Uma Musume Pretty Derby Alter 1/7 Smart Falcon

 

The renewed attention around Uma Musume likely comes from its recent global push, but it’s still a bit surprising to see a major PVC figure manufacturer like Alter stepping in with a new release. You might expect them to go with one of the newer characters from the Japanese server but instead, they’ve chosen an old timer of the series; Smart Falcon. Set for release in March 2027, the 1/7 scale Smart Falcon figure comes with a price tag of ¥23,800. It’s an interesting pick, especially considering how long she’s been part of the franchise.

Smart Falcon is one of the earliest characters introduced in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, where she’s portrayed as an “Umadol” (Uma Musume idol). She stood out early on as one of the strongest dirt-track racers available to players. Beyond gameplay, though, she’s become a fan favorite for a very different reason—her ongoing streak of failed romantic attempts with her trainer, which has turned into a long-running community joke (often at her expense).

While I probably won’t be picking up this figure myself, I’m definitely keeping an eye on future releases for Kotobukiya version of Grass Wonder, which could very well make an appearance within the next year.

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.
 

Alter 1/7 Saber Alter Star of Twillight version

 
 When it comes to Fate series figure, Alter is still one of the reigning champ especially in the Waifu category. Then recently Alter decided to add a new entry for their illustrious Saber Alter lineup with her 3rd Ascension version in sitting position dubbed Star of Twilight. Scheduled for March 2026, this version of Saber Alter will be sold for 37180 Yen.

While it is understandable that current Japan economic situation inevitably affect the production cost, the price tag for this figure is probably too high for anyone to consider getting one save for devout Saber Alter fan. Just like the popular previous version of 1/7 Saber Alter, Star of Twilight rendition really put Salter waifu quality to the top! The combination of petite figure with Pale white skin contrasted with her Jet Black dress is a winning combination for Salter to make her irresistible for her collector. On top of that, Star of Twilight Saber Alter has the Short dress version available just like her FGO Final Ascension illustration. While I have more than enough Salter in my FGO collection, I actually don't mind a Figma of Salter in this 3rd Ascension, whether it is the Long dress or the short dress version.

Arknights Alter 1/7 Dusk Figure

 Sui Siblings are some of the better waifu Designs that Arknights ever come up with and Dusk one of the younger siblings got another Premium figure treatment by Alter! So after Schwarz, Alter decided to make another Arknights figure and designated it for Dusk. While not as expensive compared to 1/7 Schwarz, as expected from the leading PVC Figure maker, Alter's 1/7 Dusk is a premium collectible for Arknights Fans. Scheduled for December 2025 release, Alter 1/7 Dusk will be sold for 34980 Yen.

While this is not exactly the first Dusk Figure made since I recall Apex and other manufacturer did make some for her which match up the number with her older sister, Nian. In Arknights Nian is the second Sui siblings featured in limited banner as a AOE Caster class. Dusk is a skilled yet reclusive painter who lived in her painting world until Nian decide to drag her out joining the Rhodes Island in her story. Overall she is a good waifu designs from Sui Siblings but her kit and class as AOE Caster just make her underused compared to her other siblings. I am quite sure Dusks sisters, Ling and Shu will get PVC figure as well in near future given their relative popularity. I am also still waiting for these Sui Siblings getting their Nendoroids which more likely starting from Shu  and more than willing to complete the collection in this format. Playing Arknights for almost 5 years, this game still offers the best overall gacha experience which makes fans like myself looking forward to their future merchandise.

Alter 1/7 Saber Alter Dress version

  No doubt the most definitive version of Salter PVC Figure up until now and so far none has beaten Alter for the Ice Queen. Last time the Dress version of Saber Alter was up for preorder in 2018 and now Alter opened a rerun which is probably the 3rd time since there are still strong demand for this particular version of Salter. For this time, Saber Alter 3rd Ascension Dress version will be scheduled for November 2021 release with 15800 Yen Price tag. Up until now Alter's Salter Dress figure brings out the most feminine charm of the usually expressionless Ice Queen with good options of variety. When i handled preorder for this item for one of my customer last year, i regretted that i sought the cheaper option which was Ichiban Kuji which certainly doesn't stand up with Alter's. 

  The 3rd ascension version of Saber Alter PVC figure definitely complement well with Jalter Dress figure made by Max Factory last year, who knows this might be my first collection from Alter. In any case there is a chance for Figma for Salter 3rd ascension too since her popularity eclipsed the vanilla version when it comes to merchandise.

Honkai Impact 3rd 1/8 Herrscher of Void Kiana

 Made by Chinese Company Mihoyo, Honkai Impact 3 is one of the more well known mobile game out there and now the series is popular enough for Alter making a Premium figure for one of the main heroine. The game is rather different for a Gacha as it features fast-paced hack and slash for its gameplay with Waifus as the playable character and it got some impressive budget for Visuals. I used to play Honkai Impact 3rd for quite some time before finally giving up since it is too high maintenance for Mobile game and the Yuri crap gets unbearable at times. It is undeniable that Honkai do have some Top tier Heroine designs but the story had too many Mary Sue BS for my taste.

 So for the first Honkai Impact 3 figure made by renowned figure maker, Alter picked Herrscher of Void AKA God Kiana as their choice. The figure is released for 22800 Yen Price tag with June 2021 schedule. Rather pricey for 1/8 Figure but the sculpt doesn't disappoint for sure.

