I'm Still Unimpressed

Bandai officially announced the Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.) (see the previous announcement here) in their Tamashii Web by giving us these official promo photos. I am actually expecting that they would show us a much better look of the figure than what we've seen before, but no, I'm still not impressed.

What they did is that they gave us shots in limited angles which would not make the unimpressive face too obvious. As you can see, there's not even a single close-up shot on the face. There's one front shot but I can't even see the eyeballs. I'm actually thinking that they are planning to redo the face sculpt that's why there held back on giving us a close-up shot.

The Return of the Red Hawk

Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.) is getting a re-release on April 2014, coinciding with the release of Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.). This is inevitable. Not only because this the main character's figure, but this is the best looking Figuarts ZERO Battle ver. release so far.

It will now be retailing for 3,456 yen, a slightly higher price tag than the first release (which is 3,360 yen). So if you missed the first release, this is a great chance for you.

No preorder schedule announcement yet, so be sure to keep an eye for further updates.

A Not So Exciting Figuarts ZERO Release for April

Bandai's first Figuarts ZERO release announcement for 2014 is now out. And this is none other than Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.) which was seen during the Jump Festa 2014 event last 26th of December. It is set to be released on April 2014 for 4,320 yen.

I was really excited the first time I got an info about this release. It is Shanks, it should be awesome, how bad can it be? But when I actually saw these shots, I totally felt disappointed. If you have read my thoughts about the Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.), this is worse. Yeah, it's worse than I expected

Looking at the face alone, there isn't any resemblance to Shanks. I can't even make what a lifeless looking facial expression is that. The only defining expression are the eyebrows, which is absolutely offensive looking. They should have used the Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.) head sculpt which look way a lot better than this.

The pose is also non-flattering. They didn't even thought of some unique and cool looking battle stance. The effect parts are also lame. It's nothing we haven't seen before. C'mon Bandai, this is Shanks. One of the most epic character in the world of One Piece. He deserve a better Battle ver. treatment than this.

I suppose this figure would look a lot better when we see the official promotional photos, which were normally post processed to make the figure look nice, a common technique for Figuarts ZEROs. But since we already saw this prototype, Bandai won't be fooling us. Well, I still do hope that it will look better upon release. If only they can make the face look right, then it's fine for me. But for now, I'll say "pass".

No preorder schedule announcement yet, so be sure to keep an eye for further updates.

The Attack That Cuts Vergo

This is earlier than I expected. Remember the Figuarts ZERO release announcement that we talked about three weeks ago? Well Bandai Tamashii Nations didn't let us wait for too long and revealed today the official photos of their Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.). It wasn't as awesome as I have expected but it's not bad, not too bad at all.

Well, I was expecting more like their past releases and announcements like the Luffy (Red Hawk), Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri) and Sanji (Flambage Shot). Those three we're out of this world kickin' in style, with all those nice looking effect parts. This Trafalgar Law Battle ver. doesn't look as great as those three.

But don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this isn't a nice figure. It's also looks like a really good figure in its own way. I do prefer this one over the previously released Schichibukai ver. Notice that they didn't give any attack title. It's simply because it isn't a devil fruit ability and there isn't any attack name. But for a real fan of One Piece and Trafalgar Law, this attack is epic, as it reminded us of how he cuts Vergo, as well as the whole laboratory and the surrounding mountains into two. Now that's something. I just wish it comes with a Vergo figure that was split into two :)

The effect parts that comes with it are just the cloud of dusts on his two feet and the swoooshing effect part on the sword, more like the one on the Dracule Mihawk (Battle ver.) sword effect. Another thing that I kinda dislike is the facial expression. It's nice to have that smirk but I prefer him to be in a more serious expression. I think it would look a lot better in this attack pose to relive that scene with Vergo. There aren't any photos telling that there is an optional head or face to swap, something that I'm hoping to be in the final production release.

