Review: Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider 1 (The Next version)
Originally published on Fanmode on 29 September 2008
That a country that has undergone two major society-wide changes should favour transformation as a central theme for its superheroes isn’t surprising. Super sentai and Ultraman are arguably the most famous of Japanese transforming heroes internationally but there’s another long-running Japanese superhero franchise that features henshin (change) as a core element. The Kamen Rider/Masked Rider franchise may be less familiar internationally compared to tokusatsu titans like Ultraman and Godzilla but it’s big in Japan.
The original Kamen Rider, a creation of famed manga-ka Ishinomori Shotaro, made his television debut in 1971. The first Kamen Rider series told the story of Hongo Takeshi, a young man surgically altered against his will by the terrorist organisation Shocker to become a powerful cyborg. Escaping Shocker’s clutches, Hongo would turn against the organisation and as Kamen Rider, battle its bizarre minions and stymy its equally bizarre plans.
There have been numerous series, specials and movies in the franchise since then, and while the names may change and the costumes differ, each and every Kamen Rider story has featured a transforming superhero, with a heart burning for justice and a penchant for stylish poses, battling evil in all its rubber-suited forms.
The franchise, too, has had to change.
In 2005, it was decided to revisit the original Kamen Rider and update it. The post-millennial iteration was meant to be edgier and darker, and geared towards an older, more sophisticated audience. Unfortunately, the resulting movies, Kamen Rider the First, and its 2007 sequel, Kamen Rider the Next, aren’t good with a few short scenes of stylish action hardly making up for awkward storytelling and stilted acting.
Kamen Rider the Next, the movie, may have been terrible but Kamen Rider the Next, the merchandise, was much better executed. Bandai saturated the market with something for every market demographic at every possible price point. There were unposable soft vinyl figures, cheap candy toys, edgy action figures and high-end sixth-scale figures; you only had to pick a style and a price tag you were comfortable with.
Previously, Kamen Rider fans wanting an action figure representation mainly had to look at the Souchaku Henshin and S.I.C. lines. Both lines have their devotees but neither might satisfy a purist wanting a gimmick-free action figure faithful to the source design.
Enter the S.H.Figuarts line.
Debuting in February 2008, Bandai’s latest collector-oriented line emphasises sculpting and articulation — two key areas the older toy fan would be particular about. The 14cm-tall action figures in the S.H.Figuarts series retail for between 2200yen to 2500yen. Though the first few figures released may have given the impression this would be a Kamen Rider line exclusively, the release of G Gundam’s Domon Kasshhu suggests this might be an eclectic line with some decidedly odd character choices.
Bandai played very safe with the first figure released in the line, however, opting for a classic Japanese hero.
Read more
Fanmode faves
Originally published on 3 September 2008
Fanmode presents a few hundred toy-related links every month and it’s possible a few may have slipped your attention. Here are ten of our favourites for August ‘08.
customtoyz’s custom customtoyz toy.
A custom action figure by (and of) figure customiser Patrick Billings.
Otaku Barbie.
Also available: Crossplay Ken.
Under the sea.
Tamaki’s Little Treasure’s latest digirama is inspired by Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Scarecrow.
Excellent digirama by boogeyman13.
Mannie Gentile’s Toy Soldiers Forever. [via]
Remarkable dioramas featuring American Civil War toy soldiers.
My Little Asimo.
This creation by MadArno looks like something Tony Stark would come up with given enough Lego bricks.
Ponyland Rock City.
Raise your glasses to this custom My Little Pony by Kim Johns.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Clones.
Custom figures by weechee based on the rejected Star Wars is Forever concepts.
Customising Minimates.
yo go re’s guide for creating new looks and characters by switching around Minimate parts.
Toys keep pace with children’s tastes.
A Modern Mechanix article from 1931.
Check checklists
Updated Busou Shinki, Revoltech, Figma and S.H.Figuarts checklists with November releases.
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.)
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Gatack figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto.
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Kabuto figure. (See also.)
Gamu and Hima-toy review the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Limited Kamen Rider Den-O Rod Form and Kamen Rider Den-O Ax Form set.
