Month: November 2011

by

Muramasa Sansei

Hmm… that is the black bag that the advertising team always use when carrying around figures for photos!
001

Which means there is probably a figure inside!

　　　　　　　　 ＿＿_＿
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　 ＼
　　　　 　／　＼　　　／　　＼　　　　”Ah-hah!
　　　　／ 　　⌒ 　　　⌒　　　＼　　　　Now to head back to my desk!”
　　　　|///　（__人__）　 /// |
　 　　 ＼　　　｀ ⌒´　 　　　／　　　
　　 　 ／　　　　　　　＿＿|__＿＿___　　　
　　 　| 　　ｌ..　　　／l  Prototype   l
　　 　ヽ 　丶-.,／ 　|___＿＿＿___|
　　　　/`ー､＿ﾉ　／　　　　　　／

002

So today we’ll be taking a look at this lovely figure!

Max Factory’s…、
Muramasa Sansei
from Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa!

Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa was Nitroplus’ 10th year anniversary project comes this 1/7th scale figure of Muramasa Sansei, the human form of the Tsurugi that the main character, Kageaki Minato makes a contract with!

The first brown-skinned figure in a very long time!!
The contrast with her white knee-socks is great!!

003

This is how she looks from the back!
A lovely 1/7th scale – it’s nice and big!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　 　／::::::─三三─＼
　　　　／:::::::: （ ○）三（○）＼　　”I think… I can see something!”　
　　　　|:::::::::::（__人__）::|
　 　　 ＼:::::::　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／
　　　　ノ:::::::::　　`ー’´　　＼

Liar! You can’t see anything!

004

That embarrassed expression is so cute!!

This embarrassed expression in the maid outfit is straight from the game! The original illustration by Namaniku ATK has been converted to figure form perfectly!

005

The details on the apron and lacing!!

The illustration didn’t even feature these parts, but they’re still an absolute wonder to look at on the figure form! The little wrinkles even on the lacing makes it look just like the real thing!

007

A high-table, cup and sugar bowl are included!

As you can see, they are just as beautifully detailed as the figure itself! That table looks so classy!! The lovely antique designs are also of course all identical to the onces that featured in the game!

These little extras are also all free to move around as you please – they are not attached to the base. You can even place the cup on the silver tray she is carrying!

008

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　 　／::::::─三三─＼
　　　　／:::::::: （ ○）三（○）＼　　”No… I’m sure I can see something under there!”　
　　　　|:::::::::::（__人__）::|
　 　　 ＼:::::::　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／
　　　　ノ:::::::::　　`ー’´　　＼　


Nope! You can’t see anything from this angle!

The original illustration had the exact same kind of feeling – you just couldn’t see anything. It’s amazing how well that translated to the figure when you look at it from a similar angle to the illustration.

002

Max Factory’s…
Muramasa Sansei
from Full Metal Daemon: Muramasa!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　 　─　 　 ─ ＼　　”Cute girls always look good in maid outfits!”
　　　　／ 　　 　（●） 　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

She is on the GSC website as of today!
Be sure to check with our partner shops for preorder and sales information!
 
 
But that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
 
(C)2009-2012 Nitroplus

by

Nendoroid Sanada Yukimura

The head for this particular project, and a big fan of Yukimura himself – Oonoshi!
He’s doing his best to protect something there…

001

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　＿　＿　　　　　.’　　，　．. ∧＿∧
　　　　　　　　　　∧　　_　- ― ＝￣　￣`:,　.∴　’　　　　　（ 　　　）
　　　　　　　　　,　-”￣　　　　＿＿――＝’,　・,‘　ｒ⌒>　 _／ ／
　　　　　　　　／　　　-―　￣￣　　￣”‘”　. 　　’ |　ｙ’⌒　　⌒i
　　　　　　　/　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　|　　／　　ノ ｜
　　　　　　/　　, ｲ ）　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　, ー’ 　／´ヾ_ﾉ
　　　　 　/　 　_,　＼　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　／　,　　ノ
　　　　 　|　　/ ＼　 `､　　　　　　　　　　　　／　／ ／
　　　　 　ｊ　 /　　ヽ 　|　　　　　　　　　　　／　／　,’
　　　　／　ノ　　　｛ 　|　　　　　　 　　　／　 ／| 　|
　　 ／　／　　　 　|　（_　　　　　　　 　!､＿／ / 　 〉
　　`､＿〉　　　　 　ー‐‐`　　　　　　　　　　　　|_／

Gimme that figure!!
* Just an image, we get along just fine. 😛

002
Today we’ll be playing with this lovely figure!

Phat! Company’s…
Nendoroid Sanada Yukimura!

He is the second Nendoroid from the popular Sengoku Basara series, following on from the previous Nendoroid Date Masamune! We heard all the fans voices, and we’re glad to finally bring more Sengoku Basara Nendoroids!

003

This is how he looks from the back!

The mark of the Sanada family – the 6 golden coins are clearly visible from the back with absolutely gorgeous painting! Even the headband is fitted with ball-joints allowing for some wonderfully dynamic poses!

004

Yukimura’s beloved spears!

You can’t have a Sengoku Basara figure without his weapons!! He also comes with a bent right leg for a more battle-like pose!

He comes two headbands, one straight one, and one fluttering one!
Recreate the most epic of battle scenes from the series all on your desk or in your display case!!

005

Joining parts to connect the two spears!

Combining the two spears to recreate a whole different weapon for Yukimura to fight with!! He also comes with a bent arm to recreate this pose here with his weapon resting on his shoulder!

Oonoshi came to me quite exited mentioning that this was the first Nendoroid with a visible collarbone! 😛 It’s a bit hard to see it behind his six-coin necklace, but it really is there!!

006

Oyakata-sama!!

First up is his inspired expression!

This is the expression he always gives when showing his respect and affection for Takeda Shingen!! It really keeps that dog-like loyalty feeling, but at the same time, that’s just what makes Yukimura so awesome! 😛

007

“Must… try… harder!!”

He really looks like he is angry with himself here… those who know the series will know he can get upset with himself quite easily, but to think you’d be able to get that feeling in Nendoroid form!!

His next expression is this regretful face!
Those clenched teeth really get the feeling across!!!

008

Facing off against Masamune!!

You can of course display them together for great scenes like this!!

　 　 　　　＿＿＿
　　　　 ／　　　　　＼
　　　／　 _ノ 　ヽ､_　＼　　　”I wanna…
　 ／ 　oﾟ⌒　　　⌒ﾟo　 ＼　　　but I can’t find Masamune anywhere…”
　 |　　　　 （__人__）　　|
　 ＼　　 　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 　 ／
　　ノ　　　　　　　 　　 　＼

Don’t worry! I’m fairly sure Phat! Company has heard your pleas!!

009

Nendoroid Masamune Date is going on resale!!

The same day Yukimura is released, you’ll be able to grab Masamune with him!! Don’t miss out on your chance this time around! You can’t possibly just display one of the two… who will he fight?! 😛

002

Phat Company’s…
Nendoroid Sanada Yukimura!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　　─　 　 ─　＼　　”Oyakata-sama!!!!”
　　　　／ 　　 （●） 　　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

He’ll be on the GSC site from tomorrow!!
Be sure to contact our partner shops if you have any sales or preorders questions.
 

