Posted by Leah Bayer on June 6, 2013 |
6 Comments
As they teased a few days ago, Good Smile Company will be bringing two exclusives to Anime Expo: this marks the first time they will have real exclusives at a non-Japanese event, and if these don’t wind up going online it will inevitably mean a huge shitstorm in Japan. But since we don’t really have any info on that at the moment, let’s just look at the pretty figures! The first is, of course, a Miku Nendoroid: full size, and of her in a yukata… which seems really freaking weird, since we have a Yukata Miku Nendoroid already. I mean, couldn’t they have gone with a different theme? Well, at least she has cute accessories. This is ‘Natsu Tsubaki’ (summer shrine) yukata Miku so at least it’s a little different I guess.
The second Nendo, also full sized, is of Madoka (as many people guessed!). This is a Maiko version, no doubt to go with the Maiko 1/8 scale figure (which makes me wonder if that will be popping up at the event painted….). I really like this version, even though I am getting weary of Madoka merch. So… anyone going want to pick me up one of each? I’ll pay you!
[UPDATE] These WILL be available online, starting on the 8th of July. Phew! Natsu Tsubaki Yukata Miku will also be at Japan Expo and CCG Expo.
[via GSC's Tumblr]
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![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44988 slb_group[44987] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/s-h-figuarts-sailor-mercury-is-painted/attachment/imgp0033"></a> <a rel="attachment wp-att-44989 slb_group[44987] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/s-h-figuarts-sailor-mercury-is-painted/attachment/imgp0034"></a> <a rel="attachment wp-att-44990 slb_group[44987] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/s-h-figuarts-sailor-mercury-is-painted/attachment/paintedmercuryheader"></a></p> <p>It was just recently that Bandai <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/sailor-mercury-s-h-figuarts-gets-sculpted" target="_blank">sculpted their S.H.Figuarts of Sailor Mercury</a> and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/check-out-another-teaser-of-s-h-figuarts-sailor-mercury" target="_blank">showed off some of her extras</a>, so I thought it might be a while before we saw her painted. After all, it was quite some time between Sailor Moon <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/tamashii-nations-2012-sailor-moon-figures" target="_blank">being shown off</a> and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/sailor-moon-says-you-can-never-have-enough-pictures-of-her-s-h-figuarts" target="_blank">her promotional shots</a>! But they are moving a bit faster this time, and Ami is already painted. Of course we still might have to wait a bit longer… but we do have a price (¥4,200) along with a release (October) so orders should be soonish.</p> <p>Perhaps they just needed to work out the kinks on Usagi’s outfit, because she is looking great! Of course it helps that they all have relatively simple designs and color schemes, but everything is looking nice and crisp and bright (though I would like a bit more shading). And we all know her orders will be a big mess, sigh. Mercury is my least favorite of the Senshi though so I am pretty much only excited about this because it means we are one step closer to my darling Rei.</p> <p>[via <a href="http://figsoku.blog39.fc2.com/blog-entry-4791.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://figsoku.blog39.fc2.com']);" target="_blank">figsoku</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/PaintedMercuryHeader.jpg "S.H.Figuarts Sailor Mercury Is Painted")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44956 slb_group[44954] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44956"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/the-30th-prize-fair-features-persona-4-arena-toheart-2-and-more" target="_blank">Taito’s <em>Persona 4</em> line</a> has been a huge success so far: we’ve already checked out the finished products of <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/check-out-taitos-final-izanagi-from-persona-4" target="_blank">Izanagi</a> and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/taitos-prize-figure-aegis-enters-the-arena" target="_blank">Aegis</a>, and now it’s time for the leading ladies of Inaba! So far the quality has been really great for a prize figure line, but do Yukiko Amagi and Chie Satonaka live up to the hype? I think the gallery speaks for itself, and the answer is a resounding yes!</p> <p>So far, I think these are the best of the batch: the quality is pretty crisp, and while there are some seam lines (most notably on Yukiko’s hands) you really have to expect a few missteps when paying $15 for a figure. And really, you don’t notice any of these details when they are sitting on a shelf! We are getting closer and closer to the release of my most anticipated figures in the series: <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/taito-offers-up-prizes-from-persona-4-arena-super-soniko" target="_blank">Teddie, Rise and Elizabeth</a>. I really hope they come out just as lovely as these two ladies!