Ultra Beast Force Yilichuangwan Phantom Kirin God

Following the conclusion of its ambitious Fruity Robo lineup, Yilichuangwan returns with another noteworthy release. This time, the company is venturing into a Chinese animated series called Ultra Beast Force with a new mecha model kit: Phantom Kirin God. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the kit will be sold for 169 RMB.

Inspired by the legendary Chinese divine creature, the Qilin, Phantom Kirin God features a sleek mechanical design capable of transforming into a Qilin beast form. Its overall color scheme and aesthetic immediately bring to mind Gransazer, particularly the Sagittarius-themed designs, which may have served as an inspiration for the source material.

While I have little familiarity with Ultra Beast Force itself—which appears to be a Chinese animated series with strong tokusatsu influences, I do find the model kit visually appealing.

Personally, while the source material does not particularly interest me, the strength of the design alone is enough to make me consider picking up a copy.

Anko Miniblocks - Flowershop Review

One of the last entries in my current Anko Miniblocks backlog, and arguably one of the best specimens from the series. While Kmart appears to be downsizing its Anko miniblock brick model series, likely due to operational margin pressures, the series produced some genuinely impressive sets during its run, and the Flower Shop is certainly among them.

Simply put, this is a highly elaborate playset-style brick model that pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of minifigures, as I previously showcased with my FGO Coonuts collection. While I unfortunately missed out on the Large Treehouse—the finest release in this particular series, I was at least able to secure both the Lighthouse and Cherry Treehouse playsets, and I am looking forward to adding them to my collection.

Kaitian Jichuang 1/12 Mecha Angel – Black Swan Alicia

 

Another impressive mecha musume model kit emerges from China’s growing hobby industry: Kaitian Jichuang presents Black Swan Alicia, a sleek black mecha musume exuding strong main-heroine vibes. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, this kit will sold for for 238 RMB.

Full Metal Panic Orange Cat x Wave 1/35 Laevatein

 

The ultimate Arm-Slave from Full Metal Panic! returns through a collaboration between Chinese model kit maker Orange Cat and Wave. This time, they are delivering a luxurious 1/35 scale Laevatein model kit that blends the engineering of a Perfect Grade kit with the premium feel of a Metal Build die-cast figure. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the Orange Cat 1/35 Laevatein will be sold for 458 RMB.

Hemoxian 1/12 Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier

 

 After producing several impressive cyborg-themed model kits, Hemoxian is finally stepping into something completely new. The company appears to be aiming for a foothold in the mecha musume market, and their debut entry is surprisingly strong. Their latest release, Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier, feels like a blend of Alice Gear Aegis and Strike Witches, with a touch of classic Macross-inspired mechanical design. The kit is currently scheduled for a Q3 2026 release with a very competitive price tag of 218 RMB.

Hemoxian has definitely caught collectors’ attention with this release. The concept combines a mecha musume character with a WWII-inspired aircraft mech setup that heavily leans into vintage military aesthetics. Individually, the kit’s components may not look groundbreaking, but the real appeal lies in how much content Hemoxian packed into a single package while keeping the price relatively affordable. The character design even gives off strong Tanya the Evil vibes, except this time paired with a transforming aircraft-style mech loaded with multiple weapon configurations. Depending on the setup, it can resemble either a Macross-style variable fighter or a more traditional Strike Witches-inspired flight unit.

The sheer amount of versatility offered by this kit is likely to make Japanese manufacturers pay close attention, especially as more mainland Chinese companies continue pushing aggressively into the mecha musume market. If Hemoxian can maintain this level of quality, value, and creativity, they could very well carve out a significant place for themselves within the genre.

Cang Toys Trans Age TA-HCZ002 Bergion Axeetle

 

I forgot to follow up on my Trans Age coverage earlier this year, but the second entry in the trilogy is actually my favorite. Meet Bergion Axeetle, a stag beetle–inspired transforming mecha. Released in Q3 2025, it originally retailed for 179 RMB.

What immediately stands out about Bergion Axeetle is its tank-like presence despite being a medium-sized unit. Equipped with a large axe and a multifunctional shoulder shield, it offers a surprising amount of versatility. The shield alone can be configured in multiple ways, giving it more depth than it initially lets on. Compared to Blacanidae and Swordion, Axeetle is easily the most durable of the trio, firmly positioning it as the team’s defender.

