Review: Atelier Sai Cyber Formula Super Asurada

The Super Asurada appeared in the OVA series of Shinseiki (New Century) GPX Cyber Formula, which is a follow up to the widely popular Cyber Formula TV series. This 1/24 AKF-0 2022 was released by Atelier Sai in 2006 along with the AKF-0 2020 model, which is basically the same car but without most of the sponsors' markings.

The Asurada was designed by Shoji Kawamori, the man behind Macross.

The offerings are the same, each came with a nice and sturdy acrylic display case with a slanted stand to display the vehicle in style.

The Asurada is completed with sharp details and a world class paint job. The sponsors' markings actually had grown on me (I initially prefer the 2020 verison), makes the car more "real".

The cockpit has a nice but delicate opening mechanism, the V-shaped sidebars open to allow the windshield tilt forward, revealing pilot Hayato Kazami.

This is one groovy machine...BTW, the car can be detached from the stand by simply unscrewing it from the bottom.

Word on the street is that Wave will be releasing a 1/43 version under their W.H.A.M. series.

Bandai Soul of Chogokin Shin Mazinger Z

Official pics of the upcoming Shin Mazinger Z, the HK version comes with a special crystal (not pictured). This is much more posable than the previous releases, let's all hope that the metal content is not sacrificed.

Source: Tamashii Shop website

Bandai GFFN 1/144 Strike Gundam

Official pics of the 1/144 G.F.F.N. Strike. The coloring is very sharp on the sample, and the grey highlights on the legs added clarity and definition.

Source: Tamashii Shop Website

Bandai Robot Damashii Jun 30 releases

Official pics of the upcoming robot damashii releases:

Nirvish Type Zero Spec 2

Crossbone Gundam X-1

Source: www.tamashii.jp

How to Build Gundam 1 & 2 Box Set

The legendary Gundam modeling books from 1981 & 1982, How To Build Gundam 1 & 2, will be reprinted and released in a box set this August for the 30th anniversary of Gundam, retail price will be 3000 yen.

The cover model of issue 2 inspired the full panel open feature in the Super HCM Pro Gundam. I can't believe there is a chance to own these two books again!

Source: GA Graphic

Review: Bandai 1/60 Big Scale Strike Gundam

Released in 2002, this model kit was the first entry in Bandai's Big Scale Real Detail series. I must say, this was a great pick up as the model offered great details and value for your money. Though not as sexy as the Perfect Grade version, a few simple tricks will greatly enhanced the presentation of model.

The model stands impressively at roughly 30cm. At various areas such as the shoulder armor and upper chest cover, panel lines were added to give the extra depth.

The overall proportion is quite well done, although it does look a bit chunky if placed next to the slick perfect grade version. The model is molded in color, I only added some accent colors and a top coat for protection.

The model has good articulation, the fingers are individually jointed. The sculpting of the feet left something to be desired, but with some epoxy putty, it should be an easy fix. I took the extremely easy route of just adding panel lines.

To give some perspective to the scale, here is how the 1/60 Strike compares to the Robot Damashii version of Gundam OO, which is roughly the size (or just shy) of a normal 1/144 Gundam.

Review: Bandai 1/144 HG Arios Gundam Model Kit

This model is pretty easy and straight forward to put together, just be careful about those hip joints.

The proportions are great, joints are smooth and highly posable. It looks pretty good straight out of the box, a little extra painting and panel lining will enhance the looks.

The kit comes with a custom stand for displaying either in mobile suit or in flight mode.

Photo quality improvement

Found a way to improve on the photo quality...with the help of artificial lighting and proper white balance adjustment. Several images have been updated on previous postings when identified.

Bandai Museum

The Bandai Museum with its collection of over 7000 items provides the visitors a journey through time in the evolution of toys in Japan and also serves as a tribute to Thomas Edison whose inventions are being acknowledged in changing the world.


But to many, the main attraction would be the Gundam related merchandise and the special exhibits that are on display. In the middle of the entrance hall is a 1/1 scale partial Gundam replica, which comes with a rather cautious looking Amuro.

This view gives you the perspective of how big the replica is. At the corner, there is a display full of white colored Zakus, sort of eerie looking if you asked me.

Off to the other corner is a 1/144 White Base. Don't you wish this is yours?

Source: http://pam.main.jp/

Review: Bandai Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Z GX01R

Released in 2002, this is the renewal version of the GX01 Mazinger Z. The renewal release supposedly bring the scale of Mazinger Z more in line with the earlier release of Great Mazinger, Aphrodite, etc. and came with a redesigned waist and jet scrander (the winged backpack).


This Mazinger Z was the first Soul of Chogokin item I purchased, the metal content was very high and the finish was exquisite, it impressed me so much that I have now built a good collection of chogokin, ex gokin, new century gokin, etc.

It came with 2 hover pilder (closed wing & open wing) and 1 jet pilder. To install the gut missle, you press a button on the side to release the cover plate. But beware, the cover will fly out as it uses the same launch mechanism of the missle.

There are several sets of fists and lower arms and different connects that allow you to fire the rocket punch or iron cutter, or simply bend the arm back for the drill missle attack.

GX01R Mazinger Z stands about 7 to 8 inches tall, just slightly shorter than a newly acquired Aoshima Getta Robo Renewal.

I originally picked up this Mazinger Z after missing out on Artstorm's highly respected Ex Gokin version. But since then, Artstorm had released the original comic color variation of their Ex Gokin Mazinger Z and Great Mazinger. Look for the upcoming review of these items!