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?

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.

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!!

So here’s the box that comes along with the August issue of Hobby Japan. There is one thing I’ll say about the packaging though.

It’s freakin’ overkill.

While the charm is tiny, I was quite surprised by the production quality, especially when you compare it with this preview shot by Hobby Search. Now I’m having doubts hooking it up to my bag and bringing it out and around.

Did I mention it’s goddamn cute? >_<;

Yesterday also marks the distribution of the September issue of the same magazine, so a lot of people should be getting their hands on the OVA. I took an “early sneak peek”, and although I don’t have the time to give it a good look-over at the moment, the action scenes look pretty awesome. Look forward to a review soon!

…which could very well be in a couple of weeks or so, since I’ll be having field camp. Ugh.

I haven’t picked up my copy yet, but since these scans seem to be circulating around the ‘Net like crazy, I’ll cover them anyway.

Tony’s Heroines Works Vol. 5 – Hatsune Miku by Max Factory

Oh snap! Here’s Tony Taka’s take on the most famous VOCALOID, in a 3-dimensional form. It’s certainly a more dynamic pose than the previous scaled iterations.

Artists’ homepage: T2 Art Works

The 1/7 scaled figure’s based on this illustration Tony did. I’ve no real clue of the actual source, though; I grabbed this off of Safebooru. >_>

There’s no other release or pricing info though. I’m assuming the scale is 1/7, since the past figures in the same series use that scale as well.

Dead Master –animation version- by Good Smile Company

The second 1/8 scaled figure iteration of our scythe-wielding antagonist from the OVA is just around the corner. Probably end of this year. Probably.

It seems that Dead Master has to be suspended from a stick growing out of the back of the larger skull. I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with that; you’ll have to totally rely on the base (or some creatively-placed Blu-Tack) for a good shot.

Nope, no release date or pricing info confirmed for this one, too.

Dead Master figma by Max Factory

Finally, some (published) wind of the perfect companion for the B★RS figma! Finger-licking good!

Bad pun. I’m sorry.

The bad-ass figure comes with Dead Master’s signature weapon, and a couple of skulls with adjustable mouths. Once again, no release or pricing info.

Megurine Luka figma by Max Factory

Luka fans, your wishes have been granted! Assuming of course you wished for a Luka figma.

Luka outfit appears to be permanently affected by wind. I guess it’s better that way, since otherwise her legs would be trapped stiff.

The figure comes with a golden microphone and a giant tuna. Said tuna also comes with its own hole (for use with the figma stand), for reasons unknown.

Unlike the other figures featured in this post, this figma is scheduled for a September release this year, and is priced at 2,800 JPY. That’s about 44 SGD.

Black★Rock Shooter –original version- by GSC

This is actually just a re-release of the figure. If you’re regretting not buying this (unlikely, especially with the -animation version- around), now’s your chance!

No pricing or release date info, though. ( *A*)

Guess it’s time to start eating grass again-

OH WAIT THE B★RS CHARACTER CHARM

Image via Mikatan’s blog

There it is. I knew it was a keychain, though the prototype shot didn’t show the ring at the top, and had a stand. Strange.

Or maybe that’s an upcoming Nendoroid Petite. Maybe.

I just got a call that my copy of the magazine just arrived, too. I’ll post up pics of it, and do one last review…before I get enlisted.

Stay tuned!

Sources:

• Wcloudxkumo’s blog: [1] [2] [3] [4]
• Tomopop
• Futaba Channel (AKA 2chan)
• Figure / GK (less likely to be deleted than the 2chan thread)

Also, thanks to TP for helping me with the Tony’s Heroine Works bit.

Pre-orders for this figure opened yesterday, so if you’re getting it, get your wallets out!

I’ve already given this figure enough praise in my previous posts about it, so all there’s left is the image-spam!

To reiterate, the figure is retailing for 9,800 JPY (about 150 SGD), but you can pre-order it from Hobby Search (7,467 JPY) or AmiAmi (7,280 JPY).

So, are you getting this Dead Master, or waiting for the –animation version-? XD

Via Wcloudx’s blog.

This is pretty much your final look at this awesome figure before its released.

Images of the 1/8 scaled figure were recently posted on Mikatan’s blog, and we get to see Dead Master in her first ever appearance as a figure. Unless there’s already one made by a relatively unknown group or person.

The sculptor did an excellent job detailing her hair and dress. The dress has dirty-brown highlights, and the face gives off that confident, “I can kill you right here” look. I’d dare say she exhibits a better “aura” than the first Black Rock Shooter scaled figure.

In fact, after seeing these photos, I feel more impressed by the quality than freaked out by the style, like I was with the magazine scans.

Let’s not forget her props though. The skull appears to be suspended by Dead Master’s claws, and the surface looks more like rock than bone. The scythe (apparently called “Dead Scythe”) looks totally bad-ass, slicing the base apart like that.

Also, here’s a clear back shot, for Kona’s benefit. =3

Reservations for the figure will begin on the 22nd of November June this year, so keep your wallets primed and ready. =3c

Sources:

• Wcloudxkumo’s blog
• Mikatan’s blog

Behold! I can now glimpse into the future!

…okay, you got me. Anyway, quite a bit of stuff was (or will be?) covered in this issue.

For instance, they revealed a third human character. The magazine is referring to her only as “Yuu” (ユウ), and has revealed her voice actress as well. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the scan, I can’t make out what it says, so till I can find a higher-res scan, we’ll have to keep guessing. :<

Yuu appears to be the hyperactive loli-ish type, and there’s no confirmation on whether she’s just a side character, or directly involved in the story.

UPDATE: A little bit of speculation, but Yuu may be played by Kana Asumi (阿澄佳奈). A blog post pointing to a certain article seems to indicate the case, at least, and her Wikipedia article confirms it.

UPDATE AGAIN: A friend (who definitely knows his moonrunes) confirmed that the article does say that Kana Asumi’s playing Yuu. There’s your confirmation. Anyone willing to prove both him and me wrong, go ahead. ^_^;

There’s an article about the B★RS character charm that will be distributed with the August issue (lookie here for details). Apparently it was intended to be a keychain (according to the top illustration), but it’s apparently going to be a tiny figure instead (like a Nendoroid Petite), base and all.

Also, the 3koma, which sorta explains the character charm’s origin, is just too cute. Dead Master glomping B★RS <3 ｏ(≧∇≦)ｏ

The lucky draw for the premiere screening of the OVA is covered too. Most of what I’ve mentioned is already there, though since I can’t read moonrunes I’ll have to leave it at that.

There does appear to be a cut-out though, which may influence the lucky draw in some way.

Aaaaaaand here’s the Dead Master 1/8 scaled figure!

This is the Original version, and was also spotted at the B★RS event back in March. I gotta admit though, it’s somehow badass and creepy at the same time. I’m getting goosebumps while blogging this, too. @_@

Other than that, I love the way the base looks like it’s been split by the scythe. This might mean the figure can’t be posed with the weapon in hand without the base, though. Anyone thinking of getting this? According to Wcloudx, it’ll be expected to release in November.

Credit goes to Shion963 for giving me the heads up.

P.S. I edited the cut-out slightly; no cheating you buggers. :3

P.S.S. Yes, I get the feeling I’ll have to learn Japanese soon if I want to start posting anything substantial. (;*A*)