B-daman Treasure Pack B-Daman Lucky Bag 27

Apart from the announcement of the Toyrise Saint Blaster release, Takara Tomy had another product prepared for the B-Daman series. It is one of the Treasure Pack releases, simply called Lucky Bag 27, which re-releases classic B-Daman products as a set. This particular release caught my attention because it serves as a decent starter pack. Scheduled for December 2026 release, this B-Daman Treasure Pack will be sold for 5,000 yen.

The playset contains two B-Damans, two target dummies, and two accessories. The item that caught my attention the most is a repainted version of Fighting Phoenix included as one of the B-Daman variants. It immediately reminded me of the Fighting Phoenix that I owned in the past, which, if my memory serves me correctly, was Battle Phoenix.

While I am not particularly interested in this specific B-Daman series, it brought back memories of my impression of the B-Daman era represented by Fighting Phoenix. During that period, B-Daman evolved from a simple marble-shooting toy into something closer to an elaborate competitive sport. The small glimpse provided by this Takara Tomy Lucky Bag release is only a fraction of how over-the-top and ambitious that particular era of B-Daman became.

B-Daman Bakugaiden Toyrise Saint Blaster

After releasing White Bros, Blue Braver, and Yellow Crasher separately, Takara Tomy decided to release Saint Blaster as a Toyrise complete set, bringing with it several new refinements. Scheduled for release in January 2027, Toyrise Saint Blaster will be sold for 30,000 yen.

One of the most notable refinements in Toyrise Saint Blaster is the inclusion of a B-Daman unit set that can shoot marbles, unlike the previous releases. However, for some reason, Takara Tomy chose to use plastic marbles instead of the original type of marble. For those who already own the Saint Blaster set, the new B-Daman unit will also be available separately for 6,000 yen.

Had I known that Toyrise Saint Blaster would eventually be released as a complete set, I probably would have chosen this version instead of giving in to FOMO and purchase the separate variants. In total, I spent around 45,000 yen for the set.

It is not exactly a major regret, though. At times, I am still amazed that I spent that much money on a new version of something I originally obtained for around 2 USD. But nostalgia is a powerful factor, especially for millennials like myself. Sometimes, collecting is not simply about the object itself, but also about reconnecting with a memory from the past.

Pacific Rim Infinity Studio Heavy Mecha Striker Eureka

The premium diecast action figure line from Infinity Studio’s Pacific Rim collection has finally come full circle. After several years of releases beginning with Crimson Typhoon, the final entry in the lineup Striker Eureka is now scheduled for release. Set for Q4 2026, the Heavy Mecha Striker Eureka will be sold at 1380 RMB.

Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite Zaku Desert Type

 

A rather interesting new entry in the Gundam Fix Figuration Metal Composite lineup. While the series has already featured several Zaku variants in the past, this release stands out for spotlighting a less commonly represented unit: the Desert Zaku. Of all possible variants, Bandai’s choice is quite fascinating. Scheduled for release in December 2026 as a P-Bandai exclusive, the GFF Metal Composite Desert Zaku is sold at 30,000 Yen Price tag.

Among the many Zaku variants, the Desert Zaku has a notably interesting history in Gihren’s Greed. In that context, it goes beyond its intended role as a desert specialist unit, proving itself as a reliable all-round grunt mobile suit for Zeon’s Earth campaign against the Earth Federation Forces. It serves as a strong early game alternative to the standard Zaku II, and when paired with the Zaku Cannon, it becomes part of a highly effective frontline composition.

At 30,000 Yen. GFF Desert Zaku sits well outside my budget for a Zaku figure, so this will likely be a skip for me. That said, I wouldn’t mind seeing a newer model kit rendition of both this unit and the Zaku Cannon in the future.

Eddas 1/100 Nomes

Eddas has been consistently improving the quality of its model kit lineup, and its latest release is the 1/100 Nomes, a tactical urban combat mecha featuring a die-cast inner frame. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the kit is priced at 168 RMB.

In terms of design and loadout, Nomes appears to be a relatively lightly armored machine specializing in rapid assault and urban operations. Its armament is centered around lightweight firearms, with a submachine gun serving as its primary weapon, while a shoulder-mounted cannon provides additional firepower when heavier targets need to be dealt with. Overall, Nomes gives the impression of what an urban warfare counterpart to the Jesta might look like—agile, tactical, and purpose-built for close-quarters engagements rather than frontline slugging matches.

Despite its appealing design, the pricing may prove to be a tougher sell for overseas collectors. With the appreciation of the Chinese yuan in recent months, the overseas SRP rate feels less competitive than it once would have. Compared to Eddas' previously released Asgard—another die-cast frame real robot kit packed with weapons and equipment—Nomes offers a lighter loadout while costing slightly more. Even so, for collectors who appreciate modern tactical mecha designs over heavily armed super prototypes, Nomes still stands out as one of Eddas' more distinctive releases to date.

