The HMM König Wolf has finally been announced! Compared to other HMM Zoids this kit has a rather faithful design to the older model, refined with HMM-level detail. Of course, with big chompy teeth. This wolf has been highly requested by fans for years, placing high in Kotobukiya's yearly product surveys. It's funny that its rival, Liger Zero X, was released just in time to the steal the 053 slot in the HMM lineup, given that the wolf was RZ-053 in the old kits.

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— ?????_??????? (@kotobukiya_p) December 18, 2021

 Kotobukiya also announced the Heavy Arms variant! This blue wolf beat MK-II to the punch, and includes both of the customize parts that earn it such a fitting name. Not only that, but Kotobukiya's version of the HA will include brand new parts never commercialized in model kit form until now. It will come with a double-seater cockpit that was seen in the additional comic, which was included in DVD form in the original (motorized) Heavy Arms release. Kotobukiya reaching out to publish never-before-materialized variations is something that I think appeals to a lot of fans. We never imagined we'd get kits like the HMM Psycho Geno Saurer, and I can't express how much I appreciate them putting this extra care into their products!

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— ?????_??????? (@kotobukiya_p) December 18, 2021

 With the announcement of the König Wolf and König Wolf Heavy Arms, Koto announced the release of the Dual Sniper Rifle & 5-Shot Missile Pod set. Formerly these equipment items were sold separately for the motorized kits, but Koto will now be releasing them as a singular set that includes both pieces of equipment. This means you'll be able to make the white-armored DSR. I'm sure many of you remember using these guys in the Saga games! Like the other Customize Parts announced today, Koto will be designing them to be able to equip to other HMM Zoids, not just the wolves.

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— ?????_??????? (@kotobukiya_p) December 18, 2021

 Kotobukiya has announced a second Air Stand River Battle! Stand River is a massive event in Japan where people bring together their HMM Zoids and display them as either Republic or Empire, earning points for their respective side. At the end of the event, the side with the most points wins! *(There are no prizes, this is a for-fun fan participation event!)

 Last year, due to the global situation, this event was held online with a massive gallery of customs. Some international fans entered, and it seems that this was quite welcomed by Kotobukiya! This year, they've invited international fans to join, publishing the entry / rules page in both Japanese and English.

Event Overview

  So, here's the important info for the event. They intend to stream the results of the battle, and post a gallery of the submitted works. They plan to introduce the HMM Gilraptor prototype, and make a first-time announcement for various new products! They'll also be introducing a sample of the HMM Liger Zero X.

Submission Details

  For entering the event, check the link above for a full overview of the rules. The submission period ends on October 31st. For many international fans, this will be roughly around the 30th, because Japan time is quite a ways ahead. Be sure to take the time difference into account! While you can view the full rules in the link above, the most important one is that the work must not use other copyrighted materials in the build, including other Koto series like Hexa Gear, or other franchises such as Gundam, etc. This includes the decals and display base. They recommend a flat color background if possible.

 The HMM Liger Zero X has gotten a preview video! This kit is releasing in December for 9,680 yen. The Koto Direct version includes clear colorless shoulder armor.

 Kotobukiya TV posted a video of the full HMM Rev Raptor build! This kit is quite simple, so for those of you who struggle to find the time to build HMMs, this may be the perfect Zoid for you. It's also lightweight enough for it to hang off of other objects without assistance, which is fun. If you haven't ordered the item yet, it's available domestically on Amazon as a pre-order for $49.99 (shipping included), scheduled to be released on November 24th. If you want it now, it's also available on Amazon JP for 4,091 Yen + Shipping.

- Build Video

 Back in August, Kotobukiya showed off the Gilraptor Prototype! The kit looks amazing, and we should be seeing more of it at Stand River.

 Godos Marking Plus Ver.:A LABO article back in September mentioned an upcoming RZ-014 Godos Marking Plus Ver. This kit will feature the common cockpit introduced in the Former Republic Ver. in a new, darker color. Both styles of canopies will be included in clear colorless versions. It'll include new decals, and is also able to carry the new Pile Bunker. This kit is available on AmazonJP for 4,267 yen, scheduled for a January 31st 2022 release. It's available domestically on Amazon for $49.99 (shipping included), with a further out release date of March 30th, 2022.

