Deus Machina Demonbane Moderoid Liber Legis

Once popular Mecha VN series, Demonbane is getting some love once again! apart from the Pop Up Parade Al-Azif finally we got a Moderoid for the Main Antagonist Deus Machina. Liber Legis! Compared to other Moderoid so far this one is one of the more special as well. Scheduled for April 2025, Moderoid Liber Legis will be sold for 9500 Yen.

 In Demonbane series, Liber Legis is literally the Final Boss mecha piloted by Master Therion and his Grimoire Etheldreda. In Zanma Taisei, Demonbane have to face this guy almost everytime and Kurou Daijuuji struggle to stay alive whenever this guy make any appearance. While Master Therion could have destroyed Demonbane right at the onset of the series, Master Therion seems content to let his Antricross lackeys to face Kurou most of the time. Given Demonbane's current popularity, I suppose it won't be anytime soon that Liber Legis will get any Hagane Works but I am still waiting for one despite Liber Legis comes almost everything to replicate this imposing final boss mech in the VN.quite well. Instead I will just hope there will be more of the Demonbane Waifus coming in Pop Up Parade format.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Soletta Orihime

 5th Heroine Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk is here and we are finally getting to the New Heroines starting with Half Italian-Japanese Ojou-sama, Soletta Orihime. Given her new heroine status in ST2, Orihime is given quite a preferential treatment in the game to elevate her already Top tier character design. On top of that I have to say Orihime Character theme is easily the best in Sakura Taisen 2 as well as in whole Sakura Wars series. Overall Orihime's route can be prickly like a Rose at first but the payoff for the player's patience with this particular tsundere heroine will be just as good, as Sakura Taisen prepares a fairy-tale like experience for Orihime route which this article going to try to provide a glimpse.

June 2024 Loot

 Quantitatively not as much as the previous batch but got plenty of Heavy Duties in this one! Having a decent paying job to support your hobby do make a big difference indeed as the stuffs kept coming on weekly basis. Overall most of the stuffs are still from Preorders but I bought Masterpiece Soundwave and MS General Greed on retail rate. The most Eye-catching of the bunch is obviously the MS General Greed Mecha Musume model kit which pretty much cost half of the Kotobukiya version that is currently on preorder. However the most valuable item in this haul is obviously the Sentinel Compatible Kaiser which just got shipped along with the G-Thunder this month which the price of this set still surpass everything else combined from this haul. Also I got myself 3 of the SMC Sluban Brick Model kit in this haul which is on other picture as I simply don't have space to spare for these gigantic Chinese made products.

LOGH Digsta Yang Wenli Scale Figure

 Even as Die Neue These able to continue LOGH series legacy and become somewhat well respected series on its own. To this day, The Original OVA is still more well regarded and end up the recipient of new merchandises by Japanese Manufacturer. After Kotobukiya tried their chances couple years ago, It is the turn of a particular figure manufacturer called Digsta to try their luck with LOGH. After announcing their version of Reinhard von Lohengramm early this year, they are now ready to continue with the Free Planet Alliance best Admiral, Yang Wenli the Magician! Scheduled for November 2024, this non scale figure of Yang Wenli will be sold for 9900 Yen.

While the effort is praiseworthy for making LOGH Scale Figure as affordable as possible, Digsta's version is quite a miss due to glaringly worse sculpt quality compared to Kotobukiya. This is why their Reinhard PVC figure got overlooked by me despite their well intentioned effort. In any case this will be still an acceptable collectible for LOGH Collectors that miss the kotobukiya version considering these stuffs fetch rather exorbitant price in Japanese aftermarket like the Die Neue These Nendoroid which fetch for 30000 Yen price tag. Hopefully there will be another manufacturer to take on LOGH considering I wouldnt mind to double dip for Die Neue These Yang Wenli Scale Figure.

Joytoy Rome Republic Legionary - Strife

 After making so many 40k, Modern Military and Titanfall mech products, Joytoy is now ready to expand their portfolio to Ancient period starting with Rome period! Instead of starting with the Post-Marian Reform Legionary prototype that they have early this year, Joytoy will decide to start with Republican era Legionary with the first series simply dubbed -Strife- featuring Five different variants of Rome Legionaire. Scheduled for Q3 2024 release, this Strife series also has collectors edition available for 200 USD.

