Exciting upcoming products from Kotobukiya! Iron Man, Armored Core & More!

THE KOTOBUKIYA COLLECTION – MARVEL STUDIOS

IRON MAN MARK II FINE ART BUST

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! With the recent release of the first Iron Man film on DVD and Blu-ray and excitement building for the sequel coming next year, Kotobukiya is ready to satisfy your need for the “Armored Avenger” with the next in its series of Marvel Studios Fine Art Busts, the IRON MAN MARK II. After Tony Stark escaped his imprisonment at the hands of terrorists, he set about refining his rudimentary powered armor designs. His first creation was the powerful silver Iron Man Mark II suit, a pre-cursor to the red and gold Mark III.

Iron Man is posed to do battle, with his right arm outstretched and Repulsor Ray at the ready. The gleaming metal armored suit is recreated with painstaking attention to detail, covered in individual plates, rivets, and screws. The Mark II suit’s overall silver is broken up only by the bright blue of its eye holes, Repulsor generators, and chest plate. Best of all, Iron Man’s right palm Repulsor Ray is illuminated via an LED light! This is the definitive bust version of the Mark II armor from the blockbuster Iron Man film!

The Iron Man Mark II stands approximately 9” tall (in 1/6 scale with all of the other Marvel Studios Fine Art Busts) and rests atop a deluxe base with light up “Iron Man” logo movie marquee! A limited edition, the Mark II is individually numbered on an engraved metal plate.

SRP $79.99

Available in April 2010

Iron Man, the Movie © 2010 MVL Film Finance LLC. Marvel, Iron Man, all character names and their distinctive likenesses: TM & © 2008 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All rights reserve

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

BORDER BREAK COUGAR TYPE-I FINE SCALE MODEL KIT

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Fighting giant robot fans, get ready. Border Break: Sega Network Robot Wars is an upcoming action arcade game and the first title to run on Sega's new RingEdge arcade board. Kotobukiya is the first to bring the amazing fighting mecha of this new game to life with a brand new series of Fine Scale Model Kits from the revolutionary high-speed team battle arcade game. The first in the new lineup is the ultra mobile Assault Blast Runner, COUGAR TYPE-I.

While it may be fast, the Cougar Assault Blast Runner is also armed to the teeth, fully equipped with its powerful Duel Sword, twin Sub Machineguns, TYPE 38 Hand Grenade, and Assault Charger to smash anything that gets in its way. Not only can you outfit your Cougar with any combination of weapons, but the hip boosters open up and by swapping out the parts you can shrink or extend their nozzles! Just like in the game, the robot’s sword can be mounted on its back for storage.

Each robot in the Border Break series is built on the universal core “Cross Frame” outfitted with additional armor, weapons, and accessories. The robots are fully articulated and poseable, and you can combine and interchange parts from different units to create your own original Blast Runner! Standing over 6 inches tall, the Cougar is comprised of approximately 200 parts and has an outstanding 30 points of articulation.

SRP $34.99

Available in MARCH 2010

©SEGA

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUPER ROBOT TAISEN: FAIRYLION TYPE-G FINE SCALE MODEL KIT

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! At the request of crown princess Shine Hausen, the Tesla Leicht Institute set out to build two mecha created for ceremonial purposes. Following the release of the Type-S version is the alternate FAIRYLION TYPE-G mecha. Differentiated by a distinct paint scheme, the Type-G is just as tough and battle-ready as its counterpart with a miniaturized Tesla Drive, missile jamming system, and energy field, as well as a unique MMI (Man-Machine-Interface) system!

Assembly of the Fairylion Type-G Fine Scale Model Kit is easy, with parts cast in different colors and included pictorial instructions. The robot stands 5 inches tall (1/144 scale) and features approximately 20 points of articulation. The Fairylion bristles with weaponry including four Roll Cannons, Tesla Drive, Sonic Cutter and the mighty Assault Blade! You can position the Type-G according to your tastes with the included flying display stand, and with the Fairylion Type-S you can even recreate the Royal Heartbreaker Formation!

