A Desert Princess, A Far Away Nakama

A couple of weeks ago, POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi and POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) went out for preorder. And it's usual for nice looking POPs like these to be declared sold-out at Amiami and Hobby Search minutes after it went live. It is either these hobby shops has a very limited number to offer, or it's just there's too many collectors who are after these POPs. The latter is probably the case since we all know that POPs are very much sought after, especially for female characters.

And who wouldn't want and POP of Nefertari Vivi, she is one beautiful character from One Piece World. Keep in mind that the first POP Vivi, the "Neo" version has become one of the most hunted POP that its price skyrocketed to more than 6 times its original price.

I never really dreamt of owning that absurdly expesive Neo Vivi, but this new DX version is something not to let pass by. Unlike the Neo, Vivi is in her royal princess dress. This particular outfit wasn't really shown a lot of times in the series but rather just a few moments towards the end of the Alabasta arc.

As you can see in these official promo images, the colors are really fantastic and a sight for sore eyes. Vivi's blue hair complements the pink cape and the white dress is truly majestic with those gold accessories. Her body has that hourglass curves and really looks nice at every angle. Her face of course is very lovely with that smile. She comes with two hairstyles, one with her hair down but held by a clip, and one with ponytails.

I don't see any reason not to get this POP so my money will definitely be going for this one. She is slated to be released on January 2014 along with POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) with the price tags of 8,190 yen and 8,400 yen respectively.

If you have missed the preorders for Vivi and you're after the Japanese distributions, unfortunately she is already sold out on most Japanese based stores. But these stores sometimes reopens preorders so do check-out these links from time to time for your chances - HLJ, Amiami, and Hobby Search. For international distributions, don't worry these stores can get you covered - Animarket, Hobby Frontier and Figmation.

Bringing Back the Memories of Alabasta

Rewinding a few years back to give way to some of the characters to remember in the world of One Piece. This month's MegaHouse's POP preorder offering are the two characters from the Alabasta Saga. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi and POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.). Preorders for these two POP starts next Wednesday, 11th of September 2013 at 18:00 (JST).

We've seen the completed prototype of these two figures before during the previous MegaHouse exhibits. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi is so pretty with all those nice colors. This is a great chance to own a POP Vivi figure without spending too much on the now absurdly expensive POP "Neo" Nefetari Vivi. And unlike the Neo, this time she is dressed to show her royal status. I hope a new POP Carue will also be released sometime soon.

POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) isn't entirely new but as its name implies, it is a repaint of the older POP Neo-DX - Sir Crocodile. It's pretty obvious that Crocodile is being released to go along with Vivi as both were characters of Alabasta. Well I also noticed earlier that POP Shichibukais were being re-issued or being revamped for some reasons. Starting with Boa Hancock ver. blue, then Blackbeard 1.5, Mihawk ver. 2, Trafalgar Law re-issue, Doflamingo re-issue, and now this Crocodile. Jinbe, Moria, and Kuma were the only ones missing from previously released Shichibukais. Does this mean we're gonna be able to finally see a Buggy POP? Oh, sorry if that's a spoiler to you.

Anyway, back to Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.). As most of the revamped POPs, this is under Neo-EX. I wonder why they decide to do just a repaint and not a ver. 1.5. I really don't notice any difference compared to the previous release aside form the much shinier gold hook. I don't have the original so I can't really tell much. Well, I'll be getting this so I don't care much about the older version.

Both figures will be released on January 2014. POP Neo-DX - Nefertari Vivi has a price tag of 8,190 yen, while POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint ver.) doesn't have any pricing details yet, so make sure to check this blog post or my Facebook page for updates.

No One to Stop the War Until Late-August

I believe most of you already read the news, but for those who are unaware yet, the release date of POP Neo-DX - Shanks has been moved from late-July to late-August 2013. That's one whole month of waiting. I don't know what's happening to MegaHouse as almost all of their recent POP releases are being delayed.