Price wise, for 3,780 yen, I think it's quite expensive considering the lesser amount of effect parts compared to Luffy (Red Hawk) and Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri) which has a lower SRP of 3,360 yen and 3,675 yen respectively. Well, that might be caused by Japanese yen inflation rate or some other reasons whatsoever. Anyway, for every fan of One Piece, fan of Trafalgar Law and serious collectors alike, 3,780 yen isn't that much.

Below are the details.

Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,780 yen
• Release Date: February 2014

No preorder schedule announcement yet, but I'm assuming that it would be on the 1st week of November. Keep an eye on this post or on my Facebook page for further announcements.

Update (2013-10-30): Preorders for Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.) will open tomorrow, Thursday, 31st of October 2013 at 16:00 (JST).

The Surgeon Of Death Will Take You To His Operating "ROOM"

It seems like there isn't any other Figuarts ZERO release for January 2014 aside from the limited edition Portgas D. Ace (Cross-fire - Battle ver). which can't be considered as a regular monthly release since it is a web exclusive. Bandai must be slowing down a little since 2013 has been a big year for their Figuarts ZEROs.

They may be slowing down for the first month of 2014, but they sure know how to keep the new year sparkling 'til February. We got an early teaser announcement for February 2014, a follow-up to their battle ver. line-up - Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.). No official promo photos available yet as this is just tentative announcement.

I know some of you are wondering, why follow-up Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Shichibukai ver.) so soon. This is going to be the third Figuarts ZERO version Trafalgar Law. I believe that Trafalgar Law is nearly as famous as Portgas D. Ace. Notice that there's also already three versions of Figuarts ZERO Ace. It's not surprising that Bandai is giving priorities to famous characters as these are 100% sure not be left out on store shelves.

Note the absence of the attack name like other battle ver. so we aren't sure if this will be a pre-timeskip or post-timeskip version. But I do hope that this is going to be a post-timeskip version because he is wickedly awesome in that look. It's exciting to think how his attack pose will look like. Is it going to be Shambles, Tact, Scan, Mes or Counter Shock? Is he going to wield his sword? What pose and effect parts its going to be? Really exciting just to think of it. Let's see later if it's going to be as exciting as I think it would be.

Check out the details below

Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,870 yen
• Release Date: February 2014

Here's hoping for the best Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law release. Please take note that this is just a tentative release announcement and may change before the it is officially announced for preorder.

Keep an eye on this blog, or on my Facebook page for further announcement.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Roronoa Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver.)

Bandai Tamashii Nations released the much awaited Figuarts ZERO - Roronoa Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver.) last Saturday, 21st September. Every Figuarts ZERO junkie out there are probably crossing fingers for final production release. Thanks to http://blog.livedoor.jp, we get see these early shots that we can examine and review.

So what do I think? I thinks it is one helluva awesome looking figure. You can check out the promotional images and compare it to this final production release photos, but as a Figuarts ZERO collector, we already knew that the prototype figure on those promo images won't be the one on our display shelves. So to make things fair, let's look at this production release first and try not to compare it on the promotional images yet.

Let's start with the face. It got that Roronoa Zoro essence there with that expression, the bandana on his head and the Wado Ichimonji on his mouth. The eyes, which is one of  the important feature was done nicely. I just find the nose a bit less appealing, but it's probably the lighting of the shots that it doesn't cast shadows much.

The arms and the body is kinda yellowish on these shots, but I can assure you that it's only the lighting. The skin tone is probably the same as the Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.). The shading is quite acceptable for a Figuarts ZERO standard. The overall sculpt is topnotch.

The green coat also looks nicely painted with all the shading and that frozen in air feel. There are some noticeable paint smudges but not really very obvious. The swords were finely sculpted and detailed even at this size. And those effect parts really makes this figure an eye-catcher. The base follows the same style as Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.). It is an octagonal shaped base, looks like all the upcoming Figuarts ZERO Battle ver. will have that kind of base.