</p> <p>[via the figsona Blog <a href="http://figsona.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-443.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://figsona.blog.fc2.com']);" target="_blank">1</a>, <a href="http://figsona.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-445.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://figsona.blog.fc2.com']);" target="_blank">2</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/TaitoYukikoChieHeader.jpg "Check Out Taito’s Yukiko & Chie From Persona 4")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44952 slb_group[44941] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44952"></a></p> <p>Vertex has been <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/vertex-teases-their-painted-mitsuru-kirijou" target="_blank">teasing their lovely Mitsuru</a> from <em>Persona 3</em> (in her <em>Persona 4 Arena</em> garb, just to make it extra confusing) <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/take-a-closer-look-at-vertexs-persona-4-arena-mitsuru" target="_blank">for some time now</a>, and I’ve been chomping at the bit to get my hands on this version of one of my all-time favorite characters. Finally, we are getting a full preview–and she looks amazing! I’ve been a big fan of Vertex since their <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/vertexs-asuka-is-every-fans-dream" target="_blank">impressive Asuka</a>, and Mitsuru doesn’t disappoint, she looks flawless in almost every way. Except, perhaps, for the extra eye accessory, but you don’t have to put that on so let’s just pretend it doesn’t exist. Her coat is also removable, which is pretty damn cool and a feature I wasn’t expecting! But she won’t come cheap–Mitsuru retails for ¥12000, which you may be thinking is a lot for a 1/7 scale figure but GSC charges more for their 1/8 ladies so really, I am more than willing to fork over the cash for her.</p> <p>There’s another preview as well, their Ikaruga from<em> Senran Kagura</em>! My opinion on her hasn’t really changed from <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/vertexs-winter-wonder-festival-2013-teasers" target="_blank">when we first saw her</a>. The paint is great and I like the movement and the pose, but the floating boobs are just a huge turnoff. I wish they’d made her more realisitically reacting to gravity and she’d be a buy, but for right now even at her price of ¥8,800 this is a pass. They are both listed as August releases but I have a sneaking suspicion that will change once they go up for order.</p> <p>[via <a href="http://blog.livedoor.jp/vertexblog/archives/29174979.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://blog.livedoor.jp']);" target="_blank">Vertex's Blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/VertexMitsuruHeader.jpg "Vertex Shows Off Their Mitsuru Kirijou And Ikaruga")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44931 slb_group[44930] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44931"></a></p> <p>Makise Kurisu is, in a way, not nearly as popular as I expected her to be: sure, she got two nice figures (one from <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-companys-makise-kurisu-makes-a-surprise-appearance" target="_blank">Good Smile Company</a> and one from Kotobukiya) along with <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/azones-13-makise-kurisu-is-ready-to-experiment" target="_blank">a doll</a>, a figma and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/the-new-cheerful-japan-steinsgate-nendoroids-are-omghnnnnng" target="_blank">three</a> <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-announces-a-trio-of-re-releases" target="_blank">Nendoroids</a>. But not much else in the way of merchandise! And for the lead heroine from a Nitro+ based anime, that’s nearly nothing. So what gives? Well, at least we are getting a little more now with the <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/max-factory-announces-figma-makise-kurisu-white-coat-version" target="_blank">recently announced White Coat figma</a>!</p> <p>She does come with some cool stuff (just kidding!), though pretty much no accessories: that’s right, no gel bananas ;~;. She does have a happy face, and embarrassed face and a stoic face. And… that’s it! Good job, Max Factory! They really are slacking off recently. Oh, and we have a preview of <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/figma-okarin-devil-survivor-2-nendoroids-are-coming" target="_blank">the Okarin figma</a> as well! If you were expecting a low price because of her utter lack of extras, prepare to be disappointed: she will retail for ¥3,800 with a November release.</p> <p>[via the <a href="http://ameblo.jp/figma/entry-11549052933.