Well, I don't know about you, but for me, it's better to be delayed than to rush their production and end-up releasing low quality POPs. It's not as bad as Good Smile Company's delays anyway. Shanks won't reach Marineford to stop the war till late-August, so till then, let's continue wishing for more Red-haired pirates to get a POP treatment.

Re-releasing POP Shichibukais

Seems like MegaHouse is slowing down a little. This month's POP preorders aren't fresh new figures but re-releases of the two Shichibukais - POP Neo-DX - Donquixote Doflamingo and POP Sailing Again - Trafalgar Law. Preorder starts on Wednesday, 3rd of July 2013 at 18:00 (JST).

We saw Doflamingo displayed during the recently held MegaHobby EXPO exhibit and also given that he's a part of the Punk Hazard arc, I already guessed that he will be re-released sometime soon. But I'm surprised of Law's early return to the preorder line-up as he was just released less than a month ago.

MegaHouse's preorder offering for the month of June was POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk Ver. 2, a Shichibukai. And for July, two more Shichibukais. What could this mean? Does this mean that they are going to release/re-release a series of Shichibukais? Is this an indication of an upcoming Jinbe ver. 2? Crocodile ver. 1.5? A Marineford Boa Hancock with Salome? Of finally, a POP Buggy? Then that would be awesome.

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk Ver. 2

Another exciting POP release has made it's way to the preorder stage (check out the preorder announcement here). POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk Ver. 2 has been officially available for preorder on hobby shops and official promo images are now up at MegaHobby Station. Of course, I made these images available here on my site for your convenience as we discuss the how amazing this particular POP that we are getting.

The first thing you'll notice and probably excited about is that you can display him with or without the hat. I can't tell from these images if the hat is removable or it comes with an alternate head without a hat since it is the same facial expression. Either way, it's cool to have an option to display him hatless unlike the previous DX version.

Both his arms can be replaced to make an alternate pose with him wielding either his Yoru (his huge black sword) or Kogatana (his pendant crucifix knife). Two different left hand for each sword. It seems there are two Kogotanas, one as a necklace and one as a knife since the chain is loose on the latter. The head is probably on a ball joint as we can see his head facing in different directions based on these photos.

I gotta say that Mihawk is looking kick-ass here, with all the details, colors, proportion and pose. Adding to that is the cool cape that seems to be slightly being blown by the wind. It's like he's looking down to all his opponents from the top some pedestal. I was crying before that I missed the first DX Mihawk, that one is totally expensive and I find it impractical to own nowadays. And this is a god-given opportunity for us. To own a newest and most updated POP Neo-DX - Dracule Mihawk from MegaHouse. Can't miss this one.

As I have mentioned, preorders are now up at most hobby shops. Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search are already sold out though. But no worries, you can also check out Animarket and Figmation ( JP | Int. )and other POP retailers.

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. )

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.

A Surprising Re-appearance of Whitebeard at Marineford

A surprising move by MegaHouse. Yesterday, I saw a lot of international POP retailers offering a re-issue of the POP Neo-DX - Edward Newgate, the which was originally released back in 2010. I talked to one of the retailers and apparently, they received a message from MegaHouse to offer a re-issue of the DX. The release coincides with POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger and POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate Ver. 0, making a trio of POP releases on August 2013.

No official announcements from any of the MegaHobby Station websites about the DX re-issue of Whitebeard and it seems that only international distributions are being offered. Japan based online hobby shops like Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search are not offering the DX re-issue.

In a similar case last month, international POP retailers offered preorders for June 2013 re-issue of POP Neo-DX Benn Beckman. Also having no official announcements from MegaHouse and no Japanese distributions as well. Only retailers received the info of the re-issue. This re-issue is probably to support the release of POP Neo-DX - Shanks.

For Whitebeard, since DX and EX Whitebeard has the same mold, I'm assuming that MegaHouse were able to offer them both since just by a few alteration, they can make each unit either a DX or an EX depending on the number of orders. A lot of collectors were actually hunting for the a reasonable offer for the DX since its price usually ranges from 200-300 USD nowadays. Releasing an EX Ver. 0 is a good chance to own this legendary POP character but it isn't really an answer. Specially if you wanted to remember him in his final moments during the battle of Marineford. MegaHouse probably knew that not everyone likes the EX Ver. 0 so by offering the DX along with it caters the requirements of most POP collectors and make everybody happy. Personally, I liked the DX a lot better.