SRP $29.99

Available in APRIL 2010

© SRWOG PROJECT

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUPER ROBOT TAISEN: GRANZON MODEL FINE SCALE MODEL KIT

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Appearing in many Super Robot Taisen games as both an enemy and playable mecha, the mighty GRANZON always makes a big impression. Designed by Shu Shirakawa of the Divine Crusaders, the powerful robot runs on an antimatter annihilation engine and wields immensely destructive weapon systems. Burly and covered in bladed armor plates, the Granzon and its Black Hole Cluster are often the last things its enemies ever see.

With snap-fit assembly (no glue required) and pictorial instructions, readying your Super Robot Taisen unit for combat has never been easier! The Granzon is composed of approximately 400 pieces cast in different colors, eliminating the need for painting, and has 30 points of articulation. Standing over 6 1/4 inches tall, the mighty robot is so big it’s scaled down to be balanced against the equally massive Cybaster. The Granzon comes equipped with two swords, and best of all its chest panels swing open to recreate the Black Hole Cluster!

SRP $59.99

Available in FEBRUARY 2010

© SRWOG PROJECT

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

CYBER TROOPERS VIRTUAL-ON MBV-04-10/80 SPECIAL FINE SCALE MODEL KIT

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! The giant robot Fine Scale Model Kits from the classic video game series Virtual-On continue with yet another variant and upgrade to the classic Temjin player’s model. The MBV-04-10/80 SPECIAL further increases the Temjin’s already high maneuverability and melee combat capability. Though the robot itself is a newer model, the Special continues to use the popular dual purpose beam rifle/sword!

Comprised of approximately 400 parts, the MBV-04-10/80 Special has 30 points of articulation including advanced shoulder joints designed specifically for maximum poseability. The sleek combat mecha stands 6 inches tall and is in 1/100 scale (the same as the other Virtual-On model kits). Construction of your Special is literally a snap with snap-fit assembly, and you can customize it with the included extra decals and optional parts. This model is the truest representation of the mecha thanks to computer graphic data provided by Sega!

SRP $49.99

Available in MARCH 2010

© SEGA, 1998, 1999?CHARACTERS © SEGA/AUTOMUSS CHARACTER DESIGN: KATOKI HAJIME

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARMORED CORE WICTORIA FINE SCALE MODEL KIT

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Build! Pose! Customize! The Armored Core kits, now with over 40 different models now available, require easy snap fit assembly (made simple by included pictorial instructions), and do not need to be painted, although you may choose to customize or detail the weapons as you see fit. All of the kits in the Infinity Series feature interchangeable weapons, bodies, and heads for the ultimate in customization!

Appearing in Japan’s Dengeki Hobby Magazine’s novel “Armored Core Brave New World,” the WICTORIA is piloted by the main character Koki. The formidable fighting robot is lean and tall, outfitted in stylized armor decorated with fins and intricate mechanical details. Bright white, the Victoria is accented in gleaming gold and red. This special novel version includes a head design not seen in the games at all, as well as special tampo-printed emblems. Like all of the other Armored Core units, the Victoria comes armed with multiple accessories and weapons, including its signature WL 14LB-ELF2 Laser Blade. Standing 8 ½ inches tall, the exclusive robot is comprised of approximately 500 parts and when fully assembled it has 20 points of articulation for extreme poseability!

SRP $49.99

Available in APRIL 2010

© 1997-2009 FromSoftware, Inc. All rights reserved.

Kotobukiya is proud to announce the official international launch of OTACOOL: WORLD WIDE OTAKU ROOMS at Anime Festival Asia 2009. World famous OTAKU blogger and enthusiast Danny Choo and South-East Asia’s renowned cosplayer and this years Regional Cosplay Championship finalist Alodia Gosiengfiao will be our special guests in commemorating this exciting new launch. The book will be on sale at the AFA shop and those who purchase it at this event will be able to get it autographed by Danny and Alodia.

