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- HMM Guysack Introduction Livestream!



 So, yesterday morning Kotobukiya held a livestream to introduce the upcoming HMM Guysack. The video is worth a watch because man, the articulation that they managed to squeeze into this tiny little bug is impressive. All of their recent kits have been, really. Aside from that, though, there was a lot of interesting discussion going on during the stream. This is all relying on machine translations, so please take with a huge grain of salt.

Exhibition!
 Kotobukiya will be holding an exhibition in Japan on February 12th, starting at 1pm. Here, they're showing off displays and all of the recent HMM artwork in beautiful quality. This comes one day after Wonder Festival.

Upcoming Releases!
 They've announced that the next two kit rereleases will be the Lightning Saix MPV and the Berserk Furher Repackage! As someone who hasn't picked up the standard Saix yet, this is tempting.

New Releases!
 Aside from that, Kotobukiya announced its intention to release the RMZ-012 Guysack, the original OJR! This is a nice surprise, as the OJR color schemes have always had a classic funkiness to them. Pre-orders are expected to open in July as a Kotobukiya Shop Exclusive with its final release planned sometime in Spring 2025. This kit will include clear colorless parts in addition to the orange pieces. If you want the red canopy pieces you'll need to pick up the upcoming Guysack (the first release) being released in July of this year. It's currently expected to be the same price.

Updates!
 The Salamander they hope to release sometime around or after Summer of next year. It's about the height of an Iron Kong, but has a huge wingspan.

Fun Facts!
 Apparently when they chose Guysack, they were choosing between it and Helcat, the top voted small Zoids.
 Death Saurer scored the highest in the end-of-year survey this year! The hype surrounding the AZ is real.
 Apparently Redler and Raynos have roughly tied in votes over the years

Economic Decisions For Small Zoids?

 Kotobukiya took a few minutes of the stream to discuss the current economical climate of producing these kits. This weighs in especially hard with small kits like the Guysack. Small kits are harder to produce because the profit is quite small compared to something like a Liger kit. They still have to pay for brand new molds, which are quite expensive, but the kits sell for much less. This leaves Kotobukiya often asking themselves about the feasibility of continuing to release small Zoids. Like the Rev Raptor, they are calling for people to order the Guysack to help them determine if it is a worthwhile endeavor.

 This conversation got pretty in depth. They mentioned that a major factor of current Zoid prices is that the average wage where the kits are produced has doubled in the past 10 years. The kits have been struggling to maintain their current production cost, and are finally reaching the point of inching upwards in price. We've seen this in kits like the Red Horn (6800 yen, tax not included) to the Red Horn MPV (9,240 yen, tax included) and Fire Fox (4800 yen) to MPV (6000 yen ish.) They threw out some calculations of what kits would cost to produce today. While some are reasonable (Command Wolf Repackage from 4800 > 6800 yen) others were surprising. Dark Horn, originally 6800, was estimated at 18000 yen if they had to start from scratch.

To Molga or to Molgas?
 This line of questioning brought up an interesting question. In the past, Kotobukiya released Molgas in a two pack, with different variations. These Zoids are small, they should be cheap, theoretically, but with production costs climbing, staff asked what people thought of releasing them in a different way. They estimated that the cost of producing the Molga & Molga Canory (formerly 4200 yen) would be around 6800 yen now without tax, so if it were released again, it would be released as an MPV at the new price.

 This brought up the question of what people would think if the MPV were released as a single Molga (not a two set) with the weapons of all three variations included, like the Command Wolf Repackage? The full set would contain the Canory Unit, Anti-Air weapons, and Carrier equipment, and would shake out to roughly 6000 yen. There's still a lot of support for releasing the two Molga sets, even at the increased price, and Kotobukiya was clear that this didn't mean they wouldn't release the two-packs anymore. However, there are still many '1 Molga' releases we could have. Rokurou, what with the other web comic Zoids released over recent years, and the NJR color scheme to name a couple.

 It was an interesting stream, with interesting questions and insights. These dilemmas are also why we haven't gotten Gilraptor yet, which was estimated to cost 20,000 yen to produce in the current climate. I look forward to seeing where Kotobukiya goes, and I hope they can continue to attract good sales through these difficult times.

