Wonder Festival 2009 [Summer] Coverage

Wonder Festival 2009 [Summer], or WonFes, is finally upon us. For the uninitiated, WonFes is an event organized by Kaiyodo that primarily showcase the latest figure sculptures. It is traditionally held twice a year during the Winter and Summer season. This year’s Summer edition is even more highly anticipated due to the cancellation of the Winter edition earlier this year. The event has also been shifted from the usual site at the Tokyo Big Sight to Makuhari Messe, which provides an even bigger arena for the showcase.

Thanks to the age of internet and otaku comrades in Japan, international fans get to receive first hand news of the event. Now here’s a look at what we are all waiting for … the figures!

GOOD SMILE COMPANY

Let’s start things off from the Good Smile Company booth with a look at the Nendoroid figures on display. And I can tell you this, it is pure Nendoroid madness at WonFes!

Nendoroid Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) - scheduled for November 2009 release.
Nendoroid Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!) - scheduled for December 2009 release
Nendoroid Tainaka Ritsu & Nendoroid Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-ON!) – release information not available.

GSC had previously promised the prototype figure of Nendoroid Mio and thus it is a pleasant surprise to see all 4 K-ON! girls (where is Asu-Nyan?) at the event. Looking at the prototypes, I really like how all of them turned out and the nendonized musical instruments really looks a wonderful addition with the adorable Nendoroids. Needless to say, all 4 Nendoroids are a MUST GET for me!

Nendoroid Churuya-san (Suzumiya Haruhi-chan no Yuuutsu) – scheduled for December 2009 release.

Nendoroid Churuya-san from the mildy popular Suzumiya Haruhi-chan no Yuuutsu anime, which is of course a spin of from the actual Haruhi anime. Very nice and cute Nendoroid in her own right. I probably would have to give her a miss judging from the number of pre-orders I am anticipating that will have higher precedence than her.

Nendoroid Marisa Kirisame (Touhou Project) – release information not available.

This is a little unexpected. Shortly after the announcment of Nendoroid Reimu Hakurei, GSC announces Nendoroid Marisa Kirisame, albeit in her unpainted stage. She is the second character from Touhou Project to be made into a Nendoroid by GSC. Reimu is an event and online exclusive item and I fear that might be the case for Marisa too. But I have already step into the trap of ordering Nendoroid Reimu, so there’s no escaping the rest. MUST GET!

Nendoroid Jiei-tan (Magical Marine Pixel Mari-tan) – release information not available.

She is the unpainted prototype figure in the picture. There is no focus shot on her currently, so I had to use this. Anyway, did I just mentioned exclusive Nendoroid? Well, it is almost certain that Nendoroid Jiei-tan is going to be an exclusive item given that she was created for some anniversary celebration purpose for Hobby Japan. She will likely get the exclusive release from them, like Nendoroid Mari-tan.

Nendoroid Theia (Lucent Heart) – release information not available.

Nendoroid Theia is apparently from the game Lucent Heart. I do not know anything about the game nor character, but she is interesting and I wonder if she comes with all the other miniatures that is displayed alongside her. The Nendoroid is very cute but I need to be more selective on my purchases so I will not consider her for the moment.

Nendoroid Megurine Luka (Vocaloid) - release information not available.

As was promised at the WonHobby 9 event earlier this year, Good Smile Company delivers the latest Nendoroid from the Vocaloid series in the form of Megurine Luka. She looks really wonderful in Nendoroid form. I already have Nendoroid Miku and Rin, so I am definitely going to add her to my collection. MUST GET!

Nendoroid Ein (Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom) - release information not available.

I honestly do not know much about the character since I didn’t watch the anime, Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~, but this Nendoroid is oh so adorable. Maybe that’s one good reason for me to watch the anime. I am quite tempted to get her as I really like her overall look and cuteness… (writes her name down on to get list) … ^^”

Nendoroid Kagami Kuro, Nendoroid Usa Mimi (Kodomo no Jikan) - release information not available.

Yes … yes … yes! We finally get to see the prototype figures of Nendoroid Kuro-chan and Mimi-chan! Plans to make the Nendoroids of the Kodomo no Jikan pair were released for quite a while and I was afraid they were going to drop the idea. Now, my Rin-chan won’t be lonely. MUST GET!

