Alleyne -the Combat Instructor- is the latest gal from the Queen’s Blade universe to be released in MegaHouse’s Queen’s Blade line of figures.  I was sold immediately when I saw her promotional photos earlier this year and pre-ordered her right away because I love her character design.  Alleyne’s design is not cliché, the colour works well together, and her face looks simply stunning — adding up to one beautiful figure.  Do be advised that this review is NSFW!

I really like Alleyne’s character design; she definitely gets my vote for being the hottest babe in the Queen’s Blade universe.

Source: scan from Alleyne’s game book

MegaHouse’s 1/8 Excellent Model Core Alleyne was released in September 2009 and retails for ¥6,300.  Alleyne is one of the latest Queen’s Blade girls to be sculpted by Norio Kibayashi — the master sculptor of MegaHouse’s Queen’s Blade figures — and painted by Tc, one of MegaHouse’s top painters.  As expected, Alleyne turned out to be one of the best Queen’s Blade figure we’ve seen to date; though the best looking Queen’s Blade girl is still up for debate.

Overall, the figure looks great  with the usual high scores for sculpt, paint job, and attention to detail.  The pose is subtle and a bit on the static side, but the sculptor did a good job by incorporating flowing locks and cape into the design…or rather, chose a design with flowing hair and cape to make it look less static.

MegaHouse has made tremendous improvements on their cast-off figures when compared to earlier releases like Queen’s Blade Airi and Nyx.  The clothes look more realistic, they’re easier to put on (or take off), and the details on them are much more refined than older releases.  But like I said in my previous review, MegaHouse always gives us chocolate with a hint of shit every time.

The new cast-off figures looks much better than its predecessors, however, the cast-off clothes are more fragile than before.  The new material they use is easier to break, and the pegs that holds the two ends together is weaker than those on earlier cast-off figures.  They’ll break in the most careful of hands.  The fact that MegaHouse doesn’t include any instructions on how to take the figure apart doesn’t help at all.

When all is said and done, MegaHouse’s Alleyne is a great figure overall and blows away its only competitor – Griffon Enterprises’ Combat Instructor Alleyne.  There is something about an elf in a skimpily clad outfit set in complementary colours that tickles my fancy.  The folks at Hobby Japan sure knows how to design their girls.

As an added bonus, Alleyne is one of the few cast-off figures with multiple display options that lets you customize how you want to have her displayed without looking awkward in any way.  Most of her clothes, excluding her gloves, boots, and leafy thongs, are removable so you can display her in one of three primary display options:

1. Fully clothed.
2. Hat and cape removed.
3. Full cast-off.

Of course, you are free to choose your own combination of how you want her dressed; that’s the beauty of the newer Queen’s Blade figures from MegaHouse.  Though it would help a lot if they decide to include some instructions on how to take the figure apart.

The level of detail on MegaHouse’s Alleyne is top-notch, the paint job and finish on the figure is flawless; though I would consider giving the staff on her weapon a little bit more wear given the aged look on the ends.  One thing I really like about MegaHouse’s Alleyne is her paint job — the colour and it’s quality.  I like the complementary colours used in Alleyne’s character design because the red and green creates a really nice balance that makes her very pleasing to look at.

MegaHouse is not well-known for the quality of their paint jobs, but they are one of the few makers that consistently delivers exceptional paint work on their products.  I especially like the work of Tc, who painted the lovely Queen’s Gate Alice, Sheryl Nome, and this lovely Alleyne figure.  This figure is another fine example of MegaHouse paint quality.  They sit atop my list because their colour pallete hits the sweet spot; not too light, and not too dark.

The typical “hat hair”, though that is how her hair looks like in the original design; but it’s ironic that her hat doesn’t fit that well on her hat hair.

MegaHouse shows us how to make a clear base.  Simple and effective.

The good:

• Queen’s Blade cast-off glory
• Amazing details and paint job
• Multiple display options
• Beautiful elf
• Lovely design

The ugly:

• Fragile clothes
• No instructions

MegaHouse have outdone themselves once again with their latest addition to the Queen’s Blade line.  The quality of Alleyne is top-notch, and she doesn’t show signs of being a cast-off figure with all the seam lines neatly concealed in this lovely package.  MegaHouse did an amazing job in realizing Alleyne in 3D with lovely details and a beautiful paint job.  I dare say she is the best looking Queen’s Blade figure to-date, and definitely the one to get if you’re looking for an Alleyne figure.