 
Anyways, thats all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
(C) CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

by

Good Smile Company’s Memory Corner! (Part 2)

Good Smile’s 10th Year Commemoration Post!

Is moving on to part 2!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　 　─　 　 ─ 　＼　　　”May 1st was the birthday, so
　　　　／ 　 （=・=） 　（=・=）＼　　just half a year left till 11 years!”
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 |　　
　 　　 ＼　　 　　 ｀ ⌒´　 　／
　　　　　ノ　　　　　　　 　　 　＼

So today I’ll continue asking asking the staff,
“What memory sticks in your mind the most?”

001

Nobu, from the production team
 
(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Knowing that lots of people know about our products.
When out with someone my wife met at work, I was asked what I do for a living. I replied “I make figures for the company that makes Nendoroids”, and got the reply, “I collect Nendoroids!”. It was great.

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ Working out the layout of the production team’s space…
There are so many random things!

・ Getting those outside the company to understand Nendoroid specs
Even now this is tough!

GSC releases loads of figures every month, and Nobu-san here calculates the schedule for all that, as well as directing the sculptors that are not part of GSC. We’d also never have had Nendoroids if it wasn’t for him – and now that we’ve seen over 200 of them, I really think we can say with pride that they have grown into a much loved series!

002

Hiro, from the production team

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!
(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

I’ve worked at various places, but now I’m very content here at Good Smile Company. I’m on the production team, but also been involved in some sculpting, such as the Black Rock Shooter figures.

Whilst I do work on sculpting and painting, I also work on the planning and production teams, making changes here and there. I believe that having everyone work together towards our products really is what brings out the best in them.

But that said, hard times come along all the time. Everyday working into work is kind of like waling into a danger-zone – you never know what is going to come.

I kind of combined by fun time and difficult times into a single sentence…

Yeah… the good and bad things are kind of all mixed together! 😛 The BRS project really was a company-wide project….

Back then I even did an interview with huke-san at a cafe in Akihabara. That was the very first time I met him….

003

Suzuki, from management

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ The fimga cycle campaign, or the di:stage jamboree, or the country-wide tour, or the BRS X’mas campaign, or…
I really can’t say which was my best, but needless to say I’ve had loads of fun being able to go all over the place! I love being able to meet our customers from all over Japan!

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ WonHobby News Watch Reporter
It was a tough time, but to be fair it was also a lot of fun as well! I kind of feel that you kind of forced that role onto me. I’m glad we didn’t have NicoDouga back then, otherwise people would still be able to see that…

5 years ago before we had Nico Douga, GSC used to have a half-yearly program! Suzuki-san and I used to be the reporters for the show, running about all over the place – sorry Suzuki-san! You really don’t want to see that old footage… for more reasons than one. ^^;
004

Tsukki, from the production team

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Nendoroid BRS’s Development
It was a very important product to the company, and I really enjoyed putting everything I could into it. The brand new stand, weapons – it was a challenge, but we put everything into it and it came out great in the end. It was also the first product I was in charge of, so it’s definitely a very important memory to me!

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ China Business Trip
Once in China I ate some fresh vegetables at a 4-star hotel in China, and spent most of the business trip in a toilet thereafter… I swore to never eat raw fresh vegetables again. 😛

Another time I ordered lemonade in Taiwan. It was here I realized that there were a lot of differences between Taiwan and China. I swore I’d never put ice in lemonade again.

Another person who has a memory regarding BRS! BRS was the first Nendoroid to use the Nendoroid stand we use today!

I know the production team gos to China a lot – take care of yourselves while there!! I have to say that when I went to China I had no problems – the food was delicious! 😛

005

Seki-sama, from General Affairs

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ During the Yuzuko Peppermint project, when we entered a real recording studio and took part!
I always wondered what it was like in the studios where things like Drama CDs were recorded, so it was a lot of fun for me! Although, listening to my own voice recorded there was also quite a painful experience…. orz.

006

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ Working on the papercraft Gedächtnis
Making one without color, and another without. Every evening was filled with nothing put cutting and pasting paper all over. Once it was done though, the result was great – so in the end it also turned into a fun thing

That brings back memories! I remember a whole team of girls working night after night in the old office’s meeting room – cutting and pasting things all night long! (Of course, Akiyama-san who had asked them to work on it had also left all sorts of tasty goodies to keep them all going as well :P) I also remember the dubbing at the studio!! It was a great experience as well… although I also can’t stand hearing my own voice… xD

007

Web Team – Saitou (Mikatan)

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Having lots of people read my blog!
This blog originally started as a project that was only supposed to last half a year, but there were so many voices saying, “I love reading your blog” and “I saw your photos so I grabbed the figure”. It made me really happy! To be honest, the constant daily deadline is sometimes tough, but just by hearing that everyone is enjoying the blog – I’m happy to continue it!

・ Everyone Works Hard!
In the toughest of times, even when a prototype breaks or something goes badly – everyone will always be there to reassure you that everything is alright. That anything can be done! It’s great to work with people like that!

・ Taking the Vocaloid Nendo Petites to Akihabara
Wanting to show as many people as possible we took the prototypes through to Akiba. So many people came through to take a look even though it was a weekday.

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ The figma #100 incident!
figma #100 was supposed to be announced at WonFes, and I accidentally put it up on the blog a day before WonFes. I know everyone was willing to forgive me, but I just stood in the office bursting into tears when I realized what I had done! 🙁

It wasn’t even a GSC product, but a Max Factory product, so I felt even worse about it… Max Factory just laughed it off and forgave me, but it’ll still leave a scar in my mind forever more…

・ WonHobby Live Broadcast 2!
During the last part, while broadcasting, I ended up crying here as well. I’m glad this wasn’t on Nico Douga yet at that time. 😛 I actually don’t really remember it all that well, but I do know that these are the only two times I’ve actually started crying while at work. 😛


Thanks for all the memories everyone!!
That brings the 2nd memory corner to an end!
We’ll see about a part three next time I can’t get any figures to take a look at!
 
 
 
That’s all for this week!
I hope to see you all again on Monday – have a great weekend!! (・∀・)ノ゛

by

Cheerful Japan! Part 7 : Gumako: Cheerful Ver.!

　　　　　　　＿＿＿
　　　　　／ ⌒　　⌒＼
　　　 ／　　（○）　 （○） ＼　　　 “Ah! It’s Yabuki-san from ALTER!!　
　　／ 　///（__人__）// ＼　　　 Long time no see!!”
　 |　　　　　　`Y⌒y’´　　　|　　
　　 ＼ 　 　 　゛ー ′　　　,／ 　　
　 　 /　　　　　ー‐ 　　ィ

001

Hmm? That prototype looks familiar…?

Isn’t that the prototype Tsumezuka-san brought out at WonFes!? Why is it at my desk?! Now I just have to play with her!! 😛

002

ALTER’s:
Gumako: Cheerful Ver.!

