Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Silence Suzuka

 Another Uma Musume product that I overlooked as I gave up on the JP prematurely but still worth mentioning since I returned to Uma Musume Global and even got her in 6* rarity. When Tamashi Nation was still active with Uma Musume IP they did make several SHF including the classic starter Uma: Tokai Teio, Special Week and Silence Suzuka. Suzuka happens to be the last of Starter trio that had her SHF released and she was sold for 6500 Yen with May 2023 release.

I didn’t pay much attention to Suzuka back in JP since she never joined my roster but in Global she is willing to join me in 4* rarity thus I shall return the favor with this post. In Uma Musume game, Suzuka is a dedicated Front Runner with Mile/Mid focus who also got her upgrade Green skill recently where she can burn her Stamina in order to gain boost to reach 1^st position.

Her SHF rendition is pretty much standard adaptation by Tamashi Nation with basic accessories of Face plates and hand. Hopefully with resurgence of Uma Musume global popularity, Tamashi Nation could consider her rerun.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Rice Shower

 
 One of the Uma Musume product that I overlooked back then, but around last year Tamashi nation still make SHF for Uma Musume and Rice Shower happen to be the recipient of such treatment. Released back in August 2022 along with Teio as first batch Uma Musume SHF, SHF Rice Shower was released for 6300 Yen SRP.

I wouldn't say Tamashi Nation rendition for Rice Shower would be the most faithful one, but it is relatively good in value. SHF Rice Shower does include fiery eye effect parts which replicate her special skill. Had Rice's shower dagger removable, it would be even better as it replicates her Assassin moniker. 

SHF Rice Shower got my interest once again as I got to train her once again in Uma Musume Global. Rice is not the exactly the easiest Uma Musume to train, but her sweet personality gains many affection of Uma Musume players. Most beginner trainers will not be ablet to train Rice Shower properly as she requires Guts Build deck. In terms of racing style, Rice Shower is a long distance Pace Chaser who makes up her middling stats with her high Guts stats and seize victory by focusing everything in last spurt.

Given the resurgence of Uma Musume interest with the global server, I hope Bandai and Goodsmile would be interested to make some more Uma Musume action figures 

Gundam Wing SHF 1/12 Heero Yuy

 
 It appears that Bandai's release for SHF Gundam Seed protagonists bear satisfactory results that they decide to take another go on making SHF for Gundam characters. This time Gundam Wing earned the honor to have an SHF released for the main character Heero Yuy. Released as P-Bandai item along with Metal Roda Wing Gundam, SHF Heero Yuy will be sold for 9000 Yen SRP.

An action figure for Gundam protagonists would have been very welcomed by Gundam fans including myself but Bandai being greedy once again make SHF Heero Yuy as P-Bandai just like what they did with Athrun Zala.  Personally, I don't think the relatively simple sculpt of Heero Yuy in his iconic singlet and shorts warrant a P-Bandai treatment but Bandai's intention to make quick bucks is very apparent in this one. In some way, Heero's usual getup do make his opponent underestimate him without expecting he is an elite young Black ops who would give any other Gundam protagonists a hard time should he be given initiative to strike. If it is not for the P-Bandai nonsense, I wouldn't actually mind getting Zechs or Treize in their SHF rendition.

Berserk SHF Casca

 
 As Guts and Griffith got their Golden Age rendition of SHF, Casca obviously going to follow suit! I think it has been quite some time since Figma Casca got released and Bandai provided the much needed update. Scheduled for January 2026 release, SHF Casca will be sold for 11000 Yen Price tag.

Compared to other SHF lineup released in the same batch with, SHF Casca fall on the higher range of price tag likely due to the licensing cost. I don't think the incorporation of fabric parts in SHF Casca would inflate the price tag considering Casca's accesories in SHF rendition are rather modest. Compared to her old Figma counterpart, SHF Casca looks closer to her anime rendition. The only thing that is a slight miss is her battle expression which can look rather derpy. SHF Casca definitely will complement well with SHF Guts or Griffith for Berserk fans to relive the Band of the Hawks day. Considering Bandai is quite extensive in creating their Berserk Library, I am quite sure that God Hands will likely be getting some SHF/Figuarts rendition considering it has been quite some time since the Figma came up. 

Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Oguri Cap

 
 My return to Uma Musume Pretty Derby made me look back into notable Uma Musume products once again including the ones that I overlooked and turns out I did miss a big one. Oguri Cap being a legendary racehorse of course get really awesome treatment in Uma Musume Pretty Derby and she did become recipient of many merchandise whether PVC Figure or Nendoroid. However back in 2023, she did get SHF by Bandai albeit P-Bandai. Released for July 2023, SHF Oguri Cap was sold for 6500 Yen SRP along with Tamamo Cross who also sold for the same price. 

 In Uma Musume, Oguri Cap is one of those Uma Musume who possess Immense Main Heroine aura being a goofball glutton in daily life but an overwhelming presence in race. In the main season of Uma Musume, Oguri mainly relegated as supporting character known for her Mukbang antics. But given her popularity both in real-life and Uma Musume, Oguri become the main character in Cinderella Gray which also get anime treatment in 2025.

