POP Edition-Z - Tony Tony Chopper Preorder Announcement

POP Edition-Z - Tony Tony Chopper has been announced as a December preorder. As announced during the Megahobby EXPO Autumn 2012 event last Sunday, it is scheduled to be released on April 2013 for 3,255 yen. Preorders will start next week, Wednesday, 5th of December 2012 at 18:00 (JST). This is the first POP character to be released on Edition-Z. So if you're planning on collecting the Film Z characters designs in POP form like me, better get this one first. Hopefully, MegaHouse will release all the Mugiwaras in Edition-Z.

Megahobby EXPO Autumn 2012 - MegaHouse One Piece

MegaHobby EXPO was held last Sunday, 25th of November 2012. As always, MegaHouse was there bringing their One Piece merchandise for exhibit. But what is brings the most excitement and set the event on fire are the new POPs announced. Yes, MegaHouse has finally heard our voices and bring us a lot of good characters that we have been always requesting to be released.

You have probably seen the photos of these new POP's already flooding the internet. Thanks to a lot of sites that brings us these photos on the day of the event and even more photos after. So here are some high quality photos that I gathered to share with you. Let's see 'em all again and discuss of each one along the way.

Official Photos: Figuarts ZERO - Tony Tony Chopper (7-Eleven Limited)

A 7-Eleven Limited version of  Figuarts ZERO - Tony Tony Chopper is to be released November 27, 2012 for 1,470 yen. I believe this version is called "Hey guys, I bought this something fun ver". What a very long name to call this version.

Anyway, it is based on Tony Tony Chopper (New World ver.) but this time, he is holding a riceball on his right hand and a bag (of riceballs, probably) on his left hand. This is the one that they have exhibited during the Tamashii Nation 2012 event that is among with Chopper's Seven Transformation Stage.

As this is a limited edition specifically for 7-Eleven, this can only be purchased exclusively from Premium BANDAI Web shop. But you can always check on some other stores that may offer this item.

Sanji/Nami/Usopp - Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver

Completing the three sets of Figuarts ZERO One Piece Film Z Battle Costume versions of the Mugiwaras is this Sanji/Nami/Usopp set. This third installment of three set figure will be released on July 2013 for 9,240 yen. following the first two sets, Luffy/Chopper/Franky set (May 2013) and Zoro/Robin/Brook set (June 2013).

All the figures on this third set seems to be packed with details. Sanji has a removable coat as well, same as Zoro. Nami is sexy as ever, even with those armors. And Usopp is looking really funny but with a lot of small details. The problem with these Figuarts ZEROs is that, the more the details are, the more paint issues the final versions will suffer. But let's hope not in these awesome designs. Crossed fingers for that.

To wrap up, here is the summary of the three sets (click the links for the official photos).

Luffy/Chopper/Franky set

• Price: 8,505 yen
• Release Date: May 2013

Zoro/Robin/Brook set

• Price: 9,240 yen
• Release Date: June 2013

Sanji/Nami/Usopp set

• Price: 9,240 yen
• Release Date: July 2013

Preorders starts on mid-December 2012 for all three sets so keep an eye on this site for the announcement of the exact date and time.

Zoro/Robin/Brook - Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver

Following my previous post about these new Figuarts ZERO One Piece Film Z Battle Costume versions of the Mugiwaras, here is the Zoro/Robin/Brook set. This set will be released on June 2013 for 9,240 yen. A month later than Luffy/Chopper/Franky set. Preorders starts on mid-December 2012 for all three sets. Details and official photos for the third set Sanji/Nami/Usopp can be found here.

As the figures from the first set are, the figures on this second set is looking really amazing. Zoro has a removable coat, Robin looks very pretty and sexy and Brook looks funny in this pose and outfit. The details were nice in this photos so hopefully, it won't look bad on the finished product.

Luffy/Chopper/Franky - Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver

The official photos of Figuarts ZERO One Piece Film Z Battle Costume ver has finally been released by Bandai on their Tamashii Nations official website. I've been waiting for this since it's really so hard to look at those blurry photos from the Tamashii Nation 2012 event. As announced earlier, these figures will be sold in sets of three, so that makes three sets for the nine Mugiwaras, and all will be available for preorder on mid-December 2012. This is a big move for Bandai to release Figuarts ZERO's in sets of three. I'm actually interested on how the packaging and box art for these sets. Will the three figures be in individual boxes, or one huge box?

First off is the Luffy/Chopper/Franky set. This set will be released on May 2013 for 8,505 yen. The figures on this set are all looking fantastic and nicely detailed, but hopefully they would all look the same on the final mass produced releases. The other two sets are Zoro/Robin/ Brook set and Sanji/Nami/Usopp set (follow the link for the details and official photos).

