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.

Zeta Gundam GGG 1/8 Quattro Bajeena Review

 
 As part of joyous occasion to celebrate for the recent milestones achieved by Realm of Darkness, I am pulling something more special from my shelf and present the Review for GGG Quattro Bajeena. For those who have followed this blog for a long time, you may notice that I highly look up to Liutenant Quattro who is still my favorite Char Aznable's alter ego to this day. So despite the review is merely for a scale figure, the timing is still deliberate.

Overall GGG Quattro Scale Figure is your typical premium figure by Megahouse. But this product serves as great force multiplier for any Hyaku Shiki collectors since quality physical rendition of Quattro remains to be a rarity. I got mine because I had MRS FA Hyaku Shiki and the pairing results is satisfying, it is still a surprise that the MRS still cost more than the larger scale figure.

I did have other Megahouse Figure for Gundam series character that yet to be reviewed and I still look for opportunity to give them the review. Let's see if I can find any opportunity once my worklife balance is less hectic

Vocaloid x Gundam Megahouse Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW

 
 Over past 1 year, Vocaloid have been having some close relationship with Gundam series resulting in frequent collaboration of Hatsune Miku with Gundam IP. This appears to be Bandai's attempt to reach out for younger audiences. But just like many of their botched attempts this one will end up attracting Gundam fanbase in the 30s demography. We have been getting some interesting Gundam themed miku merchandise including Banpresto Prize Figures and Bandai Gunpla, but this one by Megahouse gotta be the most expensive one yet. Using Wing Gundam series as source material we will have Hatsune Miku Scale Figure incorporating Wing Gundam aesthetics as part of Megahouse Lucrea lineup. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW will be sold for 25000 Yen.

Given that Wing Gundam got a new homage animation, this is a right time to release Wing Gundam themed Hatsune Miku figure. Being one of the Japan's Iconic pop culture for almost 2 decades, Miku have been the recipient of many Scale figure over the span of this period numbering over thousands. But Miku's collaboration with Gundam series might be a breath of fresh air.

Given some of the more popular Gundam series haven't got represented by Miku yet, we could expect some more Vocaloid x Gundam products. I wonder if other Vocaloids might have a turn in this collab considering Luka and Kagamine twins could use some.

Char's Counterattack Megahouse GGG 1/8 Char Aznable

 
 With Char's Counterattack version of Amuro Ray released as Scale figure by Megahouse couple years ago, It is a matter of time that Char Aznable followed up in his CCA getup soon or later and Megahouse decide that the time is now! Having Char Aznable available in his OYW and Zeta Gundam era, now Char Aznable is in his complete circle with his CCA version. Scheduled for November 2025. Char's Counterattack GGG Char Aznable will be sold for 23000 Yen SRP.

 One thing that I just noticed from this figure rendition of CCA Char Aznable is his ceremonial sword which seem to be a focal point of this scale figure, As it does amplify the presence of Char as Neo Zeon supreme figure of authority apart from being a Charismatic figure in his prime. Since I already picked GGG Quattro Bajeena, I won't be interested to get this figure but I do hope GMG lineup will try to extend to this particular universal century timeline.

With my recent encounter with Gquux take on Char, I came upon realization that Char Aznable archetype is no different than Emiya Shirou from Fate series as his path diverged into three branches like Shirou had. If Gquux Char appear to represent Heaven's Feel and Quattro as UBW, then CCA Char represents his his Fate route. This comparison appears in relation with how Char's attachment toward his father, Zeon Zum Deikun's Ideal just like Shirou inherit "Seigi no Mikata" aspiration from Kiritsugu. I might write an extensive Mechatalk article of this particular analogy for Char once I take a good look with GQuux.

Aura Battler Dunbine Megahouse Real Posing Robot Billbine / Bellvine

 I think it has to do with 40th Anniv for Dunbine series or something but we got yet another premium product for the series by Megahouse! After the gorgeous Metal Build from Tamashi Nation, we got ourselves a Premium Statue for Billbine under Real Posing Robot lineup. Scheduled for March 2025 release, Megahouse Real Posing Robot will be sold for 31000 Yen.

Over past few years, I was aware that Megahouse did make Premium statues for Tokusatsu series and Digimon series but they rarely make any PVC figures for mecha series as they tend to make posable collectibles. Though apparently Sirbine had been available as the previous entry of this particular lineup few months ago, costing somewhat lesser for some reason. This Premium Statue would be a viable substitute for those who are unable to obtain the Metal Build Dragon Scale Billbine though I would say consummate mecha fans would still find better mileage with the Metal Build.

GITS SAC Megahouse Gals Series Motoko Kusanagi

  Still surprised that we are getting some figurine for Major Motoko and the version from Stand Alone Complex no less! though this one fall on rather pricier side. So for some reason, Megahouse is releasing a PVC figure for Major Motoko as the part of Gals series with 22880 Yen price tag and October 2023 release date.