Kotobukiya is proud to announce the official international launch of OTACOOL: WORLD WIDE OTAKU ROOMS at Anime Festival Asia 2009. World famous OTAKU blogger and enthusiast Danny Choo and South-East Asia’s renowned cosplayer and this years Regional Cosplay Championship finalist Alodia Gosiengfiao will be our special guests in commemorating this exciting new launch. The book will be on sale at the AFA shop and those who purchase it at this event will be able to get it autographed by Danny and Alodia.

OTACOOL: WORLD WIDE OTAKU ROOMS is Kotobukiya’s first English/Japanese language book that introduces readers to over 108 cool and stylish Otaku rooms worldwide. Capturing the Otaku culture from a totally new angle, OTACOOL presents a diverse range of incredible Otaku rooms, all classified by country of origin with spotlights on special guests, including Danny and Alodia.

Kotobukiya and Anime Festival Asia welcomes everyone to drop by this event held on

November 22nd from 15:30?16:00 at booth D01. Fans can purchase the book at

AFA Shop booth at D02 or SGD29

For further information on OTACOOL please visit:

http://www.figure.fm/feature/en/otacool/

Kotobukiya official website: http://www.kotous.com/

Anime Festival 2009 official website: http://www.afa09.com/

Danny Choo’s official website: http://www.dannychoo.com/

Alodia Gosiengfiao’s official website: http://www.alodiagosiengfiao.com/

The Virtual On's Viper II makes its model kit debut from Kotobukiya. No need to insert coins to continue!

Sega’s Cyber Troopers: Virtual On -Oratorio Tangram arcade booth was set up in the same fashion as racing games only geared towards fighting robots. The set up was limited to a foot pedal and twin joysticks that functioned according to the game’s 3D movement and worked pretty well at the time. Despite its global popularity, the game was an obscurity in South Georgia, where this review was made. The premise of the game was the standard of fighting games; one on one combat against other machines in a tournament format where the player would progress until they faced off with a final boss with a two-player mode for arcade Versus Action. Since its creation, the Virtual On series has been ported (the game industry term for transitioning between formats) to the Sega brand game consoles: the Saturn and Dreamcast as well as the Sony Playstation. In recent years, Virtual On has been available to download through the Microsoft X-Box 360 Live Arcade.

Not to be compared with Mobile Suits, the machines of Virtual On are called “Virtualoids,” a menagerie of mecha in all shapes and sizes created by artist Hajime Katoki. The TRV-06k-H Viper II is one of the series more dynamic looking designs comprised of sharp edges along a streamlined frame. Its sharp look is coupled with a sharp color scheme of rich neon colors of cherry pink and purple with green detailing lights over a black and gray frame in its premiere form.

Taking up the task of recreating this design in plastic is Kotobukiya, infamous for their work on Super Robot Wars: Original Generation and Armored Core. Although Kotobukiya’s plastic quality lacks the refinement and polish seen with Bandai model kits, the craftsmanship in its recreation makes up for that in the quality of the detailing and part molding.

Following the alphanumeric method, the parts are molded in their individual colors, with duplicate runners to make up for the design’s use of repeated construction steps for the limbs. The parts are molded in their primary colors: neon (cherry) pink, purple, gray, white, and black with a runner of clear green parts for the Viper II’s running lights. Interestingly enough, these clear parts have a cross hatching pattern on the backside which can be exemplified by painting over the surface with a metallic paint. In addition, the Viper II also comes with a small runner of ball socket polycap pieces for the joints. Contrary to previous Kotobukiya models, the Viper II does not have any pre-painted parts. On the upside, much of the required painting is simply black outlining and gray trim to detail around subassemblies with some minor touch-up work around smaller parts. Builders taking the ‘Out of the box’ approach can have the model completed in no time, but the extra effort in painting the model can really show off the details of some areas and improve on the monochromatic build.

Adding an extra layer of detail and color to the model are a set of water-slide decals. The decals were a troublesome bane in this review, as most of them did not bond to the model, despite being prepared properly. The two that did survive the transfer are a hollow reminder of the model’s full potential for more experienced decal artists to bring out on their own.

Construction of the Viper II moves quickly, as parts are layered over each other in a given fashion.

