Fantasm Soldier Valis Vol. 2 Gashapon - Import Preorder

Hot on the heels of the first Valis gashapon which was announced a couple of weeks ago, Millennium has started preorders for the second set. Valis Vol. 2 features another four figures and NCS will gather them up into complete sets which are priced at US$25.

The characters in the new set are:

» Yuko Asao - in full armored regalia with broadsword
» Valna - sedate pose with staff weapon
» Yuko Asao - wears a skimpy ocher costume with two weapons
» Cham - redhead in pink and yellow body armor

Pricing is set at JPY500 per gashapon from Millennium but we’re going to bundle the figures into complete sets of four and supply them that way. Preorders are welcome to ship in Sept 2008.

Kanu Unchou China Dress Ver. - Import Preorder

Preorders are welcome for Sol International's Kanu Unchou China Dress figure which is scheduled to ship in a couple of weeks. The figure is set at 1/7 scale and measures 20cm or 7.87" in height. Two costumes are included with the figure - a China dress with blue flowery aspects and a "satiny" slip sans any sort of marks or decorations. To change Kanu's clothing, simply snap off whatever she's wearing and snap on the new piece of PVC clothing. Sadly, whenever changing Kanu's costumes, she will be nude except for a g-string and her white shoes. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around June 30, 2008 at JPY9240 or US$88.90 from NCS. Jan Code: 4982509550612

Id@lMaster Miki Hoshii 1/8 Scale Figures - Import Preorder

When Wayne Newton (a noted Las Vegas crooner) performs on stage, he has a move where he points at no one in particular in the audience. No one knows why he does it. He just does.

Miki Hoshii of Id@lMaster fame has apparently gone to the Wayne Newton school of showmanship because she also points. A lot. So much so that Max Factory has sculpted good ol' Miki (20cm) in two different figures where she pounds one fist on her hip while her other hand points. On the left, we have the "New Star" version and on the right, it's all about the "Awaken" version of Miki. Preorders ship in September 2008.

General Updates

Transformers MP-07 Thundercracker Takara has opened up preorders for the seventh Transformers Masterpiece figure which is scheduled to ship in November 2007. If we recall correctly, Thundercracker is a blue G1 Decepticon that looks like Megatron except that he's... blue. Thundercracker can also transform into a jetfighter. That's all we remember. Takara didn't release any photos with their preorder solicitation last night but we'll throw some up once they're made available through the usual channels. Preorders are welcome and pricing is set at JPY10000 or US$108.90 from NCS.

Aquapict - Haven for Mosquito Babies We've been using our Aquapict on and off for the past year or so. Today, we noticed mosquito larvae in the tank. We're not sure how they got in there since the Aquapict is a closed system. Maybe a skeeter got in during a water change and deposited some eggs. Those eggs appear to have hatched over the weekend. If time permits, we'll post some photos.

Charge 'n Blast - Clearance

A meteorite smacks into the planet and it's otherworldly influence mutates normal earth creatures into hulking beasts. As a member of a special corps of armored soldiers, you jump into battle and blast back the surging menace. Normal shots are sufficient to strafe a line of monsters but when big bruisers appear, you'll have to charge up your weapon to blow the big 'uns away. Watch your scoping skills when shooting because errant blasts will level entire buildings and bring them crashing down.

Sale Offering: NCS remaining inventory of Charge 'n Blast is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Pricing is set at US$16.90 per copy which includes free shipping by USPS Media Mail service. Orders are welcome.

Monster Hunter Airu Kitchen: Steel Mug - Import Preorder

In Capcom's Monster Hunter game, the Airu (Cats) may be recruited into your party as cooks, questing companions, or farmers. Cospa's Monster Hunter Stainless Steel Mug enforces the Airu kitchen theme where a cat wearing a chef's hat may be seen with a knife and a fork on either side of its head.

In some cultures, such a display might be interpreted as the cat being a good meal. Maybe feline au gratin with a side order of chickpeas. Note to cat lovers: You know we're just kidding, right? Please hold the firebombs.

In any case, Cospa's Monster Hunter Airu Mug was released earlier this year but the company sold out quickly. Another production is scheduled for release next month and NCS will snag some for our stateside customers. Pricing is set at JPY13.90 per mug and preorders ship in late July 08.

Yoko Special Version Miyazawa Mokei - Import Preorder

Recent signs and portents are pointing to Yoko of Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann fame to be the next objet d'art when and if Kanu Unchou relinquishes her throne in 2008. As NCS has chronicled on these pages, Kanu is currently the top dog when it comes to toy releases so far this year. We're betting on Yoko taking over as queen of the toy jungle from late 2008 to at least the summer of 2009.

The latest Yoko figure is a Miyazawa Mokei Limited Color Edition which is scheduled to ship in October 2008. Admittedly, she looks a little weird and her garb is reminiscent of something a Dead or Alive (Tecmo) girl would wear. We're undecided on whether or not we'll keep one for the private collection but preorders are welcome today to ship in October 2008.

Senjou no Valkyria Alicia Figure - Import Preorder

Sega's recent Senjou no Valkyria was one of the better Playstation 3 games we've played this year. Japanese and Asian players seem to agree since sales have been rolling along nicely. Whenever a game does well in Japan, the characters from the game usually get licensed and branded into toys, keychains, drama CDs, and more. If they're really popular, they'll get made into multiple versions of toys that are released year after year.

Senjou no Valkyria's Alicia makes her toy debut this autumn with an offering from Sega. She measures 20cm or 7.87" tall and is sculpted from ABS and PVC. Alicia's in a running gallop and appears to be heading for outright war with a weapon on hand. She also wears a determined demeanor on her face. That usually means war. Preorders are welcome to ship in late September 2008 at JPY6800 or US$70.90 from NCS.