June-July 2023 Loot

  Not as extravagant compared to the previous haul but still another quite great catch nonetheless. I think by this time my collections begin to have demographic shift as the influx of Chinese made toys are starting to take over the Japanese counterpart because the Chinese didn't let go of their momentum. What's notable from the loots over these past two months are my Joytoy 40k is growing significantly yet again and my completion toward the portfolio is getting nearer. Also from this period's loot, this is the first time I obtain a collectible from WWE series which is Mattel's action figure Bret "The Hitman" Hart. I have been watching several classic WWE match videos over past 2 months, and Bret Hart's technical performance in the squared circle really captivated me. Bret Hart truly lives up to his moniker as "Excellence of Execution" combined with his illustrious career in WWE that is cut short by foolish corporate politics makes him really shines in the Pro Wrestling industry thus His collectible deserved to join into my collection.

 For my 200 USD worth of Joytoy new addition, my Collection saw addition of Battle Sisters and some heavy duty stuff for Imperium of Man. I still wish Joytoy would be more active for Tau Faction which I hope they could continue after finishing their affairs with Ultrasmurfs once Space Marine 2 got released. Seriously their lineups over past few months will always have the Blue Berries every month denying the slot for other factions though it is partly due to Geedubs policy for the upcoming 40k AAA game. I still look forward to see my completion of my First Founding Loyalist team which should came into fruition by the end of this year.

Precursor Kainar Cangdao Models 1/100 CD-FA-04 Full Armor Dussack

 Since Japan is at the moment kinda on dry spell with any newsworthy Mecha related products, I will cover another Chinese Diecast which the industry have been quite on a roll over past two years. This is yet another of Cangdao Model product released before Tianwei and certainly catches people attention with the saturation it offer. Apparently this mecha called Dussack is one of the design from Precursor Kainar which is one of the older Chinese Model Kit series that somehow survived until this day and rise to get its own Diecast Toy. Assuming the overseas store cost Cangdao 1/100 Dussack is probably sold around 600 RMB in mainland with Q3 release schedule.

For a Diecast MetalBuild of its price, Cangdao Dussack comes with tons of weapon accessories that certainly pose a threat to the Metal Build counterpart. The Mainland Chinese really do live by the Adage of "一鸣惊人" when it comes to carve a territory for themselves trying to wrestle for the market dominance away from Japanese. At the first glance the current version Dussack looks like a combination of IBO Grimgerde and Heimweig Reimcar sprayed with the elements from Gundam Exia, Gerbera Tetra and a Slap of FMP Blaze Raven for the Japanese element. Compared to the Model Kit counterpart which I will include at the end of the post, Dussack certainly got very good makeover from a Avalanche Exia copy to a very choppy and shooty Red Samurai mecha.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Eloise - Victoria

 As a part of celebrating Realm of Darkness 1 millionth milestone, I will be reviving Mechatalk series after 7 years of inactivity and this time is specifically for Mecha Gacha Game Final Gear. This game remains my favorite that I currently play despite recently the game got its abrupt Death Knell as the Devs announced this game's final update and transition toward maintenance mode. Through this turn of unfortunate event, I believe that I must return something for Final Gear before the eventual server closure and thus I will contribute some blog post for this game. While it probably won't change the ultimate fate of Final Gear, at very least the google search for this series won't be completely saturated by Garbage.

Baowang Model 3rd Party Pose+ Gaogaigar

 China surprised people yet again with their Diecast Toys yet again! Though this time, it is a knockoff from an already existing model from Artstorm Pose+ series made by a Chinese Manufacturer called Baowang which its chinese name translated into "Explosive King". Originally cost 58000 Yen, Baowang Model apparently able to sell this product for 598 RMB which is roughly 1/5th of the original product cost, while it is not certain if the replica will hold the water compared to the original counterpart, the pricing is good enough to catch people's attention.

