SRW Alpha 3 Riobot Raioh

A few months after the release of Huckebein Boxer, Sentinel has announced yet another heavyweight from the Super Robot Wars franchise. This time, it is Raioh, one of the Dynamic General Guardians that made its debut in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, joining the Riobot lineup. Scheduled for release in October 2026, Riobot Raioh will be sold for 43,000 yen.

In the history of SRW merchandise, Raioh has always been a somewhat elusive design. Aside from the Volks FAF action figure released more than a decade ago, collectors have had very few opportunities to add this iconic machine to their collections. For that reason alone, Sentinel's Riobot release is a welcome addition, even if its premium price places it firmly in the high-end collector market.

Despite having a rather personal attachment to Raioh, the current economic climate makes it difficult to justify such a purchase. At this price range, the only SRW machine that could convince me to open my wallet for such price tag would probably be Dis Astranagant.

Back in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, Raioh was my choice for my first playthrough of this legendary title. Designed as a powerful boss-killer super robot, Raioh quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its overwhelming presence and signature tokusatsu-inspired attacks, particularly its iconic dive kick.

With Daizengar eventually receiving a Bandai model kit, I am quite optimistic that Raioh will one day receive similar treatment. Until then, Riobot Raioh will likely remain relatively out of reach collectible representation of one of Alpha 3's most memorable original machines.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 02: Yasha-Oh Gai Review

Going back-to-back after Shura-Oh Shurato, here is the second and final review of the Kids Logic Shurato lineup: Yasha-Oh Gai!

Compared to my copy of Shurato, Yasha-Oh Gai has remained in noticeably better condition over the years, making it a more satisfying piece to revisit as a collector. That said, it still shares many of the same limitations as its counterpart, particularly in terms of articulation and overall playability.

Ultimately, I decided to part with both of these rare Shurato figures, which I originally acquired during my student days in Beijing. There were several reasons behind this decision. Most notably, Kids Logic never continued the lineup beyond these releases, leaving little hope for a complete collection.

In contrast, Yolopark has offered a more modern alternative with improved engineering and a stronger commitment to completing the cast. Given the value these figures provided relative to the space they occupied in my collection, I no longer had a compelling reason to keep them. Fortunately, I was able to find a fellow collector who was willing to give them a new home.

As a character, Yasha-Oh Gai serves as an excellent foil to Shurato in this short-lived lineup. Once Shurato's closest friend, Gai eventually turns against him after falling under the influence of evil forces. His eventual redemption and decision to aid Shurato in the finale remains one of the more memorable emotional moments of the series, even if its execution was not always as strong as it could have been.

Interestingly, I chose to skip Yolopark's version of Gai, as I have focused primarily on collecting the protagonist side of the Shurato cast. That said, if I come across a reasonably priced copy in the future, I may still consider adding him to the collection.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato Review

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato

Finally, I get to revisit one of my older collections that has been sitting in storage for more than ten years: the Shurato die-cast action figure from Hong Kong-based manufacturer Kids Logic.

Given the less-than-ideal storage conditions, my copy has suffered some noticeable degradation over the years. Nonetheless, I wanted to take one last look at what this series has to offer before parting with it.

Overall, Kids Logic followed a design philosophy similar to the Saint Seiya SCM lineup, featuring articulated action figures with removable die-cast armor parts. As a result, this figure shares many of the same shortcomings as the SCM series, most notably its limited articulation and posing capabilities.

Beyond the posing issues, my copy has also developed noticeable yellowing despite never being exposed to direct sunlight. While yellowing is a common problem for predominantly white plastic figures, it remains disappointing to see it affect a collectible of this caliber. This was ultimately one of the main reasons I decided to let go of the series.

On the bright side, the Yolopark AMK Pro lineup appears to address many of the engineering and articulation issues that plagued the Kids Logic release. I'm looking forward to exploring those improvements in a future review.

Armored Trooper Votoms Hi-Metal R Brutish Dog

 

Tamashii Nations continues to expand its Armored Trooper VOTOMS lineup once again. Following the release of Chirico Cuvie and his iconic Scopedog, it is now Fyana’s turn to join the Hi-Metal R series alongside her signature Brutish Dog. Scheduled for release in October 2020, the Hi-Metal R Brutish Dog retailed for 20,000 yen.

In the series, the Brutish Dog is a customized, lightly armed Scopedog distinguished by its striking reddish-pink color scheme. Piloted by the genetically engineered supersoldier Fyana, the machine delivers performance far beyond what its modest loadout would suggest, giving Chirico more than a few difficult battles throughout the story. Despite initially meeting as enemies, Fyana and Chirico eventually develop a deep relationship, only for tragedy to separate them in the end.

