Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Kappic Eagle Tempestus Scion I Review

 

Another addition from my Joytoy collection that I recently had the chance to review. During its limited run a couple of years ago, Joytoy built a respectable portfolio for the Astra Militarum faction, including the Tempestus Scions. For this elite subfaction of the Imperium, Joytoy chose the Kappic Eagles as their representative unit. Beyond being some of the finest baseline human soldiers in the Warhammer 40K setting, the Kappic Eagles are especially known for their precision airdrop assaults and surgical strike capabilities.

The first Kappic Eagles Tempestus figure I reviewed is the standard Tempestus Scion trooper, equipped with a hot-shot lasgun. As part of an elite Militarum unit, these “hot-shot” weapons deliver significantly more stopping power than those used by regular guardsmen, well-suited to the high-risk operations Tempestus Scions are deployed into, and in some cases even capable of bringing down Space Marines with concentrated fire.

Joytoy’s rendition of the Tempestus Scion is excellent in terms of sculpt and overall presence, though it does fall short in modularity. This makes posing the figure a bit more effortful than expected. Even so, it remains one of the better Astra Militarum action figure interpretations in recent years—especially considering Joytoy’s slower output amid the ongoing global situation.

Hoping that I do have opportunity to review my Kappic Eagle kill team in the future.

The Ocean Hunter

 

Back in the ’90s, Sega no doubt reigned supreme in the arcade scene, boasting a plethora of quality titles across multiple genres. Railshooter games were a key part of their repertoire. While titles like The Lost World, Virtua Cop, and The House of the Dead are among Sega’s most well-known railshooters, one game that captivated me for years is an underwater-themed railshooter called The Ocean Hunter.

The Ocean Hunter lets players explore the seven seas, hunting gigantic sea creatures that wreak havoc across the ocean, from classic Krakens and Megalodons to Lovecraftian mermen inspired by Judaic myth. True to the railshooter formula, the game leans toward the harder end of the spectrum. Designed as a coin-guzzler, some stages and boss fights are unforgiving, rewarding precision and persistence.

For a late ’90s arcade game, The Ocean Hunter really stood out for its graphical quality, which was remarkably ahead of its time. Its unique aesthetic design drew me back to the game after nearly two decades. Perhaps it was my past inability to complete the game, combined with its distinctive style, that compelled me to revisit it through emulation. Interestingly, the latest iteration of the Yakuza series, Pirates in Hawaii, includes The Ocean Hunter as a playable Easter egg, perfect alternative for those who want to experience the game while directly supporting Sega.

My Home Hero

One of the long-overdue manga I recently brought to proper closure is My Home Hero. It is a crime thriller that resists easy classification among its peers. At its core, the story follows a seemingly ordinary middle-aged salaryman who finds himself entangled with the underbelly of society, all for the sake of his family even if it means committing heinous crimes.

Final Fantasy 1 Nendoroid Warrior of Light

It has been nearly 40 years since Final Fantasy I first released, and while it took some time, its iconic protagonist; the Warrior of Light has finally been made into a Nendoroid. It’s been a while since we’ve seen Final Fantasy merchandise outside of Square Enix’s usual lineup. But survival necessity due to shifting global market conditions seem to have compelled Square Enix for a humbler approach. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Nendoroid Warrior of Light will retail for 7,900 yen.

This Nendoroid draws heavily from the classic artwork of Yoshitaka Amano, which was later popularized again through the Dissidia series. For longtime fans, it’s a long-overdue dose of nostalgia. The intricate armor design is especially impressive, the sculpt clearly reflects a great deal of care and effort, befitting such a legacy character.

As a JRPG fan, I’ve played Final Fantasy I myself including the original NES version, so this release carries a lot of personal nostalgia. With the Warrior of Light finally getting the Nendoroid treatment, I can only hope Firion from Final Fantasy II is next, as that entry has always held a special place for me.

