Cast your vote and pre-order Satsuki Shinonome

11:00 AM on 10.27.2012   |   Emily Smalara

I really enjoyed last season's Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate, even the apparently much-reviled ending's choice of girls for our hero. Fortunately, fans of the rest of the cast will have something to look forward to thanks to Alphamax and their upcoming release of presidential candidate Satsuki Shinonome.

While, as you can imagine, I wasn't a fan of her overly busty figure, I really enjoyed her outgoing, friendly yet confident personality, so I'm glad to see her getting some more love. Though, compared to the previous Megahouse release (which even then was a bit iffy), I find that Alphamax really dropped the ball in terms of capturing the series' art style. I really like her eyes, but her face doesn't really look like Satsuki. I honestly am not sure I'd know it was her, especially without her trademark hair beads.

She'll be available in May, and you can grab her for around ¥6,800. What do you think? Am I seeing things or does this just look like some other random black-haired chick?

[ Pre-order at Otacute | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | CD Japan ]

The G.E.M. series reminds us Gintama is about Kintoki

10:00 AM on 10.27.2012   |   Jonathan Tubbs

My memory is a little fuzzy, but it looks like MegaHouse will be releasing yet another figure of the star of Gintama, Kintoki Sakata. The leader of the Yorozuya and all around liked character Kin-chan will be released as a 1/8-scale figure as a part of the G.E.M. series joining other characters such as Hijikata (reviewed), Shinsuke (reviewed), and... and... wasn't there a guy with a perm?

Based on the character in the most recent Gintama anime arc, Gintoki's "perfect" doppelganger will be added as a quickie to the G.E.M. series by MegaHouse. This 1/8-scale figure uses the original Gintoki mold (blog review) since they are pretty much the same person but replaces the colors and hair to give us our golden lie boy. The figure also replaces the silver fork that Gin-san included with a golden one continuing the play on their names (gin translated as "silver" and kin translated as "gold").

The 1/8-scale G.E.M. series Kintoki is retailing for ¥7,980 and will be shipping in March, 2013. Unfortunately, it appears that this figure is an animate Online Shop exclusive since MegaHouse has yet to make any announcements and no other retailer is listing it. So, will you be getting the "star" of Gintama to complete your collection?

DCC talks articulation, minor characters, in latest Q&A;

9:00 AM on 10.27.2012   |   Scarecroodle

In their latest "Ask DC Collectibles" segment, DCC responded to questions ranging from increased articulation to the inclusion of minor characters to the use of flesh-colored plastic.

Possibly the biggest question on fans' minds involved DCC's greater-than-average articulation seen in their upcoming Arkham City Batman (pictured) and whether it would become the "new standard". While DCC acknowledged that certain figures would have additional articulation going forward (specifically mentioning that some would come out towards the end of 2013), the company has yet to "settle on a standard".

DCC also mentioned attempts to "diversify" its selection by offering minor characters in its lines, citing examples such as the the Arkham City Joker thug, Mad Hatter, and New 52 Parademon (check out a whole Parademon vs Justice League display in our SDCC coverage). Fans can expect to see additional minor characters over the coming year. Finally, DCC's practice of using flesh-colored plastic (as opposed to painted flesh tones) was called into question. DCC justified the usage by claiming it gave figures a more realistic look since it doesn't involve painting over the plastic (presumably in reference to texture?). DCC added that it "works most efficiently on the characters showing the most skin" and in other cases, such as with Batman where only a tiny portion of skin is shown, they still use painted flesh. While I'm personally not a fan of plastic flesh tones as opposed to painted (since it makes the items look cheaper), I can certainly understand the reasoning.

As an interesting side-note, DCC mentioned that their leftover 3.75-inch Green Lantern 2-pack convention exclusives are sold through their partner, Graffiti Designs. For even more answers, check out the full Q&A transcript.

[ Ask DC Collectibles ]

Wave uses Dream Tech for Madoka Magica swimsuit figures

8:00 AM on 10.27.2012   |   Jonathan Tubbs

Though Wave Corporation makes its money through the vast 1/10-scale Beach Queens series, the company also has another line of PVC figures that they'll occasionally release. The 1/8-scale Dream Tech series brings more than swimsuit figures to Wave's portfolio and that series will now be covering the popular Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

The Dream Tech series will be adding Homura and Mami in... oh. Swimsuits. Well, the Dream Tech line does typically have ladies not in swimsuits but it also does have some. Such as this case. Based on the garage kits by Cherry Blossom, Wave Corporation will be bringing two of these kits into mass produced PVC figures. When they'll bring them is unknown but Wave wanted to announce these as soon as possible. And will Wave also produce the figure of Kyouko shown on Cherry Blossom's web page? We'll just have to wait and see.

[via Wave Development Department Blog]

Muv-Luv's Yui takes some time--and clothes--off

11:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Emily Smalara

While I can't speak for the quality of Muv-Luv itself, few series seem to have as consistently attractive, high-quality figures as this one. Nearly every character given the PVC treatment seems just stunning, and the latest from Alphamax is definitely no exception. After all, few things in this world are more attractive than a gorgeous woman in an undone top!

The outfit, or lack thereof, may be sexy enough in its own right, but add the classy elegance of such a pure black and you've got an undeniable recipe for success. From the top to her fantastic hair to even her coffee mug, Alphamax has hit home in all the right places. I'm also finding it hard to ignore that sideways glance she's working, giving her a very calm, relaxed demeanor.

Fortunately, if you're as smitten as I am she won't break the bank either. You can pick up a pre-order now, and she'll be arriving in April for around ¥7,400.

