We're Not Getting Four POPs For February After All

MegaHouse is down by one POP for next month's releases. They just announced the delay of the release of POP MAS - Tony Tony Chopper (Horn Point). It was initially announced as a February 2014 release, along with POP Edition-Z - Roronoa Zoro, POP LIMITED - Nami (Mugiwara Ver), and POP Edition-Z - Monkey D. Luffy, but was pushed backwards to March of 2014. This leaves us with three POP releases for the month of February.

This may be a bad news for those who can't wait for this POP, but this is actually a good news to those like me who preordered all four POPs. It's a bit of a relieve to our wallet. Still, three POPs in a month is a pain. Can't help it actually as these are all Mugiwaras and have to be a part of every POP collection.

Hot Toys: Man Of Steel - Superman Movie Masterpiece Review

No, this isn't a light-up effect version as seen in the photo above (that's only a lamely photoshopped heat vision effect), just my personal review of my Hot Toys: Man Of Steel - Superman Movie Masterpiece. Its been a long time since I did a figure review of a figure from my own collection. This is probably the best way to get back into play. I am still new to collecting Hot Toys and this is my first attempt to review a sixth scale Hot Toys MMS, so please forgive my beginner's mistakes and my ignorance on some matters. May I present to you, the Hot Toys treatment of Henry Cavill as the Man Of Steel.

MegaHouse Returns With Blue Flames of Resurrection

After a lame POP re-release preorder announcement last month, MegaHouse is back with something that every POP collector is waiting for. Finally, the preorder announcement for POP MAS - Marco The Phoenix. It will start next Wednesday, 5th of February 2014 at 18:00 (JST). I guess it would be another preorder battle for online hobby shops in Japan. Get ready with your F5 key to refresh your browser as soon as the clock ticks.

This is one of the much anticipated figure that was revealed during the MegaHobby EXPO 2013 Autumn. It's the third MAS (Motion Ability Statue) to be released and the second version of POP Marco The Phoenix. I missed the Neo-DX version so this one is a really must get for me. Can't wait for it.

No pricing and release date announced yet. So for more, stay tuned to this blog and my Facebook page.

New Release Photo Review: POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint Ver.)

Enter Sandman.... No I'm not talking about the Metallica song but the release of the sandman himself, the POP Neo-EX - Sir Crocodile (Repaint Ver.). Released officially by MegaHouse today, 25th of July 2014. And to celebrate that, we have here some final product photos courtesy of blog.livedoor.jp.

It's really looking nice compared to the previous Neo-DX release. The repaint reflects the crisp and techniques of MegaHouse's recent releases. The sculpt though isn't something new. It still has that nostalgic feel. Which isn't so bad since it supposed to relive the past - the Alabasta Arc.

And The Agony of Waiting Ended (Look What I Got 2014-01-24)

I got my dose of happiness before a week ended. Yesterday, I picked up some cool new stuff from Figmation. Some items that I'm really looking forward to. And the agony of waiting ended. Let's check out these new items that I got.

Just Got Two Model Kits from Japan (Look What I Got 2014-01-22)

Two days ago I received another box from Japan early in the morning. A nice way to start the day. And guess what is it.? Well, the box contains two Master Grade kits. Not a Gundam model kits though, but two Figurerise Tiger & Bunny Kits model kits by Bandai. A 1/8 MG Figurerise Wild Tiger and 1/8 MG Figurerise Barnaby Brooks Jr.

What's with Another G.E.M. Kakashi, MegaHouse?

Although the figure is looking great, that's my question when I first saw this back at Jump Festa 2014 event last December. A G.E.M. Series - Hatake Kakashi (ANBU Black Ops Ver.) (not sure if that will be the final name). Not too long ago they released their 2nd G.E.M. Kakashi, now they will be releasing the third. It's not so surprising, thinking that many Naruto followers love Kakashi. Still, it's unfair not to give love to other characters in the series.

