Keeppley Pokemon Street Shop Review

 

Besides the Pokémon Center brick model, I also picked up another Keeppley Pokémon brick series, the Pokémon Store lineup and managed to collect all four variants. Compared to the Pokémon Center set, these stores aren't quite as impressive on their own. However, they only cost around USD 5 each, making them excellent value for the money. Their real appeal comes when you display them alongside other brick-built street shops, as there are plenty of compatible buildings on the market to create a lively miniature shopping district.

This review will include more photos than usual since I've combined all four variants into a single post. Among the four, Bulbasaur's store is easily my favorite, though that might be my bias toward my favorite Gen 1 starter talking. On the other hand, Squirtle's shop feels like the weakest design in the lineup, lacking some of the charm and visual impact of the others.

I do hope Keeppley expands the Pokémon Store series in the future, but I'm not particularly optimistic. The company seems to prioritize product lines with stronger sales potential, especially when renewing licensed properties like Pokémon. Because of that, I suspect this lineup may remain a one-off series rather than receive additional entries.

King of Fighters Joytoy 1/18 Ryo Sakazaki

 

Joytoy’s King of Fighters lineup continues to steadily expand its roster. Following releases such as Terry Bogard and Kyo Kusanagi, another major character joins the series—this time from the Art of Fighting lineage, with Ryo Sakazaki leading the charge, accompanied by Robert Garcia and Yuri Sakazaki. Scheduled for October 2026 release, Joytoy 1/18 Ryo Sakazaki will be sold for 46 USD Price tag.

The Joytoy KOF lineup has consistently been impressive. Compared to their Warhammer 40K series, the KOF figures tend to come with more generous accessory sets—likely due to differences in scale and licensing considerations. At 1/18 scale, Ryo Sakazaki appears to feature strong articulation, allowing him to recreate his signature karate-based moves, including his iconic finisher, the Haoh Shokou Ken.

Within the KOF series, Ryo Sakazaki also carries an interesting legacy. His design is often viewed as a counterpart to Street Fighter’s Ryu, a comparison that famously contributed to Capcom creating Dan Hibiki as a playful response. Regardless of that rivalry, Ryo was a go-to character during my teenage years in KOF, thanks to his straightforward playstyle and classic main-character appeal.

Looking forward, it will be interesting to see which KOF team Joytoy tackles next.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Pocket Art 1/12 Klukai Swimwear version

 

Following a series of rapid back-to-back figure announcements, GFL2’s poster girl HK416 (Klukai) now receives her third action figure release. This level of preferential treatment has unsurprisingly irritated some fans, especially given that Girls’ Frontline has no shortage of top-tier T-Doll designs that could easily take the spotlight. This rendition is produced by Chinese manufacturer Pocket Art and features Klukai in her swimwear outfit. Scheduled for May 2027, the Pocket Art 1/12 Klukai will be available in two versions: a standard edition priced at 14,000 yen and a premium edition at 17,500 yen.

Compared to previous figure releases, Pocket Art’s 1/12 Klukai appears somewhat lacking in body sculpt refinement, and those who obtained Klukai’s summer scale figures may immediately notice the difference. However, where Animester excels in motorcycle props and Figma leads in sculpt consistency, Pocket Art compensates through accessory variety and presentation. Alongside Klukai’s standard summer weapon loadout, this release includes a surfboard and a swimwear jacket, significantly enhancing the seasonal theme. For an additional 3,000 yen, the deluxe version also includes an alternate swimwear variant, mirroring her premium skin from GFL2.

The year 2026 has been particularly generous to Klukai fans, with a steady stream of in-game content and merchandise seemingly centered around her. At this point, it almost feels as if she is declaring, “I am all you need.” It would not be surprising if Klukai’s other skins such as Astral Luminous or her Oath outfit will receive expedited merchandise announcements as well. While this may be frustrating for fans of other T-Dolls, it is undeniably a strong marketing push that clearly signals where the current spotlight in Girls’ Frontline is focused.

Ys: Memories of Celceta Complete!

 

 With Ys IX: Monstrum Nox completed last month, only Ys X: Nordics remained as the stone left unturned in my Ys return journey, which has now spanned several months. Instead of going straight for Ys X, however, I decided to revisit some older Ys titles first, and one of them happened to be Ys: Memories of Celceta.

Ten years ago, I played Ys: Memories of Celceta on my PS Vita and even managed to earn the Platinum trophy. For some reason, though, I believe I lost the assets I had originally planned to use for my Ys Celceta articles. Fast-forward to 2026, and I have now completed my revisit of the game once again, this time on Nintendo Switch. However, I decided not to go all the way toward 100% completion this time around for personal reasons.

Aura Battler Dunbine Robot Damashi Dunbine

 

Tamashii Nations returns with a refreshed interpretation of Dunbine, the iconic protagonist mecha from Aura Battler Dunbine. It’s striking to realize that the previous version dates back over 13 years, making this long-awaited update feel especially significant. The new release arrived in June 2026, priced at 13,000 Yen SRP.

While this newer ROBOT Damashii version sits at a relatively premium price point, it delivers a noticeably refined aesthetic overall. The proportions are significantly improved compared to the earlier release, giving it a more balanced and modern silhouette while still retaining the distinctive design language of the original.

If Sirbine represents the archetypal exemplar bug knight mecha, then this version of Dunbine feels more fittingly like a “knight-errant” version of it, an eagerness to prove the worthiness itself . The visual lineage and design echoes of Sirbine are still clearly present, but they are reinterpreted in a more restrained and elegant form.

It would be especially interesting to see this updated design philosophy extended into the Metal Build line in the future, particularly since both Sirbine and Bellvine have already made appearances in that format. Given that trajectory, a Metal Build Dunbine feels like a natural next step.

Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince

I had not watched anime for nearly a year, and somehow the series I had to end up with is Majestic Prince. If you want a visually decent mecha anime with almost nothing memorable about it, Majestic Prince does the job. At its core, it feels like a less edgy version of Valvrave the Liberator with Hisashi Hirai’s trademark same-face character designs slapped onto the cast.

The premise is as generic as they come: a group of teenagers pilot advanced robots to fight alien invaders led by an ancient humanoid race suspiciously similar to humans. The series plays every mecha trope completely straight and never really attempts to do anything interesting with them. Among the many anime featuring Hisashi Hirai’s character designs, Majestic Prince is easily one of the weaker entries.