Yukio Mishima's Sea of Fertility Tetralogy

 

Using my downtime over the last month's holiday breaks, I finally completed The Sea of Fertility by Yukio Mishima. Certainly, it was a time well spent before inevitably returning to my real-life obligation.

Mishima is often regarded as one of the most prominent postwar Japanese writers, and The Sea of Fertility stands as his undisputed magnum opus. Comprising Spring Snow, Runaway Horses, The Temple of Dawn, and The Decay of the Angel, the tetralogy serves as a vessel for the ideas he cultivated throughout his life; questions of meaning, free will, beauty, and death, all anchored by the central theme of impermanence.

Apocalypto (2006 Movie)

 

Apocalypto is a mid-2000s Hollywood film directed by Mel Gibson, set loosely in the Mayan-Aztec civilization. While often criticized for historical inaccuracies, the film continues to captivate audiences for a reason: it is far more than an exotic-themed spectacle. It is a multi-layered work that offers something meaningful for both native and non-native viewers.

Fate/Grand Order Figma Berserker Morgan

One of the most highly anticipated Fate/Grand Order figma releases is finally here. The Fairy Queen Morgan, a top contender for “wife” candidate among servants for Chaldea Masters returns in figma form after first appearing as a Nendoroid a few years ago. Scheduled for release in January 2027, Figma Morgan is priced at 13,800 yen.

Among recent FGO figma releases, Morgan stands out as one of the stronger entries. Based on her first ascension, the figure comes with a surprisingly generous set of accessories. In addition to two variations of her staff blade designs, Figma Morgan also comes with her own version of Excalibur, reminiscent of the one wielded by Saber Alter.

Given the current global economic climate, it would have been understandable if Good Smile Company opted for a more standard release. Collectors likely wouldn’t have complained. However, the extra effort put into Figma Morgan demonstrates just how beloved the character is within the FGO fandom, and how committed GSC is to doing her justice.

That said, the selection of faceplates still feels somewhat limited, especially for a character with such a commanding “strongest wife” presence. Because of this, a Summer Morgan variant for Figma release still feels like a real possibility down the line.

Since her debut in Lostbelt 6, I’ve remained a devoted fan of Morgan, and I expect that won’t change anytime soon. She represents one of the highest peaks in character design that Type-Moon has achieved in terms of “waifu” appeal.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.4 Review

 

 Slowly making my way through my Blokees collection again, I’m closing in on finishing my review of the current Blokees Defenders lineup. Blokees Defender 04 features Rodimus Prime as the poster figure, but, as usual, the roster is largely dominated by the Decepticons.

The main points of interest in Defender 04 are Rodimus Prime’s vehicle mode and the alternate version of Megatron, which almost looks like a protagonist mecha thanks to its unusual color scheme. For the starter Blokees that kicked off the Bruticus combiner components, Defender 04 feels a bit slow, though I expect the momentum to pick up in Defender 05 and 06. I’m looking forward to eventually completing the full Bruticus set in the Blokees Defender series just like what I did with Devastator.

We Love Katamari + Royal Reverie

It’s been more than a decade since I first played We Love Katamari using a PS2 emulator. Recently, I revisited the series on Nintendo Switch with We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie. This version is not just a simple port, Bandai Namco added new content that makes it feel fresh even for returning players. 

Eureka Seven Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero

As part of Eureka Seven’s 20th Anniversary, Bandai has decided to release a Metal Build version of the series’ iconic skysurfing mecha: Nirvash Type Zero! Naturally, such a rare collectible is being offered as a P-Bandai exclusive, but it promises the most faithful rendition yet of Kawamori’s legendary design. Scheduled for August 2026, the Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero will retail for 36,000 Yen. 

Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten'i de Isekai e

 

Japanese manga isn’t particularly known for webtoon-style storytelling like its Korean counterparts, but every now and then, a series comes along that feels fresh within familiar territory. One such example is Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten’i de Isekai e or The Strongest Assassin Transported to Another World with His Class.

By now, the isekai genre is saturated. Assassin protagonists aren’t exactly rare either. Yet Saikyou Ansatsusha manages to carve out something engaging from a niche that many would consider overused.