Compared to the SOC Counterpart, POSE+ version looks more Heroic with increased amount of details compared to the toyish counterpart and Baowang certainly capitalise the unfulfilled demand for this product due to pricing and limited availability. I won't be surprised if Baowang will consider move onto Amakuni's Gaogaigar Diecast toys should they have nobody going after them with this stunt.

Realm of Darkness 1 million visit milestone

This will be a short post, but 14 years is such a long way for sure and I would like to say thank you for everyone to make this obscure blog made it this far! What started as a pet project of mine in College days is still going strong despite I don't have as much time due to my professional commitment but i am still grateful that my passion toward mecha has not die down yet which keeps this blog still updated to this day. To be honest, maybe Realm of Darkness could reach this milestone way earlier should I chose the mainstream path, but sticking true myself is one of the reason that motivate me to keep this blog going.

To celebrate this fortituous moment, I shall be reviving the mechatalk section in some limited fashion in near future, so stay in tune! Once again I would like to say thank you for making this blog reach this point.

Hollow Knight Nendoroid 2195 The Knight

 From one of the best modern Metroidvania game, Hollow Knight at long last joining Nendoroid lineup with the main protagonist The Knight heading into the fray along with Hornet! Scheduled for November 2023 release, Nendoroid Knight will be sold for 6400 Yen Price Tag.

 In Hollow Knight, The Knight is a silent main protagonist who wander to once great Bug Kingdom of Hallownest to confront whatever that causes the blight that lay ruin upon the kingdom. Equipped with  small yet trusty nailsword, The Knight will undergo a great journey facing many adversaries for its quest. Hollow Knight is one of the top tier Metroidvania out there because it is one of the successful game that incorporates the best part of Dark Soul's Dark Fantasy element into its game and not many able to achieve this feat. The Knight's Nendoroid sculpt and accessories appears rather simple but I think the articulation could be better than typical Nendoroids. I will definitely get the Hollow Knight and will look forward to Dead Cell Nendoroid too to make my Metroidvania set collection more merrier.

Fate/Grand Order Nendoroid 2190 Lancer/Melusine

 GSC really do try to capitalise FGO product release with Global server timing. After the Fey Queen Morgan early this month, Tam Lin Lancelot aka Melusine joining the fray. Dressed in her 2nd Ascension form, Nendoroid Melusine will be scheduled for December 2023 release with 7200 Yen Price tag.

 During her first release in FGO JP 2 years ago, Melusine quickly become the fan's favorite being a complete package of Ideal Japanese waifu, as a petite legal loli that comes with tons of interesting traits. Lore wise Melusine is the human form of Albion Dragon who joined Fey Queen Morgan as one of her fairy knight, claiming the title Lancelot. Among Chaldea Servants, Melusine is easily one of the most powerful non-divine servants boasting capability in high speed aerial combat. Just like her Pan-human counterpart, Melusine does not hesitate to NTR her queen being infatuated with Gudao and always seek opportunities for skinship claiming that Dragon needs body warmth which makes one of her strongest selling point. I could see someday Melusine can be released as Figma in her 1st ascension but I am willing to double dip should she willing to visit my Chaldea just like Morgan.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Black Templars Marshal Helbrecht

  Joytoy is releasing yet another named character from Space Marine factions and this time is the Black Templar's Chapter Master himself, Marshall Helbrecht! Leading the ever crusading Black Templar Chapter with his badass Teutonic Knight themed Power Armor, Marshall Helbrecht will be scheduled for September 2023 release with 72 USD price tag.

 Joytoy version of Helbrecht comes with Wargears expected from Chapter Master, ranging from Combi Melta, Rogal Dorn's Power Sword and Artificer armor complete with Iron Halo. Among named Space Marine, Marshall Helbrecht is a big deal because he have plenty share of combat encounters with High Profile Xenos like Storm Lord Imotekh, Warboss Ghazghkull and plenty of other Xenos while leading the largest Space Marine chapter which are on constant crusade. If you notice the detail, Marshall Helbrecht's right arm is prosthetic due to losing a duel with Imotekh at some point which Helbrecht decide to pursue vengeance with extreme prejudice. You definitely won't get into trouble with this Bald Chapter Master who leads one of the angriest Space Marine from the Imperium. In any case Helbrecht is a must get if you are a Black Templar Collector.

