News: Kotobukiya D-Style Patlabor

Kotobukiya is launching a D-style series of prepainted models in Oct, the first two releases will be the Griffon for 1800 yen and the Ingram for 1500 yen. The Griffon comes with both the Aqua and Flight unit.

News: Kotobukiya Frame Arms Type 38-1 Ryurai Kai

I am really liking what Kotobukiya had done to this Frame Arm series, this variation is in my opinion, the best looking and coolest yet. Pics came from Hobby Search, listed at 3600 yen and arriving in Oct. This one is a keeper...

Kotobukiya Frame Arms Series

The Frame Arms series is a new robot mechanic series of plastic models from Kotobukiya, and as the name implies, all of models (at least for now) will share the same inner frame. As a mark of genius, the Frame itself will also be available for 1200 yen, it came completed as well. The SA-16 Stylet (blue one) and the 32 Series Type 1 Gorai (dark grey one) will be 3000 yen.

I really like this Gorai, it reminds me of the Mugen Calibur from Dorvack, but only better and more sophisticated. I think I'll be getting this one...if you swap a Gundam head with it, it may look ok...just need to add shield, beam rifle and beam saber.

Sources: Concept pictures from Kotobukiya, sample pictures from Hobby Search.

Review: Square Enix Play Arts - Squall Leonhart

The main antagonist from the video game Final Fantasy VIII was reincarnated by Kotobukiya in 2006 in the play arts format for 3800 yen. To be honest, I was both excited and annoyed when this was announced. Annoyed because just prior to the announcement, I shelled out twice as such for a fixed pose statue of the same character, but excited because all signs point to the new series of play arts (new at the time...) by Kotobukiya as a success.

The sculpting is superb, you can see that every detail is recreated down to the chain around his neck and the chain on his gunsword. The head, belt and jacket are made of a softer plastic or vinyl allowing it to "give" a little bit, while the rest of the figure is pretty much made of high grade sturdy plastic.

Several pairs of spare hands and a figure stand is included to provide stability, although the figure do stand on its own. There are multiple points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist, waist, hips, knees, ankles) and can do some dramatic poses, but kneeling down seems to be out of the question.

The quality of production and attention to details should be commended, I give this 8/10.

More reviews from the play arts series are on the way!