The story follows a high school student living a double life as a professional assassin, think a younger Golgo 13 in the making who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world along with his classmates. In this new world, the summoned students are essentially forced into the role of heroes tasked with defeating a Demon Lord. From there, the assassin’s journey begins.

Atelier Iris 2 - Azoth of Destiny Playthrough Complete!

Straight after finishing MS Saga: A New Dawn, I moved on to another PS2 title to finally settle an old “debt” of mine: Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny, a JRPG by Gust Corporation. This was another one of those PS2 games I played back in high school, but I never managed to complete it despite being around 75% through at the time.

Now that I’ve actually finished it, I’d describe Atelier Iris 2 as a fairly decent JRPG, one that doesn’t quite have what it takes to stand among the top titles in the genre. Still, completing it carries a particular meaning for me. It marks the third old PS2 game I’ve cleared in succession, a small “hat trick” in working through my backlog.

More importantly, the timing of this playthrough felt oddly serendipitous. Something about encountering Atelier Iris 2 at this point allowed me to better recognize and absorb what truly matters at its core. Despite its shortcomings as a game, it presents a surprisingly deep thematic foundation that only really clicked for me this time around.

Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver

 

Something has been making me wonder lately: why did Bandai decide to make their new Robot Spirits release for Zeta Gundam less accessible? Zeta Gundam was one of the most successful mainstream Gundam series, helping cement the franchise’s longevity over several decades. Yet, it seems Bandai now considers the series “a thing of the past,” as the Robot Spirits lineup for Zeta Gundam has become largely P-Bandai exclusive, including the recent Super Gundam entry. Scheduled for September 2026, the Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver will be sold for 14,000 yen.

While the Gundam Mk-II was available as a regular Tamashii Nation release, the same cannot be said for Super Gundam, even the G-Defensor is locked behind P-Bandai. What makes the Robot Spirits Super Gundam stand out is that it showcases the true tactical flexibility of the G-Defensor on the Mk-II, rather than just being a simple weapon backpack as Gundam video games usually portray it—often because it is relegated to a support character’s unit.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind picking up some Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits if the price is right, and I’m actually eyeing the Marasai, which I hope will get a regular release.

SAMG Miniforce x Transcon SG Rex Kaiser D7

A rather pleasant surprise from SAMG’s Miniforce line. It’s been more than a year since Rex Kaiser first appeared. a mecha that feels almost too cool for a kids’ robot animation and now it’s making an unexpected comeback in a form that’s far more accessible to global collectors. Released as a Transcon event exclusive (seemingly some sort of a Chinese hobby convention), Rex Kaiser returns with a new color scheme as part of a combiner set dubbed SG Rex Kaiser D7. The set is scheduled for Q3 2026 with a retail price of 799 RMB.

Macross 7 Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara Review

With my recent return to SRW Alpha 3, I thought it was the perfect time to share my photo collection of the Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara. These are some of the most extensive photos I took before moving to a new place. Among all the Macross series I’ve watched, I have a special admiration for Macross 7, largely because of Nekki Basara, who remains one of the most remarkable anomalies in the franchise. Out of respect for the series, this review will be more elaborate than usual—a small homage to Macross 7.

Sakura Taisen Sega Prize Figure Luminasta Shinguji Sakura

As a devoted Sakura Taisen fan for over a decade, it’s genuinely painful to see the series struggle to make a proper comeback after its glory days. Still, if there’s any consolation, Sega is releasing a new prize figure for this beloved classic—starting, of course, with Shinguji Sakura as part of the Luminasta lineup. Scheduled for a Q4 release, the Luminasta Shinguji Sakura figure is expected to retail at around 2000 yen SRP for the overseas market.

Sculpted in her iconic combat pose, this prize figure of Sakura instantly evokes a wave of nostalgia for longtime Sakura Taisen fans like myself. Even though I already own a premium PVC figure of the series’ main heroine, I’d gladly double dip for this one, if only to show support and hopefully pave the way for the rest of the Teikoku Kagekidan to follow.

