Overview
A relatively new model kit manufacturer, Nuke Matrix sprung onto the scene with a short-lived line based on the manhua School Shock, producing only one kit of the main character Liuli in 2020. After a lukewarm reception, Nuke Matrix then rebounded with the line it is now more well-known for and which is synonymous with its name, the Cyber Forest line.
Nuke Matrix is best compared to fellow Chinese Kotobukiya imitator A.T.K Girl; both are Chinese-manufactured girlpla lines with a focus on packing as many models and accessories within the same box, a hybrid of mecha musume and fantasy aesthetics, and engineering that can roughly be described as I Can’t Believe It’s Not Machineca, both companies beginning their girlpla lines in 2020. However, that is where the similarities end; Nuke Matrix, as this write-up will detail, is a wholly different beast.
For convenience’s sake, we will be using Nuke Matrix in this guide as synonymous with their Cyber Forest, Fantasy Girls and School Shock kits. Should Nuke Matrix release girlpla lines that are vastly different in engineering in future, the lines will be separated and a proper write-up will be done for those lines in turn.
Construction and Engineering
While Liuli was a very iffy kit quality-wise, the majority of Nuke Matrix’s kits are very high quality by girlpla standards, being an easy candidate for third place after Kotobukiya and Bandai’s offerings, with plastic quality being surprisingly high for a new manufacturer. However, the kits do occasionally use non-plastic parts in areas; while not as egregious as MS General’s kits, a rookie modeler might be thrown by dealing with the occasional wire or metal part. If there are any real issues, they are fairly minor; weirdly-contoured thighs that make it difficult to figure out if you’re looking at the back or front and slightly disproportionate legs (though not as bad as A.T.K Girl’s overly lengthy limbs).
The engineering being I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-Machineca also works in its favor; with good quality plastic and very consistent quality, Nuke Matrix can take advantage of this fact to create very well-articulated model kits with recognizable architecture for the experienced modeler. However, with a whole host of complex joints and part arrangements, these kits are not for someone new to model kits; it would be highly recommended that anyone debating jumping from a Sisters kit straight into Nuke Matrix builds some Megami Device first to get more used to more complex model kits.
It should be noted that unlike A.T.K Girl consistently having parts for two separate bodies, Nuke Matrix only started doing this after Lirly Bell; if you want to build both of hers or Vivienne Hayha’s forms, you will need to source the parts yourself.
Aesthetics:
In many ways, Nuke Matrix kits try to copy and improve upon the example set by Kotobukiya’s girlpla lines; this includes fanservice. Where Kotobukiya can be risqué, Nuke Matrix reaches the outright lewd. Most of their kits are designed to be heavily sexualized to an even greater extent than Kotobukiya’s, often showing off nipples and cameltoe with their alternate parts – though for those with more modest sensibilities, there are alternate parts that omit those.
However, by that same token, their kits are generally considered among the best-looking kits on the market rivaling Kotobukiya’s offerings, with Yefuna Malkina’s unique cyber centaur aesthetic being a high point of the entire line and are well-worth the time for any modeler. These kits also come with a wealth of accessories, from Vivienne’s sniper rifle and coffin/cross-shaped weapon systems to Yefuna’s centaur body.
Ease of Acquisition:
Nuke Matrix is generally easier to acquire from sources that sell Chinese kits; AmiAmi, AliExpress and HobbySearch are your best bets, as is HobbyLink Japan.
A reasonable estimate for Nuke Matrix will generally ask for prices upwards of ¥7000 (£32/$43) for Vivienne, with prices having spiked at a high of ¥11500 (£53/$72) for the first run of Yefuna Malkina. However, stock is almost never an issue if you can afford the kits and the sometimes steep shipping prices, depending on where you look. Even if they’re discontinued at the current time, it’s probable that, with the continuing success of the line, there will be a reprint.
Personal Verdict?
While easy to dismiss as an imitator of Kotobukiya’s more established kits, Nuke Matrix stands out as a force to contend with, with their Cyber Forest kits having unique aesthetics that are a treat to build for experienced modelers. However, a heavy focus on sexualized designs, the high price point per kit and high difficulty make it difficult to recommend to anyone new to the hobby.
Personal Recommendations
Yefuna Malkina was our favorite, as her unique cyber-centaur aesthetic is a stand-out design that was both incredibly fun to build and looks great on the shelf. However, the recent Cyclone Hopper has challenged our verdict on Yefuna, being by far the superior Kamen Rider girlpla on the market.
Official: https://en.nukematrix.com/
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