Overall the Joytoy Strife Rome Legion series is not exactly the best set for Army building due to glaring lack of Historical accuracy that will easily trigger a self-respecting Rome fanboy due to mismatch of equipment choice. Some of the glaring inaccuracies for instance are the full use of Lorica Musculata / Muscle Cuirass which are too expensive for typical Republican era Rome Legionary and the pairing of Scutum and Spear. This one would be really a slap in the face if Joytoy claim this set as Pre-Marian Rome Legion which still use Triplex Acies combat doctrine. However this one is still passable if one counts it as a Hybrid Greek Auxiliary type of Rome Legion.  I would say Joytoy put more emphasis on Rules of Cool as they still likely prioritize the Chinese market thus making such polarizing stunt. 

Regardless of the glaring Historical inaccuracies, this particular set is still good collectible especially If you ever consider customization option and personally I am still willing to support the lineup if it means that Joytoy able to make some action figure for Aurelian someday. To close this article, I will leave the reference picture for the collector set.

Monster Hunter Portable 3 Damtoys 1/6 Yukumo Hunter

 Another pleasant surprise for Monster Hunter fans though this one took on rather unexpected angle! Off all things we are getting 1/6 action figure produced by Damtoys in the collaboration with Nauts for Monster Hunter series. As parts of their first release, Damtoys will be making some stuff from MHP3 and MH World which this article will focus on the former. For MHP3, Damtoys will be releasing Yukumo Armor Hunter set available for both gender and regular & deluxe version. Scheduled for Late 2024/Early 2025 1/6 Yukumo Hunter will be sold for 225 USD and 315 USD for Regular and Deluxe version respectively.

The Deluxe version comes with 3 additional items which are Stand Base, Yukumo SnS weapon and Turtle pet which is not exactly the best add-on version. While not as famous as Hottoys, Damtoys had been in the 1/6 Scale Figure business for quite a long time usually making 1/6 Military themed Action figures. Therefore it is quite a surprise that Damtoys decide to pick up Monster Hunter franchise and make something good out of it. This product release implies that Capcom is starting to take some humble pie and put some lax when it comes to leasing out Monster Hunter franchise because MH as a series had been on downward slope over past few years.

Overall Damtoys Yukumo Hunter captures the image of a wandering samurai quite well despite the face expression is rather stiff. Regardless it is still a pleasure for long time MH-fans to see one of the more special MH Starter armor getting a physical release after almost 15 years since its appearance in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd trailer. I suppose Yukumo Hunter become Damtoys earlier picks despite plenty of other popular choices is due their experience in making fabric based clothing which is what the majority of Yukumo armor made off. In any case I do hope Damtoys will keep working on the MH IP and i think they could make some decent 1/6 Kirin Female Hunter with their experience.

Arknights Myethos 1/7 Theresa - Civilight Aeterna

 As Arknights Chapter 14 Main story landed on Arknights CN server, Myethos is certainly swift to work on the main actress of that particular chapter which is no other than Theresa! The former compatriot of Doctor and Kaltsit when Rhodes Island was still known as Babel whose fate become the catalyst of the current Arknights storyline. Scheduled for December 2024, Theresa 1/7 Scale figure will be sold for 27000 Yen.

 Theresa is a gentle Sarkaz High Rank nobility who strived for a noble goal for her race who is constantly persecuted on Terra. She is one of the few individual who gained full trust of Kaltsit and Sarkaz Mercenary W which the tragic fate that befall on Theresa greatly affect them. On top of that, Theresa had rather special bond with Doctor who even willing to be a very ruthless yet effective army commander to help Theresa reaching her noble goal. However prior to his resurrection from Sarcophagus, things did go south as Theresa died and it appears that Doctor played some role in it which hopefully Chapter 14 will shed more light on it. In CN server, Theresa - Civilight Aeterna is a 6* Supporter class operator who is available for players once they complete Chapter 14 though from what I can gather, she is not the exact Theresa from the Babel days.