Now, getting at the promo images. If you compare, you will notice that the skin tone and the shading looks different. But the overall sculpt is exactly the same. At first I was worried about the outcome of the production releases, but it turns out really fine. I hope that all the production releases will be as good as this one.

For the price of 3,675 yen, Figuarts ZERO - Roronoa Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver.) is a must get collectible for every One Piece fan even if you're not into Figuarts ZEROs. Displaying it side by side with Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.) and the upcoming Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Diable Jambe Flambage Shot - Battle ver.) will really look great on display shelf. Can't wait to get mine.

If for some reason you missed out the preorder of this figure, or you just didn't preorder on purpose cause you're worried about the production release, well don't' fret, act now and get it while you still can. If this figure won't get a re-release in the future, it will become a rare collectible and price will soar up high over the coming years.

Flaming Hot Black Leg, Coming Up!

About three weeks ago, we broke the news about this upcoming Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Diable Jambe Flambage Shot - Battle ver.). And after much anticipation, this morning, Bandai Tamashii Nations finally made its official promotional photos available on their official website Tamashii Web. And we're not disappointed.

It turns out to be a post-timeskip battle ver as we expected. It looks insanely cool and its really a lot better than the pre-timeskip Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Battle ver.) which was earlier released. It may look a bit simpler next to Luffy's Red Hawk - Battle ver and Zoro's Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver. Figuarts ZEROs, but hey, it's Sanji, and this will complete the monster-trio.

Its flaming effect parts with different color tones really made it look fantastic. Both legs are flaming and the pose is just what we expect for Sanji in this new breed of battle versions. It's looks a little weird on some angles but totally rocks on some. I can't wait to have the monster-trio on my display shelf. Or better yet, have all mugiwaras in their post-timeskip battle versions.

Details are as below:

Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Diable Jambe Flambage Shot - Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,675 yen
• Release Date: December 2013

No preorder schedule announcement yet, but I'm assuming that it will be next Monday, 2nd of September 2013 at its usual time of 16:00 (JST). Take note that this just an assumption so keep an eye on this blog or on my Facebook Page for future updates.

Update: We just got a confirmation news that the preorders for this Figuarts ZERO will indeed start on Monday, 2nd of September 2013 at 16:00 (JST).

Get a Taste of Sanji's Flaming Recipe for Christmas

Get ready for another one of Sanji's flaming attack in a form of Figuarts ZERO Battle ver. Announced to be released on September is the second battle ver of Sanji - the Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Diable Jambe Flambage Shot - Battle ver.)

It sounds really awesome and I can't wait to see how it will look like (no photos available yet). Sanji's "Diable Jambe Flambage Shot" was first seen being used to finish off Jabra, meaning, during pre-timeskip. In that case we're not sure if this figure will be a pre-timeskip or post-timeskip. But since the first Figuarts ZERO Battle ver treatment for Sanji was a pre-timeskip (Water 7 outfit), I'm assuming this to be a post-timeskip figure for Sanji, following Luffy's Red Hawk - Battle ver and Zoro's Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver. Figuarts ZEROs.

Check out the details below

Figuarts ZERO - Sanji (Diable Jambe Flambage Shot - Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,675 yen
• Release Date: December 2013

Great to see this battle ver line-up continues. We may probably see all the Mugiwara's post-timeskip battle ver. treatment. I'm really thrilled about this news, but please take note that this is just a tentative release announcement and may change before the it is officially announced for preorder.

Keep an eye on this blog, or on my Facebook page for further announcement.

A Fiery New Year for Figuarts ZERO

This has been announced by Bandai for some time now, but I had to make this awesome Figuarts ZERO seen on my blog. Figuarts ZERO - Portgas D. Ace (Cross-fire - Battle ver) is expected to be released sometime around January 2014. This is the first announced Figuarts ZERO to be released after New Year.

Earlier, I announced this as a November release along with Figuarts ZERO - Aokiji Kuzan (Battle ver.) and Figuarts ZERO - Akainu Sakazuki (Battle ver.), but Bandai decided to make it a Premium Bandai web exclusive which will be released on January 2014. Preorders are already open at the time of writing this blogpost, which started last week, 25th of September 2013, only at Premium Bandai that is. For us outside Japan, we'll just have to look for the best third party re-seller offer.

