Deus Machina Demonbane Moderoid Liber Legis

Once popular Mecha VN series, Demonbane is getting some love once again! apart from the Pop Up Parade Al-Azif finally we got a Moderoid for the Main Antagonist Deus Machina. Liber Legis! Compared to other Moderoid so far this one is one of the more special as well. Scheduled for April 2025, Moderoid Liber Legis will be sold for 9500 Yen.

 In Demonbane series, Liber Legis is literally the Final Boss mecha piloted by Master Therion and his Grimoire Etheldreda. In Zanma Taisei, Demonbane have to face this guy almost everytime and Kurou Daijuuji struggle to stay alive whenever this guy make any appearance. While Master Therion could have destroyed Demonbane right at the onset of the series, Master Therion seems content to let his Antricross lackeys to face Kurou most of the time. Given Demonbane's current popularity, I suppose it won't be anytime soon that Liber Legis will get any Hagane Works but I am still waiting for one despite Liber Legis comes almost everything to replicate this imposing final boss mech in the VN.quite well. Instead I will just hope there will be more of the Demonbane Waifus coming in Pop Up Parade format.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Soletta Orihime

 5th Heroine Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk is here and we are finally getting to the New Heroines starting with Half Italian-Japanese Ojou-sama, Soletta Orihime. Given her new heroine status in ST2, Orihime is given quite a preferential treatment in the game to elevate her already Top tier character design. On top of that I have to say Orihime Character theme is easily the best in Sakura Taisen 2 as well as in whole Sakura Wars series. Overall Orihime's route can be prickly like a Rose at first but the payoff for the player's patience with this particular tsundere heroine will be just as good, as Sakura Taisen prepares a fairy-tale like experience for Orihime route which this article going to try to provide a glimpse.

June 2024 Loot

 Quantitatively not as much as the previous batch but got plenty of Heavy Duties in this one! Having a decent paying job to support your hobby do make a big difference indeed as the stuffs kept coming on weekly basis. Overall most of the stuffs are still from Preorders but I bought Masterpiece Soundwave and MS General Greed on retail rate. The most Eye-catching of the bunch is obviously the MS General Greed Mecha Musume model kit which pretty much cost half of the Kotobukiya version that is currently on preorder. However the most valuable item in this haul is obviously the Sentinel Compatible Kaiser which just got shipped along with the G-Thunder this month which the price of this set still surpass everything else combined from this haul. Also I got myself 3 of the SMC Sluban Brick Model kit in this haul which is on other picture as I simply don't have space to spare for these gigantic Chinese made products.

LOGH Digsta Yang Wenli Scale Figure

 Even as Die Neue These able to continue LOGH series legacy and become somewhat well respected series on its own. To this day, The Original OVA is still more well regarded and end up the recipient of new merchandises by Japanese Manufacturer. After Kotobukiya tried their chances couple years ago, It is the turn of a particular figure manufacturer called Digsta to try their luck with LOGH. After announcing their version of Reinhard von Lohengramm early this year, they are now ready to continue with the Free Planet Alliance best Admiral, Yang Wenli the Magician! Scheduled for November 2024, this non scale figure of Yang Wenli will be sold for 9900 Yen.

While the effort is praiseworthy for making LOGH Scale Figure as affordable as possible, Digsta's version is quite a miss due to glaringly worse sculpt quality compared to Kotobukiya. This is why their Reinhard PVC figure got overlooked by me despite their well intentioned effort. In any case this will be still an acceptable collectible for LOGH Collectors that miss the kotobukiya version considering these stuffs fetch rather exorbitant price in Japanese aftermarket like the Die Neue These Nendoroid which fetch for 30000 Yen price tag. Hopefully there will be another manufacturer to take on LOGH considering I wouldnt mind to double dip for Die Neue These Yang Wenli Scale Figure.

Joytoy Rome Republic Legionary - Strife

 After making so many 40k, Modern Military and Titanfall mech products, Joytoy is now ready to expand their portfolio to Ancient period starting with Rome period! Instead of starting with the Post-Marian Reform Legionary prototype that they have early this year, Joytoy will decide to start with Republican era Legionary with the first series simply dubbed -Strife- featuring Five different variants of Rome Legionaire. Scheduled for Q3 2024 release, this Strife series also has collectors edition available for 200 USD.

