Hexagear 1/18 Blauregen

 
 I always happy if there are any Hexagear products that caught my attention. Usually I only care about the Humanoid mechas of the lineup but this one truly eyecatching. Personally I never care about the 1/18 scale pilot model kit because of its price point, but this is one of the instance that Kotobukiya make good reuse of their existing lineup. Enter Hexa Blauregen which is a bundle of Governor Spartan and Sieg Springer with some alteration. Scheduled for January 2026 release, Hexagear Blauregen will be sold for 6800 Yen.

 Blauregen literally meaning Blue Rain in German really captures a futuristic mechanical knight and its steed. For some reason it just has more attractive charms compared to the regular version of Springer and Governer Spartan. Perhaps some minor alteration on the Steed that looks more aggressive while at the same time look more imposing, Personally, I always like Kotobukiya's Hexagear lineup that could come up with some cool futuristic high fantasy mecha team even though declining Japan capability really hinders this series potential alot. I will also look forward to the future collab with Moshow for the V-Thors

GITS OVA Hyper Body 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi

 
 It has been about one year since the passing of veteran seiyuu Atsuko Tanaka who is the centrepiece of Ghost in the Shell series. A coincidence or not, Major Motoko got an action figure just right around for 1 year memorial period. This time it is a Hyperbody lineup featuring her design from GiTS 90s OVA. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Hyperbody Motoko Kusanagi OVA ver will be sold for 10900 Yen price tag.

I think the decision to render this particular version of Major Motoko was no coincidence at all and can be seen as proper respect for Atsuko Tanaka in supporting GiTS to be a first rate Japanese Cyberpunk series. I did watch GiTS OVA more than a decade ago, while I didn't remember much the Motoko rendition in this OVA is quite different than SAC. Major Motoko is less playful in her OVA depiction and more mindful with her circumstances as cyborg drifting between the identity as human or machine. The scene of her fight with Tachikoma tank in the OVA still left me quite an impression as Motoko disregards the critical damage toward her body to dispatch the enemy. 

This Hyperbody certainly a good choice for GiTS fans who wish to have more expensive collection, as for myself I am still waiting for Major Motoko SAC rendition in her Leotard costume or combat uniform that comes with half decent sculpt. 

Howlingstar x Earnestcore Craft CZ-011B Kishin Colada

 
 Chinese manufacturers ability to take corrective measure always amaze me. From the manufacturer of Kishin Nebula model kit with the help of Earnestcore Craft, they come up with a very kickass mecha design. Dubbed as Kishin Colada, this model kit certainly will give Japanese modellers a run for their money when it comes to value for money. Scheduled for Q2 2026, Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft Kishin Colada will be sold for 339 RMB price tag.

The Gattai Mugen Gattai Gurren Dan Lagann Review

 
 A short review featuring my collection from 2 years ago from Gurren Lagann series. I might not be particularly big Gurren Lagann fan mainly due to obnoxious fanboy I encountered during my younger times, but I do admit the merit of the series as well-made Super Robot series despite I find some of the aspects were way too over the top.As such I consider Gurren Lagann to be worthy to join my mecha collections and in the end I picked The Gattai Gurren Dan Lagann.

Fruity Robo Yilichuangwan Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape

 
 Missed this one last month but, Yilichuangwan did release their 5th and 6th entry for Fruity Robo protagonist mecha with two Fruity Robot released concurrently. After Pineapple, Apple, Mandarin and Strawberry we got ourselves Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape. Scheduled for Q3 2025 release both Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape will be sold for 99 RMB.

Apparently forming the foot parts of Fruity Wargod, both Peach Surfer and Turbo Grape are agile type dual wielding melee weapon mecha filling in the Rogue class archetype. Peach surfer wields dual dagger while Turbo Grape uses tonfa, not a coincidence both are released at the same time since they complement each other quite well. While I thought Yilichuangwan had finished their Fruity Wargod, I think they still have one more to go as there is a Blue fruity robo that will form the lower torso. Quite sure there will additional parts for the necessary Combiner mode released along the last entry for Fruity Wargod

Legend of Heroes Gagharv Mobile Global Server EOS announcement

 Well, the inevitable fate for Gagharv Mobile has finally arrived. Yesterday Gagharv Mobile dev announced the End-of-Service notice for this game's global server after running for one year. Gagharv Mobile will officially close the Global server on September 24th 2025. After the closure, Gagharv Mobile will only focus on Korea and East Asia server and apparently Global server players have the option to migrate to Korea server with their existing account.

G Gundam HG 1/144 Mandala Gundam

 
 Gunpla High Grade are never in my strike zone but from time to time I do highlight the ones that catch my attention like this particular Gundam from G Gundam series. when it comes to G Gundam mecha designs, the series really stood apart from its peers with its unique mecha design featuring Japanese 90s stereotypes of other nations as Gundam. While I have expected Shuffle Alliance Gundams to make it as model kits, I never expected Mandala Gundam makes it as P-Bandai HG while Bolt Gundam haven't got one yet. Scheduled for November 2025 release, HG Mandala Gundam will be sold for 2650 Yen.