For me, though they all very tempting to be preordered, I'll try to hold back a little because I'm more interested on the POP versions. But who knows, I might end up getting all Film Z versions of both the Figuarts ZERO and POP.

POP Sailing Again - Usopp

A fellow POP collector requested that I do a photoshoot of my POP Sailing Again - Usopp. I guess I'll just have to feature this first before the previously released ones. So now I'm presenting one of my recent POP acquisition, the sniper of the Strawhats from Syrup village, Usopp. This is my 15th POP and my 9th from Sailing Again series. And being under the POP Sailing Again class, Usopp is depicted in his appearance after the two year time-skip.

Gunpla EXPO World Tour Japan 2012

22nd of November, Gunpla EXPO World Tour has just went back to it's home in Japan, and as expected there are lot of new announcements from Bandai. New release announcements such as MG 1/100 Sinanju Stein, a variation of the Sinanju to be released of February 2013. MG 1/100 Aile Strike Gundam HD Kai/Remaster, a new update MG version to correspond with those recent MG Gundam SEED releases, scheduled as Spring 2013 Release.

They also got a planned new RG which is RG 1/144 Destiny Gundam. It seems that Bandai is really serious in this product line. A fully colored MG 1/100 Tallgeese which looks fantastic. New Gundam AGE MG Kits. An HG 1/144 Blue Frame Astray Second Revise, also for 2013 release, and so much more.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Benn Beckman

Following my post about Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.), Figuarts ZERO - Benn Beckman has officially been released as well by Bandai last Saturday, 17th of November 2012. Here are some early shots (courtesy of blog.livedoor.jp) for us to view what the retail release looked like.

Benn Beckman here may not look as great as the Shanks retail release, but this one is also looking good. In comparison with the promotion images, it does not look perfectly the same but it looks close enough (considering that those promo images were post processed). Though you won't see much paint application issues, I didn't like the way the facial hair was done. And also the shape of the jaw is a little too edgy. It isn't very obvious when he is wearing his cape though, so it can be forgiven since I'll always be displaying him with his cape.

Talking about his cape, this one gives life to this figure. I love how the patterns was done and the shading given to it. It would look nice it you have a mirror at the back of your display shelf. The hair does not have much detail, just plainly colored grey, I say the Grandline Men version is better with respect to the detailing of the hair.

Same as my thoughts with Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.), I am pretty satisfied with the outcome of this figure and this one has the right to be a part of anyone's Figuarts ZERO collection, along with Shanks and Yasopp. Just don't compare this figure with the POP version or this one would loose its appeal.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.)

Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.) has officially been released by Bandai last Saturday, 17th of November 2012, along with Figuarts ZERO - Benn Beckman. It has reached most retail shops a day earlier though, ensuring that it will be available on the official release date.

So here are the early shots from one of the retail release (courtesy of blog.livedoor.jp) and surprisingly, it does not disappoint as compared to some recent Figuarts ZERO releases. It looks like Bandai finally heard the criticisms of many collectors regarding their releases.

Shanks here looks awesomely nice! It may not look as perfect as the promotional images released earlier but this figure looks really close. The figure molding and paint application was done satisfactorily. I was worried that they might screw up the red-hair, the eyes and the facial hair, but those were done nicely. It may not be perfect but I am truly satisfied with the outcome of this figure judging from the Figuarts ZERO standards. It beats the first version of Figuarts ZERO Shanks.

I'm glad that Bandai did not messed up one of the most iconic character in One Piece in his appearance in Marineford. I hope most of the retail releases, if not better, will look the same as this one. I can't wait to get mine.

At Last, Yui Takamura In A Plugsuit

Finally, Yui Takamura in a plugsuit. There's a lot of Yui Takamura and Muv-Luv Alternative figures out there but almost all of them are half-naked and in sexy pose. While this Kotobukiya's Yui Takamura is still looking sexy, she is wearing a cool plugsuit which is her main costume while piloting a mecha. The plugsuit seems to be very tight as you can almost see the overall shape of her body. She comes with a Katana and a nice diorama styled base. There are also plans for Cryska Barchenowa and Inia Sestina, both in plugsuits following this figure so I believe that these three would look really nice together.

She will be up for preorder on the 20th of November but information for price and release date yet.

