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 Atelier Sai Shining Blade DX X-Million (silver version) figure.
Ken Murasame reviews the Bandai Twist Action Form Masked Rider Den-O (Sword Form) figure.
nuu reviews the Medicos Entertainment JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure J.P. Polnareff figure.
Shishioh and Itsuki review the Max Factory Figma Hoshimura Makina figure from Shikabane Hime.
Gamu reviews the Yamato Macross Kanzen Henkei VF-1A (Maximilian Jenius TV version) 1/60-scale figure.
Itsuki reviews the Kabaya Keitai Changer Corecellder, Mobeagle, Wolfgear and Elephanshot candy kits.
Tom reviews the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga (Pegasus Form) figure.
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga (Titan Form) figure. (See also.)
Taoo and Kaz review the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga (Mighty Form) figure. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Kamen Rider Diend figure from Kamen Rider Decade.
Yo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Agito Tornador figure from Kamen Rider Decade.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Faiz Blaster figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
K3 reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Ryuki Dragreder figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
Yuki Bune and Red review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-21 Smokescreen figure.
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-20 Alert figure. (See also.)
Natsume reviews the Kotobukiya Square Enix Kingdom Hearts Play Arts Cloud and Sephiroth figures. (See also.)
Mojya and Mondo review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Shinkiro figure from Code Geass. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii GN-X III (ESFF Type) figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Super Imaginative Chogokin (S.I.C.) Momotaros Imagin (pre-contract version) Tamashii Nation 2009 exclusive figure. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Cloth Myth Aries Shion (dark cloth version)/Pope Shion Tamashii Nation 2008 in Asia exclusive set from Saint Seiya. (See also.)
Maruo reviews the Bandai Gakuengattai Moebine Ninjutsubu Endou Takane & Homura Hawk trading figure. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model Rising Gundam prize figure from Mobile Fighter G Gundam.
Kanon reviews the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model Shining Gundam prize figure from Mobile Fighter G Gundam.
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Banpresto Gundam Series Humable Model RX-78-2 Gundam and God Gundam (Hyper Mode version) prize figures. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Bandai FA (Fighting Action) Kamen Rider Decade candy toy.
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Resolute Cobra Commander figure. (See also.)
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai DX Diendriver role-playing toy from Kamen Rider Decade.
Ebi reviews the Takara Tomy Tomica Hero Rescue Fire DX Rescue Megahorn toy. (See also.)
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Mega Bloks Block Frame System Gundam, Zeta Gundam and Expansion Block Set A sets.
Retro reviews
F2 reviews the Bandai Tamashii Spec XS-05 Dragonar-1 from Opening Silhouette figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Bandai Saint Cloth Myth Unicorn Jabu figure from the Saint Seiya series. (See also.)
Toyhunter reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Encore 03 Soundwave figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Robots In Disguise USA Edition Axer figure from the Sideways vs. Axer limited set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Galaxy Force GD-05 Gasket figure.
Alfes reviews the Takara Transformers Micron Densetsu MC-03 Hot Rod figure. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the NECA Aliens versus Predator: Requiem Hybrid (closed mandible variant) figure.
Toy links
S.H.Figuarts Shinken Red.
A custom by Damien Sancho.
My Little Leonidas.
A custom by May McMinski.
Cyber Archangel.
An Assemble Borg fanmode. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Revenge of the Sith.
This was the wrong time to ask for a raise.
Boba Fett? Boba Fett? Where?
By Devin Powell.
Is toy design for you?
“Those who work in toy design wear a lotta hats. There are different levels of involvement in designing a toy, from the roughest concept sketches, to the tightest turn sheets, to the first sculpts in plastiline.”
Instruments of construction
Anyone who’s read Fanmode for some time will know that we’re all for toys that encourage creativity. As such, any line that was designed to enable easy building, upgrading and modification will usually end up being highlighted on this site.
Construction block sets by Lego and Mega Bloks are the most common examples of this play pattern but some of the more enjoyable action figure lines also feature connectivity and interchangeability to allow toy fans to easily personalise a figure’s design. Notable examples include Stikfas, Xevoz, Mugenbine and Assemble Borg.
Here are some lesser known but no less interesting interchangeable lines.
Blockman
One of the Takara’s forgotten lines from the 80s, Blockman is nonetheless one of the Japanese toy company’s best. Blockman was a building block line with a twist: each block was a robot action figure. The fact the connectivity was based on Takara’s classic 5mm peg and port system made Blockman compatible with several generations of Takara lines—everything from Henshin Cyborg from the 70s to today’s Transformers Henkei/Transformers Universe.
Buildman
Onell Design’s interchangeable designer toys are unusual in that they’re playable action figures first and foremost. That’s perhaps unsurprising in Buildman’s case since the line is meant to be a direct homage to Blockman and Microman. The figures are currently sold out on the Onell Online Store but you can read Bryan Wilkinson’s review and check out his fanmodes while waiting for fresh stocks.