 However for a rather high price tag for PVC Figure, this version of Motoko had rather lackluster face sculpt and pose despite the body sculpt is good enough to bring out Major's alluring seductiveness. Personally i will look forward to Pop Up Parade or Figma for this version of Motoko which remains one of the best strong-willed Female protagonist out there.

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.

Ghost in the Shell SAC 2045 Desktop Army Motoko Kusanagi & Tachikoma

 I might not be interested with the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Ghost in the Shell series, but Megahouse managed to make yet another cool item for the Franchise! Being part of Megahouse August Lineup, Motoko and Tachikoma is going to have another rendition in Desktop Army version and this one's gimmick looks very promising! Desktop Army Motoko is scheduled for January 2021 release with around 6000 Yen Price tag. What makes this particular version of Tachikoma stands out is its capability to transform into Bipedal mecha which look similar to Mechatrowego. If choice presented between Robot Damashii and Desktop Army, the latter would be the definitive pick for me. If this product proves to sell well, i think we will see more Desktop Army in this fashion. Exiled from Paradise would be a good choice for Megahouse experimentation though the series is rather irrelevant at the present.

Desktop Army Fate Grand Order Vol 3 Review

 Time for the little fellows this time!

Desktop Army Fate/Grand Order Vol 4

 Another Desktop Army coming for Fate/Grand Order and it comes with Alter flavor! Featuring Artoria, Jeanne and Okita all in their Alter form, Desktop Army FGO Vol.4 is scheduled for January 2020 release with 5550 Yen Price tag. Compared to Bandai's recent Puchiritsu, Desktop Army body ratio is more proportional but appears to lack face parts. I am still considering getting this one since the 4th vol doesn't attract me that much even though the Roster is solid one. I also just realized the Illustrator of the boxart for FGO Desktop Army, BLADE had contributed one illustration for FGO which was used for FGO 3rd Year summer event as seen below.

Megahouse Game Characters Collection DX Thanatos

 After Arsene Persona 5, Megahouse revisits Persona series with the Top Persona from Persona 3, Thanatos! I have kept a close look on this version of Thanatos since the prototype reveal few months ago, because he is one of the badass Persona design out there that doesn't get enough justice. The figure will cost 25300 Yen with January release which is expected since the figure will be quite big and look impressive no doubt. If i didn't had my D-Arts Thanatos, i might have considered getting this one even though the price is kinda out of my range. In Persona 3, Thanatos serve as Ultimate Death Arcana Persona which is automatically obtainable since it plays significant part in the storyline. Thanatos gave me quite lasting impression with his debut early in the game and as the personification of Death, he fights with sword but capable of fighting in berserker style spewing projectiles as well. I think Izanagi had a good shot making it into Megahouse though i personally wish Max Factory could release Figmas for the titular Persona form P3-5 since it has been a long due already.

Desktop Army Fate/Grand Order Vol 3

 Desktop Army have been a strange choice for Fate Grand Order Lineup and by this time they have reached the 3rd Volume. This particular 3rd edition has attracted my attention in this year's Winter Wonderfest with the solid tier roster of the Premium Heroines from the FGO. The 3rd Volume FGO Desktop Army features S-Tier Japanese servants from the series which are Musashi, Tamamo and Okita representing Buster, Arts and Quick team respectively! The Desktop Army Vol 3 set are slated for September release with 5550 Yen Price Tag. Looking from the past release, i have been feeling something is missing that prevents this Desktop Army lineup to flourish but i can't really nail it down. In any case i will get this Edition to give a try on the lineup since i happen to have all of the three servants in FGO .

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam GGG 1/8 Quattro Bajeena

 Megahouse has been releasing PVC figures for Gundam characters for a while already mostly featuring Universal Century characters. While most of the male character figure are derived from Zeon OYW faction, considering Char Aznable had one already, it is eventual that another of his persona, Quattro for getting one. The 1/8 PVC figure is scheduled for July Release with 12000 Yen Pricetag. Just like other Megahouse Figure, Quattro's figure will come with several parts for different poses though his best one is the holding glasses pose. I will certainly get this figure if available since Quattro is my favorite character from UC timeline especially from my SRW experience. I think in near future, CCA version of Char figure will be released too eventually and his counterpart Amuro should follow up too

Yami's Megahobby 2018 and One Hobby G Expo Highlights

 Usually the big stuffs for Japanese Toys are shown on Wonderfest but for some reason this Year's Megahobby Expo catches my attention. This event mainly focus on PVC Figures so Bandai doesn't really have presence on this one. As usual FGO dominated the product lineups and the temptations are strong with this one.

Sakura Taisen Variable Action Koubu Ichiro Ogami Ver Review

Imperial Floral Assault Group has come forth!

