Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato Review

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato

Finally, I get to revisit one of my older collections that has been sitting in storage for more than ten years: the Shurato die-cast action figure from Hong Kong-based manufacturer Kids Logic.

Given the less-than-ideal storage conditions, my copy has suffered some noticeable degradation over the years. Nonetheless, I wanted to take one last look at what this series has to offer before parting with it.

Overall, Kids Logic followed a design philosophy similar to the Saint Seiya SCM lineup, featuring articulated action figures with removable die-cast armor parts. As a result, this figure shares many of the same shortcomings as the SCM series, most notably its limited articulation and posing capabilities.

Beyond the posing issues, my copy has also developed noticeable yellowing despite never being exposed to direct sunlight. While yellowing is a common problem for predominantly white plastic figures, it remains disappointing to see it affect a collectible of this caliber. This was ultimately one of the main reasons I decided to let go of the series.

On the bright side, the Yolopark AMK Pro lineup appears to address many of the engineering and articulation issues that plagued the Kids Logic release. I'm looking forward to exploring those improvements in a future review.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Vulkan He’stan

 

One might be slightly disappointed that this release isn’t the Primarch Vulkan himself, but it remains an excellent addition to the Salamanders faction. Among the recent wave of named Space Marine elite releases in Joytoy Warhammer 40k portfolio, Vulkan He’stan joins the lineup. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the JoyToy 1/18 scale Vulkan He’stan will retail for around 75 USD.

Sharing the name of the Salamanders’ Primarch, Vulkan He’stan is a former 4th Company Captain who was elevated to the rank of Forgefather, one of the most prestigious positions within the Chapter. In this role, he is entrusted with recovering the relics of Primarch Vulkan, a sacred duty tied to the hope of the Primarch’s eventual return. Through this quest, He’stan has recovered several of Vulkan’s relics, most notably the Spear of Vulkan.

Vulkan He’stan is arguably one of the most striking Salamanders Space Marine figures released by JoyToy to date. Given his prestigious role, he comes equipped with impressive wargear such as the Spear of Vulkan, making him a standout centerpiece for any Salamanders collection and a fitting addition while awaiting the eventual release of Primarch Vulkan.

I’m very likely to pick this one up, especially since I already have Adrax Agatone and Salamanders remain one of my favorite Space Marine Chapters.

Gundam Sentinel 1/100 MG Gundam Mk V [Earth Federation Force Color]

Previously released as a P-Bandai exclusive, the MG Gundam Mk-V returns once again in a new color variant dubbed the Earth Federation Force Color, now featuring a predominantly white color scheme. As expected, this cooler alternate version remains locked behind the Premium Bandai label, just like the previous iteration. Scheduled for release in October 2026, the MG 1/100 Gundam Mk-V will be sold for 9,000 Yen.

Aside from the new color scheme, this version of the Gundam Mk-V also includes a redesigned beam rifle that appears to be a higher-output type similar to the one used by the Asshimar. The white color palette makes the design strongly resemble the Silver Bullet from Gundam Unicorn, which is hardly surprising considering the Gundam Mk-V and Döven Wolf share a closely related technological lineage.

Given the pricing and the usual Premium Bandai markup, this kit will likely become prohibitively expensive for overseas collectors. Because of that, I will probably look toward alternative options instead, with the NXEDGE STYLE figure line suddenly becoming a rather appealing choice.

Armored Trooper Votoms Hi-Metal R Brutish Dog

 

Tamashii Nations continues to expand its Armored Trooper VOTOMS lineup once again. Following the release of Chirico Cuvie and his iconic Scopedog, it is now Fyana’s turn to join the Hi-Metal R series alongside her signature Brutish Dog. Scheduled for release in October 2020, the Hi-Metal R Brutish Dog retailed for 20,000 yen.

In the series, the Brutish Dog is a customized, lightly armed Scopedog distinguished by its striking reddish-pink color scheme. Piloted by the genetically engineered supersoldier Fyana, the machine delivers performance far beyond what its modest loadout would suggest, giving Chirico more than a few difficult battles throughout the story. Despite initially meeting as enemies, Fyana and Chirico eventually develop a deep relationship, only for tragedy to separate them in the end.

Like the Hi-Metal R Scopedog, the Brutish Dog also includes a pilot figure of Fyana. While the miniature figure is a welcome addition, the sculpt quality naturally falls short of what collectors would expect from a dedicated character action figure. Still, the inclusion adds extra display value and helps complete the package. With Fyana and the Brutish Dog making it into the line, there is now a strong possibility that Ypsilon and his Strike Dog could eventually receive the Hi-Metal R treatment as well.

