BANDAI'S FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD Premium Online-only figure of Giant Frankie!

東宝特撮版の「フランケンシュタイン」がバンダイソフビで発売。


Here comes Bandai's first vinyl figure of the Colossal Frankenstein!

COLOSSAL GARGANTUAN BREAKING NEWS! A correspondent of mine in Japan tipped me off to this news (which I promised not to publish 'til today, September 21st), that following in the footsteps of the online-only Bandai Premium figures of "Gaira" and "Sanda" from THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966), comes their predecessor - the titular titan from FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965).


Surely, a face only a Mama Frankenstein's Monster could love...

As with the previous pair in Bandai's "Kaiju Bangaichi" line, this will be the first time the company as issued any soft vinyl figure of the character, which will measure 18 cm (7.08"). Unlike Sanda and Gaira, Frankenstein is being touted as limited to 2,500 pieces "nationwide" (as this is a domestic Japanese release). Preorders will begin later today in Japan during this weekend's Super Festival 75 in Tokyo.


While the world burns, Frankie's posed to fight - but with whom?

The figure will be publically unveiled - and if my sources are correct - along with a companion figure this weekend - of the Giant Octopus (aka "giant devilfish"). This cephalopod was shot for the climax of the US version, ultimately ending up on the cutting room floor (although gaining a cameo in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (as well as Episode 23 of Tsuburaya Productions' "Ultra Q" teleseries). But wait, is there another? Yes, there was another monster planned...


Soon, we can relive those childhood monster matinee memories...

Baragon was originally planned for "Kaiju Bangaichi" but was canceled since Bandai had previously issued a figure of the popular burrowing beast to their "Godzilla Series" line back in 1992. Those behind the scenes are still hoping to push the idea that Baragon is due a new in this line - perhaps a "crawling version" of the critter? While Bandai's position is understandable, the earlier figure was issued 25 years ago. Let's cross our claws, but not hold our collective radioactive breath.


Frankie searches for his opponent... One of our Baragons is missing.

While more details (and photos, hopefully) of the Giant Octopus (can it be true?) have been promised to be unveiled this weekend at Super Festival 75 (if my sources are correct) - this amazing, colossal Frankie will retail for ¥4,400 ($39.50 USD) and is set to ship this January 2018 - with preorders through Bandai Premium's website starting at 11:00 am, September 22nd (Japan Time). Now, we can finally roll the seven wonders of the world into one!


Because Frankenstein's heart can never die, Frankie will be back...

This announcement also happily coincides with Toho Video's first-ever release of Frankie's creature feature to Blu-ray on November 3, 2017. Stay tuned for more monstrous information as long as Frankenstein's undying heart keeps beating...

BANDAI UNLEASHES THE "GREEN GARGANTUA"! Vinyl Display Figure Breaks Loose in September

日本特撮の「サンダ対ガイラ」からガイラをバンダイソフビで発売。


Bandai issues it's first vinyl figure of Gaira, the Green Gargantua!

COLOSSAL GARGANTUAN BREAKING NEWS! Announced earlier today via the Twitter feed of the journal, Tokusatsu Hi-Ho (Special Effects Treasures), the online-only Bandai Premium service of the eponymous global toy juggernaut, will be issuing a 18 cm (7.08") soft vinyl figure of the fan favorite Green Gargantua, Gaira, from the popular Toho spectacle THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966).


Iconic aggressive pose developed by suit actor Haruo Nakajima!

Coinciding with this announcement, Tokusatsu Hi-Ho’s latest issue will feature an article on the upcoming figure as well as an interview with legendary monster suit maker Eizo Kaimai, who had created the very man-eating mutant this sofubi (soft vinyl figure) is based on – so, we can imagine that this has passed his snuff. Tokusatsu Hi-Ho Vol. 6 is available from bibliopolists in Japan, starting tomorrow.


Run to the hills... Run for your lives... Gaira's looking for dinner!

The Bandai Premium website followed suit with four very important, key, details, and lots of images; which have transposed to this report (Bandai states that the actual product will differ from these intended for illustrative purposes). Most of the text on Bandai’s page for this figure is nothing more than a stream of colorfully hyperbolic points, such as “Beware! Run from this man-eating monster!”


My Green Gargantua's back... and you're gonna be in trouble!

