Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Sanguinius

If Joytoy couldn’t busted 40k Fans wallet even more with their Warhammer 40k lineup release which have included 1/18 Horus Lupercal this year, Here comes one of the most awaited character from 40k which is no other than the Blood Angel’s Primarch, Sanguinius! Schedule for January 2025 release, 1/18 Sanguinius will be sold for 140 USD Price tag.

 In 40k settings Sanguinius is literally one of the more noblebright individual that ever graced the grimdark settings. Being the progenitor of First Founding Blood Angels chapter, Sanguinius elevates his sons stature from mindless brutal savage into something more enlightened by patiently teaching them humanity. Certainly something which the Emperor of Mankind can be proud of. Among his Primarch brothers, It is simply cannot be understated the importance of the role that Sanguinius played in Horus Heresy which certainly also makes him one of the most beloved character in Warhammer 40k.

As for the Joytoy rendition for Sanguinius, I am surprised they can sell it for 140$. Because for the large Wings alone, Joytoy could have sold him as expensive as Horus. While Joytoy track record for face sculpt are still rather dubious, Sanguinius face sculpt will be still acceptable if they still make it around the quality of Lion El Johnson. Sanguinius also comes with generous amount of weapons ranging from a pair of Mastercrafted Power Swords, Spear of Telesto and a pistol as well, something that Joytoy didn’t bother with 1/18 Lion El Johnson Plasma Pistol back then. All in all, Joytoy 1/18 Sanguinius is easily one of their Top 40k Product in 2024 along with Horus which certainly will easily wreck any 40k Fans wallet. Given their consistent output, I am quite sure Joytoy could push another Primarch by the end of this year which I will be curious who will get the turn. Rumors said it will be Vulkan but I won’t even mind Fulgrim or Curze

Voltron 3D Trendmasters Voltron

 Voltron AKA Golion gotta be one of the few Japanese Mecha series with enduring popularity to this day , owing to its success in the west just like Transformers. Given this classic mecha series is a cashcow, obviously there are plenty of Toys renditions dedicated for this guy both cheap and expensive. But in this instance, I would like to cover the one that hold memories to me. It took me years to figure out which version that I had as I only remember the playset gimmick that the Product had. But a random encounter on internet led me to Trendmasters Voltron.

Back in Late 90s, there were plenty of  US Cartoons with wonky 3D animation broadcasted worldwide like Beastwars or Starship Troopers Roughnecks. Voltron was no exception and it got a 3D Cartoon called Voltron the Third Dimension which Trendmasters made a Robot toy for it. What makes Trendmaster version of Voltron notable was its playability gimmick which resemble Micromachines playsets which bestow pilot and shooting action gimmick. Trendmaster Voltron is certainly no way superior compared to Soul of Chogokin or Blitzway version of Voltron but it is good enough to make a Kid like my past self very happy. Heck my fixation toward pilot cockpit gimmick for my Toy product is probably owed to this guy even If I never have the complete set. While I already make peace with never having Trendmaster Voltron anymore, I am still open to a suitable candidate for my Voltron collection though my current budget is not that particularly high at the moment.

Bigfirebuild Bird/Binary Sandroars

 Until recently there is this Chinese manufacturers called Bigfirebird that I overlooked until now. It was not unit I got into the Transformers rabbit hole that I decided to revisit their products. About 2 years ago Bigfirebird made a Mecha Toy product that resembled a Hybrid of Armored Core and Transformers which started with a Jet fighter mecha called Kalavinka. I wasn't able to spare any attention for their product until recently which their particular Tank mecha called Red Jackal caught my attention the most. While that particular product was sold out for quite some time already, Bigfirebird do rerelease this Tank Mecha with a Desert Camo pattern dubbed Sandroar. Scheduled for end Q4 release, Bigfirebird Sandroar will be sold for 380 RMB.

Moshow Progenitor Effect Illustrious Class 1/100 Date Masamune

 As Illustrious class Shingen Takeda have been distributed for the collectors, Moshow is now ready to reveal their 2nd Illustrious Class rendition for their 1/72 Progenitor Effect Diecast Mecha. As expected it is the turn for the Crescent Moon Helm Samurai Mecha, Masamune Date. Scheduled for quick Q4 release, Illustrious Class Date Masamune will be sold for 358 RMB SRP though you can get 268 RMB preorder rate apparently.

