She's just an angel in the skies.

Ever since the late 80's with the explosion of the OVA and doujinshi market, Mecha Musume (mechanical girl) type characters have been littered throughout various fandoms. The most famous of these were Mika Akitaka's MS Girls. The same designer of the Double Zeta Gundam created a series of illustrations of cute girls clad in Mobile Suit armor. I feel that Konami's Busou Shinki line in an interesting take on the Mecha Musume concept. These figures represent 1/1 scale miniature androids that do battle over an online game called Busou Shinki: Battle Rondo. If you're interested in the game, there's some videos floating around youtube.

With regards to the figures themselves, Busou Shinkis are highly articulated and highly customizable figures. Each one comes with its own themed arsenal of weapons and armor parts which can be added to the standardized body. Each figure has its own unique head design and name to give it some kind of persona. Recently Konami has been releasing a few "Light Armor" figures that come with fewer parts than either a full Busou Shinki set or even the optional parts sets. I actually like this idea as while the big set are nice, they tend to have too many parts to keep track of or even use all at once. A Light Armor figure can serve as simple fun or as a gateway into the line.

Angel Commando Werkstra on her own is a typical Busou Shinki gal. I like her very basic style. These figures have several plastic washers in their wrists, thighs, and biceps which can be replaced with washers that include attachment points for armor and equipment. One thing I don't like about these figures is the tiny wrist washers. I'm always afraid I'm going to lose one and they don't come with extras. If I had to compare her face and hairstyle to a recent anime character, I'd have to say she looks like Eureka from Eureka 7. I'm not sure if the name Werkstra means anything special. It certainly doesn't sound "angelic."

Werkstra comes with an extra head with closed eyes so that she may pray like a good little angel. Right now I think she's thinking about delicious cake.

Enough with the basic figure. HENSHIN!

Fully equipped, Werkstra starts looking like the love-child of Eureka and KOS-MOS from Xenosaga (perhaps KOS-MOS is built to the same spec as Aaron Stack and contains many "useful devices"). As my other two Shinkis are Fighter Type Asuka and Dog Type Howling, this figure gets major points from me for having useful feet. I think a few too many of the fully armored characters depend on their included stand pieces. Werkstra is stable even with her armor. I like to display these figures with their silly headgear, and I think Werkstra's sensor hairband looks nice. She has some basic protection in the form of a chest plate that replaces her chest part.

Werkstra's main weapon is some sort of futuristic P90 style weapon. It comes with an optional bayonet that also serves as an assault knife. Her shield is mounted via one of the extra wrist washers. She comes with two fists, two open palm hands, and two weapon holding hands.

Like the big sets, Werkstra comes with a display stand that plugs into one of the many Microman-esque ports on her body. This stand is much simpler than awkward looking ones from the big sets like Asuka or Howling. It consists of an oval shaped base with a long pole with a joint on the end. The pole itself is comprised of several different pieces so that you may adjust its overall height. The joint is secured with a tiny screw which can be loosened to adjust the angle of the attachment point.

From the rear we can see that Werkstra's default configuration is concentrated into one single back unit with two boosters. Each booster has a detachable missile and fin. Since I'm a terribly uncreative person, I don't really know what else to do with her. I like her default look. I'm not really sure how boosters, missiles, and a wicked gun makes you an angel but then again I'm not a Japanese designer.

Wekstra's equipment is nice and compact so it doesn't affect her flexibility. Here you can see the knife detached from the gun.

As a collector, I'm not deep into Busou Shinki but I do like the ones I have and Werkstra is no different. I hope Konami continues with these Light Armor style figures but in the end its all about which figure you find appealing. I like the way Werkstra looks, and I also think she's a good introductory figure.

The fantastic Linebarrel mecha is back, in a whole new version: LINEBARREL OVERDRIVE! The titular mecha (and some would say star) of the anime sensation Linebarrels of Iron was designed for fierce close-combat, but includes a hidden tail weapon for long-range engagements.

A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! The fantastic Linebarrel mecha is back, in a whole new version: LINEBARREL OVERDRIVE! The titular mecha (and some would say star) of the anime sensation Linebarrels of Iron was designed for fierce close-combat, but includes a hidden tail weapon for long-range engagements. When in grave danger, Linebarrel can override its pilot’s commands to transform into Overdrive mode, becoming more powerful and unleashing additional weaponry and armor!

