FGO Babylon SPM Ishtar Prize Figure Review

Digging up another of my Old photo batches that never made it to the Review few years ago. During FGO Babylon airing, Sega did pick up several Servant characters to get a Prize Figure treatment. One of them is the popular Tohsaka Rin clone in useless goddess flavor, Ishtar in her Archer Class. By far this is probably one of the most plain renditions for this Archer Class Damegami especially when compared to the Aniplex version, but you still got her "defenseless" fanservice as part of the deal. In near future probably I will do some catch up with my Copy of SPM Ereshkigal which remained unopened for years already.

Hexagear 1/24 Bulkarm Lambda Wolfzerker

 Hexagear is back with another Humanoid mecha and this time it is another continuation of Bulkarms Lambda! Released early this year with a leaner and Elite force build compared to Bulkarms Alpha, Bulkarms Lambda got an upgrade with Wolfzerker unit which makes it a beastly tanky Frontline Unit. Scheduled for March 2025 release, Bulkarms Lambda will be sold for 9300 Yen and for those who had Lambda Jackal before can just an upgrade pack for 2800 Yen.

Without a doubt, Wolfzerker is Kotobukiya's take on Iron Blooded Orphan's Helmwige Reimcar with the obvious Horned Helmet, Great Sword weapon and Bulky upper torso armor. Nevertheless Wolfzerker's Main weapon has interesting design which can be swapped into Mace or Greatsword based on Kotobukiya's default configuration. Wolfzerker's design makes the original Bulkarms Lambda look more aggressive which still somehow fits nonetheless. I wouldn't mind if Kotobukiya make a Sniper variant for Bulkarms Lambda as It will complement the real robot design quite well.

Shurato Yolopark AMK Pro Shura Oh Shurato

 Abandoned by their own Japanese creators for so long, Tenku Senki Shurato got yet another chance again by Chinese manufacturers! Renowned for their Transformers model kit portfolio, Yolopark decided to give Shurato series a try and the result appear to look impressive! Released as part of AMK lineup which apparently an abbreviation of "Assembled Model Kit" Yolopark Shurato will be scheduled for Q4 2024 release with 65 USD price tag though the Japanese release cost almost 20000 Yen most likely due to licensing nonsense.

Despite the product is designated as Modelkit, Yolopark AMK Shurato is actually preassembled like Saint Seiya and Yoroiden Diecast product. It is just that Shurato's main body unit are separated like some sort of crime victim for some reason and just require some minor Snap Fit. The sculpt Quality is no doubt very good which is evident with Yolopark's experience in the industry. Few years ago a Chinese company called Dasin did have a go with Shurato, but Yolopark definitely wins out this time. If I didn't have the Kidslogic diecast which still remained untouched to this day, I would have certainly picked Shurato. As for the 20000 Yen price tag nonsense for Japan release, Tatsunoko are just behaving like a goddamn parasite despite never bother to work on Shurato IP for more than 30 years.

Kurogane no Linebarrel Kotobukiya 1/144 Linebarrel Overdrive

 After laying dormant for more than a decade, Kotobukiya finally decided to revive their Linebarrel model kit lineup. Most likely in limited fashion, Linebarrel Overdrive and Vardant got their 1/144 Scale Model Kit re-release. Scheduled for May 2025, These 2 iconic Machinas will be sold for 5800 and 5500 Yen which doesn't differ much from its old price.

If Kotobukiya made Linebarrel Overdrive and Vardant in the present, they could have costed above 7000 Yen so we got to be thankful that Koto decided to release them in reasonable price. I used to have 1/144 Vardant before and these Model Kit required some repaint to actually look good. Nevertheless the end result of these two Machinas will look as good as Bandai's as long as the proper work are being put in.