Goe, Hikutori and Hima-toy review the Konami Busou Shinki Bat Vespelio set. Hima-toy also reviews the Zeo combined mode.
Goe and Hima-toy review the Konami Busou Shinki Scorpion Graffias set. Hima-toy also reviews the Zeo combined mode.
Taoo reviews the Konami Busou Shinki High Speed Trike Ach Stradale Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive set. (See also.)
Len, Kaz and Syuuamamori review the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Sister Harmony Grace figure. (See also.)
Kaz and Syuuamamori review the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Nurse Bright Feather figure. (See also.)
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Kenryu figure from Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos.
Kanon reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Dancouga Nova figure. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Dancouga figure. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai MSIA (Mobile Suit in Action) Gundam Throne Drei figure from the Gundam 00 series. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai MSIA (Mobile Suit in Action) Gundam Throne Eins figure from the Gundam 00 series.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai MSIA (Mobile Suit in Action) Gundam Throne Zwei figure from the Gundam 00 series. (See also.)
K3 reviews the Bandai In Action Offshoot Burai (Zero custom and Black Knights versions) figures from Code Geass. (See also.)
Hima-toy reviews the Megahouse Perfect Piece GARM toy from Blassreiter.
Gamu (part 2) reviews the Yamato Macross VF1-J with Super Parts (Ichijo Hikaru TV version) 1/60-scale set.
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Chun-Li figure.
Sousuke reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Ryu figure. (See also.)
Gamu and Tom review the Kaiyodo Revoltech Enkidu figure from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
Gamu reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Pierre figure from Doko Demo Issho.
Damien Sancho reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hot Rodimus figure from Transformers.
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Hasegawa Haruka figure from Moyashimon. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Ayanami Rei (bandage version) figure from the Neon Genesis Evangelion series. (See also.)
The G reviews the Max Factory Figma Kagamine Rin figure from Vocaloid2.
The G and Shishioh review the Max Factory Figma Takara Miyuki (winter uniform version) figure from Lucky Star.
Gamu and Satocchi review the Max Factory Figma Hanshin Tigers Mascot Tolucky (home version) figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Max Factory Figma Tsuruya-san (uniform version) figure from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi series. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Megahouse Variable Action King Sccasher figure from NG Knight Lamune & 40. (See also.)
Ramuna (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin GX-43 Daimos set. (See also.)
MaruH102 (part 2) reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Baldios set. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure Granzon figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune and Red review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-10 Streak figure.
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-05 Octane figure.
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-09 Lambor figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-08 Prowl figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-07 Sunstreaker figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Grimlock figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Suntory Boss Coffee Rainbow Mountain Blend Transformers Campaign Seawave exclusive figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Real Gear Robots Night Beat 7 figure.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Special Creative Model (S.C.M.) EX Gundam and Zaku (Real Type Color version) prize figures.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Maisto Ultimate Marvel Motorcycle Collection Iron Man toy.
Esuyu (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai Minipla Engine Gattai Kyoretsu-Oh trading kits from the Go-Onger series.
K2O reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids GRZ-003 Hel Digunner 1/72-scale kit.
Supa, Shishioh, Mojya, Machu and Mondo review the Kaiyodo Suzumiya Haruhi Bust Collection (ponytail version) Comptiq exclusive bust from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi.
Retro reviews
Gamu reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Blade (comic version) 1/6-scale Blade Complete Box exclusive figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Dinozone DE-6 Shadow Ptera figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Dinozone DZ-5 Dinoptera figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Daigunder VS Robo V-4 Despecter figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Squawktalk and Beastbox mail-order exclusive two-pack.
Damien Sancho reviews the Takara Transformers Galaxy Force GX-01 Noisemaze figure.
Esuyu reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars D-1 Megatron figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Hydra figure from the Beast Wars Neo VS-33 Rockbuster vs. Hydra set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars C-10 Airazor figure.
Toyhunter reviews the Takara Transformers Micromaster Sixliner series D-Go, Spark, Alan, Leaf, Night and Joe trading figures.
Toyhunter reviews the Takara Transformers Micromaster Sixwing series Chain Gun, Missile Run, Raker, Supersonic, Falcon and Flanker trading figures.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Movie Air Raid Target exclusive figure.