Nendoroid Minami Chiaki (Minami-ke) – release information not available.

I haven’t watch any of the Minami-ke animes but god, this Nendoroid is adorable. I especially like the facial expression presnted on this Nendoroid and any Nendoroids that omes with head/hair acessories seems a must get for me. So yes, she will be a MUST GET for me. Dear lord, I am not even showing any restraint. ^^”

Nendoroid Ryougi Shiki (Kara no Kyoukai) – scheduled for October 2009 release at 3,500 yen.

Finally, a Nendoroid that I can safely say I won’t be getting. No offence meant to fans of the character. In fact, I feel Nendoroid Ryougi Shiki is a nice little sculpture and captures her well even in Nendo form. She just probably have lesser “cute” factor in her than the rest and that’s reason enough for me to resist her. I need to cater for my wallet’s sanity. ^^”

Nendoroid Nanoha Takamachi ~ Movie ver. (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st) – release information not available.
Nendoroid Fate Testarossa ~ Movie ver. (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st) – release information not available.

Nendoroids of Nanoha Takamachi and Fate Testarossa based on the movie version from the anime is apparently underway. In fact, I believe the unpainted prototype figure of Nendoroid Nanoha is already on display at the event. So all of a sudden, loli Nanoha and Fate are popping up everywhere. Not that it is a bad thing. They might very well find their way onto my pre-order list soon. ^^”

Nendoroid Canaan (Canaan) – scheduled for December 2009 release.
Nendoroid Alphard (Canaan) – release information not available.

Both Nendoroid Canaan and Alphard looks really adorable and cool at the same time. They are definitely worthy additions to any figures collection. But I will have to wait and see how my pre-orders goes before deciding on them. I will definitely get them if I can afford.

Phew that’s really a lot of Nendoroids. Now, let’s move onto the scale figures.

1/8 scale Canaan (Canaan) – scheduled for January 2010 release.

Even though I had already seen photos of the unpainted prototype previously on Mika-tan’s blog, the final prototype in her full painted glory is nothing short of amazing to me. The finishing really looks exquisite. This figure is on a par with GSC’s Saber Lily and BRS figures in my opinion. When a figure is made this good, it is hard to resist. She will almost definitely be a MUST GET for me.

1/8 scale Black Rock Shooter with Black Blade (Black Rock Shooter) – release information not available.

Oh my god. Another figure of Black Rock Shooter by GSC, this time with her Black Blade and jacket’s off! Although this version of BRS does not have the wow factor of her upcoming rendition with Black Cannon, she is still one hell of a figure. Did I ever say I will never buy figures of the a character in the same outfit? Well, that will not apply to BRS … Must GET! ^^”

1/8 scale Index (To Aru Majutsu no Index) – release information not available.

Splendid figure sculpture of Index. I really like the pose adopted by this sculpture although I am wondering how the eventual figure will be held up from the base. I like a good sculpture although I am not too fond of the anime series nor a big fan of the character. I will keep this in view and decide later when she is officially announced.

1/7 scale Saber (Fate/stay night) – release information not available.

A new sculpture of Saber by Good Smile Company? It certainly seems so with this new prototype figure. She definitely looks way better when you compared her to theirfirst attempt at a Saber sculpture years back. But I already have Gift’s Saber so I am going to try to resist this unless she turns out stunning when she is painted.

 1/8 scale Kyrie Rason (Valkyrie Complex)- release information not available.

This looks an awesome sculpture even if I know nothing about where she hails from. A quick search reveals that she is from the eroge, Valkyrie Complex. An anime adpation of the eroge is already annonunced. Nonetheless, I am not one to pass on an outstanding sculpture. I will wait to see the painted prototype. If she turns out good, I will most probably be getting her although judging from the details, she is likely to be quite pricey.

Unknown scale Yuzuko Hayakawa (Peppermint Yuzuko) – release information not available.

Got this photo off Figure/GK board which was contributed by someone who was at the event I supposed. The original photo was very dark and I did my best to clear it up a bit. No idea about the character although my first reaction was “Yomi?” … haha … anyway, that is one bad-ass sculpture. I will definitely be keeping my tabs on this figure.

