Masamune Shirow Hyperpage

Hot Toys Snap Kits!

1/20 ES.W.A.T Snap Kits
Product code: SK080407
In-stock:COMING SOON
Exclusive:--

Especially Weapons And Tactics! :) Huh?

This SNAP KITS series features below listed five (5) E.S.W.A.T Snap Kits, each stands approximately 10-12 cm tall with 20 points of articulation

* E.S.W.A.T. Deunan Knute

* E.S.W.A.T. Briareos Hechatonchires

* E.S.W.A.T. Tereus

* E.S.W.A.T. Manuel Aeacus

* E.S.W.A.T. Rhoetus

AND

* Approximately 18 cm tall fully poseable LANDMATE (32 points of articulation)

## Each closed box comes with one of the above listed E.S.W.A.T Snap Kits as well as parts of LANDMATE

## A completed LandMate and all ESWAT team members are guaranteed in each display box

## Simply assembly required.

{Release date: Q3, 2008}

**Product shown is not final**

What you get

Landmate- coolness

And in other Hot Toys news...

Bad Boy Tereus in 1/6 scale glory!

TEREUS 1/6 Scale Fully
Poseable Model Kit

Product code: MMS65
In-stock:COMING SOON
Exclusive:--

Product Description:

** Approximate 31 cm tall fully poseable model kit
** over 15 points of articulation
** Weapons & accessories include:
- ES.W.A.T Riffle- HECATE stg 1002
- ES.W.A.T HandGun- HECATE P-08
- HandGun
** Display base with ExMachina logo and Tereus name plate
## simple assembly is required

{Release date: Q3, 2008}

**Product shown is not final**

I should really update more often here :( Missed out on quite a lot of news - like VMF Motoko, Wave 1/10 Ex Machina, Ex Machina DVD release, GITS 1.5 Human Error Processor, Ghost Hound etc.

So it was Tereus and the "Especially Weapons And Tactics" Snap Kits (where on earth did they come up with such a ridiculous ESWAT description) that got me updating again.

Did have a plan to do some kind of massive update on things missed out since Jan 2008, but eh... excuses, excuses. Goodness I'm so broke, and its not even half of the year yet...

Well, 2007 had been a great year for the Shirow fan. And we look forward to 2008 already, with the Appleseed Saga EX Machina DVD due very soon. Thanks to everyone for the news alerts and encouragements. I will try to do better with the site this year. Cheers! ^_^

Medicom Real Action Heroes (RAH) 1/6 Scale figure, that is :) She made it finally! Great~ Details are quite scarce at the moment but not to worry. Ample time to plan for this one. This Major will be in Solid State Society costume.

Real Action Heroes (RAH)
Ghost In The Shell Motoko Kusanagi
RAH（リアルアクションヒーローズ） 攻殻機動隊 草薙 素子
Size: 12" (1/6 scale)
Manufacturer: Medicom Toys
Price: 17640 Yen (tentative)
Release: August 2008 (tentative)

Ladies & Gentlemen- Major Motoko Kusanagi :)

Wow. That is alot of 1/6 scale figure news for the end of the year. I have a few Medicom RAHs in my collection and I am sure this Motoko will turn out great :) Another one for the 2008 wishlist then.

SOURCE (seems like some kind of magazine scan). As always, check the forums for any breaking news :)

Ok, old news I know, but for the sake of comparison I will write something about the Takara CG Deunan Knute 1/6 figure slated for release sometime in February 08.

Appleseed 2 EX MACHINA Deunan in CG (Doll)
Manufacturer: Takara
Scale: 1/6
Series: Cool Girl
Original: Appleseed
Release Date: Late Feb
Regular Price: 19,800 yen

Already up for pre-orders if you feel like owning one :)

With armour and gear

From the back, looks very good :)

Takara's CG line can sometimes be deceiving with the promotional prototype pictures and the actual mass release product, as we experienced first hand with Motoko. This Deunan Knute CG is dubious also, certain angles she looks hot, while other views look a bit off. I guess there's no other way to know for sure until she is released. However, the beauty of CG dolls is that with a good eye and some customizing skills, they can be altered to extremely collectible beauties. More pictures of Deunan with her kit off :)

Deunan actually looks better without the armour in my opinion :) and if the level of detail is anything like the Batman Begins CG costume, I think this will work out quite nicely. Fingers crossed that she will turn out beautiful. At the moment though, seems like the Hot Toys version is more hot... and with Briareos too. Maybe Briareos would be a bit offended to be released as a "Cool Girl" :P

I'm helping out yet another Shirow collector to promote some rare, hard to find Shirow publications for sale. This time it's none other than Franco, owner of one of the best Shirow sites (still, after all these years!) Puto's Home Page.

He has decided to put up part of his collection for sale, you can find items such as some Shirow Calendars from the 90's, Shirow-content magazines, Jashin Hunter novel set, etc. For more information on the items for sale and how to get in touch, do visit his Sales Page Update here.

