Welcome to the end of 2020, and boy– has it been an (insert choice words, some anger, tears, and frustration here) of a year! And unfortunately, the madness of our health climate isn’t over– COVID is still running rampant and, at least here in Los Angeles County, lockdowns and quarantine are indefinite. It made me start thinking that we, all of us toy collectors and hobbyists, need something to do with our hands. And this week over at SYFY WIRE for my weekly column “Important Toy News” (did you know I write that too? I’m not the internet’s resident, if not favorite Toy Journalist for nothing!), I had the idea to do a model kit roundup so that we can keep our hands busy, keep our minds occupied, and at the end of our several hour build, we can have a nice toy to pose and display with the rest of our collection.
Therefore, over here at Toy Wizards, I thought I would expand upon the column I wrote for SYFY and recommend some of my favorites to Toy Wizards readers as well. Some of these are In-Stock model kits (such as ones I’ve built personally), ones that are available for preorder that I have on the way, and others that are just freakin’ cool looking that I haven’t built but I think you would enjoy. This list is by no means exhaustive– these are just the stand outs according to my opinion on availability and price points. Because ultimately, that’s why we do what we do– to make your day a little happier by ogling, talking, and loving toys.
Thank you all for your support since Toy Wizards went beta in 2018 and we can’t wait to keep on rocking face in 2021. Hug, kisses, high fives, safety.
-Loryn Stone & The Toy Wizards Crew-
*Product information via official descriptions from Entertainment Earth
Flame Toys Transformers Furai Model Kits
Transformers Rodimus IDW Furai Model Kit – $39.99 – July 2021
From Flame Toys comes the Transformers Rodimus IDW Furai Model Kit. This is a modernized and optimized Rodimus IDW version. The model features great articulation with over 50 movable joints, you can set any pose easily. The model is made of hard plastic ABS & PS. Good for experienced builders and new modelers alike! The joints are made of soft plastic so it will have a stable performance. With different injection color of runner parts and simple assembly design, it will also be suitable for model kit beginners to build and pose. The Transformers Rodimus IDW Furai Model Kit measures about 5 9/10-inches tall.
Transformers Ultra Magnus Furai Model Kit – $39.99 – January 2021
The 15th model in the Furai Model series, Ultra Magnus IDW ver. is here! Like the rest of the Furai Model line this figure has great articulation with over 40 movable joints! The Transformers Ultra Magnus Furai Model Kit requires no paint or glue to assemble! Measures about 6 1/10-inches tall.
Transformers Megatron IDW Decepticon Ver. Furai Model Kit – $49.99 – January 2021
Transformers Megatron IDW Decepticon Ver. joins the Furai Model line from Flame Toys! This is an modernized and shape optimized Decepticon version of Megatron in IDW. The model is highly articulated with over 40 movable joints, you are able to set any pose easily. Model kit is made of hard plastic ABS & PS, it will be good for professional model kit users to make his own coloring Decepticon IDW Megatron. Joints are made of soft plastic so it will have a stable movable performance. With different injection color of runner parts and simple assembly design, it will also be suitable for model kit beginners. The Transformers Megatron IDW Decepticon Ver. Furai Model Kit measures about 6 1/10-inches tall.
Transformers Optimus Prime IDW Clear Version Furai Model Kit – $63.99 – In Stock
Introducing Transformers Optimus Prime IDW Clear Version Furai Model Kit – Event Exclusive. This version of the Optimus IDW comes in completely clear plastic to create a cool see through effect which is a first for Flame Toys models! The model comes packed in a collectors tin box. The design on the Tin box is modeled after the Matrix of Leadership. It all comes packed in a cardboard sleeve with art of Optimus Prime drawn in silver. This model is a have buy for any Transformers collector or modeler! Measures about 6-inches tall.
Transformers Optimus Prime G1 Ver. Furai Model Kit – $39.99 – Restocking Soon
Generation 1 Optimus Prime joins the Furai Model from Flame Toys! The modernized G1 Optimus Prime has great articulation with over 40 moveable joints! The model is made of hard plastic (ABS & PS). The model comes with Optimus Prime’s trademark blaster and energy axe! The Transformers Optimus Prime G1 Ver. Furai Model Kit measures about 6-inches tall.
