Vall's Collections

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Box Set

2014-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

My first review on manga box set, the (self proclaim epic) manga from Hayao Miyazaki "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind". There are a numbers of franchising products available from this manga and one of them that I owned is Formania Gunship.

For starter, the author Hayao Miyazaki is a film director, animator, manga artist, illustrator, producer, and screenwriter. He is also the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Well, i guess this shall give you a ring on the series he have release namely Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo & etc. (more details please pay a visit to wikipedia)

Nausicaa manga is release on 1982 & adapted to animation on 1984 in Japan. The animation is re-released again in Engilsh recently by Walt Disney on 2011. (again, if you interested please pay a visit to wikipedia)

The edition I have in hand is the hard cover box set release by Viz. It come in 2 volumes & with a poster. The book measure 17cm by 26cm which is slightly larger than normal manga however this can clearly bring out each of the details drawn by Hayao Miyazaki.

Just a small idea on the story line. The human world has been completely destroy due to human fault & the current world is vastly cover by a toxic forest with only huge insects can live in. Of course human will never learn the lesson & seeking for war in the remaining land. The story is deeper then what I have written & is highly recommended as I wouldn't go far in spoiling the reader on the rest of the details.

This edition come with a numbers of colour pages. Each of the colour pages easily give me a flash back to the storyline.

From volume 1

From Volume 2

There is something extra come in the end of each volume.

Introduction to Hayao Miyazaki:

How Nausicaa come to idea:

Brief details to the character Nausicaa design:-

Sketches of Nausicaa:-

Lastly, the edition come with a both side printed poster shown below.

My verdict, grab this while it still available. If you have seen the animation, reading the manga is a must as the animation only cover around 20% of the storyline & make some (a lot actually) adjustment to suit the animation air time.

Bandai Metal Build Destiny Review

2013-12-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Long awaited Metal Build Destiny finally released & freshly delivered to my office today. It seems that MB Destiny is a super hot item where all the online merchant I normally visit is out of stock (hopefully they will restock in upcoming days like MB Exia).

I have paid 16,150 Yen plus additional 2,020 Yen for EMS. First & foremost is the packaging & open box review. The box art is awesome while the rest of the packaging is quite standard similar to MB Freedom. Behind of the boxes give us a sneak preview of a numbers of gimmicks & a numbers of killer Destiny poses.

Destiny is well protected under 2 tray within the box & also inclusive of an instruction manual on how the gimmick work (graphically, as I can't read kanji).

The base is in fearsome red which is perfectly match with Destiny. The mechanism doesn't change from MB Freedom base.

Destiny himself is spiky. Yes this is my 1st impression for him. He is painted in pearl finish which didn't fully reflected my lousy photograph.

Below is the picture I get from a forumer for comparison of MG Destiny & MB Destiny. Which is more fearsome (& spiky, sorry I can't stop myself from seeing all those sharp spikes).

Come in package inclusive of a numbers of arsenals showed below:- (it seems like doesn't included the plasma orb released from his palm).

It come with interchangeable hands (which spell not moveable fingers joint).

And finally, Wing of Destiny.

Once fully equipped, I find that Destiny is EXTREMELY back heavy. The stand is a must to allow Destiny seems standing straight.

Once the wing is fully expanded, it become space consuming monster. I doubt he will be display with fully expanded wing in my cabinet.

I found there is an improvement to the joint in between the backpack connection in compare with MB Freedom. However the chest is too high for my preferences & also I forget to mention we need to install the side skirt our own which is too tight (If you notice, I didn't put it up in this review).

And for the joints, Bandai have did a great promo video shown below (courtesy of a forumer as well).

My verdict is despite (I repeat) EXTREMELY back heavy, Destiny do blow me away in display after a few (yawn) number of Exia(s) release. Of cause there is a number of haters for SEED series but I myself do like them (so my review might bias). Do you not like him? Check out the photograph from amiami which will do the justice instead of my below standard picture.

Photograph from amiami

Otona No Chogokin - Antarctic Expedition Ship Souya Review

2013-09-15T00:44:00.003-07:00

Today I am glad to bring for you guys 1/250 scale Antarctic Expedition Ship Souya from Bandai Otona No Chogokin line which from the same product line as Hayabusa Muses-C. The SRP for this item is 47,000 Yen (excluding shipping cost) which is quite expected from this product line.

A little history from quoted from wikipedia:-
"In 1956 she was overhauled and modified to make her ready for Antarctic research. This involved re-engining with diesel engines and the installation of a helicopter deck and helicopters. Over the period 1956 to 1962 she made trips to the Antarctic. On the second trip, in 1958, she rescued the explorers from the first expedition who had become stranded at the Syowa research station. Unfortunately they had to leave the expedition's dogs behind. On Soya's return a year later, two of the dogs, Taro and Jiro (who are now famous in Japan) were found alive. The fame of these events was extended by the film of the events Nankyoku Monogatari (lit. "South Pole Story"; released in the U.S. as "Antarctica") and by Disney's adaption and Americanization in its film Eight Below."