Not too long ago, Chinese Hobby Manufacturers showcased their prototype of Devil Gundam, whether coincidence or not Bandai revealed Mandala Gundam in return. Among G Gundam mechas, Mandala is probably the weirder designs to me along with Mermaid and Nether gundam. But never underestimate this fellow, because he is one of the stronger secondary character in the series that even give Domon a trouble.

As expected for its P-Bandai status, the effect parts and the gimmick are impressive. I even forgot that Mandala Gundam had the chonky bronze bell form which gave rather weird impression. While It takes a person quite some time and abit of acquired taste to appreciate G Gundam designs, the mechas from this series do have quite some personality and the anime series do try make the designs to be believable. Would look forward to Bolt and Tequila Gundam and I think G Gundam sequel would be a great opportunity for Sunrise to create better Gundam designs based on nation stereotypes.

Genesis Climber Mospeada Pose+ Metal 1/28 Legioss

 
 Of all underrated mecha series, never expected Mospeada got some luxurious treatment on the courtesy by Artstorm. As a result, we got ourselves 1/28 scale Legioss made out of diecast parts standing 33cm. By far this got to be the largest rendition of Legioss with the complete transformation gimmick. Scheduled for May 2026 release, Pose+ Metal Legios will be sold for whopping 72500 Yen SRP.

It can't be understated the feat pulled off by Artstorm to create a masterpiece product for often overlooked Macross distant cousin. They could just make popular Diecast products for Yuusha series like Gaogaigar, but they devote their effort for Mospeada instead. This rendition of Legioss gotta be the most elaborate we have so far. This 1/28 Legioss are not merely the largest transformable rendition of Mospeada's protagonist mecha but it also comes with elaborate internal structure for certain parts of the mecha. Not to mention Pose+ Metal Legioss comes with elaborate cockpit gimmick along with 1/28 Stigg in his Bike Power Armor. No need for elaborate bike power armor when the mecha cockpit gimmick are so intricate. 

If I had the money to burn, I would have highly considering obtaining this product but since I can't get one without tearing my wallet, I will have to be content with my Sentinel Legioss and Moshow Mospeada instead. This pose+ Legioss truly a crown jewel for any Mospeada fans who have the money to spend but of all things why sword accessories though? 

Rozen Maiden Nendoroid Shinku 2.0

 
 Rozen Maiden is not exactly popular series as it used to given the decline of Japan Pop Culture industry, but it doesn't mean that GSC can't make any merchandise this once beloved series. Given how old the first iteration is, Goodsmile decide to give Shinku a Nendoroid 2.0 treatment! As expected, this one cost much more compared to the past series due to present economic circumstances of Japan but still have its share of merit. Scheduled for March 2026 release, Nendoroid Shinku will be sold in 2 versions; Regular for 7500 Yen and 13000 Yen for Deluxe.

Compared to the first incarnation of Nendoroid Shinku, the present iteration appears to cost three times more than the original version for some reason but there can be some justification on it. Given GSC effort on Nendoroid Doll Shinku, they find it would be a waste to have their sculpts sitting on the dust and thus reuse it for regular Nendoroid version. As a result, we got ourselves more expressive version of Shinku including her Tsundere expression which look adorable. 

But what catches my attention is the vintage Suitcase rendition of Shinku 2.0 iteration. The first version of Nendoroid Shinku came with this suitcase accessory for relatively cheaper price but this one had its own merit. The first Nendoroid Shinku suitcase was way smaller that a Nendoroid cannot fit in, but this one able to fully enclose a Nendoroid which have wide use of application. I reckon the suitcase can fit in a Nendoroid Doll which is the version of my Shinku and even can fit 3 Nendoroid in the open mode. Hopefully Suigintou or Suiseiseki can follow up in the future.

Megaman Battle Network 3: Blue Version

 It can't be understated how Megaman Battle Network series played a significant part in my teenage years yet the sentiment is not properly conveyed in this blog despite already being around for quite some time. As such I will talk abit more about MMBN series with my gateway to the series Megaman Battle Network 3 which I had Blue version for my first copy. There is a famous saying; Third Time is the charm and MMBN3 perfectly fits the sentiment

Blokees Transformers Galaxy 1-4 Review

 Around last year I got the opportunity to sample some Blokees Transformers myself. As such I bought several Blokees vol 1-4 and want to see the deal behind this Chinese blindbox that become global sensation. Overall my experience for the Blindbox purchase is rather mixed because I got several dupes especially Vol.3.

Regardless of my not so pleasant experience with the random Blokees Blindbox, in terms of product quality, Blokees Transformers is unquestionable. Their products serve as showcase for high quality mass produced consumer products that can only be accomplished with China current technology capability. These blokees product can easily give Bandai Candy Toys a run for their money and pound by pound, not even Gundam Ensembles able to win out this one.

This review will feature 9 Transformers Blokees collection that I got from Vol 1-4 along with Blokees Marvel Blindbox that I got from a particular encounter with this brand. Given the awful randomness of Blokees Galaxy could be and my attachment toward Transformers series, I will most likely stick with Blokees Defenders lineup which the whole set easily obtainable for a price of several Blokees Transformers Galaxy.

