U.S Kotobukiya Model Kits Now Available For Pre-Order

Last month, Kotobukiya's US subsidiary announced plans to bring all three 1/10 scale Rockman model kits outside of Japan under the Mega Man label. A release date wasn't discussed then, but now it seems we have ourselves that and more.

Online hobby retailer Entertainment Earth have begun accepting pre-orders for the English version Kotobukiya model kits --Mega Man, Roll, and Proto Man -- each priced at $27.99 and slated to ship out in June, 2011. Below, Entertainment Earth's product description for each model:

• Mega Man Protoman Plastic Model Kit 
• Proto Man is made up of pre-painted parts (approximately 200), Proto Man doesn't require any painting or glue. With 30 points of articulation for excellent posing he is 5 1/2-inches tall (1:10 scale). Customize him with included interchangeable parts like multiple faces with tampo-printed eyes, and additional hands and weapons!

• Mega Man Roll Plastic Model Kit
• Standing just over 5-inches tall (1:10 scale), the cute robot girl has 30 points of articulation and comes with multiple tampo-printed eye and face options as well as interchangeable clothing and hands!

• Mega Man Rockman Plastic Model Kit
• Mega Man, also known as "Rockman," is Capcom's world-renowned and beloved hero as a plastic model kit! Standing 5-inches tall (1:10 scale), the video game hero is comprised of approximately 200 pieces and has 30 points of articulation for excellent posing. Mega Man also comes with bonus parts so that you can display him as you choose. There are two interchangeable blasts for his Mega Blaster: standard and "charged." He also has three types of pre-applied tampo printed faces for a variety of facial expressions and even an in-scale "E" can!

Notably, the June release is likely a tentative date, having not been confirmed by KotoUS themselves.

If you haven't already imported one from Japan, this is a grand opportunity to easily snatch up one of these awesome models... and at a rather reasonable price too!

Hoping to have the official confirmation from Kotobukiya soon!

Source: Entertainment Earth

Rockman 7 Manga Gets Reprinted

For one reason or another, Wedge Holdings, the Japanese publisher of Rockman Megamix and Gigamix in Japan, are planning to reprint Shigeto Ikehara’s Rockman 7 manga in Japan.

Ikehara's comic adaption of Rockman 7 was originally published in three volumes from 1995 to 1996 under the now-fedunct Comic BomBom label. Come February 2011, the books will be reprinted for 1,260 Yen or roughly $15.31 US.

It remains to be seen if the reprint is a single volume compilation or three individual books. Notably, the original volumes retailed for 400 yen; the current 1,260 Yen price tag suggests that we're looking at a compilation.

It'd be great if this is the start of a whole slew of Ikehara reprints -- that way, Udon might even consider bringing 'em stateside!

If you've got the means to do so, pre-order your copy here.

Credit: The Mega Man Network

1Up Chats With Mega Man Universe Producer

It's been quiet a while since we last heard from Mega Man Universe... early October, to be precise. Since then, there's been little to no news on that front, leaving many wondering just what has become of this curious project. Contrary to popular belief, Mega Man Universe has not been canceled -- there's a lot more news coming down the pike soon... or so I'm told.

To keep our appetites whet until then, 1Up's Jeremy Perish has published a semi-new interview with the game's producer, Akiko Ito, originally conducted at the Tokyo Game Show some months back. The interview covers much of what has been known for a while, however, it does divulge into a lot of interesting, little tidbits behind the game's infrastructure including a reaffirmation that Universe is, in theory, a spiritual successor to Mega Man Powered Up.

Other topics of interest include the game's controversial controls, character customization, plot line, and other miscellaneous bits about the game's development. All in all, it's a nice read, especially if you've been longing to hear something, anything from the MMU front.

Again, this interview is a tad old and as such, some details may no longer relate to the game's current state of development as of December 2010. Remember, a lot has happened since TGS '10; you never know just how much has changed as a result.

You can check out the full interview here!