This will be the third time Bandai gave Ace the Figuarts ZERO treatment, the first one being Figuarts ZERO - Portgas D. Ace, and the 2nd one is also a battle ver. - Figuarts ZERO Portgas D. Ace (Battle ver.). It seems like Ace's figures are really bankable for figure manufacturers.

This figure looks really awesome. Capturing his Cross-fire attack with his index fingers together in a cross shape, launching a cross-shaped column of fire. There's a lot of fire effect parts in this figure. But I prefer the first Ace Battle ver. than this one. It wouldn't hurt that much to get another battle version of Ace though. But do take note that this is a limited edition. Price is only 3,675 yen at Premium Bandai, but I'm expecting it to be about almost double the price outside Japan, just about the same price as an average POP. Can't help it though, since I'm a huge fan, I hafta include it on my must-have list.

The Epic Battle for the Position of Fleet Admiral

At last, we can finally see the battle between Aokiji and Akainu for the position of fleet admiral at Punk Hazard... at least on our display shelves. Bandai has released the official promo images of Figuarts ZERO - Aokiji Kuzan (Battle ver.) and Figuarts ZERO - Akainu Sakazuki (Battle ver.) at their Tamashii Web.

If you have been following my Facebook page and this blog, you have read my announcement earlier about Triple Logias to Explode on November. Apparently, only two of them will make it this coming November. Figuarts ZERO - Portgas D. Ace (Cross-fire - Battle ver.) has also been announced, but for January 2014 release and it's a Premium Bandai Web exclusive.

It's great to see these Figuarts ZERO Battle versions coming. I actually missed the previously released Figuarts ZEROs of the three vice-admirals. So this is a great opportunity to have them, in full attack stance with effect parts. I hope Kizaru will follow soon. I don't know if this two is really based on the battle between the two admirals at Punk Hazard since no one really ever seen that, except of Eiichiro Oda of course. He hasn't shown that scene yet.

These promo images are really nice to look at, but these are the strength of these Figuarts ZEROs. Most probably, the production releases won't be as great as what we're seeing here. But still, for an avid fan of One Piece figures, these are very nice catch.

Below are the details.

Figuarts ZERO - Aokiji Kuzan (Battle ver.)

• Price: 4,725 yen
• Release Date: November 2013

Figuarts ZERO - Akainu Sakazuki (Battle ver.)

• Price: 4,725 yen
• Release Date: November 2013

No preorder date announced yet so keep coming back to this blog or on my Facebook page for further announcements.

Update (2013-08-01): Preorders for these two figures starts TODAY, 1st of August 2013 at 16:00 (JST). Make sure you're ready by that time with your trustee browser and refresh technique, or you'll end up losing on this preorder battle.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Hordy Jones

Following my post about Figuarts ZERO - Luffy (Red Hawk - Battle ver.) photo review, here now are some early production release photos of Figuarts ZERO - Hordy Jones which was released by Bandai last Friday, 15th of June 2013. While I'm somewhat disappointed at the recent Luffy's Figuarts ZERO release, it's not the same case here.

This is the case where you almost feels like you're looking at the official promo images. The overall quality and feel seems to be perfect. The skin tone, color shades and detailing are exactly what we've seen before on the promo images. Surprisingly, even the sash is fully painted detailed which is unusual on production releases of Figuarts ZEROs.

The hair has some noticeable seam lines but isn't really disturbing. Facial detail were done nicely and there's no noticeable paint mistakes. Tatoos were also applied with fine precision. The scar is a little bit too bright red as compared to the promo images, but that can be forgiven. The dog-like scarf is nicely detailed as well.

