Vintage Toys Super B-Daman Battle Phoenix

With the recent reveal of Takara’s new B-Daman products, one of my childhood memories resurfaced once again. After the fifth Bakugaiden series, Takara decided to transform B-Daman into something closer to an over-the-top competitive sport, similar in spirit to series such as Beyblade and Crush Gear. The result was Super B-Daman, a series that combined the expressive design elements of B-Daman with elaborate mechanical designs, turning a simple marble-shooting toy into something much more ambitious.

One of the many products I happened to own as a child was Battle Phoenix, which appears to be an upgraded variant of Fighting Phoenix. This particular model was first released in March 1998 with a price tag of 780 yen. However, the one I owned was most likely a counterfeit version, which was quite common in Indonesia at the time.

One feature that allows me to remember this former collection even after more than 20 years is the distinctive orange shoulder armor with its spring-coil suspension mechanism. This design detail left a strong impression on me and became one of those small memories that remained despite the passage of time.

The spring-loaded shoulder armor was supposedly designed to enhance the gripping power of the B-Daman, allowing Battle Phoenix to achieve stronger shooting power. While the concept was certainly gimmicky, it was also part of what made Super B-Daman so memorable, the attempt to turn every mechanical detail into a meaningful feature within the fantasy of competitive battles.

Coincidentally, I also owned Battle Phoenix’s rival unit, which will become the subject of a future discussion.

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.

Barabaride

Bandai recently announced a new toy lineup called Barabaride, which immediately reminded me of Crush Gear, a franchise that enjoyed some popularity in the early 2000s. It seems Bandai is making a loose attempt to revive the spirit of Crush Gear with Barabaride as a spiritual successor, perhaps partly inspired by Takara Tomy's success with Beyblade over the past few years.

For its first wave, Barabaride features three main variants, each with alternate color schemes, along with a couple of accessory packs. The concept appears to be a relatively simplified continuation of the Crush Gear formula, while introducing several new gimmicks, including an over-the-top popping-out effect when a unit is defeated for added visual spectacle.

To be honest, I don't have particularly high expectations for this lineup. Compared to Takara Tomy, Bandai doesn't have quite the same track record with products aimed at younger audiences, and the way they fumbled the Vital Bracelet a few years ago doesn't exactly inspire confidence. The entry price is also not particularly cheap, starting at around 3,000 yen.

If Bandai really wants Barabaride to succeed, they need to take marketing and community building seriously. The early stage of a toyline's lifecycle is crucial for this kind of product, especially when its appeal depends heavily on having an active player base. Otherwise, I could easily see Barabaride becoming another short-lived cash grab attempt like the Vital Bracelet.

Interestingly for Barabaride, I think Bandai might actually have a stronger market among millennials than the young audience they appear to be targeting. Incorporating Crush Gear-related accessories, callbacks, or even compatibility into Barabaride could be a great way to capitalize on that nostalgia. A 3,000-yen entry point isn't exactly cheap for teenagers, particularly for overseas consumers, but it is much easier to justify for an adult who grew up with Crush Gear and now has disposable income to spend on the hobby.

If Bandai can successfully tap into that nostalgia while still making Barabaride appealing to a new generation, it might have a better chance of establishing itself as more than just another short-lived toyline.

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.

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.

SAMG Metal Cardbot W Grand Blue Leon Dark Edition

Another kickass mecha from SAMG Entertainment, and this time it comes from the Metal Cardbot series. SAMG’s mecha toy designs always fascinate me because their aesthetics look far too stylish and detailed for what is essentially a kids’ robot cartoon. This latest release is a dark variant of Grand Blue Leon. Scheduled for release in June 2026, the SAMG Grand Blue Leon Dark Edition will retail for 150,000 won.

In Metal Cardbot, Grand Blue Leon is the combined form of Blue Cop W and Blaion. Its overall aesthetic feels like a blend of Brave Police J-Decker and The Brave Express Might Gaine from the Brave Series, with a touch of Omnimon thrown in thanks to the oversized arm-mounted weapons. Despite the strong police motif, the influences behind Blue Cop and Blaion are not purely derived from J-Decker. Fans familiar with the Brave Series will probably notice several elements that lean more toward Might Gaine instead.

SAMG’s dark-edition robots are usually easy wins, especially for collectors who missed out on the original releases and want another chance to grab these increasingly popular designer-style mecha toys. For once, however, I think the original Grand Blue Leon color scheme actually looks better than this alternate version. Even so, I am still curious to see what else SAMG Entertainment has in store from its awesome mecha portfolio.

Transformers Wild King - Energy Master Rex Blade

 

Seeing how SAMG has been making a killing with their Dinoid Warrior and Miniforce lines for quite some time, Takara Tomy was bound to make a move of its own. Leveraging the strength of the Transformers brand, the company has unveiled a new series called Transformers Wild King, seemingly positioned to go head-to-head with SAMG’s Dinoid Warrior lineup. One of the main releases is a blue dinosaur mecha named Energy Master Rex Blade, scheduled for release in June 2026 at a price of 6,700 Yen.

