UPDATE: Added HG Scopedog box art.
Since site affiliate HobbyLink Japan has already charged me for this kit, I might as well check out the packaging for the HG Scopedog from Armored Trooper Votoms. And in keeping with the theme of the series it comes with, or packaging of the older kits if any, the HG Scopedog goes for a remarkably simple layout. None of the design elements that can sometimes be visually cringe and is just the machine, front and center complemented by its name on top and series information on the lower left. This totally makes sense as Votoms is a no-nonsense franchise and none of the superfluous box art elements are needed.
I’ll probably do a dual build of this kit with Wave’s similarly scaled Scopedog for comparison and contrast purposes. Also note that Premium Bandai is selling two option sets for this kit. One is mostly additional weapons while the other is a cockpit block just like the PS Version kits from Wave.
HG Scopedog
October 21, 2023 / ¥2,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
Original post follows.
This post will likely get updated as more packaging art is revealed throughout the month. But regardless, you know the drill.
The Buzzworthy Bumblebee line/subline (?) initially started as a means to feature everyone’s favorite Autobot scout and his various incarnations. Nowadays, it’s pretty much a means to designate anything that’s Target exclusive in the United States. This includes Studio Series #102 Optimus Prime from Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and everyone who missed its initial release is having challenges getting one without spending more than what the figure is worth.
Fortunately for those folks, Japan and Takara Tomy has them covered as they are releasing the same Optimus Prime figure as SS-122 in regular retail and packaging. Though for a regular Voyager class release, SS-122 doesn’t have window, or windowless, packaging and that’s usually reserved for Leader and Commander class figures. In any case, if you missed the Buzzworthy Bumblebee release, then here’s another chance to get Optimus Prime. It’s not a perfect figure but it’s definitely a great one for your collection.
Transformers Studio Series SS-122 Optimus Prime (Rise of the Beasts)
March 2024 / ¥6,050
Order via HobbyLink Japan
October also means that the Gundam Build Series 10th anniversary production, Gundam Build Metaverse will now be released. Which means the first wave of Gunpla kits from this miniseries will now hit shelves, starting with our new lead Gundam, Lah Gundam. I still don’t know where the name comes from, but it’s a good variation of the grandaddy without looking too out-there.
Entry Grade 1/144 Lah Gundam
October 7, 2023 / ¥1,000
Order via HobbyLink Japan
Speaking of the Lah Gundam, they just announced a Gundam Base-exclusive recolor, dubbed as the Lah Gundam Prototype 1 which is the same Lah Gundam but in the Gundam Base colors. It also comes with the regular RX-78-2 Gundam shield and a Hyper Bazooka instead of its standard weapons load out. I’m hoping to be able to get this guy when I visit Japan this December.
Entry Grade 1/144 Lah Gundam Shisaku Ichigata
November 2023 / ¥1,300
The Gundam Base Japan Exclusive
The other Gundam Build Metaverse kit released as part of this first wave is the Build Strike Exceed Galaxy, the next evolution of the Build Strike Galaxy Cosmos seen in Gundam Build Fighters Battlogue. Like the Lah Gundam, this kit is a retool of the Entry Grade Strike Gundam and much like its predecessors, it integrates the “EG” moniker as an actual function in the series. The EG or “Energy Glitter-Circulation” System is based on the RG or “Radial General-Purpose” System which allows efficient energy super-light circulation throughout the Gunpla.
Entry Grade 1/144 Build Strike Exceed Galaxy
October 7, 2023 / ¥1,100
Order via HobbyLink Japan
