Monthly Magazine Hobby Japan 2026.05

Cover Feature - Armored Trooper Votoms: The Plastic Model Kit Frontier [2026]

Following the announcement of an all-new production, *Armored Trooper Votoms: The Gray Witch*—directed by Mamoru Oshii—the *Armored Trooper Votoms* franchise is experiencing a major resurgence. As of 2026, a diverse array of *Votoms* plastic model kits is being released by various manufacturers, creating a truly vibrant landscape of options.

In this issue, we present "Armored Trooper Votoms: The Plastic Model Kit Frontier," a comprehensive look at the *Votoms* kits currently on the market, exploring their unique appeal and distinct characteristics. We focus on four key manufacturers—Wave, BANDAI SPIRITS, Volks, and Max Factory—examining their individual design philosophies and approaches to proportions. This deep dive is accompanied by over 10 stunning, high-octane builds crafted by a team of elite modelers. It is a substantial, must-have feature for any fan—perfectly capturing 2026 as the ultimate year to build *Votoms* kits!