Since the featured mech in this post is Linebarrel Overdrive, might as well put some tidbits about this guy. Linebarrel Overdrive is the upgraded version of Linebarrel after Koichi went angsty enough and it is equipped with some kind contraption on its right hand which capable shooting powerful energy blasts or turn into massive energy Blade which is unfortunately not included in the Kotobukiya version. Regardless, any Linebarrel fans should consider getting this one because it is one of those very rare Re-releases from Kotobukiya. Probably I am going to do some rereading marathon for Kurogane no Linebarrel as well

Kannazuki no Miko Mechatalk: Part 1 - Orochi Seven

 
 About two months has passed already since I finished Kannazuki no Miko. Abit late due to work life commitment,but as promised here comes the mechatalk for this controversial Mecha series of early 2000s! A Yuri series it might be, but the effort and passion of Kannazuki no Miko's anime production team for the mecha still worth a merit and I feel obligated to reciprocate in return. 

 Split into 3 Parts, The first of the Kannazuki no Miko mechatalk articler will start with covering  the supporting characters from antagonist side which represented each heads of Yamata no Orochi and known as Orochi Seven. This Mechatalk series will focus to serve as the Visual guide to help any mecha fans who consider watching Kannazuki no Miko worth their time or not.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Caramel Review

 The second Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model review is here! SMC had assorted variety of Mechas but the one that sticks out the most got to be Caramel with the Bear Mecha look! This is why Sluban picked up this Mecha and even Earnestcore picked this Yellow Bear as a part of their SMC product. In SMC, Caramel is a heavy weapon mecha type that shoots barrage of cannons from its Arms and capable of transfoming into Siege tank for even more firepower. Don't be fooled by its adorable look though as this Bear capable of High Jump and proceed to ground pound any opponents that underestimate it. Overall Sluban did nail the Sculpt of Caramel quite well with their Brick Model product which actually look good despite the format limitation. Given the price tag, obviously this one won't have any tank mode.

 With its main character status, Caramel obviously got many varieties of mecha designs dedicated to it which Hobby manufacturers could have picked up if SMC is still relevant. As for the game, Super Mecha Champions still do have updates in the form of rerun contents despite Netease don't even bother to update their Global server Social media anymore. For the Blog review version, I will be probably adding the background information for all of the Sluban SMC Review including Arthur which got its review recently.

Genshin Impact Nendoroid Zhong Li

 Took Mihoyo long enough to make something noteworthy for their Genshin Impact! 2 Years have passed after the Anemo Archon Venti got his Nendoroid and finally the Geo Archon himself, Rex Lapis finally made it to Nendoroid Lineup as well! Coming with some his Vortex Vanquisher and couple goodies, Nendoroid Zhong Li will be sold for 7500 Yen Price tag and May 2025 release schedule. 

To be honest over past 2 Years during Sumeru and Fontaine update, Mihoyo have become too full of themselves which the Merchandise release schedule like the Nendoroids serve as manifestation of the issue. While Nendoroid Zhong Li certainly is a well made product that the character deserve, I personally don't see any reason why It need to take 2.5 years after Nendoroid Venti for the finished product to be available. Might as well Raiden Shogun, Nahida and Furina need 2 years each for their Nendoroids to be released.

While Mihoyo's Top Leader. Dawei tried to make heartful amends before Natlan release promising to make Genshin better. Personally I still don't fully buy the genuine intention  of making Mihoyo turn for better because it looks like a textbook Good Cop, Bad Cop antics and Genshin is still a painful daily chore as usual in the first Natlan update. Mihoyo's consequences of their Hubris have come to the extent of making the Players unwilling to explore their new creations despite the good production value since they have ignored their players grievances for so long. Time will tell whether Mihoyo able to fulfill their promise or not

Cang Toys Twelve Wars 1/12 Loong

 Not only Diecast mecha products, Chinese are racing to make even better mecha musume and waifu action figures! This time it is something from Cang Toys which made Yandi a while back. Now they feel quite ready to make some 1/12 scale Chinese Zodiac themed Waifu action figures starting with the Dragon Zodiac! Designated Loong as the name, this Dragon waifu will be scheduled for Late October 2024 release with 369 RMB Price tag.

August - September 2024 Loot

 Last day for September and I decided to post some Loot post as a wrap up! A sumptuous banquet of loot as usual over past two months! Too bad I still don't have time and space to put these onto display thus for now I will just have them properly stored. Just like many previous batch, Chinese made products have represented the majority of the batch by this time because they can offer possibly higher value compared to the Japanese counterpart for the same price. The Top 3 loot in this batch are easily VF-Hi Metal, ACT Mode Tia and Metal Build Kainar. Considering my backlog for Model Kits have piled up quite significantly, I am getting a new nipper myself to start plowing through these piles of shame. 

