Leading Japanese collectibles distributor, Bluefin, returns to Anime Expo (July 1-4) with new Dragon Ball figures and a wide array of new Gundam model kits! They have also announced a colorful collection of exclusive products that will be displayed and available for purchase during AX.

Bluefin will be located in Booth #1401.

Dragon Ball fans that purchase a Bandai Scouter headset at the Bluefin booth will receive Super Saiyan Hair that can be placed snugly over the head.

Read on to learn what figures/model kits will be available:

Bandai Figure-rise Standard “Dragon Ball Z” Super Saiyan Son Goku  

Height: 6 Inches

A new breed of action figure model kit that blends high articulation and detailed sculpts together in one package! Super Saiyan Goku is constructed using layered colored plastic techniques that blend the seam lines together with the folds of his outfit and contours of his muscles leading to a natural appearing joint system.  Simple construction patterns ensure it will be an easy to build figure even for those who have never built a model kit before!  Includes different hand parts for various martial arts poses, and 2 types of kamehameha effect parts with stand, and one powering up facial expression!

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Bandai Figure-rise Standard “Dragon Ball Z” Final Form Frieza

Height: 5 Inches

A new breed of action figure model kit that blends high articulation and detailed sculpts together in one package! Frieza is constructed using layered colored plastic techniques that blend the seam lines together with the contours of his muscles leading to a natural appearing joint system.  Simple construction patterns ensure it will be an easy to build figure even for those who have never built a model kit before!  Includes different hand parts for various signature poses, and 2 types of energy weapon effect parts with stand, and one wicked facial expression!

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Notable Bluefin Anime Expo GunPla products include: 

 

Bandai HG Full Armor Gundam Thunderbolt (Theatrical Clear Variant)  

***Anime Expo Exclusive!!***

MSRP: $34.99

A clear special model kit variant originally made available only at the Japanese theatrical screening locations for the animated short, “Gundam Thunderbolt.” It’s now a special Anime Expo exclusive. Don’t miss your only chance to score one this summer! Features 4 shields on movable arms, double barrel beam rifle, back mounted beam cannon and missile launcher, missile pods, beam sabers and propellant tanks. Limit 1 per person.

 

The Bandai Gundam Thunderbolt kit also will be included as part of an exclusive new Blu-ray bundle set that will be available (MSRP: $120.00) and offered during Anime Expo.  

 

Mr. Hobby Mr. Super Tool Set  

MSRP: $29.99

A specially designed tool kit with everything necessary to expertly build your GunPla model. Set includes a metal file, tweezers, a nipper, knife with replacement blades, and a black Gundam marker for panel lining. A must-have for the true GunPla model builder.

 

Bandai Shokugan Gundam Converge LTD 2016 

MSRP: $29.99

This special 3 pack consists of metallic colored versions of the Gundam MK II in AEUG and Titans colors along with G-Defenser that can combine with either figure to create the Super Gundam. It has been made specifically for select regions such as the U.S.!

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Bandai RG Wing Gundam Zero EW Pearl Gloss Version 

MSRP: $36.99

A special event exclusive RG Wing Zero Ver EW that has been coated in a beautiful pearl gloss finish. Utilizing the Advanced MS Frame that allows armor to be mounted on to a skeletal support structure, this iconic angel winged Gundam from “Gundam Wing Endless Waltz” is capable of performing its signature poses with its Twin Buster Rifle.

 

Bandai MG Hi Nu HWS Ver Ka Mechanical Clear Variant 

MSRP: $114.99

The MG Hi Nu Gundam Ver Ka fitted with a specially designed Heavy Weapons System in clear transparent outer armor designed to show off the amazing mechanical skeleton underneath.  Based on its original illustration by Yutaka Izubuchi, this Ver. Ka brings its original proportions into modern kit form from esteemed mecha designer Hajime Katoki.  Includes beam rifle, hyper bazooka, beam sabers, shield, and detachable HWS system which was originally a P-Bandai Web item.  Available in limited quantities for the U.S.  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai HG Barbatos Clear Variant Set 

MSRP: $16.99

The iconic and radical Gundam from the “Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans” TV anime series in a special clear form which can show off the incredibly detailed Gundam Frame underneath.  Includes parts to recreate Barbatos first and 4th forms and comes with Sword, Mace, Shield Arm, Long Range Cannon, and Mobile Worker. Available only for purchase at special events!  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai RG 00 Raiser Trans Am Clear Version 

MSRP: $35.99

A translucent version of the RG 00 Raiser from “Gundam 00” in Trans Am colors originally available only in Asia.  Special clear colored plastic allows display of the amazingly detailed Advanced MS Frame with the outer armor on. Includes a number of weapons and accessories including GN Sword III, GN Sword II, beam sabers and O Raiser which can detach from the body of the main Gundam.  Limit 1 per person.

 

Bandai Petit’guy Mass Production Type 

MSRP: $7.99

A cute little beargguy colored in Gundam’s iconic mass produced Zaku green! Includes one puzzle piece display stand which can connect to other Petit’gguy models!  Build your growing Beargguy army with one of these limited Petite Bears!  Purchase limited to 2 units per person.

 

Bandai HGUC RX-78-G3 Gundam 

MSRP: $13.99

A special limited color variant of the RX-78-2 Gundam in its G3 color scheme!  Featuring renewed proportions from the “Revive” campaign, this highly articulated Gundam features a beam rifle, shield, bazooka, and 2 beam sabers.  Limit 1 per person.

About Bluefin

Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Hero Cross, Beast Kingdom, Mr. Hobby, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.

