Periodically, I like to take a look at new figures that are available for pre-order. This isn’t intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of new releases that I personally find interesting or notable.

It’s been quite a while since my last preview post. The year up to now has been pretty quiet for me, as relatively few preorders have managed to grab my attention in any meaningful way. In fact, I think Arshes Nei is the only figure I’ve ordered this year that opened in 2011 prior to the summer Wonder Festival. Predictably, the Wonder Festival unleashed a slew of interesting new figures that are now vying to get in my wallet.

November

Orchid Seed – 1/7 Aizawa Nao

Nao isn’t exactly new, but she’s technically still not released yet and she’s relevant to my interests so I’m including her with the rest of this bunch.

I really like the pumpkin as an unusual, holiday-themed prop and the way Nao is perched on top of it, which makes for an interesting pose. There’s also a lot of nice complementary color sets going on here with orange and blue, yellow and purple. As with most Orchid Seed figures, she features a cast-off, which I could care less for, but as long as they don’t screw her up as a normal figure it won’t bother me that it’s there.

I’m planning to pick her up, but recent announcements have pushed her down the priority list a bit.

Kotobukiya – 1/8 Melty

Really love the goth-loli attire here and the huge wizard’s hat. Melty is cute and moe as hell. Props to Tony for the great character design and to Kotobukiya for not screwing it up (at least from what I can see).

It looks like Kotobukiya USA will be distributing Melty, so I’ll probably try to grab her through them or indirectly through a US shop as Koto-US tends to price their offerings slightly lower than Koto-JP.

Max Factory – 1/6 Asuka ~Test Plug Suit Ver.~

Some people like Asuka’s test plug suit; some people don’t. Personally, I’m a fan. I think the test suit has more visual contrast and better accentuates Asuka’s body than the classic plug suit did.

I originally thought for sure that I would pick up Alter’s test suit Asuka, but I waffled on the decision and she fell down the list to the point that Max Factory’s version is here and I’m thinking I like their version better. She’s currently at the top of my “to buy” list for preorder items.

January

Good Smile Company – 1/8 Kaname Madoka

I wonder if I’ve let myself get too caught up in all the Madoka Magica hype. I haven’t even seen the show, but I ordered this figure on day 1 and I’m ready to order the R1 DVD set whenever Aniplex USA finally puts it up for preorder.

I should probably keep her boxed up until after I’ve seen the show. -_-

Alter – 1/8 Kanetsugu Naoe

Alter’s latest entry in their series of Hyakka Ryouran figures is a visual treat. You’ve got great colors (purple+gold and red+black), a gigantic weapon, and that pose combined with Naoe’s oh-so-short skirt providing a heavenly rear view.

My only reservation with this figure is that appears that a separate support will be required for the hammer. I really don’t like seeing support rods and it was a major turn off for me when I unboxed Alter’s Selvaria to discover that they had provided one for her lance. Still, I don’t think these concerns will stop me from picking up this figure.

Good Smile Company – 1/8 Hatsune Miku ~Love Is War, DX Ver.~

I’m not entirely sure what to think of Love Is War Miku. The community at large seems to be gaga over her, but I’m not quite sold on this figure. I can appreciate that she’s sort of an anti-moe rendition of Miku and the display base is gorgeous, but something about the figure just doesn’t scream “gotta have it” to me. That said, I have this sneaking suspicion that if I don’t get this figure now I’m going to regret it later. There will probably be some reviewer out there that takes just the right shot that makes me see the figure in a whole new light.

The more expensive DX version features the full base and a hefty price tag. It’s also a GSC online shop exclusive, but GSC is the rare direct dealer that actually accepts international orders so there’s no need for a proxy.

February

Kotobukiya – 1/8 Neris

As with Melty, this is more Tony Taka-inspired goodness from Kotobukiya. The playful pose and milk maid outfit are rather nice here, along with some unusual props in the bread basket. What’s not so nice is the fact that this is a Kotobukiya online shop exclusive. Unlike GSC, Kotobukiya doesn’t accept orders from outside Japan which means proxy services and unwanted extra expenses. I would like to pick Neris up, but I think the timing of her release combined with the exclusivity tax will probably keep me from doing so.