Here's the scoop. I was approached several months ago by a freelance writer for Hobby Japan, asking me why the heck Gundam Wing was so popular in the United States. (Wing's popularity in the 'States seems to confound the Japanese nearly as much as Jerry Lewis' popularity in France does Americans.) I honestly thought it'd rate a quarter-page blurb in the "fan art" section -- you know, the one featuring disturbingly detailed, hand-drawn pictures of anime girls wearing super-robot costumes. Lo and behold, the interview turned up on a full-color page in this month's issue. Who'd-a thunk it?

"Highlights," you ask? To be honest, there's not much of interest for American fans, who already know why they like Gundam Wing and its assorted merchandise. There's a bit of discussion as what American fans might think about the original Gundam series, having been exposed to it "out of sequence," and how the MSiA series of toys has been received here in the 'States. A bit about the differences in modeling culture between the two countries. And, of course, the obligatory plug of the ToyboxDX website (which was, of course, obligatorily mis-spelled as "toybox.com" in the caption. Sigh.)

Could this be the start of a new career as a Hobby Japan heartthrob? I'm reinforcing the locks on my apartment as we speak. I mean, it's only a matter of time before hordes of nubile, young Hobby Japan readers of the fairer sex start beating a path to my door. Right? Right? Hello?