Warning! The following post only contains thoughts of the author, and not much of actual coverage.

If you’re looking for proper coverage, you could head over to Fabrice Requin’s blog. He’s done several great posts on the convention. Otherwise, read on.

The reason I’m not going to do a proper event coverage post myself is because I’ve already attended 3 times. Say what you wish, but anything gets old after you’ve done it for a while.

(also laziness)

Now for my 2 cents.

First off, I’m not too sure how it happened, but they managed to screw up the infamous first-day queue. Again.

It may have been due to Suntec organizing 2 other major events on the same day, though, but you’d think Sozo would’ve worked out something by now. Or maybe they can’t. Maybe it’s a staple habit of Singaporeans, or events in general. Someone do enlighten me.

Other than that, AFA’11 was pretty awesome. They managed to rope in Nico Nico Douga of all things, offering streams of the convention and parts of the concert on both the English and Japanese versions of the site.

Crypton also had a presence there, though they were restricted to the Cool Japan Forum and a tiny booth in the Cool Japan Pavilion, in the back of the hall. They were promoting MIKUBOOK like no tomorrow, what with the itasha on display nearby.

Even ODEX (of all things) got into the fun, expanding their movie selection from 2 to 5, though you have to buy $10 tickets for each and watch in a separate theatre. And I’ll bet most old-timers burn the posters once they see the ODEX logo on them. ^_^;

To their credit, they did still air the 2nd Mardock Scramble movie and the 4th Gundam Unicorn for free. Only watched the latter though, but it was awesome.

Chiwa Saito came to answer questions, and also did live dubbing of Homura. Great stuff, especially when she dubbed that Kyubey shooting scene. People who haven’t watched the show got spoiler-ed lol.

It seemed that the technical issues haunting the MikuPa concert on Friday night were also present during the concerts on Saturday and Sunday, as well as some of the daytime stage events. While I didn’t attend the Saturday concert, I thought that there was way too much bass and reverb during the Kalafina portion.

Performance-wise, though, May’n actually turned out to be disappointing; she ended up singing only a few of her newer singles. Milky Holmes was meh (given since I’m not exactly a fan of the show), though I did get to see true Japanese fanboys in the act.

I think I became an angela fan after their portion though. They had the most enthusiasm and audience interaction among all the performances, and they even threw in Cruel Angel’s Thesis for good measure. Fuck yeah.

All in all, I think AFA’s really improved over the years in that they keep bringing things to the table, though I think the management needs to iron out the problems that have been hanging around since the previous conventions.

Up next, the obligatory swag post.

Also, thanks for some of the images, Subarashinki! Check out his AFA album here!

While the magazine scan doesn’t reveal anything about the terms and availability, the figma looks smexy. I had a feeling this was bound to show up sometime though, what with WRS’ lack of a fighting partner in action-figure form. Totally dig the new hairstyle, not to mention THE WINGS.

My guess is that it’ll probably be out near the end of August, that is, around the time the game’s released.

Source: Futaba Channel via 萌え豚NEWS

Also, kudos to xs27 for the heads up!

ImageEpoch made a couple of interesting announcements a couple of days ago.

Firstly, the Regular Edition of the game will now be referred to as the First Edition (wow) and will receive a petite addition:

CHANxCO, WAI YOU DO DIS?!

What’s interesting to note that the WRS Charm is exclusive to the First Edition; it will not be bundled with the White Premium Edition (and it’s figma of awesome).

/RAEG

Back to the topic at hand…

Secondly, the game will be made fully-downloadable from PSN at 5,600 JPY, and 500 JPY from every purchase will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross to aid in their disaster relief efforts. PSP Go users, rejoice!

Remember, you can purchase the Regular First Edition at AmiAmi, or Amazon.jp. Additional official online retailers will be listed on the official shop guide. The retail price remains the same at 6,279 JPY.

Source: JRPG.jp News

Good Smile Company recently announced this new iteration of the Hatsune Miku Nendoroid, which will retail for 3,000 JPY.

