Last Friday, I received my first package from Otacute and as the title states, it’s the adorable nendoroid Kirisame Marisa from the Touhou Project.
Kirisame Marisa now makes up a total of 17 nendoroids in my collection and I will be hitting the 20 mark by mid-year comes around I assure you. GSC is now nendorizing so many more lovely characters, it’s hard not to resist. >_<

As my first package from Otacute, I would like to take a moment and talk about my shopping experience with them. Many have already shopped with them once or twice and there has been nothing but good feedback in return and this is why I decided to give them a go.

Other than the fact you cannot cancel your preorders, the shopping experience overall is excellent. Newly listed products are added in on the same day and they even use social networking services like twitter and facebook to communicate these products when your on the go.
Customer service is another factor to consider when it comes to online shopping and that has been excellent as well. Any matters are dealt with in an orderly and timed fashion.

Last but not least, the packaging of the product. When it comes to packaging, I get really picky because I expect no less than a intact (including the product box itself) new product in my hand and to achieve that, the packaging has to be seal really tight and sturdy enough to withstand a few bumps along during the way.
Looking at how they packaged it, I find they did an excellent job. The style in their taping and the use of newspaper is quite similar to Hobby Search style of packaging but since a majority of their products are shipped via EMS, you can be assured they are speedy, safe and handled in the utmost care but in this scenario, it was shipped via SAL, the lowest priority shipping but it still made it here intact and the product in mint condition. ^^

In conclusion, Otacute is a recommended online retailer for your figure goods. Everyone expect the best online service and their products to come in one piece and you get basically that. ^_^

Featuring this weeks Monday moment, I present the popular music group, supercell with their brand new single “Sayonara Memories” featuring Nagi as their guest vocalist. This single marks their 2nd release featuring Nagi.

If supercell rings a bell to you but you can’t remember what music they did then let me help you jog your memory but adding in ‘Hatsune Miku’.
This is the group which has been the instruments behind the Miku music and without them, I doubt Miku tracks could’ve turned out this good.

Here’s a bit more info via the wiki

Supercell is a Japanese 11-member music group led by composer and lyricist Ryo which formed in 2007 as a dōjin music group. Supercell started out by making use of the Hatsune Miku singing synthesizer to produce vocals for songs submitted to the Nico Nico Douga video sharing website. The popularity of the songs led the group to release the independent self-titled album Supercell at Comiket 74 in August 2008. Supercell made their major debut with Sony Music Entertainment Japan with the professional release of their Supercell album in March 2009, which was updated with more songs and a DVD. Supercell released their first single, “Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari”, in August 2009 with vocals by Nagi, herself a vocalist primarily known for her uploads to Nico Nico Douga under the name Gazelle.

Clearly having a guest vocalist like Nagi brings a fresh new taste to their music. She has a wonderful sweet voice and it’s music to my ear. :)

Both Limited and Regular edition is still available at cdjapan. Limited edition includes the DVD of the PV as per usual which is really lovely. ^^

Enjoy the PV

After reaching my 2nd year anniversary at my workplace, I decided it’s finally time to make the jump and get myself a laptop. Having a laptop is not required but beneficial with the ongoing changes in our systems and software that we use in today’s technology. My workflow demands  me to have a billion windows open and 1 or 2 monitoring tools up as well but with only 1 computer attached with 2 monitors, it’s getting to that point where I need a separate system to shift a 1/3 of these programs off.

So my journey began in either getting a Macbook or a general laptop. A few of my workmates hate Macs while the others find they are sturdy and will get the job done. Personally, I’m not a big Mac fan and I never truly understood why people said, “I am  never going back to windows again etc.” but I am a fan of learning new systems and software and owning a Mac will truly open my eyes in the OS area. ^^
Now during that time, Win7 was not officially out in Australia yet and I was in the process of saving up for my Singapore trip so I decided to postpone my purchase. When the Boxing Day sales came around, I decided to check out some deals on the latest laptops (with Win7 pre-installed) and macbooks and I thought, ‘it was now or never’.