If it is Skadi, I would have been willing to fork out 27000 Yen for her PVC figure, thus this one is a skip despite I am interested with Theresa as a character. So I will be waiting for Theresa's Nendoroid instead along with Muelsyse whom got a premium PVC figure as well recently.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics

 Few days ago Capcom dropped a whole lot pleasant surprise especially for those who grew up in Arcade game era as we are getting Marvel vs Capcom fighting game collection! For this particular collection of theirs, Capcom doesn't cut any corners and goes straight for the jugular offering 7 Marvel x Capcom collab games which are some of the Crown jewels in the Arcade games golden era including the popular Marvel vs Capcom & Marvel vs Capcom 2! Estimated for Q4 release, Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection will be also available in Physical Release for PS4 & Nintendo Switch.

 Among many Capcom's classic collections, Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection is one of the most special case and Capcom really make the most out of the IP Lease renewal. One cannot understate This Marvel x Capcom collection, because It literally take almost 30 years for this collection to be realized despite Capcom doing most of the legwork. Perhaps this possibly one of the best Capcom Classics collection could happen because the Marvel IP holder in question need some money after squandering so much to gratify their so-called Vanities. Hopefully this could pave ways for other Capcom collab Arcade works like Alien vs Predator or Cadillacs & Dinosaurs to see some re-release. Personally still hoping for another re-release of Chronicles of Mystara.

Of all 7 Marvel x Capcom games, I have played 6 out of 7 which I played PS1 version of Marvel vs Capcom the most. I still remember fondly crashing in my Friend's place to play this game using Megaman or Warmachine most of the time. I forgot the exact one but I most likely never get to play Xmen vs Street Fighter as the arcade cabinets that my local arcade have goes straight to Marvel vs Street Fighter which Omega Red served as the worst opponent I ever faced in that game. While most of the available game in this collection are Fighting games, Capcom also include Punisher Beat em Up game as part of the IP renewal agreement which is a decent beat-em-ups on its own too. While I am never particularly good at fighting game, I will definitely get the physical copy just to relieve some of the best part of my Childhood. Lastly through this turn of event, I just realize that Arcade Game Avengers in Galactic Storm was not part of Capcom's Marvel repertoire and was made by DataEast back then.

Mechatalk Sakura Wars: Sakura Taisen 2 - Li Kohran

 We are now truly Halfway through the Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk series! This time the Heroine who gets the turn is yet another one of more underrated heroine just like Kanna and actually one of the most invaluable member of Teikoku Kagekidan when it comes to support, Li Kohran! In Sakura Taisen 2, Kohran is actually one of the original Teikoku Kagekidan member that is given more opportunity to be fleshed out and unexpectedly have one of the better ending. So let's use the opportunity of this Mechatalk article to see what Sakura Taisen 2 had in store for this Genius scientist of Teikoku Kagekidan.

Ghost in the Shell SAC Hiyatoys 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi

  Almost 2 decades since GitS Stand Alone Complex has aired and ever since there have already been plenty of Major Motoko merchandise available including the action figure. However a proper action figure for Major Motoko in her iconic getup of Leotard + Jacket have been rather scarce to this day even if there were any it was likely coming in limited run. Then recently another Manufacturer called Hiyatoys is trying to fill in the demand gap with their 1/12 Action Figure take on this particular iconic version of Major Motoko. Scheduled for June 2025 Release, 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi will be sold for 90 USD or 14500 Yen Price tag.

Given the track record of Hiyatoys which specialised ini Movie Action Heroes and Kaiju based products, their take on Motoko Kusanagi is quite a miss. While the gimmicks and accessories which include removable jackets are more than good enough, The action figure for the Motoko are still too stiff and lack the overall "smoothness" that the Figma rendition that other versions of Motoko had. This is quite expected given the lack of experience that Hiya Toys had for female action figures and It would have been better If they had built up some more experience before tackling on this best version of Motoko. Since I just got into Cyberpunk series recently, I think GiTS would benefit alot if they ever get a collab with this massive series which hopefully CD Projekt could whip up some quality products for the next title.

