which have wide use of application. I reckon the suitcase can fit in a Nendoroid Doll which is the version of my Shinku and even can fit 3 Nendoroid in the open mode. Hopefully Suigintou or Suiseiseki can follow up in the future.

Megaman Battle Network 3: Blue Version

 It can't be understated how Megaman Battle Network series played a significant part in my teenage years yet the sentiment is not properly conveyed in this blog despite already being around for quite some time. As such I will talk abit more about MMBN series with my gateway to the series Megaman Battle Network 3 which I had Blue version for my first copy. There is a famous saying; Third Time is the charm and MMBN3 perfectly fits the sentiment

Blokees Transformers Galaxy 1-4 Review

 Around last year I got the opportunity to sample some Blokees Transformers myself. As such I bought several Blokees vol 1-4 and want to see the deal behind this Chinese blindbox that become global sensation. Overall my experience for the Blindbox purchase is rather mixed because I got several dupes especially Vol.3.

Regardless of my not so pleasant experience with the random Blokees Blindbox, in terms of product quality, Blokees Transformers is unquestionable. Their products serve as showcase for high quality mass produced consumer products that can only be accomplished with China current technology capability. These blokees product can easily give Bandai Candy Toys a run for their money and pound by pound, not even Gundam Ensembles able to win out this one.

This review will feature 9 Transformers Blokees collection that I got from Vol 1-4 along with Blokees Marvel Blindbox that I got from a particular encounter with this brand. Given the awful randomness of Blokees Galaxy could be and my attachment toward Transformers series, I will most likely stick with Blokees Defenders lineup which the whole set easily obtainable for a price of several Blokees Transformers Galaxy.

Fruity Robo Yilichuangwan Demon Claw

 
Just as Yilichuangwan Fruity Robo original model kit lineup for the Fruity War God completed its run, for some reason they decide to release the model kit for what appears to be the antagonist of the series. This one called Demon Claw is quite cool and actually a Combiner unit like the protagonist mechas. Scheduled for Q3 2025 release, Yilichuangwan Demon Claw will be sold for 119 RMB Price tag.

If Fruity Robo protagonist mecha has close resemblance with B-Daman Mecha especially Bakugaiden V versions, the antagonists at least for demon claw bear close resemblance with Mashin Wataru aesthetics. Demon Claw itself has a very cool design being Anti-hero mecha that comes with Cape and armed with Katana and Shiled as its weapon. Apparently Demon Claw is part of combiner mecha as well and form the leg part. At later point I will probably dig further on this fella's background.

Metal Cardbot SAMG Sky Gallop

  One of the SAMG Product that caught my attention from Metal Cardbot series which was released earlier than the Dino Miniforce series. This particular Korean mecha series apparently a Police Force themed mecha series which features Mecha designs that heavily resemble several Yuusha series, namely J-Decker. Out of this lineup, one that caught my attention is Sky Gallop and this one was sold for 62500 Won or around 6000 Yen.

On first glance Sky Gallop is a transformable Jumbo Jet mecha which are common occurence in Yuusha series. But what makes this one special is that It has a Centaur mecha form which is definitely homage to Pegasus Saber from Da Garn series complete with Bow like weapon. But unlike Pegasus Saber which consist of 4 Mechas, Sky Gallop is only a single mecha unit which essentially what if Da Garn's Jumbo Saber got Centaur legs. I really do hope SAMG could consider proper international distribution channel since their products are way too cool to be only available for Korea consumer market.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Cypher

 
 When you thought Joytoy is done with Dark Angels, they release another famous character for the First Founding Space Marines! Unlike the previous entries, Joytoy spiced up the lineup with Dark Angel's Fallen and Cypher got the honor for being the first member to make it as action figure. Scheduled for October 2025 release, Joytoy 1/18 Chapter will be sold for 70 USD SRP.

Dark Angels despite being seen as the most Knightly Space Marine chapter, holds a dark secret they kept hidden at all cost which originated from Horus Heresy era. During the Horus Heresy, a fraction of the Dark Angels decide to defect under provocation of Luther, Lion El Johnson's former mentor as they have abandonment issues with their Primarch and call themselves the Fallen. The Fallen have complicated issues with Imperium as they are not really bowing to Chaos servitude despite being renegade chapter and hunting them down had been the main priority of Dark Angels inner circle.

