My hissatsu attack, checklist version
Updated Busou Shinki checklist with Light Armor wave 3 review link and S.H.Figuarts checklist with Momotaros Imagin DX set 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.)
Gamu reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Kujo Jotaro figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Momotaros Imagin DX set from Kamen Rider Den-O.
Yuki Bune and Gamu review the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Aquarius Camus (surplice version) figure from the Saint Seiya Hades Chapter Sanctuary OVA.
Mondo reviews the Bandai In Action Offshoot Sutherland Air (Cécile custom) Tamashii Web exclusive figure from Code Geass.
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Guile figure.
Taoo reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Squirrel Pomock and Ferret Partio figures and the MMS 3rd Small Naked Flesh (ver. 4 and 5) Konami Style exclusive figures.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Kabaya Duel Knights Next Chapter 2 Blue Fighter and Blue Knight (version 4) candy toys.
Gamu reviews the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model RX-78-2 Gundam prize figure.
Damien Sancho and Gamu review the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model God Gundam (Hyper Mode version) prize figure.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Kiba Musha Gaiden Knight Gundam (Special Colour version) and Kiba Musha (Special Colour version) prize toys.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Legends class Autobot Cosmos figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Special Edition SE-04 Overkill figure. (See also.)
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Special Edition SE-03 Drag Strip figure.
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Vibrant Red version) figure. (See also.)
misodrill reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Disney Label Mickey Mouse Trailer figure. (See also.)
Red and Toyhunter review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-15 Inferno figure. (See also.)
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Tetsukyojin figure from Panzer World Galient: Crest of Iron. (See also.)
MaruH102 reviews the Aoshima Shin Seiki Gohkin SG-20 Shin Getter 1 Proportion Renewal (black version) figure.
Natsume 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.)
Mojya and Koshihara Hitoshi review the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider 1 and Cyclone set from Kamen Rider The First. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Kamen Rider Decade figure. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Bushido’s Ahead “Sakigake” figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii GN-X III (A-Laws version) figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Machu and Tom review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Turn X figure from Turn A Gundam. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Uighur figure. (See also.)
Iinchoa reviews the Max Factory Figma Sakura Hime (JPWA Tag Tournament version) figure from Pla-Wres Sanshiro. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Max Factory Figma Kanu Unchou figure from the Ikki Tousen: Great Guardians series. (See also.)
Soh-dr (part 2) reviews the Bandai Samurai Gattai DX Shinken Oh set from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Max Factory Figma Cycle (yellow and orange versions) Akihabara store and WonHobby 9 exclusive kits.
Retro reviews
MaruH102 reviews the Aoshima Shin Seiki Gohkin SG-06 Shin Getter 1 (anime colour normal version) figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Express Might Gaine Kinkyuu 4-tai Gattai 1 Fire Diver figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Express Might Gaine Kinkyuu 4-tai Gattai 2 Police Diver figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Express Might Gaine Kinkyuu 4-tai Gattai 3 Jet Diver figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Express Might Gaine Kinkyuu 4-tai Gattai 4 Drill Diver figure.
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Scarlett figure. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Megahouse Roboanimal Panda-Z figure.
Toy links
Zombie He-Man.
“I’m not into the big whole zombie thing, but when I recently saw some artwork I had to try it out as a custom.”
Twisted.
“I never know what to do with the twisty ties that hold an action figure in its package.”
Lego Neoplasticism.
“Lego reconstruction of absract de stijl composition by Piet Mondrian …”
Glutton.
“This originally started as a pimp MOC.”
Blade Tank.
This Meccano Multi Models 40 creation by misodrill looks like something from Mad Max.
Eiffel Tower ver. K’nex.
“The reproduction, which took two years to plan and two days to build, uses over 55,000 pieces of K’Nex construction toys and required an industrial lift to complete the top portions.”
The Zero M Sonic Blaster.
“The pump-action gun fires a powerful column of air toward distant targets. With the Sonic Blaster, we can set our sights on cardboard target buildings that hate America, and a pile of leaves that undoubtedly hides a dirty communist.”
Toys of tomorrow.
“The people capable of such playful thought carry forward their childish qualities and childhood dreams, applying them in areas where most of us get stuck, victims of our adult seriousness. Staying a child isn’t easy. But a continuous stream of new toys helps.” A 1998 article.
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 February ’09.
Hunger.
Another awesome digirama by J. Thomas Tantiangco.
Astral Armour Professor X.
A nice custom by glennwebman69.
Hard Rock Bike.
A very cool Assemble Borg fanmode consisting of two Barrels Speeder sets supplemented with parts from Revoltech GR-2, Revoltech Black Ox and Gazelle the Peacemaker figures. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Assemble Brachiosaurus.
Mr. P is making a name for himself with some creative Assemble Borg fanmodes. Be sure to see his Assemble Borg versions of Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus, Ankylosaurus and Stegosaurus as well. (Click on the images for a better look.)
Neo retro Microman M13x.
Another fine set of updates by ankoku sousatsu tsurugi inspired by classic Microman designs. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Sheer Heart Attack.