Like the Hi-Metal R Scopedog, the Brutish Dog also includes a pilot figure of Fyana. While the miniature figure is a welcome addition, the sculpt quality naturally falls short of what collectors would expect from a dedicated character action figure. Still, the inclusion adds extra display value and helps complete the package. With Fyana and the Brutish Dog making it into the line, there is now a strong possibility that Ypsilon and his Strike Dog could eventually receive the Hi-Metal R treatment as well.

Toyseasy Super Alloy Warship God CV-17 Fuxi

 

Just when it seemed Toyseasy had wrapped up their Warship Combiner line, they’ve returned with a new addition, an aircraft carrier mecha. Named after the Chinese progenitor deity Fu Xi, This unit is positioned as a worthy counterpart to the previously released Shennong aircraft carrier combiner. The CV-17 Fuxi is scheduled for a Q3 2026 release at 999 RMB.

Gear Fighter Dendoh Amakuni Kijin Dendoh

 

It has been more than 10 years since Gear Fighter Dendoh received any major merchandise, and Amakuni has finally broken that long hiatus with one of the most deluxe and expensive renditions of the series. Similar to their Gaogaigar lineup, Amakuni’s Kijin Gear Fighter Dendoh, made in collaboration with Flame Toys, is clearly aimed at high-end collectors. Scheduled for release in October 2026, it will retail for 42,000 yen.

For over 40k Yen die-cast action figure, this version of Dendoh comes with many of the gimmicks fans would expect from the mecha. As seen in previous Flame Toys collaborations, the design features a slimmer waist and a more stylized proportion overall. Despite these extensive gimmicks, this rendition does not include any of the Data Weapons, which feels like a notable omission for a premium release. It does come with Dendoh’s sword. Personally, I would have preferred a slightly less luxurious version that includes all 12 Data Weapons instead at this price point.

Up until now, I haven’t watched Gear Fighter Dendoh in full, but I’ve had some exposure through the PlayStation game and Super Robot Wars MX. The PSX game is quite fun and worth trying, although Super Robot Wars MX provides a more complete story experience for those interested in the series.

Eureka Seven Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero

As part of Eureka Seven’s 20th Anniversary, Bandai has decided to release a Metal Build version of the series’ iconic skysurfing mecha: Nirvash Type Zero! Naturally, such a rare collectible is being offered as a P-Bandai exclusive, but it promises the most faithful rendition yet of Kawamori’s legendary design. Scheduled for August 2026, the Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero will retail for 36,000 Yen. 

Voltes Yolopark AMK Pro Voltes V Legacy Version

 

Yolopark’s new ventures never cease to amaze me! After their releases of Transformers and Evangelion, they’re now tackling the Nagahama Trilogy classics, this time with Voltes V. For their rendition, Yolopark has chosen the recent Philippine movie version of Voltes as the AMK Pro lineup, standing over 20 cm tall. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, the AMK Pro version of Voltes V will retail for $60 USD.

This release is sure to give Bandai’s SOC FA Voltes a serious run for its money. At a more affordable price, Yolopark delivers a diecast, non-transformable action figure that doesn’t compromise on value. The AMK Pro Voltes comes with most of its iconic weapons, including the Tenkuuken/Laser Sword, which is used for the classic V-Slash finisher.

I’m curious if Yolopark will expand this line to include Combattler V or Daimos, following the same modern movie-inspired style. Even so, the AMK Pro Voltes V is something to get excited about — even if the main fanbase is now in their late 40s to early 50s and perhaps less inclined to splurge as they once did.

Xabungle Soul of Chogokin GX-38R Iron Gear

Xabungle islikely one of Tomino’s more underrepresented mecha series, but Bandai has once again shown it some attention. Compared to classics like Dunbine, Xabungle may feel neglected, yet it has now received the premium Soul of Chogokin (SOC) treatment. This time, the spotlight is on the iconic transformable battleship, Iron Gear, scheduled for release as a P-Bandai item in August 2026 at 34,000 Yen. 

SRW OG Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Weissritter

It has been quite some time since Flame Toys released their version of Alteisen, and now they are finally unveiling their take on Weissritter. As expected, the iconic protagonist mecha of Super Robot Wars OG wouldn’t feel complete without its partner unit. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Flame Toys’ Weissritter will carry a hefty price tag of 45,000 yen.