Soya or Souya come in standard 3 layer of packaging which shown in picture below. I like the black boxes the most which highlight the prestige category of the product itself.

Upon unboxing the black boxes, you may find the following items:-
a) Soya itself
b) Display Stand come with reflective mirror, ocean plate & frozen sea plates
c) Display name plate
d) Tweezers to handle mini human figures (30 nos), dog figures (22 nos), big drum can, small drum can (10 sets), big baggage (2 sets) & small baggage (4 sets)
e) Dog sleds
f) Snowmobile
g) Helicopter
h) Airplane
i) Display accessories for the ships, helicopter & plane
j) A/C adapter (in 110V which is not suitable to used in my country)

The ship itself measuring 335mm (length) x 60mm (width) x 115mm (height) & with display stand measuring 410mm (length) x 230mm (width) & 170mm (height). As mentioned earlier the A/C adapter for the display stand is using 110V. Thus alternatively we need to install 6 nos AA battery & for Soya itself require 2 nos of AA battery. Maybe due to cost saving issues, all batteries have to be purchase separately. Picture below shows various closed up shots of Soya & as expected the details is top notch (on my requirement). All barriers, staircase, doors, windows, markings & etc is nicely done with weathering effects.

We need to do some minor assembling ourselves which shown on the photos below:-

Closed up shorts for the display stand:-

A few possible way to display Soya:-

Ocean display:-

Antractic display:-

Ice-breaking display:-

Overall Soya can be a very great item displayed on top of study table or cabinet. All the miniatures enable the creation of multiple diorama which may increase the variable display possibilities as the owner desire. However in term of pose-ability (Soya herself) it is very much restricted due to limited number of moveable joint (yes I know what to be expected to moved from a ship anyway). So in conclusion, this is definitely not a toy & is solely main for display.

3A Halo Commander Carter

2013-06-12T09:55:00.002-07:00

3A Halo Commander Carter (CC in short) is second figurine from 3A in my collection after the huge Metal Gear Solid Rex. Well, who is CC & what is Halo? Personally I am not sure who the hell is CC but Halo i do heard of it. This character is from one of the most well known 1st or perhaps 3rd person shooter game. Not going much into details & I myself never have my hands on but hey, this guy rocks & I have set my eyes on from his promotional picture. This is the normal release which we will be able to get it through major retails shop & cost at SRP USD200.

A quick glance from the box design is simple/plain which some drawings of weapons included for CC at rear. Once you have the box in hand, you will find it quite thin which means it will easily dented should you stack it at the lowest piles in your collections.

It also consist of brief CC history.

Once you open the box, you will find our well protected CC & an instruction leaflet/booklet in installation of batteries & how/where to attach the accessories.

As shown in the backside of the box, the accessories consist of 2 grenades, assault rifle, combat knife, 2 shoulder armor & 2 front bag? Most of the accessories is attach to CC by magnets. The details from 3A is magnificent.

The articulation is quite standard with a 12 inches action figure which only a few things I will highlight in here is the hand & neck. Each set of hand have a fully articulated fingers (3 points for fingers & 2 points for thumb). It is a huge con for myself due to the 2 points articulation provided in the thumb. It make CC unable to hold up the assault rifle in 2 hands as I planned.

Another downside would be his collar is limiting his neck movement bending downwards. This most likely reduce the photogenic rating for CC.

Other than that, I found the joints for CC is quite loose which make it quite hard to pose while supporting himself. My CC is unable to hold the assault rifle pointing straight ahead. It will always fall down to the resting position.

If I look at the bright side, details from 3A is marvelous. Providing with the correct amount of weathering & battle scar really does the job.

In overall, CC can be categorize as eye candy which translate to nice to see but not nice to hold category. I will definitely give you a wow from the cabinet & make you curse in trying to pose him as the magnets is not strong enough in hold the accessories in place. Does it worth USD200? If you are a fans from Halo & a figurine collectors, the answer most likely yes which I assume up to date this might be the one of the high end action figure available with wow factors in display. However in digging out this amount of money, I am expecting a more solid figure which at least able to hold his own rifle straight pointing towards the enemy.

* There is also LED light ups in CC which I didn't review on it.

Bandai 1/700 Scale Tokyo Sky Tree

2013-04-11T07:10:00.003-07:00

Due to recent sharp drop in Yen, I finally made my purchase on this Bandai 1/700 scale Tokyo Sky Tree which I have keep my eyes on since it launch.

With current drop of yen rate, it reduces at least 20% in foreign exchange rate. So in here I am proud to present my open box review to the Tokyo Sky Tree. I bought it from Amiami with 26% discount amounting 28,990 Yen plus postage fees of 5,600 Yen total up to 34,590 Yen. (PS:- There is a smaller version should you want to place it in your desktop, 1/2400 scale Bandai Tokyo Sky Tree)

First impression is the box is super huge (Now I know why I am being charged with 5,600 Yen postage). For ease of comparison, I throw in RG Zeta together in picture below.