Altina Mel Sylphis Is So "Kawaii"

As some of you may have noticed, aside from being a huge One Piece fan, I'm also a sucker for cute female figures. I also happened to be a fan of Tony Taka's illustrations. And for me, this Kotobukiya's 1/8 scaled figure of Altina Mel Sylphis from Shing Blade is so "kawaii". Though I don't have much knowledge about this character, she still catches my attention because of her cute lovely face and and costume design. The simple blue/white color motif fits her perfectly and her smiling face and blown away hair is really cool to look at. This figure is really as sight for sore eyes.

She is slated to be released April 2013 at a retail price of 6,800 yen. Not so expensive for a really adorable figure. Preorders are now available at Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search. Hope I still have enough budget for her.

KOS-MOS Hits The Beach Once Again

Alter's KOS-MOS Swimsuit ver is getting a re-release. I don't usually fall in-love easily with swimsuit figures but she is absolutely gorgeous. She isn't like any other ordinary swimsuit anime figures since she is kind of non-human. As you can see she is covered with these sort of out of this world thingies that makes up the upper part of the swimsuit. The full shape of her breasts are very much defined in this swimsuit as its is opened on the middle part.

The translucent hair also gotten my attention as well as the facial features. All in all, she is going to be a great addition to my collection (I hope my wallet allows me). Oh, and I forgot to mention that she is scaled as 1/6, approximately 300mm tall, so she is going to be a towering figure next to my mostly 1/8 scaled figures. I shouldn't miss this one as these kind of swimsuit design does not come too often. You should get her too.

This figure is already on its second release which will be on April 2013 for 8,800 yen. Preorders are now available at Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search.

New Release Photo Review: POP LIMITED - Rob Lucci ver 1.5

POP LIMITED - Rob Lucci ver 1.5 has been released last Wednesday, 7th of November 2012, and here are some of the photos from one of the final retail releases. As expected, MegaHouse didn't disappoint the fans on this release. As we already knew, this is a much improved version of the original Neo-6 (denoted by the title "ver. 1.5") and the figure totally justifies.

Also below, there are some images on how the new ver 1.5 compares to the original Neo-6, so you can much more appreciate the changes and improvements done on this revision. As this figure is limited, only a few stores offered it, but if you happened to be able to make a preorder, it should arrive at your doorstep anytime soon. For those who wasn't able to preorder but still interested on getting one, you can still be able to purchase from some stores albeit a higher than standard price. Well it is still much cheaper than the original Neo though.

As for me, I shall receive my copy from Otacute probably by next week :)

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

Finally! Kotobukiya heard their fans screaming to release ArtFX+ Batman (The New 52 Edition). I always thought that they were saving him for last, but surprisingly, here he is, gotten past Wonder Woman and Cyborg.

These official images were just revealed from from Kotobukiya's Facebook page, and Batman's design is totally stunning. I can't really express how much excitement I felt the first time I saw these images. The cape looks cool, nice golden utility belt, the chest emblem stands out and the whole body armor is pretty much detailed. The face is just alright though, but Kotobukiya's sculptor Goutaro Takeuchi (aka Atelier Bamboo) put much of effort pleasing Batman fans on this figure. Though I believe there's still a lot of Batman hardcore fans who won't be pleased with this design. In my opinion, this figure really fits in well with the rest of the New 52 editions, which left us waiting for Wonder Woman and Cyborg. This is the best all the New 52 releases so far, worth the long wait and doesn't disappoint. Well it should be, cause it's Batman.

According to Kotobukiya's Facebook page, this will be released on May 2013, but that will be in the US. It must be an April 2013 release in Japan.

Update: Preorders are now open at Amiami

Figuarts ZERO - X Drake and Basil Hawkins Preorder Announcements

Bandai is really in a rush! To empty our wallets, that is. They just announced that Figuarts ZERO - X Drake and Basil Hawkins will be available for preorder this coming Monday, 12th of November 2012 at 16:00 (JST). These two figures has been announced earlier for March 2013 release, but I never thought that preorders will be offered this early.

Somehow I think that Bandai knew what other manufacturers are up to and they are trying to offer preorders as early as possible before new product announcements are made. Yes, I'm looking at you MegaHouse. It's possible that there will be Supernovas and Film Z on POP's line-up which will be shown on the upcoming MegaHobby EXPO 2012 Autumn event, since they already have an upcoming Kidd and Killer, and there will definitely be some Film Z POP editions.

Back to the figures, these two are looking awesome (as most Figuarts ZERO promo images are). Figuarts ZERO - X Drake is wielding his sword pointing upwards with his four-bladed axe on his right hand. The cape is blown away nicely and his boots looks awesomely detailed, I hope they can do the same on the retail releases. Figuarts ZERO - Basil Hawkins on the other hand looks cool with his straw voodoo dolls coming out of his left arm. This left arm can be replaced with an alternate arm without those dolls but holding a card. I would love to preorder these two but I'm worried about the outcome of the final retail product. I'll better wait for the release availability before getting these two. And besides, MegaHouse might announce these two characters on their POP line-up. If that happens, I might end up not getting these Figuarts ZEROs.