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://ameblo.jp']);" target="_blank">figma blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/LabMakisefigmaHeader.jpg "Preview White Coat figma Makise Kurisu from Steins;Gate")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44926 slb_group[44924] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/red-xiii-gets-an-updated-play-arts-kai/attachment/redxiiiheader"></a></p> <p>Red XIII (or Nanaki, if you prefer) is one of my favorite video game characters. He’s definitely an oddity in the rpg world: yeah, there are a lot of talking animals in games (almost too many), but most of them are cuddly and cute, not semi-genius spirit animals who are decades old but are actually adolescents and oh also part of a dying race. Anyway, Red XIII has one real figure: a Play-Arts Kai that is not of the best quality and is notoriously hard to find.</p> <p>Well thankfully it seems like Square-Enix is reviving him into a sparkly new body based on his <em>Advent Children</em> design. Hooray! Of course I would much prefer a scaled figure but this is Square we are talking about so this is the best we could possibly hope for–and I am happy about it!</p> <p>[via <a href="https://twitter.com/hidemi_mad_EN/status/344104224411512832/photo/1" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://twitter.com']);" target="_blank">Hidemi Matsuzuka's Twitter</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/RedXIIIHeader.jpg "Red XIII Gets An Updated Play-Arts Kai")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44911 slb_group[44909] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44911"></a></p> <p>Ques Q is slowy going from a small manufacturer to a bigger player: nothing on the scale of, say, Alter or Max Factory, but they are certainly upping their game! While they used to specialize in fringe characters they’re taking on a bit of an up-and-coming title this time: <em>Suisei no Gargantia</em>, which so far has only gotten attention from Wave (who is always ahead of the game) along with a <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/winter-wonder-festival-2013-nendoroid-mania" target="_blank">Nendo</a> and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/winter-wonder-festival-2013-figmas" target="_blank">figma</a> of Amy.</p> <p>They are going to be doing a scaled version of Amy in her Odoriko costume, which has a harem/belly dancer theme. It’s nice to see more Middle Eastern themed outfits on figures these days: first <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/griffons-sena-kashiwazaki-is-ready-to-join-your-harem" target="_blank">Harem Sena</a>, now Amy! And no, LunaLuna doesn’t count so don’t even go there.</p> <p>[via <a href="http://www.withq.com/" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.withq.com']);" target="_blank">ques Q's blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/quesAmyAnnouncementHeader.jpg "Ques Q Takes On Amy From Suisei no Gargantia")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44875 slb_group[44874] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44875"></a></p> <p>At the recent MegaHobby Expo Spring 2013, Kotobukiya <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/megahobby-expo-spring-2013-kotobukiyas-honda-futayo" target="_blank">finally showed off their painted Honda Futayo</a>: while I’m far from <em>Kyoukai Senjou No Horizon</em>‘s biggest fan, I really do love the character design (aside from the obvious qualms I have with the fanservice) and I think Kotobukiya has done a lovely job on miss Futayo! Her face in particular is what really stood out to me, with a hundred yard stare that’s really different from the work we’ve seen on <a href="www.plastikitty.com/home/max-factorys-tomo-asama-needs-some-fashion-advice" target="_blank">the other <em>Horizon</em> girls</a>.</p> <p>Now we are getting the full preview, and I am loving her even more! Her pose is basic but still has a lot of movement, and I’m a sucker for all that blue. Plus she’s so shiny! They also showed off a glimpse of the sculpt of the Tomo Asama they announced <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/kotobukiya-chara-ani-jump-on-the-kyoukai-senjou-no-horizon-bandwagon" target="_blank">a very long time ago</a>: in fact, I was beginning to think they forgot about her! I like that they are going with an action pose, it will be a nice contrast to Max Factory’s version.</p> <p>[via the <a href="http://ameblo.jp/kotobukiyaf/entry-11543953949.