Guld Goa Bowman's YF-21 Valkyrie from Macross Plus is realized in Revoltech form. With Video comparison with the GNU series YF-21

The YF-21 Valkyrie is a unique valkyrie design that unfortunately was never used after the series aside from an appearance in a Macross video game. I guess thats what happens when you lose the contract to UN Spacy for the next generation fighter.

The Revoltech YF-21 is a good toy - very articulated and durable. Despite being bested by the GNU series YF-21, it is still a worthy purchase and worth adding to your collection.

Articulation is great, especially for this design. Somehow Revoltech designer Yamaguchi managed to give this toy a waist joint, a much-needed addition to the design. There are 46 points of articulation, largely due to the Revoltech joint system. Because the YF-21 is a slimmer mecha, they use the smaller Revoltech joints for most of the joints in this figure.

There are a plethora of accessories included with the YF-21.

The Gun fits securely into one of the included variant hands. There are also closed hands and open hands.

Fastpacks are included with this figure as well. The Fastpacks are additional armor used to beef up the existing design. Here the panels are added onto the wing sections on the arms (which are articulated with Revoltech joints) and on the large panels on the hips. They go on easy enough, but taking them off is tough.

Also included are parts for the pinpoint barrier system - a movable electric shield of sorts. These parts can plug into either forearm armor for additional protection.

A small pinpoint barrier shell can attach to one of the variant arms to act as a pinpoint barrier weapon.

The stand is pretty much the same as any other Revoltech stand, and attaches to the rear of the waist of the figure.

Naturally one is going to compare the Revoltech YF-21 to Yamato's GNU series YF-21. Both have their pluses and minuses, but I am drawn to the clean lines and toy-like quality of the GNU version. The Revoltech version is not bad at all, but when stood next to the GNU - you can see the differences.

I do still recommend this version, especially if you are a fan of the Macross line. the feedback I have been getting is that although the GNU appears superior, people just like collecting the Revoltech line.

Of course, you can get your Revoltech YF-21 at HobbyLink Japan.

VIDEO REVIEW

You can get your Revoltech YF-21 at HobbyLink Japan

On the planet Eden, two test pilots battle it out for for the contract and the girl. In this corner, Isamu Dyson and the YF-19 Valkyrie...

The YF-19 valkyrie comes from the 1994 OVA series Macross Plus. I won't go into the details again, but suffice it to say that it is one of my favorite anime.

Previously, Yamato had put out larger scale transforming versions of the YF-19, and then when they announced a GNU version, someone must have tipped off Kaiyodo, because I doubt it is just coincidence that both companies put out similar toys at the same time. We saw this earlier in the year with Mospeada toys - its just how the industry works.

So lets cut to the chase. Is it any good? yeah, its really good. It's typical Yamaguchi Revoltech fare - if you've had one before and liked it you will like this. The proportions are a bit exaggerated for my tastes - the head seems a bit small and low to the shoulders, but it works. It's a very stylized representation of the mecha. The YF-19 comes courtesy of HobbyLink Japan

What makes this toy above average in my opinion is the accessories. Not only do you get the YF-19 and his gun, but you get fastpacks, a shield, a stand and even pinpoint barrier effects. While I prefer the styling of the GNU YF-19, this one has it beat on accessories.

The gun is one piece and can be held by one of the variant hands in either hand. Nothing too exciting here. The gun holds firmly in the grip of the machine.

The shield attaches to the left arm by a Revoltech joint, oddly placed at the rear of the arm.

Fastpacks are attached to the end of the shoulders and the back of the legs. They are the same color and style as the rest of the figure, so they don't really stand out that much. They are nicely done and a welcome addition.

The pinpoint barrier system is kind of like an electronic shield that moves around to wherever a blast is anticipated to hit. This manifests itself as small glowing circles that appear on the surface of the valkyrie. Kaiyodo includes 2 pinpoint barrier shields that can be attached to the arms or the shield.

Also included is a green transparent shield that fits over the hand of the valkyrie. This replicates the use of the pinpoint barrier system as a weapon.

The stand is standard Revoltech fare.

I like this one a lot, but i still am partial to the GNU series one. Don't misunderstand me - it's a great figure, but the other is like a breath of fresh air where this seems like more of the same. I suppose it is good that "more of the same" is pretty good.

You can get your Revoltech YF-29 at HobbyLink Japan

Video Review and comparison with the GNU series

You can get your Revoltech YF-29 at HobbyLink Japan

In a way the VF-11B is the little valk that could.. it's the underdog, and I always have a soft spot for the underdog. Includes video overview of all the Macross Plus GNU-DOU

In the anime Macross plus, the VF-11B Valkyrie is the standard service valkyrie until the decision was made to replace it with one of two fighters - the YF-19 or the YF-21. While the new fighters are more advanced, the VF-11B is no slouch....

In a way the VF-11B is the little valk that could.. it's the underdog, and I always have a soft spot for the underdog.

