Artoo, We Need You: The R2-D2 children's plastic bento box

While my mother was looking through the storage closet in my room for Christmas decorations and accessories, we manged to dig this interesting Star Wars bento box, in the shape of R2-D2. Near as I can tell, it may not be that durable, so it's probably more of either a collector's item, or a cheap giveaway. My friend Adrian Arcega says that it's similar to one he got from Jollibee, so I'm willing to bet it's more of the latter.

Still, it looks great as a display piece, particularly if you remove the strap.

Manga: Red Astray Powered Option Set

As always, the Astray mini-franchise from the Gundam 'verse has some outrageous designs that translate well to toys. The Powered Option Set for the Red Astray is one such design, and here's the manga:

Taghobby Link: http://www.taghobby.com/?p=153098

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

The new Transformers God Bomber add-on for the Optimus Prime/Convoy

I seriously did not see this coming. I am rather sad that I let go of my reservation with my online seller for the Optimus Prime base unit.
http://www.taghobby.com/?p=151203

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:

New Frame Arms products; Hexa Gear, too

The new Frame Arms mecha looks impressive, but for some reason it's not hitting me where hype usually tags me. The Hexa Gear stuff, on the other hand, is making me have second thoughts about sticking only to Frame Arms. Good job on that one, Kotobukiya!

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150728

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

Not-Scorponok: Master Made

I didn't follow up on the Transformers past the movie when I was younger, because that was around the time I got more into music (and mix tapes). Scorponok, I think, is a great addition just for the sheer horror-story creepy feelings that it can give.

Turning this particular character into an SD toy has, effectively, made it super cute and horrifying at the same time.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150301

Kan Colle: Iowa

Okay, I love this for the mecha parts, but I'm sure her overall appeal isn't exactly for the, uh, cannons.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=149712

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

Evolution Toys: Magnemo/Magnetic Ball goodness

After my experience with wobbly joints in my Microman toys (which had, of course, magnetic ball joints), I'm somewhat leery of these toys. However, One cannot fault the great retro styling, and the wonderful choices for toy pieces. As for the magnetic ball joints, if they can make some sort of industry standard for replacement magnets, then I'm all for it.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=149790

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

Not-Starscream: Planet X's Mors

Starscream is an iconic character, and that is why it's understandable when toymakers try to stick to a basic "starscream" design for him. In this case, Planet X has come up with something that is a mix of the Armada-based design in the IDW comic books, and the classic Starscream design.

After reading Ender1000's review in CollectionDX, I can imagine how the Mors release can be somewhat polarizing, but as a fan of high-detail toys, this third-party release looks durn good to me - except the feet. But, hey, it's a small thing.

http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/mors

Godzilla X Evangelion, and other interesting things

I just had to post this immediately. Nothing like making a mashup mecha from Godzilla (or should we say Mecha-Godzilla?) and the Type-01 from Evangelion. Woobie-Emo Killer Giant Lizard!

Also, the Bubuki Buranki mecha looks great. The other mecha shown looks interesting in the sense that they remind me of I, Robot.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150193