April May 2026 Loot

 

Another two months, another sumptuous banquet of loot. I might be acquiring a bit too much at this rate, but overall, it’s a very solid haul featuring a great variety across the low, mid, and high-end spectrums. I am particularly happy with this round because I managed to complete a couple of significant sets: namely, Fruity Robo and B-Daman Bakugaiden. I’m really looking forward to seeing Fruity Wargod and Saint Blaster fully assembled.

As expected, and in alignment with the interests I've shared on this blog, this haul is predominantly filled with mecha. It starts with the enormous model kits from Pino Flight and Huang Di, alongside the LOGH Brunhild ship model. Without a doubt, the crown jewels of this haul belong to the die-cast department, with Dragon Knight Renata being the most valuable piece of the lot. Furthermore, despite its poorly illustrated box art, the Chinese version of the Chogokin Sazabi FF is a surprisingly solid value; I would have considered getting the Bandai original if they didn't make the hurdles so much harder for overseas collectors. While I am not usually into "Designer" variants of Gundam figures, I decided to grab a copy of the Year of the Horse edition RX-78-2 for an extra luck boost—being a Horse zodiac myself who has to survive the trial of the Fire Horse year.

Surprisingly, the scale anime collectibles in this haul were pretty much an afterthought. Apart from Myethos Citlali, whose box I swapped with a cake box that worked out quite well due to badly damaged packaging, most were just random acquisitions. I got most of them from a local hobby store called Lichtshein, which runs an interesting gacha-based merchandise exchange that offers solid value for money. Through them, I scored some Genshin Impact collectibles and a figma Raphtalia at a great rate, and I wouldn't mind supporting their business again in the future if they keep offering such a good proposition.

Overall, this has been a very solid two months of hauls. It has greatly enhanced the variety of my collection while consolidating some major existing sets.

Genshin Impact Myethos 1/7 Skirk Festive Gathering PVC Figure

 
Despite often being overlooked, HoYoverse occasionally delivers unexpected surprises for Genshin Impact. The game’s merchandising side is usually somewhat disorganized, with even popular characters sometimes waiting years before receiving notable figures. However, out of nowhere, Skirk who debuted last year has already received a PVC figure. Produced by Myethos, the 1/7 scale figure titled “Festive Gathering” presents an alternate costume design and is scheduled for release in January 2027, priced at around 6,800 yen.

To be honest, very few Genshin Impact PVC figures fall under the 10,000 yen range, especially for highly popular characters. In that sense, Skirk’s figure is a pleasant surprise. Despite the relatively low price, the design still maintains a strong sense of elegance. She fits neatly into the same visual archetype as figures like Scáthach in her formal dress, refined, composed, and slightly distant in presence.

The last time something similar happened was with the release of the PVC figure for Citlali, and whether coincidental or not, it feels like Cryo characters are quietly receiving strong figure representation. Nevertheless, Cryo Supremacy is always welcomed!

Personally, I did obtain Skirk along with her signature weapon before eventually stepping away from Genshin Impact. While this figure is a welcome addition, it isn’t quite enough to draw me back into the game.

Ys vs Kiseki: Alternative Saga

 

The PSP era saw a surprising number of crossover party brawlers and fighting games, and Falcom joined the trend with its own mash-up between its two flagship series; Ys and Trails in Ys vs. Kiseki: Alternative Saga.

Released around the peak of Ys Seven, the project also served as a push to spotlight the Kiseki (Trails) series, which remains one of Falcom’s strongest JRPG pillars. The result is a 3D arena brawler that brings together characters from Ys and Trails in the Sky, running on a system clearly derived from Ys Seven’s engine and combat feel.

The roster on the Ys side is somewhat underwhelming. Much of it leans heavily on Ys Seven, with only a few unexpected inclusions like Chester from Ys III. As a small consolation, the twin goddesses Feena and Reah appear as support characters, complete with some striking artwork that adds a bit of charm for longtime fans.