Another reason Axeetle appeals to me is how well it pairs with 52TOYS’ mechanical beetle line. It essentially feels like a larger, more articulated “evolved” version, almost echoing the dynamic of Soundwave and his cassette minions. With Blacanidae already getting a reissue, I’m hopeful Axeetle will follow suit soon.

Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Cassowary Review

 

After experiencing some buyer’s remorse with previous Chinese model kits, the Orange Cat Estailev series has done a great job of restoring my confidence in the industry. Without a doubt, Estailev stands as one of the strongest examples the Chinese hobby market has to offer in the non-diecast model kit category.

A while ago, I built both Cassowary and Neamhain back-to-back, but unexpectedly, Cassowary exceeded my expectations even further. Although it is designed as an assault-type mecha, it is heavily equipped for close-range devastation. Its distinctive cross-shaped massive shield is not merely defensive, it is engineered to mount a shotgun and gatling cannon, allowing this variant of Estailev to close in quickly and overwhelm enemies in rapid succession.

I’m genuinely looking forward to future Estailev variants.

Motor Nuclear Type 65 JiHu Mark II Assault Type

Another standout model kit from the Chinese hobby scene comes from a major player, Motor Nuclear. Dubbed the Jihu Mark II Assault Mode, this release features a die-cast inner frame and one of the more original mecha designs in recent memory. Scheduled for Q3 2026, the Motor Nuclear Type-65 Jihu Mark II will retail at 239 RMB.

The kit’s Chinese name translates to “Halberd Tiger,” a title that fits perfectly. This is a mecha equipped with a conventional firearms loadout alongside a modular Chinese halberd for melee combat. What makes the Type-65 Halberd Tiger particularly striking is how difficult it is to neatly categorize. While many Chinese mecha kits tend to echo the design language of Gundam SEED or 00, this one lands somewhere between Armored Core and Gundam, in a positive complimentary manner. One of its biggest strengths is balance: the Halberd Tiger looks heavily armed without appearing overly bulky, maintaining a sleek and purposeful silhouette.

Given the strength of this design, it would be a missed opportunity if Motor Nuclear didn’t expand on it. Future iterations of the Type-65 Halberd Tiger seem like a natural next step, and I’m especially interested to see how they might evolve its weapon loadouts.

Keepley Pokemon Brick Model Pokemon Center Review

 

Some Pokémon brick models I acquired a while ago immediately stood out to me in terms of value, and after completing the build, that impression proved correct. Keepley is one of those Chinese brick model manufacturers that focuses on popular Japanese anime IPs, and Pokémon is one of their strongest lines. Without a doubt, the Pokémon Center set is one of Keepley’s best offerings, and something they should be proud of.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Animester 1/12 HK416 Speed Star

 

One of the most anticipated Girls’ Frontline collectibles is finally up for preorder: the HK416 “Klukai” action figure. Based on her GFL2 Speedstar skin, this “golden child” of the franchise brings something fresh to the table in Animester’s latest rendition. Notably, this will be the only Klukai figure so far to feature her signature futuristic motorbike from Girls’ Frontline 2, though the bike itself will be sold separately as a model kit. Both are scheduled for Q3 2026, with the Animester Klukai figure priced at 299 RMB and the motorbike at 238 RMB.

Jingzhuoshe 1/100 Mandala Review

 

A model kit purchase with a bit of buyer’s remorse, and a reminder that products from the Chinese model kit industry can be hit or miss. Firstly, Jingzuoshe’s 1/100 Mandala has a pretty good sculpt, but it suffers from engineering issues. Stiff plastic parts are common in some Chinese kits, but it becomes a serious problem when it affects joint components.

My assembled copy ended up with the shoulder joint to the torso snapping in half, forcing me to resort to Blu Tack as a fix. I originally picked up this Mandala because I thought it would look great painted in the Wildschwein color scheme from the SRW series. The design still has that potential, but the build experience undermines it.

This kit definitely makes me think twice about getting non-diecast frame Chinese model kits from lesser-known manufacturers. That said, more established names like Orange Cat or Motor Nuclear are generally safer and don’t tend to have this kind of issue.

Top Toy Bebe Brick Model Magic Academy Series Set

Back in March, I was exposed to the Top Toy Bebe Brick Model line marking another step in my growing interest in brick models, a hobby I’ve been exploring more deeply over the past couple of years. Among the various releases, the Magic Academy series immediately stood out. This particular lineup features three separate modules that can be combined into a cohesive three-story, fantasy-themed building.

