Checklists updated
Updated the Busou Shinki checklist with a Light Armor wave 2 review link.
Japanese toy review roundup
The following reviews are in Japanese but they include a generous amount of photos so they’re well worth checking out.
(Please do not hotlink images on these sites.)
K2O, Koshihara Hitoshi, Kanon and Gamu review the Megahouse Variable Action King Sccasher figure from NG Knight Lamune & 40.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Mospeada Ride Armor Blowsuperior (Yellow type) set from the Mospeada series.
Mojya reviews the Bandai HCM Pro Cherudim Gundam 1/200-scale figure from Gundam 00.
K2O, Tettsun and Reisende review the Bandai In Action Offshoot Burai (Black Knights version) figure from Code Geass.
Tettsun, Mondo and Reisende review the Bandai In Action Offshoot Burai (Zero custom) figure from Code Geass. (See also.)
Hima-toy reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Nurse Bright Feather and Sister Harmony Grace figures.
Syuuamamori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki MMS (Multi Movable System) Naked Flesh ver 2 Type Sports Navy Blue figure.
Tom reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Angel Commando Werkstra figure. (See also.)
Shishioh, Kanon, G.S.R. and Tom review the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00 Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Machu, Gamu and K2O review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Arios Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Goe, Gamu, Damien Sancho, Shishioh and Tom review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Kabuto figure. (See also.)
Sousuke reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Domon Kasshu figure from G Gundam. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Movie Realization Batman and Bat-pod set from The Dark Knight. (See also.)
Ganhoo reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Dancouga Nova figure. (See also.)
Ganhoo and Esuyu review the Yamato GN-U Dou Space Warrior Baldios figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Super Valkyrie VF-1J (Millia type) Hobby Japan exclusive figure from Macross. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Volks A3 2008 Limited YF-22 N22YF event exclusive figure. (See also.)
MaruH102 reviews the Bandai Tamashii Spec XS-10 Heavy Metal L-Gaim figure. (See also. )
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-07 Sunstreaker figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Silverstreak figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Allspark Power Grindcore Wal-Mart exclusive figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Bazooka Trooper figure.
Esuyu reviews the Bandai Kourin! Kamen Rider Saga FA (Fighting Action) Kamen Rider Saga candy toy from Kamen Rider Kiva.
Toy Hunter reviews the Dino Egg prize toys.
Retro reviews
Gamu reviews the Wave Aura Battler Nanajin figure from The Wings of Rean.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Choushindou Metalder figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers VSZ Sunstreaker figure from the Sunstreaker, Skids vs. Buzzsaw set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers D-51 Breakdown figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers D-54 Dead End figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers D-55 Menasor figure.
Toy links
Nazi vampires suck.
This Fant0mas custom, however, rocks.
Transformers Henkei Rampage.
Another neat pisuwo custom.
Microman T-AI.
This custom figure of the Transformers: Robots in Disguise character was made from a Microman Material Force figure.
Moku 01.
A very cool Lego mecha MOC. (More.)
The Dark Knight.
This Johnny Tang MOC is made from over 400 parts and stands 35cm tall.
ARX-8 Laevatein.
A fine Lego MOC by r10cyd. (More.) (See also.)
Middle-aged Soundwave.
Actually, it’s the Transformers Cassette Player. (See also.)
Optimus Prime’s ghost.
The coolest Transformers knockoff ever. It’s remarkable Takara neglected to do this particular variant.
“Who wants to shoot first?”
(Related.)
War is hell …
But sometimes we have to fight to keep the peace.
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Order of the Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “The detail work in the hair and beard is spooky good.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes (RAH) Indiana Jones Henry Jones 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “They’ve nailed the Sean Connery/Henry Jones Sr. likeness …”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel The Dark Knight Movie Masters Bat-pod Target exclusive toy. Excerpt: “… a great collector’s item and a great toy.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel The Dark Knight Movie Masters Bat-pod Target exclusive toy. Excerpt: “… my favorite vehicle of the year …”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Captain Atom figure. Excerpt: “… a great head sculpt …”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Batman Beyond figure. Excerpt: “… the least interesting of DC Universe Classics Wave 4.” (See also.)