As mentioned, to be released on March 2013 with the following prices

Figuarts ZERO - X Drake

Price: 3,675 yen

Figuarts ZERO - Basil Hawkins

Price: 3,360 yen

Update: Preorders are now available at Amiami [ Drake | Hawkins ], and Hobby Search  [ Drake | Hawkins ].

Official Photos: GEM Gundam SEED - Kira Yamato

Joining the previously released G.E.M. Athrun Zala and RAH DX G.A. NEO Lacus Clyne, Kira Yamato's GEM treatment is finally here and ready to be preordered today. We saw him the first time in unpainted prototype stage at Wonder Festival 2012 Summer. Now we can see the fully completed figure in these official photos. He comes with his droid bird Tori, which can be placed either on his shoulder or on his palms. He can be display in pair with either Lacus Clyne or Atrun Zala with hands reaching out for each other.

Based on these images, it seems that he does not come with an alternate non-stretched left arm so there is no way you can display him without looking like he's trying to reach something. Anyway, this is the best figure of Kira Yamato that I have seen so far and as a huge fan of the Gundam SEED series, this one should join my collection.

An April 2013 Release for 7,665 Yen. Preorders for this figure starts today, 8th of November 2012 and it is now available on Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Otacute

Official Photos: POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Marshall D. Teach ver. 1.5

The official photos of POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Marshall D. Teach ver. 1.5 has finally been released. From what I see, there are a lot improvements done as compared to the original DX. The first thing that you will notice are the eyes, it is now round unlike before which is kind of squinting. It seems that the head is a totally new sculpt while while retaining most of the features of the original, much as what they did with Rob Lucci ver 1.5 and Portgas D. Ace ver 1.5. The sailor hat is now larger. There isn't any noticeable changes on the sculpt of the body but it has now better color tone and overall paint application are much more detailed.

This is indeed new a and improved version of Teach and its still worth getting even if you do own the original DX, specially if you are a fan of a nicely detailed figure. A really nice companion to POP Neo-DX - Shiliew which will be available for preorder a few hours from now.

Preorders for POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Marshall D. Teach ver. 1.5 will start tomorrow, 8th of November 2012 and will be released on April 2013. No pricing details yet.

Update: Retails for the price of 8,925 yen (inclusive of tax)

Update: Preorders are now open at Animarket, Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Otacute

POP Neo-DX - Ghost Princess Perhona

It is quite a while since the last time I featured one from my collection. And since the POP Sailing Again - Perhona is about to be released this coming January, I better feature my lovely POP Neo-DX - Ghost Princess Perona (or Perhona as written in the box) first before the newer version arrives.

This is the fifth addition to my POP collection and my second Neo-DX. As all the characters under the Neo-DX class, Perhona's design in this figure is based on her pre time-skip appearance, and as I have mentioned a newer Perhona under the Sailing Again class will be released which is then based on her post time-skip appearance. But that newer version doesn't mean its better than this Neo-DX. Both versions are really pretty awesome and their designs are totally different from each other.

Figuarts ZERO One Piece Film Z Battle Costume ver Preorder Schedule

This is crazy! It seems like Bandai is in a hurry to release all the Figuarts ZERO One Piece Film Z Battle Costume ver. I just got a news and from what I understand is that they will start accepting preorders on not one, not two, but all the nine Mugiwaras on mid-December. And what's crazier is that they will release them in sets of three. How that sounds to you? Is this a good news or bad news? See the set and pricing details below.

Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver - Luffy, Chopper, Franky set
Price: 8,505 yen

Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver - Zoro, Robin, Brook set
Price: 9,240 yen

Figuarts ZERO Film Z Battle Costume ver - Sanji, Nami, Usopp set
Price: 9,240 yen

This is also still not very clear to me, but keep an eye on this site for more detailed info in the future. You can also follow my Facebook page for updates.

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX - Shiliew

Here are the official photos of the most famous member of the Blackbeard Pirates, POP Neo-DX - Shiliew. We already have seen a lot of photos of this figure but in these images, it looks like he will come with alternate right and left arms, to display him differently.

And if you're into collecting Blackbeard Pirates, a newer version of POP Marshall D. Teach will also be coming as well. They would look really nice together. No photos of him yet though.

No price and release date yet but preorder information has been released earlier and can be found here.

