New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.)

The sniper of Syrup village appears. Just more than a week ago, 20th of April 2013, Figuarts ZERO - Sogeking (Battle ver.) was released. And as usual, we have here some early photos of the figure to review courtesy of ワンピース POP 予約＆新作速報 of blog.livedoor.jp.

As an addition to the Battle ver. series, Usopp or as Sogeking in this appearance, comes with a Firebird Star effect part which looks totally cool. Sogeking himself, like Boa Hancock (Battle ver.) is fine and looks close to the promo images, but I find the finish quality not very clean. The mask which is the trademark of Sogeking doesn't have a very finely applied paints, especially on the goggles. The cape seems to have a finish that can easily be scratched. The sash is kind of lacking in details.

I noticed a hole in the cape and a peg on the pocket of the slingshot. Is that suppose to be attached to each other? It does not appear to be like that on the promo images. It looks ugly with that hole and that peg sticking out. But I can't imagine the slingshot pocket attached to the cape. Guess I'll just have to find out when my copy arrives.

All-in-all, it isn't a bad release, but it's also not a strikingly awesome and detailed release either. Just somewhere in between. It has to be expected on every Figuarts ZERO release anyway. But since most of us will be displaying him together with the rest of the Figuarts ZEROs, I'm sure this will stand out. Afterall, it's Sogeking.

Still available on most hobby shops for 3,990 yen. You better get this one as there isn't much Sogeking collectible out there.

New Release Photo Review: Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.)

Figuarts ZERO - Boa Hancock (Battle ver.) has been officially released last Saturday, 27th of April 2013. And here we have some early photos of the figure to review courtesy of ワンピース POP 予約＆新作速報 of blog.livedoor.jp.

I can't say I'm very pleased by this retail release. It looks close to the promo images but I don't find it very appealing. It's just ok with me. There is a noticeable huge seam on the right shoulder, but since the right arm is replaceable with an alternate arm, it's not just wasn't attached properly enough to close the gap. A small dust-like black thingy appeared between the nose and lips that is quite annoying, but it's not something that cannot be fixed.

There is also a huge seam between the two halves of the hair which is very visible on side-views. Again, since the face is interchangeable by removing the front part of the hair, it is possible that is isn't attached properly as well. If I'm not mistaken, this is the first Figuarts ZERO that has an interchangeable face. Most Figuarts ZEROs that was released before which come with an alternate facial expression has an interchangeable head instead of just the face. This is the same technique that is being used by Megahouse on their POPs.

The shiny red paint on the dress though unrealistic, gives an nice shiny finish which makes the figure looks attractive. But being a part of the Battle ver. series, the best feature of this figure are the effect parts which makes it different from the rest of the Boa Hancock figures.

In general, this release is quite fine but passable for those who are not really into Figuarts ZERO. But if you are a Figuarts ZERO collector and/or a huge Boa Hancock fan, this one should have a place on your display shelf.

She retails 3,990 yen and still available on most hobby shops. So if you're planning to get her, act now or you might regret it later.

Hot Toys: Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale War Machine Mark II Movie Masterpiece

I guess everyone have seen this coming. Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale War Machine Mark II Movie Masterpiece "Diecast" has been announced by Hot Toys via their official website and Facebook Page. While it is launched as a completely new product, it is actually a recolored Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale Iron Patriot Movie Masterpiece "Diecast", or perhaps the other way around as it is in the movie.

Iron Man 3 Hot Toys Collectible Figurines Exhibit by Action City

It's almost time for Iron Man 3 and there's a total craze of Iron Man 3 everywhere. Adding to the hype are these Iron Man Hot Toys merchandise. From 29th of April until 5th of May, Hot Toys and Action City are bringing every Iron Man 1/6th scaled figures released to date (and some upcoming releases) to Singapore, in an exhibit at Action City Bugis Junction.

Hot Toys: Iron Man 3 - Mark XXXV "Red Snapper" Power Pose

Adding up to the Hot Toys version of Tony Stark's armors arsenal is this Iron Man 3 - Mark XXXV a.k.a. Disaster Rescue suit "Red Snapper" under Power Pose series. This is the second addition to the Power Pose line-up, Mark XLII Power Pose being the first.

Though the Power Pose series is basically a non-fully articulated version of Hot Toys 1/6th Scaled Movie Masterpiece, this particular figure is kind of semi-articulated with 20 points of articulations. The armor itself is quite impressive and it looks huge. I've seen a display of the Mark XLII Power Pose myself and I say it's totally impressive. I can't really tell the difference between Movie Masterpiece and Power Pose armors aside from the number of articulation points and its price difference.

