New Release Roundup, Feb. 2010 Edition

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Alter - 1/8 Nakano Azusa

  • Character: Nakano Azusa
  • Series: K-ON!
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 6,800 yen
  • Date: Jun. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Alter showed off their upcoming Azusa figure at WF2010 and online shops started taking reservations for her a few days later. Azusa is probably my favorite K-ON! character design after Mio, mostly owing to her hairstyle. I would probably display her in Azu-nyan mode, but I’m always a bit leery of customizable bits on my fixed-pose figures these days after seeing too many unsightly gaps or loose parts on figures I’ve purchased in the past.

Griffon Enterprises - Tomoe

  • Character: Tomoe
  • Series: Queen’s Blade
  • Scale: Non
  • Height: 170 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Griffon Enterprises
  • Price: 6,400 yen
  • Date: Apr. 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Search
  • Link 2: AmiAmi

When I first saw Griffon’s new Queen’s Blade figure on the Hobby Search page in a modest outfit and pose with no mention or images to suggest a cast-off ability, I was impressed. Figures from the Queen’s Blade series so often fall into the generic ecchi/cast-off/crap category that seeing something more normal is refreshing. Or at least it was… until I poked around further and found that the figure is does indeed feature a cast-off ability. Ugh.

Alter - 1/8 Senhime

  • Character: Senhime
  • Series: Hyakka Ryoran
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 205 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 7,800 yen
  • Date: Jun. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Senhime is Alter’s latest entry in their line of Hyakka Ryoran figures. I have to admit that I really like the character designs for this series. They’re definitely fan service-oriented, but it’s not generic fan service.

I’m liking Senhime’s outfit.  The neatly pleated skirt seems to be the visual centerpiece and the purple/red/black color combo works very well here. The one thing that I’m not so sure that I like is Senhime’s expression here. I’m guessing it’s part of her character, but the frown she’s wearing seems to suggest she’d rather be doing other things. -_-

Alter - 1/8 Sanya V. Litvyak

  • Character: Sanya V. Litvyak
  • Series: Strike Witches
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 220 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 7,800 yen
  • Date: Jun. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

February seems to be the month for Strike Witches figures; two from Alter and one from Kotobukiya. I haven’t personally seen the series–though I do have the DVD set on order–but I have noticed that the series has been thoroughly vilified in the West for reasons I can understand, but don’t necessarily agree with. Regardless of how you feel about Strike Witches, you have to admit that it is at least unique from a character design standpoint. The moefication of girls as WWII fighter planes isn’t something you see every day, even in anime.

Sanya isn’t my favorite design among the Strike Witches characters–that distinction probably belongs to Lucchini–so I can’t say I was exactly looking for a Sanya figure, but I can see some appeal here. For one, I find the dark colors of Sanya’s outfit and her Striker Unit appealing. I also think there could be some value in the fact that this Sanya is probably going to be one of the tamer figures from the Strike Witches series, for someone who’s conscious about their figure collection.

Alter - 1/8 Miyafuji Yoshika

  • Character: Miyafuji Yoshika
  • Series: Strike Witches
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 255 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 7,800 yen
  • Date: Jul. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Alter’s other Strike Witches figure for this month is a re-release of main character Miyafuji Yoshika. Sometimes I wonder how and why manufacturers decide to re-release certain figures and not others. I considered Alter’s Yoshika briefly the first time around, but ultimately decided to pass. Among the motley assortment of character in Strike Witches, I actually find Yoshika kind of plain. Sad but true.

Kotobukiya - 1/8 Erica Hartmann

  • Character: Erica Hartmann
  • Series: Strike Witches
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 220 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Kotobukiya
  • Price: 6,800 yen
  • Date: May 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Search
  • Link 2: AmiAmi

As mentioned in the Sanya comments, Kotobukiya also got in on this month’s Strike Witches action with their own Erica figure. Like the others, Erica isn’t my favorite character design from the series so this figure doesn’t win any brownie points there. It also looks like stand Koto is using for Erica would be more visually intrusive than the minimalist metal pins that Alter is using. I’m not a fan of bases that have visible supports in the first place, so the less I see, the better.

