Behold! God-Keron!

I never talked much about Keroro Gunsou on my blog, mainly because they are non-Gundam, although I heard that one of those "alien frogs" :) is also a Gundam fan who like to build Gunpla. Also, I didn't follow the anime, so how they end up on Earth, or why they have the connection with Gundam is unknown to me. They always look like toys I would craze over when I was four or five, but not now.

Beginning with Keroro Robo Mk-II, their model kits becomes more sophisticated, as you not only get to assemble the frogs, each kit also feature a robot which is characterized after their "pilot", and each robot can actually transform into the vehicle mode as well. Almost too sophisticated for kids, I once thought.


Keroro Robo Mk-II


Giroro Robo Mk-II


Tamama Robo Mk-II


Kururu Robo Mk-II


Dororo Robo Mk-II
Apparently the fun doesn't stop there.

If you get all the five Robo Mk-IIs, you get to transform all of them into a bigger robot, with a fancy name of "God-Keron" some more XD


Each member of Keroro Gunsou can still sit in their robot in the God-Keron mode. Cool!


Behold! God-Keron!
The best thing about the transformation is that all the components are from each kit, so there's no part-swapping or extra items needed from other kits to finish the entire model.

Another attractiveness is the price. The entire set, consist of the five "frogs", Keroro Robo Mk-II, Dororo Robo Mk-II, Giroro Robo Mk-II, Tamama Robo Mk-II and Kururu Robo Mk-II are priced at 800 Yen (around RM28) each, so to get the giant "God-Keron" will only cost you 4,000 Yen (around RM140), or one A.E.U.G.'s Gundam Mk-II Ver. 2.0.

Speaking of comparison, I'm not sure how tall God-Keron is, but I'm guessing that it'll be close to an average MG or 1/100 scale Gunpla. But then again, since they are of different franchise, there's no point for comparison anyway. Just from looking at the construction manual, I'm sure there's plenty of fun from playing with each model, or the completed God-Keron.

All images from Hobby Search.

More Upcoming Merchandises

Information on more upcoming merchandises, mainly HCM-Pro figures and some non-Gundam models from Gunota Headlines. Plus, images on the previously mentioned products where their images were not available back then.

MG Sazabi Metallic Ver. - From the finished model and one of the part tree at the background of the picture, I conclude that this is a repainted version of the previous MG Sazabi. I suppose it's the poor resolution of the photo being a deterrent for a clearer view of the effect of the metallic coating, but this "new" Sazabi doesn't really look much special to me at all. I hope to see more images on this huge release in the future to prove it otherwise.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
MG Gundam Unicorn - the prototype image released isn't new anymore. But we do get a more solid view on the "Destroy Mode" of Gundam Unicorn. Very nice indeed, especially the V-fin on the head. The main concern now is whether the split will be clearly visible in the Normal mode, or worse case scenario, this particular transformation (probably the most anticipated section) can only be accomplished via part swapping. Hopefully not.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
1/20 Scopedog Red Shoulder Custom - November, 6,300 Yen (around RM220). A new red shoulder and plenty of nifty weapons for this "new" Scopedog model. A "gentle" reminder for you :-) The original 1/20 Scopedog from Bandai is 4,000 Yen, same price with the later released Brutishdog. However, this Red Shoulder Custom is still 700 Yen cheaper than the first Scopedog in Metal Spec Ver.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
U.C. Hardgraph Cyclops Team Set - November, 2,940 Yen (around RM103). The 1/35 U.C. Hard Graph series is making a come back after a three-month absence after E.F.G.F. Anti MS Squad Set. This time it's based on the Cyclops Team Set from UC0080: War in a Pocket.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
HG 1/100 Gundam Exia - Just look at the articulation! The knee armor can move along with the leg, allowing the exposure of the some details within. Plus, Bandai seems to focus quite a bit of effort on the waist articulation for Exia, as the small thumbnail depicts. Very hard to resist for me :-D


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
BB Senshi Ryofu Tallgeese - Apart from the transformable horse, there seems to be another transformable transport unit (? - not sure what it is myself), but the kanji description mentions it as "Jade Armor Set from Heaven" and it's an "important and decisive ancient weapon in the world of Sangokuden". Also, it seems to be compatible with Liu Bei, Cao Cao and upcoming Sun Quan Gundam. Quite interesting indeed.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
BB Senshi Knight Gundam series - December, price n/a. Reissue of the very famous original BB Senshi in the 90s. If you miss some of these in the past, this news will most certainly excite you for the rest of the day.


Image from Hobby Shop Midori
HCM-Pro SP Ground Type Gundam - November, 5,040 Yen (around RM177). I believe SP means "Special Painted". This dessert weathering version originated from the initial release of this HCM-Pro model, where extra parts were given for the collector to modify their Ground Type Gundam. I suppose many people are screaming for the factory to give them a finished dessert weathering, hence the release of this HCM-Pro. Plus, there's a little sand hill included to hold its shield for the cannon pose.



Images from Amiami
HCM-Pro Hi-Nu Gundam - There's a huge clear display base included which allows you to display the Funnels as the beam canopy protecting the Gundam. Cool!



