Toybox REVIEW: Metamoroid Luluco

Given the amount of Nendoroids and Figma released on a monthly basis it’s easy to forget that Good Smile Company actually produce other toy lines other than scale statues. But while releases may be scarce, they rarely fail to be interesting. One of these lines goes by the name of Metamoroid, specialising in small transforming anime figures. The line began with Rin/Wooser from the series Wooser's Hand-to-Mouth Life as its first and only release, however the end of 2016 saw a follow up in the form of Metamoroid Luluco – the titular character from the Trigger comedy series Space Patrol Luluco. Having previously released a standard school uniform Luluco as part of the Nendoroid line, here GSC mixes things up with a space police uniform figure complete with the ability to transform (much to Luluco’s behest) into “Judgement Gun” mode.

Anime REVIEW: Space Patrol Luluco

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Hiroyuki Imaishi is currently one of the hottest names on the anime scene. From the likes of Gurren Lagann and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt to the more recent Kill la Kill, the former Gainax member and Trigger co-founder has made a name for himself with his own unique brand of fast-paced craziness. His latest work Space Patrol Luluco continues that trend in miniature form, with series comprised of 13 episodes approximately 10 minutes each in length - perfect for the director/writer to go nuts. Imaishi's series are always best described as a wild ride, and this could be the wildest one yet.

First Impressions: Space Patrol Luluco

If there's one anime director these days you can guarantee will turn heads it's Hiroyuki Imaishi. Responsible for Gurren Lagann, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Kill la Kill and more, this man has branded anime with a distinct style of over the top weirdness for many years now - whether it be with the team at Gainax or in his new home at the head of studio Trigger. Last year's Japan Animator Expo short Sex & Violence with Machspeed showed that Imaishi is far from losing his touch with the absurd, and he's hopefully set to follow that up this year with Space Patrol Luluco. While Kiznaiver may be the full-length Trigger series this anime season that everyone's talking about, Luluco instead offers rapid bursts of comedy in short 10-minute episodes. And there's room for both on any fan's watchlist.