Tamashii Nation 2012 - Figuarts ZERO

There were so many Bandai collectibles that we're shown at the recent Tamashii Nation 2012 event but my eyes are always on the lookout for Figuarts ZEROs since I have been collecting this product line. Though this product line is made for One Piece, other series are very much welcome. But I'm just disappointed that some figures that were shown earlier were not released yet. I'm talking about Naruto's Akatsukis, Bleach's Gin and One Piece's Soge King, Ryuma, Zeff and Dr. Hiluluk. Are these cancelled products?

This year they shown some other non-One Piece Figuarts ZEROs, but what excites me the most is the Dragonball Z. They also showed some new Tiger & Bunny which earlier releases were web exclusives. There are also some limited edition recolors of Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee of Macross Frontier, and some new anime series that I don't know about yet. I hope these product line will continue and not just a show-off.

One Piece Figuarts ZEROs are on a separate post. Check 'em out here.

Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney and Killer Preorders

As announced earlier, Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney and Figuarts ZERO - Killer will be available for preorder on Thursday, 1st of November 2012 at 16:00 (JST). These two figures will then be released on February 2013, and will be followed by Figuarts ZERO - X Drake and Figuarts ZERO - Basil Hawkins on March 2013. So preorders for the latter two is expected to begin by next month. No official photos of Bonney and Killer yet so just check on these photos from the Tamashii Nation 2012 event.

Tamashii Nation 2012 - One Piece Figuarts ZERO

Tamashii Nation 2012 event has already come to an end yesterday and there were lots of surprises and new figures to look forward to. Unfortunately, some figures were marked "Do not photograph" like these new One Piece Figuarts ZEROs. But apparently, some true One Piece fans uses their pirate instincts and took these shots which made its way to the internet. Event organizers cannot contain the excitement of these avid fans as they break the rules.

I have waited too long till they release the official photos of these, but it seems that they aren't showing these officially to the web anytime soon. So I'll take this opportunity to get these literally "stolen shots" and show them to you.

Being stolen shots, these photos aren't so clear and some are totally blurry, so please forgive me. But at least you can have a good idea on how these figures look like and quench your anxiety. But once the official photos of these figures were made available, I'll make sure to post those here on this site. So for now, let's take a look of the photos, shall we...

Tamashii Nation 2012 Preview

It's almost time for the Tamashii Nation 2012 event. But yesterday, the preview has been showed to the public and there are already lots of figures to be excited for so I'll give you some early photos. There will be more photos to come as the main event opens. Be sure to check back this site for more.

Tamashii Nation 2012 - New One Piece Figuarts ZERO Line-up

Four days to go until the Tamashii Nation 2012 event. All fans, including me, are excited to see what new products there is to see during the event. And to tease us, they announced some new One Piece Figuarts ZEROs that they will be showing on the event.

As I posted earlier, it seems that there will be a wave of Supernovas. Then from these line-up, a series of Baroque works characters. And what surprises me are the two character/character-design that aren't shown the anime yet, Trafalgar Law (Shichibukai ver.) and Caesar Crown. Spoilers for those who are not following the manga. There is also a flashback character, Makino with Luffy.

Designs from Film Z were already expected to be coming to all the Mugiwaras, but Chopper's Seven Transformation Stage series is also something new to look forward to. I was actually thinking of slowing down a little in collecting Figuarts ZEROs, but these character announcements gets me excited again.

Just a Quick Visit at La Tendo Shop, Singapore - 30th of September 2012

About two weeks ago, 30th of September to be exact, I had a chance to drop by at the Funan, Digital Life Mall and had visit La Tendo Shop. I also took this opportunity to take some photos of the items they have in their showcases.

La Tendo shop is one of my favorite hobby shop in Singapore. They have a wide variety of products in their store and best of all, they had a lot of showcases of figures on display. They also have an online shop but it isn't as automated as other huge online shops, you have to contact them through e-mail if you want to know about a product status, whether it is available or how much it cost. Well at least you can have a good listings of what products they can offer to you.