Kaitian Jichuang 1/12 Mecha Angel – Black Swan Alicia

 

Another impressive mecha musume model kit emerges from China’s growing hobby industry: Kaitian Jichuang presents Black Swan Alicia, a sleek black mecha musume exuding strong main-heroine vibes. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, this kit will sold for for 238 RMB.

FGO Lostbelt 7: Nahui Mictlan Clear!

It has been almost a year and a half since Lostbelt 7: Nahui Mictlan was released, and I have finally cleared it. It took me about the same level of procrastination as I had with finishing LB6. Surprisingly, I was able to complete this singularity over a weekend, despite being at a low point in my frustration with FGO’s absurd gacha systems. Nevertheless, I am genuinely impressed by what LB7 had to offer. I initially assumed LB6 would remain the peak of the Lostbelt arc in terms of Nasu’s writing, despite its flaws and structural baggage. However, LB7 ultimately feels like the stronger of the two, delivering comparable writing quality in a leaner and more efficient narrative structure.

Hokuto No Ken SHF Kenshiro

 

After many manufacturers have taken a shot at this legendary series, Tamashii Nations has finally joined the world of Fist of the North Star. As expected, the first release is none other than the invincible successor of Hokuto Shinken himself, Kenshiro, arriving as an SHF action figure. Scheduled for release in November 2026, SHF Kenshiro will retail for 9,500 yen.

SHF Kenshiro comes with accessories similar to previous Kenshiro figures. Since he is primarily a martial artist character, the essentials are expressive faceplates and multiple hand variants. However, this version seems to lean more heavily into fierce and aggressive facial expressions, helping it stand apart from earlier releases. For collectors who missed previous Kenshiro figures, this SHF release looks like an excellent alternative. While it may not necessarily become the definitive rendition of Kenshiro, the SHF line remains a dependable middle-ground option in terms of quality, articulation, and affordability.

Given the enduring popularity of Fist of the North Star, it would not be surprising to see other iconic characters especially Raoh receive their own SHF releases in the future.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Salamanders Assault Intercessors Sergeant Krajax Review

Another action figure from my JoyToy 40k collection makes its way to the review table, and this time it’s the Assault Intercessor Sergeant, squad leader of a Space Marine unit. I might not have made it obvious before, but Salamanders are actually one of my favorite Space Marine chapters. Their reputation for being among the most humane of the Imperium’s superhuman warriors really stands out. In the grimdark darkness of the far future, having even a shred of decency and compassion toward humanity is a rare and underappreciated trait.

The Salamanders Assault Intercessor comes with relatively basic accessories, featuring a Thunder Hammer and a mini-flamer as its main armament. For a Space Marine sergeant especially an assault variant, I would have expected additional survivability options, such as a storm shield, which feels like a missed opportunity by JoyToy. That said, Salamanders are one of those chapters I’m always willing to invest a bit more in for my collection, so it would have been nice to see a “tankier” weapon loadout included

Into the fire, Unto the anvil!

Full Metal Panic Orange Cat x Wave 1/35 Laevatein

 

The ultimate Arm-Slave from Full Metal Panic! returns through a collaboration between Chinese model kit maker Orange Cat and Wave. This time, they are delivering a luxurious 1/35 scale Laevatein model kit that blends the engineering of a Perfect Grade kit with the premium feel of a Metal Build die-cast figure. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the Orange Cat 1/35 Laevatein will be sold for 458 RMB.

Fate/Grand Order Tunguska Sanctuary Clear

This is a record of my clear of the post–Lostbelt 6 interlude chapter Tunguska Sanctuary, which I completed earlier this year before moving on to Lostbelt 7. Since I plan to reflect on my experience with Lostbelt 7: Nahui Mictlan in greater depth later on, I think it is worthwhile to briefly revisit this transitional chapter.

Tunguska Sanctuary can be described as a “Lostbelt 6.5” type of chapter, bridging Avalon le Fae (Lostbelt 6) and Nahui Mictlan (Lostbelt 7), much like how Heian-kyo functioned as a 5.5 chapter. It focuses on Koyanskaya’s aftermath following her escape from Lostbelt 6 and lays groundwork for her role going forward in the larger future narrative.

Final Fight Storm Collectibles Mike Haggar

 

Final Fight finally gets some long-overdue love from the premium action figure market, and leading the charge is none other than Metro City’s strongest mayor himself. Mike Haggar joins the lineup from Storm Collectibles, bringing his classic arcade presence into roughly 1/12 scale form. Scheduled for Q4 2026, this figure is priced at around 75 USD.

