Gundam Seed Freedom Lucrea Athrun Zala Scale Figure

Since the release of Gundam SEED Freedom few years ago, Athrun Zala has finally received some long-overdue attention. I believe it has been well over a decade since MegaHouse last released a scale figure of one of the most popular protagonists from the Gundam SEED series. Now, the company is bringing Athrun back under its Lucrea lineup, featuring him in his SEED Freedom pilot suit. Scheduled for release in January 2027, the Lucrea Athrun Zala figure will be sold for 8,000 yen.

Considering the current PVC figure market, I expect the overall quality of this Lucrea release to be only slightly above that of a prize figure or a Pop Up Parade figure. Even so, it is still a welcome addition to the merchandise lineup for arguably the most reliable main character in Gundam SEED, especially when compared to the older Banpresto scale figure.

I will definitely be picking one up, as my Metal Build Justice Gundam needs a proper pilot representation, and this option feels far more reasonable than the Premium Bandai S.H.Figuarts release. Given that Cagalli's prototype was recently revealed, I am also fairly confident that Athrun's partner will be joining the Lucrea lineup in the near future.

Gundam Sentinel 1/100 MG Gundam Mk V [Earth Federation Force Color]

Previously released as a P-Bandai exclusive, the MG Gundam Mk-V returns once again in a new color variant dubbed the Earth Federation Force Color, now featuring a predominantly white color scheme. As expected, this cooler alternate version remains locked behind the Premium Bandai label, just like the previous iteration. Scheduled for release in October 2026, the MG 1/100 Gundam Mk-V will be sold for 9,000 Yen.

Aside from the new color scheme, this version of the Gundam Mk-V also includes a redesigned beam rifle that appears to be a higher-output type similar to the one used by the Asshimar. The white color palette makes the design strongly resemble the Silver Bullet from Gundam Unicorn, which is hardly surprising considering the Gundam Mk-V and Döven Wolf share a closely related technological lineage.

Given the pricing and the usual Premium Bandai markup, this kit will likely become prohibitively expensive for overseas collectors. Because of that, I will probably look toward alternative options instead, with the NXEDGE STYLE figure line suddenly becoming a rather appealing choice.

SD Gundam: Psyco Salamander no Kyoui

 

Some random Gundam arcade game I used to play as a kid, one I recently rediscovered. This particular title from Banpresto turns out to be far more interesting than it first appears, especially for an early ’90s Gundam game.

SD Gundam: Psyco Salamander no Kyoui is a run-and-gun arcade shooter featuring the Gundam series in SD art style. It’s a two-player game starring the RX-78-2 Gundam and RXF-78-1, and it essentially serves as a crash course through the Universal Century timeline—from the One Year War all the way to Char's Counterattack.

Gameplay-wise, think Metal Slug but with Gundams. In fact, there’s a good argument that Metal Slug took cues from games like this. One clear similarity is how your mobile suit automatically switches to melee when enemies get too close, keeping the pace frantic and reactive.

Like most arcade games of its era, Psyco Salamander is a ruthless coin-eater. Still, it has a surprising amount of personality. It features a generous selection of MSV-era mecha, and the customization is wild for its time, you can have the RX-78-2 deploying Nu Gundam's Fin Funnel while wielding Double Zeta's Hyper Mega Cannon.

What really cements this game’s place in Gundam oddities is its final boss: the Psyco Salamander itself. The design is striking, arguably ahead of its time and you can almost see echoes of Sinanju in it, like a distant prototype or an alternate take on Neo Zeong.

If you’re a Gundam fan especially a younger one this game can be a genuinely eye-opening experience. I’ll wrap this up by leaving you with the Psyco Salamander lineart, see for yourself whether you can spot the Sinanju resemblance.

April May 2026 Loot

 

Another two months, another sumptuous banquet of loot. I might be acquiring a bit too much at this rate, but overall, it’s a very solid haul featuring a great variety across the low, mid, and high-end spectrums. I am particularly happy with this round because I managed to complete a couple of significant sets: namely, Fruity Robo and B-Daman Bakugaiden. I’m really looking forward to seeing Fruity Wargod and Saint Blaster fully assembled.

As expected, and in alignment with the interests I've shared on this blog, this haul is predominantly filled with mecha. It starts with the enormous model kits from Pino Flight and Huang Di, alongside the LOGH Brunhild ship model. Without a doubt, the crown jewels of this haul belong to the die-cast department, with Dragon Knight Renata being the most valuable piece of the lot. Furthermore, despite its poorly illustrated box art, the Chinese version of the Chogokin Sazabi FF is a surprisingly solid value; I would have considered getting the Bandai original if they didn't make the hurdles so much harder for overseas collectors. While I am not usually into "Designer" variants of Gundam figures, I decided to grab a copy of the Year of the Horse edition RX-78-2 for an extra luck boost—being a Horse zodiac myself who has to survive the trial of the Fire Horse year.

