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.

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.

Zuru Max Retro Collection - Retro Gameboy Console Review

 Ever since I first came across the Lego Game Boy set, I became somewhat obsessed with finding a worthy alternative to scratch that nostalgic itch. Since I grew up with the Game Boy Color, I wasn’t exactly eager to spend 80 bucks on a brick-built replica of the original Game Boy. Eventually, though, I stumbled upon something that perfectly matched what I was looking for.

Enter Zuru Max Retro, a premium Western blind-box brick model line featuring semi-premium builds based on classic electronic gadgets from the ’80s and ’90s. One of the models in the lineup happens to be a retro handheld console clearly inspired by the Game Boy.

For its price point, this Zuru retro game console exceeded my expectations, and without a doubt, it’s the best entry among the Zuru Retro variants I’ve seen so far. The model includes a detachable game cartridge, essentially a parody of Tetris. While the gimmicks aren’t nearly as elaborate as the Lego Game Boy, they’re still surprisingly solid considering the lower cost.

Interestingly, the design of this Zuru handheld actually resembles the Ambernic RG35XX series more closely than the classic Game Boy itself. It’s also roughly comparable in size to the R36S, another popular budget handheld emulator with a Game Boy-inspired design. Since this brick model ended up surpassing my expectations, I honestly wouldn’t mind picking up another set from the Zuru Retro line, especially the retro arcade machine, which already caught my attention.

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.

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.

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.

Anko Miniblocks - Red Racing Car Review

A continuation from last month’s Anko Sports Car Miniblock post! For my first batch of Anko miniblock acquisitions, I picked up two Sports Cars. This is the second one inspired by the classic popular red sports cars of 80s and 90s.

Compared to the blue sports car model, this one looks a bit more monotonous due to the lack of decals, which might have been an oversight in the design process. Still, considering its price point, it offers great value and looks impressive when displayed alongside the rest of the series which Anko miniblocks still update.

So far, there are about 4–6 models available in the Anko Sports Car lineup. Let’s see if I can assemble and review more of them before the end of the year.

Anko Miniblocks - Blue Racing Car Review

It has been more than a month since I moved into my new place, and I think the time is right to start a new review series in this setup! For this series, I want to begin with something simple, and Anko Miniblocks are a perfect choice. I’ve reviewed several Anko Miniblock sets in the past, and this time it’s the turn of one of their racing car models.

As of 2026, Anko Miniblocks offers several sports car models in their brick model lineup, and this one happens to be part of the seven 1:36 scale Racing Car series. I’m not an automotive expert, but this variant stands out as one of the strongest options in the series because it includes decals, which allow for greater variety and customization.

Anko Miniblocks are certainly one of the best value toy lines that Kmart offers. They provide a solid Lego-like building experience at a fraction of the cost, making them a great choice for budget-conscious builders. You can expect more Anko miniblocks review to come in Realm of Darkness. 

Jaki Blocks F5 4 Holy Beast Mecha Brick Model

 
 Chinese 4 Divine Beasts have always been popular material to be used in East Asia Pop Culture. Obviously with the rise of China hobby industry over past few years, mecha niche also get its share of merchandise with 4 Divine beasts motifs perhaps to the extent of being overused. After impressing me with their Super Mecha Champions Brick Model, Jaki F5's take four divine beast caught my attention once again.

While other Chinese brand like Sembo already had their 4 Divine Beast Brick model reach overseas market, I notice Jaki F5's specimen remains to be superior one. Apart from superior sculpts and mecha design, standing over 20+ cm. These Jaki F5 Brick models feature seamless transformation gimmick where the 4 Divine beast mecha able to transform into animal form without part swapping. Personally I am curious how the execution of the gimmick on the end product would look like.

Personally I quite like the Azure Dragon version due to its straightforward design and similar aesthetics with Ryoma from Shurato but the Black Tortoise look promising as well. In 1688 I have seen some of the merchants sold these for around 30 RMB, likely requiring bulk purchase while english site like Alibaba sell these on price starting from 10 USD. These products certainly look promising if a local distributor could brought in. To wrap up this post, I will just leave the reference picture of Jaki 4 Holy Beast mecha in both forms.

Anko Mini Blocks - 12 in 1 Vehicle Robot Review

During my trip to Sydney early this year, Brick model products called Anko Mini Blocks quickly become my favorite shortly after my encounter with their lineups in K-Mart. In my early acquisitions, one of the more elaborate pieces I managed to obtain is this particular 12-in-1 Vehicle robot. This specimen is rather peculiar one since Anko Block products generally catered to masses so Mecha are not exactly their priority but it is one of the rarity exceptions.