Gift - 1/4 Minamoto Chizuru

  • Character: Minamoto Chizuru
  • Series: Kanokon
  • Scale: 1/4
  • Height: 400 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Gift
  • Price: 12,000 yen
  • Date: Jul. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

You’ve got love a figure that’s gratuitous in more ways than one. Outrageous outfit. Enormous size. Massive price tag. Gift’s latest is a 1/4 scale bunny girl who does all things in large proportions. ^_^

Kotobukiya - 1/6 Kousaka Tamaki ~Panic~

  • Character: Kousaka Tamaki
  • Series: To Heart 2
  • Scale: 1/6
  • Height: 210 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Kotobukiya
  • Price: 8,000 yen
  • Date: Jun. 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Search
  • Link 2: AmiAmi

It seems that Kotobukiya isn’t quite done milking To Heart 2’s Tamaki for their 4-Leaves series. Here we have the third 1/6 scale Tamaki figure in a similar crouching pose. This one features a slightly different sculpt with Tamaki in the middle of a wardrobe malfunction rather than supporting her bra using her mouth as in the previous 4-Leaves figures. Of the three, I think I like the look of this version the least.

FREEing - 1/8 Akiyama Mio

  • Character: Akiyama Mio
  • Series: K-ON!
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: FREEing
  • Price: 7,429 yen
  • Date: Jul. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Yay! It’s another Mio figure!

Boo! She’s not wearing her ending sequence outfit! -_-

FREEing’s new Mio was one of the handful of upcoming Mio figures shown off at WF2010W. It’s hard not to compare her to Alter’s maid Mio, which I probably liked more between the two. I’m missing the musical references from the series here–Alter’s maid Mio is shown holding her guitar–which I think leaves Mio looking a little too generic. I’m also not particularly fond of the troubled expression she’s wearing here. Oh well, the wait continues…

New Release Roundup, Jan. 2010 Edition

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It’s drawing near the end of the month, which means it’s time to look at some of the interesting new figures that opened for reservations this month. ^_^

Good Smile Company – 1/7 Saber ~Triumphant Excalibur~

  • Character: Saber
  • Series: Fate/stay night
  • Scale: 1/7
  • Height: 250 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Good Smile Company
  • Price: 9,800 yen
  • Date: Jul. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Good Smile Company has another Saber figure hot on the heels of their Saber Lily figure released late last year. This new figure features Saber wearing her original FSN battle armor in a nice aerial action pose. I’m thinking her face looks a little funny in one of the official photos, but otherwise the new Saber is looking top-notch. I haven’t preordered her yet, but I imagine it’s only a matter of time.

Kotobukiya – 1/8 Xecty ~E.V.E.~

  • Character: Xecty
  • Series: Shining Wind
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Kotobukiya
  • Price: 7,140 yen
  • Date: Jul. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Kotobukiya has another Shining Wind figure ready for preorder. This one features Xecty sporting a bit of a different look than what I’m used to seeing. Her new outfit reminds me of Kingdom Hearts for some reason.

Kotobukiya – 1/8 Kasugano Sora ~Sukumizu~

  • Character: Kasugano Sora
  • Series: Yosuga no Sora
  • Scale: 1/6
  • Height: 130 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Kotobukiya
  • Price: 7,140 yen
  • Date: May 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Search
  • Link 2: AmiAmi

Here’s the next entry in Kotobukiya’s 4-Leaves series, featuring Kasugano Sora from the eroge Yosuga no Sora. I like Sora’s character design, but this particular figure comes across as a bit too generic for my liking. Considering it as a school swimsuit figure, I can think of other examples I like better (To Heart 2‘s Tamaki has several that come to mind). As a Sora figure, I think MegaHouse did a better job of capturing her character.

Yamato – Creator’s Labo #024 Tsukasa Bullet Compact Hog

  • Character: ??
  • Series: Tsukasa Bullet
  • Scale: Non
  • Height: 185 mm
  • Material: PVC/ABS
  • Company: Yamato
  • Price: 11,340 yen
  • Date: Jun. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search
  • Link 3: AmiAmi

Yamato’s newest entry in the Creator’s Labo series features the work of Tsukasa Jun, whose style here reminds me of Range Murata. While I am appreciative of Jun’s artistic style and this particular piece is eye-catching enough, it doesn’t quite push all the right buttons to make it my first steampunk figure purchase. Interesting, nonetheless.

Well, I think that about does it for this month’s new release roundup! See anything you like? I think Saber’s a pretty sure bet for me.

upLark – 1/8 Akiyama Mio PVC

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  • Character: Akiyama Mio
  • Series: K-ON!
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: upLark
  • Price: 7,800 yen
  • Date: Mar. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search

It seems like the K-ON! figures are finally starting to come in.  I think this is the third Mio figure I’ve seen and there are previews for a forth Mio from another manufacturer floating around the net.  I’m liking Mio’s outfit in upLark’s version as compared to Alter’s version, but I’m still not sure they got the face right.  I’m also kind of disappointed to see that no one seems to want to do a 1/6 scale K-ON! figure yet.