 The SHF rendition of Oguri Cap offers relatively standard accessory for Uma Musume action figure. But a physical action figure for 6500 Yen value for a Legendary Uma Musume is more than enough already. If it were not for P-Bandai treatment, I would have highly likely consider getting Oguri Cap back then despite I had quit Uma JP at the time. Personally I would consider to double dip SHF Oguri along with Tamamo Cross if they both ever got regular re-release, though I wouldn't mind Figma rendition either. Given Uma Musume recent resurgence with its Global Debut, I think it is a great opportunity for Bandai to push Uma Musume merchandise once again considering Japan consumption ability might not be satisfactory with their aging population.

Berserk SHF Nosferatu Zodd

 Just after GSC announced Figma Skull Knight Preorder, Bandai Tamashi Nation soon followed up with their continuation of SHF Berserk Lineup as a counterattack which is no other than Nosferatu Zodd! After a very long time, One of the coolest Rival antagonist that ever graced Berserk series finally had its Physical representation as SHF. Scheduled for April 2025 release, SHF Zodd will be sold for 13500 Yen.

Coming in his Golden era version, SHF Zodd is armed with a pair of Cleaver and Battle Axe as his weapon of choice. Among many Apostles that Guts faced. Zodd was rather special case  have some sense of honor as a warrior and as  not particular bore any ill-will toward his enemies.  I thought Zodd's weapon getup would be the pair of Kushan Blades, but I guess my memory did elude me as his default weapon. SHF Zodd do stand few centimeters tall compared to SHF Guts which do explain his above 10000 Yen Price tag. Regardless SHF Zodd will be a great addition for Berserk Fans to pair with Figma Skull Knight or SHF Guts. This one will even look good with Pop Up Parade Zodd despite version differences or one could go with the Prime One if they have the money to spare. Given most of the Famous berserk characters got their Action figure turn, I wonder which ones will be next. I would say Farnese and Serpico do have a good shot as well as Casca, if Bandai or GSC interested to explore her variants.

Gundam SEED Freedom SHF Athrun Zala

 A Proper action figure for Athrun Zala is something that Athrun fanboys like myself have been looking forward to for a long time and Bandai have answered the wish, but in a rather unpleasant way. Released as P-Bandai stuff yet again along with the Infinite Justice Spec-2, Athrun Zala is getting his SHF treatment in his Gundam SEED Freedom Movie getup! Scheduled for December 2024 release SHF Athrun will be sold for 9000 Yen.

In terms of accessorires and Sculpt, SHF Athrun Zala does actually satisfy the needs from Gundam SEED fanboys pretty well with decent amount of accessories. But the biggest offender is that Overseas fans will likely have to fork out at least 40000 Yen if they want the complete set of SHF Athrun along with Diecast 14 Cm Infinite Justice Gundam action figure. For that amount of money, a Metal Build would have been better value for money. I would have gotten both of these MRS and SHF Athrun if they are regular release but given it is a P-Bandai, I am not too eager to put up with Bandai's nonsense. Might as well wait Bandai regain their sanity first and make the regular version of SHF Athrun or Regular release of Infinite Justice Spec-2 Metal Build, or even wait for some 3rd Party make more reasonably priced collectible for Athrun Zala.

Genshin Impact SHF Paimon

 Among the most highly successful Mobile Game series, Mihoyo's Genshin Impact probably present the biggest anomaly among its peers as the self-proclaimed Otaku Dev Companies treat this particular IP as an Ultra Premium piece of Real Estate. Thus, despite Genshin Impact has been running for almost 4 Years, we have been seeing a drought of merchandise unbecoming of this Massive series especially when it comes to Action Figure department.

 The last time we had some proper Genshin Action Figure was Figma Mona which was announced 2 years ago and not long time ago Bandai have announced plans for SHF Paimon which could be turning point for the merchandise drought. However this new SHF action figure for Paimon by Bandai got some bullshit incorporated for its release yet again which will just perpetuate the stagnation yet again. Released a P-Bandai product, SHF Paimon will be released for September release with 6500 Yen price tag.

The biggest offender of SHF Paimon release is its status as P-Bandai item which will automatically inflate the SRP for average collectors and this will make this item easily cost more than Figma Mona despite the accessories are bare minimum. While Paimon is not exactly my favorite character from Genshin being a very impolite glutton leecher, I would have been willing to pitch in if this product to be given regular treatment at very least. But given Mihoyo chose to fall on their Hubris, I will simply won't play ball with this BS.

 While I still believe Genshin Impact still have potential in years to come despite the Honeymoon phase with the Fans has worn off. Given the current direction of the Mihoyo, Genshin will just repeat the same mistake with FGO as the IP is owned and handled by Soulless Greedy Piece of Shit who gives no single F about Genshin aside from profitability. While I think the Core Dev member do earnestly try to create a quality product as shown with the Potion Making event and Seasonal banner, The marketing team are filled by people who obsess Style over Substance, thinking only about Exposures instead of putting some actual attention on User Experience. While I still play Genshin at regular frequency, At some point I might just give up on game because Mihoyo is not a company worthy to support despite their slogan of "Tech Otaku save the world".