MegaHouse could’ve done better with the figure’s overall execution with my main concern being that her hat doesn’t fit snugly on her head and falls off with the slightest movement.  Another concern is the fragility of the new materials they use for their cast-off figures, which have a tendency to break after one use.  I have faith that MegaHouse is looking into the situation and the problem will be rectified soon…maybe they’ll also put in some instructions as well.

Despite the problems, MegaHouse’s Queen’s Blade Alleyne makes for one stunning display piece.  She is a definite buy for avid fans of the Queen’s Blade franchise, her fans, or anyone looking for a smoking hot elf babe to add to their figure collection.  The cast-off option is a definite plus for those looking for something extra, but the lovely sculpt and beautiful figure sells the figure.

You can also find some lovely photos at:

• foo-bar-baz (photos aren’t loading for me)

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Airi -the Infernal Temptress- is the latest gal to be re-released in what MegaHouse calls the Queen’s Blade Special Edition line.  MegaHouse have been making figures from the  Queen’s Blade franchise since 2007 when they launched the Excellent Model Core Queen’s Blade series, long before the QB franchise popularized from the anime’s ecchi success.  Most of the original releases are now discontinued, so the new Special Editions will give newcomers an opportunity to catch what they’ve missed.  Do be advised that this review is NSFW!

I really like Airi’s character design, probably one of the best in the series.

Source: scan from Airi’s game book.

MegaHouse originally released Airi back in 2007 for ¥5,000.  Because maids with huge scythes are popular, she sold out immediately.  As luck would have it, my luck that is, MegaHouse decided to capitalize on the recent Queen’s Blade anime series by re-releasing their discontinued QB girls in the form of a Special Edition.

This Special Edition Airi was released in September 2009 and retails for ¥6,000.  The special edition receives two new weapons (a broom and a halberd) that are clearly reflected on the ¥1,000 price markup; definitely not worth it.  I never had much interest in the two new weapons anyways.

The special edition Airi sports a new clear base as well, designed to give the illusion that she’s floating in mid-air.  However, I think the original clear purple base works better with Airi because that’s her character’s colour.

Airi is an 1/8 scale figure that reaches tall and high because of her posture.  Be sure to give this lovely maid enough vertical space so she can look sexy on your display.

The Infernal Temptress is sculpted by the master of Queen’s Blade figures: Norio Kibayashi, and painted by Tc, the one who painted Sheryl and Alice as well.

Overall, the figure’s sculpt, and consequently its details, looks average; but the paint job looks great and gives life to the figure.  Sadly, MegaHouse opted not to make improvements to the figure’s dated design.  She can’t compete with the newer, slimmer cast-off gals.

Dated or not, she is one of the better looking Airi figures on the market with her closest competitor being the newly released Infernal Temptress Airi by Griffon Enterprise.

Truth be told, she was supposed to be canceled from my pre-order list but ended up being shipped to me anyways.  Maybe that’s what we call fate?  Nonetheless, I’m not at all disappointed with her because she definitely have her charms…thigh-highs, huge scythe, and cast-off anyone?

The two new weapons are mediocre at best, made crappily by MegaHouse to unjustify the ¥1,000 markup over its original release.  I’d rather prefer they just charged us extra for the re-release instead of giving us two pieces of crap like this.  Afterall, I don’t have enough storage to deal with them.

The details, if there is any, are plain and boring.  It doesn’t scale up to the intricate details we see on her kick-ass scythe, and in all honesty, I doubt anyone would display her with the new weapons neither.  Another telltale sign that it was crappily made is the length of the handle.  The final product is way too short compared to the promo shots.

As one of swamp witch’s henchwoman, she seduces her prey with her sexy good looks and suck the life out of them.  In my case, she just sucked the life out of my wallet. ^^;;

It’s hard to tell that Airi’s sculpt dates back to 2007 when you look at how carefully crafted the figure is.  Sadly, the bulky cast-offable maid uniform is a dead giveaway.

The neglected hairline seam tells you how well considered the figure’s design is.

Sorry for the dust.  I swear I took her out of the box minutes before the shoot. “orz

Lovely details on the scythe’s handle.

Now, a close up of the craptastic details on her cast-offable maid uniform.  Did I mention that it looks like a Canadian-made winter jacket on her?

Very frilly, me likes.

Something for thigh-high lovers…like myself. ^^

Sexy back.

Not that we need one with Airi, but the obligatory pantsu shot is a must for any figure review.

Airi’s lovely scythe beside the two p.o.s. MegaHouse gave us.

This is your last chance to turn away before the good stuff.  Make haste!!