Official Photos: Figuarts ZERO - Smoker & Tashigi (Punk Hazard ver)

Today, Bandai Tamashii Nations officially unveiled their August 2013 One Piece Figuarts ZERO releases - Figuarts ZERO - Smoker (Punk Hazard ver) and Figuarts ZERO - Tashigi (Punk Hazard ver). Both figures looks totally fantastic in these official images.

Joining the earlier announced Punk Hazard characters - Law and Caesar, these two figures depicts their characters' appearance in the Punk Hazard arc. Tashigi is portrayed with Smoker's Heart in her, so in a sense, this is still Smoker and not Tashigi. The only way you can make her Tashigi herself is to put that smiling alternate face with eyeglasses on. But in that case, we haven't really seen Tashigi smiling with an unbuttoned blouse. I just wished that Bandai included a buttoned blouse so we can still see the real Tashigi. Other option parts are Smoker's Nanashaku Jitte, sheated and unsheated katana

On the other hand, Smoker looks really cool with marines' military coat and sunglasses. The pose is totally awesome. Unlike Tashigi, he doesn't have a Tashigi's Heart option. But who would like to see a feminine Smoker anyway? That one looks terrible.. really! He comes with an alternate right arm that is holding the sunglasses.

From these promo images, they are totally outstanding. I just hope that the final retail release were as good as these shots. Below are the details of these two figures

Figuarts ZERO - Smoker (Punk Hazard ver.)

• Price: Price: 3,465
• Release Date: August 2013
• Height: 170 mm

Figuarts ZERO - Tashigi (Punk Hazard ver.)

• Price: 3,150 yen
• Release Date: August 2013
• Height: 145 mm

No preorder schedule announced yet so keep yourself locked on this site or on my Facebook page for further announcements.

Update (2013-05-02): Preorders starts Wednesday, 8th of May 2013 at 16:00 (JST)
Update (2013-05-08): Preorders are now up at Amiami [Smoker | Tashigi], Hobby Search [Smoker | Tashigi] and HLJ [Smoker | Tashigi].

You Want To Be A War Machine? Take Your Shot!

"You want to be a War Machine? Take your shot!" - that's Stark taunting Rhodes during the fight in the Mark II. And the War Machine was born in Iron Man 2 which continues to live-on in the upcoming movie - Iron Man 3. Perhaps most of you already knows that the Iron Patriot in Iron Man 3 is indeed a redesigned War Machine. And this is Kotobukiya's take on the pre-Iron Patriot Armor - the ArtFX Iron Man 3 War Machine.

As a follow up to Kotobukiya's ArtFX Iron Man 3 Mark XLII, War Machine is also scaled 1/6th and with a nice diorama-like styled base. Totally stylish and attractive. Being a non-articulated 1/6th scale figure, it's actually on par with the Hot Toys Power Pose series. I say this color scheme is way a lot better than that of the Iron Patriot. I just don't see why the blaster cannon is over his left shoulder when it's usually on the right. Can War Machine mount it on either side? We may find it out on the movie as I believe War Machine will appear on some earlier parts before it will be redesigned into Iron Patriot. Can't wait to see it next week :)

Kotobukiya's ArtFX Iron Man 3 War Machine is slated to be released on September 2013 (JP)/October 2013 (US). No pricing and preorder schedule announced yet so keep locked on this blogsite or on my Facebook page for future updates.

Update (2013-05-16): Preorders starts today, 16th of May and is now available at Amiami, and Hobby Search.

The Leader of The Autobots Has Returned

At last, Takara Tomy's Transformers Dual Model Kit 01 (DMK-01) Optimus Prime is getting a re-release. This is the famous model kit that was originally released back in June 2011. It became so famous for many mecha/robot modellers as it closely resembles Optimus Prime in the movie "Dark of the Moon" in looks and proportions. Not transformable into a Peterbilt truck though.

Not a problem even if you don't have a good model building skills. It comes fully colored and what you see in these promo images is the one that you get out of the box. You just need to have some patience assembling it. But of course, a good model kit painting skills will bring out the best of this kit which is what I'm aiming for. I really thought I missed out one of the best model kit. I hope DMK-02 Bumblebee will also get a  re-release soon.

DMK-01 Optimus Prime will be re-released on August 2013. Preorders are now up at Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search.

A Hot-headed Pilot Can Also Look Cool

MegaHouse's 1/8th scaled character figures based on Gundam SEED HD Remaster continues with the hot-headed pilot of the Duel - Yzak Joule. But this time it was made in collaboration with Alter under Alpha X Omega - a joint project of Alter and MegaHouse.

Following G.E.M. - Athrun Zala, RAH DX G.A. NEO - Lacus Clyne and G.E.M. - Kira Yamato, this is their fourth Gundam SEED HD Remaster character albeit under a different product line. I love how Yzak Joule turns out. I'm not sure whether it's because of the additional effort by Alter but it seems to be a lot better in comparison against Athrun Zala and Kira Yamato. I just don't understand why all these four figures are posed with a streched arm. It would look as though they're singing if displayed together with those streched arms. But it's great that Yzak Joule comes with alternate non-stretched arm covering an alternate scarred face.