In short, this release is almost exactly the same as the prototype, and sadly, a lot better release than Figuarts ZERO - Luffy (Red Hawk - Battle ver.). Which made me thinking why Bandai did this. They have the capability to release such a nicely detailed figure and yet they did not apply this precision on Luffy. Is it because Luffy is a sure sold-out character figure that they don't have to give it much attention to sell, unlike villain characters like Hordy Jones. Which also reminded me of Figuarts ZERO - Caesar Clown. That one is also a winner.

It's still glad to see Figuarts ZERO releases like this. Another reason to continue collecting this product line. I hope Bandai will stop those crappy releases and give us quality figures like this in the future. A word of advise - 

"Avoid preordering One Piece Figuarts ZEROs. Don't be fooled by promo images. Wait 'till it's released before getting one so that you can decide better upon seeing the production releases". 

Up until now I'm still trying to figure out how to follow my own advice. I usually get excited with those promo images and preorder right away. That must be my fanboy instinct kicking in :)

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.)

The much awaited Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.) has been released by Bandai last Friday, 15th of June 2013 along with Figuarts ZERO - Hordy Jones. As usual we get some nice early shots of the figure to talk about regarding the quality of the final production release - the ones that you will get out of the box.

For those who are excited and having much anticipation for this figure, I'm sorry to break your bubbles cause I can't say that I ain't disappointed with the final production release. It isn't a very bad release, but it's clearly not as what you are expecting if your deciding factor of getting this are the promo images. Check the comparison image below.

Left: Official Promo Image
Right: Production Release Photo

You can find the all the promo images here, but here's a quick comparison against the its production release. I can't say it's just the lighting as there are clear obvious differences. The first thing that you would notice is the skin color. The promo image seems to be fully painted in a nice flesh skin tone while the production release is very yellowish. It seems that it is the PVC color itself with just some few shading added in to it. That color shading is not as fine as the promo image specially in the abs and the face. The red vest and the blue pants has a different color shade and nowhere near as detailed as that of the promo image, specially on the edges of the pants. The hair is too shiny. The shaprness of the mouth details were lost. Just as most Figuarts ZERO figures, the sash details were also left out. The fly area of the pants has too much yellow shade that it seemed like Luffy just pissed on it.

The effect parts seems to be less transparent but it's still acceptable. It has some clear plastic support rods. I'm not sure if it can be displayed without it like on the promo images. The great news is that there isn't any annoying paint mistakes and we get a new base design. Well it isn't really new since we get the same base style from Figuarts ZERO - Naruto series and Figuarts ZERO - Bleach series, but this is the first hexagonal base from One Piece Figuarts ZEROs.

In general, the figure isn't really bad actually. It's just that we are presented with false advertising. The figure on the promo images (or in other words, the prototype) has been clearly given a lot of attention with regards to the paint and detailing. What's more is that these promo images were post processed to produce a really eye catching and nice looking details. Most of the Figuarts ZEROs has been given this kind of treatment.

I can't say that I should have not preordered it since for 3,360 yen, it's still a good buy. I'm not new to Figuarts ZERO so the quality of this release isn't really surprising for me. I was just disappointed cause I hoped that it would looked a little better and closer to those promo images. This is just another realization that Bandai's Figuarts ZERO product line are a hit or miss. So don't be fooled again with those promo images.

This may be not be a perfect figure, but I can assure you that this is selling like a hot bread. If you haven't preordered but still considering of getting it, think fast and act now while it's still available. Don't hold back too long for it will become a thing of the past.

Be Ready to Face Zoro's "Purgatory Demon Slash"

Check!.. This!.. Out! Bandai didn't let us wait too long since the announcement of the 2nd Battle Ver. of Figuarts ZERO Zoro two days ago. The official promo images of Figuarts ZERO - Roronoa Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver.)  has finally surfaced and I can't believe what I am seeing here. It is a totally glorified version of Bandai's Attack Motion!