A few snap on the box art. I personally prefer the sides of the box arts showing the tower with the moon/shooting star as back drop. The box is similar to a PG Red Frame box. It come with handle at the top.

Inside, we have a tray of plastic runners. Each runners is carefully protected due to the fragile part of the Sky Tree.

It have 2 separate box (A & B). For your information, the material boxes is sealed. Material box A is the tower base while material box B is the LED lighting.

Is that all, not really, if you notice in the opened box there is a white cardboard on top. It hold the another set of runners for the Sky Tree.

I hope this review might help in giving an idea on how the Tokyo Sky Tree might look like before assemble.

3A Metal Gear Solid Rex Review

2012-10-24T06:38:00.002-07:00

It has been awhile since there is any entry. It all due to the entrance for my new phase of life, parenthood. Yup, I am a father to a cute son. It really a huge changes to my life & talk about huge, this entry will be a huge re-entry of my blog after a few month hiatus.

1/48 scale 3A Metal Gear Solid Rex or also known as 3A Metal Gear Rex for short. This buddy here is really a big ass mecha in the game & also in the shelf. With SRP at whopping USD500.00 bucks, it come in retail version (which will be review here) & limited Bambaland Edition. I am too late for the limited version yet I am happy with the retail version. There is also a 1/100 scale MGS Rex model kit version release by Kotobukiya which I have also keep my eyes on.

What the heck is Rex? Well, we can refer to an introduction video from youtube below.

First word for the packing, HUGE!! Measuring at 55.5x47.0x53.5cm & weight at 6.3kg (indicate at the box as my tiny weight scale is insufficient to take the measurement), this is the largest toys I ever purchased not to mention the price tag as well. For easier size comparison, I put a HG Gundam model kit above.

It actually come in to layer of boxes, 1st is the brown box for postage purposed to served as a protection to the main box which come in white with some story, particular details & arts of Rex. To my surprise, the hardboard come in double layer.

Once we open the second box, it greet you with the explanation manual of Rex & a booklet of 3A release. With a quick flip on the manual, we can see quite a numbers of panel can be cast off to review the internal details. I am not really interested with 3A past (or maybe current) release. Since it is there I just take a couple pictures of it.

Upon flip of the layer of protection foam, we can see the HUGE!! rail gun & a tools used for something I am not aware of at this stage. Also some loose parts

It is always not easy to wait for the main character to show himself in a movie, 3A does make the packaging tough. We need to bring out the whole polystyrene foam tray as it was tightly secure by a layer of cellophane tape. And once we cut it open, again it is HUGE!!! Rex finally review itself. It sitting quietly awaiting to be release. 3A done a good job in protecting Rex from any harmful damage & there is no saving for its' packaging. Kudos to 3A.

Getting Rex out from his comfort zone is quite a hassle for me as it is HUGE & I really need to figure how to handle it.

Attaching the rail gun to it & combining a HUGE gun for a HUGE mecha we get a HUGE BAD ASS REX.

I try to light up the LED but as the label said, battery not included. I can't wait to get myself the power juice & fired up the rail gun. I really need to clean-up some space for more detail review. Until then I manage to capture last picture of REX before my wife yelled at me.

Verdict by this far is, this guy is totally menacing in taking off your space. But the bright side, who don't love a HUGE mecha in display. Well, is contradict but in reality I really doesn't have any display shelf (yet) to fit him. I believe he will back into box after I complete my detail review for him.

Paint job is great. I love the weathering, colour separation, rusting shield & paint quality. It is in matt finish & so far I detect no smudge paint from him. Plastic quality is somehow similar to Gundam model kit & the joints, I notice it is from plastic. In this price range a metal joint should be used as the size of mecha might have higher chances in breakage due to the weight. Just find out the head can't turn left or right & this will be a turn-off for someone. Anyway, I love this guy & hey, where can I find Snake to display side by side of this mecha?

Dissidia Play Arts Kai: Gabranth

2012-06-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

My first & only action figures from Square Enix - Play Arts Kai, Dissidia Final Fantasy: Gabranth. He is a character from the PSP hand held console game Dissidia Final Fanasty. Myself is a Final Fantasy fans following from FF VII all the way to FF X. That is the time during my college & university life. Once graduated & entering the working work, there aren't time to spend on for this hardcore FF game.

I do have my hand on Dissidia FF for a couple of weeks & I can't remember I ever choose Gabranth to play with. The reason I made my purchased for this figure is his bad ass armored look. Aren't you agree with me? Well, with SRP at 4,800 Yen is quite an expensive pieces of PVC to play with. Even Square Enix naming this "toy" as Black Label Collectors.

Come in a windowed box & he is secured inside a plastic tray. In the tray, there are 2 swords & 1 set of hands (to hold the swords)

Standard standing pose from 4 sides (he is approximately 20cm++)

His cape is made by same material of PVC which it is flexible to handle but the design is fix. The swords can be combine together & his hand is swappable to hold the weapons (just pull & plug).