He may be a hot-headed bad guy in Gundam SEED, but I like how his character develops until Gundam SEED Destiny. And one of my favorite mobile suit form the series is the Duel (with the assault shroud), so it's kinda interesting to see its pilot on my display shelf. I hope they would continue with Dearka Elsman (Buster pilot) and  Nicol Amalfi (Blitz Pilot) to complete the main cast of Gundam SEED.

To be released on September 2013 for 7,665 yen, preorders are now available at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search and Otacute.

The First POP Edition-Z Release Moved to May 2013

The release date of POP Edition-Z - Tony Tony Chopper has been moved but it's not like its going to be a one-month delay. It's just moved from late-April 2013 to early-May 2013 according to an announcement made by MegaHobby Station. The delay may probably be just a week or two, but still a long wait for those who are excited to get their hands on this cute chibi-fied human tonakai in his apperance from One Piece Film Z.

Check out the official promo images here.

A Surprising Re-appearance of Whitebeard at Marineford

A surprising move by MegaHouse. Yesterday, I saw a lot of international POP retailers offering a re-issue of the POP Neo-DX - Edward Newgate, the which was originally released back in 2010. I talked to one of the retailers and apparently, they received a message from MegaHouse to offer a re-issue of the DX. The release coincides with POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger and POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate Ver. 0, making a trio of POP releases on August 2013.

No official announcements from any of the MegaHobby Station websites about the DX re-issue of Whitebeard and it seems that only international distributions are being offered. Japan based online hobby shops like Amiami, HLJ and Hobby Search are not offering the DX re-issue.

In a similar case last month, international POP retailers offered preorders for June 2013 re-issue of POP Neo-DX Benn Beckman. Also having no official announcements from MegaHouse and no Japanese distributions as well. Only retailers received the info of the re-issue. This re-issue is probably to support the release of POP Neo-DX - Shanks.

For Whitebeard, since DX and EX Whitebeard has the same mold, I'm assuming that MegaHouse were able to offer them both since just by a few alteration, they can make each unit either a DX or an EX depending on the number of orders. A lot of collectors were actually hunting for the a reasonable offer for the DX since its price usually ranges from 200-300 USD nowadays. Releasing an EX Ver. 0 is a good chance to own this legendary POP character but it isn't really an answer. Specially if you wanted to remember him in his final moments during the battle of Marineford. MegaHouse probably knew that not everyone likes the EX Ver. 0 so by offering the DX along with it caters the requirements of most POP collectors and make everybody happy. Personally, I liked the DX a lot better.

POP Neo-DX - Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" will have its third release on August 2013 at it's original price of 9,240 yen, which has actually the same price offer as the EX Ver. 0. Preorders are now open at Animarket, Toyntoys, La Tendo, Figmation, Toy Coin, Inxstation, Hobby Frontier and other international POP retailers. So far, the best deal for me goes to Figmation, so they're the one who will be taking my money.

Yamato Girls Collection - Yuki and Yamamoto

I'm not a very huge fan of the Space Battleship Yamato 2199 anime. It is a remake of Space Battleship Yamato TV series that was aired back in 1974-1980. Most of the fans outside Japan remembers it as Star Blazers (1979) being the first popular English-translated anime. This remake was then supported by MegaHouse by launching a Yamato Girls Collection product line, which made me become interested in the anime remake. I started watching it in-fact.

Official Photos: POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate Ver. 0

Following my post about POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger, preorders for POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate were also opened yesterday on most hobby shops and official promo images were made available at the MegaHobby Station website.

Most of you probably already knew that this is just an alternate version of the previously released POP Neo-DX - Edward Newgate. Just by changing the head (and I'm not sure if there are any other things that were altered) to make him look younger, MegaHouse made a new product release. Well this is the purpose of the Neo-EX line, right? Just re-releases with some changes on the previous mold to make an alternate appearance.

But even if this looks just like a re-release, it seems that this is as famous and as in-demand as the Neo-DX version since preorders were sold-out like a breeze. Its probably because of those collectors who were not able to grab the now rare and expensive Neo-DX. That includes me. This may not be the Whitebeard as we knew during the battle of Marineford, but this will do, as he can be displayed next to the POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger. That's the main inspiration for this release - to go together with his respected rival. But it would be a lot better if MegaHouse included his older head as an option, so that he can also join the battle of Marineford. Who knows, they might decide to include the older head before the actual release date.

To be released on August 2013 and will retail for 9,240 yen. Preorders are now open (or sold out) at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search, Otacute, Animarket and Figmation [ Japan | International ].