Legends 3 Director Planning To Visit Nintendo Event

This January, Nintendo is planning on holding a Nintendo 3DS demo event aptly titled "Nintendo World 2011." No games have been announced for the exhibition but according to a report by Andriasang, Mega Man Legends 3 producer, Masakazu Eguchi, will be in attendance -- news that some are taking as a sign the game will be at the show.

Eguchi will be on-hand during the event's first day, January 8th, in Hall 9 of the Makuhari Messe convention center just outside of Tokyo. Eguchi will be on the showroom floor checking out the other games and encourages fans to come and say hello if you spot him.

Despite speculations, Eguchi's post over at the Legends 3 devroom makes no mention that Legends 3 itself will be playable. While I wouldn't get your hopes up for a full blown reveal, I think the least we can expect is a new trailer.

I'll keep you posted! Full story at Andriasang

Archie's Mega Man Comic Gets Equipped With Release Window

A 2011 release has long been touted for Archie Comics' on-going Mega Man comic book series, but that hasn't been all too specific. However, an exact release date is gradually coming into focus, thanks to a new teaser image sent out by the publisher this morning.

Too hard to see? The image, featuring a silhouette of Mega Man's issue 1 cover pose, reveals the comic will go on sale in April, 2011. An the specific day of release isn't know currently, but I assume that tidbit will bubble to the surface closer to April.

For more information on Archie's Mega Man, check out our previous reports:

• Ian Flynn Discusses Archie's Mega Man Comic
• Mega Man Issue 1 Cover Art
• Archie Producing New Mega Man Comic

Mega Man Olympics Round 3: Jump Like Mega Man

Title says it all, really. The third round in Capcom's Mega Man Olympics tasks Capcom Unity's jgonzo and Rockman Unity's Ucchi-san in a jumping contest. However, this challenge isn't about distance: the contestants must do their best to mimic Mega Man's classic jumping pose!

Who will come out on top this time?

Can YOU do better? I think that's something we'd all love to see.

Mega Man Christmas Bananza!

It would seem there's quite a bit of holiday Mega Man randomness going on this season. If at some point you're feeling a bit bored on this very fine day, here's a breakdown of all the Mega Man-related Christmas-themed stuff going on throughout the web:

Mega Man Christmas Carol
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/557443
ACE Spark and Sprites Inc. have released this flash game just today! It's your run-of-the-mill boss rush game, but with a Christmas twist! Deck the halls with the Ghosts of Christmas, gain their presents, and use them to squash the humbug that's ruining your Christmas!  Are you up to the challenge?

Mega Man 8-Bit Deathmatch Christmas Update
http://cutstuff.net/blog/?p=2451
Released earlier this month, a nice update to Mega Man 8-bit Deathmatch which adds various Christmas-themed characters to the roster as well a Christmas map AND a fun little Snowball mode (which replaces Buckshot mode).

Rockman Online Holiday Artwork
http://blog.rockman.pmang.com/
The official Rockman Online blog released a new piece of artwork just for the winter season, though it bears little semblence to anything winter related. Still, it's quite a fine piece. Snag it here!

Capcom's Holiday E-Card
http://www.capcom.com/ecard/
Capcom's official holiday e-card spotlights Mega Man in a rather interesting way; be sure to check it out!

Come across anything else not mentioned here? Leave a link in the comments!

Many thanks to Joseph Collins for the tip!

The Inevitable Christmas Post

Just wanted to take some time out of my busy day to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I do hope you recieved some wonderful gifts, and are spending some nice quality time with friends and family.

The day's half over on my end and already it's been one to remember. I'd like to give Heat Man of the Mega Man Network a special shout out; Heat graciously provided me with a Kotobukiya Rockman model, intended as a gift for my kid brother. I had some difficulties securing a model that wasn't overpriced and Heat Man came to the rescue. Needless to say, the model made my brother's Christmas. Thanks a bunch, friend!

As for me, well, I received a surprise gift of my own from reader Jimb0: a reproduction Wily Wars cartridge -- the full English version on a region Genesis cartridge. Been looking for this one and Jimb0 really hit the nail on the head. Thank you!

Well that's it for me today. Have a good one, guys!