Surprisingly, the scale anime collectibles in this haul were pretty much an afterthought. Apart from Myethos Citlali, whose box I swapped with a cake box that worked out quite well due to badly damaged packaging, most were just random acquisitions. I got most of them from a local hobby store called Lichtshein, which runs an interesting gacha-based merchandise exchange that offers solid value for money. Through them, I scored some Genshin Impact collectibles and a figma Raphtalia at a great rate, and I wouldn't mind supporting their business again in the future if they keep offering such a good proposition.

Overall, this has been a very solid two months of hauls. It has greatly enhanced the variety of my collection while consolidating some major existing sets.

Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver

 

Something has been making me wonder lately: why did Bandai decide to make their new Robot Spirits release for Zeta Gundam less accessible? Zeta Gundam was one of the most successful mainstream Gundam series, helping cement the franchise’s longevity over several decades. Yet, it seems Bandai now considers the series “a thing of the past,” as the Robot Spirits lineup for Zeta Gundam has become largely P-Bandai exclusive, including the recent Super Gundam entry. Scheduled for September 2026, the Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver will be sold for 14,000 yen.

While the Gundam Mk-II was available as a regular Tamashii Nation release, the same cannot be said for Super Gundam, even the G-Defensor is locked behind P-Bandai. What makes the Robot Spirits Super Gundam stand out is that it showcases the true tactical flexibility of the G-Defensor on the Mk-II, rather than just being a simple weapon backpack as Gundam video games usually portray it—often because it is relegated to a support character’s unit.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind picking up some Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits if the price is right, and I’m actually eyeing the Marasai, which I hope will get a regular release.

MS Saga Playthrough Complete!

Not exactly an easy endeavor, but after finally putting in the grind and picking up where I left off 14 years ago, I can proudly say that I’ve completed my journey with MS Saga: A New Dawn!

With a total playtime of around 50 hours, I’ve finally settled a personal debt that’s been lingering for nearly 20 years.

Without a doubt, MS Saga is truly a one-of-a-kind Gundam game. It had the potential to stand as a great JRPG if it had been completed in its intended form. However, in its released state, it feels like an old-school JRPG that compensates for cut content with brutal difficulty, something that may not sit well with modern audiences. Even as a devoted mecha fan, finishing it would have been a tall order if not for my personal commitment.

MS Saga Revisited

Right after completing my 4th run of SRW Alpha 3, I returned to another PS2 classic: MS Saga! Known in Japan as Gundam Odyssey, it remains one of the most unique Gundam games from the PS2’s golden era. Fortunately, I still have my save file from 14 years ago, letting me pick up exactly where I left off.

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.

Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits Asshimar Anime Ver

One of the Robot Damashii releases I completely overlooked last year turned out to be well worth revisiting. Back in mid-2025, Tamashii Nations announced the Robot Damashii Asshimar, released as a P-Bandai exclusive with a price tag of 15,000 yen and a scheduled November 2025 release.

Among the recent Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits lineup which now cost well over 10,000 yen, Asshimar stands out both in design and as a product. Ironically, I didn’t care much for the Asshimar when I was younger. As an antagonist mobile suit with rather unusual look, it felt awkward and unappealing. Over time, however, I’ve grown to appreciate its unique yet minimalistic design, especially within the Titans faction. As a transformable Dom-face mobile suit, it delivers a surprisingly strong presence, armed simply but effectively with a single beam cannon.

As for the figure itself, 15,000 yen does feel expensive for a Robot Spirits release at first glance. That said, the Asshimar is larger than a typical 1/144 scale Gundam, and it’s one of the few Robot Spirits figures that is fully transformable, complete with a proper flight (Gerwalk-like) mode. That added engineering goes a long way toward justifying the price.

Looking back, I think the main reason I initially overlooked this release was the default color scheme. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a re-release in an alternate palette. The Asshimar has received some excellent visual updates in MSV projects like Advance of Zeta, and a version inspired by those designs would be very tempting.

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.

Gundam Head Collection Vol.1

One of the recent Gundam Candy Toys that caught my attention is the new Gundam Head Collection, which seems to harken back to the older Gundam gashapon lineups. Bandai recently revealed this new lineup, which literally offers Gundam head dioramas. The first volume features Unicorn and Strike Freedom Gundam variants and is scheduled for release in June 2026. The box version of the Gundam Head Collection will be sold for 9,000 Yen. 

