Showing posts with label Action Figure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Action Figure. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

SD Gundam G-Generation Robot Damashii Great Zeong

 
With the continued popularity of SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, another original mobile suit from the G Generation series has finally escaped limbo. A few years ago Bandai released the Phoenix Gundam, and now it is Great Zeong's turn to receive the Robot Damashii treatment. As expected, this massive release will be a Premium Bandai exclusive, priced at 32,000 yen with a scheduled release in February 2027.

I first encountered Great Zeong back in SD Gundam G Generation World on the PSP, where it stood out as one of the more powerful Zeon mobile suits among the game's original roster. Despite its enormous appearance, it is still classified as a mobile suit rather than a mobile armor, which makes it particularly fascinating. Often regarded as an advanced successor to the Perfect Zeong, Great Zeong combines technologies derived from the Zeong, Big Zam, and Apsalus projects, making it one of the most formidable experimental Zeon machines in the G Generation universe.

Although it sits firmly on the expensive end of the Robot Damashii lineup, I think Great Zeong offers better value than many previous Premium Bandai releases such as Kikeroga or Big Zam. Besides its imposing size, it also features a body-separation gimmick reminiscent of Turn X, giving it a unique play value rarely seen among Zeon mobile suits.

If G Generation Eternal continues to perform well, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bandai revisit even more original G Generation designs in the future. There are still plenty of memorable units that have yet to receive collectible figures, and Great Zeong feels like a promising sign of things to come.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

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.

Friday, August 14, 2026

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.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

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.

Friday, August 7, 2026

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.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

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.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Vulkan He’stan

 

One might be slightly disappointed that this release isn’t the Primarch Vulkan himself, but it remains an excellent addition to the Salamanders faction. Among the recent wave of named Space Marine elite releases in Joytoy Warhammer 40k portfolio, Vulkan He’stan joins the lineup. Scheduled for release in August 2026, the JoyToy 1/18 scale Vulkan He’stan will retail for around 75 USD.

Sharing the name of the Salamanders’ Primarch, Vulkan He’stan is a former 4th Company Captain who was elevated to the rank of Forgefather, one of the most prestigious positions within the Chapter. In this role, he is entrusted with recovering the relics of Primarch Vulkan, a sacred duty tied to the hope of the Primarch’s eventual return. Through this quest, He’stan has recovered several of Vulkan’s relics, most notably the Spear of Vulkan.

Vulkan He’stan is arguably one of the most striking Salamanders Space Marine figures released by JoyToy to date. Given his prestigious role, he comes equipped with impressive wargear such as the Spear of Vulkan, making him a standout centerpiece for any Salamanders collection and a fitting addition while awaiting the eventual release of Primarch Vulkan.

I’m very likely to pick this one up, especially since I already have Adrax Agatone and Salamanders remain one of my favorite Space Marine Chapters.

Friday, July 3, 2026

Hokuto No Ken SHF Kenshiro

 

After many manufacturers have taken a shot at this legendary series, Tamashii Nations has finally joined the world of Fist of the North Star. As expected, the first release is none other than the invincible successor of Hokuto Shinken himself, Kenshiro, arriving as an SHF action figure. Scheduled for release in November 2026, SHF Kenshiro will retail for 9,500 yen.

SHF Kenshiro comes with accessories similar to previous Kenshiro figures. Since he is primarily a martial artist character, the essentials are expressive faceplates and multiple hand variants. However, this version seems to lean more heavily into fierce and aggressive facial expressions, helping it stand apart from earlier releases. For collectors who missed previous Kenshiro figures, this SHF release looks like an excellent alternative. While it may not necessarily become the definitive rendition of Kenshiro, the SHF line remains a dependable middle-ground option in terms of quality, articulation, and affordability.

Given the enduring popularity of Fist of the North Star, it would not be surprising to see other iconic characters especially Raoh receive their own SHF releases in the future.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Salamanders Assault Intercessors Sergeant Krajax Review

Another action figure from my JoyToy 40k collection makes its way to the review table, and this time it’s the Assault Intercessor Sergeant, squad leader of a Space Marine unit. I might not have made it obvious before, but Salamanders are actually one of my favorite Space Marine chapters. Their reputation for being among the most humane of the Imperium’s superhuman warriors really stands out. In the grimdark darkness of the far future, having even a shred of decency and compassion toward humanity is a rare and underappreciated trait.