POP Neo-DX - Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" will have its third release on August 2013 at it's original price of 9,240 yen, which has actually the same price offer as the EX Ver. 0. Preorders are now open at Animarket, Toyntoys, La Tendo, Figmation, Toy Coin, Inxstation, Hobby Frontier and other international POP retailers. So far, the best deal for me goes to Figmation, so they're the one who will be taking my money.

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger

"Wealth, fame, power. The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!" Preorders for POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger as well as POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate Ver. 0 has begun yesterday and as usual, most major Japanese online hobby shops were already sold out. MegaHouse has already put up these official images of the famous pirate Roger in their MegaHobby Station site.

We've already seen these optional parts for Roger during the previously held exhibits. He comes with a gun and a sword. But the interesting option parts and pose is the one in handcuff. It has been revealed back in Jump Festa 2013 but only in uncolored prototype stage. This is the first time that we've seen this pose in full color. It's really great that MegaHouse included these option parts to display Roger in his famous appearance. I believe this iconic character is a must get for every POP collector or maybe even non-POP collector alike.

To be released on August 2013 and will retail for 8,925 yen. Preorders are now open (or sold out) at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search, Otacute, Animarket and Figmation [ Japan | International ].

POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger & POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate ver. 0 Preorder Announcement

April POP Preorders has been announced via Megahouse's MegaHobby Station and we got not one, but two POPs. These two will be POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger and POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" ver. 0. Notice the omission of the word LIMITED on Newgate's title which means it won't be a web shop exclusive anymore. Preorders will start next Wednesday, 10th of April 2013 at the usual time of 18:00 (JST).

We've seen these two figures earlier during MegaHouse exhibits and the first time they we're shown in color is at the Wonder Festival 2013 Winter back in February. This is a wise move for MegaHouse to offer them at the same time as these two are meant to be together. But it's a bad news for us collectors, as two POP in a month usually hurts our wallets. I'm assuming that these two will be an August 2013 release, but still kinda hoping that that they won't be released on the same month. Crossing fingers for that.

No pricing and release date yet, but I will keep you updated as soon as these information has become available. So keep locked on this blogsite or on my Facebook page

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX Shanks

The Yonko and the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates in his third POP has been officially launched and preorder offers for this figure has already started. Along with it's launch are the release of these official images from its manufacturer - MegaHouse.

And what can I say.. Shanks is strikingly awesome in these images. That look pierces to anyone who are thinking of challenging him. As we have seen from the previous exhibits, the figure comes with three facial expressions and two right arms, one for holding a sword and the other for holding the legendary Strawhat. Unfortunately, we don't get too many close-up shots of those three different faces. The Strawhat that comes with it is unusual and not like the other strawhats that came with any Luffy's POPs. It has three slits that is stitched on top. I wonder when and where the strawhat get that damage.

To be released in July 2013, POP Neo-DX Shanks is now up for preorder for 8,400 yen but it is now available at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Animarket at their special price. Though it's most probably sold out on those stores before I can publish this post, except for Animaket which usually closes its preorder until the deadline. As for me I'll be waiting for Figmation's generous offer :)

Update (2013-03-07): Figmation has already put up their offer on their webstore. You can choose either the International or the Japanese distribution for a very great price offer. No need for downpayment if you're getting the International.But for the Japanese one, you'll need to pay in full for the figure and the shipping cost later upon it's availability.

New Release Photo Review: POP Neo-DX Shiliew

It's time for another photo review and we got shots of the newly released POP Neo-DX Shiliew (or Shiryu) here taken from a retail release courtesy of blog.livedoor.jp. This POP has been officially released yesterday, 28th of February.