I also got myself some seasonal limited event Miku Nendoroid just to support some event from my previous company early this month. Then I also get myself Lila Prize Figure from Atelier Ryza since I quite liked her character when I still played Artery Gear. Lastly I got a Construction Vehicle toy set which is actually obtained from company gift exchange, while this one is just some toys set for Kids, I think I can still use it to complement my transformers collection and could look even better with some repaint.

Dungeon Meshi 1st Season

It has been few months since the 1st 24-episode Season of Dungeon Meshi finished its airing and I was only able to finish the marathon recently. I was never the FOMO type and my journey toward this series prove to be a fruitful one with this approach. At first I never think Trigger Studio would be a good fit to work on Dungeon Meshi series considering their Portfolio tend to lean on Mecha series as they inherit the bulk of Gainax Studio talents. But in the end this anime adaptation works out somehow even if it is not the best fit as Trigger Studio did give a suitable animation for one of the best Japanese Fantasy series over past decade.

Within the alloted slot of 24 Episodes, Trigger's studio Dungeon Meshi Anime managed to make it halfway through the Manga Storyline and the series just need another season to conclude its storyline properly. Never underestimate modern anime speed at consuming through the original source material. Overall the Dungeon Meshi anime adaptation is pretty much a faithful interpretation of the original source material, nothing much and nothing less. I suppose the production team are not experienced enough to flesh out this Top Tier source material but it is an acceptable one nonetheless. Given the Trigger Studio is the one making the Dungeon Meshi anime, from time to time you will see some over-the-top animation style that is a signature work of Gainax style animation.

My favorite part of the Dungeon Meshi 1st season is easily the scene where Laios mimicking Dog and I will certainly look forward to the Succubus episode and Killer rabbit in the 2nd season. I am hoping the best for Dungeon Meshi 2nd season and look forward for some more extra side stories for this series by Kui Ryoko-sensei.

Brave Express Amakuni Kizin Great Mightgaine

 Off 8 Yuusha series, Mightgaine might be one of the series that got quite a preferential treatment after Gaogaigar. Off all Protagonist Yuusha Final Form Mecha, Great Mightgaine gotta be one of the uglier one due to proportion issues. However Sentinel under the patronage of Amakuni appears to manage break the curse finally! Joining the Amakuni's Kizin lineup and standing 25cm tall, Kizin Great Mightgaine will be released in August 2025 with whopping 49800 Yen Price tag.

On Hindsight, in terms of Price tag Kizin Great Mightgaine actually cost the same with getting The Gattai Mightgaine+Mightkaiser. The Yuusha fans are given the option of transformation gimmick and playability with the Gattai lineup or properly proportioned Diecast rendition that will make an impressive showpiece with Amakuni Kizin Great Mightgaine. Truly, Amakuni Kizin gave the Great Mightgaine a proper Super Robot treatment that it deserves as it do address some glaring flaw of the original design. Most Notably the oversized Great Mightgaine Round Head Crest which i felt very unnecessary when I played SRW V. The base set of Kizin Great Mightgaine includes the necessary accessories for Mightgaine including the powered up version of Dorinken which will be equal match to Zankantou but there is an option part which include Mightgunner in Cannon form as shown below for Brave Express fans who wish to go for an extra mile.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Arthur Review

 Given the picture collections have been sitting in the dust for quite some time after the Instagram posts. I will be doing some Reposts for Sluban Super Mecha Champion Individual posts on weekly basis starting with Arthur! 

In SMC, Arthur is one of the starter mech that the player got when starting out on the game. This unit heavily specialize in Close Combat, capable of shooting flurry of electromagnetic Sword waves before closing in and settle for the melee once the opponent are immobilized. I never able to Arthur to its full potential due to awkward melee control but this guy had quite high skill ceiling that Pro Players able to showcase.

