A VERY interesting Pullip release is scheduled for May 2011, pre-ordering period starting October 1st. Limited to 300 pieces, a Pullip based on glamour model (“gravure idol”) Rina Akiyama. Akiyama is – wiki blurb following – known from an appearance in two “Kamen Rider” series as well as a cameo appearance in “Metal Gear Solid 3″ in which she is featured in a poster on one of the levels. She has also been named to have the “Best Buttocks in Japan” in 2007, which earned her the nickname “Oshirina”, a portmanteau of the words “oshiri” (buttocks) and “Rina”. ;) The Pullip – a JAP x Rina Akiyama collab – will be a copy of Akiyama’s character in the brand new movie “Gothic & Lolita Psycho” (released in Jap theaters last weekend), and she is looking to become pretty fierce!

Two cuties for September, and a completion of the police set with hunk Wayne and his awesome goggles – and _leather_ face mask (Dr. Lecter, is that you..?). Am I the only one finding the police trio a bit.. kinky? Hm. Anyway, besides the goggles and what seems to actually be a decent Tae stock wig for once, he doesn’t do much for me. Too much alike the recent Hellcatpunk boy, isn’t he? And the girls? The Pullip is too plain (like her eyechips, though!), and the Dal has the wrong colours for my liking. A mix of Rovam and Melize, isn’t she?

But that’s ok, there are several other releases I am still pondering about getting; Dals mostly: Kanta, Satti, Sakura, Maretti, Lizbel – and of course, Angry. Soon!

Kenji has more, scroll a little and you’ll find them.

The Pullip is a police officer called Melissa. I am probably not the only one thinking Beressa redesigned (Beressa prototype vs original WWII SS uniform, images credit goes to tikistitch). Melissa’s uniform is definitely a lot more acceptable, but I personally find promo pics like this one a little.. hilarious, and slightly tacky. At least Lucia, the police Dal, appeared to be doing some real police work in hers. ;)

The Tae is the second doll from the steampunk series to be released. I am unimpressed. I don’t like his faceup nor his mismatching eyes nor the hair. The outfit seems to be highly detailed, but not my cup of tea. Money saved, right here! :) The Dal is joining the Asian couple (May release), and looks really cute! Nice, subtle and warm, BJD like, faceup – I may look for her nude/bald.

The July Groove dolls release is yet an other fashion collab, this time with classical lolita brand Innocent World. Even though I’m not a fan of costume fashion, I have to say I quite like these! Check the Byul’s dress..!

Gotta love dealers who have a loose trigger.. ;) No information yet, estimated release date is July (according to the Groove blog). So, is the doll to the left a Dal, a Byul, or a long-haired boy… Isul? Thoughts? I don’t think the eye shape matches any of the current dolls.. :/