SD Gundam G-Generation Robot Damashii Great Zeong

 

With the continued popularity of SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, another original mobile suit from the G Generation series has finally escaped limbo. A few years ago Bandai released the Phoenix Gundam, and now it is Great Zeong's turn to receive the Robot Damashii treatment. As expected, this massive release will be a Premium Bandai exclusive, priced at 32,000 yen with a scheduled release in February 2027.

I first encountered Great Zeong back in SD Gundam G Generation World on the PSP, where it stood out as one of the more powerful Zeon mobile suits among the game's original roster. Despite its enormous appearance, it is still classified as a mobile suit rather than a mobile armor, which makes it particularly fascinating. Often regarded as an advanced successor to the Perfect Zeong, Great Zeong combines technologies derived from the Zeong, Big Zam, and Apsalus projects, making it one of the most formidable experimental Zeon machines in the G Generation universe.

Although it sits firmly on the expensive end of the Robot Damashii lineup, I think Great Zeong offers better value than many previous Premium Bandai releases such as Kikeroga or Big Zam. Besides its imposing size, it also features a body-separation gimmick reminiscent of Turn X, giving it a unique play value rarely seen among Zeon mobile suits.

If G Generation Eternal continues to perform well, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bandai revisit even more original G Generation designs in the future. There are still plenty of memorable units that have yet to receive collectible figures, and Great Zeong feels like a promising sign of things to come.

Front Mission Kotobukiya Zenith Girl Gray ver

Kotobukiya continues to leverage its expertise in the mecha musume genre through its collaboration with Front Mission. This time, the company has announced a new Gray Version of the Zenith Girl, featuring a color scheme that more closely resembles the original Zenith Wanzer. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the kit will be sold for 10,000 yen.

Although this release is essentially a repaint of the previously released Zenith Girl, I find the new gray color scheme noticeably more appealing. The urban camouflage-inspired palette gives the model a more grounded military aesthetic, making it feel closer to the look and atmosphere of the Front Mission series.

In terms of equipment, the loadout remains largely identical to the original release, although this version appears to include an additional melee weapon option. While there are no major changes mechanically, the revised color scheme alone may be enough to convince collectors who skipped the first version.

Given the positive reception to Kotobukiya's Front Mission collaboration so far, I wouldn't be surprised if we see more iconic Wanzers receive the mecha musume treatment in the future. The series still has available memorable designs to choose from such as Frost, USN counterpart of Zenith..

 

Aura Battler Dunbine Robot Damashi Dunbine

 

Tamashii Nations returns with a refreshed interpretation of Dunbine, the iconic protagonist mecha from Aura Battler Dunbine. It’s striking to realize that the previous version dates back over 13 years, making this long-awaited update feel especially significant. The new release arrived in June 2026, priced at 13,000 Yen SRP.

While this newer ROBOT Damashii version sits at a relatively premium price point, it delivers a noticeably refined aesthetic overall. The proportions are significantly improved compared to the earlier release, giving it a more balanced and modern silhouette while still retaining the distinctive design language of the original.

If Sirbine represents the archetypal exemplar bug knight mecha, then this version of Dunbine feels more fittingly like a “knight-errant” version of it, an eagerness to prove the worthiness itself . The visual lineage and design echoes of Sirbine are still clearly present, but they are reinterpreted in a more restrained and elegant form.

It would be especially interesting to see this updated design philosophy extended into the Metal Build line in the future, particularly since both Sirbine and Bellvine have already made appearances in that format. Given that trajectory, a Metal Build Dunbine feels like a natural next step.

Vintage Toys - SD Gundam BB127 Jyuou Gundam

Every Gunpla fan has a memorable entry point into the hobby, and I am no exception. My first exposure to Gundam goes back nearly 30 years, around 1996–1997, when I received a gift from one of my father's guests. That gift happened to be my very first Gunpla kit. Fortunately, I was eventually able to identify the exact model years later thanks to its distinctive chain-and-sickle weapon and unmistakable samurai-inspired armor design.

The kit in question was Jyuou Gundam from the Shin SD Sengokuden lineup, originally released in 1994 with a retail price of 500 yen. Looking back, it was actually a fantastic choice for a first Gunpla, even though I did not fully appreciate it as a child.

The Sengokuden SD Gundam kits of the mid-1990s were quite different from the SD Gundam releases we see today. One of their biggest appeals was the removable armor system, which functioned much like traditional samurai armor. Jyuou Gundam was particularly impressive because it could not only equip and remove its armor, but also transform into a dragon form that reminded me of Goldran from the Brave Series. For a young child just entering the world of Gundam, that combination of armor-changing and transformation gimmicks was incredibly memorable.