Finally, the new Dragon Ball series Dragon Ball Super is nearly here. The series will premiere on July 5, 2015 on  the Japanese Fuji TV. The new series takes place a few years after the defeat of Majin Buu, when the Earth has become peaceful once again. This will be the first new TV series since (the lame) Dragon Ball GT, which aired from 1996-1997.

Since news hit about the upcoming series I started to re-watch all the films and the series Dragon Ball Kai. I have fond memories of rushing home from school to watch the show on Toonami and some of my friends getting the bootleg tapes  from Chinatown and exchanging them with each other.

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A new  film taking place after the Majin Buu Saga, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’, premiered in Japan in April.  Funimation recently hosted the North American premiere of the film on April 11 in Los Angeles. The company plans to release the film in more theaters with an English dub this August.

Briefly: Unfortunately, I’ve never watched Dragon Ball Z in my entire life. My friends freak out every time they’re reminded of that fact. I’ve had DVD’s lent to me multiple times, and they’re always returned without ever leaving their cases. I do want to watch it, and the limitless praise that I’ve heard for the series makes me ashamed to say that I haven’t. It’s on the list, okay!?

That being said, I could not take my freaking eyes off of this.

The project is called Dragon Ball Z: Light of Hope, and a few days back the 13-minute pilot for the potential fan created web series hit the web, and it’s totally hype (as Shane O’Hare would say).

The series is an adaptation of “The History of Trunks” TV Special, and tells the story of a post-apocalyptic future where 2 Androids have murdered millions of people, and only 2 young warriors can rise up to stop them.

Did I mention how freaking cool this is?

The series comes from Robot Underdog, and the short’s cast and crew includes lifelong martial artists Amy Johnston, Tyler Tackett, and Anton Bex, as well as Jack Wald’s premiere as the young Trunks. As awesome as the pilot is, Robot Underdog needs help to continue the story. The company is currently seeking donations to complete episode two and three of the project, so be sure to head here if you want to help out!

Take a look at the pilot below (and be sure to check out Robot Underdog’s fantastic Miles Morales short here), and be sure to let us know what you think! I can’t wait for the next episode!

It is hard to believe that it has been 17 years since release of the last Dragon Ball feature film! If you had cable in the early to mid 90s you probably have seen some Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z or at least heard the phrase “Next time on Dragon Ball Z!” Fans can rejoice because this new film, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods, is an original work by Dragon Ball creator, Akira Toriyama!

Following the events from the internationally renowned animated television series, Dragon Ball Z, after the defeat of Majin Buu, a new power awakens and threatens humanity. Beerus, an ancient and powerful God of Destruction, searches for Goku after hearing rumors of the Saiyan warrior who defeated Frieza. Realizing the threat Beerus poses to their home planet, the Z-fighters must find a way to stop him before it’s too late.

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The film is super funny and, as one would expect, it has some awesome action scenes! They did an excellent job of making a film that anyone can enjoy regardless of how much of the TV show/films one has seen. There are inside jokes for those who know the series well but many of those jokes are explained without being bothersome to the veteran viewers. I only watched some of the show as a kid but I never felt lost while watching the film. It was nice to see old characters again and the film did a good job of capturing the feel of the TV show. The animation is sharp with vivid colors while still retaining the look of the original material.

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I was able to speak with Kyle Hebert (best known as the English DBZ narrator) and asked him about his experience working on the new film.

It’s been amazing to get to return to characters I first voiced well over a decade ago, with brand new adventures. Dragon Ball is where my career began so it will always be special to me.

If you are looking for an anime with lots of action and humor or if you have ever seen any Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z, then you will definitely want to check out Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods!

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods hits theaters nationwide on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2014. For more details about the US theatrical release, visit www.dragonballz.com

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For the first half of February, VIZ Media will be releasing a new round of digital manga titles. Two particular series debuting will be the classic, Dragon Ball (available now), “presented for the first time in a vivid full-color collection” and Deadman Wonderland (available February 11th) ,”the gritty post-apocalyptic prison action-drama.”

Readers will not want to miss these new releases as well as digital updates to over two-dozen other series featured on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets, as well as on the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. With these dynamic platforms, fans can explore and enjoy a wide range of new and classic manga series that spans more than 2,000 volumes across 170 different series.

New additions to more than 25 popular ongoing VIZ Media series will include digital updates for fan favorites such as BLEACH, HAPPY MARRIAGE, MAGI, TORIKO, Osamu Tezuka’s award-winning PHOENIX, and many more, as well as the series finale for A DEVIL AND HER LOVE SONG, and special double-volume updates for BASARA, BOYS OVER FLOWERS, and YUYU HAKUSHO.

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DRAGON BALL FULL COLOR, Vol. 1  Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

MSRP: $12.99 (U.S. / CAN) Available Now!

Son Goku is the greatest hero on Earth. Five years after defeating the demon king Piccolo, he’s grown up and has a family. But what is the real reason for Goku’s incredible strength? A visitor from outer space arrives bearing terrible news – Goku is an alien, and the visitor, Raditz, is Goku’s brother! When Raditz turns out to be a ruthless killer, Goku must fight his incredibly strong brother to save his family and the entire human race. A surprising alliance may be Earth’s last hope: Goku will team up with his old enemy Piccolo to save the world!

 

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DEADMAN WONDERLAND, Vol. 1 Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN)  Available February 11th!

Framed for the brutal murders of his classmates by the mysterious Red Man, middle school student Ganta Igarashi finds himself sentenced to death and sent to the bizarre and fatal theme park/prison that has risen from the ruins of the Great Tokyo Earthquake – a hell on earth known as “Deadman Wonderland.”

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo ereaders, as well as in the iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

All manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) each and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

Download the free VIZ Manga App for Android and iOS devices at www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

 

Stay tuned for my review of Deadman Wonderland volume 1!