Overall the Joytoy Strife Rome Legion series is not exactly the best set for Army building due to glaring lack of Historical accuracy that will easily trigger a self-respecting Rome fanboy due to mismatch of equipment choice. Some of the glaring inaccuracies for instance are the full use of Lorica Musculata / Muscle Cuirass which are too expensive for typical Republican era Rome Legionary and the pairing of Scutum and Spear. This one would be really a slap in the face if Joytoy claim this set as Pre-Marian Rome Legion which still use Triplex Acies combat doctrine. However this one is still passable if one counts it as a Hybrid Greek Auxiliary type of Rome Legion.  I would say Joytoy put more emphasis on Rules of Cool as they still likely prioritize the Chinese market thus making such polarizing stunt. 

Regardless of the glaring Historical inaccuracies, this particular set is still good collectible especially If you ever consider customization option and personally I am still willing to support the lineup if it means that Joytoy able to make some action figure for Aurelian someday. To close this article, I will leave the reference picture for the collector set.

Monster Hunter Portable 3 Damtoys 1/6 Yukumo Hunter

 Another pleasant surprise for Monster Hunter fans though this one took on rather unexpected angle! Off all things we are getting 1/6 action figure produced by Damtoys in the collaboration with Nauts for Monster Hunter series. As parts of their first release, Damtoys will be making some stuff from MHP3 and MH World which this article will focus on the former. For MHP3, Damtoys will be releasing Yukumo Armor Hunter set available for both gender and regular & deluxe version. Scheduled for Late 2024/Early 2025 1/6 Yukumo Hunter will be sold for 225 USD and 315 USD for Regular and Deluxe version respectively.

The Deluxe version comes with 3 additional items which are Stand Base, Yukumo SnS weapon and Turtle pet which is not exactly the best add-on version. While not as famous as Hottoys, Damtoys had been in the 1/6 Scale Figure business for quite a long time usually making 1/6 Military themed Action figures. Therefore it is quite a surprise that Damtoys decide to pick up Monster Hunter franchise and make something good out of it. This product release implies that Capcom is starting to take some humble pie and put some lax when it comes to leasing out Monster Hunter franchise because MH as a series had been on downward slope over past few years.

Overall Damtoys Yukumo Hunter captures the image of a wandering samurai quite well despite the face expression is rather stiff. Regardless it is still a pleasure for long time MH-fans to see one of the more special MH Starter armor getting a physical release after almost 15 years since its appearance in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd trailer. I suppose Yukumo Hunter become Damtoys earlier picks despite plenty of other popular choices is due their experience in making fabric based clothing which is what the majority of Yukumo armor made off. In any case I do hope Damtoys will keep working on the MH IP and i think they could make some decent 1/6 Kirin Female Hunter with their experience.

Arknights Myethos 1/7 Theresa - Civilight Aeterna

 As Arknights Chapter 14 Main story landed on Arknights CN server, Myethos is certainly swift to work on the main actress of that particular chapter which is no other than Theresa! The former compatriot of Doctor and Kaltsit when Rhodes Island was still known as Babel whose fate become the catalyst of the current Arknights storyline. Scheduled for December 2024, Theresa 1/7 Scale figure will be sold for 27000 Yen.

 Theresa is a gentle Sarkaz High Rank nobility who strived for a noble goal for her race who is constantly persecuted on Terra. She is one of the few individual who gained full trust of Kaltsit and Sarkaz Mercenary W which the tragic fate that befall on Theresa greatly affect them. On top of that, Theresa had rather special bond with Doctor who even willing to be a very ruthless yet effective army commander to help Theresa reaching her noble goal. However prior to his resurrection from Sarcophagus, things did go south as Theresa died and it appears that Doctor played some role in it which hopefully Chapter 14 will shed more light on it. In CN server, Theresa - Civilight Aeterna is a 6* Supporter class operator who is available for players once they complete Chapter 14 though from what I can gather, she is not the exact Theresa from the Babel days.

If it is Skadi, I would have been willing to fork out 27000 Yen for her PVC figure, thus this one is a skip despite I am interested with Theresa as a character. So I will be waiting for Theresa's Nendoroid instead along with Muelsyse whom got a premium PVC figure as well recently.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics

 Few days ago Capcom dropped a whole lot pleasant surprise especially for those who grew up in Arcade game era as we are getting Marvel vs Capcom fighting game collection! For this particular collection of theirs, Capcom doesn't cut any corners and goes straight for the jugular offering 7 Marvel x Capcom collab games which are some of the Crown jewels in the Arcade games golden era including the popular Marvel vs Capcom & Marvel vs Capcom 2! Estimated for Q4 release, Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection will be also available in Physical Release for PS4 & Nintendo Switch.