Despite what one can assume from a lifetime of 1/100 scale Bandai models, the Viper II is not very tall, measuring at six inches from head to heel tip. This comes as a surprise at first, but looking over the remaining designs of the Virtual On series the surprise wears off and settles into a realization of scale that the Viper II is just one of many smaller designs in the Virtualoid roster. Its scale size does however make for some construction grievances with its smaller, easily lost, parts.

The Viper II as a plastic model is more dynamic than its once simplified digital model from the video games. Once painted exteriors on low resolution digital squares of polygons have now become finely detailed, mechanical assemblies in molded plastic. Each section of the body has more assembly to it than a first glance expectation with the entire body of the Viper II being built from within. The design has the model built with an interior mechanical structure that contains the joint couplings which are then covered by a layer of armor plating. The noticeable gaps and separations between the two layers are complimented with the clear green detail parts which fit into specific crevices in the underlying layers. Another good point to discuss is the hands. In the Bandai standards for Gundam models, hands are typically a two to three piece structure (except in Master Grade format) consisting of the fingers molded together and attached to the palm and backhand pieces. As this is not a Bandai model, the Viper II benefits from Kotobukiya’s extensive modeling practices and has its hands molded in four separate pieces; the fingers, thumb, palm, and backhand. The molding of each finger in the solid piece is distinguishable by the folding of the knuckles, and the separated thumb gives the hands a more natural look, rather than the toy-like blocks on some kits.

The Viper II has only the minimal amount of accessory parts to compliment its display value. Its arm mounted weapon, the “Revenant Version 1.666,” comes with a clear molded beam blade that can be detached. As for its “booster” gimmick, the wings on its backpack can articulate into a glider mode, and a detachable disk can be placed in the opening console on its backpack. Lastly, Kotobukiya included a bracket for the Viper II to fit onto a base stand not included with this model. The stand bracket is designed to attach with Kotobukiya’s ratcheting arm display stands for its aircraft models but cannot fit with the Bandai Action Base.

Not every kit is perfect though. Like many Kotobukiya kits before this one, the edged pieces of the Viper II are sharp enough to draw blood. However sadistic it might seem, the Viper II makes up for this in the sculpted detail. While it makes the final product more aesthetically pleasing, the sharpness adds to the model’s fragility. Sharper parts are generally thinner at their edges and are more prone to crumbling at the tips if it is worked with or adjusted too much. The most significant flaw with the Viper II is that it is delicate and stiff display model. Stemming from its eccentric knee design and compounded by the sharp heel design, the legs have limited mobility and a fragile distribution in its standing position.

Although the model kit follows the now-universal “Snap Construction” method, there are still quite a few points on this kit that benefit from using model glue. Parts that are sharply detailed have limited tensile strength to hold themselves in place such as the previously mentioned running lights. Some of the larger parts as well will see a dramatic improvement on the Viper II’s structure through glue in some areas as well.

Overall, it is good to see non-Gundam series receiving model kit treatment, but even more appealing to see Virtual On again in some form. After the series’ short lived and poorly executed toy line, the model kits are an excellent redemption and make up for the series absence from the scene. The Viper II benefits from Kotobukiya’s standards of design quality and makes for a great introductory build into the series despite its sharp shortcomings.

Koto's Raiden doesn't disappoint

The enduring popularity of Virtual On is a testament to the exceptional mechanical design work of Hajime Katoki. Fifteen years on, the mecha from Sega’s arcade and console hit Cyber Troopers Virtual On remain fresh and compelling.

One of the principal Virtuoids is Raiden, here realized as a high-end model kit by Kotobukiya. Raiden’s box is impressively large and well illustrated, with a handsome rendering on the front and details of the model and videogame screenshots on the sides.

Inside rests about thirty runners of parts, an instruction booklet, and a small sheet of water-slide decals.

