Macross 35th Anniversary VF-31J Build... ...

Macross, an anime that I have enjoyed since 1982 reached its 35th year in 2017 and in 2016, the anime Macross Delta was aired. Prices of Macross toys have also skyrocketed over the years which made me stop buying anything released from the series.

Toynami Max and Miriya Sterling's VF-1J ... ...

These are 1/100scale VF-1J veritech fighters of Max and Miriya of a classic cartoon series which I really enjoyed. The American calls the series Robotech while the Japanese origin is Macross.

Bandai DX Chogokin VF-27ɣ Lucifer (Update) ... ...

From the earlier post, I mentioned that this post is triggered by VF-29 and I just realized I posted the VF-27ɣ before (face-palm moment).

 

This is produced under Bandai's DX Chogokin line and there are diecast parts mostly in the joint. I mentioned that this is my last piece from Macross Frontier and the prices of the recent releases help me in staying true to that decision. My other Macross Frontier Valkyries are found

Here

Here

Here

Here

Here

Macross Zero Yamato SV-51ɣ Ivanov Type ... ...

The world of Macross kept expanding and so does the toy line. What invoked this and the subsequent post is due to pre-order for new VFs (Variable Fighters) from the latest Macross Frontier Movie. What I have here is an old purchase which I had no time to post but I have and posted the SV-51ɣ Nora Type from Macross Zero.

"The SV-51 was the only Variable Fighter secretly developed by the Anti-U.N. forces. This top secret fighter was constructed with the use of alien OverTechnology obtained illicitly from the U.N. variable fighter development under undisclosed circumstances."

Source:http://macross.wikia.com/wiki/SV-51

This is one of the weirdest looking Macross Valkyries I have and I like the Ivanov and the Nora Type for their peculiar design and that they reminds me of Maximillian Jenius and Millia Fallyna and their VF-1Js.

Macross 30th Anniversary VF-1 in its Full Glory ... ...

 I left off the last time with the labels untouched and today, I couldn't help myself to get to work.

30 Years of Macross ... ...

Well, I have said that I have one Macross too many and I've indeed payback what I've lost as a child. However, I have to get this!!

Starting from Zero ... ...

Macross Zero to be exact. Decided to open Shin Kudo's VF-0A with Ghost Booster since I did SV-51γ last night.

This was released at the same period with SV-51γ and I expected this combo pack thus, did not get the individual VF-0A. 

The VF-0A is the first mass-produced variable figher under U.N SPACY and the protagonist, Shin Kudo, beats Hikaru Ichijo to flying in a valkyrie. Roy Folker already a Skull Squadron Commander flying his VF-0S is the mentor (when is he ever not).

Yamato rebounded with 1/60 scale with this series but this like the 1/48 transforms in entirety without the need to remove parts. Although, 1/60, the size is about the same as the 1/48; meaning VF-0s are bigger?

This combo pack included the QF-2200D-B, Ghost Booster. UAV mode seen here.

The ghost booster came along with additional armaments which snaps on rather effortlessly.

Gerwalk mode which is similar if not identical to any VF-1s. In fact, the transformation sequence is the same.

Poseability is nothing out of the ordinary for a Yamato Macross product. The figure stood well on its own even with everything on. Another wonder collection to any Macross Fan.

NORAsh Type ... ...

which I really did take my time to take this piece out finally for a photo-shoot. I must have kept this up in the shelf for at least 4 years or more.

SV-51γ Nora Type from the Macross Zero series (one of the shortest). Apparently, this series dates back earlier to even before VF-1s were made.

The SV-51s were developed by the Anti U.N forces against the VF-0s program; in short the bad guys. More info here.

This is one of those rare complete packaging by Yamato which everything is thrown in and with very detailed parts.

This is definitely NOT a toy and handling this baby takes a lot of patience and delicate fingers or hands do apply.

Fighter mode. Yamato threw in the display stand and fast pack. No variant nonsense

There are many pointy parts especially at the tip of the wings which additional or unnecessary pressure will result in a worthless piece of junk.

