NB: Our information here is based on MTL and what little information we can gather. We aren’t even quite sure the company is called Damanjiang, but we derive that from their email address. If any further information is forthcoming, we will amend this article to reflect that.
Overview
Animester (translated variously as Ani-Mester, AniMester or Animestar) is one of the brands under Damanjiang’s umbrella, a Chinese manufacturer based in Guangzhou. Established in 2020, Animester specialises in producing bishoujo PVC statues, producing statues from franchises like Girls Frontline, Azur Lane and Onmyoji as well as their own original characters.
Another Damanjiang brand, Nuclear Gold Reconstruction focuses on action figures, both also original characters as well as from Girls Frontline 2, Punishing Gray Raven, and in conjunction with their brothers at Animester, the Bilibili mascot. This wouldn’t be their only collaboration, however. Nuclear Gold Reconstruction also put out a model kit of their own, based on Sun Shangxiang or Lady Sun from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms – more specifically, her incarnation from Honor of Kings, a popular MOBA also known as King’s Glory that released in 2015 and was adapted abroad as Arena of Valor in 2016 before the original game was released globally in 2024.
In 2024, Animester and Nuclear Gold Reconstruction would put out the first model kit under their combined brand, White Dragon Knight Galahad, as part of a series of ongoing mecha musume figures. Galahad would also go on to feature in Starward alongside Keep The Dead Alive from fellow Chinese toyline Gene Interference, Baselard, Gourai and Stylet from Frame Arms Girl and Black Rock Shooter with two different variants. Its success would be followed in 2026 by Polaris Star White.
Construction and Engineering
While the articulation is in theory roughly equivalent to that of Megami Device, the heavy armor does get in its own way. The plastic quality is not bad, but some of the thinner and more brittle parts can break without care. Tolerances are also slightly off; you will need to sand heavily to make sure parts properly work as intended. You will also need to apply glue for certain areas, most notably the ribbed armor around the chest for the armored parts. Overall, though, for a first effort, it isn’t bad.
Aesthetics
The absolute number one reason to get this kit, Galahad is phenomenal aesthetically; white and gold armor is always good and the blue gem accents are excellent, alongside the included effect parts. Both of her armored forms (Knight and Dragon) are great looking, and even her unarmored form manages to not look too generic.
Ease of Acquisition
At a price mark of ¥5600 (£26/$35), this kit is very, very good value for money, even after shipping. However, given its popularity, it is also very difficult to find from reputable storefronts. AliExpress and Taobao are your ports of call for this one. Local shops may have some supply left, however.
Personal Verdict?
An excellent first effort from Animester, Galahad does have her issues with plastic quality and questionable design decisions. Overall, however, as long as you take care and have a little bit of experience, you will generally enjoy building her.
Official Site: https://weibo.com/u/7521335444 (Weibo, in Chinese)
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