Cypher is arguably the most famous character out of Fallen, being very talented in his role as Clandestine Space Marine and his secretive nature makes him effectively Altair equivalent from Assasins Creed. At time he assisted Imperium for no reason and other times he undermine them for unknowable reason and he always carried a giant sword on his back simply known as Lion Sword for certain reason and had an agenda to reach Terra and meet Emperor. In battle he dual-wields Mastercrafted Plasma Pistol and Bolter with deadly efficiency but never use the Lion Sword for some reason.

Given Joytoy strict adherence to Games Workshop adaptation rules, It really appears that the Lion Sword prop in this one won't be removable which is a dealbreaker for a 40k Joytoy action figure at 70 USD price tag. Given this turn of circumstance, I won't likely get this version despite having soft spot for Dark Angels and will keep a close tab on next Joytoy's Fallen/Risen lineup. But I am quite sure that Joytoy community will have a work around for Cypher's irremovable Lion Sword.

Arknights Apex Toys 1/7 Pepe Nuit of the Nightsky ver

 
 Arknights have plenty of top operators waifu to choose from for PVC figure candidate but this one quite surprise me! Of all waifu operators that are still waiting for their turn, Pepe mades it for Apex 1/7 PVC figure treatment with her Nuit of the Nightsky skin. Scheduled for November 2026 release, Apex 1/7 Pepe Nightsky will be sold for 23000 yen price tag.

Pepe being a limited 6* Guard operator certainly have a good shot to get PVC figure treatment. But I am just very surprised that a rendition of her new skin that was released not too long ago in CN server got very quick PVC figure treatment, usually not even many operator got such swift treatment matching up the breakneck pace of Nikke. 

Pepe's illustrator, Namie is one of the more influential individual among many talented Arknights designer so her influence likely have to do with this turn of affair. However the original illustration of Pepe's Nightsky skin is impressive indeed and not too surprised if it will make it as PVC figure, just didn't expect it to be that fast. 

Personally, I didn't have much impression from Pepe even if I had her as her status as new Guard operator is easily overshadowed by her dominant seniors. All I know is that she is a Royalty of a Sargonian kingdom who travel incognito with Rhodes Island and have relatively cheeky personality and also voiced by Machico who often voiced waifu characters with peppy personality.

Dungeon Seeker

 
 Probably one of the original edgy Isekai manga, If you ever wonder how Isekai manga with betrayed MC set forth on the quest of revenge, you can look in Dungeon Seeker. Dungeon Seeker might not be particularly highly rated Isekai manga, but it is a relatively self contained series.

Dungeon Seeker is a story of a highschool kid who transported into fantasy world along with his bullies and a female classmate. Ending up in another world. the protagonist fate remains pretty much the same with the previous world being bottom of food chain as he does not possess any special power. However his fate changed drastically when his bully and female classmate decide to betray him and plunged him to a hellish dungeon with supposedly low chance of survival. But the main protagonist survived somehow and gain ungodly skill and sets forth on quest for revenge and find a way to return his world.

What makes Dungeon Seeker stood apart is that the main protagonist can still befriend some allies instead of going full edge and he never really settle revenge on his betrayers as most of them inevitably self destruct being bad people of all. He only gets to confront her former female classmate who become a monstrosity herself while retain her human appearance and went no-nonsense route with her. Overall Dungeon Seeker is not the most flashy Isekai but it is a short fun while it lasted with decent ending. Thus you can make this series serve as litmus paper for any revenge Isekai you look at.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Rice Shower

 
 One of the Uma Musume product that I overlooked back then, but around last year Tamashi nation still make SHF for Uma Musume and Rice Shower happen to be the recipient of such treatment. Released back in August 2022 along with Teio as first batch Uma Musume SHF, SHF Rice Shower was released for 6300 Yen SRP.

I wouldn't say Tamashi Nation rendition for Rice Shower would be the most faithful one, but it is relatively good in value. SHF Rice Shower does include fiery eye effect parts which replicate her special skill. Had Rice's shower dagger removable, it would be even better as it replicates her Assassin moniker. 