By contrast, the Trails in the Sky side fares much better. Fan-favorite characters are fully realized in 3D for the first time, which at the time was a major draw. The inclusion of Lloyd, protagonist of Zero no Kiseki, as a playable character is another highlight that broadens the crossover appeal beyond just Sky.

Despite being a Japan-only release, Ys vs. Kiseki: Alternative Saga stands as a strong piece of fanservice for Falcom enthusiasts. Its recent re-release on modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, also raises some interesting questions—particularly whether it brings meaningful improvements or remains largely a preservation of the original experience.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Imperial Fist MkIII Breacher Squad Sergeant

 

Among my sizable Joytoy 40K collection, this is the first time I’m reviewing a Horus Heresy–related figure on an individual basis. Although the Imperial Fists have never particularly stood out to me, I somehow ended up with a fairly large collection from this First Founding chapter. From that lineup, I’ve decided to take a closer look at the Mk III Breacher Squad Sergeant from the Horus Heresy era.

By the time Joytoy began producing figures from the Horus Heresy setting, their overall product quality had noticeably improved. This Mk III Sergeant, in particular, has fewer playability issues, especially when it comes to swapping parts when compared to earlier releases. While it may appear to be one of the more generic Joytoy 40K figures at first glance, the Breacher Sergeant comes with a solid selection of weapon accessories, making it a good value for its price.

The Mk III Space Marine armor is one of the most iconic designs associated with the Horus Heresy period. Known for its reinforced plating, this armor pattern offers enhanced defensive capabilities at the cost of reduced mobility. Even so, it suits the Imperial Fists perfectly, given their specialization in siege warfare and fortified combat, particularly in their bitter rivalry with the Iron Warriors.

Nokia N-Gage Resident Evil Degeneration

 

Being one of Capcom’s blockbuster IPs, the Resident Evil series has always been on my radar. While I mostly experienced it from the sidelines, diving into its lore rather than fully playing through the main titles, I did spend time with a few of its spin-offs. One that stands out is Resident Evil: Degeneration on N-Gage 2.0, which I played on my Nokia N81 back in the late 2000s.

Resident Evil: Degeneration was developed by Capcom as a tie-in to the Resident Evil movie with same name. The game itself isn’t particularly remarkable; it follows a side mission of Leon S. Kennedy loosely based on the movie. But for its time, it offered something unusual: a 3D Resident Evil experience on a mobile device, which was still a novelty in that era.

By today’s standards, it’s easy to overlook a game like this, especially given how far smartphone technology has come. But Resident Evil: Degeneration represents something more than its gameplay, it stands as a small yet meaningful milestone in the early evolution of mobile gaming.

It may be just a speck of dust within the larger Resident Evil canon, but it occupies a unique place in a transitional moment, when mobile phones were just beginning to blur the line between casual devices and legitimate gaming platforms.

SRW OG Riobot Huckebein Mk-III w/ AM Gunner & Boxer Unit

 

A surprise release from Sentinel, seemingly out of nowhere. It almost feels like a bit of one-upmanship with Bandai: the previously released Huckebein Mk. III plastic model is now getting the full-fledged Riobot action figure treatment. Not stopping there, this final iteration of the Vanishing Trooper is also being accompanied by the AM Gunner and Boxer Unit. Scheduled across November 2026 to January 2027, the Huckebein Mk. III lineup comes with the following price tags:

Riobot Huckebein Mk. III – November 2026 – 22,000 yen
Riobot Boxer Unit – December 2026 – 25,000 yen
Riobot AM Gunner – January 2027 – 27,000 yen

There’s no doubt this is shaping up to be Sentinel’s most expensive Super Robot Wars offering so far. Going all-in for the complete set totals 74,000 yen, surpassing even the 65,000 yen Riobot SRX. Still, this could very well be the definitive rendition of the Huckebein Mk. III, with product quality that should easily outclass the original model kit.