I was totally impressed by Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Red Hawk - Battle ver.) that was announced earlier, but this one - I can't really express my excitement into words. I was blown by it's totally dynamic attacking pose and amazing effect parts. Bandai has just brought their Figuarts ZERO product line to another level. Keep 'em coming please. I'm really hoping that the final mass produced releases will look very close to these images. Crossing fingers for that and holding my breath.

To be released on September 2013 and priced at 3,675 yen. As I mentioned on my previous post, preorders for this figure, as well as the re-releases of Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (New World ver.) and Figuarts ZERO - Tony Tony Chopper (New World ver.) starts this coming Monday, 3rd of June 2013 at 16:00 (JST). If you're planning to take part on the preorder battles at HLJ, Hobby Search and Amiami, better be ready with your web browser and F5 key as this is going to be a bloody sudden death! Like Zoro coming to you with his lightning-fast triple slash "Rengoku Onigiri".

Update (2013-06-03): Preorders are now up at HLJ, Amiami and Hobby Search.

A 2nd Battle Ver. of Figuarts ZERO Roronoa Zoro is Slashing Through

Another addition to the awesome battle ver. line-up of Figuarts ZERO has been announced. This time it is the 2nd battle ver of Zoro showing his Rengoku Onigiri (Purgatory Demon Slash) attack. Following the earlier announced Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Red Hawk - Battle ver.), the battle ver line-up continues even after the timeskip as the Rengoku Onigiri attack was first used by Zoro to defeat Hyouzou during the battle of Fishman Island. This makes two post-timekip battle ver releases.

Word is that Figuarts ZERO - Roronoa Zoro (Rengoku Onigiri - Battle ver.) will be released on September 2013 and will probably be a June preorder announcement. No photos available yet so be sure to check my Facebook page and this site from time to time for further information.

Update (2013-05-30): Preorders for this figure starts 3rd of June 2013 at 16:00 (JST) along with re-releases of Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (New World ver.) and Figuarts ZERO - Tony Tony Chopper (New World ver.)

Update (2013-05-31): Check out the official photos here

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.)

The sniper of Syrup village appears. Just more than a week ago, 20th of April 2013, Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.) was released. And as usual, we have here some early photos of the figure to review courtesy of ワンピース POP 予約＆新作速報 of blog.livedoor.jp.

As an addition to the Battle ver. series, Usopp or as Sogeking in this appearance, comes with a Firebird Star effect part which looks totally cool. Sogeking himself, like Boa Hancock (Battle ver.) is fine and looks close to the promo images, but I find the finish quality not very clean. The mask which is the trademark of Sogeking doesn't have a very finely applied paints, especially on the goggles. The cape seems to have a finish that can easily be scratched. The sash is kind of lacking in details.

I noticed a hole in the cape and a peg on the pocket of the slingshot. Is that suppose to be attached to each other? It does not appear to be like that on the promo images. It looks ugly with that hole and that peg sticking out. But I can't imagine the slingshot pocket attached to the cape. Guess I'll just have to find out when my copy arrives.

All-in-all, it isn't a bad release, but it's also not a strikingly awesome and detailed release either. Just somewhere in between. It has to be expected on every Figuarts ZERO release anyway. But since most of us will be displaying him together with the rest of the Figuarts ZEROs, I'm sure this will stand out. Afterall, it's Sogeking.

Still available on most hobby shops for 3,990 yen. You better get this one as there isn't much Sogeking collectible out there.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.)

Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.) has been officially released last Saturday, 27th of April 2013. And here we have some early photos of the figure to review courtesy of ワンピース POP 予約＆新作速報 of blog.livedoor.jp.

I can't say I'm very pleased by this retail release. It looks close to the promo images but I don't find it very appealing. It's just ok with me. There is a noticeable huge seam on the right shoulder, but since the right arm is replaceable with an alternate arm, it's not just wasn't attached properly enough to close the gap. A small dust-like black thingy appeared between the nose and lips that is quite annoying, but it's not something that cannot be fixed.