Ganhoo reviews the Wing Eagle Rider toy. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Toy Biz Marvel Legends Showdown Booster Pack Punisher figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Popy Pla-Mecha Jet Sliger from Kamen Rider 555.
Esuyu (part 2) reviews the Bandai Minipla Chozetsu Gogo Gattai Daivoyager trading kits from GoGo Sentai Boukenger.
Toy links
One Year War.
“I have been collecting Gundam action figures for more than a decade. … Instead of leaving the 300+ figures in their boxes gathering dust, I would like to share them with you.” (Thanks, Marcus!)
Engine Gattai Engine-Lego.
Fantastic Lego MOCs inspired by the sentai mecha. (Click on the images for a closer look.)
Mars Attacks!
Out of this world customs by saintsyn.
Cobra Annihilator.
A custom based on The Corps Tank.
A figure to dye for.
Damien Sancho’s recoloured MSIA Gundam Exia prize figure looks spectacular when backlit.
Transformers Universe Turtler.
Pisuwo’s Seacons-inspired repaint of Onslaught.
Robby Musso’s Elita-1.
“Hooray for Fembots!”
Wheeljack-ko.
The car in the “kawaii.” (Click on the image for a closer look.)
Machine Robo blog.
Courageous hasn’t updated it in over three months but there are over a dozen Machine Robo toys featured on this Japanese blog.
US action figure sales up 1.2 per cent.
“Our Consumer Spending Indicator study reveals that when thinking of where they’ll cut back their spending due to the current economic climate, spending on toys is one of the least mentioned categories …”
Toy review roundup
Sanjeev reviews the Onell Design Glyos System Series Special Edition Standard Pheyden Mk II and Sarvos figures. Excerpt: “… once you get a couple Phase Arms & Gobon Blasters together, start pulling the bits apart, and begin swapping, things start to get very interesting very quickly!”
Atom reviews the Bandai Movie Realization Batman and Bat-pod set from The Dark Knight. Excerpt: “A piece like this really shows the difference between the American and Japanese toy markets and how they approach a famous, international character.” (See also.)
Engineernerd reviews the Mezco Toyz HBII Johann Krauss 3.75-inch figure. Excerpt: “He’s got the detail, articulation, and fun factor of a 7" figure packed into one that’s half the size.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Gandalf the Grey Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Everything is dead on here …”
Adrienzo reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Kamen Rider Black 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “This toy really didn’t live up to my expectations.” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes (RAH) Star Wars Clone Trooper Captain 1/6-scale figure from Attack of the Clones. Excerpt: “For Medicom to remain competitive … they are going to have to address the issue of their high price.”
Jeff Parker reviews the Hot Toys Alien versus Predator She Predator Machiko 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “This one is for your hardcore Pred fans who have even followed the EU stuff, or alternately for fans of your 1/6 hot femme figs …”
Michael Crawford reviews the DC Direct Deluxe Collector Figure Green Lantern Corps 13-inch figure. Excerpt: “… the figure deserves high marks.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Jakks Pacific WWE Deluxe Build N’ Brawl Kane figure. Excerpt: “… one eye does look a little different than the other.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Jakks Pacific WWE Deluxe Build N’ Brawl Edge figure. Excerpt: “Pretty darned impressive.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Lanard Toys The Corps! Ravage (Arturo Zorin), Vulture (Viktor Rokav) and Plague (Simon Crill) figures from the Rival Face-Off Rucker vs. Ravage, Eagle Eye vs. Vulture and Rip vs. Plague two-packs. Excerpt: “… a very capable, well-done, and generally well-made and well-thought-out action figure line.”
Artemis reviews the DC Direct The New Teen Titans Terra figure. Excerpt: “… a so-so DC character, but the basis for an excellent Marvel one.”
Artemis reviews the DC Direct Justice Supergirl figure. Excerpt: “… I quite like Swingin’ Seventies Supergirl.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the McFarlane Toys Halo 3 Spartan Soldier CQB (Steel version) Gamestop exclusive figure. Excerpt: “Very impressive.”
