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.)
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Shadow Moon (Deluxe Type 2009 version) 1/6-scale figure from Kamen Rider Black.
Ken Murasame reviews the Bandai VF100’s VF-25S Messiah Ozma Custom 1/100-scale figure from Macross Frontier.
Damien Sancho reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gohkin Gyakuten-Oh (2009 version) set from Gyakuten! Ippatsuman. (Related: 1, 2, 3.)
Toyhunter reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Encore 15 Eject and Rewind versus Jaguar and Buzzsaw set.
Onbashira reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R Convoy (Vibrant Red version) figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune and Alfes review the Takara Tomy Transformers Gentei Thrust Ganbo Store exclusive figure. (See also.)
Alfes reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Gentei Dirge Toy Hobby Market exclusive figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-20 Alert figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Lugnut figure. (See also.)
Maruo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Agito Tornador figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Medicos Entertainment JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure J.P. Polnareff figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00 Gundam Trans-Am (clear version) Tamashii Nation 2009 exclusive figure. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Gadessa (Revive type) figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Momotaros Imagin DX Set from Kamen Rider Den-O. (See also.)
Taoo reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Ojousama Nagi Konami Style exclusive figure from the Hayate no Gotoku! Nightmare Paradise set. (See also.)
F2 reviews the Max Factory Figma Yagami Hayate (Knight Armor version) figure from Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS. (See also.)
Nekokami Sigma reviews the Max Factory Figma Hoshimura Makina figure from Shikabane Hime. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra F.A.N.G. and Cobra C.L.A.W. with Cobra Viper and Cobra Pilot set. (See also.)
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai Shinkenger Samurai Gattai Series Kajiki Origami toy. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Cycle (green, orange, yellow and red versions) store and event exclusive kits. (See also.)
Retro reviews
Gamu reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure Sladegelmir Dengeki Hobby Magazine and online store exclusive figure. (See also.)
Ramuna reviews the Yamato GN-U Hagane Chogokin Groizer-X figure. (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Yo reviews the Bandai Digital Monsters D-Real Dukemon Crimson Mode figure. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Bandai Digital Monster D-Real Omegamon figure from the Digimon Adventure 02 series. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Banpresto Max Factory Figma.BP Lelouch Lamperouge figure from the Code Geass series. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Collection 3 Skids figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Metals Rhinox figure from the VS-44 Metals Rhinox versus Metals Tarans set. (Related.)
Itsuki reviews the Bandai DX Live Boxer set from Choujyu Sentai Liveman. (See also.)
Hikutori reviews the Tomy Zoids Genesis GB-008 Bio Volcano kit. (See also.)
Toy links
Borg Creature Creator.
Shikku did fantastically well with these animal-inspired Assemble Borg fanmodes. (Click on the photo for a better look.)
Michael Accardi’s Autobot X.
“… custom built with the parts of about 100 ‘junker’ transformers and other robotic toys. He has over 50 points of articulation/moving parts.” (More.)
Venomosaurus Rex.
“… a T-Rex possessed by the Venom symbiote as seen recently in Wolverine #71.”
Leon Arseneau’s Juggernaut.
“… a Maestro body with Grey Hulk arms and a Juggernaut head and apoxie sculpt.”
Mandroid.
A fine custom by da man.
This is for the fallen.
My Little Auron.
Toys.
“… a retro icon set that was designed by Helen Gkizi and released with Smashing Magazine for its readers.”
The Alternators Body Shop. [via]
“This tutorial is for basic spray paint techniques using an auto primer and hobby/hardware enamels – just the basics.”
Toy review roundup
Artemis reviews the Diamond Select Toys Star Trek Deep Space Nine Chief Miles O’Brien figure. Excerpt: “This figure could’ve been better – and hopefully someday DS/AA will revisit him with a sleeves-up version, and give the head another try – but it’s good enough.”