 I happened to have HoV available in my Valkyrie  roster even complete with her S-rank weapon. While Herrscher is not as overpowered anymore, this version of Kiana is very easy to pick up. God Kiana is one of the few ranged-oriented valkyrie in Honkai Impact and a very good one, her  gameplay is basically raining down infinite amount of projectiles toward the enemies to impunity just like Gilgamesh's Gate of Babylon

 In the story of Honkai Impact 3, Herrscher of Void is the evil version of the main heroine Kiana as a god-like being hijacked her body through some circumstances and become an Existence with sole purpose to bring destruction upon humanity. I might hate the yuri-crap of Honkai with absolute prejudice but at very least still able to like Herrscher of Void's design as her depiction as a flawless beauty contrasted with her role as the ultimate adversary for Humanity had its own kind of charm. No doubt during her debut, many people whaled for God Kiana with her gorgeous design.

 Whether Mihoyo staffs played Rance series or not, God Kiana's design no doubt had close resemblance with Demon King Gele, albeit Safe-for-work version of her with slight influence of Hornet. This is because both character happened to play the same role in their respective game where they start as pure innocent maiden archetype but through some unfortunate circumstances given tremendous power and existed to bring absolute despair to Humanity. I think Herrscher of Void close resemblance with Gele is what makes me like the character even though i hate the game with passion. While i am through with Honkai, i will get God Kiana if she had a Nendoroid which is quite likely considering several of her fellow Valkyries had made it already.

Here is the comparison shot of God Kiana with Maou Gele and Hornet just to point out their similarities

Alter 1/7 Jeanne Alter

 Alter are known for their High Quality Premium PVC Figures and this time they don't disappoint with Jeanne Alter! Shown on the Expo mid of this year, this 1/7 Jeanne Alter in her 1st Ascension Form will be released on May 2019 for 26800 Yen Price tag. It is no doubt expensive but it is a true collector item for hardcore fan of Jeanne Alter. Personally i would have considered this Figure if i hadn't put my wallet on Jalter Dress version which still can't compete with this one because Alter's quality is on whole another level. I think even the regular 1/7 Jeanne doesnt break this price range but i guess being more popular than the original character make these kind of things happen. Anyway if you want to get a single definitive figure of Jalter with no concern of wallet, this is the one to go for.

Alter 1/8 Edmond Dantes

 Type-Moon's take on Alexandre Dumas character from the classic series of Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes is finally getting official release announcement already. It is rare for Male Servants from FGO getting a figure and Avenger Class Servant Edmond Dantes is joining the fray! Slated for February 2019 release, Edmond Dantes comes with 12800 Yen price tag which is surprisingly cheaper than average Alter figure. In FGO, Edmond Dantes is portrayed as edgy character hell bent on revenge considering his design is based on certain Danganronpa character. I find find Edmond Dantes animation is very cool in the game and he makes a good pairing with Gudako apart from Karna though King Hassan will probably throw a fit. I am quite interested to get the figure since it is still within my price range and rather eager to get an Alter figure into my Collection despite skipping Tessa. Hopefully i can roll his character on his coming Limited Gacha next year

1/7 Teletha Testarossa Maid Ver

 We rarely get any good PVC Figure for Full Metal Panic Heroine so Alter's take on Tessa is a blessing. Unfortunately their 1/7 Figure which was shown few weeks ago for her falls on pricier side. Slated for February 2019 Release, The maid version costs 17800 Yen though most shop tag it for higher price. This version of Tessa wearing Maid outfit while holding P90 SMG is probably based on an episode from the new season for Full Metal Panic. Personally i prefer Tessa over Chidori for some reason but probably because she tries her best to gain Sousuke's affection. Unfortunately i will skip this one since my price range is around 14000 Yen so i will wait for another rendition for her Figure. Most likely Chidori will get her figurine as well. Speaking of the FMP game, Tessa had a wedding ending in her route so that one probably will go to my headcanon.

Yami's Megahobby 2018 and One Hobby G Expo Highlights

 Usually the big stuffs for Japanese Toys are shown on Wonderfest but for some reason this Year's Megahobby Expo catches my attention. This event mainly focus on PVC Figures so Bandai doesn't really have presence on this one. As usual FGO dominated the product lineups and the temptations are strong with this one.

1/60 ARX-7 Arbalest Renewal ver

Years ago Alter made Quality figure for Arbalest long before they made one for M9 Gernsback and this time the toy come with more improvements i suppose. The Renewal version of Arbalest will be slated for  release on May next year with price tag of 14800 Yen and Arbalest will still come in 1/60 Scale. While the toy will be smaller than the plamo version made by Aoshima a while ago, the Alter's version of Arbalest come with more accessories no doubt. I wonder if the decision made by Alter to renew the series coincide with some plans to reboot the series in the future? Considering the anime got into some complicated license dispute back then, A reboot is certainly a nice thing to have considering FMP is one solid Real Robot series. I think i should repaint my FMP kits too.

1/60 M9 Gernsback

While Alter mainly produce high quality figurines, they also sculpted some great high-end mecha toys. After they released Linebarrel toy few while ago, now they are going to release one of the well known Arm Slave from FMP which is no other than M9 Gernsback. The toy has been announced around 2 months ago and planned to be released on April this year with the price tag of roughly 12000 yen. The toy is sculpted with 1/60 Scale which is about the same height with 1/144 HG Gundam kits. Despite i will not be getting this toy since i had completed my Uruz team collection and the toy is too small for my preference i think this 1/60 M9 Gernsback is worth to get for FMP fans. You will notice that the toy comes with lots of weapons which i think never appear in TV series and seen a few time only in the FMP Sigma manga. If you had 1/60 Arbalest which was released by Alter back when Aoshima haven't started making one i would say this toy is a must get.