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.)
Ken Murasame reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Voyager class Demolishor figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Leader class Shadow Blade Megatron figure.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Kamen Rider Black RX (Deluxe Type 2009 version) 1/6-scale figure.
Yo reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Devil Strarf Bis (Repaint Colour version) Konami Style exclusive figure.
Mojya reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Suzumiya Haruhi (uniform version) Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou Super DX Pack exclusive figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro X-Men Origins Wolverine Deadpool (Comic Series version) figure.
Tom reviews the Volks N.E.X.T. Linebarrel (Volks version) Volks exclusive 1/144-scale figure. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Kujo Jotaro figure. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Bandai In Action Offshoot Glasgow/Burai (Kallen type) Tamashii Web exclusive figure from Code Geass. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Vibrant Red version) figure. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Ultimate Metal Silver version) figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune and Toyhunter review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-14 Ratchet figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-01 Convoy figure. (See also.)
Red and Gamu review the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Autobot Ratchet figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Disney Label Mickey Mouse Trailer figure. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Ketaros figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Bandai Super Imaginative Chogokin (S.I.C.) Kamen Rider Den-O Liner Form and Kamen Rider Zeronos Zero Form set. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Bandai S.I.C. Kamen Rider Zeronos and Deneb Imagin set. (See also.)
K3 reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Kamen Rider Decade figure. (See also.)
Hikutori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Squirrel Pomock figure. (See also.)
Hikutori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Ferret Partio figure. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Banpresto Kiba Musha Gaiden Knight Gundam (Special Colour version) prize toy. (See also.)
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Wolverine figure. (See also.)
Retro review
Mondo (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai S.I.C. Kamen Rider Ryuki set.
Toy links
Gurren Lagann.
A Johnny Tang Lego MOC. (Related.)
Imperial F-15.
Judging from the markings on this Lego MOC, there were Strike Eagles a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Lego Repto.
By JINZONINGEN 73.
Aso-Micro.
Gun0826’s Microman-compatible Asoblock creations.
Argonaut X’s Argo-Knight.
“… a customized, painted action figure which I made entirely from the body parts of 5 different Mego Micronauts figures.” (See also.)
Felucia patrol.
By Devin Powell.
Showdown!! Simon Bolivar versus Superman.
“Inspired by socialist President Hugo Chavez, a father and daughter are hoping to launch a line of action figures from Venezuela’s history to counter the popularity of ‘imperialist’ American superheroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.”
Interview: Dave Van Domelen
Transformers is doing spectacularly well as the franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary. One of many 80s brands that waned during the early 90s, it was reinvented in 1996 as Beast Wars to great success, and had a phenomenal year over a decade later with the release of the 2007 movie. In Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner‘s words, “That brand will never be the same.”
Fanmode interviewed long-time Transformers fan and long-time Transformers reviewer (400-plus reviews over 15 years!) Dave Van Domelen to get his thoughts on Transformers and Transformers reviews.
One of the quirkier things of your reviews is you write bios for Transformers that lack them. What would the Dave Van Domelen bio look like?
DVANDOM comes from a rather creative home. Father was a band teacher, mother an English teacher, little brother an artist/athlete/musician and little sister feeling a bit put upon having to follow all of this (although she ended up the first to marry and own a home). DVANDOM himself excelled in just about all academic areas, and ended up with a PhD in Physics from the Ohio State University, but he followed his parents at least in that his specialization was education research. He’s currently the Director of Undergraduate Labs at Kansas State University.
DVANDOM’s TRANSFORMERS fandom was only sporadic at first, getting Bluestreak for Christmas in 1984 and buying the occasional TF over the next few years. It wasn’t until graduate school and the discovery of alt.toys.transformers in 1993 that he really dove into the fandom. From the time new molds started coming out in Generation 2, there’s barely been a TRANSFORMERS mold that he hasn’t bought…and reviewed. Reviewing first on Usenet, and then starting to archive his reviews on the web in January 1996, he runs one of the oldest TRANSFORMERS fan pages out there.
While not physically impressive, he has a keen analytical mind, taking things apart both metaphorically and literally, then putting them back together again. He started modifying toys around 1994, and as a result got used to the sight of his own blood (oops).