Interestingly, this release strategy from Sentinel gives some room for optimism. It opens up the possibility that previously Super Minipla–exclusive Super Robot Wars OG designs might also receive the Riobot treatment. Personally, I’ve got my eyes on Astranagant and Hyperion.

Trails in the Sky Revoltech Estelle Bright

 

 Kaiyodo has been especially active with its anime portfolio lately through the Revoltech lineup. Not long after Adol Christin from Ys joined the series, Estelle Bright, the main heroine of Trails in the Sky, quickly followed reuniting the Ys vs. Kiseki duo once again. Scheduled for release in December 2026, Revoltech Estelle Bright will retail for 11,000 yen.

This Revoltech release clearly coincides with renewed attention on Trails in the Sky, especially with Good Smile Company also contributing its share of merchandise. While the accessories are largely similar to her Nendoroid counterpart, it’s worth noting that this marks Estelle’s first 1/12 scale action figure—long overdue for the lead heroine of one of Nihon Falcom’s most beloved JRPG series. There’s also a good chance that Joshua Bright will follow to accompany her.

I’ve been wanting to get back into the Trails series myself, but with a growing backlog, I still need to figure out where I can fit the time in.

Ace Combat 4: The Shattered Skies

More than 15 years after my last time with the series, I finally returned to its modern roots through Ace Combat 4: The Shattered Skies. My earlier experience came from the PSP entries, Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception and Ace Combat: Joint Assault, both of which were highly enjoyable. Coming from those later iterations, Ace Combat 4 doesn’t offer as much in terms of gameplay depth. Still, that shortcoming matters less when the game serves as the origin story of one of the series’ most iconic pilots: Mobius One.

Cang Toys Trans Age TA-HCZ002 Bergion Axeetle

 

I forgot to follow up on my Trans Age coverage earlier this year, but the second entry in the trilogy is actually my favorite. Meet Bergion Axeetle, a stag beetle–inspired transforming mecha. Released in Q3 2025, it originally retailed for 179 RMB.

What immediately stands out about Bergion Axeetle is its tank-like presence despite being a medium-sized unit. Equipped with a large axe and a multifunctional shoulder shield, it offers a surprising amount of versatility. The shield alone can be configured in multiple ways, giving it more depth than it initially lets on. Compared to Blacanidae and Swordion, Axeetle is easily the most durable of the trio, firmly positioning it as the team’s defender.

Another reason Axeetle appeals to me is how well it pairs with 52TOYS’ mechanical beetle line. It essentially feels like a larger, more articulated “evolved” version, almost echoing the dynamic of Soundwave and his cassette minions. With Blacanidae already getting a reissue, I’m hopeful Axeetle will follow suit soon.

Gear Fighter Dendoh Amakuni Kijin Dendoh

 

It has been more than 10 years since Gear Fighter Dendoh received any major merchandise, and Amakuni has finally broken that long hiatus with one of the most deluxe and expensive renditions of the series. Similar to their Gaogaigar lineup, Amakuni’s Kijin Gear Fighter Dendoh, made in collaboration with Flame Toys, is clearly aimed at high-end collectors. Scheduled for release in October 2026, it will retail for 42,000 yen.

For over 40k Yen die-cast action figure, this version of Dendoh comes with many of the gimmicks fans would expect from the mecha. As seen in previous Flame Toys collaborations, the design features a slimmer waist and a more stylized proportion overall. Despite these extensive gimmicks, this rendition does not include any of the Data Weapons, which feels like a notable omission for a premium release. It does come with Dendoh’s sword. Personally, I would have preferred a slightly less luxurious version that includes all 12 Data Weapons instead at this price point.

Up until now, I haven’t watched Gear Fighter Dendoh in full, but I’ve had some exposure through the PlayStation game and Super Robot Wars MX. The PSX game is quite fun and worth trying, although Super Robot Wars MX provides a more complete story experience for those interested in the series.