SHF Rice Shower got my interest once again as I got to train her once again in Uma Musume Global. Rice is not the exactly the easiest Uma Musume to train, but her sweet personality gains many affection of Uma Musume players. Most beginner trainers will not be ablet to train Rice Shower properly as she requires Guts Build deck. In terms of racing style, Rice Shower is a long distance Pace Chaser who makes up her middling stats with her high Guts stats and seize victory by focusing everything in last spurt.

Given the resurgence of Uma Musume interest with the global server, I hope Bandai and Goodsmile would be interested to make some more Uma Musume action figures 

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Tau XV8 Crisis Battlesuit Review

 
 Ever since I got into Warhammer 40k, I always have personal soft spot toward Tau faction because they are the best one in 40k when it comes to Mecha designs. Basically if you are a fan of Japanese mechas, you will naturally gravitate to Tau faction as they come with plenty of Mechas in the form of Battlesuits. 

During less focused period of Joytoy, they did make some action figures for Tau faction including XV8 Battlesuit. At the time, there were 2 available variants available, but in the end I picked the Coldstar variant which comes with burst cannon. I felt that this variant captured the main selling point of Tau battlesuit. Come to think of it, I should have gotten both variants because we haven't got any Tau related action figures by Joytoy as they are still preoccupied with Space Marine and their chaos brethren.

Overall I would say, Tau Battlesuits are some of the better specimen of Joytoy which is perfect in size, sculpt and playability. This had to do with Joytoy's extensive experience in making Mecha related products which translated well for 40k portfolio. In warhammer tacticus, Re'vas which is the battlesuit hero in the game also happen to be my favorite and has been my mainstay in the game for a long time despite her variant is not the exact match with the Joytoy rendition. Joytoy can still do alot for Tau faction and I still want my farsight enclave.

Vocaloid x Gundam Megahouse Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW

 
 Over past 1 year, Vocaloid have been having some close relationship with Gundam series resulting in frequent collaboration of Hatsune Miku with Gundam IP. This appears to be Bandai's attempt to reach out for younger audiences. But just like many of their botched attempts this one will end up attracting Gundam fanbase in the 30s demography. We have been getting some interesting Gundam themed miku merchandise including Banpresto Prize Figures and Bandai Gunpla, but this one by Megahouse gotta be the most expensive one yet. Using Wing Gundam series as source material we will have Hatsune Miku Scale Figure incorporating Wing Gundam aesthetics as part of Megahouse Lucrea lineup. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW will be sold for 25000 Yen.

Given that Wing Gundam got a new homage animation, this is a right time to release Wing Gundam themed Hatsune Miku figure. Being one of the Japan's Iconic pop culture for almost 2 decades, Miku have been the recipient of many Scale figure over the span of this period numbering over thousands. But Miku's collaboration with Gundam series might be a breath of fresh air.

Given some of the more popular Gundam series haven't got represented by Miku yet, we could expect some more Vocaloid x Gundam products. I wonder if other Vocaloids might have a turn in this collab considering Luka and Kagamine twins could use some.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Primarch Perturabo

  I think It has been around 6 months since the last time Joytoy released 1/18 Primarch in their human form. With the recent series of addition of Iron Warriors into Joytoy 40k Portfolio, It is not surprising that Perturabo joins in the fray with his children! Scheduled for November 2025 release, Joytoy 1/18 Perturabo will be sold for 140 USD SRP.

 Among Emperor of Mankind's Primarchs, Perturabo is one of the more resentful with his lot. Extremely proficient in Siege warfare, He is tasked to lead his Iron Warriors legion to fight some of the worst battles in Great Crusade which force high attrition rate which are relatively thankless as other Space Marine Legions picked up many battles where Iron Warriors did most of the difficult job only to have glory denied to them so many times. This eventually built up Perturabo and his legions resentment quite fast which eventually led him to join Chaos side to settle scores with Imperial Fist, especially Rogal Dorn having the honor of building Palace of Terra which Perturabo coveted.