Based on these photos, quality wise, it's superb. Everything you see on the promotional images is exactly what you will be putting up on your shelves. All the those tiny little details were executed properly and no critic eyes will be irritated. Posing wise, it may be kind of dynamic but I'm no a fan of it. Specially that left hand that looks weird. I prefer the other optional arm that seems to be reaching the sword scabbard. There are lots of impressive poses that can be done with a sword wielding character. Specially with this katana-like sword - nodachi, that's why I find this pose lacking in style.

Another thing that I don't like on this POP is the inclusion of the mini stand support for the cape. I understand that it's required so as to balance the figure or protect the cape from drooping downwards in the future. But can't they just do it some other way? Like putting the support on the main base? I'm sure there is some other way, right? Well, if they didn't posed him like this they wouldn't have this issue.

I don't hate this figure nor love it. I'm just somewhere in between. I didn't preorder this one and no plans of getting him anytime soon. Maybe later. This isn't the kind of fast selling POP. In fact this is still available at HLJ, Hobby Search, Amiami, Animarket and Otacute. So I'll just wait for some discounted sales at any of these stores.

For you who has preordered this POP and those who has received their copy already. This should be a great companion for the upcoming POP Neo-EX - Marshall D. Teach ver. 1.5. I'm sure you already have that in mind, right? And with POP Neo-DX Shanks and POP Neo-DX Benn Beckman, it will be cool to display them eye-to-eye, ala Marine Ford scene. Hope there will be more POP released of Red Haired and Blackbeard pirates in the future.

POP Neo-DX - Shanks Preorder Announcement

The preorder schedule has been lifted for POP Neo-DX Shanks and it will start on Wednesday, 6th of March 2013 at 18:00 (JST). As announced during the Wonder Festival 2013 Winter event, this POP will retail for 8,400 yen and will be released on July 2013. Same month as POP SA-Maximum - Armored Franky

Most of you are probably complaining about MegaHouse's decision of releasing it on the same month as Franky. But since Franky is still being treated as Limited release, it's apparent that there will be a regular POP release for that month. That's how it works normally. Megahouse has a separate release plans for POP regular and limited editions. Limited editions are usually offered earlier than regular releases. So if they offered a limited POP which is scheduled to be released on a certain month, there is still a possibility of one or two regular POP release on the same month.

This is generally not much of an issue since this has already happened a number of times in the past. The problem we are dealing with right now is that Armored Franky is so much expensive enough to have another POP release within same month. I think you already got my point.

Anyway, we're still happy for this release, aren't we?
No official promo images yet, so just check out these photos from Wonder Festival 2013 Winter.

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.

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.

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.

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX - Killer

The official photos of POPs Eustass Kidd and Killer are out now. Though this isn't a surprise for everyone anymore as we already know how these figures looks like, these official photos are still nice to look at. First we got POP Neo-DX - Killer, different shots shows that the both blades can be rotated. No optional parts shown here but we'll see later when it is released. An alternate shirt to show post time-skip maybe?

Slated to be released on December 2012 for 7,260 yen, preorders will start 12th of September 2012 at 18:00 JST (Japan time) along with POP Neo-Maximum - Eustass Kidd.

Official Posters: POP Kidd and Killer

Two days before the preorder begins for POP Neo-Maximum - Eustass Kidd and POP Neo-DX - Killer, MegaHouse releases the official promotional posters for these two. And based from these posters, the price for Kidd is 12,600 yen and price for Killer is 7,560 yen, both tax included. Kidd is almost double the price of an average DX. Not so surprised because of that huge accessory. I guess that's what a Neo-Maximum subline is meant to be. Both are December releases.

Announcement: POP Kidd and Killer Preorders

September POP preorders has been announced and it will be POP Neo-Maximum - Eustass Kidd and POP Neo-DX - Killer. Preorders for these two figures will start next week, Wednesday, 12th of September 2012 at 18:00 JST (Japan time). Prices and release date has yet to be announced but I will update this post as soon as this information is available, so be sure to keep an eye on this blog site or follow my Facebook page to receive updates from Facebook.