 Iguan Marking Plus Ver.:Since then Koto has also announced an Iguan Marking Plus Ver., sporting metallic gunmetal and a slightly darker red color. It'll also include clear colorless parts, added decals, and will be able to hold the new Pile Bunker as a weapon (not included). It's available on HLJ for 4,275 Yen, scheduled to be released in March. It's available domestically on Amazon for $44.99, with a later release date of May 25th.

 Command Wolf Repackage Ver.: Last but not least, Koto announced a reissue of the RHI-3 Command Wolf Repackage Version. Wufs are popular so this good boy is selling out fast. You can still pre-order one domestically on Amazon for $49.99 with a pre-order date of April 27th, 2022. The JP release seems to be mostly sold out, but will be releasing in February.

 We've got a chunky update for the HMM Model Kit Section! The following profiles have been updated to include not only the concept art in the instruction manuals, but also machine-translated stories. Kotobukiya significantly expands on the lore of existing Zoids with their own alternative of the Battle Story. So if you like tons of story details, it's worth checking out~ The updated profiles include: Berserk Fuehrer, Liger Zero Panzer, Lightning Saix, and Sturm Tyrann. More are being actively worked on.

 Kotobukiya's upcoming Liger Zero X kit has finally been added to the website, and they've posted an in-depth article taking a look at what all the kit has to offer. The kit is scheduled to release in December for 9,680 yen. It'll be released alongside the Liger Zero Empire Marking Plus Ver. (6,930) and the X CAS Unit (armor only) for 4,200 yen.

 So what do you need to know? First, the Empire will include a couple changes from the original release. It'll now include clear colorless parts for the eyes and such. However, since the X CAS will now include black armor pieces for the jaw, the P runner will now only be molded in gold.

 Second, since we have a lot of Donner fans out there, it's worth mentioning that Kotobukiya's site only lists clear colorless shoulder armor for the Kotobukiya Direct X CAS Unit (armor only) set. These pieces aren't listed for the full X kit that includes a base body. Thankfully, it seems these exclusives are now reaching US distributors, such as USA Gundam Store! So it is much easier to obtain them than before.

 As a closing note, we've also seen the HMM Death Stinger ZS Box Art. The HMM Lightning Saix Marking Plus Version is also scheduled to be rereleased in January for 5,200 yen.

 Back in April, LABO posted a blog entry on the HMM Rev Raptor! This shows off a painted sample of the upcoming model kit, which is scheduled to release in September for 4,800 Yen. It's the first completely new small-scale Zoid since the Pteras Bomber, as Godos and Iguan both reuse parts.

 A LABO Article was posted earlier this month to discuss the newly released HMM Shadow Fox Marking Plus! This kit, which features a color-faded version of the original Fox box art, now comes with a ton of new decals. The decals are also in colors that will work well with the HMM Fire Fox.

- Blade Liger AB Reissue!

 This article also announced the reissue of the Blade Liger AB Version, which released in February 2020! This kit will be re-released in October of this year, so if you missed it the first time, grab one now!

 Just a few days ago we received news on the HMM Raven Raptor! During the earlier announcements, many people thought this might turn out to be a Koto Exclusive, both because if being announced at the same time, and because of earlier trends. However, it seems it'll be a normal release, which is fantastic! The kit is scheduled to release in November 2021 for 6,300 Yen, and will include a Pile Bunker. Both Rev Raptor and Raven Raptor will feature new box art by Mercy Rabbit. As an exciting development, the blog also mentions their plans to post an introduction for the Liger Zero X next month!

- HMM Pile Bunker Unit!

 The Pile Bunker is also scheduled to release in November for 1,500 yen, alongside the release of the HMM Raven Raptor. These weapons attach to two attachment arms on the lower back. You can attach two at once, or use the other slot for radar parts, etc. The weapon is also compatible with Iguan and Godos, who are able to actually hold the huge weapon, holding on to the bars along the top. It includes original decals as well! At this time, Koto has said they have no intention to release the earlier-made Customize Parts as separate CP sets. So the Molga's Cannory Unit, Command Wolf's Attack Unit, and so on.

 Kotobukiya has announced a rerelease of their HMM Sturm Tyrann kit for July, sold at 12,000 yen! This kit has been highly anticipated in spite of only being rereleased a short time ago.