Steve Pietrangelo reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Ares figure. Excerpt: “This is a Four Horseman masterpiece.” (See also.)
Steve Pietrangelo reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Captain Atom (gold version) figure. Excerpt: “… he’s not too bad.” (See also.)
Steve Pietrangelo reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Batman Beyond figure. Excerpt: “… a cool head and a nice shiny paint job keeps this Batman Beyond action figure from feeling generic.” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Batman Beyond figure. Excerpt: “… an excellent figure which gets dragged down by one major flaw: the shiny paint.” (See also.)
Steve Pietrangelo reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Cyborg figure. Excerpt: “… pretty cool.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Hulk Series King Hulk figure. Excerpt: “… one of the best figures in this series.” (See also.)
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Shockwave figure. Excerpt: “… a fairly impressive bit of engineering.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Snarl figure. Excerpt: “… an adorable little fatty.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Grimlock figure. Excerpt: “… even more than Classics Grimlock, this is an update of the G1 toy.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra F.A.N.G. and Cobra C.L.A.W. set. Excerpt: “… there is a huge difference in tooling between the vintage COBRA C.L.A.W. and this one.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe A.W.E. Strike with Leatherneck set. Excerpt: “(Re: Leatherneck) … this version doesn’t really cut it.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Bazooka Trooper figure. Excerpt: “… the subtle changes throughout make a big difference here.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Croc Master figure. Excerpt: “… a nearly flawless update to the original.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Iron Grenadier Command Toys ‘R’ Us exclusive three-pack. Excerpt: “… the only way to efficiently get more than one Iron Grenadier, and the colors used on Destro are actually better than on his single-carded release.”
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Mercenary Wraith (translucent blue version) figure. Excerpt: “I’ve been waiting a few years for this character … and unfortunately the end result doesn’t really deliver.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Cobra Para-Viper figure. Excerpt: “From a design perspective, the figure deserves every bit of praise he gets.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Duke (Tiger Force version) figure. Excerpt: “… while Duke is moderately fixed, he’s still not nearly perfect.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Mutt and Junkyard figures. Excerpt: “… while there are some minor ‘wow’ moments with this figure, nothing to really knock my socks off.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra Commander Official G.I. Joe Collector’s Club 2008 exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… the most impressive Cobra Commander in several years.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro GI Joe 25th Anniversary Doc mail- away figure. Excerpt: “… good, and even rates pretty highly on our criteria for a perfect exclusive …” (See also.)
Shogundan reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Green Leader’s A-Wing Fighter set. Excerpt: “… I really would have enjoyed it more if it had some electronics for added play value.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Star Wars III Revenge of the Sith AT-RT Assault Squad Battle Pack Target exclusive set. Excerpt: “… a very impressive and certainly distinctive addition to anyone’s Clone Army!” (See also.)
Mike Tansey reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Evolutions The Fett Legacy box set. Excerpt: “Great sculpts, great articulation, great toys.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Leektar and Nippet set. Excerpt: “(Re: Leektar) … this is about as superarticulated as an Ewok can ever be.” (See also.)
Engineernerd reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Leektar and Nippet set. Excerpt: “… a decent figure of a background Ewok.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Droid Factory Han Solo and R-3PO Wal-Mart exclusive two-pack. Excerpt: “… a decent value.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Comic Packs 09 Princess Leia and Darth Vader two-pack from the Star Wars Infinities comic. Excerpt: “… an impressive set.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Battlefront II Clone Pack Diamond Previews exclusive set from the Star Wars Battlefront II game. Excerpt: “… a very impressive set.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Bandai Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Super Legends Green Power Ranger figure. Excerpt: “… it’s extremely cool, extremely well-made, and much more compatible with modern Power Rangers figures than previous incarnations of the character.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Irina Spalko, Colonel Dovchenko and Russian Soldier figures from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Excerpt: “… if you’re not too picky about format, there’s no real reason you couldn’t buy a mess of Russian Soldiers and give your Oktober Guard a heck of a reserve force.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Mattel Justice League Unlimited Ice, Fire and Green Lantern three-pack. Excerpt: “It’s not impossible to find, but neither is it easy. However, if you’re any sort of Justice League Unlimited fan, you’ll want it.”
