Super Robot Heroes Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Cassowary

 Orange Cat is back with their Protagonist Mecha Estailev! This time it is the Estailev red variant that comes with different weapon loadouts. Compared to Japanese Price, The CN version are sold for a very affordable price tag starting from 135 RMB Member price and then 198 RMB regular price with release date within September 2024.

Compared to previous Estailev, Estailev Cassowary comes with rather modest Weapon Loadouts as it has a Shotgun as the default ranged weapon and then Gating Gun installed on the iconic looking cross shield. In terms of Role, Estailev Cassowary probably takes the position of Close ranged skirmisher harassing the enemy targets while other unit deliver the killing blow. I would love to see what kind of heavy ranged variant that Future Estailev will have down the road.

Warhammer 40000: Marneus Calgar

 Being the Posterboy of Warhammer 40k, Ultramarines has been always the recipients of many preferential treatment in media Exposure, including Comic Books. Of all publishers, I am surprised that Marvel was the one to be the partner for the 40K book but it is a decent read nonetheless. From this collab project we got ourselves a Comic Book dedicated to Ultramarines Papa Smurf, Marneus Calgar. This particular comic take the reader to visit Calgar's past before he became Space Marine and his quest as the Chapter Master to settle his old debt.

While many 40K fans are not amused with the golden child treatment for Ultrasmurfs by Geedubs, While I favored some Pre Heresy Traitor Legions and Salamanders more, I do admit Ultramarines are quite worthy First Founding nonetheless after I moved on from Matt Ward memes, as there are plenty of named Ultramarines that are worthy representing the Chapter's ethos of "Courage and Honor" which Marneus Calgar do count as one. Nonetheless Marneus Calgar had relatively interesting backstory despite being the chapter master of one of the more "Vanilla" Space Marine Chapter. As even he become Chapter Master, he walked the same path  with many Space Marine aspirants who have to survive many Life and Death situations while resisting the temptations of Chaos. In the end Marneus Calgar showed that only the personal quality of the individual matters to be worthy to join the ranks of Space Marine.

Pacific Rim Infinity Studio Heavy Mecha Cherno Alpha

 After Crimson Typhoon, the Russian Jaeger Cherno Alpha is the next one getting the Diecast Mecha treatment from the Infinity Studio! Took about one year but the release is quite close as it appears the line production has been set up. Scheduled for Q4 2024 release, Heavy Mecha Cherno Alpha will be sold for 1280 RMB.

 Cherno Alpha is one of the oldest surviving Jaeger in 1st Pacific Rim movie that met untimely end despite being a kickass Old Guard archetype because Gipsy Danger has to be the reigning supreme in a Hollywood Movie. From the sample pictures, Heavy Mecha Cherno LED parts would be one of the stronger selling point considering previous rendition were lacking on this department. Compared to Crimson Typhoon, I would say Cherno looks less bulky thus the manufacturer able to sell this fellow for lower SRP though for some reason the local distributor sells this one for higher price. Nonetheless I would expect Striker Eureka would be likely the next Jaeger to make it given the possible pattern of the Heavy Mecha release.

Chrono Crusade

 Late 90s/Early 2000s saw Japan made some really good mangas which some become major success and still have lasting legacy until this day. Where as in this particular period, some of them have very well developed world outlook which makes it appealing for International readers. After Gunslinger Girl,  Chrono Crusade is another of those "renaissance" manga that has that particular International charm and It was also one of my favorite read too back in High School.

Taking place in fictional 20th Century setting, Chrono Crusade is Modern Biblical adventure of Human vs Demons which a Trigger-Happy Sister and her Demon boy partner served as the main character. In this heavily Christian themed Japanese Manga, there are more things that meets than the eye as the protagonists will have to eventually confront a group of enemies world ending threats related to their past. Chrono Crusade is notably remembered for its short yet action packed  3-Act storyline spanning over 8 Volumes. This is one of those manga that had bittersweet ending and If you like modern fantasy genre, this one surely worth a read. Back then Chrono Crusade also have 24-episode anime made by Deen, but better stick with the Manga for this one.

Brave Express Super Robot Chogokin Mightgaine Review

 Took couple months to kickstart my interest but here are the limited revival for Realm of Darkness! The new Review posts will be mostly a repost compilation for the stuffs from my Instagram but from time to time it will include some pics that didn't make the cut over there. To start off, I am picking SRC Mightgaine as the first candidate.

While I don't have specific reason to pick Mightgaine, SRC Mightgaine review has been a long due one as I got him around the time when I got my Physical copy of SRW V. At the time of the picture were taken, I already had the Yuusha Candy Toys as well as The GATTAI counterpart of Mightgaine so I got good amount of comparison. Despite I already parted with my copy of SRC Mightgaine, in terms of playability, this particular rendition remains to be the best one because you can always rely on Bandai for the best possible articulation.

30 Minutes Fantasy - Liber Bishop

 After the Fighter class, turns out it is the Cleric job that becomes the next main class to join 30 Minutes Fantasy. With the priest serve as the basic class and available in Liber/Rozen variant as usual, the designated class up item is the Bishop Class. Scheduled for January 2025 release, 30 MF Liber Bishop will be sold for 2700 Yen.

 As always the Liber variant of the Bishop Class looks like a hreo type that exudes divine Aura and works side by side with the Liber Paladin where as the Rozen Bishop actually looks equally cool perfectly playing the act as the Head Honcho of the evil faction. Surprisingly the cousin lineup of the 30MS Spinatio Royal Knight do look good as the Liber Bishop summon Bodyguard which makes me interested to look into this lineup again at some point. I wonder which class would be the next to join 30 MF, either Wizard or Rogue would be a suitable addition.