- Guysack Stream



HMM Model Kits Official Reissues Videos2024-02-10 04:43:23

- AZ-06 Liger Zero Phoenix News!



 The Liger Zero Phoenix has officially gone up for pre-order! This kit is scheduled to release in September for 17,600 yen (tax included.) It's now up on the TakaraTomy Mall and the usual sites, so be sure to check your favorite stores for an order page. They also introduced it with its own special preview (shown below), which exhibits the various weapons (well, most of them-) of the Fire Phoenix.

- Liger Zero Phoenix PV



- AZ-06 Liger Zero Phoenix!



 We continue to receive updates on the Anniversary Zero Phoenix. First on the list is a image showing off the flapping wings. Apparently, when connected to the Liger, the Phoenix's wings will flap up and down. Second, the kit will come with adaptors to attach the Zero armor from the AZ-02 Liger Zero. This includes a white canopy part so that you can recreate RD's Liger Zero from Zoids Fuzors, which had white around the ears instead of black. Last but not least, the separated Fire Phoenix (which, by the way, is looking much snazzier in color) will be able to flap its wings when pressing a button on the neck. This is interesting, as we've not had any mechanical non-motorized features in a while.


- MonHun Collaboration Box Art!



 The box art for the Beast Liger Sinister and Sonic Bird Ratha has arrived, and man are they looking fierce! These collaboration kits are releasing in late July.


- HMM Guysack Pre-orders And Bonus!



 Pre-orders for the HMM Guysack are now live! The kit is scheduled for release in July for 5,940 Yen. It's nice having these small kits, and Kotobukiya is urging people to pre-order, so that the company knows these small kits are worth producing.

 A LABO Article has been posted going over the Guysack. For the first time ever, Kotobukiya is testing the waters for a photography backdrop as the Kotobukiya Direct bonus! They released a photo setup product a while back for a premium price, and it's interesting seeing these make their way into the kits as bonus items. The background will feature a desert theme. It's A2 size and measures 297 mm x 420 mm wide, which is large enough for Liger-sized Zoids.


HMM Model Kits Official2024-02-08 04:51:14

- HMM Redler BC Boxart!



 In the LABO article linked above we also got our first look at the box art for the Redler BC! This one really snuck up on me. It's scheduled to be released this month for 8,030 yen (tax included.) The box art features the Second Full-Scale Battle, in which the Empire attacked Rob Base during a terrible storm. This battle made use of the Redler BC, which were the first Imperial Zoids to fight their way through the Republic's front lines.


HMM Model Kits Official2024-02-08 04:50:59

- Art of HMM Updates!



 The sequel volume to Art of HMM has just released, and we're seeing more previews of it! This video shows off a flip through the book and they've recently posted the glorious Gojulas MPV box art. Mercy Rabbit also showed off some preview images of the various materials.


ZOIDS ART OF HMM Books Official2024-02-08 04:50:18

- AZ-07 Death Saurer Reveal!



 Takara Tomy has released the first image of the AZ-07 Death Saurer, along with a nice little teaser video! This variant looks amazing and the posture leans into its dinosaur class. The kit is scheduled for fall of this year, with pre-orders scheduled for April, sooner than we would've anticipated.

 Scheduled To Be Released Fall 2024
Suggested Retail Price TBA

 To commemorate Takara Tomy's 100th anniversary, we're releasing this long-awaited dinosaur Zoid as its first remake product in 25 years since its release in 1999. In addition to the movement of the face, neck, legs, arms, back, and tail, this figure recreates the realistic movements of a metal life form, including the cylinders of each joint, the spine, and firing motions for the large weapons.

* Pre-orders are scheduled to start in April on the official shopping site "Takara Tomy Mall" and others.

 * The image is of a prototype and may differ from the final specifications.

- Teaser Video



- HMM Guysack Painted Sample Reveal



 Kotobukiya has posted a LABO article showing off the painted sample of the HMM Guysack! It'll be on display at the Kotobukiya Collection 2024 in their Akihabara store and pre-orders are expected to open on February 8th. The blog shows off the two types, Standard and Heavy Armor, as the kit includes parts for both. The two cockpit types, though similar to the other whitehead Zoids released by Kotobuykiya in the past, are actually new molds with the side pipes lifted up and the overall design brought up to modern standards. This decision was made because it'd have actually been more expensive to use the Godos parts.