Berserk SHF Guts the Black Swordsman

  Even after the mangaka's passing, Berserk series still remain to have the strong following and in turn after years of drought for Merchandise, Tamashi Nation decided to enter with a bang by announcing releaase for SHF Guts and Griffith. This great news certainly a blessing for the fans considering the price of Figma Guts are kinda insane nowadays in the aftermarket. SHF Guts will be scheduled for September 2023 release with 10500 Yen price tag.

 The version of Black Swordsman Guts that Bandai make is the version which Guts got some armor upgrade by Godot after his journey of slaying apostles with Dragonslayer and I believed GSC didn't make the figma of this version for some reason. While the pricing is quite high for SHF, I think the quality for SHF Guts will not disappoint considering Bandai is well reputed for the articulation of their Action figures and SHF Guts comes with generous amount of accessories. The only concern would be the Dragon Slayer to be rather heavy making the poses rather limited though the figma had the same issue as well apparently. Personally I am not the biggest of Berserk series, but Bandai's SHF Guts and Griffit sure worth the hype.

SHF Devilman DC 50th Anniversary edition

 A rather unusual release by Bandai but SHF Devilman got released again as a part of 50th anniversary. I am not sure if this one is any different with the 2017 version but the Yen inflation is very apparent. Scheduled for July 2023 release, SHF Devilman will be sold for 11000 Yen.

 Apparently this version of Devilman have compatible parts for SOC Mazinger DC considering this version is from Devilman vs Mazinger Movie. To be honest this would be an instanty buy if Bandai released Amon Devilman Saga version which looks like a power armor version of Devilman. The series was rather difficult to get into for me at first, but Devilman is definitely an acquired taste which Go Nagai sensei shared his spiritual worldview through this work. After watching Devilman Crybaby, i went further buy reading Devilman Lady and Saga which is a must read if you wish to see the continuity of the series after the depressing end of first Devilman. I hope that the translation for Devilman Saga will be worked on consistent pace because it is supposed to be the penultimate conclusion of this Go Nagai's classic series.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Tokai Teio

 Uma Musume Pretty Derby was a huge hit in Japan last year and recently had celebrated its 1st Anniversary with generous gifts for the players. Since early this year the merchandise for the series had picked up its momentum and around this time Bandai finally joined in with SHF lineup. For the initial release, Bandai is releasing SHF for Tokai Teio and Rice Shower while GSC probably got license for Goldship and Mcqueen. SHF Tokai Teio is scheduled for July 2022 release with 6300 yen Price tag.

  Bandai's SHF lineup tend to fall on affordable price range especially for main kamen rider characters, but Uma Musume's pricing is slightly higher since i think Bandai try to focus the face sculpt quality to match up to Figma Standard considering bishoujo character had been a long term weakness for Bandai. For its 6300 Yen Price Tag Tokai Teio comes with generous amount of expression face plates sufficient enough to replicate poses for Umapyoi Densetsu, one of the most memorable song from the series.

Tokai Teio herself is one of the Uma Musume that was given the main heroine spot in the Pretty Derby along with Special Week and Silence Suzuka during the initial release. Prior to the game itself, Teio already had some major role in the anime series even becoming the lead heroine along with Mcqueen in the Second Season. Teio's character is basically an energetic young Uma Musume who possess great potential and aspire to reach the same fame of her idolized mentor, Symboli Rudolf. In the anime series, Teio ultimately fails to follow her Mentor footsteps but reached her own height of fame through her own path. In the fanbase Teio is sometimes depicted as Yandere due to some of her interaction in the game. 

Personally i think Teio's SHF would be quite decent since Bandai seems to be determined to improvise their sculpt for this lineup considering they are also getting license to make SHF for Special Week and Silence Suzuka to complete the starter trio.

Cowboy Bebop SHF Spike Spiegel

 As a part of 20th Year Anniversary of Cowboy Bebop, Tamashii Nation announce the release for SHF Spike Spiegel last month. Not the best rendition of this free spirited Bounty Hunter, but at least it is a good substitute for the now rare Kotobukiya Figure. The SHF will be released on April this year with 6000 Yen price tag. The SHF does not come with many accessories but it seems that it is nimble enough to pull some roundhouse kick pose. At first i was considering to get this figure but my company happens to still have the Kotobukiya with good discount so i will get that one instead.

 Spike is one of the more unique Anime Protagonist out there created in the time where Anime Characters can afford to have some attitude. Beneath his carefree attitude, Spike comes with amazing marksmanship skill, kickass Bruce Lee Kungfu and troubled past in single package. His Journey in the tv series is one of the best Space Outlaw story out there and i am curious how SRW T will handle it. I think there is a good chance for Bandai to release Swordfish in Chogokin lineup most likely so i will look forward at that!

See You Space Cowboy...