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.)
Nekonekokoara (part 2) reviews the Bandai Mugenbine Mugen Toushinjuu MugenHanumad, MugenGaneshan, MugenBion, MugenAnbula, MugenGaruda, MugenZebuu and combiner MugenAshura trading figures.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Star Gaogaigar (version 2) set.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Samurai Prowl figure.
Gamu reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Capricorn Shura (surplice version) figure from the Saint Seiya Hades Chapter Sanctuary OVA.
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Appendix Scorpio Milo accessory set from Saint Seiya.
Alfes and Toyhunter review the Hasbro Iron Man Iron Man (Heavy Artillery version) figure.
Shishioh reviews the Max Factory Figma Sakura Hime (JPWA Tag Tournament version) figure from Pla-Wres Sanshiro.
Goe reviews the CM’s Corporation Gutto Kuru Figure Collection Shamal figure from the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS series.
Kaz reviews the Toy Soldier 1st Lt. Paul R. Longgrear U.S. Army Special Forces, Vietnam 1968 1/6-scale figure.
Gamu (part 2) reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Seravee Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Gamu and Tom review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto. (See also.)
Kaz, Damien Sancho, Sappy and Nekokami Sigma review the Bandai S.I.C. Kiwami Tamashii Kamen Rider Hibiki figure. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Raoh figure. (See also.)
Red (part 2, part 3) reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Jetstorm and Jetfire set. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-05 Hot Rodimus figure. (See also.)
Gun0826 reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Crime Stopper Batman figure. (See also.)
Ebi reviews the Bandai DX Ride Booker role-playing toy from Kamen Rider Decade.
Retro reviews
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Advanced Mobile Suits in Action Calamity Gundam figure from Gundam SEED.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews Takara Transformers Collector’s Edition 67 Orion Pax and Dion e-Hobby exclusive set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Collection 13 Hot Rodimus figure.
Toy links
Tengen Toppa Lego Lagann.
A typically awesome Johnny Tang creation.
Brainstorm ver. 2009.
A neat Transformers Headmasters custom. (Click on the image for a better look.)
You have 20 seconds to comply.
A cool ED-209-inspired Assemble Borg fanmode comprising parts from two Barrels Speeder sets, Mr. Assemble and parts from the Revoltech GR-2 figure. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Assemble Saurus.
A fantastic Zoids-ish Assemble Borg recipe from the designers.
Times are tough.
And job opportunities for Evil Lord of Destruction are few.
Mistresses of the Universe.
Cosplay at New York Comic Con 2009.
Cobra-a-a-a!
Cosplay at New York Comic Con 2009.
Cobr-aaargh!
A diorama by David Julian.
Wanna play?
A photo by Alfredo Cristinziano.
Optimus Prime: the younger years.
Xander has more paintings here.
Toy review roundup
Sanjeev reviews the Onell Design Buildman Ranic (Standard and Reverse versions) figures. Excerpt: “… equal parts action figure and building toy.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Clone Trooper (with Cip-Quad) figure. Excerpt: “… he certainly comes with an impressive piece of weaponry that goes way, way beyond the usual blaster pistol these guys tend to be issued.” (See also.)
Scott Rubin reviews the Mattel DC Universe Infinite Heroes Crisis series Starfire, Captain Boomerang and Raven three-pack. Excerpt: “… a diverse and motley mix of figures.”
Scott Rubin reviews the Mattel DC Universe Infinite Heroes Crisis series Hawkman and Thanagarian Warriors three-pack. Excerpt: “(Hawkman)’s practically worth the cost of the three pack all on his own!” (See also.)
Rustin Parr reviews the Mattel DC Universe Justice League Unlimited Mr. Miracle, Superman, Forager, Mantis, Darkseid and Lashina figures from the Target exclusive Attack from Apokolips six-pack. Excerpt: “… three exclusive figures, especially such comparably low-tier ones, just makes this set irrestible to JLU and New Gods fans alike.”
Philip Reed reviews the Mattel DC Universe Justice League Unlimited Bizarro figure. Excerpt: “This appears to be one of those rare cases where the toy would have been better off left in the package.”
Scott Rubin (part 2) reviews the Bandai Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin Levin, Alan as Heatblast, DNAlien and Goop figures. Excerpt: “Alien Force is off to a great start in 2009 with this quartet of Alien Collection figures.”
yo go re reviews the NECA Bionic Commando Nathan “Rad” Spencer figure. Excerpt: “He’s well-designed, insanely playable and just all-around cool.” (See also.)