There have been several attempts to revive Sakura Taisen merchandise over the years, but here’s hoping Sega can finally make it stick this time, for the sake of one of its true golden-era franchises.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Revoltech Naked Snake Sneaking Suit ver

 

With the release of the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater remake last year, it was only a matter of time before new merchandise followed for one of the most beloved entries in the Metal Gear series. This time, we’re getting a new collectible for Big Boss courtesy of Kaiyodo. Naked Snake better known as Big Boss is receiving the Revoltech treatment based on his appearance in MGS3, specifically his Sneaking Suit outfit. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the Revoltech Naked Snake Sneaking Suit Ver. will retail for 11,000 yen.

This version of Naked Snake comes equipped with a solid assault loadout fitting for Big Boss. Accessories include an AK-47 assault rifle, a silenced pistol, and a combat knife for recreating his iconic CQC moments. The figure also features a face sculpt depicting Snake before he receives his iconic eyepatch, reflecting his appearance during the early events of MGS3.

Personally, Big Boss has always been my favorite character from the Metal Gear series, much like many other fans, thanks to his charisma and legendary achievements within the MGS universe. Given that prototypes for characters like Revolver Ocelot and The Boss have been circulating for some time, there’s a good chance Kaiyodo will follow up with them in the future.

That said, I still hope we’ll eventually see the return of a Peace Walker-era Big Boss figure someday as well.

MS Saga Playthrough Complete!

Not exactly an easy endeavor, but after finally putting in the grind and picking up where I left off 14 years ago, I can proudly say that I’ve completed my journey with MS Saga: A New Dawn!

With a total playtime of around 50 hours, I’ve finally settled a personal debt that’s been lingering for nearly 20 years.

Without a doubt, MS Saga is truly a one-of-a-kind Gundam game. It had the potential to stand as a great JRPG if it had been completed in its intended form. However, in its released state, it feels like an old-school JRPG that compensates for cut content with brutal difficulty, something that may not sit well with modern audiences. Even as a devoted mecha fan, finishing it would have been a tall order if not for my personal commitment.

Matrix Reloaded Hot Toys MMS868 1/6 Neo

 

Ever since Hot Toys released their 1/6 action figure of Neo from the first Matrix movie, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the eventual release of Neo in his full Matrix Reloaded glory. Of all times in the midst of global geopolitical turmoil, Hot Toys chose to drop the Reloaded Neo. Cataloged as MMS868, this version is priced at $280 and scheduled for release in Q2 2027.

Freeze Metal 1/100 Famine Model Kit

 Another Chinese model kit recently caught my attention. Given my past bad experiences with plastic-frame kits from some Chinese manufacturers, I usually only consider kits that feature a die-cast inner frame for my strike zone.This time, the kit comes from a manufacturer called Freeze Metal, and the model is simply named Famine. Released in Q1 2026, the 1/100 scale Famine retails for 168 RMB.

At a glance, it’s quite clear that this kit takes direct inspiration from the Black Rider from the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The stealthy black-ops aesthetic and the distinctive dual radomes mounted on its back are practically a dead giveaway. Some mecha fans may see this as a blatant rip-off, but it also feels like a calculated move by the manufacturer to fill a demand gap, especially since the HG kit of Black Rider is locked behind Premium Bandai exclusivity.

Personally, I’m quite interested in getting a copy of this kit. I’ve always had a soft spot for heavy-frame tactical “real robot” designs, and the pile bunker mounted on the left arm is just the icing on the cake.

Mospeada Toyrise Legioss Alpha

 

Takara Tomy is definitely giving Mospeada some special treatment. Within the span of a single year, they’ve released three Toyrise Legioss models in a row, and the latest entry is the commander-type variant dubbed Legioss Alpha. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Toyrise Legioss Alpha will retail for 14,000 yen.

