Masamune Shirow Hyperpage

While waiting for Pieces to be released (Seishinsha website now says Feb 09, no problem- what's a month right?) I took some photos last weekend and thought I'd post it up. Ok, it might be more meaningful to do some reviews or article, but this takes much less effort :P

First up, quite high on my to-do list:

WTH?

I even bought a pin vice to sort this out! Will share results once complete. I'm sure some of you would know what this is :)

And, some random shots of my newly acquired VM friend ;) I try my best now to unbox and display figures. Unfortunately 99% of my collection is at home.

Motoko!

Again, the mystery part!

With RAH Motoko, hopefully photos soon!

A little bit about the VMF. Overall I quite like this Motoko. With her coat on, the joints are not so obvious, and she is quite beautiful. RAH Motoko is bigger and looks more like the Major from the SAC series, but her costume is a big let-down. Which one do you guys prefer- RAH or VMF? (I think I can guess the answer already...)

Wish me luck with the pin vice challenge! :)

It's been awhile since I posted any fanart, but check out this set of uber-cute, superbly done Motoko and Tachikoma artworks by the talented Camila Fortuna (Sakura-Studio):

Connecting...

Cutie-Motoko Standing Alone...

Tachikoma Desu!

Very cool right? ^_^ I'll be keeping an eye out for Camila's works in future. Do check out her Deviant Art space at: Sakura Studio

I'll put up a link on MSHP too. Great work, Camila! Thanks for sharing with us! :)

To be honest, I've lost track of the Tachikoma! There are just SO many variations, with the Perfect Piece, Movic mini Tachis, Wave 1/24 WHAMs... its just mind boggling! I'd love to collect them all but at this period when I'm not even sure where I will be next year it's best to trim and be extra choosy. Which is why, my criteria for a Tachikoma purchase these days are - unique and something I really want, instead of for the sake of a more complete collection. Which brings us to this new upcoming Organic offering (sorry for the long rant there): The Kenbishi Heavy Industries EX HAW206 Tachikoma derivative, due in February 2009 for a cool 9,800 Yen.

Tachikoma Collection EX HAW206 - Many Legs Equipment Thought Model Tank by Kenbishi Heavy Industries (That's a bloody long name for a plastic toy there!)
Manufacturer: Organic
Scale: Non (length about 16cm)
Material: ABS
Producer: Shimon Koguma
Release Date: Feb 2009
Regular Price: 9,800 yen

HAW206 Promo Poster

Promotional images of the model

*Also available in funky "Limited Edition" green colour! yay! Although I'm not going to get two and spend more money :(

For those fuzzy memories (including mine) the HAW206 is the rogue Tachikoma experimental model that went on a rampage in GITS SAC Ep02 - Testation. My DVDs are at home, so I cant give screenshots. Anyway, it's just a very cool variant of the Tachikoma which I think is worth collecting. Much like the WAVE 1/24 Type 303 armsuits and Pefect Piece JGSDF armsuit, which are in some ways, novel mechas from the SAC series. The Perfect Piece Gaiden Itachikoma is also somewhat novelty, but I'm not getting that! Too many perfect pieces already! (Google that product if it floats your boat though, quite interesting concept).

Anyway, my WHAM 1/24 Tachi collection is not complete, but with a HAW206 on pre-order it would be convenient to assume some of the missing Tachis were wiped out by some serious firepower! :P Hobbysearch or HLJ for those interested. I think the HAW206 has been on pre-order for quite some time.

Thanks Greg for the heads up :) Cheers!

Nope, it's not "Manmachine Interface" as we'd hope. Just a souped-up upgrade of the original Mamoru Oshii first 1995 GITS movie. Bummer. Making the graphics better doesn't necessarily make the movie any better - could be worth a watch if it comes to DVD since I never re-watched for at least some years now (The news only mentioned screenings at selected cinemas in Japan).

