Toybox REVIEW: Kids Logic Mini Metal 001 Veritech VF-1J Fighter Mode
The shift in legal rights surrounding the original Super Dimension Fortress Macross in relation to its US-adapted counterpart Robotech has led to an age where there's more options for merchandise than ever before, and with many of the more popular ones being on the larger side it can be a daunting experience for newcomers knowing where to start. And for those looking for something a little smaller, the Kids Logic Mini Metal 001 Veritech VF-1J Fighter Mode gives you the opportunity to proudly display the show's iconic mecha in its fighter jet configuration.
This review was done in collaboration with Zero Variant, an independent UK-based online store specialising in Japanese collectibles ranging from anime figures, mecha, statues and model kits, alongside premium Western releases. Everything sold is either an official licensed product or a selected premium third-party piece that earns its place on the site.
No bootlegs. No knockoffs.
The review sample was kindly provided by Zero Variant and can be pre-ordered via the link below;
The Mini Metal Veritech VF-1J comes in pretty simple packaging, with the front of the box primarily taken up by a nice big window showing off the model in all its glory. The box's white and red colour scheme mirrors that of the VF-1J nicely, and then at the bottom you'll also find the full release name and Kids Logic logo. One side of the box simply features the release name again, whilst the other is accompanied by a small image of the model. On the back you'll find that same image again at a much larger scale, as well as a few others showing how it looks displayed in flight. As a Robotech product (rather than a Macross one) the back features both Robotech and Harmony Gold branding, as well as the Crunchyroll logo. Inside the VF-1J and its accessories are neatly laid out on a moulded tray, with the display base components taped behind in a clear plastic bag.
At only 8cm in length the Mini Metal VF-1J is definitely one of the smaller Macross/Robotech models out there, but that certainly doesn't make it any less detailed. In addition to its die-cast alloy construction giving it an impressive weight and premium feel for its size the model is beautifully sculpted - matching all the panel lining and mechanical detailing to its onscreen counterpart. At this size you'd perhaps expect some of the paint apps to be a bit less precise, but again all the detailing is just as sharp here as it would be on a much larger model. Not just larger paint apps like all the U.N. Spacy branding either - there's even tiny "KEEP CLEAN" markings on the sides of the central panel. Even the cockpit has a painted set, just visible through the clear plastic canopy. Although the model can't transform into either gerwalk or battroid modes, details from those are still present in the sculpt - the top of the VF-1J head sculpt just peeking out on the underside below the nosecone. The lack of a transformation might be disappointing (though not all that surprising given how small of it), but the effort Kids Logic have gone to make the fighter mode look as detailed and accurate as possible definitely doesn't go unnoticed.
Additional parts for the model include removable landing gear, gun pod and swappable transparent "x-ray mode" panels for the top and sides. The landing gear and gun pod simply slot into the holes on the underside of the fighter, and like the plane itself have very good detailing for its size - the gun pod even having the U.N. Spacy branding written across the sides. Removing the standard panels from the fighter reveal some lovely moulded mechanical detailing moulded into the craft, which can either be left completely exposed or seen through the swappable panels. One really cool detail about these swappable panels is that they're held on by magnets, which makes swapping them in and out really easy whilst also ensuring that aren't at risk of suddenly falling off. With a piece this small having parts fit on via tiny plastic tabs that could easily break could be a real worry, so it's great to see Kids Logic thought this through and went with a method that's both functional and feels more premium. The "x-ray model" panels look great when attached, and definitely make for a more unique way to display your VF-1J.
Meanwhile the included display stand is comprised of a runway display base and raised arm for flight poses, again giving you two different options on how to display the fighter. Slightly disappointingly the display arm isn't actually articulated despite looking like it has moulded joint sections, and is instead in a fixed position. Likewise the connection port at the end can't rotate, but does have three different notches moulded into the socket you can remove the end part and then reinsert it at different angles. The middle gives you a straightforward flying pose, whilst tilting it to the left or right lets you display it at a more dynamic banked angle. Displaying the VF-1J flat on the runaway might not seem quite as snazzy as in flight, but feels reminiscent of the iconic launch sequence segment in both the Macross and Robotech opening sequence. When displayed in flight the stand clips onto the model securely, and provides a great way to see it in all its glory.
In a world where most Macross/Robotech merchandise tends to be larger more complex items that carry a similarly high price tag, the Kids Logic Mini Metal 001 Veritech VF-1J Fighter Mode is a wonderful little desk toy that allows collectors to own something a bit smaller scale. Forgoing the transforming mecha elements to focus entirely on the fighter jet mode might not seem like the immediate choice to some, but in doing so Kids Logic have gone all in on the materials and detailing and delivered a really premium feeling product. With plenty of other variants in the series there's lots of scope here for a fans to have a whole fleet of fighters on display without taking up too much real estate on the shelf.
Many thanks to Zero Variant again for their collaboration on this review and kindly providing the item, which can be pre-ordered via the link below;
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