Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Master Lazarus Review

 

Given my sizable collection of JoyToy Warhammer 40K figures, I have been trying to do monthly reviews to work through my backlog. However, due to one thing or another, I somehow overlooked this commitment for the past two months. Regardless, I am making amends by ensuring I do not miss this month's slot, and the figure who happens to get the turn is Master Lazarus of the Dark Angels.

For a named Dark Angels character action figure, I managed to get Master Lazarus quite cheaply back then. These days, I would imagine spending around $50 to get a copy, given the drastic effects of inflation and price adjustments. Overall, JoyToy's Master Lazarus represents the company's mid-period Warhammer 40K releases, when they had begun refining the proportions of their Space Marines to better live up to their price point. Master Lazarus benefited from this upgraded body sculpt while still retaining a relatively affordable price.

I do not know as much about Master Lazarus compared to some of the other Dark Angels characters, but he is one of the notable Primaris representatives of this First Founding Chapter and a character who is steadily rising in prominence. I look forward to seeing this guy make another appearance when I eventually review Chapter Master Azrael.

Monster Hunter Nendoroid Rathalos

Goodsmile Company is finally returning to the Monster Hunter series after years of a dry spell. After releasing a series of Hunters in various armor sets, they have now decided to shift their focus toward the iconic monsters from the franchise, starting with none other than Rathalos. Scheduled for release in March 2027, Nendoroid Rathalos will sold for 8,900 yen.

I suppose this is partly a consequence of inflation, but this first Monster Hunter release after such a long break feels slightly pricey, especially since it is even more expensive than the DX version of the Rathalos Hunter. That said, the sculpt looks excellent, as expected from Goodsmile, and it comes with surprisingly similar gimmicks to its S.H.MonsterArts counterpart, including the ability to recreate the tail-cutting gimmick.Personally, I’ll probably skip this one since I already own the S.H.MonsterArts Rathalos. However, I wouldn’t mind picking up an Azure Rathalos version if Goodsmile ever releases one.

More importantly, I’m curious whether Rathalos is simply a one-off return to the Monster Hunter franchise or the beginning of a broader monster-focused lineup. If Goodsmile decides to expand this niche, there are certainly plenty of monsters that could make for interesting Nendoroid releases.

Zoids Adamas Machina Blade Liger

Takara Tomy rarely releases big-ticket items for the Zoids series on its own, but years after Bandai released the Liger Zero Chogokin as a joint collaboration project, it seems Takara Tomy has decided to produce a premium Zoids item of its own. Released under the Adamas Machina line, the second Zoids to receive the treatment is none other than the Blade Liger. Scheduled for March 2027, the Adamas Machina Blade Liger will be sold for 35,000 yen.

While the proportion of die-cast content has yet to be confirmed, Takara Tomy is clearly positioning the Adamas Machina Blade Liger as a high-end collectible, with the finished piece measuring over 38 cm in length. Considering Takara Tomy’s extensive experience with the Transformers franchise, I have high expectations for the overall quality and engineering.

The biggest selling point has to be the LED lighting, which is incorporated into both the cockpit and blade sections, possibly a first for a Blade Liger release. Interestingly, the pilot chosen for the Adamas Machina Blade Liger is not Van, the protagonist of the Zoids TV series, for reasons that remain unclear.

Regardless, the Adamas Machina Blade Liger is shaping up to be an exciting release for dedicated Zoids fans looking to add a premium centerpiece to their collection. I’m particularly curious whether the AB unit will be sold separately, and whether Geno Saurer or Saber Fang could become the next candidate should the Adamas Machina lineup continue.

HSR x FSN Aniplex 1/7 Saber Artoria

With the high-profile collaboration between Honkai: Star Rail and the Fate series, it was inevitable that Fate characters from the collaboration would eventually receive merchandise releases, especially with Star Rail continuing the Fate collaboration into its second year. As expected, Fate's eternal heroine, Saber Artoria, receives the first premium scale figure from this collaboration, released by Aniplex in a 1/7 scale. Scheduled for release in June 2027, Aniplex 1/7 Saber Artoria HSR version will be sold for 29,000 yen.

The HSR version of Saber Artoria offers a refreshing reinterpretation of the classic heroine, and Aniplex has certainly positioned this as a premium release for the first wave of collaboration merchandise. This figure portrays Artoria in her timeless youthful appearance with a dynamic pose, complemented by a generous amount of effect parts that enhance the overall presentation. It feels like a fitting tribute to one of the most influential and enduring heroines in Japanese pop culture.