But, as mentioned above, there are four key pieces of information, the first being the size of the figure, which is 18 cm - which fits in with the original Bandai "Godzilla Series", to better appeal to adult collectors (relative movie sizes notwithstanding) - and the ad copy exclaiming, "This is the figure [we] always wanted to see in stores - now, at last, it's available via the Web!"


Sideview of the unpainted prototype for the upcoming release!

While, we've got the size of this thing nailed down, there's the matter of release date and - most importantly to all of you hyperventilating, nail-bitting, vinyl-sniffers out there - price. Each unit will be retailing for ¥3,999 JPY or $36.00 USD. Preorders through Bandai Premium's website go live at 11:00 am, June 16th (Japan Time). Scheduled for shipment this September, Gaira will be ready to  eat  meet you...


Kenji Seki's details pop in this shot of the unpainted prototype!

Last, but not least, the graphics and press features what appears to be a series line moniker, "Kaiju Bangaichi" (which can/may be roughly translated as "Monster No-Man's Land" or transliterated as "Monsters of Unknown Realms"). Even though we haven't stopped breathing into our paper bags, yet, could we soon see the Brown Gargantua, Sanda? And... Other giant monsters Bandai had previously passed over?


Monstrous angled view of the popular bad guy from the 1966 movie!

Stay tuned for more gargantuan information as it comes up from the darkest depths to devour you! Or will you devour it?

BANDAI'S QUARTET OF "SHIN GODZILLA" SOFUBI Four Godzilla 2016 Figures? What Does It Mean?

バンダイの「シン•ゴジラ」ソフビで新発売！


Page one of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Japan's giant juggernaut toy company, Bandai, recently issued their advance sales sheets for upcoming toy releases, with two pages (just making rounds on the internet) featuring their first run of toys — soft vinyl figures — based on the new Big G design appearing in Hideaki Anno's GODZILLA RESURGENCE, hitting Japanese screens on July 29th. And there's some interesting (albeit wafer-thin) info that is provoking some speculation in my kaiju-addled brain.

The top half of the ad page shows a graphic that is a promotion plan leading up to the release of the film — nothing really exciting  there (based on the scant details therein). But, it's the bottom half of the ad page that is the most intriguing — and detail-filled payoff if one can read Japanese (who has two thumbs?). Three vinyl figures are to be issued, but the details of which may harbor a spoiler...

First, the non-spoiler news: Bandai's initial roll-out will be a 16.5 cm (6.5") vinyl figure of Shin Godzilla, labeled as "Godzilla 2016", the official name designation for licensing and merchandizing. Under the "Movie Monster Series" banner,  this tagged figure will come 24 pieces per case, and will retail for ¥2000 ($18.50 USD). Preorders open on April 29th and will hit retailers at the end of July.

Now, here come the possible spoilers: The next pair of "Godzilla 2016" figures not only both share the same line, "(Tentative) Movie Monster Series", as well as size (16.5 cm) and retail price (¥1600/$15 USD), will come 48 to a case, are listed for release on August 1st, and both with the same catalogue designation of "Godzilla 2016", almost, with one slight — but very important — difference between them:

One has been labeled as "Godzilla 2016: Monster A" while the other is labeled "Godzilla 2016: Monster B".  With these points of fact, there comes to mind only three possible answers:

One is that there are two different kaiju appearing in this film facing off with Godzilla, or appear somewhere in the story. At this late juncture, any other kaiju would require its name being registered and labeled in order to be advanced to retailers, unless the names are undergoing trademark registration. This is contrary to statements made by both Toho and the filmmakers, who've explicitly stated this is a "Japan vs. Godzilla" scenario, only.

If two guest mon-stars are not a possibility, are we to believe that there are two separate and individual Big Gs appearing in flashback or flash-forward sequences? Is it possible that there could be two forms of the same King of the Monsters, perhaps regenerating — or degenerating — during the story? Like some kaiju version of "The Incredible Melting Man"?

Or could the Big G going through a regeneration lend credence to the film's English title, "Godzilla Resurgence"? Only time will tell.


Page two of two from Bandai's Sales Sheet for "Shin Godzilla".

