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.

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.

Kaitian Jichuang 1/12 Mecha Angel – Black Swan Alicia

 

Another impressive mecha musume model kit emerges from China’s growing hobby industry: Kaitian Jichuang presents Black Swan Alicia, a sleek black mecha musume exuding strong main-heroine vibes. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, this kit will sold for for 238 RMB.

Full Metal Panic Orange Cat x Wave 1/35 Laevatein

 

The ultimate Arm-Slave from Full Metal Panic! returns through a collaboration between Chinese model kit maker Orange Cat and Wave. This time, they are delivering a luxurious 1/35 scale Laevatein model kit that blends the engineering of a Perfect Grade kit with the premium feel of a Metal Build die-cast figure. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the Orange Cat 1/35 Laevatein will be sold for 458 RMB.

Hemoxian 1/12 Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier

 

 After producing several impressive cyborg-themed model kits, Hemoxian is finally stepping into something completely new. The company appears to be aiming for a foothold in the mecha musume market, and their debut entry is surprisingly strong. Their latest release, Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier, feels like a blend of Alice Gear Aegis and Strike Witches, with a touch of classic Macross-inspired mechanical design. The kit is currently scheduled for a Q3 2026 release with a very competitive price tag of 218 RMB.

Hemoxian has definitely caught collectors’ attention with this release. The concept combines a mecha musume character with a WWII-inspired aircraft mech setup that heavily leans into vintage military aesthetics. Individually, the kit’s components may not look groundbreaking, but the real appeal lies in how much content Hemoxian packed into a single package while keeping the price relatively affordable. The character design even gives off strong Tanya the Evil vibes, except this time paired with a transforming aircraft-style mech loaded with multiple weapon configurations. Depending on the setup, it can resemble either a Macross-style variable fighter or a more traditional Strike Witches-inspired flight unit.

The sheer amount of versatility offered by this kit is likely to make Japanese manufacturers pay close attention, especially as more mainland Chinese companies continue pushing aggressively into the mecha musume market. If Hemoxian can maintain this level of quality, value, and creativity, they could very well carve out a significant place for themselves within the genre.

Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Cassowary Review

 

After experiencing some buyer’s remorse with previous Chinese model kits, the Orange Cat Estailev series has done a great job of restoring my confidence in the industry. Without a doubt, Estailev stands as one of the strongest examples the Chinese hobby market has to offer in the non-diecast model kit category.

A while ago, I built both Cassowary and Neamhain back-to-back, but unexpectedly, Cassowary exceeded my expectations even further. Although it is designed as an assault-type mecha, it is heavily equipped for close-range devastation. Its distinctive cross-shaped massive shield is not merely defensive, it is engineered to mount a shotgun and gatling cannon, allowing this variant of Estailev to close in quickly and overwhelm enemies in rapid succession.

I’m genuinely looking forward to future Estailev variants.

Motor Nuclear Type 65 JiHu Mark II Assault Type

Another standout model kit from the Chinese hobby scene comes from a major player, Motor Nuclear. Dubbed the Jihu Mark II Assault Mode, this release features a die-cast inner frame and one of the more original mecha designs in recent memory. Scheduled for Q3 2026, the Motor Nuclear Type-65 Jihu Mark II will retail at 239 RMB.

The kit’s Chinese name translates to “Halberd Tiger,” a title that fits perfectly. This is a mecha equipped with a conventional firearms loadout alongside a modular Chinese halberd for melee combat. What makes the Type-65 Halberd Tiger particularly striking is how difficult it is to neatly categorize. While many Chinese mecha kits tend to echo the design language of Gundam SEED or 00, this one lands somewhere between Armored Core and Gundam, in a positive complimentary manner. One of its biggest strengths is balance: the Halberd Tiger looks heavily armed without appearing overly bulky, maintaining a sleek and purposeful silhouette.

Given the strength of this design, it would be a missed opportunity if Motor Nuclear didn’t expand on it. Future iterations of the Type-65 Halberd Tiger seem like a natural next step, and I’m especially interested to see how they might evolve its weapon loadouts.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Animester 1/12 HK416 Speed Star

 

One of the most anticipated Girls’ Frontline collectibles is finally up for preorder: the HK416 “Klukai” action figure. Based on her GFL2 Speedstar skin, this “golden child” of the franchise brings something fresh to the table in Animester’s latest rendition. Notably, this will be the only Klukai figure so far to feature her signature futuristic motorbike from Girls’ Frontline 2, though the bike itself will be sold separately as a model kit. Both are scheduled for Q3 2026, with the Animester Klukai figure priced at 299 RMB and the motorbike at 238 RMB.

