23rd December 2006: Bandai's One Piece Styling 3

30th December 2006: Bandai's Bleach Characters 4 & Yujin's SR The One-chan Bara

Items Previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Kaiyodo's Revoltech No. 020: Griffen from "Patlabor" & No. 021: GR-2 from "Giant Robo"
(Surely will get Griffen to accompany my Ingram 2)

2. Konami's Figumate: Mecha Musume
(Wouldn't mind seeing Figumate version of Busou Shinki soon...)

3. GSC's 1/7 Bakira from "錬金３級 まじかる？ぽかーん"
(She dressed like Misa Misa from Death Note)

4. GSC' 1/10 真宮寺さくら from "Sakura Taisen"
(Finally a nice Sakura PVC statue, but still only 1/10 scale)

5. GSC's 1/8 秋姫すもも from "ななついろ★ドロップス"
(Looks a lot like Moe-tan to me)

6. GSC's 1/8 真行寺真央 from "Boy Meets Girl"
(I believe there's no relation to Kashimashi)

7. ALter's 1/8 Levy from "Black Lagoon"
(Has to be the best Levy figurine ever...)

8. Solid Theater's 1/10 風のうしろを歩むもの from "塵骸魔京"
(From the same game as Ignis)

9. Musashiya's 1/5 Hoshino Ruri 16 Sai ~Witch Girl Ver.~ from " 機動戦艦ナデシコ"
(The shrine might forbid people with blue hair to clean their garden)

10. Clayz's 1/6 呂蒙子明 ~Gothic Lolita Ami Ami Exclusive Black Ver.~from "Ikkitousen"
(Miyakawa's rendition of her looks so demure)

11. A-label's 1/7 Aru & Raika ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Demonbane"
(Someone should sack their hair-stylist!)

12. Vice's 1/7 草薙素子 from "Ghost in the Shell"
(Very Alter-like...)

13. Lilics' 1/7 Digital Surfing Novia from "対戦ホットギミック３"
(Strip mahjong went too far)

14. Lilics's 1/4 宮藤深衣奈 & 小野寺樺恋 from "Onegai Twins"
(The girls look kind of stiff...)

15. Yamato's 1/8 Mine Blue #00: Private Material ~Romanthis Ver.~ & ~Pelsor Ver.~
(Their costumes seem to model after racing bikes?)

16. Millenium's D.G.P. エーデルワイス
(Provocative School Uniforms)

17. Furuta's Choisana Ouchi: Sanrio Characters
(Do you know Hello Kitty weigh 3 apples?)

18. Meiji's All Fairlady Z
(What a name for a car model)

19. Fujiya's Peko-san's Mini Memo Shop
(I rather have the cakes...)

20. Kabaya's Howa Howa Saurus ~復刻版~
(Ideal for the Night at the Museum)

21. Kabaya's Duel Knights ~炎の惑星編~
(A reason why we still like the medieval era...)

22. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Mama to isshou ni Cooking, Fruits Ippai, 専用 Showcase: Irasshaimase! Pucchi Truck & Pucchi Doubutsu Series: Kyo mo Wanko to Odekake
(Re-ment's Feburary's line-up which the truck has to be the most appealing)

Items Previewed on Shokugan Ohkoku:

1. Konami's J-mini Prince of Tennis Vol. 1
(The Figumate version of POT surely drew the interest of my missus)

Items Previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Max Factory's Biobooster Guyver BFC-Max 11 獣神将 プルクシュタール Action Figure
(This piece is way elegant!)

2. Square Enix's Dragonquest Monster Mascot Collection Vol. 2
(Headlined by that chubby King Slime)

3. Subarudou's Pokemon Figure DP Box
(Hollow Pokemons?!)

4. F Toys' 1/144 Acro Team Collection Vol. 2
(FYI.. Acro=Acrobatic)

5. Subarudou's New Super Mario Bros Sound Box
(Each side of the box produce a special sound from the game)

6. Subarudou's Chuppa Plus Stationery Collection
(Paying homage to the classic brand for lollipops)

7. Subarudou's Gacha Mini Pokemon DP
(Slightly bigger than the gashapon version)

8. Subarudou's Chuppa Plus Pocket Monster DP
(Lollipop not included...)

9. Square Enix's Dragon QUest Character Figure Collection ~ロトの伝説編 Vol. 2~
(Doesn't the guy on the top left is wearing DBZ's Yumcha's battle costume?)

10. Toys Works' Solid Works Collection DX: Gunslinger Girls
(Armed young girls are dangerous...)

11. Bandai's Kyaraseru Keroro Gunsou Vol. 5
(The "Oni" version of Keroro and Giroro steal the show this time round...)

12. Bandai's Gundam Collection DX Vol. 6
(The paintjob looks lacking of some luster...)

13. Takara's ChoroQ Fire Department Vol. 2
(You can reprise your own Third Watch)

14. Banpresto's Mini Strap Collection: MS Gundam World Items & Dragonball World Items ~Cell Chapter~
(The items look to be produced with certain class and paniche)

15. Yodel's Real-X Japanese Policecar Collection 2nd
(Display case included!!)

16. Zakka's Tokusatsu Heroes Kamen Rider V3
(Still baffled by the design of some monsters of the past)

17. Yamato's Creators Labo #004 灰羽連盟ラッカ #2
(Looks good on the matteress or on the stand...)

18. Yamato's Tandem Twin Doubutsu Neechan 羊 芽梨乃 ~Repaint~
(That's why it's good to wait for repaint if it looks better than the orginal)

19. Bandai's 乙女魂: Karen from "Code Geass"
(Updated final product preview which looks really good, even with that revealing butt-crack)

20. Organic's OS-Idol Win-chan
(Windows with a sexy twist!)

21. Kyara ni's Rozen Maiden traumend Figure Collection
(The 2nd set of this series which gets fans more raved about the packaging box more than anything else)

22. Yujin's SRDX: 美杉杏莉 from "砂沙美 魔法少女クラブ"
(The 3D words really rise from the book!)

23. Beagle's 1/8 Murata Range PSE Products No. 6 ribbon style
(So far none of the figurines from this series had been disappointing...neither does this)

24. Yamato's 1/6 Capcom Girls Collection: Lilith Statue from "Vampire Savior"
(Compliment the Morrigan piece released sometime back)

25. Yamato's BIRTH Special Box with exclusive SIF EX 1/10 Jupiter Rana
(1/10 figurines always draw my interest...)

26. Yamato's SIF EX 1/6 Maria Freed ~MERSA 原型~ from "UFO Robo Grandizer"
(Nostalgic Super Robots heroines are ageless)

27. Toys Works' Kusuha Mizuha (第３次αVer.）) & セレーナ・レシタール from "Super Robot Taisen"
(The otakus love their figurines to sit on some railings)

28. Yujin's SRDX Midori from "Zoids Generations"
(She's called midori and she is all blue...)

29. Alter's 1/6 Rider ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(To compensate those who did not get the Hobby Japan exclusive)

30. Alter's 1/8 Amaha Masane from "Witchblade"
(Masane's jeans really fits her to a T)

31. Wanibrooks/GSC's 1/7 孫策伯符 ~Pink Maid Ver.~from "Ikkitousen"
(Doesn't look half bad at all...)

32. Gigabarusu's 1/8 戦乙女ヴァルキリー あなたに全てを捧げます ヴァルキリーフィギュア vol.1
(Queen's Blade...Porno style)

Items Previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Re-ment's Pucchi Young Child Club: Yochi Yochi Paradise
(Dogs...Babies...what next? Pucchi sex toys series?)

TEN days to X'mas...Go do your last minute X'mas shopping!!

9th December 2006: Bandai's Dragonball Z Imagination & Toys Works' Capsule Works: Lunchbox

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's Girls in Uniform Vol. 2
(More sentai heroines in supreme MOE mode)

2. Jun Planning's Moeart Collection ミレーヌ・ホフマン from "Project 0009-1"
(Lady in Red~~)

3. Movic's 1/8 神尾観鈴 from "Air"
(Wooden Base sold seperately...)

4. Toy's Planning's Neko Ark Hand Puppet from "Melty Blood"
(Kinda ticks me just looking at the face)

5. Kotobukiya's 1/7 柚原このみ ~Frill Tube Top Ver.~ from "ToHeart 2"
(I'm surprised the white tiger creature was not included)

6. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Aruru from "Utawarerumonoi"
(Comes with alternative parts but equally unappealing)

7. Kotobukiya's 1/8 朝倉音姫 from "Da Capo II"
(Getting ready for spring!)

8. Kotobukiya's 1/6 Kasumi ~Borgo~ from "Dead or Alive Xtereme 2"
(A beautiful Kasumi figurine with nice beach backdrop)

9. 集英社's イエスタデイをうたって Vol 5 First Edition with Nakano Haru Figure
(Beautiful maid figure done by Miyakawa Takashi)

10. Rashiban's 戦闘少女 Uran-chan ~Normal Color Ver.~
(Looks like a well-blossomed Sakura from Naruto)

11. Yujin's TFC Skirts and Golf Banya
(Will we be seeing otaku taking up golf lessons soon?)

12. Orchid Seed's 関羽雲長 Amaloli Alice Ver. from "Ikkitousen"
(Quite shammy for orchid Seed's standard)

13. Megahouse's 特別機密な大作戦！！魔女スティック１２ Vol. 1
(Some kind of original stuff from Megahouse after Panda Z)

14. GDH's Renee Anderson from "Solty Rei"
(That well-styled hair fringe should remain in the 80s)

15. Megahouse's Excellent Model RAHDX Gundam Archives Vol. 6: アレンビー・ビアズリー from "G Gundam" & ティファ・アディール from "Gundam X"
(Rather plain pair from less popular Gundam series)

16. Megahouse's Action Figure Collection+ : 平井ゆかりさん from "Shakugan no Shana"
(Melon bread anyone?)

17. Happinet/ 3DF's 3D Design Figure: Tristia of the deep Blue Sea & Chokkoto Sister
(New 3D design figure series to keep fans of Moe figurines in anticipation)

18. Solid Theater's Pangya Transparent Series Vol 1: 1/8 Arin ~Normal Ver.~ & ~宮沢模型 Limited Exclusive" from "Skirts & Golf Banya"
(Seems like everyone getting into the see-through fever these days)

19. Happinet's 1/6 Doll : Rum from "うる星やつら"
(Classic Takahashi Rumiko's character made into doll!)

20. Beat Road's それゆけ！女性自衛官 海上自衛隊女性自衛官 Vol. 1
(In short, Tetsudou Musume but with the sea patrol police twist)

21. Yujin's Manga Taro Figure Strap
(Previously came out in the rare Time Capsule gashapon series)

22. Yuin's 行け！稲中卓球部 Figure Strap Vol. 3
(Wackiness reach a whole new level!)

23. Banpresto's Mini Strap Collection: Gatachman Gachapin
(The variant color looks good...)

24. Movic's 風来のシレン Ghost in the Shell Tachikoma trading Figure Vol. 2
(Ooh... Army Camo version Tachikoma!)

25. CM's Rally Car Collection SS.10 ~Subaru Vol. 3~ & Super Car Collection The 1st: Lamborghini Ver. A
(Can't own the real deal? The next best option...)

26. Megahouse's Dragonball Capsule Neo ~邂逅・未来からの侵略 セル編~
(This series seems relentless but the quality they show tells why collectors love it so much)

27. Megahouse's Haro Capsule: Char Collection Vol. 2
(Non-UC fans don't understand why this series even get a 2nd instalment)

28. Megahouse's 新色 ならべてお店やさん ~Chocolate Browse~
(Cannot be outdone by Re-ment's fantastic sales performance by the showcase series)

29. Megahouse's MiniKore: Cafe de Cake
(As mentioned by an expert of miniature collectibles, cakes should surely sell!)

30. Epoch's Japan Pro Baseball Figure Factory Set セ・パ交流戦記念
(Not too appealing for a country that doesn't get too into baseball like mine)

2nd December 2006: Bandai's Giroro's Tent & CM's Mai-Otome Collection Figure

2nd December 2006: Toys Works' Solid Works DX: Shakugan no Shana & Megahouse's School Rumble 二学期 Petit Studio ~１時間目~

New Items previewed on Ami Ami:

Action Figurines & Collectibles of Other Genre

1. Happinet Robin's Hyper Hero Dynamite Diecast Collection: Shin from "Hakuto no Ken"
(The expression and the pose looks kinda wooden to me)

2. Beagle's トール (Tooru) from "獣王星"
(Really nice Tooru figurine complete with a rustic-looking throne!)

3. GSC's Kuwagata Sumami & Jyoshi-chan from "ねんどろいど"
(What was GSC thinking about producing this pair?)

4. Aoshima's 1/24 Aoi Orga AN-21 Super Aero Booster Mode from "Cyber Formula"
(Looks fearsome...)

5. Romandou's 粋 SOFBEAT プラレス３四郎: 柔王丸 ~Anime Ver.~ 柔王丸Ver.2 & Icaros Wing
(Seems like some adrenaline feared dodgeball cum wrestling series)

6. Bandai's Dragonball Hybrid Action 05: Sun Goku 06: Saiya-jin Sun Gohan & Cell Complete Ver.
(I believe Kaiyodo Revoltech series would collaborate with DBZ, it will blow fans away!)

7. Romandou's 超漢の魂 Detroit Metal City Krauser II
(This kind of character is definitely an object to make fun of)

8. Banpresto's Kitto! Tekkai Kabibala-san Nuigurumi
(Don't you wanna hug him to sleep?)

Bishoujo Themed

1. Eyes Project's 1/7 Cold Cast Devilman Lady
(Nagai Go will stamp his approval for this...)

2. Bandai's Cosmix Figure Collection Plus: Rabu Doru (Lovely Idol)
(You get the girls in costume and out of it!)

3. B-Club's Gundam Heroine Series: Lunamaria Hawke Ver. 2 from "Gundam SEED Destiny"
(Can be compared to the nice RAHDX figurines)

4. Toys Works' Solid Works Collection DX: Ichigo Mashimaro ~Waitress~
(The pair of Matsuri and Anna with their platters are the stars of this set for me!)

5. Sugarmint Corporation's 1/6 Rukyuure from "ＳＭＣ円盤皇女ワるきゅーレ"
(Stunning PVC statue though I have absolutely no idea of this character)

6. Toys Works' 黒鉄はやて USB Figure from "Hayate X Blade"
(Truly innovative figurine which can be interactive when connected to a PC via the USb cable)

7. オビツ製作所's C.D.S Leiji No. 12 1978 bTV Ver. Maetel from "Galaxy Express 999" ~Lobby Special Exclusive~
(Truly elegant doll we have here)

8. Run'A's Chokotto Sister Choko Odekake hen Nekomimi Ver. & Soda Ice Ver.
(Reviving the sister Moe scene!)

9. Kaiyodo's Monsieur BOME Collection Vol. 19: 鬼畜王ランス 山本五十六
(The name in Chinese sounds like 3 books for 56 dollars)

10. GSC's 1/8 Saber ~妄想・麗しのメイド(Maid)編~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(The chair is a beautiful addition!)

11. Orchid Seed's 1/7 呂蒙子明 ~Goth Lolita Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(Handcuffs, anyone?)

12. Movic's 1/6 Fate Testerossa from "Mahou Shojou Lyrical Nanoha A's"
(I like Fate without the cape as well...)

13. Media Works' Dengeki Comic Gao March 2007 issue with Exclusive Lucha Figure & April 2007 issue with Exclusive Sumire Figure
(Updated pictures of this pair which I am very interested in)

14. Wave's 1/6 藤枝保奈美 ~Swimsuit ver.~ from "Hani Hani Operation Sanctuary"
(It's been a while we see figurines from this series)

15. Wave's 1/10 Tsukamoto Yakumo from "School Rumble 二学期"
(Never seen Yakumo in such elegant gown before)

16. Kadokawa Shoten's 涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱 Comic Vol. 4 with exclusive Haruhi figurine
(Quickly run to the bookstore to reserve a copy of this, suckers!!)

17. Jun Planning's Pullip Rozen Maiden traumend 翠星石
(The finest looking one in this series thus far)

18. President Japan's 1/8 Elwing from "Shining Tears"
(I'm totally smitten!!)

19. Vice's 1/8 Amy ~Normal Ver.~ & ~Inner Ver.~
(Ripping people off...)

20. Aniplex's 1/8 梓川月乃 ~パンタジア制服 Ver.~from "Yakitate! Japan"
(This is a really alluring figurine from a series we had rarely seen any figurines before)

21. Griffen Enterprise's 1/7 中原小麦 ~Reborn Nurse Ver.~ & 国分寺こより ~裸メイドエプロンver.~ from "Nurse Witch 小麦ちゃん"
(All the fantasies of an otaku merged into one!!)

22. Toys Planning's Fate's Saber Hand Puppet & Rin Hand Puppet
(For your own little Fate/stay night theater...)

23. Toys Planning's Moe-ken Nuigurumi from "Moeyo! Akibajin Blog"
(I wouldn't mind get one of this in my forthcoming Japan trip..heehee)

24. Konami's おとぎ銃士 赤ずきん Pose Statue: Shiroyuki Hime & Ibara Hime
(We haven't seen actual pictures of this pair as yet)

Blind Box Trading Genre

1. Cafe Reo's DBZ Chara Gacha
(Come on the anime series had been overly exhausted in terms of merchandising)

2. Konami's Figumate: Mahou Sensei Negima! ~学園編 Vol. 2~
(I like that little blonde witch)

3. Maister Japan's 風林火山 戦国武将 Vol. 1
(When the various parts of the samurai armor is assembled like that, it reminds me of a cheap robotic samurai)

4. G Aros'1/72 Lamborghini Mini Car Collection
(My wife would love this...)

5. Happinet Robin's Magnet Action MS Gundam ~激闘編~ & Magnet Action Dragonball Z
(I know there'll be magnet inside but don't think much about the action)

6. Happinet Robin's Macross Valkryie Collection
(At least Happinet Robin got something right...)

7. CM's 撲殺天使ドクロちゃん Collection Figure
(One of the most prominent Dengeki Bunkou series)

New Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Furuta's Chocoegg 私鉄特急
(All 13 plus secret!)

2. Maister Japan's ぽかぽかお鍋図鑑　１巻
(You wouldn't wanna say claypot crab in Japanese to a Hokkien-speaking person...)

25th November 2006: Benelic's Tonari no Totoro 2007 Calendar, Bandai's One Piece Figure Collection EX: Yure Yure Bokura no Chopperman & Bandai's Keroro My Room

18th November 2006: GSC's Smile 600: Fate/stay night Collective Memories

18th November 2006: Afternoon 2006 December Issue with exclusive Onno Kanako PuruPuru Figure & Kaiyodo/Organic's Revoltech Series 014: Ingram 2 from "Patlabor"

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's 聖戦士 Dunbine Road of Byston Well Vol. 4 Rebula Gun
(A machine for destruction...)

2. Daibu's Soul of Violence Vol. 6: Jerry
(If only my real friend Jerry would be this dashing...)

3. GDH's 疾風のクレオ from "ガラスの艦隊"
(From another lesser-known Gonzo production, fine quality which mirrors the Samurai 7 traidng figurine set)

4. Movic's 1/8 月宮あゆ from "Kanon" with Mascot A
(The 3rd Ayu figurine after Kotobukiya and Rocean but at least this comes with a cute mascot figure)

5. exhaust's 1/6 Kousaka Tamaski from "ToHeart2"
(A safe bet from exhaust with the most popular ToHeart girl in Japan but something wrong with the eyes...)

6. Toranoana's FineScenery: 藍原誠 & Spencer Sensei from "Rumble Rose"
(Seemingly better quality than those from Konami but this pair of characters aren't the most appealing)

7. Toys Works' SW Series: 1/8 有坂香月 & 有坂初音 from "となグラ！"
(Characters look very badly copied from other popular series)

8. Bandai's 乙女魂: Buster Machine No. 7 from "トップをねらえ！" & Karen from "Code Geass"
(One is a new poster girl for Gainax, the other a Clamp product for Sunrise)

9. Yujin's SRDX: Arin from "Skirts & Golf Banya"
(Was that even supposed to be a golf club?)

10. Yujin's SRDX: B. Journe ~1P Pirate Ver.~ from "KOF Maximum Impact 2"
(Her popularity escalating as time pass and this piece should propel her further)

11. Orchid Seed's 1/6 Chichi noe +
(Fetish creation from いのうえたくや氏 who is famous for girls with huge "assets")

12. Barutenon Production's 魔法の海兵隊員 ぴくせる☆まりたん Figure Set Vol. 2
(Looks more interesting than the 1st Vol.)

13. Bandai's Soul of Figuration: Dragonball Z 其之八
(Mr Buu Buu looks to be the star of this set!)

14. Bandai's Bikkuriman Collection Vol. 2
(Based on a popular card game of the same name...)

15. Tomytec's 街並み Collection Vol. 4 ~Renewal Ver.~
(After so many years, Tomytec is still keeps loyal with miniature town)

16. Subarudou's Getsumen Toheiki Miina
(Somehow got a feeling that the anime series might not be as good as people anticipated it to be)

11th November 2006: Movic's Clamp in 3-D Land Series 1

Items previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Movic's 1/7 Miya (美哉), Kusano （草野） & Musubi (結) from "Sekirei"
(From Square Enix's Gan Gan Comic line)

2. Happinet's 3D Design Figure Ichigo Mashimaro Big Soft Vinyl Ana Coppola
(At 30 cm tall and cost like 11,000 yen!!)

3. オオツカ企画's R.D. Selection Vol. 3 智代アフター 智代 ~Black Apron Ami Ami Exclusive~
(Loves that shading on her hair...)

4. Yamato's SIF EX: 岸本恵 ~Guns Suit Ver.~ from "Gantz"
(Due to the nature of the anime, perhaps they might throw in a dismembered hand for fun of it)

5. Toy Works' Alice Carol from "ARIA"
(Alice is the 4th in line and looks as nice as her predecessors too...)

6. Run'A's 吉崎観音 Hot Gimmick Ultimate Collection
(Run'A should stick with doing Disney stuff)

7. Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande Figure Collection: Tales of the Abyss
(Forsee to be one of my top 3 for 2007!)

8. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Marianne Senpei ~Doriru Marianne Kick Ver.~ from "ToHeart2 X-Rated"
(Bruce Lee will be very proud of Marianne...)

9. Kotobukiya's 1/7 小牧愛佳 ~Milky One-Piece Ver.~ from "ToHeart2"
(Those eyes are just anatomically wrong)

10. Kotobukiya's 1/8 水瀬名雪 from "Kanon"
(Never like the hairstyle of this character)

11. Alter's 1/8 斎香・Ｓ・ファルネーゼ from "ぱすてるチャイム Continue"
(Alter's paintjob may just be the best in the industry at this current moment)

12. Alter's 1/8 聖天使 Djibril from "魔界天使 Djibril"
(The facial sculpt seen in this Djibril pales in comparison to previous incarnations)

13. Toy's Planning's 1/8 沢渡みつき & 倉内安奈 from "He's My Master"
(The final 2/3s unveiled and I was right about beating the Clayz versions)

14. Wave's Treasure Figure Collection No. 8: 1/10 鴇羽舞衣 from "Mai-HiME"
(A summer style figurine releasing in mid winter..how ironic...)

15. Wave's Treasure Figure Collection No. 6: 1/10 Kei & Yuri from "Dirty Pair"
(Retro all the way...)

16. Wave's Treasure Figure Collection No. 4 & 5: 1/10 Tsukamoto Tenma & Sawachika Eri from "School Rumble"
(This is one Eri-chan figurine I like...)

17. Wave's Neon Genesis Evangelion 続・使徒XX A-15 Ariel-XX
(One nice angel...)

18. Organic's OS-Idol Win-chan
(Believes Bill Gates will like this too...)

19. Sugarmint Complex's ＳＭＣ いぬかみっ！ Yoko & Nadeshiko
(Not too into fluffy tails)

20. Megahouse's Action Figure Collection+ : 向坂環 from "ToHeart2"
(Wonder why ToHeart girls needed to be articulated)

21. Megahouse's Action Figure Collection: Frey Alustar from "Gundam SEED"
(Everyone's favorite SEED heroine who justifiably been killed off)

22. Bandai's 乙女魂: Crossiant Kamen from "Air Gear"
(Ringo's alter ego went awry wrong....)

23. Griffen Enterprise's 1/6 Saber Alter from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Saber been well cursed...)

24. Griffen Enterprise's 1/6 関羽雲長 ~Wet Shirt Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(She should join wet T-shirt contest...)

25. CM's Super Car Collection The 1st Lamboguini B Ver.
(Unleash the diablo!!)

26. Megahouse's Keroro Miguji 馬子にも衣装であります！
(You can just put Keroro and gang in some absurd costume and people will buy...)

27. Megahouse's Art Works Collection featuring 開田裕治 Toho Kaiju Series Vol. 2
(Only Godzilla and the other opposing monster looks good)

28. Megahouse's Art Works Collection featuring Keita Amemiya 超人機メタルダー
(We might see Garo pretty soon...)

29. Megahouse's Poppun Shell ~Tokimeki Kitchen~
(Looks kinda messy to me)

30. Devil Base's やわらか戦車 Soft Vinyl Collection
(Fail to comprehend even until now)

31. CM's Rally Car Collection SS.9 ~Ford~
(That covers almost all car manufacturers)

32. Tokimeki Dotcom's よしもと芸人 Figure ~Lumine the Yoshimoto~
(What no Razor Ramon HG?!)

32. Zakka's Kitahara World Car Selection Vol. 3
(Mini cars just come non-stop)

Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Minna de Itadakimasu!
(Wish your school lunch is as spectacular...)

2. Rack Japan's Design Chair Vol. 4
(Only Steve Tyler will own that sofa in the shape of lips)

3. Bandai's Ultraman Meikan Series: Ultra Panorama Fight Round 1
(I like the idea of forming a full panorama)

4. Furuta's Chocoegg: Mazda Collection
(Any chance we can swing up that 323?)

5. Furuta's 脳 Tore
(Based on a mind-boggling Nintendo DS game)

6. Bandai's Dragonball Items
(If you check my battle stats, you most probably get -168568)

4th November 2006: Alter's FA4 Last Exile Grandstream Box

It's fall in the northern hemisphere and a time promises some spellbinding new anime series...

Seriously the spring batch all ends pretty lacklusterly for me as I dropped around 3 series due some some supply problems while those remaining I had yet to watch the ending of most.

Read "Air Gear" and found the anime is pretty awfully conjured and paced even though a 2nd season is on the horizons for sure.

"Utawarerumono" supposedly to have a tragic ending as the game has promised but I had yet watch like the concluding 8 episodes at this juncture so I cannot comment further,

"School Rumble ~二学期~" was as expected a mad-cap adventure but at times things get too absurd even for my standard and the 3rd season has been promised and let's hope they don't bring back Tenma and Karasuma the next time round.

"Ah! Megamisama ~Sorezore no Tsubasa~" ended quite abruptly but it was a yawn-inducing experience generally and even the introduction of new characters like Peorth and Hild couldn't spice it, although I do like the concluding episode when the gang went back in time to save a young Keiichi from spellbound by the devious Hild.

This left the star of the season to "Ouran High School Host Club" though I am regret to say I am keeping an entire bulk of it for the festive sabbatical from work

This season seems to me to be really dark with vampires, death gods and monster-busting flicks perhaps the proximity of Halloween could be a valid reason,,,

Below is a list that caught my attention:

Death Note :
As many touted to be the blockbuster of the season and 4 episodes on, we are basically watching the mange been realized page by page. But great artwork from the good people of Madhouse Productions and fantastic OP and ED themes from visual band, Nightmare. I am certainly watching it for those parts I am not too sure from I am not too sure from the manga.

Le Chevalier D'Eon :
Set before the French Revolution I guess with King Louis XV and the Verseilles court and all, the story surrounds a highly-regarded secret police chap, D'Eon who sought revenge for his sister's mysterious death from a group of supernatural beings or occult led by some corrupted royalties. The story is nicely=paced and rich in historical values. This I.G. Anime production has beautiful artworks especially following a strict French-basque backdrop. The characters though might not be too pleasing for the eyes of many. Looks to be of high entertainment balue for someone into mystery with reminiscence of "Gankutsuou".

D.Gray Man :
Another Shounen Jump manga series brought to anime franchise about the raging wars of a group simply called themselves the Exorcists and Earl Millenium. I like "King of Bandits, Jing" as well as "Fullmetal Alchemist" and you see traces of both in this series but so far there hasn't been many likeable characters especially the leads, Allen and Kanda. My friends had warned me about the story becoming really stale as it progressed so I shall see whether I would stop halfway through. Nice TM Revolution style OP though.

Super Robot Taisen Original Generation ~Divine Wars~ :
To be truthful, the artwork in this series is the outright awful which even pales in comparison to other artistically awful anime series like "Yu Yu Hakusho" and "Weif Kruez"; and both are produced eons before this series. The CG-created robots are not too bad is the only oasis in a desert of awful art. However as a true blue SRWOG fan who was quite blown away by the 3 parts OVA, this Genco-produced series which narrate how the likes of Ryusei became pilot of super robots, you just have to bear with the poor quality.

Tenpon Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi 天保異聞 妖奇士 :
Never imagined Studio BONES will come out with such period anime and you know I am a sucker for such genres. This series which set during the Tenpon era (way before Heisei I guess) is about a group of monster-slaying vigilantes. The characters are queer which include an ancient transversite; and if they could pick up the cool pilot episode in the correct manner, this should have a cult following. The soundtracks evidently provided by SOny Music when you have Porno Graffitti & Ikimonogakari to start the ball rolling and surely will be another OST to sell big bucks just like that of "Blood+" now.

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's Keroro Gunsou Plamo Collection 11: Giroro RObo
(I believe Giroro's tent will be included...)

2. Beagle's Ghibli Metal Collection: 天空の城 Laputa Tigamos
(From one of my favorite Ghibli production)

3. Beagle's 宮崎駿の雑想ノート 悪役一号 Polystone Statue 2nd
(From Pocco Rosso...)

4. Wahuudo's 1/7 Rei from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
(Beautiful facial sculpt!)

5. Kid Robot's Gorillaz PVC CMYK Edition
(I would get this if I was as into this fictious band as before...wait that price...)

6. West Kenji's Super RObot Pilot Collection Vol. 3: Grace Maria Freed from "UFO Robo Grandizer"
(EVergreen super robot heroine at her best)

7. Musashiya's 1/5 Hoshino Loli 16 Sai (Special 2)
(Plainess has reached a brand new level...)

8. Media Works' Dengeki Daioh March 2007 Issue with exclusive Manabi Straight Figure
(Cuteness has reached a brand new level...)

9. A-Label's 1/6 天下一剣客伝 Iroha from "Samurai Spirits" Limited Edition
(Got a nice nursey feel to this edition)

10. Wani Books' Ikkitousen Vol. 12 with exclusive 趙雲子龍 figure
(Isn't this the same 趙雲子龍 from the Yujin SR series?)

11. Bandai's Asuka Langely Metamo Figure "Neon Genesis EVangelion"
(Heat it up and you'll get to see...)

12. Max Factory's 1/8 Suzumiya Haruhi from "涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱"
(Preorder closed hours after it was put up on Ami Ami!!)

13. Max Factory's 1/8 Shiku from "Rozen Maiden traumend"
(Looks too glossy for my liking)

14. Max Factory's 1/8 小牧愛佳 from "V.I.P. ToHeart2(甘露樹 版)"
(Many otaku wish they could be that hair-binding rubber in her mouth...)

15. Orchid Seed's 1/6 雅音 from "Witchblade"
(The exact pose use for their Ignis figurine)

16. Jun Planning's 1/6 Pullip Suigintou from "Rozen Maiden traumend"
(The 2nd piece in this series)

17. Zakka's City'O Models
(Don't mind owning one of these cars here)

18. Netoy's WORST Little Yankee Heroes
(The facial sculpt of the blonde chubby one is classic!)

Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. F Toys' Winnie the Pooh Yura Yura Frends
(My missus might like this...)

28th October 2006: Megahouse's Air Gear Pucchi Studio & Run'A Wamini Collection ~Pooh na Hibi~ for the Missus

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Toys Planning's 椚あやの ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Pia Carrot G.O."
(Wardrobe Malfunction!!)

2. Toys Planning's Fui-tan from "Moeyo! Akiba-jon Blog"
(The 2nd Otaku blog mascot been realized into figurine)

3. Solid Theater's Burei☆Stationery Ami Ami-Shim Buruma Ver. Exclusive
(Is it small enough to hold normal stationery?)

4. Yujin's SRDX B. Journe ~2P Swimsuit ver.~ from "KOF Maximum Impact 2"
(I still prefer the original costume design of B. Journe)

5. Rocean Blue's 1/8 Tuskimiya Ayu & & 水瀬名雪 from "Kanon"
(I would expect more companies to jump on the bandwagon for the release of the anime series, but who in the blue hell is Rocean Blue?!)

6. Yujin's SRDX 園崎魅音 from "Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni"
(Comes with alternative parts but equally unappealing)

7. Rocean Blue's 1/8 神尾観鈴 & & 神奈備命 from "Air"
(Just put a pair of angel wings on some shoujo characters and you will sell your figurines!)

8. ダイキ工業's 1/8 Tenshi-san
(As mentioned from above...)

9. Konami's 武装神姫 第４弾: EX Weapon Set Fort Black, Jewbigee & Jail Dahlia
(This series has reminiscence of Evangelion)

10. Konami's 武装神姫 EX Weapon Set Shigaru, Samurai type MMS 紅緒 & Knight type MMS サイフォス
(I really like the samurai and the knight MMS...)

11. Konami's Figumate: 涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱
(As promised during the Wonder Festival, this set will surely reap more profits to this series)

12. CM's Kashimashi ~Girl Meet Girl~ Vol. 2
(It's stated as winter version but definitely far from the frosty atmosphere they are projecting)

13. Konami's Mecha Musume Vol. 3
(Looks to outshine the predecessors and the rare bunny girl is a must have...)

14. Mag Garden's ＡＲＩＡ まぁ社長の絵本, ヒメ社長の絵本 & アリア社長の絵本
(Featuring figurines of the new staff of the company)

15. Neca's Play Select- Action Figure: Lara Croft as Tomb Raider
(This sexy figurine shows why Lara has constantly been voted as the sexiest game character...)

16. GSI's Pinky:St P-Chara Wild Arms: Rebecca & Averil
(Another Pinky costume set for avid Pinky:St fans)

17. Happinet's Kamen no Maid Guy: Kogarashi & Naeka set & Kogarashi & Fubuki Set
(Kamen no Maid Guy seems like the lamest character ever!)

18. Clayz's 1/6 Saber ~Maid Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia
(This Clayz-T System-Saber collaboration gotta stop someday...)

19. Yamato's Shakugan no Shana Trilogy 第一章 ～運命～
(One nice Shana figurine but somehow the market is beginning to be flooded with Shana)

20. Organic's Flockies: Chopper-man
(Oooh...nice velvet Chopper for all One Piece fans!)

21. Fewture Model's Kyappon!! Kappa-kun from "伝染るんです"
(Soft Vinyl figurines for those who are into Kappa)

22. Bandai's Code Geass: Suzaku & Lelouch
(Featuring characters from new SUnrise anime production with design from CLAMP)

23. Union Creative International's プラレス３四郎 Action Prestler
(Robotic wrestlers...hmmm..I think not)

24. Romandou's 風来のシレン 不思議のダンジョン Collection Series 1
(Some nostalgic feel to this)

25. Organic's Bad Boys Glare of Eyes Vol. 1 ~廣島頂点争奪編~
(Organic is really getting into the cool gangster thing)

26. Sol International's Fate/stay night Fate/hollow ataraxia Multi Plate Collection Vol. 1
(Just some card plate to suck your money...)

27. Character Protector's Anime Heroes: Kinnikuman Vol. 3 ~決闘！夢の超人タッグ＆海外遠征編 ~
(Kinnikuman fever might be dying down soon...)

28. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Tokimeki Takara Mono , Fresh Conveyor Belt SUshi , 専用 Display Case: System Cook-san & 専用 Display Case: Litted Refrigerator Pikkari-san
(December's Re-ment Pucchi Sample series feature some nostalgic treasures, tasty sushi and a couple of interesting display cases)

29. Square Enix's Final Fantasy III Trading Arts Mini
(In conjunction to the lanuch of the Nintendo DS version)

30. Epoch's Japan Pro Baseball Figure Factory Set セ・パ交流戦記念
(Not too appealing for a country that doesn't get too into baseball like mine)

31. Organic's QP Blacklist CrossRoad Collection Vol. 1
(I would love to meet a collector which have all the Organic Blacklist figurines so far)

32. Millenium's D.G.P. Nanami to Konomi no Oshiete A.B.C
(Pedophile Alert!!)

33. Bandai's Voice I-doll Chibi Voice Gintama
(Quite a surprise that Gintama will be the next series to be featured after Gundam SEED)

Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Megahouse's Cosmo Fleet Collection: MS Gundam
(Megahouse should not do wrong with this series)

2. Bandai's Blue Dragon Collection
(A shokugan series yet to be given date of release)

3. F Toys' ANA Wing Collection 2
(Too bad they don't have the Pokemon version)

4. Megahouse' Minna de Ganpai
(I get drunk just by looking at the amount of liqour here)

5. Douyuusha's Hong Kong Cafe
(Classic Hong Kong style cafe been featured)

7th October 2006: Banpresto's Neon Genesis Evangelion Halloween Mini Display Figure & Tomytec's Tetsudou Musume Vol. 3

30th September 2006: Kotobukiya's 1/10 Akira and Shiki from "咎狗の血 (Togainu no Shi)"

Items previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Atelier Sai's 1/6 Suzumiya Haruhi Bunny Girl ~Black Bunny Ver.~ from "涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱" & ~ Red Bunny Ver. ~ from "涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱"
(A Rock Bunny girl, not a bad combo...)

2. Square Enix's Gan Gan Comics Nagasarete Airantou Vol. 10 with exclusive Mei Mei & Zu Zu Figure
(The 4th figure for this series, gotta have Zuzu the Kappa!!)

3. Bandai's Wonder Capsule Kamen Rider Vol. 1
(From Rider 1 to Kabuto...)

4. Takara-Tomy's Micro World 1/144 装甲騎兵 Votoms Vol. 1
(The vehicles look better than the robots here)

5. Yamato's Creator's Labo #006: Hanamoto Hagumi (Hagu) & Yamada Ayumi (Ayu) from "Hachimitsu & Clover"
(Nice charming figurines from famed sculptor, Kobayashi Shin (Long Long))

6. Zakka's Tokusatsu Heroes: Ultra Seven
(Look at the galore of kaijus...)

7. Zakka's 宇宙戦艦 Yamato Mechanical Collection Vol. 1
(Classic Matsumoto style spaceships...)

8. Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: Shadow of Colossus (ワンダと巨像)
(One Grande set I wouldn't mind spending a bomb on...)

9. Griffon Enterprise's 1/7 葉月 ~Nekomimi Dress~ from "Tsukuyomi"
(Neko mimi...MO-DO!!)

10. Griffon Enterprise's 呂蒙子明 DVD Jacket Ltd. Ver. from "一騎当千"
(Sometime I wonder if she is related to Akito/Agito from "Air Gear")

11. Organic's 1/6 Arika Yumemiya ~Collar Robe Ver."~ & Yuna Woon ~Collar Robe Ver.~ from "舞-乙HiME"
(Pales in comparison to previous Mai-Otohime figurines from Atelier Sai, Bandai and Wave)

12. Kaiyodo's 朝比奈みくる from "涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱"
(A great figurine from Kaiyodo to start 2007 with)

13. Kaiyodo's Himeguri Image Girl Model Bianca ~Christmas Color Ver.~
(The best color version thus far

14. B Club's Bluemark Soft Vinyl Ultra Family Set Glow-in-the-Dark 8 piece set
(As dubious as it looks, this is a rare 300 limited exclusive set)

15. Alter's FA4: Navel Characters Pretty Days Collection
(Soul Link meets Shuffle!)

16. Alter's Trading Mascot Collection: Kimi Kiss
(Which girl you wanna kiss?)

17. Square Enix's Final Fantasy XII Playarts: Van, Asha, Freia & Gablas
(Gablas looks real cool...)

18. Alter's 1/8 津崎青葉 & Moribeat No. 2 from "Jinki:Extend"
(The tiny mecha by the side sure lights this piece up)

19. Alter's 1/8 Louise from "ゼロの使い魔"
(I like the ladder she is sitting on)

20. Alter's 1/8 Eri Sachikawa ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "School Rumble 二学期"
(Doesn't look half bad on after a 2nd glimpse)

21. Toy's Planning's 1/8 朝倉音夢 from "D.C.P.C."
(Her white PJs looks a bit like strait jacket)

22. Yamato's 1/7 SIF EX: 呂布奉先 from "一騎当千"
(The cleavage is a tactic to distract male opponents)

23. Yamato's 1/6 TANDEM TWIN 動物ねーちゃん 豹 クローエ
(Looks not a bit like a leopard as she should be)

24. Yamato's 1/8 SIF EX: 岸本恵 ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "GANTZ"
(The anime series is gross and so is this piece)

25. Yamato's 1/6 Creators' Labo: 渡り鳥のシムカ (Smica) from "Air Gear"
(Not a bad Smica statute here)

26. Organic's Harukaze Doremi & Fujiwara Hazuki from "おジャ魔女どれみ ドッカーン！"
(The Doremi girls being pick up by Organix once again after the lukewarm trading figurine set)

27. Solid Works' 1/6 Alisha Florence from "ARIA"
(The best looking employee from the gondola company thus far)

28. Sol International's アルクェイド・ブリュンスタッド & 翡翠 from "Melty Blood"
(Have to be a fan of the game to get this pair)

29. Bandai's Ultimate Solid Ultimate Monsters
(Surely has to include Baltan for this set)

See you all after my honeymoon!!

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Megahouse's Excellent Model Core: Queen's Blade P-2 1/8 歴戦の傭兵 Ekitona & 鋼鉄姫 Emiru
(The sequel to this Queen's Blade series looks to make this an endearing series)

2. Megahouse's Excellent Model: 1/8 竜宮レナ & 園崎詩音 from "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni"
(It's weird not to see these girls in their usual chibi form)

3. Megahouse's ArtWorks Monster: N Dagba Saber & Go Badaa Ba from "Kamen Rider Kuuga"
(It's time for monsters from Kuuga)

4. Megahouse's Dragonball Capsule Neo: 摩訶不思議 ドラゴンボール総集編
(A nice re-release for those who have missed it the first time)

5. Megahouse's Bleach Mikuji 学園ｖｅｒ．☆
(Now fantasizing Matsumoto in tight school uniform...)

6. Megahouse's Chara Fortune Series: Gundam 占い 光る宇宙
(Return of the orginal Chara Fortune)

7. Medicom Toys' Kubrick: Spawn
(A collaboration to purge an ailing Kubrick line)

8. Kotobukiya's One Coin Figure: 女神転生 悪魔召喚録 -第５集-
(I am already sweating over the thought of owning this set)

9. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Shinji & Kaoru from "Neo Genesis Evangelion"
(There's no way anyone with the right frame of mind will be willing to get a Shinji figurine unless they are whiney as him)

10. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Nataria L.K. Lambaltia from "Tales of the Abyss"
(Nataria just shot an arrow into me to draw my interest)

11. Kotobukiya's 1/6 向坂環 ~初登校Ver.~ from "ToHeart 2"
(The base sure makes this piece looks good at first glimpse)

12. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Tsukimiya Ayu from "Kanon"
(Can I have a piece of bread please?)