Linebarrel Overdrive is cast in multiple colors (eliminating any need for painting) from over 300 individual parts, and stands over 6 inches tall (in 1/144 scale with the other Linebarrels of Iron mecha). The mecha has approximately 30 point of articulation with special elbow and knee joints that exceed 90 degrees of movement for a wide range of dynamic combat poses. In addition to the standard twin blades (each housed in sheathes on his forearms), Linebarrel Overdrive has additional heavy armor and weaponry, as well as a special display base for flying poses. Pictorial assembly instructions are included to help guide you in making this plastic model kit into the awesome combat machine.

srp $49.99
Available in AUGUST

© 2008 Eiichi Shimizu, Tomohiro Shimoguchi, Akita Publishing/GONZO/Linebarrel Partners

The companion piece to the Stag Beetle Espadia, the Beetle Lancamento.

MMS Type Beetle Lancamento is the companion piece to the MMS Type Stag Beetle Espadia.

This figure, like all Busou Shinki releases, consists of a poseable female figure with removable armor. In each series, the armor has a specific theme, and for series 9, that theme is Beetle.

Lancamento is available from Angolz.com

The designs for this series were done by Tanimeso, famed for his illustration work for "Rumbling Angel," "Zoids," and original robots in the "Super Robot Wars" games.

The base figure is essentially the same as any other MMS figure. Tall, lanky, and child-like. The head can separate so you can switch around facial expressions with the second included head. Each limb can be removed and replaced with bits of armor from the set.

You can choose how you want to display your figure by using some or all of the armor. Here, I only used certain parts to create a light armor look.

With all of the armor on the figure she is incredibly bulky. It works though, even though it looks fantastically unpractical.

Lacramento can actually stand without the included stand, a rarity with Busou Shinki figures.

She is fully armed with a 1 short rifle, 1 long rifle, 2 pistols (stored on the side) and a shield.

She is much too chipper in my opinion. I can't imagine that she is happy in all that armor.

The stand enables more dynamic poses, but of course you are limited by the design of the armor. The great thing about this (and other MMS releases) is that the figure is incredibly sturdy. Nothing feels as if it is going to fall off if you touch it.

With most MMS figures, the armor is just armor. But with the 009 series, each armor also has a second form, in this case a beetle. In my opinion this one looks more beetle-like then the Espadia.

The beetle armor can be displayed on its own or on the stand.

The real draw here is that the two suits of armor can be combined to form the Hercules robot!

Combining the two is quite an exercise, and you definately need the manual to do it. As you assemble it you realize why certain armor parts were designed as they were.

The combined Hercules robot stands at about 7.5 inches tall. It's reasonably well articulated, and it stands fine on its own.

The three swords from Espadia combine here into one large sword. The claw like hands grasp the sword by a peg at the end of the handle.

In the end, I actually ended up storing the MMS figures and keeping Hercules on display. He just looks really cool. He has a look reminiscent of the Machine Robo Mugenbine toys, a look I like a lot. I think its worth getting the set of two. You get hours of play value with the combining gimmick, and endless display variations for your shelf.

You can get your Busou Shinki Lancamento at Angolz.com

MMS Type Stag Beetle Espadia is one of two Busou Shinki figures whose armor combines into a fighting robot!

The Japanese have always been obsessed with fighting beetles, and it comes as no surprise that this obsession spills over into the realm of toys. Fighting beetles are popular toys on the shelf, and catching the live ones seems like a right of passage for Japanese youth. The beetle motif is all over Japanese robot toys as well, from Diaclone and Machinerobo toys to modern toys like Beetleborgs.

Beetle Espadia arrives courtesy of Angolz.com

The Busou Shinki MMS Type Stag Beetle Espadia continues this legacy by incorporating the Japanese fighting beetle look into the figures battle armor.

The box is the typically nice Busou Shinki box, with a velcro-sealed window flap that opens to reveal the figure and its parts.

Inside the figure is packed in two translucent trays.

Busou Shinki figures are poseable female action figures that feature various kinds of attachable armor. Each armor set has a specific theme. In this case, this Espadia and the corresponding Beetle Lancamento are both Japanese fighting beetles.

The armor design was done by Tanimeso, famed for his illustration work for "Rumbling Angel," "Zoids," and original robots in the "Super Robot Wars" games.

The core figure is super poseable, with a unique hip joint that enables a variety of poses. This figure appears to have tighter joints than previous releases, and also the feet on this release has a more rubbery feel, giving some traction when trying to stand it freely.

All of that of course goes out the window with the armor on.

The feet of the armor are too narrow to support the bulky frame, making use of the included stand a necessity.

It takes a long time to get all the armor on, but once done the finished form looks pretty cool. Two large swords attach to the hips that can be held in either hand, or by the extendable arms on the armor.

Also included is a sword.

But wait, there's more...

Like all Busou Shinki figures, the armor is meant to be customizable. Konami actually includes a few extra parts for even more creations. But this time Konami has designed the armor so that it can be transformed into a stag beetle!

The beetle can stand alone or be displayed on the stand.

