Murrue Ramius Trading Figure

 

I'm currently watching 'Gundam Build Fighters' like most Gundam fans would and catching up on the anime on Youtube now that's free for view. Definitely an excellent business move by Bandai after all, the objectives are it's get more viewers to like the mecha and eventually buy more Gunpla.

Casting aside the different perspectives of Gunpla builders whether you are amateurs or pros, 'Gundam Build Fighters' sure has provided lotz of humours by making parody of themselves and at the same time brought back memories of Gundam mecha and characters from past Gundam anime. Nostalgic isn't it?

This post is definitely inspired after having watched episode 17th which the most hilarious moment was Master Chinan , the mentor Mao Yasaka and head of Gunpla Shingyo School, announced his favourite female Gundam character.

It's none other than the 'Goddess of Archangel' Miss Murrue Ramius! Maybe not the eye-candy to many however Miss Murrue Ramius has her own charming side and especially appealed to matured  male who appreciated her assets... Truly master class... Heehee... And for that reason, I dug out this Murrue Ramius trading figure from collection. If I got it right, this 5" figure with round black base was from Bandai's Gundam Seed Heroines Trading figure series 1 released August 2006.

Arc Strike Iron Patriot

 

Christmas present which my son had chosen for himself @ Toy R'Us. It's a gift that I had liked as much as he does. Manned to be a robust toy for children aged 4 and above so I'm not really making comparison with collector's toys in terms of articulation and details. Nevertheless, the toy exceeded my expectation with its sturdy pose from front view which Hasbro had cleverly hide those screws to the rear. 

The figure stands 10" with relatively decent paint job which I especially like the markings on the shoulders and Lt Col James Rhodes wordings on the left chest. The strength of Arc Strike Iron Patriot is its play value. The removable missile launcher, mounted on the rear right can move back and forth with the double-barreled missile deployed when his the right arm flipped up. 

Simultaneously, three combat sounds would be activated at random with pulsing light at the center of the chest. Combat sounds and pulsing light also could be activated whenever the button on the chest was pushed. The electronic mechanism is run by 2 AAA sized batteries that's included. 

Arc Strike Iron Patriot was released in line with Iron Man 3 live-action movie whereby War Machine had been upgraded. In the movie, the savior and answer to U.S militaries' second generation armored soldier was teased as just a repaint in red, white & blue and repackaged using a new name.

 

Akihabara Gundam Cafe

 

Our next stop of otaku trip was to stop by Akihabara Gundam Cafe for dining ^_^ The cafe is situated just beside Akihabara train station so it would be an easy find. From a distance, you would noticed that the cafe is directly below the railway track. It's a common sight to see shops or eateries below railway track in tokyo. It's a way the Japanese maximized land use in this urbanized city where land is scarce. Visitors can check and grand menu before enter... Menu is written mainly in Japs but the pricing won't scare you away... Trust me, it's definitely cheaper than maid cafe... heehee...

If you ain't patronizing, you can also take photos with the human size statue outside the cafe or pick up a souvenir or two at the section beside. The theme of Gundam Cafe would change from time to time and during our visit, it was metallic coat Char's custom Zaku II welcoming us. Once you entered the premises, you would be amazed by the decoration and Gundam artifacts that blends with it. 

The menu are really interesting as every dish was nicely designed to Gundam series or a particular Mobile Suit. Like the fried tomato rice in the shape of Char's Custom Zaku II, two circular cakes on a plate to resemble 00 and chicken wings protruded from the side of plate for Wing Gundam. Very idea  for those radishes and carrots to be cut into the shape of Zeon or E.F.S.F logo. 

The most unforgettable experience I had @ Gundam Cafe was visiting the loo! Check out the video I had uploaded for what happened in the toilet! Gundam eyes glow from the mirror and automated toilet bowl! Never before have I seen such high tech toilet! Stunning to the max!!!