13. Kotobukiya's 1/8 堀内さな ~Devil Type~ from "Pia Carrot Yokoso G.O."
(Sure will be great for Halloween...)

14. Kotobukiya's ヒュッケバインボクサー from "Super Robot Taisen"
(This line of plastic model is really well-recieved as of the Armor Core series)

15. Max Factory's Full Action MAX: ダン・オブ・サーズデイ from "Gun X Sword."
(Got a feeling that this mecha is meant to just been held on the stand like in the picture)

Finally some Mircoman specials from Takara-Tomy:
1. Mirco Action Series Kinnikuman MK04 Robin Mask
2. Mirco Action Series Kinnikuman MK05 Terry Man
3. Mirco Action Series Kinnikuman MK06 Brokken Jr.
4. Mirco Action Series 装甲騎兵 Votoms キリコ・キュービィー ver.2
4. MAP-02 機甲猟兵メロウリンク アリティ with 軍用 Bike

Lastly east-up has imposed a login-only access for their monthly gashapon schedule, so I will be very interested to look for an alternative source to provide me the monthly previews of gashapon release for the next 3 months.

30th September 2006: Bandai's One Piece 劇場　いろんなたいむ

30th September 2006: Bandai's HG Dragonball Z Imgaination Figure Part 9 & HGIF Air Gear Trick 2

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's Torikore: Shakugan no Shana
(Chibi Shana and gang are to die for...)

2. Toys Planning's 七瀬恋 from "夜勤病棟"
(Sometime you wonder why guys love to visit the hospital)

3. Afternoon 2006 December Issue with exclusive Ohno Kanako from "Genshiken"
(New KaiyodoXAfternoon featuring Ohno from Genshiken with a touch of Tenjo Tenge)

4. Millenium's Capsule Figure そらのいろ、みずのいろ
(Not a slightest bit interested....)

5. Q-six's Morimoto Reona from "Deishiprin"
(Bondage blond girl on the prowl)

6. Q-six's Morimoto Reona from "Deishiprin"
(Bondage blond girl on the prowl)

7. Vice's 1/8 荒巻素子 from "攻殻機動隊I"
(Don't like the eyes...)

8. Vice's 1/8 Amy from "爆裂天使I"
(Both Amy are not remotely nice as the Alter piece)

9. B-Club's 1/7 Gundam Heroines Series 22: Frey Alstar from "Gundam SEED"
(Not a bad figurine for such a wretched character)

10. Max Factory's 1/7 Emma from "A Victorian Love Story"
(Wonderful Victorian magic in this piece)

11. Max Factory's 1/8 Arin from "Golf & Skirts Banya"
(Imagine Michelle Wie in that outfit)

12. GSC's Nendoroido Fate/stay night Yasakure Rin
(Love that pink Cardillac)

13. GSC's 1/5 真鏡名ミナ from "Samurai Spirits零"
(First 1/5 scale figurine from GSC so far)

14. GSC's 1/8 柚原このみ ~Itonoichi Ver.~ from "V.I.P. ToHeart2"
(Great design by the gran Moe master, Itonoichi)

15. Solid Theater's 1/8 Prisha ~Freelia Set~ from "Prism Ark"
(Preview of a trading figure set I will be looking forward to)

16. Romandou's Bust Emperor Vol. 1
(Hip Hip Parade's Upper Torso Cousin)

17. Bandai's Figure Meister: Itonoichi Collection NEO
(Featuring girls of "Shakugan no Shana" & "Demonsbane")

18. Belny's Mammoth Figure Collection
(Featuring one of the most popular early mammal)

19. CM's Mai-OtoHiME Figure Collection
(More himes to collect)

20. Yujin's TFC アヴァロンの鍵 弐 ~Sol International Limited Exclusives~
(These figurines look badly warped to me)

21. Gentle Giant's Hellboy Animated Bust-Ups Series 1
(One Bust-ups set that I badly want to get my hands on)

22. Toranoana's Fine Scenery 1/8 妙蓮寺茶恵 from "からふる☆エデュケーション"
(Got Milk?)

Finally a 天下一剣客伝 いろは Iroha from "Samurai Spirits" special from:
1. Lilics
2. ダイキ工業
3. Musashiya

Shokugan series previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Bandai's One Piece Collection EX Yuke Yuke Bokura no Chopper-man
(Chopper-man...hmm...is there a part of One Piece I am missing?)

2. Re-ment's November Pucchi Sample Series: American Kitchen & Tabearuki
(Crepes and Bubblegum dispenser anyone?)

3. Re-ment's わんこの楽しい生活
(Re-ment's first take on miniature pet dogs)

16th September 2006: Kaiyodo's Wanda Loves Evangelion (2006 Wonder Festival Exclusive)

Items previewed on Ami Ami to kick start this week with:

1. Banpresto's Costume Party Maid Cafe Collection: Vol. 2
(The one in red seems to break tradition in terms of the design for the maid costume)

2. Yamato's TANDEM TWIN Doubutsu ne-chan Me-rin Repaint
(Once again get the repaint instead of the original...)

3. Kaiyodo's Mon-sieur BOME Collection Vol. 18: Takaya Noriko from "Gunbuster: Top o Narae!"
(The only anime heroine BOME is conjuring for the next half a year or so)

4. Yujin's SRDX Black Orchid from "魔砲使い黒姫" & Leon from "Gensou Suikoden V
(The inconsistent quality of the Yujin SRDX once again displayed with this pair)

5. Banpresto's KuromiXMaid Cafe Kurumi Nui 1/8 Figure A ~PinaFoa Costume~ & B ~MIA Cafe Costume~
(Kurumi always looks weird to me with regards to her proportion)

6. Bandai's Soul of Figuration Dragonball Z Vol. 7
(The charged-up Goku surely will be the star in this wonderful set)

7. Square Enix's Dragonquest Character Figure Collection
(Classic Toriyama design for this classic RPG game)

8. San-S' Initial D Pull Back Car Collection
(For the young and old...)

9. San-S' 酒蔵巡り -カップ酒編-
(Authentic Japanese liqour in cans...)

Forthcoming Shokugan series previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Bandai's ウルトラ怪獣戯画 ウルトラ兄弟激闘史Ⅱ
(The 1st volume of this high quality vignette series is very well recieved and this time round the piece with Ultra Father coming to save his sons will be highly sought by Ultra fans worldwide)

2. Bandai's Dragonball Z Ultimate Spark
(A mix of Soul of Figuration with gashapon style Real Collection and Chess DX from Megahouse)

Items previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Jun Planning's Moeart Collection: Shana from "Shakugan no Shana"
(The worst Shana figurine I have seen thus far...)

2. Ensky's Capcom Girls Statute: Cammy from "Street Fighter ZERO 3"
(I have lost count of the number of Cammy statues around)

3. Max Factory's 1/6 九重りん from "Kodomo no Jikan"
(Moe at the most supreme best!)

4. Toy's Planning's 1/8 沢渡いずみ from "He's My Master"
(I am hoping this is a beginning of a wonderful trilogy to better the Clayz trio)

5. Alter's 1/8 橘玲 from "Poni Poni Dash!"
(The pose is too suggestive...)

6. Alter's 1/8 Nagi ~死神装束Ver.~ from "Piece@Peaces"
(These Piece@Peaces girls are way too captivating...)

7. Alter's 1/6 Ilya ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(What next? Shiroh and Archer in swimming trunks?)

8. Toranoana's Little Devil Rio from "Super Black Jack"
(Nice design from the heroine of a popular pachinko game)

9. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Princess from "Full Ani"
(Beautiful dress fitting for royalty)

10. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Sakura ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Can't believe Sakura has such wholesomeness in her)

11. Amie Grand's 1/6 Goth Loli Rei from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
(They better offer something more for that obscene price they are selling)

12. New Line's 1/5.5 Asuka ~Sitting in Room Ver.~ from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
(For every expensive Rei, there must be an expensive Asuka)

13. Epoch's C-Works Figure Collection: 1/8 Changing! Tomo-chan No. 2 Tomo-chan Maid-san ni Henshin!
(Epoch's premium figure series pales in comparison with all the rest)

14. Jun Planning's Pullip Rozen Maiden series: Shinku & 雛苺
(This is gonna be a really interesting collaboration)

15. Subarudo's Marvel 3age Figure Assort Vol. 2
(The pucchi Ghostrider and Thing are to savour)

16. Movic's CLAMP in 3D Land Vol. 1
(There will be 8 volumes of 5 figurines each featuring all famous CLAMP characters, will there?)

17. Organic's CrowsXWorst Black List 河内鉄生2nd
(Nice repaint of this gangster...)

Items previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Megahouse's Action Figure Collection: Meer Campbell
(Oshiare Meer!)

2. Toys Works' Solid Works Collection: Shakugan no Shana
(Out to lock battle with the SR Yujin set...)

3. Griffen Enterprise's 1/8 超昂天使エスカレイヤー Damage Ver. 2
(For those sick minds once again...)

4. Atelier Sai's 1/6 Romina Ladoleo from "忍者戦士飛影" ~Ami Ami Exclusive~
(More Ami Ami Exclusives)

5. Banpresto's Onegai My Melody I-Catch Figure Collection
(Ooh... A male lead with a violin...)

6. Liliks' 1/8 天下一剣客伝 Iroha from "Samurai Spirits"
(An alluring pose...)

7. Beggle's 1/10 Murata Range TT-Butterfly
(I do hope there would be a miniature version of this to collect)

8. Beggle's 1/20 Solty-Rei Rose & Bike Assort ~Black Ver.~ & ~Normal Blue Ver.~
(From one of the most recent Gonzo production)

9. Max Factory's Collect 800: Kodomo no Jikan
(If you are getting this, make sure you get the book exclusive figure to complete the set)

10. Alter's FA4: Fate/hollow ataraxia
(Another masterpiece trading figure series from Alter)

11. Wahuudo's FA4: 1/8 Fionne & Etna from "魔界戦記 Disgaea 2"
(While Etna has a nice feel to it, I strongly recommend you give Fionne a miss)

12. Vice's 1/7 草薙素子 from "Ghost in the Shell"
(If they could maintain that quality of paintjob as the preview pictures)

13. Solid Theater's 1/8 天野千輪 & 波多野小奈美 from "_summer"
(From a new dating PC game)

14. Solid Theater's Chibi-mama 榊原ユキエ＆奈波奈々 ~Repaint Ver.~
(I wonder that original version is still left on the shelf in La Tendo?)

15. Popy's Dragonball Z Swing Head 2nd
(Once again Fat Buu steals the show...)

16. Gentle Giant's Disney Dragonkind Statue: Mushu from "Mulan & Elliot's from "Pete's Dragon"
(Beautiful statues of a couple of famous dragons from classic Disney productions)

17. Zakka's Hyper Dash Train Vol. 1
(Relive that childhood moments once again!)

18. Yanoman's 鬼神伝承 -眷属十二神将- Collection Figure
(Intricate sculpture of mythological warriors by renowned sculptor, Taketani!)

19. Megahouse's Game Characters Collection: Skirts & Golf Banya
(Can't believe after "Tekken" and "Soul Caliber", this is the next GCC series)

20. Megahouse's Art Works Collection featuring 開田裕治: Ultraman/ Ultra Q 3rd
(Once again, whoever collecting this series, you have a winner in your hands!)

21. Megahouse's Haro Capsule: Zabi Collection
(Paying homage to the villains from the original Gundam series)

22. Megahouse's Chara Fortune Series: Gintama Mikuji -運も実力のうち編-
(Your friendly neighbourhood galactical samurai that fights aliens)

23. Pleasant Angel's Fire Emblem 聖戦の系譜 Exceed A Generation Vol. 1
(Classic RPG characters brought back to life!!)

24. Megahouse's Art Works Monsters: Kamen Rider 555 Vol. 4 Snake Orphnoch & Crocodile Orphnoch
(Think they forgotten to state the inclusion of Puppy Orphnoch...)

That's all for this week, folks!!

After 2 bleak months in terms of gashapon to be released, December seems like showing some sign of improvements...
Let's go through some of the notesworthy ones (courtesy of east-up):

Bandai

1. KR Kabuto Action Pose ~最終決戦編~
(Final form of Kabuto unveiled...)

2. Monster Hunter Fuki Fuki
(Decorate your PSP with famous items of the game)

3. NaNa Belt Strap
(Very cool accessory modeled after the rockers' belt of NaNa)

4. HG Dragonball Imagination Figure Part 10
(I think the first meeting of Goku with Bulma might be the best piece in this set)

5. Fate/stay night Chibi Gurumi
(The plush thingie is still not very popular in Singapore...)

Yujin

1. Movie Ver. Doubutsu no Mori DS Game Card Holder
(One of the most popular DS game now used to hold your DS game cards)

2. Rozen Maiden traumend Little Figure Mascot Ver. 1.5
(Should have wait for this version with more unique faces and even a secret character)

3. たのしい飼育当番　Gacha Edition
(Visualise yourself rearing pets...mini form of course)

4. SR Shakugan no Shana
(I don't really get Margery's pose)

5. SR One-chan Bara Figure Collection
(Better not trifle with these vicious one-chans...)

6. Escher Damashie Figure no Sekai
(Featuring the artwork of the legendary Dutch art master MC Escher)

2nd September 2006: Bandai's Brave Story Brave Swing & Konami's Konami Figure Collection: Marchen Awaken Romance

Items previewed on Ami Ami this week:

1. Kotobukiya's Super Robots Taisen SRX Plus Check Kit
(It's the turn for the ridiculously designed SRX)

2. Kotobukiya's One Coin Figure Main Weapon M4 Anthology
(Cool series of M4 for those military otakus)

3. Kotobukiya's Mahoro-san & Sports Bike ~無免はいけないと思います Ver.~
(Re-release on popular demand!)

4. Kotobukiya's 1/6 Arimi from "Witchblade"
(A lot of emphasis once again on a nice base which act as a bar stool for Arimi as well)

5. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Mint Endnet from "Tales of Symphonia"
(Very much smitten once again...)

6. Takara-Tomy's Transformer Kiss-Play: Rodimax Convoy X Shao Shao
(Ooh Tim Sum...)

7. Megahouse's Mini-Kore:和うさぎの甘味屋さん
(Japanese Dessert Store...)

8. Takara-Tomy's 小白丸忠一 首都警特機隊突入隊員 from "Kerberos Saga"
(From the creator of "Jin Roh")

9. Kotobukiya's One Coin Figure: 咎狗の血
(525 yen for such chibi figurines might be a bit hard to accept)

10. Takara-Tomy's Pinky Q Rabbit Scooter Ver. 2
(Nice helmet there...)

11. Movic's 1/6 Fate Testarossa fom "Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's"
(A CCool Alchemy Spell Circle as the base...)

12. Griffon Enterprise's 夏候淵妙才 ~Suke Suke China Dress~ from "Ikkitousen"
(The Cheongsam is a bit see-through...)

13. Griffon Enterprise's 1/6 関羽雪長 ~濡れ制服ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(Talk about see-through clothing...)

14. Griffon Enterprise's 1/7 Saber ~Swimsuit ver.~ from "Fate/stay night"
(Some guys may wish to be that beach ball...)

15. Griffon Enterprise's 1/6 Sakura ~School Uniform Ver.~ from "Fate/stay night"
(The color of the hair and the eyes are too matching...)

16. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Miyamura Miyako from "ef - a fairy tale of the two"
(Like the toning on her uniform)

17. Akita SHouten's Champion Red November 2006 Issue with exclusive Chanji 1.2.3 Mikiri figure
(Perhaps chuck-knuckles and bikini will go hand in hand)

18. Konami's Pose Statue Shirayuki Hime & Ibara Hime from "おとぎ銃士 赤ずきん"
(The one with the thorn whip looks real cool...)

19. Orchid Seed's 1/7 呂蒙子明 ~Goth Lolita Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(The cuffs and the saber are intimidating...)

20. Bandai's Soul of Figuration: Saint Seiya Vol. 2
(A more than competent sequel to the 1st volume)

20. Bandai's S.I.C. Takumi Special Box
(Basically just some repaints and some slight differences to suck collectors' blood)

Coming soon... ... December's list of gashapons...

26th August 2006: Vice's PSE Solid Collection Ver. 3.0

Items Previewed on Ami Ami:

1. The much-wanted Kaiyodo-produced Fate/stay night busts set:
"Fate/stay night Realta Nua" Playstation 2 extra edition with Saber bust
"Fate/stay night" Limited Volume 3 with Rider bust
コンプティーク０７年３月号 (Comptic 2007 March issue) with 剛刃 (Ilya) bust
Shounen A (ace) 2007 March Issue with 双剣 (Rin) bust
(It's more feasible to get the latter 3 as the PS2 game can cost a bomb)

2. TANDEM TWIN Doubutsu nee-chan Yamaneko Yamato Ver.
(Perhaps the best-looking version thus far)

3. Griffen Enterprise's 玖我なつき from "舞-HiME"
(Doesn't look too good at one angle)

4. Griffen Enterprise's 鴇羽舞衣 ~Y Shirt Ver.~ from "舞-HiME"
(Mai-HiME with a touch of Ikkitousen)

5. Musashiya's 1/5 呂蒙子明 IV from "Ikkitousen"
(Well we did mentioned about Ikkitousen...)

6. Musashiya's 1/5 Narusegawa Naru ~Palette Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Love Hina"
(An original design from Musashiya)

7. Yamato's TANDEM TWIN Doubutsu nee-chan 羊 麗 (Urara)
(More "Nee-chan" from this series appear...)

8. Yamato's Creator's Collaboration #002 Meg ~Special Color Pink Ver.~ from "Bakuretu Tenshi"
(Not too bad a color variant)

9. Yamato's Creator's Collaboration #005 Mine bluE
(Looks a bit like Bulma from Dragonball)

10. Yamato's Creator's Collaboration #004 灰羽連盟ラッカ #2
(Another nice piece from Kobayashi Shin (Long Long))

11. Yamato's Capcom Girls Collection: Morrigan from "Vampire Saviors" 吉沢光正 原型 Statue
(Made of polystone and artificial feathers)

12. Yamato's SIF EX: 1/8 from 呂布奉先 "Ikkitousen"
(Nice staff and a cool pose!)

13. Kaiyodo's OS Idol: Win-chan
(Another supposedly popular creation from Natsuki Tomohide)

14. Kaiyodo's Mon-sieur BOME Vol. 16 鬼娘 3 & Vol 17 鬼娘 4
(BOME surely has a think for the Oni-musume...)

15. Banpresto's Gundam 0079 Card Builder Girls Figure A: Reiko & Figure B: Kyashi
(Kyashi looks like one of thos Keroro Heroines...)

16. GDH's Witchblade 天羽雅音 -発動態- TV Ver.
(I saw the packaging for the original version and it's not too bad...)

17. Kaiyodo's Mahou Shoujo Neko X Peko
(One excellent figure that caught my eyes from the Kaiyodo booth in WF SUmmer 2006)

18. Konami's 武装神姫 Action Figure 第２弾: 犬型ＭＭＳ ハウリン , 猫型ＭＭＳ マオチャオ & EX Weapon Set: Warfare Bunny
(I will be looking for one specific girl from the 3rd Vol as seen in WF)

19. Beggle's Ultra Japan Murata Range Illustrate Series UJ14
(Another nice figure from the creation of Murata sensei)

20. Kaiyodo's REVOLTECH No. 12: Revy from "Black Lagoon"
(I don't mind getting this girl...)

21. Skynet's Skirt and Golf Banya Figure Collection Vol. 2 Erika
(Should be better that Vol. 1 Koo)

22. Konami's Pose Statue Akazukin from "おとぎ銃士 赤ずきん"
(The best-looking one of the 3 intended to be released)

23. Atelier Sai's 1/6 Asahina Mikuru Bunny Girl Red Bunny ver. & Black Bunny Ver. from "涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱"
(Nice Mikuru figure but should curb that color variation)

24. Atelier Sai's 1/10 シズル・ヴィオーラ & ナツキ・クルーガー in Maister Robe from "舞-乙HiME"
()

25. Yujin's SRDX 蒼星石 from "Rozen Maiden traumend"
(A big disappointment after 3 excellent RZT figures before this)

26. Media Works' Dengeki Comic Gao 2006 November issue with exclusive Nadesico figure from "いぬかみっ！"
(Heard that this anime series is quite boring but I guess the manga series is popular enough)

27. Media Works' Degenki G's Magazine 2006 November issue with exclusive Faina ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "夜明け前より瑠璃色な"
(The larger PVC figurines of Faina is causing a stir among the collector's scene, so I wonder will this be as popular)

28. Amie Grand's Summer Dress Asuka from "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
(Comes with plenty of accesories as previewe in the WF)

29. Bandai's 乙女魂: トモエ・マルグリッド from "舞-乙HiME"
(Another good effort from Bandai to the PVC statue scene)

30. Clayz'藤枝保奈美 紺スク水Ver. from "月は東に日は西に"
(Another Miyakawa (T System)'s take on one of the 2 lead heroines of "Hani Hani")

31. Vice's Intron Depot 3 1/8 Figure Vol. 3
(Were there ever Vol. 1 & 2?)

32. Max Factory's 1/7 MagiKano 魔宮あゆみ
(Nice teapot set!)

33. Max Factory's 1/6 間桐桜 夕支度Ver. from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Seriously I am quite sick of these Fate girls as PVC statute...)

34. Max Factory's 1/8 高町なのは from "Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's"
(I am quite sick of seeing Nanoha as well...)

35. Bandai's Figure Maister: ぱにぽにだっしゅ！
(I wonder whether we will see that obnoxious rabbit...)

36. Yujin's TFC Hikurashi no naku Koro ni
(Might be as unpopular as the Max Factory set...local context of course)

37. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample series: おとぎの国の食器たち, なつかし家電がやってきた & ぷちお台所 家電棚 木目調
(October's Pucchi Sample range from utensils from the fairy tales, nostalgic electrical appliances and a display cabinet for kitchenware)

38. Hot Toys Military- Modern Firearms 1/6 collection
(Meant for their 12 inch ,ilitary figurines)

39. Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: 青の騎士ベルゼルガ物語 第２章
(This series as all mecha series had shifted to the more costly Grande series)

40. San-S' Honda Super Cub Collection
(Woo scooter for the JB workers...)

41. Run'A 仏 -BUDDHA- 第３弾 沙羅双樹
(Wow...surely the best looking set from this series thus far)

42. Toranoana's Palm Scenery: ぱすてるチャイムContinue
(I really like the little girl with the trolley luggage)

43. Medicos Entertainment's 超像革命: Bizarre Adventures of JoJO ~Phantom Red~
(Once again interested but highly unlikely I'll get this)

44. Banpresto's Onegai My Melody Scene Figure Kuromi Selection
(Updated Pictures)

Have a Great Week Ahead!