For a Brick Model cost 8 AUD, the value offered by this Vehicle robot brick model from Anko easily surpass its price by quite a leap. In this set you can either make a Yellow Vehicle Robot which is likely inspired by Bumblebee and Devastator from transformers or 12 different construction vehicles. No interchangeable transformation and limited articulation, but the value-for-money already pushed beyond its price.

Given the Anko miniblock brand lineup focus on sellthrough over craftsmanship, It is unfortunate that the sort of products like this Vehicle robot is once in a blue thing since it is not considered profitable enough. But it is one of the better specimen that Anko miniblock ever made for their lineup.

Lego 72046 Gameboy Brick Model

 
 Around this year, I was aware that Lego released a Lego Gameboy Brick Model Product. This one was sold for 60 USD SRP featuring an almost exact replica of Nintendo's 1st generation Gameboy. Lego went on extra mile for this Gameboy Lego as this one is not just a brick model replica of the classic handheld console but include some functional gimmicks including buttons and screen. The current iteration of Lego Gameboy also includes Brick model version gameboy cartridge for Legend of Zelda and Super Mario including swappable screen. Even without this, nostalgic millenials will already scramble to obtain this piece of time capsule but Lego took the high road for this one anyway.

However the reason why this particular lego product brought up in Realm of Darkness not only because of the the quality end product by Lego but the elaborate effort by modding community for this product, partially fueled by Nostalgia. 

Apparently some collectors able to mod their Lego Gameboy into literally functional Gameboy which are made easier due to available 3rd Party add on product that comes with the complete hardware and software package. While the current build of functional Lego Gameboy showcase is not exactly perfect yet, give it several months we could expect leaps of end results.

Personally, since I grew up on Gameboy Color and Advance, Lego Gameboy haven't got my full attention yet. However if Lego ever released the series continuation with Gameboy Color or SP, it will certainly catch my full attention especially if there are means to make it a functional gameboy.  

Sembo Blocks Wandering Earth - White Death God Review

 
 Finishing my Sembo Wandering Earth Brick Model Review series with the last one, White Death God. To be this particular model is what attracted me to give this particular Brick model lineup a try which ended up to be a dud. White Death God caught my attention due to its design strongly reminded me of Tau Faction Stormsurge Battlesuit from Warhammer 40k.

Ultimately the brick model format constraint is what limit this design's potential and the finished product rather remind of the Bipedal mecha from series like Battletech or Future Cop LAPD instead of Tau Battlesuit. The overall structural integrity has its share of issues and the main cannon design is rather disappointing. Still a decent build if you can this one on good bargain.

Sembo Blocks Wandering Earth - Bullet Rain Review

Another continuation for Sembo Wandering Earth series! This time it is a machine gun caterpillar tank platform called Bullet Rain. In fact, this is probably the model that attracted my to give this particular lineup a try. Ultimately Sembo’s Wandering Earth 2 is rather a mixed bag due to the limitation of Brick Model as medium despite the design looks promising.

At least, Tank model like Bullet Rain is less affected from the brick model constraints due to simpler overall design. Given the low caliber type of gun, I think it is likely that Bullet Rain served as some sort of anti-air unit as its fire rate are workable for interception purpose. Though I will figure out the intended design if I ever watch Wandering Earth 2.

Anko Mini Blocks - Mini Car Brick Model Review

 
 A short review this week since I have unexpected matter that I need to take care of. From my Sydney trip early this year, I encountered certain toys collectible on K-Mart called Anko Miniblocks and I have been quite a fan since then. 

One of the specimen I obtained is a red mini car with 245 Block Counts which I obtained for very cheap price for Australian standard. Overall Anko Blocks offers relatively fun Brick Model experience from a generic Chinese brick model. Quite sure the manufacturers are the same ones with the one whose products sold on KKV/OHsome some varieties are nice indeed. There will be more coming from this series and if you ever visit Australia and look for souvenirs/gifts, go to K-Mart and look for Anko Brick models. Plenty of selections available and often on sale.

Sembo Blocks Wandering Earth - Barrage Phantom Review

 
 Finally got the opportunity to review Sembo Block Wandering Earth series starting with Barrage Phantom! On first look I got attracted into this particular series due to unique mecha designs and proceed to sample 3 specimens. However, upon finishing constructing these kits, I realize that there is a reason why these Wandering Earth brick model never truly achieve mainstream success. While the mecha design concepts are wonderful, the brick model medium has its limitation to make the design properly works.