Among the available variants of Sluban SMC lineup, Arthur gotta be the best all rounder choice as expected from its poster boy status. This guy just wins so much in terms of look despite being a brick model kit that look sharp with the extra cape accessory. This guy could have more playability if it is not for its weight fall more on the Upper Torso part. Seriously Arthur could use some more premium treatment by Chinese Mecha Toys like Moshow or CCS since there are plenty of cool designs to choose from for this Knight Mecha. If it was not for Netease ineptness at handling their IP, I would say it could have happened already 1-2 years ago. In any case I still hope SMC will stick around long enough until they got some premium quality toys the IP deserve.

Digimon Vpet Color - Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary edition

 Capcom has been very generous in leasing out their Monster Hunter IP lately in anticipation of their latest iteration of Monster Hunter game, but this one is yet another unexpected collaboration! Off all IPs, Monster Hunter decided to do a collab with Digimon which is an interesting pick but works out nonetheless. This collaboration results in Digimon Vpet Color getting a Monster Hunter edition with Rathalos and Zinogre being the available variants. Vpet Color Monster Hunter edition will be scheduled for February 2025 release with 7700 Yen Price tag.

 Digimon Vpet Color has been around for 2-3 years by this time and I suppose Bandai consider Monster Hunter IP to help propping up this particular lineup. I am quite curious how the evolution tree will work in this Monster Hunter Vpet. Considering Bandai promise there will be around 36 Monster Variants available for this Vpet. I would assume the famous Wyverns like Rathalos, Zinogre and Rajang will be likely the part of final evolution tree while the weaker wyverns serve as the early evolutions which we will see the truth once the final product are released. As a bonus of this Vpet, apparently Greymon and Garurumon will get a unique jogress with Rathalos and Zinogre respectively.

Himegami no Miko

 One never expect that Kannazuki no Miko got some sort of sequel since the anime, but the series do have some sort of continuation after the original series. Couple years ago, the creator of the series, Kaishaku did make some manga called Himegami no Miko where the reincarnation of Chikane and Himeko are intertwined once again in a Yuri fanservice escapade.

Himegami no Miko is a relatively short manga spanning around 3 Volumes where Chikane and Himeko got into a situation where one must be sacrificed to seal the Evil Demon threat once again. Since this series got no mecha at all unlike Kannazuki, Himegami no Miko will be your typical generic Yuri manga which the Yuri Miko couple trumps over all odds which unfortunately not my cup of tea. But at least my curiosity is sated enough, to see that the series potential stuck at certain point and Soma ironically turned into evil female character in this one. Regardless I do commend that Kaishaku's artstyle has improve leaps compared to the original manga as a testament of the time spent on his craftsmanship. Apparently there are another 2 iteration manga for Kannazuki no Miko manga which I would expect not much different with this one.

Berserk SHF Nosferatu Zodd

 Just after GSC announced Figma Skull Knight Preorder, Bandai Tamashi Nation soon followed up with their continuation of SHF Berserk Lineup as a counterattack which is no other than Nosferatu Zodd! After a very long time, One of the coolest Rival antagonist that ever graced Berserk series finally had its Physical representation as SHF. Scheduled for April 2025 release, SHF Zodd will be sold for 13500 Yen.

Coming in his Golden era version, SHF Zodd is armed with a pair of Cleaver and Battle Axe as his weapon of choice. Among many Apostles that Guts faced. Zodd was rather special case  have some sense of honor as a warrior and as  not particular bore any ill-will toward his enemies.  I thought Zodd's weapon getup would be the pair of Kushan Blades, but I guess my memory did elude me as his default weapon. SHF Zodd do stand few centimeters tall compared to SHF Guts which do explain his above 10000 Yen Price tag. Regardless SHF Zodd will be a great addition for Berserk Fans to pair with Figma Skull Knight or SHF Guts. This one will even look good with Pop Up Parade Zodd despite version differences or one could go with the Prime One if they have the money to spare. Given most of the Famous berserk characters got their Action figure turn, I wonder which ones will be next. I would say Farnese and Serpico do have a good shot as well as Casca, if Bandai or GSC interested to explore her variants.