As usual, Flame Toys products are positioned firmly in the premium range, which naturally limits their target audience. Pound for pound, the value still doesn’t quite surpass comparable releases from CCS Toys. While Flame Toys’ Alteisen at least included the Shishio Blade as an extra weapon to help justify its high price, Weissritter appears to come with little more than a carbine handgun, which feels rather underwhelming given the cost.

At this point, I’m hoping CCS Toys will eventually return to the SRW OG lineup. With 20 years has passed since OGs release,we could also use some port series for OGs.

Gundam Gqux Metal Robot Spirits Xavier's Custom Gyan

In early 2026, Bandai appears to have largely wrapped up the Gundam Gqux series, but not before giving one of its standout mobile suits the premium treatment. The Gyan Xavier Custom is getting the Metal Robot Spirits (MRS) release and as expected, it’s a P-Bandai exclusive. The price is nothing to scoff at, suggesting Bandai is making the most of the IP before moving on. Scheduled for July 2026, the MRS Gyan Xavier Custom will retail for 26,000 yen.

If the original Gyan felt somewhat underrated in the Universal Century anime, Gqux certainly gave this Gelgoog rival more time to shine. Loosely inspired by the High Mobility Gyan variant, the Gqux version is portrayed as a high-performance elite mobile suit capable of taking down the formidable Big Zam Mobile Armor through coordinated attacks. In the series, one of the Gyans is piloted by Xavier Olivette, a young and promising Zeon pilot occasionally naïve, but ultimately dedicated and full of potential.

That said, 26,000 yen is a steep asking price for a Metal Robot Spirits release of the Gyan, especially when the much larger Gqux Mobile Armor, Kikeroga, is priced at around 32,000 yen. While the Gqux redesign of the Gyan is undeniably sleek and impressive, the cost may give collectors pause.

At this rate, Bandai could very well give G-Fred the Metal Robot Spirits treatment next, squeezing out a bit more momentum from Gqux before shifting focus to the next Gundam project.

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.

Brave Exkaiser Soul of Chogokin GX-120 King Exkaiser

Bandai Tamashii Nation has finally responded to Takara Tomy’s Toyrise Brave Exkaiser. After releasing a Super Minipla Alternative version of the original Brave series years ago, Bandai is now producing a full-fledged Soul of Chogokin figure of King Exkaiser. Scheduled for release in July 2026, the figure will be priced at ¥42,000.

Metal Robot Damashii Ka signature – Ex-S Gundam [Re:Coordinate]

Among the many MSV variants, Sentinel Gundam has always stood out as something special. Tamashii Nations has now revisited one of its older releases with a reissue: the Metal Robot Spirits (MRS) EX-S Gundam Re-Coordinate. This release is essentially a repainted version of the original MRS EX-S Gundam first launched in 2016.Scheduled for release in June 2026, the MRS EX-S Gundam Re-Coordinate carries a price tag of 24,000 yen.

The original MRS EX-S Gundam left a strong impression on me personally, as it was one of the earliest products I worked with when I first entered the hobby industry. Back in 2016, it retailed for 15,000 yen. Nearly a decade later, the 9,000 yen increase in price is difficult to justify, as there appear to be no substantial upgrades or improvements over the original release. This reissue serves as a clear example of how hidden inflation within the Japanese economy has quietly manifested itself in hobby pricing.

While the figure does feature partial diecast construction, it still falls short of fully representing the EX-S Gundam’s defining characteristics. Most notably, it lacks the Mobile Armor transformation, a complex feature that is understandably difficult to implement at this scale and price point.

On the positive side, the MRS EX-S Gundam does include a standard Sentinel Gundam configuration, offering a faithful rendition of the design. However, collectors looking for the BST version will likely need to rely on separate, optional add-on parts, should they be released in the future.

Cang Toys Trans Age TA-HCZ001 Bergion Blacanidae

 
 One of the mecha products that I overlooked back then but is a promising one actually. From Cang Toys, the Chinese Hobby industry manufacturer that makes Transformers products and their own premium diecast robot came an original lineup called Trans Age. Part of this lineup came Insect series transforming mechas and one of the first entry is Stag Beetle called Blacanidae. Released back in Q2 2025, Trans Age Blacanidae is sold for 169 RMB.

Based on Kuwagata Stag Beetle, Blacanidae is Melee oriented mecha. While the beetle bulky form looks rather deceiving, Blacanidae is quite an agile melee fighter. Armed by pincer blades that served as pair of Shotel in the mecha form, Blacanidae is deceptively cool looking mecha though traces of Gundam designs can still be quite apparent all over with the Tallgeese leg though upper torso is definitely from Gundam though I didn't quite remember at this point of writing. 