Welcome to the aftermath of yet another Wonder Festival with exclusives and sneak previews galore...

Personally I have 3 items on my wishlist from the good people of Kaiyodo, Toranoana and T System respectively, let's hope I can notch up at least 2 of them.

Below are a list of excellent links from those considerate collectors in Japan to share those delectable pictures for poeple like myself who can't be there personally:

1. Moeyo Akibajin Blog Watch the space with elaborative reports of all major companies, smaller outlets and even cosplay event.

2. 千川オタク御殿 The one thus far to thoroughly cover major brands like Konami and Yujin.

3. Temporary Feeling Really nice close up pictures of the Kaiyodo-Fate/Stay Night collaboration bust figurines.

4. Earl Box A lot of focus on Rozen Maiden spottings here.

5. Toy Can Extensive Kotobukiya Report...

6. HK-DMZ PLUS.COM/a> Quadrillion nice pictures of items on show other than from the big players...

7. GF団 Cool intricate close up pictures

8. あきばらいふ The only one which shows the Ensky booth which no one really cares. There is also focus on figurines from T System.

9. 絡繰網寄道喫茶 2 items I am interested in Medicos' Neo Revolution series and Konami's Mecha Musume Part 3

10. Figure Ren Solid Theater's Pocket Theater Nitroplus Characters The 2nd Bullet looks really cool...

11. Hobby Dog The Resin Kits...

As you can see, the focus once again is on the bigger figurines and statues

Kotobukiya unleashed more male essence with the likes of Shinji and Kayoru from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" as well as Aren from "D.Gray Man".
There are also the "Tales of" girls which include Mint from "Tales of Symphonia" which we had yet seen before.
Other notable ones include Maria from "Witchblade".

The only notable One Coin set on preview has to be that cool "ワンダと巨像" set.

In terms of the "3 Big" of Max Factory, Alter and GSC, we have 草薙 素子 from "攻殻機動隊 S.A.C 2nd GIG", 津崎 青葉 from "Jinki Extend", Eri and Suou in bikini from "School Rumble 二学期", Revy from "Black Lagoon", Ruisu from "ゼロの使い魔" all from Alter.
They have not forgotten about trading figurines with "FA4 Fate/hollow ataraxia collection" as well as the new "Pretty Days" series featuring first "Melty Blood" scheduled for December 2006 and "Navel Characters" due in Feburary 2007.

For GSC, you have more Saber and Rin from "Fate/" series in maid costume, the girls from "Maburabo Alternative", Iruha and Mina from "Samurai Spirits", Arin from "Skirts and Golf Banya" and of course Shinku from "Rozen Maiden traumend" with cool gothic style mirror as backdrop.

Lastly Max Factory, we have "Karasu" action figurines, Emma from "Emma ~A Victorian Romance Story~", a whole load of "GunXSword" figurines and a new Collect 800 trading figure series known as "Kodomo no Jikan (Children's time)" which reads nothing but "MOE~"

Once again nothing interesting from Kaiyodo except new Revoltech figurines which include Revy from "Black Lagoon" and from Ingram "Patlabor".

The "TYPE MOON Fate Bust" series is almost impossible to collect with the Saber piece comes with a limited edition of the new "Fate" PS2 game while the other 3 from book or magazine releases.

Monsiuer BOME series banks on the 3 versions of Kasumi from "Dead or Alive" while a new "Oni Musume" and the lead character from "Gunbuster Top wo Nerae".
However Kaiyodo is the only one which has a PVC statue based on the surprise hit anime series, "Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi" with Asahina Mikuru and a popular magical girl cat known as "Peke"

In Konami, plenty of Figumate series have been planned which includes series for "Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi", "Ichigo Mashimaro" "Otogi-Jushin Akazukin" and even "Mecha Musume".
Talking about Mecha Musume, there will be a 3rd volume of the popular trading figurine series as well as series for Akazukin and gang which looks really nice.
As for bigger figurines, there's a whole series of 武装神姫 action figurines while Akazukin is also been done in PVC statue as well as latter parts of the Ichigo Mashimaro girls including a never seen before Anna-chan.

Movic has the pair of "Magical Lyrical Nano'A" girls while Yujin's SRDX series continue banking on the Rozen Maiden characters but going for "Higurashi no naku koro ni" soon.

Finally we have Toranoana with a trio of "Fine Scenery" figurines based on the Rumble Roses girls (as if Konami has not done before) and a long-awaited 2nd part to the Palm Characters Disgaea series which once again is a must have in my books.

Well that's my mini WF report here, I sure have a few trading figurines to keep my eyes, how about the rest of you guys out there?

12th August 2006: Square Enix's Neverland Heroines Collection (Thanks to my buddy!)

12th August 2006: Kotobukiya's One Coin Utawarerumono & Bandai's ブリーチ大全 旅禍＆護廷十三隊編 Vol. 2

New Items Previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's Super Soul of Figuration: Bizaare Adventure of JoJo
(Bandai's SSOF series continues to stif interest with their excellent quality)

2. Bandai's SEED Heroines Vol. 1 & 2
(Once again, a moneyminded rerelease with an extra Lacus Clyne piece)

3. Ensky's Kinnikuman Real Mask Magnet Collection
(Kinnikuman fever is still in the air...)

4. Solid Theater's Pocket Theater DX: COMIC-Rin & Ｒｉｎ＆ひな缶Ｈｉ！ Vol. 1, Ami Ami Exclusive Ver.
(We have checked this out a while ago but this time there is an Ami Ami exclusive version)

5. Run'A's Nightmare Before X'mas Collection Jack Keychain
(Run'A banking the NBC franchise, more to come...)

6. Run'A's Toyful Nightmare Before X'mas Collection Jack Collection
(See?)

7. Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: Super Robot Taisen
(Only interested in the robots)

8. Kotobukiya's One Coin: Gremlins
(Surely one of the most surprising release from the One Coin series of all time)

9. Megahouse's Dragonball Capsule Neo ~覚醒・怒れる超戦士 フリーザ編~
(Starting to get very tired of this series)

10. Megahouse's Chara Fortune Series: Gundam 占い ~小さな防衛線~
(A good mix of human characters and mecha)

11. Megahouse's School Rumble 二学期 Petit Studio ~１時間目~
(HARIMA!!!!)

12. Ensky's Capcom Girls Statue: Ingrid
(Nice try but not enough)

13. Megahouse's Excellent Model RAHDX: Gundam Archives Side 5 Cagali, Frei & Lacus
(SEED suckers..rejoice...)

14. Megahouse's Excellent Model Core: Tsukasa Bullet -司弾- Mariko Imai, & Mizuki
(Intimidating femme fatale...)

15. Kotobukiya's 1/8 朝倉由夢 from "Da Capo II"
(No words to express how bored am I with this figurine)

16. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Tear Grante from "Tales of the Abyss"
(Stunning lead character from Namco's latest "Tale of" game)

17. Kotobukiya's 1/8 西明寺美湖 ~女学生 Type~ from "Pia Carrot Yokoso G.O."
(The attire is visually simulating)

18. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Archer Clyne from "Tales of Phantasia"
(The paintjob looks much better from the One Coin Figure version which is very good on its own)

19. Kotobukiya's 1/7 Takacho Nanoha from "魔法少女リリカルなのはＡ’ｓ"
(Once again Kotobukiya put a personal duel against Alter)

20. Gigabarusu's Giga Kore Part 7: 淫妖蟲 -凌触学園退魔録- Vol. 1 白鳥深琴 , Vol. 2 白鳥武 , Vol. 3 香山水依 & Vol. 4 桃野小桃＆桃野李
(STRICTLY FOR AGE ABOVE 21 AND THE SICK-MINDED ONES!)

21. Konami's 武装神姫 Action Figure Vol. 1: 悪魔型ＭＭＳ ストラーフ & 天使型ＭＭＳ アーンヴァル
(Finally full color preview of this mecha girls from the creator of "Mecha Musume")

22. Happinet Robin's 1/8 Lilith ~Normal Color~ from "Vampire Savior"
(Seriously how many company is gonna suck on the Capcom fighting girls?)

23. Banpresto's Keroro Gunsou DX Figure Vol. 3: Natsumi & Moa
(Nice prized items of the Keroro heroines)

New Items Previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Maister Japan's Kinnikuman マッスルツール Collection
(As I mentioned the Kinnikuman fever is in the air...)

Notable Gashapon Release for November (Courtesy of east-up):

1. Bandai's Blue Dragon Double Swing
(New RPG game designed by the king Toriyama)

2. Bandai's しばわんこの和のこころ　なごみ和小物ねつけ
(A pair of adorable pets to bring you good luck...)

3. Yujin's Manmaru Doubutsu Manmaru Inu
(How can you resist such adorable dogs being curled up like a ball?)

Well the November's list of gasha looks even more bleak than the October's one...let's wait for the December's one

5th August 2006: Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monster Gallery Vol. 3

5th August 2006: Wahuudo's Ragnarok Online Trading Figure Vol. 3 & Dengeki Daioh 2006 September issue with exclusive Shakugan no Shana Figure

New Items Previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Finally new Wanda and Reset pair for the forthcoming Wonder Festival scheduled for end of the month: Wanda chan Loves Evangelion & Resetchan Loves Evangelion

2. Konami's SF Movie Selection: 大魔人 ～ダイモン・バラモン・トラウマガメラ～
(Gamera made a cameo as well!)

3. Bandai's Wonder Capsule: Kamen Rider Vol. 1
(Wonder Capsule, HG, Hyper Detail, Ultimate Solid..they are all the same....)

4. Bandai's ウルトラ怪獣戯画 ウルトラ兄弟史Ⅱ
(More Meikan style vignette featuring the Ultra Brothers...)

New Items Previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Yanoman's 水木しげる妖怪 Figure Collection 大百怪 第ニ巻
(Hot on the heels of the part 1 which has just been released)

2. Takara's Micro Action Series: Knnikuman MK01 Kinnikuman, MK02 Ramenman & MK03 Wars-man
(Surely better than those awful Eva Girls in school uniforms)

3. Yujin's 行け！稲中卓球部 Figure Strap
(Yes I am still interested to read this manga series...)

4. Atelier Sai's 1/6 Romina-hime from "忍者戦士飛影"
(Something about that headpiece I am not too comfortable of)

5. Solid Theater's 1/8 神坂春姫 (Kamisaka Haruhime) from "はぴねす！"
(The best complete figure by Solid Theater at least to me thus far)

6. Bandai's Chogokin Tamashi GX34: Gunbuster
(Another Gainax robot been featured after the EVAs)

7. Takara's Transformers KissPlay Ooshima Yuuki Figure Collection: Atari
(Nice figurine by the MOE king of Kaiyodo to inject new life into the Transformers toys)

8. GSI Creation's Kei-chan Painting Guidebook Basic Vol. with exclusive Miyazawa Model Color Figure
(I am surely interested in the figure alone)

9. Alter's 1/8 間桐桜 ~Battlewear Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(I believe Sakura comes with heads with different expressions)

10. Alter's 1/8 Sharon from "Quiz Magic Academy"
(Their answer to SukuRu's Eri-chan)

11. Toys Works' SW Series: Shakugan no Shana Vol. 2 ~運命の契約 Ver.~ & ~天道宮の少女 Ver.~
(This pair is much better in design compared to the Vol. 1)

12. Toy Works' 水無灯里 from "ARIA"
(Better than the Yujin SRDX one)

13. B-Club's Gundam Heroines Series 20: 1/7 Mayleen Hawke from "Gundam SEED Destiny"
(She looks like she's wearing ice skates)

14. Orchid Seed's 1/7 Ignis from "塵骸魔京"
(Yet another Ignis to woo prospective buyers)

15. GSC's Meso Usa from "ねんどろいど ぱにぽにだっしゅ！"
(A creepy rabbit with grandfather's face...)

16. New Line's 1/5 Kasumi from "Dead or Alive"
(The ugly ones always cost the most)

17. Toy Works' 1/8 九頭竜もも子, 巳屋本いろは & 中慈馬早苗 from "すもももももも"
(Surely yet another madcap series from Dengeki Bunkou)

18. Alter's MELTY BLOOD Pretty Collection
(Take a leaf off the Palm Characters series)

19. Toy Works' Solid Works Collection: Lunch Box Vol. 2
(That's fast for a sequel)

20. Zakka's Tokusatsu Heroes: Kamen Rider
(Classic KR Kaijins on parade here...)

21. Cafe Reo's J-Wings 監修 Military Aircraft Series Vol. 2 ~世界の主力戦闘機~
(The world is turmoil enough to breed more lovers of military warfare)

22. Bandai's Cosmic Figure Collection: Gundam SEED Destiny
(Oh..and they say the SEED heroines series has ended)

23. Bandai's Mechanic File Mobile Suit Gundam: White Base
(You can remove the chassis of the classic space craft bit by bit)

22nd July 2006: Toranoana's Palm Characters: Rozen Maiden traumend

New Items Previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Solid Theater's 戸倉真由 ~Original Color Ver.~ from "秋色恋華"
(Nice Black & White Sundress..)
2. Solid Theater's 新山葵 ~Maid 風 Ver.~ Limited Edition from "秋色恋華"
(Interesting Maid Costume...)
3. Max Factory's 1/7 Blan Neige from "Shining Tears"
(This is to pair up with that nice bikini-clad Elwing to be out months before this)
4. Max Factory's 1/6 Yukanaria from "機工魔術士 -enchanter-"
(The base with the briefcase and the fallen books remind me of a Wendy figurine from "GunXSword")
5. Toys Planning's 1/8 鳳仙エリス from "Canvas2"
(Never really interested in the girls from the "Canvas" series)
6. GSC's 1/6 Karen Oltinsia ~Brorock Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(The 3rd version of this particular character which is not even appealing...)
7. CM's 葦月伊織 from "I"s Pure"
(I was really into this OVA series but can't be sure the same sentiment for this figurine as well)
8. Yujin's SRDX Rize from "ZOIDS"
(More ZOIDS Heroines for the fans...)
9. Yujin's SRDX 水銀燈 from "Rozen Maiden traumend"
(And yes Shinku has not yet made her appearance in SRDX format)
10. Bandai's 乙女魂 Erika Yumemiya from "舞-乙HiME"
(Erika kicks off a new high quality figurine series by Bandai)
11. Banpresto's Costume Party Maide Cafe Collection Plus 2A & 2B
(Were there ever a Part 1 for this series?)
12. Alter's School Rumble 二学期 Trading Mascot
(Featuring all the pretty ladies from SR2!!)
13. Kotobukiya's 1/7 向坂環 ~Bikini Ver.~ from "ToHeart 2"
(One of the most popular ToHeart girl in bikini, surely is one to kill for...)
14. ダイキ工業's 1/6 Mint Blancmanche from "Galaxy Angel"
(Perhaps the nicest Mint figurine ever)
15. Banpresto's Tetora Collection: Dragonball Z World Items ~Freiza~
(Some really odd items from the series been made into mascots)
16. Toys Works' Solid Works Collection DX: Lunch Box
(The next biggest Moe-based vignette collection which is a must have!)
17. ATelier Sai's Falcom Heroines
(On on the trail of a delightful Neverland Heroines, come yet another wonderful heroine collection)
18. Bandai's Voice I-Doll mini SEED club
(I'm wondering whether these bunch will come with mini sound chip)
19. CM's Rally Car Collection SS.7 Mitsubushi Vol. 2 & SS.8 Peugeot
(I wonder would they do F1 next)
20. Atsunaro's Sanrio Vintage Mini Vol. 3
(The Sanrio power is still mighty appealing)
21. Netcom's FT Champion Spainish Team 3 inch Trading Figure
(Vincente wasn't even in the World Cup team while Joaquin was so non-existent)
22. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Kusuri no Pucchi Drug, Shiawase Kitchen, Ano Koro Minna Shou Gakusei& 私の学習机
(September's Re-ment line up include more kitchen, a drug store and some nostalgic elementary school stuffs)

Oozora Tsuabasa with his "Driver Shoot"...

Hyuga Kojiro with his "Tiger Shot"...

And of course Keroro and gang...

15th July 2006: Toranoana's Palm Characters: "Fate/stay night" Archer & Rin set

October's list of notable gashapon series (Courtesy of east-up):

Bandai

1. Ultimate Solid Kamen Rider 改
(Blatant Profit-maximising from same mold but just color variation)
2. HG Kamen Rider Part 37 ~ZECT vs NEO ZECT~
(The KR Kabuto series is gaining momentum)
3. HG Dragonball Z Part 12 ~精神と時の部屋編~
(Featuring the warriors training in the time-capture house in Kami's domain)
4. 涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱　ハレ晴れ Swing
(One of the most popular anime series for the season thus this swing set will be a hot property)
5. Keroro Gunsou Rin Rin Keroro
(Ringing Keroro & gang for avid fans!)

Yujin

1. おもちゃ屋葛飾工場シリーズ　輪ゴム鉄砲
(Classic rubber band gun relived!)
2. Gacha Inu-tachi
(Adorable chibi dogs which carry on from the popular cat series)
3. SR Aria
(Might be better than the Capsule Works version)
4. SR Idol Master
(Seems like this game is quite a hit in Japan)

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

Complete Figurine
1. Griffen Enterprise's 1/7 Cold Cast & resin 呂布奉先 ~Special Edition~ & 孫策伯符 ~Signature Poster Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(It's amazing that collectors actually willing to pay such hefty sums for all these Griffen cold casts...)
2. Solid Theater's 柊日向 奈月 ~変装ver.~ from "Hinatabouko"
(Trust me, you can strip this girl...)
3. Toys Planning's 1/8 真鏡名ミナ from "Samurai Spirits 零"
(Yet another sweet Samurai Spirits girl, this time from Toys Planning)
4. Toy's Works' Solid Works: 1/8 Shakugan no Shana ~平井ゆかり~ & ~Flame Haze Ver.~
(Shana being offered by the main company that publishes the orginal manga series)
5. Toy's Works' Solid Works: 桐原きらは & 有栖川ありす from "鍵姫物語 永久アリス輪舞曲"
(The bunny ears, the soceress' staff and yes.. MOE!!)
6. B-Club's 1/8 Gundam Heroines Series 19: Rain Mikamura
(The main heroine of Gundam G in alluring night gown)
7. enterbrain's ebCraft: Tohsaka Rin & Archer from "Fate/stay night"
(I really like the Archer figurine with this pair to follow the first Saber figurine)
8. ダイキ工業's 1/4 Koyori from "戦国ブレード"
(A resurgent popularity for this classic game character after the Megahouse piece)
9. Agatsuma's 1/8 Krumi Nui & Uta-chan from "Onegai My Melody"
(Sanrio My Melody with a wicked twist)
10. Toranoana's Fine Scenery: 機械化歩兵シリーズ Re2200 イタリア空軍機械化航空歩兵
(An enlarged version from the piece from Konami's Mecha Musume Vol. 2)
11. Griffen Enterprise's 1/6 Taruho & Eureka from "交響詩篇 Eureka Seven"
(Griffen's dabbling with heroines of this popular anime series)
12. Orchid Seed's 1/7 関羽雲長 ~Cos-Loli Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(I don't really like this version of Kanu)
13. Kotobukiya's 1/8 読子・リードマン from "R.O.D."
(Readman is the first of the R.O.D. heroines featured as complete figurine thus far)
14. Kotobukiya's 1/8 白河ななか from "Da Capo II"
(The left eye is kind of too huge...)
15. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Louise from "ゼロの使い魔"
(This could be the best figurine from Koto for the month of October)
16. Kotobukiya's 1/8 木ノ下留美 ~Maid Type~ from "Pia Carrot Yokoso G.O."
(Rumi looks like a bubbly girl...)
17. Megahouse's Excellent Model CORE: Smica & Ringo from "Air Gear"
(Most people like Ringo better but Smica not that bad as well)
18. Alter's 1/8 十条紫苑 from "処女はお姉さまに恋してる"
(The 3rd girl from this series)
19. Alter's 1/6 Saber ~Swimsuit Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Comes with a bunch of cool accessories!)
20. Alter's 1/8 Fate Testerozza from "魔法少女リリカルなのはＡ’ｓ"
(I think this Alter version is slightly better than the GSC one)

Mini Figurine, Pinky:St & Book Figurine
1. Media Works' 1/8 Dengeki Daioh 2006 October Issue with exclusive Shana in Swimsuit figure
(The 3rd in this summer campaign featuring Shana)
2. Media Works' 1/8 Dengeki Comic Gaoh 2006 October Issue with exclusive Youko from "いぬかみっ！"
(It's amazing how many Dengeki magazine are there from Media Works)
3. ＧＳＩクレオス's DVD Pinky:St Episode: May & Keiichurou ~Lucky Ver.~
(Pinky:St into anime production to boost their waning popularity)
4. exhaust' Saber Interchangable Figure from "Fate/stay night"
(Saber featured in her 3 most prominent attires!)

Trading Figure & Shokugans
1. Max Factory's GunXSword Trading Figure #17
(They have increased the price from 500yen to 600yen to maximise profit...)
2. Takara's K-T Figure Collection DX: Votoms Part 2
(More of these ugly robots...)
4. Alter's FA4: Type-Moon Collection
(One of the most anticipated trading figure series for the autumn)
5. Megahouse's Air Gear Pucchi Star Premiere
(Agito looks so adorable...)
6. ダイブ's Capsule CROWS & WORST Vol. 1 鈴蘭高校編 Regular Color
(Bust figurines of these gangsters...)
7. Banpresto's Onegai My Melody Kuromi X Maid Cafe Scene Figure
(Adorable diorama vignettes which we haven't seen for a while)
8. Adobeum's Triptach Trading Figure
(Unknown Manufactuerer, Unknown Series)
9. Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monster Mascot Collection
(Surely doesn't come cheap...)