Among Wandering Earth Brick Model I have obtained, Barrage Phantom is probably the weaker design in terms of aesthetics. To put it simply, it is a low efficiency frontline unit due to having low caliber Machine Gun as its main armaments with Missiles as supporting weapon. In theory it will have hard time to put a dent on any mecha unit on the same weight class as its armaments are meant to mow down the inferior units like infantry on one sided combat especially the thin arms are very vulnerable to be destroyed. 

At any rate, I will finish my Wandering Earth with three units only since Brick model are not exactly suitable format for this and will cover the rest of this review series eventually.

JAKI Fruity Robo Brick Model

The recent Fruity Robo model kit did caught my attention and obviously I take a deep look when there are existing substitute! The Model kit lineup is currently on the 4th Fruity Robo. however apparently there is a licensed Brick Model series made by JAKI models which have complete set of 6 Variants.

Compared to the Model Kit lineup, JAKI Fruity Robo Brick Model are sold for 85 RMB SRP but apparently you can get it for Half on wholesale from certain Chinese sellers. For a 15% cheaper SRP compared to the Model Kit, JAKI Fruity Robo Brick Model offer available Complete set for any collectors who doesn't wish to wait Yilichuangwan to complete the run with the lack of combination gimmick as trade-off . So far Yilichuangwan still need to make two more Fruity Robo which is the Purple and the Pink mecha and I am willing to patiently wait so that I can obtain Fruity Wargod. If things went smoothly, Yilichuangwan will probably complete their Fruity Robo production within 6 months.

SEMBO Blocks Type 99 Tank Mecha Brick Model Review

 Another Sembo 30 cm Review and this time it is for Type 99 MBT of the 30cm Mecha Brick Model series. By far, this gotta be the best specimen among Sembo's 30 cm Military Vehicle mecha considering MBT have overall easier time to be made as robust mecha toy. At first I would expect a Frontline heavy suppression type out of a tank Mecha, but Sembo Type-99 is actually a Fire Support type with High Caliber Sniper rifle. Out of the 4 Models of Sembo's 30 cm Mecha, Type 99 is easily the best pick being a robust model and decent gimmick. Just like J-20, this one also comes with the brick model for the vehicle.

Overall I am very pleased with Sembo Type-99 and time will tell if I will get the Battleship and Space vessel in the future.

Sembo Blocks Wandering Earth series Part 2

 After I covered the first part of Sembo Wandering Earth series Brick Models, It is time for me to continue onto the second part of this series which is kinda long due. This follow up post shouldn't have taken this long but I guess real life priorities did make it overlook this one.

I am not sure which Wandering Earth series this particular Brick Model lineup belong to since Wandering Earth 2 does not appear to have this sort of design. But the Mecha designs from this lineup is interesting enough for me to deep dive into Wandering series. The mecha that caught my attention the most is definitely this Bipedal Walker Mecha on this cover page which is called White Death God which just scream Warhammer 40k Tau's Stormsurge Battlesuit. 

I could have included the lineups in the first Sembo's Wandering Earth series. But given the stark difference in design philosophy as this one fully featured Futuristic Military Tank weapons while the First Wandering Earth is more like Planetary exploration stuff. Personally I am do curious with the thought process from Wandering Earth creator on how Space Travel Scifi series transition into Mecha action stuff which perhaps future Wandering Earth 3 could provide an answer for. 

In this Sembo's Part 2 Wandering Earth Brick Model series, I will included the chinese name for all of the Seven lineups if anyone wish to personally dig more information of the series even further. 

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Qbricks Group Shots

 
 A very short review this week just to wrap up the last bit of my SMC Qbricks Review with the Group Shots as the final part. Might as well post these materials instead of them going to waste and maybe a reminder to keep spiting Netease in the process. With this, I am more at peace before moving onto Mecha Break which apparently will make it this year. This is as far as I go for SMC Qbricks, perhaps there will be other collectors who can give full coverage of this lineup.

JAKI Super Mecha Champions Brick Model

 I never thought I would revisit Super Mecha Champions this fast as I have worked with all of materials I had with this series. But a noteworthy occasion still deserve to be given a spotlight! SMC might be completely abandoned by Netease and forced to close down its service early this year, but It doesn't mean that Chinese Manufacturers will stop making any new products for this hidden gem of Mecha game. From my random browsing on reddit, I come across new brick model products for SMC Mecha and this time it is from a manufacturer called JAKI or 佳奇 and they make 2, not 1 awesome SMC Brick Model for SMC new and fancier Mecha skins!