For the box, it do mention that he come with 26 points of articulations. Not sure if it it true since I didn't really count on it. There are ratchet joints at the ankle, knee & elbow. Other than that, most of them are ball joints. He can stand on one leg, all thanks to his cape.

Random closed up to the details. His paint job are great, I never thought that all his armors are made by PVC until I handle him (I used to think that they are using material like gunpla plastic when I made my purchased). In my opinion, his mask is the most bad ass looking!

Random posing shots from him.

Nice looking isn't he? He is easily available on shelf at most of the toy shop. If you dislike the smell of PVC, you can give him a skip. The fume of it can easily fill up your room, you may need to open the package & left it "breathe" for sometime to minimize the PVC fume (My wife dislike him due to the fume, so he is officially back to the package).

Chogokin Fireball Charming Drossel

2012-06-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

I am having a hard time in how to start this review. I never see her from anywhere which I Google up a bit & find out Drossel is from a computer animation by Disney which shown in Japan. She is indeed charming & with the Chogokin label, I make my purchased from one of my local shop for 6,000 Yen in compare with her SRP of 9,000 Yen.

She doesn't sell very well in compare with her previous release version of Fireball Drossel which seems to be completely swept off from all the toys shop. Anyway, I didn't have the previous version so nothing much I can do to compare both of them.

She is pack in a thin box & house in a plastic tray.

The accessories includes 5 pairs of extra hands, 1 different head, 3 wheels, 2 extended feet pieces, 2 figures holder, 1 rose, 1 display base & 1 sword.

How shall I start. I have taken all photographs before I enter it into this review. And only for this time I first encounter the hardship in writing it out. Put in this way, normally I will taken the standing pose of her after unboxing her. However! She can't stand by her own or might be due do my table aren't flat enough for her to stand! Despite of installing her extended feet support, she unable to stabilize herself to stand up by her own. At the end, she supported by her feet & hair?

At the end, the whole review I will have her hold firm by the stand (Well, it can't really stabilize her due to her weight)

Into the details. Can you see those pistons?

Range of movement she can perform (This is the best part, double ankle & knee joint. Flexible arms, shoulder, waist & hips. Basically she can perform most of the pose you can think of).

Gimmicks bundled.

To swap her head & hands. You just have to used forced!! lolx. Pull out push in!! (Actually some of the hands kind of loose which is kind of disappointing with her)

After swapping the head.... Hey, nice to meet you~

What? You will post my picture online?? Wait for a moment for me to pose for you~ Ok. I am ready ^.^

Peace!

Flower for me?? Oh my, thank you (blushes)

Force of evil! Come if you dare....

Transform.....

Phew... Being a model is not an easy task...

Ok ok... Let's call this a day... Enough of posing... Peace out...

As you can see, despite that she lack of facial expression. Combination of her hands & movements do develops numbers of personality & interaction with us. I can say that she is definitely an eye candy & photogenic. But the handling process (at least for myself) is not a pleasant experience. Loosing joints of the stands, constantly pop out of her hands, stabilizing her for not falling off & etc....

To buy or not to... This will be a tough question to answer. As you can see, she fall under nice to see & not good to handle category. Even with her Chogokin label, I can't really feel much weight from her. Painting wise is nice. Snowy white with smooth surface. No smear paint job can be detected (since are all in white). In considering all these factors, I will definitely regret if I am buying her with original SRP even yesterday when I am handling her I am quite disappointed with her. However, in writing this review I think it still worth with the discounted price (admiring of her beauty, she do have some kind of charm don't you think so?).

SDX Mask Commander

2012-06-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

My first on hand playing with bandai SDX series, Mask Commander. Released back in April 2010 (yup, it quite sometimes) with SRP of 5,800 Yen. In consideration that a MG model kit from Bandai would cost in average of 4,000 Yen & SD model kit would be around 600 Yen, SDX series are quite expensive with its metal content & partially painted. It can be concluded that the price is the main factor in putting this series into a dim light from the sight of collectors.

A quick preview of the box & it's contents. The packaging come with in a window box where you can have a peak a boo in to the contents. From the box, it do have a brief history or story of Mask Commander.

Inside, there are 2 layers of goodies & also an instruction manual. (Do take note, the eyes effect shall be in runners in compare those show in picture below)

An idea on how heavy this gundam is, 105g without armor & 172g full armor equipped.

Quick view of the gundam (Mask Off).

SDX series always come with a numbers of different eyes effect which can be swap easily by removing the helmet & chin.

My personal choice for him on this review will be, mono eye in disguise!

A range of joints or movements he can performs (the elbow are double joints!)

His armors can be combine into a flying armor?

I am not easy to mess with even without my armors, axes!

Don't even think in trying to run from me, double guns!

Well, is time to show you my ultimate form. (Put on the mask first) Come to papa, all armors combine~

Combining process 1, 2, 3.... (Hands need to be swapped in order to hold the beam rifles)

Fly & attack! (Stand assembly is required in order for him to fly)

What? You are skeptical on how high I can fly.... See with your own eyes you peasants!