The production itself feels like an anime created simply to occupy a seasonal slot so the studio could keep itself running. The ingredients for something better are technically there, but the show constantly gives the impression that only the bare minimum effort was invested into it. The animation is competent enough, especially during action scenes, but there is no real ambition behind the storytelling, themes, or characters. The result is an anime that looks polished on the surface yet feels completely hollow underneath.

What makes Majestic Prince frustrating is not that it is terrible, but that it is aggressively forgettable. It is the exact type of seasonal anime people watch for three months and then never think about again. The only thing that left any impression on me was the main antagonist, who basically looks like Griffith if he piloted a mecha. Even some of the enemy mech aesthetics oddly resemble Gundam Bael from Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

In the end, Majestic Prince is watchable if all you want is lightweight mecha action with decent visuals. But if you are looking for a series that actually pushes the genre forward or reminds people why mecha used to dominate anime culture, this is not it. Unfortunately, that applies to a huge portion of post-2008 mecha anime: technically competent productions made with so little ambition that they disappear from memory almost immediately after airing.

Final Fight Storm Collectibles 1/12 Cody Travers

Shortly after the reveal of Mike Haggar by Storm Collectibles, the spotlight naturally shifts to the main protagonist of this classic beat ’em up series, Cody Travers. Coming in his iconic Final Fight appearance, Cody is scheduled for release in Q1 2027 with a price tag of 75 USD.

Without a doubt, Storm Collectibles’ rendition of Cody is shaping up to be the most definitive 1/12-scale version to date, benefiting from the company’s strong experience in sculpting fighting game action figures. The only minor drawback I personally notice is the choice of hairstyle sculpt, which somewhat resembles a “Karen-style” haircut rather than Cody’s more familiar design. Nevertheless, this release clearly demonstrates Storm Collectibles’ commitment to the Final Fight lineup, and an action figure for Guy now feels like only a matter of time.

From a character perspective, Cody is a rather unique case within the Capcom universe. While Capcom has often left many of their classic characters behind into obscurity once their original series lost momentum, Cody has remained surprisingly prominent and arguably better developed than many of his Final Fight peers.

Among the Final Fight cast, Cody received one of the most extensive character evolutions: from a street fighter battling gangs to save his girlfriend, to a fugitive criminal in Street Fighter Alpha due to his vigilantism, and eventually a redeemed figure serving as the mayor of Metro City in Street Fighter V.

It will be interesting to see whether Storm Collectibles eventually explores his Street Fighter V incarnation in figure form.

Hemoxian Over Zero 1/10 Tastier Review

 

 A few months ago, I finally found the time to crack open one of my larger Chinese model kits and give it a straightforward snap build. Hemoxian remains one of the best-value Chinese model kit brands I've come across, especially from the era when the RMB exchange rate was around 20% more favorable than it is today. Combined with the industry's subsidies at the time, they were able to deliver impressively high-quality kits at very affordable prices.

I picked up this copy for just USD 30, which feels like an absolute bargain in hindsight. A kit of this quality would easily cost around USD 50 today. Overall, Tastier's Lone Shadow is an excellent cyborg mercenary model kit, featuring a striking design, several fun gimmicks, and an elaborate display stand that adds plenty of character to the finished build.

For now the review will be a straight build thus the poses will be limited. However this is one of the model kit that I will look forward to give a proper paint job.

I probably won't continue collecting the series unless a future design really catches my eye, partly because my backlog keeps growing and partly because the stronger RMB has made these kits noticeably more expensive. Still, I'm more than happy to look forward to work on Lone Shadow in my collection.

Vintage Toys - SD Gundam BB127 Jyuou Gundam

Every Gunpla fan has a memorable entry point into the hobby, and I am no exception. My first exposure to Gundam goes back nearly 30 years, around 1996–1997, when I received a gift from one of my father's guests. That gift happened to be my very first Gunpla kit. Fortunately, I was eventually able to identify the exact model years later thanks to its distinctive chain-and-sickle weapon and unmistakable samurai-inspired armor design.

The kit in question was Jyuou Gundam from the Shin SD Sengokuden lineup, originally released in 1994 with a retail price of 500 yen. Looking back, it was actually a fantastic choice for a first Gunpla, even though I did not fully appreciate it as a child.

The Sengokuden SD Gundam kits of the mid-1990s were quite different from the SD Gundam releases we see today. One of their biggest appeals was the removable armor system, which functioned much like traditional samurai armor. Jyuou Gundam was particularly impressive because it could not only equip and remove its armor, but also transform into a dragon form that reminded me of Goldran from the Brave Series. For a young child just entering the world of Gundam, that combination of armor-changing and transformation gimmicks was incredibly memorable.

In fact, the armor-wearing gimmick left a much stronger impression on me than the model itself. There was something special about assembling the character and then outfitting it with armor piece by piece, almost as if you were upgrading a hero before sending him into battle. It made the kit feel more like an interactive toy and less like a static model.

Naturally, the color separation was limited by the molding technology of the time, and the kit relied heavily on stickers to achieve its full appearance. However, the gimmicks more than compensated for those shortcomings. Like many classic SD Gundam kits, Jyuou Gundam truly shines when properly painted, bringing out all of the sculpted details that are easy to overlook straight out of the box.

Bandai rereleased Jyuou Gundam a few years ago which unfortunately I overlooked it at the time. But I ever come across one again, I will definitely pick up a copy, along with any of its available companions. It would be a wonderful opportunity to revisit the kit that started my Gunpla journey and finally give it the paintwork it deserves.

Ghost in the Shell SAC Hiyatoys 1/12 Motoko Kusanagi Battle Suit Version

 

Roughly two years after Hiya Toys released their first take Motoko Kusanagi in her standard Stand Alone Complex outfit, the company is returning to the franchise with a new release. This time, she appears in a fully equipped combat armor configuration designed for large-scale engagements. Scheduled for Q2 2027, the Hiya Toys 1/12 scale Motoko Kusanagi Battle Suit figure will be sold for 99 USD.