SRW OG HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe

  Given that Bandai kept working on SRW OG Model Kits, it is bound to happen that Trombe variants of Ratsel Feinschmaker will pop out eventually. However Bandai's choice for the Personal Trooper to get Trombe Variant proves to be a rather peculiar one. For some reason Bandai choose to pick Huckebein Mk-II as the candidate to receive the Trombe treatment which is weird but looks good nonetheless. Planned as P-Bandai item HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe will be sold for 4700 Yen with December 2024 release schedule.

 Either my memory eludes me but I only remembered Huckebein Mk-III as the one that ever get Trombe version but perhaps it was a secret unit back in SRW OGs. The Bandai Model Kit pretty much include all original Huckebein MK-II loadout and I think the Trombe include Assault Blade as extra weapon. Trombe units in SRW series is rather special because the Trombe unit theme always override any BGMs including the boss which probably started as a Glitch but passed down as tradition hereafter. This Huckebein Mk-II release perhaps hints out Bandai's next plan for SRW OG HGs like Aussenseitter release considering Dygenguar already had one or even we will be one step closer for SRW OG Video Game series.

Kotobukiya Modelling Support Goods Combat Cell Dark Green ver

 Kotobukiya from time to time do release some very interesting Model Kit accessories as part of their Modelling Support Goods lineup. Due to their higher price tag compared to Bandai's , they are easily overlooked but this one is yet another one that got pretty good engineering. Released previously in White color, MSG Combat sell is a Tactical Backpack unit that can turn into assortment of Guns, this time in Military Dark Green color scheme. Scheduled for January 2025 release, MSG Combat Cell will be sold for 2200 Yen.

Diaclone DA-109 Diabattles X-1

 Takara Tomy dropped a yet another high yield payload for their Diaclone series! Complete with Full Trailer video, This Diaclone Mecha is called Diabattles X1 is what Alpha V2 would look like if it is given Big Powered treatment. Scheduled for February 2025 release, Diabattle X-1 will be sold for 29700 Yen.

 On the first glance, Diabattles X-1 is literally what Alpha V2 would look like if it is given Rodimus Prime treatment. It is an understatement that Diabattles X-1 has so many Gimmicks to play with. Consisting of 3 Main Vehicle Units that have 2-5 transformation modes whether it is for Individual or Combined forms. To top it off, compared to the larger Diaclones, Diabattles X-1 Got many armaments to play which I recalled even Big Powered didn't have that much, giving this guy a boost in main Protagonist aura. If fortune allows it, Diabattles X-1 is most likely the larger Diaclone item that I will get first since I missed my chance for Convoy. Quite sure Takara Tomy could even throw in some add on parts for this guy if they ever like it.

Warhammer 40k : Space Marines 2 Joytoy 1/18 Captain Demetrian Titus

 Games Workshop really do their prep work thoroughly for Space Marines 2. As we are getting Captain Titus collab event in Tacticus within few days, Joytoy joins in for a Pincer attack by releasing their 1/18 Warhammer 40k action figure for Captain Titus. Captain Titus might be demoted and called Lieutenant in SM2, but for 40k and Ultramarine Fans he will always be the Space Marine Captain! Scheduled for Dec 2024 release, Joytoy Captain Titus will be sold for 57 USD.

ToysEasy Super Alloy Warship God CV-16 Type 001 Liaoning Aircraft Carrier Shennong

 While Toyseasy caught my attention with their Tiger Tank Transformers, their Battleship Transformers under the lineup Super Alloy Warship God are the real deal! There were couple of the lineup released already but the Aircraft Carrier Shennong got to be the main piece. Released back in Q1 2024, Toyseasy Super Alloy Warship God was available in 2 versions sold for 1149 and 999 RMB respectively.

 I was considering getting Broadside transformers as part of my TF collections but what Toyseasy could offer totally scrap that plan all over. Standing over 30 Cm, Toyseasy Shennong is an aircraft carrier transformer based on China PLA Flagship Liaoning Class Aircraft carrier.  While Shennong is not the only Toys rendition of Liaoning Aircraft Carrier, it gotta be one of the best one easily surpassing the typical japanese stuff. What makes this particular Chinese transformers stands out is that it has the winning combination from the best parts of Gundam, Pacific Rim and Transformers. I am not sure the exact difference but the Special version of Toyseasy Shennong comes with extra Submarine transformers that transform itu Giant cannons to be used by Shennong. Apparently Toyseasy also design the Super Alloy Warship God Mechas in mind to be capable of combining together into a Giant transformers which certainly will give Hasbro Large size transformers a run for their money and I might plan to cover all of the roster from this mecha series. Last but not the least, Toyseasy Shennong comes with extra miniature planes and military vehicles befitting Aircraft Carrier which are quite plenty and I am always a sucker for Mecha toys that can turn into playsets as part of the gimmick.

Konosuba KDColle Yunyun Light Novel 10th Anniv verion

 Megumin doesn't come alone in the second batch of the 10th Anniv Konosuba Light Novel KDColle series as her self proclaimed rival Yunyun tags along! If Megumin got her flashy Witch outfit, Yunyun got something more down to earth as a lovely village maiden.  Scheduled for May 2025 Release, KDColle Yunyun will be sold for 9000 Yen.