GITS 2.0 Poster

Ghost in the Shell to Return to Japanese Theaters (Updated)
posted on 2008-06-08 23:57 EDT
2.0 edition to have new CG, Oscar-winning sound mixer, Skywalker Sound

Mamoru Oshii's first Ghost in the Shell cyberspace film will return to five Japanese theaters in an enhanced Ghost in the Shell 2.0 edition on July 12. The new edition will include new computer graphics and digital effects for some scenes and a reunion of most of the cast members for a new 6.1 surround sound recording. Academy-Award-winning sound mixer/editor Randy Thom (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, The Incredibles, The Right Stuff) has overseen the new soundtrack with Kenji Kawai's original music and a final mix that has been produced at Thom and Lucas Digital's Skywalker Sound studio in California.

In the new edition, the enigmatic Puppet Master character will be played by Yoshiko Sakakibara (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence's Harraway, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex's Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki). Iemasa Kayumi (Giant Robo's Chief Chuujou Shizuo, RahXephon's Ernst Von Bähbem) played the role in the original edition.

The film will screen in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. Not coincidentally, Oshii's latest film, The Sky Crawlers, will open one month after Ghost in the Shell 2.0 on August 2.

Source: Anime News Network

This seems like a promotional excercise for Mr. Oshii's new film. But what's the point really? :( Don't think it will show at my local cinema anyway.

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 :)

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.

Another Motoko Kusanagi figure up for pre-orders! This one's a Wave, coming in November 07. Part of the "Treasure Figure Collection" series. She's a bit on the small size, only 1/10 scale (about 170mm) and retailing at 4,800 Yen. Motoko Treasure's got some pretty handy accessories though, and the Laughing Man stand looks nice :) See for yourself.

Treasure Figure Collection Kusanagi Motoko Wave Ver. (Completed Figure)
攻殻機動隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX 草薙素子 完成品フィギュア ＷＡＶＥ版
Manufacturer: Wave
Scale: 1/10
Material: PVC
Producer: Ken Matsuura
Series: Treasure Figure Collection
Release Date: Late Nov
Price: 4,800 yen

Motoko "Treasure"

Frontal view

Backside view

Close up

Accesorize! (look at the hat! :D)

Bookworm or gun-totting babe?

Well, I think the prototype gives quite a fair impression of what the final product would look like. The final touches look kinda rough though, to be honest... anyway, if it floats your boat, Motoko Treasure is now up for pre-orders at your fav Japanese hobby store. I've booked mine (it is a Motoko Kusanagi figure after all :P)

Thanks Jeff. You're really fast! :)

The Ghost In The Shell SAC franchise is just full of surprises! With co-operation from Production IG, Online RPG Emil Chronicle Online (ECO) announced the release of a GITS-SAC Package for in-game use. The package contains accessories and characters from the SAC world- the Ninja Suit, Tachikoma, Laughing Man, Motoko's character... it does look very interesting!

ECO x GITS SAC Announcement

I have no idea how ECO plays, but it looks like a fantasy / sci-fi world and the addition of the GITS elements will definitely appeal to fans in Japan. I'm not entirely sure if we will be able to access/play this MMORPG from outside Japan. And it does come with a price tag.

Emil Chronicle Online collaboration package GITS S.A.C. Series
エミル・クロニクル・オンライン　コラボレーションパッケージ 攻殻機動隊 S.A.C.シリーズ
Release Date: 24 August 07
Price: 3,990 Yen
Package Contents:
1. Client (installation?) DVD
2. Guidebook
3. 60 Days free ECO trial account
4. Bonus Items: For in-game use Tachikoma, Laughing Man, etc.

Screenshots of the SAC elements

I dont play Online RPGs myself (my only experience are a few rounds of Pangya, a magnificent game btw) but if only the ECO x GITS package is available in English (and allowable for overseas players) it would be pretty neat if a bunch of us Shirow fans sign up for some adventures no? :) Just a fancy passing thought. I leave you with more screenshots.

Motoko! :) The Guy Character looks like a dark-haired Togusa

Tachikoma kun... man, I really would love to play this MMORPG!

Warai Otoko!

Thanks a bunch to Jeff for the alert :)
Sources:
GA Graphic News
Emil Chronicle Online (GITS Promo)
Famima Online (ECOxSAC Package Booking)