Scopedogs take center Stage for Hobby Round 8

35 minutes ago - 3:30 PM on 10.28.2012   |   Chris Seto

On the mecha side of things, All eyes were on the scopedogs of classic anime Armoured Trooper Votoms at Hobby Round 8. Alongside the basic scopedog, we got some kits of the pilots from the show, including the main protagonist, Chirico.

There were also kits from the Zoeki-Mura series of kits, which specialises in authentic propeller plane kits. On display was the Oh my Goddess! special NIT plane which we saw at Wonder Festival but as for announcements, there was only really one.

After having the main logo up on the front page of the Hobby Round 8 website for so long, Volks have finally told us what it means! They will be releasing plastic kits of the mecha from the classic video game series Virtual On with the first release being the series stalwart, Temjin 707 seen in Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram!! I wonder how it will compare to the Kotobukiya version...

[Many thanks to Tokyo Hunter for the photos]

Brush up on history with Oda Nobuna and Hanbe Takanaka

1 hour ago - 3:00 PM on 10.28.2012   |   Emily Smalara

One of the more well-received historical gender-bending anime, Oda Nobuna no Yabou managed to not only give us a bevy of sexy ladies, but unlike many in the genre also managed to provide a well crafted, semi-accurate storyline. Even so, I'm a bit surprised to see two of the series' girls arriving so soon, but thanks to Papagino Products that's just what we're getting come January.

First off, we've got leading lady Oda Nobuna herself, and they seem to have nailed her somewhat unique style to a tee. It's also pretty clear they didn't skimp on any details of her fairly complex outfit, and at only ¥5,760 I've got to say I'm pretty impressed with the end result. Also arriving will be the onmyouji Hanbe, seemingly quite the cutie compared to Nobuna's feisty demeanor. While she's quite a bit simpler than Nobuna's design, it's still pretty appealing, and I definitely like the inclusion of one of her charms. As said, both girls will run you around ¥5,760, so it won't break the bank if you're inclined to grab both!

[ Pre-order Nobuna at AmiAmi ]

[ Pre-order Hanbe at AmiAmi ]

Volks Hobby Round 8 Resin Kits entice with old and new

2 hour ago - 2:00 PM on 10.28.2012   |   Chris Seto

Hobby Round 8 has just recently ended and Volks were sure to give visitors a good chance to see what they have in store for their fans on the non-Doll side of things as well as giving them a chance to buy some of their newest offerings.

The biggest announcement of the event was definitely the unveiling of a new charagumin kit of Revi from Black Lagoon, complete with unpainted prototype!! There was also a protype of Akiyama Yukari, arguably the protagonist of Girls und Panzer. Strange that they chose to go for Miho first, though she does play an important role. Yukari is more of the storyteller...

There were also plenty of other announcements as well, with charagumin kits being planned for Phantasy Star Online 2 and Sakura Wars. Both Shinguji Sakura and Erica Fontaine will be getting kits, though the rest of the imperial and Paris Kagekidan look to be missing out.

As for the older kits, there was a display for the Walkure Romanze ladies as well as for T-ELOS and KOS-MOS from Xenosaga III. Other kits shown included Gaury from Slayers, finally ready for sale, chibi Etna (perfect timing since Disgaea D2 was recently announced!) and Alicia Melchiotte and Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles. Selvaria was shown with Ruhm, which was a Hobby Round 7 exclusive kit so some lucky sods got a chance to walk away with an exclusive kit.

Revi will certainly be a highly anticipated kit, especially since she should only require a little painting, if any to look good but I'm more interested in the Shinguji Sakura kit. I wonder how she will turn out? What about you, readers? Are there any kits here which you want as part of your collection? And which unreleased kit are you most interested in?

[Many thanks to Tokyo Hunter for the photos]

Check out Megan Schmidt's Pudgenstein and Bride!

4 hours ago - 12:00 PM on 10.28.2012   |   Natalie Kipper

Megan Schmidt of Camp and Co. (formerly Campfire Culture, previously featured on Tomopop) is getting into the Halloween spirit with her sweeter-than-candy Pudgenstein and Bride plushes. Each of these plushes measures in at 10 and half inch tall and 12 and a half inches round. You can purchase the patterns either from Megan's Etsy shop or Ravelry shop. They are available as either a pair (Etsy, Ravelry), just Pudgenstein (Etsy, Ravelry), or just the Bride (Etsy, Ravelry). It should be noted that the prices are different for each site. Individual patterns cost C$5 and the pair costing C$8 (available until the end of October) on Ravelry. On Etsy, single patterns are C$5.50 and the pair are C$9. The skills required to make these plushes are: knit, purl, pick up stitches, and knit two stitches together. The pattern is written assuming you will be knitting using the magic loop method (on a circular needle) but Megan says it can easily be adapted for double-pointed needles. I should mention that I have knit several of her previous patterns and the knitter should also be comfortable switching between different colors whilst knitting. 