Argh!!! I hate earth gravity.. I can do much better in space!

How dare you laugh at me!!! You will bow before me to my ultimate form!

Umm, ok. Let's get back to the review. This little SDX is fun to play with & loaded with bunches of accessories. The paint job is great & the joints are solid. Not to mention the little weight in hand experienced during playing (handling) with this unit all thanks to the metal contents of SDX series. It can be display in a wide range of poses combine with expression through interchange able eyes effects. The only down sides would be the hefty price especially with current strong Yen exchange rate. However also thanks to this, the popularity of this product does not get into fever where you can get this below SRP (I get this around 3,000 Yen).

SDX series will be either you loved it or nah I will pass series. I personally quite satisfy with this product line & might hunt more of this series in future.

Armor Girl Project - MS Girl Wing Gundam

2012-06-04T09:54:00.002-07:00

My first ever Gundam Girl from Bandai or is there any previous release before this? I guess i will google it up after this. I hereby review the Armor Girl Project line from Bandai, MS Girl Wing Gundam [EW ver] with SRP of 4,800 Yen. First impression when received the parcel, it kinda small should be around 144 scale. The package size roughly 24cm (L) x 24cm (W) x 5cm (D).

The figure herself made of PVC & so far I didn't notice any ratchet joint except there is one for the display base. A few quick view of the figure & the armor. Before I forget, the armors are made by material similar to gunpla plastic. So if your hand is itchy, it can be panel lined & I might try it later. From the package, 2 heads with 2 different facial expression, 6 sets of hands, 1 beam rifle, 1 shield, 1 beam saber & Gundam Wing (EW ver) armors pieces (chest, skirt, hand, shoulder, leg, feet, v-fins & wings).

She can stand on her own without support from the stand. I try a few times to do it right.

To put up the armor are kind of time consuming, it is not complicated just the armor pieces are to small for my huge fingers. The armors shall be put up in sequences & mind you, to swap hands after armor on is a tough job.

The face can be swap in between two heads with or without v-fins. This is very straight forward.

For the chest armor, the front can be unbuckle & wear around the chest area & buckle it up again.

The hand have to be remove to slide up the arms armor in. There is a peg hole to secure the beam rifle & shield.

Waist armor is the easiest to put on but also the easiest to loosen up. All it does just wear the armor around her waist & push the peg into the hole behind her. Leg armors are the most time consuming until I forget to capture the process. First the sleeve need to be slide in on before the rest can be put on.

Finally the wing. There is a mechanism build in which enable the wings to be spread open. To hook up onto her, just push the peg into the hole behind her back. It had to be done with the tip of the wings pointing upwards & once install, it had to be rotated down.

Once equipped, she still can stand on her own. Well kind of supported by her beam rifle.

Oh, before to final posing I need to point out the markings are nicely done.

Last & not least, posing shot.

The plastic quality is nice & the workmanship is great. So far can't find any paint stain on her. The only down side is no ratchet joints in the figure. So far the joints are tight but in long term of wear & tear, I am not sure if she still able to hold the beam rifle as now. I personally think she is kind of cute in armor, my original plan was to open up for the review & pack back into the box. But now it earn a spot in my display cabinet. For SRP 4,800 Yen, I can't say she is cheap but definitely not expensive as well. If there are some money to spend on & you would want to regularize the machoness hormone in the display cabinet which full of mecha, I believe she will definitely hit the spot.

Formania - Nausicaa Gunship

2012-05-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

February 2011, Bandai third release in Formania line the iconic winged gunship from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind! SRP at 10,000 Yen tag which come in magnificent details and many gimmicks, this fully-finished and ready to display model.

The packaging for this gunship is different from previous product line, come with collector's window box which mean we can peak in the gunship without open the seal of the box.

There is a backdrop?, postcard? & also an instruction manual behind the gunship.

Not much or should I said no accessories come together with this Gunship. In the package there are Gunship himself & also the display stand. First we look into the display stand, the leg can be extended, both support can move forward & backwards.

I personally feel that the stand is not fit for the Gunship as there are no pin or any form to attach the Gunship securely to the stand. One shake to your display cabinet & the Gunship is down.

Since this Gunship is from Bandai Formania line, there are always a wow factors in closed up to all the details added.

Moving on to gimmicks such as landing gears & expandable wings.

One thing that I can't capture through the camera or which I shall make a note here is the plastic strip build within the wings which can be seen once the wings fully expanded is in prism coating.

A few posing of the Gunship on landing gear & on display stand.

Verdict for this release, I am somehow disappointed in this released as I am looking for more accessories (at least some not none as per package) & better display stand ( I mean a display stand meant for the Gunship!! which he can be secure in position) in Formania product line with previous products of Formania Nu Gundam & Sazabi.

Overall build is solid where I can fly him around my room & still get back in one piece. Tight joints & so far I can't notice any metal components in this Gunship. Paint quality wise is acceptable where the miniature details had been painted. I can't say the Gunship is animate accurate as the design had been alter for better appearance which for me it does.