Jump to video

The GNU-DOU VF-11B is available at Angolz.com

I always liked the design of this battroid, and I actually liked the early Yamato 1/72 valkyrie, despite the QC issues. I just thought it was a great design that didn't get enough love - until now that is.

The VF-11B is the third entry into the GNU-DOU line and it keeps up the fantastic quality of the previous releases. The paint detail is crisp, the molding sharp, and there is not a screw hole in sight. Accessories are sparse with only a few variant hands and a gun, but really, that's all it needs.

The gun seems a bit big for the figure but it looks damn cool. There is also a shield that pops into the arm with a ball joint.

I'm not sure what the exact makeup of the materials here is, but it seems that the body and limbs are made of ABS while the jointwork is made out of POM.

In addition to the awesome articulation, the VF-11B has a moveable antenna, and moveable wings.

So, if I haven't beat it into your head yet, go get one. Where Revoltech has chosen to also release their versions of the YF-19 and 21, they have decided to overlook the VF-11B - so this is your only chance to get one at this time. You can get yours at Angolz.com

The GNU-DOU VF-11B is available at Angolz.com

The YF-21 looks nothing like any valkyrie that has come before it. It has a definite Zentradi influence to it, looking more like a Q-Rau than a Valkyrie. I'm sure this is no coincidence - it's pilot is half Zentradi.

in the 1994 anime Macross Plus, two rival test pilots face off in two different valkyries, not only to see who's fighter is better, but to see who gets the girl...

We've already looked at the first entry in Yamato's GNU-DOU line, the YF-19 Valkyrie. Now we take a look at Isamu's rival - Guld Goa Bowman's YF-21. The YF-21 GNU-DOU comes courtesy of Angolz.com

The YF-21 looks nothing like any valkyrie that has come before it. It has a definite Zentradi influence to it, looking more like a Q-Rau than a Valkyrie. I'm sure this is no coincidence - it's pilot is half Zentradi. And the difference between the two is more than appearances - the YF-21 is controlled by the MIND of the pilot as opposed to traditional controls.

The toy shares the similar construction and quality as the YF-19. The toy is made of sturdy ABS and POM parts, and has a wide range of movement. Seriously. It's the most poseable YF-21 made to date.

The head has a great range of articulation, considering the limitations of the design. To move it you have to pull it back a bit and tilt the front down, and then you will find you can move it around.

Also like the YF-19, there isn't much in the way of accessories. You get 3 variant hands and a gun. No stand, no fastpacks. Still, this figure looks great and it's actually kind of refreshing to not have to keep track of all those parts.

Detail, paint and finish are all excellent. Even the small flaps on the rear engines are separate pieces. Yamato manages to pull off a great figure with no screw holes by making the whole figure essentially Lock together like a puzzle. You can remove the back section to separate the shoulders, which then release the fuselage and so on. Still, the figure holds together well.

The is my second GNU-DOU and so far they are on a roll. If you like what you see you can get yours at Angolz.com

Get your YF-21 atAngolz.com

The big question is - are they worth it? The GNU-DOU average about 1,000 yen (about $10) more than a Revoltech. Honestly - I think they are. They are made out of a better material, are sturdier, and are a little larger. For a non-transforming toy, the engineering is pretty complex, and the toy for the most part feels very sturdy.

For the most part.

The YF-19 valkyrie is the first release in Yamato's GNU-DOU line of poseable super robots. The GNU-DOU line is characterized by hard plastic and an internal frame. these can be thought of as Yamato's answer to Kaiyodo's Revoltech line, but these are larger with better quality material.

This is one of my favorite valkyrie designs, and it comes from one of my favorite anime - 1994's Macross Plus. In the series, the YF-19 is a prototype valkyrie in the running to be selected as the new fighter for UN Spacy. Piloted by hotshot Isamu Dyson, The YF-19 represents the next generation of fighter (at the time).

The GNU-DOU comes in at 13cm tall, just a bit taller than a Revoltech. The YF-19 is constructed out of high quality ABS and POM, so the figure is durable and the detail is machine sharp. The joints are solid and provide a wide range of motion. There is motion in unexpected places - the head antenna, the flaps on the shoulders, and the large wings on the hips. There's a lot to this figure. You can get your YF-19 at Angolz.com.

One thing I found interesting about these figures are their modular design. there are no visible screw holes on these figures, as Yamato has found a way to assemble each figure carefully, almost as if they were some kind of puzzle. for example, you can pull the sides of the chest off and see how they use tabs in that part to anchor the shoulder parts in. The arms and legs are snapped together with tight tolerances and hold the jointwork in place. Contrary to popular belief - there is no internal skeleton with the GNU-DOU series, but the jointwork does extend a good amount into the sections.

Accessories include a few variant hands, a gun, and a shield. That's it. I suppose you don't need a lot of accessories for a non-transforming toy, but even the Revoltech toys manage to include a stand.

yep - the GNU-DOU does not come with a stand.

The GNU boxes are decidedly simple - A window box with the toy packed in a clear plastic tray.