Bukiborg
Kabaya is one of Japan’s leading confectionery companies and the company has long included toys with its candy and gum. Bukiborg, which debuted in 2006, is one of Kabaya’s more interesting offerings. Each Bukiborg kit features interchangeable parts which can be reassembled into robot, weapon or beast modes. The potential for fun isn’t restricted to fan-created Bukiborg modes alone. In weapon mode, the Bukiborg toys are more or less in scale with 12–inch figures, and the 5mm-sized joints make the toys compatible with Transformers, Zoids Blox and Microman. All that for 200yen … and you get a piece of gum, too.
Duel Knights
Sold by Kabaya and designed by Volks, Duel Knights feature surprisingly stylish designs for 315yen toys. The interchangeability is based on pegs 2mm in diameter and the fanmode potential should put a smile on a mecha-loving toy fan. Momodani has pictorial reviews (in Japanese) of the first two waves while G.S.R. has reviews of the newer Duel Knights Next releases.
Skeleflex
San Francisco-based Wild Planet’s interchangeable action figure line makes use of standard size ball joints to allow toy fans to create some highly posable skeletal beasts. Though the line does have a Xevoz-like vibe, the two lines aren’t compatible. Check out these reviews by yo go re, Poe Ghostal and Erin Snyder for more information.
Toy links
He’s no good to me dead.
Custom Glyos System figures inspired by Star Wars.
Microwalker.
An Assemble Borg vehicular fanmode for Microman figures.
Time Travellers.
Fantastic digirama by maurizio schillaci.
K7.
A portrait of the Fewture Models Mazinger 1901 Garada K7.
Optimus Prime gets under your skin.
See also.
Mr. Lego.
“We even have adult jokes in places the kids can’t see them – such as some unsual plants festering in the scale model of Amsterdam and a cheeky S & M shop next to M & S – we want it to be fun for all of the family.” (See also.)
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Mer-Man Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… my favorite of the series so far, and in hand, really impresses me with it’s quality and design … But in the end, it’s still tough to say it’s worth a whopping twenty bucks plus shipping.”
Poe Ghostal reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Mer-Man Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… the great sculpt, excellent accessories and interchangeable head make him a must-buy.”
Nathan Newell reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics Mer-Man Mattycollector.com exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… another fantastic showing for The Four Horsemen and Mattel.”
YoNoSe reviews the Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight The Maxx figure. Excerpt: “As I stated in my intro, I am not familiar with the controversy surrounding Shocker Toys. Deserved or underserved, all I know is I have a great new Maxx figure out of it.”
Josh Bernard reviews the Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight ShadowHawk (variant) figure. Excerpt: “It’s a remarkably average action figure, with a few serious QC issues. But the fact that I am just floored that these things have finally seen the right of day makes me want to like them a little bit more.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Spider-Man Tarantula figure. Excerpt: “It’s a classic Spider-Villain we needed a new version of … but it’s also a really oddball figure with some inexplicable problems.”
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics The Flash figure. Excerpt: “There’s still something about this figure that’s hard not to love, and he’s quickly become one of my favorite DCUC releases so far.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Mistika 8690 Toa Onua set. Excerpt: “… Onua’s not that remarkable by himself, but the gun and shield combo really does lift him …”
Retro reviews
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Republic Elite Forces Mandalorians and Omega Squad Entertainment Earth exclusive set. Excerpt: “… it would have been preferable if you could get the important figures by themselves, but the set is still a decent offering.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Cybertron Voyager class Leobreaker figure. Excerpt: “Both modes are awkward at best with poor poseability and underwhelming gimmicks.”
Toy links
Jagd Mirage.
A Lego MOC inspired by Five Star Stories.
Goshooter.
A Transformers custom by pisuwo.
My Little Bahamut.
“… his wings made me curse up a storm.”
Snake Eyes.
A movie-inspired custom for the man playing the character in the movie.
Boom! Headshot!
A photo by David Julian. (Check out his equally cool Tunnel Rat photo.)
Resholute … Ri-sh of Cobra … Bah!
Ol’ Joe feels lost and forgotten.
Flashback.
A comparison of two generations of Flash toys.
Checklist Alert
Updated Transformers Henkei and Robot Tamashii checklists with Alert and Shinkiro 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.)
Red reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-20 Alert figure.
Itsuki and Yo review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Shinkiro figure from Code Geass.
Ken Murasame reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii GN-X III (ESFF Type) figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Gamu (part 2) reviews the Bandai Super HCM Pro Gundam Exia DX 1/144-scale figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Hinatatiki and Remu review the Kotobukiya Square Enix Kingdom Hearts Play Arts Cloud figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki and Remu review the Kotobukiya Square Enix Kingdom Hearts Play Arts Sephiroth figure. (See also.)
