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? -_-

Jumping on the bandwagon to mark this special day, Happy Moe Day. ^^

Share the love and spread the joy by posting some moe pictures. I know I am. xD

So why is the 10th October Moe day?

Break the kanji – 萌[moe] into 4 other charactors, namely 十日十月

So how did I spend my day? Well, I had to work today and I spent my ‘busy’ hours talking to Blowfish and Zenical via MSN. In addition, I did some blog tweaking (as you may have noticed) and blog surfing and I got overtime pay for it. xD
Definitely was a ‘busy’ day. LOL

So how did you spend your day?

Yesterday I received my batch of DVD’s from rightstuf.com after it was backlogged for quite some time. In addition, I headed to my local Kinokuniya before work to pick my usual magazines and see what else they have interesting on the shelf. After that, I hoped downstairs and headed to JB-Hifi to pick up a certain PS3 game that was released today.

So what Anime DVD’s, magazines and PS3 game I got, lets jump into it together shall we. :D

First up, the 4 boxset from rightstuf is as shown as above. They are:

• Rozen Maiden: Traumend
• Gunslinger Girl: Teatrino
• School Rumble Season 1 + OVA (Extra Class)
• Sola

To begin with, the Sola boxset is not mine, it’s an order for a friend. He’s been waiting for the Sola boxset for a long time and considering he doesn’t want to go through all the registration work in signing up and verifying your credit etc. he wanted me to add it into my order. I didn’t mind considering the shipping is cheap when you buy anymore than 1 item regardless if it’s 1 DVD or 1 boxset. Still, the US is better off as postage is free there at a certain limit.

Gunslinger Girl: Teatrino and School Rumble Season 1 was picked up from the Funimation sale they had early last month. Intentionally I was planning to pick up School Rumble locally but the price here is not as welcoming as the price during the sale. Considering the Aussie exchange rate is good now, I still save heaps. Gunslinger Girl: Teatrino was a no-brainier as I’m a big fanboy of the series and as for Rozen Maiden: Traumend, it was another no-brainier considering I’m a huge fanboy of the series as well. Saw it in the weekly specials bin so why not as it was half price as well. ^^

Next up is the 2 magazines from Kinokuniya. As seen above, they are:

• Nyantype Vol. 3
• Megami Magazine Vol. 114

Unfortunately I missed out on Megami Vol. 113. I knew I had a chance to pick it up if I went to Kino during that week it was in stock but I couldn’t be bothered and I decided not to as I kinda went over budget last month. Despite that, there was really only one poster I wanted in that issue and to my surprise, it has reappeared in this volume but in a different format.
I’m just happy (and lucky) I didn’t need to pay $24 bucks just to get it. You will find out soon what it is. xD

Last but not least, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 was the PS3 game I picked up at JB-Hifi. I decided to grab the collector’s edition for an extra $20 bucks and wow, it was sooooooo worth it.

The collector’s edition comes with a mini artbook/comic book which includes a little mini -strategy guide inside and the OST. Flicking through the artbook, there are some top-notch illustrations and the comic segment is pretty good. In addition, it includes a segment about the creators of the game. I can tell you, this book alone is worth more than $20 bucks and considering it’s bundled with the OST, your looking at a value of $50 bucks for just an extra $20. The game alone will cost you $95~$100AUD so why not go for the collector’s edition?

Each collector’s edition comes with a code to download a free costume. ^^

I would suggest to get it now before it’s too late as I’m sure they will sell like hotdogs. :)

Well that’s it for the week. I’ve got another 3 shift long weekend coming up and considering it’s not a long weekend compared to last week, it is for me and I need to be mentally prepared for it. -_-

With Fall Season upon us, many of you have already decided which series you are watching and/or giving it a go.
So keeping the intro short, here are my picks for this year Fall season.

Surprisingly, I didn’t know a majority of the Fall series was about to begin this week until 2 or 3 days ago. I’ve been so busy caught up with work and finishing up on series from last season and the season before where time flies before you even know what’s gonna happen next  and what to look out for.

Skimming through the list this season, there isn’t any anticipated series I am looking forward to. A majority of them I’m picking up are manly sequels I want to continue and finish. If I had to choose for one series I’m really looking forward to then it will have to be To Aru Kagaku no Railgun because the original series was just explosive and it stayed that way to the end.