To be honest a simple outfit for Yunyun actually suits her character well since she is one of the nicest girl that Kazuma ever met in his Isekai life with his party of misfits. Despite lacking in common sense at times, Yunyun had that latent main Heroine aura as shown in the Konosuba VN games. If Kazuma had played his cards right and acted nice with Yunyun, he would have gotten himself a lovely maiden who will be more than eager to settle down with Kazuma and have him become the village Chief of Crimson Demon clan. I will most likely get her along with Megumin provided my budget allows for it and lets see if Wiz or Chris will follow up in a month or two.

Iron Blooded Orphans MG 1/100 Vidar Gundam

Despite being one of the popular AU Gundam series, Iron Blooded Orphans have gotten rather awkward treatment by Bandai. However the latter decide to pull off some combo breaker by releasing another Master Grade for this series! A rather odd choice after Gundam Barbatos of the first season, but we are getting Gundam Vidar as the next Master Grade model kit. Scheduled for March 2025 release, MG Vidar will be sold for 6000 Yen.

While IBO fanbase are slightly abit more annoying, this series is no doubt way better compared to Witch from Mercury thus deserve better treatment. IBO rarely got any new products after the series end despite the series end in relatively positive note and certainly not a trainwreck like its successor. As a Vidar fan, I do welcome its entry to MG lineup and willing to double dip despite I already got the Full mechanics. I don't know what significant improvement that the Master Grade have in store because the FM version are pretty decent already but I expect the MG will have some LED parts. I would expect Lupus Rex or Bael will be the next candidate but I am still hoping a miracle that Kimaris Vidar will make it as 1/100 MG eventually.

Tensei Colosseum

 Over past few years, Fantasy Isekai or Tensei manga are quite bountiful. Most of them are relatively forgettable utilizing R18 fanservice as a bait. But from time to time there are handful that are actually good like this Tensei Colosseum.

Just like many Isekai Manga, Tensei colosseum had a protagonist from a modern life setting transported into Fantasy world. Instead of getting the typical Hero welcome, deemed worthless by the summoner, the main protagonist instead are sent to fight in Colosseum against fighters where the winner had their way with the loser's body just like many R18 Visual Novel. Sharing the look of  Devil Survivor 2/ Persona 3 protagonist, the main character is an Avid gamer who surprisingly not a betamax guy. Only possessing copycat skill and gifted with his Video Game knowledge, the main protagonist surprisingly thrived in the colosseum, defeating several beautiful female fighters who kept falling for him after he had his way with them.

For a R18 Fantasy Manga, Isekai Colosseum is surprisingly a very good Battle manga for its type. So any Shuumatsu no Valkyrie fan would easily take a liking with this one because the battle parts is done pretty well and the story is interesting enough. It appears that Isekai Colosseum mangaka had extensive experience in Doujin scene before he made this series because you won't get a Quality R18 fantasy battle mangaka before gaining some extensive experience. To be frank Isekai Colosseum content is decent enough that it can survive without relying on the R18 contents. However the mangaka is just that generous to let the reader enjoy some good fanservice while looking at what Isekai Colosseum could offer. If anyone interested to look further into this genre, you can look at Toushin Toshi which had similar setups with this manga especially on the latter part.

30 Minutes Fantasy - Rozen Archer

 As a part of their monthly Gunpla release, Bandai returns with some really good stuffs including 30 Minutes Fantasy. This time we got more than 2 main Class variants with usual Liber/Rozen type. A fantasy series won't be complete without an Archer guy that provide ranged support for the fighters and 30 Minutes Fantasy answer it with the Liber/Rozen Archer! In this instance, Scheduled for March 2025 release, 30 MF Liber/Rozen Archer will be sold for 2200 Yen, slightly more expensive than the Liber Priest but still cheaper than the Liber Bishop set.

 In this instance I will be covering the Rozen variant instead of the default Liber version for the 30 MF Archer Class. Because the Rozen variant simply look cooler for the archer class. Instead of visor helmet, the Rozen Archer class sport Monoeye type helmet which makes it look better aesthetically as dedicated ranged unit which also reminds me of Necron Deathmarks at the same time. In terms of loadouts just like previous 30 MF Class. Rozen Archer is pretty much identical with the liber counterpart with the exception of Armor configuration which I assume are still interchangeable. Considering the price tag, I really doubt Liber/Rozen Archer would get class up item but will still welcome for one regardless should Bandai consider making one.

Arknights Dungeon Meshi Collab Event - Delicious on Terra

 When it comes to collab events, while not the flashiest, Arknights has pretty good sense of taste in selecting the Partner for their collab. As the Arknights Global server is going to get the Rainbow Six collab banner, CN player finally going to get really some good treat with  Dungeon Meshi Collab which has been teased for couple months already. If we follow the typical cycle of Arknights Global server, we are going to get this event around End of February or March.

SRWOG Riobot Soulgain

 As SRW Fans are anticipating for Flametoys Alteisen, Sentinel make their move first by announcing the release for their rendition of Alteisen's rival, Soulgain! Released as Riobot Lineup, Sentinel's take on Soulgain will be sold for 39600 Yen with June 2025 release schedule.

Castlevania Dominus Collection

 Konami may be a deadbeat Game publisher but there are still some competent individuals in the company that still make proper use of their once of popular IPs like Castlevania for this instance. It is just a matter of time after Castlevania Advance compilation got released that the Nintendo DS Castlevania compilation making it as well! Dubbed as Castlevania Dominus Collection, This compilation is available out of nowhere as Digital Release for modern consoles including Switch being released on 27th August 2024 for 24.99 USD. 