When it comes to Joytoy rendition, Perturabo's sculpt is no doubt superb just like many of Joytoy's Big ticket items for Warhammer 40k. But I expect the articulation will have significant issues given the bulk but there is definitely a certain charm with 40k Army having Hazard Stripes as part of their color design. I will expect there will be more Iron Warriors Space Marine down the road considering Imperial Fist got sizable roster for the 30k settings and it would be certainly a sight to re-enact Imperial Fist and Iron Warriors bitter rivalry in 1/18 Scale format! 

Fate/Grand Order Alter 1/8 Senji Muramasa

 Revealed right around FGO JP 10th Anniversary event, Alter came up with their Senji Muramasa figure in 1st ascension! Sculpted in the pose based on his iconic scene in Shimosa arc, Alter's Muramasa will be released in 1/8 Scale/ Scheduled for October 2026 release, Alter 1/8 Senji Muramasa will be sold for 28800 Yen price tag.

Alter's sculpt quality cannot be doubted, but I still wonder how they are still confident that people are interested in their 1/8 scale figure that are sold for 30k yen when tax are included. Muramasa is certainly very popular servant in FGO but I really doubt the demand will be particularly high for such price tag in the present overall declining global economy.  Nevertheless I am still willing to wait for a Figma rendition for Muramasa since I have him.

Speaking of FGO, the 8th year in Global is truly terrible for me. My luck had been overall rather lousy and It is a wonder that I still persevered in this sorry excuse of a game which are still the most ruthless among gacha industry. Had it been Genshin or Arknights that gave me this sort of treatment, I would have abandoned their product long ago. By this time I quite despise Nasu as he is partly to blame to let his works turned into such greedy abomination. Wonder what will be the final nail to drive me abandon this series completely.
 

Armored Trooper Votoms HI-METAL R Scopedog

 
 For years I have been looking for my Ideal candidate for Votoms series physical representation to join my collection, turns out the Go-to item is quite obvious. I think Votoms had been getting plenty iterations of Hi-Metal renditions before including Scopedog, but this one somehow caught my attention. This one is actually a plain version of Scope Dog but it has several factors that makes it appealing. Scheduled for February 2026 release, Hi-Metal R Scope Dog will be sold for 16000 Yen SRP.

While Red Shoulders version of Scope Dog still look overall more appealing, the regular version of Scope Dog actually fits Chirico Cuvie's character perfectly. Because the way he treated his AT throughout Votoms series merely weapons disposed when no longer useful fits his archetype as runaway supersoldier of former Gilgamesh Empire after all. This Hi-Metal rendition of Scopedog comes with respectable loadouts similar to the Full Loadout of Scopedog depicted in SRW series along with Chirico Cuvie action figure. Personally I would have preferred if the Scopedog included the Pilebunker arsenal but there is not much to complaint from this one.

Megaman Jada Toys 1/12 Mettall / Mettaur Potton

 
 Up until now Jada Toys does not enter my radar because they released mostly Street Fighter action figures which are out of my strike zone. However they recently released particular Megaman action figure that caught my attention. Neither Robot master nor Megaman himself but Mettool/Mettaur! In this instance, I will use the Mettaur name because I remembered these fellows from MMBN era. Scheduled for August 2025 release Jada Mettaur will be sold for 6300 SRP.

What caught my attention with this Jada Toys product is the elaborate packaging design which are very rare treatment for this sort of character. While Mettaur release is a logical outcome from Jada Toys releasing action figure for Megaman and some Robot masters. Jada doesn't have to make a fancy Retro Packaging treatment for Megaman series Iconic minions, yet they did! This certainly will make Capcom fans collectors pay attention to this manufacturer. While I rather doubt if Jada will move from Capcom 80s or early 90s IP, I will definitely pay attention with their release for Servbots from Megaman Legend. I think Goodsmile might likely make a Servbot in the future but I wouldn't mind if Jada happen to make it first.

Char's Counterattack Metal Robot Spirits Nu Gundam

 
 Nu Gundam being the ever popular protagonist gundam, got another fancy treatment by Tamashii Nation. Nothing as flashy compared to Metal Structure or PG Unleashed but it is still a diecast nonetheless being a Metal Robot Spirits! Scheduled for January 2026 release, Metal Robot Spirits will be sold for 20000 Yen SRP.