Mobility Joint Gundam Vol 8

 

 After some stupid PR stunts pulled by Bandai for Gundam SEED Freedom Metal Robot Spirits product last week. At very least there are some sensible Bandai Department remaining to clean up the mess. Continuing Gundam SEED Freedom roster from the Vol.7, Mobility Gundam Vol.8 is coming with whole another level of treat for fans who are not willing to pay the absurd P-Bandai rate featuring plenty of penultimate mechs of the Gundam SEED Movie. Scheduled for October 2024 release, Mobility Joint Gundam Vol.8 will be sold for 6500 Yen.

Among Gundam Candy Toys lineup, I think the Bandai Team for Mobility Joint really have good sense of taste as they keep bringing quality products for the popular Gundam series Mobile suit unit with really minimum amount of BS compared to Gundam Ensemble. In Vol 8 we got ourselves Strike Freedom, Infinite Justice with their upgrade packs not to mention the main antagonist Cal-Re-A which is severely underrated. While Infinite justice will seems to be a dud, Mighty Strike and Cal-Re-A themselves will look quite promising. I don't really mind if Bandai continue with Seed series for Mobility Joint Vol.9 considering the lineup might as well wrap up with Destiny Gundam which is still the MVP from Gundam Seed Freedom and some Shi-Ve-A to chop down.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Lord Commander Dante

  Straight after Space Wolves, Joytoy is cooking something good yet again with Blood Angels! After being requested for so long, the Chapter Master of one of the more famous First Founding chapters, Blood Angels, Lord Commander Dante himself finally making his appearance in 1/18 Glory! Joytoy 1/18 Dante in his Primaris rendition will be scheduled for September 2024 release with 68 USD Price Tag.

Lord Commander Dante is one of the more special character in 40k not just because he is the Chapter Master of one of the more popular Space Marine chapters. Dante is literally one of the oldest surviving Space Marine who is not interred as dreadnought, serving The Imperium of Man and Blood Angels faithfully over 1600 Years. This is quite an achievement as Space Marines typically does not survive past 200 years despite being literal Demigod due to the horrors that humanity have to face in 40k Settings. Despite being one of the most revered figures in the Imperium, the lengthy millenia years of service has put a toll on Dante and deep down he look for a worthy battlefield to end his life which he almost found in Devastation of Baal, until Sanguinius himself interfere and revives Dante from his mortal wounds.

In tabletop, Dante appears to be a deadly high speed assault unit who tear Elite units which is reflected with his wargear consisting of his trusty Power Axe and Perdition Pistol. Dante is easily a must have for any Blood Angels collector and a really good addition of 40k named character for any Joytoy 40k collectors worth their salt. Considering that Dante has been released, We will likely get Sanguinius at some point within this year.

52 Toys 1/24 Scale Final Fight Action Figure

 Capcom beat em ups was one of the hottest thing back in early 90s but unfortunately the fire of this genre was not preserved particularly well to stand the test of time. But after Tenchi wo Kurau and Captain Commando series, 52Toys made it back to Capcom beat em ups with Final Fight series. Featuring the original 3 Protagonists Guy, Cody and Haggar; 52Toys are making 3.75 inch or roughly 1/24 Scale with 169 RMB Price tag. Scheduled for Q2 2024, 52 Toys Final Fight Action figure will be sold for 169 RMB each.

Given 52Toys production scale are not as big as Joytoy, It is a given that their Action Figure products cost higher considering the Qty produced and the IP Licensing cost. I would have gotten Guy at least if these are available normally since he is my favorite guy to use in Final Fight, at least his Alpha 3 version. I used to play Final Fight alot when I was in middle school on the GBA version which feature Alpha 3 Guy and Cody as the secret characters. Heck even if I can't get this version properly, I am still willing to get Storm Toys Guy in his Street Fighter getup.

Monster Hunter Rise Union Creative Hinoa & Minoto Scale Figure

 I might have parted my ways with Monster Hunter series few years as MH Rise being my last, considering the series has deviated too much up to my personal liking, however I still remember some fond memories with MH Rise even if the game is not my exact particular cup of tea. When it comes to Waifus however, MH Rise is no doubt is the top reigning one as they have Wyverian Twin Mikos, Hinoa and Minoto serving as the game's poster girl. Out of the blue, Union Creative decided to announce release for MH Rise Scale Figure for both Hinoa an Minoto that doesn't come with exact scale but will stand 27 cm tall! Scheduled for December 2024, Union Creative Hinoa & Minoto will be sold for 16000 Yen each.