SR../Blood Zwei and Mojya review the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga (Titan Form) figure. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Kiva Arrow figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Blackarachnia figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Leader class Bulkhead figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Bandai SDX Full Armor Knight Gundam figure. (See also.)
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Bandai Shinkenger Samurai Gattai Series Tora Origami toy.
Ebi reviews the Takara Tomy Tomica Hero Rescue Fire DX Fire Dragon, Rescue Dash 1, Rescue Dash 2 and Rescue Dash 3 toys.
Retro reviews
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Metals Tarans figure from the VS-44 Metals Rhinox versus Metals Tarans set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Movie Elita-One Target exclusive figure. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Super Robot in Action Mazinger Z figure.
Ramuna reviews the Tomy Zoids RMZ-20 Barigator kit. (See also.)
Toy links
Freedom’s Angel.
Scroll down for an outstanding custom by Gullwing combining Busou Shinki Angel Arnval and the Master Grade Freedom Gundam kit.
Lieam, Saxon and Kenzie.
Cool customs based on David Petersen’s Mouse Guard.
Mimic.
“This is my 3rd attempt at the character, Savage Dragon base, some sculpting and Spawn Wings …”
Barrels Spider.
An Assemble Borg fanmode. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Optimus Prime can do.
R2-D2, too. (Related.)
Vroom vroom.
A cool shot of the Movie Realization Batman and Batpod set. (Related.)
Good for health, bad for education.
A photo by Ice Foxx.
Acrodeus.
misodrill used Acromuzan as a base for this Microman custom.
Cyborg evolution.
“Over the few years it was available Henshin Cyborg went through a number of changes.”
Customiser advantages.
“… there are areas in which we can surpass official minimates by stepping outside of the restrictions that DST faces.”
Toy review roundup
yo go re reviews the Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight Kabuki figure. Excerpt: “… Shocker Toys did a better job on these toys than anyone expected they would.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Playmates Toys Terminator Salvation T-600, T-700, T-R.I.P and Marcus (Battle Damage version) 3¾-inch-scale figures. Excerpt: “These are quite a bit better than the 3 3/4" Star Trek line from Playmates, also on pegs right now, and they’re a bit better than I’ve seen most folks giving them credit for.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe The Thing figure. Excerpt: “… if it wasn’t for The Thing’s articulation this would be a great action figure.”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Cliffjumper figure. Excerpt: “… a great little figure, with a very welcome retooled head …” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Thundercracker figure. Excerpt: “While the indigo and purple is an interesting idea, this isn’t really Thundercracker.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Series Legends class Megatron figure. Excerpt: “Megatron’s not really imposing at this scale, but this is a good effort …”
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Macross Origin of Valkyrie VF-1A Super Valkyrie (Maximilian Jenius version) 1/55-scale figure. Excerpt: “While it would have been nice to see Max’s VF-1S come out in 1/55 scale (which has the same livery as this one does), this one is equally appreciated …”
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Macross Origin of Valkyrie VF-1A Super Valkyrie (Ichijo Hikaru version) 1/55-scale figure. Excerpt: “… the big issue is the alignment of the parts that make up the Fighter Mode’s main chassis/Battroid Mode’s torso. Put simply- on all four sets they seem to be loose-fitting.”
Jeff Parker reviews the Enterbay 24 Jack Bauer 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… enough of a WOW factor to make you feel pretty darn happy with your purchase.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Kirk 6-inch figure. Excerpt: “… I know the kind of figure the Diamond Select/Art Asylum could turn out, and this one just isn’t quite as good – it’s a little plainer, a little rougher, a little less versatile, a little less accessorised.” (See also.)
Michael Crawford reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Kirk, Spock and Cadet Uhura 6-inch figures. Excerpt: “This scale doesn’t have the quality of the larger figures, or the playsets of the smaller, making it my least favorite of the three.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Galaxy Collection Original Spock 3¾-inch figure. Excerpt: “I’m probably going to be unfairly harsh on every part of this toy …”
Dr. Nightmare reviews the SOTA Toys Street Fighter Revolution Dhalsim figure. Excerpt: “… it is a pretty fun toy once you work-out all the kinks.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle 8691 Phantoka Antroz set. Excerpt: “Befitting his nearly-the-villain status, Antroz is a pretty imposing figure of a Makuta …”
Retro review
Ben Mininberg reviews the Bandai Capsule Popynica Voltes V CPA-14 Volt Cruiser, CPA-15 Volt Bomber, CPA-16 Volt Panzer, CPA-23 Volt Frigate and CPA-24 Volt Lander prize toys. Excerpt: “All combined, Voltes V is solid and well proportioned, just like the big DX Chogokin toy it emulates.” (See also.)