 Last but not least, Kotobukiya will be holding a livestream introducing this painted Guysack on February 9th. Subscribe to their Youtube channel to be notified when the stream becomes available.

 The company also posted a reminder that the sequel Art of HMM book is to be released on the 7th.


HMM Model Kits Official2024-02-01 19:55:09

- AZ-?? Death Saurer!



 Zoids Official has posted the exciting reveal of Project D! First teased in June, we've been waiting to see what would come of this mysterious project, and here it is! Though we've only got a silhouette to start with, it's exciting to see the A-Z Zoids expanded to something outside of the feline genre. I'm sure we're all excitedly waiting for more news!


- Monster Hunter x Zoids Collab!



 Well, this is one I hadn't expected to see! Zoids Official has announced a collaboration project, celebrating their 40th anniversary and Monster Hunter's 20th! This new collaboration includes the Beast Liger Sinister and the Sonic Bird Ratha, which have lore bits on the page just linked. A huge thanks to Falcarius, who has translated the lore for us!

Both kits are already up on the TakaraTomy Mall for 6,600 yen each with a late July release date. They both have beautiful painted details and include weapons from the Zoids Wild customize part sets to make them better resemble their Monster Hunter counterparts. These collab kits are hitting the usual stores, so keep an eye out on your favorite store websites.

Zoid-Piloting "Hunters"

 21XX AD. A multiversal door suddenly opened, and creatures unknown on Earth... "Monsters" and "Felynes" wandered through.

 The "Monsters" had lost their original habitats and now threatened human living areas, so the people in charge of defending Earth were pressed to find countermeasures. Meanwhile, the cat-like race of "Felynes" were friendly creatures, and were looking for a way to return to their original world. They also said that there were people in their world called "Hunters" who were skilled at hunting Monsters, and that with their hunting technology, it wouldn't be impossible to hunt these Monsters.

 However, in this world without Hunters, they would need to make use of Earth's technology.

 And so, the "Anti-Monster Zoids" were born.

 Just like Hunters in the "Monster Hunter" world, Zoid pilots would confront the Monsters by riding on dedicated Zoids.

Beast Liger Sinister

 A Beast Liger remodelled as an anti-Magnamalo hunting Zoid.

 Zoid researchers gained advice about the Magnamalo's behavioural characteristics from the Felynes and developed appropriate weaponry.

 Its front claws and Wing Tail are equipped with cutting weapons, further increasing its melee abilities.

 With the additional equipment, its tail can deal slashing attacks by swinging around. When using its Evo Blast, its radiator fins and everything from its face to its back is clad in reddish-purple flames. This equipment was thought up based on the Magnamalo's design, but would later be used as anti-Zoid equipment as well.

Sonic Bird Ratha

 A Sonic Bird remodelled as an anti-Rathalos hunting Zoid.

 Zoid researchers gained advice about the Rathalos's behavioural characteristics from the Felynes and developed appropriate weaponry.

 Additional cutting weapons have been equipped on its Wing Swords. By adding three types of weapons to its Stabiliser Tail - shooting, acceleration and close combat - its abilities at both short and long range have been improved. Each part of its body has also been given a fire-resistant coating in preparation for the Rathalos's flame attacks. This equipment was thought up based on the Rathalos's design, but would later be used as anti-Zoid equipment as well.


- AZ Liger Zero Phoenix Prototype!



 Many fans have been wondering what happened to the AZ Liger Zero Phoenix. It was revealed in the first teasers of the AZ line, but Shieldy and Saber jumped the line. Well, Zoids Official finally posted a prototype preview of the AZ Liger Zero Phoenix! We'd heard that it may be complicated to make this Zoid walk in an earlier interview, with all of the added weight, but it seems they've made some good progress. Compared to the original motorized design, the Phoenix armor has been slimmed down a lot, giving it a more streamlined appearance. The kit will also include the option to build the armor into the Fire Phoenix itself!