 Among many Capcom's classic collections, Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection is one of the most special case and Capcom really make the most out of the IP Lease renewal. One cannot understate This Marvel x Capcom collection, because It literally take almost 30 years for this collection to be realized despite Capcom doing most of the legwork. Perhaps this possibly one of the best Capcom Classics collection could happen because the Marvel IP holder in question need some money after squandering so much to gratify their so-called Vanities. Hopefully this could pave ways for other Capcom collab Arcade works like Alien vs Predator or Cadillacs & Dinosaurs to see some re-release. Personally still hoping for another re-release of Chronicles of Mystara.

Of all 7 Marvel x Capcom games, I have played 6 out of 7 which I played PS1 version of Marvel vs Capcom the most. I still remember fondly crashing in my Friend's place to play this game using Megaman or Warmachine most of the time. I forgot the exact one but I most likely never get to play Xmen vs Street Fighter as the arcade cabinets that my local arcade have goes straight to Marvel vs Street Fighter which Omega Red served as the worst opponent I ever faced in that game. While most of the available game in this collection are Fighting games, Capcom also include Punisher Beat em Up game as part of the IP renewal agreement which is a decent beat-em-ups on its own too. While I am never particularly good at fighting game, I will definitely get the physical copy just to relieve some of the best part of my Childhood. Lastly through this turn of event, I just realize that Arcade Game Avengers in Galactic Storm was not part of Capcom's Marvel repertoire and was made by DataEast back then.

Mechatalk Sakura Wars: Sakura Taisen 2 - Li Kohran

 We are now truly Halfway through the Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk series! This time the Heroine who gets the turn is yet another one of more underrated heroine just like Kanna and actually one of the most invaluable member of Teikoku Kagekidan when it comes to support, Li Kohran! In Sakura Taisen 2, Kohran is actually one of the original Teikoku Kagekidan member that is given more opportunity to be fleshed out and unexpectedly have one of the better ending. So let's use the opportunity of this Mechatalk article to see what Sakura Taisen 2 had in store for this Genius scientist of Teikoku Kagekidan.

Ghost in the Shell SAC Hiyatoys 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi

  Almost 2 decades since GitS Stand Alone Complex has aired and ever since there have already been plenty of Major Motoko merchandise available including the action figure. However a proper action figure for Major Motoko in her iconic getup of Leotard + Jacket have been rather scarce to this day even if there were any it was likely coming in limited run. Then recently another Manufacturer called Hiyatoys is trying to fill in the demand gap with their 1/12 Action Figure take on this particular iconic version of Major Motoko. Scheduled for June 2025 Release, 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi will be sold for 90 USD or 14500 Yen Price tag.

Given the track record of Hiyatoys which specialised ini Movie Action Heroes and Kaiju based products, their take on Motoko Kusanagi is quite a miss. While the gimmicks and accessories which include removable jackets are more than good enough, The action figure for the Motoko are still too stiff and lack the overall "smoothness" that the Figma rendition that other versions of Motoko had. This is quite expected given the lack of experience that Hiya Toys had for female action figures and It would have been better If they had built up some more experience before tackling on this best version of Motoko. Since I just got into Cyberpunk series recently, I think GiTS would benefit alot if they ever get a collab with this massive series which hopefully CD Projekt could whip up some quality products for the next title.

Mobility Joint Gundam Vol 8

 

 After some stupid PR stunts pulled by Bandai for Gundam SEED Freedom Metal Robot Spirits product last week. At very least there are some sensible Bandai Department remaining to clean up the mess. Continuing Gundam SEED Freedom roster from the Vol.7, Mobility Gundam Vol.8 is coming with whole another level of treat for fans who are not willing to pay the absurd P-Bandai rate featuring plenty of penultimate mechs of the Gundam SEED Movie. Scheduled for October 2024 release, Mobility Joint Gundam Vol.8 will be sold for 6500 Yen.

Among Gundam Candy Toys lineup, I think the Bandai Team for Mobility Joint really have good sense of taste as they keep bringing quality products for the popular Gundam series Mobile suit unit with really minimum amount of BS compared to Gundam Ensemble. In Vol 8 we got ourselves Strike Freedom, Infinite Justice with their upgrade packs not to mention the main antagonist Cal-Re-A which is severely underrated. While Infinite justice will seems to be a dud, Mighty Strike and Cal-Re-A themselves will look quite promising. I don't really mind if Bandai continue with Seed series for Mobility Joint Vol.9 considering the lineup might as well wrap up with Destiny Gundam which is still the MVP from Gundam Seed Freedom and some Shi-Ve-A to chop down.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Lord Commander Dante

  Straight after Space Wolves, Joytoy is cooking something good yet again with Blood Angels! After being requested for so long, the Chapter Master of one of the more famous First Founding chapters, Blood Angels, Lord Commander Dante himself finally making his appearance in 1/18 Glory! Joytoy 1/18 Dante in his Primaris rendition will be scheduled for September 2024 release with 68 USD Price Tag.

