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.

Naruto Sage Mode in Minato's White Coat

MegaHobby EXPO 2013 Spring has lot's of surprises. One these is the unveiling of the fully colored prototype of G.E.M. Series - Uzumaki Naruto. We've already seen the unpainted prototype before but what surprised me are the colors of his coat (haori).

It's not the usual red coat with black flames-like motifs on the edges (the one he was wearing during his battle with Pain), but with white-red color scheme same as his father Minato's coat. I can't read Japanese but if I'm not mistaken, it seems that the kanji writing at the back says "Fourth Hokage" (四代目火影, Yondaime Hokage). Am I right?

I'm a huge fan of Naruto but I prefer to follow the Anime only and avoid the Manga (well at least until I cannot hold it much longer). So I don't know if he has worn this coat of his father already. But for me actually, it looks way much-much cooler than the red-black color scheme. I don't know if it looks powerful, but for me it is, since it pays respect to his late father Minato.

Some may not like this pose as it seems to be a little bit odd, but it's totally fine with me. I'm just having a hard time thinking how it will look next to G.E.M. Series - Hatake Kakashi Ver. 2. But with the next in line G.E.M. Series - Uchiha Sasuke, these three will totally look awesome. It won't be long 'till MegaHouse announce a G.E.M. Series - Haruno Sakura.

Oh, and before I forget! G.E.M. Series - Uzumaki Naruto has been announced to be available for preorder starting next Thursday, 6th of June 2013. No release date announced yet though, but I'm assuming this is an October 2013 release.

Update (2013-06-04): Set to be released on October 2013 at a price of 8,190 yen.

Your Third Chance to Accept His Challenge

Released not once,... but twice,... and again. POP Sailing Again - Roronoa Zoro will be re-released for the third time. Preorders starts next Wednesday, 5th of June 2013 at 18:00 (JST), same as POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk Ver. 2 and will coincide with it's release on October 2013 as well.

It seems that there's a high demand for all these Sailing Again POPs. Will this re-releases lower the collector's value of these POPs, or there's just too many collectors who weren't able to get 'em on previous releases. Anyway, as long as I have it, I am totally satisfied.

Rerelease pricing is exactly the same as the inital release of 7,140 yen. For those who still doesn't have him yet, are you getting him this time around? I don't see any reason why not.

Update (2013-06-07): Preorders are now up at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Animarket.

The Master Swordsman is Now Ready for You

The master swordsman's updated POP version, POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk Ver. 2 has been announced by MegaHouse to be available for preorder starting next Wednesday, 5th of June 2013 at 18:00 (JST). Along with him is the re-release of his rival/student, POP Sailing Again - Roronoa Zoro.

This was unveiled during the recently help MegaHobby EXPO Spring 2013 and it's the only newly announced prototype in full color. As announced on that event, he will be released on October 2013 and priced for 8,400 yen. SA Zoro will also be re-released at the same month.

It seems that MegaHouse knew what their fans wanted. The first POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk is already on the now-rare/hard-to-find/expensive/extinct/classic POP list which is not a practical buy in my opinion, unless of course you're a completist. This is the answer for all our agonies. Kudos to MegaHouse!

Update (2013-06-04): Preorders are now up at Figmation ( JP | Int. )

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

Delaying the Third Coming of the Navigator

I don't know if there's still anyone out there who's actually waiting for POP Sailing Again - Nami's third release. Well for those who are, MegaHouse announced that the re-release of this POP, third release actually, will be moved from its original release date, May 2013 (this month) to next month, June 2013. It will actually be released along with POP Edition-Z - Nico Robin and POP LIMITED Sadie-chan, making a trio of sexy ladies for the month of June. Check out the original re-release announcement here.

This isn't a very big deal since it is actually just a delay of it's third release. What I'm more concerned about is that MegaHouse has been delaying figure releases since the beginning of 2013, POPs and non-POPs. It may not be as bad as Good Smile Company's delays actually, but it's not a good thing if delays like this continues since it may ruin someones budget. Hope that MegaHouse fixes this problem soon. I don't want to wait for POP SA-Maximum Armored Franky later than it's release date.

An Expensive Trip Back To Strong World

After being pummeled by the Film Z hype from various companies of One Piece merchandise, here we are on a trip back to Strong World again with MegaHouse's POP SE-Maximum LIMITED - Golden Lion Shiki. Perhaps most of you have seen this product being offered by MegaHouse as a limited edition store exclusive. 