Takara Tomy’s newest product clearly feels aimed directly at SAMG, starting with the noticeably similar packaging design. Rex Blade comes across as Takara Tomy’s answer to Rex Kaiser, though the overall design philosophy is quite different. While Dinoid Warrior leans heavily into flashy, ultra-cool aesthetics, Rex Blade retains the unmistakable feel of a toy designed primarily for younger audiences. At the same time, Takara Tomy’s long experience in the mecha genre shines through, as Rex Blade carries strong vibes of both Zoids and Super Sentai mecha despite being part of the Transformers franchise.

Where Rex Blade attempts to outdo Rex Kaiser is in its versatility. The figure features three transformation modes: humanoid, dinosaur, and vehicle. Since the product is clearly built to compete directly with SAMG’s offerings, Rex Blade also comes with supporting units capable of combining into a larger combiner mecha called Energy Beast Wild King, which I’ll leave below for you to judge yourself.

Jakks Pacific Super Mario Galaxy Yoshi Egg Playset

 

With the release of the Super Mario Galaxy movie in early 2026, a wave of merchandise quickly followed. As expected from one of Nintendo’s biggest video game franchises, the film inspired a strong lineup of collectibles and toys. One of the major contributors was JAKKS Pacific, which introduced a range of action figures and playsets tied to the movie. Among their offerings, the item that caught my attention the most was the Yoshi Egg Playset.

Released alongside the film, the Yoshi Egg Playset retailed at an SRP of around USD 37. It was not the only playset produced for the Super Mario Galaxy movie line, as JAKKS Pacific also released a Bowser Castle set. The Yoshi Egg Playset features two foldable diorama scenes; the “real world” and the Super Mario World setting both cleverly designed to close into the shape of a Yoshi egg. The set also includes mini figures of Mario and Yoshi.

To be honest, the overall diorama quality does not completely surpass expectations for its price point. However, the playset still stands out thanks to its well-designed gimmick and charming presentation, which will likely strike a nostalgic chord with millennials who grew up with compact playsets such as Polly Pocket. Its strongest appeal is undoubtedly as a display piece for Nintendo collectors, especially for fans who already own Super Mario memorabilia which are USJ' Nintendo World in my case. At very least I consider this playset is overall better deal compared to the recent Yoshi hatch toy.

I may have missed the chance to watch the Super Mario Galaxy movie this year, but it is definitely something I intend to catch up on in the future.

SRW OG Riobot Huckebein Mk-III w/ AM Gunner & Boxer Unit

 

A surprise release from Sentinel, seemingly out of nowhere. It almost feels like a bit of one-upmanship with Bandai: the previously released Huckebein Mk. III plastic model is now getting the full-fledged Riobot action figure treatment. Not stopping there, this final iteration of the Vanishing Trooper is also being accompanied by the AM Gunner and Boxer Unit. Scheduled across November 2026 to January 2027, the Huckebein Mk. III lineup comes with the following price tags:

Riobot Huckebein Mk. III – November 2026 – 22,000 yen
Riobot Boxer Unit – December 2026 – 25,000 yen
Riobot AM Gunner – January 2027 – 27,000 yen

There’s no doubt this is shaping up to be Sentinel’s most expensive Super Robot Wars offering so far. Going all-in for the complete set totals 74,000 yen, surpassing even the 65,000 yen Riobot SRX. Still, this could very well be the definitive rendition of the Huckebein Mk. III, with product quality that should easily outclass the original model kit.

Interestingly, this release strategy from Sentinel gives some room for optimism. It opens up the possibility that previously Super Minipla–exclusive Super Robot Wars OG designs might also receive the Riobot treatment. Personally, I’ve got my eyes on Astranagant and Hyperion.

Cang Toys Trans Age TA-HCZ002 Bergion Axeetle

 

I forgot to follow up on my Trans Age coverage earlier this year, but the second entry in the trilogy is actually my favorite. Meet Bergion Axeetle, a stag beetle–inspired transforming mecha. Released in Q3 2025, it originally retailed for 179 RMB.

What immediately stands out about Bergion Axeetle is its tank-like presence despite being a medium-sized unit. Equipped with a large axe and a multifunctional shoulder shield, it offers a surprising amount of versatility. The shield alone can be configured in multiple ways, giving it more depth than it initially lets on. Compared to Blacanidae and Swordion, Axeetle is easily the most durable of the trio, firmly positioning it as the team’s defender.

Another reason Axeetle appeals to me is how well it pairs with 52TOYS’ mechanical beetle line. It essentially feels like a larger, more articulated “evolved” version, almost echoing the dynamic of Soundwave and his cassette minions. With Blacanidae already getting a reissue, I’m hopeful Axeetle will follow suit soon.