The best manga-inspired Lego MOC named after a Queen song you’ll ever see … at least until someone comes up with the inevitable Fat Bottomed Girls Lego MOC.
Apex.
Figures with translucent plastic parts don’t photograph well. This is a striking exception.
Homemade playsets.
“The play sets are modular and can be built in many different ways, they can also be stored in fairly small spaces as the larger walls and backdrops fold and are reversible so can be used for different sets and scenarios.” (Instructions and decal sheets.)
The History of Action Force.
A fine article by David Tree. Fanmode would like to see more toy retrospectives of this sort.
Never give up, never surrender!
“With the dreaded skeleton people closing in on him and the carpet suddenly turning into red-hot lava before his very eyes, local action figure Huntarr the Warrior vowed to fight on Thursday despite the loss of his cherished dragon sword.”
Toy links
Grifter.
An Arez custom inspired by the Wildstorm Universe character.
Ho!
A custom by Rafaelo customs.
Transformers Batman (version 2).
Justin Manny used a Transformers Animated Blurr figure for this neat custom.
“I casts the spells that makes the peoples fall down!”
A Lego MOC by M-Project. (More game sprite MOCs.)
Society’s debt to Toy Nation.
“… though we have an important impact on people’s lives, our artists get little or no recognition. Isn’t it time that that changes?”
Reducing wrap rage.
“The dreaded ‘clamshell’ packaging that imprisons toys behind hard plastic is on the way out.” (Related.)
Never too old to play.
“… the Experian Simmons study discovered that close to 25 percent of consumers purchase toys and games for either themselves or another adult.”
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Mezco Toyz Cinema of Fear 3¾ Inch Jason Voorhees (Exclusive Preview Figure with glow in the dark mask) Toy Fair and online exclusive figure from Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter. Excerpt: “I want Mezco to make all my 3 3/4" figures. Please.”
Doug Turner reviews the Diamond Select Toys Battlestar Galactica: Razor Cylon Warrior Toyrocket.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “Fans old and new alike will find a lot to like …”
Jeff Parker reviews the Hot Toys M Icon James Dean (Red Jacket Version) 1/6-scale figure from Rebel Without a Cause. Excerpt: “If you’ve ever wanted a good 1/6th representation of Dean then this is the best so far …”
Monkey Boy reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Spacetrooper figure from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Excerpt: “… aside from his novelty at being so mega-obscure, this figure also provides another chance at getting a purely vanilla Stormtrooper figure.”
yo go re reviews the FansProject Transformers Classics TFX-01 City Commander Ultra Magnus upgrade kit. Excerpt: “You’ll be hard-pressed to believe that this isn’t an official part of the toy, but just some fan’s work.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Deluxe class Generation 1 series Smokescreen figure. Excerpt: “… there is a lot of fun on display here, meaning he’ll last you for much longer than a number of other toys.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Deluxe class Beast Wars series Dinobot figure. Excerpt: “… this isn’t a terrible action figure, it’s just an okay one that could’ve been much more.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Ares Series Guardian Wal-Mart exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… this figure also repeats one of ToyBiz’s major flaws: ridiculous blue shadows as a way to put detail in the white.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Spider-man figure. Excerpt: “… the price isn’t high enough to keep me from buying more releases in this series but it is high enough that I’ll be a little selective.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe S.W.A.T. three-pack (Shockblast, Low-light, Long Arm), S.W.A.T. R.T.V. with Bullhorn set, Hotwire with B.A.T. Mech set, Sky B.A.T. and Headhunter Driver 2008 International G.I. Joe Convention exclusives. Excerpt: “… they all most definitely have my highest and most enthusiastic recommendation!” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Agori 8972 Atakus, 8973 Raanu, 8974 Tarduk, 8975 Berix, 8976 Metus, 8977 Zesk sets. Excerpt: “… the various positive design innovations outweigh the slight minus of the less versatile hands.”
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Bumper Battlers Soundwave figure. Excerpt: “… it’s a ‘Grandparent Gift,’ the sort of noisemaker you don’t buy for your own kids if you value your sanity …”
Retro reviews
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Macross Hi-Metal VF-1S Super Valkyrie 1/55-scale figure. Excerpt: “… a solid example of quality Japanese toy engineering.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Beast Wars Mutant Beast Soundwave figure. Excerpt: “One of the most notable aspects of this Soundwave is what he’s not …” (See also.)
Toy links
Why so envious?
A photocomic by Shaun Wong. (Scroll down.)
Calvin.
“‘The Hammer’, a violent, brutal, Frank-Miller-esque Noir yarn about a two-fisted, hammer-wielding pink rabbit … I managed to put together a Calvin custom to help promote the comic at NYCC.”
Codename: Snow Job. [via]
A sixth-scale G.I. Joe custom by Xander Martin.
Lipson Robotics’ Illy.
“Made from a discarded espresso tin.”
That stupid man suit.
A fine portrait by nosajmunson.
Who will Seibu now?
A digirama by dedbeats.
Clip and save.
A photocomic by Niktom.
Tetsujin 28-go to the rescue.