Seriously 24.99 USD is literally a steal for Three Crown Jewels of Castlevania which are the culmination of Igavania before Koji Igarashi ultimately departs from Konami. I have played all of these DS Castlevania and while I never exactly finished Order of Ecclessia, all of these 3 Castlevania are very fun Metroidvania games. Portrait of Ruins is easily the best one among these three with plenty of secrets available and I did like Dawn of Sorrow even if it had many issues that makes it a weaker title compared to Aria of Sorrow. Given the pleasant memory that I have from these DS Castlevania, I am still hoping for Konami to have some decency to make a physical release for this Castlevania collection.

Berserk Figma Skull Knight

 A long due merchandise for one of the popular characters in Berserk! Took more than a decade but we Finally got a Figma for Skull Knight complete with regular and DX version. Scheduled for July 2025 release, Figma Skull Knight will be sold for 13800 Yen and 19800 Yen respectively, gotta pick the DX version if you want the Skull Knight's warhorse.

Skull Knight Figma was quite a big deal because he is one of the character that never get a Figma despite Max Factory take on Guts and Griffith many times. Heck even the Godhand Figfix was released 8 years ahead than Skull Knight. Despite its scary appearance, Skull Knight is one of the most powerful supporting character that helped Guts many times notably from the horrific events of the Eclipse. Skull Knight is just that badass of character because He will give make any regular Apostles shat their pants if they ever forced to fight against him. While his backstory is not fully revealed even after Miura Sensei's passing, Skull Knight appear to have personal vendetta against Godhands especially Void due to some event related to the fall of Ancient Gaiseric Empire. 

Despite there are some premium collectibles for Skull Knight already, Figma Skull Knight is definitely the best rendition for his playable version and his horse appear to have some posability unlike SHF Griffith. As a parting here is the parts details for DX version of Figma Skull Knight.

Toyseasy Metal Souls Tiger Tank

 Usually these sorts of Mecha toys eluded my sight until I got into Transformers series and I would say there are some pretty good Chinese transformers products available! This one is from Toyseasy which had good track record for non Hasbro Transformers and made couple of good Battleship mechs. For this instance it is a WW2 Tiger I tank Transformers which looks pretty cool. Scheduled for September 2024 release this Metal Souls Tiger tank will be sold for 399 RMB.

Apart from the Tank Main cannon turret, Metal Souls Tiger comes with Axe as the melee weapon of choice. This guy would easily join Decepticon faction if its design belongs to the Transformers series. Tiger I is one of the more famous tank from WW2 which make it a huge plus point for prospective collectors. If I had more disposable incomes, I would take a look at Toyseasy Aircraft Carriers which look very impressive.

Fruity Robo Yilichuangwan Apple Twinguns

  4 months after the Pineapple Slasher Model Kit got announced, Yilichuangwan is ready to reveal their second Fruity Robo mecha Model Kit! This time it is called Apple Twinguns which is Green mecha which sport plenty of long ranged weapons. Scheduled for Q4 2024 release, Yilichuangwan Apple Twinguns will be sold for 99 RMB just like Pineapple Slasher.

At first glance I thought this Apple Twinguns was a Watermelon themed Mecha that somehow got a pear looking character as the pilot. But turns out it is an apple in the end. While no information revealed on the Gattai gimmick so far. Apple Twinguns will most likely retain the transformation gimmick and turn into the right arm part of the Fruity Wargod. I have seen the Pineapple Slasher transformation showcase and the prospect of getting the Fruity Wargod is very promising and worth the wait. Hopefully the local toy distributor in my place could keep letting in these Model kits until completion.

Konosuba KDColle Megumin Light Novel 10th Anniv

 Kadokawa is certainly quick to follow up this particular Konosuba Scale figure edition, As we got ourselves Darkness and Aqua in special costume treatment, Megumin along with Yunyun got their share with the reveal early this month joining the celebration for 10th LN anniversary. Scheduled for April 2025 release, KDColle Megumin will be sold for 9000 Yen.

For Megumin, we got ourselves the Crimson Demon cutie embrace her Archwizard dream to the fullest! As Megumin sports a trendy goth outfit that shows her progression as full fledged Witch with Chomusuke tagging along. Not as attention catching compared to her teammate in my opinion but still certainly worth to put the effort to collect all of them. I am still hoping that Wiz and Chris could get their share as well considering they are popular enough to be reserved a route in Konosuba VN games.

Bitlot Gundam

 A rather random new Gundam Candytoys product lineup that popped out of nowhere but an interesting one nonetheless. Dubbed as Bitlot Gundam which I still don't know the exact reason for the naming, It is a Gundam Candytoys lineup that feature Gundam Mobile Suits and Pilots in the similar proportion. Scheduled for January 2025 release Bitlot Gundam will be sold for 6800 Yen in a box of 10.

 Bitlot Gundam features Mobile Suit Candy Toys in a more human like proportion which remind me of some particular Gundam fanarts which had the Gundams antromorphized and behave like regular people. While this Gundam Candy Toys is rather different compared to the mainline stuffs by no means it is the weirdest one that Bandai ever made considering there were Gundam Candy Toys with oversized limb which obviously didn't last long. The main selling point of Bitlot Gundam would be the Pilot characters which will is one of the more affordable versions for the all time popular Gundam pilots which surprisingly got some good degree of customization. Personally I will look forward for this lineup to survive until CCA series so we can get affordable version of CCA Amuro and Char.

