Arcadia TV Version
Review by Shogundan
Ahoy Matey! Captain Harlock's Arcadia, off the starboard bow!
In my mind, the name Captain Harlock, always conjures images of swashbuckling space pirates with eye patches. Captain Harlock, is probably one of the most popular of Leiji Matsumoto's space operas, second only to Space Battleship Yamato.
Today, I will be reviewing, the TV version of Captain Harlock's Arcadia. This will be my second entry into Taito's Super Mechanics line of UFO catcher prize toys.
Like Taito's Yamato, Arcadia does not disappoint. Packaged in the now familiar window box, you will see a striking illustration of Captain Harlock himself.
After Arcadia is removed from its box, some light assembly is required (wings, front knife, and front 2 ailerons). Then, and only then, will you truly appreciate the detail and beauty of this toy.
Arcadia is a full 40cm long. Thats almost 16 inches from it's Jolly Roger flagged stern, to the tip of the bow mounted knife blade. The Arcadia is well made and sturdy. Comprised from quality plastic and ABS.
One of the Arcadia's really cool features, is the paint detail. Notice, the deck planking and stern, are painted to give the authentic look of wood. Other cool features included are, rotating adjustable turrets, wing mounted missiles, and a miniature pilot's helm with ship's wheel.
The included stand does not take away from the side profiles ominous appearance. As you can see, the classic skull and crossbones really standout on both port and starboard sides.
I really like this toy. As with Taito's Yamato, its hard to believe that Arcadia, originally cost only $15.00 USD. Consider yourself lucky if you can acquire it at that price now. Even if you pay a little more, it will certainly be cheaper than the Shin Seiki Gokin version made by Aoshima. If Taito keeps this up, I'll have to buy the whole line.
Arrrgh! Get this hidden treasure! Before it be gone!
Comments
10 comments postedJust kidding.
More Taito goodness. I need to track down the rest of those Thunderbirds items they made to round out my set.
So far Taito's stuff is really impressive. I dont blame you for wanting to track down the Thunderbirds stuff. If its anything like the above mentioned, it must be cool. Keeping checking back next week. I'll be Doing a review on Taito's Queen Emeraldas ship (999 Movie Version). Followed up by the movie version of Captain Harlock's Arcadia.
-Dan
CollectionDX Staff
Hi Guys
Now these are those toys that you can grab lunch time and play around..
wish they make more of this line of toys
so far in CA only one place that sells anime based robot toys..frank & son
please let me know if anybody knows another place that have some too
Thanks!
Henshin!!
Your best bet to get these is on Ebay when they first get released. If you wait the price starts to go through the roof.
-Dan
CollectionDX Staff
i'm not familiar with the Arcadia, but i really like the pirate ship motif. Reasonably priced too, thank you for your review!
These are really great, affordable toys. I've been tempted to grab them myself, but I don't think I'm gonna plan to branch out into another line of toys. With that said, it'll be really hard for me to pass on the upcoming Cosmo Zero.
"This must be settled the way nature intended....with a vicious, bloody fight!"
Onyx Blackman
Principal, Flatpoint High
The Cosmo Zero is going to be another must have for me. I also am looking forward to the WWII Battleship Yamato thats coming out from the same line. Picture it, The original with the resurrected space battleship version. How cool will that be!
-Dan
CollectionDX Staff
In my opinion, this one is even better than the Space Battleship Yamato.
For reasons unknown to me, the first TV series blue colored Arcadia is very rare in toy/model form. Taito not only created a rare model, but a very good one.
It comes with lots more accessories than Yamato. A great model ship for play and display.
I bought this toy from Yahoo Japan via a middleman. The toy is a masterpiece. When considering the amount of anime-accurate detail and the incredibly cheap price, I prefer this to its diecast or plastic model counterparts. A must-have for Leiji Matsumoto-sensei fans.
I bought this lovely item in Ebay and I do not regret it. Believe me, the wood-paint in these pictures don't look as good as it is in real life. Everything's beautiful, the only flaw I would give would be that the paint should be darker, but aside form that, it's a lovely item to have. Although, be warned, it's not 1500 yen anymore, I bought it for $60 (shipping included) Still, great item, I greatly suggest it to any fan of the Leijiverse. :)
(If you want to hear a tragic story, I had originally bought the DieCast version 3 years ago. I had ordered it from China and it never arrived; I'd suggest be careful where you buy your Harlock stuff, no matter how many stars the person has received) (Also, I bought the Gravity Saber from Japan and it never arrived either, yes, I'm unlucky) ;_;