Jorge Pelaez (part 2) reviews the NECA Street Fighter IV C. Viper, Ryu and Ken figures. Excerpt: “Although SOTA did a great job on their Street Fighter collection, I truly prefer the larger scale, detail and over-all look that NECA has given these characters so far.” (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Monkey Boy reviews the NECA Alien Alien and Aliens Alien Warrior 7-inch-scale figures. Excerpt: “… with a little more quality control, they could have been damn near perfect, and one has to wonder just what is going on these days at the ol’ NECA house.” (See also.)
Gulherme Lentz reviews the Hot Toys U.S. Secret Service Emergency Response Team ( ERT) with P90 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “This is the best female sculpt I have ever seen …” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra Headhunters! 2008 International G.I. Joe Convention exclusive box set. Excerpt: “This is an amazing set of figures …” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Zartan figure. Excerpt: “… an excellent offering.” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the Mezco Toyz HB II Liz Sherman 7-inch-scale figure from Hellboy II: The Golden Army. Excerpt: “… for every problem the figure has, there’s something else that makes up for it.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Beast Man Mattycollector exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This is another figure that was almost there, but is held back with some problematic articulation.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics He-Man Mattycollector exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This figure is a very good toy but I seem to be missing the all encompassing love that many others are expressing for him.” (See also.)
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Hawkman figure. Excerpt: “This is as good as it gets, folks.” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the NECA Coraline (PJs, Raincoat and Boots, and Striped Sweater versions) bendy figures. Excerpt: “It’s clear that it doesn’t take much to rub the paint off, so handle with care.”
Retro reviews
Josh Bernard reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Princess Leia in Boushh Disguise figure. Excerpt: “She is what we like to call in toy terms, a ‘Butterface’ …” (See also.)
NekroDave reviews the Sideshow Collectibles The Outer Limits Ikar and Ikar’s Soldier 1/6-scale figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Ikar) … a distinctive design …” (See also.)
Toy links
Sheer Heart Attack.
The best manga-inspired Lego MOC named after a Queen song we’ve seen today. (More.)
Call me “Snake.”
A cool custom by Arez.
Transgals Sixshot.
A Transformers-inspired BJPM creation by the ever-creative misodrill.
Do-o-o-o-om.
Another fantastic digirama by J. Thomas Tantiangco.
Science is hard.
A photo by ricko.
Pocco.
A beautiful photo by Edward Lee of a striking figure.
“Boba Fett? Boba Fett? Where?”
A diorama by David Julian.
“It looks like the power’s finally mine.” [via]
An 80s-style fan-created ad for Masters of the Universe Classics.
Checklist henshin
Updated the S.H.Figuarts checklist with Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto and Urataros Imagin review links.
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.)
Shishioh, Mojya and Goe review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Urataros Imagin figure from Kamen Rider Den-O.
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Raoh figure.
K3 and Gamu review the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Star Platinum figure.
Kaz reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Assemble Borg Baron and Assemble Borg Cyber figures. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Volks N.E.X.T. Linebarrel (Super Limited version) Volks exclusive 1/144-scale figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider Den-O Liner Form and Kamen Rider Zeronos Zero Form set. (See also.)
Ken Murasame and Gamu review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Ahead figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Tom (part 2) reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Seravee Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Tom and Koshihara Hitoshi review the Bandai Tamashii Spec XS-11 Falguen figure from Metal Armor Dragonar. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Bandai S.I.C. Kiwami Tamashii Kamen Rider Hibiki figure. (See also.)
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Sister Harmony Grace figure. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Banpresto Kiba Musha Gaiden Knight Gundam Kiba Musha prize toy. (See also.)
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Punisher figure.
Toyhunter reviews the Bandai Henshin Belt and Fuestle DX IXA Belt and IXA Calibur role-playing toys from the Kamen Rider Kiva series. (See also.)
Retro reviews
G.S.R. reviews the Unifive Choshingokin DX Daikyojin set from Yattodetaman. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Micron Legend Crystal Convoy Tele-V Magazine exclusive figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Beast Wars Transmetals Depth Charge Beast Wars Metals Convoy Taihen Mi! movie exclusive figure.
Ebi reviews the Bandai Souchaku Henshin Kamen Rider Den-O Wing Form Yahoo Japan mail-order figure. (See also.)
Toy links
Want din-din now.
A very impressive digirama by J. Thomas Tantiangco.
Locot tribesman.
A neat custom by glennwebman69 inspired by the Incredible Hulk comic.
MugenAshura.
Scroll down for a simple but elegant repaint of the latest Mugenbine combiner. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Barrels Cyber.
An Assemble Borg fanmode by katsuboy.
Goombas (ver. Stikfas).
A Nintendo-flavoured custom by Shadow Master.
Super Gattai Minifig Power.
An unusual Lego MOC by optimus-convoy.
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 January ’09.
Power Armour.
A fantastic Darth Leon custom inspired by Fallout 3.
