Hello, and welcome to All Your Monies, where The Glorio Blog’s resident toy and figure collecting crew (and Aquagaze) will run down the last week’s new pre-orders, turning a loving or scathing eye over what’s been put out for you to spend your hard earned cash on. 

Madoka Kaname (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Good Smile Company, May 2014, ¥7420

Jel: I think most people were underwhelmed by GSC’s Madoka line, especially after a few re-accessorized cash grab versions of Homura and Sayaka. Goddess Madoka notwithstanding, there really is no “definitive” Madoka in her normal outfit (aka Alter didn’t make one) so it’s nice to see this solid attempt. There’s a certain tinge of sadness and emotion to this that I think works so much better for her character. I find myself particularly impressed with the hair, which manages to look amazing despite the simple style. Nice work here, enough to overcome my Madoka fatigue and make me want to see how the other girls turn out.

Lifesong: More Modoka huh? Okay.

Nendoroid Eren Jaeger (Attack On Titan)
Good Smile Company, April 2014, ¥3280

Jel: OK let’s be honest, the Titan uniforms are all the same and therefore the nendos are basically going to be the same thing with different heads. Of particular note here of course is the “tied to a pole” option which I guarantee will not be abused in funny photographs possibly involving Revoltech Woody nope no way not gonna happen ever. I will also again point out I think these work better as figmas, but if you gotta catch em’ all it’s another solid Titan release.

Lifesong: Personally I don’t really like nendroids that take on a more serious air.

Iori Minase (The iDOLM@STER)
Phat Company, April 2014, ¥6390

Jel: I may not care about Idolm@aster but they do make for some nice figures. I guess skeptics could harp on the somewhat aggressive angle she’s posed at, but when you throw in the tumbling bunny it kind of creates a neat “falling from the sky” effect. I have to give credit on the details too like her bracelets and that sash ribbon thing that looks like it’s made out of candy cane. It’s nice work at a reasonable price, so if you feel you really need a Rie Kugimiya avatar on your shelf then this fits the bill.

Lifesong: I’ve been trying to retire from figure collecting, but this figure has me real tempted to buy into another set. I think Phat is basing these off the anime BD jackets and well the art for those is great. She is just so cute! I am tempted to get a shelf and dedicate it to this line… My wallet is crying just at the thought of it.

Collette Brunel (Tales of Symphonia)
Kotobukiya, March 2014, ¥6700

Jel: The Tales series has produces some fantastic figures and I don’t think this lives up the standard. Maybe it’s the dull color scheme or the fact I feel like those Sonic gold rings should be glowing or something, but it just feels really flat to me. It’s certainly made well enough so I think it’s a more of a design issue, I mean when your awesome detailed base ends up being the highlight I think it’s time to move on to better things..

Lifesong: Cute, I don’t really know the character, but based off the artwork I’ve seen she looks nice. I wouldn’t pick her up without knowing the character, but any fans in luck. Kotobukiya do good work, not always the most exciting work… but solid.

Airy Ardet (Shining Blade)
Kotobukiya, March 2014, ¥6700

Jel: Was that even the Shining series with the moe bread? I can’t keep them straight. Where’s Timmy? He would know. Oh yeah, it’s a lovely figure and what not blah blah god I hated that anime.

Lifesong: Yes, she is a moe bread girl from Shining Hearts. She is cute though I’m not really digging her expression, it’s kind of stiff when she should be smiling like everyone in shining hearts always does.

Real Action Heroes Mikasa Ackerman (Attack On Titan)
Medicom, July 2014, ¥20,600

Jel: See, this is what the RAH line is all about – action heroes. Mikasa looks stunning and would make a fantastic centerpiece for the more devoted Titan fan’s collection. All the detail and countless accessories and options you’d expect are here along with the rather hefty price tag. In this case I think you’re actually getting your money’s worth though, so get your orders in and start saving up those pennies for July.

Kuroko Shirai ‘Oneesama to Mufufu’ ver. (A Certain Scientific Railgun)
Chara-Ani, January 2014, ¥6970

Jel: I’m once again gonna be the guy that reminds everyone that Kuroko is supposed to be 12-13 years old. Granted this is much more in character than the Mikoto figure she’s supposed to be paired with and honestly we’ve seen worse but… ugh. I’ll begrudgingly admit it’s one of the best quality Kuroko figures out there but out of spite I’m going to also point out the ugly clear frisbee base. TAKE THAT, CHARA-ANI!