In terms of value for money, these Union Creative figure for Monster Hunter waifu would have been a really good one if the figure really stands 27 cm considering Japanese scale figures are rather expensive nowadays. When it comes to MH Waifu, MH Tri series had some pretty good ones and I am quite fond of Tanzia Port Guild Sweetheart. But given my main strike zone is still mecha, these sort of figures are rather easy to overlook if it is not Pop Up Parade. Regardless I am confident that Hino and Minoto will be a good addition for MH Fans apart from collecting those Capcom Figure Builder.

MOSHOW MCT J-02 Progenitor Effect Takeda Shingen

Moshow brings out another surprise yet again! This time based on their old model which was in 1/72 scale, Takeda Shingen made a comeback as action figure! Based on Japanese famous Daimyo, The Tiger of Kai this version of Takeda Shingen will be standing 20 cm tall. While this version of Takeda doesn't come with Full Diecast like the more expensive version, It will still have Diecast Inner Frame and comes with plenty of Melee Weapon. This version of Progenitor Effect Takeda Shingen will be sold for 328 RMB and even cheaper if you have the membership in the Chinese Official Store and scheduled for Q3 2024.

While Chinese manufacturer is still lacking when it comes to Aesthetics department, their effort to produce cool looking Diecast Mecha are nothing to be trifled at as their price point are competitive enough to pose a threat for Bandai's Metal Build and even if personally not too big fan of the mech design are still interested to get the affordable version if available. I still have my Sluban Brick Model for Takeda Shingen which is still sitting around since I am not too eager to collect stuffs outside Super Mecha Champion at the moment but will see if the item is still around when this product joined my collection.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2 - Maria Tachibana

 3rd time is the charm and we are almost halfway through the Sakura Taisen 2 Heroines mechatalk! This time the series will feature the Vice Captain of Teikoku Kagekidan herself, Maria Tachibana! While her story arc has pretty much wrapped up in Sakura Taisen 1, Maria still serve as the ever reliable member of Teikoku Kagekidan providing reliable assistance for Captain Ogami  throughout the Span of Sakura Taisen 2.

Gundam SEED Freedom Metal Robot Spirits Infinite Justice Spec-II

 Bandai dropped plenty of Bombs for Gundam SEED Freedom series yesterday and apart from P-Bandai SHF Athrun, the main protagonists Main Gundam which are Mighty Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice Spec-2. SEED Fans will have to fork out at least 30000 Yen for a Diecast 1/144 Mighty Strike Freedom but the best carry Wingman's Infinite Justice is no slouch either! Scheduled for January 2025 release, Metal Robot Spirits Infinite Justice Spec-2 will be sold for 18000 Yen.

 When I first saw IJ Gundam Spec-2 Lineart, I felt that the design is rather weird and not much of an Upgrade for Justice compared to Mighty Strike. However the MRS do show how much a Close Quarter monster that Infinite Justice Spec-2 could be and the Fatum X-Wing Backpack do actually look cool. But in the end, I think I will just stick with MRS Immortal Justice considering the P-Bandai Treatment will make this MRS cost 25000 Yen at very least or even 30000 Yen which is just too much for a product of this type. At this rate I will just wait for either Bandai or Chinese 3rd Party to make some Metal Build for Infinite Justice Spec 2 which the latter will likely do if Bandai doesn't regain their sanity.

Gundam SEED Freedom SHF Athrun Zala

 A Proper action figure for Athrun Zala is something that Athrun fanboys like myself have been looking forward to for a long time and Bandai have answered the wish, but in a rather unpleasant way. Released as P-Bandai stuff yet again along with the Infinite Justice Spec-2, Athrun Zala is getting his SHF treatment in his Gundam SEED Freedom Movie getup! Scheduled for December 2024 release SHF Athrun will be sold for 9000 Yen.