There is also a huge seam between the two halves of the hair which is very visible on side-views. Again, since the face is interchangeable by removing the front part of the hair, it is possible that is isn't attached properly as well. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first Figuarts ZERO that has an interchangeable face. Most Figuarts ZEROs that was released before which come with an alternate facial expression has an interchangeable head instead of just the face. This is the same technique that is being used by Megahouse on their POPs.

The shiny red paint on the dress though unrealistic, gives an nice shiny finish which makes the figure looks attractive. But being a part of the Battle ver. series, the best feature of this figure are the effect parts which makes it different from the rest of the Boa Hancock figures.

In general, this release is quite fine but passable for those who are not really into Figuarts ZERO. But if you are a Figuarts ZERO collector and/or a huge Boa Hancock fan, this one should have a place on your display shelf.

She retails 3,990 yen and still available on most hobby shops. So if you're planning to get her, act now or you might regret it later.

Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Battle ver.) and Hordy Jones Preorder Announcement

Preorder information has been announced for these two Figuarts ZEROs - Monkey D. Luffy (Battle ver.) and Hordy Jones. It will be on Friday, 1st of March 2013 at 16:00 (JST). As earlier announced, these two is set to be released on June 2013.

I believe that there will be a preorder battle for these two figures (specially for Luffy) on the Japanese online shops. If you're after the Japanese distributions from Amiami, HLJ, and Hobby Search, make sure to be ready with your fingers on the F5 key of your keyboard and keep refreshing browser as soon as the clock tick 16:00 (JST) on that day. But in case you just after the international distributions, you can just relax and wait for your favorite retailer to offer them.

Update (2013-03-01): These two figures are now up for preorders at Amiami [ Luffy | Hordy ], HLJ [ Luffy | Hordy ] and Hobby Search [ Luffy | Hordy ]. Declared sold out at exactly 16:16 (JST) at Amiami though.
Update (2013-03-04): The Japanese distributions are now available for preorder at Figmation  [ Luffy | Hordy ]

Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.) and Sogeking (Battle ver.) Preorder Announcement

January preorder announcement for Figuarts ZERO has been lifted and it is going to be Boa Hancock (Battle ver) and Usopp as Sogeking (Battle ver.). Preorder starts on 8th of January, Tuesday at 16:00 (JST). These two figures were shown earlier during the Jump Festa 2013 event. I thought Bandai is going to hold their Battle ver series until all the Figuarts ZERO that were shown during the Tamashii Nation 2012 event has been released.

I was always waiting for Sogeking ever since it was revealed during the prevously held events and now he is going to be released with a nice phoenix flame effect parts. Boa Hancock is a surprise because there are already four or five versions of Figuarts ZERO Boa Hancock. I guess every Boa Hancock figure is a money maker for all figure manufacturers. In fact, this is going to be on my "must get" list. Love that outfit and those effect parts.

Below are the release date and pricing details

Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,990 yen
• Release: April 2013

Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.)

• Price: 3,990 yen
• Release: April 2013

Update (2013-01-08): Preorders are now open at Amiami (Hancock | Sogeking), HLJ (Hancock | Sogeking) and Hobby Search (Hancock | Sogeking).

Update (2013-04-03): Official Release Dates

• Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.): 27th of April 2013
• Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.): 20th of April 2013

Jump Festa 2013 - One Piece Bandai Tamashii Nations

Bandai Tamashii Nations were also present at Jump Festa 2013 which was held last weekend, December 22-23 (Saturday and Sunday) at Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Japan bringing us excitements with their products. And as usual, my interest were drawn by their One Piece Figuarts ZERO line-up. Below are the photos of Bandai Tamashii Nations One Piece merchandise.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Nami (Battle ver.)

The fourth addition to the Figuarts ZERO Battle version series has been released already. Figuarts ZERO - Nami (Battle ver.) was released Saturday, 4th of August. Here are some early photos courtesy of http://blog.livedoor.jp/onepiece_figure/. These photos were shots of an actual mass production release, and sad to say, it does not look a nice as the prototype that was used for promotion.