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Wonder Woman figure. Excerpt: “While initially the figure looks simple, that simplicity is deceiving …” (See also.)
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Cyborg figure. Excerpt: “… the sculpting is exceptional …” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Deathstroke the Terminator figure. Excerpt: “… clearly the best.” (See also.)
Steven reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Classic Detective Batman figure. Excerpt: “… he grew on me.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Red Hulk Series Wolverine (black costume version) Target exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This Wolverine may have never appeared in the comics (he was only ever on one cover), but that doesn’t make him useless.” (See also.)
Poe Ghostal reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Red Hulk Series Black Costume Spider-Man Target exclusive figure. Excerpt: “The haphazard design and shoddy paint represent an annoying lack of effort on Hasbro’s part.” (See also.)
Diosoth reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Music Label Soundwave Playing Audio Player (black version). Excerpt: “… it may fulfill two geek needs at once.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Deluxe class Galvatron figure. Excerpt: “… he’s just disappointing.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Jawa and LIN Droid two-pack from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Excerpt: “I bought the set for the droid, not the Jawa (who’s in a drawer now) …” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Evolutions Vader’s Secret Apprentice set from the Star Wars The Force Unleashed game. Excerpt: “… if you’re desperate for 100% game-accurate looks, you’re going to be disappointed.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Extreme Conditions Pack Set 1 Cobra Desert Assault Squad set. Excerpt: “… a very striking multi-pack and a great way for collectors to quickly build some armies.”
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Extreme Conditions Pack Set 2 Cobra Arctic Assault Squad set. Excerpt: “While we don’t have quite so many new troopers in the Arctic set, in my opinion the execution is much better …”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary VAMP with Double Clutch set. Excerpt: “… not too bad a price for how much toy you get.” (See also.)
Engineernerd reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Indiana Jones (Crystal Skull version) figure from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Excerpt: “He looked the most like the Indy that I remembered.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Indiana Jones (Crystal Skull version) figure from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Excerpt: “You want to see intricate sculpted detail? Check out the shoelaces.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Iron Man Iron Man Mark 03 figure. Excerpt: “I can’t say anything bad about the film, and I really don’t have anything bad to say about this figure.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the McFarlane Toys Halo 3 Spartan Soldier Mark VI (Blue version) Wal-Mart exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… well-designed, well-made, well-articulated, and darn cool looking.”
Jess C. Horsley reviews the McFarlane Toys Halo 3 Master Chief 12-inch figure. Excerpt: “… an impressive figure for a spectacular price.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Bandai Power Rangers Operation Overdrive Mission Response Red Ranger, Mission Response Black Ranger, Mission Response Blue Ranger, Mission Response Yellow Ranger and Mission Response Pink Ranger figures. Excerpt: “… very impressive.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Jakks Pacific WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Deluxe Build N’ Brawl Triple H figure. Excerpt: “… the detail put into the finer points of the overall figure sculpt is nothing short of incredible.”
Artemis reviews the Jakks Pacific WWE Ruthless Agression 29 Candice Michelle and Melina figures. Excerpt: “These aren’t top-quality action figures …”
Adrienzo reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider Den-O Gun Form and Ryutaros Imagin set. Excerpt: “… the best SIC made to date.” (See also.)
Updatedude (part 2) reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Firearms Zelnogrard figure. Excerpt: “While the basic figure is very respectable, the right accessories definitely pushes it above and beyond.” (See also.)
C.J. Stunkard reviews the Mezco Toyz Heroes Claude the Invisible Man figure. Excerpt: “… an excellent figure with some cool accessories at a very affordable price.”
NekroDave reviews the Amok Time Monstarz Rondo Hatton 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… it’s surpassed my expectations.” (See also.)
Retro reviews
Leonardo Flores reviews the Bandai Spiral Zone Protector Unit 5 Hyper Boxer Ninja Parapsychic Type 1/12-scale accessory set. Excerpt: “… weakest representation of the protect suits colors in the Spiral Zone line.”