Each module, comprising an art classroom, a potion-making lab, and a rooftop observatory was priced around $35–40 at my local retail store under the Bebe Magic Academy series. While I’m not especially attached to the Bebe brand itself, I have to admit that the final assembled structure makes for an excellent display piece, especially as a backdrop for fantasy-themed collections.

Personally, I’m planning to use it as a prop for my FGO Coonuts collection. That said, its aesthetic would also pair beautifully with JRPG-inspired displays, particularly for niche series like Atelier, where its whimsical, magical atmosphere fits right in.

Although I already own the Bebe Brick Model convenience store set, the Magic Academy remains high on my wishlist. For now, I’m holding out patiently in hopes that each module drops to the $20–25 range, a price point that still feels within reach.

Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft 1/100 Arbiter

 

The collaboration between Howlingstar and Earnestcore Craft continues to deliver yet again! After the striking Kishin Colada, the duo returns with another standout original mecha, Arbiter. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the Howlingstar × Earnestcore 1/100 Arbiter is priced at 188 RMB, making it a relatively accessible entry for collectors.

The most eye-catching feature of this kit beyond its strong fantasy-inspired design is undoubtedly its Centaur-style quadruped mode. While Arbiter’s default configuration is a more traditional humanoid mecha, it can transform into a four-legged form that fully embraces the centaur concept. This mode is further elevated by its signature weapon: a spear that can convert into a war bow, completing the mythological aesthetic.

It’s a bold and creative design choice that helps Arbiter stand out in an increasingly crowded mecha market. If this release is anything to go by, there’s plenty of potential for future projects from this collaboration. Hopefully, Howlingstar and Earnestcore will continue to push the envelope and deliver even more unique and exciting mecha kits down the line.

Freeze Metal 1/100 Famine Model Kit

 Another Chinese model kit recently caught my attention. Given my past bad experiences with plastic-frame kits from some Chinese manufacturers, I usually only consider kits that feature a die-cast inner frame for my strike zone.This time, the kit comes from a manufacturer called Freeze Metal, and the model is simply named Famine. Released in Q1 2026, the 1/100 scale Famine retails for 168 RMB.

At a glance, it’s quite clear that this kit takes direct inspiration from the Black Rider from the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The stealthy black-ops aesthetic and the distinctive dual radomes mounted on its back are practically a dead giveaway. Some mecha fans may see this as a blatant rip-off, but it also feels like a calculated move by the manufacturer to fill a demand gap, especially since the HG kit of Black Rider is locked behind Premium Bandai exclusivity.

Personally, I’m quite interested in getting a copy of this kit. I’ve always had a soft spot for heavy-frame tactical “real robot” designs, and the pile bunker mounted on the left arm is just the icing on the cake.

Megaman X Hiya Toys 1/12 Falcon Armor X

Hiyatoys is moving fast with the Megaman X series. After announcing releases for X and Zero, the third entry in their Megaman X action figure lineup is none other than X in Falcon Armor! Falcon Armor is undoubtedly one of X’s most popular designs, and Hiyatoys has delivered a superb rendition. Scheduled for Q1 2027, the figure will be sold for $66 USD.

What makes Hiyatoys’ Falcon Armor particularly special is that it is based on the Megaman X6 version and comes with the Z-Saber. Many recent figures of X’s Falcon Armor are based on the X5 design, but Hiyatoys took a different approach, showing that they truly understand the IP they are working with and certainly deserve attention for it.

Falcon Armor itself holds a unique place in the Megaman X series because apart from its sleek design, it is the armor that granted X the greatest freedom of movement. With its additional wings, X can fly long distances, avoid hazards, and even deal minor damage to enemies on collision thanks to the flight barrier. It’s a shame that X6 nerfed this ability, portraying the armor as battle-damaged, but visually it remains one of the most iconic armors in X’s arsenal.

I’ve always had a personal attachment to Falcon Armor, ever since owning Bandai’s early 2000s toy rendition. It left a lasting impression on me, and it may even become a subject for a future post in my Vintage Toys series.

Anko Miniblocks Hospital Playset Brick Model Review

 

 After covering the Anko brick model car series, I’m moving on to my collection of their playset line, starting with the Hospital. This belongs to one of K-Mart’s earlier batches of playset releases, which feature three separate building sets designed to connect side by side to form a larger street layout. The first one I assembled happened to be the Hospital variant.