At a glance, the upgraded weapon loadout already makes the Legioss Alpha stand out from the previous Toyrise Legioss releases. Clad in an imposing black color scheme and equipped with an extra pair of shoulder cannons, the Legioss Alpha clearly presents itself as a leader-type variant of the Legioss. Its design also reminds me of the elite Legioss squad that appeared near the end of the original Mospeada TV anime series.

Considering that Takara Tomy seems quite comfortable reusing the Toyrise Mospeada mold across from the past iterations, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see even more entries from the Mospeada series in the future.

Fate/Extra Last Encore EXQ Gawain Saber Review

 
I recently had the chance to go through my backlog of Fate series Prize Figures, which gave me the perfect opportunity to review Gawain, the Saber-class Knight of the Round Table Servant. Fate/Extra Last Encore was a bit of a mixed bag as an anime, but it did give characters like Gawain a physical representation. Alongside Nero, Nursery Rhyme, and Drake, Gawain was one of the lucky few to receive a Prize Figure, produced by Banpresto under their EXQ lineup.

In the Fate series, Gawain stands as one of the foremost Knights of the Round Table, alongside Lancelot. His martial prowess is unrivaled, especially under sunlight thanks to his special blessing. As a knight, Gawain’s loyalty to Artoria is unwavering even to the point of overcompensation due to failures in faithfully serving her in life. In the Fate/Extra series, Gawain proves to be one of the toughest opponents Hakuno faces, and in Last Encore, he once again serves as a formidable penultimate challenge.

Among Banpresto’s lineup of Fate series Prize Figures, Gawain is one of the better specimens. He captures a combat-ready pose with solid craftsmanship that really embodies his character. While the figure’s medium naturally limits fine detail, it pairs beautifully with Sega’s Prize Figure of Lancelot, making for a striking Knights of the Round display.

Megalomaria Unlimited Universe Maria Kagaribi

Kotobukiya’s Megalomaria model kit lineup returns with another strong waifu entry! This hybrid android-human model kit now embraces a more waifu-inspired design with Maria Kagaribi. The katana-wielding, long-haired waifu in a military uniform is a classic, popular combination. Scheduled for a July 2026 release, the Megalomaria Maria Kagaribi kit will retail for 7,800 Yen.

Historically, Megalomaria kits have leaned more toward the robotic side, with their slim, mechanical waist frames. However, Kotobukiya has made Maria Kagaribi more waifulike, giving her a fuller, more humanized silhouette. Part of this effect may come from the clothing design, which helps obscure the usual skeletal, mechanical lines of the Megalomaria frame.

Voltes Yolopark AMK Pro Voltes V Legacy Version

 

Yolopark’s new ventures never cease to amaze me! After their releases of Transformers and Evangelion, they’re now tackling the Nagahama Trilogy classics, this time with Voltes V. For their rendition, Yolopark has chosen the recent Philippine movie version of Voltes as the AMK Pro lineup, standing over 20 cm tall. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, the AMK Pro version of Voltes V will retail for $60 USD.

This release is sure to give Bandai’s SOC FA Voltes a serious run for its money. At a more affordable price, Yolopark delivers a diecast, non-transformable action figure that doesn’t compromise on value. The AMK Pro Voltes comes with most of its iconic weapons, including the Tenkuuken/Laser Sword, which is used for the classic V-Slash finisher.

I’m curious if Yolopark will expand this line to include Combattler V or Daimos, following the same modern movie-inspired style. Even so, the AMK Pro Voltes V is something to get excited about — even if the main fanbase is now in their late 40s to early 50s and perhaps less inclined to splurge as they once did.

Megaman X Hiya Toys 1/12 Falcon Armor X

Hiyatoys is moving fast with the Megaman X series. After announcing releases for X and Zero, the third entry in their Megaman X action figure lineup is none other than X in Falcon Armor! Falcon Armor is undoubtedly one of X’s most popular designs, and Hiyatoys has delivered a superb rendition. Scheduled for Q1 2027, the figure will be sold for $66 USD.

