The Phone Braver 7 (model GE-46) is an anthropomorphic mobile phone from Bandai’s Soul of Chogokin series. How I missed Phone Bravers number 1 through 6 is anyone’s guess. Maybe this chart will help you figure out what’s going on.

Actually, Phone Braver 7 is based on a “character” in a popular Japanese TV drama, K-Tai Sosakan 7, a drama about “a high school boy, his transforming cell-phone robot, and his six detective partners that fight against an internet-based criminal organization.” I’m surprised NBC hasn’t optioned it for the U.S. yet.

From what I can tell, this particular model features interchangeable light up faceplates, and makes sounds, but there are other versions floating around that actually have an LCD screen and play games too.

Priced at $135 (USD) over at XL-SHOP.com, Phone Braver 7 isn’t cheap, but it is awesome.

I hope this is what the iPhone 4 looks like.

According to the article, unlike the corporate-commissioned Gundam statue the Tetsujin 28-go statue was “planned and led by a nonprofit organization made up of local shop owners, who decided to build the monument as a symbol of the area’s reconstruction.” The shop owners managed to raise a whopping ¥135 million ($1.5 million USD) to build the statue. Tetsujin 28-go’s creator, legendary manga artist Mitsuteru Yokoyama, was born in Kobe.

The Manichi Daily News further reveals that Kobe was hit by “the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995″, and  that “today, its population has declined to about 80 percent of pre-quake levels.” Let’s hope the statue brings in commerce and people to Kobe. And because Tetsujin 28-go was granted permanent residence at the park, giant robot statues should consider migrating to Kobe as well.

But seriously the shop owners are real heroes; their idea might not be original but their intentions are pure. I think. Go Tetsujin 28-go! May you be of service to the city and its people.

The picture above is from Flickr user kanegen. It looks like something fired a puny missile from above at RX-78-2, and he’s saying, “Is that all you got?”

That one’s from shuichi. Apparently the enemy admitted that the puny missile was all he had, thereby enraging RX-78-2. Super Saiya- oh wait.

And that’s from the equally mighty Wikipedia. The unworthy opponent has been dispatched, and the people are thanking their savior. All before lunchtime.

Read the full article for more pics and trivia. Here’s one that I particularly like: I already mentioned that the Gundam statue will be taken down at the end of August. But RJ mentions that both the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye, which are also colossal but are infinitely lamer than Tokyo’s champ, were originally put up for temporary display only. And yet they’re still on display. But only because it would be a bitch to take them down. I kid, I kid. I hope that the Gundam statue enjoys the same fate.

[via The Presurfer]

A 59-ft (18-m) statue of the grandfather of giant robots will be installed in Kobe’s Wakamatsu (“A giant robot statue will be placed here after the giant Gundam statue is finished”) Park. I don’t really know why it’ll be built there but I think it’s because the creator of Tetsujin 28-go, Mitsuteru Yokoyama, was born in Kobe.

If all goes as planned the statue will be finished in September and formally unveiled in October. Also, the statue will be permanently installed, unlike the Gundam statue which will be dismantled in August, a decision that is in my opinion the biggest mistake that Japan will ever make in the history of the universe. Why would you remove something so awesome?! Seriously.

Unfortunately, unlike the edgier Gundam statue in Tokyo, Kobe’s giant robot will have no moving parts. Probably because he’s so old he can barely stand up. heheh. But it does have a more awesome and battle-ready pose. If we push it and the Gundam statue towards each other Tetsujin 28-go win because he’s already in a punching stance. Naisu! Here’s a video of the on-going construction of the statue.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Check out ToysREvil for more pics and details on the statue. Voltron statue next please!

[via The Awesomer]

Not even the gloomiest and smoggiest of days can shroud the glory of Gundam. Gundam don’t need no sun.

Mr. Hardhat has got to be one of the luckiest men in the world. Tell us Hardhat-san, what’s inside? What do you see? Is there a fondue of awesome inside? I bet there is.

Konnichiwa Gundamu-sama! What I would give to see those eyes glow. Amuro Ray! In the cockpit! Right now!

Although I must say, the statue looks more like a big toy robot than a real robot. Whatever that’s supposed to be. Maybe because it’s made of plastic.

Nevertheless, you are still awesome, Gundamu-sama. It’s a shame that you’ll only be exhibited for a couple of months. I’m sure there are literally millions of people out there – me included – that would love to take you home.

Check out Danny Choo’s website and punynari’s blog for more hi-res pics.

GIANT ROBOT STATUE FTW!!!

[via Topless Robot]

The statue is a life-size model of the RX-78-2 Gundam that appeared in the very first Gundam series, a model from which most successive Gundam designs get their iconic samurai-style appearance.

The Gundam statue is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic over a steel frame. It will be 59 feet tall and weigh 35 tons when finished, and will “emit light or mist from 50 points of its body.”

The statue will also be able to move its head, so that it can shake it in disbelief at the undoubtedly millions of otakus, fans, and devotees that will come bearing offerings, hugging it and crying at its feet, some claiming to be its long-lost children.

I hope to be one of those drooling man-children. I absolutely really truly must go and see this Gundam. Really.

The statue will be displayed in public from July 11 to August 31, free of charge. Mark your calendars, fellow mecha freaks.

[via robots dreams and anime news network]