Artemis reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Cadet Chekov 6-inch figure. Excerpt: “… there’s not a lot that says Star Trek about this figure, and aside from the lack of leg joints, that’s really the biggest weakness it has to deal with.”
Scott Rubin reviews the Playmates Toys Terminator Salvation T-R.I.P 3¾-inch-scale figure. Excerpt: “It’s got the looks and the size, just lacking a little in the articulation and accessory departments.” (See also.)
Dan Wakerhauser reviews the Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight Kabuki figure. Excerpt: “… a $15 price tag is a bit pricey.” (See also.)
Brent Johnston reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Deluxe class Cyclonus with Nightstick set. Excerpt: “He is certainly one of the better figures to come out of the Universe line …” (See also.)
Brent Johnston reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Deluxe class Starscream figure. Excerpt: “… he is looser than most of the other seeker remolds as this is the fifth or sixth use of the mold, so the tools might be a tad worn.” (See also.)
Toy links
Hostage situation.
Fantastic Masters of the Universe-inspired art by Stjepan Sejic. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Fun, fun, fun …
A cool custom of Arnold Judas Rimmer. (See also.)
This is Wild Dog.
A well-executed custom of the DC Comics vigilante.
Busou Shinki LadyCommand.
ankoku sousatsu tsurugi used a MMS 3rd blank figure as a base for this Microman homage. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Everything is fodder.
“The lousy paint job, or the lack of to be more precise, is what makes Animated Megatron look really plain and boring. But a little paint here and there, some weathering and some work on his ‘talking’ head, will do the job.” (More.)
Walter and friends.
“A while back I came up with this simple M8 series droid, based on the treadwell droids in Star Wars and designed to fit through standard LEGO moonbase corridors.”
Detroit Lego City.
A custom Lego minifig of Johannes Krauser II.
Enter the Enterbay.
A cool action shot by boh_muse.
Flickr is like a box of chocolates.
A photo by Andrew Rees.
Lego makes a stunning discovery.
“Lego has discovered that the ideal route to promoting its brand is through consumer marketing through channels including its website, catalogue, magazine and Legoland theme parks.” Face, meet palm.
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 (part 2) reviews the Yamato Macross Plus VF-11B with Super Pack 1/60-scale figure.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Atelier Sai Shining Blade Blind Guardian (Imperial Knight version), Balflear (Imperial Knight version), Arc-Enemy (Imperial Knight version) and Rising Force (Imperial Knight version) trading figures.
Gamu reviews the Medicos Entertainment JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure J.P. Polnareff figure. (See also.)
nuu and Mojya review the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Shu figure. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Kenshiro figure.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii GN-Archer figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Gemini Saga (surplice version) figure from the Saint Seiya Hades Chapter Sanctuary OVA. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider New Den-O (Strike Form) Yahoo! Japan limited figure from Saraba Kamen Rider Den-O The Movie: Final Countdown. (See also.)
Maruo reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Kamen Rider Diend figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Ojousama Nagi Konami Style exclusive figure from the Hayate no Gotoku! Nightmare Paradise set. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Light Armor Ferret Partio figure. (See also.)
Shishioh reviews the Max Factory Figma Suzumiya Haruhi (summer uniform version) figure from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi series. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Max Factory Figma Hoshimura Makina figure from Shikabane Hime. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Max Factory Figma Shana (black hair version) mail-order figure from Shakugan no Shana II. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Hanshin Tigers Mascot Tolucky (home version) figure. (See also.)
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai Shinkenger Samurai Gattai Series Kabuto Origami toy. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Yujin SR Shooting Game Historica 3 Suisei (Wolf Fang: Kuuga 2001), Gran Via (In the Hunt), Granada (Granada), Raiden Mk. II (Raiden), Caesar (Star Soldier), S.O.Q-004 Toryu (Terra Diver) trading toys.
Retro reviews
Yo reviews the Bandai Digital Monsters D-Real Beelzebumon figure.