Josh Bernard reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Ricky figure from Doko Demo Issho. Excerpt: “… this figure did nothing for me …” (See also.)
“Pixel Dan” Eardley reviews the Jazwares Sonic Unleashed Sonic the Werehog Toys ‘R’ Us exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… probably the best figure I have seen from Jazwares.”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Toy Quest NFL Pro-Bots Tom Brady figure. Excerpt: “… a $3 toy at best.”
Artemis reviews the Lego Star Wars 7659 Imperial Landing Craft set. Excerpt: “… its obscure origin counts against it …” (See also.)
Josh Bernard reviews the Spin Master Bakugan Battle Brawlers Bakugan Deka Dragonoid Red Pyrus and Blue Aquos toys. Excerpt: “Adult collectors will find these designs too simple …”
Retro reviews
Tom Prankerd reviews the Bandai Machine Robo DX MR-DX07 Porsche 930 Turbo (white version) figure. Excerpt: “There’s little wrong with this figure once you accept the unusual design philosophy of the robot mode …” (See also.)
Tom Prankerd reviews the Hasbro Transformers Optimus Prime figure. Excerpt: “This was my holy grail as a kid …”
Tom Prankerd reviews the Takara Transformers Collection 14 Hound figure. Excerpt: “… stunning little toy.”
Sanjeev reviews the Bandai Saint Cloth Myth Chrysaor Krishna figure from the Saint Seiya series. Excerpt: “He can go kalari payattu on your ass.” (See also.)
Josh Bernard reviews the Bandai Souchaku Henshin GD-95 Space Sheriff Sharivan figure. Excerpt: “… you really almost never display it without the armor on.”
Shogundan reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back TIE Bomber toy. Excerpt: “… a nicely detailed, well made, sturdy toy.” (See also.)
Shogundan reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Saga Collection Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced x1 Starfighter toy. Excerpt: “… a good representation of Darth Vader’s famous ship.” (See also.)
Toy links
Garland ver. Lego.
An excellent Johnny Tang MOC based on the Megazone 23 mecha.
Transgals Metals Rampage.
Misodrill’s latest Transformers-inspired BJPM and Gene Block creation.
Lego Ball.
A cool recreation of the mobile weapon from Gundam. Check out the rest of Hiron’s excellent gallery.
Battle Mecha.
This Lego MOC was made from parts from the Exo-Force River Dragon set. (More.)
The Caped Crusader.
After his parents were slain before his very eyes, one My Little Pony swore to bring justice to Ponyland …
The Prancing Megatron.
A fanmode by Updatedude.
Inaction Man.
“Poor old Action Man has a missing foot, a broken arm, all of his joints are split and his torso is absolutely covered in scratches.”
Checklists bigger, stronger, faster
Updated the Busou Shinki and Figma 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.)
Esuyu (part 2, part 3), Ramuna (part 2), Koshihara Hitoshi and Hima-toy review the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Baldios set.
G.S.R. reviews the Fewture Models EX Goukin Series Robo Shi Works Juoumaru figure from the Pla-Wres Sanshiro series.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Kamen Rider Black 1/6-scale figure.
Goe reviews the CM’s Corporation Sunrise Mecha Action Series Busou Gattai Fighbird figure.
MaruH102 reviews the Marmit JuuGokin Poseidon (original colour version) from Babel II.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Mecha Action Series Blocker Gundan IV Machine Blaster Sandaioh and Boss Palder set.
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Extended Mobile Suit in Action (EMSIA) RX-78-3 G3 Gundam figure from Mobile Suit Gundam.
Damien Sancho and Mondo review the Bandai Extended Mobile Suit in Action (EMSIA) Gelgoog (Herbert Von Kuspen custom) figure from the MS IGLOO OVA.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba-Musha Den Sairoku Ni Musha Zeta, Musha Mk. II and Kiba Musha prize figures.
Mojya, Gamu and Shishioh review the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Jagi figure.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin EX Dark Legioss 1/48-scale figure from Genesis Climber Mospeada. (See also.)
Mojya, Hinatatiki, Shishioh and Pokotannu review the Megahouse Variable Action King Sccasher figure from NG Knight Lamune & 40. (See also.)
