Good Smile Company 1/8 Atago (Heavy & Light Armament Ver.) Preview

Did you know that Wonder Festival is currently being held in Makuhari Messe this weekend? Why is that important, you may ask. That's because it's events like these which showcases to us a glimpse of the figures that (may or may not) be coming in the future. Most of them are still unpainted and in prototype stages but, most importantly, it gives us something to aspire to add to our collection in the future.

One of them is this exact figure that I'm showcasing today which was first unveiled back in Summer WonFes 2015. Fast forward half a year and here it is, in all its complete painted form. Stunning as it is, Atago isn't due for release until October this year (2016). In the meantime, let me fill you in with all the details you'll need to know about this beauty of a figure.

 

Distributed by Good Smile Company (GSC) and manufactured by Max Factory, this 1/8 scale figure is the latest addition to GSC's premium Wonderful Hobby Selection series. If you aren't acquainted to this series, make sure to check out their earlier releases, Yamato and Musashi. Just a short glimpse will immediately give you an idea of the quality these figures are delivering, if that much wasn't apparent from Atago already.

The sculptor responsible for Atago is Hiroshi (Sakurazensen), who already has an impressive resume including but, not limited to the fantastic Ultimate Madoka and Tiger Hoodie Super Sonico. Both figures which I consider center-pieces for most collection and one of which I actually own (Hint: she has pink hair).

Paintwork, on the other hand, is handled by Hajime Akimoto (from Decomas Lab). Here's to hoping the final product looks as good as this with all it's beautifully executed shading. Just take a look at the stockings, dress and Atago's bust.

Just like Yamato and Musashi that came before it, Atago will come in two guises. The Light Armament Version (above) and the Heavy Armament Version (the first 4 pictures). The most significant difference between the 2 versions are the omission of the battle pack featured in the Heavy Armament Version. Otherwise, there would be a slightly different box and packaging together with a separate price tag (of course).

The Heavy Armament Version will retail for 17,407 Yen (before tax) and the Light Armament Version at 13,704 Yen (before tax). Both cost a significant amount especially considering its relatively small 1/8 scale and with only 3,403 Yen difference, there's almost no reason to opt for the lesser Light Armament Version. 

Even if you're a fan of the cleaner Light Armament Version you can always revert to it from the Heavy Armaments Version while maintaining the option to switch around.

Pre-orders are now open on Good Smile's Online Shop from now the 4th of February till the 2nd of March leaving you a whole month to make up your mind if you want to make that costly leap. Other third party sellers may offer a slight discount so, it 's wise to look up prices beforehand.

Have I mentioned how excited I am for this figure? Finally an Atago figure! Well, yes, I am aware that QuesQ is making one too, it is unlike the quality that Max Factory is bringing to this Atago. While this does mean that I will have to live on a limited budget from now till October, it's a compromise I'm willing to make in order to afford this beauty.

For more information about Atago, make sure to check out Good Smile Company's official product page for the Heavy Armament Version and Light Armament Version. That's all for this quick spotlight. Are you, like me, excited for the release of this figure too? I'd love to hear what you think.

Either way, thanks so much for reading. Until the next time, hope you're having a great weekend!