The latest addition to the Cheerful JAPAN! charity product is this lovely figure of Good Smile Company’s mascot character, Gumako! The original Nendoroid proportions have all been upsized to a lovely scale figure by her sculptor, Hiroyuki Tsumezuka.

A quick summary about the Cheerful JAPAN! project.

003

Cheerful JAPAN!
http://www.cheerfuljapan.com/

The damage that has occurred during the March 11 quake in the Touhoku region is astounding, and in order to get over the destruction caused there is a lot that needs to be done, and lots of support that needs to be given. Good Smile Company has formed a support group named ‘Cheerful Japan’ which will strive to support the relief efforts for as long as possible. For at least 1 year we be releasing charity products among other efforts to raise donation money for the cause. To everyone who supports the Cheerful Japan movement – thank you, and know that your money is going where it is needed!

For each sale made, Good Smile Company will donate 1000JPY! 

003

This is how she looks from the back!

　　　　　　　＿＿＿＿
　/　) ) )／　 ＼　　／＼　　
　{　 　⊂)　（●）　 （●） ＼　　　 “Ooh! As expected from Tsumezuka-san!
　|　　 / ///（__人__）// ＼　 　 Lovely loli proportions!”
　!　　 !　　 　`Y⌒y’´　　　　|
　|　　 l 　　 　 ﾞー ′　 　,／
　|　　　ヽ　　　ー‐ 　 　ｨ
　|　　　　　　　　　 　/　 |

The adorable little shoulders and soft looking thighs… looks perfect to me!!

005jpg

Ready to cheer with yellow pompons!

A bright, cheerful yellow to cheer everyone along!! The yellow and orange really contrast nicely with her pure white outfit!
006jpg

The shiny outfit is so adorable!!

Nendoroid Gumako didn’t have the glossy treatment that the 1/8th scale figure will have – it really gives her a kind of futuristic atmosphere!

I think my best part about her is that hip-line though!!
The way the sculpting gives the material a kind of sticky look is incredible!!

004jpg

Beautiful eyes and a “ω” Mouth!!

Using that cute mouth is unfair play! It’s too cute!! Could there be anyone who doesn’t think that is cute?! I highly doubt it!

It might be hard to tell due to the lighting in the photo, but they eyes also have a lovely glossy finish!

007jpg

Replaceable parts to remove the pompons!

If you just want a standard Gumako without the pompons, you can just do a quick switch at any time!

009jpg

She also comes with a smiling expression!!
Even the helmet turns into a laughing face!

　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼
　　　　 　／　　─　 　 ─　＼　　　”Is this really a charity product..?
　　　　／ 　　 （ ○） 三 （○）＼ 　　 It seems to have so many extras!”
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 |　＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 ／　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　　＼　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

But that’s still not all!!
She also comes with separate udon tentacles that can bend!

A-ALTER are incredible as always!! Bendable udon tentacles! I would never have imagined that could happen on a scale figure!!!

010jpg

Displayed with Nendoroid Gumako!!
She is holding the pompons from Nendoroid Rin and Len!

　　　　 ／￣￣＼
　　　／ 　ー　　ー ＼ 　← ALTER’s Yabuki-san
　　　|　　（●）　 （●） |　　
　　　|　　 （__人__）|　　　”I got a comment from the sculptor, Tsumezuka!”
　　　|　　　｀i 　i´　 |　
　　　|　　　. `⌒ 　 }　　　　　　
　　　ヽ　　　　　　　}　
　　　　ヽ　　　　　ノ　
　　　／　　　　　　ヽ　

Ooh goodie! Thank you so much!!

What the?! Where am I?! It smells so good…. it must be Mikatan Blog!!

Hello everyone, my name is Hiroyuki Tsumezuka and I’m the sculptor behind GSC’s 1/8th scale mascot character, Gumako!

I’m so glad that I was able to be involved in sculpting a figure that is related to Good Smile, my #1 figure making company! (AL*ER must be about #3…). But seriously, I didn’t think we’d get the chance to see a mascot character of one company be sculpted by another company…

But because you let us, I was able to have great fun sculpting everything from the tentacles down to the pattern on her panties. Whenever she has been displayed at events in the past, I could really feel the love for GSC overflowing from the Gumako prototype… or that might have just been the udon tentacle helmet and her lovely body that everyone loved? ^^;

I’m hoping to see much more of Gumako in the future! I’ll be rooting for her whenever I can! By the way, does the “helmet” refer to the hat she wears as a whole, with the tentacles? There are still so many mysterious behind Gumako!

Anyway, I’ll be off now – sorry for the intrusion, Mikatan!


Tsumezuka-san!!

Tentacles and panties patterns… you sound like such a pervert!
But that’s why we love you!!

And now for some quick Gumako news!!
The Gumako account on twitter (＠gsc_guma) that gives GSC news has just reached 10000 followers!

In commemoration, a look at Gumako’s secrets! Everyone who grabbed Nendoroid Gumako, check the back of the included stickers! (Sorry, it’s only in Japanese!)

011jpg

#10:
Might have similar looking friends.

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼
　　　　 　／　　⌒　 　 ⌒＼　　　”Oh? you don’t mean…??”
　　　　／ 　　　 （○） 　 （○） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 |　＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　　＼　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

01qjpg

“We’re all actually very close!
We’ll all be doing whatever we can to help out wherever possible!”
– Gumaka

The Gumaguma V! (Five)
They look so adorable altogether!!

I think my best is the purple one, Gumahana!! She’s going to be clumsy, I can tell already! I hope we’ll see more of the Gumaguma V sometime soon!

002
ALTER’s:
Gumako: Cheerful Ver.!

■ She will cost 6000JPY. Shipping is free in Japan/2000JPY overseas.
■ For each sale made, GSC will donate 1000JPY to help relief efforts.

Please note the following if you’re interested in ordering:

[Purchases Within Japan]
This product can be ordered from the following stores:
Please see their respective home pages for more information.

・GOODSMILE ONLINE SHOP: http://cheerful-japan.ecq.sc/
・GOODSMILE ONLINE SHOP Mobile:　http://cheerful-japan.ecq.sc/

■ Orders can be made until 28th November 2011 at 20:00.
■ Delivery within Japan is free of charge.
■ Delivery will be in April 2012.
■ Five figures per person will be available.
■ Payment will be via bank transfer or credit card. Cash-on-delivery will not be an option.
■ Products will be made to order. Please order within the dates specified above.
■ If you have any questions please email shop@goodsmile.jp. Japanese only.

[Overseas Sales]

・GOODSMILE ONLINE SHOP: http://cheerful-japan-global.ecq.sc

■ Orders can be made between 11th November 2011 at 11:00 (JST) until the 28th November 2011 at 20:00. (JST)
■ Five figures per person will be available.
■ Figures will be made to order.
■ Figures will be sent in April 2012.
■ Payment must be done via credit card.
■ Your credit card will be charged on order, and not when the product is sent. This is due to the donation taking place before products are delivered.
■ Shipping will be charged at 2000JPY to all countries.
■ You may be charged additional fees such as import tax and customs duties when buying from overseas. Please be aware of this before ordering.
■ Payment will be in Japanese Yen.
■ Please mail shop.overseas@goodsmile.jp if you have any questions. English only please.