You all know how much I love clear bases when the makers are too lazy to give us a dioramic one.  That’s why I love MegaHouse.  Oh yes, the good stuff…

Airi looks awesome in cast-off mode.  I know I probably say that in most of my cast-off reviews, but it really does the figure justice to live and breathe without her clothes on.

Just look at her.  This is why she’s still one of the best Airi figures on the market.  Great sculpt underneath the bulky clothes.

If you can overlook the bulky clothing and the new price tag for the Special Edition, she is definitely worth the purchase.  Remember, you’ll save yourself the disappointment if you don’t have high hopes for the new weapons.

Enjoy the rest of the pics. ^^

Looks like Airi needs some help cleaning the ceiling.  Would you give her a hand?

You can also find reviews for this figure at:

• foo-bar-baz
• Flying Pussyfoot
• WAWAWA忘れ物 (Maid Leader)
• dannychoo

That’s all the reviews I’ve come across on my blogroll.  Do let me know if I missed you.

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Sheryl Nome is the latest character to be given the figure treatment by one of the best figure makers in the industry, Alpha x Omega – a collaboration between Alter and MegaHouse.

Sheryl is one of the main character in the popular anime series Macross Frontier, a tribute anime celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Macross franchise.  She is also known as the Galactic Fairy due to her beauty, singing talent, and popularity as the galaxy’s top idol.

Macross Frontier OP2 – Lion

May’N is the voice for Sheryl’s singing.  My personal favourite is Diamond Crevasse because Sheryl sang it during her “awakening” in later episodes.

Sheryl Nome – 射手座☆午後九時 Don’t be late

Sagittarius 9:00pm Don’t be late is one of Sheryl’s most popular song, and for good reason too.  Watch this video of Sheryl as well, it’s really good. ^^

Alpha x Omega’s Sheryl Nome was released in late August and retails for ¥6,800.

She is listed as a 1/8 scaled figure, but her size makes look like a 1/7 scaled figure instead.  But a little number crunching does confirm that her scale is correct, it’s just that other figures are smaller than they should be.  In case you were wondering, the figure is 22cm tall; which means Sheryl’s height is 176cm (or 5’10″).  Sexy!!  ^3^

Alter’s Akatsuki is responsible for the beautiful sculpt, and Tc from MegaHouse is the one who gave life to this beautiful figure.  They were the masterminds who brought us Queen’s Gate Alice as well.

Overall, as expected, the figure’s sculpt, paint job, and attention to detail is second to none.  I would like to say the figure is flawless, which it would be, if it wasn’t for the inherent flaw of being a cast-off figure, seam lines.  However, they did a really good job with the cast-off sculpt nonetheless.

Usually, bulky clothing is another inherent flaw in cast off figures, but this wasn’t the case because Sheryl’s stage outfit is bulky in the first place.  Thus, Sheryl looks perfect in both display options!!  Most of the seam lines are strategically hidden from view, but some of the seam lines on her stage outfit can still be seen.

Seam line or no seam line, Sheryl looks gorgeous.

Since I am on the topic of her cast-off option, I would like to curse MegaHouse for not including any instructions on how to remove her clothes!!  Alter gave us an instruction on “how to put Yoko’s pistol in her holster”; yet, MegaHouse, as usual, didn’t give us any instruction on how to remove Sheryl’s complicated set of clothing.

Here is a run down on how to remove her clothes.  You’ll have to do this at least once if you plan on displaying her.

1. Remove Sheryl’s head.  It separates at the collar.
2. Remove the boots.  They separate at the top of the boot.
3. Remove the “leggings”.  They’ll slip out from her thighs.
4. Remove left arm.  Note that it does not connect at the shoulder, but at her armbands.
5. Remove the bottom part of her coat.  They separate into two down the seam line.
6. Remove right arm.  Like her left arm, it separates at the armband.
7. Remove the top part of her coat.  You’ll have to pull it over her right shoulder.

Use this photo as a reference. ^^

Hotness!!

My favourite part about this figure is the many display options available.  You can have one for each day of the week. ^^

Sheryl’s my favourite girl in Macross Frontier.  Heck, she’s one of my all time favourites.  ^^  I really liked her carefree and outgoing character, yet she will be serious when the occasion calls for it.  Not to mention she was always entertaining to watch.

The seam lines detracts the appeal of this figure, but the details are there to distract your eyes from the seam lines.

No detail was left out on the string.

Sheryl’s flowing pink hair adds a lot to the appeal of this figure’s, otherwise boring, pose.  Her flowing pink hair signals a sense of movement, wether it’s the wind or her head turning, it makes this figure visually interesting, yet it doesn’t distract your attention from the overall figure.