Rockman Megamix/Gigamix Box Set Revealed

Japanese retailer Tanomi have begun accepting pre-orders for "Rockman Megamix & Gigamix BOX", which, as the name implies, is a hefty boxed set of Hitoshi Ariga's Rockman Megamix and Rockman Gigamix manga series.

Inside the gorgeous packaging, you'll find five books: all three Megamix volumes and volumes 1 and 2 of Rockman Gigamix; Rockman Gigamix 3, however, is inexplicably absent.  Also inside, a nice little bonus: a postcard featuring more, exclusive art from Ariga.

The boxed set is being released to celebrate the conclusion of Ariga's "Mix" series, which came to an end early last month with release of Rockman Gigamix 3. Pricing and a release date have yet to be revealed but those details should surface within the coming weeks.

Yes, this is Japanese exclusive. Maybe if Udon gets around to Gigamix, we'll have something similar in the future.

UPDATE: Additional info via The Mega Man Network --  The set will release in early January, retailing for $82.78 US; there ARE three volumes of Gigamix; all three Megamix volumes have been condensed into two books.

Credit: CapKobun

Mega Man: The Board Game!

What do you do when they don't make a Mega Man board game? You build one.

A young fan by the name of Player 1 has developed a rather intricate Mega Man board game from scratch in his spare time. What may seem simple upon first glance, the game actually presents a unique method of play that faithfully adheres to the Mega Man lore with plenty of nods to the classic and X series. His efforts are sure to bring a smile to elder fans, especially if you made something along these lines long ago.

An assistant teacher by day, I'm well versed in what's hip and cool these days with the youngins. It does my heart good to see a kid of this age really digging the "older" series... that is to say, classic and X.

It's a bit sad, but out of a class of thirty with twenty something being gamers, not a single child in my midst knows who Mega Man is. Mario and Sonic, sure... but as character, Mega Man is something very foreign.

I remain hopeful that the brand's expansion into the on-going comic and toy market in 2011 will reach out to a whole new audience of kids. Game-wise, I don't think Mega Man Legends 3 will be all too appealing to that age group -- Mega Man Universe, maybe; especially since 2D platformers are finding themselves popular among the mainstream once more.

Yet, I fear that MMU's instance upon being digital-only and not being sold at retail will alienate younger players, who, more often than not, don't have access to online content. Despite owning a Wii or a 360 and a connection to the internet, my young peeps haven't touched Mega Man 9 or 10.

Hopefully, the future will bring many more Player 1s.

Mega Man Legends PSN Progress Update

Capcom's Christian Svensson provided a brief update in the effort to release the original Mega Man Legends titles on PlayStation Network. Things are coming along; however, there's a bit of a problem with at least one of the games.

"Actually, it looks like there's an IP risk on one of the titles so the IP group won't let us re-release it on PSN. We've been trying to see if we can get that resolved but it's going to take a long time."

Sven could not disclose which of three Legends series titles is having trouble, however, we're led to assume that one or two of the three titles (MML1, MML2 and The Misadventures of Tron Bonne) are good-to-go as is.

What kind of IP risk? It's been long speculated that it had something to do with the contracts and legalities of the original voice actors, but this isn't the case:

"The issues I'm speaking of are not audio related but I can't elaborate more unfortunately."

My two cents: Mega Man Legends 2 is secure for release. For weeks now, Capcom has made a habit of releasing Mega Man Legends 2-themed avatars on PSN.  Catering specifically to MML2 -- ignoring goodies themed after L1 and TMOTB -- may signify the coming of the game itself on PSN in the very near future. 

Just one of those wait and see things, I suppose.

Source: Ask Capcom

The Mega Man Olympics Wage On

The first event flew under my radar, but it looks like things are full speed ahead with Capcom's rather bizarre Mega Man Olympics promotion. Following up on round 1, Capcom Unity's jgonzo and Rockman Unity's Ucchy-san go head-to-head in a heated 'chopstick challenge.'

Just how many more of these zany challenges are left? Only the future knows!

Credit: GoNintendo (via The Mega Man Network)