 I believe MRS Nu Gundam would be a superb product made by Bandai but the Price point is truly the point of contention here. Several years ago, Bandai released Metal Robot Spirits for Hi-Nu Gundam with 12000 Yen Price tag and when they demand 20000 Yen for less equipped Nu Gundam, the inflation cost is really apparent. To elaborate this point, back in the past 20000 Yen would have gotten you a Metal Build not a Metal Robot spirits. Nu Gundam probably fell on the larger side of Mobile Suits but 16cm partial Diecast action figure simply doesn't worth 20k Yen. 

While I can't really completely blame Bandai on this department either, this sort of price would make it difficult for Overseas fans to consider getting one since you can get yourself 3 MG Nu ver Ka which are easily better value. At this rate I wouldn't surprised that China could come up with some substitute that came along with cheaper price tag in the future.

Howling Star Cross Core CZ-12A 1/100 Nebula

 
 Among the Chinese Model kit I have built so far, this gotta be the shortest review. Over past 1 year, I had the opportunity to sample several Chinese model kits and Nebula is probably the weakest one so far. This one is still even more lackluster than Yanmie which got diecast frame. In terms of design Howling Star Nebula is somewhat half decent bearing protagonist mecha qualities. But the value for money are just rather weak which indicated how competitive the chinese markets are. For similar price point, other Chinese model kits able to offer Diecast frame while Nebula doesn't offer much in exchange for the absence of one. Among many available options for Chinese model kits, Nebula gotta be the weaker ones. Apparently Nebula did make an appearance in some Chinese mobile game, but time will tell if any expansion kit could bring back this fellow into relevance.

Megami Device 1/1 Desire Maiden Raider

 Usually I pay attention more to Frame Arms Girl for Kotobukiya's go to lineup for Mecha Musume, but Megami Device got something interesting this time. Dubbed Desire Maiden Raider, this one is a bat themed mecha musume that appears to be amalgamation of several characters which caught my attention. Scheduled for December 2025 release, Megami Device Desire Maiden Raider will be sold for 6300 Yen.

In terms of Aesthetics, Desire Maiden Raider is mecha musume model with edgy sadistic tone on it with the bdsm-esque attire and bat mecha theme. You can trace the design influence from Fate Elizabeth Bathory and Queens Blade Alice, but the most striking similarity would be with Nuke Matrix Bat Sonic in which Desire Maiden pretty much the risque version. The Bat Jetpack is a dead giveaway for the close resemblance and I am quite curious who are being copied. Interestingly this Megami Device model kit include pathetic expression faceplate which are quite similar with Syuen's crying expression from Nikke. Regardless whether the similarity are intentional or not, Megami Device Desire Maiden would make good contrast for those who own Nuke Matrix Bat Sonic.
 

My Hime Plamatea 1/12 Tokiha Mai

 
 Of all Sunrise series, I never expected My Hime getting a comeback but fate proved otherwise! Obviously being relatively old series, My Hime for now is not getting anything flashy but they make it as Plamatea with the main heroine Tokiha Mai being the first recipient. Scheduled for April 2026 release, Plamatea Tokiha Mai will be sold for 8500 Yen.

Tokiha Mai is one of the 12 Maidens called HiMEs dragged into a battle royal with the victor granted some sort of great power. Apart being marked with particular tattoo, The Himes are bestowed some sort of magical weapons as well as giant mechanical beasts as their companions. Think of it like Kamen Rider Ryuki with Waifus and less Tokusatsu actions. Mai herself being unwilling participant actually end up being one of the powerful HiME. While her fire ring weapon that grants her flight capability doesnt seem to be anything special, Her Mechanical beast is one of the most powerful being a Dragon like beast with a Sword Impaled on its face called Kagutsuchi.

My Hime is one of the first anime that I watched during my early days getting into Japanese Pop Culture which is why this product caught my attention. I didn't remember much about the series anymore but one of my favorite heroine in My Hime ends up to be an antagonist. Personally I am not quite sure if My Hime will be getting another Plamatea, but Natsuki Kuga would be a good candidate since her companion Duran are not too difficult to be made into physical product.