Z reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure Alteisen Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive figure. Excerpt: “The figure is very flexible… maybe a bit too flexible …” (See also.)
Z reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure Weißritter Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This is an awesome figure for an awesome mech (with an awesome price).” (See also.)
Z reviews the Bandai Gundam Fix Figuration Gundam GP03S Stamen and Weapon System set. Excerpt: “It looks stunning …” (See also.)
Mike reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Dreadnok Demolishor 2004 G.I. Joe Convention exclusive figure from the Dreadnok Rampage: Escapades in the Everglades box set. Excerpt: “Demolishor shows that when a little thought is put into mold combinations and coloring you can create one of the great figures in the history of the line.” (See also.)
Shogundan reviews the Konami Impact Model Series Lagann from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. Excerpt: “My only problem is that they didn’t include articulation in Simon’s legs.”
Toy links
From Krypton.
“… this custom is not meant to represent an endorsement of the political candidate.”
Sigma 6 Wraith.
More fine work from Boskoes Toys.
Micron G12 formation super link.
A clever fanmode by shinnosuke. Check out the Super Air Glide fanmode, too.
Yo Joe.
Dustin Baetz went to work on the 25th Anniversary figures and improved them quite a bit.
Heavy duty.
Katarina Rina used Zoids Blox parts for this Busou Shinki custom.
Robo12.
A striking Lego mecha MOC by mechpalace. (More.)
Iron Horse.
An old timey Lego MOC by MrTruck. (More.)
Hoist-ko.
Click on the image for a closer look at this Transformers-inspired fanart.
Socket Poppers.
“… what do you get when you cross a barbarian, a robot and the biker from the Village People?”
Toy fad du jour.
“… 2.5 Bakugan are sold every second in the U.S., and if you lined up everything sold end to end, by December, it is expected to span the length of more than 120,000 football fields …”
Trouble in Toyland.
“Of the 3,800-odd toy firms in Dongguan, no more than 2,000 are likely to survive the next couple of years. … since 2006, the total cost of producing toys has risen by about 60 per cent, while contract prices have gone up by an average of just 10 per cent.”
Mi-ku-ro-man
Added Vintage’s blog to the Microman/Micronauts section of the blogroll.
Patience
It looks like Fanmode might be updating only on weekends for the next two weeks. We hope you’ll bear with us.
New and improved checklists
Updated the S.H.Figuarts, Figma and Revoltech checklists.
Japanese toy review roundup
The following reviews are in Japanese but they include a generous amount of photos so they’re well worth checking out.
(Please do not hotlink images on these sites.)
Gamu, Mojya, K2O, K3 and Damien Sancho review the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00 Gundam figure from Gundam 00.
Kanon, Kaz, G.S.R. and Tom review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Arios Gundam figure from Gundam 00.
Kaz reviews the Takara Tomy Cool Girl CG13 V.I.S. (Violent Interception Squad) Kyouryoku Geigeki Butai (Powerful Interceptor Unit) 1/6-scale figure.
Ramuna reviews the Yamato GN-U Hagane Danguard Ace figure.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Space Warrior Baldios figure.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Kabuto figure.
Syuuamamori reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Domon Kasshu figure from G Gundam. (See also.)
K2O reviews the Bandai In Action Offshoot Burai (Zero custom) figure from Code Geass.
Len reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Teiran figure.
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Ryu figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Ricky figure from Doko Demo Issho.
Natsume, Goe and Mojya review the Kaiyodo Revoltech Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann figure. (See also.)
Sousuke reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Rei figure. (See also.)
Ken Murasame reviews the Megahouse Action Works Joseph Blassreiter figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider Den-O Gun Form and Ryutaros Imagin set. (See also.)
Sousuke reviews the Bandai HCM Pro Shenlong Gundam 1/200-scale figure from Gundam Wing. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Extended Mobile Suit in Action (EMSIA) Gelgoog Production Type figure from Mobile Suit Gundam. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Mobile Suit in Action (MSIA) Zudah, Zudah Second Unit and Zudah Spare Unit figures from Mobile Suit Gundam MS Igloo: Apocalypse 0079. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Sea Emperor Poseidon (Royal Ornament Edition) figure from the Saint Seiya manga. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Max Factory Figma Tsuruya-san (uniform version) figure from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya series.