The big question is - are they worth it? The GNU-DOU average about 1,000 yen (about $10) more than a Revoltech. Honestly - I think they are. They are made out of a better material, are sturdier, and are a little larger. For a non-transforming toy, the engineering is pretty complex, and the toy for the most part feels very sturdy.

For the most part.

The only issue I had with the toy was with one of the small fins on the legs. I hit one of the fins the wrong way and it came right off. Fortunately it looked as if there wasn't enough glue holding it on, so a bit of super glue made it all better.

You can get your YF-19 at Angolz.com

Despite all the poor choices made with this toy, I still kind of like it.

Despite all the poor choices made with this toy, I still kind of like it.

Who can forget the summer of  2000 – the whole net was abuzz with the coming of the Toycom Macross Plus Valkyries. I sure can’t forget it – those damn Valkyries put me out of business (back when I was running Cybertoyz). I suppose in a way I owe this site to them. If I hadn’t have had that terrible experience, I might still be running a toy store today, and CollectionDX may never have existed.

The VF-11b “Thunderbolt” was the third Valkyrie  released as part of Yamato’s Macross Plus “Kanzen Henkei” Valkyrie line. The design, like the other Macross Plus valks, was a radical departure from what we previously knew as Valkyrie toys. The complex transformation and sleek styling appealed to the then novice toy buyers.

All that anticipation quickly soured though when the toy finally arrived. The toy had so many flaws; it was met with universal disapproval. Today, people only speak of the VF-11b in hushed tones down dark alleyways.

But first, let’s talk about the good

The VF-11b looks really nice, and the paint and metal have a nice finish to it. The metal content is limited to the lower legs, but it still adds a nice feel to it. The toy transforms into all three modes and has working landing gear. The hands are removable and there is a separate right hand that can be replaced to hold the gun. The gun is really nice, with an expandable stock and a fold out bayonet.  The gun can be stored under the rear fuselage when in fighter mode. Also included was a sticker sheet and cockpit covers.

In robot mode, the figure is surprisingly agile. Ball jointed hips, articulated knees and feet, as well as very poseable arms make for some dynamic poses. When in robot mode, this toy just feels and looks great.

Unfortunately, Yamato made a lot of poor design decisions with this toy, which resulted in a lot of these toys suffering a lot of problems.

The first main problem is the ball jointed hips. The plastic used was too brittle and the fit onto the ball too tight, which resulted with this joint breaking easily. You could hack a fix by opening up the assembly that holds the ball and making this connection not as tight. This problem plagued this toy.

Another major problem was the shoulder blade assembly. In jet mode, these are the 2 small squares that are behind the cockpit. When transformed into robot mode, these fold out and become the shoulders. This toy was packaged in robot mode, so when you went to transform it back into jet mode; you found that those 2 panels didn’t fit correctly. The solution was to FILE DOWN the insides of the panels until enough room was made for the panels to fit into the small space. This also affected the fit of the shield in fighter mode. The shield would bump up against these panels and cause it to pop off the arm assemblies.

Sigh…

I would have sold this toy long ago if I really didn’t like the design. It is just visually appealing to me. I’ve made my modifications to my toy, so it does what I want it to do, but unless you are in love with this design, skip it.

The story of Yamato's YF-19 is a long and complicated one. Yamato first announced that they had the license to make die cast transforming valkyries from the anime Macross Plus. They toys were loosely based on the Studio Half-Eye kits. Toycom, a US Distributor, announced that they would be releasing them in the states. Fans rejoiced, because these would be the first transforming valkyries in years. Dealers across the world began to take pre-orders, and fierce bidding wars began.

Unfortunately, Harmony Gold holds the rights to Macross and Robotech in the US, and fought with Toycom and Yamato for the rights to the property. Toycom lost, and the Macross Plus valkyries were never domestically released. Fans had to pay higher prices through import shops.

When the first version of the YF-19 got into consumers hands, it was riddled with flaws. Parts didn't fit, toys arrived broken, and people were generally disappointed with the toy. Yamato released a Version 2 toy that fixed a few of the flaws, but the general design of the toy is awkward and unstable. It was the first instance of a trend that continues with Yamato toys to this day.

This is the 2nd version YF-19. There is a lot of die cast in this toy, most of the legs, chest plate and wings are solid die cast, and prone to chipping. The YF-19 is capable of transforming into all three modes - battroid, gerwalk and fighter. All modes leave something to be desired. In Battroid mode, the YF-19 is not very poseable. There are a ton of joints, but you cant do anything interesting with them. Gerwalk mode (half fighter / half battroid) is just plain ugly. Fighter mode is the best of the bunch, but good luck keeping it together.

For all the effort Yamato put into this toy, there were a lot of things missing. Where was the landing gear with turning wheels? How about a pilot figure? Why can't the gun stay on when in fighter mode?

Yamato improved drastically with their 1/60 and 1/48 series valks. Hopefully Yamato will take all that they have learned and create a new and improved YF-19.