[ Pre-order at HobbyLink Japan | Otacute | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | CD Japan | J-List ]

Kuso Vinyl's Ponburger might satisfy your DCon appetite

9:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Brian Szabelski

Kuso Vinyl will be at DesignerCon in booth #330, and one of the things they're bringing this year is a new Kusopon All Star bank, Ponburger. If you haven't guessed by now, it's KusoPop mascot Kusopon as a hamburger. The vinyl bank stands about 6 inches tall, which is a pretty decent size and should hold quite a bit of coin.

If you want to pick one up at DCon, Ponburger will set you back US$25. There's only 300 of these, too. It's a nice little take on the Kusopon design; I've always thought he kind of looked like a burger. What do you think?

[NSFW] Native's at it again with Sexual Police

8:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Tianxiao Ma

It's been a while since we last saw a Native figure, hasn't it? If you've never seen a Native figure, just know that they specialize in naked ladies. Anyway, their latest work, the 1/7-scale Sexual Police, is up for pre-order. The name pretty much says it all. She's a police officer and she's bent over to show off her goods.

If you're a perv like me, you'll like this. Not counting the subject matter, Native makes pretty high-end figures, so it mostly comes down to a matter of taste and availability. I can say that in terms of explicitness, there's definitely more anatomical detail than a Barbie doll but Native's stuff isn't super-graphic (usually).

As far as availability, this is a Native online store exclusive, but you can also try going through a proxy service. The MSRP is ¥9,000 and the figure will be out in April 2013.

[Pre-order at Native Online Store | Big In Japan]

Jump for joy and pre-order Plamo Yotsuba

7:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Emily Smalara

During Kotobukiya's Hobby Exhibition early last week, we took a look at an upcoming plamo version of the ever-adorable Yotsuba. Certainly a big draw for fans, collectors will be glad to know she's now up for pre-orders! As expected from such a kit, she's laden down with no shortage of accessories suitable for any scene needed.

You'll be able to pose her with a stuffed bear, bubble wand, cardboard box, and more, and a number of additional facial expressions looks to provide quite a few options to suit your--or Yotsuba's--mood. While I can't say I've too familiar with the source material, it's hard to be unaware of Yotsuba's popularity. Koto looks to have made a model that any fan will want to get their hands on, and at a price of only ¥3,000, preparing for her March release should be an easy task for those interested.

[ Pre-order at HobbyLink Japan | Otacute | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | CD Japan | J-List ]

Lunartik unleashes Halloween Teas

6:10 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Brian Szabelski

Just a few hours ago, our review of Lunartik's Mini Tea in a Cup Series 2 and Loose Tea figures went live. By absolutely stupid coincidence, today also marks the release of Lunartik's special Halloween brew, the Bloody Hot Pumpkin Tea. In a run of 50 pieces (45 regular Bloody Hot Pumpkin Teas and 5 Acid Bath variants with green coloring instead), each of these guys also comes with flickering little eyes like a real pumpkin. You can see a video of it in action after the jump; quite a nice little effect!

If you're feeling in the mood, they're £60 each in Lunartik's shop. Go now, because they're already half gone!

Tomopop Review: Lunartik Mini Teas Series 2/B.I.Y. Tea

4:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Brian Szabelski

Lunartik's Mini Teas have returned for a second series, with 17 new designs at the fingertips of collectors. The first series seemed to be received positively by the designer toy community from the places I've visited online, and I, too, was a fan of the bite-sized dudes in their little teacups. This time, though, another tea has emerged: a blank, DIY tea called the B.I.Y. Loose Tea, made so Lunartik fans and customizers alike can come up with their own 2.5-inch brew.

Lunartik sent two Series 2 Mini Teas and a B.I.Y. Loose Tea my way, so I thought that I might as well review the little fellows and let you know if either is worth your time. Grab a snack, put a kettle on the stovetop and follow me past the jump to check them out!

Shawnimals to end Ninja of the Month subs in 2013

3:30 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Natalie Kipper

Shawnimals just announced that, at the end of 2012, its popular Ninja of the Month plush series and subscription service will cease operation. Fans can expect to see this year's November and December releases but that will be all she wrote. But, don't break out the violin just yet. Out of the ashes of the NoTM series rises a newly revealed line called "Legends of Ninjatown." Shawnimals notes that Legends of Ninjatown will not be subscription-based nor have monthly releases. Beyond that and a promotional image (check out the gallery for the full picture), not much is known about the new line. We should expect more details soon.

What you think of this new development, Tomofolk? 

Last six artists revealed for Cavey show's line up

3:00 PM on 10.26.2012   |   Natalie Kipper

We are edging forever closer to November 10, the night of Cavey's American Cousins plush show in Hollywood, California. We have already given you sneak peeks of six of the twelve artists who will be showing off their custom Cavey plushes at the event (seen here, here, and here) and this time, we will be adding the final six artists' teasers to the list: Scott Tolleson, Mochi Mochi, Onell Designs, Luke Chueh, Angry Woebots, and SketOne.

Scott Tolleson's familiar argyle pattern can be seen on his plush's tie. The simple yet bold lines of the design really stand out in the picture. Mochi Mochi is a big name in the knitted toy world (I've made some of her patterns myself). Her Cavey seems to have come disguised as one of her famous knitted gnomes, with a teeny-tiny version perched on the plush's shoulder. Luke Chueh's is moderately disturbing (as one might expect from this artist) with poor Cavey decapitated and a little bone detail inside the guts. Onell Designs' is slightly sinister-looking, although I am having a hard time making out much from the teaser in this one. Angry Woebots' design is reminiscent of their Panda King figure. 

The pop-up plush show will take place at The Cat and Fiddle Pub on Sunset Boulevard from 8 p.m. to "late" (more details can be found here). And remember, each of these one-of-a-kind toys will be up for auction starting on November 3, ending the night of the show.