Orange Cat 1/100 Estailev Cassowary Review

 

After experiencing some buyer’s remorse with previous Chinese model kits, the Orange Cat Estailev series has done a great job of restoring my confidence in the industry. Without a doubt, Estailev stands as one of the strongest examples the Chinese hobby market has to offer in the non-diecast model kit category.

A while ago, I built both Cassowary and Neamhain back-to-back, but unexpectedly, Cassowary exceeded my expectations even further. Although it is designed as an assault-type mecha, it is heavily equipped for close-range devastation. Its distinctive cross-shaped massive shield is not merely defensive, it is engineered to mount a shotgun and gatling cannon, allowing this variant of Estailev to close in quickly and overwhelm enemies in rapid succession.

I’m genuinely looking forward to future Estailev variants.

Snail Shell RPG-EX 06 Adventurer Snail

 

This might be my first post covering products from Snail Shell, but I’ve been following their releases from the sidelines for quite some time. While their lineup often leans into more risqué territory, their craftsmanship consistently stands out as top-tier. Their latest addition to the RPG series has now arrived: the RPG-EX06 “Adventurer Snail.” Slated for a Q4 2026 release, this figure will retail for 448 RMB.

Atelier Iris Eternal Mana Complete

 

Took me a month, but I finally finished Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana, the first entry in the Atelier Iris trilogy! Ever since I wrapped up Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny, I’ve been determined to complete the entire PS2 Atelier trilogy which means paying a visit to Eternal Mana.

As expected, Eternal Mana feels noticeably less polished compared to Azoth of Destiny, though the gap itself is not particularly massive. Still, coming from Atelier Iris 2, the missing QoL improvements become quite apparent in several areas. Overall, Eternal Mana is a very traditional old-school JRPG experience: high encounter rates, more demanding use of main gameplay mechanics, and slightly harsher balancing compared to its sequel.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Figma Tololo

It’s been about a year since Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium made its global debut, and the first wave of Figma figures is finally on the way. Leading the lineup is Tololo (AK-Alfa), who has the honor of becoming the very first Figma release from the game. She’s scheduled to launch in February 2027 with a price tag of 13,800 yen.

It’s not hard to see why Tololo was chosen. As one of the initial SSR T-Dolls available at launch, she’s a familiar face to most players. Based on an Israeli variant of the Kalashnikov platform, Tololo quickly establishes herself as a dependable early-game unit, offering consistent DPS and making her a go-to pick for new commanders.

As the inaugural GFL2 Figma, Tololo already looks promising. The sculpt showcases impressive detail, particularly in the semi-transparent elements of her outfit, and she comes equipped with her signature combat drone for added display value. Early impressions suggest a strong start for the line.

Meanwhile, other fan-favorite characters are already gaining traction. Klukai appears to have a prototype in development, which isn’t surprising given her popularity. Hopefully, this is just the beginning, there’s plenty of demand for action figures of other standout T-Dolls like Groza, Qiongjiu, Makiatto, and Suomi.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby Alter 1/7 Smart Falcon

 

The renewed attention around Uma Musume likely comes from its recent global push, but it’s still a bit surprising to see a major PVC figure manufacturer like Alter stepping in with a new release. You might expect them to go with one of the newer characters from the Japanese server but instead, they’ve chosen an old timer of the series; Smart Falcon. Set for release in March 2027, the 1/7 scale Smart Falcon figure comes with a price tag of ¥23,800. It’s an interesting pick, especially considering how long she’s been part of the franchise.

Smart Falcon is one of the earliest characters introduced in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, where she’s portrayed as an “Umadol” (Uma Musume idol). She stood out early on as one of the strongest dirt-track racers available to players. Beyond gameplay, though, she’s become a fan favorite for a very different reason—her ongoing streak of failed romantic attempts with her trainer, which has turned into a long-running community joke (often at her expense).

While I probably won’t be picking up this figure myself, I’m definitely keeping an eye on future releases for Kotobukiya version of Grass Wonder, which could very well make an appearance within the next year.