Variable Action KG-6 Sleipnir

I watched Aldnoah Zero which is mediocre i guess since it got good visual and terrible main casts with terrible storyline but it got diggable mecha nonetheless. Megahouse adds another of their Variable Action lineup with the Aldnoah Zero Posterboy, Earth Faction mainstay Cataphract; Sleipnir. The model has been released early this year with price around 8000 yen. This version of Sleipnir is originally used as training units due to lighter frames and lesser armor but later used by Inaho A.K.A Mary Sue of the year as his Cataphract fighting against Vers Cataphracts. At its core design Sleipnir is a real robot but due to the broken skill off the Pilot, it is able to put toe to toe with Vers Super Robot-ish Cataphracts. As the name implies which is based on Norse Myth where Sleipnir is the steed of Deity Chief Odin, the one in this series is like one too since in the middle of the series, Inaho get even more broken with artificial eye replacement. Personally i find Aldnoah Zero is pretty forgettable due to terrible writing but i guess it has to do with the current taste of the audience which are getting worse each year. Anyway sometime soon the Sleipnir will get its space pack which has been used extensively on the second part of the series and i wonder if Tharsis will get any Variable action too? Actually scratch that, Tharsis got one but it costs whopping 24000 yen

Variable Action Koubu Ichiro Ogami version

Sakura Taisen got some mechas which is why i got into the series and while the it is not as popular as it used to be, it got some good merchandise at very least. Megahouse made some of the Koubu(光武) which obviously the manly harem protagonist Ichiro Ogami got one. Koubu which are literally translated as the Light Armament are the main weapon used by Teikoku Kagekidan to fend off demon invasions in Tokyo which are powered by Reiryoku(Spirit Power) which majority of them tend to be possessed by female that makes up the Kagekidan. Ichiro Ogami however is a rarity since he is one of the few male who possess enough power to operate the weapon and due to his military background, he become the captain of Teikoku Kagekidan however in daytime he is cutting tickets for theatre. I tnink this version Kobu is the one Sakura Taisen 2 since the first one is not this flashy and In the game Ichiro Ogami is one of the weakest character in terms of firepower but he makes up for it by tough as nail when it comes to protecting his team and pretty much he is a lady killer.

The Variable Action Kobu comes with 8000 yen price tag which is still normal for this lineup but the price does worth it considering the average quality of the product. I remembered the series got some plamo as well which i seen in some shot of the Sakura taisen maid cafe which unfortunately closed down long time ago otherwise i would go there when i go to Japan.

Wonderfest 2014

I think it has been couple of years already i do limited coverage for Wonderfest which is one of the major event where the companies in hobby industry showing some future release for their products. I always pay attention to Kotobukiya and maybe Megahouse or Bandai and as always lots of stuff to be shown but not the one i look forward to. Shingeki no Kyojin and Nintendo as well as Kancolle products are shown a lot  in the wonderfest.

 
From Kotobukiya section there are couple of new SRW kits from OGs2 but no Masoukishin. It appears Kotobukiya will be going to release AS Belial kit as Laevatein follow up soon which indicate there is a chance that FMP series will be reignited in some way  considering Z3 is coming up which Bandai also even prepare a Metal Build for Laevatein. Muvluv got some new 1/144 kit but for non scale, Takemikazuchi got 1.5 version which probably address the issues of the former version. The upcoming Frame Arms is also being displayed which are 2 knight esque model which indicate that Frame Arms are likely to take different directions than it used to be.

I was expecting Sentinel going to show their new RIOBOT lineup but i guess they plenty already last year. Megahouse is going to release something for Orguss which is likely to be action figure and as for Max Factory, i am quite surprised that they catch up with Dougram lineup quite fast as numerous grunt units models are shown. The notable one is Soltic and Iron Foot which is the MP version of Dougram. Guyver figma is confirmed for this year at long last and Archer from FSN is getting figma though i am not too interested due to the figure size. That's all my coverage for this year's wonderfest and hopefully i will still do the next year.

Variable Action Rahxephon

I have been waiting a good physical rendition of Rahxephon for a while already and finally Megahouse answered my wish by releasing this beautiful mecha in Variable Action lineup. The Figure is planned to be released on May this year with price close to 12000 yen and you can get it for 9330 yen in Amiami. I really want to get this figure straight away but due to the steep base price i guess i will be waiting for a while until the price dropped to 5000-6000 yen range. I suspect the possible cause of the expensive price tag is due to the license or limited production number since my Vardant being in the same lineup only have 6500 yen for the base price in the lineup.

I become interested with Rahxephon when i played SRW MX which Rahxephon is particularly remembered with its beautiful design and God-tier theme in SRW. I am currently watching the anime which i am up to 12th episode what i can say is that the series have no noticeable flow but no significant merit at the same time. Rahxephon has beautiful design for a mecha but it is not as flashy compared to other super robots which makes it doesn't really stand out.

Kurogane no Linebarrel Variable Action Vardant Review

The Azure Samurai takes flight once again!