Warhammer 40k Tacticus - Captain Titus Crossover Event

 

 Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 is coming in few weeks and no doubt it will be the biggest 40k Game that will get released yet! I thought the hype for this game couldn't get any bigger since some fans have waited more than a decade for the continuation of Captain Titus story but recent turn of events prove otherwise. It appears that Snowprint Studio is very well aware to the opportunity and through their content creators just announced the planned collaboration with Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 by releasing Captain Demetrian Titus as a character in Tacticus!

Earnestcore Craft Robot Build RB-12AH Anubis & Horus

Earnestcore is on full swing with their creativity once again! After going the Cyberpunk Route with Auto Nine, this time they aim for Egyptian themed mecha with Robot Build Anubis & Horus named after the God of Underworld and Light from the Egyptian Pantheon. Scheduled for Spring 2025 release, Robot Build RB-12AH Anubis & Horus will be sold for 299 RMB.

For a long time only Zone of Enders cater to this particular Egyptian theme niche with Jehuty and Anubis. But now Earnestcore prove themselves to be very versatile when it comes to their talent in Mecha design. In this Robot Build you get a customizable Black Gold Egyptian mecha with two contrasting style. Whether you can go with Edgy route with Anubis that comes with Scythe or a flashy one with Horus that comes with more Gold adornments. Seriously this sort of products really makes me look forward what Earnestcore could come up with their next product as they even surpass Japan mecha designers these days with their designs. As usual I will end this post with the contents you will get from this Robot Build product.

Promare

  Couple years ago a particular Anime Movie by Studio Trigger called Promare popped up out of nowhere with tons of merchandise. The only thing I remember is that the blue haired Main Protagonist got that same attitude like Kamina from Guren Lagann. I finally decided to give Promare a watch since it was part of Super Mecha Champion collabs for some reason while the latter appear to meet its demise in near feature. Overall Promare is what you will expect from a product made by former Gainax animator team which are never short of Over the Top Mecha series with some attitude. And this movie is the testament that Studio Trigger proves themselves to be capable of thriving without the popular IPs squatted by the Gainax boomer Execs.

 Promare is what you get if Guren Lagann series are mixed with Fire Force and X-Men where Kamina decided to be a Firefighter while Simon become the charismatic Freedom Fighter leader for the oppressed people with Pyrokinesis ability.  All in all Promare did its job properly for a Movie length anime though it will take some more effort to have this series still remembered in the years to come. But if we don't have any legal BS, we could expect Promare will have a good tag team with Guren Lagann in future SRW titles. Wouldn't mind some Pop Up Parade for Lio de Galon though kinda hard to expect one given the time windows has passed. Promare definitely will find a place for Gurren Lagann fans as Lio and Galo's bromance is very similar to Kamina and Simon. I even see many influences in Promare that will carry over in Cyberpunk Edgerunners like the Adam Smasher.

Gaosheng Culture EMP-01 Yuanling Huangdi+ MC-01 Yinglong

 We had Chinese Gundam that had mecha Dragon escoret Model kit before. but this one appear to surpass Aobing! Created by manufacturer called Gaosheng Culture and dubbed literally as Yellow Emperor, this is one of the Chinese Diecast Frame Model kit that will surprise consumers on many aspects! Scheduled for Q4 2024 release, EMP-01 Yuanling Huangdi will be sold for 199 RMB.

The Chinese manufacturers really like to go big for their first impressions and It does apply for this Chinese Gundam too. Having the literal name of Primal Spirit Yellow Emperor. EMP-01 boast a 25 cm tall Chinese fantasy themed protagonist mecha with 70 cm long mecha dragon. Again if this stuff is released in Japan, it will easily cost triple the price. Hopefully Gaosheng culture will have proper QC for this product because I am highly tempted to get one because when it comes to Value for money alone, EMP-01 Yuanling Huangdi surpass HG Amplified Ryujinmaru which I kinda waited for the Metal Build. Don't think Bandai can beat this one easily.

Joytoy 1/18 Sorrow Expeditionary Force - North 09 Strike Mecha

 Some 1/18 interlude by Joytoy with their consistent weekly output for 40K! Joytoy are quite famous for their Modern Military 1/18 action figures but I do subscribe to their Futuristic Mechas stuff. Continuing the Sorrow Expeditionary Lineup which feature their Futuristic Mechs in particular combination White Color Schemes. This time the multipurpose Mech North 09 is getting the turn with Q4 2024 release and 80 USD Price tag.

I had the North 04 version of this particular mech which sported Blue color scheme. Compared to North 04, North 09 looks more like a Full fledged combat-oriented unit instead of Support Unit, specializing in Skirmish ambush. In terms of Loadout. North 09 are relatively the same with the previous similar units with some minor tweaks. The lumbering Arm part of the North 04 become a multi purpose Jetpack that somehow can store weapons now. I was highly considering to part with my Tyrant 01 Mech but given the Joytoy is still willing to continue their support for their original lineup. I will put the plan on hold. I hope Joytoy could release more Vehicle products for the Sorrow Expeditionary Force since my 1/18 Squads do need some fancy toys.

Deadpool and Wolverine

 Not exactly a Marvel universe fans myself as the last Movie I watched was Avengers: Endgame. But Hugh Jackman wearing Wolverine classic costume is just too hard to ignore and thus I gave the movie a watch. I did watch Deadpool 2 Back then so I do have some sort of expectation what kind of deal I am getting into with this 4th Wall breaking R-Rated Marvel Antihero.

