Macross VF-1 GBP-1S Kaiyodo K&M Series 002 Boxed Gashapon

Originally commissioned only for special operations, the GBP-1S nonetheless saw first operational deployment in space for a routine patrol on October 2009. Then Second Lieutenant Hikaru Ichijo launched from CVS-101 Prometheus in a GBP-1S equipped VF-1J Valkyrie on a deep space reconnaissance mission to determine possible Zentradi incursion. Very little useful information on performance was gained from the deployment of the GBP-1S during Hikaru's mission, mostly due to poor tactical maneuvering. Although flight records do indicate the GBP-1S functioned as designed, both offensively and defensively, the effectiveness of the unit was left in question. Some UNS analysts critical of the October 2009 deployment suggest the poorly conceived near-simultaneous launch of the full GBP-1S ordnance allowed the enemy to intercept a few initial missiles resulting in the sequential, premature detonation of most the munitions before they were able to impact. These same analysts also note the successful defensive performance of the GBP-1S, resulting in the initial counter of several direct hits from enemy fire before the system was ejected from Lt. Ichijo's VF-1J.

 

 

This "figure" is from Kaiyodo's K&M Boxed Gashapon Series 002. Stand at about 8.0cm from the flat of the feet to the tip of the head cannon (or antennae).
The figure need some assembly in the L & R arms, L & R legs, in form of a round pin into a socket hole. For that reason, the arms and Legs are rotatable hence giving some form of articulations. Head position is fixed as far as I know.
And a figure this small even manage to pack in some form of playability by enabling the shoulder missile hatch to be articulated for open or close position. Chest missile hatches are sculpted open so it makes sense to also open up the shoulder hatches. That is how this little guy is posted all along.

<Macross - The Super Dimensional Fortress> is one of my favourite childhood cartoon. If my memory serves me correctly, this series mandarin dubbed version was screened in local TV on every Friday, 17:30pm, from later part of 1986 through 1987. I was in afternoon session back then and literally ran from school back home, with my best friend who stayed 2 floors above me in the same block, to catch the episode. It was a revolutionary cartoon with profound story line. Fighter jets transformed into cool looking robots done the job of first capturing the attention. Then the story sets in.

"Protoculture", "Zentraedi", human converting a crashed alien spacecraft, and the love story between Ichijo Hikaru, Misa Hayase and MinMei; Roy and Kurōdia Rasāru; Max and Millia. I am not exaggerating by saying watching this series help the small boy grew up a little.

However, collecting the toys are a totally different experience. At least to me. Elaborating it will probably take me another page or two. Probably do it another time. Showcasing this piece now is more like catching the wind of the recently released Bandai Chogokin 1/60 VF-1J GBP-1S toy that right now at the secondary market is asking for at least $600/- for a box. I want one but not ready to fork out that amount.
This Kaiyodo figurine does the trick for me now.

And this also marked the first entry of anything "Macross" into this blog.