While combat-oriented versions of Major Kusanagi have previously been produced most notably in the Figma line, this appears to be one of the first interpretations of her Stand Alone Complex design specifically geared toward heavy assault gear. The figure comes with an expanded arsenal, including heavier weaponry such as an anti-materiel rifle, making it especially suited for high-intensity operations, particularly when paired with support units like the Tachikoma.

Interestingly, the face sculpt for this release appears noticeably different from Hiya Toys’ earlier Motoko figure, suggesting either a shift in sculpting direction or a change in contributing artists. Regardless, this remains a compelling release for Stand Alone Complex fans seeking a more militarized take on one of the franchise’s most iconic character designs.

Advance of Zeta Metal Robot Damashi Prototype Asshimar TR-3 Kehaar Space Type

 

Just a few months after I discussed Roda Asshimar, Tamashii Nations has once again met expectations with a new Metal Robot Damashii release: the Prototype Asshimar TR-3 Kehaar Space Type from the Advance of Zeta series. Released as a Premium Bandai item, this “Metal Roda” entry is positioned at premium price level comparable to earlier Metal Build releases. Scheduled for November 2026, the figure will be sold for 27000 Yen.

Despite its premium price point, this Prototype Asshimar stands out as a striking showcase of AOZ mechanical design philosophy. While not necessarily depicted as significantly more powerful than the standard Zeta-era Asshimar, its visual presence is undeniably impressive particularly in its Mobile Armor form, where its bulk and scale give it a true sense of weight and dominance compared to many other AOZ mobile suits.

Although it may be a long shot, there is still hope that a ground-type Prototype Asshimar—closer to the original Asshimar silhouette, could be produced in the future. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising if third-party manufacturers, particularly in the 1/100 scale model kit space, attempt their own interpretation before an official release appears.

Ys Kotobukiya 1/7 Dana Iclucia

 

Ten years after the release of Ys VIII, this Kotobukiya figure remains what many consider the definitive rendition of the game’s heroine, Dana Iclucia. Originally released alongside Ys VIII: Adol Christin, it is now receiving a rerun scheduled for October 2026. This 1/7 Dana Iclucia rerelease will be sold for 28,000 yen price tag.

This 1/7 scale Dana Iclucia features a graceful, relaxed pose paired with a cheerful expression. As the high priestess of her civilization, Dana’s serene and composed nature is captured effortlessly here, she feels both divine and approachable. At the same time, there is a quiet strength in her stance, reflecting her ability to move from elegance to combat as fluidly as if she were dancing.

Given I finished Ys VIII not too long ago, Dana certainly left a profound impression to me being one of the best heroine that Ys series could come up so far, one of the worthiest main heroine for Adol that fans joked that she is being Feena 2.0. But without a doubt, she has what it takes to fill the void left by Feena within Adol’s heart if her fate had taken another direction.

As a result, I find myself particularly drawn to this definitive rendition of Dana Iclucia. While I would also welcome other versions such as a Nendoroid or Figma, her intricate design makes me appreciate why a 1/12 scale action figure would be technically challenging to execute without compromise..

JRPG Talk | Ys Heroines: Niena

Being one of the major elements in the Ys series, Ys Heroines is a topic I have been interested in discussing in depth ever since I took a deep dive into this legendary Falcom series 15 years ago. However, for various reasons, I only began writing this series now, starting with the heroine from what I consider the weakest Ys iteration, Ys V’s Niena.

Despite the overall weak execution of the game and its aesthetic design, which has aged poorly, Niena’s concept is well-crafted and without a doubt a worthy part of Ys continuity.

As such, I do not even mind Niena being the first candidate for this particular JRPG series, which I expect will eventually cover all Ys entries. It also serves as a good foundation in anticipation of future remasters of the series.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Jago Sevatarion

 

JoyToy has revealed another major addition to its Horus Heresy action figure line. After several years of expanding its Warhammer 30K lineup, the company is now moving forward with a highly anticipated release from the Night Lords Legion, beginning with their First Captain, Jago Sevatarion. Scheduled for release in September 2026, JoyToy 1/18 scale Jago Sevatarion figure will be sold for 80 USD Price tag.

The Night Lords are one of the original Space Marine Legions from the First Founding, whose path ultimately diverged into the ranks of Chaos. Under the leadership of their Primarch, Konrad Curze, they became infamous for their terror tactics, which ensured compliance during the Great Crusade at the cost of fostering extreme brutality and psychological instability among their ranks. Many of their recruits were drawn from the violent criminal underhives of Nostramo, further shaping the Legion’s grim reputation.

Among the Night Lords’ most notorious figures, Jago Sevatarion stands out as both a ruthless warrior and one of the few voices of restraint within the Legion. As commander of the Atramentar, the Night Lords’ elite Terminator bodyguard cadre, Sevatarion exemplifies the Legion’s lethal efficiency while retaining a sharp, sardonic intellect uncommon among his kin. He is also noted for his martial prowess during the Horus Heresy era, famously defeating Sigismund of the Imperial Fists in a duel through unorthodox methods, an impressive feat considering the Night Lords’ reputation for preferring terror over traditional honor dueling.

This JoyToy rendition is shaping up to be a must-have for Night Lords collectors. Sevatarion’s release also raises anticipation for future figures, particularly his Primarch Konrad Curze, whose eventual appearance would open the door for highly anticipated diorama setups—potentially even alongside other Primarch releases such as Vulkan, allowing fans to recreate some of the Horus Heresy’s most iconic rivalries.

Treasure X TMNT Blindbox Review

Some random Treasure X blind box toy I picked up earlier this year for what I remember was a bargain price of around USD 3. The concept is pretty fun—a miniature drainage pipe-shaped container that comes with a random Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figure. Even the packaging deserves some credit, as the pipe design is surprisingly sturdy and well made.

From this blind box, I ended up with Raphael, the hot-blooded sai-wielding member of the Ninja Turtles. At first, it felt like a completely random pull, but the more I thought about it, the more meaningful it became. After all, the four Ninja Turtles are named after famous Renaissance artists, and Raphael the painter is the creator of The School of Athens, my favorite Renaissance artwork. As a liberal arts student, that connection made this little figure unexpectedly special. Even though I'm not particularly a TMNT fan, this has become one of the more meaningful pieces in my collection.