D.P.C.F. Uzumaki Naruto is Now Ready to Summon and be Summoned

Just about a month ago, Plex released the early stage prototype photos of this D.P.C.F. Naruto. I am surprised that they are now presenting us these completed prototype images, release information and pricing.  A mid-December release for 7,980 yen (tax-included). The paint application is absolutely nice, it actually accentuates all the fine details of the sculpt. You can now appreciate and see how much details were given on this figure. It seems that the pole that was used to elevate him was made of metal and doesn't look like a part of the figure anymore. I just hope it can be covered with some cloud/smoke-like effect just like in the concept art. 

I also love the how the scroll encircles around him but I'm a little worried that it might sag down after sometime if there would be nothing to support it. And another thing that bothers me is the hair, it seems to be lacking in detail. But anyway, this is still one of the best pre time-skip Naruto figure that I have ever seen. I can't wait to see the other members of Team 7, if they would be translated into figure that is. My only problem is that, this is another December release and my budget for figure collecting is already fully exhausted for that month. I hope I can still get him sometime later after its release.

No preorder details yet but I will update you as soon as this information is available.

Update: Preorders are now open at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Nippon-Yasan

GSC - Leonmitchelli Galette des Rois

Leonmitchelli Galette des Rois is another one of those very awesome looking 1/8 scaled figures from Good Smile Company. Believe me, I know nothing about this character yet, nor the anime Dog Days. All I know is that it is on my "going to watch" list and it's currently on its second season. But what actually makes this figure interesting for me is that it got a lot of amazing details, the pose and facial expression looks simply fantastic, and the armor on the arms and legs has a realistic metallic finish. Even if you're not a fan of the character and the anime, your attention will easily be drawn to it, if it is a part of someone's collection. And that what makes me want to have it.

There's a lot of GSC character figures that I know nothing about, but seeing some of them for the first time, makes me wanna search information about that character and watch the anime (or play the game if it is). In this case, Dog Days will probably be on my next to watch list. But whether I would love the anime or not, I will surely be getting this figure.

To be released on April 2013 with a price tag of 10,800 yen (tax included), pricey isn't it? But Amiami, Hobby Search and HLJ are now accepting preorders at a very good deal.

Update (2013-04-22): Release date has been moved to May 2013.

Update (2013-05-23): Release date has been moved to July 2013.

Official Photos: ArtFX+ Aquaman (The New 52 Edition)

Not yet Bat fans! Today's revelation of Kotobukiya's "The New 52" Justice League line up is Aquaman, as a follow up to Superman, Green Lantern and The Flash. This was given as a teaser last Tuesday on Kotobukiya's official facebook page, showing his obvious trident. So we already knew, that he will be coming next.

Aquaman is surprisingly nice and doesn't look like Superman with a mask (yes, that's what's my opinion with Green Lantern and The Flash). As an apparent feature of the figures on this line-up, Aquaman is as shiny as the others. That made me think how would Batman look like in shiny armor costume, cause I can't recall seeing any shiny Batman figure before. My only problem about Aquaman are his legs, it looks awkward on some angles. But anyway, I will be getting this one as I am planning to have the complete line-up on my collection.

An April release in the US, but probably a March release in Japan.

Official Photos: GEM - Yukio Okumura

Last month, preorders were opened for MegaHouse's GEM - Rin Okumura. Today, its time for his brother Yukio Okumura. Same as Rin Okumura, we first saw him at Wonder Festival 2012 Summer. Based on these promo images, Yukio has an alternate smiling face and a right arm at rest. For a man in black, this figure has a lot of details.

GEM - Yukio Okumura is slated to be released on January, a month later than Rin and preorders starts today, 11th of October 2012. If you will be getting Rin, you might also want to consider displaying Yukio beside him. As a fan of Ao No Exorcist, they both have to be together on my display shelf. Now MegaHouse, bring on Shura Kirigakure!

