Between the end of last week and the start of this week, Good Smile Company dropped a couple of solicitations for a couple of kits they’ve already revealed at the start of 2023 as part of Mecha Smile Impact 2023. And I don’t think I’m wrong to say that these two are at different ends of the “real robot” spectrum for a variety of reasons. The only common thing is that I’m pre-ordering them both.
MODEROID Shikon [Single Pilot Model]
First up is MODEROID Shikon [Single Pilot Model] from the game-turned-anime Gunparade March. Let me be upfront by saying I have zero knowledge of both the anime and the game and will just come from a generic mecha enthusiast-slash-model kit builder’s perspective.
If this design doesn’t scream a grunt machine, then I don’t know how I can further reinforce that this is very much a mass-produced model. Oddly enough, I don’t usually pay that much attention to grunt machines, especially if there’s a special prototype roaming around, just like in your typical Gundam anime. But for works like Gunparade March where everyone uses the same machine, I tend to appreciate such designs more. That’s why I’m actually making a post for this kit.
Also, it totally reminds me of the Armored Infantry units from Power Dolls 2 as you can see below.
Despite the proportions, the straightforward design of this machine meant that this kit shouldn’t have any issues with articulation. And as you can see here, it’s able to do stances and kneeling poses without hassle. I also like how the joints are visible yet blend with the organic-looking aesthetic and not too mechanical like those from a typical mobile suit. The obvious digits on the feet also add to this aesthetic.
The kit also includes a decent number of weapons, as your standard load out for a mass-produced unit. These include a pair of Giant Assault Rifles, and another pair of Extra Hard Long Swords. The kit also comes with replacement manipulators/hands to wield these weapons.
This will be an interesting kit to dual build with the 5Inch Mechanism Power Dolls 2 Armored Infantry.
MODEROID Shikon [Single Pilot Model]
June 2024 / ¥5,000
Order via HobbyLink Japan
MODEROID Nirvash type Zero
From the rather simplistic single pilot Shikon to this dual pilot surfer dude of a machine, we have MODEROID Nirvash type Zero from Eureka Seven whose solicitations also dropped earlier this week. On that note, the Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution movie trilogy is now complete so I’m hoping this kit will be the start of more Eureka Seven releases as the franchise has some interesting designs.
That’s not saying that I’m automatically getting this kit. For starters, it will be standing at 160mm which is understandable with the transformation involving parts replacement, but the height does seem a little too large for my collection. Second is the possible paint work needed to get this kit accurate to the original design. The solicitations mention pre-painted parts though I still expect a decent amount of dependency on color-correcting stickers.
That’s not saying the kit doesn’t have merits because it has a lot. It’s flawlessly able to do those dynamic surfing poses thanks to the wide range of joint articulation. It also helps that a display base is included to help in such poses.
Like in the anime, Nirvash can transform into it’s car-based vehicle mode as seen above. The solicitations mention that this is done via parts replacement so I’m a little hesitant since you guys know how I like my partsforming kits — i.e., I’ll get multiple copies. I don’t think the transformation isn’t as complex like one of their recent kits, Galvion, which you basically have to disassemble to transform. That said, if I go the multiple copy route, it won’t help that each will cost ¥7,500, quite expensive if you ask me.
But then again, that’s just my unsolicited opinions on this kit. If you’re a fan of Eureka Seven and none of the older releases are scratching that itch, then feel free to pre-order this kit by all means.
MODEROID Nirvash type Zero
June 2024 / ¥7,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