Medabots Survivor

 

Medabots is one of those Japanese mecha series that, while beloved in its home country, has faced some misfortune in terms of global reach. Despite a respectable run in Japan, the franchise struggled to break into the international market. The last Medabots game to receive a global release was in the early 2000s, with the GBA title, and since then, we've seen no major releases outside Japan, even as the series itself has continued to evolve across nine iterations, including some recent entries on the Nintendo Switch.

Motor Nuclear Type 65 JiHu Mark II Assault Type

Another standout model kit from the Chinese hobby scene comes from a major player, Motor Nuclear. Dubbed the Jihu Mark II Assault Mode, this release features a die-cast inner frame and one of the more original mecha designs in recent memory. Scheduled for Q3 2026, the Motor Nuclear Type-65 Jihu Mark II will retail at 239 RMB.

The kit’s Chinese name translates to “Halberd Tiger,” a title that fits perfectly. This is a mecha equipped with a conventional firearms loadout alongside a modular Chinese halberd for melee combat. What makes the Type-65 Halberd Tiger particularly striking is how difficult it is to neatly categorize. While many Chinese mecha kits tend to echo the design language of Gundam SEED or 00, this one lands somewhere between Armored Core and Gundam, in a positive complimentary manner. One of its biggest strengths is balance: the Halberd Tiger looks heavily armed without appearing overly bulky, maintaining a sleek and purposeful silhouette.

Given the strength of this design, it would be a missed opportunity if Motor Nuclear didn’t expand on it. Future iterations of the Type-65 Halberd Tiger seem like a natural next step, and I’m especially interested to see how they might evolve its weapon loadouts.

Keepley Pokemon Brick Model Pokemon Center Review

 

Some Pokémon brick models I acquired a while ago immediately stood out to me in terms of value, and after completing the build, that impression proved correct. Keepley is one of those Chinese brick model manufacturers that focuses on popular Japanese anime IPs, and Pokémon is one of their strongest lines. Without a doubt, the Pokémon Center set is one of Keepley’s best offerings, and something they should be proud of.

Kaiju Rampage - World of Monster Eye

I don’t play much at arcade centers these days, but a recent encounter led me to a particular shooter game by IGS. As a Taiwanese game developer, IGS certainly has come a long way, surviving the 2D era and transitioning into theatrical 3D games. Their products surprisingly boast impressive visuals, even if they sometimes fall short in other areas. The game I stumbled upon is Kaiju Rampage, also known as Monster Eye 3.

Kaiju Rampage is a rail shooter, reminiscent of Let’s Go Jungle with elements from Jurassic Park Arcade. Players face oversized mutant monsters that relentlessly hunt them down. The story is pure nonsense—a young couple is dragged into chaotic misadventures by a shady travel guide—but that’s not really the point. The game’s selling point is the action-thriller experience, not the narrative.

Like many of its peers, Kaiju Rampage is a coin guzzler: I needed 15–20 tries to see everything the game offers. Even so, it managed to spark my interest in the Monster Eye series, even if it doesn’t quite scratch the same itch as its rail shooter predecessors from the early 2000s.

SAMG Miniforce Dinoid Warrior Rex Kaiser Black Edition

 

 Sometime before the arrival of SG Rex Kaiser D7, SAMG Entertainment released yet another rendition of the popular Rex Kaiser earlier this year. This time, it receives the full “Black Getter” treatment, featuring not just a darker color scheme, but an entirely different vibe, complete with a flowing cape. Released in April 2026, the SAMG Rex Kaiser Black Edition is priced at 132,000 won.

With its sword resting on its shoulder and the cape billowing behind, Rex Kaiser Black exudes a lone-wolf, anti-hero aura reminiscent of Black Getter. It’s a striking reinterpretation that adds a layer of edge to an already solid design.

I was honestly tempted to pick one up, especially since I missed out on last year’s standard Rex Kaiser release. However, the newer Rex Kaiser D7 presents a more compelling option, offering a seven-mecha combining gimmick for roughly twice the price of Rex Kaiser Black, making it hard to ignore from a value standpoint.