Meanwhile, the second page of Bandai's sales sheet reveals reissues of Bandai America's "Bandai Creation" line, under the banner "King of the Monsters Series". The first two, coming this July, will be "Final Godzilla" and "Mechagodzilla" (Kiryu), measuring 28cm (11") and 30cm (11.8"), respectfully. The latest edition to this line will be the new "Godzilla 2016", measuring 28cm (11"), is expected to drop in August. All three will retail for ¥4800 ($44.13 USD) each.

The bottom half of the second page heralds the revival of Bandai's "Movie Monster Series", kicking off at the end of July with "Millennium Godzilla", measuring 16cm (6.4"), listing for ¥1600 ($15 USD), and "Mechagodzilla 2004" (Kiryu), measuring 17cm (6.7"), listing for ¥1800 ($16.55 USD). Bandai's website is also listing a reissue of many of the 16cm vinyl figures in the "Movie Monster Series", to debut in July — which is shaping up to the "Month of Godzilla" this year in Japan.

(Special thanks to Astounding Beyond Belief)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 14, 2016: Behold! First "Shin Godzilla" Retail Figure
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

BEHOLD! FIRST "SHIN GODZILLA" RETAIL FIGURE Banpresto's Big Sofubi Figure Lottery Prize Toy!

シン・ゴジラ ビッグソフビフィギュア、ニッポン上陸！


Yuji Sakai's sculpt for the first Shin Godzilla figure, revealed!

Banpresto, a subsidiary of the toy juggernaut, Bandai, has revealed the first figurine based on the new version of the Big G appearing in Toho's upcoming release of GODZILLA RESURGENCE, bowing in Japan on July 29th. And while this Big G is somewhat frightening, the retail price is the complete opposite of most Japanese Godzilla figures on the market.

This 13.4" soft vinyl beauty has been meticulously created by Yuji Sakai, the foremost Big G sculptor in the world, and according to the Banpresto press release, will be released in late July, and sold in "bookstores, hobby shops, game centers, movie theaters, etc.".

So, what's the non-monstrous price for this figure? ¥620 (including tax) — that's only $5.70 USD — how could anyone go wrong with this figure at that price? There's one caveat... This is a lottery ticket price — so, while that's an amazing price on one hand, there's no guarantee you'll get one. But, as with many Banpresto products, you will see them flooding the market in no time.

Banpresto's press release also notes these disclaimers: "Release date may differ on a case-by-case basis depending on individual retailers. Will supplies last. Actual product may differ from photograph. Details are subject to change without notice."

This is our first look at the new Big G's lower legs and feet — overall, I like the way this is looking. Of course, I reserve final judgement until after I see GODZILLA RESURGENCE, itself. Crossing fingers, but not holding my breath...

Meanwhile, as part of the on-going promotions for the upcoming film, cross-promoting two big properties under director Hideaki Anno's belt is "Godzilla x Evangelion". As a bonus in the same press release, this image was included, a mock movie poster illustrated by famed Big G artist and designer, Shinji Nishikawa, for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion".


Nishikawa's fake "movie poster" for "Godzilla vs. Evangelion"!

It is not known as of this writing, if Nishikawa's mock poster, featuring the hyperbolic tagline: "Godzilla Invades!", will be sold on the retail market (Banpresto's press release also mentions two different prize posters, but no specific details), but I'm sure it will be in some form. Still, we are finally seeing the first retail products for the upcoming film, and so far, they look... monstrous.

The Banpresto Lottery Prizes are (not all are pictured):

○ A Prize: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure
○ B Prize: Godzilla Head Magnet
○ C Prize: Silhouette Ruler
○ D Prize: Clear File Set
○ E Prize: Rubber Strap
○ F Prize: Mini Figure Collection
○ Final Prize: Original Poster
○ Double Chance Campaign: Shin Godzilla Big Soft Vinyl Figure

(Special thanks to Andy Perry, Stephan Lapin, and Paul Haberman for their assistance.)

