Macross 7 Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara Review

With my recent return to SRW Alpha 3, I thought it was the perfect time to share my photo collection of the Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara. These are some of the most extensive photos I took before moving to a new place. Among all the Macross series I’ve watched, I have a special admiration for Macross 7, largely because of Nekki Basara, who remains one of the most remarkable anomalies in the franchise. Out of respect for the series, this review will be more elaborate than usual—a small homage to Macross 7.

Q3 2025 Loot

 A compilation of loot I gained over past 2-3 months, surprisingly this one is dominated by Model kits, especially Kotobukiya. While the size took quite a room, in terms of overall value it is actually falling on the more affordable side compared to other loots this year. Considering you can get 2-4 model kits of comparable size for a price of the single Japanese diecast toy.

Transformers x Macross 7 Takara Tomy Basara Prime

 Not stopping after Diaclone x Zoids collab, Takara make another kickass Transformers crossover product and it is collaboration product with Macross 7! Out of this collaboration we got ourselves Optimus Prime hybrid with VF-19 Kai Fire Bomber dubbed Basara Prime. Scheduled for March 2026 release, Takara's Basara Prime will be sold for 20000 Yen.

Macross 7 VF Hi-Metal VF-19 Excalibur Zola Patrol Squad ver

 
 Of all Macross 7 mecha, I never expect this one to get a Physical merchandise and a Diecast one no less! From the Macross 7 Dynamite OVA, Tamashii Nation released a VF Hi-Metal for VF-19 Excalibur Zola Patrol Squad version which is modified and used by Nekki Basara in the OVA. Scheduled for September 2025 release, VF Hi-Metal VF-19 Excalibur Zola will be sold for 16500 Yen as P-Bandai item.

I watched Macross 7 Dynamite OVA 13 years ago so my memory got rather hazy. But what I remembered is that in this OVA, Basara got stranded into a frontier planet called Zola and even have slightly amnesia for a time. In this chapter of his Music adventure, Basara will have a close encounter creatures called Space Whale which wield sound like powers related to Anima Spiritia. At the same time during his adventure in Zola, Basara also meet with like-minded individuals like a girl aspiring to be a singer and one of Max Jenius daughter who is actually a rock singer. 

And in this adventure, Basara piloted a VF-19 Excalibur belonged to Zola patrol squad which he later modify to somewhat resemble with his Fire Bomber's VF-19 which is made by Bandai as this time's VF-Hi Metal. Not sure about the gunpod setup is similar with Basara's VF-19 but Zola's VF-19 do have sound booster which Basara will use to interact with Space whale and thwart the Poacher's attempt at the same time. Bandai could have released other Macross 7 VF Hi-Metal but for some reason pick this one. This means Gamlin's VF-22 Sturmvogel is not a farfetched dream to follow up in this lineup considering that one got Plastic Model treatment already.

Macross Plus Tiny Session YF-19 Review

 
 Haven't done Macross review in such a long time and Macross Plus YF19 is getting the honor. I think it is around 2-3 years already since Bandai introduced this NXEDGE equivalent for Macross and I let YF-19 getting the first dib because Macross Plus still remains to be my personal favorite followed by Macross 7.

For under 5000 Yen, Tiny Session offered SD Scale Macross action figure with decent playability complete with the triple transformation gimmick. YF-19 overall look quite good in this incarnation save for the middle torso part which look like noodle figure due to the limitation of the product design. Personally I think YF-19 is a really good first pick for this lineup since you get a solid Mecha design that have perfect balance in Aesthetics. Still waiting for YF21 getting its turn in this format.

October 2024 Loot

  Some hauls arriving from mid of this month! Not as fancy compared to previous batch but overall still a solid addition to my collection. This month got some significant addition for Transformers which I bought some Blokees Blindbox as well as BFF Kalavinka and Trailer Convoy for my KBB Optimus which is totally worth it. On top of that I got my remainder preorder for Macross series which is VF-Hi Metal VF-19 and Tiny Session YF-19. Still waiting for VF-Hi Metal rendition for Macross Plus to follow up someday. The most expensive of the lot is definitely Frame Arms Girl Star Gaogaigar as a gesture for my willingness to invest on Kotobukiya Mecha Musumes. Lastly I got myself Pop Up Parade Marcille which I might consider to sell since I am getting the Figma and SHF Gohan as my part of paying homage to Toriyama Sensei.