Bandai – 1/8 Ranka Lee PVC

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  • Character: Ranka Lee
  • Series: Macross Frontier
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 190 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Bandai
  • Price: 6,800 yen
  • Date: Feb. 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Search

Bandai’s new Ranka Lee figure scores points for Ranka’s charming facial expression and a cute miner’s (??) outfit.  It might well lose points for Bandai’s fit and finish, which is largely unknown to me, but at this point I would still pick it as one of the best new figure announcements for November.

It’s been a slow month. -_-

Alter – 1/8 Yagyu Jubei (Swimsuit Version) PVC

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Alter - 1/8 Yagyu Jubei [Hobby Japan Ver.] PVC

  • Character: Yagyu Jubei
  • Series: Hyakka Ryoran
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 180 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 6,980 yen
  • Date: Mar. 2010
  • Link 1: Hobby Channel
  • Link 2: ToysLogic

It seems that Alter has managed to sneak in another Yagyu Jubei figure before their first one has even been released.  Jubei’s looking great in her new swimsuit, but acquiring her could get downright ugly.

First, this figure is a Hobby Japan mail order exclusive.  Second, it’s limited to 1,500 pieces.  Third, those 1,500 pieces will be distributed via lottery rather than first-come, first-served.

All of this means lots of uncertainty and added expense for potential buyers outside of Japan.  For what it’s worth, ToysLogic seems to be accepting a limited number of orders for Jubei and I will be trying my luck with them.

Clayz – 1/6 Tony Taka Nekomimi Maids PVC

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Clayz - 1/6 Tony Taka Nekomimi Maids Set PVC

  • Character: Nekomimi Maids
  • Series: E2 (Etsu) Magazine Original
  • Scale: 1/6
  • Height: 260 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Clayz
  • Price: 14,800 yen
  • Date: Mar. 2010
  • Link 1: E2 (Etsu) Shop
  • Link 2: AmiAmi

Clayz has translated a gorgeous piece of famed ero artist Tony Taka’s artwork from E2 (Etsu) magazine into figure form.  I am a huge fan of Tony’s work so I was immensely pleased to see some of his work outside of the Shining Tears/Wind series get the figure treatment.

Other than the lofty price, which is largely mitigated (IMO) by the fact that you’re essentially getting two figures in one, the trouble with this figure is that it’s an exclusive for two Japanese online shops: E2 (Etsu) and AmiAmi (see links above).  Ordering through E2 will probably require a proxy, but it looks like AmiAmi has an English website and will ship internationally.

Alter – 1/8 Mercedes PVC

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Alter - 1/8 Mercedes PVC

  • Character: Mercedes
  • Series: Odin Sphere
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 230 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 7,800 yen
  • Date: Feb. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search

Alter appears to have done an excellent job of rendering Odin Sphere’s unique, painterly style into 3D space with their new Mercedes figure.  I’ve never even played the game, but I’m tempted to pick up this figure after seeing the elaborate detail in the preview shots.  I did find the pose kind of odd at first, but I eventually realized that Mercedes is shown in flight with her crossbow acting as a cleverly-disguised support peg.  All in all, the design looks very smart and well executed.

Alter – 1/8 Akiyama Mio PVC

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Alter - 1/8 Akiyama Mio PVC

  • Character: Akiyama Mio
  • Series: K-ON!
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Alter
  • Price: 6,800 yen
  • Date: Nov. 2009
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search

Alter appears to be the first out the gate with a K-ON! figure (at least that I’ve seen).  I’m surprised it has taken this long with the buzz surrounding the series.  The Alter/Mio combo is the best I could have hoped for.  That said, I find myself a little disappointed with what they came up with.  I’m thinking that it’s probably my preference for Mio’s stage outfit over the school uniform, but this figure just doesn’t scream “buy me” like it could.  For now, I’m probably going to hold off and hope for more quality K-ON! figures in the near future.

Good Smile Company – 1/8 Canaan PVC

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Good Smile Company - 1/8 Canaan PVC

  • Character: Canaan
  • Series: Canaan
  • Scale: 1/8
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Material: PVC
  • Company: Good Smile Company
  • Price: 8,800 yen
  • Date: Jan. 2010
  • Link 1: Official Site
  • Link 2: Hobby Search

Good Smile Company recently announced this figure featuring the character Canaan from the series of the same name.  The dynamic pose is something I’d expect to see more from Alter, but I expect that GSC will execute this rather well.  I normally find the use of pegs (see Canaan’s left leg) to support mid-air poses a big turn-off, but the lone peg I see here is minimal enough that I probably wouldn’t be bothered by it.  The detailed base helps to distract from the peg supporting Canaan, so I’m really hoping GSC doesn’t go with a plain base for the final product.