Either way he is in display inside my cabinets which often drop from it display stand & I would not recommended this unless there is a price slash or fans of the manga.

Formania Sazabi

2012-04-15T00:52:00.003-07:00

Six month after the release of Nu Gundam from Bandai Formania product line, in September 2010 now they once done it again with the release of Sazabi. Quoted from Form Maniax "It was developed the bottom of the idea to let you add a function as the airplane for exclusive use of the new type to Sazabi after having gathered up basic performance as the mobile suit at a high level, and, as a result, performance of the Psycommu connection as the airplane for exclusive use of the basic performance in the mobile suit simple substance and the new type was high .................... as the excellent body which both balance was able to take".

With SRP of 18,000 Yen, I just can't wait to see what Bandai have work on Sazabi. The box size is bigger than Nu Gundam & also heavier at 1138g.

Accessories & assembling of Sazabi bust...

Full assemble Sazabi bust. He weight 636g & bigger in size in compare with Nu Gundam which is anime accurate.

Some random close up shots & gimmicks...

Final set-up shot...

Bandai doesn't let me down on the quality of Sazabi & honor the Formania line. Displaying both Nu Gundam & Sazabi side by side do really bring out the nostalgic feeling in the anime.

Formania RX-93 Nu-Gundam

2012-04-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Formania line RX-93 Nu Gundam, from Bandai giant toys manufacture brought us a master piece collection where my wife will agreed this is not a toy but a collectibles which can stand proudly in my display cabinet & admire by visitors even they are not into Gundam/Animation. There are a few quote from the box:-

"In order to oppose Char Aznable, the reviver of the NEO Zeon armada, the hero of the one-year war, Capt. Amuro Ray created a Gundam that could only be used by NEW TYPE. With a cockpit area constructed of new metallic substance Psycommu, the ultimate Mobile Suite in U.C. 0093 is created"

"Formania is an entirely new collectors line of display models that will place an emphasis on form, design, and detail, bringing with it an all-new aesthetic. Comprised of ABS, PVC and metal composite materials to emphasize realism, Formania aims to become a new sensation that will attract attention regardless of interest level in the character portrayed, promising to stand alone as a timeless work of art."

"With a mechanical design that represents a merger of the Gundam world and reality, the fade-out from the mobile suit bust to the mechanical frame stand portrays a finished look that is both superbly real and expressionistic"

Does Bandai fulfill their promise as per statement printed over the box? Let's the tour began.....

With SRP of 12,000 Yen, released on March 2010 (I know is a bit late for review...) & weight 941g in box. Cheat you not, this fellow is in very hot demand where secondary market price has shot up to triple of his original SRP.

Open box we can see the instruction/introduction manual put on top of the styrofoam box which protecting the contents inside.

In the package, there are Nu-Gundam Bust, two (2) maintenance crews, cockpit platform, two shoulder bars & one (1) shoulder armor. Both shoulder armors can be detach to show the inner details of shoulder joints & it is fairly easy to fix them back. He weight 475g with both shoulder armors fix on.

Some random close up shots (breath taking of finest details brought out in the Formania line)....

Movements or gimmicks....

Minor assembling of platform to cockpit & diorama of maintenance crews...

Diorama shots (It just wonderful, my lousy photography can't fully draw out his finest)...

Yes. I mean he worth the price as an definite eye candy & Bandai has fulfill their promise bringing out the finest details ever. I know he doesn't really quite stand out from my photograph but in the hand of a master I strongly believe the picture will be breath taking. I just can't stop looking at each & every details Bandai poured in to him. Truly precise in design & sculpt with dynamic artistic expression....

Otona no Chogokin Hayabusa MUSES-C - Part 2

2012-04-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

Second part of review continued from un-boxing of Hayabusa. First I would like to introduce little Busa, little brother of Hayabusa replica. This little Busa is a fix display replica which spells no bending, twisting or whatever (or you may try at your own risk as the first aid of super glue is easily available in store).

Ok, enough of little Busa. Now to the sidelines, the Remote a.k.a Hayabusa display label. It required CR2032 battery to operate (yes, cheapo Bandai didn't included it despite the amount I paid for).

Come next, display base & accessories. There is a small tray of accessories, interchangeable parts & Hayabusa display holder.

The reflected surface of the base can be removed in order to swap in back-drop included in the package & the support stand is installed thru the bottom of the base which there will be a lock in place mechanism. There are two additional clear display attachment with magnetic end to create the scene where Hayabusa eject the pod contain with meteor sample back to Earth.

For the additional accessories tray, I have no idea what are they. Anyway here they are. Those four tiny silver pod with three horns attach, they have a magnet at the bottom as shown in picture.

Finally, Hayabusa himself. Without the stand, there is no way he can be put into a cabinet for display as the tiny thrusters are all around him (or we can display it as last picture below).

To mount him to the stand, I need to refer to the manual to get it right.