August - September 2024 Loot

 Last day for September and I decided to post some Loot post as a wrap up! A sumptuous banquet of loot as usual over past two months! Too bad I still don't have time and space to put these onto display thus for now I will just have them properly stored. Just like many previous batch, Chinese made products have represented the majority of the batch by this time because they can offer possibly higher value compared to the Japanese counterpart for the same price. The Top 3 loot in this batch are easily VF-Hi Metal, ACT Mode Tia and Metal Build Kainar. Considering my backlog for Model Kits have piled up quite significantly, I am getting a new nipper myself to start plowing through these piles of shame. 

I also got myself some seasonal limited event Miku Nendoroid just to support some event from my previous company early this month. Then I also get myself Lila Prize Figure from Atelier Ryza since I quite liked her character when I still played Artery Gear. Lastly I got a Construction Vehicle toy set which is actually obtained from company gift exchange, while this one is just some toys set for Kids, I think I can still use it to complement my transformers collection and could look even better with some repaint.

July 2024 Loot

 Relatively modest loot batch compared to previous months, but still very sumptuous one on the courtesy of Chines hobby manufacturers on making their cheap products having large packages. Obviously the Spa Duck Model kit easily become the center of attention with its sheer Box Size despite it is not the most expensive of the bunch. The most expensive from the lot is actually the Infinity Studio Crimson Typhoon, so don't be fooled with the unremarkable packaging. 

Also I finally got myself the Figma for Moon Princess Arcueid herself as well which I obviously get the DX version without any doubt. This is probably one of the reason why she came upon my Chaldea with relative ease back in FGO 7th Anniv. All in all given my current work schedule, these ones will sit on my pile of Shame for quite some time.

Macross 7 VF-Hi Metal R VF-19 Kai

  Macross 7 fans gotta be pampered quite well early this year by Bandai. Other than the Tiny Session for Basara, the Iconic Red VF-19 gets the Diecast Hi-Metal treatment! While this is not exactly the first diecast product that VF-19 Kai had, the Hi-Metal R probably addressed the proportion issue that the first one have to become an even better product. Hi-Metal R VF-19 will be scheduled for August 2024 release with 14300 Yen Price tag.

 Back in college days, My first VF-19 Kai collectible was an Old 1/100 scale Bandai Kit that cost 1700 Yen yet features complete transformation gimmick by parts swapping. As I get older and do get my personal life sorted out somehow, I do desire a better representation for the Macross 7 Protagonist. While it doesn't look apparent, I do have soft spot for Macross 7 which is my second favorite Macross series after Macross Plus but when it comes to music scores, Fire Bomber is still my absolute favorite up until now. Therefore this version of VF-19 Kai would be a right candidate as my pick for VF-19 to join the collection. Given that Macross Plus YF-19 & YF-21 got Model Kit from Bandai, I won't be surprised that VF-19 Kai will follow up at some point. Quite sure VF-19 or VF-17 could join the Hi Metal R series as well at some point if Bandai is motivated enough.

Macross Plus Tiny Session YF-19

After Macross Frontier, Delta and 7 got their share of Tiny Session, Bandai finally make it to Macross Plus as well with the protagonist YF-19 becoming the first joining into the fray! Following the tradition of this new lineup, Tiny Session YF-19 will come with mini figure of Myung, the Female love interest of the Macross Plus love triangle. Tiny Session YF-19 will be scheduled for August 2024 release with 5500 Yen Price tag.

Just like other Tiny Session, the accessories are as barebone as it gets as the main selling point of this lineup remain to be affordable Macross Valkyrie Fighter Collectibles that still maintain its transformation gimmick. I would expect YF-21 will come with Sharon Apple mini figure if it ever get a Tiny Session which is quite likely given it won't be Macross Plus without Isamu and Guld duo rivalry. Considering YF-19 could get Chogokin and Tiny Session, I would expect Hi-Metal would be within high realm of possibility someday.

Macross Plus DX Chogokin YF-21

  Macross Plus will never be complete without the eternal Rivalry of YF-19 with YF-21 thus lo and behold! YF-21 is getting their Chogokin treatment by Bandai that doesn't lack any oomph compared to YF-19 either! Scheduled for June 2024 release, Chogokin YF-21 will be sold for 38500 Yen Price tag.