The figure in Gerwalk mode with the drone head extended. The feet is another outstanding feature of the SV-51γ.

A rear shot in Gerwalk mode gives the impression of a huge predatory bird which is what the SV-51γ was portrayed in Macross Zero. This is indeed a very hard to handle bogey for Shin Kudo in his VF-0A. 

Battleroid mode and the figure stands firmly with its very well engineered feet which provides multiple articulation. There is some resemblance to the VF-27γ from the Macross Frontier. Well, so much for imagination from the world of animation; backup with a simple explanation of progressive technology.

Poseability of the figure like all Yamato valkyries has its limitation but decent enough.

The stand of course comes in handy for more poses and Yamato has been silent for a long time in producing intricate products such as the SV-51γ. Thank goodness I bought both the Nora and Ivanov types.

Seeking Elint ... ...

for the pass few years have finally come to an end yesterday. Yamato finally answered my prayer for an improved version (at least in my opinion) of the VE-1 Elint Seeker. This is another 1/60 scale from Yamato which is a very nice size in terms of storage and display.

This could most probably be my final piece for Macross under the line of Yamato as all the collectible Valkyries that I like in the series have been released.

Let's start with the review on this piece then.

Packaging - 4/5
This is another standard 1/60 packaging with the standard box art similar to Low Vis which was reviewed previously. I gave this an additional 2 points for
1. The valk is in flight mode and this makes it look much aggressive
2. More features being shown at the back of the box

However, it would have scored a full 5 if there is a flap like the Super Ostrich.

Front

Back

The interior is also the standard Yamato plastic tray that houses everything neatly in place. There are two trays for the VE-1 due to the fast pack and Elint equipment.

Tray 1 - the valk

Tray 2 - Fast Pack and Elint Radar Dome

Yamato has put in considerable effort into protecting its product with plastic sheets at areas where there is a possibility of damage due to abrasion.

The wings are nicely wrapped

Tip of the wings has addition plastic sheets for further protection

The Toy - 5/5
This has got to be the best and I mean the BEST valks from Yamato in my possession. Although it is not as powerful as the rest in terms of firepower. In fact, it's not even armed but it's the kind of equipment it carries that makes it smart looking.

The basic valk without its fast pack and Elint equipment on is stylish with a light shade of grey and its yellow nose cone. There is a lot of pre-painted labels on the valk as well. Although slapping on the stickers would make it look even better.

Cockpit seats 2, a pilot and a signaller

Topside of the valk

A point of caution here to all is to be VERY careful when fitting the parts onto the plane. Everything is made of solid plastic and the little spokes sticking out can be very brittle.

Elint mode

Side view with the fast pack

Top side

The colour combination is again very nicely coordinated which makes the VE-1 an eye candy.

As of all fast pack, the covers can be removed to review the engines and mechanisms in it. This is a detail that I appreciate and best displayed in Fighter mode with the landing gears deployed.

Gerwalk mode of VE-1 looks great with all the parts on and like all Yamato valks, CG is no issue.

However, do take care with displaying and make sure it will not topple over as the spokes from Elint equipment may just snap off upon impact.

Finally the Battleroid mode which initially was not my favourite due to the odd looking head. However, it does look slightly better than the VT-1 Super Ostrich.

It does not look so odd after all with all the sophisticated equipment around it and thus, I credited it more with more shots.

The pictures below are some of the details that Yamato has included which makes this a wonder piece of collectible

The details here are the prepainted labels (above) and the little catch (bottom) that holds the tail fin in place.

Overall - 4/5

This valk is not exactly the main cast of mechs in the Macross series but it is one of those that is not common like the VF-1. Yamato has really intended this piece for collectors with the materials chosen and the kind of the details included. In fact, it is stated on the box that this item is for age 15 and above and so, it has actually edged itself out of the toy category.

The reason why it is 1 point shy of a full score is a display stand would have been a great addition in the packaging. I think I'm spoilt by Bandai's packaging standards.

A must get for all Macross fans and it will not be around in the shops long enough for you to think about it.