Yay! It is Kaiyodo Revoltech ARX-7 Arbalest!!! It will be release in December together with ARX-8 Laevatein (reissue). The image is a scan page from the latest HobbyJapan magazine, they did an introduction on the Arbalest test figure. I’ll try my best to translate and correct me if I make any mistake ;)
Kaiyodo Revoltech ARX-7 Arbalest Review
1 & 2. Kaiyodo Revoltech Yamaguchi No. 082 ARX-7 Arbalest’s front view
The design direction of this figure is based on the novel “Full Metal Panic! 2007”. The knife holder at the back and the wire gun are the new designs base on the description in the original novel.
3. Accessories included
Monomolecular Cutter, Anti-Tank Dagger, option face part, 57mm shot gun (2 types), magazine with shot shield (the sword thingy?), grenade, wire gun, multiple hands, Lambda Drive’s activation replacement part (at the back) and a effect part for display (like the one in Getter Dragon).
4. Posing Style for close battle
This is the intial pose for Arbalest’s close battle. The flexibility of the legs is awesome =D.
5. Comparison between ARX-7 Arbalest and ARX-8 Laevatein
Based on the comparison, the arbalest figure actually inherit the design from Laevatein. Both of them have similar colour combination and body line.
6. Rear view of ARX-7 Arbalest with Lambda Drive activated
When Lambda Drive is activated, only the fins on Arbalest’s back is extended. Unlike what we see in the anime, its shoulders are not opened. The short shield holder (the sword thingy) is a new design.
7. Hang the Arbalest in the middle of the air!
There is a wire gun parts (with wire) for us to achieve this pose for display. I wonder will the wire able to hold the figure for long… =\
Kaiyodo Revoltech ARX-7 Arbalest and ARX-8 Laevatein Pricing and Release Date
Both Revoltech figures will release on December 15 2009. Arbalest will cost you 2,400 yen and Laevatein will be 2,900 yen (WTH, It is even more expensive than the first release).
Bottom right of the page, Robot Damashii M9 Guns Baku Mao Type
This is actually the rival of Revoltech Line, Robot Damashii. They released Arbalest and other Arm Slaves like M9 and Savage much earlier than Kaiyodo. However they don’t have Laevatein yet =P. The next few page of the magazine have introduction of them but I’ll keep them for next update, if I’m not lazy XD.