While it is not the 1:1 Over the top copy of its Sengoku Basara counterpart, frankly speaking Moshow's version of Date Masamune is no less cool. The Mecha rendition of One eyed Dragon got that main protagonist Mecha treatment with its balanced set of weapon assortments. Just like Takeda Shingen, the illustrious class probably will have some Diecast part on it. Given the order of release, I think Marquis of Wucheng will be likely the next to be released followed up by Lancelot. Hopefully Illustrious class for Lancelot will have alternate color scheme as well so I can double dip.

Kannazuki no Miko Mechatalk: Part Two – Take no Yamikazuchi

The second of the Three-Part Kannazuki no Miko mechatalk is here! Kannazuki no Miko might be a poor excuse of a Mecha anime as the series prefer to focus on Yuri relationships of the Main heroine instead of making proper Mecha series. However, it doesn’t mean that the Mecha department of this series does not have any merit, as the effort by the team that handled this particular part are actually quite apparent despite it is a thankless errand.

Therefore, to reciprocate the earnest labor given for the Mecha that Kannazuki no Miko had, I proudly present the Mechatalk article dedicated for Take no Yamikazuchi! This article will be more extensive compared to your typical Mechatalk articles which is a rarity for this blog these days just to show the respect I have for this Kannazuki no Miko protagonist mecha. Take no Yamikazuchi is the literal MVP Mecha of Kannazuki and the major reason why the Mechatalk for its series exist in the first place. Because despite the poor overall execution of the storyline, Take no Yamikazuchi and his pilot are actually one of those among the many that make it as an exemplary paragon which represents the pure essence of Mecha. 

Cang Toys Twelve Wars 1/12 Samael

 Shortly after Loong product reveal, Cang Toys is showing yet another part of their 12 Chinese Zodiac Mecha Musume lineup! Representing the Snake Zodiac, this one is called Samael but unlike Loong which is a finished Action figure product, Samael will be sold as Plastic model which means a lower price tag. Scheduled for Q2 2025, 1/12 Samael will be sold for 198 RMB.

Goddess of Victory: Nikke

 After resisting the temptation for more than 2 years, I finally give in and decide to give Nikke a try! Of all available timing, I picked my entrance toward one of the heavily marketed Gacha Game right after Evangelion collab. After giving this game a try for almost 3 weeks, as expected Nikke is one of those Gacha game that totally cater to Male Audience with their liberal amount of 2D waifus with their perfect "assets". Shift-Up the dev of this game really goes all-in and perfects the craft of Waifu fanservice as Nikke never run short of Waifus with unrealistic perfect bodies. This game definitely will draw ire from the female audience but the Devs really know what they are doing.

Getter Robo Iron Romance Workshop SRL-01 Getter Akaoni

 Having played SRW for more than Decade and handling many Diecast Toys from this legendary Super Robot series, Getter Robo never got into my strikezone, at least until the recent product. Created by a Chinese Studio called Iron Romance Workshop, they present a unique take for this classic Big Red Superrobot. Taking a spin on Japanese theme, we got ourselves a Getter 1 with Samurai flavor called Getter Akaoni which literally mean Red Demon. Standing 14 cm tall, Iron Romance Workshop's Getter Akaoni will be sold for 399 RMB.

On first glance, Getter Akaoni will stand roughly slightly below SRC Shin Getter. Apart from Samurai makeover which really elevated Getter 1 base design, this particular rendition of Super Robot comes with another gimmick. Getter Robo is probably one of the oldest Combiner Super Robot and Getter Akaoni able to replicate this particular selling point as well. Long Story short, Getter Akaoni can separate itself into 3 Plane units that are piloted by Ryoma, Hayato and Musashi. While Akaoni doesn't have Getter 2 & 3 form, the value that this product tried to offer is more than sufficient considering the past Getter Robo product that tried to replicate the complete transformation gimmick like the Freeing version which did have its share of issues. 