Like the others in the series, it’s a two-storey building with interior details that are visible from the open backside. For its price point, it’s a solid and well-designed set, even if it doesn’t necessarily stand out on its own.

Where these sets really shine is when collectors manage to gather multiple buildings from the lineup and connect them together. I already have the Police Station ready for a future review, and I’m looking forward to eventually getting my hand on the Fire Station to complete the trio.

Animester x Bilibili 1/12 22 & 33 Action Figure Set

Some rather unusual offerings from Animester: an action figure set dedicated to Bilibili! While this platform might not be well-known outside China, Bilibili is a major social media platform in China specializing in anime and pop culture. Its influence is strong enough for the hobby industry to release tribute products. Animester is presenting action figures for the Bilibili mascots 22 & 33, featuring a futuristic theme simply dubbed Bainianji (拜年记), or the CNY anniversary version. Scheduled for Q4 2026, the figures will be available in several options: Action Figure only for 348 RMB, Action Figure & Motorcycle set for 528 RMB, and the full 22 & 33 set for 1056 RMB.

This is definitely a premium product from the Chinese hobby industry — hobby figures over 500 RMB are still rare in China. Given the unusually high price, it’s unlikely these products will reach many overseas collectors, even if the quality is unquestionable. Personally, the futuristic motorcycle rider caught my attention, though the price is beyond my budget.

This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered Bilibili mascot crossovers. The Final Gear series previously featured a collaboration unit with Bilibili 22 & 33: a Bomber mecha, a heavily modified CN-exclusive grunt unit. If Bilibili and the Chinese hobby industry continue to thrive, I expect we’ll see more products for 22 & 33 in the future.

As a parting gift, here’s a reference for the Bilibili 22 & 33 crossover unit in Final Gear.

WASA x Evangelion - EVA 02 Blindbox Review

One of last month’s impulse purchases was this blind box figure from a local OHSOME store. I’ll admit, it’s teetering on the edge of buyer’s remorse. I’m not exactly a big fan of Evangelion, even though I managed to grab this at a bargain price. I guess curiosity got the better of me.

The WASA Blind Box line falls into the “designer toy” category. Before acquiring the Evangelion license, WASA produced astronaut-mecha themed figures. After securing the Evangelion IP, they released this series. Out of the available EVA units, I ended up with Asuka’s EVA-02, probably one of the better pulls for fans, considering Asuka remains surprisingly popular to this day.

As a collector, the WASA Evangelion Blind Box isn’t exactly my type. I’m generally not into designer toys, and for around $10, there are arguably stronger alternatives on the market. That said, WASA positions itself as a mid-range Chinese blind box brand, and the build quality does feel slightly more premium than typical budget releases.

Apparently, they also released a combiner variant within the Evangelion series, though that version isn’t particularly cheap either.

Moshow Progenitor Effect Illustrious Class 1/100 Tyrant Bolt

Moshow is back with their 1/100 scale diecast mecha lineup! This time, they’ve redesigned the Tyrant mecha into a new variant dubbed Tyrant Bolt. Sporting an all-new color scheme and a different weapon loadout, Tyrant Bolt will be priced at 398 RMB and is scheduled for release in Q2 2026.

The Illustrious Class Tyrant Bolt features a unique equipment set compared to the standard Tyrant Squad. Instead of conventional firearms, this variant comes equipped with engineering tools such as a giant drill, a mechanical claw, and a backpack-mounted laser. For some reason, it also includes a greatsword, an unusual choice for an exploratory engineering mecha. The overall aesthetics of Tyrant Bolt also remind me of the Jesta Cannon and JoyToy’s North 04 mecha.

Lastly, if Tyrant can receive its own special version as a single unit, I wouldn’t be surprised if Moshow’s Illustrious Class Guardsman gets a similar treatment in the future.

Anko Miniblocks - Red Racing Car Review

A continuation from last month’s Anko Sports Car Miniblock post! For my first batch of Anko miniblock acquisitions, I picked up two Sports Cars. This is the second one inspired by the classic popular red sports cars of 80s and 90s.

Compared to the blue sports car model, this one looks a bit more monotonous due to the lack of decals, which might have been an oversight in the design process. Still, considering its price point, it offers great value and looks impressive when displayed alongside the rest of the series which Anko miniblocks still update.

So far, there are about 4–6 models available in the Anko Sports Car lineup. Let’s see if I can assemble and review more of them before the end of the year.