Mobile Suit Gundam vs Zeta Gundam

Reminiscing about a classic game from my teenage years, Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam played a major role in shaping my perspective of the Gundam series. While I might have first extensive exposure of Gundam through PSX Battle Assault 2, it was this PS2 title that truly left a lasting impression. I spent countless hours playing it with neighborhood kids, and the memories remain vivid.

Gundam vs. Gundam Maxi Boost still commands a strong presence in Japanese arcades, but if one wishes to trace the origin, Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam represents one of the earlier iterations of the series’ humble beginnings. Compared to the later, fast-paced Gundam vs. Gundam games, GvsZG’s combat is slower, fitting the early Universal Century timeline.

Despite lacking flashy modern mechanics, GvsZG boasts a respectable roster spanning the One Year War and Zeta Gundam era, including protagonist mobile suits and even ZZ Gundam as a secret unit. My personal favorites were RX-78-2 Gundam and Gaplant. RX-78-2, when equipped with the Gundam Hammer, could devastate enemy mobile suits in just a few well-placed hits, and could even take down massive mobile armors like Psyco Gundam by exploiting their blind spots.

The PS2 version also included a story mode, allowing players to explore the One Year War and Zeta Gundam storylines through the perspectives of featured characters. While the gameplay could become repetitive, players had the opportunity to unlock alternate storylines by saving characters who were supposed to die in the original timeline. Another impressive detail is the roster’s customization: mobile suits retained their faction-specific color schemes even when used outside their original teams, such as a Titan-colored Zeta Gundam.

Truly, Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam is one of the many hidden gems of the Gundam video game series during the PS2 era, combining nostalgia, strategy, and a deep appreciation for the Universal Century timeline.

Composite ver Ka. MSK-008R Dijeh Amuro Custom Part 2 Review

Continuing my review of the P-Bandai Robot Damashii Dijeh Amuro Custom, here’s the second part! Compared to other hobby product reviews I’ve done over the past few years, Dijeh receives a somewhat special treatment that actually warrants a two-part review and it has a lot to do with its connection to FA Hyaku Shiki.

Perhaps not many will notice, apart from avid readers of Realm of Darkness. But I’m a huge Hyaku Shiki fan, especially its Full Armor variants! While some of that admiration comes from its Five Star Stories roots, it mostly stems from the unfulfilled potential of Char Aznable as Lt. Quattro in the Universal Century timeline.

The Full Armor Hyaku Shiki represents the “Lawful Good” future of Char Aznable, an idea often explored in series like Super Robot Wars. This particular depiction left a deep impression on me during my younger years. So, the very least I could do is pay some homage, and a dedicated tag-team action with Amuro Dijeh felt like another perfect tribute.

While Amuro’s Dijeh might feel somewhat overshadowed in this context, this review treats both mecha with equal importance. Because it’s Amuro’s equal standing with Char that makes him the perfect foil.

This isn’t the sort of review I usually write, so I hope you enjoy this more personal, reflective take.

Composite ver Ka. MSK-008R Dijeh Amuro Custom Part 1 Review

Starting 2026 with a bang, and what better way than something special for Reviews! I think it’s the perfect time to post my review of the Composite ver. Ka Robot Spirits Amuro’s Dijeh, which’s been sitting around since early last year.

This is a P-Bandai item I never planned to get back then, but I figured my MRS FA Hyaku Shiki would be too lonely without a perfect buddy. Imagine an alternate timeline where Char and Amuro don’t have to fight each other, but instead team up as ace pilots to bring down an evil faction, using FA Hyaku Shiki and Dijeh as their mobile suits. It would’ve been perfect if Robot Spirits’ FA Gundam Mk-II representing Kamille completed the trio.

Overall, Composite Ka Amuro’s Dijeh delivers exactly what you expect from a P-Bandai Robot Spirits figure. It comes with tons of accessories, making Dijeh literally armed to the teeth. It even includes the Hyper Mega Launcher, a beam cannon powerful enough to take down battleships with well-placed hits,traditionally reserved for the Zeta Gundam. A notable gimmick is that this version of Dijeh comes with a Gundam-style faceplate, resembling the Zeta Plus, which truly cements its status as an ace pilot’s mobile suit.

Digging further into Bandai’s Robot Spirits library, I discovered that Composite Ka Amuro’s Dijeh is actually the third iteration of the Composite Ka Dijeh. Earlier versions were released in the default and Narrative color schemes, though I’m not sure if those came with the Zeta Plus faceplate. Hands down, Amuro’s version is the best—third time’s the charm!