1,000 JPY of every purchase will go towards the Japanese Red Cross to support Japan in their time of need.

The Nendoroid Hatsune Miku Support Ver. is actually a re-release of the original, plus a few extras:

Pom-poms (and a new cheerful expression to go with them)

Support flag with detachable note head

GSC also collaborated with Re:NG to give you this 30-second advert with a song titled “SING & SMILE”.

Pre-orders are open now on the GSC Online Shop, and it will be released locally on the 7th of April. A worldwide release is planned on the 8th as well.

Sources: Mikatan’s blog, Wcloudxkumo

I was going to catch up on the upcoming figures here, but first, THIS.

Nico Nico Douga

This PV is 「どういうことなの!?」, or “Do You Koto Nano!?” by くちばしP (tetsuo). It’s a pretty good listen, and I’ve always liked this composer’s style. But this isn’t what I’m here to talk about. Not exactly.

Nico Nico Douga

This video is the same PV, albeit with some differences. It’s actually an advertisement in (not-so-subtle) disguise for the new Hatsune Miku Lat-Type Ver. 1/8-scaled figure from Good Smile Company (which I’ll cover in an upcoming post *wink*).

While it’s sort of cool to see GSC try to merge their product into the same PV using the MMD model its based off, the figure flashing momentarily during the PV only comes across as subliminal.

I’m sure some of you might argue, “Hey, GSC’s featuring tetsuo and letting him get some spotlight on himself, right?” While I can’t deny this as truth, I’m seeing this as a terrible premonition: that eventually PVs will go hand-in-hand with merchandise (read: sellout).

Yeah, I know, I may be overreacting. The advert does credit tetsuo as the composer, and it has (so far) only aired during the recent Vocaloid concert. I doubt this’ll air on Japan’s airwaves though; can you imagine a 4-minute-long advert?

That aside, if you look closer, GSC’s attempt to inject the Lat-Type figure is atrocious. I’d even say all they did was super-impose the figure into the PV. At times, you can see the “ghost” effect on the figure, the kind that outlines badly cut-out photos.

Also, at 3.25, the figure actually overlaps the word “JOY”. What’s this, GSC? You equate to happiness? Your figure actually contributes towards the meaning in this song?

Bastardized, I say. What say you, then?

There was an event on the Black★Rock Shooter: The Game website yesterday involving entering a few key codes into the page.

The key codes could only be entered after 7PM, and after the right key codes were entered, B★RS would awaken in the capsule, only to go “Who are you?” before the new trailer was revealed.

The key codes, if you’re curious, were:

1. 8313-4820-3684-6534-2257
2. 9113-3274-1289-3235-1682
3. 4124-1000-5000-6571-1888
4. 3031-8888-1467-6593-8135
5. 8251-6310-5401-3256-6147
6. 8513-2455-9314-7123-6321

I’ve no idea how one would procure the codes, so my best guess is that it was through trial and error. The codes were released by industry partners and company employees over Twitter through the course of the day. Don’t bother trying it out now; BRS has already permanently awakened, and using the keypad only displays an error message.

(Thanks for the heads up, cowboybibimbop!)

Ah, right, the trailer:

The fact that she’s one of the bosses you’ll be facing is further emphasised in this trailer, but “in the palace on the moon”?! Wow. I get the feeling there’s some reality-bending going on here.

The cast list is still the same as the first trailer, and it’s confirmed that Maaya Sakamoto will be voicing both WRS and B★RS. Stop bawling, you Kana Hanasawa fans. Maaya’s not exactly a 2nd-rate voice actress either. >_>

The trailer still doesn’t show any gameplay though, so…inb4 PV3? =3

Ah yes, the figma.

The WRS figma will be bundled with the limited edition of the game, now named the Black★Rock Shooter: The Game White Premium Box. The figma was also on display at this year’s Wonder Festival, which means more delicious snaps for us to admire.