Update: Release date is mid February 2013

Update: Retails for the price of 8,925 yen (inclusive of tax)

Update: Preorders are now open at HLJ, Hobby Search, Amiami, Animarket and Otacute at their own discounted prices.

Official Photos: POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Boa Hancock ver. Blue

After much speculations from fans, official images of POP Neo-EX LIMITED - Boa Hancock ver. Blue has been finally released. And much to many collectors dismay (specially to the owners of the original), she is just a alternate/recolor of POP Neo-DX Boa Hancock with an additional winking eye alternate face. I'm not sure if there are some other slight improvements made on the sculpt, but based on these photos, it is basically the same. It's just like what they did with Luffy JF Special, only with lesser new parts. MegaHouse probably would like to get the most out of this famous POP.

For those who have missed the original red color (like me), this was still a good news. This blue colored dress is based from the manga chapter 598, where Boa Hancock is wearing the same dress but in blue (remained red in the anime) during the time when he met with Luffy after the two year time-skip. So this can be regarded as the post time-skip version of Boa Hancock.

So much for wishing a different non-swimsuit Boa Hancock. I hope we can still see a completely new Boa Hancock like the Marine Ford version and with Salome some time in the future.

No price and release date yet but preorder information has been released earlier and can be found here.

Update: Release date is late March 2013

Update: Retails for the price of 7,350 yen (inclusive of tax)

Update: Preorders are now open at HLJ, Hobby Search, Amiami, Animarket and Otacute at their own discounted prices.

Official Photos: Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney and Killer

Less than two hours left before preorders for Figuarts ZERO - Jewelry Bonney and Killer starts, but before that, take a close look at these official photos of the two figure. These photos might help you decide if you're still arguing with yourself whether to join the preorder battle on the Japanese market or not. These photos looks really nice, but it does not mean that the final retail version would look just as nice. Recent Figuarts ZERO releases are hit or miss specially on the One Piece product line. So let's hope that these two will not suffer a poor quality as some others and stay as much as they look like in the photos.

Jewelry Bonney has an alternate head option with a different expression and an alternate left arm. Her sailor hat is removable and can be used on both heads. For Killer, I noticed that he is a lot taller than Figuarts ZERO - Eustass Kidd as shown in the photo below. Is that accurate? I understand that these Figuarts ZERO are not scaled so no point arguing in this matter, but since you would normally display Killer side by side with his Captain, it might not look appropriate, unless Killer is really this much taller than Kidd.

To be released on February 2013, these figures priced for 2,940 yen each. Preorder details can be found here

Update: Preorders are now open at Amiami [ Bonney | Killer ], Hobby Search [ Bonney | Killer ] and Hobbylink Japan [ Bonney | Killer ].

POP November 2012 Preorder Announcements

The November POP preorders has been lifted and we are getting not one but three exciting POP announcements. First off is POP Neo-DX - Shiliew, this wasn't much of a surprise since this is the only remaining fully completed figure that was shown from Chara Hobby 2012.

The second one, POP Neo-EX LIMITED Boa Hancock ver. Blue was a surprise since none of use knew this one coming. As the name implies, she is a limited edition and only few stores will offer this figure. No available photos of this figure yet so we're not sure if this is only a recolor of the previous DX Boa Hancock or a completely new sculpt. This is the one I'm totally excited for since I missed the previous release.

And the last but not least, POP Neo-EX LIMITED Marshall D. Teach "Bleackbeard" ver. 1.5. This is a limited edition as well and also not photo yet. This is probably a release decision to coincide with the release of DX Shiliew. They should have made this release strategy with Rob Lucci ver. 1.5 by releasing Kalifa as well :) ...(wishful thinking).

Below are the preorder schedules

November 7, 2012 at 18:00 (JST)

• POP Neo-DX - Shiliew
• POP Neo-EX LIMITED Boa Hancock ver. Blue

November 8, 2012 (timing unknown)

• POP Neo-EX LIMITED Marshall D. Teach "Bleackbeard" ver. 1.5

No price and release dates yet for any of these three POPs and as I have mentioned, no available photos for Hancock and Teach yet. For Shiliew, only the photos from Chara Hobby 2012 event are available so just check 'em out below. I will post the official photos of these three figures as soon as it is made available.

As for POP Sailing Again - Franky, no word from it yet but since it is the onely remaining prototype that was shown from the events earlier, we might get to see him fully completed in the upcoming MegaHobby EXPO 2012 Autumn event this coming 25th of November. And if it is indeed fully completed at that time, it is safe to say that it will be the next preorder to be announced.