In terms of accessorires and Sculpt, SHF Athrun Zala does actually satisfy the needs from Gundam SEED fanboys pretty well with decent amount of accessories. But the biggest offender is that Overseas fans will likely have to fork out at least 40000 Yen if they want the complete set of SHF Athrun along with Diecast 14 Cm Infinite Justice Gundam action figure. For that amount of money, a Metal Build would have been better value for money. I would have gotten both of these MRS and SHF Athrun if they are regular release but given it is a P-Bandai, I am not too eager to put up with Bandai's nonsense. Might as well wait Bandai regain their sanity first and make the regular version of SHF Athrun or Regular release of Infinite Justice Spec-2 Metal Build, or even wait for some 3rd Party make more reasonably priced collectible for Athrun Zala.

Lufia I: The Fortress of Doom

 As I have completed my pilgrimage to Lufia main series which had the final stop at Lufia 1: Fortress of Doom, to wrap things up, I will be dedicating full article for this game just like what I did with Lufia II. Lufia I is possibly the oldest JRPG game that I have touched so far through out my journey in this genre which I still believe peaked at PSX era. Lufia I is not exactly an enjoyable ride for me because it is too old school even for me but I still got what I seek from this series regardless. At its core, Lufia I had some good potentials which had been partially realized through later sequels before it took a nosedive due to lack of clear vision by Neverland. 

The primary goal of this particular article is to provide a glimpse of the Crux that this First title of Lufia series could offer for modern gamers audience without having to directly play the game. Because trust me Lufia I ages really badly by modern standard compared to its later sequels and most people won't have pleasant time playing this game.

Silent Hill 2 Gecco 1/6 Dog Ending Shiba Doge Coin Bank Statue

 I am never into Survival Horror series let alone Silent Hill despite I am personally interested in the genre as casual observer. However this particular product for Silent Hill is way too interesting to be overlooked. As Silent Hill 2 getting HD Remake around the end of this year, some manufacturer called Gecco decided to make a Diorama figure based on the Silent Hill 2 Dog Ending that can be used as a coin bank as well Scheduled for November 2024 release, this Meme Diorama Statue product will be sold for 32000 Yen.

Personally, I never played Silent Hill series myself but the Silent Hill 2 Dog Ending is quite something else. Not sure what Silent Hill Dev team was smoking at the time but this particular secret ending probably one of the main contributor for the popular Doge memes that feature Shiba Doge. Seriously facing so much cosmic horrors only to find out that some Shiba Dog responsible for your misery is rather unique experience indeed. 32000 Yen for a coin bank is rather expensive things to fork out your money for but this one probably will be a popular item for Pro Gamer streamers especially those who plan to stream Silent Hill 2 Remake when it is coming out.

Arknights Apex Toys Skadi Deform Mini Figure Dessert Shop

 Apex Toys usually make Premium 1/7 Scale Figures for Arknights series, but from time to time they go for a change and this time make some mini figure for the Abyssal Hunters Waifus! Featuring Skadi and Specter, Apex Toys are making some Dessert Themed playset which require getting both character for the complete playset. Scheduled for January 2025 release, Arknights Deform Figure Dessert Shop set will be sold for 3000 Yen.

I suppose Apex could have made one for Gladia to complete the Abysal Hunter Waifus but they will consider it as a plan for some other time as Gladia serious personality doesn't really match with the Dessert Shop theme. Personally I still wonder why Apex decided for Dessert shop instead since in the game, Abyssal Hunters first room theme is a Pizza shop but the turn of decision can be still respected regardless with Skadi and Specter being so carefree in making some Waffles and sipping Teas. Might consider getting Skadi if she is available for preorder with my local Toy Distributor.

Lastly, given the recent W Alter release in Arknights CN, I am quite confident that Hypergryph could release yet another 2nd Alter for Skadi if the demand is sufficient as a Limited 6* Guard operator. Thematically they can come up with a version of Skadi that wields her Seaborn power without getting corrupted. Because for such popular Arknights waifu character, her DPS version is just a very expensive Beatstick that are already overshadowed by the likes of Kirin Yato or Surtr. Thus another Guard Operator version of Skadi that can wipe bosses or mobs with impunity alike are quite welcomed by the fanbase depending on how Hypergryph execute the concept.