But wait, there's still more!

If you get the companion piece Lancamento you can combine both armors to create a robot called Hercules (which you will see in the Lancamento Review)

Get your MMS Type Stag Beetle Espadia at Angolz.com

If you are a Gurren Lagann fan you will agree with me when I say.... This figure is FREAKIN AWESOME!

Today I will be reviewing Konami's Impact Model series Lagann. Lagann is a small Gunmen that is piloted by the lead character Simon. In the Gurren Lagann anime, Lagann combines with the larger Gunmen Gurren to form Gurren Lagann.

When I came into possession of this piece I was not impressed with it's bare bones black cube packaging. The reason for my dismay is because after seeing Konami's Gurren Lagann die-cast, I felt this unassuming box was quite a departure. I was relieved when upon further inspection, I realized that the packaging was actually a window box with a flap covering what was inside.

As you can see from the photo's below, Lagann includes many accessories, such as a variant face, hands, drills and stand. Oh, lets not forget the highly detailed Simon figure.

I was really pleasantly surprised at the nice quality plastic used, its solid feel, and how nicely painted/detailed this figure is. Check it out!

Lagann stands about 6"-8" tall depending if you mount him on the included stand or not. Having 14 points of articulation makes this figure able to pull off some super cool poses.

Full drillized mode! Notice the cool variant scowling face. Looks killer!!

My personal favorite pose.

Lagann and Simon Kicking back and relaxing.

Peek-A-Boo!

Taito's prize toys from Harlock / 999 became real scarce, real fast. So here they are again, with slight modifications

Taito's prize toys from Harlock / 999 became real scarce, real fast. So here they are again, with slight modifications:

Due 01/09

1:1 Gravity Saber, Esmeraldis version - 1,280yen

Super Mechanics Galaxy Express 999 Movie version - 1,280 Yen

Due 03/09

Galaxy Express Anime Real Figure (Set of two) - 2,480 yen

Pint sized versions of your favorite Gurren Lagann characters

Konami presents Pint sized versions of your favorite Gurren Lagann characters. Each will sell for 483 yen, due 9/25/08

Two new light armor Buso Shinki MMS figures from Konami

These two new Busou Shinki figures are priced at 2,900 yen each and are due 2/09

MMS Type Builder Grapprap was obviously influenced by the power loader from the movie "Aliens".

EX Weapon Sets are armor sets that you can use with your existing Busou Shinki figures. They are not as large or as complicated as a regular set, and do not include a body.

You can get all your Busou Shinki releases at Angolz.com

For this review I have used the body of the MMS type naked black with this armor.

The MMS Type Builder Grapprap was obviously influenced by the power loader from the movie "Aliens". Its yellow color and hydraulic construction are clearly made for work as opposed to war. Large yellow claws provide extra power for picking up debris and construction material of all sizes.

Grapprap comes in a smaller box, and the parts come packed in two clear trays. There are tons of accessories included. You get a head with a small torso that acts as a stand, leg attachments, and then the whole back attachment with two sets of arms. You will need to use the torso and arms from a completed Busou Shinki figure to assemble this figure.

The detail on the parts is fantastic. Each bolt and rivet is painted silver, and there is paint detail throughout all the parts. The quality of the plastic and the build is fantastic, as is the norm for Konami releases.

The leg parts are articulated at the ankles, but thats it. It's in the arm units that all the fun is.

The large arm units attach to the large black "engine" on the back, and they hinge there as well. At the end there is a ball joint with a peg on it, to which the lower arms attach. The lower arm claws are fully articulated.

The smaller arms come over the shoulder and those too are fully articulated, and have articulated claws.

Although a stand is included, this figure does not really need one, as it stands fine on its own. The stand attaches to the back of the figure's harness.

As always, this armor comes with a code that enables you to play on-line with your figure. If you can read Japanese that is.

Digging the Busou Shinki line yet? You can get yours at Angolz.com

By Busou Shhink at Angolz.com

More goodies from the 2008 Tokyo Toy Show - including Transformers, Busou Shinki and Revoltech!

Tokyo Toy Show report - 6/28

HASBRO

Star Wars

• Hoth Speeder Bike Battlepack and Green Leaders A-Wing Fighter
• Millennium Falcon
• AT-TE (seems like different colors from Toy Fair?)
• V-19 fighter

Tranformers

• Masterpiece Thundercracker
• New Nissan GTR Alternaty

KONAMI

Busou Shinki

• Bright Feather and Harmony grace
• MMS Scorpion Type
• MMS Spider Type
• MMS Dragon?

KAIYODO

Revoltech

• Megazone 23
• Fraulein IDOLM@STER
• Gurren Drill!
• Full Metal Panic
• Fist of the North Star