Hercules ver. Steve Reeves.
Customisers are generally inspired by comic, toy or game characters so this Invincible Toys custom really stands out.
G.I. Joe Hound.
It’s strange we haven’t seen any G.I. Joe-Transformers crossover toys from Hasbro yet but the idea clearly has a lot of potential as this custom shows.
We need the best.
That’s why these excellent G.I. Joe-scale customs inspired by Predator are here.
The Time Warrior.
It’s hard to tell this beautiful custom was once a Stikfas figure.
Kamen Rider Den-O Lego Form.
A very cool (and very posable) Kamen Rider Den-O Sword Form Lego MOC.
Multi Unit System.
A neat concept for Star Wars-inspired Lego MOCs. It’s Blockman with Lego blocks.
Man of Iron, MOC of Lego.
Johnny Tang makes a regular appearance in Fanmode Faves and it shouldn’t be too difficult to suss out why after viewing this.
Yotsuba and GYAAAAA.
The Sasha Bratz Project introduces the Revoltech figure to Edvard Munch.
Barrels Tank.
It was difficult to pick a single Assemble Borg fanmode out of all the terrific ones we’ve linked to this month, but we settled for this monster creation consisting of parts from 12 (!) Barrels Speeder sets.
Toy links
Ironfist.
An outstanding custom by pisuwo based on the Transformers Henkei Hound figure and inspired by an obscure toy.
Quicksilver.
A Silverhawks custom by grinman.
Darth Deimos.
“If you’ve played the Wii version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, you may recognize this as being a rip-off of the ‘Darth Phobos’ character.”
Barrels Droid.
An Assemble Borg fanmode by Ma-ki. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Soundblaster GT.
A Transformers-inspired repaint of the Go-onger Go-Roader GT figure. (Click on the image for a better look.)
And Hell followed with him.
Digirama by Nak featuring Microman Acroyear AcroBiom.
Operation: look cool.
Art by Transformers artist Rob Musso.
A tribute to Hans Beck. [via]
“Sleep well Mr. Beck. I will always have a little of that playmobil perma-grin on my face because of you.”
No retreat, no surrender.
“… local action figure Huntarr the Warrior vowed to fight on Thursday despite the loss of his cherished dragon sword.”
ToyPedia.
“Every Toy Ever! (And All The Models Too!)”
Toy review roundup
Poe Ghostal reviews the NECA Bionic Commando Nathan “Rad” Spencer figure. Excerpt: “… a great action figure.”
Shocka reviews the SOTA Street Fighter Revolution Zangief figure. Excerpt: “This will be the only Street Fighter Revolutions figure I’m reviewing for OAFE because the others all had the misfortune of breaking before I got them out of their boxes …”
Poe Ghostal reviews the NECA Aliens Alien Warrior (brown and blue variants) figures. Excerpt: Excerpt: “… basically, be careful.”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Space Heroes 2 Pack Adam Strange and Starfire Mattycollector exclusive two-pack. Excerpt: “Starfire’s a disappointment.” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Killer Moth, Superman and Mr. Miracle figures. Excerpt: “… don’t forget to handle those joints carefully, at least to start.” (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Collect and Connect Kalibak figure. Excerpt: “This is easily a $15-20 toy, so I think as long as you do want a couple other figures, he’s a fantastic bargain.” (See also.)
Nathan Newell reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Skeletor Mattycollector exclusive figure. Excerpt: “Since Skeletor is one of the most iconic MOTU characters, Mattel really needed to nail this figure… and they did.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Scarlet Spider figure. Excerpt: “Now, technically, this figure isn’t the Scarlet Spider.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Mattel DC Universe Infinite Heroes Crisis series Guy Gardner figure. Excerpt: “… check him over carefully before buying.”
Josh Bernard reviews the Bandai Soul Of Chogokin (SOC) GX-31V Voltes V Respect for Volt in box set. Excerpt: “… if you only get one SOC Voltes, get this one.” (See also.)
Paul Sullivan reviews the Bandai Henshin Belt DX Decadriver role-playing toy. Excerpt: “All in all, it’s a great belt that does a lot of stuff …” (See also.)
Retro reviews
yo go re reviews the Tonka Gobots Crossword, Jig Saw, Pocket, Rube, Tic Tac and Zig Zag figures, and the Puzzler combiner. Excerpt: “Forget your prejudices: here’s a GoBots toy that’s better than its Transformers counterparts …” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Doubledealer figure. Excerpt: “… three solid modes, two decent partners and a surprisingly consistent focus on providing some play value.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection 4-LOM figure from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Excerpt: “4-LOM is pretty much the current pinnacle of what ‘superposeable’ can mean for a Star Wars droid …” (See also.)