I expect this will not be the last merchandise release from the Honkai: Star Rail x Fate collaboration. With the debut of Rin and Gilgamesh in Honkai: Star Rail, I think Rin would be a strong candidate for the next premium figure release from this collaboration.

IN ERA+ – RMD 1/100 Azure Falcon

I don’t collect IN ERA+ model kits, but their lineup has long been known for its massive, imposing designs, and their latest release seems to take that concept even further. What caught my attention with Azure Falcon is that, on top of the usual IN ERA bulk, it adds a surprising degree of refinement and elegance. Scheduled for release in Q4 2026, IN ERA+ Azure Falcon will be sold for 268 RMB.

Standing at 23 cm tall, Azure Falcon looks like one of the more impressive Chinese model kits of 2026. It features a dual-mode transformation into a futuristic jet fighter that manages to be bulky yet elegant and relatively minimalist. Unlike many Chinese model kits, it also avoids the overly spiky aesthetic, giving the design a cleaner and more cohesive appearance.

It looks like a great kit to pick up, especially at its price point, although the rising RMB exchange rate makes it less appealing for overseas buyers. The die-cast content is fairly limited, mainly consisting of the torso's internal frame.

My main concern is durability. Given the massive proportions and the fact that most of the frame is made from plastic, I’m curious whether the finished product will be able to maintain its structural integrity over time.

Fate/Grand Order Alter 1/7 Morgan Final Ascension Ver

As part of Fate/Grand Order's 11th anniversary celebration, Morgan, one of the game's most popular Servants, is receiving yet another premium scale figure. This time, industry veteran Alter has stepped in with its own interpretation, choosing to base the figure on Morgan's beautiful Final Ascension illustration rather than one of her standard in-game appearances. Scheduled for release in October 2027, the Alter 1/7 Morgan Final Ascension Ver. will be sold for 43,800 yen.

Morgan's popularity within the Fate/Grand Order community has remained remarkably strong ever since her debut. Her affectionate habit of referring to the Chaldea Master as her husband or wife quickly won over fans, making her one of the franchise's standout characters. Despite being a relatively recent Servant and arriving during a period when Fate/Grand Order merchandise has generally slowed down, she has already received more than six scale figures, which is an impressive achievement in itself.

Alter's release is by far the most expensive Morgan figure to date, but the price is backed by the manufacturer's long-standing reputation for exceptional sculpting and paintwork. I have little doubt that the final product will live up to Alter's usual standards. As the current premium option for Morgan collectors, it makes a definitive proof to show one devotion toward the fairy queen.

Personally, I still think Aniplex's Summer Morgan offers the best overall value, especially considering its price and presentation. However, Alter's interpretation is an excellent alternative for collectors who prefer Morgan as the Queen of Fairy Britain in her iconic Third Ascension outfit. As for me, I will probably wait for a future version of Morgan in a different class. Since this release likely marks the final major figure based on her original Servant form, I would love to see her receive a Saber-class rendition in the future.

Tigatoys – YH01 Tianshu

I thought Toyseasy was the only Chinese manufacturer producing fancy naval battleship-transforming robots, but another Chinese manufacturer, Tigatoys, has proven otherwise. Their upcoming YH01 Tianshu is an aircraft carrier mecha rather than a massive combiner. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, Tianshu will be sold for 698 RMB.

Tianshu appears to be based on a light aircraft carrier, with helicopters as its primary cargo. It also comes with hovercraft and battle tanks as support vehicles, making the whole package particularly appealing as a playset.

In mecha form, Tianshu stands around 31 cm tall and has a strong Pacific Rim-inspired aesthetic. It comes equipped with two axes that can also transform into polearms, giving it a pretty imposing primary weapon setup.

The sculpt and transformation gimmicks already look impressive from what has been shown so far. Given how interesting the concept is, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tigatoys eventually expands Tianshu into a larger line of transforming naval mecha.

MS Ensemble EX-40 Dendrobium Gundam Review - Part 2

Given that MS Ensemble Dendrobium is an exceptionally rare product with a level of craftsmanship that stands out even among Bandai’s Candy Toy offerings, I felt that it deserved a second part for its review, something I rarely do for my toy reviews on this blog. 

Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory would hardly be complete without its high-adrenaline, Top Gun-inspired space combat featuring mobile suits, with Dendrobium serving as the centerpiece that makes the series so memorable. In this second part of the Ensemble Dendrobium review, I’ll try to recreate some of that spectacle and capture the spirit of those intense space battles.