Orders will be taken at the GSC Online shop from 11/11/11 at 11:00 and continue until the 28th at 20:00

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　　　─　 　 ─＼　　”They’ll be made to order,
　　　　／ 　　 　（●） 　 （●） ＼ 　 be sure to order her if you want one!”
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

 
 
 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!!  (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 

(C)GOOD SMILE COMPANY

by

Nendoroid Sayaka Miki

As I mentioned yesterday with Mami-san…

014

Today we’ll have the very first look at the painted Nendoroid Sayaka-chan!

Ever since we saw the very early stages of her there have been all sorts of questions coming through asking about when we’ll see more of her! Today we’ll be taking a much more detailed look at her!

001

The 4th Puella Magi Madoka Magica Nendoroid:
Nendoroid Sayaka Miki!

A Nendoroid of the energetic character who is close friends with Madoka, also from the popular anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica!

Ever since Nendoroid Madoka was announced…

　　　　　　　 　 　　 ＿＿＿　　　　　 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　　　　　＿___..／　　　　　＼ 　　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　　　 ノ　　 ／　 　　 　 　 　 　　＼　| |　　　　　　　　　　| 　”I want a Sayaka Nendo as well!!”
　 ／　　 ／　　 　　　　 　 　 　　　 　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　|　　 　 |::..　　　　　　　　 …::::| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､;:::／| |_＿＿＿＿＿_|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　　　| |　　|

I received so much mail requesting her! I’m so glad that I can finally introduce the prototype to everyone!!

008

This is how she looks from the back!

Sayaka’s Puella Magi outfit has a lovely white cape that flows behind her – it looks great in Nendoroid form! The stand is an arm stand that attaches to her back, leaving the cape nice and clean!

002

Let’s move onto the optional parts!
First up is an upset face and her sword!

As with all the previous Nendoroids in the Madoka series, she comes with an upset face and a weapon to recreate some of the battle scenes from the show! On an unrelated note, I must say I love all the gold lining used all over Sayaka’s outfit! It’s absolutely gorgeous!

003

Bent arms for even more combat scenes!

The shoulder and arm parts are actually separated, allowing for all kinds of possibilities! Using the arm stand you can even make the famous ‘final blow’ scene from episode four!

004

She also has a pained expression!

Quite a unique expression for a Nendoroid! Those clenched teeth look so cute!! If you pose her like this with the sword in front of her, it really looks like she was trying to fend off a blow as well!

005

She comes with 8 swords in total!
Plus they all have their own little stands! (sorry, there are only 7 in this photo :P)

As not to lose to the figma version, she also comes with a lovely 8 swords to display around her! And just like Mami-san with her guns, each of the swords has their own little stand to balance it upright. It looks so amazing to see all the swords displayed around her!!

007

The pose from the key visual!

　　　　 　　／⌒ヽ
⊂二二二（　＾ω＾）二⊃
　　　　　 |　　　 /
　 　　　 （　ヽノ
　　　　　 ﾉ>ノ
　 三　　レﾚ

006

The Puella Magi all together!

Definitely today’s #1 shot! It looks so nice! Unfortunately I couldn’t get hold of Mami’s prototype though… sorry! It’s so nice when all of the figures of a set are finally released so you can display them all together like this!

Nendoroid Homura Akemi is on sale from the 10th November!
Make sure you don’t miss out on her, or else you won’t be able to display them together like this!

001

The 4th Puella Magi Madoka Magica Nendoroid:
Nendoroid Sayaka Miki!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　　　─　 　 ─＼　　”Sayaka-chan!!”
　　　　／ 　　　 （●） 　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

She’ll be on the GSC site from tomorrow!
Along with the 1/8th scale Mami Tomoe!

Be sure to check with our partner shops if you have any preorder or sales queries.
 
 
 
But anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
 
(C)Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

by

1/8th Scale Mami Tomoe : Part 2


Preorders start on the 10th!

002

The third in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica 1/8th scale series:

Mami Tomoe!

We already took a look at this wonderful figure yesterday, so if you missed that you should go check it out first! Today we’re going to take a look at the optional parts I only gave a glimpse of yesterday!!

　　　　　　　 ＿＿＿_
　 　 　 　 ／　　　　　＼　　　　　”The last GSC scale figures like Madoka and
　　　　 ／　 　⌒　　　⌒ ＼ 　　　　 Homura both had weapons, where are Mamis!?”
　　　／　 　 　（●） 　　（●） ＼
　 　 |　 　､”　ﾞ)（__人__）”　）|　　_＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　　　＼　 　 　 ｡｀ ⌒ﾟ:j´　,／jﾞ~~| | |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
＿＿／　　　　　　　　　　＼　 |_＿| | |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| |　/　　 ,　 　 　 　 　 　 　 ＼ｎ||　 | |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| | /　　 /　　　　　　　　　r.　 （ こ） | |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| | |　⌒ ーnｎｎ 　 　 　 　|＼ (⊆ｿ |_|_＿＿＿＿_＿＿＿_|
￣ ＼＿_､(“二）￣￣￣￣￣ｌ二二ｌ二二　 ＿|_|＿_|＿

009

They are of course included as well!
Two muskets for her to wield into battle!!

You simply replace the arms of the standard version with different arms already holding the weapons! The volume of the figure while holding the guns is very impressive – of course if you don’t have the space, you can always just display her as shown yesterday!

016

The muskets are also sculpted beautifully!

As not to lose to the beautiful Mami, the muskets have a lovely silver paint work and all the smallest of details have not been forgotten on them. It’s almost a waste to call them ‘optional’ parts, seen they really are so outstanding!!

On a note unrelated to the guns, I have to stop by on the pose of Mami herself once again – the way she seems to be dancing around with her head turned even more to the side – I really love this pose! Everything about Mami just suits the pose so well – her twisted hips with her twisted hair and even the way the skirt is flapping around with her pose – it just all comes together perfectly!

010

She can also hold just one of them!

It’s up to you which of the two two you want to make her hold – doing just this one saves quite a lot of space, so it might help those who don’t think they have the space to display her with both muskets.

012

A different angle to yesterday!

No matter which angle you use, she is still absolutely lovely! This angle is a little higher, and it shows off the size of her assets a little more than the angle from yesterday!

ﾟ　|　・　 |　.＋o　　 ＿＿＿_*　o。 |。| 　 *｡ |
ﾟ　|i　 　 |　+　　 ／_ノ ‘　ヽ_＼ 　　|　|! 　 　|
o｡!　 　 |!　ﾟo ／　（≡） 　　 （≡）＼　　 |　* ﾟ |
　 ｡*ﾟ　 l　・／:::⌒（__人__）⌒::＼　|o　 ﾟ。・　　　　
　＊oﾟ　|!　|　　　　　　|r┬-|　　　　　|　 +　＊|
| ・ 　　　o ＼ 　　 　 　`ー’´ 　 　 ／　*ﾟ・ ＋||　 　　
　|o 　　|・ﾟ　　>　　　　　　　　　|　 ＊｡*　　 | 　　　
＊ ﾟ　　ｌ|　　/　 　　　　　　　　　 |　　　　|　＋|


You really need to experience this Tiro Finale for yourselves!!

