I guess at some point, Bandai Spirits Hobby Division just stopped calling these new product reveals “Hobby Next Phase” events since the last couple of ones weren’t exactly the hype-generating online showcase the previous ones were. But despite this, we did get notable announcements today, including the Option Parts Sets I posted earlier. Now, let’s cover a couple of notable non-Gunpla HG kits.
HG Burglarlydog
Following the recent release of the HG Scopedog from Armored Trooper Votoms, we now start to get some variations with the HG Burglarydog from the OVA Armored Trooper Votoms: Brilliantly Shining Heresy.
At a quick glance, the Burglarydog isn’t too far from a departure from the form factor of the Scopedog, though there are key differences between the two machines. Chief of these are the Trample Rigger units attached to each leg, which should allow the Burglarydog to glide better in certain conditions. It also comes with several missile launchers and a shoulder-mounted Droppers Folding Gun.
Like the Scopedog, the Burglarydog can still be configured into its Standby Mode despite having all the extra ammunition. Likewise, you’re able to deploy both the Droppers Folding Gun and Trample Rigger though hinged assemblies. The ammo belt of the Droppers Folding Gun also appears to be made from softer pliable plastic that could bend from stored to deployed states.
The kit is also articulate enough that you won’t have any problems putting it in various Roller Dash poses thanks to the range of articulation found on its lower sections. Likewise, the turret lens on the head unit can rotate and slide for more display options.
The gimmicks don’t stop there as the kit is also able to replicate the arm punch attack via extending forearms that also reveal internal details. Lastly, you can further customize the kit with custom armor parts with 3mm ports that you can attach to any compatible kit, like the P-Bandai exclusive option sets or even 30MM parts. I personally won’t but at least there are options.
HG Burglarydog
May 2024 / ¥3,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
HG 1/100 VF-19 Fire Valkyrie [Sound Booster]
Next is another Macross HG 1/100 kit, this time we have the VF-19 Excalibur Custom, also known as the Fire Valkyrie from Macross 7. This Fire Valkyrie was a heavily customized version of the Excalibur, which was the production version of the YF-19 from Macross Plus. In the real world, the VF-19 came first and the YF-19 was retroactively added to the canon.
To those unfamiliar, these HG 1/100 Macross kits don’t have the complex mechanisms used to accommodate transformation features. Instead, they utilize the Shortcut Change feature where minimal transformation, combined with modular components allow for a smoother conversion process without sacrificing articulation and proportions. This also prevents me from getting multiple copies as I don’t have to completely disassemble the kit just to transform it.
Fortunately for us, Bandai Spirits decided to include the Sound Booster unit to this kit instead of making it a Premium Bandai exclusive. Being the hot-blooded Fire Bomber vocalist that he is, Nekki Basara is able to let the enemy listen to their songs via the Sound Booster unit. It’s mainly attached to the VF-19 in Battroid mode as seen above, but as a gimmick exclusive to this kit, you’re also able to connect the Sound Booster in Fighter mode via an included connector part.
Both the Sound Booster, and certain parts of the kit, are using 3D metallic stickers for extra depth to otherwise flat parts.
Besides joint assemblies with wider range of motion, they also simplified construction in certain sections that would maximize articulation without compromising stability. Likewise, certain sections like the torso and lower legs can also extend to replicate poses closely resembling those seen in Macross 7.
Lastly, here are all the accessory pieces and parts needed to facilitate the Shortcut Change gimmick. The kit will come with a ‘runner-less stand’, as well as an alternate closed face part. I think this would require disassembling the head so I’ll probably won’t use it, but as mentioned, you have options.
HG 1/100 VF-19 Excalbur Custom “Fire Valkyrie” with Sound Booster
May 2024 / ¥5,000
Order via HobbyLink Japan
There’s a whole slew of other kits that Bandai Spirits revealed today, but I can safely say that these are the only two non-Gunpla kits that interest me. It might just be me being more conscious of which ones to get as my backlog isn’t getting smaller. But regardless of the reason, I always appreciate it when my wallet gets a chance to have a breather from all these hobby-related expenses.