That said, Rex Kaiser Black still stands as a fantastic pickup for collectors with the budget to spare. Its bold, stylish design proves that some mecha concepts can go far beyond their origins, delivering something that feels far too cool to be just a kids’ show centerpiece.

Girls Frontline 2 Exilium Animester 1/12 HK416 Speed Star

 

One of the most anticipated Girls’ Frontline collectibles is finally up for preorder: the HK416 “Klukai” action figure. Based on her GFL2 Speedstar skin, this “golden child” of the franchise brings something fresh to the table in Animester’s latest rendition. Notably, this will be the only Klukai figure so far to feature her signature futuristic motorbike from Girls’ Frontline 2, though the bike itself will be sold separately as a model kit. Both are scheduled for Q3 2026, with the Animester Klukai figure priced at 299 RMB and the motorbike at 238 RMB.

Vintage Toys - Power Ranger Lightspeed Rescue Micro Playset

Apart from Zeo Rangers, one of my favorite Power Rangers series was Lightspeed Rescue (known as GoGo-V in Japan). I loved the series so much that I played both the PSX and Game Boy Color games and collected various merchandise. I even owned a few Lightspeed Rescue toys, including the Supertrain Megazord action figure.

However, there is one collectible I still regret not owning: Bandai’s Micro Playset for the Lightspeed Rescue Megazord.

In the early 2000s, Bandai released playset toys for the Lightspeed Rescue series, just like they had for earlier seasons such as Zeo. But unlike the Zeo playset, the Lightspeed Rescue Megazord version was released only as a complete set, without the gattai (combining) gimmick.

Instead, the playset offered something different: three complete Megazords to play with, turning it into a command-base style toy. Even though I grew up past the Polypocket era, these playsets still inspire a sense of nostalgia and obsession in me.

I’m looking forward to covering another Power Rangers playset in the future. I also hope Bandai and other manufactures explore on other Power Ranger series rather than over-relying on MMPR nostalgia.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Primarch Corvus Corax

 

 Following the release of Jaghatai Khan earlier this year, Joytoy has unveiled another Primarch for its growing Warhammer 40K lineup. This time, it’s none other than Corvus Corax of the Raven Guard joining the fray. Scheduled for a June 2026 release, the Primarch Corvus Corax figure will retail for $120.

It’s been around three years since Joytoy began producing Primarchs for their 40K series, which remains the standout tier of the lineup. Corvus Corax is almost certain to meet expectations, and one particularly welcome feature is his detachable winged backpack, making it much easier to display him alongside his brothers without taking up excessive space.

With Corax’s arrival, only five Primarchs remain to receive action figure rendition by Joytoy: Fulgrim, Ferrus Manus, Vulkan, Konrad Curze, and Lorgar Aurelian. Personally, Fulgrim, Vulkan, and Curze are must-haves, but based on Joytoy’s past release patterns, Lorgar seems like a likely next candidate—especially given his history with Corax.

In the Warhammer 40K universe, Corvus Corax is one of the more reserved Primarchs, a trait that carries over into his combat doctrine and that of the Raven Guard. Known for their guerrilla warfare tactics, they specialize in precise decapitation strikes delivered either with lightning speed or near-perfect stealth. While Corax may not be the most prominent Primarch, his wargear looks particularly impressive in Joytoy’s rendition, offering more playability and weapon options compared to many of his brothers.

Arknights Furyu F:NEX 1/7 Entelechia

Arknights might have slowed down a bit on the global server lately, but there’s still something for collectors to look forward to, in premium merchandise department. Among the many operator candidates, we’re getting a stunning 1/7 scale figure of Entelechia from FuRyu’s high-end F:NEX line. This 6★ Vampire Sarkaz Guard is scheduled for release in February 2027, with a price tag of 1299 RMB.