In fact, the armor-wearing gimmick left a much stronger impression on me than the model itself. There was something special about assembling the character and then outfitting it with armor piece by piece, almost as if you were upgrading a hero before sending him into battle. It made the kit feel more like an interactive toy and less like a static model.

Naturally, the color separation was limited by the molding technology of the time, and the kit relied heavily on stickers to achieve its full appearance. However, the gimmicks more than compensated for those shortcomings. Like many classic SD Gundam kits, Jyuou Gundam truly shines when properly painted, bringing out all of the sculpted details that are easy to overlook straight out of the box.

Bandai rereleased Jyuou Gundam a few years ago which unfortunately I overlooked it at the time. But I ever come across one again, I will definitely pick up a copy, along with any of its available companions. It would be a wonderful opportunity to revisit the kit that started my Gunpla journey and finally give it the paintwork it deserves.

Advance of Zeta Metal Robot Damashi Prototype Asshimar TR-3 Kehaar Space Type

 

Just a few months after I discussed Roda Asshimar, Tamashii Nations has once again met expectations with a new Metal Robot Damashii release: the Prototype Asshimar TR-3 Kehaar Space Type from the Advance of Zeta series. Released as a Premium Bandai item, this “Metal Roda” entry is positioned at premium price level comparable to earlier Metal Build releases. Scheduled for November 2026, the figure will be sold for 27000 Yen.

Despite its premium price point, this Prototype Asshimar stands out as a striking showcase of AOZ mechanical design philosophy. While not necessarily depicted as significantly more powerful than the standard Zeta-era Asshimar, its visual presence is undeniably impressive particularly in its Mobile Armor form, where its bulk and scale give it a true sense of weight and dominance compared to many other AOZ mobile suits.

Although it may be a long shot, there is still hope that a ground-type Prototype Asshimar—closer to the original Asshimar silhouette, could be produced in the future. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising if third-party manufacturers, particularly in the 1/100 scale model kit space, attempt their own interpretation before an official release appears.

Soulingtoys 1/12 The Sin of Dark Moon

Following the strong reception of their earlier heavy-hitter release, the Soulingtoys Daytime Meteor mecha musume model kit, Soulingtoys is back with another high-profile entry that has already caught the attention of the hobby industry. This time, they introduce a darker-themed mecha musume titled The Sin of Dark Moon. Scheduled for Q3 2026, the kit will be sold for 328 RMB Price Tag.

This new release marks a clear thematic contrast with their previous work. While Daytime Meteor presents a knightly princess aesthetic paired with a holy dragon companion, The Sin of Dark Moon takes a far more sinister direction, featuring an “evil nun” character accompanied by a massive metallic demon gargoyle guardian.

As a flagship model kit, The Sin of Dark Moon leans heavily into an edgy, elaborate design philosophy. The demon gargoyle is not only a towering companion unit with impressive presence and gimmicks, but it also comes with its own display pedestal, which includes additional mechanical features of its own.

Overall, this release stands in sharp contrast to entries like MS General’s Envy series, and would likely have been an instant hit under different global economic conditions. Even so, it remains one of the more visually striking and ambitious releases in the current mecha musume lineup.

Beast King War God The Gattai Dandivine

 

With Masami Ōbari’s new Super Robot series set to launch in 2026, Good Smile Company has been quick to announce the release of the series’ titular mecha, Dandivine. Two product lines are planned: the more affordable MODEROID series and the premium THE GATTAI line. This article will focus on the latter. Scheduled for release in October 2026, THE GATTAI Dandivine is priced at ¥29,500.

Overall, Dandivine is a mecha design that feels very much in line with expectations from veteran mecha director and designer Masami Ōbari. The design strongly evokes the 1990s Heisei-era Super Sentai combination mecha, with clear influences reminiscent of Gaoranger’s GaoKing and Gingaiger’s GingaiOh, while also carrying hints of Dairanger’s DairenOh. The humanoid core unit further reinforces that classic “lead mecha” aesthetic typical of Ōbari’s style.

Personally, the Dandivine design aligns very well with my taste, although I will likely observe the series from a distance before committing to a purchase, since the anime has not yet fully aired. If the overall production quality matches Ōbari’s earlier work such as Gravion, I may consider picking it up during a later reissue or rerun.

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.

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.

Transformers New Legends NL-04 Gigastorm

Trypticon has long been one of the most popular giant-scale Decepticons in the Transformers franchise, making him a recurring choice for premium releases from both Hasbro and Takara Tomy. This time, the massive city-sized Transformer returns under the Transformers New Legends lineup in the form of Gigastorm, a character based on the Beast Wars II incarnation of Trypticon. Scheduled for release in November 2026, Transformers NL-04 Gigastorm will be sold for 38,000 yen.

