Super Robot Wars Super Minipla Hyperion

 Bandai has dropped yet another heavyweight from the SRW series. Following SRX and Astranagant, the next big-ticket mecha to join the Super Minipla lineup is none other than Hyperion. As expected from a P-Bandai release and given its sheer size, this is definitely going to be a wallet-breaker. At 27,200 yen with a scheduled release in November 2026, this kit is clearly aimed at dedicated SRW fans who are willing to go all in.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Kappic Eagle Tempestus Scion I Review

 

Another addition from my Joytoy collection that I recently had the chance to review. During its limited run a couple of years ago, Joytoy built a respectable portfolio for the Astra Militarum faction, including the Tempestus Scions. For this elite subfaction of the Imperium, Joytoy chose the Kappic Eagles as their representative unit. Beyond being some of the finest baseline human soldiers in the Warhammer 40K setting, the Kappic Eagles are especially known for their precision airdrop assaults and surgical strike capabilities.

The first Kappic Eagles Tempestus figure I reviewed is the standard Tempestus Scion trooper, equipped with a hot-shot lasgun. As part of an elite Militarum unit, these “hot-shot” weapons deliver significantly more stopping power than those used by regular guardsmen, well-suited to the high-risk operations Tempestus Scions are deployed into, and in some cases even capable of bringing down Space Marines with concentrated fire.

Joytoy’s rendition of the Tempestus Scion is excellent in terms of sculpt and overall presence, though it does fall short in modularity. This makes posing the figure a bit more effortful than expected. Even so, it remains one of the better Astra Militarum action figure interpretations in recent years—especially considering Joytoy’s slower output amid the ongoing global situation.

Hoping that I do have opportunity to review my Kappic Eagle kill team in the future.

The Ocean Hunter

 

Back in the ’90s, Sega no doubt reigned supreme in the arcade scene, boasting a plethora of quality titles across multiple genres. Railshooter games were a key part of their repertoire. While titles like The Lost World, Virtua Cop, and The House of the Dead are among Sega’s most well-known railshooters, one game that captivated me for years is an underwater-themed railshooter called The Ocean Hunter.

The Ocean Hunter lets players explore the seven seas, hunting gigantic sea creatures that wreak havoc across the ocean, from classic Krakens and Megalodons to Lovecraftian mermen inspired by Judaic myth. True to the railshooter formula, the game leans toward the harder end of the spectrum. Designed as a coin-guzzler, some stages and boss fights are unforgiving, rewarding precision and persistence.

For a late ’90s arcade game, The Ocean Hunter really stood out for its graphical quality, which was remarkably ahead of its time. Its unique aesthetic design drew me back to the game after nearly two decades. Perhaps it was my past inability to complete the game, combined with its distinctive style, that compelled me to revisit it through emulation. Interestingly, the latest iteration of the Yakuza series, Pirates in Hawaii, includes The Ocean Hunter as a playable Easter egg, perfect alternative for those who want to experience the game while directly supporting Sega.

My Home Hero

One of the long-overdue manga I recently brought to proper closure is My Home Hero. It is a crime thriller that resists easy classification among its peers. At its core, the story follows a seemingly ordinary middle-aged salaryman who finds himself entangled with the underbelly of society, all for the sake of his family even if it means committing heinous crimes.

Final Fantasy 1 Nendoroid Warrior of Light

It has been nearly 40 years since Final Fantasy I first released, and while it took some time, its iconic protagonist; the Warrior of Light has finally been made into a Nendoroid. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Final Fantasy merchandise outside of Square Enix’s usual lineup. But survival necessity due to shifting global market conditions seem to have compelled Square Enix for a humbler approach. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Nendoroid Warrior of Light will retail for 7,900 yen.

This Nendoroid draws heavily from the classic artwork of Yoshitaka Amano, which was later popularized again through the Dissidia series. For longtime fans, it’s a long-overdue dose of nostalgia. The intricate armor design is especially impressive, the sculpt clearly reflects a great deal of care and effort, befitting such a legacy character.

As a JRPG fan, I’ve played Final Fantasy I myself including the original NES version, so this release carries a lot of personal nostalgia. With the Warrior of Light finally getting the Nendoroid treatment, I can only hope Firion from Final Fantasy II is next, as that entry has always held a special place for me.

Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility Tetralogy

 

Using my downtime over the last month's holiday breaks, I finally completed The Sea of Fertility by Yukio Mishima. Certainly, it was a time well spent before inevitably returning to my real-life obligation.

Mishima is often regarded as one of the most prominent postwar Japanese writers, and The Sea of Fertility stands as his undisputed magnum opus. Comprising Spring Snow, Runaway Horses, The Temple of Dawn, and The Decay of the Angel, the tetralogy serves as a vessel for the ideas he cultivated throughout his life; questions of meaning, free will, beauty, and death, all anchored by the central theme of impermanence.

Apocalypto (2006 Movie)

 

Apocalypto is a mid-2000s Hollywood film directed by Mel Gibson, set loosely in the Mayan-Aztec civilization. While often criticized for historical inaccuracies, the film continues to captivate audiences for a reason: it is far more than an exotic-themed spectacle. It is a multi-layered work that offers something meaningful for both native and non-native viewers.