That's right, we won't be seeing this product to appear on any Japanese hobby shops like Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search aside from Megatrea Shop and other affiliated stores. But like SA-Maximum Franky, it seems that Shiki has an international version, so it won't be so hard to get him outside Japan. On the pricing side, since it is being classified as Maximum, it has a hefty price tag of 12,999 yen, around the price of POP Neo-Maximum - Eustass Kid.

While being classified as Maximum, Shiki is a part of the Strong Edition subline since he is a character and the main antagonist of the Strong World Movie. I'm not sure why MegaHouse suddenly decided to bring this character while it's still in the heat of the Film Z movie. They should have released this during the peak of the Strong World movie. Or perhaps they are waiting to introduce the Maximum class before they can release Shiki.

Looking at the reasons why MegaHouse decided to classify this as Maximum, I find that it's only because of the rocky base and the support for the two swords in place of his feet. I understand that the supports are necessary, but I find it annoying and destroys the sense of realism. Not that it supposed to look real though, it's just that it simply distract the view of the swords which are his primary weapons. The height is about 335 mm, quite taller than the average POP. No other option parts aside from the head replacement. It doesn't even come with any other weapon since his swords (Oto and Kogarashi) are already attached to his limbs. In my opinion, this POP doesn't deserve to be classified as Maximum.

They should have considered releasing him as Ver. 0 to come along with Garp Ver. 0, DX Roger & Newgate Ver. 0. to do away with the sword feet. The rocky base looks nice but it isn't really necessary. I'm willing to pay the price of a Maximum if the POP really looks Maximum. But it's not the case here so I'll be skipping this one.

Those will be just my opinion and I'm sure a lot of you find this release interesting. Don't let me distract your decision. If you're interested, then go ahead and check your favorite hobby shop. POP SE-Maximum LIMITED - Golden Lion Shiki is now available for preorder on most hobby shops and will be released late-October 2013. Preorders are now open at Figmation [JP | Int.] and other international POP retailers.

Official Photos: G.E.M. Series Hatake Kakashi Ver. 2

Official promo images of G.E.M. Series Hatake Kakashi Ver. 2 has now went online at Megahobby Station as preorders officially opens up (check out the preorder announcement here). It is set to be released on September 2013 for 8,190 yen (tax included).

As I mentioned before, this figure wasn't presented on any event exhibits. This is the first time we saw some clear images of this GEM Kakashi. And as expected from MegaHouse, the detailing of this one is at the level of their recent 1/8 scale releases like POPs and other G.E.M. Series.

Checking these promo images, it seems that he comes with three head options. One with a forehead protector covering his left (Sharingan) eye, one with a forehead protector in correct position (not covering hos left eye), and one without the forehead protector probably to show his look during his time at ANBU. Kakashi can either be displayed with or without Pakkun on his shoulders. His jōnin/ANBU flak jacket can be removed, though he doesn't look very appealing without it.

His pose while looks cool, stylish and is very appropriate to a Kakashi figure, it doesn't look very battle-ish as opposed to the upcoming G.E.M. Uzumaki Naruto Sage Mode. Yes, there will be an upcoming Naruto figure from MegaHouse under G.E.M. Series. You can check the uncolored prototype here. G.E.M. Uzumaki Naruto Sage Mode is in a very dynamic pose. I can't imagine it displayed together with Kakashi as it seems they're on a different side of the shinobi world. If they just posed Kakashi while doing the Chidori attack just like the Figuarts ZERO version, Naruto and Kakashi would look amazingly kick-ass together. They don't have to copy the Figuarts ZERO stance though. There's a lot of ways to pose a ninja making a Chidori attack.

Posing aside, the figure captures Kakashi and Pakkun's look in the anime and manga. Applying MegaHouse's quality and latest figure making techniques, makes it an amazing work of art. As mentioned earlier, G.E.M. Series Hatake Kakashi Ver. 2 is to be released on September 2013 for 8,190 yen (tax included). Preorders are now open at Amiami, Hobby Search, HLJ, Figmation and Animarket.

Official Photos: POP Edition-Z - Sanji

POP Edition-Z has now went up for preorders on major hobby shops (check out the preorder announcement here). At the same time, official promo images has also went online at the Megahoby Station website. We haven't really seen a decent photo of the fully painted prototype until now, so I'm a little excited to see what is being offered to us by MegaHouse.

