The #1 thing collectors will appreciate about this is the packaging. The Yamato sits suspended in a clear plastic clamshell over a starfield, making this a nice piece to display unopened. A large scene of the Yamato's bridge is depicted on the back, and a message from Leiji Matsumoto (which I can't read) adorns the top. Now here's the cool part: the clamshell can be removed completely from the box and the toy removed without ripping anything aside from one piece of tape (which is easily replaceable). An excellent solution for "package seal anxiety" that strikes us so often.

The toy itself is almost completely diecast, aside from the moveable turrets on the top and the wings, which pop out with "switchblade action". It's also packaged with a display stand and three fighters, which can be loaded into the ship via a hatch on the bottom. Out of the box, it's just as beautiful.

So is it a great Christmas? Damn straight. And in case anyone's reading this who wants to top this for next Christmas, a reissue of the Jumbo Grip G-5 Godphoenix would be nice... -- Roger

For those who have the original Nomura 1/1300 Yamato and are wondering, the answer is "Yes -- it's the same!"