Based after real life F-22 Raptor, YF-21 proves to be a worthy opponent for YF-19 with Top of the line Valkyrie Fighter tech along with advanced Neural Input control scheme. Despite the end result of the test for these two units, both YF-21 and YF-19 do still end up as the Elite Valkyrie Fighters for UN Spacy Top Tier Pilots. The Chogokin version of this particular guy apparently cost way more than YF-19 by roughly 150%. Probably this is because YF-21 transformation gimmick is rather complex as the Battroid had rather curvy form while the Fighter mode still able to maintain the sleekness of a Jet fighter. I would probably have gotten YF-21 If i had preordered DX Chogokin YF-19 back then but regardless I will still be eager for the VF Hi-Metal should Bandai ever released one.

Macross Plus DX Chogokin YF-19

 Macross Plus has always had a special place in my heart as the series captivated me with what is has to offer since Another Century Episode 3. Pound by Pound it is still the overall best Macross series for me as it nailed the Holy Trinity of Macross series in the right proportion to make a good mecha series. Around mid 2023 Bandai announced their DX Chogokin version of YF-19 with 24000 Yen Price tag and December 2023 release date. This is by far one of the best commercial rendition of YF-19 in the market apart from Arcadia's which fetched higher price tag.

Among many Macross Variable Fighters, YF-19 is still the best one for whatever reasons when it comes to the "Protagonist Mecha" look even if there are plenty of other superb Macross designs by Kawamori-sensei. Actually this is probably not the first time Bandai ever made Chogokin for YF-19 considering there was one in 2018 but this one is probably the first one available for international market. In terms of accessories this version of YF-19 may not have as much compared to the previously released full pack but I would expect Bandai had made some improvements over the previous iterations as the punch effect parts are different already. In any case the selling point of these Macross Chogokins will always be the main body that had the best transformation gimmick in terms of robustness and playability and will be looking forward to YF-21 full specification.

Q4 2023 & Japan Trip Loot

 Another Impressive haul over past 3 months as I acquired yet another batch of big ticket items and Mainland China really will surpass Japan someday as my hauls are dominated with products made by Chinese Toy Company. Seriously the only notable loot from Japanese series in this batch are Hi-Metal VF-0D and Pop Up Akiha and those are kinda overshadowed with the rest of items already. The Crown Jewel in this loot batch are no doubt Moshow Lancelot and Skadi PVC Figure which I obtained for a very good price. This time's Joytoy 40k are no slack either as plenty of the named character started to trickle in. While the review Pace will be a slog due to my commitment with Full-time Job, I think Skadi and Lancelot will have their photo session quite fast and Space Wolves probably will make it early as well.

January 2023 Loot

Not as much compared to last batch but this one is impressive in its own right. Obviously Joytoy reigns supreme for this loot batch as several big shot items managed make it this time which is my first 1/18 Joytoy Diecast Mecha and a 40k Dreadnought. Both of them are very good value for money as any Japanese Toy with their size and quality would easily cost double or triple. By this time my 40k Joytoy collection have been taking shape properly and i am looking forward to the rest of my Space Marine preorders coming up.

While Joytoy take the main spotlight this time, I also managed to expand my Macross and Arknights collection. I still look forward for more Macross collectibles to join my lineup which Tamashii Nation upcoming lineup look very promising.

Macross Delta Tiny Session VF-31J Siegfried

 

 Ever since the Macross Frontier one was up, Tiny Session make sure that Macross Delta to follow up in quick succession! For October pre-order 2 of the Macross Delta featuring VF-31 Siegfried for Hayate and Messer which include 2 of the Walkure members. Scheduled for March 2023 Release, Tiny Session VF-31 will be sold for 4500 Yen.

 While i do like VF-31 as mecha design, Macross Delta itself doesn't leave me any particular memorable impression due to being a wasted potential which is comparable to overcooking a good pie just because the chef wants to put new ingredients halfway of the baking process. Out of 5 Macross Delta Tiny Sessions, i might considering getting the one with Mikumo or Farina's VF-31 but it is very unlikely for me to collect the complete set. I do wish Macross Plus or Seven will be given Tiny Session by Bandai to spread the bite-sized Joy for the collector.

