Toy links
Neo Henshin AssembleBorg.
An AssembleBorg custom creation by designer Naito Yasuhiro. (The line debuts on the 15th.)
Cyclops.
A very cool Lego MOC. (More.)
Saló Del Hobby 2008 de Barcelona.
Photos from the 1/6-scale figure exhibition.
My Little Wookie.
A custom by Mari Kasurinen.
Hasbro’s chief transformer. [via]
“Transformers product sales grew almost fivefold to $484 million in 2007 from $100 million in 2006. While sales are expected to slow absent a movie this year, they could still reach $425 million, driven by the new TV cartoons and overseas demand, and could top a record $600 million next year with the sequel’s release …”
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 reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Alioth Epsilon Fenrir figure from Saint Seiya.
Tettsun reviews the Megahouse Action Works Joseph Blassreiter (Berserker Model) figure.
Len reviews the Bandai Gundam Fix Figuration Kyoshiro Maniax Red Warrior 1/144-scale figure. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Soldier Story USAF Pararescuemen 1/6-scale figure.
Hikutori reviews the Atelier Sai Duel Maid DX Berlinetta Seraphic Form figure.
Hikutori reviews the Atelier Sai Duel Maid DX Pantera Seraphic Form figure.
Taoo reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin (SOC) GX-44 Tetsujin 28 set. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Volks A3 Mecha Action Figure Series Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse Shiranui limited figure. (See also.)
Gamu and Shishioh review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Caucasus figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Gatack figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Limited Kamen Rider Den-O Rod Form and Kamen Rider Den-O Ax Form set. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Bat Vespelio set. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Scorpion Graffias set. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Zeo combined mecha from the Bat Vespelio and Scorpion Graffias sets. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Bandai In Action Offshoot Burai Kai (Tohdoh custom) figure from Code Geass. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Union Flag Custom II figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Cherudim Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the CM’s Corporation Mecha Action Series Blocker Gundan IV Machine Blaster Robocules and Bullcaesar set. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Toki figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Chun-Li figure. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma.BP Kururugi Suzaku Wonder Festival 2008 Summer and online exclusive figure from the Code Geass series. (See also.)
Toyhunter reviews the Bandai Power Rangers Jungle Fury Micro Animal Zords Set A (Tiger, Jaguar and Cheetah) and Set C (Lion, Leopard and Puma) set. (See also.)
Ebi (part 2) reviews the Takara Tomy Tomica Hero Rescue Force Rescue Vehicle Series DX Rescue Phoenix set. (See also.)
Retro reviews
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Neo D-35 Magmatron set.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Car Robot C-026 Super Speedbreaker figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Car Robot C-006 Eagle Killer figure from the C-011 Spychanger DX6 set.
Ganhoo reviews the Popy Chogokin GB-82 Print Lightan figure from Gold Lightan.
Toy links
Teenage Mutant Kaiju Turtle.
Gamera the invincible. Now with ninja skills.
The evil that lies within.
Excellent updates of the Inhumanoids Metlar and D-Compose.
Messiah.
A fantastic Lego MOC inspired by the mecha from Macross Frontier.
Katoki Uji.
A Microman Material Force custom inspired by the Katoki Hajime parody from the Keroro Gunso manga.
Armour up.
Q’b provides your daily requirement of iron.
Fanmode faves
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 November ’08.
The Brick Testament.
“… an ongoing one-man labor of love, constructed and photographed entirely by The Rev. Brendan Powell Smith.” Simply astonishing.
Nice planet. We’ll take it!
Very cool customs inspired by Mars Attacks!
Baroness and Cover Girl.
It’s not unusual for Hasbro’s female G.I. Joe figures to resemble Bulgarian women wrestlers so it’s really nice to see these Fugazi customs.
Garland.
An excellent Johnny Tang Lego MOC of the mecha from Megazone 23.
Engine Gattai Engine-Lego.
Fantastic combining MOCs inspired by the latest sentai series.
Henkei Henkei.
Transformers fanmodes — some cool, some goofy, all creative.
GrimGojuras.
Zoids and Transformers would be such a natural fit it’s mindboggling Takara Tomy hasn’t attempted a crossover in the two years since the 2006 merger. (For bonus points, use the opportunity to reintroduce Diaclone pilots.)