The attention to detail on Sheryl’s hair is worth mentioning as well.  Yes, the sculpt looks great and all, but the paint job is simply gorgeous and jaw dropping.  They captured her hair colour perfectly in this figure, right down to the end of her hair turning into a pinkish-opaque colour.

She is such a temptress.

Usually the hair on the top of the head will be void of details when a hat is involved, but that wasn’t the case with Sheryl.  That’s Alpha x Omega craftsmanship for you.

It’s not like we need low-angle shots to get a glimpse of the good stuff, but I took them anyways. ^^

Did I forget to tell you there’s no lack of fan service when it comes to the smexy Sheryl Nome?

I had a hard time deciding how I want to display her, so I decided to get two Sheryls to ease the pain. ^^

How would you display Sheryl?

She is still “visually interesting” to look at in cast-off mode. ^^v

Definitely didn’t regret getting two Sheryls.

The minute details are there to be seen.  See her fold quartz earring?

Don’t you think it’s sexier when you can’t quite see it all?

She’s such a tease.

Sheryl gives you another reason to buy her figure. ^^

The base is simple, yet elegant, with Sheryl’s signature on it.  I would’ve preferred a stage diorama base though.

Alpha x Omega’s Sheryl Nome is definitely a buy for her fans, fans of the series, or anyone looking for an interesting figure to spice up their collection.

This is how I have her on display.  You won’t be disappointed with a figure of this caliber.  ^^

I didn’t notice anyone else on my blogroll with her review yet.  Please let me know if you have a Sheryl review. ^^

Queen’s Gate Alice by Alpha x Omega, I knew I had the have her on my wall when I first laid eyes on her pictures at dannychoo.com.  She was literally sold out everywhere, but luckily there’s always eBay to the rescue ^^  I got her at a price, but it was worth it because Alice is just so darn cute.  Just be warned, loli + cast-off = NSFW!

Alice comes from the ero series Queen’s Gate which happens to be a game that I have no clue on how to play.  I don’t intend on playing the game, but I am enticed to buy her ero game book just for the artwork.

The attention to detail on this 1/8 scale PVC figure is amazing, nothing was overlooked.  My favourite feature is Alice’s deviant look, it just melts me every time I look at her…

She have everything that defines a perfect figure: great sculpt, great pose, excellent details and paint job.

Those who have seen her pictures on other reviews might notice that her hair colour changes colours from review-to-review.  The colour of her hair is a tint of silverish-light-green in the flesh.

Ah, the obligatory pantsu shot ^^;  There’s no shortage of that with Alice.  I really love how her pantsu is *in-need-of-adjustment*.

There’s nothing spectacular about the base, but the clear base does compliment the figure nicely on display.

I’m not really a fan of girls with tails…

But girls with boots in thigh-high stockings sure tickles my fancy ^^

Alice have a really lovely face, and she’s really fun to take pictures with.

You get a different *feel* when taking pictures of her at different angles.  I never got tired of taking pictures of her, hence the resulting 400+ pics “orz

I thought I captured the silverish-light-green tint on her hair, but it doesn’t look like it in these pics.  Do you see the tint?

A few of these landscape shots are available as wallpapers.

Amongst all the good things with this Alice figure, she is a really fragile piece of artwork.

I’ve read horror stories of her head piece and armbands buckling.

But my greatest fear is giving her a unnecessary haircut when playing with her cast-off.

That hasn’t happened yet, but I have managed to break a piece off her corset…

Being a sucker, I’ve placed an order for a second Alice that should be arriving some time next week…

Her corset comes with a loop on the back, presumably for her tail.  But most Alice owners just leave it out since it doesn’t make any difference.

The attention to detail is amazing…

No detail was left out on her *removable* weapons.  It felt like I was going to break her fingers when I put her guns in place.

They even sculpted a little crinkle on her stockings…

More pantsu shots ^^;

I really liked the use of matte and semi-gloss paint to finish the details on her.

Her corset doesn’t actually cover her pupils, they can still be seen ^^;

Now’s the time to turn away if bare eyes aren’t your thing…

I think Alice is the only figure that I prefer displayed in cast-off mode.

The second Alice will be displayed nekkid full-time, hope she doesn’t catch a cold.

She doesn’t look anymore decent with her corset on anyways ^^

Alice would make a nice addition to anyone’s figure collection.  Loli, cast-off, and pantsu…what else can you ask for?  Enjoy the rest of the pics.

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