“Yubari, Hokkaido, the city that effectively went bankrupt in 2007, raised ¥1.3 million Wednesday by selling 32 toys — including a 2.3-meter-high model of a robot — in an Internet auction to help rebuild municipal finances.”
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.)
Ramuna and Koshihara Hitoshi review the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Tetsukyojin figure from Panzer World Galient: Crest of Iron.
Damien Sancho (part 2) reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Kamen Rider 1 and Cyclone set from Kamen Rider The First.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Kuuga Gouram set from Kamen Rider Decade.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Kamen Rider Decade figure.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Bandai VF100’s VF-25F Messiah Alto Custom 1/100-scale figure from Macross Frontier.
Shishioh reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Bushido’s Ahead “Sakigake” figure from Gundam 00.
Shishioh and SR../Blood Zwei review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Turn X figure from Turn A Gundam.
Yuki Bune and Alfes review the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Vibrant Red version) figure.
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Cliffjumper figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Legends class Rodimus figure.
Natsume reviews the Volks A3 Mecha Action Figure Series Muv-Luv Alternative Type 77 F-4J Gekishin figure. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Volks A3 Mecha Action Figure Series Muv-Luv Alternative Total Eclipse Su-27SM Zhuravlik and Su-37M2 Terminator (battalion commander type) limited figures. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Star Platinum figure. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Tsuruya-san (uniform version) figure from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi series. (See also.)
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Konami Sky Girls Sakurano Otoha on MMS figure. (See also.)
Satocchi reviews the Banpresto Kiba Musha Gaiden Knight Gundam (lance and sword versions) and Kiba Musha prize toys. (See also.)
Ramuna reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids 25th Rebirth Century GRZ-009 Valga 1/72-scale kit. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Appendix Aquarius Camus accessory set from Saint Seiya.
Retro reviews
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Hybrid Style THS-01 Galaxy Convoy figure from Transformers Galaxy Force.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Super Link SC-03 Inferno figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Machine Robo Winner Robo W-07 Fire Winner figure.
Toy links
Cobra-a-a-a!
A diorama of the place where Cobra Commander comes up his ingenious plans.
Gaogaigar (ver. Duel Knights).
Scroll all the way down for a cool fanmode. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Joust do it.
“Buster sword arm and low rider cycle, ideal configuration for covering ground and mowing through hordes of Jarknoids while conserving ammunition”
Ee-te phone home.
An unusual Assemble Borg fanmode by moromisox. (Click on the image for a better look.)
“Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.”
puppaluppa captures how Darth Vader thinks outside the box.
“I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘Aaahh!'”
A photo by Juan Carlos Castillo.
Minifig customisation workshop.
“This is a place for customizers from all over to share their customs, WIPs, techniques, and products.”
Toy review roundup
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Stratos Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “…. he looks a lot better with the wings in front of his arms.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Stratos Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “While Stratos might have his own individual problems, I have to say that this line is a tremendously fun series of toys.”
Michael Crawford (part 2) reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Indiana Jones Dr. René Belloq Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Excerpt: “Perhaps more interesting than the figure itself is the Fertility Idol Environment that the exclusive version came with.”
yo go re reviews the Bandai Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Super Legends White Ranger figure. Excerpt: “Whatever color he was, Tommy’s always been popular – and this is the first action figure that’s come close to living up to his legacy.”
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Bandai Power Rangers Jungle Fury Jungle Master Rhino Ranger figure. Excerpt: “The loose legs of this figure bother me a bit …”
Artemis reviews the DC Direct Justice League of America Wonder Woman figure. Excerpt: “She hasn’t got the playability to match up to DCU Wonder Woman …”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Superman figure. Excerpt: “… in terms of sculpt, it’s an improvement over the already-excellent DCSH figure.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Red Hulk series Spiral Target exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This is one heck of a six-armed action figure …” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Wreck-Gar figure. Excerpt: “… a very clever tribute …” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Deluxe class Autobot Hound with Ravage set. Excerpt: “… a lot of fun at a decent value.” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the Wild Planet Skeleflex Dino Stegosaurus set. Excerpt: “When all’s said and done, you got a solid building set that allows you to put together some excellent action figures.”
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Phantoka 8686 Toa Lewa set. Excerpt: “Is Lewa overcompensating for something?”
Erin Snyder reviews the Mega Bloks Plasma Dragons Battle Realm Booster Pack sets. Excerpt: “If you’re looking to build an army of fantasy miniatures on a budget, this is the way to do it.”
Retro reviews
yo go re reviews the Palisades The Muppet Show Jim Henson Special Edition Action Figure Palisades Direct exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… it’s a fitting tribute to one of the most creative artists of the 20th century.”
Philip Reed reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Zuckuss 12-inch figure. Excerpt: “… at the moment this is the only 12-inch Zuckuss available so if you want one this is your man.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Armada Ultra class Galvatron with Clench set. Excerpt: “A playset and little more, really.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe vs. Cobra SpyTroops Black Out figure from the Flint and Black Out two-pack. Excerpt: “… pretty cool.” (See also.)