As one of the franchise's iconic titan-class characters, Trypticon remains a favorite even among casual Transformers fans like myself. Part of his appeal comes from his imposing design—a giant mechanical dinosaur that feels like a Transformer counterpart to Mechagodzilla. Beyond his appearance, Trypticon also offers three distinct forms: dinosaur, spacecraft, and fortress mode. Of those, the fortress configuration is by far my favorite, as I have always been a fan of toy products that double as playsets.

Ever since adding Scorponok to my collection, I have been keeping an eye out for another large-scale Transformer to accompany him, with Trypticon being one of the most desirable candidates. The combination of size, presence, and play value makes him difficult to ignore. While Gigastorm is certainly tempting, I would ideally like to find a suitable Trypticon release closer to the 20,000-yen range before taking the plunge.

For now, this is a figure I will continue to admire from afar, though it remains one of the most appealing giant Transformers currently on my bucket list.

Transformers Overgear-03 Optimus Prime

 

Takara Tomy is back with yet another new take on Optimus Prime. Following crossover projects with Zoids, Monster Hunter, Evangelion, and Macross 7, the latest release is something entirely original for the iconic Transformers leader. Dubbed the Overgear Series, this new interpretation reimagines Optimus Prime with a more grounded military aesthetic. Scheduled for release in February 2027, Overgear-03 Optimus Prime will be sold for 17,000 yen.

While Optimus Prime is naturally the release that caught my attention, the Overgear lineup is not entirely new. Two products have already been released under the lineup, featuring Ironhide and Blackout. The concept behind Overgear appears to be transforming familiar Transformers characters into heavily armed military operatives, emphasizing realistic combat equipment and special forces-inspired designs.

In Optimus Prime's case, the makeover is particularly striking. Rather than the traditional red-and-blue semi-truck, he transforms into a sort of desert-camouflage military Humvee IFV truck and comes equipped with an array of weaponry, including a heavy machine gun, missile pods, and a battle axe. The result is a version of Optimus Prime that feels less like a heroic truck and more like the commander of an elite mechanized unit.

As a collector, this will ultimately be a pass for me. As I already have the Macross 7 and Evangelion collaboration versions of Optimus Prime on the way, along with several other renditions of Optimus Prime within my collection. That said, if I did not already own multiple crossover variants, I would be seriously tempted by this release. The military-inspired direction gives the character a distinct identity without relying on an external franchise, and it will be interesting to see what Takara Tomy has planned for future entries in the Overgear series.

Zoids x Monster Hunter Wild Liger Zinogre

Monster Hunter is back with another collaboration project with Takara Tomy. Following the Rathalos-themed Optimus Prime from the Transformers lineup, the latest crossover brings the franchise into the world of Zoids. This time, the recipient is none other than Zinogre, the fan-favorite thunder wolf wyvern, reimagined using the iconic Wild Liger body frame. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the Zoids Wild Liger Zinogre will be sold for for 7,000 yen.

Wild Liger Zinogre offers exactly what one would expect from a pre-assembled Zoids release: a mechanical interpretation of one of Monster Hunter’s most recognizable monsters. To help justify its price point, the model includes pilot-related gimmicks as well as LED lighting effects. The design itself appears to be a faithful fusion of Zinogre’s signature silhouette with the mechanical aesthetics of the Zoids franchise.

The recent surge of Monster Hunter crossover merchandise is interesting to observe. My impression is that Capcom recognizes the franchise is no longer enjoying the explosive momentum it had at its peak. While Monster Hunter remains a successful and highly recognizable series, it does not seem to command the same level of excitement and cultural presence that it once did. Expanding into collaborations and collector-oriented merchandise may be one way to maintain visibility and engagement beyond the games themselves.

As someone who once followed Monster Hunter passionately for a decade, I feel the series has gradually drifted away from many of the qualities that originally made it special. The modern entries have found a much larger audience, but they often pursue a different design philosophy from the one that drew me into the franchise in the first place. Unless Capcom ever decides to revisit that era through something like a proper remake of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, I will probably remain on the sidelines as a player while continuing to watch the series from afar.

SRWOG HG Alteisen Riese

Given Bandai’s firm grip on the SRW OG IP and the multiple releases they have already produced, this feels like the next obvious step. It has been more than a decade since Kotobukiya released Alteisen Riese, the upgraded form of Alteisen, and now Bandai is finally presenting its own take on the iconic mecha. Scheduled for release in December 2026, the HG Alteisen will be sold for 6,800 Yen.

Bandai has not revealed much about the kit yet, but with a suggested retail price roughly 2,000 Yen higher than Kotobukiya’s version, we can likely expect some significant improvements. I still own my Kotobukiya Alteisen Riese, which I fully repainted, so I am well aware of the limitations that older kit had. Even so, I would not mind double-dipping on this release, as I am very curious to see how Bandai has modernized the model kit design. Most likely, I would end up repainting it in the Nacht color scheme as well.

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.

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.