Lord Commander Dante is one of the more special character in 40k not just because he is the Chapter Master of one of the more popular Space Marine chapters. Dante is literally one of the oldest surviving Space Marine who is not interred as dreadnought, serving The Imperium of Man and Blood Angels faithfully over 1600 Years. This is quite an achievement as Space Marines typically does not survive past 200 years despite being literal Demigod due to the horrors that humanity have to face in 40k Settings. Despite being one of the most revered figures in the Imperium, the lengthy millenia years of service has put a toll on Dante and deep down he look for a worthy battlefield to end his life which he almost found in Devastation of Baal, until Sanguinius himself interfere and revives Dante from his mortal wounds.

In tabletop, Dante appears to be a deadly high speed assault unit who tear Elite units which is reflected with his wargear consisting of his trusty Power Axe and Perdition Pistol. Dante is easily a must have for any Blood Angels collector and a really good addition of 40k named character for any Joytoy 40k collectors worth their salt. Considering that Dante has been released, We will likely get Sanguinius at some point within this year.

52 Toys 1/24 Scale Final Fight Action Figure

 Capcom beat em ups was one of the hottest thing back in early 90s but unfortunately the fire of this genre was not preserved particularly well to stand the test of time. But after Tenchi wo Kurau and Captain Commando series, 52Toys made it back to Capcom beat em ups with Final Fight series. Featuring the original 3 Protagonists Guy, Cody and Haggar; 52Toys are making 3.75 inch or roughly 1/24 Scale with 169 RMB Price tag. Scheduled for Q2 2024, 52 Toys Final Fight Action figure will be sold for 169 RMB each.

Given 52Toys production scale are not as big as Joytoy, It is a given that their Action Figure products cost higher considering the Qty produced and the IP Licensing cost. I would have gotten Guy at least if these are available normally since he is my favorite guy to use in Final Fight, at least his Alpha 3 version. I used to play Final Fight alot when I was in middle school on the GBA version which feature Alpha 3 Guy and Cody as the secret characters. Heck even if I can't get this version properly, I am still willing to get Storm Toys Guy in his Street Fighter getup.

Monster Hunter Rise Union Creative Hinoa & Minoto Scale Figure

 I might have parted my ways with Monster Hunter series few years as MH Rise being my last, considering the series has deviated too much up to my personal liking, however I still remember some fond memories with MH Rise even if the game is not my exact particular cup of tea. When it comes to Waifus however, MH Rise is no doubt is the top reigning one as they have Wyverian Twin Mikos, Hinoa and Minoto serving as the game's poster girl. Out of the blue, Union Creative decided to announce release for MH Rise Scale Figure for both Hinoa an Minoto that doesn't come with exact scale but will stand 27 cm tall! Scheduled for December 2024, Union Creative Hinoa & Minoto will be sold for 16000 Yen each.

In terms of value for money, these Union Creative figure for Monster Hunter waifu would have been a really good one if the figure really stands 27 cm considering Japanese scale figures are rather expensive nowadays. When it comes to MH Waifu, MH Tri series had some pretty good ones and I am quite fond of Tanzia Port Guild Sweetheart. But given my main strike zone is still mecha, these sort of figures are rather easy to overlook if it is not Pop Up Parade. Regardless I am confident that Hino and Minoto will be a good addition for MH Fans apart from collecting those Capcom Figure Builder.

MOSHOW MCT J-02 Progenitor Effect Illustrious Class 1/100 Takeda Shingen

Moshow brings out another surprise yet again! This time based on their old model which was in 1/72 scale, Takeda Shingen made a comeback as action figure! Based on Japanese famous Daimyo, The Tiger of Kai this version of Takeda Shingen will be standing 20 cm tall. While this version of Takeda doesn't come with Full Diecast like the more expensive version, It will still have Diecast Inner Frame and comes with plenty of Melee Weapon. This version of Progenitor Effect Takeda Shingen will be sold for 328 RMB and even cheaper if you have the membership in the Chinese Official Store and scheduled for Q3 2024.

While Chinese manufacturer is still lacking when it comes to Aesthetics department, their effort to produce cool looking Diecast Mecha are nothing to be trifled at as their price point are competitive enough to pose a threat for Bandai's Metal Build and even if personally not too big fan of the mech design are still interested to get the affordable version if available. I still have my Sluban Brick Model for Takeda Shingen which is still sitting around since I am not too eager to collect stuffs outside Super Mecha Champion at the moment but will see if the item is still around when this product joined my collection.