Posted: 12.02.2024
November’s Haul
Idol behavior
It’s like, all idols, man. And bugs… and Homura.
Nendoroid
#1643 Natsuiro Matsuri
A Hololive Nendo that has been missing from my collection but I’ve never really cared to go hunting for. I don’t dislike Matsuri, she’s OK. But I have a problem with paying MSRP for OK characters. However, if you were to, let’s say, list this figure complete in box on Mercari for under $20? I might be convinced to pick her up.
#2387 Omaru Polka
Now this is a Nendoroid I will happily pay full price for. I frickin adore Polka. Hololive’s bumbling jester fills some big clown shoes over at Cover. From her hilarious “Legend of Polka” (PoLegend) variety show to her fun and energetic original songs, this clown/fox is second to none.
The current Hololive Nendo collection, now with 2 new recruits, on display in the middle of my living room. I’m still missing a few key players: Korone, Shion, and Subaru to name a few, not to mention everyone they haven’t even made yet (looking at you, Kiara).
#2414 KAF
KAF is a virtual singer. Not a V-Tuber exactly, but a musician who hides behind a mocap/VR suit and an anime avatar. The general public does not know who KAF is or what she looks like. What we do know, however, is that she makes some bangin’ music and has a great, unique singing voice. She’s also the voice used for the KAFU voice synthesizer and does songs duetting with… herself. KAF is both human and machine.
#2300 Hoshino Ai
If you’re a true duck and you’ve read through all of my previous haul blog posts, the name “Oshi no Ko” should seem pretty familiar. You know, because I really like the series. And now, Ai has come home, baby! Takahashi Rie, professional actor and singer, did such a great job with Ai’s character. Don’t just take my word for it, listen to this bop for yourself. And if you haven’t had the chance to read or watch Oshi no Ko: please! I’m begging you, it’s so good.
Mother (Ai) and daughter (Ruby), reunited once again.
You totally clicked that link above and listened to Sign wa B, right? Here’s Ruby’s version. You’re welcome.
POP UP PARADE
Shishiro Botan
Poi! Despite her appearance, this is not a Slav-tuber. Botan is part of Hololive 5th generation (Holofive) and is my 2nd favorite 5th gen. member behind Polka. World-renowned FPS legend (and AGS season 2 winner) Botan looks absolutely dapper in the PUP format. This figure arrived just in time for Botan’s first EP release, “Lights”. Hard praying that we eventually get a matching figma. A man can dream. In the interim, check out these close up photos of Botan (and her feet, they look cool).
Akemi Homura
This is Homu’s 2nd appearance in the PUP line, now featuring her Madoka Magica: Rebellion appearance! The old Pop Up was of early magical girl Homura (or MoeMura) which I’ve honestly never been a huge fan of. I would gladly swap that old figure out for this one if they had the same hexagonal base. But nooo… GS had to start mixing it up on me to “save the environment”, “use less plastic”, and “make display combinations aesthetically unpleasing”. Figure looks great, tho!
Bandai: Diversity of Life
Diversity of Life: Advanced Wasp vol. 2
I know what you’re thinking but trust me, I actually strongly dislike bugs. Unless they’re big; large bugs are cool as frick. Take Bandai’s creepy crawlers for example, they’re huge, kinda-shiny, borderline gross — perfect!
While I’d never even think of touching a real life wasp or one of these grotesque M. Garuda incels, I’m so here for having plastic versions of them on my desk. Bandai’s Diversity of Life line offers petroleum-based iterations of insects, animals, sea creatures; you name it, they made or will make it. Couple the grand idea with equally great execution and you’re left with some stunning (not-so) little toys.
The sculpt on these is gross (in a great way), the paint is terrifying (in a good way), and their presence on my desk is wholly unwelcome (if you’re my housemate). I can’t wait to see what Bandai cranks out next in this line, of which I’ll most likely be interested in copping regardless of the subject matter.
figma
Minami Kotori
To ensure there is no confusion, I will repeat this again: Kotori is my favorite μ's member. If you were to present me a complete and affordable Kotori figure of any kind, chances are I will just hand you my wallet.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Love Live! School Idol Project; I am predisposed to being a fan of the “main character’s best friend”, as seen in Love Live! Sunshine!! and my unconditional love towards Riko. OK, well maybe it’s just a LL thing.