013

Kyubey comes to visit Mami!

He came to visit Homura in my review as well, so I had to have him visit Mami too. Note that this little Kyubey is the one included with Nendoroid Madoka, and isn’t included with any of these 1/8th scale figures! It’s amazing how the size matches the 1/8th scale figures rather nicely!!

014

The third in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica 1/8th scale series:

Mami Tomoe!

　　　　　　　 ＿＿＿_
　 　 　 　 ／　　　　　＼
　　　　 ／::::─三三─＼　　　　”Wha?! But who is that next to her now?!”
　　　／:::::: （ ○）三（○）＼
　 　 |　 　､”　ﾞ)（__人__）ﾙ ﾟ｡ ﾟ　　　_＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　　　＼　 　 　 ゝ’ﾟ　　　 　 ≦　三　ﾟ　| |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
＿＿／ 　 　 ｡≧　　　　　　　三　＝　| |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| |　/ 　　 ,　　　-ｧ,　　　　　　　≧=　 | |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| | /　　 /　　 　.ｲﾚ,､　　　　 　　＞　　| |　　　　　　　　　　　　　|
| | |　⌒ ーnｎｎ ,≦｀Vヾ　　ヾ　≧　 |_|_＿＿＿＿_＿＿＿_|
￣ ＼＿_､(“二）｡ﾟ　/｡･ｲﾊ ､＼､ｌ二二ｌ二二　 ＿|_|＿_|＿

Mami will be up for preorder from Tuesday the 10th!
Be sure to check out our partner shops for any preorder or sales inquiries!

015

Nendoroid Sayaka Miki…

Will be reviewed tomorrow!

We had a quick look at her during October’s live broadcast, but now we have a colored version for a proper look!! We’ll also take a look at her expressions, and exactly how many swords will be included with her – look forward to it!!
 
 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
 
 
(C)Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

by

1/8th Scale Mami Tomoe

Now Open at Akiba Cultures Zone’s 5th Floor!
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Cafe!

001

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼
　　　　 　／　　　ノ 　 ヽ､_＼　　　”I don’t wanna line up for 5 hours in Matsudo!”
　　　　／ 　　 　（○） 　（○） 　＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 |　＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　　＼　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

Let’s hope that waiting won’t be as much of a problem anymore!!

The Akiba Cafe has three times more space, and twice as many seats when compared to the Matsudo Good Smile Cafe!

It’s also a very relaxing atmosphere that even girls can come by, relax and enjoy the Akiba-esque atmosphere. There was also a certain prototype on display at the opening reception for the cafe… I can’t believe how popular the news of this became on news sites all over the internet!!

002

The third in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica 1/8th scale series:
Mami Tomoe!

She is from the ever popular anime series ‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’, she is a third year student at Madoka’s school, and now she is joining the other Puella Magi 1/8th scale figures – Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi!

As you can see, she is absolutely beautiful!!
That stunning body line and voluptuous body has been converted into a figure perfectly! That’s what I intend to get through to all of you today!

003

This is how she looks from the back!

Just like Madoka and Homura, she is also based off a pose from a key visual illustration of the series! She is quite forward heavy, but don’t worry – everything possible is being done to make sure she does not end up bending too far forward. The unique twisted pose is really incredible to look at no matter what angle you choose to display her at!

005

A beautiful S-shaped body line!!

Along with curvaceous breasts, sexy twisted hips and a lovely skirt and outfit to boot – no matter where you look it’s perfect!! Mami-san really is a perfect example of beauty here!
004

A sorrowful smile that also suits her so nicely!

Her eyes look ever so slightly closed, which gives her a slightly sorrowful, yet also somewhat erotic feeling. Good Smile is always known for it’s Nendoroids, but the quality of the scale figures is also not something to look over!

Hiro was in charge of the sculpting adjustments and coloring for this figure, and I happened to see him working on the figure when Aki came along and gave some adjustments to be done…

　　　　 ／￣￣＼
　　　／ 　ー　　ー ＼ 　← Aki
　　　|　　（●）　（●） |　　
　　　|　 （__人__）|　　　”Make the boobs stand out more!”
　　　|　　　｀i 　i´　 |　
　　　|　　　. `⌒ 　 }　　　　　　
　　　ヽ　　　　　　　}　
　　　　ヽ　　　　　ノ　
　　　／　　　　　　ヽ　

When I heard that I couldn’t help but agree! It’s Mami-san after all, and she has the kind of body that needs to be shown off! In the end, I must say that Hiro did a perfect job with it! The paint work is also absolutely wonderful!

006

A closer look at her lovely legs!

Because of her short skirt and the way it’s blowing around, this picture came very close to showing a bit too much. 😛 The little glimpse of her thighs between the socks and skirt is also very sexy!
007

The details on her hat and accessories!

The middle of her hair accessory is made from clear plastic for a nice transparent effect! The fluffy part on her hat gives the feeling that’ll be so soft to the touch (even if it is rock hard in reality :P). Her trademark twin-tail hair is also very carefully sculpted – the twists look lovely!

008

This must be my best angle!!

　　 　 　 　 ／￣￣￣ ＼
　　　　　 ／　　 :::＼::／＼　　　”You can see both the breasts and the back of
　　 　 ／　　 　｡<一>::<ー>。　　 those lovely thighs!! It’s not often you can see both
　　 　 |　　　.:｡ﾟ~（__人__）~ﾟj　　             of those so clearly at once!!”
　　 　 ＼、　　　゜　｀ ⌒´,;／゜
　　　　／　 ⌒ヽﾟ 　'”‘”´(;ﾟ　｡　　
　　　/　,＿ ＼　＼／＼ ＼
　 　 と_＿＿）_ヽ＿つ_;_ヾ_つ.;.

She really is sculpted so perfectly!!

011

As with the other figures in the series, she also comes with optional parts!
Mami comes with her weapon as well!

A review looking at the figure while holding her weapon will come tomorrow! We’ll also be taking a different look at the figure as a whole tomorrow – so those who didn’t get enough of Mami today, look forward to tomorrow!
 
 
But that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!!  (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
 
 
(C)Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

by

A Look at How Millhiore F. Biscotti was Made Using 3DCG Sculpting!

Available for preorder from today!

017
From DOG DAYS:
 Millhiore F. Biscotti!

As I mentioned in the last post, today we’ll be looking at how the 3DCG data for the figure was made!

We’ll be taking a look from the very start of things! I’ll also be going into a bit of detail, so I think it’ll make for quite an interesting read!

Of course the one who told me all about it was Oda-P, who was in charge of Millhi’s sculpting!

　　　　 ／￣￣＼
　　　／ 　ー　　ー ＼ 　← Oda-P
　　　|　　（●）　（●） |
　　　|　 （__人__）|　　　　”I’m not sure how well I can explain,
　　　|　　　｀i 　i´　 |       but I’ll try my best!”
　　　|　　　. `⌒ 　 }
　　　ヽ　　　　　　　}
　　　　ヽ　　　　　ノ
　　　／　　　　　　ヽ

Alright, let’s get into it!!