MAX FACTORY

Hatsune Miku VN02 ver. (Vocaloid Project Diva) – release information not available.

 

The Vocaloid craze continues with this announcement of another Hatsune Miku figure, this time round in her VN02 costume version. I am not familiar with the Vocaloid line so pardon me if I phrase it wrongly. Nonetheless, the figure looks pretty interesting and the details on her is amazing. This is a major news for Miku fans although for me I will probably sit on the fence and decide whether to get her later.

1/8 scale Adelicia Lenn Mathers (Rental Magica) – scheduled for November 2009 release.

The figure was previewed in the latest issue of Hobby Japan Magazine so she is less of a surprise factor here at the event. But nonetheless, nice figure by Max Factory with their trademark  excellent colors used on the figure. I won’t be considering her since there is nothing I know about the character.

1/8 scale Morikawa Yuki (White Album) – release information not available.
1/8 scale Ogata Rin (White Album) – release information not available.

Another pair of figures who I have idea since I do not watch the anime. The figures seemed to be made as a pairing. I am not sure if there are from Good Smile Company or Max Factory, but both looks good and you would have expect nothing less from either anyway. Thankfully, I won’t be considering them.

For Max Factory, there were also a lot of figmas announced during the even, notably from Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha. But since I am not into figmas now, I won’t be covering them in this post.

GIFT

1/8 scale Ein (Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom) – scheduled for January 2010 release.

 

Not much to say about this figure but there should is quite a few Ein figures on display at WonFes. Gift’s version is the only scale figure though and I think with their quality, this looks a pretty good sculpture. Not amongst my consideration as I do not know the character.

ALTER

From Alter’s booth, we will start off with the highly anticipated scale figures of the K-ON! girls.

1/8 scale Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!) - scheduled for December 2009 release.
1/8 scale Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) - scheduled for November 2009 release.

  

Oh my god … the first two scale figures of the K-ON! girls to grace the figures scene and they are from Alter! Of course, the unpainted prototype figure of Mio was shown on K-ON!’s blog recently, but her painted prototype, plus that the unveiling of Yui’s figure, is really awesome in my opinion. All that’s left to know is the release schedule, nevermind the price. MUST GET!

1/7 scale Shamal (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS) – release information not available.

This figure of Shamal is probably the last of the figures by Alter for the Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS anime. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of Zafira with the figure. That means Hayate’s Wolkenritter will be complete. ^^ Overall, I am very pleased with this sculpture of Shamal. She is scheduled for Winter release though, so we will see her next year. With the final installation, I feel that Alter’s works from this series must be one of the best ever. MUST GET!

1/7 scale Nanoha Takamachi ~ The Movie 1st ver. (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha The Movie 1st) – release information not available.

With the end of figures from the StrikerS series, Alter ventures into figures from the movie version of the series, starting with the main character, Nanoha. I know this move will please loads of fans of the loli version of Nanoha. I probably won’t start on this series since I am more than satisfied with my set of Alter figures from StrikerS.

1/8 scale Mercedes (Odin Sphere) – release information not available.

This is a first look at the painted prototype figure of Mercedes. She is the 2nd character from the game, Odin Sphere, to be made into a figure by Alter. And I must say that like Gwendolyn is, Mercedes looks splendid. Alter once again shows why they are arguably the best figure maker currently. Would love to get her, but that means getting Gwendolyn for me because I am a set completionist. So sadly, for that reason, I will have to resist for now.

 1/8 scale Clalaclan Phillias ~ Armor ver. (Shining Wind) – release information not available.

As was revealed previously at MegaHobby, Alter join the ranks in making figures from the Shining Wind series, starting with this rendition of Clalaclan Phillias. The sculpture looks very much in her early stages, but she looks quite imposing and very different from the current figures of the character from Kotobukiya which protrays her more sweet and demure side. For Alter, she is ready for battle! Definitely a figure to look out for. And I guess my nightmare is going to begin … Alter will most probably make Elwing and Xecty and I already have the Kotobukiya version. -_-”

1/8 scale Selvaria Bles (Valkyria Chronicles) – release information not available.

This is another figure who was promised at Megahobby and we now have a first look at the uncompleted prototype. The pose is not as dynamic as you would have expected from an Alter sculpt, but I do not know the character so can’t really pass judgement. I am confident though that she would look splendid when the prototype figure is done. This is Alter’s work, mind you. My wallet should be safe from this one though.