John Wick: Chapter 4 MAFEX 1/12 John Wick

  Medicom return again for John Wick's latest movie with their Mafex rendition, The Legendary Hitman returns in the 3rd Rendition of Mafex. Sold for 11880 Yen, Mafex John Wick Chapter 4 will be scheduled for February 2024 release.

 Compared to the previous John Wick's Mafex, the Chapter 4 is kinda a miss because of the weird selection of weapons that Medicom decided to be included into this product. John Wick's reputation as Legendary Hitman who are hired to kill the Boogeyman is renowned for his deadly Marksmanship skill but for some reason this Mafex decide to include way more melee weapons than necessary which I will attach the pic at the end of this post. It wouldn't have been a big issue if Medicom had decided include one of those Dragon Breath Rifle which is just a plain blunder. Perhaps Medicom is taking considerations that the collectors will just scavenge from the previous John Wick Mafex but problem is not everyone have them. In any case this stupid issue can be somewhat still fixed easily as 1/12 Rifles and Shotguns are relatively plentiful.

Cangdao Models 1/100 Metal Build Tianwei TG01

 Cangdao Models is another rising star in Chinese toys industry which gained some fame through its Metal Slug Tank Robot Diecast Toys last year but it is now ready to make another big leap with its new product. Dubbed as Tianwei-01, from what it appears Cangdao is claiming to make a Metal Build toys just right under 300 RMB which is literally 1/4 or 1/5th of regular Bandai Metal Builds, If Cangdao live up to its promise it would be quite something, though i won't be surprised if it is one of those Model Kits with Diecast Frame.

At the first Glance, Tianwei Metal Build resemble much with Strike Gundam IWSP/Lightning Pack but it obviously include bits and pieces from other Gundam like God Gundam's armguard. Seriously it would be a steal if you can get a Protagonist Mecha diecast toys for mere 300 RMB though I won't put much that hope.

Genshin Impact Apex Toys 1/7 Kamisato Ayaka - Frostflake Heron ver

 Genshin Impact may have felt a little slow lately, but fans finally have something exciting to look forward to: Kamisato Ayaka is getting her own premium scale figure. Scheduled for release in September 2024, the elegant princess of the Kamisato Clan will receive a stunning 1/7 scale figure from APEX-TOYS, priced at 22,000 yen.

Based on her iconic summon illustration artwork, Ayaka looks just as graceful in figure form as she does in-game. She is posed mid-motion, raising her fan as if preparing one of her Cryo techniques or performing a refined dance. The sculpt captures her elegance beautifully, from the flowing details of her outfit to her poised expression.

Pacific Rim Infinity Studio Heavy Mecha Crimson Typhoon

  Abandoned by Bandai, Once classic Mecha vs Kaiju series Pacific Rim got a second chance by an unlikely player which is Premium Statue Studio known as Infinity Studio. Having some High-end premium statue for both western movie and Japanese anime series, this Shanghai based hobby company decided to make a big break into Diecast Toys with Chinese Jaeger Crimson Typhoon as their first entry with luxury treatment of 30 Cm Diecast Robot. Scheduled for Q1 2024, Infinity Studio version of Crimson Typhoon will be sold for around 1400 RMB.