“Watch out Rin, there’s a Snow Leopard behind ya!!!”

So after much research and bargaining, I got myself 15″ Macbook Pro from Myer for just over 2000AUD. I got myself  a 12% off from the RRP (10% off was the original discount) and I could not be happier. My first intention was to go ahead with the 13″ but the deal got sweeter when I asked for the 15″ so it was natural for me to take the sweeter deal. lol
Because of  limited stock, they didn’t have one ready for me to take home that day so I had to wait for almost 3 weeks for my order to arrive.

Desktop (click for full view)

Blowfish website. Quote from Lylibellule Blogger, a big family! post,”Check it out it has BOOBS! ;-P”
LOL, thanks for featuring my site once again Lylibellule. ^^
(click for full view)

So after a month of usage, I’m absolutely loving it. Mac OSX Snow Leopard is so easy to use and learn and it’s a great way in testing new systems and software. I do plan in installing Win7 on it but not right now as it’s not necessary at this point. My plan is to run Mac OSX and Win7 using VMware Fusion or Parallels in the near future.

So the question remains, am I a Mac lover or a PC lover? Have I been converted to the brink in hating Windows for good?
The answer is “NO”. I’ve been using and troubleshooting Windows for far too long to hate it. I know the little shortcuts and the (almost) in’s and out’s of Windows to even just forget about it. Mac OSX is a really useful OS and I can see a lot of potential in it but since it’s still relatively new to me, I’ve got a long way to go to fully understand it like I do with Windows and since I’m keen in getting my hands on to Win7, Windows is not going away from my life.
No matter how much I love the Mac, I will still need Windows and that’s my fact. xD

To wrap things up, here are some updated pictures of my workspace. Those figmas on the top needs sorting off course. >_>

Click for full view

Click for full view

With Wonder Festival Winter 2010 over, I’m sure many of you already planned whatcha getting and what not. With so many glorious beauties displayed this year, it’s hard not to hold back. In addition, getting one figure of the same character seems to be getting harder and harder as well with companies constantly bringing out different types and versions in giving each a bit of  variety.
So in saying that, here are few little beauties which are ready for reservation at your favourite online stores. ^^

Image Source: Hobby Search

Wave Konata and Kagami Swimsuit version is a part of their “Treasure Figure Collection”. I think Wave is starting to roll out a batch of “Beach Queen” figures and Konata and Kagami from Lucky Star are the best iconic characters to kick start their line up.
When it comes to Wave figures, I’m always skeptical because their quality is either below or above average. Owning 1 Wave figure doesn’t qualify me in ‘knowing it all’ about their quality but it has made me overlook them compared to Alter, GSC and Max Factory. I read many reviews they are either a hit or a miss so thinking about it, I should give them another chance if a figure or figures tickle my fancy once more and these could be them.

My eyes popped out (not literally :P) when I saw these little beauties. They looked so sweet and so delicious, having either Konata or Kagami alone would be a crime. I guess what sold me was seeing the picture where both are hugging each other. If that is not hot for you then I don’t know what is. :P

Reservations are still up at many of your favourite online retailers so grab them at:

• Hobby Search – Konata, Kagami
• Big Bad Toys
• CDJapan – Konata, Kagami
• HLJ – Konata, Kagami
• Otacute – Konata, Kagami

Lastly, Nakano Azusa by Alter. Wonfes was just last Sunday and I’m surprised she was up for reservation this quick. If they were this quick in getting her sculpted and listing her up, why are they taking their sweet ass time on Selvaria Bles? >_<
Anyway, this was one of the figures I loved from the Wonfes showcase and I already placed my preordered at Hobby Search which is listed at 20% off  + 5% extra points. Currently the best deal in the market so far. ^^
It’s surprising that only a few months ago, I didn’t like Azunyan. LOL

Other online reservations can be placed at:

• Big Bad Toys
• CDJapan
• Play-Asia
• Otacute

So have you placed your order for any of these 3?