I'm Still Unimpressed

Bandai officially announced the Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.) (see the previous announcement here) in their Tamashii Web by giving us these official promo photos. I am actually expecting that they would show us a much better look of the figure than what we've seen before, but no, I'm still not impressed.

What they did is that they gave us shots in limited angles which would not make the unimpressive face too obvious. As you can see, there's not even a single close-up shot on the face. There's one front shot but I can't even see the eyeballs. I'm actually thinking that they are planning to redo the face sculpt that's why there held back on giving us a close-up shot.

Really Can't Bring Myself To Like This

Hot Toys revealed their next MMS offering last Friday and it is a non-surprising Loki based on Thor The Dark World movie. Given the popularity of Tom Hiddleston for his portrayal of the character, this figure release is already in the list of Hot Toys MMS line even if the new costume design doesn't have any significant difference in comparison to the one in the Avengers.

What's should be interesting and something look forward to in this release is the improved headsculpt. But looking on these photos, it turns out to be a total disappointment for us who have high expectations on it. Look, is that Tom Hiddleston to you? Looks like somebody cosplaying Loki. It really doesn't even  look close. I would even say that the previously released Avengers Loki headsculpt is much better. That one is a bit closer to Tom's likeness. Sure this new one got that nice realistic wrinkles and texture details, but you can't really say that it supposed to be the actor.

Absurdly Expensive Yet Satisfying (Look What I Got 2014-01-20)

I just got my copy of POP Sailing Again - Tony Tony Chopper (Crimin Ver.) JF 2014 Limited Edition from Figmation today. And yeah, I still can't over the fact that I paid about three times it's original price of 3000 yen. That was expected though being a Japan event exclusive. Too bad that I wasn't there to avail it for 3000 yen. I had to rely on third party sellers (or proxy buyers) to get stuff like these.

It's a real headache when they release limited items that I really wanted. In the end, I'm glad that there are sellers to rely on these kind of exclusives. I'm happy to have the second POP Crimin in my collection. My POP Nami Crimin Ver. won't be alone anymore. I hope they release more Crimin Ver., but not limited/exclusives please.

Frozen in Mid-air

Here we go with the official photos of the 2nd figure from MegaHouse's Kuroko No Basuke Figure Series as preorder for the 1/8th scale frozen in mid-air Taiga Kagami figure has opened up (check out the preorder announcement here). As expected, the figure is looking really great in these photos.

Like Tetsuya Kuroko (which will be released this month), Taiga Kagami does not come with any oprional parts and accessories, only the basketball. I wonder if it can be separated from the hand. Anyway, judging from these photos, the paint details were nicely done. The face is spot-on. That's Kagami for sure. Sculpt of the muscle contours, the uniform and the shoes is close to being perfect.

My only complain is that the red color on the hair seems to be lacking in details. I'm expecting that there should be some black lines or shading along the red hair to accentuate the strands. From these shots, it looks like a lump of red-paint fell directly above his head. It may probably be just not visible on these shots though. Hopefully it looks better in person.

Anyway, regardless of that one issue, this is a must get for me and a must for those who are a huge fan of Kuroko No Basuke anime/manga series. Especially if you have preordered Kuroko himself. You wouldn't want to see Kuroko alone in your display shelf, right? And you might wanna look forward also on the upcoming Daiki Aomine, Shintarou Midorima and probably the rest of the Generation of Miracles as well.

Kuroko No Basuke Figure Series - Taiga Kagami is to be released on June 2014 for the price of 8,600 yen (tax included). Preorders are now open (or closed) at HLJ, Amiami, and Hobby Search

Not Your Usual Three-Headed Beast

I don't play Rage of Bahamut (it's a mobile app card game if you're not familiar). Probably opened the app a few times, but didn't played it much in that sense. In fact, I am only playing Pantheon the Legends (another mobile app card game). But I find the character card designs of Rage of Bahamut to be impressive. My awestruck to these characters was taken to the next level when Kotobukiya stepped in and produced a 1/8th figure of Dark Angel Olivia which I didn't find any hesitation to preorder because of her stunning beauty.