Note: Images are borrowed from Zotaku. The team did a good job in cropping them so I decided to use them because I’ve been ‘busy’. :P
Another note: Info. about each series are sourced from ANN.

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun

To Aru Kagaku no Railgun is not actually a a sequel to the first series but more of a spinoff based on the original manga. Checking out the information, it focus more on the adventures of Mikoto Misaka, one of the Level 5 psychics and her friends in Academy City.
Considering I loved the original series, I’m kinda excited about the spinoff but Mikoto is not my favourite character and I don’t like her so that’s where the anticipation dies here. Hopefully the action and excitement will be enough to make me like her. There’s no harm in trying to like a character from a spinoff right? lol

White Album (Continues)

I say White Album “continues” rather than saying it’s a sequel or season 2 because it’s clear they stopped it after ep. 13 and decided it continue it 2 season afterwards. After giving the first 6 episodes a go, I thought it was going great and then it all went downhill from there. I thought I will just finish it and see how the outcome pans out with the relationship between Tōya and Yuki and Rina but near the end I found out that wasn’t end at all and instead it was ‘to be continued’. >_<
If I wasn’t a seiyuu fan, I would careless how it all f*cken ends but considering I’m a Nana fanboy, I’m watching it FOR Nana. LOL

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza

If you watched the 1st season then you shouldn’t expect many surprises from the 2nd. I know I’m not but as I really enjoyed the 1st season, I’m looking forward to more laughs, more cosplays and hopefully less stupidity from the 2nd. I hope Yuto and Haruka relationship will go more in-dept and hopefully a visible kiss scene can be seen. Like come on, what is there to hide? Don’t treat your viewers like kids!!! >_<

Darker Than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini

WOOT!!! Hie and Yin are back. Despite getting into the series very late, this was clearly one of the best series from 2007 and returning with a sequel is kinda exciting. As the story kicks in 2 years after escaping the Syndicate, I wonder what new adventures lies ahead for the both of them. As they meet new people along the way, there will certainly encounter new problems and off course, new battles with different enemies.
I’m confident I will love sequel just as much as the first season.

Kampfer

After the 1st episode finished off quite suspenseful, I’m kinda looking forward to the 2nd one but before that, first 10mins into the series I was asking myself, ‘why the hell Zen recommended me this?’. Off course, she doesn’t need to think twice about any series when Hocchan is in it. lol
Having said, I’m a Hocchan fanboy myself but still there are series I won’t bother with if it’s dead boring no matter whose in it. Despite that, the first episode turned out great and with other favourites like Marina Inoue, Nana Mizuki and Yukari Tamura (Nanoha XD), it sure will be a popular hit this season.

Shin Koihime†Musou

After enjoying the original Koihime†Musou despite how crappy the storyline was and dull the battles were, I’m kinda looking forward to the next adaption. Checking the information around, I know it’s not a sequel but more of a re-telling of the original series but this time, focusing more on the girl in the middle (don’t her name unfortunately) rather than Kanu.
This is kinda sad for me really because I actually love like Kanu but I will see how it pans out. Maybe the story focus on both the girls. Anyway, the erotic jokes is what I’m really looking forward to. xD
They make ‘nice’ entertainment. :P

Sasameki Koto

Summary
Murasame Sumika is popular in the high school for her excellence in the marks and sports. However, she has a secret: she is in love with her classmate Kazama Ushio. Ushio also has a liking to the love between girls, but she hasn’t noticed Sumika’s feeling and always been refused by other girls.

Based on the summary, I’m gonna give it go and:

Guuzen – Oh damn, am I the only one who is going to give this series a shot? Oh well I guess it can’t hurt to try =(.

Quote from Guuzen from Zotaku

Your not alone mate. :D

Shakugan no Shana S

And finally, the upcoming OVA of the Shana saga before the 3rd and final season. The OVA will focus on the background of the characters and their deep relationships according to the producer before diving into the finale. I find this is a good move because half the characters (especially the villains) we don’t know too much about except for their dangerous looks and kick-ass weapons and magic.

