Kotobukiya has unveiled a bevy of mecha/robot model kits that will be available in the U.S. starting in August.  The figures include prime fighting machines from the hot new Gonzo anime series Linebarrels of Iron (currently airing in Japan) as well as a classic mecha from Mamoru Oshii’s Patlabor the Movie 2, and robots from The Super Robot Wars, Armored Core and Cyber Troopers video games.  Each of the kits includes hundreds of colored plastic pieces (no painting required) that can be snapped together (no gluing needed either) to form highly pose-able action figures with numerous points of articulation.

 

In August Kotobukiya is releasing a new, more powerful version of the titular Linebarrel mecha, the Linebarrel Overdrive Scale Model Kit ($49.99).  The kit contains more than 300 pieces that can be snapped together to create a figure that stands over 6” high and has more than 30 points of articulation including special elbow and knee joints that exceed 90 degrees of movement and allow for a wide range of posing (including flying poses, which are made possible by a special display base).

 

A second new Linebarrels figure, the Vardant Medium-Range Support and Long-Range Cannon Scale Model Kit ($44.95), is due here in the States in September.  The 1/144th scale figure (the same scale as all of Kotobukiya’s Linebarrels models) carries a variety of weapons for combat at all ranges including a bonus long-range cannon for the Hind-Kind robot, as well as swords for close-in fighting and duel medium-range cannons.  Composed of more than 300 snap-together pieces, this powerful mecha stand over 5 inches tall and features more than 30 points of articulation.

 

Also measuring just over 5-inches tall is Kotobukiya’s Patlabor the Movie 2: Hannibal Scale Model Kit ($39.99), which is due in August and is based on the amazing giant robot from Mamoru Oshii’s seminal 1990s anime feature film.  The 1/72nd scale model comes with a cockpit that includes a tiny pilot, and features translucent searchlight covers, multiple weapons, while displaying superb craftsmanship throughout.  The Hannibal kit includes more than 200 snap-together pieces, which form a highly pose-able figure with more than 30 points of articulation.

 

Kotobukiya’s video game-based mecha figures include the Super Robot Taisen: Personlichkeit Scale Model Kit ($49.99), which is based on what was originally an enemy robot in the Super Robot Wars game, but which became a playable robot in later versions of the popular video game.  Due out in August, the Personlichkeit figure features more than 190 parts, which can be snapped together to a nearly 7” tall (144th scale) figure with more than 25 points of articulation.  It comes with a standard robot face or one with a demonic open mouth as well as with its great Onirenge Sword, which can be held in the figure’s hand or stored in its forearm.

 

Also from Super Robot Wars is the Super Robot Taisen: ART-1 Model Kit ($49.99), which is due in September.  Assembled from more than 400 pieces, the “Advanced Real-personal Test type-1”144th scale figure stands six-inches tall, can be posed in a dynamic flying mode, and comes with a wealth of accessories including the Cold Metal Blade, and the HG Boosted Rifle.

 

Kotobukiya is also releasing two figures from Sega's highly popular Cyber Troopers arcade game, the Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Specineff Scale Model Kit ($59.99), which is due in August, and the Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Raiden II Scale Model Kit $74.99, which is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in October.  The Specineff 1/100th scale figure stands nearly 6.5” high and comes with two Beam Launchers, one of which serves as a long scythe. The Specineff kit includes more than 400 pieces and comes with extra decals and optional parts to allow for customization of the figure.  The Raiden II figure is 7 inches high and is composed of more than 500 pieces.  This heavy attack mecha comes armed with a massive bazooka as well as giant claw weapons.  Sliding elbow and shin joints allow for a great range of motion.

 

From the Armored Core video game comes the Armored Core Aaliyah Supplice Scale Model Kit ($44.99), which was previously only available in Japan.  A limited number of these kits will be available here in the States starting in August. The night battle mode version of the figure in gunmetal gray stands approximately 8 inches tall and features multiple points of articulation with poly-capped joints for extreme pose-ability.