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.

Transformers x Evangelion - Evangelion Prime 01

Transformers and Evangelion are two pop-culture franchises that often show up in crossover collaborations, so it was only a matter of time before they met and the result is definitely worth the wait. Takara Tomy has announced an exciting new release: Evangelion Prime, an Optimus Prime figure themed after Evangelion Unit-01. It’s scheduled for release in August 2026, priced at ¥11,000. 

February 2026 Loot

Another sumptuous haul this month and I have to admit, some of it was pure impulse buying. A portion of this haul came from the Jakarta Toys Event, and without it, the collection wouldn’t have been nearly as large.

As expected, Chinese hobby products dominate in quantity, while the Japanese items take the lead in overall value. Highlights from this haul include finally completing the Yilichuangwan Fruity Robo set, now just missing Pino-Flight to complete the full collection. The REA-Lynx packaging is as massive as expected, and I managed to snag my copy of Blokees Tarn Action Edition at a great price. On top of that, I finally completed the 52Toys Racing Car AMTS set, which I thought I would not made it.

Looks can be deceiving, though: the most expensive items aren’t necessarily the biggest. In terms of value, the top four are: B-Daman Toyrise Blue Braver, Joytoy Perturabo, Figma Chilchuck, and Sentinel’s Yoroiden Suiko Shin. Together, these four items account for roughly 70% of the haul’s total value. I was lucky enough to get Suiko Shin at a very good price, leaving only the Earth Yoroiden remaining.

Since I’m leaving my current job, I might have more free time soon perhaps enough to finally start reviewing my backlog and move fast enough to make touch some items from this haul.

Blokees Evangelion Eva-01 Test Type Action Edition Model Kit

 Just shortly after Hatsune Miku model kit announcement, Blokees shows yet another product and this one is a mecha model kit for no other than Evangelion! Having the Eva-01 as the first model, Blokees make an Action Edition model kit that will stand 17 cm and scheduled for Q1 2025 with 169 RMB price tag.

52Toys Evangelion Beastbox Kabuto-Eva Set

 Given Evangelion's existing popularity, this Mecha series has always been frequently getting collaborations whether it is Gacha Games or Toy Products. Around last month before 2023 ends, we were getting a good Eva collab products from 52Toys as part of their Wonderfest Exclusives. Not something that average 52Toys fans expected, but 52Toys released their Kabuto Beastbox in EVA 00, 01 & 02 color scheme. These limited EVA Beetle Beastbox can be purchased for around 400 RMB or 50 USD price tag but for Overseas collectors, you can expect to spend 100 USD at least for this set.

A rather peculiar choice by 52Toys for the Eva Color Scheme candidate considering I have expected we will get some more Eva Dios instead to complete the circle for the Evangelion collab, but it is a good one nonetheless. The Beetle Beastbox is actually one of the better products made by 52Toys whether in terms of Playability or Gimmick especially the one in EVA-02 Color Scheme. The paint finish effect also look superb nonetheless and will provide a good value for Eva Collectors due to its Unique selling point and still look better compared to the random Gattai Robo that had Eva combined with Toei's popular series like Godzilla or Kamen Rider. I will definitely get this one for my 52Toys collection If I can get it within reasonable price which is up to 52Toys dealing with their distributor.

March 2021 Loot

 I think my spendings for Toys over past three months are quite overkill since i got myself a solid range of hauls in this time range. This months loot represents my collection target quite well which are balance of Mecha and FGO related merchandise with few outliers lies in between. The best catch of this month's loot is no doubt the SCM Sagittarius Aiolos which i had been looking for a playable substitute for the God Cloth version. I think i could cover reviews for the loots in this batch quite quick since i am planning a desert theme for future review which most would fit quite well. In any i really need to work on the Gundam Ensemble since the backlog has piled up to 4 volumes already.
 

EVA-FRAME: Evangelion Shin Gekijouban Vol.01

  Over this past one year, Toys Manufacturer have been intensively milking the Eva franchise in anticipation of the final movie and now Bandai is making an interesting product for the series with their G-Frame lineup. After surviving for three years, Gundam Candy Toys lineup G-Frame now spread its wing to another mecha series, Evangelion with Eva Frame. Just like G-Frame, EVA Frame features 13 cm mecha action figure with detachable armor and inner frame as its main gimmick which Bandai give a very promising inner frame for this one. For the Price of 4000 Yen which cost roughly the same with a single EVA Robot Spirit, EVA-Frame will be scheduled for February 2021 release

  The first volume of EVA Frame series start with a solid bang as it features the classic EVA 00, 01 and 02 team which still remain iconic after more than 20 years. EVA-Frame came in 8 Boxes for each package which contain 6 Boxes for Eva Unit inner-frame and armor Parts then 2 boxes for Hangar and additional weapons. The Volume of EVA-Frame also came with Premium version which include positron rifle and shield to reenact Yashima Operation. 

Given the potential of the new EVA-Frame lineup, i think the series could last for 3rd volume at least which Bandai probably will throw in some Angels and other obscure EVA designs. I hoped the first volume could have included the Magorok E-Sword but probably that one will be reserved with Armored EVA-01 in the future EVA-Frame release. Given its size, EVA-Frame also had quite good compatibility with Shodo Ultraman so you can pit Eva units against some Kaijus for varieties. Lastly i am quite sure Evangelion will get another candy toys possibly Ensemble or even Chogokin Hello Kitty by Bandai given it already got several like Coonuts and Gasha Portraits.