Rebirth 99 Calendar

Ultra Jump Magazine

Franco and I go way back... I still remember when we first got in touch years ago... that was like 1997 if I remember correctly, when the Shirow Hyperpage was still hosted on Geocities and Puto's also (amazing how the home page still stays at the same address after all these years! ^_^).

Anyway, it was never nice for me to know of people letting go of their Shirow collections, but hey, you gotta move on right? And while Puto's have not been updated for a very long time, rest assured that Franco is still very much a Shirow fan- just that the new direction Sensei Shirow has taken ever since he started tinkering with CG and abandoning manga stories probably left many old-time fans disappointed. Well, that is another topic for another time.

Note to those that emailed me during the past few weeks- so sorry I didnt answer your mails. I've been busy at work and just came back from outstation. I'll get to answering them later. Hey I didnt even update the Takara CG Deunan Knute yet! :) That's how far behind I am...

While I reserve judgement on the EX Machina movie proper, in terms of merchandising, EX Machina is looking VERY promising. Have you all heard the news recently about Hot Toys acquiring the license for 1/6 scale Ex Machina figures? Deunan & Bri heads the list.

For the unfamiliar, Hot Toys is a Hong Kong based toy company producing mainly high quality collector's 1/6 figures which contributed to the military 1/6 dolls collecting craze which started years back. Their products are quality, (very expensive) and usually sell out very fast. Ex Machina figures will be under the "Movie Masterpiece" line, and according to Hot Toys website, their first animated show figure set.

Enough with the small talk, on to the important stuff! :)

Best looking Appleseed figures so far!

Briareos Hechatonchires
1/6 Scale Fully Poseable Model Kit
Product code: MMS52
In-stock:COMING SOON
Exclusive:--
~Movie Materpiece series~
Product Description:
+ Approximate 35 cm tall fully poseable model kit
- Weapons & accessories include:
- Analog watch
- PROMETEUS M-08 CYBORG PISTOL x 2
- ENIGMA M-117 ANTI MATERIAL RIFLE
- Display base with Ex Machina logo and Briareos's name plate
** simple assembly is required
Release date: Q4, 2007

Deunan Knute
1/6 Scale Fully Poseable Model Kit
Product code: MM51
In-stock:COMING SOON
Exclusive:--
~Movie Masterpiece Series~
Product Description:
+ Approximate 28 cm tall fully poseable model kit
+ Weapons & accessories include:
- Analog watch
- Knife
- Sheath
- ES.W.A.T Riffle- HECATE stg 1002
- ES.W.A.T HandGun- HECATE P-08
- Display base with Ex Machina logo and Deunan's name plate
** simple assembly is required
Release date: Q4, 2007

Here comes some glamour shots :)

Without a doubt, a very desirable collector's set for any Shirow / Appleseed / 1/6 Scale figures fan :) Me included. Updates on pricing, release dates etc. as and when the information becomes available. Thanks Markus for the tip.

If you are in Japan / Tokyo this weekend why not check out the EX Machina Roadshow? I wish I could...!

Well, seems like we have enough material to do a dedicated post for this certainly unique Tachikoma product. What we know so far, the basics:

Debuted (prototype) at 47th All-Japanese Model Hobby Show (13-14 Oct 07). Produced by Bandai, set for February 2008 release at 13440 Yen. 1/24 scale (9.5cm high) Alloy Tachikoma, or a "Chogokin". Features are still being added and re-considered at this stage, so this is just a prototype for show.

Tachikoma at Bandai Booth

Other features known so far:

• USB connection to PC (via hatch at the Tachi's pod)
• CD-Rom containing "Tachikoma Finder" Software
• Once connected via USB, "Tachikoma Finder" software loads on PC
• Changes PC wallpaper to "attack mode" (as in the anime)
• Several options of wallpaper, including warai otoko version
• Tachikoma activates with connection to "Tachikoma Finder" software
• Simulates the Tachikoma agents dive into the PC (as the 2nd GIG anime)
• Voice provided by Sakiko Tamagawa (of SAC anime)
• Eyeballs occasionally move
• LED on pod blinks with data transfer
• User can't control Tachikoma in this mode, only in "Voce Memo" & "Mini Game"
• Voice Memo - Alarm function, Tachi-kun speaks to you at specified time
• Mini Game - Win & lose will activate "special events"

Ok, so far it is confirmed that the eyeballs move! ;)

More pictures:

That's all I have for now... check out the original Japanese sources, and feel free to correct any mistakes I make above:
GA Graphic Report
IT Media Lifestyle Report

So Bandai, when can I order one? :)

Have you guys seen the recent WAVE announcement regarding upcoming figures? It really will WHAM your hobby budgets for the entire next year...! Here's what's coming up, I know the image is a bit small but that's all I can find so far from the WAVE website. Relevant items marked with a Tachikoma(ns) :)

While I cant make out any release dates, let's do some budgeting:

1. WHAM Tachikoma (with feet!) & SSS Motoko = 4725 Yen
2. WHAM Tachikoma (original) & Ishikawa = 4725 Yen
3. WAVE Tachikoma (blue) & Paz = 4725 Yen
4. WAVE Tachikoma (Yellow) & Saito = 4725 Yen
5. WHAM Tachikoma (silver) & Boma = 4725 Yen
6. WHAM Arm Suit (Black Ver) = 7140 Yen
7. WHAM Arm Suit (White Ver) = 7140 Yen

So it works like this. The WHAM Tachikomans are nothing new, except SSS Motoko's, which has feet making it very much more desirable. The rest are the same as the previous WHAMs. More significantly though, Section 9 cast is now complete! Although they're 1/24 scale, this is the first time that we actually have a complete Section 9 cast figures set (Batou, Chief Aramaki, Togusa & Motoko were already released as part of the previous WHAM package).