Ghost in the Shell SHF Motoko Kusanagi

 

I have a feeling that 2026 marks some kind of anniversary for Ghost in the Shell, as there has been a noticeable wave of new merchandise for the franchise, particularly featuring Major Motoko Kusanagi. In August 2026, Tamashii Nations joined the celebration by announcing an S.H.Figuarts figure of the iconic cyborg. Rather than basing the figure on the more widely recognized Stand Alone Complex version, Bandai has taken a different approach by drawing inspiration from Shirow Masamune's original artwork. Scheduled for release in January 2027, S.H.Figuarts Motoko Kusanagi will be sold for 9,000 yen.

This version depicts Major Motoko in her combat suit, equipped with an SMG and visor as part of her minimalistic rapid assault gear. While the overall look is reminiscent of the mid-'90s Ghost in the Shell OVA, it also resembles much closer to Shirow Masamune's original illustrations. The vibrant color palette is a hallmark of 1990s anime aesthetics, and the included goofy facial expression captures the playful side identic with 90s pop culture.

Alongside the figure, Tamashii Nations also announced a Robot Damashii Fuchikoma, which can serve as Motoko's companion vehicle. Priced at 15,000 yen, it features a cockpit gimmick that allows the S.H.Figuarts figure to sit inside. While it is a nice addition for fans of the original manga and OVA, I personally prefer the Tachikoma design, so I will probably stick with that instead.

Fate Grand Order Claynel 1/7 Summer Shiki

With the anticipation surrounding Fate/Grand Order's 10th anniversary on the global server, one particular waifu Servant has received an early figure announcement: Ryougi Shiki. Based on her 1st Ascension design as her Summer Moon Cancer Servant form, this figure is produced by Claynel in a 1/7 scale. Scheduled for release in July 2027, Claynel 1/7 Summer Shiki will be priced at 24,000 yen.

This figure immediately caught my attention, especially since Summer Shiki is expected to be one of my primary Servants for next year. The sculpt quality is also impressive, showcasing the level of detail expected from a premium figure release. What makes this figure particularly notable is that it represents a newer interpretation of one of Type-Moon's main heroines beyond her original Kara no Kyoukai appearance. Shiki has since made her way into Fate/Grand Order through both her Assassin and Saber-class versions.

While this figure will still be a pass for me, I am definitely interested in seeing future releases of Shiki in other formats. Personally, I am still hoping for a figma version of either her Void Shiki or Ryougi Shiki form, as that would be a much more appealing addition to my collection.

Combattler V Soul of Chogokin Combattler V6

As part of Combattler V's 50th anniversary celebration, the classic super robot returns with a brand-new addition to the Soul of Chogokin lineup. While I still consider the Soul of Chogokin DX Combattler V to be the definitive release and the holy grail for many collectors, this new version offers a fresh take on the first entry in the Nagahama Trilogy. Tamashii Nations has introduced the Soul of Chogokin Combattler V6, which is scheduled for release in February 2027 and sold for 50,000 yen.

Combattler V6 is an upgraded version of the original Combattler V debuting in manga adaptation, featuring an additional combining machine that gives the robot its "V6" designation. The upgrade adds noticeable bulk to the overall silhouette, particularly around the arms, which are equipped with new arm blades for enhanced close-combat capabilities. Since the product is essentially the original Combattler V with an extra combining component, collectors can also display it in its standard configuration if they prefer the classic look.

This release immediately caught my attention because it provides an interesting contrast to the Soul of Chogokin DX Combattler V released in 2017. I have a personal connection to that figure, as I handled its sales transactions when I was still working at Hobby Industry. Looking back, the value proposition of the DX release is difficult to ignore. Despite standing 36 cm tall and offering a much larger die-cast presentation, it originally retailed for only around 20 percent more than this new 22 cm Combattler V6. By comparison, the new release has a much tougher challenge in justifying its price.

That comparison also reflects how much the toy industry has changed over the past decade. Rising production costs and broader economic changes have made it increasingly difficult for Bandai to deliver the same level of value collectors enjoyed ten years ago.

For die-hard fans of the Nagahama Trilogy, Soul of Chogokin Combattler V6 is still an appealing release thanks to its unique powered-up design. However, for collectors who already own either the standard or DX Soul of Chogokin Combattler V, I do not think this new version is an essential upgrade.

Cromartie High School

Revisiting one of the manga I first read during my college years, around 15 years ago, I finally finished it this time. Even among the gag manga of its era, Cromartie High School stood out as one of the most delightfully absurd and unpredictable series.