Fruity Robo Yilichuangwan Demon Claw

 
Just as Yilichuangwan Fruity Robo original model kit lineup for the Fruity War God completed its run, for some reason they decide to release the model kit for what appears to be the antagonist of the series. This one called Demon Claw is quite cool and actually a Combiner unit like the protagonist mechas. Scheduled for Q3 2025 release, Yilichuangwan Demon Claw will be sold for 119 RMB Price tag.

If Fruity Robo protagonist mecha has close resemblance with B-Daman Mecha especially Bakugaiden V versions, the antagonists at least for demon claw bear close resemblance with Mashin Wataru aesthetics. Demon Claw itself has a very cool design being Anti-hero mecha that comes with Cape and armed with Katana and Shiled as its weapon. Apparently Demon Claw is part of combiner mecha as well and form the leg part. At later point I will probably dig further on this fella's background.

Metal Cardbot SAMG Sky Gallop

  One of the SAMG Product that caught my attention from Metal Cardbot series which was released earlier than the Dino Miniforce series. This particular Korean mecha series apparently a Police Force themed mecha series which features Mecha designs that heavily resemble several Yuusha series, namely J-Decker. Out of this lineup, one that caught my attention is Sky Gallop and this one was sold for 62500 Won or around 6000 Yen.

On first glance Sky Gallop is a transformable Jumbo Jet mecha which are common occurence in Yuusha series. But what makes this one special is that It has a Centaur mecha form which is definitely homage to Pegasus Saber from Da Garn series complete with Bow like weapon. But unlike Pegasus Saber which consist of 4 Mechas, Sky Gallop is only a single mecha unit which essentially what if Da Garn's Jumbo Saber got Centaur legs. I really do hope SAMG could consider proper international distribution channel since their products are way too cool to be only available for Korea consumer market.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Cypher

 
 When you thought Joytoy is done with Dark Angels, they release another famous character for the First Founding Space Marines! Unlike the previous entries, Joytoy spiced up the lineup with Dark Angel's Fallen and Cypher got the honor for being the first member to make it as action figure. Scheduled for October 2025 release, Joytoy 1/18 Chapter will be sold for 70 USD SRP.

Dark Angels despite being seen as the most Knightly Space Marine chapter, holds a dark secret they kept hidden at all cost which originated from Horus Heresy era. During the Horus Heresy, a fraction of the Dark Angels decide to defect under provocation of Luther, Lion El Johnson's former mentor as they have abandonment issues with their Primarch and call themselves the Fallen. The Fallen have complicated issues with Imperium as they are not really bowing to Chaos servitude despite being renegade chapter and hunting them down had been the main priority of Dark Angels inner circle.

Cypher is arguably the most famous character out of Fallen, being very talented in his role as Clandestine Space Marine and his secretive nature makes him effectively Altair equivalent from Assasins Creed. At time he assisted Imperium for no reason and other times he undermine them for unknowable reason and he always carried a giant sword on his back simply known as Lion Sword for certain reason and had an agenda to reach Terra and meet Emperor. In battle he dual-wields Mastercrafted Plasma Pistol and Bolter with deadly efficiency but never use the Lion Sword for some reason.

Given Joytoy strict adherence to Games Workshop adaptation rules, It really appears that the Lion Sword prop in this one won't be removable which is a dealbreaker for a 40k Joytoy action figure at 70 USD price tag. Given this turn of circumstance, I won't likely get this version despite having soft spot for Dark Angels and will keep a close tab on next Joytoy's Fallen/Risen lineup. But I am quite sure that Joytoy community will have a work around for Cypher's irremovable Lion Sword.

Arknights Apex Toys 1/7 Pepe Nuit of the Nightsky ver

 
 Arknights have plenty of top operators waifu to choose from for PVC figure candidate but this one quite surprise me! Of all waifu operators that are still waiting for their turn, Pepe mades it for Apex 1/7 PVC figure treatment with her Nuit of the Nightsky skin. Scheduled for November 2026 release, Apex 1/7 Pepe Nightsky will be sold for 23000 yen price tag.

Pepe being a limited 6* Guard operator certainly have a good shot to get PVC figure treatment. But I am just very surprised that a rendition of her new skin that was released not too long ago in CN server got very quick PVC figure treatment, usually not even many operator got such swift treatment matching up the breakneck pace of Nikke. 

Pepe's illustrator, Namie is one of the more influential individual among many talented Arknights designer so her influence likely have to do with this turn of affair. However the original illustration of Pepe's Nightsky skin is impressive indeed and not too surprised if it will make it as PVC figure, just didn't expect it to be that fast. 

Personally, I didn't have much impression from Pepe even if I had her as her status as new Guard operator is easily overshadowed by her dominant seniors. All I know is that she is a Royalty of a Sargonian kingdom who travel incognito with Rhodes Island and have relatively cheeky personality and also voiced by Machico who often voiced waifu characters with peppy personality.