This time, it's Max Factory's turn to give us an impressive figure based on that social game. And we got a stunning beauty of a 1/7th scale Cerberus figure. Everyone is aware that a Cerberus is a three-headed beast, but you're vision of a Cerberus will forever be changed by this figure. I saw this one unpainted during the Wonder Festival 2013 Summer. At that time, it doesn't look interesting with the lack of colors. I took is as just some random sexy figure. And to my surprise when I saw these photos of the fully painted figure.

I love the mixture of colors. That shiny metallic-like purple armour is really nice to look at with all those golden trims. The curves and sexiness of her body sculpt is nearly perfect. The hair that is flowing in mid-air and that fabric add up to the interesting features. Her face is really lovely with that innocent smile. The details of those cute little dog hands is a wonderful bonus. I really can't find a word to describe her gorgeousness. Fantastic details, that's what I'm seeing.

Of course, a stunningly detailed figure comes with a high price tag. The figure will retail for 13,800 yen. Not surprising for a Max Factory produced figure of this complexity. It will be yours and ready to be cuddled by June of 2014. Hoping it won't be delayed but for a figure distributed by Good Smile Company, delays are inevitable. So crossing fingers for that. 

And guess what? Preorders for Max Factory Rage of Bahamut - 1/7th Scale Cerberus has already opened, so do check out your favorite hobby shops or get her here at HLJ, Hobby Search and Amiami while it's still available.

A Huge Box from Japan to End the Day (Look What I Got 2014-01-10)

Just when I thought that a nice day ended because of my new Hot Toys - Tony Stark and Amane Suzuha, I got a new box from Japan via EMS. It came from Hobby Search. I was assuming that this will reach me on Monday, but here it is. What a great way to end the week. Let's check out the contents of the box.

Smaller Than I Expected (Look What I Got 2014-01-10)

Got my 1st Alter figure today from Hobby Frontier, and I was surprised that it was smaller than I expected. Alter's Amane Suzuha & Mountain Bike is also a 1/8th scaled figure but comparing it to my POPs, Amane Suzuha is a bit smaller. But don't get me wrong, I'm not disappointed. It really looks stunning in person. Especially the bike. Photos wasn't able to give it justice.

My 2nd Hot Toys Collectible is Another Tony Stark (Look What I Got 2014-01-09)

I just got my 2nd Hot Toys and it's another Tony Stark. My 1st is the Mark XLII Autonomous Prehensile Propulsion Suit Test (a very long figure name isn't it?) which I got from STGCC 2013. This time it's the one that was released last December - The Mechanic. I got this one yesterday from Figmation.

Iron Man Is Now Ready for Deep Space

About a week ago, Hot Toys officially announced the release of Iron Man 3 - 1/6th Scale Mark XXXIX Starboost MMS. I've been waiting for this one since it was shown in various exhibits and toy convention. What's not to like about it? It is one cool Iron Man armor with an unusual color scheme. Not the usual red-gold-silver but a gold-white-grey/black color scheme. Really an eye catcher if you display it next to the rest of the Iron Man armors.

This armor is said to be incorporating a powerful booster pack that allows Iron Man to achieve orbit in a matter of minutes. From there, he can observe the entire world, enjoying the view - or descending on bad guys anywhere on the planet as a flaming blast from the sky! Rumours said that this armor ia supposed to appear in the the mid or end-credit scene of the Iron Man 3 movie being used by Tony Stark to meet-up with the Guardians of the Galaxy. I guess that idea was scrapped since they decided to blow-up all the armors and just put Bruce Banner in the end-credit scene.

