Bandai Gundam HG IBO 1/144 Flauros

I'm a sucker for transforming and gattai mecha, and the latest Gundam series, Tekketsu/Iron-Blooded Orphans, now has the Flauros. True to Gundam styling, it prioritizes the mecha form, while the transformed animal form seems to be a make-do, or twisted at the most. Still, it looks pretty good, and with the incoming additional weapons set, it should look even better.

Hobby no Toriko Link: http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hg-ibo-flauros.html

Gundam Special Add-Ons: Caletvwlch Feder

If you have the Transient Gundam, then this is a must have. However, I find the idea of what is, from the looks of it, either an energy construct, or a holographic weapon-thingie, to be a bit out there.

That being said, I did order this (two sets, in fact), just so I can outfit my Transient Glacier Gundam.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/furoku-caletvwlch-feder.html

Bandai Armor Girls Project: Saber/Variable Excalibur

I've taken note of this armor girl before, but with these new reference photos, it really does look like a Fate/Saber version of the Astray Blue with its Back Weapon System.

I'll let the photos do most of the talking. I like how it has two sword versions, and that the sword variants are because of how it integrates additional armor into the figure.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=145973

For the Astray reference:

Gundam Build Fighters: Transient Glacier

I already bought the initial variant of this, and to be honest, were it not for the fact that it has some special connector holes molded into some of the original parts, as it were, I would probably have just done a straight parts swap. However, given the fact that the overall color is a near polar opposite to the old Transient, I'll probably end up sticking with this variant over the old one.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hgbf-transient-g.html

Hobby No Toriko review: Zetaplus Gundam

After mentioning it in a previous article, I was very happy to see that Hobby no Toriko had a review up for the Zetaplus C1 Gundam. From the looks of it, I can probably swap parts from the special kit onto the standard Unicorn version of the Zetaplus A1 variant. Important to note: this is one of the few units where having the first-variant rifle may not be a good thing, as it has to use both hands for the cannon weapon.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hguc-zeta-plus-c1.html

Gundam statue, goodbye

In retrospect, it's no surprise that the Gundam statue in Odaiba will be dismantled - unless you have a brand that is as powerful and focused on theme park ideas as Disney (and even then, they've had clunkers and changes in their park segments), it only makes sense to have a set time for your theme presentations.

If you want to see the Gundam statue, do be sure to go there before March 5, when it will be taken down. The Gundam Front Tokyo exhibit at DiverCity Mall in Tokyo will close down on April 5. Bandai has announced that they do have plans for the future, but will announce it as soon as they are ready.

http://gundamguy.blogspot.com/2016/12/life-size-gundam-statue-will-be-closing.html

Gundam: Bawoo - RE/100

I've long ago made my peace with deciding not to get 1/100 scale kits from the Gundam line (except for Astray kits, long story), but i have to admit, the Bawoo tempts me mightily to break that vow.

The Bawoo is a splitformer, in that it is made of two space fighter units that combine to form one full mecha. If I remember correctly, one of the fighters can be flown - or is flown - as a drone. This version of the bawoo is particularly chunky, and the detail to go with it just makes the whole package perfect.

From Hobby no Toriko:
http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/re100-bawoo.html

Patlabor: Brocken Labor

With the Reboot incoming for Patlabor - and rightly so that it should be modernized - they're now coming out with a new Brocken labor toy. What makes this collection impressive s not so much the, err, power output at the crotch, but the inclusion of everyday items to give scale to the mecha. It makes for a great vignette or diorama feel.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=146855

Xabungle: Super Mini-Pla Set

I think the real strength of Bandai's Super Mini-Pla line is that they can hit so many birds with one stone. First, it gives them an affordable line for less-famous franchises, while at the same time providing office-goers with small tabletop display options. They're also good enough to be painted and put in proper displays. It's also a call-back to the old mini-kits that used to be sold with chewing gum, or in smaller stores. And from the looks of this Xabungle set, it is probable that there will be many more releases from the late-70's post-Super Robot to early Real-Robot franchises.

CollectionDX:
http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2016/xabungle

Sentimental reasons: The Zetaplus Gundam

I am already putting myself on a tighter budget, but this one kit, I really do have to get. It's the Zetaplus C1, and I had the original transforming kit of this, from the original Sentinels line of Bandai back in the '80s or '90s.

http://gtoys.blog48.fc2.com/blog-entry-10285.html

Some Gundams at the GBWC Japan leg

Here are some of the nice Gundam kits I saw at this entry about the Japan GBWC for 2016.

http://gundamguy.blogspot.com/2016/11/gunpla-builders-world-cup-gbwc-2016_19.html

Gundam Build Fighters TRY: Super Fumina, Titans Colors

It seems that mixing mecha and loli or almost-loli girls is the order of the day (re: Frame Arms Girls), but in this case, it's Gundam. I actually like the mecha components, I just wish it wasn't so, err, French. Still, c'est la vie!

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/taka421jp/57718574.html

Gundam Unicorn MSV: ReBawoo

The original Bawoo unit is one of my favorite designs, so it's no surprise that I have a soft spot for this bawoo variant, that's supposed to be an ace version for use by a main character in Gundam Unicorn.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=147123

Bandai's new Gundam and Patlabor figures

It looks like Bandai is going for a lot of new products. Of note: a non-SD Knight Gundam figure, and the new Patlabor:Reboot mecha - and mobile hangar.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=143308

Full Armored Saber?

It seems that the idea of Weapon as Armor has come to the Fate's Saber.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=145973

 

It's no surprise, given the existence of the Gundam Astray Second Frame.

http://gundamguy.blogspot.com/2013/05/hg-1144-gundam-astray-blue-frame-2nd-l_10.html

Bandai SoC Ankoku Daishogun

While this isn't necessarily a mecha (jury is out on what it really is...), it is one of the big bads in a mecha show, so I'm including it here.

No word yet if this is a prototype, a display piece, or will actually go into production.

http://www.collectiondx.com/news_item/11816/soul_chogokin_ankoku_daishogun_dc

Bandai HGBF 1/144 Lunagazer Gundam

I actually liked the design - but that semi-ring setup just doesn't work for me. If I ever do get this one, I'll probably bash it with the original Stargazer.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=144876

Daily Mecha

It looks like we got ourselves a big Zaku boy here; also, more nice kits incoming:

Aside from the Vulture variant, the new HexaGear line from Kotobukiya looks durn good:

 

Daily Mecha

Frame Arms Girl Type 10 with Little Armory weapons set

 

The Geirail. Looks good, reminds me of the Maganacs.

I like crazy weapons sets, re: Baseball Bat

Of course, Strike Freedom has to have a Revive version. 

 

G-Bits: When you need more Gundam X units.

Hobby no Toriko has this awesome review on what are essentially FG units of the G-Bits from Gundam X.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/universalunit-gbit.html