One of the Best Mecha Anime of All Time Finally Gets New First-Look Reveal After 45 Years

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Though often compared to other popular giant robot shows, this franchise remains a classic, especially for its distinctive robots. Now, the original toy is being brought back after many years, updated with new features.

This new “Origin of Valkyrie: VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv.” figure is a refreshed version of a beloved classic, released to celebrate a major milestone for the franchise. The 1/55 scale toy retains all the features fans remember, including its three distinct modes. Set to launch next year, this iconic transforming robot toy is becoming a key piece of pop culture history.

The First Macross Toy Lives Again for the Franchise’s Next Anniversary

Bandai unveiled the VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv. figure at the Tamashii Nation 2025 event. Although it’s being released a year ahead of schedule, it’s designed to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Macross in 2027. This new figure is based on the classic action figure originally made by Takatoku Toys, but features updated engineering with added articulation for greater poseability.

I noticed that instead of stickers, a lot of the details and designs on this new toy are now printed directly onto the plastic. The version they showed at the convention was in robot form, but fans will be glad to know it still transforms into a jet and a cool in-between mode called ‘Gerwalk’ – basically a jet that can walk. It comes with one blaster, and the whole thing really captures that classic, old-school feel. They also displayed pictures of previous versions of the VF-1J, reminding everyone that Bandai has been making these figures since the 80s.

The first Takatoku Toys VF-1J action figure was famously used as the basis for the Jetfire toy in the original Transformers line. However, because of legal problems, this exact figure was never sold in Japan. Instead, Jetfire was renamed “Skyfire” and given a slightly altered design, making him different from the original Valkyrie model.

Interest in Macross has been growing recently, largely because more of its anime series are now available for streaming. The original Macross anime was famously combined with footage from other shows to create Robotech. Interestingly, while Hasbro used the transforming Valkyrie design for the Jetfire toy, there were never any Robotech toys that actually transformed. The Origin of Valkyrie: VF-1J Valkyrie 45th Anniv. doesn’t have a set price yet, but it’s anticipated to be released around 2026.

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2025-11-22 06:42