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://ameblo.jp']);" target="_blank">RED☆STAR Blog</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/KotoHondaHeader.jpg "Preview Kotobukiya’s Honda Futayo")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44860 slb_group[44859] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/gsc-reveals-their-anime-expo-2013-exclusives/attachment/laexpo2013exclusives"></a></p> <p>As <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-company-is-bringing-exclusives-to-anime-expo-2013" target="_blank">they teased a few days ago</a>, Good Smile Company will be bringing two exclusives to Anime Expo: this marks the first time they will have real exclusives at a non-Japanese event, and if these don’t wind up going online it will inevitably mean a huge shitstorm in Japan. But since we don’t really have any info on that at the moment, let’s just look at the pretty figures! The first is, of course, a Miku Nendoroid: full size, and of her in a yukata… which seems really freaking weird, since <a href="www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-brings-the-cute-with-their-yukata-miku-hatsune-nendoroid" target="_blank">we have a Yukata Miku Nendoroid already</a>. I mean, couldn’t they have gone with a different theme? Well, at least she has cute accessories. This is ‘Natsu Tsubaki’ (summer shrine) yukata Miku so at least it’s a little different I guess.</p> <p>The second Nendo, also full sized, is of Madoka (as many people guessed!). This is a Maiko version, no doubt to go with <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/good-smile-company-is-making-a-maiko-version-madoka-kaname" target="_blank">the Maiko 1/8 scale figure</a> (which makes me wonder if that will be popping up at the event painted….). I really like this version, even though I am getting weary of Madoka merch. So… anyone going want to pick me up one of each? I’ll pay you!</p> <p><strong>[UPDATE]</strong> These WILL be available online, starting on the 8th of July. Phew! Natsu Tsubaki Yukata Miku will also be at Japan Expo and CCG Expo.</p> <p>[via <a href="http://goodsmilecompanyus.tumblr.com/post/52350839659/first-up-for-to-announce-our-anime-expo-exclusive" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://goodsmilecompanyus.tumblr.com']);" target="_blank">GSC's Tumblr</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/LAExpo2013Exclusives.jpg "GSC Reveals Their Anime Expo 2013 Exclusives")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44782 slb_group[44771] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44782"></a></p> <p>It’s certainly no secret that I love the ladies of the Muv-Luv franchise, especially when they are in the hands of Kotobukiya or AlphaMax. Shiny plugsuits, great hair, and purple and blue themed color schemes, what’s not to love? Since I tend to prefer the ladies of <em>Total Eclipse</em>, I was surprised to find myself loving <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/kotobukiya-goes-back-to-muv-luvs-roots-with-meiya-mitsurugi" target="_blank">Koto’s Meiya Mitsurugi</a> more than any other Muv-Luv figure. Mostly because of her “I am going to kill you and I am going to enjoy it” look. I mean, this is one badass lady!</p> <p>They had her on display in their Akiba showroom recently, so we are getting a closer look at this ice-cold beauty. Her pose is certainly interesting, and provides some unique viewing angles. I’m kind of wondering how she is going to fit in with <a href="www.plastikitty.com/home/kotobukiyas-yui-takamura-is-totally-stunning" target="_blank">Yui</a>, <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/kotobukiyas-cryska-barchenowa-is-a-thing-of-beauty" target="_blank">Cryska</a>, and <a href="http://www.plastikitty.com/home/kotobukiya-completes-their-muv-luv-set-with-inia-sestina" target="_blank">Inia</a>–I mean, she wasn’t intended for display with them or anything, but it would seem mean to exclude her! Unless, of course, they are planning on doing another few to go along with Meiya…</p> <p>[via <a href="http://www.moeyo.com/2013/05/review_kotobukiya_meiya.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.moeyo.com']);" target="_blank">moeyo</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/MeiyaGalleryHeader.jpg "Take A Closer Look At Kotobukiya’s Meiya Mitsurugi")
![<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-44768 slb_group[44755] slb slb_internal" href="http://www.plastikitty.com/?attachment_id=44768"></a></p> <p><em>Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!</em> is without a doubt one of the most popular animes of the past year. However, figures from it have been pretty much nonexistent. This is because Kyoto Animation is following in the footsteps of Square-Enix and keeps a tight grip on their licenses, preferring to make figures themselves than to, you know, let experienced companies make them tons of money with totally awesome figures that people actually want. No, I’m not bitter about the lack of Final Fantasy figures, why do you ask?</p> <p>Anyway, back to the figure at hand! Unlike SE KyoAni actually makes some damn cute figures, though they have the downside of 1) slightly subpar finishing when it comes to release and 2) always being exclusives. Plus they’re kind of expensive and tiny–Rikka just barely breaks 4.5 inches in her kneeling pose. But look at how adorable she is!</p> <p>[via <a href="http://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp/shop/blackraisondetre/gallery.html" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp']);" target="_blank">KyoAni</a>]</p>](http://www.plastikitty.com/wp-content/uploads/KyoAniRikkaHeader.jpg "Rikka Takanashi Finally Gets A Figure")