Stay tuned to this blog for further news on GODZILLA RESURGENCE as it develops! Official website (Japanese only): shin-godzilla.jp

Here are my previous reports on GODZILLA RESURGENCE:
April 13, 2016: Toho's Upcoming "Shin Godzilla" Revealed
January 3, 2016: Toho's New "Godzilla Resurgence" Exposed
December 11, 2015: Meet the"Godzilla Resurgence" Composer
December 10, 2015: The "Godzilla Resurgence" English Poster!
December 9, 2015: Japanese Press Reveals Shin Godzilla's Size
December 9, 2015: Scoop! Teaser for "Godzilla Resurgence"
December 9, 2015: Here's Your Big G in "Godzilla Resurgence"!
November 12, 2015: "Shin Godzilla" Promo Reel Screens at AFM!"
September 22, 2015: Toho Announces Three Principal Cast Members!
September 6, 2015: Shooting Begins on Toho's "Godzilla 2016"!
August 1, 2015: Did These Men Design Toho's New Big G?
April 1, 2015: The Directors of "Godzilla 2016" Speak!
March 31, 2015: "Evangelion" Creator Helms New "Godzilla"!
December 7, 2014: The "Japanese Godzilla" Will Rise Again!

ALL-NEW "SOUL OF CHOGOKIN: YAMATO 2199" Bandai's 3rd Diecast Version Is the Charm!

超合金魂 宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199が今冬発売！

New SOC Yamato 2199 brochure from the 2013 Tokyo Toy Show.

“Chogokin” is a magic word for a generation of children in the 1970s and 1980s, meaning “Ultra Alloy” — derived from the name of the metal used to build the titular super robot in MAZINGER Z (1972-74) — was a line of diecast toys jammed with numerous gimmicks hidden within their metal chassis (each having their own unique approach), igniting the passions of boys across Japan. Launched in 1972 by Popy, the character toy division of Bandai, the line has come to represent a timeless aesthetic, which was revived in 1997, with the launch of the “Soul of Chogokin” line, aimed at Big Boys (yes, we grown-up types).

The Soul of Popynica BPX-01: Space Battleship Yamato from 2001.

Continuing to this day, the SOC line has already introduced two versions of the Space Battleship Yamato — the first being part of the short-lived “Soul of Popynica” line (for vehicles and spacecraft) and code numbered BPX-01, released in 2001, which was an amalgam of Yamato designs based on a consensus of various representations of the ship. Since Yamato refuses to die, Bandai decided to release an additional version, in anticipation of the live action film, and so on November 27, 2010, the SOC GX-57 was issued, based on the classic animated version. Both featured a number of gimmicks, including light, sound effect, and music features.

The Soul of Chogokin GX-57: Space Battleship Yamato from 2010.

Now, with the success of SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199, Bandai is giving the iconic ship another SOC treatment. This time, in order to achieve a more realistic proportion, since the original designs were contradictory, this version employs the same 3D modeling data used for the new animated series (employed on last year’s 1/1000 plastic model kit). Thus, boasting a completely new shape than the previous versions, overcoming problems inherent in realizing the old school 2D design into a 3D product. In this sense, the new SOC is perfect — especially when compared to previous versions.

The all-new Soul of Chogokin: Space Battleship Yamato 2199.

One of the new features of the 2199 version of Yamato is the radical difference of concept in terms of the fighter hanger and hatch. In the new series, in order to accommodate a large compliment of fighters in a limited space, they are stored and deployed from a mechanical ring and palette system. This is faithfully reproduced in the new SOC with attention to minute detail. The ring itself is made of metal, and features the same action as in the anime. Additionally, the exit and re-entry hatch opens, and has a working launch catapult for the Cosmo Falcons.

Detail of the Hanger, Ring System, and Hatch/catapult System.

As with the previous SOC editions, this version also features a range of gimmicks operated by remote control. In terms of playable audio, a wide range of sound effect recordings are used in the new series, and some of the key effects were chosen for solo as well as multiple playback, completing the image of Yamato. In particular, there are two firings of the main guns that can be selected: The positron cannons (Shock Cannons) and the artillery rounds (Type-3 Fusion Shells). When you turn on the main power, the Wave Motion Engine fires up, while the engine nozzle and bridges begin to light up.

Wave Motion and Sub Engine nozzles with animated LED gimmick.

The multi-colored LED light gimmicks, which can be controlled independently, also include the Wave Motion Gun firing sequence with a series of vivid lighting effects, and the signature build-up and firing sound effects. Another important aural element of Yamato is the music. As with previous SOCs, you can play five full cues from the score: 1. “The Yamato Advances”, 2. “Yamato, Into the Vortex”, 3. “Sortie of the Enemy Ships”, 4. “The Yamato Saga Theme”, and 5. “The Black Tigers.”

Improved Wave Motion Gun animated LED firing gimmick.