Macross Plus 1/100 HG YF-19

 

 Ever since Macross got free out of the Robotech bullcrap last year, Bandai had been quite generous on the series and out of pleasant surprise, Macross Plus made it early as Bandai's Model kit lineup this time being 1/100 HG Model Kit. HG YF-19 is scheduled for January 2023 release with 3800 Yen price tag.

Unlike the VF-1 Model Kit, HG YF-19 does not come with complete transformation gimmick in order to maintain good articulation and competitive price range. In effect YF-19 model kit mirrors after Macross 7 1/100 VF-19 model kits and improved vastly upon it which was really good stuff for 1800 Yen back then. Time will know if Bandai will release HG 1/100 YF-21 considering it will take more effort on designing one due to no existing mold to work with, but it would be a chance not to be missed with.

 

Macross Frontier Tiny Session VF-25F Messiah Alto

 A surprise release but a promising lineup made by Bandai for Macross series. Tiny Session appears to be new product series to be made equivalent with existing NXEdge with some new quirks to tailor Macross characteristics. For the initial release, Bandai will be releasing 2 models for Macross Frontier featuring Alto and Michael VF-25 Messiah. These two items will be sold for 4500 Yen with November 2022 release. The main selling point of the Tiny Session would be the available complete transformation gimmick which is a steal for this pricing even though it is not as perfect compared to Chogokin series.

What sets apart Tiny Session with the existing NXEdge series is that Tiny Sessions featured additional character figurine which resemble smaller version of Figuarts mini figurine and the initial two release featured Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee. But seriously VF-25G Michael is a missed opportunity as Klan Klang would be a more suitable candidate for the featured figure and Ranka reserved for VF-25S Ozma. But let's see if Bandai will continue the series for Macross Frontier after they are done with Macross Delta.

I am always a fan of things that have good potential and I do see it on Bandai's Tiny Session because it offers an affordable Macross collectible items with good gimmicks. It would be awesome for Macross fans if Bandai could go beyond Macross Delta and Frontier for this lineup

Macross Zero Hi-Metal R VF-0S Phoenix (Roy Focker)

  For once, Tamashii Nation Hi-Metal series feature units from Macross Zero, This lineup had been generous with SDF Macross but this is the first time it graced itself with the prequel OVA series and it is no other than Roy Focker's VF-0S making a debut! Scheduled for October 2022 release, Hi-Metal VF-0S will be sold for 14000 Yen and we can expect Armored parts as an add-on, either regular release or P-Bandai

 In Macross Zero, VF-0S is a protoype Valkyrie Fighter Unit for Squad Leader pilot prior to UN Spacy formation. in the OVA this awesome VF design is used by Roy Focker who served as supporting character help Shin Kudo facing Sv-51. We would easily expect VF-0A or VF-0D to be released by Tamashi nation next possibly with Ghost unit add on. I had the Hasegawa VF-0S Armored before and i wouldnt mind to double dip for the Hi-Metal considering Zero was my second favorite series after Macross Plus.

Macross 7 1/7 Nekki Basara

Older Macross series in general tend to be neglected apart from the DYRL series. But out of the blue, Megahouse just decided to announce PVC Figure for Macross 7 featuring Nekki Basara and Mylene from Fire Bomber Band!  Nekki Basara figure comes in 1/7 scale and will be scheduled for December 2021 release with 15800 Yen Price Tag. 

  Macross Plus might be the best overall title from the series but Macross 7 will still remain to be my personal favorite. The series might have rocky start with the repetitive first half, but it redeem itself from 30th  Episode onward and concluded with a satisfying end. Being the lead vocalist of Fire Bomber, Nekki Basara himself is the legendary figure in a Macross series being the Main Protagonist who sets himself apart among his peers with his larger than life attitude and very capable VF pilot despite not being part of military outfit. Basara might be one dimensional on certain aspects, but he had achieved many amazing feats through his singing which are probably even not doable by most Macross Protagonist which is why he is able to carry Macross 7 mostly by himself. With the current popularity status of Macross 7, i doubt Ray and Veffidas will join Basara and Mylene in 1/7 Scale figure to complete the Fire Bomber Crew, but i love to see more merchandise for this series.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross

 I have watched plenty of Mecha Anime including Macross series by this time but for some reason i only managed to watch the forerunner of Macross series now. As expected from the precursor of the most enduring series in Mecha Genre, with its trinity formula of  Mecha, Song and Love Triangle, SDF Macross was a revolutionary work and way ahead of its time by a decade at very least.