Mojya, G.S.R., Natsume and Sousuke review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Kabuto figure. (See also.)
Sousuke reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Deneb Imagin figure from Kamen Rider Den-O. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai HCM Pro Cherudim Gundam 1/200-scale figure from Gundam 00. (See also .)
K3, Damien Sancho and Natsume review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Arios Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00 Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Ramuna reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Space Warrior Baldios figure. (See also.)
Ramuna reviews the Yamato GN-U Dou Dancouga Nova figure. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider Den-O Gun Form and Ryutaros Imagin set. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Teiran figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Ryu figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Ricky figure from Doko Demo Issho. (See also.)
Kaz, Tom and Syuuamamori review the Kaiyodo Revoltech Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann figure. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech YF-21 (Guld version) figure from Macross Plus. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Banpresto Gundam S.C.M (Special Creative Model) EX Ramba Ral Units Zaku II prize figure. (See also.)
Mojya, Gamu, JJ9 and Supa review the Max Factory Figma Chunichi Dragons Mascot Doala (home version) figure.
Supa reviews the Max Factory Figma Hanshin Tigers Mascot Tolucky (home version) figure.
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Hatsune Miku figure from Vocaloid2 Character Vocal Series. (See also.)
Gamu and Mondo review the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Hasegawa Haruka figure from Moyashimon.
Hikutori, Hima-toy and The G review the Konami Busou Shinki High Speed Trike Ach Stradale Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive set.
Hikutori and Hima-toy review the Konami Busou Shinki High Manoeuvre Trike Yda Stradale Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive set.
The G, Mojya and Taoo review the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Nurse Bright Feather figure. (See also.)
The G, Mojya and Mondo review the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Sister Harmony Grace figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Devil Succubus Valona figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Angel Commando Werkstra figure. (See also.)
Ganhoo (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai Engine Gattai Series DX Kyoretsu-Oh set from the Go-Onger series. (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Red reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-09 Lambor figure.
Toyhunter reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Grimlock figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Patrol Bumblebee figure.
Damien Sancho reviews the Atelier-Sai Gene Block Battle Soldiers 03 kit.
Ebi, Soh-dr and Koshihara Hitoshi review the Bandai DX Zanvat Sword role-playing toy from Kamen Rider Kiva.
Retro reviews
Esuyu reviews the Konami Sazer-X Chousei Gasshin Great Lio set.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Free Pose DX Solbraver figure from Tokkyuu Shirei Solbrain.
Damien Sancho reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure Huckebein Mk III Dengeki Hobby Magazine and online store exclusive figure.
Damien Sancho reviews the Yamato Macross VF-1J Super Valkyrie figure and 1/60 VF-1 Armored Parts set.
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Bandai HCM Pro Zaku II 1/200-scale figure from The 08th MS Team OVA.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Command Dagwon DX Dagtector 4 Wing Yoku figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars C-16 Lio Convoy figure from Beast Wars II.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers 08 Streak figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-104 Brainstorm figure from Transformers Headmasters.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Collector’s Edition Road Rage e- Hobby exclusive figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Collector’s Edition Crosscut e-Hobby exclusive figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Car Robot C-026 Super Speedbreaker figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Machine Robo MR-48 Fairlady Robo figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Hasbro Transformers Generation 2 Sideswipe figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Toy Biz Marvel Legends Showdown Booster Pack Human Torch and Juggernaut (closed mouth version) figures.
Damien Sancho reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Extra Operation Yashima accessory set from Rebuild of Evangelion.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Stikfas K-9 Police Unit kit.
Toy links
Bug.
A very >tik< cool custom of the classic character’s new look.
GunLeon.
A Diablock fan-creation of the Super Robot Taisen Z mecha. (Click on the images for a closer look.)
The Converse Death Star.
For the casual Stormtrooper.
Nanoblock Retsu-Taka.
Koshihara Hitoshi used the Kawada building blocks for this sentai-inspired creation.
Space Flyman.
“Here is a powerful and wonderful man.”
Predicting future trends.
“A cross-section of the children’s entertainment industry looks 10 years ahead …”