Just a bloody shame that we have to buy Tachikomans to get the squad :( For the sake of a complete Section 9, total damages incurred = 5 x 4725 Yen = 23625 Yen. Tachikoma cant just idle around doing nothing, so they have to fight. Buy one Arm Suit, and you have just got to get the other colour for the sake of completion. Damages = +2 x 7140 Yen = 37905 yen. That's a hell lot of money!

Next, you gotta ask yourself. Do I like Appleseed? Obviously yes...

Briareos looks quite mean from the pictures, but they are still in prototype stages. You can't have Bri and not Deunan, so just budget another say... 12000 yen for the couple from Olympus. Estimated damage total now = 49905 Yen.

Plus postages and what not... I think... 80000 Yen for the lot? Be prepared, don't run out of money now :)

Now that we've covered the WAVE portion, another very interesting and unique Tachikoma news! Seems like Bandai is releasing a 1/24 chogokin Tachikoma with PC interface. Comes with a software that allows you to manipulate the Tachi. Details are sketchy, Japanese no good ^_^;...

Robot Tachikoma news
Bandai Press Release

電脳超合金タチコマ
Computer Chogokin Tachikoma
Release: February 2008
Price: 13440 Yen

Tachikoma (USB powered?)

PC Interface?

The Tachikoma does come with a CD-Rom software and USB interface, so I do think there must be some kind of control element.

I don't think I need to update the total damages anymore, enough to say that we need a LOT of money for Tachikomas! :) By the way, I have lots of news- new products, EX Machina preview DVD, more Tachikoma-related news.. but alas, my camera broke so I cant snap anything until my new one gets here. Also, I don't have the free time to post much these days... need to keep the cash flowing to support this ridiculous Tachikoma collecting hobby :P (and a family...!) ^_^ Thanks Jeff~!

Do you remember the Tachikoma Plushies from Animax Online Shop?

Cutie pair from my collection

Well, if you missed the Tachi Plush Pair from the previous offering, now another chance has come up. Animax Online Shop is once again offering Limited Edition Tachikoma Plushies, this time in a set of 3 (hmmm... seems to be a trend now to have all Tachi products in tri-colour release). The set is tagged at 8150 Yen for an October 07 release. However, please note that this is an Animax Online Limited goods, not available to buyers outside Japan. Read on though... :)

GITS SAC Tachikoma Plush Set of 3
攻殻機動隊S.A.C.　タチコマンズぬいぐるみ3点セット
Animax Online Shop Limited Goods
Release Date: October 2007
Price: 8150 Yen (for set of 3)
Dimensions: 17cm x 18cm

How cute! A Tachi Cardboard house! :)

Ok, despite this being a Japan-only Animax goodie, our buddy Rob (of Samurai Monkey) can help you get a set :) Thanks Rob, for the news alert and order help. Visit Samurai Monkey Blog for more details.

My Appleseed EX Machina news are kinda mixed up, but hey, better than nothing right? :)

EX MACHINA-エクスマキナ- Evolution of Appleseed (数量限定生産)
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese
Region: Region 2 (This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio:: Micott Basara
DVD Release Date: 2007/10/03
Run Time: 40 minutes

sTwo says its a limited edition, 5000 copies only. And the MAIN reason I'm getting this for my personal collection:

Oh yeah! :) I'm totally liking the SD Guges! Must have! Would be a great compliment to my SD Briareos resin kit (I broke his leg, which must be fixed sooner or later...)

Pre-orderable from Amazon JP.

Oh, and did you know that if you buy tickets to watch Appleseed Saga Ex Machina in Japanese theaters you can pick up some super limited edition goodies. Man, I'm so jealous of the Japanese fans!

Limited Edition Goodies with Ticket Purchase

Apart from the freely available posters (which isn't so hot anymore after we've been bombarded with the John Woo-ish image of the Hecato-knute couple, man... can't the marketing team come up with a few more images for promotion?) there are also limited Prologue DVD, Deunan Knute (Prada) keychain, and not mentioned here but have been spotted- hardcover Ex Machina design book (I suspect Prada related too).

Prologue DVD

Ok, we get it. Prada designs 2 costumes for Deunan. Big deal... :(

On another totally unrelated subject, this is the Wonder Festival 2007 Summer weekend in Tokyo. Sounds like fun :) But seriously... I'm not expecting much Shirow / GITS this time around. It's kinda yesterday's news already in the ultra-competitive and dynamic Japanese anime/otaku market.