■ Set Contents

• Space Battleship Yamato

• Removable Stabilizer Wing × 2

• Replacement Rocket Anchor × 2

• Cosmo Zero × 2

• Cosmo Falcon × 4

• Carrier-based aircraft for Ring × 6

• Base Stand with Remote Control

Bow detail with CIC, Bridge, and Captain's Cabin LED lights.

■ Batteries (sold separately)

• AAA battery × 2 (main body)

• AAA battery × 2 (for remote control)

Detail of Smokestack Missile Firing Silo.

■ Product Specifications

Approximate length: 425mm or 17.75" (Space Battleship Yamato)

Materials: ABS plastic, diecast, etc.

SOC Yamato 2199 on display at the 2013 Tokyo Toy Show.

■ MSRP: 27,300 yen (Including 5% tax)

Release Date: Winter 2013

Ages: 15 years old and up

Official Tamashii Nations Website for SOC Yamato 2199

"YAMATO: 2199 CHAPTER 6" BOWS JUNE 15th! Blu-ray & DVD Release Follows On July 26th

「宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199」第六章、6月15日上映！


Promo heralding the final two chapters and the television broadcast.

Opening in sixteen Japanese cinemas this weekend (up four from the previous theatrical release), is the highly-anticpated 6th Chapter of the SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 feature films, REACHED! THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD (Totatsu! Dai Mageran) — featuring the decisive confrontation at the Rainbow Star Cluster in order for the Yamato to complete her mission. The release of the Blu-ray and DVD will follow on July 26th, while the 7th and final chapter, AND THE SHIP SAILS ON (Soshite Fune-wa Yuku), will follow on August 24th.


The amazing 120-second Chapter 6 trailer with English Subtitles!

Conceived as a remake of the classic 1974 series, known in the US as STAR BLAZERS, the story follows the "Quest for Iscandar" story arc, with a number of changes and additional characters, but entirely grounded in the original look and sound, to great dramatic effect. Where other remakes fail, YAMATO: 2199 soars — going above and beyond the term "remake" — exceeding all expectations and pulling the viewer, both old fan and those discovering Yamato for the first time, right into the drama, action, and top-shelf animation.


Juzo Okita, Captain of the Space Battleship Yamato.

While the story may be familiar to Old Skoolers, Supervising Director Yutaka Izubuchi (RahXephon) has not only gained their respect in keeping the basic designs of the original intact, from characters to ships, but also adding to that universe, making it larger in scope and far richer in depth. All the while retaining key elements and incidents, as a first-generation fan, Izubuchi has made it surprisingly fresh without sullying our memories, and manages to strike all the proper cords — in a truly sincere and non-manipulative way.


General Domel of the Great Gamilas Empire, the Wolf of Space.

Izubuchi truly loves what he calls "First Yamato" and that shines through in every facet of the production, and makes YAMATO: 2199 brilliant — pulling elements from not only the wealth of movies and teleseries, but also from various abandoned story ideas, manga adaptations, novels, and other official Yamato ephemera of the first wave. This allows YAMATO: 2199 to stand on its own foundations — and if I dare say, it's the best science fiction anime in decades. But, as another first-generation fan (before Star Blazers), I'm prejudiced.


What is the mysterious past of Operations Officer Yuki Mori?

Using a business model made popular by GUNDAM UNICORN, YAMATO: 2199 was planned as a 26-episode series, which would be cut into a series of seven feature films, screened for two weeks in select theaters every two months, with respective home video releases following six weeks later (as individual episodes). The series began weekly broadcast this past April on MBS television network affiliates to cultivate a third tier of viewers. This success has helped to fuel the production, giving fans a sense of involvement.


Bandai's new 2199 SOC of the famous space battleship due in winter.

Other platforms promoting the new series has included special online previews and VOD sales. Not only has this contributed to the success, but so has the careful and calculated planning and release of a wide variety of merchandise, including items sold exclusively in theaters — including limited edition Blu-rays and DVDs. Hobby monolith, Bandai, has also followed suit with a series of high-quality model kits, with more on the way, including Bandai's third large-scale diecast and plastic Soul of Chogokin edition of the Yamato coming this winter.


Vol. 6 jacket art by Nobuteru Yuuki featuring Dessler and Celestra.