1st July 2006: Megahouse's Keroro Gunsou Keroball Memories Vol. 2

1st July 2006: Bandai's Keroro Gunsou Full Color & loose HGIF Gainax Heroines Part 3

24th June 2006: Bandai's Keroro Gunsou Chara Seru Vol. 3

24th June 2006: HGIF Air Gear Part 1 & HG Dragonball Z Imagination Figure Part 8

24th June 2006: Kotobukiya's One Coin Megami Tensei & Media Works' Dengeki Daioh August 2006 Issue with exclusive Shakugan no Shana figure No. 1

New Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Banpresto's Tetora Collection: Death Note World Items
(Quite interesting concept with some signature items from the manga series been featured instead of the characters)
2. CM's Macross Collection Min May Special
(The one with her and Hikaru in a TV monitor looks interesting)
3. Romandou's Hip Parade Vol. 2 ~Summer Memories~
(Once again I am dumbfounded by how the Japanese can come out with some out of the world novelties and even come out with a sequel)
4. F Toys' Heliborne Collection Vol. 3
(It's been almost a year from the previous volume)
5. Yujin's TFC 原色人体解剖図鑑 完全版 第２弾
(An enlarged version to the gashapon series)
6. Yujin's TFC Thunderbird トレーシー島大図解
(We are still waiting for the gashapon set for this series to arrive)
7. Yujin's 円盤皇女ワるきゅーレ Trading Figure
(Featuring yet another magical girls series...)
8. Yamato's Creator Collaboration #003: 灰羽連盟ラッカ　１
(Beautiful work from Kobayashi Shin Long Long)
9. Yamato's SIF EX: Kannu ~Special Black Ver.~ from "Ikkitousen"
(Seriously you wonder how many more color version they are milking off from this piece)
10. Yamato's SIF EX: BIRTH 1/10 Upitale Rasa
(Haven't I seen that bike from Skypiea in One Piece before?)
11. Eyes Project's 1/6 御堂千尋 ~Nekomimi Ver~ from "Pia Carrot G.O."
(Would you pay up to 13,000 yen for a 1/6 figurine?)
12. Gigahouse's Giga Kore Vol. 6: Nagisa Vol. 2 from "MAID iN HEAVEN SuperS"
(Restricted for 18 years old and above!!!)
13. Yujin's SRDX 夏輝 (Original)
(It's like biker girl from G Taste!)
14. Mattel's One Piece Action Figure
(Surely cheaper to get it anywhere but Japana but I already dislike Luffy from the preview picture)

17th June 2006: Bandai's Captain Tsubasa Imgaination Figure; Yujin's SR King of Fighter 2; Yujin's Rozen Maiden ~traumend~ Little Figure Mascot

17th June 2006: Vice's ROBOT trading figure; Bandai's 名鑑 Series ケロロ地球侵略日記であります２ (Secret Piece); Megahouse's Excellent Model: Matsumoto Rangiku from "Bleach"

New Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. GSC's 1/7 Kotona Elegance from "Zoids Genesis"
(Like the lily on her hair but what's with the stocking?)
2. GSC's 1/7 Elwing from "Shining Tears"
(No one should be strong enough to resist Elwing in her leafy bikinis...)
3. GSC's 1/8 Fate Testarossa from "Nanowa A's Project"
(What a cool sword you possess...)
4. GSC's Hetare Saber from "Nendoroido Fate/stay night"
(The plush version is a big hit in Japan and I am sure this will be selling like hotcakes as well)
5. GSC's 1/6 両儀式 from "空の境界"
(Another Type-Moon heroine...)
6. Yamato's SIF EX: 春日部咲 from "Genshiken"
(The Genshiken girls still have a strong fanbase worldwide.)
7. Alter's Figure Mascot Collection: Tsuyokisu
(400yen for a keychain is a ripoff...so where can I make order for this?)
8. Banpresto's Costume Party Maid Cafe Collection ~全国編~
(Actual product pictures from Ami Ami)
9. Clayz's 1/6 Rin ~Bikini Ver.~ & Sakura ~Bikini Ver.~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(The facial sculpts look really weird on closer observation, and it's from Miyakawa sensei...)
10. Kaiyodo's Monsieur BOME Vol. 15: Kasumi ~BLUE Ver.~ & ~WHITE Ver,~ from "Dead or Alive"
(As mentioned days before...and Kasumi is one of the best BOME's figurines I had seen so far)
11. West Kange's 円谷飛行形態 Series Vol. 1: Ultraman
(Whole 35 cm of cool flying Ultraman)

Well have a great weekend ahead!!

Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. E Revolution's FIW Future Collection
(The description is that this series of imaginary wild creatures billions of years in the future is based on the DVD series known as "Future is Wild")
2. Bandai's Sakai Yuuji Produced Godzilla Collection ~Final~
(A preview of the final instalment of this popular Godzilla vignette set which will be released in early 2007)
3. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Yaoya-san, Zaitaku Sweets & ぷちお台所 食器棚 木目Ver.
(August's list of Re-ment's items to be released)

Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. GCH's 天羽雅音 -発動態- from "Witchblade"
(Manufactured by the anime studio itself, wonder how the final quality would be like)
2. Atelier Sai's Shuffle! Vol. 5: Shigure Asa ~Teahouse Floral Waitress Ver.~
(Yes Atelier Sai continues to bank on this series...)
3. Wahuudo's Rio from "Super Black Jack"
(This Pachinko game character surely had set the otaku scene abuzz with her presence...)
4. Balton Production's 魔法の海兵隊員 ぴくせる☆まりたん Figure Boxset
(Isn't that Mari-tan been made into a Pink:st before?)
5. Medicom Toys' RAH220-041 Ash with Pikachu
(To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the anime series, I doubt children will have enough money to buy this)
6. Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts II Play Arts: Sora,Roxas, Kairi & Axel
(Sora & Axel are the ones that well-worth to buy, but do check out you usual toy supplier for U.S. versions which are much cheaper than the Japanese versions!)
7. Square Enix's Final Fantasy Master Creatures: Megas,Levianth, Bahamut, Ifrit & Kefka
(I had thought this series of summon creatures would be a high priced trading figure set. Beautifully sculpted by famed sculptor Taketani Takayuki (竹谷隆之) by the way)
8. Ensky's Capcom Companion Characters
(Previewed on the past Wonder Festivals, don't look appealing at all)
9. Meiji's The History of Celica & Soarer
(I got a feeling you these cars are movable with a small nudge...)
10. Zakka's Kitahara World Car Selection Vol. 2
(1/74 scale diecast of some of the world's most famous cars)

Other Items to be released:

1. Organic's 悪魔のおんぷちゃん from "おジャ魔女どれみ　ドッカーン！" (Courtesy of Hobbystock)
(She reminds me of ta dark version of Mahou Shoujou Do.re.mi)
2. Toys Planning's Mutsuki (Courtesy of Hobbystock)
(I just realized that some collectors had a fetish of figurines with removable clothing, so this should suit their taste)
3. Solid Theater's Baby Fine Pocket: Comic Rin & ひな缶Hi！ Trading Figure Vol. 1
(Base on covers of those publications which seriously I doubt anyone beside true blue otaku in Japan would have heard of)
4. Solid Theater's Pocket Theater DX: Flat Style
(The final product is previewed, I really like the Maid-san and I suppose I would like the secret piece as well)
5. (Courtesy of 1999) B-Club's ~Pure~ Vol. 3: 森高麻衣＆秋吉夢津美 from "Dear Boys"
(Very rarely you will find figurines of that comic series)
6. (Courtesy of Hobby Channel) Clayz's 1/6 Sakura ~Bikini Ver~ from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Sculpted by one of my fave sculptor, Miyakawa Takashi)
7. (Courtesy of Rakuten) Kaiyodo's Monsieur BOME: Kasumi Black & White set from "Dead or Alive"
(A first look at BOME sensei's take of the hottest fighting character since Mai of KOF)

A correction from my previous rant about the BECK guitar collection is not based on the musician but a popular manga series..sorry for the boo-boo..

Some items previewed on Ami Ami recently:

Alter

1. 1/8 Ignis from "塵骸魔京"
(Now the 3rd piece had came out for preview you can compare between the companies. Personally I think this piece has the best pose but that from Max Factory has the nicest looking facial sculpt)
2. 1/8 葉月 ~Dress Ver.~ from "月詠 ~Moon Phase~"
(Wow..I can actually see her tiny fangs...)
3. 1/8 Karen Oltensia from "Fate/hollow axataria"
(Another duel with Kotobukiya and somehow this piece won it hands down)

Kotobukiya

1. One Coin Grande: Rin no Tsubasa
(Released soon on the trail of the Escaflowne set and design-wise is much better than the Esca set for sure)
2. 1/8 Karen from "Fate/hollow axataria"
(Better picture to show than the one by Hobbynet I mentioned before)
3. 1/8 久寿川ささら from "ToHeart 2 XRATED"
(Love her hair...)
4. 1/8 Eruruu from "Utawarerumono"
(Nice design but hopefully the paintjob for the final product shows more improvment than this)
5. 1/8 Petoko & Chocho-maru from "Peto Peto San"
(I actually like this pair with nice facial sculpts and retro-style dresses)
6. 1/6 天羽雅音 ~Witchblade Ver.~ from "Witchblade"
(Even Marc Silverstri & Micheal Turner would stamp approval for this nice figure with that gorgeous base)

Megahouse

1. Excellent Model CORE: 1/8 Wandering Warrior Reina & Keeper of Forest Nowa from "Queen Blade"
(The oroginal sculpt had been only previewed for months and these succulent pair is just the 1st 2 of 4 characters from that series)
2. Excellent Model RAHDX Gundam Archives Side 4: 1/8 Ina Saharin & Hamman Khan
(Should be well savoured by U.C. fans!)
3. Action Figure Collection + : 葉月 from "月詠 ~Moon Phase~"
(The first non-Gundam SEED character for this series)
4. Art Works Monster: Lt. Booba from "電撃戦隊 Changing Man" & Art Works Monster: Biohunter Silver from "超電子 Bioman"
(Supervillians from classic Tokusatsu series brought alive!)
5. Fighting Figure Digimon Savers
(Masaru Daimon & Agumon never look more fabulous!)
6. Art Works Collection 開田裕治 featuring Vol. 4
(More stunning artworks of Godzilla and related monsters being featured)
7. Premium Heroines: Naruto α
(Basically throw in a new Sakura figurine into Vol. 1 of the Naruto Premium Heroines)
8. Premium Heroines: Famous Detective Conan
(Just to note that Conan is not part of this set)
9. Keroro Gunsou Miguji Gorgeous De Arimasu!
(I think you can just link Keroro & gang up that's all..)
10. Kongari Panya-san
(More bread-shop offering...)

Others

1. Zakka's Anime Heroes: Kinnikuman Vol. 2
(Some of the characters look too adorable in this chibi format)
2. Banpresto's Onegai My Melody Kuromi X Maid Cafe Mascot Strap
(Even My Melody is getting onto the Maid Cafe fad...)
3. Media Factory's BECK Guitar Collection
(Wow didn't know American alternative rocker, BECk has such adoration in Japan)
4. Subarudo's Blythbelle Melhan Melody
(Subarudo which I think is a subsidary of Takara Tomy took over this 3rd instalment of Blythbelle shokugans)
5. Movic's 1/6 高町なのは from "魔法少女リリカルなのはＡ’ｓ"
(Nicer design than the one released by Alter but the paintjob may be lagging behind)
6. Toy's Planning's Nekomikotama from "みんなののら猫ネコミコたま "
(What's this infauation with girls and cats?)

3rd June 2006: Bandai's Neon Genesis Evangelion Torikore & Torikore DX

A relative quiet week in terms of items for pre-order anywhere.

Let's begin with a few interesting exclusive that might drew your interests:

1. 幻冬舎's Rozen Maiden Vol. 7 with exclusive 真紅 figurine (Courtesy of Getchu.com)
(Pretty nicely made miniature standing at just 6cm, but the price can be a bit deterring)
2. Killtime Communication's 魔が堕ちる夜 Hentia Dorama CD with exclusive figurine (Courtesy of Mangaoh)
(Morrigan's long lost sister found!)
3. Hobby Japan's Mail-in Exclusive Hoshino Ruri 16 Sai from "機動戦艦ナデシコ"
(Done by famous sculptr Miyakawa Takashi of T's System!!)

Items for pre-order with pictures on Ami Ami:

1. Bandai's Super Soul of Figuration: Kinnikuman Vol. 4
(Love the Black Hole Man and that angel-like wrestler!)
2. Bandai's Bikkuri Man Bikkuri Collection Vol. 1
(Think this is from a popular card game in Japan)
3. Eye Scream's Legend of Lamunea Trading Figure
(First released in December 2005, but think this reissue has some difference to the original)
4. Noda-ya's 1/6 聖帝 Souzer from "Hakuto no Ken"
(Stunning looking backdrop!!)
5. Guram's CrowsXWorst Soft Vinyl 鴉魂 Figure Collection: 四代目武装戦線 鮫島義一
(Looks like Wolverine with a beer belly..heehee)
6. Cominica's Mini Select Series: Tonari no Totoro
(Who can resist the piece with Mei sleeping atop of Totoro, but at 5,000yen, this doesn't come cheap...)
7. Takara/Vance's Pinky Q: Rabbit Scooter
(Pinky:St X ChogoQ = Cool!)
8. Yamato's SIF EX: Kasumi Mizuho Wedding Dress Ver. from "Onegai Teacher" ~Ami Ami Pink Exclusive~
(The black and white versions aren't even popular here in Singapore...)
9. Solid Theater's Tama-chan & Solid Theater's Maji-chan from "本気求道"
(Two of the nicer figures from Solid Theater)

Items for pre-order from Hobby Stock:

1. Ice Project's 1/7 Cold Cast 神無月舞 statue from "G Taste"
(Oh come on, so conservatively dressed for G Taste? Oh wait...the undies...)
2. Konami's Mecham Musume Vol. 2 Repaint
(Check out the China-inspired Rare at the bottom corner)
3. Solid Theater's Pocket Theater DX: 抜け忍
(Something about this set that got me really interested...)
4. Tomytec's Tetsudou Musume Vol. 3
(Previewed on the Shizuoka Hobby Convention, more of these train stewardess and crew)

Items for pre-order from Hobbynet:

1. Konami's SF Movie Selection: 大魔人 ～恐怖特撮の主役たち～
(One classic sci fi feature from Japan, even featuring Gamera)
2. Konami's Konami Figure Collection: 極上生徒会 (Gokujou Seitokai )
(Konami sure is pushing this hard as well as Mahou Sensei Negima)
3. Konami's Figumate: 大怪獣 Gamera
(Surely the most innovative series of 2006...)
4. Solid Theater's Pocket Theater: Prism Ark DX
(Resembles a lot to Binchotan to me)
5. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Karen from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"
(Banking on more Fate characters...)
6. Kotobukiya's Kingdom hearts PlayArts: Kairi
(The 3rd in this series and a nice looking one...)
7. Konami's Figumate: Mahou Sensei Negima!
(Think the class is coming to complete very soon...)
8. Bandai's Torikore: Fate/stay night Vol. 2
(The chibi Archer, Saber and Caster looks alluring)
9. Toys Works' "Over the Hedge" Figure Collection
(I really want that Verne hidden in shell piece)
10. Bandai's Gundam Robot Silhouette Collection
(High Quality Diorama Vignette!)
11. Banpresto's Costume Party Maid Cafe Collection ~全国編~
(Now maid cafe of the whole of Japan!)

Finally September list of gashapon release, courtesy of east-up:

Bandai
1. HGIF Neo Genesis Evangelion ~Beachside Battle~
(Rei+Asuka+Summer+Beach+Swimsuit= Good Marketing Prospect)
2. HGIF Air Gear ~Trick 2~
(Many say the manga series is more worthy for a read than watching the anime series...)
3. HGIF Jo Jo no Kibyou na Bouken
(An updated version of the HGIF series for Jo Jo that I am looking forward to)
4. Gintama Real Collection
(Anyone caught this anime before?)
5. HG DBZ Imagination Figure Part 9
(The design keeps getting better with every part)
6. Saint Seiya Close up Saint Part 4
(This series has been ardently followed here because of the quality)
7. Ultimate Solid Kamen Rider Part 2
(Popular riders of old and new such as Amazon, Faiz & Kabuto included)
8. Keroro Gunsou シャキッと Keroro
(Think you can spring Keroro and gang upright with a slight nudge)

Yujin
1. SR Ikkitousen Part 2
(The designs improved so much in this sequel but of course SR series had jack up to 300 yen by then)
2. SR Sukatto Golf Panya Figure Collection
(A PC hentai game about golf...oh yeah you got a winner there..NOT!)
3. Hobby Gasha 1/43 名車列伝 Subaru 360 Collection
(Really nice miniature of this Subaru car model)
4. Winne the Pooh お着替え Figure Mascot 12 ~80th Special~
(Winnie and friends masqueraded as each other..cool)
5. 行け！稲中卓球部 Double Keychain Mascot
(Really interested to read this particular comic series)

Toy Works
1. Capsule Works: Ichigo Mashimaro ~Ofuro Tadaima!~
(This repaint apparently is much nicer than the original..damn)
2. I"s Pure Handphone Cleaner
(I would get one with Iori just to gaze at her the whole day...)

Have a nice weekend, folks!!

27th May 2006: Bandai's Naruto Ultimate Collection Part 2 & Square-Enix's Nagaserete Airantou Vol. 8 with exclusive Ayane Figure

Finally our good ol' mojya-san (taste) has updated his/her "Room" gallery.

He/she is perhaps the only hardcore Japanese figurines collector bother to update his/her state of the room with consistent updating of photo gallery, resulting in collectors everywhere salivating over his collection while green with envy.

The amazing thing is that he/she always finds enough space to display everything she/he owns which is madness if you consider the amount of figurines he/she bought in almost twice weekly basis. That includes complete figurines which I had refrained from due to the space consumption.

In this update, we see a really cool aluminium framed cabinet Guyver action figurines and S.I.C collections as well as a corner for the various ToHeart girls Kotobukiya had been producing limitlessly. Well enjoy the pictures and remember to wipe your mouth after the reflex salivary gland triggering!

As if the array of items from last week is not causing enough damage to your pocket for the next few months, brace yourself for more!! (All Courtesy of Ami Ami)

Complete Figure

1. Jun Planning's Moe Art Collection: 1/6 恩田赤 from "Rec" ~Normal Pink Ver. ~ & ~Ami Ami Exclusive Yellow Ver.~
(Hanamizawa Cross Miyazawa Takashi of T System!)
2. Ice Project's 1/7 Cutie Honey Ver. 2
(Not for the faint hearted...)
3. Musashiya's 1/5 Hoshino Ruri 16 Sai (Maid II) from "機動戦艦ナデシコ"
(Wouldn't want her to be my maid for sure...)
4. Musashiya's 1/5 関羽雲長（戦闘ver.） from "Ikkitousen"
(Isn't Kanu supposed to be a bit tanner?)
5. ＧＳＩクレオス's Pinky:St Pinky:Cos: Sitting Yutaka Pinky
(A WF exclusive, now in full colored format)
6. Yamato's Creators' Collaboration: 1/7 Meg from "Bakuretsu Tenshi"
(one of the complete figurines Yamato is pushing out a lot for...)
7. Yamato's SIF EX: 1/7 孫策伯符 from "Ikkitousen"
(This 2006 Version seems much nicer than the preceding ones)

Trading Figure/ Shokugan

1. Maister Japan's Spiritual World ~Africa~
(Fancy some miniature voodoo masks?)
2. CM's Rally Car Collection SS.6 ~Toyota~
(Hot Racing Machines!)
3. Subarudou's Mini 四駆 Dash Racer
(Ooh yeah, nostalgic Tamiya cars...)
4. GSC's SMILE600: Fate/stay night Movable Trading Figure
(Previewed on the last Wonder Festival, the artiuclated Archer, Lancer & Gilgamesh look really nice)
5. Banpresto's Tetora Collection: 科学忍者隊 Gachapin
(This Gachapin-Gatchman crossover sure is spellbinding!)
6. Atelier Sai's AIC Heroines Collection
(Hot on the heels of the Neverland Heroines, Atelier Sai continues churning out figurines of relatively unknown characters)
7. Popy's Keroro Gunsou Battle Meeting Room de Arimasu Mini Swing Head
(Something with these alien frogs, you simply cannot resist their merchandises!)
8. Bandai's Soccer 日本代表 Japan International Eleven Gum
(Commemorative DVD series from Bandai shokugan)
9. Hobby Japan's Ys Item Collection Vol. 1 ~Ver. Eternal~
(More miniature weapons from RPG games!)
10. Gentle Giant's The Simpsons Bust-ups Vol. 4
(Fans of the Simpsons should really take note!!)
11. Yamato's Story Image Figure: Rurouni Kenshin Best Selection
(Doubt they will improve on the sculpt and paintjob...)

Shokugan Updates from Shokugan Honpo

1. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: Handmade Bread Shop
(The bread looks so good, you can even eat it on it's own!)
2. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample Series: 二丁目のぷち駄菓子屋さん
(Loosely translated as Candy Shop from the 2nd Street...luckily not Elm's Street)

20th May 2006: Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: Moe-tan

After been waiting on the wings with some sneak previews on hobby magazines, this pair fully colored resin statue:

Square Enix's Cloud & Sephiroth from "Final Fantasy VII Advent Children"!!

Let's calculate how much a local collector would have to pay for this pair of beautiful diorama statues which are meant to compliment each other:

24, 800 yen (before tax)--> S$ 352.16 (taking exchange rate at around 1.42)
Cloud & Sephiroth will cost you S$704.32 and adding in tax and other extra charges from retailers, you have gotta prepare at $850-$900 for this pair of baby!

Think I better not even think about owning this pair....

Other stuff on previewed:

1. Max Factory's 1/8 Van from "GunXSword"
(Looks abit anorexic for my liking)
2. Yamato's 1/48 完全変型版 VF-1A Robitch from "Macross"
(Another blood-sucking investment)
3. Megahouse's Art Works Monster: Chraffa Undead & Joker from "Kamen Rider Blade"
(Pictures Update with actual product preview)
4. Kaiyodo's Monsieur BOME Collection Vol. 13: Ignis from "塵骸魔京 "
(BOME sensei's take on one of the most popular character of this year)
5. F Toys Confect's Dash Cars from "Cars"
(This new Pixar production is really not meant for merchandising...)
6. Vice's Murata Range PSE Solid Collection Vol. 3
(Could be the best looking set of this series...)
7. Tomytec's 街並み Collection Vol. 1 ~Renewal Ver.~
(Anyone collecting this exquisite miniature houses?)