Based on the sample product, Infinity Studio Crimson Typhoon does look excellent in terms of Sculpt given the track record of their portfolio, the big question still lies on the Articulation considering their perceived lack of experience in this aspect. This will decide whether this product will be highly sought after or forgotten upon release. Crimson Typhoon is a natural first choice of this company with its China origin and many people quite like this Jaeger despite jobbing rather badly in the movie due to Hollywood practice that Non USA protagonist will not have the spotlight. Personally I am still waiting for Striker Eureka which remained my favorite but might dip in to encourage this company to be motivated into releasing the rest of Jaeger. I wonder if Bandai will going to make any counterattack on this move by Chinese company

Aura Battler Dunbine Metal Build Dragon Scale Sirbine

 The awaited moment for Fantasy mecha fan albeit one with a bummer. The legendary bug knight mecha, Sirbine finally ready to make its appearance once again in Diecast form as Metal Build Dragon Scale lineup. Unfortunately Bandai think it is funny to release it as P-Bandai making the life for Global collector even harder. Seriously they could release less known Ryujinmaru as regular release but decided Sirbine to be P-Bandai for the lulz. Scheduled for October 2023 release, Metal Build Sirbine will sold for 27000 Yen.

This version of Sirbine is pretty much the carbon copy of the Robot Damashii version with even more drip with Gold gildings all over the joints and armor part. Unfortunately this one doesn't come with a shield despite the Side AB Robot Damashii version could come with one which just indicate some contempt or envy by certain Bandai Boomer Exec toward this mecha design which arguably one the best design by Izubuchi. People might Yutaka Izubuchi Sensei for Nu Gundam and Sazabi but his Sirbine and Tetsukyojin just takes the cake for me personally. In any case any veteran fantasy mecha fans would not want to miss this Silver Knight if they are able to afford it.

Jigokuraku - Hell's Paradise

 

 Another manga series that got hyped recently with the new anime treatment and it is still a decent ride despite the story felt having more artificial flavor on it. Jigokuraku is a Supernatural battle manga taking an Edo setting with a Young Male Ninja and Female Samurai executioner as the main protagonists. The main premise of Jigokuraku is about a group of dangerous death-row convicts accompanied by Samurai executioners sent to a mysterious island allegedly inhabited by Chinese immortals to retrieve the secret of immortality. In search of this so-called immortality the main protaganist among these groups will encounter plenty of life-and-death fights amidst the serene yet surreal hellish landscape befitting the title of the manga.

Using Chinese theme of immortality as the main plot mover, Jigokuraku would be a fusion result of Kimetsu no Yaiba and Chainsawman, especially I felt the Jigokuraku tried its best to match up the gorefest of the Latter but short of doing so. Compared to other manga that I have read, upon finishing reading up this manga, Jigokuraku is reek of the stench of direct interference by Publishers. Just like Kimetsu no Yaiba, Jujutsu Kaisen and other mainstream manga series, the publishers tried their utmost to impose the "tried-and-tested" formulas to groom Jigokuraku into a series fit for mainstream consumption so that Manufacturers can milk the merchandise out of it. What I don't like about this trend is that majorityof Future manga series will be forcibly to fit in into the mold if they want the opportunity to get big, probably because Publishers are not too amused with Famous Mangakas with had too much leeway on their work with Hunter X Hunter hiatus being the notorious example. In any case i just pity the Japanese manga industry if they are going in this direction.

Joytoy 1/18 Sorrow Expeditionary Forces Tyrant Mecha 02

 A Heavy Duty entry for Joytoy original collection, while it is just a repaint of existing product this one is well worth it. Coming in Black Color Scheme, 1/18 Tyrant Mecha made it back again in its Diecast glory and just like the previous one, this one will be sold for 150 USD with Q3-Q4 release date.

 In terms of accessories, Tyrant 02 is exactly the same with Tyrant 01 but the black color scheme make this guy looks sleeker for sure. As an owner of the Tyrant 01 Mecha, I will assure you that you will enjoy the Diecast quality of this guy for something half price of present Metal Build, the sheer weight of this thing just makes it worth the money. While 1/18 Tyrant Mecha might not be the best Diecast toy you can get, It will be the best one for its price tag.