Transformers Bumblebee Furai Model Kit – $49.99 – Restocking Soon
The 4th entry of the Furai model series, Bumblebee. The Transformers Bumblebee Furai Model Kit measures about 5 1/10-inches tall. The model is highly articulated with over 50 movable joints so you are able to set any pose easily. The model kit is made of hard plastic ABS & PS and as a result is excellent for professional model kit users to make their own coloring style Bumblebee. Joints are made of soft plastic so it will have stable movable performance. The model uses different injection colors on runner parts for simple assembly design.
Bandai Gundam Gun-Pla Model Kits
Endless Waltz Wing Gundam Zero EW MG 1:100 Scale Model Kit – $61.99 – January 2021
The Wing Gundam Zero EW Ver. Ka created under the full supervision of Hajiome Katoki joins the Master Grade model kit line up! Featuring detailed molding, each of the joints went through an intense examination to pursue the unfolding and interactive gimmicks for the white wings and firing poses. An incredible feature allows the Twin Buster Rifle to be stored in the wings, and the transformation into the Neo Bird Mode has been recreated. The Endless Waltz Wing Gundam Zero EW MG 1:100 Scale Model Kit includes 1x twin buster rifle, 2x beam saber, 1x shield, 1x pedestal, 1x foil sticker, and 1x water transfer decal. Measures about 6 1/2-inches tall.
Gundam Seed Strike Freedom Gundam HGCE 1:144 Scale Model Kit – $23.99 – In Stock
An updated design of the Strike Freedom from Gundam Seed Destiny recreated with updated proportion and part separation technology! Includes 2 beam rifles that can also combine, hip mounted rail guns that can fold back for storage, beam shield, and 2 beam sabers. Comes with 10 Runners and a foil sticker sheet. Measures approximately 5-inches tall when complete.
Gundam Wing #236 Gundam Heavyarms HGAC 1:144 Scale Model Kit – $17.99 – In Stock
From Gundam Wing, Gundam Heavyarms boasts overwhelming firepower in the HG format! Equipped with various weapons such as chest gatling gun, shoulder homing missile, leg micro missile it can perform its Full-Open barrage. Beam Gatling can be attached to the left arm of the body and the backpack just like in the show. The right arm is equipped with a gimmick that fixes the included army knife. The Gundam Wing #236 Gundam Heavyarms HGAC 1:144 Scale Model Kit includes 1x beam gatling, 1x army knife, and 1x foil seal. Measures about 4 1/2-inches tall.
Gundam Build Fighters 58 Star Burning Gundam HGBF Model Kit – $18.99 – January 2021
From the Gundam Build Fighters anime special GM’s Counterattack comes a new Gundam to the HGBF line-up! This Gundam Build Fighters 58 Star Burning Gundam HGBF Model Kit can achieve a wide range of actions and poses utilizing a wide range of interchangeable hand parts. The Gundam’s beam rifle features a movable barrel for its secondary firing mode. The shield has the ability to be used as one or can be split apart and mounted on the forearm. The Gundam Build Fighters 58 Star Burning Gundam HGBF Model Kit includes beam rifle, shield, 2x beam sabers, and 4x pairs of hand parts. The kit features 7x runners, 1x sticker sheet, and instruction manual.
Gundam Build Divers #15 Earthree Gundam SDCS Model Kit – $14.99 – January 2021
Earthree Gundam, the main character mecha from Gundam Build Divers Re: RISE, appears in the SDCS series! Core Gundam and combination gimmick has been recreated even in this smaller form! The Gundam Build Divers #15 Earthree Gundam SDCS Model Kit includes rifle and shield. Measures about 3 9/10-inches tall.
Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz #13 Zero SDCS Model Kit – $11.99 – In Stock
One of the most popular Gundams appears in the SDCS line. With intense articulation and color separataion, it can be converted between cute SD form and more normal proportion Cross Silhouette form with a separately sold CS frame. Features twin buster rifle that can be displayed in its iconic shooting pose, as well articulated wings to recreate its atmospheric re-entry pose. Measures roughly 4-inches tall.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Model Kits
Kotobukiya Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-00 Prototype TV Version Model Kit – $59.99 – In Stock
From the Kotobukiya Neon Genesis Evangelion line is the EVA-00 Prototype TV Version Model Kit! Equipped with the N2 depth charge and Spear of Longinus, this model kit comes with 300 parts and about 60 points of articulation. Upon completion, the EVA-00 stands about 7 1/2-inches tall and comes packaged in a closed box.
Evangelion RG Evangelion Unit-1 DX Transport Platform Set Model Kit – $72.99 – January 2021
A new frontier of the Real Grade series begins with the introduction of the Multipurpose Humanoid Decisive Weapon, Artificial Human Evangelion. The first release is the iconic EVA Unit-01 from the “Rebuild of Evangelion” movies. True to the mission of the Real Grade line to make these larger than life characters “real”, the RG Evangelion features intricate linked parts construction to represent the relaxation and contraction of muscle fibers resulting in a very close emulation of human-joints.
The movement of the spine and shoulder blades are linked to the armor parts and follow the movement of the arms and chest, shifting as needed to prevent parts from obstructing each other. From this, realistic humanoid crouching and running poses can be re-created for EVA Unit-01. This version includes a recreation of the transport platform that launches the Eva units as well as special AT Field penetration hand parts and PET effect for AT Field. Includes Entry Plug, Pallet Rifle, 2x Progressive Knives, Umbilical Cable, and 7x types of hands in different expressions. The Evangelion RG Evangelion Unit-1 DX Transport Platform Set Model Kit measures about 6 9/10-inches tall.
Neon Genesis Evangelion Evangelion Production Model-02 Real Grade Model Kit – $51.99 – January 2021
From Neon Genesis Evangelion comes Auska’s Evangelion Unit 2 in the RG line! The armor moves to allow posing with reduced interference. The inner parts of the model resemble muscles which move with the armor to allow for natural poses. The Neon Genesis Evangelion Evangelion Production Model-02 Real Grade Model Kit includes 1x Pallet Rifle, 2x Progressive Knives (Eva Unit 02 ver), 1x Umbillical Cable, 1x Realistic Decal, 7x Hand parts (Left/Right), 1x Hand parts for holding Thunder Spear, and Manual. Measures about 7 1/2-inches tall.
Pokemon Model Kits
Pokemon Riolu and Lucario Model Kit – $14.99 – In Stock
Lucario and Riolu join the Pokemon model kit lineup! Lucario features articulation that allows him to recreate Aura Sphere charging pose! Includes display stand for Aura Sphere effect. The Pokemon Riolu and Lucario Model Kit measures about 4 7/10-inches tall.
Pokemon Charizard and Dragonite Model Kit – $15.99 – In Stock
A renewed 2-pack version of Charizard and Dragonite features new parts from the original release for a cooler appearance as well as redesigned stickers. The Pokemon Charizard and Dragonite Model Kit measures about 3 1/2-inches tall.
Pokemon Mewtwo Model Kit – $9.99 – In Stock
The ever popular Mewtwo now in model kit form! Features colored molded parts that require no tools, glue, or paint! The Pokemon Mewtwo Model Kit measures about 4-inches tall.
Pokemon Pikachu Model Kit – $9.99 – In Stock
The ever popular Pikachu now in model kit form! Features colored molded parts that require no tools, glue, or paint! When you move Pikachu’s head, the ears move! The Pokemon Pikachu Model Kit measures about 3-inches tall.
Dragon Ball Model Kits
Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Son Goku Figure-rise Standard Model Kit – $35.99 – In Stock
Fans of the hit anime series Dragon Ball GT must have this model kit! The Dragon Ball GT Super Saiyan 4 Son Goku Figure-rise Standard Model Kit makes a great gift for collectors. Measures about 6-inches tall.