Time to save up once more guys!!

A barrage of new stuff to be released in the late summer of 2006 (All Courtesy of Ami Ami) Complete Figure/ Dolls

1. Max Factory's 1/7 Pokaan Yuuma from "錬金３級まじかる？"
(A classic magical shoujo piece and a gorgeous base to compliment)
2. Max Factory's 1/6 南部千歳 from "あまえないでよっ!!"
(Wow check out that huge...beads!)
3. Milestone's Rozen Maiden Mini Doll Series: 蒼星石 & 翠星石
(RM fans would really love to have this pair of dolls which is exactly what they had seen in the anime series!)
4. Yamato's Capcom Girls Collection Heavy Gauge Modelling ~Special Color Ver.~: Cammy, Morrigan & Chun Li
(Only the Cammy looks good to me...)
5. New Line's 1/6 Cold-cast 玖我なつき ~School Swimsuit Ver.~ from "舞-乙HiME"
(Natsuki never looks so solemn before...)
6. あすなろ舎 Vice's 1/8 Sei ~Repaint Ver.~ from "爆裂天使"
(No matter how many times they repainted it, this piece still pales in comparison to the Alter's one)
7. Kotobukiya's 1/7 大野加奈子 ~Beach Volleyball Ver.~ from "Genshiken"
(One nice Ohno figurine but the bikini reminds me of one Rin from Fate/stay night had worn before)
8. Kotobukiya's 1/6 Hitomi ~Radicool Ver.~ from "DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball"
(Hitomi can join Ohno above for a game of beach volleyball come August)
9. Kotobukiya's 1/10 ゼオラ・シュバイツァー from "Super Robot Taisen"
(I don't remember Kotobukiya ever produce a 1/10 scale figurine, if not, Xeora might be the inaugural one)
10. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Shana from "灼眼のシャナ"
(Urusai! Urusai! Urusai! Just don't say too much when Shana is enjoying her favorite "Melon Pan")
11. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Illya from "Fate/ hollow ataraxia"
(The master of the deceased Berserker having a quiet moment on her servant's weapon)
12. Kotobukiya's 1/8 Ilfa from "ToHeart 2"
(Nice outfit!)
13. GSC's 1/8 Lucy Maria Misora from "ToHeart 2"
(Lucy has been my favorite character of ToHeart and Max Factory really did a wonderful job with this piece!)
14. GSC's 1/7 Kasumi Mizuho from "Onegai Teacher"
(Previewed on the recent WHF, this piece should continue the wonderful legacy of Mizuho statues..)

Trading Figure/ Shokugan

1. Megahouse's Asoberu (Playable) Showcase: ひんやりお店やさん
(Megahouse's ongoing war with Re-ment of miniatures move to showcase pieces)
2. Megahouse's Lunch de Chochoi
(Instant lunches to be stored in that cabinet seen above!)
3. Yodel's Real-X Toyota Car History Collection
(Konami, CM's & Yodel are battling over the miniature trading car scene)
4. Wahuudo's Kimi Kiss Trading Figure
(Wahuudo's trading figure aren't half bad but at 600 yen a piece, think Enterbrain is trying to sap as much money from the poor collectors as possible as well)
5. Hot Toys' Alien Snap Kit: Alien VS USCM
(New Snap Kit series from Hong Kong Hot Toys)
6. Aoshima's Honda Monkey Collection
(Wow what a name for this bike series)
7. Popy's 魁！！男塾 Collection de Aru
(Classic manga series about mindless duelling with each other,cool!)
8. Popy's 風魔の小次郎 Vignette Collection
(Classic Shounen Jump series been made into 500yen Bandai Real Collection Vignettes)

13th May 2006: Megahouse's GCC: Soul Calibur III & Piccoro's Black Cat Capsule Figure

Just completed watching "Basilisk - Kouga Ninpo Chou" during my anime marathorn cum room packing on Sunday and boy it was a truly depressing show in the mold of "Romeo & Juliet" but then even Shakespeare didn't have the heart to make it so blatantly sorrow that I was so close to crying till the end.

So basically the 10 ninjas from the Kouga and Iga clans who were chosen to battle it out to determine the eventual shogun of the Tokugawa family all perished in the end but it could have to save for the love birds Oboro of Iga & Gennosuke of Kouga. At the juncture when they were forced to dish out the final battle by the nanny of one of the 2 candidates (the one entitled with Iga), I had fallen half asleep (it's close to 1 am on a Sunday night, so don't blame me!).

But when I got up, I saw Gennosuke proclaiming Iga had won the duel when Oboro was already very much dead in his arms while he tried to stick a katana into his heart to join in lover in their netherworld with their bodies floating on a river like their late grandparents were in episode one.

Ok, not all the anime would have a happy ending with the hero and the heroine hovering around like Keichii & Belldany did week in week out. But at least after the carnage, let the duo massarce the entire group of people wanting them to kill each other and perhaps live in some obscure island or something.

However the most frightening part of it all, is the main villain, Tenzen who is 180 years old immortal who will never stay dead like Chucky from "Child's Play" or Jason from "Friday the 13th" despite been slayed for umpteen times throughout the show. As mentioned by the late chief of Iga, Tenzen seemed to possess a creature within his body that would perpetually heal himself back to health as long as he is not been beheaded or been burnt to ashes. One of the most grotesque scene in the show would be the creature within starting to seal up the wounds around the neck of a beheaded Tenzen and even talking via the wound which was really disturbing even thinking about it now.

Beside that Tenzen has a lust for ninja women so huge, he put an entire population of otaku to shame. In the process of the show, he forcibly raped Oboro on a boat as well as taken liberty on the 2nd last survivor of the Kouga group,Kagerou . Seriously for a show based on that conservative era, there had been too much sleaze and flesh-fest. Then again a lot of referance of the ancient Japan revealed a staunch interest in treating women as nothing but object of lust and malevolent tortue just like the really sad tale in the final story arc in, "Bakeneko" of "Ayakashi ~ Japanese Classic Horror~".

I had also recently been adding 2 more new anime series into the hefty list I am following now.

Tsubasa Chronicle Season 2:
I still couldn't get used to how a local cable animation channel called it as "Chronicle of the Wing", sounds a bit off for me, perhaps a spoof anime on Kentucky Fried Chicken or something. Well season one ended on the high for a series which a lot of my anime-loving friends would lament about how boring it can be. The 2nd season begins with the entire gang (yes the shiroi manju included) in a rather futuristic-looking Piffle Country where a group of racers on flying crafts known as "dragonflies" compete to get the winning kitty of one of Sakura's feather which is the penultimate power source for this magical land. Of course all of them joined the competition as well with Syaoran especially hyped up to win and present his princess with yet another feather. Except someone sabotaged the entire race and one of the final 10 racers (6 if you count out his allies) being the culprit. Oh yeah Tomoyo is back as the person who organized the race and showed her voyuerism trait once more with more fun taking Sakura on her Digital Video Camera. One thing I really like about this arc is the design of the clothing the gang is donning which surely showed good fashion alignment of the good people of Clamp.

Ouran High School Host Club (桜蘭高校ホスト部):
Highly recommended by Heisei Democracy, so I decided to give it a try and was quite pleasantly surprised how I managed to enjoy this "Hana Yori Dango" meet "He's My Master" wannabe. Basically the show began with this chap named Haruhi, who was new to this wealthy Ouran high school and stumbled into a host club and instead of F4 you have Host 6 starting to making fun of their only poor school mate who is only allowed to enter the school due to good grades. Through their mad-cap conversation, Haruhi accidentally broke a precious vase which cost like 8 million yen (aka He's My Master) and to repay the debt incurred he had to join the host club. Haruhi suddenly became a hot property with his bishounen look, which even their leader, Tamaki is infatuated with. However at the end of the 1st episode, while changing a stained uniform, they found out that Haruhi is actually a girl!! The club decided to keep it mum about Haruhi's gender especially Tamaki who madly fell for her. This gender-confusing anime series made by BONES (of all people) is actually quite hilarious after 3 episodes. Although some of the storyline got over the top, it is not tasteless. I also love their way of making fun of "yaoi" with snippets of the Hiitachin twins been way too touchy with each other.

The biannual World Hobby Festival was held over the past 2 weekends. Firstly at Osaka on April 30th which my buddy had attended with an account on his blog with pictures.

On May 5th, WHF came to Tokyo Big Sight and the predominantly resin kit exhibition drew some of the ardent otakus to grace the event, below is a list of elaborative accounts:

Finally some new items on previewed from Ami Ami and Shokugan Honpo:

1. Megahouse's Kero Koma Mission 2: 灼熱のケロコマ島
(Part 2 of Keroro Gunsou figures with interchangable parts, Part 1 releasing this month.)
2. Megahouse's Petit Studio: Gundam Seed Destiny Stage 5
(Ok the Kira figurine seems to be repeated from earlier stages)
3. Alter's ぱにぽにだっしゅ！ Trading Mascot Collection
(I still feel that Alter should try not to defer from doing actual figurines)
4. Movic's GunXSword Trading Figure
(Isn't CM's part of Movic and they had done one series before?)
5. President Japan's Girls Bravo Traidng Figure
(I heard Girls Bravo is nothing but skin fest, ironically there's very little skin shown here.)
6. Megahouse's Comso Fleet Collection: 宇宙戦艦ヤマト ~愛の戦士たち編~
(Cool miniature space crafts with even much cooler base!)
7. Megahouse's Excellent Model: タランダ・リーゼロッテ・橘& 才賀エレオノール from "Karakuri Circus"
(Actual product been shown to entice complete figurine feverish collectors)
8. Alter's 1/8 厳島貴子 from "処女はお姉さまに恋してる"
(Not as appealing as the first piece in this series)
9. Alter's 1/8 竜胆リナ from "Hazuteru Chime Continue"
(Love the hair and that magical stuff but have the slightest idea who in the bluest hell this girl is)
10. Atelier Sai's フィーナ・ファム・アーシュライト from "夜明け前より瑠璃色な"
(Seems more interesting in terms of design as compared to the one from Kotobukiya)
11. Moore's Studio's Erik Larsson's Savage Dragon She Dragon Statute
(Nice, but since it's from Moore, it's surely expensive)
12. Megahouse's Art Works Monster: Chraffa Undead & Joker from "Kamen Rider Blade"
(Moving on to the KR Blade series)
13. Happinet Robin's FiguAx: Devilman Collection Complex
(Like the 4 pieces that are not repaints from the 1st series)

6th May 2006: Yujin SR Namco X Capcom & 2 loose Yujin SR Shining Tears

Items worth a mention from the August's list of Gashapon (pictures courtesy of east-up):

Bandai
1. Super Sentai Hero Gallery: Red Chronicle Vol. 1
(The leaders from the long history of super sentai being featured here)
2. Monster Hunter Collection
(Nice min figurines of this popular action RPG PS2 game, the only set I truly interested from August)
3. Brave Story Brave Swing
(This new Gonzo theatric feature bound to set the Japan's anime scene ablaze in the summer)
4. Nana Mini CD Collection
(A must have for all Nana fans!)
5. Neo Genesis Evanglion Ultimate Action Evangelion
(Nice articulated miniature Eva to rival the Kaiyodo-Yamaguchi ones from ages back)

Yujin
1. Capsule Cultural Seminar: 万国根付図鑑②　Egypt 根付
(After the Fengshui ones, now come the mummies and tombs of ancient Egypt)
2. Capsule Car Sensor
(Recreate your own mini car showroom! )
3. Geniro Pictorial: Ornamental Fish
(Should be renamed as the Goldfish special)
4. Melty Blood Figure Mascot
(New Tsukihime story-arc from Type Moon)
5. Pokemon Real Figure Collection: ポケモンレンジャーと蒼海の王子
(Nice diorama vignette figurines from the new Pokemon movie)

Toys Works
1. Capsule Works: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
(Cult following in the Japanese otaku-dom, so Toys works might get another winning series here.)

All in all, a rather lacklusture August line-up of gashapon with no strong SR & HG series to savour, which is really good for the budget to cater for more mouthwatering trading figurine series.

New Complete Figurines set for preorder on Ami Ami

1. ダイキ工業's 天下一剣客伝 Iruha from "Samurai Spirits"
(Sure looks better than the Yujin SRDX one)
2. ebcraft (Enterbrain)'s Saber from "Fate/stay night"
(Stunning Armor!)
3. Toynami's Talking Sumomo from "Chobits"
(Can be really irritating so beware!)
4. Organic's 1/8 神尾観鈴, 遠野美凪, 霧島佳乃 from "Air"
(Wow, now even the likes of Organic and Enterbrain is doing complete figurines)
5. Bandai's Super Black Jack Collection Part 3
(Updated pictures, didn't know Pachinko game characters can be so alluring)

29th April 2006: A loose Megahouse's Mobile Suit Gundam Seed & Seed Destiny Petit Studio Stage 4 & Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: ToHeart 2

1st May 2006: Loose McFarlane's Toys' Spawn Mini Trading Figure Series 1 & Yujin's SR Ikkitousen

New items on preview from Ami Ami:
1. Yuuyu's Trouble Windows XP-tan
(More of this OS-tan on the prowl)

2. Kotobukiya's Saber New Costume from "Fate/stay night"
(Not as nice as the first one from Kotobukiya)

3. Kotobukiya's 笹森花梨 from "ToHeart 2"
(Won't they ever stop with the ToHeart girls?!)

4. Kotobukiya's Fionne from "魔界戦記ディスガイア Disgaea"
(After Etna, naturally they would do Fionne or is it Max Factory that did Etna?)

5. Kotobukiya's 八重樫香苗 from "Pia Carrot Yokoso G.O."
(What is she bashful about?)

6. Kotobukiya's フィーナ・ファム・アーシュライト from "夜明け前より瑠璃色な"
(Isn't this girl from Shuffle?)

7. Kotobukiya's Belldanday ~Casual Clothing Ver.~ from "Ah! Megamisama"
(I can hear a lot of AMG fans shreiking "YES" with utmost satisfaction and anticipation)

8. Yamato's SIF EX 弓さやか from "Mazinger Z" ~Special Color Ver.~
(Not just as simple as a color difference right? *eyebrows raised*)

9. Wahuudo's Ragnarok Online Trading Figure Vol. 3
(The male Alchemist on the top looks really cool!)

10. Run'A's Pucchi Toys: Cars
(Yes the Pucchi Toys-Pixar campaign continues)

11. Kotobukiya's One Coin Figure Series: Utawarerumon (Re-issue)
(YES! I knew the re-issue would arrive now that the anime series has began)

12. Yanoman's Demon's Chronicles Part X
(So Yanoman is going to continue this series after all)

13. Vice's Small Arms (1/6 Scale) Collection
(Vice is challenging Zakka and Kotobukiya for this small scale arms)

14. Movic/ Vice's Robot Mini Figure Collection Vol. 1
(So it has been finally be scheduled for release)

New items on preview from Hobbynet:
1. Kotobukiya's 久我原 美森 from "Pia Carrot! Yokoso G.O."
(More of these Pia Carrot girls and this is the nicest thus far)

2. Kotobukiya's HMX-17a イルファ from "ToHeart 2"
(What a name...)

3. Megahouse's RAHDX Sunrize Edition: 01 SE:01 Sherry from "sCRYed" & SE:02 Lana from "Overman King Gainer"
(Finally moving away from the Gundam Heroines)

4. Megahouse's Excellent Model CORE: Reina from "Queen's Blade 流浪の戦士"
(Another unknown manga series Megahouse is covering)

5. Yujin's SRDX: Nina Williams from "Tekken"
(Hubba Hubba...)

New items on preview from Shokugan Honpo:
1. Square Enix's Final Fantasy Master Creatures
(Be prepared for silver and clear variants)

2. KaiyodoXSuntory Tennen no Mizu mineral water's Bird Tales 3: 高山の花鳥
(This time it's more than just mere birds, I like the snow ferret and the Tennen girl)

Have a great weekend ahead!

22nd April 2006: Konamu's Mecha Musume Vol. 2, Square Enix's Kingdom Hearts Formation Arts Vol. 2 & Wahuudo's Ragnarok Online Trading Figure Collection Vol. 2

Currently in the midst of finishing the barrage of new animation series this spring of 2006 had brought and as mentioned, this batch is definitely much entertaining and less sleep inducing than their predecessors from the winter of 2005.

School Rumble 二学期 : If you think Term One was absurd, Term Two just make it over the hill. In episode one Tenma tried to spice things up for her sister, Yakumo and Harima; resulting in my dear Harima totally shattered without a chance to express the true "kokuhaku" to Tenma. Meanwhile knowing that Yakumo had hand-made a bento for Harima, long-time admirer, Hanai too was shattered which fueled the battle of the 2 forces of class 2-C clashed in a totally out of this world pellet gun battle, instigated by the enigmatic Akira for what the class is supposed to do for the school carnival.

Ah! Megamisama ~Sorezore no Tsubasa~ : Art wise I felt there has been even greater improvement from AIC as compared to the 1st season. Storywise, 2 episodes on, I got a tinkling feeling that there has been some repetition from season 1 regarding the danger of Belldandy having to return to heaven, thus breaking her contract with Keiichi unless he could remember the oath he made in the first place. Then in episode 2, a more subdued Queen of the College, Sayako came chasing the only guy in the college that hadn't smitten by her charm, Keiichi and tried to cause a rift between him and Belldandy who now has officially became a student in the college. (Does she need to produce qualifying documents and who is paying the fee?)

魔界戦記ディスガイア Disgaea : Based on the Playstation 2 strategy RPG game of the same name, this anime series first drew my interest because of the exquisite design of the characters and the mad-cap storyline found within the game about Larhal, the son of a dead king of the demon world trying to gain the throne of his deceased father, helped by his childhood companion, Etna and an assassin from heaven, Fionne. The pilot episode has Fionne trying to assassinate Larhal's father but after 2 years of search in vain, she stumbled upon Larhal's hibernation crypt. The art is quite bad and does not do justice to the original designer and then you have a hero from earth arrives in a kiddish yellow spaceship with his sidekicks a busomy Jennifer (whose bouncing assets made Larhal weak) and a robot called Thursday. That part I don't understand totally and now hoping to have the penguins entertain me in the future episodes. Well if you want something uncomplicated and mindless, perhaps this is for you.

うたわれるもの Utawarerumono : Based on an Aqua Plus PC-based "ecchi" RPG, this story which started with a masked hero, with no memory of himself was saved from the brink of death by a girl with elvish ears and fix-tail known as Eruru. Together with her younger sister Aruru and grandmother who happens to be the village head cum physician, they resided in a village constantly been suppressed by a unreasonable government and in the 1st 2 episodes incurred the wrath of a forest god in the form of a formiable silver tiger which simply just vented its anger for a broken shrine by eating his worshippers every night. The torment was put to an end when the masked stranger found the mean to slaughter the tiger to the joy of the villagers. This series started with a fantastic opening theme and wonderful RPG style sequences which made me stuck to the series. Well at least they did not make things to complicated to understand.

Air Gear : A new series by Oh Great! (Ito Oogure) who gave us "Tenjo Tenge" as well about a new fad known as Air Trex which is a powerful rollerblade which endowed its wearer with speed as fast as a bullet and the ability to defy gravity and basically everything Superman is capable of except for strength. The lead character Ikki was been taken care by 4 sisters with names of fruits is a 13 year old (look like 16-17) at his rebellious prime. For some reason, he was mixed into a battle between rival Air Trex gangs and smitten with a dangerous character known as Shimuka. The whole tempo of the series is cool, the art is acceptable as well and supported by nice hip hop tracks. The ending sequence of a real life filming of someone zooming around the city is really interesting and worth checking out.

xxxHolic : We had seen the Witch of Time, Yuuko in episodes 1 & 2 of "Tsubasa Chronicle", and now this is the full tale about this scantily-clad fortune-teller/ soothsayer/ witchdoctor which handles some supernatural cases. It started with the male lead, Watanuki (which stands for 1st of April in Kanji) Kimihiko who always had the ability to spot supernatural beings chasing him around, suddenly stumbled into Yuuko's temple. She managed to solve his problem withe the supernatural irritants but in return he had to be her errand-boy, and prepared authentic Japanese snacks for her at her beck and call. I actually quite enjoy the 1st 2 episodes and Kimihiko is a male lead I don't grow to detest after a while (either become to whiny or one-dimensional). Then of course , the adorable black Mokona which always spice things up, together with Yuuko's irritating maids, Maru and Moro.

Well that's a few selected anime series which I hope would not disappoint further into the series.

New Items previewed on Ami Ami:

1. Alter's FA4: Last Exile Grand Stream
August release, 680yen each, let's hope its worth that price and worth the wait
2. Max Factory's Collect700: ひぐらしのなく頃に Trading Figure
Supposedly the 2nd largest craze within the Japan's otakudom after Fate/stay night, the anime series just started.
3. Unifive's Costume Party Maid Cafe Collection ~東西編~
Updated with picture of actual products
4. Unifive's Costume Party Maid Cafe Tetora Collection
Unifive is banking too much on the Maid Cafe thingie
5. CM's Great Exkizer X Great FighBird
Never even heard of this pair of super robots
6. Megahouse's Limited Model: 聖戦士ダンバイン (Dunbine) サーバイン Normal Version & 宮沢模型 Exclusive Version
Way Cool!
7. Megahouse's 輸入マーケット
Imported goods for the supermarket...
8. Yujin SR DX 金糸雀 from "Rozen Maiden traumend"
This might be the 4th piece in the Rozen Maiden series.
9. Yujin SR DX 風美由飛 from "パルフェ"
More maids for the otakus...
10. Kaiyodo's Mon-sieur BOME Collection Vol. 7: Bunny Girl Repaint Version
More bunny girls for the otakus...
11. ダイキ工業's 1/6 山田屋の悪魔さん complete figure
More purple-haird devil lady clad in nothing but black stockings, lacey apron and a cow-bell for the otakus...

