HI METAL R VFs are cool but sometimes I just want a Valkyrie toy I can fiddle with which can be transformed quickly without extraneous steps or much to watch out for. That’s where stuff like the Takatoku 1/55 excels because even now it does that yet doesn’t look too simplistic. Their original 1/100s were similar. If Bandai made 1/100s based on the 1/55 but scaled down and with the ability to pivot the hips outwards and move the ankles more(and store the gun in fighter mode), I would probably like those more than the HI METAL R VF-1s, even if the swing bars were exposed on each side and not even painted.
Growing up my older brother had one of these (different color though). Even though part of the sliders had snapped and I think an arm was lost as a result it was always one of my favorite toys to borrow and play with. On the topic of Macross popularity in Japan, my entirely anecdotal observation and experience is this: when I traveled to Tokyo in 2016 I remember visiting stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi which carried current release toys and collectibles. Macross stuff was pretty hard to find, and that was even during the height of Delta. It could be that things just sold out quickly but either way supply was pretty low. For every Macross item I found (not counting second hand stores like Mandarake or Jungle) there was easily 100 Gundam items. Not to mention other anime franchises of which there was also plentiful supply (Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and countless series I've never heard of). All easier to find than Macross. Just based on that and how limited Macross supply has been, I think it's far-fetched to think that Macross would even make a real dent in the US. It's niche in both markets. Heck I went to Kinokuniya bookstore in NYC on a recent trip and despite having an entire floor dedicated to toys, collectibles, and related art books I did not find a single Macross item (even though some should be available stateside).
I don't recall seeing any. The most notable thing I remember finding was HMR VF-1A. Some Bic Cameras had quite a few because it was literally the week it was released, so I was lucky to be there at the right time. Oh and the HMR Destroid Monster too, which I really wanted to get but had no room in luggage for (would have been stupidly cheap too, all things considered). I miss Japan.
If the constantly-reissued Toynami 1/100s were still $20 each they’d be a good fit for that, but for some reason they’re being sold for three times that. (probably because robotech fans are paying it, for whatever reason).
I would argue that the old Takatoku 1/144 was a better product than the current Toynami. Valuewise, it's a landslide but even just the playability of the toy itself. Sure, it looked like shit in all but Battroid mode but I could and did bring that thing with me everywhere and I could play and transform it hundreds of times anywhere I went without much worry. If I brought that Toynami thing with me out to play anywhere, it would come back home in a crumbled mess if it could even make it back home at all.
Yeah, Toynami lost all respect from me after buying their first run Robotech toys (all of the Valkyries and some Alphas).
Nah they’re not, at least not most of them, those 1/100 Robotech toys are readily available most of the time. People wised up, most know they’re not worth the prices Toynami wants them to sell for. Their SD VF-1 was a sign of things to come…on paper an SD VF-1 toy seems like it would be hard to mess up yet they managed to do that. Would be neat if Bandai made a larger sized perfect transformation Tiny Sessions DX VF series that came with a pilot figure you could place inside instead of an idol figure. Could be like the spiritual successor to the Macross Joke Machine series.
Has anyone picked up the KC max or millia vf-1j supers? They're still on sale and I've been considering picking them up since rn they're cheaper together than they usually retail for individually
I've been considering it for Jetfire custom, but man, that's like a whole figure paint job. It'd be a lot easier on a Roy and Rick set.
Someone a few pages back wondered if the BBTS copies would have the outer slip cover, and Im happy to say it does!
Macross Delta Absolute LIVE!!!!!! High Grade [HG] YF-29 Durandal Valkyrie (Maximilian Jenius Use) Full Set Pack Price: 5,610 JPY (Taxes Included) Release Date: Oct 2023
That Max YF-29 looks so much better than the Alto. Guess I'm going to end up with two versions of the kit now.
Yeah, this VF-0S Max use is nice. Makes me want a Millia use one now Now I'm debating on whether or not to take it out and mess with it
Damn, that Max VF-0S does look nice. Makes the Roy version look plain and boring. It would look great next to the 0D once that comes out. I completely forgot the Haya-Haya 31AX rerelease is dropping this month. Gonna have to rearrange the shelf, make some room for it.