Star Wars: Clone Wars (Genndy Tartakovsky)

 

Out of a strange curiosity sparked by iconic scenes from indie animation, I found myself drawn to this particular Star Wars adaptation by Genndy Tartakovsky. I’ve never been deeply invested in the Star Wars series, but I’ve been quite a follower of Tartakovsky’s work. While I never had the chance to fully watch all of his series in real time, I’ve followed his most iconic creations such as Samurai Jack and Primal.

Soul Calibur Play Toy 1/6 Fighting Goddess Alchemist Ivy Valentine

 

A rare and intriguing third-party release from the Soulcalibur series, which has historically been underserved in the merchandise market. This is a 1/6 scale action figure of one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, Ivy Valentine, scheduled for release in Q1 2027 with a price tag of around USD $200.

As a non-licensed product, expectations are naturally tempered, but the sculpt for Play Toy’s Ivy Valentine in her Soulcalibur IV design rendition already looks promising. Alongside Sophitia, Ivy stands as one of the most recognizable heroines in the series, often regarded as one of its most visually striking characters.

Within the Soulcalibur narrative, Ivy Valentine is a morally ambiguous figure driven by her obsession with destroying Soul Edge due to her bloodline’s connection to Cervantes. She frequently aligns with both heroic and villainous characters when it serves her goal, making her a classic anti-hero archetype. This complexity, combined with her commanding and elegant design, creates an interesting contrast to more traditionally heroic figures like Sophitia.

For Soulcalibur fans, this figure represents one of the more appealing interpretations of Ivy Valentine despite its third-party status. Hopefully, this signals a broader revival of Soulcalibur merchandise in the future, ideally including characters like Raphael Sorel as well, perhaps coinciding with the eventual release of Soulcalibur VII.

Sakura Taisen Special: Realm of Darkness 3 Million Milestone Celebration

Some of you may have noticed a minor change on Realm of Darkness over the past few days and you were not mistaken. As part of the blog's 3 million visit milestone, which was reached back in June, I commissioned a new illustration to further elevate this 16-year-old blog. Since the main banner was already redesigned for the 2 million milestone, I decided it was time to give the side banner the same treatment, starting with Sakura Taisen series.

The commission process took somewhat longer than I had originally expected due to a few minor delays on the illustrator's side, but I am still very satisfied with the final result. Among all the Sakura Taisen mecha designs, I chose Ichiro Ogami's Koubu F from Sakura Taisen 3. To me, it represents the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, while ST 3 itself also remains my personal favorite entry in the series.

Spending USD 35 on an illustration that will end up compressed into relatively small pixel dimensions may seem excessive for an obscure blog maintained by someone living in Southeast Asia, but I still consider it money well spent. It is one of the few tangible ways I can express my continued commitment to a blog that I have maintained for more than 16 years. More importantly, it reflects my ongoing effort to strengthen the blog's identity and preserve its individuality, with the hope that it will eventually become a monolith that could withstand the test of time.

Reaching the 3 million visit milestone is also quite meaningful occasion itself. It took only four months to gain this latest milestone, compared to roughly 18 months for the previous million and around 13 years to reach the very first million. Seeing the blog's growth accelerate after so many years is both surprising and deeply rewarding.

Choosing Sakura Taisen as the first series to receive a redesigned side banner also symbolizes my renewed commitment to revisiting the franchise. After I complete my current journey with Ys series, I hope to finally return to Sakura Taisen and give it the attention it has long deserved.

Soulingtoys 1/12 The Sin of Dark Moon

Following the strong reception of their earlier heavy-hitter release, the Soulingtoys Daytime Meteor mecha musume model kit, Soulingtoys is back with another high-profile entry that has already caught the attention of the hobby industry. This time, they introduce a darker-themed mecha musume titled The Sin of Dark Moon. Scheduled for Q3 2026, the kit will be sold for 328 RMB Price Tag.

This new release marks a clear thematic contrast with their previous work. While Daytime Meteor presents a knightly princess aesthetic paired with a holy dragon companion, The Sin of Dark Moon takes a far more sinister direction, featuring an “evil nun” character accompanied by a massive metallic demon gargoyle guardian.

As a flagship model kit, The Sin of Dark Moon leans heavily into an edgy, elaborate design philosophy. The demon gargoyle is not only a towering companion unit with impressive presence and gimmicks, but it also comes with its own display pedestal, which includes additional mechanical features of its own.

Overall, this release stands in sharp contrast to entries like MS General’s Envy series, and would likely have been an instant hit under different global economic conditions. Even so, it remains one of the more visually striking and ambitious releases in the current mecha musume lineup.

Beast King War God The Gattai Dandivine

 

With Masami Ōbari’s new Super Robot series set to launch in 2026, Good Smile Company has been quick to announce the release of the series’ titular mecha, Dandivine. Two product lines are planned: the more affordable MODEROID series and the premium THE GATTAI line. This article will focus on the latter. Scheduled for release in October 2026, THE GATTAI Dandivine is priced at ¥29,500.

Overall, Dandivine is a mecha design that feels very much in line with expectations from veteran mecha director and designer Masami Ōbari. The design strongly evokes the 1990s Heisei-era Super Sentai combination mecha, with clear influences reminiscent of Gaoranger’s GaoKing and Gingaiger’s GingaiOh, while also carrying hints of Dairanger’s DairenOh. The humanoid core unit further reinforces that classic “lead mecha” aesthetic typical of Ōbari’s style.

Personally, the Dandivine design aligns very well with my taste, although I will likely observe the series from a distance before committing to a purchase, since the anime has not yet fully aired. If the overall production quality matches Ōbari’s earlier work such as Gravion, I may consider picking it up during a later reissue or rerun.

Yx IX: Monstrum Nox playthrough complete!

Roughly two weeks after finishing Ys VIII, I completed my journey through Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, currently the latest entry in Adol Christin's timeline. While I did not enjoy it as much as Ys VIII, Monstrum Nox ultimately proves itself a worthy addition to the continuity of the Ys series.

My first impression of Monstrum Nox was rather mixed. Initially, it felt like a shallow hybrid of Bloodborne and Persona 5, borrowing elements from both without matching the thematic depth of either. However, the game gradually redeems itself during its final chapters. The massive lore revelations toward the climax significantly elevate the experience and compensate for what is otherwise a slow-paced and uneven narrative. Although Ys IX follows a structure similar to Ys VIII, it falls short of reaching the same emotional and narrative highs. Even so, it succeeds as a transitional entry that serve as Falcom’s anchor to revisit with the series' past while laying the groundwork for Adol's future adventures.