If all those terms are making your head swim and you just want the darn plush without acquiring knitting skills first, Megan has also kindly listed made-to-order versions of these plushes on her Etsy shop. You can choose between the pair (C$65), only Pudgenstein (C$35), or only his Bride (C$40). 

For those who breeze through these patterns and still want more spooky goodness, Megan's Ravelry shop still has last year's Halloween pattern, the Pudgageist, available for purchase. You can check out more of Megan Schmidt's work at her Facebook page. Be sure to have a look-see!

What about Biollante?

17 hours ago - 11:00 PM on 10.27.2012   |   Scarecroodle

There's been a lot of Bandai coverage over the past few days, everything from D-Arts Pokemon to Sailor Moon to NGE Angels to... well, you get the idea. Naturally there are some things that may have slipped under our radar or received a suitable amount of attention, such as with Biollante.

Biollante, the title monster from Godzilla vs. Biollante (one of the few Godzilla films I finished in one sitting WITHOUT falling asleep), is what happens when you mix G-cells (a cooler way of saying Godzilla DNA) with a human/rose hybrid (yeah, just go with it). This resulting combination is easily one of the coolest (and most overlooked) Godzilla enemies and among the rare examples when the opposing monster is, in fact, the hero (or heroine, in this case).

Bandai's (presumably S.H. Monster-Arts) Biollante, recently posted to their Facebook, features the character in her second form (the first being a giant flower). This rather sizable figure seems to tower over Godzilla and, as such, is likely to be very pricey (presumably in Destroyah's price range). While Bandai's Biollante seems to lack the bulk associated with her film counterpart, she makes up for it with an incredible head-sculpt and long, seemingly articulate vines. Plus I imagine there's a good amount of detail on the figure itself.

It's no secret that I'm a big Biollante fan. In fact, virtually every time a new Monster-Arts figure is announced or discussed, I manage to work Biollante into the discussion (coincidentally, I now need another monster to recommend for the line... or I can go back to pushing Gamera). While I definitely want to pick this plant babe up, she's likely going to be an expensive item in what looks to be an expensive year.

Appease your inner D&D; fan and pre-order this Arshes Nei

21 hours ago - 7:00 PM on 10.27.2012   |   Emily Smalara

Despite my freely admitted love for all things related to D&D-style tabletop gaming, I've never actually partaken of the rather infamous Bastard!!. I'm familiar with many of the aspects though, including the curvy half-elf Arshes Nei. When it comes to classic fantasy anime, she's certainly no slim Deedlit. Quite the voluptuous lady, it seems like the Thunder Empress takes after her human side rather than a slim elf.

Therefore, this release from Orchid Seed might be right up the alley of those of you who are a bit tired of the multitudes of slimmer characters out there. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of her build here, but I do love that badass cloak and, of course, her hair looks fantastic. Of course, seldom am I not drawn to a figure's hair, but nonetheless, paired with her cloak it gives quite the windswept look.

For the pervy types out there, she's also apparently castoffable, at least when it comes to her top. She's left in a rather fetching collar, which is always a plus in my book. If you're looking for a nice figure to decorate your regular gaming table, you can pick her up in February for around ¥9,334.

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

Double your fetish with Clayz's School Swimsuit Maid

3:00 PM on 10.27.2012   |   Emily Smalara

I'm not usually a huge fan of Clayz or the whole "throw every fetish at a wall and see what sticks" type of figure, but for once, they seem to have gotten one that actually works! It helps that source material from the wonderful Tony Taka helps, with what seems to be some great work on the figure itself by Takeshi Miyagawa.

I think a major part of the appeal is both the maid uniform and school swimsuit alike are white in color, making for a very seamless, unified look rather than having the typical navy blue swimsuit clash and stand out so noticeably. The ribbons add a nice splash of color to keep things from getting too dull, and of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention her lovely twintails. Those long, Miku (or Sona!)-style tails are right up my alley!

This is definitely one I'd like to keep an eye on when she shows up in March, and if you feel the same you'll be able to pick her up for about ¥9.800.

[ Pre-order at AmiAmi ]

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 ]