Presenting the 4th and what could possibly be the last ED from the Full Metal Alchemist:Brotherhood series, Shunkan Sentimental by Scandal. Their new single was released last Wednesday and already it’s becoming a big hit. Indeed, I’m already digging it. xD

The single was brought in on ep. 39 where at the same time the new OP, Period by CHEMISTRY was brought in as well. Since I was immediately enjoying the OP before it was officially out, I wasn’t sure if I will have the same reaction with the ED. I didn’t like it at first go so I gave it some time and eventually it started growing on me.
Overall, I’m not a big Scandal fan but I will make this one an exception. If this track wasn’t one of ED from the FMA: Brotherhood series or any other series then I would’ve completely given it a miss without listening more.

If my analysis is correct and this is the last ED from the series then, I say Uso by SID will be my No. 1 ED from the series followed by Let it Out by Miho Fukuhara, this one and finally Tsunai Da Te by Lil’B (which I never featured  since I found it wasn’t that great).

Limited and Regular edition is still available at cdjapan with limited stock left. Limited edition features a mini cardboard slipcase for all FMA lovers out there. ^^

Enjoy the PV

Wonder Festival 2010 Winter event took place today at Makuhari Messe and as always, it was another eventful one with many Garage Kits and Figures from many leading manufacturers we all know of.
Since coverage has already been filled and still ongoing from many popular sites like for eg. Danny Choo, Hobby Stock, AkibaHobby and many more,  I’m just gonna take note on the figures which have tickled my fancy so far. There has been plenty no doubt but these are the ones which stood out in my eyes and my wallet will likely go dry because of them. lol

All images and sources via Hobby Stock, Akiba Hobby, Amiblo, Danny Choo, Figure/GK, Wcloudxkumo.

1/8 scale Feena Fam Earthlight from Yoake Mae Yori Ruri Iro Na -Crescent Love- by Kotobukiya.

First up is the beautiful Feena by Kotobukiya. It’s still an unpainted version but that didn’t stop me in saying “ZOMFG” when I laid eyes on her. Her dress is the real winner here and her pose is just pure elegance. There is no price set yet but since Kotobukiya has a reputation for delivering figures at budget prices, I don’t expect her to be over the 8000yen mark. Still, if Kotobukiya can pull off the paint job and the quality, I’m happy to pay more than 8000yen if needed but I hope it won’t be necessary. :)

Figma Black Rock Shooter by Max Factory

The figma low down continues with BRS. Already owning the Cannon version, I decided to pass on all other PVC versions but when it comes down to figma version, my brain say, “you have more than enough” but my heart say “having just one more won’t hurt”. xD
Since life shouldn’t have regrets and I know down the track I will regret it, she a MUST have. As a figma fanboy, it’s hard to say ‘NO”. lol

Figma Deadmaster by Max Factory

Now having figma BRS without her villain, figma Deadmaster won’t feel right. I’m looking forward in knowing more about her when the anime series comes out but looking at her right now, she looks pretty wicked holding her scythe and those skulls around her gives out the sense of a evilness aurora which I love. ^^
I hope the skulls are included and I hope she won’t be pricey because of it. I get the feeling a di:stage set will be included for her just like figma Golgo. :S

Figma Archer from Fate/Stay Night by Max Factory

Not everyone likes to collect man figures and I understand it’s their choice. I don’t judge them but if there is one man figure I highly recommend, it has to be figma Archer. It’s still an unpainted version but you can see the detail they put into him is quite neat. If you have figma Rin then you know you need to pair her up with him but having him alone is awesome already. ^^

Figma Asahina Mikuru Adult Ver. by Max Factory

I think I found the next Mikuru to go into my ever growing Mikuru collection. Already owning the school uniform one, I will be happy in owning an adult one even though I already have the Adult PVC ver.
Indeed the Mikuru Madness never ends. lol

