The one thing that impressed me at the Gundam Expo that I attended recently was not the huge Gundams on displayed nor the fantastic dioramas. It was this ROBOT魂 (Robot Soul/Spirits) figure. Anything that uses ABS plastic catches my attention. ^^. I’m going to just translate/paraphrase from the poster in the first picture. It might not be a good translation, but you get the idea.
What is Robot Spirts:
It’s been about 10 years since Bandai raised the curtains and introduced robot figures. [Robot Spirits] is a new brand which is a direct result of years of product development. Standing at 12cm tall, a composite of methods including the latest in 3D design and artisan techniques were used in the robot’s extraordinary construction; hard, smooth and soft materials were all used to pack in an amazing feel to the figure, achieving a high quality product that leaves conventional robot figures in the dust!
1) Approx. 12cm fully painted posable model
12cm fits nicely into your collection. The price for the main line is about 2000yen. A model that can be enjoyed anytime. (The right size and the right price)
2) Hybrid Materials
Construction, articulation, weightiness, durability…
A mixture of many materials were used to satisfy the many requirements of posable figures. (A high quality finished product is achieved by utilizing the special properties of the various materials)
3) Sharp finishing
Exterior, weapon parts are produced with hard ABS plastic. (Very real mecha feeling)
4) Flexible movement
To prevent abrasion in the joints, superior POM (Polyoxymethylene) is used. Smooth joint movements. (Bend the joints as much as you like, go on, play hard!)
5) Weightiness and durability
Superior flexible PVC plastic is used to reduce shock in the core portions of the body. High density materials give a good feeling of weight. (You can feel the value in your hand)
6) Hybrid Modeling
A hybrid of 3D modeling and hand modeling/molding (combining digital data and the artisan’s skill) is employed to maintain a sharp mechanic feel and heroic robot style. (Consistent level of detail and dynamism)
7) Same manufacturing process as 超合金魂 (Cyougoukintamashii or Soul of Chogokin, a line of super fine robots made by Bandai)
Using the same manufacturing processes of 超合金魂, from the design staff to the die molding process, techniques usually reserved for high end items were lavishly used. (No mistakes super great manufacturing techniques with TLC)
Unified world scale
Unified product scale, fits into any collection or diorama. Large-sized mecha not limited by 12cm frame, has big-sized plans for commercial realization. (Adds appeal to any collection when displayed alongside other larger or smaller robots)
For my Japanese readers (if any)…
ROBOT魂とは：
BANDAIによるハイターゲット向けロボットフィギュアの歴史が幕をあけてから約10年。積み重ねられてきた技術の結晶として生み出される新ブランドがこの「ROBOT魂」です。12cmというコレクタブルなサイズに、最新3D設計と職人の技術を複合したロボット造形の妙と、硬・滑・柔の素材を複合したフィギュアの手触り感の妙とが詰め込まれており、従来のロボットフィギュアではありえなっかた完成度がついに実現されます。
１）約12cmの塗装済み完成品可動モデル
コレクションに適した12cmのサイズ。価格はメインラインが2000円代～。気軽に楽しめる完成品モデル。（手ごろな大きさと価格帯）
２）ハイブリッドマテリアル
造形、可動、重量感、耐久性‥
可動フィギュアに求められる様々な要求に、複数の素材の組み合わせによって応える。（素材特性を生かした高い完成度。）
３）シャープな仕上がり
外装パーツ、武器パーツは硬質プラスチックABSでシャープに再現。（メカとしてのリアル感）
４）しなやかな可動
関節部には耐摩耗性に優れたPOMを使用。滑らかな可動を実現。（ガシガシ遊べる）
５）重量感と耐久性
ボディの芯となる部分に、対衝撃に優れた軟質プラスチックPVCを使用。高比重の素材が重量感を演出する。（価値ある手ごたえ）
６）ハイブリッドモデリング
「3Dモデリング」と「手造形」、デジタルデータと職人の技の組み合わせより、シャープなメカニック感とヒロイックなロボスタイルを両立。（精密さとダイナミックさを両立）
７）超合金魂と同じ製法
ロボットアイテムのトップブランド「超合金魂」の製法を採用、設計スタッフから金型製法に至るまでハイエンドアイテムの技術を惜しみなく投入。（間違いのない匠の技術）
８）統一スケールの世界観
作品ごとのスケールを統一。大型のメカは12cmの枠にとらわれず、ビッグサイズで商品化。（大小のロボットが並び立つコレクションとしての魅力）
So, what do you think? Something to add to your collection? I’m probably going to get it just because it has ABS on it. Maybe make it sit next to EVA01 on my external harddisk. ^^.
Related posts... maybe:
- At Gundam Expo Tokyo 2008
- Gundam 00 s2 ep2
- Gundam 00 Season 2
- Gundam Expo Tokyo 2008
- Cosmic Region 7003 – Strike Freedom Gundam (take 2)
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Tags: gundam