New Items previewed on Hobbynet:

1. Gentle Giant's Corpse Bride Bust-ups Series 2
The Japanese are still very much obssessed with this stop motion feature.
2. Konami Figure Collection: Marchen Awaken Romance Vol. 1
The anime series kind of sucks but this set of figurines is just my cup of tea.
3. Konami's SF Movie Selection: King Kong (1933 Ver.)
Why not do the 2005 version?
4. Megahouse's Premium Heroines Idol Master
Who really are the idol masters?
5. Movic's School Rumble 2nd Term Book End Figure
Great bookends but at 4,800 yen each?!...a bit too expensive for me
6. Solid Theater's Nitroplus the 2nd Bullet
As previewed in the Wonder Festival, should be better than the first one.
7. Solid Theater's Flat Style
Still no confirmation date of release and price

New Items previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Maistar Japan's 里見八犬伝 -クリスタル宝珠- (Satomi Hakkenden Crystal Beads)
Everyone should catch the TBS New Year special on this classic Japanese literature!

13th April 2006: Square Enix's Final Fantasy Trading Arts Vol. 2 & Bandai's Keron Army Kyoui Mechanism

New items featured at Ami Ami:

1. Vice's ｌａｉｎ（玲音) 1/8 scale size PVC figure
(Very rustic-looking figure!)
2. Alter's 1/8 Amy from "Bakuretsu Tenshi 爆裂天使"
(The 4th in the Baku-Tenshi series!)
3. Alter's 1/8 宮小路瑞穂 from "処女はお姉さまに恋してる"
(This is the attractive figurine standing beside the dark Saber from "Fate/ hollow ataraxia" in the past Wonder Festival)
4. GSC's 1/6 Saber ~Vacation ver.~ from "Fate/ hollow ataraxia"
(Upsize from the Kotobukiya's one without the sandal in her hand.)
5. GSC's 1/8 Melissa Salafy from "ＷＡＧＡ魔々かぷりちお"
(Think Jack Skellington just fell in love...)
6. Max Factory's 1/7 Ignis from "塵骸魔京"
(The 1st of 3 that will be released by rival companies)
7. Max Factory's 1/7 浅羽嬉子 from "奥さまは魔法少女"
(The umbrella is a bit out of style....)
8. Toys Planning's Elvish Girl ~Normal Version~ & ~Deep Version~
(Someone should call them to inform them that Lord of the Rings fever is over...)
9. Toys Planning's Capsule Figure 褌娘 fundoshi Musume

June's Re-ment Line-up (Courtesy of Shokugan Honpo)

1. Natsu Yasumi (Summer Holiday)
2. 満喫和食処 (Authentic Japanese Cuisine)
3. スーパーでおかいもの (Shopping at Supermarket)

The finalised product of the 3 diorama sets for ARIA in the weekly magazine, "月刊ウンディーネ" in the month of July can be seen here. It reminds me alot of those girlish playstes known as "Polly Pocket" in terms of playability. You can stack the 3 up together to create a complete piece, but the figurines look awful.

Has been running short of anime series to follow (despite having abundant on waiting list to watch)

"Mushishi" kind of ended abruptly at episode 20 though the remaining 6 episodes are slated for screening in May. It was a really enjoyable show especially the final few episodes.

I was amazed at myself to actually endure the entire series of "Shakugan no Shana" when I was dumbfounded by what they were trying to show for like 3/4, no wait make that 7/8 of the entire 24 episodes run. The ending had Shana saved his whiny Mistes, Yuuji from the grasp of the whatever creatures they are called and virtually save the world. I would like to see the 2 guys, Ike & Tanaka play a more important as I like them the most in the entire series. I shiver at the thought of a movie feature coming out for this, but do not bet about the fact that I might not watch it.

Well with spring comes 2nd seasons to a couple of anime series that I adored sometime back:
1. School Rumble 二学期 - Harima, the Tsukamoto sisters and basically the mad-cap gang is back and I surely would feel revitalised with the return of my favorite character ever in anime...Napolean, the pet pig of Harima..
2. Ah! Megamisama: Sorezore no Tsubasa - Might be a new story arc and since the manga series had been on going for like ages now I am sure there would be ample story to tell about how the love between Belldandy and Keiichi would blossom.

Plus the "Disgaea" series, I am sure the spring season would bring better anime quality than the bleak winter.

The gashapon list for the month of July is out and it surely suits my notion of cutting down on gashapon and focus more on high quality trading figurines.
Basically absolutely nothing of my interest but below are some notable ones (All courtesy of east-up):

Bandai

1. Kinnikuman Favorite Bout Collection
(A rip-off from Medicos but seemingly better than Yamato)

2. Fate/stay night Fate Swing
(So FSN is a property owned by the likes Bandai, GSC, Yujin, Toys Works which all bank on that popular Type-Moon franchise)

3. HG Dragonball Z Part 11 ~未来から来た少年編~
(Hey guys, think you start to repeat some characters...hello anyone there?)

4. Saint Seiya Close (Cross) Up Saint Vol. 3

Yujin

1. Cars Diorama Figure
(Great collectibles for Pixar fans, and they are only 100yen each!)

2. Aria Furarin Fura Mascot
(Seems like this series about some Moe-style gondola transport service is gaining ground in Japan)

3. SR Quiz Magic Academy
(?????????.....????...)

Capsule Works

1. Ichigo Mashmallow お泊り編 Tadaima!
(Ok, is it me or is Toy Works a bit too much with these repaints?)

Some shokugan news from Shokugan Honpo:

1. Bofford Japan's "和の匠"
(Authentic Japanese indeed!)

1. Pleasant Angels' "仏-BUDDHA- Vol. 2"
(Is Vol. 1 even out yet?)

Complete Figurine & Trading Figure sneaked on Ami Ami:

1. Megahouse's Excellent Model: Blood+ 音無小夜
(Very cool base, if only the anime series is just as attractive)
2. Megahouse's Excellent Model: Keroro Gunsou 2 Mystic Heroines Angol Mois & Azumaya Koyuki
(Keroro magic still continues!)
3. Megahouse's Bleach みくじ 尸魂界ｖｅｒ☆ ＢＯＸ
(The blood-sucking fortune-telling handphone strap has spread from Gundam Seed to Bleach)
4. Popy's Keroro Gunsou 両面メタル根付 Cosplay Ver. ケロロ大集合！
(The Kero Troop Cosplaying!)
5. Popy's B Club pure 朝比奈涼風 from "Suzuka"
6. Musashiya's 1/5 呂蒙子明 III from " 一騎当千"
(The pose is really weird..)
7. Happinet Robin's 12cm 麻衣マチコ バスタオル Version from "まいっちんぐマチコ先生"
(Who's This?)
8. Wahuudo's 1/6 橘玲 from "ぱにぽにだっしゅ！"
(A Cheap Parody of Mizuho from Onegai Teacher)
9. Kotobukiya's 1/8 ミント・レンティル from " 魔女っ娘 A.La.Mode"
(Genuine Kotobukiya's quality paintjob)
10. Kotobukiya's 1/8 椚あやの from " Pia Carrot Yokoso G.O."
(Wonder what she is doing with a baseball bat)
11. Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monster Gallery ~Chapter 3~
(Ugh, I want this to complete my series!)
12. Konami's Figumate Mahou Sensei Negima! Vol. 5
(Have they even covered half the class yet?)
13. Toys Planning's Da Capo Summer Vacation (D.C.S.V.) Capsule Figure Collection
(Have Toy's Planning ever consider doing a male figurine?)
14. CM's Anna Medaiyu & King Gaina from "Overman King Gaina"
(CM's version of King Gaina)
15. Happinet Robin's 3D Design: Ichigo Mashmallow Vol. 1.5 feat.伸ねえ
(Nobue Nee-chan!!)

Well that's all for now...

1st April 2006: Organic's Samurai 7 群像侍集; Bandai's Bleach Characters 3

1st April 2006: Bandai's HG Dragonball Z Imagination Part 7; Kotobukiya's One Coin Shin Megami Tensei Part 3

1st April 2006: Tomytec's Tetsudou Musume Vol. 2; Sega's Neon Genesis Evangelion Star & Constellation Mini Display Figure Series 4

1st April 2006: Toranoana's Palm Characters: Dengeki Bunkou Characters

Dhoulmagus: Exterminate them!!
Gigantous: Gwahhahawah....

Hero: Your Majesty, you could do something more than just pointing...
King Trode: Er..usually my guards would do the killing for me.

Angelo: These buggers just wouldn't rest do they? I'm late for my date with the maiden from the last village.
Yangus: Can you bring me along for the date?

Notice a list of items scheduled for release in the latter half of 2006, only stated within Hobbynet thus far:

Konami

1. Konami Figure Collection: Rumble Roses Vol. 2 (August Release)
2. Konami Figure Collection: Itoh Chika 伊藤 千佳& Matsuoka Miu 松岡 美羽 from "Ichigo Mashmallow" (JulyRelease)
3. Konami Figure Collection: Sakuragi Matsuri 桜木 茉莉 from "Ichigo Mashmallow" (August Release)
4. Konami Figure Collection: 日ノ本 零子 from "Rumble Roses" (September Release)
5. Konami Figure Collection: Eblu Rose from "Rumble Roses" (September Release)
6. Konami Figure Collection: Anastasia from "Rumble Roses" (September Release)
7. Konami Figure Collection: Aigru from "Rumble Roses" (September Release)

Megahouse

1. Robot Anime G. A. Vol. 6: アイナ・サハリン from "機動戦士ガンダム 第08MS小隊" (August Release)
2. Excellent Model: タランダ・リーゼロッテ・橘& 才賀エレレオノール（しろがね） from "からくりサーカス Karakuri Circus" (July Release)
3. Cosmo Fleet Collection: 宇宙戦艦ヤマト P-2 (July Release)

Kotobukiya

1. Kingdom Hearts Play Arts: Sora (August Release)
2. 1/8 Belldandy ~Casual Clothing Ver.~ from "あぁ女神さま" (July Release)
3. 1/8 アリカ・コメミヤ from "舞-乙HIME" (July Release)
4. One Coin Grande: Escaflowne (天空のエスカフローネ ) (July Release)
5. One Coin: 女神転生 悪魔召還録－第四章- (July Release)
6. 1/144 Plastic Model: ヴァイスリッター from "Super Robots Taisen" (July Release)
7. 1/8 笹森 花梨 from "To Heart2" (June Release)

Atelier Sai

1. 1/10 scale Action Figure 舞-乙HIME エルスティン (July Release)
2. Neverland Heroines Collection (July Release) (Courtesy of Hobby Stock)

Yujin

1. TFC 英国戀物語エマ (July Release)

Bandai

1. Figure Maister アージュ Collection from "Akane Maniax" (July Release)
2. Kamen Rider- 怪人名鑑 Series: KR 35th Anniversary Item (July Release)

Arts of War

1. 1/15 グリフィス（鷹の団) 乗馬 from "Berserk" (July Release)

Takara

1. Micro World F/144 装甲騎兵ボトムズ Votoms (July Release)

浪漫堂

1. Hip! Hip! Hip Parade! (June Release)

Book/ Magazine Exclusive

1. Microman 2006 Play World: Micro Sisters Uni (Figure included Manga) (July Release)
2. 月刊ウンディーネ Orange Planet, Aria Company & Hime-ya(July Release)

Lastly some miniature food series previewed on Shokugan Honpo:

1. Megahouse's おうちでアイス (Ice-cream at Home)
2. Re-ment's Pucchi Sample: ほっぺがおちちゃう
3. Kaiyodo's Chinese Imperial Cuisine Figure Collection: 満漢全席 (Comes with Suntory Oolong Tea)

18th March 2006: Toy's Planning's White Breath Figure Collection

18th March 2006: Square Enix's Dragon Quest Monster Gallery ~Chapter 2~

18th March 2006: Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 7 Limited Version: X'mas Rei & Asuka

18th March 2006: Wedding Certificate from Registry of Marriage.... who says an otaku can't get hitched?

A list of items are scheduled for release in coming months which you might have to notice off to set aside enough budget for (All Courtesy of Ami Ami):

Complete Figure

1. Kotobukiya's Joker & Harley Quinn Cold Cast Statute
(True blue Batman fans should not give this statue a miss!!)

2. Solid Theater's 1/8 榊原ユキエ＆奈波奈々 from " ちびママ" ~Normal Version~ & Banana is a Snack? Repaint 縞パンver ブルー
(More "Banana is a Snack?")

3. Atelier Sai's 1/6 Theresa from " Full Metal Panic TSR" ~Race Queen Ver.~ Black
(*YAWN*)

4. Toranoana's Fine Scenery: FineScenery 機械化歩兵 Series Soviet ト連邦空軍試作機 Mig60

5. Q-Six's 1/6 Milk Tank Teacher 寧寧 (Ne Ne) Complete Figure & ディシプリン・音川沙織 しまパンver. Complete Figure
(Strictly for above 18 years of age!!)

6. Clayz's 1/6 Saber ~White Swimsuit Ver~ from " Fate/ hollow ataraxia"
(Saber in White Swimsuit + Kendo Stick + Miyagawa Takashi!!)

Miniature Figurine, Trading Figurine & Gashapon

1. CM's 舞-HiME Collection Figure 番外編 ピチピチ夏の大冒険 完成品 限定版 & 舞-HiME＆舞-乙HiME Collection Figure Part 3
(Chan take note!!)

2. Toranoana's Palm Characters: "Fate/stay night" Archer & Rin Set
(Since I got , how could I miss this set.)

3. CM's Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~ Collection Figure
(Haven't seen the anime series, but got a feeling it's a lesbian story.)

4. Organic's CrowsXWorst Black List 2nd Scarface Blue Scar Version
(This series seems to garner some cult followings)

5. Movic/ Vice's GrowLanser Mini Figure

6. Toranoana's Palm Characters: Rozen Maiden traumend
(Two words: I WANT!!)

7. Millenium's D.G.P. 戦乙女 ヴァルキリー
(YUCKS!!)

Seen anything you like? No? Don't kid yourself...

11th March 2006: Kotobukiya's One Coin Ushiototora

Complete Figurine slated for release: (All Courtesy of Ami Ami)

1. GSC's 1/8 沢近愛理 from "School Rumble"

2. GSC's 1/8 Karlman 99 from "GunXSword"

3. Max Factory's 強殖装甲ガイバー Guyver I / Image Head Plus Action Figure

4. Yujin's SRDX 天下一剣客伝 Iroha from "Samurai Spirits" 宮沢模型 Exclusive

5. Megahouse's Art Works Monster: Kamen Rider 555 Vol. 3 ロブスターオルフェノク & ローズオルフェノク

Trading Figurines slated for release:

1. Square Enix's Valkyrie Profile Trading Figures (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(MUST HAVE!!!!!!)

2. Yanoman's 水木しげる妖怪 Figure Collection 大百怪 第一巻 (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(Yanoman's next venture after Demon's Chronicles)

3. Banpresto's Maid Cafe Collection 東西編 (Courtesy of Hobbynet)
(Part 2 of the popular Maid Cafe series, which should give more options for otaku's to indulge in)

Just finished watching Part 1 of the "Hellsing OAV" done by Wild Geese/ Geneon Entertainment.
I haven't really watched the Gonzo-produced TV series and it seems like some viewers proclaimed this is OAV is a much better adaptation of the story from the manga series with the usual hefty OAV budget.
I was quite blown away from some action sequences especially the duel between Alucard and that Alexander Anderson. And yes, there was plenty of blood and gore too. Not to forget fans service with Seras Victoria's bouncing bosom.

Overall an entertaining vampire-gothic show with the only part I dislike would be when the characters started to hurl each other's alter nicknames or in the case of the head of Hellsing, every time anyone seen her, they would repeat that same long name of hers as if the viewers actually keep a hoot what the full name is.

Some figure information:

1. 鋳薔薇 Character Figure Midi & Medi (Source Courtesy of アスまんが劇場)

2. Updated pictures of exclusive "GunXSword" Wendy figure from Vol. 9 of the DVD series as well as Brisha from Vol. 10 (Source Courtesy of アスまんが劇場)

3. Atelier Sai's Shuffle! Vol. 4 1/8 scale Primera ~Casual Clothing Ver.~ (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

4. Atelier Sai's Shuffle! 1/6 scale Theresa from "Full Metal Panic! TSR" ~Race Queen Ver. ~ White & Atelier Sai's Shuffle! 1/6 scale Theresa from "Full Metal Panic! TSR" ~Race Queen Ver. ~ Yellow (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

5. Yamato's SIF EX Wendy from "GunXSword" (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

6. Yamato's SIF EX 弓さやか from "Mazinger Z" (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

7. West Kange's Super Robot Pilot Part 2: 炎ジュン (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

Some gashapon/ trading figure series previewed in Akihabara (Report by Akibajin Blog):

1. Bandai's HGIF Mai Otome Part 2

2. Bandai's Neo Genesis Evangelion Characters Type-F

3. Bandai's MS Gundam Seed Destiny EF Collection Part 5

4. Square Enix's Final Fantasy Trading Arts Vol. 2

Well it seems like the Japanese toy market is buzzing with new releases in the near future, get me all excited.
Wish everyone had a great weekend ahead and a fruitful one of course!

The very first anime I watched on my iPod video is a new anime series called "Shinigami no Ballad (Ballad of the Death God)".

This series originated from Dengeki Bunkou under Mediaworks talks about Death God which is like the most hot topic to cover in the Japanese manga scene. However unlike the sword-welding ones in "Bleach" nor the grotesque ones in "Death Note", this time is a "Moe" style girl in all white, known as Momo.
Demure as she looked, she comes with a fearsome sickle as well as a black cat with wings known as Daniel who could talk.
In the pilot episode we have a tragic love story between 2 elementary school students who had unspoken affections for each other as well as stray cat they treated as their love child (in a very innocent, child-like way).
However the girl is suffering from serious bout of asthma and was taken from existence by Momo herself.

My girlfriend likes it but I think it is just another meek anime series that is a norm in the anime of the class of 05/06.

Complete PVC Figurines &Trading Figure Releasing soon (Courtesy of Ami Ami):

1. Toys Works Super Robot Taisen Part 6: Renee Zolduc

2. Kotobukiya 1/8 姫百合瑠璃 from "To Heart 2"

3. Kotobukiya 1/8 草壁優希 from "To Heart 2"

4. Kotobukiya 1/8 大佛はずむ from "Kashimashi ~Boy Meets Girl~"

5. Kaiyodo/Organic Bome Collection Part 12: Chidori & Theresa from "Full Metal Panic!"

6. Max Factory 1/8 アル・アジフ from "斬魔大聖 Demonsbane"

7. Megahouse Excellent Model Core: レイナ・ストール from "マシンロボ クロノスの大逆襲"

8. Alter 1/8 Black Saber Dress Ver. from "Fate/hollow ataraxia"

9. Alter 1/8 ヒカル／死神装束Ver. from "Peace@Pieces"

10. Wahuudo To Heart Trading Figure Part 3

Features from the June list of Gashapons (Courtesy of east-up):
Bandai

1. Keroro Full Color
(Chibi Keroro army!!)

2. HGIF Air Gear
(Could be the HGIF Eureka seven of 2006)

3. HGIF Gainax Heroines Part 3
(Rei & Asuka as car girls!!)

4. Pokemon AD Action Gimmick Figure
(Movable pocket monsters!)

5. Futari wa Precure Splash Star Figure DX

6. Kamen Rider Kabuto Capsule Cast of Rider
(Fix up your own Kabuto)

7. HG Dragonball Z Imagination Part 8
(This series can only becomes better and better)

8. Captain Tsubasa Imagination
(Just in time for the World Cup)

Yujin

1. Ocha-ken Mini House 2

2. SR To Heart2 Part 3

3. Children's Encyclopedia トレーシー島大図鑑（Thunderbird）

Pixar's new animated feature, "Cars" would be due in June as well and Yujin was quick to bank on that movie with this couple of gashapon release:

1. Cars Fastner Mascot

2. Cars Figure Strap

June is also the month of World Cup and with Japan one of the 32 nations in the competition, you would be sure national pride would be the highest and in the gashapon scene we already see Bandai doing a Captain Tsubasa Imagination set.
Then Yujin gives us this Children Encyclopedia (Sports) Soccer Goal Strap
Epoch is also releasing 2 to 3 sets of figurines of the Japan World Cup Squad but no picture available.

So waiting for some World Cup action with some commemorative gashapons to savour by then!

One of the Wonder Festival report I had been waiting for has finally done and been uploaded:
Shokugan Honpo (食玩本舗)'s Wonder Festival Winter 2006 report.

More in depth review on what's coming up for shokugans and trading figurines (i.e. general blind box stuffs); which covers companies like F toys and Megahouse which we rarely seen in other reports. They also included the title of each series, estimated price and date of release for prospective collectors.

With the cloud of dust caused by the WF commotion now well settled, it is down to the companies to start manufacture what they had previewed and promised to deliver.

However it is relatively quiet as of now but still some items to be taken note of for release in coming months:

Book/ Magazine/Game Exclusive Figure
1. Binchotan Figure Book 給食当番Ver.