We have seen the unpainted prototype earlier so its pose and sculpt isn't really surprising anymore, though I must still say it's "incredibly awesome" since it isn't like what we've seen on previous Sanji's POPs before. But what's more interesting now is how its painted appearance looks like on every angle. And based on these images, it totally looks vibrant. Sanji's looks is on another level here. Not the usual "Men In Black" costume but a rather colorful outfit complete with a black feathery cape. That cape seems to be made of translucent black plastic, like those that comes with SA Brook and DX Doflamingo.

It seems that he does not come with any alternate option parts, but that isn't really a dealbreaker. And because of the pose and the colorful outfit, this must be the best Sanji POP there is. It's so exciting just thinking how all the Film Z POP would look like together when its completed. Now show me some Edition-Z Zoro and Luffy, MegaHouse!

To be released on September 2013 and will retail for 8,400 yen. Preorders are now open at Amiami, and Hobby Search, HLJ, Animarket and Figmation [JP | Int]. Strangely, this time Amiami didn't open at the exact timing and it didn't sold out for more than a hour. It's either Amiami's loyal customer went for another store, or its just only a few collectors wanted this figure. The latter might be true, since it's still available for preorder at Amiami, and Hobby Search by the time I'm writing this post.

But for me as usual, Figmation offers the best deal. I already placed my order yesterday morning as they offered it a day earlier. Nothing beats the early bird :)

Shanks has Returned to Marineford To Stop The War

Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.) is getting a re-release on August 2013. This figure will be available for preorder along with the Figuarts ZEROs Smoker & Tashigi (Punk Hazard ver) starting Wednesday, 8th of May 2013 at 16:00 (JST). So for those who haven't owned this figure of the cool Yonko and captain of the Red Hair Pirates yet, better be ready for your second chance.

Update (2013-05-08): Preorders are now up at Hobby Search and HLJ.

The Leader of Team 7 Makes Another Appearance on GEM Series

Remember the earlier released Naruto Shippuden's Hatake Kakashi figure under GEM Series of MegaHouse? MegaHouse will be releasing a second version of Hatake Kakashi figure for their GEM Series product line. It is entitled as GEM Series - Hatake Kakashi Ver. 2.

We don't have any clear photos yet but this small photo of a poster from some event. But as we can see clearly, unlike the first one which is plainly standing and reading an issue of the ero Icha Icha series (or holding a Kunai), this time Kakashi is in a kind of a kneeling pose with his trusty partner Pakkun on his shoulder. This one shows a more serious side of Kakashi as a former ANBU operative. He seems to be gathering intel of his current mission or making an attack strategy.

No price and release date announcement yet, but preorders will start on the 10th of May 2013. In that case, I'm assuming that it would be released on either September or October. Keep an eye on this site or my Facebook page for further announcements regarding this figure.

**Thanks to Aladdin Turki for that nice Kakashi wallpaper that I used as a cover art. Check out more of his artwork at Anime Paper.

POP Sailing Again - Nico Robin is Getting a Re-release

Along with the announcment of POP Edition-Z - Sanji, MegaHouse also announced that POP Sailing Again - Nico Robin is getting a re-release. Preorders will start at the same date and time as POP Edition-Z - Sanji's which will be on Thursday, 9th of May 2013 at of 18:00 (JST).

I'm sure that there's still a lot of collectors who missed this one and having a hard time hunting, especially for those who are after the Japanese distributions. Well here's your chance. Good thing I already got mine so I don't have to worry about this anymore :)

No release date announcement yet (I'm assuming September 2013) and no indication if it will be sold at the same initial release price. Just check this blogsite of my Facebook page frequently for more updates.

Update (2013-05-09): To be released on September 2013 for 6,825 yen. Preorders are now up at Amiami, Hobby Search, HLJ and Animarket.

POP Edition-Z - Sanji Preorder Announcement

POP preorder information for May 2013 has been lifted and surprisingly, it is POP Edition-Z - Sanji. Preorders starts next Thursday (which is unusual since it was always Wednesday), 9th of May 2013 at of 18:00 (JST).

I was thinking that they will launch POP Neo-DX - Kalifa first since it was the last colored prototype that was presented during the Wonder Festival 2013 Winter. POP Edition-Z - Sanji is still in uncolored prototype at that time. But here he is, shooting his way for the next release. Probably because MegaHouse wanted to release all the POP Edition-Z Mugiwaras while the movie is still hot.

No pricing details and release date yet (though it's probably a September release), so keep locked on this blogsite or on my Facebook page for further announcements.