What makes Hiyatoys’ Falcon Armor particularly special is that it is based on the Megaman X6 version and comes with the Z-Saber. Many recent figures of X’s Falcon Armor are based on the X5 design, but Hiyatoys took a different approach, showing that they truly understand the IP they are working with and certainly deserve attention for it.

Falcon Armor itself holds a unique place in the Megaman X series because apart from its sleek design, it is the armor that granted X the greatest freedom of movement. With its additional wings, X can fly long distances, avoid hazards, and even deal minor damage to enemies on collision thanks to the flight barrier. It’s a shame that X6 nerfed this ability, portraying the armor as battle-damaged, but visually it remains one of the most iconic armors in X’s arsenal.

I’ve always had a personal attachment to Falcon Armor, ever since owning Bandai’s early 2000s toy rendition. It left a lasting impression on me, and it may even become a subject for a future post in my Vintage Toys series.

MS Saga Revisited

Right after completing my 4th run of SRW Alpha 3, I returned to another PS2 classic: MS Saga! Known in Japan as Gundam Odyssey, it remains one of the most unique Gundam games from the PS2’s golden era. Fortunately, I still have my save file from 14 years ago, letting me pick up exactly where I left off.

Frame Arms 1/100 Gourai 2

It’s been over a decade since Kotobukiya first launched its Frame Arms model kits, and one of the lineup’s oldest entries which also became a trailblazer for the Frame Arms Girl series, is finally getting an upgraded version! Simply dubbed Gourai 2, this model kit highlights just how far Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms line has come. Scheduled for a June 2026 release, Frame Arms Gourai 2 will retail for 8,000 Yen. 

Getter Robo Freeing Dynamic Change Getter Robo G

Freeing is best known for their 1/4 scale bunny waifu PVC figures, so it may come as a surprise that they also produce mecha robot toys and now they’re re-releasing a product from the Getter Robo G series. Dubbed Dynamic Change, this particular product features Getter Robo G with a full transformation gimmick. Scheduled for August 2026, Dynamic Change Getter Robo G will be priced at 11,800 Yen.

Dynamic Change is one of the Getter Robo toys that offers a full-fledged transformation gimmick. The set allows complete transformation of Getter Dragon, Getter Liger, and Getter Poseidon from the Getter team’s combined plane mode. As expected, the intricate engineering required for these transformations limits articulation, but the final product is still impressive and fascinating for collectors.

Personally, I’m particularly interested in this release because Ryoma with his Getter Dragon was the MVP of my recent Alpha 3 playthrough, making this figure especially appealing.

Anko Miniblocks Hospital Playset Brick Model Review

 

 After covering the Anko brick model car series, I’m moving on to my collection of their playset line, starting with the Hospital. This belongs to one of K-Mart’s earlier batches of playset releases, which feature three separate building sets designed to connect side by side to form a larger street layout. The first one I assembled happened to be the Hospital variant.

Like the others in the series, it’s a two-storey building with interior details that are visible from the open backside. For its price point, it’s a solid and well-designed set, even if it doesn’t necessarily stand out on its own.

Where these sets really shine is when collectors manage to gather multiple buildings from the lineup and connect them together. I already have the Police Station ready for a future review, and I’m looking forward to eventually getting my hand on the Fire Station to complete the trio.

SRW Alpha 3 4th Playthrough | Kusuha's route Complete!

I finally wrapped up my fourth playthrough of Super Robot Wars Alpha 3 last week, almost exactly as I predicted when I started this run in late February. It took me around 55 hours over the course of a month to finish, marking my return to the game after a 14-year gap.

To be honest, this kind of commitment isn’t as easy as it used to be. Back in my college years, I could pour endless energy into long RPG sessions without a second thought. That’s no longer the case—but even so, I’m genuinely glad I followed through. This run felt like a proper homage to one of the most legendary titles in the SRW franchise.

More than just a revisit, this playthrough will also serve as a deep refresh of my understanding of Alpha 3’s storyline, something that will be reflected, at least in part, throughout this post.