The build is complex and time consuming (it took me around ten hours to complete). Kotobukiya’s signature laminations of sharply detailed parts creates a rich, layered series of components. The part count and construction process is roughly equal to Bandai’s Master Grade series. Kotobukiya mostly holds its own with MG models, but I found the sprue placement to be problematic. Whereas Bandai has honed its molding technique to incorporate conical sprues in discreet locations, this model uses big, fat sprues in highly visible places. As a moderately serious modeler, I’m distracted by the sprue bruises in the final product, and not willing to go the next step to sand, putty, and paint the model to take it to the next level.

That said, the finished product is a nice looking robot. Raiden is well articulated, considering his blocky, heavily armored design.

The laminations of different colored plastics are stunning, particularly in Raiden’s feet. I appreciate the sophistication of a part of the model you’ll rarely see.

I love that the Virtuoids have Sega Dreamcasts on their backs.

The palette of colors is attractive, and you won’t need to paint this to get a good looking piece. I like the use of the clear pink parts at the vents. I used a gundam marker to pick up a few panel lines and added some of the slide decals to finish it off.

Kotubikaya provides parts to make two sets of hands, a large bazooka, and a set of claw-like chest-mounted lasers.

The chest lasers are a neat touch, with unique criss-crossed transparent parts.

The gun is plain, and its construction is sloppy and easily falls apart.

Raiden is a fun build and a fine model. It’s not a toy by any means, but if you enjoy Virtual On and building models, he’s a great addition to your collection.

[G2: class=g2image_centered]

I'm going to try something a little bit different with this review and show some pictures of construction and comment on it. After all, building a model kit's one of the most important parts.

If you're a fan of giant robots, it's no doubt that you know what Super Robot Wars is. But if you don't, Super Robot Wars is a series of videogames that often include famous anime characters like Gundam or Mazinger and has them fight together and spectacular fashion. However despite that, the company that makes these games, Banpresto, often includes their own original mechs and character designs as well. One of the most well recognized designs is the Gespenst Mk-II.

This is a 1/144 model kit of the Gespenst Mk-II M Kai. It's a modified version of the normal Gespenst. This version specifically is used by Kai Kitamura and specializes in close-combat. I'm going to try something a little bit different with this review and show some pictures of construction and comment on it. After all, building a model kit's one of the most important parts.

As with all model kits, you start with an open box filled with sprues and runners. From looking here it's just like any other model kit, and you couldn't tell the difference of if it were from Bandai or Kotobukiya. However there are a few small differences that really make Kotobukiya's kits stand out more.

One major thing is that for certain small details like pictured about, parts will have paint and details already done. While this isn't as evident with the Gespenst, other model kits will have painted faces and parts that really make these kits more convenient at times.

Another major difference in this kit from the Bandai ones is that very often you will get two of the same frame. Bandai kits would often have their models have a left and right left with separate similar parts. For Kotobukiya though, the parts are exactly the same and have the exact same construction for both legs, arms, weapons, and several other things.

However there's one thing that I don't like about these models. These models come with several hands. You get your closed fist, open fist, splayed hand, and palm hand. Un fortunately, you need to put all of these together yourself. It's a lot of work and pain that could have been avoided by molding them into single pieces. Although they are very nice hands, I will give Kotobukiya that.

Here's a look at the finished leg construction. It looks pretty decent and does bring up a point that I like about this kit. There's a lot of small details such as the vents on the front shin and the side skirt armors that are all casted in separate colors. It makes the model look much less monotonous, something which Bandai kits are quite guilty of when it comes to basic construction.

And now here's the final constructed piece! Err... not too impressive, is it? Let's fancy him up a bit.

So, into the actual kit as a toy. Gespenst is a very solid and bulky model kit. Every joint feels solid and tight, and turns nicely. The elbows, legs, and feet are all double jointed. Although the thigh's joint has a very small degree of turning, the shin's turning joint has a much larger range of motion that easily makes up for it.

Gespenst has a small part of articulated wings. While they may seem dinky in the model, these parts actually allow the Gespenst to fly in Super Robot Wars. The verniers on the back are also articulated on a ball joint and can be pointed in any direction. The two large gray pieces are actually weapons in the game known as Split Missiles. Usually these would shoot off and several missiles would spray off at the enemy. Unfortunately these pieces can do that or come off. However they still do make a very cool looking backpack.

