When I saw this unusual looking lunchbox via the delicious bento tag stream, my first thought was, "Wow, that looks so cool". The Goodbyn™ Lunchbox is a one-piece, molded plastic container with fitted lid, that looks like an odd/cute (or in anime parlance, kimo kawaii) space alien or animal. It comes packaged with 275 stickers, so kids can customize it to their hearts' content. Looking inside, it seems perfect for those kids (and adults, if you are brave enough to carry this to the office) who hate their food to touch. Yes, I know you are out there, you touchy-food haters!

It comes with an 8.5 oz. water container, which the website suggests can double as a cooling element if it's filled with ice cubes and a beverage. The whole thing is dishwasher safe, made of recyclable and safe plastic, etc. The slick website emphasizes the environmental advantages of a dedicated lunchbox, but bento enthusiasts like you know that already.

The only thing that makes me pause about this colorful beast is - well, it's huge, judging from these photos:

The site doesn't say how much it weighs or its capacity (the dimensions are 13 x 8.5 x 3.2 inches or 33 x 21.6 x 8.1 cm - thanks Midknyt!), but judging just from how much it can hold (whole banana in the upper compartment, etc.) I am assuming the plastic is fairly sturdy. So, I am really wondering how portable it is, especially for small kids.

Other than that though, it is one cool looking lunch/bento box! It's available for preorder on their website, and they have a list of retailers too. The retail price is $29.95, and it comes in four colors.

What do you think about this box? If you decide to order it or have already, I'd love to hear your first hand impressions of it.

Incidentally, this is a return of the previously discontinued "Bento Item of the Week" series where I talk about various bento related goods and equipment. I won't be holding myself to a weekly update, but hey - I like doing product reviews. Also, if there's a particular bento box, equipment or something that you'd like to review and see it published here on Just Bento, let me know at maki at makikoitoh com.

• See previously reviewed bento boxes and other items.
• Don't forget to check out the Just Bento Bento Gear Flickr pool!