Preorders are now open at Amiami, Hobby Search, HLJ, Otacute, Anime Export and Animarket

Official Photos: POP Sailing Again - Perhona

As the preorders for POP Sailing Again - Perhona opens, I'll give you these nice official photos of the figure, for you to treat yourself. I know you have waited hours before the preorders starts, and once it has begun, you kept hitting the F5 key for your browser to refresh the site of your favorite Japanese online hobby shop, just to realize that she was already sold out and they no longer taking orders. Frustrating isn't it? Good thing I didn't join the battle :)

Well, if you are not going for the japanese version, there's still a lot of online hobby shops taking preorders for international version. There is no difference between the Japanese and International versions anyway, aside from the color of the sticker of authenticity. For me, these versions doesn't matter as long as its a genuine MegaHouse release.

Check out Animarket, it is one good source of POPs. They usually offer preorders before the deadline so SA Perhona preorders is not closing on them anytime soon.

Figuarts ZERO's Waves of Supernovas

Looks like Bandai is preparing for waves of Supernovas as the following planned Figuarts ZERO releases were announced

February 2013

• Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney
• Figuarts ZERO - Killer

March 2013

• Figuarts ZERO - X Drake
• Figuarts ZERO - Basil Hawkins

No photos for any of these figures yet but we may be able to see them on the upcoming Tamashii Nation 2012 event which will be held on 26th to 28th of October (Friday to Sunday) at the Akihabara UDX 2F AKIBA_SQUARE/4F UDX Gallery. Visit the site (Japanese) for more details.

And also, expect more Figuarts ZERO Film Z editions to be revealed during that event.

Update: Preorders for Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney and Killer will start on Thursday, 1st of November 2012 at 16:00 (JST)

MegaHobby EXPO 2012 Autumn Officially Announced

MegaHobby EXPO 2012 Autumn is now officially announced. It will take place on 25th of November 2012, 10:00 - 17:00 JST at the Akihabara UDX Gallery. MegaHouse, Alter, Kotobukiya and many more companies was present during the previously held Megahobby EXPO Spring 2012, so expect most of them to also be present on this upcoming event.

Personally, what's excites me the most is the announcement of new POPs from MegaHouse. They usually bring all their new surprises on every MegaHobby EXPO events. So be sure to visit this site (or follow my Facebook page) on that date for information about new and interesting items that will be revealed during that event.

POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Monkey D. Garp ver. 0 Re-release

There's a lot of good figures to be released this coming December, and to adding to those is the re-release of POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Monkey D. Garp ver. 0. Fans who wasn't able to acquire this very limited POP release last year will be have a chance for the second time around. Sadly for me, my budget is fully booked for that month and I can only hope to get this later on.

I believe this is the first time that a Limited POP is going to be re-released, hopefully the price will not skyrocket after its release on December. You think this is a sign that there will be more POP Ver. 0 releases like Gol D. Roger, Edward Newgate (Whitebeard) and Shiki?

Store availability also seems to be limited, so good luck for those who are dying to get this :)

New Release Photo Review: POP LIMITED - Nico Robin Neo Repaint ver

POP LIMITED - Nico Robin Neo Repaint ver. has just been released today, 6th of October and it will be ready for shipping on Monday for those who already made a preorder. A very nice POP limited edition release from MegaHouse, but unfortunately, I had to skip this one as my wallet was recently devastated by last month's POP Sailing Again releases.

Anyway I am not that much a fan of these metallic versions nor collecting Neo series. But that doesn't mean that this figure isn't worthy of anyone's POP collection. Limited edition POPs are known to have soaring high values as the stocks gets lower and this one isn't an exemption, especially that there's lot of collectors hunting for the Neo series. This may not be the original Neo but it will be a good alternative, if not a better one, plus for a price tag of  6,930 yen, it is cheaper than the original Nico Robin Neo which now has a value of at least 16,000 yen. POP Neo collectors knows that fact.