Overall Deadpool and Wolverine is a pretty good Action movie that manage to elevate the reputation for both Deadpool and Wolverine amidst Marvel Superhero burnout by the fans due to Disney Mismanagement. Two Marvel Heroes with contrasting personalities somehow make a Great duo to save their world in the Multiverse misadventure. Deadpool and Wolverine is probably the first time we see Marvel split IPs reunite once again in the single Movie as X-men and Fantastic Four along with other Marvel make a homage appearance in this movie.

I am watching Deadpool and Wolverine mainly due to Hugh Jackman since I never watched any of his Wolverine movies before. But I have to admit Ryan Reynolds do pull an amazing performance as Deadpool once again. I wouldn't mind to watch a sequel of this tagteam Superhero Duo in the future if Hugh Jackman feels that he is still fit enough to reprise his role as Wolverine again.
 

Punky Skunk

 Revisiting my Childhood once again! Animal platforming are still aplenty in PSX era and very popular. Instead 2Ds like in the 16-bit era, most of these animal platforming games had transitioned to 3D style like Crash Bandicoot or Spyro. Among many of these 3D games there were still some 2D games like Punky Skunk which happened to be one of the earliest Video Game that I played during my childhood and it can be said to be the gateway for me into the Video Game world. Overall Punky Skunk is a solid Animal platformer game but released in 1998 which was way too late for a 2D game to leave a mark as the 3D gaming are dominating on the craze. However given the significant contribution that Punky Skunk gave to my Childhood memories, I feel that I have to return the favor with an article at very least.

Aura Battler Dunbine Megahouse Real Posing Robot Billbine / Bellvine

 I think it has to do with 40th Anniv for Dunbine series or something but we got yet another premium product for the series by Megahouse! After the gorgeous Metal Build from Tamashi Nation, we got ourselves a Premium Statue for Billbine under Real Posing Robot lineup. Scheduled for March 2025 release, Megahouse Real Posing Robot will be sold for 31000 Yen.

Over past few years, I was aware that Megahouse did make Premium statues for Tokusatsu series and Digimon series but they rarely make any PVC figures for mecha series as they tend to make posable collectibles. Though apparently Sirbine had been available as the previous entry of this particular lineup few months ago, costing somewhat lesser for some reason. This Premium Statue would be a viable substitute for those who are unable to obtain the Metal Build Dragon Scale Billbine though I would say consummate mecha fans would still find better mileage with the Metal Build.

Cang Toys Battle of the World Gods GMS-001 1/100 炎帝 Yandi

 Chinese Mecha model kit strikes again and this one is from a manufacturer called Cangtoys which are apparently different with Cangdao Toys. Dubbed as 炎帝 which literally means Flame Emperor, China presents a Fire themed Choppy mecha which is part of a series called 界神之战 which means Battle of the World Gods and the first one to be featured. Scheduled for Q1 2025 release Yandi will be available with 2 variants 158 RMB for Regular Frame and 188 RMB for the Diecast Frame.

While this lineup is still not the exactly most original mech as you can see plenty of the Popular Gundam bits and pieces especially for the rest of the future possible lineup below, The end result mech still looks cool enough. In terms of Aesthetics, Yandi is a dedicated close combat unit through and through, armed to the teeth with select choices of weapons ranging from Polearms, Dual Blades and slashing Drone weapons.  Yandi particularly caught my attention because it is a good proxy for Fire Masoukishin Granveil, one of my favorite mecha from Masoukishin series that never gets any worthy collectible until now. Out of the 5 candidates for this Battle of World Gods lineup, Yandi is one of the better designs apart from Susanoo which is the Samurai Mecha. Many Chinese manufacturers could release many attention products but lets see if CangToys able to see through this particular lineup until the end. I will leave the Rosters concept art as to conclude this post. 

Konosuba KDColle Aqua Light Novel 10th Anniv Version

  Coming along with Darkness as the first set of the 10th Anniv Konosuba Light Novel Celebration, Aqua joins in the budget version of KDColle lineup in exotic costume! By far this is one of the more Skin revealing version of Aqua's figure rendition apart from her summer version but a rather interesting design nonetheless. Scheduled for January 2025 release, KDColle 10th Anniv Aqua will be sold for 9000 Yen.

 While this Aqua's figure looks like mixture of swimwear and scantily clad cheerleader, I think the designer wants to go to the direction of Pagan Orient Goddess vibe which are actually complemented well with Aqua's perfect body. But given it is the Light Novel version, you won't get the aura of Useless Goddess from this Aqua's figure because that one mostly represented in her Anime version. Given Megumin and Yunyun are revealed as the second batch already, I will feature them in this Blog's article in near future

Fate/Grand Order Freeing 1/4 Saber Alter 3rd Ascension

 It has been quite sometime since Saber Alter got any new Premium PVC Figure but it doesn't mean her popularity is getting any lesser. Several years after Artoria Pendragon and Gilgamesh getting 1/4 Figure, now it is the turn for Saber Alter to join with her 3rd Ascension! Scheduled for May 2025 release, 1/4 Saber Alter will be sold for whopping 55000 Yen.

I rarely see any PVC Figure broke through 50k Yen price tag but it is not really a surprise given the current economic situation of Japan. If Salter was released back around 2020 her price tag would have been within 35-45k Yen price range. Regardless this PVC figure would be a decent choice to upscale from Alter's 1/7 Saber Alter which I do find to be still the definitive version of Saber Alter. Perhaps If I have extra money in the future I might highly consider getting 1/7 Maid Alter figure.

