Jingzhuoshe 1/100 Mandala Review

 

A model kit purchase with a bit of buyer’s remorse, and a reminder that products from the Chinese model kit industry can be hit or miss. Firstly, Jingzuoshe’s 1/100 Mandala has a pretty good sculpt, but it suffers from engineering issues. Stiff plastic parts are common in some Chinese kits, but it becomes a serious problem when it affects joint components.

My assembled copy ended up with the shoulder joint to the torso snapping in half, forcing me to resort to Blu Tack as a fix. I originally picked up this Mandala because I thought it would look great painted in the Wildschwein color scheme from the SRW series. The design still has that potential, but the build experience undermines it.

This kit definitely makes me think twice about getting non-diecast frame Chinese model kits from lesser-known manufacturers. That said, more established names like Orange Cat or Motor Nuclear are generally safer and don’t tend to have this kind of issue.

Top Toy Bebe Brick Model Magic Academy Series Set

Back in March, I was exposed to the Top Toy Bebe Brick Model line marking another step in my growing interest in brick models, a hobby I’ve been exploring more deeply over the past couple of years. Among the various releases, the Magic Academy series immediately stood out. This particular lineup features three separate modules that can be combined into a cohesive three-story, fantasy-themed building.

Each module, comprising an art classroom, a potion-making lab, and a rooftop observatory was priced around $35–40 at my local retail store under the Bebe Magic Academy series. While I’m not especially attached to the Bebe brand itself, I have to admit that the final assembled structure makes for an excellent display piece, especially as a backdrop for fantasy-themed collections.

Personally, I’m planning to use it as a prop for my FGO Coonuts collection. That said, its aesthetic would also pair beautifully with JRPG-inspired displays, particularly for niche series like Atelier, where its whimsical, magical atmosphere fits right in.

Although I already own the Bebe Brick Model convenience store set, the Magic Academy remains high on my wishlist. For now, I’m holding out patiently in hopes that each module drops to the $20–25 range, a price point that still feels within reach.

Vocaloid Frame Arms Girls 1/12 Snow Miku

 

It has been around 4–5 years since Kotobukiya released Frame Arms Girl Hatsune Miku. After such a long gap, the timing feels a bit unexpected, but they’ve decided to pick up where they left off with their take on Snow Miku. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku will be priced at 7,700 yen.

Compared to the more recent wave of Vocaloid products for the ever-present diva, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku may not appear particularly flashy at first glance. However, it is expected to retain the strong fundamentals that define Kotobukiya’s lineup—most notably the blend of mechanical design elements with a cute, character-focused aesthetic.

As such, it stands as a solid mid-level Vocaloid collectible, especially for those who still enjoy the process of assembling model kits. While alternatives like Blokees have delivered strong performances across much of their portfolio, they have yet to fully match the balance and identity that Kotobukiya consistently achieves with this line.

Shakugan no Shana Nendoroid Shana 2.0

Not long after the Nendoroid release of the tsundere magician apprentice Louise from Zero no Tsukaima, another iconic character voiced by Kugimiya Rie, the “tsundere queen” of anime has received her upgraded 2.0 Nendoroid: Shana from Shakugan no Shana! This release was expected, given that several of Kugimiya Rie’s most famous roles, including Toradora! and Zero no Tsukaima, have been honored with new Nendoroids. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Shana 2.0 Nendoroid is priced at 6,900 Yen.

This 2.0 version presents Shana in her full combat form, complete with wing parts and her katana, alongside her signature blazing red hair. Unlike her classic depictions, this version focuses more on aesthetic and dynamic combat design, so it does not include her iconic melon bread—a small but notable omission for fans. Nevertheless, it remains a must-have for collectors and anime enthusiasts nostalgic for this series, which captured hearts over 20 years ago.

Much like with Zero no Tsukaima, I’ve only watched the first season of Shakugan no Shana, but it left a lasting impression, especially thanks to its iconic opening theme songs. Perhaps the fast release of this new Nendoroid is a subtle nudge to finally continue my journey with the series, just as I plan to revisit Zero no Tsukaima.

One fun observation I just noticed: the legendary seiyuu Ayako Kawasumi voiced characters in all three popular anime where Kugimiya Rie played the tsundere lead heroine, always as the love interest rival. It’s a delightful coincidence! Maybe it’s time for me to give Toradora! a brief revisit as well.

Primeval Hunt

Arcade scenes were no longer thriving by the late 2000s, but that didn’t stop Sega from releasing quality titles for the platform. One example is Primeval Hunt, released in 2008, where you play as a dinosaur hunter in a safari-style environment—think Cabela’s Hunting, but with dinosaurs. In the game, players are tasked with hunting a set number of specific dinosaurs while freely exploring the map using a touchscreen monitor, a novelty at the time that are still unique to this day.

Given Sega’s experience with the Jurassic Park series, it’s no surprise that Primeval Hunt delivers a solid dinosaur-themed shooting experience. Unlike typical lightgun games, it introduces an extra layer of challenge through limited ammunition in each stage. Players must not only contend with attacks from creatures like T-Rexes but also manage their bullets carefully to ensure they meet their hunting targets. Success requires precision, strategy, and quick thinking.

For fans of arcade games, Primeval Hunt offers a memorable and distinctive experience that stands out even in the late-era arcade scene. Its combination of exploration, hunting strategy, and dinosaur action leaves a lasting impression.

Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft 1/100 Arbiter

 

The collaboration between Howlingstar and Earnestcore Craft continues to deliver yet again! After the striking Kishin Colada, the duo returns with another standout original mecha, Arbiter. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the Howlingstar × Earnestcore 1/100 Arbiter is priced at 188 RMB, making it a relatively accessible entry for collectors.

The most eye-catching feature of this kit beyond its strong fantasy-inspired design is undoubtedly its Centaur-style quadruped mode. While Arbiter’s default configuration is a more traditional humanoid mecha, it can transform into a four-legged form that fully embraces the centaur concept. This mode is further elevated by its signature weapon: a spear that can convert into a war bow, completing the mythological aesthetic.

It’s a bold and creative design choice that helps Arbiter stand out in an increasingly crowded mecha market. If this release is anything to go by, there’s plenty of potential for future projects from this collaboration. Hopefully, Howlingstar and Earnestcore will continue to push the envelope and deliver even more unique and exciting mecha kits down the line.

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.