Dragon Ball Z Son Frieza Figure-Rise Standard Model Kit – $25.99 – In Stock
Frieza is constructed using layered colored plastic techniques that blend the seam lines together with the contours of his muscles leading to a natural appearing joint system. Simple construction patterns ensure it will be an easy to build figure even for those who have never built a model kit before. Includes different hand parts for various signature poses, and 2x types of energy weapon effect parts with stand, and one wicked facial expression. New packaging features box art that looks straight from the DB Anime. 5x runner. 1x sticker. Measures roughly 5-inches tall.
Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Son Gohan Figure-rise Standard Model Kit – $29.99 – January 2021
From Dragon Ball Z, Ultimate Son Gohan powers up in Figure-rise Standard! Equipped with a muscle build system Ultimate Son Gohan or Super Saiyan Son Gohan (Future Ver) can be made. Hair, sleeves, waist band, and shoes are included as parts to reproduce Super Saiyan Gohan (Future Ver). Marking stickers reproduce the scratches on the face and the letters on the back. Interchangeable normal and screaming facial expressions are included.
The Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Son Gohan Figure-rise Standard Model Kit includes 2x facial expression parts, Super Saiyan Son Gohan (Future Ver) part, 2x sets of hand parts (left and right), 2x energy wave (reservoir, discharge), 1x energy wave pedestal, 1x joint parts for action base installation, 1x foil seal, and 1x marking sticker. Measures about 7 1/10-inches tall.
Miscellaneous (Yet Awesome) Model Kits
Mazinkaiser Infinitism Spirits HG Model Kit – $61.99 – In Stock
The second installment after Greindizer in the original Infinitism series! Mazinkaiser arrives with excellent detail, color part separation, and a large range of articulation and gimmicks! Clear parts are used throughout including the effects for the turbo smasher rocket fist propulsion. The kaiser scrander can separate from the body and can be used to recreate aerial sequences from the source material. The Mazinkaiser Infinitism Spirits HG Model Kit includes the final kaiser blade, 2x kaiser blades, and kaiser pilder in docked and flying forms! The model includes 21x runners, stickers, display stand, and instruction manual. Measures about 7 1/2-inches tall.
Star Wars R2-D2 Hologram 1:12 Scale Model Kit – $24.99 – In Stock
Special limited hologram version of R2-D2 molded in clear blue plastic! Lift R2-D2’s head with the Hydraulic lifting device or display R2-D2 in a floating state using the included base. Set includes Brook’s propeller rocket booster, Hydraulic head lifting device, electronic bar, oil application arm, light saber, 2x tool stand, and display base. The Star Wars R2-D2 Hologram 1:12 Scale Model Kit includes 6x Runner, 1x marking sticker sheet, and instruction manual.
Project Sakura Wars Spiricle Striker Mugen Claris Type 1:24 Scale High Grade Model Kit – $51.99 – February 2021
From Project Sakura Wars, Spiricle Striker Mugen (Claris Type) joins the HG lineup! Claris’ characteristic spell book is included in both a closed and open book form. An extension gimmick joints of the limbs allows for a large range of movement so that final attack finishers from the game and anime can be reproduced! Equipped with a cockpit hatch open gimmick. A character figure in boarding form is included. The Project Sakura Wars Spiricle Striker Mugen Claris Type 1:24 Scale High Grade Model Kit includes 1x umbrella type rifle, 2x handgun, 1x foil seal, 1x jewel seal, and 1x water transfer type decal. Measures about 5 2/5-inches tall.
Toy Story Woody Cinema-Rise Standard Model Kit – $34.99 – In Stock
Introducing Woody from Toy Story! Utilizing Bandai’s color injected plastic model kit expertise, this fine model kit features many molding and physical details. The face is divided into small sections with individual parts for the eyes and mouth and features 3 different face plates for different expressions. The eyes are individually articulated and can be positioned from the back. While the body is reproduced from a multi layer construction allowing even colored parts for the cow pattern, and individual parts for the buttons and sheriff badge! Multiple hand parts are included for recreating different poses and gestures and 2 types of stickers that can attach to the sole are included! The Toy Story Woody Cinema-Rise Standard Model Kit is a must have for Disney and Pixar fans. Measures about 6-inches tall.
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