Entelechia made a striking debut as a scythe-wielding Reaper Guard, embodying the elegance and mystique of a vampiric aristocrat from one of the main Sarkaz bloodlines. Based on her E2 illustration, FuRyu’s 1/7 figure captures her understated, refined beauty exceptionally well, an impressive feat considering the fierce competition among top-tier “waifu” operators in her class.

Interestingly, Entelechia is voiced by Hasegawa Ikumi, a highly regarded seiyuu known for portraying Arcueid Brunestud, the iconic True Ancestor heroine from Tsukihime. With that connection, fans can expect Entelechia to carry a similarly captivating and classic vampire charm.

That said, while Arknights has been a consistently strong performer over the years, it does feel like its momentum has slowed recently. The core gameplay formula has remained largely unchanged for over five years, and some of its limitations are showing the extent of stagnation. It’s understandable that Hypergryph’s focus may be shifting toward Endfield, but hopefully there’s still room to revisit and reinvent Arknights in the near future, keeping one of the most reliable gacha titles feeling fresh and engaging.

Jingzhuoshe 1/100 Mandala Review

 

A model kit purchase with a bit of buyer’s remorse, and a reminder that products from the Chinese model kit industry can be hit or miss. Firstly, Jingzuoshe’s 1/100 Mandala has a pretty good sculpt, but it suffers from engineering issues. Stiff plastic parts are common in some Chinese kits, but it becomes a serious problem when it affects joint components.

My assembled copy ended up with the shoulder joint to the torso snapping in half, forcing me to resort to Blu Tack as a fix. I originally picked up this Mandala because I thought it would look great painted in the Wildschwein color scheme from the SRW series. The design still has that potential, but the build experience undermines it.

This kit definitely makes me think twice about getting non-diecast frame Chinese model kits from lesser-known manufacturers. That said, more established names like Orange Cat or Motor Nuclear are generally safer and don’t tend to have this kind of issue.

Top Toy Bebe Brick Model Magic Academy Series Set

Back in March, I was exposed to the Top Toy Bebe Brick Model line marking another step in my growing interest in brick models, a hobby I’ve been exploring more deeply over the past couple of years. Among the various releases, the Magic Academy series immediately stood out. This particular lineup features three separate modules that can be combined into a cohesive three-story, fantasy-themed building.

Each module, comprising an art classroom, a potion-making lab, and a rooftop observatory was priced around $35–40 at my local retail store under the Bebe Magic Academy series. While I’m not especially attached to the Bebe brand itself, I have to admit that the final assembled structure makes for an excellent display piece, especially as a backdrop for fantasy-themed collections.

Personally, I’m planning to use it as a prop for my FGO Coonuts collection. That said, its aesthetic would also pair beautifully with JRPG-inspired displays, particularly for niche series like Atelier, where its whimsical, magical atmosphere fits right in.

Although I already own the Bebe Brick Model convenience store set, the Magic Academy remains high on my wishlist. For now, I’m holding out patiently in hopes that each module drops to the $20–25 range, a price point that still feels within reach.

Vocaloid Frame Arms Girls 1/12 Snow Miku

 

It has been around 4–5 years since Kotobukiya released Frame Arms Girl Hatsune Miku. After such a long gap, the timing feels a bit unexpected, but they’ve decided to pick up where they left off with their take on Snow Miku. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku will be priced at 7,700 yen.

Compared to the more recent wave of Vocaloid products for the ever-present diva, Frame Arms Girl Snow Miku may not appear particularly flashy at first glance. However, it is expected to retain the strong fundamentals that define Kotobukiya’s lineup—most notably the blend of mechanical design elements with a cute, character-focused aesthetic.

As such, it stands as a solid mid-level Vocaloid collectible, especially for those who still enjoy the process of assembling model kits. While alternatives like Blokees have delivered strong performances across much of their portfolio, they have yet to fully match the balance and identity that Kotobukiya consistently achieves with this line.