 Time will tell if Iron Romance will consider making the Samurai rendition for Getter 2 and 3 as well, but perhaps for once I will get myself a copy for the Physical representation for Getter Robo because the engineering behind the product is very praiseworthy.

FGO Babylon SPM Ishtar Prize Figure Review

Digging up another of my Old photo batches that never made it to the Review few years ago. During FGO Babylon airing, Sega did pick up several Servant characters to get a Prize Figure treatment. One of them is the popular Tohsaka Rin clone in useless goddess flavor, Ishtar in her Archer Class. By far this is probably one of the most plain renditions for this Archer Class Damegami especially when compared to the Aniplex version, but you still got her "defenseless" fanservice as part of the deal. In near future probably I will do some catch up with my Copy of SPM Ereshkigal which remained unopened for years already.

Hexagear 1/24 Bulkarm Lambda Wolfzerker

 Hexagear is back with another Humanoid mecha and this time it is another continuation of Bulkarms Lambda! Released early this year with a leaner and Elite force build compared to Bulkarms Alpha, Bulkarms Lambda got an upgrade with Wolfzerker unit which makes it a beastly tanky Frontline Unit. Scheduled for March 2025 release, Bulkarms Lambda will be sold for 9300 Yen and for those who had Lambda Jackal before can just an upgrade pack for 2800 Yen.

Without a doubt, Wolfzerker is Kotobukiya's take on Iron Blooded Orphan's Helmwige Reimcar with the obvious Horned Helmet, Great Sword weapon and Bulky upper torso armor. Nevertheless Wolfzerker's Main weapon has interesting design which can be swapped into Mace or Greatsword based on Kotobukiya's default configuration. Wolfzerker's design makes the original Bulkarms Lambda look more aggressive which still somehow fits nonetheless. I wouldn't mind if Kotobukiya make a Sniper variant for Bulkarms Lambda as It will complement the real robot design quite well.

Shurato Yolopark AMK Pro Shura Oh Shurato

 Abandoned by their own Japanese creators for so long, Tenku Senki Shurato got yet another chance again by Chinese manufacturers! Renowned for their Transformers model kit portfolio, Yolopark decided to give Shurato series a try and the result appear to look impressive! Released as part of AMK lineup which apparently an abbreviation of "Assembled Model Kit" Yolopark Shurato will be scheduled for Q4 2024 release with 65 USD price tag though the Japanese release cost almost 20000 Yen most likely due to licensing nonsense.

Despite the product is designated as Modelkit, Yolopark AMK Shurato is actually preassembled like Saint Seiya and Yoroiden Diecast product. It is just that Shurato's main body unit are separated like some sort of crime victim for some reason and just require some minor Snap Fit. The sculpt Quality is no doubt very good which is evident with Yolopark's experience in the industry. Few years ago a Chinese company called Dasin did have a go with Shurato, but Yolopark definitely wins out this time. If I didn't have the Kidslogic diecast which still remained untouched to this day, I would have certainly picked Shurato. As for the 20000 Yen price tag nonsense for Japan release, Tatsunoko are just behaving like a goddamn parasite despite never bother to work on Shurato IP for more than 30 years.

Kurogane no Linebarrel Kotobukiya 1/144 Linebarrel Overdrive

 After laying dormant for more than a decade, Kotobukiya finally decided to revive their Linebarrel model kit lineup. Most likely in limited fashion, Linebarrel Overdrive and Vardant got their 1/144 Scale Model Kit re-release. Scheduled for May 2025, These 2 iconic Machinas will be sold for 5800 and 5500 Yen which doesn't differ much from its old price.

If Kotobukiya made Linebarrel Overdrive and Vardant in the present, they could have costed above 7000 Yen so we got to be thankful that Koto decided to release them in reasonable price. I used to have 1/144 Vardant before and these Model Kit required some repaint to actually look good. Nevertheless the end result of these two Machinas will look as good as Bandai's as long as the proper work are being put in.