One Year War.
A great start to what promises to be the definitive reference site for Bandai’s Mobile Suit in Action series.
Toys in 10 years.
Considering the great improvements in action figures — just compare ’98-vintage figures from the Big Two with their current offerings — there’s plenty to be excited about. We’re particularly looking forward to seeing today’s customisers step up from one-of-a-kind customs to low-run productions of original action figure designs with the aid of affordable 3D printers.
Toy links
Sweet Marble’s OOAKs.
Extraordinarily beautiful repainted dolls.
Guess who’s coming for dinner.
A very nice custom by da man of Morg.
The Gambler.
Customs of the Autobot bounty hunter, Devcon, and his now-Targetmaster partner, Slizardo.
You feeling lucky, punk?
Just kidding. Johnny Tang just wanted to show you his Lego MOC.
The crossing.
A nice photo by Rawhue.
Liquid wood.
“Toys can be made of liquid wood in future. The advantage is that this bio-plastic, known as ARBOFORM®, is made of one hundred percent renewable raw materials and is therefore not reliant on petroleum.”
Toys ‘R’ Us CEO Gerald Storch interviewed.
“I also tell our people it’s critical to retain a positive demeanor. There is so much negative news out there that people have gotten into a downward spiral. Certainly you can’t perform well at any job if you’re feeling negative.”
TRU raided.
“The move follows an admission by the company that it may not have properly paid countless current and former staff. It may now be taken to court.”
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Raiders of the Lost Ark Indiana Jones Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “The big negative here is the kinks with the new Prometheus body.”
Sam Ford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Tomb Raider: Legend Lara Croft Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Her pants kept falling down and I just wanted to scream.”
Engineernerd reviews the Mezco Toyz HB II Liz Sherman 3.75-inch figure from Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Excerpt: “… after reviewing Hellboy and Krauss, I was a bit let down by Liz.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Comic Packs Antares Draco and Ganner Krieg set from Star Wars: Legacy. Excerpt: “The Imperial Knights damn near sold me on Star Wars Legacy all by themelves …” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Comic Packs Darth Talon and Cade Skywalker set from Star Wars: Legacy. Excerpt: “… I didn’t buy this set for Cade …” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel Justice League Unlimited Batman (with Wonder Pig version) figure. Excerpt: “… what you’re getting here is on the low side of mass market quality.”
Mubashar Ahmed reviews the McFarlane Toys Guitar Hero Johnny Napalm, God of Rock, Axel Steel and Lars Ümlaut figures. Excerpt: “If you are a Guitar Hero fan, this figure line is a dream come true.”
Jorge Pelaez reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Red Hulk Series Build-A-Figure Red Hulk Target exclusive figure. Excerpt: “I had some doubts about this figure when I first saw pictures of it online but it looks ten times better up-close!” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Mutt Williams (without jacket version) figure. Excerpt: “… it’s the perfect base for a custom Sam Witwicky.” (See also.)
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Power Rangers Jungle Fury Transforming Fury Megazord Set. Excerpt: “… absolutely fantastic!”
Updatedude reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Silverbolt figure from the Superion set. Excerpt: “This is not a good toy.”
Blitzwing reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Thundercracker figure. Excerpt: “The changes are few, but they also merit giving this figure a look.”
Retro reviews
WIKD reviews the Tomy Zoids Fuzors Raykong kit. Excerpt: “I am a big fan of this design and would recommend picking this piece up if you can find one at a reasonable price.” (See also.)
Steve Pietrangelo reviews the Mattel DC Superheroes Killer Croc figure. Excerpt: “If scale and articulation are issues for you, then you may be a bit disappointed, otherwise he looks great …” (See also.)
Mike reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra’s Sentry and Missile System (S.M.S.) Sears exclusive set. Excerpt: “… if not for my childhood piece, I would not likely own the SMS.” (See also.)
Toy links
Mega Robot Challenge.
“… a non-scale diorama featuring Kaiyodo products; a garage kit, Revoltechs and Robot Museum Plus figures.”
In His Image.
“… I picked up a sculpted Serling head, had it painted by a pro, and popped it on a body with some clothes.”
