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.

Megaman X Threezero MDLX Fourth Armor X

Threezero is perhaps one of the more overlooked manufacturers of Mega Man action figures. Despite entering the franchise earlier than Hiya Toys, the company tends to receive less attention, likely because of Hiya Toys' more frequent release schedule. Threezero's latest announcement may likely also explain Hiya Toys' recent decision to skip Mega Man X4 and move directly to Mega Man X3, as the company has officially revealed its MDLX Fourth Armor X action figure. Scheduled for release in Spring 2027, the MDLX Fourth Armor X will be sold for 9,710 yen.

Compared to Hiya Toys' rendition, Threezero's version is noticeably shorter in stature but adopts the classic proportions seen in the original artwork, giving it a nostalgic appearance that longtime fans will likely appreciate. The accessories are relatively modest, but they should be more than enough for most collectors, especially considering the quality of the sculpt. One of the MDLX line's biggest selling points is its modular armor system. Collectors who already own the MDLX X can mix and match armor parts to recreate X's armor progression from Mega Man X4, adding another layer of display and customization.

Personally, this release is one that I'm looking forward to. I owned Bandai's Fourth Armor X toy when I was a kid, so this particular armor holds a lot of nostalgic value for me. It was also the armor I spent plenty of time using during my journey through the Mega Man X series, making this announcement especially meaningful.

Megaman Zero Blokees Champion Class Zero

 

The second release in Blokees' initial Mega Man lineup is the titular hero of the Mega Man Zero series, Zero. As part of the Champion Class model kit lineup, this is another long-awaited release, especially considering the series has gone nearly a decade without significant new merchandise. Released on August 2026 alongside with Starforce, Blokees Megaman Zero will be sold for 3600 Yen Japanese SRP.                             

The version Blokees chose is based on Zero's appearance in Mega Man Zero 3, as indicated by the included weapon loadout. While Zero's overall design remained largely unchanged throughout the four games, his arsenal evolved over the course of the series. This kit includes the Recoil Rod, one of his signature weapons from Mega Man Zero 3.

Compared to the Star Force kit, however, Mega Man Zero is likely to face much closer scrutiny. At a similar price point, it doesn't appear to clearly surpass Kotobukiya's long-standing Mega Man Zero model kit, which remains a strong benchmark for the character. Even so, this release is still a welcome addition after years without new merchandise for the series.

Since this is part of the Champion Class lineup, it would be great if Blokees expanded the kit in the future by offering Zero's other signature weapons as optional add-ons. That would significantly increase the display possibilities while making the kit even more appealing to fans of the series.

Invincible Mess Toys 1/12 Invincible

Invincible received a surprise action figure release from the Chinese manufacturer Mess Toys. Produced in 1/12 scale, the figure appears to be a solid offering despite not quite matching the refinement of Figma's lineup. Scheduled for release in October 2026, the figure is sold for USD 40.

In terms of quality, the figure is expected to be comparable to Hasbro's typical entry-level 1/12 scale action figures. Since Mark Grayson is a superhuman brawler rather than a gadget-based superhero, the accessories are relatively modest, consisting of a display stand, interchangeable hands, and three facial expressions. Even so, it serves as one of the more accessible collectibles based on the Invincible series, which remains relatively underserved in the action figure market.

Mark Grayson caught my attention for being one of the best modern examples of the classic "zero-to-hero" protagonist, being the literal embodiment the saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." He also represents a fully realized Son Gohan archetype: a son who ultimately surpasses his own father and defeats the strongest members of his race, paving the way for a better future for his own race. Although I would prefer to wait for a figure depicting Mark in his Viltrumite Emperor attire, this release is convincing enough to earn a place in my collection, especially considering its affordable price.

Chainsawman

 

Another mainstream manga that I finally managed to complete after the series concluded its run earlier this year. Chainsaw Man is a fascinating work that stands out among its peers by daring to be different and succeeding because of it.

One way to interpret Chainsaw Man is as a modern take on Devilman, expanding on many of the ideas that Go Nagai's classic only briefly explored. Set in a world where supernatural beings known as Devils terrorize humanity, the story follows Denji, a boy who forms a bond with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil. This fateful encounter transforms his miserable life into an even harsher struggle while setting the stage for one of the most unconventional stories in modern manga.

Although Chainsaw Man is categorized as a shonen manga, its tone and artistic direction often make it feel closer to a seinen work. The author's willingness to kill characters without hesitation and subject them to brutal physical and emotional suffering creates an atmosphere that is far removed from the typical expectations of the genre. In many ways, Chainsaw Man represents the belief that great works are sometimes created through suffering—the author suffers in creating the story, the characters suffer within the story, and the readers suffer alongside them while experiencing it.

No character in Chainsaw Man is truly safe from death or tragedy. Denji himself experiences numerous horrifying situations despite ultimately surviving, and the manga constantly pushes his limits both physically and psychologically.

However, what separates Chainsaw Man from many other ultraviolent manga is that its violence is never simply violence for the sake of violence. Tatsuki Fujimoto treats extreme violence as a form of narrative currency and understands exactly when and how to spend it. Every death, injury, and moment of brutality serves a purpose, whether it is to develop characters, advance the story, or reinforce the themes the manga explores. Even when major characters appear to die suddenly or unexpectedly, those moments are not meaningless; their unpredictability is part of what gives the series its impact.

Because this currency is used carefully rather than wasted for cheap spectacle, the violence in Chainsaw Man carries genuine weight and emotional significance. The series does not rely on brutality alone to leave an impression; instead, it uses violence as a tool to create tension, tragedy, and memorable moments. This careful balance is what allows Chainsaw Man to rise above being merely another violent manga and achieve its status as one of the most distinctive mainstream works of its generation.

Chainsaw Man is undoubtedly one of the freshest mainstream manga of the past decade, comparable to Attack on Titan in its willingness to challenge conventional storytelling while still achieving widespread popularity. With its unique approach, unpredictable direction, and willingness to explore uncomfortable themes, it is a series that proves mainstream manga can still take creative risks. For anyone looking for a modern manga that refuses to follow the established formula, Chainsaw Man is well worth reading.

JRPG Talk: Fate/Stay Night and Anima Triad

Fate/Stay Night is undoubtedly one of the most enduring giants in Japanese pop culture. More than two decades after its debut, it continues to serve as the cornerstone of Type-Moon's identity. I have always found this remarkable because such longevity is uncommon for a work that began as a visual novel. Surviving for twenty years is one thing; remaining a mainstream success throughout that time is something else entirely.

So this is the question I want to pursue: what truly gives Fate/Stay Night its enduring foundation? To answer it, I will approach the series from a metaphysical perspective.