All Japan Model & Hobby 2023 is right around the corner and around this time, the Bandai Spirits Hobby Division usually does a Hobby Next Phase Autumn online event where they dedicate a day or two for new model kit reveals ahead of the actual show. They’re not doing it this year. I’m not sure if it’s because they’ll have a larger presence on the show floor like they previously did or lackluster reception from the previous Hobby Next Phase events, but for this year’s show, they just had a quick banner indicating they’ll reveal several kits online.
A couple of things to note though. These are all non-Gunpla items, which might suggest more are reserved when the actual show starts on Saturday. Also, the list they have immediately debunks the rumors floating around a week or so ago regarding the possible kits that would’ve been announced. So, no HG Layzner for us.
HG Huckebein Mk-III
Following up on the HG Huckebein Mk-II released earlier this year is its next evolution on the design genealogy, the HG Huckebein Mk-III. Those who initially wanted to track the old Kotobukiya Huckebein kits may instead wait for Bandai Spirits to eventually release all of its variants, which of course includes the vanilla Huckebein, Huckebein Boxer which goes with the Mk-III, or even the Exbein.
This guy has a LOT of weapons, starting with the two rifles you see above, the Photon Rifle and Graviton Rifle. The former is more of your standard rifle that the Mk-II also used while the new Graviton Rifle is essentially a miniaturized version of the Mk-II’s G-Impact Cannon and can be wielded with one arm.
Complementing the rifles are even more ranged weapons. First is the Fang Slasher which is basically a large shuriken the Mk-III throws around to dispose enemies. As far as I know, shurikens are meant to slide enemies but the mass of the Fang Slasher makes me think more of a bludgeoning weapon. Mounted on its rear binders are a couple of Multi-Trace Missile pods. Both can open to reveal 40 missiles molded in red plastic, which makes for 80 missiles in total.
Both weapons are either thrown or being launched so it really helps that the kit includes its own action base 5, much like the other Super Robot Wars OG kits.
All these ranged weapons don’t mean that the Huckebein Mk-III can’t do close combat, though it only has a couple of Beam Swords stored at the rear armor and is probably a last resort when everything fails. Unless of course we see an eventual AM Boxer or AM Gunner kit.
I haven’t built my HG Huckebein Mk-II but this is a no brainer day one pre-order.
HG Huckebein Mk-III
January 2024 / ¥4,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
HG 1/100 YF-21
When Bandai Spirits announced the HG 1/100 YF-19 from Macross Plus, people immediately asked if it will be followed up with the YF-21. They basically responded saying that if the HG YF-19 does well, then the YF-21 should be well on its way. Which means the YF-19 probably sold well as we’re getting the HG YF-21, second unit being considered as the next main Variable Fighter.
The main selling point of these new HG 1/100 Macross kits is the “Shortcut Change” feature where you’re able to convert the kit to either Fighter, Gerwalk, or Battroid modes via simple transformation complemented by quick parts replacement. This allows for a more stable kit that still provides the fun associated with a transformation these Variable Fighters are known for.
In addition, the YF-21 also has an additional High Maneuver Mode which we’ll see below.
This is an extension of the standard Shortcut Change feature where the arm and leg units are purged to provide, well, higher maneuverability when needed.
The primary advantage of the Shortcut Change feature, something I wish we’d see in Gunpla that has the Zeta-esque transformation, is to allow variability while maintaining excellent proportions, articulation, and stability without basically disassembling the whole kit. This is why I often get multiple copies of any HG Zeta Gundam kit and why I don’t do the same for these Macross kits.
Other features the use of polarized molding for the canopy that can open to reveal an unpainted pilot figure, the inclusion of effect parts for its “Pin-point Barrier Punch” attack, and PET film stickers — though they are selling a separate waterslide decal sheet for those who prefer them.
HG 1/100 YF-21
January 2024 / ¥4,300
Order via HobbyLink Japan
Figure-rise Standard Ultraman Suit Jack -Action-
Prior to this reveal, I was already starting to lose hope of Bandai Spirits’ commitment to complete all Ultraman Suits that appeared in the ULTRAMAN anime. Especially when Tamashii Nations announced their S.H.Figurarts Ultraman Suit Jack, and when designer toy company CoolPlayFun announced their own line of ULTRAMAN figures. But the Hobby Department apparently still has us covered as they now revealed their Figure-rise Standard Ultraman Suit Jack -Action- model kit and I’m definitely making the switch towards the model kits.
While many are fans of the Jack Suit design thanks to its sheer volume and Hulkbuster-esque stature, it’s unfortunate that it didn’t do much in the series. Now I haven’t caught up with the source manga which might’ve fleshed out this guy more, but with the number of included weapons and accessories with this kit, I for one won’t be disappointed.
For starters, it comes with this massive axe that I clearly don’t remember being used in the series. The Jack Suit kit is already taller than other Ultraman Suits at 170mm, but it’s still being dwarfed by this giant axe which is 265mm long from tip to the base of the handle. With the larger joint assemblies of this Jack Suit model kit, I’m inclined to believe it shouldn’t have any issues holding this huge axe.
Going further with weapons that were probably in the manga but not in the anime, the Jack Suit also comes with a pair of forearm-mounted swords, and forearm-mounted railguns. You can also see in the photo above that despite its bulky stature, the Jack Suit is still articulated enough to do a proper kneeling pose or even a three-point stance (the one folks usually call as the “superhero landing”).
Speaking of articulation, and much like all the Ultraman Suit kits now, each can be built to either house an LED unit which could hinder torso articulation, or not to provide full torso movement.
Jack Suit also comes with a beam effect part, but more importantly, the Eiichi Shimizu-original weapon for this kit is a pair of shoulder-mounted cannons that perfect fits this guy.
Seeing the accessory loadout like this might not amount to much, but just that massive axe, combined with the larger kit as a whole should make the set much worth it. And because of this announcement, I cancelled all my pre-orders of the CoolPlayFun figures and I’m now in the process of tracking the other Figure-rise Standard -Action- releases.
Figure-rise Standard 1/12 Ultraman Suit Jack -Acttion-
March 2024 / ¥6,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
HG Daisy Ogre Alter
Last on this list, though already revealed last week both as the kit and as it appeared in SYNDUALITY Noir, is the upgraded version of our main protagonist’s machine, or “coffin” as they call them. At the time it first appeared, there’s no confirmation with the final episode count for this series. But it wouldn’t make sense for an upgraded machine to just appear in two episodes. And this was confirmed with the announcement of a second season in January 2024 — and I’ll need to do a review of the first season. But in the meantime, let’s get a better look at this HG Daisy Ogre Alter kit.
The main deal with these Cradle Coffin units, unlike your standard military-use mecha, is that this is basically how the latter Crossbone Gundam stories work in U.C. Each machine is customized and how you customize your machine, or cradle, essentially brings out its personality. I won’t attempt to make sense of the weapons in this upgraded Daisy Ogre, but they all look more powerful than the original.
My only wish in this line is that someone make a decal set for these kits. The stickers will probably do an okay job, but waterslide decals for the patterns painted on the exterior of these machines would look much better with decals.
HG Daisy Ogre Alter
January 2024 / ¥4,200
Order via HobbyLink Japan
As I mentioned earlier, outside of some SD Gundam World new model announcements, we don’t have much for Gunpla. I was expecting some hints of the upcoming kits for Gundam SEED FREEDOM, but either they’re saving it for the actual in-show display or for a much later date. But if you are interested in some of the kits here, then you can click the affiliate links I’ve included here and get your copies over at HobbyLink Japan.
