KOTOBUKIYA COLLECTION ONLINE 2021[Summer Holiday!]
Updated: Aug 29, 2021
It was announced on the 13th of August that Kotobukiya would be hosting their third online event!
After watching the last one, I think we can agree how good the production was, and that it was also a lot more accessible for those who aren't able to attend these announcement panels at conventions.
And I don't know about you, but I loved seeing all the behind the scenes discussions on how the products were made. It's always nice to hear about the design and concept process from Shogun!
From the information shown on Kotobukiya's website, the event again will be split over two days;
Saturday, 28th of August will be more catered towards their Plastic Model lines.
Sunday, 29th of August will be more about new figure announcements. So BISHOUJO fans, it looks like we need to pay more attention to the event on the Sunday!
As per the last event, this is again free to attend and you can watch the whole thing on their YouTube channel. I have added the feature video at the bottom of the page for you to view!
YouTube channel: KOTOBUKIYA TV
Link to event info: https://www.kotobukiya.co.jp/event/event-256660/
Event website: https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/
I noticed on the website that there is a "Product Planner's Voice" section at the bottom of the page, where Shogun has provided commentary on the making of these pieces. I'll add them below the images for you to read, as well as links to the webpage.
Announcements
First up on the King of the Fighter 98 line is none other than Mai Shiranui! She will be due for release in 2022 - so keep an eye out for future updates! Due Summer 2022.
Product Planners Voice;
What do you think are the best features of this character?
As a memorable celebration for the first ever collaboration between SNK and Kotobukiya, we picked Mai Shiranui from THE KING OF FIGHTERS ‘98, a game still loved and supported by many fans up until this day. While the amount of skin showing on the figure is more than usual for this product series, I’m excited to work on incorporating many fine details as we bring her to life so that the focus does not concentrate on that aspect of her design.
Which angle is best for this figure?
We’re working eagerly not only on the front view of the statue, which will be the main visual, but also on other angles such as the sides and back to create different highlight points on the figure. Be sure to stay tuned for future progress!
Is there anything you can tell us about what’s coming in the future?
Two characters from popular SNK series are currently scheduled to join the lineup after Mai Shiranui. The rest is still left blank for now but I would love to be able to continue the series with everyone’s support. It would be great to watch this grow to become a core product line within the BISHOUJO series!
You can view this conversation here: https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/figures/504/
And the reveal many have been waiting for! The painted prototype of Morrigan Aensland! Pre-orders are due to go up for her soon. Due for release Spring 2022.
Product Planners Voice;
Which parts of the sculpt did you pay attention to most?
One of them is how Morrigan lifts the fur on her costume and makes the height difference of her bust! Another is how we made her hair look smooth and light, as seen in many of her official illustrations. On the mold for her back wings, we added blood vessels and a rough surface like a real bat, aiming for a realistic look. Also, the wrinkles in her tights… So many details!!!
Which parts of the painting did you pay attention to most?
This is also going to be about her wings! To make them a little see-through like a real bat, we made the parts in a transparent material and painted them front and back! Her shiny costume and light fur are also worth a close look. We even made sure each bat on her thighs were placed perfectly to look best in the final product!
What is the best angle to look at with this figure?
All angles are attractive, but I recommend an upwards angle from below. It gives Morrigan a feisty look as if she’s trying to seduce you! Just try it and you’ll see…! Your eyes may go straight to the hair and wings at first, but her back and shoulders are also beautiful, so I would love for you to take a close look.
You can view this conversation here: https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/figures/499/
Next up in the Darkstalkers line is Felicia! Her printed prototype was unveiled during the event. She's due Spring 2022.
Product Planners Voice;
What do you think are the best features of this character?
I think one of them is how immensely kind she is. Even with powers that greatly exceed that of a human being, she does not use them for bad deeds, but rather strives to find a way to live alongside the human race. However, as a reminder that she’s not just cute and gentle, we made sure to show her Darkstalker-side with big, ferocious hands and feet.
Which parts would you highlight the most?
The sculpt for Felicia was designed with slightly more defined muscles than Morrigan. Then combined with fluffy white fur using a special mold, it results in a unique sculpt with multiple interesting components. I recommend you all to take a close look at this exquisite sculpt by ke (commacow)!
What has been the hardest part of the process so far?
The first thing that comes to mind is the sheer volume and shape of the hair...! We struggled with managing the weight of the sculpt and overall balance of the design since it’s so big. Another issue was that she’s really sexy-looking to begin with in her character design. So working on the pose in the illustration and the sculpt, we put effort in showcasing her signature cheerful personality and not just being sexy.
You can view this conversation here: https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/figures/500/
And finally, we got a look at the printed prototype for the Hatsune Miku x My Little Pony statue! Here you can see that Hatsune Miku and her pony counterpart are on separate bases.
Product Planners Voice;
Which part would you highlight the most?
The fact that the world famous Officially Licensed MY LITTLE PONY BISHOUJO series is doing a collaboration with Hatsune Miku is incredible on its own! I’m so happy to have made such a wonderful idea come true in the BISHOUJO series and hope this leads to more people gaining interest in both sides, especially if they were familiar with only one series. Don’t forget to check out our other BISHOUJO series products, as well!
What has been the hardest part of the process so far?
Designing our original "Miku Pony" was definitely the hardest. Capturing the signature Hatsune Miku look while also keeping the Officially Licensed MY LITTLE PONY BISHOUJO series style was really difficult. We had to pay close attention to where we placed her headphones, where her hairline started, and where her twintails grew from… but it was also so much fun!
Can you tell us any backstories for this product?
This is the second time we’ve asked the illustrator Shunya Yamashita to design Hatsune Miku for a figure with Kotobukiya. Since this time was to be a collaboration, we asked him to design Miku in her relatively standard appearance. In contrast, the other figure that he designed, the BISHOUJO ReMIX series Hatsune Miku, rocks his signature style, so be sure to check that out as well!
You can view this conversation here: https://www.kotobukiya-collection.com/figures/501/
What one are you looking forward to the most? Let us know over on Facebook and Instagram!
You can take a look at the 360 degree footage for each of these pieces on Kotobukiya's YouTube Channel!
Join in with our community for all the latest news and discussion! You can find us via one of the following links;
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