SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWS

Way back in December of last year, Dive Diary posted a teaser image of what fans could expect for the next seven CXW Crazy Heads figures by Dive X Linda. Today, Dive announced Genba Hisashi as the final figure in this 5th Generation Armament line-up. A few weeks back I saw prototype images of Smoke from QP, one of Hiroshi's other mangas, in an online auction, so I'm assuming the Crazy Heads line will shift its focus for the next series. That's total speculation on my part, though...

I'm simply calling this a "special edition" as I'm not about to make a (bigger) fool of myself by attempting to decipher silly online translations any longer. As such, Google would have me to believe this particular edition of Bouya has something to do with "television" or possibly relating to "passion models" and "spring roads". Perhaps that's all true? In any event, my guess is this has something to do with further promoting the Crows Zero II DVD release on Oct. 2nd. That's the story I'm going with, anyway.

Finally!

Chapter 39 (P.1): DDL

a couple of sample images have popped up of Glam and Lucky Rudy's next addition to their popular Bone In The T.F.O.A line. Earlier this year, Lucky Rudy broke his long standing tradition with the announcement of Katagiri Ken, the first non-Armament character to appear in the Bones line-up. At first I wasn't too hip to the decision, but I'm a pretty big fan of Ken, so I was able to accept the change. Well, I'm an even bigger fan of Bouya, so I'm getting pretty warmed up to the idea and hoping this will be the start of an ongoing trend. It's rumored that a Takiya Genji Bone is also in the works. At this point I'd say it's a safe bet anyone from the CXW universe is fair game for getting Bone'd.

SkunkWORKS come through yet again with painted images of the regular edition of Dive's Flashback Generation, Suzuki Keizou. Also pictured is a blurry teaser shot of the upcoming jacket version previously reported. Expect final images as well as exclusive breakdowns and availability within the next few days.

Not really much to add, but being that official images were released on Dive's product page today, I might as well report it proper. In addition to the four versions of Hana revealed yesterday, both Regulus and Spider Web have added their own exclusives to the mix. I'd like to say they were able to improve upon things, but fact of the matter is neither a brightly colored jacket nor the presence of battle damage can really fix an already uncharacteristic face sculpt. It's too bad. I know a lot of fans were hoping for the definitive Hana to add their collections. I guess "third time's a charm" isn't always the case.

SkunkWORKS posted painted images of Dive's upcoming Flashback Generation, Tsukishima Hana. Shown here are the Regular version (black), Dive Exclusive (white), Limited Retailer Exclusive (mono), and the Takahashi Hiroshi FUN Official Fan Club (red) variants. I expect we'll see some images of the bald Hana sculpt in any number of paint schemes, as well as whatever Regulus has to offer within the next couple days.

As with the last few FBG releases, I have to say I'm not especially happy with the likeness here. As with Amachi, something just seems off. I hope this isn't going to be an ongoing trend or I'll be spending my CXW money elsewhere.

SkunkWORKS, formally known as Dive Production Diary released some early images of the upcoming (possibly Collars) Flashback Generation variant of co-founder and first Head of T.F.O.A, Suzuki Keizou. This version features Keizou in his signature leather which will become an Armament trademark for many Generations to follow. Those fans with lots of money to burn can also purchase the actual jacket from the Collars online shop.

Thanks to Lok for pointing this out and also for giving a heads up on a great CXW blog that actually knows what they're talking about! I can only aspire for such greatness.

I'm unofficially renaming this chapter, "Prank Caller".

Chapter 38: DDL

Worst may be on sabbatical the past few months, but that doesn't mean there's nothing new going on in the world of Crows & Worst manga. While the boys of Worst were kicking back during the summer break, their creator was hard at work telling other tales.

Worst Gaiden, premiering way back in the beginning of the year in the pages of Shonen Champion Monthly Magazine, has just been reprinted into tankoubon form. For those unfamiliar with the Gaiden series, they're basically side stories featuring characters from the Crows & Worst universe. While it's recommended that readers have a basic familiarity with the original series' themes and characters, these stories can be read at any time as they aren't part of Worst's main story arcs.

Released alongside the Gaiden tank is the sequel to We Are The Worst, a sort of encyclopedia of all things CXW. We Are the Worst II includes characters and events leading up to and including Volume 22 of Worst as well as Gaiden. In fact, the second half of WatWII includes the first two chapters of the "prequel" series. These chapters tell of the Umehoshi Brothers when they were students at Suzuran while the actual volume labeled "Gaiden" features just those chapters (4-6) comprising the Armament's origins.

There really isn't a whole lot to see if you've already downloaded and read Banchou's releases, but in case you're interested, I did snap a few page shots which you can check out in this thread. If you haven't already read Worst Gaiden, you can download it here.

Some unpainted prototype images have surfaced of two of Dive's upcoming Flashback Generation offerings. Hana looks to feature three different head sculpts, which should not only please fans, but also provide limitless fuel for future variant paint applications. Also pictured are sample images of the first ever figure from the Worst Gaiden series, Suzuki Keizou.

Go figure. When I first started collecting FBGs, I wasn't familiar enough with the characters of Crows to justify adding them to my collection. Now that I am, Dive are pumping out dudes from Worst like crazy. Oh the irony! Thanks to Seth for the heads up and the pics.

It's funny, I have such a big mouth in real life, yet whenever I post a new release I can never think of anything to say...

Chapter 37: DDL

Cheesy banners, poorly written content, low resolution screencaps, and (most likely) teeming with misinformation, but it's finished! You can now click the "Anime" button on the left-hand side menu to access this new section. Big thanks to Paula for helping with the credits page and of course asra for tracking the OVAs down.

Banchou and Lok, from D-M, took it upon themselves to take advantage of some down time before Worst Part III picks back up in the fall by releasing a one shot from the Worst databook, "We Are The Worst". You can grab the torrent from D-M's home page.

Remember folks; No labor on Monday!

Chapter 36: DDL

Regulus released photos of their upcoming 10th Anniversary Kunou Ryuushin today. I didn't expect to see final images of this figure so soon, nor did I anticipate the announcement of a variant. (Okay, the variant part was totally predictable.) What was expected however was the reuse of an existing sculpt and sure enough the base figure for both versions is the P.A.D. Ryuushin from a few years back. Thanks to Seth for the heads up.

Enjoy.

Chapter 35: DDL