Shakugan no Shana Nendoroid Shana 2.0

Not long after the Nendoroid release of the tsundere magician apprentice Louise from Zero no Tsukaima, another iconic character voiced by Kugimiya Rie, the “tsundere queen” of anime has received her upgraded 2.0 Nendoroid: Shana from Shakugan no Shana! This release was expected, given that several of Kugimiya Rie’s most famous roles, including Toradora! and Zero no Tsukaima, have been honored with new Nendoroids. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Shana 2.0 Nendoroid is priced at 6,900 Yen.

This 2.0 version presents Shana in her full combat form, complete with wing parts and her katana, alongside her signature blazing red hair. Unlike her classic depictions, this version focuses more on aesthetic and dynamic combat design, so it does not include her iconic melon bread—a small but notable omission for fans. Nevertheless, it remains a must-have for collectors and anime enthusiasts nostalgic for this series, which captured hearts over 20 years ago.

Much like with Zero no Tsukaima, I’ve only watched the first season of Shakugan no Shana, but it left a lasting impression, especially thanks to its iconic opening theme songs. Perhaps the fast release of this new Nendoroid is a subtle nudge to finally continue my journey with the series, just as I plan to revisit Zero no Tsukaima.

One fun observation I just noticed: the legendary seiyuu Ayako Kawasumi voiced characters in all three popular anime where Kugimiya Rie played the tsundere lead heroine, always as the love interest rival. It’s a delightful coincidence! Maybe it’s time for me to give Toradora! a brief revisit as well.

Primeval Hunt

Arcade scenes were no longer thriving by the late 2000s, but that didn’t stop Sega from releasing quality titles for the platform. One example is Primeval Hunt, released in 2008, where you play as a dinosaur hunter in a safari-style environment—think Cabela’s Hunting, but with dinosaurs. In the game, players are tasked with hunting a set number of specific dinosaurs while freely exploring the map using a touchscreen monitor, a novelty at the time that are still unique to this day.

Given Sega’s experience with the Jurassic Park series, it’s no surprise that Primeval Hunt delivers a solid dinosaur-themed shooting experience. Unlike typical lightgun games, it introduces an extra layer of challenge through limited ammunition in each stage. Players must not only contend with attacks from creatures like T-Rexes but also manage their bullets carefully to ensure they meet their hunting targets. Success requires precision, strategy, and quick thinking.

For fans of arcade games, Primeval Hunt offers a memorable and distinctive experience that stands out even in the late-era arcade scene. Its combination of exploration, hunting strategy, and dinosaur action leaves a lasting impression.

Howling Star x Earnestcore Craft 1/100 Arbiter

 

The collaboration between Howlingstar and Earnestcore Craft continues to deliver yet again! After the striking Kishin Colada, the duo returns with another standout original mecha, Arbiter. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the Howlingstar × Earnestcore 1/100 Arbiter is priced at 188 RMB, making it a relatively accessible entry for collectors.

The most eye-catching feature of this kit beyond its strong fantasy-inspired design is undoubtedly its Centaur-style quadruped mode. While Arbiter’s default configuration is a more traditional humanoid mecha, it can transform into a four-legged form that fully embraces the centaur concept. This mode is further elevated by its signature weapon: a spear that can convert into a war bow, completing the mythological aesthetic.

It’s a bold and creative design choice that helps Arbiter stand out in an increasingly crowded mecha market. If this release is anything to go by, there’s plenty of potential for future projects from this collaboration. Hopefully, Howlingstar and Earnestcore will continue to push the envelope and deliver even more unique and exciting mecha kits down the line.

Super Robot Wars Super Minipla Hyperion

 Bandai has dropped yet another heavyweight from the SRW series. Following SRX and Astranagant, the next big-ticket mecha to join the Super Minipla lineup is none other than Hyperion. As expected from a P-Bandai release and given its sheer size, this is definitely going to be a wallet-breaker. At 27,200 yen with a scheduled release in November 2026, this kit is clearly aimed at dedicated SRW fans who are willing to go all in.