Frame Arms Girl 1/12 Durga Gold Ritter

Usually Kotobukiya sells their Frame Arms Girl Mecha Musume model kit lineup in relatively moderate price range but this one appears to be a deluxe variant! Dubbed as Gold Ritter you can expect this latest Frame Arms Girl Durga comes in high amount of bling! Scheduled for December 2025 release, Frame Arms Girl Durga Gold Ritter will be sold for 14400 Yen SRP.

All Frame Arms Girl Durga always come with a Lance as their standard armament along with one distinct weapon. As for Gold Ritter, she comes with a red translucent fancy sword which gives off a flaming effect impression. I think the 150% price tag increase compared to regular Durga is due to the Gold plating parts. Bandai never had particular good track record with their Gold plated model kit and I wonder if Kotobukiya will be any different? Unless you are really into gold variant color scheme, I think Frame Arms Girl Durga 2 is still overall the best value and I still wait for her rerun.

Alundra

 
 One of the 2D Adventure Gem on PSX that I came across when I still have my PSP. 2D games often got overlooked on PSX due the console riding on high wave of 3D Hype but Alundra proved that PSX is also reigning supreme on 2D games especially with JRPG element.

If Legend of Zelda got darker cousin, you got yourself Alundra! In Alundra you play as some sort of Elven mystic warrior who possess mysterious power of entering people's dreamworld. In this game, the protagonist ended up in a village that is plagued with mysterious phenomenon with sinister nature and it is up to the player to free the vilage from the nightmare caused by ancient evil.

For a game created in mid 90s era, Alundra surprisingly has very polished experience and the difficulty are no joke either. It is probably one of the best 2D top down action game out there which have perfect balance of Action and Puzzle. To this day I really got puzzled that the sequel of Alundra looks completely nothing with the first game which implied some issues with the Publisher who really lacked the proper vision despite Alundra had that promise of great adventure. If this game ever got remaster somehow, I might be even interested to revisit the game one day.

Gundam Wing SHF 1/12 Heero Yuy

 
 It appears that Bandai's release for SHF Gundam Seed protagonists bear satisfactory results that they decide to take another go on making SHF for Gundam characters. This time Gundam Wing earned the honor to have an SHF released for the main character Heero Yuy. Released as P-Bandai item along with Metal Roda Wing Gundam, SHF Heero Yuy will be sold for 9000 Yen SRP.

An action figure for Gundam protagonists would have been very welcomed by Gundam fans including myself but Bandai being greedy once again make SHF Heero Yuy as P-Bandai just like what they did with Athrun Zala.  Personally, I don't think the relatively simple sculpt of Heero Yuy in his iconic singlet and shorts warrant a P-Bandai treatment but Bandai's intention to make quick bucks is very apparent in this one. In some way, Heero's usual getup do make his opponent underestimate him without expecting he is an elite young Black ops who would give any other Gundam protagonists a hard time should he be given initiative to strike. If it is not for the P-Bandai nonsense, I wouldn't actually mind getting Zechs or Treize in their SHF rendition.

52Toys Beastbox Sacred Power Robo

 52Toys never ceased me with their creativity on Beastbox products, but this one is onto another level! Probably bored from making new animal themed Beastbox, they decide to make a classic Vintage style Super Sentai combiner robot based on Chinese Four Sacred Beasts simply dubbed as Sacred Power Robo. Announced around Late May 2025, Beastbox Sacred Power Robo is available for 36 USD Price tag on their Aliexpress Store.

At first glance, this Sacred Power Robo which shares the vibe of Dairanger looks like to be rather derpy Mecha design. But keep in mind this Combiner Robo consists of 4 Sacred Beast beastbox which can form a perfect Cube altogether! Seriously this level of engineering is very praiseworthy by Beastbox because I don't think Japanese Manufacturers like Takara or Bandai are OCD enough to create something with overly elaborate engineering even in their heyday. For the craftsmanship feat alone, the effort of 52 Toys is very praiseworthy and they even make another one called Peacemecha which I will also cover in near future.