Shizuoka Hobby Show 2024 is in full swing and Takara Tomy decided to go all out with their hobby and collector-oriented releases as they launched a new label aimed at providing a more premium experience than their current offerings. Introducing T-Spark.
T-Spark is comprised of five brands that cater to different markets using their more popular IPs, including Transformers, Zoids, and the Brave Series. I’m primarily interested in a couple of these brands, so let’s check them out.
First is Realize Model which is a 1/100 scale model kit line aimed to be highly collectible, easy to assemble, and have great articulation. I’m getting High Grade vibes here, which is always great. I’m not sure if they’ll focus on Zoids, but these being in 1/100 scale is definitely within my wheelhouse.
Remember several years ago when Kotobukiya attempted to diversify their Zoids products by introducing a line of 1/100 scale Zoids figures called Zoids Aggressive. It went on to have several releases but was ultimately discontinued as collectors opted for their more popular HMM kits. I personally hope this picks up well as I do prefer these “desktop scale” kits, which are very prevalent with my HG Gunpla collection.
Next is their new premium die cast figure line, Adamas Machina, which apparently translates to “steel machine god.” And if you think the name is already cool, then wait until you hear what their first couple of offerings.
First is AMT-01 Rodimus, and if you’re familiar with Transformers media, then you recognize this design from his appearance in the IDW books. You will also recognize this design from Flame Toys’ Kuro Kara Kuri line, except that this figure can actually transform. Following Rodimus is Berserk Fuhrer (or Berserk Fury in the US) from Zoids: New Century. While it doesn’t transform like Rodimus, you are provided three options to display this figure based on three sets of armor parts: Wild Mode, Frame Mode, and Weapon Mode.
Next is the Toyr!se brand of what I think are better engineered DX toys. Outside of Transformers, I’m not exactly the biggest fan of transforming toys as these often have compromises. But I do believe Takara Tomy has amassed extensive experience designing such toys. They also mention customization possibilities through the use of standardized joint assemblies. Now that’s interesting.
And so, it makes sense that they kick off the line with the spiritual successor of Transformers, the Brave Series, starting with King Exkaiser. This is followed by an extensive list of teases, from Votoms, Genesic GaoGaiGar, Bravern, B-Daman, and even Ryukendo. Yes, the 2000s tokusatsu show.
The last couple of brands aren’t really my cup of tea, but are still worth mentioning. There’s Project: M which is an action figure series many are speculating to be based on Microman. Designs will come from Yoji Shinkawa who has worked with Konami on Metal Gear Solid and is now with Kojima Productions as the designer for Death Stranding. Finally, Takara Tomy is entering the popular bishoujo plamo craze with Metamor Verse. They will be collaborating with Kotobukiya on this and will feature designs from their own brands like Zoids.
That’s a LOT of reveals and if you’ve been following these franchises for a good while, then this will definitely bring some excitement. Most of them will start to take pre-orders this summer and are scheduled for release in 2025. Until then, here’s the promo video they released to summarize everything.