So that’s ends the run down of this season. I hope you enjoyed it and had a few laughs. I know I did when I wrote this up. It’s me speaking from the mind. xD
If you have other recommendations, please feel free to share and I may peak an interest but other than that, these series will definitely keep me busy for the rest of the season.

So what series are you watching and/or giving it a go?

Wonder Festival Summer 2009 took place last Sunday. With so much coverage from numerous websites and blogs on the inter-webs, you might have already decided whatcha getting, whatcha think your getting, what your not sure off, which ones your gonna wait for the pricing or when it’s announced etc.

So here are the ones I’ve chosen that interested me or fanboy over. I divided into 2 categories, Eying and Getting as the ones I’m ‘Eying’ on,  I have taken an interested but not sure if I can or will get it. As for “Getting”, I’m getting it for sure but it’s subject to change depending on the circumstances in the near future.

There was only 1 figure throughout the whole event which took me by surprise and this figure is the 1 figure I will get regardless of my circumstances. Read on and you might be surprised. xD

All images are from Moeyo.com, HobbyStock.jp and AkibaHobby.net. All information gathered is from WcloudxKumo’s blog.

Kicking off with my “Eying” category first.

1/8 scale Black Rock Shooter Blade ver. by GSC

I gave the gun ver. a pass but not sure if I can pass on the blade ver. I love sexy figures who shows a lot of bare skin and this version is indeed sexy.  Hope she won’t be as pricey as the gun ver. but we shall see.

1/8 scale Index by GSC

I just started on To Aru Majutsu No Index last week and already I’m crazy over Index-chan. There was a few cases where I was tempted to get the Kotobukiya version but I’m glad I resisted. Gonna wait for the pre-order announcement before I decide.

Nendoroid Ein by GSC

I have yet to start on the series but checking her bio. I already like her and I find her quite appealing already. I’m not a big nendoroid fan but times are changing and I feel my heart is swaying to the nendoroid charm. lol

Nendoroid Canaan & Nendoroid Alphard by GSC

Canaan is already on many people watchlist this season and quite frankly, many are enjoying it. I find these 2 beauties very sweet and cool looking and if Canaan WOW me just as much as Ga-Rei -Zero-, I will consider it.

figma Canaan by Max Factory

In case if I change my mind and ditch the nendoroid ver. then I will consider the figma ver. instead. At the moment, it’s a hard choice debating between both ver. but if I really love the series, then I might as well get both. :D

figma ex:ride Classic Bicycle, Motorcycle, Scooter, Skateboard, Inline Skate Set by FREEing

The scooters and the skates looks very cool but the bicycle looks okay to me. I’m not a big spender on accessories but I might pick 1 or each. Hopefully they let us choose as I want the light blue scooter. xD

figma Fate Testarossa by Max Factory

I think Zen will be sad she’s in this category but really I’m not a Fate fan but a NANOHA FAN instead. xD
I’m sure she will be a popular figma in the market.

1/7 scale Takamachi Nanoha by Alter

Depending if I get a Christmas bonus this year will be the verdict if I get her or not. I really love the pose and as a Nanoha fanboy she is a must get but really, my spending on figures is already at it’s limits. @_@
I already have the GSC version in LOLI form so it’s no big loss if I do miss out.

Moving on to the “Getting” category.

Nendoroid Minami Chiaki by Gift

I have been waiting for a very long time when Danny announced many moons ago, Minami-ke figures was in the works. At long last, we get to see an actual figure and I’m just ecstatic. Hopefully Gift will do Kana and Haruka as well because I’m getting them all. xD

Nendoroid Usa Mimi & Kagami Kuro by GSC

I already got Rin and I won’t be happy until I got the other 2 in my hands. This was 1 set I told myself I was gonna complete and I’m keeping that word. I’m a big fan of Kodomo no Jikan but honestly, I’m in it for the comedy. REALLY I AM. :P

1/8 scale Hirasawa Yui by Alter

I debated weather I want to get the nendoroid ver. or the scale ver. and the outcome was the scale ver. Intentionally, I was gonna get the whole set but this time round, I’m not gonna start something that could lead me to ‘damage control’. Yui is the character I love so I chose her.

