Links
Cool Zoid Websites
The Iron Bible
Zoids news, historical model kit info, manga downloads, and more! This is one of the best Zoids resources on the internet.
Galactic Zoids
Created by Elizabeth Sutcliffe in the UK, this site has a bunch of useful content like Photoshop templates to plan color schemes, links to online retailers, and much more.
US Retailers
This list is mainly focused on buying Kotobukiya Zoids, but they sometimes also carry Tomy releases. I've personally ordered from all retailers listed here (unless noted).
If you're new to Zoids buying, here's a breakdown of brands:
- Kotobukiya - Makers of the HMM series: High quality 1/72 scale model kits. This is currently the most popular Zoids line.
- Tomy - The original Zoids creators, mainly known for their motorized kits. They're currently releasing the AZ line which are higher detail motorized Zoids.
- Hasbro - The US Zoids manufacturer for Tomy. They aren't currently manufacturing new Zoids. The most recent line from them was the Zoids Wild kits from 2018. These can still sometimes be found in stock, but are dwindling.
- Unofficial: BT, Super Nova, Black Knight, etc. These aren't officially licensed kits. They're detrimental to the brand and low quality. Beware of these when shopping on sites like eBay. BT and Black Knight copy Kotobukiya box art to try to fool buyers.
Big Bad Toy Store
Focused almost exclusively on toys, this shop is known for its $4 flat rate shipping. I've found their item prices are usually a few dollars higher than other retailers so it doesn't always work out in your favor.
Brands: Kotobukiya | Tomy | Hasbro.
Hobby Supplies: No.
Ships From: Wisconsin
My Rating: 7/10
Notes: Don't preorder from here. Buy in-stock items only. The two time I've tried, they were very late to ship and I ended up canceling and ordering elsewhere. Shipping isn't very fast for in-stock items either, but a great store if you're not in a hurry.
USA Gundam Store
Probably the most well known on this list. They use flat rate shipping that's about $10, but it depends on your location. Item prices are usually cheaper than elsewhere, but the high shipping can easily offset that. They send frequent promo codes if you're signed up for their emails. A very reliable store overall.
Brands: Kotobukiya | Tomy
Hobby Supplies: Yes
Ships From: Florida
My Rating: 8/10
Notes: You sometimes get a cool Gundam stick with your order. I've had good luck preordering kits from here as well. They usually get stock pretty fast for new arrivals and ship out quick.
Newtype
One of my go-tos, especially for Gundams, paints, and hobby supplies. They ship insanely fast if you're near the west coast and have $5 small box shipping and $10 flat rate for everything else. Over $200 ships free.
Brands: Kotobukiya (sometimes)
Hobby Supplies: Yes
Ships From: California
My Rating: 9/10
Notes: They don't always carry Zoids, but their Gundam selection is excellent.
Galactic Toys
The selection isn't always the best, but their shipping prices are usually pretty good and I've seen some great sales: 20% - 30% off. Shipping is variable depending on what you buy and they routinely send promo codes in their email newsletters.
Brands: Kotobukiya
Hobby Supplies: Yes
Ships From: Michigan
My Rating: 9/10
Kotobukiya Shop (Amazon)
If you don't mind a large percentage of your purchase going to Bezos, then this is a solid option.
Brands: Kotobukiya
Hobby Supplies: N/A
Ships From: The Bezos Empire
My Rating: 3/10 | Support more local shops if you can. 😅
Notes: Regardless of your thoughts on Amazon, this is a good resource to track upcoming releases, relative prices, etc since this is direct from Kotobukiya.
Japan Retailers
Since Kotobukiya started distributing in the US, I've found less of a need to import Zoids. However, we don't get every release.
We've been lucky lately with Zoids coming directly to US retailers. However, sometimes you may still have to order directly from Japan. Shipping prices have gone way up since the pandemic
AmiAmi
Shipping is usually more reasonable than some other options and their prices are good too. I usually choose the cheapest, longest shipping option and haven't every had any issues. Orders are usually packed with Japanese newspapers which can be fun to see.
If you don't mind a large percentage of your purchase going to Bezos, then this is a solid option.
Brands: Kotobukiya | Tomy | More
Hobby Supplies: N/A
Ships From: Japan
My Rating: 9/10
Hobby Link Japan (HLJ)
Disclaimer: I've never ordered from here. Their shipping is confusing and you basically need to place an order without knowing the final shipping cost... And for items coming from Japan that can be very high. That said, plenty of people vouch for this site so I figured I'd include it.
Brands: Kotobukiya | Tomy | More
Hobby Supplies: N/A
Ships From: Japan
My Rating: ?/10