Wondercon’s epicenters of activity were centered around its two largest exhibiting brands. One of which belonged to Bandai Namco’s high-quality collectibles division. An umbrella that holds licenses to produce statues, figures, model kits and more based on IP such as Gundam, Demon Slayer, Macross, and more.
During the show, we took a tour for a close look at what’s recently dropped in-store and online along with some coming soon prototypes.
Tamashii Nations
Demon Slayer Proplica
Nichirin Sword
For those who collect or those who cosplay, the scale replica blade was the first in the works based on the Demon Slayer anime. Features fine detail, such as a tsuba guard painted in a metallic black for a different image from the blade and Bandai compares it to high-quality replica lightsabers from other brands the sword features more than 50 sounds like the theme, character dialogue, and of course sheathing action. Coming later this year will be the Tengen twin blades.
VF-25 Messiah Valkyrie
Launched from Japan this special 40th Anniversary Macross piece is one of the highest quality variable state collector’s pieces to come from Bandai. The special Messiah color scheme will only be available during the 40th Anniversary. It’s highly articulate in each of its phases from fighter to battroid to gerwalk and comes with accessories such as the gunpod and assault knife. When you put it in full fighter mode you can notice the mini-pilot inside.
Blitzway
Voltron 5Pro Studio Carbotix
We got our first up close look at the world’s most incredible Voltron. The $699 might be a hefty price tag for most but it’s clear from seeing the scale, detail, and quality that nothing has been short changed. Able to be displayed using the action base as one massive unit or five individual lions in motion, there is no wrong way to show it off. The base unit also houses a hidden compartment for accessories including mini figurines of the pilots. Pre-orders for units are still available with the massive figure expected to be delivered by late summer 2022.
Storm Collectibles
Mortal Kombat 1/6 Action Figures
As the Storm Collectibles brand brings toys based on Tekken, Injustice, and retro games like Golden Axe; their Mortal Kombat line is the hot piece for 2022. Beginning with the high-quality Kung Lao figure, the MK line will expand with figures of Sub Zero, Kano, and the soon-to-release Scorpion. If you pre-order from the Storm Collectibles site you’ll receive special launch exclusive accessories for the figure. Bandai mentioned there were specialty items being discussed for Sub Zero and Kano but nothing to formally announce at the moment. Seeing these 1/6 scale figures up close I can tell you Storm has translated the level of slickness MK 10 and MK 11 brought to the game series. Not just in how well rendered the anatomy of these characters comes across in the figure but in its small touches. Character scars are something even the weakest camera photo will be able to pick up while the materials surrounding are tactfully realistic. Scorpion will release in Fall 2022 with Sub Zero to follow shortly after.
You can find the latest on all of Bandai’s toy brands at their umbrella site here.