Archecore AAG-01 Arena of Ancient Gods 1/60 Thunder Knight Killian

 Yet another Chinese Manufacture that caught my attention with their Mecha Products. A couple years ago there were a manufacturer called Archecore that churns out Fantasy themed Mecha products with elaborate transformation gimmick and now they are ready to step up their game by releasing a whole playset. Revealed for the first time in Wonderfest Shanghai 2023, the first of the Knight Mecha playset called Thunder Knight Killian is now ready for Preorder. Scheduled for March 2025 release, Archecore AAG-01 Thunder Knight Killian will be sold for 899 RMB Price tag.

Seriously what makes this Knight Mecha special is that It includes playset complete with Miniature knight which is very rare and The mecha itself is capable of transforming into a Tower and Catapult which is very rad. The transformation gimmick alone make this product deserve the publicity because not even Japan could always come up with these sort of gimmicks. From the first glance, Arena of Ancient Gods looks like the Chinese manufacturer take on Age of Sigmar since the previous entry product have action figures that looks like Stormcast Eternals/Space Marines. I will definitely put extra effort to obtain this Archecore product and will look forward to the 2nd entry which are Dragon-themed. I will leave the product feature pics as the reference below

Dungeon Meshi Figma Marcille Donato

 Dungeon Meshi is now ready to release second entry for their Figma series! As expected after Laios, Marcille is the next one to follow up just like other GSC lineup. Scheduled for May 2025 release, Figma Marcille will be sold for 12000 Yen.

While the accessories are as lackluster as ever for 12000 Yen Figma, the regular version of Marcille comes with the suitable faceplates befitting her depiction in Dungeon Meshi. Off all Falin's Rescue Party members, Marcille is the most vocal when it comes to consuming monsters but she ends up liking the Monster dishes made by Senshi. Marcille will definitely play even greater role in the second cour anime especially nearing the end which Dungeon Meshi fans can look forward too. As for Senshi and Chilchuck, I wonder if they will be released as dual pack or single considering the size of the character.

Megalomaria Unlimited Universe Ghillie Dhu

Another Interesting Kotobukiya Plamo Lineup that I just noticed now with its latest entry. If Bandai have 30 Minutes Fantasy, Kotobukiya's counterpart would be this Megalomaria series which appears to be a mix of Cyberpunk and Fantasy. The product that caught my attention for this lineup is this recent particular Megalomaria model kit called Ghillie Dhu. Scheduled for December 2024 release, Megalomaria Model kit will be sold for 7800 Yen.

On first glance, Ghillie Dhu looks like a Wandering Vigilante that came from a Knightly Order due to its liberal Cross Motifs. Ghillie Dhu comes with a Giant Cross like object as its Main armaments which are reminiscent of the similar stuff from Gungrave series which hold many assortments of weapon and can even be wielded as Two-Handed Sword. Ghillie Dhu's design stands apart from the previous Megalomaria Mephisto which would look like a bounty target of the former. While I am not too interested with most of the Megalomaria existing designs, I think Kotobukiya could invest more resource with this lineup to give Bandai's 30 MF series a run for their money.

Fate/Grand Order Aniplex 1/7 Berserker Artoria Caster 2nd Ascension

 FGO 7th Summer event is almost coming to an end and Aniplex is teasing the FGO fans with Summer 8 SSR Servant premium PVC Figure. Between the choice of Summer Morgan, Melusine and Artoria Caster, Artoria Caster is the one getting the first pick coming in her 2nd Asc costume of Bunny maid! Scheduled for August 2025, Aniplex 1/7 Artoria Caster will be sold for 35000 Yen.

A rather expensive Premium figure for FGO, but this sort of price is not really a thing for Dedicated FGO Fans. Artoria Caster's pure maiden quality is shown perfectly with this PVC Figure with her blushing in maid costume. Being the main star of Lostbelt 6, Summer Castoria Alter is a berserker class whose Noble phantasm will give Gilgamesh Gate of Babylon a run of their money. Overall her 2nd ascension is the best looking one without going for overkill like the 1st and 3rd ascension. Summer 8 definitely will be another tough waifu Gauntlet banners as 3 Top tier waifu banners are running back to back. I have survived 7th Banner gauntlets relatively unscathed and hoping to do well for this one as well.

Konosuba KDColle Darkness Light Novel 10th Anniv version

 Kadokawa's KDColle PVC Figure lineup tend to elude my attention because the characters for their Premium Figure lineup never strike my fancy. However things might be different with their release for Konosuba Figures for the LN 10th Anniv. As part of the Light Novel 10th Anniversary, Kadokawa is releasing 2 PVC Figures under 10k Yen for Darkness and Aqua that comes with special costume but in this article I will just discuss for Darkness one. Scheduled for February 2025 release, KD Colle 10th LN Anniv will be sold for 9000 Yen.

Classified as Non Scale figure standing at 17 cm, you won't expect this Konosuba KDColle figures will be on par with 20k+ Yen PVC Figures. But at very least these figures will be slightly better than Pop Up Parade. Darkness KDColle is rather special because she comes in Wedding Dress which by the way are rarely sold under 10k Yen. This one probably reenact the Kazuma Wedding Crashing moment in Konosuba S3. Seriously Darkness could have won Kazuma's heart if not for her Masochist tendency, because who can't resist a Blonde Noblelady in Wedding Dress with the pure maiden smile? If the sculpt is good this figure is literally a steal and Kadokawa could make some good money by releasing the remaining 4 Konosuba main heroines in this price tag with alternate costume too. Just lets see if Kadokawa will continue their under 10k PVC Konosuba Figures in near future.