Now he is in the orbit & extending his solar panels.

There is a locking mechanism to allow the fully expanded solar panels to stay in place. I also notice that the receiver dish is perforated finish.

Oops. I forget about the swap able parts & accessories to be attach to Hayabusa.

A few last picture of complete Hayabusa in display (Sorry for the lousy camera & skill).

I can't really judge either he worth his price or not as for hardcore space collector, this is just great with all the details (my gosh, so many details to look into yet my camera not closed enough to capture), finish (gold bling blingness just never end) & value for collection (in terms of his hardwork in getting meteor sample back to earth). For me, I just want something different from my normal group of mecha collections. I get this guy at 50% off & no, I didn't regret this as he does shine & stand out among the crowd in my display cabinet (my camera just can't capture the glory of Hayabusa or perhaps is my lousy skill to blame).

Otona no Chogokin Hayabusa MUSES-C - Part 1

2012-04-09T08:54:00.047-07:00

Hayabusa MUSES-C, released in June 2011 by Bandai Otano no Chogokin (Chogokin for adult) line after all the debut made from previous release "Apollo 11 & Saturn V Rocket" & "Space Shuttle Endeavour" with all comments from collectors of the whole world praising on the quality of workmanship.

Information by HLJ, this jewels weight approximately 2080 g in packaging size of 38.1 x 24.9 x 16.8 cm (yes, whooping 2kg which can burn your wallet using EMS shipping) with SRP of 23,000 Yen.

Within a week after I place my order, the parcel arrived.

Behind the box, it shown some of the gimmicks & details of the Hayabusa. And in the front, there is a sticker shown the 1/144 Hayabusa included only for first release to display with previous Space Shuttle & Saturn V.

Just a side note, the cardboard seen in the picture is not the packaging box. That is to protect the Hayabusa "Box" & to my surprise, that still not the last box to uncover the satellite. Third box which reveal Hayabusa is in matte surface black card box (which do bring out the quality & high end collection merchandise)

And finally, Hayabusa can be seen with my bare eye (I mean the replica) in the first tray (yup, there are two trays in total). This tray hold Hayabusa himself, 1/144 scale Hayabusa (come together with display stand) & remote control/Hayabusa display label.

Below the first tray, there are the manuals & back drop awaiting on top of the second tray.

Second tray house the main display base, stands & accessories for Hayabusa.

Finally, all set in for a final shot.

Introduction booklet (I have no idea what written in it) & instruction manuals (also caution in handling Hayabusa in the leaflet).

Display back-drop (clear display cover, passing the Moon, near the comet, the comet surface & returning to earth). The clear display back-drop cover I have in the last enlarge picture are seriously scratches (Now that is a worst quality control Bandai!!)

This pretty much what I can see & capture during un-boxing this satellite replica. The details of Hayabusa will be review in Part 2.

Yamato 1/3000 SDF-1 Unpainted Assembly Kit (Limited)

2012-04-08T05:58:00.001-07:00

<When Yamato released of 1/2000 SDF-1 Macross Transformable Prototype Replica Kit in June 2010 with its shocking price of SRP 200,000 Yen, there will no way I will paid that price for this flying fortress which I still need to assemble & paint myself. With patience I wait & in December 2010 Yamato again brought us 1/3000 SDF-1 Macross Transformable, which this time is fully painted & only minor assembly of turrets & screw caps are required. From others bloggers, the call this labour of love from Yamato which using the data collected from 1/2000 kit & making few adjustment to bring out this huge flying fortress to us. Yet the price do really setting me back from getting it at SRP 32,800 Yen (there are discount once awhile up to 35% off).

Well, I wait again hopefully for a bargain of 50% off until in May 2011 Yamato release another version of 1/3000 SDF-1 Macross Transformable Unpainted Assembly Kit DX Ltd. with SRP 15,800 Yen. From the name itself, this kit is unpainted & we need to assemble ourself or in another words this is a model kit. There are some picture of the SDF-1 from Yamato promotional web-site.

I grab some of the pictures from Yamato Online-Shop & post it here. From the pictures it show there are additional part for us to assemble the battle damage version (at least that what it seems for me with the damage main cannon) & also metal detailing.

I put in some consideration & finally I ordered one from HLJ. The only shipping method I can have is EMS due to the price of the product & also the size (Which cost nearly 5000 Yen). Anyway, it still cheaper & I do enjoy assembling process of a model kit. This can be said as killing two birds with one stone.

It didn't take long for him to reach my place (in 4 days) in a huge package. I try to weight the box of this fortress, it weight 2306g (no kidding, 2.3kg which burns a hole for shipping). There is nothing to brag on the packaging as it is not appealing at all (Printed in black & white). Maybe the guys from Yamato may forecast us to throw the box away once we assemble the flying fortress.

Once I uncover the box, I find the instruction & assembly manual packed together with all the decals (metal, glow in dark & perhaps water slide type decals) on top of all those runners compactly packed with one layer of bubbles wrap (when I say compact, it really do). There are even "01" & "02" decals available for the arms which missing in the assembled unit.