Jingzhuoshe 1/100 Mandala Review

 

A model kit purchase with a bit of buyer’s remorse, and a reminder that products from the Chinese model kit industry can be hit or miss. Firstly, Jingzuoshe’s 1/100 Mandala has a pretty good sculpt, but it suffers from engineering issues. Stiff plastic parts are common in some Chinese kits, but it becomes a serious problem when it affects joint components.

My assembled copy ended up with the shoulder joint to the torso snapping in half, forcing me to resort to Blu Tack as a fix. I originally picked up this Mandala because I thought it would look great painted in the Wildschwein color scheme from the SRW series. The design still has that potential, but the build experience undermines it.

This kit definitely makes me think twice about getting non-diecast frame Chinese model kits from lesser-known manufacturers. That said, more established names like Orange Cat or Motor Nuclear are generally safer and don’t tend to have this kind of issue.

Vocaloid Frame Arms Girls 1/12 Snow Miku

 

It has been around 4–5 years since Kotobukiya released Frame Arms Girl Hatsune Miku. After such a long gap, the timing feels a bit unexpected, but they’ve decided to pick up where they left off with their take on Snow Miku. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku will be priced at 7,700 yen.

Compared to the more recent wave of Vocaloid products for the ever-present diva, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku may not appear particularly flashy at first glance. However, it is expected to retain the strong fundamentals that define Kotobukiya’s lineup—most notably the blend of mechanical design elements with a cute, character-focused aesthetic.

As such, it stands as a solid mid-level Vocaloid collectible, especially for those who still enjoy the process of assembling model kits. While alternatives like Blokees have delivered strong performances across much of their portfolio, they have yet to fully match the balance and identity that Kotobukiya consistently achieves with this line.

Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft 1/100 Arbiter

 

The collaboration between Howlingstar and Earnestcore Craft continues to deliver yet again! After the striking Kishin Colada, the duo returns with another standout original mecha, Arbiter. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the Howlingstar × Earnestcore 1/100 Arbiter is priced at 188 RMB, making it a relatively accessible entry for collectors.

The most eye-catching feature of this kit beyond its strong fantasy-inspired design is undoubtedly its Centaur-style quadruped mode. While Arbiter’s default configuration is a more traditional humanoid mecha, it can transform into a four-legged form that fully embraces the centaur concept. This mode is further elevated by its signature weapon: a spear that can convert into a war bow, completing the mythological aesthetic.

It’s a bold and creative design choice that helps Arbiter stand out in an increasingly crowded mecha market. If this release is anything to go by, there’s plenty of potential for future projects from this collaboration. Hopefully, Howlingstar and Earnestcore will continue to push the envelope and deliver even more unique and exciting mecha kits down the line.

Freeze Metal 1/100 Famine Model Kit

 Another Chinese model kit recently caught my attention. Given my past bad experiences with plastic-frame kits from some Chinese manufacturers, I usually only consider kits that feature a die-cast inner frame for my strike zone.This time, the kit comes from a manufacturer called Freeze Metal, and the model is simply named Famine. Released in Q1 2026, the 1/100 scale Famine retails for 168 RMB.

At a glance, it’s quite clear that this kit takes direct inspiration from the Black Rider from the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The stealthy black-ops aesthetic and the distinctive dual radomes mounted on its back are practically a dead giveaway. Some mecha fans may see this as a blatant rip-off, but it also feels like a calculated move by the manufacturer to fill a demand gap, especially since the HG kit of Black Rider is locked behind Premium Bandai exclusivity.

Personally, I’m quite interested in getting a copy of this kit. I’ve always had a soft spot for heavy-frame tactical “real robot” designs, and the pile bunker mounted on the left arm is just the icing on the cake.

Megalomaria Unlimited Universe Maria Kagaribi

Kotobukiya’s Megalomaria model kit lineup returns with another strong waifu entry! This hybrid android-human model kit now embraces a more waifu-inspired design with Maria Kagaribi. The katana-wielding, long-haired waifu in a military uniform is a classic, popular combination. Scheduled for a July 2026 release, the Megalomaria Maria Kagaribi kit will retail for 7,800 Yen.

Historically, Megalomaria kits have leaned more toward the robotic side, with their slim, mechanical waist frames. However, Kotobukiya has made Maria Kagaribi more waifulike, giving her a fuller, more humanized silhouette. Part of this effect may come from the clothing design, which helps obscure the usual skeletal, mechanical lines of the Megalomaria frame.