In many ways, Monstrum Nox feels like Falcom's testing ground for ideas that will likely become important in future titles. The game introduces expanded concepts that could prove valuable when Falcom eventually revisits Ys V, while also establishing narrative foundations for Adol's long-awaited journey into the Romun region. If that arc becomes the culmination of Toshihiro Kondo's long-term vision for the series, Ys IX may ultimately be remembered as an important stepping stone rather than a standalone masterpiece.

For that reason, although I did not enjoy Monstrum Nox as much as Ys VIII, I appreciate what Falcom attempted to accomplish for the broader continuity of the Ys universe. Its ambitions occasionally exceed what the game is able to deliver, preventing it from reaching the same caliber as its predecessor. Nevertheless, I believe Ys IX has the potential to benefit from an expanded re-release much like Persona 5 Royal that revisits its ideas, strengthens its pacing, and further develops its existing content.

Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Neamhain Review

 

 The other Estailev model kit that I assembled a few months ago. I was initially more excited about this samurai-inspired mecha variant, but in the end, Cassowary proved to be the better value. Even so, despite being the weaker Estailev release, Neamhain remains an excellent example of what Chinese model kit manufacturers are capable of producing, provided you can still secure a copy.

Looking back, I was quite fortunate to pick up Estailev Neamhain for under USD 30. At that price, it was an absolute bargain for a Master Grade-scale model kit. These days, however, you can expect to pay at least USD 40 for a comparable product. Rising export costs, shifting trade conditions, and currency factors have significantly reduced the pricing advantages that Chinese manufacturers once enjoyed. If you manage to find a copy of Neamhain for under thirty bucks today, consider yourself very lucky.

Megaman X Hiyatoys 1/12 Sigma Action Figure

Hiya Toys returns with another addition to its growing Mega Man X lineup. After releasing the series' iconic protagonists, X and Zero, at a steady pace, the company has now turned its attention to the franchise's longtime antagonist, Sigma. Scheduled for release in Q3 2027, the figure will be sold approximately $100 USD.

Given the price point, I expect Hiya Toys' Sigma to be considerably larger than its previously released X and Zero figures. Even so, the figure appears to offer strong value despite costing only slightly more than its heroic counterparts.

One of the biggest selling points is the impressive metallic finish showcased in the promotional images. For many collectors, this alone may justify spending the extra 5,000 yen compared to Kotobukiya's Sigma model kit, which generally requires painting and additional work to achieve a comparable appearance. Furthermore, Hiya Toys has opted for a fabric cape rather than rigid plastic parts, giving Sigma a more dynamic and regal presence befitting the immortal leader of the Mavericks.

If I were a diehard Mega Man X fan, Hiya Toys' Sigma would certainly have my attention despite Kotobukiya's version having the advantage of reaching the market first. While the future of the Mega Man X franchise remains uncertain, this figure serves as a strong reminder of why Sigma remains one of gaming's most memorable recurring villains. In many ways, he is the Mega Man X equivalent of Horus Lupercal, a charismatic and imposing antagonist whose presence continues to define the series long after its peak years.

Chouseishin Gransazer Magi Arts Sazer Tarius

 Chouseishin Gransazer was quite an anomaly among tokusatsu series during the early to mid-2000s. Before the Japanese entertainment industry largely consolidated the genre around Super Sentai and Kamen Rider, there were several unique outliers, with Gransazer being one of the most notable. Its premise was particularly fascinating: a large ensemble of heroes themed around the Western zodiac constellations. In many ways, it felt like Super Sentai blended with the mythological flavor of Saint Seiya.

Following the release of the modest Plamatea plastic model kit of the main protagonist, Sazer Tarius, the character is now receiving a fully articulated action figure from Magi Arts. Scheduled for release in October 2026, the figure will be sold for 8,800 yen.

For a non-Bandai action figure, the asking price is surprisingly affordable. This appears to reflect Magi Arts' commitment to supporting the franchise with an extensive lineup of releases. Based on the promotional images, I would not expect the quality of Sazer Tarius to differ significantly from what collectors have come to expect from the SHF lineup.

While I do not remember much about the Gransazer series itself, I still appreciate its ambitious and unconventional approach to the tokusatsu genre. Even as someone who is not a dedicated tokusatsu fan, I am tempted to pick up this rendition of Sazer Tarius. Not only is he the main protagonist, but he also represents the Sagittarius constellation, which happens to be my own zodiac sign. As such, he would make a fitting addition alongside my Saint Cloth Myth Sagittarius Aiolos and other related collectibles.

JRPG Talk | Ys: Lost City of Kefin

Given that my full article on Ys V: Kefin, Lost Kingdom of Sand could not fully explore all of its core ideas for practical reasons, I will be using this JRPG Talk series to expand on its thematic depth. Rather than focusing on narrative summary alone, this piece looks at Kefin as a structural idea within the Ys continuity, one that reflects not just a lost kingdom, but a self-sustaining system built on escalating layers of hidden cost. Despite its uneven execution due to development circumstances at the time, Ys V remains a meaningful entry in the series for those willing to extract its underlying thematic core. Among its most compelling elements is the Lost City of Kefin itself.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Figma Klukai

Following the reveal of Tololo, Good Smile Company has unveiled its next Girls' Frontline 2 Figma figure, none other than the game's poster girl, HK416 Klukai. Not long after Animester released Klukai in her popular Speedstar skin complete with a motorcycle, Good Smile Company has opted for Klukai's default Girls' Frontline 2 appearance. Scheduled for release in April 2027, Figma Klukai will be sold for 13,800 yen.

For a figure that costs roughly twice as much as the Speedstar Klukai action figure for overseas collector , Figma Klukai offers a pleasing sculpt that faithfully captures the anime aesthetic that the Figma line is known for. To justify the higher price point, the figure includes four weapon sets and a removable hat, making this fan-favorite waifu an attractive addition for Girls' Frontline collectors.

As for the Girls' Frontline franchise itself, while it is unfortunate that Girls' Frontline: Fire Control had to shut down its service, it appears that a successor project, Blue Covenant, is currently in development. From what has been shown so far, the title seems to be a take on the cooperative extraction and large-scale combat formula popularized by the Helldivers series.

