Review: Kotobukiya Mega Man MM11 Ver.

In September 2010, Kotobukiya unveiled their Rockman model kit line to the world. Now, over 13 years later, Rock is sporting his blue armor once again with Kotobukiya's newest release: Mega Man (Mega Man 11 Ver.)! Did the long wait pay off, or does this kit seem outdated? Stick around as we delve into why this model deserves your attention and Zenny!

Review sample provided by HobbyLink Japan. Go check 'em out!

He can, in fact, jump 'n shoot.

Having entirely missed out on the first round of the Classic Series Mega Man kits, I'm thrilled to witness Rock's return to the limelight, donning what might just be my favorite rendition of him—the Mega Man 11 design! The design update not only looks amazing, but the new panels and lines create clean breaks added articulation. The chest is also segmented, allowing Mega Man to have a greater range of movement. The addition of wrist separation makes nailing those challenging poses easier than ever before.

More articulation makes hitting those harder poses a breeze.

The overall build feels completely different than the X series and Battle Network kits. There are so many inner structures to put together to create a figure that is articulated and clean. W Surprisingly, it's one of the more straightforward builds, serving as an ideal starting point for newcomers to the line. Remember, take your time and enjoy the process; soon enough, you'll feel like Dr. Light constructing the Blue Bomber.

11 has no problem posing like 7.

I am loving the softer plastics Kotobukiya has been using on their recent kits. They feel much more forgiving and less fragile. This extends to the clear parts as well. Prior to this kit, the clear plastic seemed notably thick, evident when removing pieces from the runner. However, the current iteration features softer material. While not looking quite as clear, I feel the trade-off is absolutely worth it. If Kotobukiya ever tackles X's Ultimate Armor, I hope they use these softer clear pieces for his armor.

1-UP!

Mega Man comes with four sets of hands: fists, spread open palms, and two different sets of relaxed/Buster-holding hands. He also comes with four faces: neutral, open mouth (eyes facing left), gritted teeth (eyes facing right), and a smiling face (eyes facing left). There is also a blue charge shot that is a recast of X's charge shot. Finally, he comes with a head without a helmet that lets his hair flow in the wind. This head is compatible with all of the included faces. The helmetless head is an incredible inclusion and allows you to have Rock posed in a more relaxed state.

Time to relax.

I only have two real gripes with this kit. Firstly, Mega Man's scale might seem a bit off when placed alongside the X series or Battle Network kits. Yet, with some careful positioning and finesse, you can make them blend together seamlessly. Secondly, unlike the X kits, swapping face plates requires disassembling the helmet. Thankfully, the plastic is very soft and easy to work with. In all the face changes I've done, there wasn't a single time it gave me any trouble, it's just a mild annoyance.

I'm eagerly hoping for more characters in the "Mega Man 11" art style too. If or when Classic Mega Man makes a comeback, I hope he brings Proto Man and Bass along for the ride. Just imagining those two in this art style and in figure form just sounds too good to be true. Who knows what the future will bring...

Build, Mega Man!

For everlasting peace!

With the upcoming releases of Falcon Armor X and Roll.EXE, as well as several other kits that were previously announced, I'd say the Kotobukiya Rockman lines are in a good place. Hopefully, we'll have more information about Kotobukiya's Rockman-focused announcements sooner than later. Until then, keep using your sense and skill, and keep having fun.

You can pickup your very own Mega Man kit here!