2. 一騎当千 (Ikkitousen) Book 11 with exclusive SR 関羽雲長 figurine (Courtesy of Mangaoh)

3. Hobby Japan 超像大全 with exclusive original Medicos produced Kinnikuman figurine (Courtesy of Hobbynet)

4. アルケミスト、メイド喫茶AVG「ショコラ」の続編 PS2「パルフェ - Chocolat Second Style -」 with exclusive 花鳥玲愛 figurine

Complete PVC Figurine
1. Yujin SR DX Alice Carol from "Aria" (Courtesy of Getchu)

2. Hobby Stock 椰子 なごみ from "つよきす"

3. Yamato TANDEM TWIN 動物ねーちゃん 山猫 紅玉 & 緑玉 (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

4. Kaiyodo Revoltech Dougram ,Dante & Shin Getter 1(Courtesy of Hobbynet)

Shokugan & Trading Figure series
1. Bandai Fate/Stay Night Torikore (Courtesy of Hobby Channel)

2. Bandai Neo Genesis Evangelion Figure Collection 2006 (Courtesy of Shokugan Honpo)

3. Pleasant Angels 仏-BUDDHA- Vol. 1 (Courtesy of Shokugan Honpo)

4. Zakka 戦国合戦絵巻～川中島決闘～ (Courtesy of Shokugan Honpo)

5. Re-ment Pucchi Showcase & Pucchi Sample Series:本日開店コンビニ (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

6. Bandai ケロン軍驚異のメカニズム (Courtesy of Hobbynet)


Fancy some sports figurines?
1. Zakka プロ格 Heroes Vol. 2 , 3, 4 & 5(Courtesy of Hobbynet)

2. FT Champ Series 3 inch Trading Collection Figure: Real Madrid & (Courtesy of Hobbynet)

3. 選手フィギュアパズル(Courtesy of Hobbynet)

25th February 2006: Cominica's Tonari no Totoro Bus Stop Totoro Statue

25th February 2006: Pettan Chu's Doujinshi with ぽこぴーあんどてぃーず スクミズめいど３ ますかっと・びおれちゃん (Biore chan) figurine ; Bandai's One Piece Figure Collection ~激闘！CP9編~; Family Mart/ Kaiyodo's "Heidi, A Girl of The Alps" Bottle Cap Figure Collection

In the complete PVC figurine scene, you had seen previous bout with Kos-mos from "Xenosaga" between Kaiyodo-Bome Collection series and one of the alliance of Alter-GSC-Max Factory.
Here is round 2, featuring イグニス (Ignis) from "塵骸魔京" with a Bome version (Courtesy of Akibajin) as well as a Max Factory(Courtesy of Toy Can). Not forgetting Alter coming out one with a cool pose as well!
All 3 look good but I actually prefer the Max Factory one.

For Kotobukiya, I really like a Belldandy(Courtesy of Sutareya) in her usual domestic costume with apron.

I'm beginning to really dig the style of Alter's complete PVC figurine and this time round beside the Ignis piece I mentioned above. They have 2 really enticing ladies delivering in the coming months:
Black Saber from "Fate/ Hollow ataraxia" as well as Hikaru from "Peace@Pieces" (Both courtesy of Behind Room)

Konami continues with their "Figure Collection" series of high quality 1/8 to 1/6 scale pre-painted complete PVC figurine with the likes of "Mahou Sensei Negima", "Rumble Roses" and this time round they also touched on the extremely "Moe(萌え)" "Ichigo Mashimaro" and there is this pair of Miu and Chi-chan(Courtesy of Sutareya) having a milk shake at a family restaurant (most probably where Nobue worked previously) which is onf of the few items I am interested in.

As for trading figurines, I could sense many companies trying to inject some revival in an ailing market with some high quality series which I had compiled in the table below, most are previewed for the 1st time exclusively here while other had been in plans with proposed release date but with actual product seen here.

To begin with here is my wanted list:

Name & Brand	Details	Photo Courtesy of
Alter's FA4 Last Exile This full color versio is actually been previewed in another hobby convention before this; surely a must have for me!	Unknown Price & Date Released	Akibajin Blog
Alter's FA4 Type Moon Collection The full set of the designed sculpt is shown this time instead of just Saber and the 両儀式 from "Tsukihime" are shown like the last Wonder Festival	Price Unknown; Autumn release	Behind Room
Kotobukiya's One Coin Shin Megami Tensei Volume 4 Still longing for my Volumen 3 to arrived, the Volume 4 was duly presented to be released in 4 months time. Wonder how many volumes have they in store, doesn't matter, I will get them all!	Should be 500yen; June release	暴走する千葉のサル
Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: Moe-tan With these girls in, I think I can contemplate on selling my 1/8 scale Nijihara-tan	682yen *GULP*; May release	Behind Room
Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: To Heart2 This set would kick off the new "One Coin Grande" series and hopefully the quality justify that high price...	630yen; April release	Behind Room
Kotobukiya's One Coin Grande: 天空のエスカフローネ (Escaflowne) Looks really alluring, goes very well with the Panzer World Galient set.	Price Unknown; Summer release	暴走する千葉のサル
GSC's Smile600 Fate/ Stay Night Posing Figure Posable FSN characters and for once have more male characters with the inclusion of the cool-looking Gilgamesh and Lancer.	600yen; Date release unknown	Sutareya
Organic's Samurai 7 群像侍集 Very exquisite stuff that had been in production for a few good months now.	Price Unknown; March release	Behind Room
Wahuudo's Ragnarok Online Trading Figure Collection Part 2 First time characters seen with respective weapons.	500yen; April release	Behind Room
Toranoana's Palm Characters: Dengeki Bunkou Characters The 2 chase figurines' sneakl preview on the bottom right corner	500yen; March release	Behind Room
Toranoana's Palm Scenery: Nado-tan Beautiful vignettes of Nado-tan, the official mascot for the popular hobby blog , "アキバblog".	Unknown Price & Date Release	Behind Room
Toranoana's Palm Characters: Rin & Archer set To follow up to the "Shiroh & Saber set" released 2 years back, hopefully the price is the same.	Unknown Price & Date Release	Behind Room
Solid Theater's Pocket Theater DX ~The 2nd Bullet~(I assume) No frontal view given, but looks much better than the part 1	Unknown Price & Date Release	Akibajin
Atelier Sai's Trading Figure series for a GameCube Action RPG game (please help if you know the name) Only Akibajin gave the information that it is from Atelier Sai which I fear would turn out to be of lousy quality as the previous "Ys" series.	Unknown Price & Date Release	Akibajin
Vice's Shin Onimusha (新鬼武者) Collection The game is highly accoladed and raved, let's hope the figurines could it it justice.	Summer Release; Price Unknown	Behind Room
Movic/Vice's Robot Trading Figure Collection With the colored finished products, I know I must get this set for sure.	600yen; Date Release Unknown	HK-DMZ Plus.com
Movic/Vice's PSE3 Finally a male character!	300yen; Date Release Unknown	HK-DMZ Plus.com
Yamato's Story Image Figure: Cowboy bebop Part 2 Looks so much better than the Part 1	Unknown Price & Date Release	Behind Room

Below is the list also previewed for the first time on the event but not enough to tempt me:

Name & Brand	Details	Photo Courtesy of
Konami's Rumble Roses Figure Collection Vol. 2 More of these succulent female wrestlers	630yen, Summer Release	Akibajin Blog
Konami's SF Movie Selection: 小さな勇者たち～GAMERA～ Small Gamera?	Price Unknown, October Release	Toy Can
Max Factory's Collect 500: GunXSword Swimsuit version of the heroines in the show	500yen, August Release	Akibajin
Toranoana's Palm Scenery: 「にゃん猫ガーデン　～木漏れ日の猫娘たち～（狩）」 (Nyan Neko Garden) Swimsuit version of the heroines in the show	Price Unknown, Summer Release	Behind Room
Ensky's Capcom Companion Characters All the companies just want to coup from the popular Capcom heroines	Unknown Price & Date Release	暴走する千葉のサル

Below is the list which have been either previewed before or soon to be released, shown first time in final products on the show:

Name & Brand	Details	Photo Courtesy of
Konami's SF Movie Selection: Gamera Vol. 2	525yen, 27th February Release	暴走する千葉のサル
Movic/Vice's Grow Lanser Mini Figure	600yen, Date Release unknown	千川オタク御殿
Max Factory's Collect 600: ひぐらしのなく頃に	600yen, July Release	Behind Room
Ensky's 逆転裁判法廷 Figure Collection	420yen, April Release	暴走する千葉のサル
Organic's Spiderman Action Vignette Figure	500yen, March Release	Behind Room
Yamato's Story Image Figure: Marvel Universe Part 1	630yen, April Release	Behind Room
Yamato's Story Image Figure: Marvel Universe Part 2	630yen, Date Release Unknown	Behind Room

Below is the list of trading figurine still in pipeline:

Name & Brand	Details	Photo Courtesy of
Medicos Entertainment's Neo Revolution: Kinnikuman Part 4 ~Super Beings' Olympic~	Price & Date Release Unknown	絡繰網寄道喫茶
Medicos Entertainment's Neo Revolution: Galaxy Express 999 ~Final Station: Andromeda~
Medicos Entertainment's Neo Revolution: Jo Jo's Strange Adventures
Medicos Entertainment's Neo Revolution: Saint Seiya Anime Ver. ~Twelve Golden Palaces~
E3 Staff's GFC Yakitate!! Japan	Price Unknown; May Release	Akibajin
Max Factory's Collect 500: Onegai Honsen HABA! HABA!	Price & Date Release Unknown	絡繰網寄道喫茶

So if you are an avid trading figurines collector like myself, deifnitely have to plan your budget and lie, cheat and steal to get all the sets you desired!!
Have a great weekend ahead!

The winter edition of 2006 Wonder Festival had just ended on Sunday and Japanese toys & hobby companies got the scene buzzing with a line-up of a galore of new items for released in the next 6 months or so.

Below is a list of selected reports worth a look:

1. Akibajin Blog's Reports on: Kotobukiya, Alter, GSC & Max Factory, Kaiyodo & Wonder Showcase, Yamato, Toranoana & Toy's Planning, Other big companies including Konami, Griffon & Atelier Sai, Others (1), (2), Cosplay & T's System Exclusive
(Perhaps the most comprehensive report with names of figurines included and of course nice vivid pictures.)

2. 千川オタク御殿's Report & Review on GSC's WF exclusive Saber set
(I like the way he set a menu page for all the companies which include the likes of Konami & Toranoana which is not seen in other reports include Akibajin's, but no details of the names of each figurines.)

3. 暴走する千葉のサル's Report
(Always like to see her reports on major hobby conventions and events but a lot of focus put on Kaiyodo miniature figurines, tokusatsu-based characters and general shokugans. But she included Ensky aka Amada Printing as well as Organic)

4. すたれ屋's Photo Report
(7 pages of nice and detailed photos with the last page strictly inacessible for those under 18)

5. Behind Room Photo Library
(177 delectable pictures which are perhaps some of the best seen so far...)

6. 常時リソース不足's Report
(He has some really alternative stuff on review there.)

7. :::::HK-DMZ PLUS.COM:::::'s Report
(Features more on customised items and resin kit and I like the way he put the entire phot collections in collage form which is easy to view; really like the customised Rozen Maiden and Vash the Stampede Pinky:St)

8. 絡繰網寄道喫茶's Report
(The only one showing the new Medicos Entertainment's Neo Revolution series to be releasing in the future.)

9. Earl Box's Report
(Review on the CM's WF exclusive of Mai & Erica from the Mai-HiMe series)

10. Toy Can's Report
(More up close and personal shots of those on display)

11. にゃ～こ's Report
(Another photo intensive journey which includes the queueing process)

My after-thoughts

Before I look through more comprehensive reports (namely Akiba-jin Blog), I felt that this Wonder Festival was bleak in comparison to the 2 in 2005 in terms of items previewed.

However it seems like there are some gems waiting to be ushered in the coming months before the next Wonder Festival in August.

Firstly the disappointment from the main organiser Kaiyodo themselves...
No new gashapon, shokugan nor trading figurines in store for the likes of K&M, K-T and even Horico (Rescue 119 Part 2 was previewed eons back).
No sign of Tomy, Yujin or Megahouse in this event either despite their previous participation.

11th February 2006: Solid Theater's Pocket Theater DX:Nitroplus Characters ~The First Bullet~ & Megahouse's GCC Tekken 5

11th February 2006: Bandai's HG CapcomXNamco; Yujin's Nightmare Before X'mas Figure Collection 2 ~Now & Forever~ & Toys Works' Capsule Works: Ichigo Mashimaro ~Bath Version~

11th February 2006: Loose Bandai's One Piece Styling 2; Bandai's ケロロ小隊全員集合であります3 めぐりあいそう & more Yujin's SR Zoid Action Art Collection Part 2

A week to go to the Wonder Festival, and some updates on some more exclusives going to be featured in the show:

1. Kaiyodo's WF Special items (No Picture available) & Wonder Showcase's showcase

2. CM's WF exclusive Mai & Arika Set

3. Max Factory & GSc Official Exclusive List

4. T's System's 甘露樹x宮川武 1/8 complete PVC Inu Mimi

""Binchotan" the anime series is here!

After been mesmerized by the adorable figurines for 2 years now, the anime series finally hit the screen on TBS in Japan in early February.
Produced by Studio Deen (who gave us "Fate/stay Night" as well), the whole mood of the opening sequence gives one a very soothing and colorful anime series which focused a lot on the beautiful mother nature which the mountain-based Binchotan loves so much. We are also introduced the various characters we had grown to know so well such as Chiku-tan, Ren-tan, Aroe etc.

The pilot episode sees Binchotan's daily activity and explains the vignette of her sitting on a duck in "TFC Binchotan Part 1".

Everything was good till I found out one episode is only 12 minutes long...argh! Will be looking forward to future episodes for sure...

Some upcoming figurine releases (All Courtesy of Ami Ami):
1. Toys Planning's 緋月鮎美 from "燐月"

2. Solid Theater's 柊日向 from "ひなたぼっこ"
(Really compliments the Pocket Theater set with much better quality)

3. Solid Theater's 戸倉真由 & 新山葵 from "秋色恋華"

4. Kyara Ani's Rozen Maiden Figure Collection
(No more exclusive but price is still set at the hefty 5000yen mark!)

Some upcoming CM's releases (All Courtesy of Ami Ami):
1. Yuusha (勇者) Heroines Collection Figure

2. Mai-HiME Collection Figure Part 2.5 宮沢模型限定商品

3. Rally Car Collection SS.5 Lancia Part 2 & SS.6 Subaru

4. ＢＲＡＶＥ合金 絶対無敵ライジンオー God Rajin-oh

Piccoro's Black Cat Products(All Courtesy of Hobbynet):
1.Trading (Box) Figure Collection

2.Capsule Series

Last but not least, remember the Exclusive Theresa Rose figure that comes with the CD of the STG "Ibara (鋳薔薇)"?
It seems like that figure is brilliantly done by the the skillful Kaiyodo crew with information here (Courtesy of Akiba-jin Blog)

Looks really alluring and the 2nd & 3rd figure are in the plans as well with the prospect of all 6 to be made.

That's all from now have a great weekend and a wonderful Valentine's Day on Tuesday!!

We begin today's rant to commemorate the revamp of one of my favorite (perhaps the only) English-language collector's site:

Black Label's Gashapon & Shokugan

I thought Mabel, aka Black Label who is based in Canada who had stopped updating her previous webpage for almost a year, had given up on maintaining a webpage on our favorite miniature figurines collections but boy was I wrong...
This new and improved site is even much pleasing to the eyes in terms of the color chosen and I love the header collage which Mabel really did a splendid job using Photoshop, something I am still not that good in.
Beside a lot of updates since the last time I had checked out the old link, she had fun mix-matching her collections much as I had did in my "Wah Lau!" section which is definitely worth a look.
I really fancy the way she categorized her collections with an alphabetical option and made it so simple for viewers with an icon of what to expect. Surely much easier to navigate than in my case and her usage of frame in her html scipt is truly subtle.

So to Mabel, if you are reading this, it's definitely a job well done! And do change the address of my site in your "Links" to the current address if possible (^_<).

New Megahouse releases set for April and May (Courtesy of Ami Ami):

1. Excellent Model: Bleach Vol. 3 Shihouin Yoruichi & Rangiku Matsumoto
(Seriously, how can one resist the power of Matsumoto when Megahouse is sly enough to produce such enticing preview photo!!)

2. Dragonball Capsule Part 10 ~激闘・宇宙一の強戦士 サイヤ人編~
(Part 1 begins with the arrival of Vegeta to earth and they went 1 full circle and returned with the arc before that of the arrival of Goku's Saiya-jin brother)

3. Keroro Gunsou Keroball Memories Part 2
(There's no way I can resist it, now hounding my supplier to lock them in unless they couldn't get it like for Part 1)

4. ケロコマ Mission１ 出撃！ Commando Box
(Interesting, but not my cup of tea)

5. Art Work Collection ~Feautring Kaita Yuuji~ Gamera
(Looks even better than the previous Ultraman series)

Other notable releases coming soon:

1. Alter's Takacho Nanoha from "魔法少女リリカルなのはＡ’ｓ" (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

2. Alter's Sei from "爆裂天使" (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(3rd of the Alter's "Bakutenshi" series after Jo & Meg, looks like another winner.)

3. Alter's The Idolmaster Trading Mascot Collection (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(Take note that the girls are in 2D rather than 3D format)

4. Bandai's Gundam Seed Heroines Part 8 (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(It'll just never end....)

5. Square Enix's Dragonquest Crystal Monster Part 3 (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

6. Millenium's D.G.P. 魔界天使ジブリール (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(Not as risque as compared to other DGP sets)

7. Atelier Sai's Chidori Kaname White Undies Ver. from "Full Metal Panic TSR" & Bubble White Undies Ver. (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(After Theresa, you know Chidori is not far behind)

8. Happinet's Eve Normal Black Ver. from "Black Cat" & Limited Wine-red Ver. (Courtesy of Ami Ami)
(A lot of stuff coming out from this popular Gonzo production)

1st February 2006: Megahouse's Kero Ball Memories & a loose Yujin SR Zoids Action Art Collection Part 2

A new anime series I had picked up during the Lunar New Year period is "Ayakashi(怪) ~Japanese Classic Horror~" by Toei Animation.
It is a series of classic Japanese horror story which I supposed like Aesop's Fables which have a meaning at the end of it. The art is quite suits the mood and with the style and the opening theme in hip hop style by Rhymester, I suddenly felt this anime closely resembles the mood instilled by Samurai Champloo.
The first story arc, "Yotsuya Kaidan(四谷怪談)" is about a ronin fallen from grace who killed his ex-wife's father to claim her back. Eventually it was a tale of infidelity when he deserted her for a younger, wealthier lady and disfigured her in the process, leading her to commit suicide due to bitterness and you know the rest as the haunting begins.
It is not a bit scary to me and that old narrator of the tale is an irritant; however I will still catch this show as I am a sucker for classic Japanese tales and surprisingly I did not have that urge to doze off while catching the show, therefore a rather good pace in the story telling. And definitely a fresh air from all the "Moe" stuff for sure.

As mentioned with the Wonder Festival around the corner, some companies with prominent appearances in the exhibition each time would want to reward the loyal fans who brave the sun and the rain to line up for hours with some alluring exclusive items; however with 2 weeks to go to the event the lineup seems to pale in comparison to what is offered for the past events:

Kaiyodo: Surprisingly no sign of a set of exclusive trading figures of the official mascots of WF, Wanda & Reset, and so far only a few items from Wonder Showcase, most notably the variant color Cammy (Courtesy of Senaka Blog) from Streetfighter we had seen so many times before...
Kotobukiya: A couple of To Heart PVC complete figurine, pass....
Movic: Remember the nice Murata Range's "Robot" trading figurine set. They are selling the resin kit version before the actual release of the set, god knows when. Ok, I'm no fan of resin kit and then looking at that exorbitant price, 9800 yen for a set of 3 (2 sets in total)..NO WAY JOSE!
K-Books: Usual resin kits which I'm not wee bit interested but I'm looking forward to all the nice doujin-shi exclusive figurines we had seen in Komike 69 a month back
Max Factory: A set of "Onegai Track Collection: Kasumi Mizuho sweet box", a box-set of 4 PVC figurines of Mizuho in lingerie in variant colors; not much different from the actual figurine found in the Collect 500 set.
Good Smile Co.: A box-set of "Fate/stay Night Trading Figure WF2006 Exclusive Color Version" (Courtesy of Akibablog), which consists of the 2 versions of Saber (both normal and secret) from the trading figure set. I really fancy the grey armored Saber and with a fully metallic excalibur, I am hook for this box set for sure!


Well it's still early to count the eggs, so we shall await what this WF brings to all Japanese toys collectors...

The list of gashapon for May is out, and below are some notable ones (Pictures courtesy of east-up):

Bandai
1. Naruto Ultimate Collection Part 2
(Nice follow-up to the excellent Part 1 especially with the 2 members of Akatsuki, Itachi and Kisame)

2. Neo Genesis Evangelion Tori Kore!
(Adorable chibi like figurines, swappable heads!!)

3. 銀魂 Gintama Swing
(Anyone seen this anime before?)

Yujin
1. Rozen Maiden Traumend Little Figure Mascot
(Expect a nice set of mascot figurines from Yujin like the Tsubasa Chronicle one)

2. Fate/Stay Night Silver MetalAmulet
(Classy indeed!)

3. Oideyo Doubutsu no Mori: Watashi no Ouchi Collection
(Mini houses with animals and funitures included...)

4. SR King of Fighter Girls Collection
(MAI!!!)

Others
1. RunA's Chi's Sweet Home Figure Strap Version 2
(More of the adorable cat named Chi)

2. System's Mahou Sensei Negima Capsule Figure ~3D Partition Series~
(By a company not many here heard of)

3. Capsule Works Collection: Ichigo Mashmallow ~Swimsuit Version~ Tadaima!
(Only suckers will get this color variant..hmm..wonder where to make the pre-order...)

Some trading figurines worth a mention:

1. Samurai 7 群像侍集 (Courtesy of Hobby-channel)
(Planned to release in April by Organic...I'm salivating over it already)

2. Spiderman Action Vignette Figure
(Kaiyodo doing Marvel characters, it's almost like dream comes true)

3. Neo Genesis Evangelion Torikore! DX
(Compliment the gashapon set seen above)

Figures Galore:

1. Toy's Planning's "D.C.P.C" 胡ノ宮 環 (Courtesy of Surpara Shopping)

2. Yamato's SIF EX 六本松弐式 from "Excel Saga" (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

3. Yamato's SIF EX 呂蒙子明 from "Excel Saga" Event Version (Courtesy of Ami Ami)

4. Solid Theater's 『麒麟町ぼうえいぐみ』

Last but not least some exclusive figurines:

1. Spectral Force for Xbox 360 with exclusive 爆炎の申し子“ヒロ” Original Figure (Courtesy of Dengeki Online)

2. Dengeki Comic Daoh! April issue with 秋庭 里香 figure from "半分の月がのぼる空" (Courtesy of Hobbynet)