Monster Hunter SHM Enraged Furious Rajang

Tamashii Nation are back with something special for Monster Hunter yet again! After Tigrex, they are back with something from 2nd Gen and it is the popular Fanged Beast Monster, Rajang in his Super Saiyan Glory! Scheduled for January 2024, SHM Rajang will be sold for 15000 Yen.

 Given the messy economic situation of Japan, by this time I won't be surprised that the Monster Hunter creature with the size of Rajang cost as much as Tigrex and I expect the accessories will be bare minimum too. Even so at very least we will get this particular rendition of Rajang in his Enraged Super Saiyan glory and perhaps we will even be getting the King Crown size version. 

 Rajang has always been a special monster in MH series since MHF2 despite its small size because it is one of the most ferocious creature that will give any Wyverns and even Elder dragons a run for their money as it is capable and willing to deliver plenty of pains in any exchanges. In most G versions MH Game, once you reach the equivalent rank of G-rank you will also get to fight Furious Rajang who is in its Perma Rage state that comes with SSJ2! Just like many hunters, I got myself into an Eye opening experience with Rajang in the Final Invitation quest which was the last Village Quest in MHF2 which you get to fight Two Rajangs in an Arena. Obviously I got OHKO'd in my low rank gear against this Super Saiyan Monkey during my first encounter which will always be part of my MH memory.

Monster Hunter SHM might be going at snail pace at the moment given the state of Monster Hunter IP which is currently in stagnation process. But I am quite sure Deviljho will be following up to join soon due to its popularity and rival status with Rajang which hopefully will not exceed 25000 Yen.

Sakura Taisen 4 First Playthrough Clear!

 Finally I reached my first milestone for the Final Destination of my Sakura Taisen 4 with the first playthrough cleared! As expected, It wasn't easy to keep pushing through when your wonderful dream spanning over a decade is almost coming to an end which will be met with plenty of farewells. But it is part of the life journey after all.

As expected with many issues riddled with the game production at the time, Sakura Taisen 4 is a very short game which can be finished within 5-6 hours from the start. Regardless of the rushed development hell that this game suffered, Sakura Taisen 4 is a well made Swan Song to wrap up this legendary series providing the conclusion from the journey that players experience in Sakura Taisen 2 & 3. If you seek the conclusion of your Favorite Sakura Taisen maidens, you will get it in Sakura Taisen 4. 

As I finished my first playthrough, Sakura Taisen series truly ended with Sakura Taisen 4. The second wind attempts of the series revival with Sakura Taisen V and Shin Sakura Taisen never really get anywhere just simply because they lack the Idealistic & Grandeur Visions that the original Tetralogy had. If you have been following my Sakura Taisen series articles you will most likely know which Heroine that I aimed for my very first run but I will just leave the evidence below. That particular heroine will definitely get her dedicated Route post in near future.

Aura Battler Dunbine Robot Spirits Zellbine / Zelvine

 It was rather late for me to start appreciating Aura Battler Dunbine series and even so I am mostly preoccupied with Sirbine instead. Thus back then some of the cool bug Knight designs like Zellbine escaped my attention and not until the recent Metal Build Billbine that I started to put some attention to this product once again. Released back in September 2021 with 9000 Yen Price tag, Robot Zellbine is one of those P-Bandai release items.

 From what I can dig up, Zellbine is the mass produced version of Billbine that still looks like a Heroic type Bug Mecha while not being too knightly like Sirbine. I would imagine that Zellbine will be piloted by someone who will serve as the Kouhai of Billbine pilot. The Robot Damashii version of Zellbine got the similar slim Body proportion of Sirbine which makes it look like a Prim and Proper Knight mecha while Billbine still maintain rather stocky body proportion until Metal Build Dragon Scale fix the issue partially. The Scimitar weapon allong with transparent wing effect do makes Zellbine look almost as good as Sirbine which I hope allow an opportunity for a Metal Build to be made for this guy as well someday.

Chippoke Ralph no Daibouken - Great Adventure of Little Ralph

 Settling my old debt once again with a PSX game that I played as a kid. There was this PSX Platformer that features the main protagonist got cursed by the enemy into a Child who sets for a journey of Hack and Slash adventure. When I had my Vita, I just got to know that particular game name was Chippoke no Ralph which was a Japan exclusive PSX game released back in 1999. Though good thing that I didn't purchase it on PSN back then. Recently I just got time to give my full attention for this game and I was in for a rude awakening because Chippoke no Ralph is definitely one of the more brutal Platformer on modern consoles. To save everyone's misery of playing this Retro Difficulty game, I will impart everything on my journey in This article.

July 2024 Loot

 Relatively modest loot batch compared to previous months, but still very sumptuous one on the courtesy of Chines hobby manufacturers on making their cheap products having large packages. Obviously the Spa Duck Model kit easily become the center of attention with its sheer Box Size despite it is not the most expensive of the bunch. The most expensive from the lot is actually the Infinity Studio Crimson Typhoon, so don't be fooled with the unremarkable packaging. 

Also I finally got myself the Figma for Moon Princess Arcueid herself as well which I obviously get the DX version without any doubt. This is probably one of the reason why she came upon my Chaldea with relative ease back in FGO 7th Anniv. All in all given my current work schedule, these ones will sit on my pile of Shame for quite some time.