Well, it may seem not that much runners in the box. If I them spread out in my living room & this is what I get (and I spend sometime to arrange the runners back to the box so that I can close the cover).

These are the die-cast parts for this model kits. Only for the joints.

As per promotional web-site, there are the additional parts for us to assemble the battle damage fortress & I also find out in the metal decals there are the tiny little VFs.

Upon checking through the runners & manual (satisfy with the contents), I put them all back in box. Waiting for the time to come for me to put them into pieces (I do visit Yamato web site to sneak & peak on some master in working up for this model kit). Considering at least 17,000 Yen cheaper in compare with assembled SRP, I think this is still worth for purchased in conditions you would like to customize this fortress anyway (in some forum I do see modeller even install lighting to the city), you enjoy the assembling process, you would buy it & get someone else for commissioning works & last but not least the extra Yamato throw in such as additional parts, metal decals, glow in dark decals & wet transfer decals details which are missing in assemble unit.

Medal Build Freedom 1/100 Scale

2012-04-07T10:22:00.172-07:00

From Bandai Metal Build product line after 00 Seven Swords Gundam, Bandai bring us Freedom Gundam with Metal Build treatment. Gundam 00 Seven Swords had been a great hit where it had been wipe clean from all shops & the only sources available is from secondary market priced nearly double of the original retail price.

Freedom Gundam released on March 2012 with retail price 15000 yen & weight in total of 908g with the packaging box. In the front of the box it shown Freedom itself & there are some details on the concept design, history & gimmicks of Freedom on back the box.

Upon open the box, we have Bandai standard styrofoam tray protecting the precious content & also an instruction manual with brief design details of Metal Build Freedom. The base is hidden behind Freedom's wings & from here I find that Freedom have fixed hands in compare with 00 7 swords. Probably are due the complaints of 00 articulated hands having problems holding his arsenals. There are a total of 5 sets of hands (including the hands already fix to Freedom). The paint job is passable with some minor flaw can be detected during initial inspection (not as worst as GFFMC Gundam The Origin). Bandai is using metallic pearl with gloss finish for Freedom which I only notice later (Initially I think it is metallic painted only).

Freedom alone weight 229g & with full armour equipped (Wings, Beam Riffle & Shield) it weight to total of 345g. Due to it die cast content & sturdy joints, Freedom can stand proudly with his wing attach.

Some articulations & gimmicks I can spot on.

Freedom back-pack fixed to the main body by two joints which are quite tight & required some forced to get them in.

Freedom arsenals are pretty standards (beam riffle, sabers & shield) which not much gimmicks to be discussing in. Both sabers can be connected as per animation.

The sabers can be attach to the skirt armor (rail gun) as per anime with two tiny clips.

The shield can be equipped with a joint connected to the elbow which will hold the shield firmly to Freedom even attach to his hand.

Did I mention that the hands need to be swapped since it is not articulated? All hands are using soft pvc material. To hold the beam riffle, I have to bend the fingers into the handles. And the wrist connection is not ball joint.

Well, the result is Freedom can proudly hold his own beam riffle (Firmly).

Full arsenals equipped!

Initially I think that the base are topped up with metal sticker from promotion picture (or look like) but in reality, it is just painting.

There are three tabs that act as locking mechanism prior to shifting of display positions for Freedom. Now talk about sturdiness.

Connecting point of Freedom with the stand is hiding nicely behind the back-pack thruster & an additional connector pin is required. Wonder why can't just stick it in without this tiny pin.

To spread of the wings, there are some tiny tabs fix to the beam cannon which secure the whole wings in its position.

With all preparation made, Freedom is ready to launch with mission in protecting Arch Angel.... (Yes, sadly this is the only post I can mimic at the moment)

During playing with buddy, there are a few flaws & cautions to take care of....

The front skirt & ankle armour tend to fall of easily.

The V-fins are pretty sharp & there is no additional V-fins come along like GFMMC.

With SRP at 15000 yen, I wish I can have more from this (Designer markings, additional arsenals, etc). But again, this is what I have in reality. Sadly I can't compare with Metal Build 00 7 swords where it had been sold out everywhere when my piggy bank allowed me to do the purchase (I am still awaiting for its re-released).
I still remember the havoc created by GFMMC Zeta Plus with SRP of 18000 yen being cursed of not fully painted. For my opinion with 3000 yen extra I have tonnes of fun & transformation (A1, C1 & Hummingbird) in compare with Freedom. Yet they are in different line which perhaps I can't compare apple to apple in this case.
The question still remains, does this worth its price. Perhaps is up to how much you like the mecha design of Freedom itself. As one out of millions of people watching Seed animation series, I am sold for it. The proportion is right, fully painted with some add-on details (which I can never do it myself), heavy die-cast (yeah, I always being sold on this), great articulation & stand proudly in my display cabinet. I am looking forward in case they decide to make Justice into Metal Build line.