Hello Kitty gets weaponized mecha for 40th bday in 2014

Life indeed begins at 40, even for Japanese icon Hello Kitty. And when she reaches that age next year, she's going where no non-robotic cat has gone before.

 

The lovable Sanrio character that has delighted children and adults worldwide since 1974 will mark her 40th birthday with a Mazinger Z-style mecha.

 

Photos of the Chogokin toy posted on Tamashii.jp indicate Hello Kitty piloting a giant robotic version of herself, from a cockpit on top of the head, Koji Kabuto-style.

 

A translation of the text on the page said the toy will be made of diecast metal and ABS, and will include a body, pedestal, mini-figures, and even land and water sky parts.

 

Yet, it could be the top photo on the page that would grab the attention of mecha fans: the Chogokin Hello Kitty has a rocket-punch mechanism.

 

Meanwhile, a separate article on ComicsAlliance.com said the product is a team-up of Sanrio and Bandai, which makes the Mazinger Z toy line.

 

It said the four-inch mecha, which includes a 0.9-inch pilot minifigure, is due to be released in June 2014 for Y4,400 yen (about $45).

 

"Like any mech worth its weight in die-cast and plastic parts, HK’s ride can transform between several different modes: Flight Mode, Underwater Mode, Walking Mode, Normal Mode and Angry Mode," it said.

 

ComicsAlliance.com added changing the mecha's modes may be simple, involving just moving its bow around or bending its limbs to uncover mechanics.

 

It added the Chogokin version comes shortly after the announcement of a pocket-sized Hello Kitty Revoltech figure. — TJD, GMA News