SAMG Miniforce Dinoid Warrior Rex Kaiser Black Edition

 

 Sometime before the arrival of SG Rex Kaiser D7, SAMG Entertainment released yet another rendition of the popular Rex Kaiser earlier this year. This time, it receives the full “Black Getter” treatment, featuring not just a darker color scheme, but an entirely different vibe, complete with a flowing cape. Released in April 2026, the SAMG Rex Kaiser Black Edition is priced at 132,000 won.

With its sword resting on its shoulder and the cape billowing behind, Rex Kaiser Black exudes a lone-wolf, anti-hero aura reminiscent of Black Getter. It’s a striking reinterpretation that adds a layer of edge to an already solid design.

I was honestly tempted to pick one up, especially since I missed out on last year’s standard Rex Kaiser release. However, the newer Rex Kaiser D7 presents a more compelling option, offering a seven-mecha combining gimmick for roughly twice the price of Rex Kaiser Black, making it hard to ignore from a value standpoint.

That said, Rex Kaiser Black still stands as a fantastic pickup for collectors with the budget to spare. Its bold, stylish design proves that some mecha concepts can go far beyond their origins, delivering something that feels far too cool to be just a kids’ show centerpiece.

Vintage Toys - Power Ranger Lightspeed Rescue Micro Playset

Apart from Zeo Rangers, one of my favorite Power Rangers series was Lightspeed Rescue (known as GoGo-V in Japan). I loved the series so much that I played both the PSX and Game Boy Color games and collected various merchandise. I even owned a few Lightspeed Rescue toys, including the Supertrain Megazord action figure.

However, there is one collectible I still regret not owning: Bandai’s Micro Playset for the Lightspeed Rescue Megazord.

In the early 2000s, Bandai released playset toys for the Lightspeed Rescue series, just like they had for earlier seasons such as Zeo. But unlike the Zeo playset, the Lightspeed Rescue Megazord version was released only as a complete set, without the gattai (combining) gimmick.

Instead, the playset offered something different: three complete Megazords to play with, turning it into a command-base style toy. Even though I grew up past the Polypocket era, these playsets still inspire a sense of nostalgia and obsession in me.

I’m looking forward to covering another Power Rangers playset in the future. I also hope Bandai and other manufactures explore on other Power Ranger series rather than over-relying on MMPR nostalgia.

SAMG Miniforce x Transcon SG Rex Kaiser D7

A rather pleasant surprise from SAMG’s Miniforce line. It’s been more than a year since Rex Kaiser first appeared. a mecha that feels almost too cool for a kids’ robot animation and now it’s making an unexpected comeback in a form that’s far more accessible to global collectors. Released as a Transcon event exclusive (seemingly some sort of a Chinese hobby convention), Rex Kaiser returns with a new color scheme as part of a combiner set dubbed SG Rex Kaiser D7. The set is scheduled for Q3 2026 with a retail price of 799 RMB.

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.

Matrix Reloaded Hot Toys MMS868 1/6 Neo

 

Ever since Hot Toys released their 1/6 action figure of Neo from the first Matrix movie, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the eventual release of Neo in his full Matrix Reloaded glory. Of all times in the midst of global geopolitical turmoil, Hot Toys chose to drop the Reloaded Neo. Cataloged as MMS868, this version is priced at $280 and scheduled for release in Q2 2027.

Mospeada Toyrise Legioss Alpha

 

Takara Tomy is definitely giving Mospeada some special treatment. Within the span of a single year, they’ve released three Toyrise Legioss models in a row, and the latest entry is the commander-type variant dubbed Legioss Alpha. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Toyrise Legioss Alpha will retail for 14,000 yen.

At a glance, the upgraded weapon loadout already makes the Legioss Alpha stand out from the previous Toyrise Legioss releases. Clad in an imposing black color scheme and equipped with an extra pair of shoulder cannons, the Legioss Alpha clearly presents itself as a leader-type variant of the Legioss. Its design also reminds me of the elite Legioss squad that appeared near the end of the original Mospeada TV anime series.

Considering that Takara Tomy seems quite comfortable reusing the Toyrise Mospeada mold across from the past iterations, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see even more entries from the Mospeada series in the future.

Getter Robo Freeing Dynamic Change Getter Robo G

Freeing is best known for their 1/4 scale bunny waifu PVC figures, so it may come as a surprise that they also produce mecha robot toys and now they’re re-releasing a product from the Getter Robo G series. Dubbed Dynamic Change, this particular product features Getter Robo G with a full transformation gimmick. Scheduled for August 2026, Dynamic Change Getter Robo G will be priced at 11,800 Yen.

Dynamic Change is one of the Getter Robo toys that offers a full-fledged transformation gimmick. The set allows complete transformation of Getter Dragon, Getter Liger, and Getter Poseidon from the Getter team’s combined plane mode. As expected, the intricate engineering required for these transformations limits articulation, but the final product is still impressive and fascinating for collectors.

Personally, I’m particularly interested in this release because Ryoma with his Getter Dragon was the MVP of my recent Alpha 3 playthrough, making this figure especially appealing.