Images from Amiami
HCM-Pro Gundam Kyrios - The selling point is the transformation process no doubt.



The top and side views of Gundam Kyrios in its MA mode is very nice...


...but the bottom view looks as if he's attempting some sort of exotic Indian dance. Muahahahaha~
Images from Amiami
HCM-Pro Gundam Virtue - What else can be said? XD


Image from Amiami
HCM-Pro Master Marking Ver. - November, 1,890 Yen (around RM66) each. Guncannon and Char's Zaku II again?


Image from Hobby Shop Midori

A Hero and A Lot of Hopes

Tons of information regarding upcoming Gundam merchandises on Gunota Headlines right now, but I would like to share with you a story that almost brought me to tears today.

New heart, new hope for Hui Yee
Tee Hui Yee, a 14-year-old girl who had to carry a 9kg battery pack for more than a year to power her mechanical heart in order to stay alive, finally received a donor heart from a 15-year-old Malay teenager who was declared brain dead after a fatal accident. The doctors at the National Heart Institute took 10 and a half hours to carry out a successful heart transplant on Hui Yee.

The family of the victim, who still remains anonymous at the moment, donated several other organs, including lungs, liver and kidneys for others who are in dire need as well. Apart from Hui Yi, the boy's donated lung a 39-year-old man from Sabah who suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. (same report) Although both patients remain in critical condition at the moment, at least their agonizing wait for the organs they desperately need is over. Now they are given the chance for a second life.

On the other hand, the press managed to locate the donor's family, and the response given to the fact that the family's deceased son had saved two lives, is extremely warm and touching.

The man, who wants to remain anonymous, said he felt happy when he received a telephone call from a doctor telling him that his son’s heart had been successfully transplanted to Hui Yi.

"Although I have lost a son, I now feel like I have a foster daughter," he said.

The donor’s father also expressed surprised that the press knew the family’s whereabouts.

He said the family did not ask for money or any word of thanks.

The only condition he had asked of the hospital was to not reveal the identity of his son.

On why he agreed for his son to be an organ donor, he said: "My son was God’s gift to me. Now, it is time to return the gift to God." - extracted from the same report


Image from Cleveland Sight Center.
Reading such news is like seeing the Sun again after a whole night of thunderstorm. All this while we were shocked by news on a murder case of the most hideous nature, which deeply sadden me, as well as those who share the same empathy and concern towards our society no doubt. News of Hui Yi's heart transplant really sparkles hopes that there are still good people out there, who would help others in need, whom they do not know and have no connection whatsoever, with all their heart without seeking for any fame or fortune.

May the 15-year-old donor rest in peace, and I do pray for the recovery of Hui Yi. Also, well done to the doctors at the National Heart Institute as well.

Transformers - Buffalaxed

I believe many secondary school students in Malaysia are having public exams right now. Well, here's a little something to make you relax a bit.

* Purely for entertainment and no other intention implied *

"Time to shoot a duck" XD
"Mama shoot an iron coat!" Muahahahaha~
Can't see anything? Follow this link to Youtube.
OK, now back to your studies! XD

MG Sazabi Metallic Coating Ver!

When I saw the news on Gunota Headlines, my eyes almost pop out in amazement. Plenty of really awesome stuff coming this December, and Christmas will never be the same anymore (either you receive the best Gundam gift ever when your friends give you one of the following, or your wallet is bombed dry for getting these stuff yourself).

First off, a few merchandises from Char's Counterattack and its subsequent story, Gundam Unicorn:

MG Gundam Unicorn Ver. Ka - December, 5,250 Yen (around RM185). The extension of "Ver. Ka" is really unnecessary in my opinion, since the original designer of Gundam Unicorn is Hajime Katoki himself. This ultimate MG is said to be fully transformable between the Normal mode and the Destroy mode, down to the reveal of the conventional Gundam head and the splitting of the V-fin. To be able to achieve all this in 1/100 scale might be a huge challenge to Bandai yet. So far, all the updates we get are CG designs which doesn't explain much. Unfortunately there's no image of the final prototype yet, but as soon as the rumors can be confirmed, this MG is sure to be on my wish buy list.

MG Sazabi Metallic Coating Ver. - December, 14,700 Yen (around RM515). Anyone saw this coming? Imagine if your friends give this to you as Christmas present, what would you think? Although it's understandably the original MG in a special coating release, the sheer size of the model and the love for Sazabi is enough to guarantee that this is going to be a big hit at the end of the year.

HCM-Pro Hi-Nu Gundam - December, 4,410 Yen (around RM155). I thought the MG version will be the last time I see this huge mecha being made into affordable merchandise. Apparently not. This smaller HCM-Pro version is almost identical to the MG version except the size, and I expect all the functions or features of the MG version will be available as well. The price most certainly denotes the prestige and exclusiveness of Hi-Nu Gundam.


Image from Happynet Online
With all these Char's Counterattack mecha coming out, when the attention is seeming shifted towards to HGUC line of that anime movie, I just can't get rid of the feeling that this might hints something bigger, something like... MG Nightingale. Could it be so? Could it be that the upgraded version of Sazabi is in Bandai's planning next year? I'm most certainly looking forward to that.