Nendoroid Tainaka Ritsu by GSC

Ritsu was my 2nd favourite character so I chose her in nendo form. Originally I was gonna get Yui but considering I’m getting the scale ver. I chose my 2nd favourite instead.

1/8 scale Triela by GSC

For Gunslinger Girl to be one of my favourite series of all time, I can’t miss her. I already missed that chance to get Henrietta many moons ago and I still regretted to this day. I hope GSC will do a re-release of her because I still want her in my over-flowing collection. lol

figma Vita by Max Factory

The hot headed Vita-chan is a must GET. As one of my favourite characters from the Nanoha series, it will be a crime to say no. I hope they include all the attachments for Graf Eisen in multiple forms.

figma Takamachi Nanoha by Max Factory

Need me to say more!?
figma + Nanoha = GETTO!!!! XD

Nendoroid Takamachi Nanoha by GSC

ONLY GETTING NANOHA, NOT FATE. Sorry Zen. >_>
I might need to think about setting up a Nanoha shrine at the rate I’m going. lol

And last but least, the figure that took me by surprise, the one that sent me into fanboy mode, the one that almost made me jump out of my chair @ work (Yes, I was @ work reading the coverages), the one I will eat grass for a week to get it is:

Selvaria Bles by Alter from Valkyria Chronicles.

As a big VC fan, I have been anticipating for a great VC figure for a while now especially Selvaria Bles because I can’t help but think she is one of the coolest characters ever created. Her dedicated loyal ship to Maximilian is worth note taking and she wields one of my most elegant and powerful weapons EVER.
I always had a hunch Alter might do her considering they are the makers who frequently picks up characters from most video games. So thank you Alter, you made me a very very happy VC fanboy. I hope you do Alicia in the near future as well so Zen and I can both share in that fandom. xD

Another closer look. ^^

Well, that’s it. I’m hoping each figure I’m interested will be released in the timely manner or I’m in some serious shit especially the ones I’m getting. @_@
Speaking about figures, I was gonna make an announcement where this year will likely be my last year in figure collecting. That passion in me was fading away and the releases from the past months was less than interesting. I’ve decided to wait after the Wonder Festival event before I make the announcement and thank god I did. The figure passion in me was not dead, it was just dormant. It seems I just needed that spark to ignite it again and clearly the Wonder Festival event was it. If the Wonder Festival event didn’t do it, then it was clear to me that my  figure passion is truly dead. But not yet, this is not my time. xD

So which figures are you getting and/or what figures got you interested from the event?

It’s sale time yet again at Rightstuf and you know it, more entertainment without the need to spend  a lot. If your like me who wait for these sales, you can enjoy all your regular hobbies like games, figures CD’s, magazines, artbooks etc. without the need to make sacrifices. xD

Anyway, as stated below:

From now through July 16, take 40% OFF the retail prices of all DVDs and Blu-ray and 33% OFF the retail prices on CDs, books and more from Bandai Entertainment. (This includes items that are in-stock, pre-order and on-order!)

How? Just use the following reusable coupon code when you check out through RightStuf.com:

Coupon Code: combat
Expires: July 16, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. CDT

For more details, head to their information page.

After a quick browser, here are the following I recommend:

• Banner of the Stars II DVD Complete Collection
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion DVD Part 1 LE
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion DVD Part 2 LE
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion DVD Part 3 LE
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Part 1 LE
• Eureka Seven DVD Complete Collection 1
• Eureka Seven DVD Complete Collection 2
• Fantastic Children DVD Complete Collection (Highly Recommended)
• Gurren Lagann DVD Part 1 LE
• Gurren Lagann DVD Part 2 LE
• Gurren Lagann DVD Part 3 LE
• Kurokami: The Animation DVD Part 1
• Lucky Star OVA DVD
• Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya DVD Complete Collection
• My-HiME Complete Collection DVD
• Please (Onegai) Twins DVD Complete Collection
• Please (Onegai) Teacher DVD Complete Collection
• Rocket Girls Complete Collection DVD
• Sola DVD Complete Collection
• The Girl Who Leapt Through Time DVD LE
• True Tears DVD Complete Series
• Hayate the Combat Butler DVD Part 1

So far I’ve decided to grab Kurokami: The Animation and Sola. Hmmm.. still thinking about Rocket Girls. xD