Syuuamamori reviews the Max Factory Figma Nagato Yuki (evil witch version) from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya series. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Max Factory Figma Kanu Unchou figure from the Ikki Tousen: Great Guardians series. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki MMS (Multi Movable System) Naked Flesh ver 1 Type Sports Wine Red figure.
Taoo, Len and Nekokami Sigma review the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Devil Succubus Valona figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Amami Haruka (Noel Angelic version) Hobby Japan mail order exclusive figure from The Idolmaster game.
Kaz reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Yoko figure from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. (See also.)
Transfomers Baka Ichidai, Gamu and Pokotannu review the Takara Tomy Transformers Binaltech BT-22 Convoy figure. (See also.) Pokotannu also reviews the FansProject Transformers TFX-ABT-01 ABT Upgrade Kit for the Binaltech Convoy figure.
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Universe USA Edition Powerglide figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Universe USA Edition Silverbolt figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Universe USA Edition Onslaught figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Leader class Ultra Magnus figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki and Ken Murasame review the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Swoop figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Crossovers Hulk figure. (See also.)
Soh-dr (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai Engine Gattai Series DX Kyoretsu-Oh set from the Go-Onger series.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Duke (Tiger Force version) figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Cobra Para-Viper figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Mutt and Junkyard figures.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Kabaya Great Dash Vehicle Mach Striker, Tiger Tank, Drill Dozer and Phoenix Wing trading figures. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba-Musha Den Real Type Figure 3 Musha Mk. 2 and Kiba Musha prize figures. (See also.)
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Bandai Minipla Keitai Sosakan 7 Phone Braver 01, Boost Phone Demolition and Boost Phone Grinder candy kits.
Retro reviews
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Trans Model Nirvash Type Zero figure from Eureka 7.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba-Musha Den Real Type Figure Musha Gundam and Kiba Musha prize figures.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba-Musha Den Real Type Figure Musha Zeta and Kiba Musha prize figures.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba-Musha Den Real Type Figure Musha Gundam (silver-bladed naginata re-release version) and Kiba Musha prize figures.
Gamu reviews the Bandai HCM Pro Gelgoog 1/200 scale figure from the MS IGLOO OVA series. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-128 Suiken figure from the C-131 Raiden giftset.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-129 Seizan figure from the C-131 Raiden giftset.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-130 Kaen figure from the C-131 Raiden giftset.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-131 Raiden figure.
Red reviews the Hasbro Transformers Armada Sideswipe with Nightbeat figure.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Micron Legend MD-07 Rampage figure.
Toy links
Fighting Tommy.
This Fant0mas custom looks like it stepped out of the pages of 2000 A.D.
Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant.
A neat Rocket Raccoon custom by dr.f8.
kelvinchang99’s MetalForce Ironhide.
“I love this character in the cartoon but never saw a good depiction of this. This really should have been made as an MP by Takara instead of the long line of seekers we’re getting. So, I could not wait and had to make my own.”
That’s The Spirit.
“Before there was Rorschach, Before there was the Question …”
TransGals Gilmer.
An excellent Pretenders-inspired fanmode using BJPM and Geneblock parts by the creative Misodrill.
Battle-damaged Fort Bragg.
This Busou Shinki custom has seen some serious action.
Sniper Maverick.
pisuwo’s repaint of Transformers Henkei Megatron was inspired by the Marvel character.
Maverick reloaded.
This repainted Nerf gun looks downright dangerous.
Transformers digirama.
Three cool art pieces.
Rejected Transformers. [via]
Some of these look better than official products released.
Super Battle Droid.
“Much more quiet than guns blazing, but more menacing I think.”
Super robots need maintenance. [via]
Digirama by Gundam@EFSF.
Transformers rebranded.
These logos are more than … well, you know.
White Mouse.
Uh …