 Kotobukiya has posted a LABO article detailing the upcoming HMM Fangtiger! Like Wild Liger, they are starting off with some CG renders mostly, but it still gives us a decent look at the Zoid. Fangtiger comes with Wild Blast effect parts for both Bacon and Fangtiger, just like Wild Liger did. The Kotobukiya Direct exclusive bonus is Z-Cap Supreme Yellow Version. The kit is up for pre-order on most of your typical websites. Be advised that on Amazon, it is not able to be cancelled after April 4th! It's scheduled for an August release for 9,000 Yen.

 Kotobukiya made a rather exciting announcement this week, the Death Stinger ZS! Also known as the Zarka Spec., this is a new addition to the ever increasing Yuji Kaida lineup. The kit will feature slightly pink-tinted pearl armor, Zenebas red, clear green eye parts, and metallic green rings. The rings are an interesting addition. Some love it, some hate it, but it certainly makes the kit look unique on the shelf. It'll also include clear colorless parts similar to the MPVs, and a brand new set of decals for both the ZS and original. Since the original Death Stinger didn't have decals, this is a nice bonus. It's scheduled to be released in July, for 14,800 yen.

HMM Rereleases!

 We've got a good bunch of kit rerelease announcements! Scheduled for May, we have the Liger Zero Marking Plus Ver. for 6,300 yen and the Molga & Molga Cannory Unit and Molga AA & Molga Carrier for 4,200 (for each set). For July, we have the Cannon Tortoise for 3,200 yen and the Geno Saurer Repackage Ver. for 8,200 yen.

 Automatic translations have been added to the HMM 030 Liger Zero Jager and HMM 046 Shield Liger DCS-J model kit pages. Kotobukiya has gone through a lot of trouble to expand lore and specification details for every Zoid in their lineup, and these two are no exception. Packed with tons of technical info, you can use the HMM-universe lore to fill out your headcanons about these unique Zoids!

 Kotobukiya has released a LABO article discussing the upcoming Shadow Fox Marking Plus Version. The kit shows off new decals, including Ray Force and Team Shadow decals, and as usual, will come with clear colorless parts, which were first released with the chrome CP unit for the original fox kit. The article announced that it will be released in May 2021, with pre-orders open now.

 For other kit releases, we have the Liger Zero Schneider Marking Plus Ver. and Iron Kong PK coming up in March 2021. Liger Zero Panzer Marking Plus Ver. and Berserk Furher Repackage Ver. are scheduled for April 2021, and last but not least, the Gojulas Gunner is currently undergoing a rerelease! This massive kit is a Koto Direct exclusive, so you'll need a proxy to order. It is being rereleased in May 2021.

 The blog warns that just because they rereleased it this time, does not mean that they'll rerelease it again! Koto Direct rereleases are extremely rare, so if you want one, you might want to jump on this opportunity.

 The HMM Wild Liger Guren Version has finally released. This Kotobukiya Shop Exclusive has chrome plated parts, purple blast effects, and some of the most amazing box art. The kit is based off of the CoroCoro 100 limited.

 In an unexpected update, Kotobukiya announced that there would be a new Saber Tiger variation released at the Zoids Concept Art Exhibit! This unique "Saber Tiger CA Color Ver." is based off of the Concept Art Book iteration of the design, complete with black-red color separation. To achieve this look, the kit has several sprues cast in both black and red, similar to how the Liger Zero EM was handled earlier. You can use the all-red sprues to create a Saber that looks quite close to the original motorized colors!

 This kit is being handled similarly to the Bone Zoids. It'll have an early pre-sale at the venue starting December 24th, and will then be made available on Kotobukiya Direct at a later date. This means you'll need a proxy to order. It's also worth mentioning that the CA does not include decals.

- HMM Release and Re-Release News!

 Hobby Japan Magazine posted a nice, short video looking at the HMM Wild Liger. It's a fully finished example with custom painting and detailing.

- HJM Video

- Pteras Bomber Article!

 Kotobukiya has posted a blog entry detailing the Pteras Bomber released in October. They show off an early concept sketch for the box art, as well as a completed example of the kit itself.

- Rerelease Information!

 Kotobukiya has confirmed a few rereleases recently! This includes the HMM Liger Zero Schneider Marking Plus Ver., scheduled to be released in March for 8,800 yen. While the CAS-specific kit was already confirmed, we now know the full unit will also be available. Similarly, the Liger Zero Panzer Marking Plus Ver. was announced for April, for 8,400 yen. Also on the list are the Iron Kong PK, released in March for 16,800 yen, and the Berserk Fueher Repackage Ver., released in April for 8,800 yen.