And some official shots:

The figure is just…BAD-ASS AND SEXY. Forgive me if you’ve heard me say that for any of the previous B★RS figurines. I mean, I could tell she was bad-ass from the illustration, but seeing her in this 3D form is just…I dunno, epic? XD

Her mecha-like parts can be removed, and since she’s not shown in the trailer with them on, one can only imagine how epic the battle with her will be. Hopefully it won’t be too hard.

She’s also a skirt short from zettai ryouki, but I guess almost unzipped pants are fine, too. =3

The figma is an exclusive to the White Premium Box, so even if you just want to get your hands on this figure (and you call yourself a fan?), you’ll have to fork out quite a bit. If I recall, you can get it at Amazon for 8,826 JPY or AmiAmi for 8,560 JPY. Better get it quick though; the new trailer attracted tons more figma enthusiasts.

Yup, not regretting pre-ordering it darn early. Also, Grey and B★RS Game Version figmas WHERE?!

(Nendoroids too!)

Sources:

• 2channel
• 4Gamer: [1] [2]
• Famitsu
• Danny Choo

This new iteration of Snow Miku is fully-named “Snow Miku Playtime Edition”, and will be released in conjunction with this year’s Sapporo Snow Festival (like how the first one was released two years ago).

The Nendoroid will also be one of the Wonder Festival-exclusive figures by Good Smile Company.

Unlike the first Snow Miku, this Nendoroid has knee and elbow joints (similar to the Saber Super Moveable Edition), and features other design changes, such as custom earmuffs/headphones, gloves and a cute scarf.

Also, MOEGASM.

It comes with a Hachune Miku face, a single clear leek (again), and a matching snowman.

GSC’s also including an ice tray that will resemble the mock-up above, so you can make your own Miku winter wonderland, though I imagine it wouldn’t last that long in a hot country like our own. >_>

The Nendoroid is, again, a major part of a huge collaboration by Crypton, and there are other Snow Miku themed merchandise available. Items include a couple of plushies, a glowing mouse, a rubber strap (similar to the ones in Project DIVA), a 3D snow crystal and what appears to be daifuku cream.

Snow Miku Playtime Edition will go for 4000 JPY, and purchases will be limited to 3 figures per person.

Snow Miku is also slated to be released as a DLC module for Project DIVA 2nd, and an update for the Arcade version.

The other WonFes exclusives include:

The Kuroi Mato figma, coming in at 2500 JPY, and;

The Nendoroid Petite: Mato and Yomi set, coming in at 1500 JPY. It’ll probably go well with the Petite set that came with the Black Rock Shooter BluRay & DVD box set. I should review that sometime.

Oh, and there’s this:

This is a 1/7 scaled Miku resin kit by とらbrindle, and (apparently) will be on sale at the festival as well. Eagle-eyed resin kit enthusiasts will know this is actually a re-sale; this resin kit was also on sale during last year’s Treasure Fiesta in December, along with this 1/10 scaled Miku resin kit.

If you’re truly serious about acquiring this baby, it’ll net you approximately 7000 JPY, but going through Tokyo Hunter will cost you an additional 4000JPY. Yeah, that’s a pretty big hole you’re burning in your wallet.

Still, it’s worth a mention, since it’s looks totally awesome.

Fariz has already assured me he’s getting the new Snow Miku Nendoroid, though I’ll pass on the other two figures (and the resin kit) mentioned in this post. How about you fellas?

You can check out the Wonder Festival website for more details.

Via: Wcloudx (kumo) & Panther

I’m not referring to the OVA or the franchise in general, but rather, the recent scaled figure that arrived in local shores recently.

And yes, this is related to Nano’s post, which might’ve confused some of you.

Apparently, the 1/8 scaled animation ver. figure shipped without the star on its jacket (circled above).

Good Smile Company found out about it (too late), so they posted a public apology and are currently offering 2 options to rectify the problem.