POP Sailing Again - Princess Shirahoshi Re-release

POP Sailing Again - Princess Shirahoshi will get a re-release. Preorders will start at the same time as POP Sailing Again - Perhona, which will be on Wednesday, 10th of October 2012 at 18:00 JST (Japan time). Two lovely figures to be released at the same time, probably by January, but no official word about this yet. I believe there's a lot of collectors who missed her and still waiting for this re-release. So this maybe your last opportunity.

Update: SA Princess Shirahoshi will not be re-released at the same time with SA Perhona after all. She is scheduled to be re-released on March 2013 for 9,240 yen (tax included). Good news for some, as you will have more time to save money for her.

Update (2013-03-20): Release date was moved to April 2013

Announcement: POP Sailing Again - Perhona Preorders

October POP preorders has been announced, and this time, it will be POP Sailing Again - Perhona. Preorders will start next week, Wednesday, 10th of October 2012 at 18:00 JST (Japan time). Some of you must be complaining that a DX Perhona was just re-released recently and everyone is more excited about Sailing Again Franky. But Perhona is also looking very nice in her post time-skip redesign and she deserves to be added on anyone's POP collection again.

As for SA Franky, no updates about it yet, but I'm guessing that it will be released after POP Neo DX - Shiliew. And we probably may only see the fully finished prototype of Franky at the upcoming MegaHobby EXPO 2012 Autumn, which will be held on the 25th of November 2012. I'm totally excited of what MegaHouse has in store for us on 2013.

No price and release date/month announced for POP SA Perhona yet but I will keep you updated, just be sure to keep an eye on this site or follow my Facebook page to receive updates from Facebook.

Update: SA Perhona will be released on January 2013 for 8,190 yen (tax included).

Figuarts ZERO Film Z - Ain, Luffy, Zetto, and Chopper

Tamashii web has just released the official images and info of their first line up of Figuarts ZEROs based on One Piece Film Z. Earlier announced for December 2012 releases are Ain and Luffy (Film Z Kessen Costume ver.), followed by Chopper (Film Z Opening Costume ver.) and Z (pronounced as Zetto) for January 2013. Ain looks totally hot here. Zetto is about 200 mm, quite huge for a Figuarts ZERO, his mechanical right arm can be removed and replaced with a normal arm. Luffy is in semi-battle ready position and has a nice two color vest design. Chopper is even cuter in this cow outfit.

These promotional images looks so amazing and nicely done, I hope Bandai can deliver the same appearance on their final retail releases.

Below are the details of these figures:

Figuarts ZERO - Ain

• Release Date: December 2012
• Price: 2,625 yen
• Height: 150 mm

Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Film Z Kessen Costume ver.)

• Release Date: December 2012
• Price: 2,310 yen
• Height: 140 mm

Figuarts ZERO - Zetto (Z)

• Release Date: January 2013
• Price: 4,515 yen
• Height: 200 mm

Figuarts ZERO - Tony Tony Chopper (Film Z Opening Costume ver.)

• Release Date: January 2013
• Price: 1,525 yen
• Height: 70 mm

No exact preorder schedule yet so be sure to check this site from time to time for further announcement or you may simply follow my Facebook page.

Update: Preorders starts Wednesday, 10th of October 2012 at 16:00 JST (Japan time).

New Release Photo Review: POP Sailing Again - Usopp

The awesome POP Sailing Again - Usopp was just released last Saturday, 29th of September, and here are some images taken from one of the retail product. Looking great as expected from a MegaHouse release. The paint details are very sharp and no noticeable paint and mold issues. This is one of my favorite from the Sailing Again subline and probably the best in my opinion, well at least until the POP Sailing Again - Franky is released. Checkout these photos, so you will see what you will be expecting if you already preordered or if you need some deciding factors in getting this figure.