1/6 scale Saber (Fate/stay night) ~ Maid ver. – release information not available.

Is this another version of Saber in maid uniform from Alter? Well, it certainly looks like the case with this new prototype figure. This figure looks even more detailed and impressive than her previous counterpart. It’s a scary thought since the previous version is already an outstanding figure. There also a petit version from the looks of it. I don’t tend to get 1/6 scale figures but I will see how this one turns out to be.

MEGAHOUSE

There is nothing better to start with a look at the Megahouse booth than their popular Queen’s Blade figures from their line of Excellent Model Core Series.

1/8 scale Risty (Queen’s Blade) - scheduled for November 2009 release.

The first public display of the upcoming figure of Risty by Megahouse. As with all Queen’s Blade figures sculpted by Megahouse, this fgure of Risty looks fanastic. The only minus point for me as I mentioned in my previous posts is that her face is not sculpted according to her anime-self. Nonetheless, she will be a GET for me too.

1/8 scale Kasugano Sora (Yosugano Sora) – scheduled for November 2009 release for 6,800 yen.

This is a very sweet looking figure of the character from the eroge. Despite not knowing anything about the character, I must admit that she is very tempting. She must be the first girl in swimsuit that I seriously want to get. But the fact that she is scheduled for November might make it hard for me to get her. Oh well … I don’t wanna care. GET! ^^”

KOTOBUKIYA

Kotobukiya is the traditional major figure maker outside the holy trinity for me although this time round, not a lot ofnew figures on display. I am not running through every figure from Kotobukiya, just the newer ones.

1/8 scale Clalaclan Phillias ~ Dress ver. (Shining Wind) – release information not available.

Shining Wind figures from Kotobukiya have always been of a decent quality and the trend is set to continue with this latest offering of Clalaclan Phillias in her dress ver. She is the 3rd Clalaclan figure from Kotobukiya after the two color variants of the their first sculpture of the character. Nice and sweet, but definitely won’t be considering her for me. I am only into elves from the series by Kotobykiya. Those from Alter will be another story. ^^”

1/8 scale Kokuto Azaka (Kara no Kyoukai) – release information not available.

Good Smile Company does a figure of Ryougi Shiki. Alter does Aozaki Touko. Now, Kotobukiya does Kokuto Azaka. It seems the figure makers are taking turns to have a shot at figures of the characters from Kara no Kyoukai. Anyway, this figure is a collaboration between Kotobukiya and Movic. Figure looks average and I doubt I will ever be interested.

1/8 scale Kanu ~ Aisha ~ (Koihime Musou) – release information not available.

Unpainted prototype figure of Kanu ~ Aisha ~. This figure actually looks far less convincing than the one from FREEing. I have nothing much to say about this figure actually since I think the anime sucks in the first place and won’t even be considering figures from the series. Nonetheless, she is probably going to be a less expensive option for fans of the series or characters, compared to FREEing’s.

1/8 scale Kousaka Tamaki ~ Christmas ver. (ToHeart) – release information unavailable.
1/8 scale Komak Manaka ~ Christmas ver. (ToHeart) – release information unavailable.

I guess figure makers just can’t get enough of ToHeart figures. Here’s another pair of figures from the 2 most widely figurized characters from the series, Kousaka Tamaki and Komaki Manaka. They are in Santa Clause costume this time round and I reckon they will be released in December, probably on Christmas day. Nice scupltures but I am not interested. There’s just too much ToHeart figures.

Anyway, that’s it from Kotobukiya. Let’s move on to Wave Corporation.

WAVE CORPORATION

Wave corporation has quite a few figures on display from their various range of brand series, mainly, Treasure Collection, DreamTech  and TFC Beach Queens. Here’s starting things off with the best of the lot.

1/8 scale Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) – release information not available.

Surprisingly, I think we have a winner here from Wave Corporation. From their high quality DreamTech brand series comes this promising looking sculpture of popular tsundere Taiga Aisaka of Toradora fame. She is scheduled for Winter release. The painting on the figure and the finish on the face sculpt is going to be vital. Seriously, I hope she turns out as good as this promises to be. And that means she could become my first figure from Wave. Fingers crossed. ^^”

1/10 scale Hirasawa Yui and Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) ~ TFC Beach Queens ver. – release information not available.