Itsuki reviews the Takara The Brave Fighter of Legend Da-Garn Landbison set. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Bandai DX Chogokin Live Robo set from Choujyu Sentai Liveman.
Itsuki reviews the Bandai DX Flash Titan set from Choushinsei Flashman. (See also.)
Esuyu reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Returns BR-07 Jetstorm Toys ‘R’ Us (Japan) exclusive figure.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Galaxy Force GC-12 Skids figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Skystalker set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Jam Metalforce Metalpanther and Metalpuma toys.
Itsuki reviews the Epoch Chojushin Gravion Zwei God Σ Gravion, Sol Gravion and Ultimate Gravion trading figures.
Toy links
Barrels Hound.
A creative Assemble Borg fanmode that looks more Wolf than Hound. (Click on the photo for a better look.)
Barrels Spectacles.
A clever Assemble Borg fanmode.
He’s more Lego than man now.
An MOC by the ever-creative Matt Armstrong.
The Secret Lives of Stormtroopers.
“I’m a photographer who was a child of the 70’s, and grew up with a love for all things Star Wars. It wasn’t until i was given a gift of some Star Wars Lego (at age 34 and a bit) that i found that photography doesn’t have to be just about nature…”
From Action Man to Ministry of Defence figures.
A neat photo gallery.
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 April ’09.
“We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.”
Ways to die on the new Millennium Falcon. (Part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5.)
Superior Gundam.
An extraordinarily ambitious Lego MOC.
Musha MOC.
Another amazing Gundam-inspired Lego creation.
The Manananggal.
loosecollector looked to Philippine folklore for this custom of a nightmarish beast.
Mani.
This cool custom not only nails the Brotherhood of the Wolf character’s look but is capable of reproducing Mark Dacascos’ high-kicking style.
CustomCon 22.
“Inspired by the presentations of new product by legitimate manufacturers at Toy Fair and other trade shows, CustomCon is a ‘fake’ convention, whereby customizers present their latest creations and recipes as if unveiling a new line of real toys to retailers.”
Freedom’s Angel.
Gullwing used the Master Grade Freedom Gundam 1/100-scale kit to power up Busou Shinki Angel Arnval with impressive results.
A legend is born.
Cool digirama by Mark to pay homage to Marvel Spotlight # 5.
Out of time.
Cosmic digirama by maurizio schillaci featuring the Micronauts Time Travellers. (View larger.)
Transformers customiser Sabrina Ng profiled.
It’s always nice to see customisers get the wider attention their work deserves. (See also.)
Toy links
Halli Davisson.
A quirky Stikfas custom.
Catachan with flamer.
A Warhammer 40,000-inspired custom by Ron Hembling.
A pretty butterfly.
A custom by The Goblin Queen. (See also: My Little Venom.)
Amusement Park of Terror.
Cobra-a-a-a! (More.)
legoSolaire. [via]
“We love the legoSolaire so much because one of the most important goals of this exhibit is engage children in the conversation on how and why to go green. The hope is to teach and inspire them with projects, like this one, that cultivate ideas and solutions.”
Checklist (dragon summer uniform version)
Updated the Figma and S.H.Figuarts checklists with Suzumiya Haruhi (summer uniform version) and Kamen Rider Kuuga (Dragon Form) review links.
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Iron Man Mark II 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Recognizing that certain aspects of this figure cost less because of the re-use, they added in more stuff to give you that additional value.”
Jeff Parker reviews the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Iron Man Mark II Sideshow exclusive 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “As near to perfection as it is possible to get in this scale …”
yo go re reviews the Jakks Pacific WWE Deluxe Build N’ Brawl Sgt. Slaughter figure. Excerpt: “… the toy would be a bit small if he were a Joe release. Other than that, however, the figure blends perfectly.”
Artemis reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Scotty 6-inch figure. Excerpt: “… decent enough in broad strokes, but still lacking.”