The first, applicable to Japanese residents only, involves sending the entire figure back to GSC for “repair”. You’ll get it back when they’re done, white star included.

The other method has you receiving a star sticker from GSC and – wait for it – stick it on yourself. Yeah.

If you’re a Japanese resident, you can head on to the repair application page to apply for either of the methods above. If you’re going to send your figure in, you can use the reference number they’ll give you to keep track of the repair progress.

Otherwise, you’re stuck with whatever your distributor opts to do. I just collected Fariz’s figure, and Latendo said the white sticker will arrive only after some time. I assume KKnM’s going to do the same. I did hear that AmiAmi will actually include the white sticker with the figure, so you’ll save yourself the trouble of looking out for it.

I’m surprised (and a little miffed) that this happened though; I never thought GSC would slip up, considering they’re trying to make B★RS some giant franchise of some sort. I hope this doesn’t happen with the other figures down the road.

(Yes, yes, the AFAX loot post is coming. >_>)

Via mikatan’s blog.

After months of waiting, I finally got my hands on these wonderful collection.. Not just any standard collection; It’s the Project DIVA 2nd “Super” Collection which I painstakingly tried to get since most of the usual sites don’t offer such products.. It was thanks to my brother, “Fuzzy” for his ultra knowledge and our good friend, “Zh3us” for helping us get the stuff via AmiAmi..

If you are wondering how it got shipped here, below is what the box looks like~

If you are wondering why the box is freaking huge for such a loot, well “Zh3us” pre-ordered one more for one of our friends as well, the same whole collection as mine..

The whole collection consists of:

1 – “Super” Accesory Set and “Pouch” Set~

“Special” Accesory Set Containing:

1) Pouch,
2) Unique UMD case,
3) Cleaning cloth,
4) Special Project DIVA 2nd PSP cover,
5) PSP Strap, and
6) 4 decorative stickers (1 of each Vocaloid 2 characters, excluding Meiko and Kaito.)

“Pouch” Set Containing:

1) Monogram pouch, and
2) Another PSP strap.

2 – AmiAmi Special Goodies~

Containing:

1) Special DVD containing 2 full PV of the songs “こっち向いてBaby”　and “Yellow”,
2) Microfiber cloth printed with a Megurine Luka’s “Just be Friends” picture,
3) A card holder, and
4) A super nendo puchi Miku keychain.

To see how the items look like, we did a post 4 months back.. Total cost? SGD$283!! o.O

Well, forgot to add this one more stuff inside; the Black Rock Shooter’s “Rock Cannon” Metal Charm (below).. X3

Wait till Fuzzy comes back from Field Camp to post on the “Rock Cannon”.. Till then, here is the video that can be found in the DVD itself.. Enjoy~

“こっち向いてBaby” & “Yellow” PV – Project DIVA 2nd:

Just announced recently, the “Black Rock Shooter” Anime, one of the most popular show (I find it just alrite in my own opinion) made by Ordet is now going to be available on both DVD and Blu-Ray..

There are 2 versions which you can pre-order; The “standard” version and the “limited edition” version..

A standard edition, which goes for 2,000 yen at HobbySearch and comes with Black Rock Shooter Blu-ray and a Huke and Yuusuke Matsuo Color Illustration Book (36 pages)~

A limited edition which is retailing for 4000 yen at HobbySearch, comes with a nendoroid petite set (Black Rock Shooter and Dead Master) shown below, a Blu-ray, dvd and a Huke and Yuusuke Matsuo Color Illustration Book (36 pages)~

If you get either one, it includes the 50minute OVA that comes with subtitles in 7 languages and also contains an extra BRS Stop Motion Promotional Short (30secs) and The Making of BRS Stop Motion (13mins)..

This is an irresistible stuff, especially the Blu-Ray and DVD “Limited” Edition..

You can pre-order this at HobbySearch, the standard edition and the limited edition. KuroCha is also taking pre-orders.. What are you waiting for, get this good stuff now!!