On the merchandise front, I would not be surprised to see Leva or Makiatto become the next action figure releases. If not, Groza would also be a strong candidate, provided she eventually receives the same level of merchandising support as the franchise's more prominent characters.

Final Fantasy Fables Chocobo Tales

While often overlooked, the Nintendo DS era marked a surprisingly strong period for Square Enix, when the company was still actively expanding its IPs in creative directions rather than relying solely on its flagship titles. Among the more unusual releases on the system, Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales stands out as one of the most distinctive JRPG spin-off experiences.

The Chocobo series itself is a long-running Final Fantasy spin-off, placing the series’ iconic yellow bird in the role of the main hero. What began as a modest experiment on the original PlayStation eventually found new life on the DS with Chocobo Tales, reimagined with a more playful and experimental design.

Ultra Beast Force Yilichuangwan Phantom Kirin God

Following the conclusion of its ambitious Fruity Robo lineup, Yilichuangwan returns with another noteworthy release. This time, the company is venturing into a Chinese animated series called Ultra Beast Force with a new mecha model kit: Phantom Kirin God. Scheduled for release in Q3 2026, the kit will be sold for 169 RMB.

Inspired by the legendary Chinese divine creature, the Qilin, Phantom Kirin God features a sleek mechanical design capable of transforming into a Qilin beast form. Its overall color scheme and aesthetic immediately bring to mind Gransazer, particularly the Sagittarius-themed designs, which may have served as an inspiration for the source material.

While I have little familiarity with Ultra Beast Force itself—which appears to be a Chinese animated series with strong tokusatsu influences, I do find the model kit visually appealing.

Personally, while the source material does not particularly interest me, the strength of the design alone is enough to make me consider picking up a copy.

Anko Miniblocks - Flowershop Review

One of the last entries in my current Anko Miniblocks backlog, and arguably one of the best specimens from the series. While Kmart appears to be downsizing its Anko miniblock brick model series, likely due to operational margin pressures, the series produced some genuinely impressive sets during its run, and the Flower Shop is certainly among them.

Simply put, this is a highly elaborate playset-style brick model that pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of minifigures, as I previously showcased with my FGO Coonuts collection. While I unfortunately missed out on the Large Treehouse—the finest release in this particular series, I was at least able to secure both the Lighthouse and Cherry Treehouse playsets, and I am looking forward to adding them to my collection.

SRW Alpha 3 Riobot Raioh

A few months after the release of Huckebein Boxer, Sentinel has announced yet another heavyweight from the Super Robot Wars franchise. This time, it is Raioh, one of the Dynamic General Guardians that made its debut in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, joining the Riobot lineup. Scheduled for release in October 2026, Riobot Raioh will be sold for 43,000 yen.

In the history of SRW merchandise, Raioh has always been a somewhat elusive design. Aside from the Volks FAF action figure released more than a decade ago, collectors have had very few opportunities to add this iconic machine to their collections. For that reason alone, Sentinel's Riobot release is a welcome addition, even if its premium price places it firmly in the high-end collector market.

Despite having a rather personal attachment to Raioh, the current economic climate makes it difficult to justify such a purchase. At this price range, the only SRW machine that could convince me to open my wallet for such price tag would probably be Dis Astranagant.

Back in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, Raioh was my choice for my first playthrough of this legendary title. Designed as a powerful boss-killer super robot, Raioh quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its overwhelming presence and signature tokusatsu-inspired attacks, particularly its iconic dive kick.

With Daizengar eventually receiving a Bandai model kit, I am quite optimistic that Raioh will one day receive similar treatment. Until then, Riobot Raioh will likely remain relatively out of reach collectible representation of one of Alpha 3's most memorable original machines.

Transformers New Legends NL-04 Gigastorm

Trypticon has long been one of the most popular giant-scale Decepticons in the Transformers franchise, making him a recurring choice for premium releases from both Hasbro and Takara Tomy. This time, the massive city-sized Transformer returns under the Transformers New Legends lineup in the form of Gigastorm, a character based on the Beast Wars II incarnation of Trypticon. Scheduled for release in November 2026, Transformers NL-04 Gigastorm will be sold for 38,000 yen.

As one of the franchise's iconic titan-class characters, Trypticon remains a favorite even among casual Transformers fans like myself. Part of his appeal comes from his imposing design—a giant mechanical dinosaur that feels like a Transformer counterpart to Mechagodzilla. Beyond his appearance, Trypticon also offers three distinct forms: dinosaur, spacecraft, and fortress mode. Of those, the fortress configuration is by far my favorite, as I have always been a fan of toy products that double as playsets.

Ever since adding Scorponok to my collection, I have been keeping an eye out for another large-scale Transformer to accompany him, with Trypticon being one of the most desirable candidates. The combination of size, presence, and play value makes him difficult to ignore. While Gigastorm is certainly tempting, I would ideally like to find a suitable Trypticon release closer to the 20,000-yen range before taking the plunge.

For now, this is a figure I will continue to admire from afar, though it remains one of the most appealing giant Transformers currently on my bucket list.

Return of the Ninja

 
Some random ninja-themed sidescroller I played as a kid, this was released by Natsume near the end of the Game Boy Color life cycle. Recently, I finally settled my score with the game, and overall, it turned out to be rather underwhelming.

Because of its unique presentation style, I always thought Return of the Ninja was one of Natsume’s stronger sidescrolling titles. However, revisiting it now, I found it noticeably weaker than other Natsume GBC sidescroller games such as Action Man or Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. What originally caught my attention was the collectible card system you unlock as you progress through the game. Back then, it made my younger self imagine the game as something much larger and deeper than it actually was. Fast forward to today and Return of the Ninja simply does not live up to those expectations.

In terms of gameplay, Return of the Ninja feels similar to a pre-Igavania-style Castlevania sidescroller, spanning six stages with some light attempts at branching paths. The game does try to stand out by incorporating stealth mechanics to better fit its ninja theme, rewarding players who dispatch enemies quietly within the limitations of the GBC hardware. It also features several ninja tools and gear upgrades that function as power-ups, allowing the player to bypass certain obstacles and explore alternate routes.