001

(1) Deciding on a Character (Planner)
Today’s model is of course DOG DAYS’ Millhiore F. Biscotti.

Nowadays you’ll hardly ever find an anime series, movie or game that doesn’t make use of 3DCG, but the data used for those is specially created to focus on movement. On the other hand, the 3DCG data for figures just needs be sculpted from clay into a fixed, non-moving model . That’s the main difference between common 3DCG and the 3DCG used for figure sculpting. Someone who can work with standard CG, knows the physique and build of the human body and also understands just what makes things ‘moe’ could easily work with a figure making team. We’ll go through the whole process that the director of the project goes through to reach the final product.

Ooh! As expected of Princess Millhi! That face at the bottom left is adorable!
So… we’ll use this illustration to make some 3DCG data?

002
003

(3) Modeling (3DCG Developer)

At first, the figure’s pose is not set in stone, so many ‘bones’ and joints are placed into the data based off the original illustrations of the characters, so that the pose can be easily changed at a later stage.
This 3DCG is made to be movable!
　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　 　／::::::─三三─＼
　　　　／:::::::: （ ○）三（○）＼　　　 “Priness!!
　　　　|:::::::::::（__人__）::|　　　 You look kind of like a scarecrow…
　 　　 ＼:::::::　 　|r┬-| 　 ／　　　　 and yet you’re still so gorgeous!”
　　　　ノ::::::::　　`ー’´　　＼ 　　　　

004

(3) Deciding on a Pose (Planner)

This time around, the pose was based on a scene from the ending! Now we move back onto the modeling, using the pose we decided on.

Yes! A wonderful pose that really brings out the cute side of the Princess!!

005
006

(4) 3DCG Sculpting Stage #1 (3DCG Developer)

The original illustration didn’t feature the lower half of her body, so that part is simply done without a basis illustration. Eventually a first run of the 3DCG data is created, which will look something like the above.

Ah! She moved into her pose!

Although she still seems a little stiff…?

　　　　 ／￣￣＼
　　　／ 　ー　　ー ＼ 　← Oda-P
　　　|　　（●）　（●） |
　　　|　 （__人__）|　　　”From here on, the project director gives some
　　　|　　　｀i 　i´　 |　　　　 changes that need to be done. I have an example here.”
　　　|　　　. `⌒ 　 }
　　　ヽ　　　　　　　}
　　　　ヽ　　　　　ノ
　　　／　　　　　　ヽ　

Ooh! Lemme see!!

007

(5) Adjustments to the Pose in #4 (Director)

The most common changes are adding in extra bends and twists.
It needs to be a smooth pose, but also one that brings out a dynamic feeling.

First the most obvious changes from the original illustration are brought up. In this case it was the way the hips were twisting – but changing that means changing all sorts of other things as well.

Checking poses using a figma!! ((((ﾟДﾟ)))
I-I must admit, it does make it much easier to see the problems now!! (By the way, yhis Ayanami-san is Oda-P’s own personal figure.)

008

The pose features the right shoulder in front of the left, which means the right leg needs to further forward than the left one.

→ Which means, the left leg will have the most weight on it, so the left side of the pelvis should be placed higher than the right side.
→ Which means, the left shoulder should be lowered and the right shoulder should be higher so that the stomach area is bent horizontally.
→ This allows for the left and right sides to balance out with bends in the right place, creating a smooth, dynamic feeling.

009

The overall feel of the figure is also taken a look at here, and sometimes has some changes made on a larger basis too.

Getting all the changes right is the toughest part for the figure director. Here are the actual instructions that came with these images ↓

The twisting of the hips is definitely one of the most noticeable points of the illustration, and we’ve got a feeling for how the legs should look because of that now.
The left leg will be put out forward, putting most of the weight on it, meaning the left side of the pelvis should be raised, which in turn will require her left shoulder to be lower so the body looks like it is bending correctly. Even if you look at the illustration, I think the right shoulder does look higher than the left. I also think the angle of the hip should be tilted a little further, so that the right side of the hips is lower – if that causes the right foot’s toes to touch the ground, you’ll need tilt the foot back a bit more. The body as a whole also looks a bit long – perhaps it’s just a problem of perspective?

W-Wow…!!
It certainly shows that you need some feeling as to how the human body moves when doing this direction!

010

(6) Sculpting Adjustments (Director)

While the previous changes were more looking at physical errors, these are changes that need to be done as they differ from the original work.

So even areas like the inside of her skirt are all carefully directed to match up how they should – there really is no room to miss anything while doing this!

012
013

(7) 3DCG Sculpting Stage #2 (3DCG Developer)

After this point, you’ll start feeling the dynamic feeling that we are aiming for.
The pose really starts pulling together, and the 3D data is checked on once again. The whole model is spun around, so that it can be seen from any possible angle – to make sure there is nothing strange happening at certain angles.

The skirt is definitely a noticeable change – it’s much bigger now and looks a lot closer to the final figure I showed on the blog on Wednesday! You can also see the changes in the way the hips are turning now!

022

023
021

(8) Sculpting Adjustments (Director)

This is the final note of any more adjustments that need to be made. The biggest problem at this point was where exactly the legs should be inside of the skirt. Most of the instructions were to try and make it noticeable that the legs really are beneath the skirt.

We’re really moving into the finer details now! This is where the smallest of changes can really turn a good figure into a great one!

014

(9) Printing Out the Face

Obviously the whole figure will be printed out eventually, but the most important part to check for early problems is the face. Often after this print-out, small changes such as the bevel of the cheeks are changed – they are very small changes, but they all come together in the end.

It goes without saying that we all want a perfect figure, but of course the face is always the first thing you notice on a figure!!

The photo makes the face look quite big, but the changes that are done really are incredibly tiny – this goes for the prototype of course, but also for every single one of the figures made in mass production to get to you!

015

(10) 3DCG Sculpting Stage #3 (3DCG Developer)

The 3DCG Data is complete!
The creases in the skirt, and the line of the legs is now much more noticeable.
　　　　　　 ＿＿＿＿
　/　) ) )／ ＼　　／＼　　
　{　 　⊂) （≡） 　（≡）＼　　　”Oooh! Wonderful!
　|　　 / ///（__人__）/// ＼　 　 That’s the Princess I know and love!”
　!　　 !　　 　`Y⌒y’´　　　　|
　|　　 l 　　 　 ﾞー ′　 　,／
　|　　　ヽ　　　ー‐ 　 　ｨ
　|　　　　　　　　　 　/　 |

016

(11) Parts Partitioning (3DCG Developer)

Separating the different parts for production would be very difficult by hand, but with 3D data it’s a simple task!

At least, that’s what you’d think… but actually, it can be rather troublesome. 😛

I’m sure a lot of you know, but the figures are all made up of various parts that are put together at a later stage! These separate parts are the ones that are made at the factories in China – and by using 3D data, it’s considerably faster to separate the different parts and save some much needed time!

Millhi ended up with 47 actual parts, 2 metal rods to be placed inside the figure and 2 parts for her base!