What is best in life?
This impressive Conan custom perhaps?
Waaagh!
A fine Stikfas custom by Doodman. (More.)
Tim Shinn’s Jazz.
“Here’s a Transformers Movie Robot Replica Jazz I repainted.”
No guts, no glory.
“Bonda clear casting resin. Makes paperweights, pendants, display items, souvenirs, gifts and… clear walder guts!”
Beyond great.
We’ve never seen anything this beautiful in the entire galaxy … all right, give us the bomb.
Lizard King.
“… YOU are the hero!”
Australia.
“… it’s one of the few rare papercrafts I’ve seen that makes use of a hinge joint to enable it to transform from robot to car and vice versa.”
Nancy Pearl interviewed.
“The model for the action figure, Nancy Pearl, agreed to let us ask her some questions about how being an action figure has changed her life.”
God Speed checklist
Updated the S.H.Figuarts checklist with Kamen Rider Caucasus 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.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Caucasus figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love.
Mojya reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Gatack figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto. (See also.)
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin (SOC) GX-44S Tetsujin 28 vs. Black Ox set.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin (SOC) GX-44 Tetsujin 28 set.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the CM’s Corporation Mecha Action Series Blocker Gundan IV Machine Blaster Robocules and Bullcaesar set.
Gamu reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Cherudim Gundam figure from Gundam 00.
Goe and K2O review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Union Flag Custom II figure from Gundam 00.
Ken Murasame reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00 Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Toki figure.
Damien Sancho reviews the Megahouse Perfect Piece GARM toy from Blassreiter. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Limited Kamen Rider Den-O Rod Form and Kamen Rider Den-O Ax Form set. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Banpresto Gundam Special Creative Model (S.C.M) G3 Gundam and GM prize figures. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Crossovers Black Costume Spider-Man figure.
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Hiko figure.
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Pierre figure from Doko Demo Issho. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Enkidu figure from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Futami Ami (Noel Angel version) Hobby Japan exclusive figure from The Idolmaster game.
Gamu reviews the Hot Toys Appleseed Saga Ex Machina ES.W.A.T. Team Deunan Knute (Stealth Armor version) Figure Ou exclusive 1/20-scale trading kit. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hot Toys Appleseed Saga Ex Machina ES.W.A.T. Team Deunan Knute and Briareos Hechatonchires 1/20-scale trading kits. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Max Factory Figma Takara Miyuki (winter uniform version) figure from Lucky Star. (See also.)
Len reviews the Max Factory Figma Kagamine Rin figure from Vocaloid2. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Binaltech BT-21 Arcee figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Bumblebee figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Leader class Bulkhead figure. (See also.)
Ganhoo reviews the Takara Tomy Q-Train QT 01 EF81 81 (Hokuto Sei) IR-controlled toy.
Toyhunter reviews the Bandai X Karabiner XK-01 X Emblem (blue version) toy.
K2O reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids 25th Rebirth Century HRZ-005 Dos Godos 1/72-scale kit.
Mojya reviews the Kaiyodo Suzumiya Haruhi Bust Collection (akanbe version) Shonen Ace exclusive bust from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi.
Retro reviews
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Superchange Series Kabutack figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Machine Robo Ganseki Chojin MRR Rockgiran figure from Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Go-Bots Optimus Prime figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Metals D-43 Metals Terrorsaurer figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Skydive eHobby exclusive figure.
Sousuke reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Buster Machine Dix Neuf figure from Top o Nerae 2!
Toy links
Guardians of the Galaxy.
Outstanding customs of Starlord, Mantis, Captain Universe and Bug by loosecollector.
Destroyer.
“… i took about 50 wooden skewers, cut off the tops and stuck them in the apoxie sculpt as it was drying with a drop of crazy glue to seal it in.”
Fubuki.
A fantastic Busou Shinki custom by Amber based on the online character. (See also.)
Nanoblock Engine-Oh.
Koshihara provides instructions as well.
Star Wars times three.
“Hanging on walls in the basement of Jake’s Stadium Pizza are just about every Star Wars action figure imaginable — in triplicate.” Be sure to read the second page before leaping to conclusions.