 I may revisit the rest of the Trans Age lineup in a future post, as Blacanidae has certainly made me more curious about what else the series has to offer. 

Saint Seiya Saint Cloth Myth SCM EX Sagittarius Aiolos Review

This week’s Thursday Review coincides with Christmas 2025, so it feels like the perfect time to feature something special: reviewing my copy of SCM EX Sagittarius Aiolos. I’m not exactly a diehard Saint Seiya fan, but owning the figure of my zodiac constellation feels satisfying and I’m glad that constellation happens to be Sagittarius.

Pac-Man World Chogokin Pac Man Review

A rather short review but a full fledged one nonetheless. Tamashi Nation from time to time released Robot Diecast products from series unrelated to Mecha and Namco’s classic Arcade Pac Man happens to be the recipient.

Not exactly Pac Man fan, but I did play some 3D Pac Man Platformer on PSX game back then and owned 3DS game as well thus I got some impression on the series. As usual I am a sucker for Mechas with Cockpit gimmick thus I decide to obtain Chogokin Pacman and diecast material is Cherry on top. The figure comes with 4 Ghost enemies that Chogokin Pacman can bully at and a small antromorphized Pac Man figure that can serve as Chogokin Pacman pilot.

Personally there are still many Namco mascots character that Tamashii Nation can consider to give Chogokin treatment, I could see characters like Mr Driller, Taiko Tatsujin or Katamari has a likelihood to get one someday though it will be something reserved for the series anniversary.

Saint Seiya SCM EX Pegasus Seiya Gold ver Tamashi Nation Exclusive

Never thought time goes so fast and it is December 2025 again and time for a little bit more special for the review series! Growing up exposed to Saint Seiya , I had some familiarity with this classic shonen series. Naturally, I did spare some expense to obtain a collectible from Saint Seiya but only reserved getting Sagittarius Aiolos related SCM, being a Sagittarian myself. Thus, I never really intended to collect any other Saint Cloth Myth including the protagonist Bronze saints. However, from strange turn of event, I did obtain SCM Pegasus Seiya and a limited edition at that!

In essence this SCM is gold recolor version of SCM V3 Pegasus Seiya. I did obtain this SCM because the price is actually cheaper than its regular counterpart and curious if it could make use SCM part from SCM EX Sagittarius Aiolos to make Sagittarius Seiya.

Unfortunately turns out the body frame type of Aiolos and Seiya highly differs thus such avenue is impossible. I also notice that Bronze saint diecast armor parts are much simpler than Gold saints and prior to obtaining V3 Seiya, I never know he had optional wing parts as well even not as big as Sagittarius.

Considering the photo shots were meant for quick review, there is no elaborate action pose for my copy of SCM Pegasus Seiya. Perhaps in the event it didn’t get sold in near future maybe Seiya will get more action poses. In any case despite Blokees offer far cheaper alternatives, SCM Seiya still worth looking at if you are diehard fan of Saint Seiya.

Cangdao Models 1/100 Metal Build Tianchen

 
 Cangdao affordable Diecast model Tian series is back again! After Tianwei and Tianfa, Tianchen makes its appearance. This one had design influences from Wing, Seed and 00 Gundam and originality is not the biggest priority when it is very affordable Diecast product. Schedule for Q2/Q3 2026 release, Cangdao 1/100 Tianchen will be sold for 298 RMB.

Chogokin Onegai My Melody Review

Personally, I am never really a Sanrio fan but due to the ubiquity of the IP, I do eventually come across with some of their merchandise given my hobby collection. Few years ago, I got myself a Bandai Chogokin product for my Melody, one of the Sanrio’s hello kitty companion character. Not because I am interested with the character but I never turn down an offer for affordable Diecast mecha product.

Chogokin my Melody is essentially the mecha version of My Melody. This mecha version of the Sanrio’s rabbit mascot comes with miniature Kuromi and cockpit gimmick as well as simple flight form transformation. Since I am always a big sucker for anything with miniature cockpit gimmick, I did obtain this specimen as the price was right as well.

Overall Chogokin My Melody was good value for the price I obtained which will never happen anymore as Bandai had went past their phase of making affordable quality product. Couple years ago Bandai even make some Chogokin Hello Kitty mecha in Mazinger and Gundam version which would have caught my interest had it been more affordable.