STR 3 INT 9 SPD 3 END 5 RNK 8 COUR 5 FRB 2 SKL 9 Avg 5.5
Read more
Toy links
Cobra-a-a-a!
Cool sixth-scale customs by dangercorpse. (More.)
Highbrow.
A Justin Manny custom based on Transformers Animated Activators Megatron.
Hermod.
jazz04porche has more Asgardian customs.
Earthfury.
Digirama by spade13th.
My Little “but I was going into Tosche Station …”
By Mari Kasurinen.
Toy review roundup
Newton Gimmick reviews the Character Options Doctor Who Cyberman (The Invasion version) figure. Excerpt: “Who wouldn’t want a tin foil robot with an accordion shoved on his chest?” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Militaries of Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “If you’re pickier than I am about the extreme accuracy of your Star Wars troopers, you may not be as happy, but I suspect most people will love this guy.”
Updatedude reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Firefly (2009 version) figure. Excerpt: “He’s not quite in the league of MRS figures, but that’s primarily due to the limitations of not having swivel thighs.”
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Resolute Comic Pack Destro vs. Shockblast two-pack. Excerpt: “… a pretty weak way to end the run of Comic Packs that have been more or less impressive.” (See also.)
Justin Bell reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Resolute Comic Pack Tunnel Rat vs. Storm Shadow two-pack. Excerpt: “… a pair of okay figures of okay characters.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Evolutions The Padmé Amidala Legacy three-pack. Excerpt: “If you pay full price for this set, you’re not going to come away feeling good …”
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Hulk figure. Excerpt: “… a mediocre toy …”
Artemis reviews the DC Direct Watchmen Silk Spectre (Classic) figure. Excerpt: “If you only buy one Silk Spectre, make it this one.”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-03 Astrotrain figure. Excerpt: “One of the weaker Classics toys made a lot better with a more focused set of colours.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Transformers Crossovers General Grievous to Grievous Starfighter figure. Excerpt: “Recommended if you like SWTFs, and it’s the stronger of the two General Grievous toys …”
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Legends class Autobot Cosmos, Rodimus, Autobot Wheelie and Warpath figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Warpath) … best of the lot.” (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Scott Rubin (part 2) reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Legends class Autobot Wheelie, Autobot Cosmos and Rodimus figures. Excerpt: “… an absolute blast for longtime fans of the property and characters, and a fantastic deal.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Wreck-Gar figure. Excerpt: “The robot mode is fun, even with the kibble, and though the vehicle mode is small, it’s designed well and fun to play with.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Deluxe class Acid Storm figure. Excerpt: “… this is a well executed repaint.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Sinestro (Sinestro Corps version) figure. Excerpt: “… the yellow Sinestro seems to be plagued by almost chronic paint problems.”
Nathan Newell reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics “Shazam!” figure. Excerpt: “… the Big Red Cheese deserves better.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Ares Series Ultimate War Machine Wal-Mart exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… for a simple repaint, he’s not bad.” (See also.)
Lindsay reviews the Mattel Barbie Collector Pink Label Speed Racer Barbie and Ken giftset. Excerpt: “… if you’re a fan of the movie, they’re probably at least worth a look.”
Retro reviews
Updatedude reviews the Bandai Motion Revive Series (MRS) Kamen Rider Den-O (Sword Form) trading figure. Excerpt: “… I’m hard pressed to actually find any real flaws …”
Updatedude reviews the Bandai Kamen Rider Full Action Figure Kamen Rider Knight trading figure from Kamen Rider Ryuki. Excerpt: “A really solid figure …”
Tom Prankerd reviews the Beat Daiagokin Ideon Jupiter figure. Excerpt: “… the main reason this one is worthy of note is the special feature. It’s totally mental …”
Philip Reed reviews the Kenner M.A.S.K. Billboard Blast set. Excerpt: “Billboard Blast may not look like much, but the fact that it’s a micro playset makes it a great addition to any M.A.S.K. collection.”
Toy links
Voltes V ver. Lego.
By mazingerzetto.
Heavy Armor Baron.
moromisox took two hours to come up with this good-looking Assemble Borg fanmode. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Kuusen mecha.
