Originating from Aura Battler Dunbine, it was initially intended to be released as the successor unit, Billbine. However, it wasn't until Yutaka Izubuchi published a re-drawn design of its initial concept in B-CLUB magazine that the Aura Battler – Bellvine (ヴェルビン) – was able to reappear in the annals of history。
This time, we're sharing PLAMAX's second Aura Battler release. Sculpted by Takamaki Busujima, it meticulously brings to life the wild forms and elegant lines penned by Yutaka Izubuchi.
The model itself features a fixed pose, allowing for an exquisitely opulent stance without the need to consider articulated joints. Furthermore, its ingenious parts separation design significantly reduces the difficulty of subsequent assembly and painting.
After preliminary work such as seam line removal and sanding, the basic completed form features a subtle green-grey color scheme. Now, let's re-imbue this Aura Battler with its soulful colors.
This paint job references the color scheme of the METAL BUILD DRAGON SCALE product released in 2024, utilizing striking red and white accented with gold. This combination adds an even more audacious charm to the already incredibly cool Bellvine.
Below is a review of the painting details: A close-up of the upper body reveals some exposed internal piping, which we attempted to paint in various vibrant colors.
The artificial bio-armor, crafted from materials obtained by hunting powerful beasts, features golden patterns on its surface. Painting these patterns would typically require meticulous masking, which is quite troublesome. Therefore, the winding and intricate lines were hand-painted.
To recreate the subtle, translucent effect of the cockpit hatch on the chest, the inner layer was painted with clear blue-purple, and the outer layer was then coated with a glossy protective clear coat to enhance its luster.
The two bio-form wings were also airbrushed with a gradient of clear blue and clear purple. The outer layer was then lightly sprayed with a pearlescent paint to create a shimmering, iridescent effect.
When the wings are actually attached to the rear, a top-down view reveals an almost parallel angle, as if poised for flight.
However, from a side angle, they appear somewhat like a retracted, standby state, offering a different kind of appeal.
Its sharp, stern hawk-like gaze is like a raptor poised to take flight!
The curved, horn-like structures at the forearms are highlighted with a yellowish gold to emphasize their nobility (Happy New Year, by the way!).
The bird-claw-like toes on the feet also utilize metallic colors to accentuate the weighty feel of this artificial weapon.
Turning to the rear, in addition to the aforementioned pair of translucent wings, there's also a pair of even more eye-catching, massive wing-shaped Aura Converters on the upper back.
The inner layer features a thin, layered structure simulated by clear parts. Here, a touch of silver paint was applied inside to enhance reflection.
The main body display is largely complete. Finally, we have the included weapons: an Aura Long Sword inlaid with dazzling gems and a slender scabbard adorned with ornate embossed patterns.
The replacement method is simple and straightforward: remove the right hand, and then directly insert the entire weapon, hand and sword included!
It must be said that an Aura Battler wielding a sword is the perfect embodiment of chivalry.
Inheriting the Dunbine style, Bellvine fully and exquisitely showcases the fusion of biological and mechanical elements.
Perhaps only under the mechanical designs of the master Yutaka Izubuchi can the cruel aesthetics of Tomino's fantastical worldview be truly embodied.
