The large-scale figure project 《Plantopia》, a collaboration between Japanese figure manufacturers GOOD SMILE COMPANY, MAX FACTORY, and TWIN ENGINE, ultimately garnered approximately 14 million JPY in support during its 2022 crowdfunding campaign, roughly three times its initial target. Following preparation and product development, the announcement was recently made that the first product, "Alpha," is slated for release in October 2024.
《Plantopia》 originally took shape from illustrator LAM's proposal to a producer, expressing a desire for "a project where everyone collaborates to create character figures." Illustrators KUKKA, novelist Nozomu Kuoka, animator Yuki Igarashi, and singer-songwriter Mafumafu, among others, were invited to participate, ultimately building a rich and highly captivating world. Upon witnessing everyone's enthusiasm, figure manufacturers GOOD SMILE COMPANY and MAX FACTORY decided to officially bring this project to fruition.
The background of 《Plantopia》 is set in an unknown and distant era where the world is completely covered by flora. Plants have consumed all past life and civilization, giving birth to a brand-new ecosystem. The most representative creatures within this new system are called "Flower-Humans." They resemble humans from the past but possess the biological characteristics of flowers. These new beings excavate within the ruins of old civilizations, constructing their own unique social system. However, one day, a "human" girl, who should have been extinct, suddenly appears before them. Amidst their confusion, the interactions between the Flower-Humans and the girl deepen....
The character being commercialized this time, 'Alpha,' is a "Cherry Blossom" Flower-Human discovered by the human protagonist, 'Haru.' She typically comes across as sharp-tongued, not very friendly, and quite aloof towards everyone. However, she also has a gentle side, often helping others. She keeps her distance from other Flower-Humans of her kind, serving as the sole "Flower Guardian" managing the only garden on campus.
▼ Alpha
▼ Haru
The "Alpha" figure faithfully reproduces the design, brushwork, and overall atmosphere from LAM's illustration, standing at approximately 28 cm tall. It brings to life Alpha's pose, holding a massive weapon and sitting on a rock, guarding the garden. The intricate sculpting captures her full costume design and characteristic cherry blossom petal twin-tails. The base, a large moss-covered rock, is carved with realistic textures, and parts of the massive weapon in her hand are made of alloy material, enhancing the figure's premium quality as much as possible.
Alpha
Reference Price: 38,500 JPY (Tax Included)
Estimated Release Date: 2024/10
Product Specifications: Pre-painted finished product made of zinc alloy & plastic・Non-scale・Comes with a dedicated base・Overall height: Approximately 280mm
Sculptor: Manabu Kato
Paintwork: Kenji Ando
Production Assistance: GSC Production Department
Direction: Akifumi Takano
© Plantopia partners
via： GOOD SMILE COMPANY