Official Photos: POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger

"Wealth, fame, power. The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger!" Preorders for POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger as well as POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate Ver. 0 has begun yesterday and as usual, most major Japanese online hobby shops were already sold out. MegaHouse has already put up these official images of the famous pirate Roger in their MegaHobby Station site.

We've already seen these optional parts for Roger during the previously held exhibits. He comes with a gun and a sword. But the interesting option parts and pose is the one in handcuff. It has been revealed back in Jump Festa 2013 but only in uncolored prototype stage. This is the first time that we've seen this pose in full color. It's really great that MegaHouse included these option parts to display Roger in his famous appearance. I believe this iconic character is a must get for every POP collector or maybe even non-POP collector alike.

To be released on August 2013 and will retail for 8,925 yen. Preorders are now open (or sold out) at Amiami, HLJ, Hobby Search, Otacute, Animarket and Figmation [ Japan | International ].

Hot Toys: Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale Mark XLII Movie Masterpiece

The armor that I've been waiting for. The Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale Mark XLII Movie Masterpiece from Hot Toys has been announced via their official Facebook page and website. This is a follow up to their 1/6th Scale Iron Patriot of the same product line.

Yeah, they've introduced the Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale Mark XLII Poser Pose earlier but that one is a fixed posed collectible which isn't what I like about Hot Toys. This new one is under the Movie Master Piece Diecast series and is fully articulated. But just as the Power Pose version, it totally resembles the how the armor looks like in the Iron Man 3 promo pictures, posters and trailers. It even comes with battle damaged swap-able parts and bruised Robert Downey Jr. face. Just thinking how it'll look next to the Iron Patriot gets me really excited.

Simple Mini-Studio Set-up for Figure Photography

Collecting figures is sure a lot of fun. Specially if you can show 'em to your friends and fellow collectors. But not everyone can come to your house to see every addition to your collection. The best way to show your collections to the world is to take photos and share via social networking sites like Facebook.

Figuarts ZERO - Portgas D. Ace (Battle ver.) is Getting a Re-release

Great news for those who hasn't gotten this one yet. Figuarts ZERO - Portgas D. Ace (Battle ver) is getting a re-release on July 2013. Priced at 3,150 yen, preorders will start at the same date and time as Figuarts ZERO - Dr. Hiluluk and Chopper which is on 3rd of April 2013 at 16:00 (JST). That will be .... now! Think fast!

Preorders are now open at Amiami and HLJ.

POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger & POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate ver. 0 Preorder Announcement

April POP Preorders has been announced via Megahouse's MegaHobby Station and we got not one, but two POPs. These two will be POP Neo-DX - Gol D. Roger and POP Neo-EX - Edward Newgate "Whitebeard" ver. 0. Notice the omission of the word LIMITED on Newgate's title which means it won't be a web shop exclusive anymore. Preorders will start next Wednesday, 10th of April 2013 at the usual time of 18:00 (JST).

We've seen these two figures earlier during MegaHouse exhibits and the first time they we're shown in color is at the Wonder Festival 2013 Winter back in February. This is a wise move for MegaHouse to offer them at the same time as these two are meant to be together. But it's a bad news for us collectors, as two POP in a month usually hurts our wallets. I'm assuming that these two will be an August 2013 release, but still kinda hoping that that they won't be released on the same month. Crossing fingers for that.

No pricing and release date yet, but I will keep you updated as soon as these information has become available. So keep locked on this blogsite or on my Facebook page

Figuarts ZERO - Caymy

It's time to feature another one from my Figuarts ZERO collection. Yeah I know, a lot of you hates Figuarts ZEROs because of some crappy releases. But that does not include this Figuarts ZERO - Caymy (or Camie or Keimi) with Pappug on those list. This is one of those simple, yet a nice release from Bandai. This is my thirteenth Figuarts ZERO and my ninth from One Piece of the same product line.

New Release Photo Review: POP Neo-EX - Boa Hancock ver. Blue

The lovely POP Neo-EX - Boa Hancock ver. Blue has been officially released last Saturday, 30th of March 2013. And as usual, we got some early photos of the figure to review courtesy of ワンピース POP 予約＆新作速報 of blog.livedoor.jp. It's not like we need these images to see the beauty of this figure, but rather to see how exciting and lovable this new version is.

I won't discuss much about the details this figure since every POP collector are very familiar with it being just an alternate version of the original POP Neo-DX Boa Hancock. The only notable differences between this version and the original are it's color (which is blue instead of red), and the addition of the new winked-eye alternate face.

But as the original red version, Boa Hancock is totally beautiful in this particular version. By adding that new alternate face, MegaHouse breathe new life to this now considered rare and classic figure. She looks cute in this face and has a totally different personality as compared to the original serious face and that kinda erotically irritated face.