Since the featured mech in this post is Linebarrel Overdrive, might as well put some tidbits about this guy. Linebarrel Overdrive is the upgraded version of Linebarrel after Koichi went angsty enough and it is equipped with some kind contraption on its right hand which capable shooting powerful energy blasts or turn into massive energy Blade which is unfortunately not included in the Kotobukiya version. Regardless, any Linebarrel fans should consider getting this one because it is one of those very rare Re-releases from Kotobukiya. Probably I am going to do some rereading marathon for Kurogane no Linebarrel as well

Kannazuki no Miko Mechatalk: Part 1 - Orochi Seven

 
 About two months has passed already since I finished Kannazuki no Miko. Abit late due to work life commitment,but as promised here comes the mechatalk for this controversial Mecha series of early 2000s! A Yuri series it might be, but the effort and passion of Kannazuki no Miko's anime production team for the mecha still worth a merit and I feel obligated to reciprocate in return. 

 Split into 3 Parts, The first of the Kannazuki no Miko mechatalk articler will start with covering  the supporting characters from antagonist side which represented each heads of Yamata no Orochi and known as Orochi Seven. This Mechatalk series will focus to serve as the Visual guide to help any mecha fans who consider watching Kannazuki no Miko worth their time or not.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Caramel Review

 The second Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model review is here! SMC had assorted variety of Mechas but the one that sticks out the most got to be Caramel with the Bear Mecha look! This is why Sluban picked up this Mecha and even Earnestcore picked this Yellow Bear as a part of their SMC product. In SMC, Caramel is a heavy weapon mecha type that shoots barrage of cannons from its Arms and capable of transfoming into Siege tank for even more firepower. Don't be fooled by its adorable look though as this Bear capable of High Jump and proceed to ground pound any opponents that underestimate it. Overall Sluban did nail the Sculpt of Caramel quite well with their Brick Model product which actually look good despite the format limitation. Given the price tag, obviously this one won't have any tank mode.

 With its main character status, Caramel obviously got many varieties of mecha designs dedicated to it which Hobby manufacturers could have picked up if SMC is still relevant. As for the game, Super Mecha Champions still do have updates in the form of rerun contents despite Netease don't even bother to update their Global server Social media anymore. For the Blog review version, I will be probably adding the background information for all of the Sluban SMC Review including Arthur which got its review recently.

Genshin Impact Nendoroid Zhong Li

 Took Mihoyo long enough to make something noteworthy for their Genshin Impact! 2 Years have passed after the Anemo Archon Venti got his Nendoroid and finally the Geo Archon himself, Rex Lapis finally made it to Nendoroid Lineup as well! Coming with some his Vortex Vanquisher and couple goodies, Nendoroid Zhong Li will be sold for 7500 Yen Price tag and May 2025 release schedule. 

To be honest over past 2 Years during Sumeru and Fontaine update, Mihoyo have become too full of themselves which the Merchandise release schedule like the Nendoroids serve as manifestation of the issue. While Nendoroid Zhong Li certainly is a well made product that the character deserve, I personally don't see any reason why It need to take 2.5 years after Nendoroid Venti for the finished product to be available. Might as well Raiden Shogun, Nahida and Furina need 2 years each for their Nendoroids to be released.

While Mihoyo's Top Leader. Dawei tried to make heartful amends before Natlan release promising to make Genshin better. Personally I still don't fully buy the genuine intention  of making Mihoyo turn for better because it looks like a textbook Good Cop, Bad Cop antics and Genshin is still a painful daily chore as usual in the first Natlan update. Mihoyo's consequences of their Hubris have come to the extent of making the Players unwilling to explore their new creations despite the good production value since they have ignored their players grievances for so long. Time will tell whether Mihoyo able to fulfill their promise or not

Cang Toys Twelve Wars 1/12 Loong

 Not only Diecast mecha products, Chinese are racing to make even better mecha musume and waifu action figures! This time it is something from Cang Toys which made Yandi a while back. Now they feel quite ready to make some 1/12 scale Chinese Zodiac themed Waifu action figures starting with the Dragon Zodiac! Designated Loong as the name, this Dragon waifu will be scheduled for Late October 2024 release with 369 RMB Price tag.