The Salamanders Assault Intercessor comes with relatively basic accessories, featuring a Thunder Hammer and a mini-flamer as its main armament. For a Space Marine sergeant especially an assault variant, I would have expected additional survivability options, such as a storm shield, which feels like a missed opportunity by JoyToy. That said, Salamanders are one of those chapters I’m always willing to invest a bit more in for my collection, so it would have been nice to see a “tankier” weapon loadout included

Into the fire, Unto the anvil!

Monday, June 29, 2026

Final Fight Storm Collectibles Mike Haggar

 

Final Fight finally gets some long-overdue love from the premium action figure market, and leading the charge is none other than Metro City’s strongest mayor himself. Mike Haggar joins the lineup from Storm Collectibles, bringing his classic arcade presence into roughly 1/12 scale form. Scheduled for Q4 2026, this figure is priced at around 75 USD.

Haggar is one of the core playable characters in the Final Fight series, appearing throughout its main entries as the towering former pro wrestler turned mayor of Metro City. When the Mad Gear Gang kidnaps his daughter Jessica, he takes the law into his own hands, beating the criminal organization down personally. In gameplay terms, Haggar is the archetypal power character: slow, heavy, and brutally effective, built around grapples, throws, and pure physical dominance. Even if you usually gravitate toward faster characters like Guy or Cody, Haggar remains one of the most satisfying picks simply because nothing beats piling-driving gang members across the screen.

As expected from Storm Collectibles, this Mike Haggar figure delivers strong sculpt work and articulation, staying faithful to his arcade-era design. The package also includes a solid range of accessories that go beyond standard figure releases, including props that let you recreate key in-game moments such as the time bomb game-over scenario.

Overall, this is shaping up to be one of the strongest pieces of Final Fight merchandise to date. If Storm Collectibles continues this line properly, a follow-up with Cody seems almost inevitable, and a Guy release preferably based on his Alpha 3 design at some point and would complete the core trio in a very satisfying way.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Tenku Senki Shurato Yolopark AMK Pro Karura-O Reiga

After Yasha-O Gai, Yolopark returns once again to the Shurato series, this time bringing the Hachibushu Karura-O Reiga into its AMK Pro lineup. With this release, Yolopark moves one step closer to completing a full lineup from Tenku Senki Shurato. The AMK Pro Karura-O Reiga is scheduled for a Q3 2026 release and will retail at approximately 65 USD.

In the Shurato series, Reiga is one of the more flamboyant members of the Hachibushu, a group of devoted warriors empowered by Shakti to protect Lady Vishnu and Tenkūkai. Despite his playful and lighthearted demeanor, Reiga is still a fully capable warrior who fights with seriousness when the situation demands it. He wields the Shakti known as Karura-O, derived from the mythological Garuda, the divine mount of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Compared to other Hachibushu members, Karura-O Reiga stands out for his wider range of techniques, particularly through his twin-ring chakram weapons.

As with previous releases, I expect Yolopark to deliver strong quality with Karura-O Reiga, continuing the solid work seen in earlier Shurato figures. I’m also looking forward to Ten-O Hyuga, my personal favorite among the Hachibushu, even though he appears to be the last releases for Shurato protagonist lineup.

Monday, June 8, 2026

Claymore Revoltech Clare

Given the long dormancy of the IP and the fact that Claymore was never one of the biggest shonen hits, I honestly did not expect Kaiyodo to revisit the series through their Revoltech lineup. For the initial release, they are naturally starting with the main heroine, Clare. Scheduled for release in November 2026, Revoltech Clare will retail for 9,000 yen SRP.

In the world of Claymore, pale-featured young women enhanced with superhuman abilities are tasked with hunting man-eating demons. These warriors, known as Claymores, operate under a mysterious organization that controls their existence. The story follows Clare, who is considered one of the weakest among them. Despite her limitations, she eventually becomes one of the most important figures in the dark and brutal world of Claymore.

Perhaps it is just a coincidence that Kaiyodo decided to revisit this dormant franchise around the same time I re-read the series last November, but it is still a very welcome surprise. Claymore never really received a strong line of merchandise despite being a solid grimdark fantasy series with a dedicated fanbase. Unfortunately, the manga’s later pacing issues and the anime adaptation’s divergence from the original ending prevented it from reaching the same mainstream success as some of its contemporaries.

What makes this announcement even more exciting is that Kaiyodo is not stopping with Clare alone, as they are also releasing Theresa in the same Revoltech lineup. It genuinely feels like the company has regained some creative momentum lately, with their recent releases showing far more variety and ambition. With renewed interest in the franchise, perhaps there is even a chance for a proper Claymore anime reboot someday, especially considering the late-2000s adaptation never covered the manga’s actual finale.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

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.

Monday, May 25, 2026

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.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

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.

Monday, May 11, 2026

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.