MS General 1/10 Greed

  One of the more impressive Chinese Mecha Musume product that I came across recently and for some reason it got quite an interesting arrangement with Kotobukiya for Japanese release in alternate color scheme. Simply dubbed as MS General Greed, this Mecha Musume product features a pirate themed mecha musume with some impressive Marine based companions. The Kotobukiya version of MS General Greed will be scheduled for October 2024 release with 19800 Yen Price tag.

Originally this product is released by a Chinese Manufacturer called Zhuo Jiang Wenhua(卓匠文化) which was available for December 2023 release and probably sold for around 500 RMB Price tag which is literally a steal. MS General Greed is a 1/10 Scale Pirate theme Mecha Musume who comes with 3 Marine Animal based mecha which are Whale, Stingray and Shark. The whale mecha serve as the Pirate Mecha Musume's ride while the Stingray and Shark can turn into Weapons which are pretty cool gimmick for this type of Model Kit. While I could have just preordered the Kotobukiya version, I will probably still look for available retail stock for the Chinese version which come in Blue color scheme.

Sakura Wars Mechatalk: Sakura Taisen 2: Kanna Kirishima Route

 2nd Sakura Taisen 2 Heroine Mechatalk is here as I am trying my best to consistently wrap up my business before moving onto Sakura Taisen 4. After Sumire, I will be doing Kanna Kirishima! While Kanna might be one of the least popular Heroine from Ogami Kagekidan, she still deserve to belong to this legendary group. But arguably among whole Sakura Taisen casts, Kanna VA is still overall the most successful one as she is one of the Legendary VA who managed to attain mainstream success.

SRW Z HG Gunleon

 

 Another Big surprise for SRW series by Bandai! Thought they will plow on SRW OG series first before moving into other SRW titles considering the former still have more than plenty materials to be worked on. Thus Bandai pull of a combo breaker on their SRW Model kit in order to release Gunleon, One of the main protagonist mecha from SRW Z1! Scheduled for October 2024 release, HG Gunleon will be sold for 5500 Yen SRP.

 I think Bandai really did a superb job for SRW series model kit justifying them taking over this IP from Kotobukiya. I would say the quality for Gunleon is quite superb because it literally features practically all of the gimmick that this unit have including its upgraded form which pretty much turn Gunleon into literal Gaogaigar. Back then I only completed SRW Z1 in Setsuko route and never pushed on to complete Gunleon's but might as well revisit SRW Z if I have the opportunity to tie up the loose ends. To me SRW Z is a wasted potential because it could have been the Saint Seiya of Mecha series featuring 12 Zodiacs of Mechas as the protagonists. But at very least Z1 and Z2 did the job good enough making them still worth playing until this day. Hoping that Bandai will work on Virgola next because Setsuko, the sorrowful maiden do deserves the love

Diaclone Horus Versaulter - Night Tiger Unit

 One of the cooler protagonist Diaclone versaulters, Horus Versaulter make a comeback and this time sporting cooler Jet Black color scheme! This is one of the Diaclone versaulter that I have been waiting for the rerun available which comes in alternate color scheme dubbed Night Tiger unit. Scheduled for November 2024 release, Horus Versaulter will be sold for 9000 Yen.

Horus Versaulter is one of the complete package Diaclone versaulters out there, equipped with versatile assortments of armaments for any sort of engagement. Also this is one of the versaulter that you can replicate Macross 3-Form gimmicks which makes it a great addition for collectors whether you are starting into Diaclone Lineup or avid collectors. While the original Horus Versaulter exudes protagonist mecha aura, the Night Tiger version exudes the aura of an Elite unit specializing in Night Raid attacks. I have seen some Diaclone collectors pulled off some cool customization with Horus Versaulters as the base model and I might look for suitable add-on option too.

30 Minutes Fantasy - Liber Fighter

 The promising 30 Minutes Fantasy lineup returns with their 2nd Lineup yet again! As usual the lineup release 1 Main Class unit with 2 Class Upgrade kit and 1 Item shop option. In this release 30 MS features the Fighter Class available in Liber and Rozen variant just like the knight version. Scheduled for November 2024 release, 30 MF Liber Fighter will be sold for 2200 Yen.