Haggar is one of the core playable characters in the Final Fight series, appearing throughout its main entries as the towering former pro wrestler turned mayor of Metro City. When the Mad Gear Gang kidnaps his daughter Jessica, he takes the law into his own hands, beating the criminal organization down personally. In gameplay terms, Haggar is the archetypal power character: slow, heavy, and brutally effective, built around grapples, throws, and pure physical dominance. Even if you usually gravitate toward faster characters like Guy or Cody, Haggar remains one of the most satisfying picks simply because nothing beats piling-driving gang members across the screen.

As expected from Storm Collectibles, this Mike Haggar figure delivers strong sculpt work and articulation, staying faithful to his arcade-era design. The package also includes a solid range of accessories that go beyond standard figure releases, including props that let you recreate key in-game moments such as the time bomb game-over scenario.

Overall, this is shaping up to be one of the strongest pieces of Final Fight merchandise to date. If Storm Collectibles continues this line properly, a follow-up with Cody seems almost inevitable, and a Guy release preferably based on his Alpha 3 design at some point and would complete the core trio in a very satisfying way.

Tenku Senki Shurato Yolopark AMK Pro Karura-O Reiga

After Yasha-O Gai, Yolopark returns once again to the Shurato series, this time bringing the Hachibushu Karura-O Reiga into its AMK Pro lineup. With this release, Yolopark moves one step closer to completing a full lineup from Tenku Senki Shurato. The AMK Pro Karura-O Reiga is scheduled for a Q3 2026 release and will retail at approximately 65 USD.

In the Shurato series, Reiga is one of the more flamboyant members of the Hachibushu, a group of devoted warriors empowered by Shakti to protect Lady Vishnu and Tenkūkai. Despite his playful and lighthearted demeanor, Reiga is still a fully capable warrior who fights with seriousness when the situation demands it. He wields the Shakti known as Karura-O, derived from the mythological Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Compared to other Hachibushu members, Karura-O Reiga stands out for his wider range of techniques, particularly through his twin-ring chakram weapons.

As with previous releases, I expect Yolopark to deliver strong quality with Karura-O Reiga, continuing the solid work seen in earlier Shurato figures. I’m also looking forward to Ten-O Hyuga, my personal favorite among the Hachibushu, even though he appears to be the last releases for Shurato protagonist lineup.

Ys V: Lost Kefin, Kingdom of Sand

 

The last classic Ys title I completed before resuming my journey into the series' modern iterations. Ys V: Lost Kefin is often regarded as the black sheep of Falcom's flagship franchise, and for good reason. Even in the PS2 remake, many of its flaws remain apparent in 2026. Poor execution and conflicting design ideas prevent Lost Kefin from fully living up to the standards associated with the Ys name.

Yet despite these shortcomings, I do not believe Ys V deserves to be dismissed outright. Those willing to look beyond its rough exterior will discover that the essence of Ys remains unmistakably present beneath its imperfections. While Lost Kefin falls short in execution, its underlying themes, worldbuilding, and narrative foundations reveal a game that still belongs within the greater legacy of the series. This blog post aims to explore that side of Ys V and show why it remains worthy of attention despite its reputation.

Genshin Impact Apex Toys1/7 Raiden Shogun - Plane of Euthymia ver

 

Genshin Impact fans have waited a long time for this moment, but one of the game’s most popular Archons has finally received the premium scale figure treatment she deserves. Raiden Shogun arrives in full glory with a brand-new 1/7 scale figure from APEX-TOYS, featuring her iconic “Plane of Euthymia” pose as she draws the legendary Musou Isshin blade from her chest.

Personally, Raiden Shogun was one of the biggest reasons I started playing Genshin Impact in the first place, so seeing her receive such a high-quality figure release is genuinely exciting. Scheduled for January 2027, the APEX-TOYS 1/7 Raiden Shogun – Plane of Euthymia Ver. will be sold for 1499 RMB.

Psycho Pass Proplica Dominator Review

After sitting in storage for a few years, I finally got to open one of my rarer collectibles: Bandai’s Proplica for the iconic weapon from Psycho-Pass—the Dominator. While it isn’t originally an extremely expensive item, it has become quite rare these days, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that my unit still works perfectly despite years of relative neglect.

Bandai’s Proplica line focuses on detailed replicas of anime props, often including electronic features for added interactivity. It sits between their DX and CSM-style collectible lines in terms of complexity and presentation. The Proplica Dominator in particular feels closer to a high-end “CSM-like” prop replica in spirit, given its focus on functionality and voice integration.