Fate/Grand Order Figma Berserker Morgan

One of the most highly anticipated Fate/Grand Order figma releases is finally here. The Fairy Queen Morgan, a top contender for “wife” candidate among servants for Chaldea Masters returns in figma form after first appearing as a Nendoroid a few years ago. Scheduled for release in January 2027, Figma Morgan is priced at 13,800 yen.

Among recent FGO figma releases, Morgan stands out as one of the stronger entries. Based on her first ascension, the figure comes with a surprisingly generous set of accessories. In addition to two variations of her staff blade designs, Figma Morgan also comes with her own version of Excalibur, reminiscent of the one wielded by Saber Alter.

Given the current global economic climate, it would have been understandable if Good Smile Company opted for a more standard release. Collectors likely wouldn’t have complained. However, the extra effort put into Figma Morgan demonstrates just how beloved the character is within the FGO fandom, and how committed GSC is to doing her justice.

That said, the selection of faceplates still feels somewhat limited, especially for a character with such a commanding “strongest wife” presence. Because of this, a Summer Morgan variant for Figma release still feels like a real possibility down the line.

Since her debut in Lostbelt 6, I’ve remained a devoted fan of Morgan, and I expect that won’t change anytime soon. She represents one of the highest peaks in character design that Type-Moon has achieved in terms of “waifu” appeal.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.4 Review

 

 Slowly making my way through my Blokees collection again, I’m closing in on finishing my review of the current Blokees Defenders lineup. Blokees Defender 04 features Rodimus Prime as the poster figure, but, as usual, the roster is largely dominated by the Decepticons.

The main points of interest in Defender 04 are Rodimus Prime’s vehicle mode and the alternate version of Megatron, which almost looks like a protagonist mecha thanks to its unusual color scheme. For the starter Blokees that kicked off the Bruticus combiner components, Defender 04 feels a bit slow, though I expect the momentum to pick up in Defender 05 and 06. I’m looking forward to eventually completing the full Bruticus set in the Blokees Defender series just like what I did with Devastator.

We Love Katamari + Royal Reverie

It’s been more than a decade since I first played We Love Katamari using a PS2 emulator. Recently, I revisited the series on Nintendo Switch with We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie. This version is not just a simple port, Bandai Namco added new content that makes it feel fresh even for returning players. 

Eureka Seven Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero

As part of Eureka Seven’s 20th Anniversary, Bandai has decided to release a Metal Build version of the series’ iconic skysurfing mecha: Nirvash Type Zero! Naturally, such a rare collectible is being offered as a P-Bandai exclusive, but it promises the most faithful rendition yet of Kawamori’s legendary design. Scheduled for August 2026, the Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero will retail for 36,000 Yen. 

Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten'i de Isekai e

 

Japanese manga isn’t particularly known for webtoon-style storytelling like its Korean counterparts, but every now and then, a series comes along that feels fresh within familiar territory. One such example is Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten’i de Isekai e or The Strongest Assassin Transported to Another World with His Class.

By now, the isekai genre is saturated. Assassin protagonists aren’t exactly rare either. Yet Saikyou Ansatsusha manages to carve out something engaging from a niche that many would consider overused.

The story follows a high school student living a double life as a professional assassin, think a younger Golgo 13 in the making who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world along with his classmates. In this new world, the summoned students are essentially forced into the role of heroes tasked with defeating a Demon Lord. From there, the assassin’s journey begins.

Atelier Iris 2 - Azoth of Destiny Playthrough Complete!

Straight after finishing MS Saga: A New Dawn, I moved on to another PS2 title to finally settle an old “debt” of mine: Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny, a JRPG by Gust Corporation. This was another one of those PS2 games I played back in high school, but I never managed to complete it despite being around 75% through at the time.

Now that I’ve actually finished it, I’d describe Atelier Iris 2 as a fairly decent JRPG, one that doesn’t quite have what it takes to stand among the top titles in the genre. Still, completing it carries a particular meaning for me. It marks the third old PS2 game I’ve cleared in succession, a small “hat trick” in working through my backlog.

More importantly, the timing of this playthrough felt oddly serendipitous. Something about encountering Atelier Iris 2 at this point allowed me to better recognize and absorb what truly matters at its core. Despite its shortcomings as a game, it presents a surprisingly deep thematic foundation that only really clicked for me this time around.

Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver

 

Something has been making me wonder lately: why did Bandai decide to make their new Robot Spirits release for Zeta Gundam less accessible? Zeta Gundam was one of the most successful mainstream Gundam series, helping cement the franchise’s longevity over several decades. Yet, it seems Bandai now considers the series “a thing of the past,” as the Robot Spirits lineup for Zeta Gundam has become largely P-Bandai exclusive, including the recent Super Gundam entry. Scheduled for September 2026, the Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver will be sold for 14,000 yen.

While the Gundam Mk-II was available as a regular Tamashii Nation release, the same cannot be said for Super Gundam, even the G-Defensor is locked behind P-Bandai. What makes the Robot Spirits Super Gundam stand out is that it showcases the true tactical flexibility of the G-Defensor on the Mk-II, rather than just being a simple weapon backpack as Gundam video games usually portray it—often because it is relegated to a support character’s unit.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind picking up some Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits if the price is right, and I’m actually eyeing the Marasai, which I hope will get a regular release.

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.