Super-Franky Returns [UPDATED]

We got an info that POP SA-Maximum - Armored Franky is getting a re-release. But this only applies to MegaHouse affiliated stores like Megatreashop, etc. No word yet if this is also going to be re-released internationally just like what they did on the first release.

Remember that during the first release, it was initially announced as LIMITED edition and Japan-only exclusive. It is still labeled as "Excellent Model LIMITED" but was eventually released for international markets. The same release scheme may happen on this re-release. So for those who doesn't have this awesome POP yet, and having a hard time getting one, don't lose hope. This maybe your best chance.

No preorder schedule yet, so for further updates, just keep yourself connected to this blog and my Facebook page.

Update (2013-11-22): It turns out that this announcement is not a re-release but just a re-sale of unclaimed/cancelled orders. This will only be available at the Megatreashop and stock availability will only be granted to those who will be drawn via lottery. You will need to sign-up in order to be included in this lottery (more info here and here). So for those who are waiting for the international re-release, sorry this isn't for you :)

Have You Included The Captain To Your February 2014 Plans?

It has been two weeks now since the preorder for POP Edition-Z - Monkey D. Luffy has began (check-out the preorder announcement here). We've seen the promo photos all over the internet already. But I haven't had a chance to talk about it yet here on my blog. 

The first thing that I would like to talk about is the release date. I mentioned in my earlier post is that I'm assuming this to be a March 2014 release, considering that there are already three POPs scheduled to be released for February 2014 alone. Those three are POP Edition-Z - Roronoa Zoro, POP MAS - Tony Tony Chopper (Horn Point) and POP LIMITED - Nami (Mugiwara Ver). But to my surprise, POP Edition-Z - Monkey D. Luffy will also be released on the same month. This makes four POPs to blow away your wallets in one go like a hurricane.

Every POP collector is probably worrying about these release schedules, especially those like me who is on a tight budget and also considering of getting some other collectibles aside from POPs. But this is Luffy, and like I said earlier, no strawhat crew collection is complete without the captain. Who knows, MegaHouse might end up delaying any of these February 2014 releases.

Release schedule aside, let's talk about the figure itself. It looks really nice on all angles but considering Luffy's character design, you're not getting much PVC meat. The upper body looks so thin, specially without the red/yellow vest. I think they should have added more bulk to his body since this is a post time-skip Luffy where he have gained a bit of muscles from the 2-year training. It should be just like the same body size of the POP SA Luffy. This one is definitely much more skinny.

A lot of fans were wishing for an optional Armament Haki arm to be included, but based on these photos, it seems that the only alternate parts included are one right arm and one left arm without the sleeves to go along with the vest-less display and an optional open palm left hand to be able to hold the straw hat. We also got a serious face. No black shiny fist for the Armament Haki. 

Overall, this figure really looks good. It looks a lot better as compared to POP SA Luffy, both being Luffy's post-timeskip appearance. Detail wise, everything is there. From the hair, face, vest, trousers and slippers, all are greatly detailed. Just like I said, my only complain is the less muscular body which I find a little awkward without the vest, specially in side view. I'm not planning to display it without the vest anyway, so I think it's not of a big deal.

POP Edition-Z - Monkey D. Luffy retails for 7,600 yen (inclusive of tax) and scheduled to reach store shelves on February 2014. Preorders and now open at HLJ, Amiami, Hobby Search, and Figmation. Better check out these stores and secure your order. I just find it weird that it hasn't gone sold out yet on these Japanese based hobby shops. Anyway, I'm sure this is gonna be one of the rare, high valued figure in the future. I'm still hoping for the version with red coat with sword and meat on his back though :)

POP SA Chopper Crimin Ver. Is A Jump Festa 2014 Event Exclusive

Remember the Chopper Crimin Ver. that we saw back at Wonder Festival 2013 Summer? Well it turns out that it's gonna be another event exclusive. Yep, that's right! POP Sailing Again - Tony Tony Chopper (Crimin Ver.) will be available exclusively at the MegaHouse booth during the upcoming Jump Festa 2014 event which will be held from 21st to the 22nd of December 2013.

I'm excited as I'm worried on the availability of this figure. I'm dying to get this one, but being an event exclusive, it's going to be tough to get from third party resellers outside Japan, not to mention the pricing which will be... oh well, let's just assume that it's going to be more than doubled. It will only retail for 3,000 yen at the event, but I'm thinking that I'll be slashing about 6,000 yen from my wallet before I can get my hands on the figure. Lucky of those who would be able to attend on the event.

Why would I pay 6,000-ish yen for such a small POP? Well, what I can I say? Aside from a cute looking Chopper figure, I love how he wears that pink Crimin shirt while holding a black flag with a Mugiwara jolly roger and the title "Portrait of Pirates" in it. It's also nice that the base isn't the usual POP base but a mock oak barrel top, giving the figure a familiar pirate touch.

This is the second Crimin ver. to be released. The first one being the Nami Crimin. I would really like to see all the Straw Hat Crew in their Crimin outfit to get the POP treatment as seen in Oda's illustration below.

Straw Hat Pirates on Fishman Island

Below are the details of this figure:

POP Sailing Again LIMITED - Tony Tony Chopper (Crimin Ver.)

• Price: 3,000 yen
• Release Date: Jump Festa 2014 Event Exclusive (MegaHouse Booth)

Jump Festa 2014

• Date: 21-22 December 2013 (Saturday-Sunday) 9:00 - 17:00 (JST)
• Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall 1-8
• Admission: Free

This maybe just another POP Chopper, but it's a very welcomed version of him, rather than those neverending Chopperman releases.

It's The Captain's Turn to Raid Your Wallets

November POP preorder has been announced and it is gonna be a follow-up of another Edition-Z. This time, it is none other than the captain himself - Monkey D. Luffy who will be taking your money. Preorders starts next Thursday (not the usual Wednesday schedule), 7th of November 2013 at 18:00 (JST).

We've seen the fully completed prototype before, in addition to those photos of the uncolored prototype, so it's not much of a surprise 'cause we have a clear idea of what we will be getting. We haven't seen much accessories though, just the strawhat and an alternate left arm to hold it. I am actually hoping for another one or two alternate facial expressions. I like the smiling face but I prefer him in some kind of serious or pissed-off face during his battle with Zetto. We should be seeing the official poster and promo photos anytime soon.

This is Luffy, and no strawhat crew collection is complete without the captain, so expect that most stores will declare sold-out in just a few minutes after preorders go live. Be ready with your F5 key, to quickly refresh your internet browser if you're after Japanese distribution version.

No pricing details and no official release date announced yet. I believe it is safe to assume a March 2014 release though. In any case, be sure to check out this post or my Facebook page for future updates.