Why is the VF4G Lightning III in demand by Macross fans you may ask? Well, for a short recap, in Japan, Macross ended up a lot different than Robotech. Claudia and Global(and the bridge bunnies) didn’t die, and instead of some random SDF-3, Hikaru and Misa(known in Robotech as Rick and Lisa), embark on a ship called Megaroad-01, with Misa at the helm. Hikaru ends up with a new ride(the prototype, VF-X-4, was shown briefly in the TV series); the VF-4 Lightning III. This makes an appearance in Flashback 2012.
Interestingly enough, the official gerwalk and battroid modes of the VF-4 did not make an appearance until years later in the Macross M3 game for Dreamcast. Crazy huh? Nonetheless, the VF-4, though an elusive design, remained in demand by Macross toy fans. Being the last VF design that the original protagonist of Macross flew has that effect.
Included with the Yamato VF17S Nightmare is a teaser announcing the Yamato VF4G Lightning III! It’s a web exclusive, and luckily site sponsor Hobbylink Japan tends to carry YamatoWeb exclusives. A while after Graham at MacrossWorld posted the image, he later received confirmation that the VF4 will be a toy, fully assembled and painted, not an unassembled kit(which was speculated initially). No word on price yet but we will keep you posted!
Appropriately enough, next year is 2012, and also the 30th anniversary of Macross! This 1/60 VF4 will be the very 1st transformable toy made o the VF4! Way to kick things off Yamato Toys!