017

– Summary –

You often hear people say that as more 3DCG sculptors come into the world, many actual hand working figure sculptors will fall away – and to a degree, I think that is correct.

3DCG is considerably faster to work with as you don’t need to worry about the putty drying, surface finishing or any other problems caused by hand-done work. This obviously means you can get a lot more work done in a specific amount of time.

However, those who have been making hand sculpted figure for years have the experience and the theory behind the final products which can really help in the development of the 3DCG works. A lot of sculptors starting straight with 3DCG modeling will often have a hard time getting the representation of the body right at first.

Based on that, I believe that the experienced figure sculptors should work with the 3DCG modelling specialists, in order to create figures that have the charms that come from both sides of the table, and I believe that will bring us into the new age of figure sculpting!

– Oda

So the 3DCG modelers and the the original sculptors can put their strengths together to create great figures and save time all at once!

I must say that the one thing that really stands out after hearing all this, is that…
The voice of the director is very important!

For example, I’m fairly certain that if I had been directing the changes after seeing the scarecrow Millhi instead of Oda-P… something rather different would have come out at the end… I think the ability to do that direction is one of those skills you obtain after doing hand sculpting for a very long amount of time. I’ve tried doing it myself before as well… and I can say that while it’s fun… it’s very hard, and quite intriguing!

Another thing I wanted to get through to everyone though this article:
In the end, a professional is always going to be needed!

Someone who can take the 3D print-out and clean it up, or even improve the way it looks with some hand-made adjustments. Another very important part that we didn’t really touch is that of the painting, which is a very strong point of the figure as well – all these things have to be done by hand!

There are also all sorts of parts to the making of this figure that I didn’t include in this – I was just focusing on the sculpting – but there is a lot of work put in by a lot of people for every single figure that is released. Next time I have the chance, perhaps I’ll take a look at some other points in the production process as well.

And finally, a little more advertising!

Millhiore F. Biscotti!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼
　　　　 　／　　　─　 　 ─＼　　”Princess!!”
　　　　／ 　　 　（●） 　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

She is up for preorder as of today!!
Be sure to check out our partner shops if you have any sales or preorder queries.
 
 
But that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again next week!! (・∀・)ノ゛
 
 
 
(C)PROJECT DD

by

Millhiore F. Biscotti

　 　 　　　＿＿＿
　　　　 ／　　　　　＼
　　　／　 _ノ 　ヽ､_　 ＼
　 ／ 　oﾟ⌒　　　⌒ﾟo　 ＼ 　”I just can’t get my hands on the
　 |　　　 （__人__）　　　　|　　　threeA team I want the most!”
　 ＼　　 　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 　 ／
　　ノ　　　　　　　 　　 　＼

001

It’s not the one you see in this photo, it’s one that seems really difficult to get hold of… it’s amazing how fun it can be to pursue something you really want to get hold of! 😛

Today I’ll be playing with a brand new prototype to hopefully bring some of that fun to all of you!! (`･ω･´)

000

From DOG DAYS:
Millhiore F. Biscotti!

A second season of the anime has been announced!
DOG DAYS is a fantasy series set in the mystical world of Flonyard. Millhiore is the Princess of Biscotti Republic in this world, and now she is getting her very own 1/8th scale figure!

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼
　　　　 　／　　　─　 　 ─＼　　　”Hmm? Didn’t we see her before already?”
　　　　／ 　　　 （●） 　　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 |　＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　　 ｀ ⌒´ 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　　＼　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

00

You did! Nendoroid Millhi is currently up for preorders!

As you can see above, The Nendoroid even comes with her giant bird mount! I’m sure that the Nendoroid would look great displayed next to the 1/8th scale figure we’ll be looking at today!

004

This is how she looks from the back!

She is posed as if the wind is blowing on her – lifting up her skirt, and blowing her hair and ribbons behind her! The photo is at just the perfect angle to prevent you from seeing too much! 😛

It’s such a simple pose, and yet it has such a lovely dynamic feeling to it. Even the reverse side of the skirt is fully painted, as you can see!

006

A close-up on her chest!

The design of her outfit is very detailed, but as you can see it has been faithfully converted to figure form! The two different parts of the sleeve you can just see on the left are also very finely detailed and a pleasure to look at!

005

Her skirt is absolutely stunning!

The long wavy feeling of the skirt really is beautiful!! The spiky looking parts on the gloves and edge of the skirt are also a wonderful touch – each of them features a lovely subtle gradient of pink and white.

It’s the small little details like that which really bring out the high quality of the figure as a whole! (Although I think that means it also brings up the cost. ^^;)

003

A smile that’ll bring a smile to your face!
Those beautiful eyes also look great – the face as a whole just shines radiantly!

　 　　　＿＿＿_　　
　　　／　　 　 　＼
　 ／　　─　 　 ─＼　 　　　”The dog ears are also absolutely lovely!”
／ 　　 （●） 　（●） ＼
|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 　 |　　
/　　　　 ∩ノ ⊃　　／　∩ノ ⊃
(　 ＼　／ ＿ノ　 　 ＼／ ＿ノ　
.＼　　　／　　.　　＼　　／

007

Behind the knees!

Along with being very finely detailed, she also has a very ladylike figure!! That rounded line of her legs is particularly lovely!

A little unrelated, but I’m sure many of you remember me saying I love bare feet… but on all the figures recently I’ve started to love boots as well! Maybe it’s because Winter is on the way… 😛

008

Even a gradient on the fingertips!
It really is so beautifully sculpted and painted…

　　　　 ／￣￣＼
　　　／ .ー　　ー ＼ 　← Oda-P
　　　|　（●）　（●） |　　
　　　|　　 （__人__）　|　　　　”Millhi is actually sculpted with 3D data.”
　　　|　　　｀i 　i´　 |　
　　　|　　　. `⌒ 　 }　　　　　　
　　　ヽ　　　　　　　}　
　　　　ヽ　　　　　ノ　
　　　／　　　　　　ヽ

What?! Really?!

009

Oooh! This is the 3D Data!

You can really tell this is exactly what the figure is based on – it’s identical!
Although there were apparently all sorts of problems that got in the way of converting the 3D data into an actual figure… but I’ll go into that with more detail on Friday. I think it’ll be quite an interesting article, so do take a look!

000

From DOG DAYS:
Millhiore F. Biscotti

　　　　　 　　　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　　／　　 　 　＼　
　　　　 　／　　─　 　 ─＼　　”Princess!!”
　　　　／ 　　 （●） 　（●） ＼
　　　　|　 　　 　 （__人__）　 　 | ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_
　 　　 ＼　　 　 　|r┬-| 　 ,／　| |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　　　　ノ　　　　　 `ー’´　　＼　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　 ／´ 　 　　　　　　　　　　　 　 | |　　　　　　　　　 　|
　|　　　　ｌ 　 　 　 　 　 　　　　　| |　　　　　　　　 　　|
　ヽ　　　 -一ー_~､⌒)^),-､　　　| |_＿＿＿＿＿＿__|
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿,ノγ⌒ヽ)ニニ-￣　　　| |　　|

 
She’ll be on the GSC website on Friday!
For preorder and sales info or queries, be sure to check out our partner shops!
 