The home video release of Volume 6 will contain a total of four half-hour episodes (19-22), plus a selection of special features, clocking in at 126 minutes of content for ¥8,190 for the Blu-ray (BCXA-0490, Region-free) and ¥7,140 for the DVD (BCBA-4321, Region 2). The DVD will be presented in 16:9 Anamorphic, Dual Layer, and Dolby Digital Stereo. Conversely, the Blu-ray will be presented in AVCHD, BD50G, 1080p, 16:9 Anamorphic, and Linear PCM Stereo.

Veteran illustrator Naoyuki Kato's exciting first pressing slip cover.

Special Features will include an Audio Commentary with voice actors Akio Otsuka (General Domel), Shinpachi Tsuji (Bem Haidern) and director Izubuchi, a Chapter 4 Digest, Commercial and Promotional Video Collection 2, Theatrical Feature Previews Part 2, and a special insert booklet. Both releases will feature the same jacket art by character designer Nobuteru Yuuki, and a slipcase by legendary Yamato illustrator, Naoyuki Kato. While the DVD contains all of the same extras, only the region-free Blu-ray boasts the most special feature of all: English Subtitles.

Here are the episodes included in Chapter 6/Volume 6:

HERE BE SPOILERS: WARING! WARING! WARING!

Episode 19. THEY'VE COME (彼らは来た): Finally. the Yamato reaches the Large Magellanic Cloud, therein lies their destination: Iscandar. Meanwhile, Lord Dessler of the Great Gamilas Empire plans to block their way, and orders the infamous General Domel to intercept them. But, what secret orders has Dessler bestowed upon Domel?



Episode 20. UNDER THE RAINBOW SUN (七色の陽のもとに): In a treacherous area of the cosmos, known as the Rainbow Star Cluster, the Yamato faces Domel's carrier fleet. In an all-out battle, the Yamato knuckles under the mercy of Domel's clever strategy. In a dire situation, Captain Okita takes a desperate measure...



Episode 21. PLANETARY CONCENTRATION CAMP #17 (第十七収容所惑星): Planet Reputapoda is where the Great Gamilas Empire imprisons its dissidents and prisoners of war. Far away from the homeworld, the institutionalized abuse of prisoners is routine, until the ship of the Inspector General of Gamilas arrives...



Episode 22. HEADING TOWARDS A DISTANT STAR (向かうべき星): The Yamato heads for Iscandar, the Star of Hope. But, it is revealed that it is a binary planet — with Gamilas! So, their destination has taken them right into the center of enemy territory. Calling all hands to battle stations, Captain Okita orders a direct warp to Iscandar...

You can pre-order your copy of YAMATO: 2199 Volume 6, here to visit Amazon Japan (with English language support)! Stay tuned to this blog and the Cosmo DNA website for more news and information on SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 as they develop — and soon, we'll be off to outer space, on shiny discs of blue!

SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 (2012) 1/72 Scratch-Built "Cosmo Falcon" Model!

KuWa's scratch-built 1/72 Cosmo Falcon space combat fighter.

The May Issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale now in Japan) features a special spotlight on SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199, and naturally, there are going to be several beautiful layouts of photography with models based on the new series. The previously-released 1/500 scale Yamato (based on the YAMATO: 2199 version) is to be reissued by Bandai as an official YAMATO: 2199-related product. Hopefully, the series will be a success and we'll see model kits and other merchandising from this exciting and faithful remake. For one, I'd like to see the re-imagined Black Tiger space combat fighter, dubbed the "Cosmo Falcon".


Undercarriage detail on KuWa's 1/72 scratch-built Cosmo Falcon.

Named after the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (or "Peregrine Falcon"), the Cosmo Falcon was conceived to replace the original Black Tiger (while invoking it's basic shape) to better match the Type-52 Cosmo Zero space fighter from the 1974 series (itself named after the Mitsubishi A6M Zero), which has been carried over for YAMATO: 2199. On his blog this past weekend, the modeller known as "KuWa", featured these two photos on his blog, Frame Out, and briefly described scratch-building this "Cosmo Falcon" in 1/72 scale for one of the Dengeki Hobby layouts — so, here are two photos of his scratch-built beauty.

Hopefully, if the stars are aligned, we can look forward to an official kit (and a lot more) in the near future!

Stay tuned to this blog and the official Star Blazers website for more news and information on SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO: 2199 as they develop — and soon, we'll be off to outer space, with glue, putty, and paint!