Anyway, after picking up the S.H. Figuarts START: DASH back in August, Kotori’s figma was the next version of the legendary maid Minalinksy needed for my ever-growing collection. I mean, come on: she’s μ's best lyric writer! Not to mention the originator of the funny LL face, of which I don’t know the name of. Is there a name for it? If you’ve ever watched the show, you know like, that face... when they pop up in the corner of the screen, all wide-style and funny looking. I’m rambling. Happy to have another Kotori! Eyes now set on that Plamo model kit.
SEGA: SPM
Aqours Jumping Heart figures
Yes. All of these. All 9 of these figures. I scored this collection of Love Live! Sunshine!! Jumping Heart figures off of Yahoo! Auctions for about $3 a piece. A killer deal for not-so-killer figures. I won’t lie, some of these Aqours gals are a little derpy looking. Whether it be their faces or the paint application on their cute little outfits, some are absolute whackitude. But it’s not a total loss — some of them look quite good! A few have some staining and sun damage, but for a few dollars a piece? I can’t really complain too much. I mean, I could, but I won’t. See below:
Experience the taste of some high quality close up photos of my personal favorite Aqours members. These 3 figures have the best sculpt and paint, and also happen to be my 3 favorite members — What luck! These Jumping Heart figures feature one of my favorite Aqours outfits of all time. I really like the bold colors and borderline tackiness of these sailor-suit-inspired dresses.
Riri and Yohane both look fantastic. I wish Riko was in a more dynamic pose, but this subdued look fits her character best if I’m being honest with myself. Yoshiko is Yoshiko. My cringelord incarnate gets the center treatment while on display as her bold pose with both arms outstretched is such a power move. She’s welcoming you to Hell Zone, little demon. Giran.
My latest project update: Buster Doll Knight
I have no updates on this one. I’ve been preoccupied with other things lately, specifically getting caught up in ZZZ & HSR. Also, Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium just came out and this is going to eat up a bit of my free time.
I will most definitely work on this kit soon. I believe myself. For now, I’ll share gacha BS:
[Zenless Zone Zero] Yanagi is absolutely GOATED. She’s so frickin good, especially combo’d with Burnice. This Disorder meta is wild. Remember when we used to break shields to win?
[Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium] I played the first few chapters, unlocked the ability to summon, passed the tablet to my dear friend and said “hit the button”. Pulled Sharkry; I can rest easy with a single 10 pull.
An imptomptu gacha update section wouldn’t be complete without mentioning HSR. Honkai Star Rail is honkin’ along. I just finished maxing out traces for my 18th character because I have no one important to build right now. Rappa came home last month (and her LC!) and she was built up to a good spot within a few hours. Right now I’m sitting pretty, waiting and saving for The Herta.
The last Memory of Chaos (MoC) cycle was pretty easy. I still don’t have Ruan Mei but with the power of FedoraBlazer, I can achieve decent enough numbers provided Firefly and/or Rappa are present. I won’t be pulling for Sunday or Fugue so we’ll see how the next few cycles treat me…
New Hololive Blu Ray for the collection!
A fennec fox, a white lion, and an alcoholic elf walk into a bar:
Hololive 5th generation’s debut live concert, in a tangible medium, for absorption through my ears and eyes.
Twinkle 4 You is a fantastic showing. If you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet and you’re a fan of the 4-member Holofive, I implore you to seek out a copy of this blu ray and watch it. The concert features some classic gen. 5 songs, solo songs, and a few new ones made for this concert such as Hyper Jumpin’ (certified bop) and the titular song Twinkle 4 You (also a banger). If you’re into this kind of shit, the show is great, and if you’re not: watch it anyways.
As for toy updates: I ain’t got a whole lot to report on. This was a pretty heavy month, mostly from my BBTS pile of loot shipment. I was waiting months to send those out.
Next few months will most likely be pretty sparse. I have a few fun things on preorder right now: figma Kiara (expected soon), figma La+ (waiting to be shipped), Apex’s Anby 1/7 scale figure (still quite a ways out). Otherwise, not a lot on the horizon other than a few new Hololive soldiers for the Nendoroid army. We’ll see what the holidays bring to my grubby lil hands.
That’s all. Goodbye for now.