Figma Michael Jackson by Max Factory

The moment I saw him, I instantly cracked up. Who would’ve thought, the “King of Pop” himself will get figmatized. :D
I spread the word around my workplace and already, a few people were interested in how to get him. lol

Figma KOS-MOS Ver. 4 from Xenosaga by Max Factory

I get the feeling she’s gonna be a really pricey figma. Just looking at the details of her guns is a clear sign she’s won’t be your average price figma. I’m not a big fan of KOS-MOS but guns are my thing and if the price ‘feels’ right, I might pick her up. ^^

Nendoroid Feena Fam Earthlight from Yoake Mae Yori Ruri Iro Na -Crescent Love- by GSC

Already being intrigued by the PVC version from Kotobukiya, the nendoroid is just too kawaii to pass up. I fanboyed immediately when I saw her and at the price of 3,500yen, it’s an INSTANT GET!!!!!.
PS: If you didn’t know, I’m a Feena fanboy. XD

Nendoroid Mickey Mouse by GSC

I’ve heard news spreading around, GSC will announce their 100th nendoroid at this weeks Wonfes event and indeed it was true. When furudango told me it was Mickey Mouse, I was like “WHAT!!!!!?????” 0_o
Out of all the characters and original characters GSC could have created, I’m surprised GSC chose Mickey Mouse.
I have a few Mickey Mouse ornaments in the living room so maybe the nendoroid version could the first ‘figure’ to be displayed there without my parents having a go at me saying “ZOMG, anime again!!!” >_>

1/8 scale Nakano Azusa from K-ON! by Alter

I’m not a big Azusa fan but after securing my preorder on the nendoroid version, I feel like I’m going on a path of no return. I don’t want to admit it but I feel I’m starting to jump on the Azusa-nyan bandwagon.
I find pairing her up with Yui will look really nice. Even displaying her alone will look nice as well as the overall moeness is really getting to me now. She doesn’t look as dynamic as Mio and Yui but she’s still jumpin’ and rockin’. ^^

1/7 scale Akiyama Mio by Max Factory or 1/8 scale Akiyama Mio School Festival Ver. by Alter

Despite not a big Mio fan, I still want a Mio figure in my collection. Looking at the Mio figures showcased today, I’ve decided between these two from 2 highly regarded figure manufacturers. There are both School Festival Versions and while I want both, I gotta make the ultimatum and decide 1.
I’m not gonna decide now. I know each one will have their pros and cons so I will wait until both is officially announced. Which one do you prefer? ^^

1/8 scale Kyrie Rason from Valkyrie Complex by GSC

I’ve heard of Valkyrie Complex before but never played the game. The game is a visual novel eroge genre and since it’s in Japanese, playing it feels pointless if I don’t understand it.
Despite that, she looks really awesome holding the shield and sword. I know she’s a warrior of some kind and the more I look at her, the more tempted I get. I will see if this temptation is a one off thingy but I know the price will decide that because looking at the scuplt and detail, she aren’t gonna be cheap. :(

Selvaria Bles Valkyria Ver. from Valkyria Chronicles by Alter

Last but not least, the figure I have been waiting since the last wonfes, Selvaria Bles from VC by Alter. She is one of the most anticipated figures this year on my list and I was so sure Alter will have a painted version up at this year. I hope all this anticipation will pay off and hopefully Alter is still working delicately on her. I had a slight hope Alter might do Alicia as well but since Selvaria is still unpainted, that hope died immediately. :(
I don’t see any changes from the last Wonfes they displayed her so come on Alter, DON’T KEEP ME WAITING TILL THE END OF THE YEAR PLZZZZZZZZZ!!!!! D:

So that’s the wrap. I know it’s gonna be another expensive year and I already sold a few figures to make space and have extra cash in getting the ones I really want. I don’t know what the future holds for me in continuing this hobby but I’m gonna enjoy it while it last and while I’m still able to. :)

So who starting to feel the ache of another lighter wallet? -_-