 Since then we've seen the first full color preview and a look without the armor on. The product info on these images clarifies that the Liger Zero Phoenix has a different gearbox shape from the normal Liger Zero. Because of this change, some connection points differ from the standard Liger Zero. This means that the Phoenix isn't compatible with the AZ-02 Liger Zero. Though this kit doesn't include the base Zero armor (which normally wouldn't be compatible for the same reason), it does include adaptors if you want to transplant armor from an AZ-02 Liger Zero.


- AZ-05 Saber Tiger!



 Finally, after so many years, we're getting a Raven specific Saber Tiger! This kit was announced back when the Shield Liger was announced, and we've gotten plenty of images showing off the Raven paint scheme. The kit comes with the same snarling face option parts as the old MPZ, as well as an unpainted Raven and Shadow figure. It's scheduled for release in July for 12,100 yen (tax included.) Its anniversary page can be viewed here.

- Product Review


- PV Video


- Commercial



- AZ-04 Shield Liger!



 The AZ-04 Shield Liger, themed after Bang's Shield Liger from Chaotic Century has been up for pre-order for a while now. It's scheduled for a June release for 11,000 yen (tax included). Like the other A-Z Zoids, it comes with an unpainted pilot figure of Bang, Fine, and Zeke. We've also got some preview videos for it!

- Product Review


- Commercial



- AZ-01 Blade Liger!



 Zoids Official posted a custom of the AZ-01 Blade Liger, based on the Blade Destroy, which featured in Zoids Official Fan Book 2. They did an excellent job with this customization! In addition, the Blade Liger sold so well that it's already up for a rerelease, scheduled to be released again in March.


- Big Zoids Expo Online!



 For those who couldn't attend the physical event in Japan, the Big Zoids Expo has moved much of its merchandise online, including with restocks of plenty of merch! Their store is already linked to a proxy service, so you can order even if you're from outside of Japan. The shop even includes some new items, such as the Medal Collection. Some event-exclusive items, such as the Fubuki Fox have also showed up again.


- HMM Fire Fox MPV & More!



 In an exciting turn of events the HMM Fire Fox is up for rerelease in the form of a Marking Plus kit! It'll be rereleased in March for 6,820 yen. The Fire Fox was released back in April of 2013, so its rerelease has been a decade-long wait for many members of the franchise.

 Starting on December 15th, Kotobukiya began giving away HMM Zoids Package Art Special Desk Calendars with every purchase of an HMM Zoid from their store front. This campaign is until supplies last, so I'm not sure if it's still ongoing.

 The HMM Green Horn has gotten its LABO Article, which features example sketches of early box concepts and a look at the decals. It isn't the only one, though. There's a blog for the Red Horn MPV released on January 18th. It covers the differences, such as the inclusion of the round parts from the Green Horn / Dark Horn, the inclusion of clear colorless parts, and the transition from stickers to water slide decals. This blog also gives some insight to development, such as their move away from decal guides to prevent the kit from needing to be delayed further simply to make these charts, and how they strive to make decal sizes match those of old Tomy Zoids, making them cross compatible with the old motorized kits wherever possible. Supposedly, the next blog will introduce their latest completely new item.

 Last but not least, the HMM Death Stinger is up for rerelease in May for 16,280 yen (tax included) and Pteras Bomber in June for 5,280!


HMM Model Kits Official Reissues2024-01-30 13:52:08

- Hunter Wolf MPD Updates!



 The Hunter Wolf MPD is now available on the TakaraTomy Mall for 4,950 yen, with a release date set for June. It also had a preview video made!

- Product Review



- Bub Campaign



 Takara Tomy held a giveaway campaign collaboration with Bub. The campaign would give away kits, Bub products, the hot spring stickers, and stickers featuring Bub's logo for making your own Bub Zoids! They also showed off their Bub Liger on Twitter.


Zoids Collaborations Official Zoids Wild2024-01-30 13:51:44

- 40th Anniversary Zoids Encyclopedia



 Hobby Japan is releasing a 40th Anniversary Zoids Encyclopedia, which is exciting news! This book will be released on February 28th and will cover more than 600 items throughout Zoids history, including event items, game and magazine benefit items, and even concept art. This is exciting as we haven't had much supplementary book material for Zoids since Wild. Shogakukan's site listed the book at 168 pages, and it'll be released for 4,950 yen. You can pre-order yours on Amazon Japan.


40th Anniversary Project Books HJM Official2024-01-30 13:51:25

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