 
 
Anyway, that’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again on Friday!
Enjoy the public holiday tomorrow if you’re in Japan!
 
 
 
(C)PROJECT DD

by

Good Smile Company’s Memory Corner! (Part 1)

GSC turned 10 this year!

　 　　　 　　 　＿＿＿_
　　　　　　 ／ ＼　　／＼　 ｷﾘｯ
.　　　　　／　（ー） 　（ー）＼
　　　　／　 ⌒（__人__）⌒ ＼　　”The actual birthday was back on the 1st May,　　
　　　　|　　 　　　|r┬-|　　　　|　　 The day the company was established!”
　　　　 ＼　　　　 `ー’´　　 ／
　　　　ノ　　　　　　　　　　 　＼
　 ／´　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　ヽ
　|　　　　ｌ　　　　　　　　　　　　　　＼
　ヽ　　　 -一””””~~｀`’ー–､　　　-一”””’ー-､.
　　ヽ ＿＿＿＿(⌒)(⌒)⌒)　)　　(⌒＿(⌒)⌒)⌒))

We’re already almost half way through the 10th year of Good Smile Company! Time really flies! And after 10 years, there must be so many wonderful memories among the GSC staff!

Today I’ll be asking the staff:
“What memory sticks in your mind the most?”

001

Aki, Representative Director

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ When the MAX Alloy Genesic GaoGaiGar that cost us more than the company was worth to produce, actually sold well.
I thought I was going to die. Back then, all the GSC and Max Factory products were risks…
・ Going on a company vacation together.
We all jumped on a bus together in a foreign country, and I realized just how much we can accomplish together.
・ Everyday is great fun!
Ten years have gone by, and yet I can hardly remember most of them. I’m surrounded by great friends and family, and could die happy right now!

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times!
・ Mostly things I can’t talk about…
Over these 10 years, I’ve caused all sorts of trouble to lots of people.
If I live on long enough, I’ll write an autobiography about it all :P.

The rest of the staff was also very interested to see what Aki had to write about his memories! I get the feeling I should tell him to take care of himself more…

002

Akiyama, General Manager

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Nendoroid Miku’s Sales reaching 100000!
A product that reached the level of the 1/6th scale Kasumi!
・ The 10th Anniversary Party!
What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the 10 years of GSC!
・ Miku Z4’s Victory!
The tension and excitement building up to the final race and victory seem to suit GSC so well! 😛

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times!
・ WonHobby 9…
Getting everything ready before the event!!

WonHobby 9 was a great event that I think lived up to everyone’s expectations! But it was all thanks to the hard work in the background by people like Akiyama-san, who was running around in an almost traumatic state at the event! As a side note, you have a duck face in your photo! 😛

003

Oda-P, from the Project Team!

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Being loved by those outside the company, the customers!
It’s really encouraging to hear everyone cheer me on – such as at the WonFes booth, or during meetings with other companies. It also really puts on the pressure though..
・ Shuraki’s Akatsuki preorders reaching their limit.
Due to various problems, the first run ended up much larger than intended, but lots of people responded so well to the project – it made me really happy!
・ Sculpting Nendoroid Petite: Hetare Saber
I really loved working on the sculpting for the cute Nendoroid, making use of the pull back as well made it a really fun job.

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ Nendoroid Neko Ark Project
Just a few weeks after I joined the company – still as a part timer – I was left in charge of planning, details and sculpting. It was a ton of fun, but was also really difficult time for me. There was just no time! 😛
・ Working on the Faces of the Nendo Petite Haruhi Series
Putting on the decals as tests while comparing them to the prototype… it sounds simple, but it took a couple of us an entire night to get it so that the final version would come out as the cute version that it eventually did!
・ Nendoroid Miku’s Alterations and Coloring
The night before the photography was to be done on the figure, I worked on the Hachune fringe and expression. Something really awesome had to be included with such a huge product!

Lots of memories from Oda-P, the man who does both production and planning! 😛
It’s amazing how many of the staff remember the Shuraki and figma start-up period! Come to think of it, the Haruhi Petite Nendos were around that time as well!!

004

Otanaka from the Project Team!

(ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Just after Nendo Petites were released, a novel that came out shortly after mentioned them!
More than a fun thing, it’s more just something that made me really happy. I loved working on the project, so seeing it feature in a book was great. It was just a quick little sentence, but I read it over and over again.

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ Leaving a prototype on a train on the Yamanote Line
When I realized I had left it, I quickly asked for advice from a station attendant. He did as much as he could, but it couldn’t be found at first, and we ended up waiting for the train to go all the way around and back to try and find it. Eventually I managed to get it back without any problems, but when I think about it now, I realize just how distressed I must have been…

I remember the prototype incident! The whole company was in distress!! 😛 I remember when you called to say you got it back and everyone crowded around, “Well? Is it safe? Did you get it?!”
Everyone was so worried… but at least we got it back safely in the end!

006

Kawapon from the Production Team

 (ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Being involved in great products. Plus the midnight Wii Sports tournament!
I threw the controller and broke it..

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ The Shuraki period
It was just difficult for all sorts of reasons. 😛  I’ve attached two pictures from the Shuraki period to prove my point. The reason behind the full-body tights is still unknown.

010

009

Akiyama-san?!
What is with that expression as well!? And the pose? xD

This was about four years ago. I’m glad to see the memories have been stored as photos!

013

Takanon from the Production Team!

 (ﾟ∀ﾟ) Fun Times!

・ Making use of the 3D Printer
My previous job also made use of one, but it was nowhere near as accurate, and it took so much longer. Using the one we have now is really just too fun to explain.
・ Being in charge of the posable Nendoroid’s Sculpting
Working with Oda-P through trial and error to try and get Nendoroids more posable than ever before was a load of fun. One of my goals was to work more with joints and posing, so it was a great time for me!
・ Appearing on The Live WonHobby Broadcast
It was together with others from Nitroplus, Max Watanabe and Takayuki Takeya. We did make-up with a signing pen, and at the end of it all Takeya-san complimented me on knowing way too much. 😛

(ﾟдﾟ) Difficult Times

・ WonHobby 9
My first event after joining GSC. From beginning to end I was trying to sort out queues all around Akihabara UDX.
・ When I was late in France
I got into so much trouble. Sorry!
・ Right now.
Right now is one of the most difficult times, but I’m getting ready for the next ‘Fun Time’ as well! I can’t wait to make cuter, more playable figures than ever before!

Takanon! Our resident 3D and specialist, who is just as great at hand sculpting! Even though he is so busy, he is always willing to help out with live broadcasts and blog things! Thanks Takanon! The last two Snow Miku’s were made as a tag team between Takanon and myself! I’m glad to have you working with me!!
 
 
Thanks to everyone for their precious memories!
That brings the first Memory Corner to an end – but the next time I can’t find a prototype to get my hands on, I’ll ask some of the other staff as well!
 
 
 
That’s all for today!
I hope to see you all again tomorrow!!  (・∀・)ノ゛