Drawing from the bosozoku delinquent trope that was popular in the late '80s and early '90s, Cromartie High School follows the students of the infamous Cromartie High. Its cast is anything but ordinary. It is probably the only high school where Freddie Mercury, a gorilla, and a robot with an identity crisis can blend in alongside a colorful assortment of delinquents and misfits. Most chapters revolve around the absurd situations created by these characters, often involving rival delinquent schools trying to prove themselves against Cromartie. While the formula becomes fairly predictable over time, the sheer commitment to deadpan absurdity keeps the jokes entertaining throughout.

Cromartie High School feels like a manga that could only have existed during a specific era of the Japanese manga industry. Its abrupt, almost nonchalant ending is something few modern series could get away with. Despite that, it remains one of the easiest recommendations for anyone looking to experience a different side of manga, one that embraces surreal humor, unconventional storytelling, and complete disregard for genre conventions.

Gundam Seed Destiny SHF Kira Yamato

It has been around two years since Tamashii Nations released the S.H.Figuarts Kira Yamato from Gundam SEED Freedom as a Premium Bandai exclusive. Now that the company has likely maximized its sales through the P-Bandai release, Bandai appears to be shifting gears as part of its broader Gundam SEED product campaign by bringing the franchise's protagonists to the regular retail lineup. Leading the charge is arguably the series' most popular character, Kira Yamato, in his Gundam SEED Destiny appearance. Scheduled for release in December 2026, the S.H.Figuarts Kira Yamato (Gundam SEED Destiny Ver.) will be sold for 9,000 yen.

This figure is unmistakably based on Kira's Gundam SEED Destiny design, featuring the distinctive pink trim on his ZAFT pilot suit. It includes many of the same accessories as the SEED Freedom version, such as his handgun and pilot helmet. Interestingly, it also comes with a bruised face expression, seemingly referencing the scene where Athrun punches Kira. This could be a subtle hint that S.H.Figuarts versions of Athrun Zala and Shinn Asuka may eventually join the lineup.

As with previous releases, the biggest appeal of S.H.Figuarts Kira Yamato is displaying him alongside the Strike Freedom Gundam. Considering how popular the mobile suit is, many collectors will likely already own one or more Strike Freedom model kits or figures to pair with him.

Personally, I find Kira's Gundam SEED Destiny design far more iconic than his SEED Freedom look. While the updated costume is not bad, its overall aesthetic never quite clicked with me. That said, I am still curious whether Tamashii Nations will eventually release Kira's original Gundam SEED version in the S.H.Figuarts line, especially since a prototype has been shown for quite some time without any official announcement.

Fate/Grand Order Pop Up Parade SP King Hassan 2nd Ascension

Good Smile Company has been releasing fewer Pop Up Parade figures lately, likely due to increasing supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing geopolitical conflicts. However, Fate/Grand Order has once again become the recipient of a more premium figure release, this time dedicated to King Hassan. Based on his iconic 2nd Ascension design and default pose, this figure is released under the Pop Up Parade SP lineup. Scheduled for release in February 2027, Pop Up Parade SP King Hassan will be sold for 24,000 yen.

While I feel this figure is quite premium for something carrying the Pop Up Parade branding, I have to admit that this statue of Chaldea's "Gramps" is genuinely impressive. Standing at 33 cm tall, the sculpting and paintwork appear to be far beyond what is usually expected from a mass-produced figure. Perhaps the Pop Up Parade label was chosen mainly for market positioning, while the actual product is closer to a higher-end release.

Personally, I usually reserve this kind of budget for my favorite waifu Servants, so Pop Up Parade SP King Hassan will unfortunately be a pass for me. However, I would gladly welcome a more affordable smaller-scale release in the future, ideally within the 7,000 yen range. After all, I do have Gramps in my Chaldea, and it would be nice to have a more budget-friendly version of the First Hassan to represent him.

Gundam Converge EX31 Neue Ziel 2

An intermission before I continue my review of MS Ensemble Dendrobium. When I got my copy of Ensemble Dendrobium, I had already considered getting an equivalent adversary to put up against it, and the candidate ended up being Gundam Converge Neue Ziel 2. Since I didn’t have the budget to get Ensemble Neue Ziel, Converge Neue Ziel 2 proved to be a great substitute while also offering plenty of appeal on its own. I might not collect mobile suits from the Gundam Converge series anymore, but the mobile armors are always worth considering, especially given their excellent value for money.