A Zoid-ish Assemble Borg fanmode by F-Cars. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Rising dragon fist.
Digirama by tenchujin.
Boba fat.
A photocomic by Niktom.
Nothin’ seems to fit.
A photo by David Copeman.
Optimus amigurumi.
By voxmortuum.
Optimus Prime got game.
A screencap from DreamMix TV World Fighters. (See also.)
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.)
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Mospeada Riding Suit Figure Set.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Mospeada Ride Armor Dark Mospeada (21 Type) and Ride Armor Dark Mospeada (31 Type) sets.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Mecha Action Series Blocker Gundan IV Machine Blaster Robocules (metallic colour version) and Bullcaesar (metallic colour version) Miyazawa Mokei exclusive set.
Yo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Ryuki Dragreder set from Kamen Rider Decade.
Kaz reviews the Soldier Story 2008 Anniversary Special Edition U.S. Army 1st Army SFOD-D 1/6-scale figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Bandai Motion Revive Series (MRS) Kamen Rider Special Best Selection Kamen Rider Kuuga (Mighty Form) and Momotaros Imagin trading figures.
Yo reviews the Kabaya Duel Knights Next Chapter 2 Blue Fighter, Blue Knight (ver. 4), Green Tank and Black Stealth candy toys. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Kabaya Duel Knights Next Chapter 2 Green Tank and Black Stealth candy toys.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Legends class Warpath figure.
Ken Murasame and Hinatatiki review the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Ultimate Metal Silver version) figure. (See also.)
G.S.R. and Transformers Baka Ichidai review the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Vibrant Red version) figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-14 Ratchet figure. (See also.)
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Special Edition SE-01 Optimus Prime figure.
Yuu-yui reviews the Volks A3 Mecha Action Figure Series Muv-Luv Alternative Type-82F F-4J Kai Zuikaku and Type-82R F-4J Kai Zuikaku limited figures. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Kujo Jotaro figure. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Star Platinum figure. (See also.)
ledmb4da reviews the Bandai Super Imaginative Chogokin (SIC) Kamen Rider Den-O Sword Form and Momotaros Imagin set. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Capricorn Shura (surplice version) figure from the Saint Seiya Hades Chapter Sanctuary OVA. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Bushido’s Ahead “Sakigake” figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Turn X figure from Turn A Gundam. (See also.)
Machu reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Uighur figure. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Kagamine Rin figure from Vocaloid2. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai Mugenbine Mugen Toushinjuu MugenHanumad, MugenGaneshan, MugenBion, MugenAnbula, MugenGaruda, MugenZebuu and combiner MugenAshura trading figures. (See also.)
Kanon and Damien Sancho review the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model RX-78-2 Gundam prize figure. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model God Gundam (Hyper Mode version) prize figure. (See also.)
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Iron Man figure. (See also.)
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai Shinkenger Samurai Hiden Disk 08 Raigeki Disk kit.
Retro reviews
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Chogokin GC-10 Seiun Kamen Machine Man figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Express Might Gaine Kinkyuu 4-tai Gattai Guard Diver set. (Related: 1, 2, 3, 4.)
Ramuna reviews the Tomy Zoids Genesis Lanstag Break kit. (See also.)
Ramuna reviews the Tomy Zoids Genesis Rainbow Jerk Wind kit. (See also.)
Toy links
Custom Dreadnok playset.
Chocolate-covered donuts and grape soda not included.
D-I-Y action figure stands. [via]
“Do you have action figures or other legged toys that don’t like to stand up on their own? Well here’s how you snap those lazy G.I. Joes into shape!”
Cyclone lights.
Damien Sancho added some lights to the SIC Cyclone (ver. Kamen Rider The First).
DC Universe Classics Space Ghost.
A custom by Skullder.
My Little AT-AT.
A custom by LadyVincira.
Hyper Automaster Ryan.
misodrill gives the Microman Masterforce figure’s ride a power-up.
No one can stop them now.
Raoh versus Kenshiro, as captured by katsuboy.
The unknown future rolls toward us.
A photo by Edward Lee.
Gunpen.