The Gespenst come with two armaments. A machinegun and a shotgun. The shotgun is quite impressive and molded in a very dark grey. Although a bit unwieldy in one hand, the open hand can be used to hold onto it with snuggly.

And then, there's the machinegun. I... this is a really dinky little gun. Mind you that when the Gespenst uses this gun in Super Robot Wars, it's usually SD and looks rather small and disproportional to begin with. But this is a bit ridiculous I think. It could have been molded to be bigger.

The last real weapon that Gespenst has are mounted on its arms. The set of three stakes are known as plasma stakes. These are charged with energy and the Gespenst punches its enemies while discharging plasma. Standard Gespensts have this mounted on their left arm, but since this is Kai Kitamura's custom Gespenst, he's upgraded his with two. While you can't do much with these, there's still a good bit of fun posing you can do.

(Skip to about the 1:30 mark to see Kai and the Gespenst Mk-II M in action)

One thing that I found that was new on the Gespenst was that in his hip section there was a small panel that could be removed revealing a hole. This is new on the Super Robot Wars model kits and can be used with the Kotobukiya model kit stand. However I don't have one, so I tried using a Bandai base. It gets the same effect down and makes this model all the more dynamic.

In terms of construction and aesthetics, Kotobukiya model kits are very nice. They are much sharper and match the colors of the original line art a bit better than Gundam model kits do. The Gespenst is a solid model kit who is nice and has a good weight to it as well. If you want a different aesthetic and style from a mobile suit, but still want to build an engaging and intuitive model kit, Kotobukiya's Super Robot Wars line is an excellent place to go to.

Kotobukiya is delighted to announce an innovative and fun addition to their Star Wars line of products: CHOPSABER!

Kotobukiya is delighted to announce an innovative and fun addition to their Star Wars line of products: CHOPSABER!

Lightsabers merge with Japanese culture and "Chop Sabers" emerge! Suitable for eating sushi or defending the galaxy, the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader lightsabers measure over 9" long, with the blades cast in translucent material. The smaller "children's size" Yoda saber measures approximately 8" long. As a special bonus each set includes translucent Star Wars logo chopstick rests!

LUKE AND YODA

Lightsaber Chopstick LUKE SKYWALKER and YODA set

VEDAR AND YODA

Lightsaber Chopstick DARTH VAEDR and YODA set.

Each $19.99 and available in NOVEMBER 2009!

Following the standard player robot Fine Scale Model Kits from the classic video game series Virtual-On is the newest edition and upgrade to the Temjin model, the TRV-06K-H VIPER II (VER. 1P). Quick and agile, the Viper II is designated a fast tactical mecha. It is armed with a variety of long-range weaponry including missiles, vulcan cannon, and homing beam.

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Following the standard player robot Fine Scale Model Kits from the classic video game series Virtual-On is the newest edition and upgrade to the Temjin model, the TRV-06K-H VIPER II (VER. 1P). Quick and agile, the Viper II is designated a fast tactical mecha. It is armed with a variety of long-range weaponry including missiles, vulcan cannon, and homing beam.

Comprised of approximately 400 parts, the Viper II has 30 points of articulation including shoulder joints and wings designed specifically for maximum poseability. The crimson mecha stands 6 inches tall and is in 1/100 scale (the same as the other Virtual-On model kits). Building your Viper II is literally a snap with snap-fit assembly, and you can customize it with extra decals and optional parts. This model is the truest representation of the mecha thanks to computer graphic data provided by Sega!

srp $49.99
Available in NOVEMBER

©SEGA CHARACTER DESIGN: KATOKI HAJIME

Second in Kotobukiya’s original line of Frame Arms multi assemble mechanical unit model kits after the Stylet is the GOU-RAI.

