Japanese toy company Sentinel is set to release the female-specific transforming light armor unit, the "VR-038L Bartley," from the classic sci-fi anime "Genesis Climber Mospeada" (機甲創世記モスピーダ) as part of its RIOBOT action figure series in April 2022. This unit is famously known as an "Armor Cycle" (アーマーサイクル).
"Genesis Climber Mospeada" is a robot anime originally created by Tatsunoko Production, which aired for 25 episodes on Fuji TV in Japan starting in October 1983. Later, this series, along with "Super Dimension Fortress Macross" and "Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross," was sold to the American company Harmony Gold, where they were combined and re-edited into an 85-episode animated series titled "Robotech."
The story of "Genesis Climber Mospeada" begins in 2050 AD, when Earth is invaded by an unknown alien lifeform known as the Inbit (インビット). Humanity is forced to abandon Earth and relocate to a Martian colony. In 2080, a human counterattack fails, and three years later, another attempt is made with new weaponry. The protagonist, Stick Bernard (スティック·バーナード), is part of this operation. His squad is wiped out, leaving him as the sole survivor, crash-landing back on Earth. He then embarks on a mission, navigating his unfamiliar homeworld.
In the original series, the Martian base developed the "Armor Cycle" (アーマーサイクル) to provide individual soldiers with combat capabilities against enemies. This equipment transforms into a motorcycle. Normally stored in a folded mode, it can deploy into a motorcycle for transportation. Pilots wearing a "Riding Suit" (ライディング·スーツ) can connect with the Armor Cycle at nine joint points, transforming it into a powerful wearable armor that offers both enhanced firepower and aerial maneuverability.
Sentinel's upcoming "VR-038L Bartley" is crafted in 1/12 scale, standing approximately 15 cm tall. In the original series, this unit is piloted by Houquet Emrose (フーケ·エローズ), and its primary weapon is a 6-shot auto-bazooka (オートバズーカ). This release boasts excellent articulation and fully replicates the transformation between its humanoid armor mode and motorcycle mode. The inner bodysuit for the lower body is specially made with real fabric, enhancing its realism. Accessories include the auto-bazooka, an alternate long hair part for Houquet to display her without her helmet, interchangeable hand parts, and a dedicated display stand.
RIOBOT 1/12 VR-038L Bartley Houquet
Suggested Retail Price: 22,000 Yen (Tax Included)
Scheduled Release: April 2022
Size: Approximately 150mm (H)
Materials: ABS, ATBC-PVC, PA, POM, Die-cast