Equipped with Axe and Shield as the default equipment, Liber Fighter pose as the brawnier counterpart to Liber Knight which are more balanced in terms of overall stats. As for the Class Upgrade option, Liber Fighter comes with Warrior or Viking Class Upgrade parts which are both equally make the unit look more ferocious coming with Polearm or Larger Axe as the upgrade option. Personally I will just wait for another class upgrade option for Liber Fighter that makes the unit more tanky without looking too feral. Given that Bandai has been releasing strength based character for all of their 30 MF entries, I would expect the next one will be a dexterity based class like Rogue or something.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunner

 During my spare time last week, I finally gave Cyberpunk Edgerunner a watch. This particular series  gained a lot of hype in mid 2022s until early 2023. For an adaptation series based from a AAA game that had rather bad launch due to massive bug issues, this anime really live up to its hype and overall a bittersweet ride through its 10-Episodes run. Truly one of the better anime in recent time for this cyberpunk genre.

 Edgerunner is what happen if Eureka 7 is given a dystopian Cyberpunk treatment and there are no good endings for the protagonist. Faithfully going by the ethos of "Live Fast, Die Young", Cyberpunk: Edgerunner tells the story of a youth named David Martinez, who with his underprivileged background and series of unfortunate events decide to go for broke and plunge himself into Night City to carve himself a name as a Cyberpunk. Truly living up to the moniker of this Cyberpunk Spin-Off anime, the viewers will get a glimpse of a youth who constantly walks on Razor's edge in the Dystopian future city.

For its short single cour-run, Cyberpunk: Edgerunner able to convey its message straight to the point successfully. I feel this series particularly resonates very well with current youth generation who are facing the issue of massive disenfranchisement especially in developed nations with their share of the ongoing Societal issues. Considering I never played the Cyberpunk series before, I was unable to fully appreciate what the series could offer, but at very least Edgerunner successfully makes me very interested with the Video Game which is the main purpose of the series. Lastly Edgerunner heavily reminded me of Android: Netrunner which was a popular card game series that share similar dystopian setting with Cyberpunk but focus more on Hackers vs Mega Corporation side.

Konosuba PROOF 1/7 Aqua Fairy Tale Ver

 In Konosuba, Aqua might be a useless Goddess that become deadweight for Kazuma's party most of the time, but one certainly cannot deny her charm as a goddess. With the release of Konosuba 3rd season, the new merchandise for the series are starting to flow in once again and obviously Aqua got a share of it. Previously Aqua had plenty of PVC figure dedicated for her but this one gotta be the most unique so far! Created by a manufacturer called PROOF, this version of Aqua is based on Alice in the Wonderland which will be sold for 19800 Yen Price tag with December 2024 release.

While this figure is not the most exact fit for Aqua archetype, compared to previous Aqua Figures this one probably one of the better value. Considering the price tag is around 20k Yen with all cost considered might as well get the most unique version for Aqua which this figure fits the bill. Given that Konosuba Season 3 is keep airing, I will probably give it a watch in near future, at least until I cleared some of my anime backlogs.

Mechatalk Sakura Wars - Sakura Taisen 2: Kanzaki Sumire Route

As a part of Realm of Darkness Sakura Taisen 2 Project, I will be making articles covering all of the Teikoku Kagekidan 8 Heroines on weekly basis. I feel this is the least I could do with the legendary Sakura Taisen  before I inevitably started my final pilgrimage for this series with Sakura Taisen 4. 

And the 1st Heroine who become the benefactor of this Sakura Taisen 2 Article is obviously my personal favorite heroine from Teikoku Kagekidan who is no other than Teigeki Top Star; Kanzaki Sumire! This series of Sakura Taisen 2 Mechatalk Article will cover briefly the background of each Teikoku Kagekidan Main heroines, their most significant role in Sakura Taisen 2 Main story as well as their route story and lastly anything noteworthy side event featuring the heroine. Given my asset gathering project back then came to abrupt end, some of the heroines article will not be fully fleshed out as others but I will make the amend once I made it to Sakura Taisen 4.