Frame Arms 1/100 Gourai 2

It’s been over a decade since Kotobukiya first launched its Frame Arms model kits, and one of the lineup’s oldest entries which also became a trailblazer for the Frame Arms Girl series, is finally getting an upgraded version! Simply dubbed Gourai 2, this model kit highlights just how far Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms line has come. Scheduled for a June 2026 release, Frame Arms Gourai 2 will retail for 8,000 Yen. 

30 Minutes Mission 1/144 Xenovalt

30 Minutes Mission usually flies under my radar, especially since its JRPG fantasy counterpart, 30 Minutes Fantasy, caught my attention instead. The line focuses on original mecha model kits, almost reminiscent of designs you would expect from a long-running original game series like Border Break. It’s a flexible, modular lineup that has quietly sustained itself for years. 

Patlabor RG 1/48 AV-98 Ingram Plus

 

Mobile Police Patlabor is one of those classic mecha franchises that has remained relatively dormant for years. While occasional merchandise releases such as the MODEROID kits have kept the name alive, the last major release into the model kit scene was likely Bandai’s 3,000-yen Master Grade from the early 2000s. Fast forward to 2026, and seemingly out of nowhere, Bandai has announced a brand-new kit of the iconic AV-98 Ingram, this time in Real Grade format. Scheduled for release in June 2026 at 5,500 yen, the RG Ingram represents a significant and somewhat unexpected upgrade for the franchise.

30 Minutes Fantasy Meteoric Iron Samurai / Shogun

 

The 30 Minutes Fantasy lineup has finally ventured into the exotic oriental archetype. As a JRPG-inspired model kit series, the Samurai class was always one of the most anticipated additions to 30MF. Dubbed the Meteoric Iron Samurai, this new oriental branch breaks away from the established Liber/Rozan faction mold, much like the Nekros Knight did further expanding the creative spectrum of this promising lineup. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the 30MF Meteoric Iron Samurai will retail at 2,200 yen.

Megaman X 1/12 Sigma Model Kit

Kotobukiya’s Mega Man X model kit lineup has finally reached Sigma! As the eternal recurring archvillain of the series, Sigma has often been overlooked in terms of physical collectibles. The last major figure of him was Bandai’s Figuarts Zero statue, released over a decade ago. Kotobukiya’s new model kit, released in 1/12 scale, will retail for 12,000 yen and is scheduled for June 2026.

Don’t be misled by the scale: Sigma easily reaches over 20 cm tall, making him an impressively towering figure. That kind of size suits an archvillain well. After all, his defining trait is not just persistence, but an uncanny ability to resist death. Kotobukiya’s version recreates Sigma’s Mega Man X1 appearance, complete with his cape and beam saber.

Before becoming the iconic villain he is known for, Sigma was a charismatic Maverick Hunter leader who took X under his care. His fate took a dramatic turn after he was infected by a virus during his encounter with a berserk Zero, ultimately becoming the leader of the Mavericks.

Looking back, Sigma’s story reminds me of Warhammer 40K’s Horus Lupercal. Both characters are charismatic leaders who embody humanity’s hope, only to fall into tragic corruption and become symbols of absolute evil. Given several loose similarities, I wouldn’t be surprised if Capcom’s development team drew inspiration from Warhammer 40K during Mega Man X’s inception. And, perhaps it’s no coincidence that X and the Ultramarinesbecame the iconic poster figures of their respective series for being blue.

Hexagear 1/24 Managarmr

Kotobukiya’s Hexagear line never fails to impress me. The company has consistently led the way in innovative design, and their latest release proves they’re still pushing boundaries—especially with a new take on an older style. The newest Hexagear unit, Magnagarmr, is a giant wolf mech set for release in June 2026, priced at ¥12,000. 

Kannazuki no Miko Moderoid Take no Yamikazuchi

I somehow forgot to write an article on what is arguably the only noteworthy piece of merchandise for Kannazuki no Miko for almost two decades, despite having dedicated a series of extensive articles to this relatively forgotten franchise. I might as well use this opportunity to remind readers why I gave such special attention to this mecha series wrapped in Yuri in the first place.

Sometime in late 2023 before I even began my recent journey visiting the series, Good Smile Company announced a MODEROID kit of Take no Yamikazuchi, the titular mecha of Kannazuki no Miko. Released in April 2024, the MODEROID Take no Yamikazuchi was priced at 6,900 yen.