From Char's Counterattack, we shift the attention towards more Gunplas from Gundam 00. The highlight this time is the 1/100 scale version of Exia.

HG 1/100 Gundam Exia - November, 2,415 yen (around RM85). Now this is what I've being waiting for. In a much bigger scale, the details of the model is quite astonishing, just look at the lines on the knee armors and the details behind the shield. The articulation shouldn't be an issue anymore, since Bandai can do so much even for the 1/144 version. Now I'm wondering what's Bandai's plan for a future MG release if the details are so rich even for a HG version.


Image from Happynet Online
HG 1/100 Gundam Dynames - December, 2,415 yen (around RM85). Same price with 1/100 Exia, should be of the same level of details as well. No image available.

HG 1/144 Gundam Virtue - December, 1,575 yen (around RM55). Too bad there's no image, but apart from the huge cannon he's carrying, the double shoulder twin-cannon should be pose-able as well, a feature which is not available for the FG model.

HCM-Pro Gundam Kyrios - December, 3,150 yen (around RM110). Can you imagine such a small (1/200 scale) finished item to be so much more expensive than the 1/144 scale version, and I bet the 1/100 model of Kyrios won't be this expensive as well. Transformable as it is, this is definitely not on my list.


Image from Happynet Online
HCM-Pro Gundam Virtue - December, 3,990 yen (around RM140). As above, with that price, I would go for a MG Gundam Mk-II Ver.2.0 Ver. AEUG instead.


Image from Happynet Online
Finally, the confirmation of the release of two more SD Sangokuden models:

Sonken Gundam - November, 525 yen (around RM19). I'm beginning to enjoy guessing the Chinese equivalent of these Sangokuden characters ^_^ If you have previously released Liu Bei Gundam and Cao Cao Gundam, how can you miss out on the King of Wu?


Image from Happynet Online
Ryofu Tallgeese - December, 2,100 yen (around RM74). Ryofu, or Lu Bu is more expensive than the rest of his SD gang because of his horse, which is transformable into a bike for him to ride on. No image for Lu Bu, but you can check out my previous posting to find out more about him.

MG Destiny Special Edition & HG 1/144 Exia

You've seen the normal version of MG Destiny Gundam, now it's time to take a look at the Special Edition, most notably the Wings of Light in action.

Images from The Gundam Base Side 1.


I really doubt that this is going to be the box cover for the Special Edition. Not only is it smaller (think about the box for MG Strike Freedom Full Burst), plus it doesn't show off the Wings of Light.
Anyway, this confirms that the "boring-box-cover" rumor is indeed true.


So that's how you play with the beam boomerang effect part XD


Of all the weapons on Destiny, the huge anti-ship sword is my favorite, and I'm glad that the MG treatment gave it a much sharper and meaner design.


Now I'm waiting to see if the rumor that the handle of the beam cannon being retractable is true. Hopefully yes ^_^


The beam saber which is more like an accessory to Destiny since he has the anti-ship sword. But look at the shoulder articulation o_0


I'm not surprise if some fans would purchase both MG Strike Freedom FB and Destiny SE at the same time. But before you run out of money, maybe you should consider whether there's enough space on your desk to put these two giants together!
Next, we peek in on the upcoming HG 1/144 Gundam Exia. My first impression about it is pretty cool. Just from the parts of this kit alone you can see how much details and playability the completed model will be. I predict that the 1/100 scale version will be not more than just the enlarged version of this Gunpla.

Images from Gunpla Secret Factory.


Clear parts are provided for the chest and legs. Should look way cooler than merely applying stickers onto normal parts.


The huge blade is definitely attractive.


The beam saber on the left side of this particular part tree needs some serious paiting :(
Now that I see it, I'm quite amazed at just how few the total parts are for this HG. Is it because of the technological advancement of Bandai, or maybe Exia's design is just plain simple.


The sticker for this HG. The biggest slide of white is for the shield.


The construction manual for the model.


The completed model is actually compatible with the special display stand from HCM-Pro Gundam Exia.
Finally, before signing off, the last trailer for Gundam 00 before it's on TV.


Trailer from Youtube. If you can't see anything, follow this link to Youtube.

MG Destiny Special Edition... Like That Only? [EDITED]

Maybe I was expecting too much
The so-called special edition of the upcoming MG Destiny. A pair of wings with color-changing effect and the beam effect of the palm. Seriously, is that all?

The normal version is 4800 Yen, while this special edition version is 7000 Yen. 2200 Yen more for these three additional parts. Worth it? You decide.

[EDITED]
Luckily I was wrong ^^;


Image from Bandai Hobby Site
Just view the information about this kit on Bandai Hobby's English Site, and found out that there are several other selling points for this Gunpla, most notably the inner frame which is in chrome (plated color, much like MG Strike Freedom Full Burst), clear parts for showing the beam boomerang being thrown, and 1/20 scale figures of Shin Asuka and Kira Yamato (the 1/100 scale figures of Shin and Stella will also be included).