It is exciting to see K-ON! girls in their swimsuits but 1/10 scale figures from Wave isn’t really very exciting. From a personal perspective, I find 1/10 scale figures too small for my liking. For the sculptures, I think both sculptures looks good and I think they will finish nicely when completed. I will most likely pass them even if they turn out good though.

1/10 scale Nanoha Takamachi and Fate T. Harlaown (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Strikers) – release information not available.

With Good Smile Company releasing the swimsuit figures of Nanoha and Fate in outstanding quality, one has to wonder why Wave is even bothering to come up with 1/10 scale figures of the same. I guess it is to provide a less expensive option for figure fans.  I do think both sculptures will turnd out nice enough since Wave have enough quality in them, but I am not bothering.

ORCHID SEED

For Orchid Seed, besides the figures on display, they actually have a whole host of information on upcoming news figures available. I will only note down the new figures on display that captures my attention though since there are too many to run through.

1/8 scale Seena (Shining Wind) – release information not available.

Orchid Seed enters the Shining Wind figures arena too with this figure of Seena with her long hair. I personally feel this is an outstanding figure of Seena, what with the nice color finishing and great background/base. This is a figure I am tempted to get. Much will depend on how much Orchid Seed prices the figure though.

Unknown scale Kawai Ameri (Tayutama -Kiss On My Deity-) – release information not available.

Wow … this is a rather provocative and erotic pose adopted by Orchid Seed for Ameri. I just finished the anime series and am certainly on the lookout to add figures of the characters to my collection. But the pose is probably just a little too much for me to display. Hmm … will wait to see how she turns out after painting. More importantly, I need a Mashiro figure.

1/7 scale Akeno Shiranui (Seto no Hanayome) – release information not available.

I am actually surprise to see the release of a figure of Akeno Shiranui ahead of Edomae Luna by Orchid Seed. Anyway, she is the 2nd character from Seto no Hanayome to be made inot a figure by Orchid Seed, the first being San-chan. I have not gotten my San-chan figure yet so I need to consider her first before I can even think of the Shiranui figure.

YAMATO

I don’t see a lot of figures info from the Yamato booth currently, so here’s a quick look at the ones where there are information / photos available.

Unknown scale Marin (Umi Monogatari) – release information not available.

It’s surprising to see a figure of Marin from the anime Umi Monogatari so soon since the anime has only recently aired. The overall sculpture certainly looks alright to me although I have my reservation about the face sculpt. I am interested to get figures of the characters from the anime, but I would prefer to hold out for sculptures from the holy trinity or more trusted figure maker.

Unknown scale Kiki Oki (Sumaga) – release information not available.

Here’s a nice looking figure of Kiki Oki from the Nitro+ eroge, Sumaga.  I am not familiar with the character or series, but this figure looks really nice. But like many other figures who I am not familiar with, unless it is fromone of the holy trinity, it is unlikely I will seriously consider them.

Creators’ Labo Compact Hog and Heat Blade (Tsukasa Bullet) – release information not available.

Here’s a pair of new figures from Yamato’s Creators’ Labo brand series. Figures from the Tsukasa Bullet series from figure makers, including Yamato and Megahouse, are usual interesting and good sculptures. but I am not really into them myself, so I can safely say pass.

That’s it for my coverage for the event based on the information that are currently available. It’s by no means the full coverage since there are just too many figures to be covered. I mean, the event stretches 7 exhibition halls! Notably, I am lacking coverage for Griffon Enterprises, Toranoana, AmiAmi, FREEing, upLark and Volks. I might update if there are more details, especially minor details like release info.

Anyway, image and information sources are credits to Hobby Stock blog (News #1 and News #2)and Akiba Hobby. Visit their sites for more extensive coverage.

As is the case after any major figures event, I am in delirium while my wallet is now in a state of shock. ^^” In summary, I guess it’s not all that bad on the scale figures front but I guess I am getting a lot of Nendoroids. Anyway, I have made a rather lengthy post, so it’s time to catch some rest and a nice dinner. ^^