Artemis reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek Warp Collection Cadet Uhura 6-inch figure. Excerpt: “She’s okay. But as a Star Trek fan I want better than an ‘okay’ figure …” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro X-Men Origins Wolverine Maverick (Comic Series) figure. Excerpt: “… the design of the figure appropriately matches the artwork, but it’s still a crap design to begin with.”
Philip Reed reviews the Hasbro X-Men Origins Wolverine Iceman (Comic Series) figure. Excerpt: “I can’t insist that anyone out there rush out and buy this toy, but if you love translucent toys then Iceman’s going to make a great addition to your collection.”
Tommy reviews the Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Futami Mami (Snow Strawberry version) Friend Shop exclusive figure from The Idolmaster game. Excerpt: “I feel that it is necessary for me to post a detailed review on the Fräulein line to clear up many misconceptions and dispositions surrounding them.” (See also.)
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Power Rangers RPM High Octane Megazord set. Excerpt: “The High Octane Megazord set was specifically designed to be both smaller and cheaper than its Japanese counterpart.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Deluxe class Prowl figure. Excerpt: “Most Prowls were tacky, and others smeared when you touched them. The problem was corrected with later waves, thankfully, so you don’t really need to worry about it if you’re buying Prowl now …” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Deluxe class Generation 1 series Smokescreen figure. Excerpt: “The plastic also feels quite cheap, so I can’t really recommend this version of the mould over Prowl …” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-11 Ironhide figure. Excerpt: “For G1 fans this is an excellent update of Ironhide, and can satisfy cartoon fans in a way that the G1 toy never could, so I’d recommend this toy unequivocally.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Blitzwing figure. Excerpt: “… Hasbro has made the character into a very fun toy.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Animated Series Legends class Bumblebee figure. Excerpt: “… a very good Legends toy, and is far more elegant than the awkward deluxe version of the character released under the Animated banner.”
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle 8924 Maxilos and Spinax set. Excerpt: “Even with the weak hips, Maxilos is simply bloody impressive …”
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Mistika 8695 Gorast set. Excerpt: “… she’s the most nervous Makuta in the history of Karda Nui.”
Nathan Newell reviews the Playmates Toys Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise toy. Excerpt: “At $30, this Enterprise toy is a big let-down.”
Retro reviews
Tom Prankerd reviews the Bandai High Complete Model (HCM) MSZ-006 Z-Gundam 1/144-scale figure from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Excerpt: “It’s a very weak toy in all, and despite being one of the cheapest HCM figures to find, is best avoided.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Voolvif Monn figure from Clone Wars. Excerpt: “Werewolves are awesome.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-01 Megatron figure. Excerpt: “It’s a well designed mould with only a few flaws – the robot mode heels being the main annoyance.” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the DC Direct Wonder Woman Agent Diana Prince figure. Excerpt: “… I just don’t care for this version of Diana Prince. But, as a figure, the toy is technically excellent.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Toy Biz Amazing Heroes X-Men Apocalypse figure. Excerpt: “… in general this is a great Apocalypse action figure that would have probably been ranged as an awesome Apocalypse action figure when it was first released.”
Philip Reed reviews the Toy Biz X-Men Onslaught Onslaught (with Ultimate Power Armor) figure. Excerpt: “A dude trapped inside another dude and a window to peer through? I’m sold!”
Philip Reed reviews the Toy Biz X-Men Missile Flyers Future Bishop figure. Excerpt: “… the flightpack, the piece I thought would really detract from the toy’s value, turns this into a cool-looking action figure with a weird, futuristic appearance.”
Philip Reed reviews the Toy Biz X-Men Classics Light Up Weapon Juggernaut figure. Excerpt: “What is it about toy companies and lights?”
Philip Reed reviews the Kenner Star Wars INT-4 Interceptor toy. Excerpt: “It’s not the best of the mini-rigs, but its AT-AT-inspired design, large size, and retractable wings makes it a fun toy.”