MG Gundam Ver. 2.0 Sample

There's still some time before the official release of the highly anticipated MG Gundam Ver. 2.0, but some lucky folks in Japan are working on the early release samples of that kit. Let's have a look at what this MG has to offer:





Nicely molded parts for the Core Fighter which emphasize on minimum parting lines. Then again, this isn't exactly new anymore eh? ^^;


Since Ver. OYW doesn't have a Core Fighter system, and the one in Ver. 1.5 uses the same one from the very first MG, the Core Fighter goes through a huge improvement in Ver. 2.0. For example the missile launcher adapted from the PG version, details of the thrusters ...




...plus the ability to adjust the pilot seat to face the cockpit hatch after the transformation. Not to mention all the colors are molded as well.


Comes with a little transparent for the Core Fighter itself.
The best so far? You bet! ^^
Images from Apron No Hito's Mokei Production Diary.


The 'typical' Ver. 2.0 construction manual - black border around the image from the box art. A very 80's styled illustration this time, but no kidding, it'll be very close to how the assembled RX-78-2 is going to look like XD
This is also the first Gundam's bazooka (also used by GM) to come with the white parts.
Images from Datsu! Mikkabouzu.
Also, some updates on another MG I'm not getting: XD Zaku Cannon from Model Graphix August issue.


MG Zaku II Ver 2.0 with the most changes so far. ^^
Magazine scan from Toysdaily.

Gundam Ultimax

There are quite a lot of unofficial Gundam arts out there, some which even got released as printed publication. While copyright is a disputable issue, there's no denying the creativity and value of these arts.

Reported on Toysdaily, Gundam Ultimax is an ongoing Gundam mecha design series by S. Shimizu. The first issue was released in December 2007, and Volume 2 was out April this year. Many unconfirmed settings for many mecha from various Gundam series are available in these two volumes, including the very new Gundam Double O series and Gundam Unicorn.


Volume I has Gundam Exia on the cover, while Gundam Unicorn is on Volume II.





Some of the work you can get in these two volumes, including Dynames, Virtue, and Tieren Jiu Long - a totally new fan design.
The bad thing of it being unconfirmed means that you won't be able to find it on websites like HLJ, Hobby Search, or even Amazon. Folks who are interested in Gundam Ultimax can get it from MelonBooks. Each volume is 1,050 Yen (inclusive of tax).

Kamen Rider Kiva Episode 21

Rhapsody: The Fate of the Ring

Back to Kamen Rider Kiva after more than two weeks. Sorry for those who are waiting for this review after so long. ^^; Any later than this, I might have to do a double-episode review next week XD

Th reason behind the delay is that I couldn't find the episode on VeohTV - the fine folks there haven't uploaded it yet I believe. So I was forced to watch the streaming version on Tudou, and the quality is of course not as cool as the usual 230MB-AVI I got from Veoh and VeohTV previously.

Anyway, I'm happy I get to watch this episode. Hopefully Episode 22 will be available on VeohTV next week.

This week's episode features very little Kiva action actually, but fans get to watch a few female cameos, cute ones too. XD So I believe it's what you call 'gain and loss'? ^^; Also, the focus isn't on Kiva (or Ixa) anyway, but Rikki, the Franken monster.


Otoya's first real date with Yuri. Things are supposed to brighten up between the two, but everything goes down-hill after this, because...


... Jiro's getting desperate. Even his two friends remind him about Otoya's advance on Yuri.


In present time, Kengo calls Keisuke his sensei, even though the later seems very reluctant to his request. Wataru comes to help in the persuasion, but Keisuke isn't that easy to be defeated by words (which we all know pretty well ^^;)



Jiro's huge leap: an engagement ring to Yuri even before Yuri get to reject it. Smart move, Otoya should learn a bit from him XD


Yuri meets up with her friend for advise, where Jiro suddenly appears, and they are invited to wedding mixer.


This week's Fangire, the Chameleon Fangire, which happens to be a very polite boutique owner with top fashion sense in human form. He only targets women with nice dresses. A very classy Fangire ^^;


Back to 2008, Megumi and co. attend a singles' gathering(?). Megumi's order totally confuses Yuria the shy waitress. A disaster awaits her... ^^;


The expressions of girls when it comes to Wataru XD


Yuri's wedding mixer in 1986, which turns into Jiro and Otoya's 'battleground' in secret. Rikki is invited as well, and he totally enjoys the food. Ramon is probably too young to come along XD


Otoya bumps into his kiddy-love, Kumi.
And yes, that's Otoya in his kindergarden days, already pretty good at flirting with girl.


Keisuke is helpless, Wataru's no difference ^^;



Some really funny moments in Yuri's wedding mixer. Rikki seems to have his own plan ...


Silhouette of Rikki's Franken form, and Yuri's friend turns into his main dish!



Yuria spills Megumi's order onto Wataru and Keisuke, and is being told off by her boss. She probably didn't do well in Diner Dash too ^^;


The Chameleon Fangire tries to attack a woman, but Rikki is in his way.



Rikki totally owns the Fangire, and the Fangire uses his invisibility skill to retreat in the end. Instead of being saved, the woman turns into Rikki's second victim in this episode!


Wataru meets up with the waitress in a garden. Is he going to dump Megumi for Yuria? XD


Finally, some Kamen Rider action. ^^; As the Fangire kills a girl, Keisuke appears with IXAlion. Wataru's probably still busy with his date. ^^


Ixa only gets to fire his machine gun for a few seconds before finding the Fangire to disappear into the jungle.


The Chameleon Fangire's invisibility reminds me of the Predator. ^^


Kiva's Darkness Moon Break misses the Fangire as he blinks out at the very last second.


Back in 1986, Otoya's dating Kumi; while Yuri goes out with her future husband Jiro. She feels something is amiss (obviously).
Preview for next week's episode, Overture: Fateful Intersection:
- Yuri and Jiro's wedding?
- Kengo's boating date and Keisuke's own date XD
- Wataru advancing on Yuria
- Kiva Dogga form


Watch this week's episode on Tudou (red Chinese and Japanese subtitle ^^;).