Not when Japan is limiting shipping to Canada.

Normally I'd get these kinds of exclusives on Mandarake or other such sites, but that's not an option these days.

Ah, that does suck then. Though how would that change if they were retail? And why wouldn't things like BBTS be an option for you?

Build and size comparison

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLeOR5i4-lY

If it was retail I could get it from HLJ (which still offer reasonable shipping as well as Private Warehouse) or Canadian model retailers like Meeplemart. BBTS is out of the question because of conversion between US currency and CAD, on top of the fact that they currently only offer Fedex or DHL to Canada. (at least last I checked)

EDIT: Oh wow, it's a good thing you mentioned BBTS, because they actually do seem to have cheaper options available again. Maybe I'm not so out of luck as I once thought.

Yeah, unlike the SHFs BBTS actually keeps very close to the base price for Premium Bandai FRSes. I assume Bluefin just cuts a REALLY good deal when it comes to model kits! Not an option for me due to new import tax laws in the UK unfortunately but it should hopefully work out for y'all

Honestly I had written BBTS off so long ago and when Covid hit it (and most US retailers) just became a huge no-no, but seeing that they have standard Air mail back is great. It's an option at least, which is more than I can say for Mandarake etc. Thanks!

The way FRS kit compound eyes appear to glow brighter than SHFs are really nice. It really stands out on OOOs. This is gonna be a great kit.

I keep watching these videos wondering if I'm gonna paint the gold parts or keep them as they are. They look quite good already.

Whenever I've seen the gold and yellow parts up close, they seem to have that cheap plastic look. I think those two colors probably need some paint to look a little less toy-ish or if you're not using stickers and want your yellows to match. The "metallic" red seems decent enough and the green isn't bad. If you don't mind the look of the plastic, then it really looks nice even without stickers. A little bit of detail here and there and it'll look really nice!

Little bit pissed at HLJ. Had OOO on preorder for a month and now it's out and already on Backorder status without fulfilling my order. I thought the whole purpose of order stop was to prevent them overselling on preorders?

Did you get any message from them? They might just not have shipped your order yet. There's a lot of delays right now due to everything going on; I had it happen with my SHF Z

Yes this has happened to me as well. Item went on backorder but I still received mine, if a little late.

That's just it though, it's been a few days and there's not been any email confirmation or processing note. Hopefully it's just a case of they literally haven't got around to updating its status.

Only problem is HLJ has done this to me before where I back/preorder a kit, it comes in stock, sells out, and gets backordered all without me getting my order filled.

Never saw the box art for Faiz Axel until now

https://img.amiami.com/images/produc...URE-132750.jpg

amiami is has one in their preowned section if anyone is looking for it

Woah! Did not see that coming! Thought they'd do RX before black, or at least finish Heisei and get into Reiwa first.

So damn happy this is a thing! Literaly have been hoping for an ss black alternative. Albeit it wont be as accurate looking with all the movement and soft-goods the ss has, but it'll still be a decent representation proprotion and display wise. Will just need a hell of a lot of matte black paint and black wash. Very very nice reveal. Any release date or additional info like pricing, accessories, release?

Also real head scratcher that he doesn't have a toe bend.
Hope for a Shadow Moon pb and the bikes, maybe rx next?

Time for Showa FRS?!

None of the previous kits had toe bend

Releases June 2022, 3,520 Yen

https://bandai-hobby.net/item/5041/

Kuuga had the one and only toe bend.

That's unexpected! I thought they'd finish the Heisei riders first before any Showa ones!

Ooooh holy HELL yes!!! I was not expecting to see other eras until at least like 2 or 3 Heiseis to go and I am so, so excited for this! I am fully expecting to see the Double Riders right around the corner now, and even if they only do them and Black of Showa; I will be VERY satisfied.

God this is awesome I don't know how to get across how happy I am right now. FRS!!!

HELL YEAH! SHOWA TIME!
i guess they'll either do Ichigo or Black RX for the next Showa line

and also
https://bandai-hobby.net/images/153_...1u5a13qs23.jpg
is it just me or they just fixed ghost?
the orange looks nicer here

https://bandai-hobby.net/images/158_...17oc1qmv2s.jpg
and i think they fixed the shoulder thing on parka too?
SKSKSK LMAO THX BANDAI

I cannot express my happiness over a FRS Black. Not only is it great because it's Black, but this opens the door for Shadow Moon, Battle Hopper, and more Showa Riders.

Also they definitely fixed Ghost's head. The big tell is that the eyes are closer together, and the shape is more accurate.

Yeah the original orange shown on the first images of Ghost were kinda oversaturated. Neither of them really matter when it comes down to what we actually get.

I'm honestly surprised they fixed the parka straps. Is it going to be a different set of sleeves or another part that mysteriously attaches? It wasn't a big deal to me because I'd never use the part, but I'm sure this makes others very happy.

I am honestly surprised they're doing Showa riders already given there's still four Heisei ones left, but Black's probably meant to tie in with Black Sun to some extent.
Also, not that it matters much, but why did they fix everything on Ghost but the parka's chin horn?

They're doing Black AND they improved Ghost?? They do know it's not Christmas YET, right? :p

5! Blade, Kiva, Wizard, Gaim, Drive

Ghost and Black are now on preorder at HLJ

I'd say AmiAmi too but WOW that was quick! Popular boys

https://i.imgur.com/4yowD5m.png

Pretty simple
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...92/unknown.png

btw do u guys have an older pics of FRS Ghost? i wanna do some little comparison

Ah yes, 2 big slots and a flat area for the removable part. That's what I expected. I guess it looks better than redundant straps.

I went back a few pages in this thread to see older pics of Ghost.

Aaaaand HLJ keeps crashing on me.

Just finished OOO. I still have some work to do on the sword and painting the fingers. It was a lot better kit than I expected it to be!

Looks great! Did you paint the helmet?

Nice job painting the fingers!

I did! My airbrush died, so I ended up using a rattle can. It's darker than the vibrant red of the SS figuarts, but I think the darker red looks pretty tight. The metallic red that the kit comes in is okay, but I feel like it's a little cheap looking.

Remember to get your panel liner ready, because the majority of colored pieces need it to look good.

Ah bummer, FRS OOOs from where I pre-ordered, Gundamplanet, was delayed to January. Was hoping to get that kit in for a nice holiday build. Looks like its gonna be a fun one.

Aaaand Tajador is already accepting secondary shipment pre-orders (set for July). Are any of you surprised?

https://twitter.com/HobbySite/status...078834177?s=20

inb4 a Tajafininty kit is announced in a month or two.

Would be sick but I somehow doubt it!

So-Do probably would do it first, or Sofubi