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Second in Kotobukiya’s original line of Frame Arms multi assemble mechanical unit model kits after the Stylet is the GOU-RAI. With an interior core robot frame, this fighting robot has universal 3mm attachment points which connect to multiple armor and weapon parts. All of the Frame Arms robots share interchangeable parts, and can also connect to and use the M.S.G. (Modeling Support Goods) series of support units for unparalleled customization.

srp $29.99
Available in DECEMBER

© KOTOBUKIYA Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

With its unparalleled knowledge and experience in the field of robot model kits, Kotobukiya is now embarking on its own original series, Frame Arms!

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import!

With its unparalleled knowledge and experience in the field of robot model kits, Kotobukiya is now embarking on its own original series, Frame Arms! These never before seen robots are based on a core concept: every unit will have a basic robot skeleton, or “Frame,” which is highly articulated and covered in universal 3mm attachment points. Incredible armor pieces and weapons will differentiate each robot, while all parts are fully interchangeable between all units. The Frame Arms multi assemble mechanical units are even compatible with Koto’s M.S.G. (Modeling Support Goods) series of support units, opening up a huge amount of easy customization! The first robot in the Frame Arms series is the SA16-STYLET, an aerial attacker based on a combat plane motif with multiple small wings and a jet engine on its back.

In 2019, under the auspices of the international military alliance NATIA (North Atlantic Ocean Tactics Evolution Aggregate), the United States Armed Forces unveiled the “Human Type Multi Purpose Standard Frame Drive,” a universal robot body that each allied country could develop with various external weapons and armor. The Stylet is comprised of approximately 100 parts, with 30 points of articulation. The robot stands 6 inches tall and comes with its own unique armor and weaponry including a right arm-mounted gatling gun and left arm missiles!

srp $29.99
Available in DECEMBER

© KOTOBUKIYA Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

An effort in frustration

Intro

Cybuster is a mecha from various Super Robot Wars games and other Banpresto titles. It was featured in the Super Robot Wars Original Generation Divine Wars anime. Cybuster and its pilot Masaki Andoh (supposedly named after the famed singer Masaaki Endoh) come from an alternate universe known as La Gias. Masaki is chasing after his nemesis Shu, but ends up helping the main characters fight on several occasions.

Contents

Construction

This kit was early in Kotobukiya's SRW line and it shows. Molding and detail is excellent and parts are super sharp. Anybody who has built a few Kotobukiya kits should know what I'm talking about here. Some parts are easily sharp enough to draw blood, and care needs to be take not to bend fine points. Color reproduction is good, and not much paint is needed. Spure placement is not great, but the colors of plastic for this kit are somewhat forgiving and the marks clean up well.

A lot of the parts don't fit quite right and need fiddling with and glue to be assembled. Seam placement is pretty good. I only painted the black detail and the handle of the sword gold. The polycaps for the waist and wings are very loose and frequently the parts come apart on their own or when you are trying to put the figure into a pose. This is extremely frustrating and you end up getting stabbed by all the pointy bits in the process.

Features + Accessories

There are no notable gimmicks for this kit. The mecha is supposed to transform, but Kotobukiya decided to omit this feature. The only included accessories are open and closed fist hands, sword holding hand and sword.

Articulation

The articulation of this kit is okay, but not great. The design does limit the articulation somewhat, but I still feel that Kotobukiya could have done a better job. The feet and legs articulate pretty well, but there really isn't much you can do with them unless you have a stand for flying poses. Otherwise it can be difficult to keep a standing pose with the weight of the wings.

The wrists, ankles, hips, wings, and waist are ball jointed. Everything else is a combination of standard joints.

Balance is actually better than I would expect due in part that the legs actually had a heavy solid plastic piece inside of them. Unfortunately the upper half of the figure leans back, and the waist joint frequently decides to pop apart on its own. (as seen above)

Conclusion

Overall this is okay but with a fatal flaw, bad joints. Just trying to photograph for this review the figure fell apart several times. Even if you get it into a solid pose and leave it be, it randomly decides to fall apart on its own. I really can't recommend it to anybody, unless you are a glutton for punishment.

Kotobukiya has made great improvements since this kit was originally released. Also to note they recently announced a new version of this kit due out in November. It will be part of their EO-Tech line in 1/144 scale and also able to transform.