Still, Return of the Ninja is ultimately not a particularly noteworthy ninja game, especially when compared to Shinobi from Sega, which remains a far more definitive ninja action experience. Interestingly, Return of the Ninja did receive a limited physical re-release in 2020, which is quite fascinating for a relatively mediocre GBC title that originally came out two decades earlier.

Transformers Overgear-03 Optimus Prime

 

Takara Tomy is back with yet another new take on Optimus Prime. Following crossover projects with Zoids, Monster Hunter, Evangelion, and Macross 7, the latest release is something entirely original for the iconic Transformers leader. Dubbed the Overgear Series, this new interpretation reimagines Optimus Prime with a more grounded military aesthetic. Scheduled for release in February 2027, Overgear-03 Optimus Prime will be sold for 17,000 yen.

While Optimus Prime is naturally the release that caught my attention, the Overgear lineup is not entirely new. Two products have already been released under the lineup, featuring Ironhide and Blackout. The concept behind Overgear appears to be transforming familiar Transformers characters into heavily armed military operatives, emphasizing realistic combat equipment and special forces-inspired designs.

In Optimus Prime's case, the makeover is particularly striking. Rather than the traditional red-and-blue semi-truck, he transforms into a sort of desert-camouflage military Humvee IFV truck and comes equipped with an array of weaponry, including a heavy machine gun, missile pods, and a battle axe. The result is a version of Optimus Prime that feels less like a heroic truck and more like the commander of an elite mechanized unit.

As a collector, this will ultimately be a pass for me. As I already have the Macross 7 and Evangelion collaboration versions of Optimus Prime on the way, along with several other renditions of Optimus Prime within my collection. That said, if I did not already own multiple crossover variants, I would be seriously tempted by this release. The military-inspired direction gives the character a distinct identity without relying on an external franchise, and it will be interesting to see what Takara Tomy has planned for future entries in the Overgear series.

Persona Nendoroid More Persona 30th Anniv Collab Vignette

 

As part of the Persona series' 30th anniversary celebration, Good Smile Company has unveiled an interesting addition to its Nendoroid More lineup. Simply titled the Persona 30th Anniversary Collab Vignette, this diorama-style group display features the protagonists of Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 together in Nendoroid form. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the Persona 30th Anniversary Collab Vignette will be sold for 7,900 yen.

For some longtime Persona fans, it may seem ironic that a figure commemorating the franchise's 30th anniversary only features protagonists from the last three mainline entries while Persona 1 and Persona 2 are absent. In many ways, however, this outcome was inevitable. It was Persona 3 that transformed the series into a mainstream success and became a major turning point for Atlus. Since then, the identity of the Persona brand has largely been defined by the modern trilogy of Persona 3, 4, and 5.

As a product, the vignette is an attractive display piece that makes effective use of the Nendoroid aesthetic. The sculpting and presentation successfully capture the distinct personalities of the three protagonists. My main reservation is the static nature of the display. The figures are permanently integrated into the diorama rather than functioning as standalone Nendoroids. While this limits playability and customization, it is understandable from a production standpoint. Allowing each character to be detached and fully poseable would likely have increased both the complexity and retail price of the product.

At the moment, Atlus appears to be at a crossroads as it determines the future direction of the Persona franchise. While Persona 5 remains immensely popular, there is a growing sense among some fans that the company has relied on it for too long. As a Persona 3 fan, I would rather see Atlus create a new project that gives meaningful representation to Persona 3, 4, and 5 collectively, rather than the constant milking Persona 5. Such a project could help bridge the gap until Atlus is ready to reveal the definitive vision for Persona 6.

Zoids x Monster Hunter Wild Liger Zinogre

Monster Hunter is back with another collaboration project with Takara Tomy. Following the Rathalos-themed Optimus Prime from the Transformers lineup, the latest crossover brings the franchise into the world of Zoids. This time, the recipient is none other than Zinogre, the fan-favorite thunder wolf wyvern, reimagined using the iconic Wild Liger body frame. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the Zoids Wild Liger Zinogre will be sold for for 7,000 yen.

Wild Liger Zinogre offers exactly what one would expect from a pre-assembled Zoids release: a mechanical interpretation of one of Monster Hunter’s most recognizable monsters. To help justify its price point, the model includes pilot-related gimmicks as well as LED lighting effects. The design itself appears to be a faithful fusion of Zinogre’s signature silhouette with the mechanical aesthetics of the Zoids franchise.

The recent surge of Monster Hunter crossover merchandise is interesting to observe. My impression is that Capcom recognizes the franchise is no longer enjoying the explosive momentum it had at its peak. While Monster Hunter remains a successful and highly recognizable series, it does not seem to command the same level of excitement and cultural presence that it once did. Expanding into collaborations and collector-oriented merchandise may be one way to maintain visibility and engagement beyond the games themselves.

As someone who once followed Monster Hunter passionately for a decade, I feel the series has gradually drifted away from many of the qualities that originally made it special. The modern entries have found a much larger audience, but they often pursue a different design philosophy from the one that drew me into the franchise in the first place. Unless Capcom ever decides to revisit that era through something like a proper remake of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, I will probably remain on the sidelines as a player while continuing to watch the series from afar.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 02: Yasha-Oh Gai Review

Going back-to-back after Shura-Oh Shurato, here is the second and final review of the Kids Logic Shurato lineup: Yasha-Oh Gai!

Compared to my copy of Shurato, Yasha-Oh Gai has remained in noticeably better condition over the years, making it a more satisfying piece to revisit as a collector. That said, it still shares many of the same limitations as its counterpart, particularly in terms of articulation and overall playability.

Ultimately, I decided to part with both of these rare Shurato figures, which I originally acquired during my student days in Beijing. There were several reasons behind this decision. Most notably, Kids Logic never continued the lineup beyond these releases, leaving little hope for a complete collection.

In contrast, Yolopark has offered a more modern alternative with improved engineering and a stronger commitment to completing the cast. Given the value these figures provided relative to the space they occupied in my collection, I no longer had a compelling reason to keep them. Fortunately, I was able to find a fellow collector who was willing to give them a new home.

As a character, Yasha-Oh Gai serves as an excellent foil to Shurato in this short-lived lineup. Once Shurato's closest friend, Gai eventually turns against him after falling under the influence of evil forces. His eventual redemption and decision to aid Shurato in the finale remains one of the more memorable emotional moments of the series, even if its execution was not always as strong as it could have been.