G.S.R. looks at the Bandai Gundam Arms Ball Pen Beam Rifle.
Mattel enters fashion-doll market …
“A new and unique fashion doll line bearing the Mattel, Inc., label and backed by a planned advertising and promotional budget of more than $125,000, will make its debut at Toy Fair, according to Elliot Handler, president of the West Coast company.” An article from 1959.
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the DC Direct Watchmen Dr. Manhattan 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “The best feature of this figure is the suit …”
Michael Crawford reviews the DC Direct Watchmen Ozymandias and Silk Spectre (Modern) figures. Excerpt: “… the lack of articulation is disappointing.”
Michael Crawford reviews the DC Direct Watchmen Nite Owl (Modern) and Rorschach figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Rorschach) … the figure is basically a statue, and the selected pose really ain’t doing it for me.” (See also.)
Sanjeev reviews the Amok Time Battlestar Galactica Cylon Centurion 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… this is one of the few toys of the classic BSG Cylon Centurion that actually features chrome armor and looks as fantastic as these guys did on the small screen.”
Ben Yee reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Disney Label Mickey Mouse Trailer figure. Excerpt: “Almost every section of this figure represents a merging of elements from Mickey Mouse and Optimus Prime.” (See also.)
Tom Prankerd reviews the Bandai Chogokin GD-44 Kahen Senshi Z-Gundam (renewal version) 1/144-scale figure. Excerpt: “… someone at Bandai should have made the hard decision to nix the Waverider mode and produce a robot mode only version with more articulation.”
Anavel reviews the Bandai Tamashii Spec XS-11 Falguen figure from Metal Armor Dragonar. Excerpt: ” … an excellent figure.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Captain America figure. Excerpt: “Captain America doesn’t get everything right in the technical department, but he’ll fight his way into your toy box on undeniable charm …”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Commemorative Collection Emperor Palpatine with Shadow Stormtroopers Wal-Mart exclusive set. Excerpt: “… an extremely impressive figure of the Emperor, with a range of motion that will let him do just about anything, and a really mean look on his face that pretty much says you’d better let him do so.” (See also.)
Matt reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper disguise), Han Solo (Stormtrooper disguise), Spacetrooper, Jawa and WED Treadwell Droid, Pons Limbic, Wioslea, Trinto Duaba and Dice Ibegon figures from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Excerpt: “The simple fact of the matter is the majority of these are not $9 figures.” (See also.)
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Big Barda (helmeted version) figure. Excerpt: “I’m happy to have a DCUC version of her, but I hope we get a larger one down the line.”
Action Toy Review reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Killer Moth figure. Excerpt: “A great rendition of the character and a worth action figure purchase.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the SOTA Toys Street Fighter Revolution E. Honda figure. Excerpt: “… if you get one free from any major flaws, you’ll find a good action figure.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Stratos Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This is undoubtedly a well made action figure with a high attention to detail, a classic feel, sturdy construction, and well packaged, but he’s about $15 too expensive.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Crystal Skeleton Figure with Throne mail-away set from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Excerpt: “The detail level, especially on something this slender, is absolutely amazing.” (See also.)
Retro reviews
Tom Prankerd reviews the Popy DX Chogokin Kikou Kantai Dairugger XV set. Excerpt: “Despite several flaws, Dairugger XV remains a great figure.” (See also.)
Tom Prankerd reviews the Tomy Ideon Gokin figure. Excerpt: “There is something charming about the small size of the figure …”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Shipwreck figure. Excerpt: “… you won’t have any trouble finding him.” (See also.)
Toy links
The realm of Dungeons and Dragons.
A phenomenal custom playset by Boskoes Toys.
Cap Boobs.
A custom inspired by Rob Liefeld.
Macho Borg.
chikuwabu based this powerful-looking Assemble Borg fanmode on a repainted Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Uighur body. (Click on the image for a better look.)
They came from Inner Space. [via]
Acroninja used Microman Material Force figures for most of these Micronauts customs. The Biotron is apparently based on a Takara Action Hero Pro figure. (See also.)
Vivien Leigh.
A custom doll by Noel Cruz.
Q: Are we not Playmobil?
By Valt3r Rav3ra.