Mobile Suit Gundam Gquuux Robot Damashi Kikeroga

 I think it is almost 6 months since Gundam Gquux finished airing and now we are getting one of the big-ticket items for this short homage series of Universal Century. The alternate version of Braw Bro Mobile Armor in Gquux, Kikeroga now gets its awaited Robot Spirit! Obviously as P-Bandai item. Announced with the same timing with SHF Challia Bull, Robot Spirits Kikeroga will sold for 32000 Yen with May 2026 release schedule.

Kikeroga is one of the mecha design that truly stood out from Gquux which exemplified the result from Evangelion production team collaboration. At first a lanky mecha out of Braw Bro MA might look weird but it does the job to amplify the weirdness factor of Zeon Super Weapon which was quite high already in original timeline. While Kikeroga never really have much screen time in Gquux, its fight with Psyco Gundam and Gyan really establish its reputation as Newtype Superweapon that are not trifled with.

At first I thought Kikeroga was out of the blue thing by Gundam series but It had precedent from Gundam Thunderbolt. In the final arc, the Psyco Zaku Protagonist pilot hijacked a captured Braw Bro with his Gundam and turned his Mobile Suit into literal one man army only to be matched with EFSF take on Perfect Zeong piloted by his rival. Given the hefty price tag, I will just skip this one and wait for cheaper substitute, maybe even getting a HG for it and focus at MRS Gyan Gquux instead.

Mobile Suite Ensemble EX-56 Zeus Silhouette

 
 About less than a month since MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Spec-2 announced, earlier than expected Zeus Silhoutte made it as Gundam Ensemble as well! Released as P-Bandai just like Destiny Gundam, Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte offers the most elaborate alternative for Destiny Zeus Pack in SD proportion for those who can afford it. Scheduled for February 2026, MS Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte will be sold for 6600 Yen.

12100 Yen for P-Bandai item which is MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Zeus Pack set is nothing to scoff at as typical overseas collectors will have to spend at least 150% of the JPY SRP to obtain one. To tell how expensive this set is, you can obtain 3 MG Destiny Gundam or 3 Converge Destiny Zeus Pack or even 2 HG Destiny Zeus for a single set of MS Ensemble version of what is essentially Destiny Gundam Deep Strike pack. Bandai's treatment for Gundam Seed Freedom related merchandise has been rather abysmal and it really signify some sort of internal issues. At this rate Gundam will not last really long after its creators departure.

October 2025 loot

  

A rather blurry loot photo this time due to some mishaps in the filter but still overall solid hauls for this month. As usual it is a mix of Chinese and Japanese manufacturer hobby related goods though the Chinese based loots do dominate here. Just like many hauls before, the most highly valued loot does not have to be the largest box and it happen to be Riobot Soulgain, though Joytoy Tyrant 03 is not far off when it comes to quality. Surprisingly Blindbox had a significant representation in this one since I give what is essentially Sembo's equivalent for Blokees Shining ver for Metal Cardbot a try along with Blokees Defender 04. As for model kits I do look forward Soundwave model kit and FA Hyaku Shiki. As usual, I don't have much time to savor my collections these days though I do look forward for more opportunities once I moved to new place in near future.

Mobile Suite Ensemble EX-55 Destiny Gundam Spec 2

 
 As expected, after Destiny Gundam Spec 2 made it as Gundam Converge, it made itself available as P-Bandai Gundam Ensemble. Couple years ago, there was Destiny Gundam made already which is also P-Bandai item. However given the MVP performance of Destiny Gundam in Seed Freedom, Bandai decide that Destiny should be released in Spec 2 which it totally deserve. Scheduled for February 2026 release, MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Spec 2 will be sold for 5500 Yen Price tag.

GANSO SD Gundam Ougon-Shin Superior Kaiser & Taiyou-Shin God Kaiser Set

 
SD Gundam just like many things are usually out of my strike zone due to my focus on 1/100 lineup but this new P-Bandai product do catch my attention. From SD Gundam series in 90s, Bandai released Superior Kaiser and God Kaiser set SD Gundam action figure. Scheduled for March 2026, SD Gundam Superior Kaiser & God Kaiser set will be sold for 22000 Yen.

Gundam SEED G-Frame Dragoon Strike Gundam

Gundam G-Frame candy toys seems to be doing still decently in Japan with another new entry for their P-Bandai candy toys lineup. Debuting in the recent SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, Strike Gundam Dragoon pack makes it as Gundam G-Frame FA! Scheduled for March 2026 release, Dragoon Pack Strike Gundam will be sold for 4950 Yen.