Interestingly, I chose to skip Yolopark's version of Gai, as I have focused primarily on collecting the protagonist side of the Shurato cast. That said, if I come across a reasonably priced copy in the future, I may still consider adding him to the collection.

Starting Yx IX: Monstrum Nox

 

After finishing my journey through Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, I immediately continued with its successor, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. After spending several hours with the game, I have reached a point where I can begin forming some initial impressions.

Considering that Ys VIII elevated the series to a new level for Falcom, my expectations for Monstrum Nox were deliberately modest. So far, those expectations have largely been met. The game's overarching narrative feels noticeably weaker, and the transition from the vibrant tropical landscapes of Seiren Island to the gray prison city of Balduq inevitably feels like a downgrade in terms of atmosphere. Visually, the city's gothic aesthetic sometimes comes across as an unconvincing blend of Persona 5's urban style and Bloodborne's dark fantasy, without quite matching the identity of either.

That said, Falcom has earned its reputation as one of the JRPG industry's most dependable developers, so I remain optimistic that Monstrum Nox will have something meaningful to offer as the story unfolds. The game clearly shows signs of being developed under tighter production constraints than its predecessor, yet I suspect there is more beneath the surface for longtime Ys fans.

One aspect I continue to find interesting is how several of Monstrum Nox's gameplay ideas appear to have anticipated mechanics that later became prominent in Genshin Impact, particularly its emphasis on vertical exploration and character mobility. If a developer like Mihoyo found ideas worth building upon from this title, then Monstrum Nox likely succeeded in doing something right, even if it may not initially leave as strong an impression as Ys VIII.

Gundam Seed Freedom Lucrea Athrun Zala Scale Figure

Since the release of Gundam SEED Freedom few years ago, Athrun Zala has finally received some long-overdue attention. I believe it has been well over a decade since MegaHouse last released a scale figure of one of the most popular protagonists from the Gundam SEED series. Now, the company is bringing Athrun back under its Lucrea lineup, featuring him in his SEED Freedom pilot suit. Scheduled for release in January 2027, the Lucrea Athrun Zala figure will be sold for 8,000 yen.

Considering the current PVC figure market, I expect the overall quality of this Lucrea release to be only slightly above that of a prize figure or a Pop Up Parade figure. Even so, it is still a welcome addition to the merchandise lineup for arguably the most reliable main character in Gundam SEED, especially when compared to the older Banpresto scale figure.

I will definitely be picking one up, as my Metal Build Justice Gundam needs a proper pilot representation, and this option feels far more reasonable than the Premium Bandai S.H.Figuarts release. Given that Cagalli's prototype was recently revealed, I am also fairly confident that Athrun's partner will be joining the Lucrea lineup in the near future.

Hardcore Mecha

It took me longer than expected to write this article, but as always, better late than never. This time, I would like to dedicate a full article to Hardcore Mecha, a noteworthy mecha game that I played earlier this year.

Developed by RocketPunch Studio, Hardcore Mecha serves as an early showcase that Chinese developers were capable of creating a console-quality game aimed at a global audience, particularly within the niche mecha genre. It was an ambitious project that sought to elevate the modern mecha action game, only to fade into relative obscurity shortly after release due to circumstances that ultimately stretched beyond the studio's capabilities.

Within the capacity of Realm of Darkness, this article serves as a small effort to preserve and document Hardcore Mecha for what it is worth.

SRWOG HG Alteisen Riese

Given Bandai’s firm grip on the SRW OG IP and the multiple releases they have already produced, this feels like the next obvious step. It has been more than a decade since Kotobukiya released Alteisen Riese, the upgraded form of Alteisen, and now Bandai is finally presenting its own take on the iconic mecha. Scheduled for release in December 2026, the HG Alteisen will be sold for 6,800 Yen.

Bandai has not revealed much about the kit yet, but with a suggested retail price roughly 2,000 Yen higher than Kotobukiya’s version, we can likely expect some significant improvements. I still own my Kotobukiya Alteisen Riese, which I fully repainted, so I am well aware of the limitations that older kit had. Even so, I would not mind double-dipping on this release, as I am very curious to see how Bandai has modernized the model kit design. Most likely, I would end up repainting it in the Nacht color scheme as well.

Blame!

Twenty years ago, I came across a particular manga called Blame!, a work that offered an unusual yet deeply fascinating reading experience. Fast forward to the present, I revisited the manga and finally finished the series that would go on to define Tsutomu Nihei’s career. In short, Blame! is a post-human dystopian adventure that exists at the farthest edge of the sci-fi spectrum, a place very few manga have ever managed to reach.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Playthrough Complete!

For almost the entire span of June, I spent a significant amount of time playing Ys VIII. As expected from a Ys title that has gained strong global mainstream recognition, this entry truly lives up to its reputation. It delivers what feels like a AAA experience for a long-running JRPG series, both in production value and narrative ambition. Without a doubt, it is easily one of the best JRPGs of the 2010s.

Lacrimosa of Dana truly sets a new pinnacle for the Ys series, establishing itself as one of the overall “best” entries to date. Falcom clearly went all in on this project, pushing the production value to a level they can probably only achieve once in a decade.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato Review

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato

Finally, I get to revisit one of my older collections that has been sitting in storage for more than ten years: the Shurato die-cast action figure from Hong Kong-based manufacturer Kids Logic.

Given the less-than-ideal storage conditions, my copy has suffered some noticeable degradation over the years. Nonetheless, I wanted to take one last look at what this series has to offer before parting with it.

Overall, Kids Logic followed a design philosophy similar to the Saint Seiya SCM lineup, featuring articulated action figures with removable die-cast armor parts. As a result, this figure shares many of the same shortcomings as the SCM series, most notably its limited articulation and posing capabilities.

Beyond the posing issues, my copy has also developed noticeable yellowing despite never being exposed to direct sunlight. While yellowing is a common problem for predominantly white plastic figures, it remains disappointing to see it affect a collectible of this caliber. This was ultimately one of the main reasons I decided to let go of the series.

On the bright side, the Yolopark AMK Pro lineup appears to address many of the engineering and articulation issues that plagued the Kids Logic release. I'm looking forward to exploring those improvements in a future review.