Move Over for the Power Forward of Seirin High

Redeeming MegaHouse for the lack of exciting POP announcement this January is the second addition to the Kuroko No Basuke Figure Series, the challenger to the Generation of Miracles - Taiga Kagami. A follow up to their Tetsuya Kuroko from the same product line and anime/manga series. Preorders for Kuroko No Basuke Figure Series - Taiga Kagami will start on the same date and time as the POP Sailing Again - Trafalgar Law (re-release) which will be next Thursday, 16th of January 2014 at 18:00 (JST).

We first seen the uncolored prototype during the MegaHobby EXPO 2013 Autumn last November. It then appeared again if full color at the Jump Festa 2014 event last December. So far MegaHouse has the best offerings for Kuroko No Basuke figures. Judging from the first two figures - Kuroko and Kagami, the sculpt is top-notch, the face is spot-on and they got the essence and personality of the character in their dynamic pose. Really love it.

To follow-up sometime later will be Daiki Aomine & Shintarou Midorima which was also shown during the Jump Festa 2014 event while still on uncolored prototypes. It's exciting to see the rest of the Generation of Miracles. I believe MegaHouse is serious producing all the major character from the series, given the fact that they made a separate figure series called "Kuroko No Basuke Figure Series".  I hope they will also produce Satsuki Momoi too :) (yeah, I sounded like a pervert again).

No pricing and release date announced yet, so keep your eyes peeled on this site or on my Facebook page.

Once More, Re-Sailing Again

Sigh... MegaHouse is clearly milking their almost perfected POP Sailing Again - Trafalgar Law and the popularity of the character. MegaHouse announced the re-release of this POP for the third time. Reasons are obvious though. Demands are quite high, so it's all about the profit.

Sure it's nice for everyone to get their own copy of this awesome POP. But then again, how about for us who already got our own copy. It's already annoying that the collector's value of this POP drops everytime it is re-released (see what happened to POP Sailing Again - Princess Shirahoshi), not to mention that the second release was just about two months ago. So at least give us something that would excite us, like another new POP aside from Trafalgar Law.

Starting the Year with a Limited Edition Announcement

MegaHouse starts a new year with a great looking figure announcement but with a slightly annoying distribution scheme. POP Neo-DX (as it was classified during the Mehahobby EXPO 2013 Autumn event) Kaku is going to be a LIMITED edition (as was classified during the Jump Festa 2014 event). A really annoying move from MegaHouse.

Well, that isn't so surprising considering they have done it before with Kalifa and Sadi. POP LIMITED - Kaku is going to be released on June 2014 for 8,424 yen. I think the price is too steep for a simple looking POP like this. And that's only the official pricing for MegaHouse's affiliated stores like Megatreashop, Premium Bandai, etc. Outside Japan, pricing will be way much more expensive. So be ready for that.

For a CP9 fan like me, there's no question why I should be getting this one. It's just too bad that I'll be paying more than it's overall value. Unless there's tons of optional display parts that would come with it. Notice that two swords that was seen during the Jump Festa event? Well for me, it's not enough to justify the price.

No exact preorder announcement date yet. So be sure to check this blog or my Facebook page from time to time for further announcements.

Update (2014-01-24): Preorders schedule POP LIMITED - Kaku will start 7th of February 2014, until late-March 2014. That's for MegaHouse's affiliated shops only being a limited edition. Still no word if this will have an international release.

The Return of the Red Hawk

Figuarts ZERO - Monkey D. Luffy (Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk - Battle ver.) is getting a re-release on April 2014, coinciding with the release of Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.). This is inevitable. Not only because this the main character's figure, but this is the best looking Figuarts ZERO Battle ver. release so far.

It will now be retailing for 3,456 yen, a slightly higher price tag than the first release (which is 3,360 yen). So if you missed the first release, this is a great chance for you.

No preorder schedule announcement yet, so be sure to keep an eye for further updates.

A Not So Exciting Figuarts ZERO Release for April

Bandai's first Figuarts ZERO release announcement for 2014 is now out. And this is none other than Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Battle ver.) which was seen during the Jump Festa 2014 event last 26th of December. It is set to be released on April 2014 for 4,320 yen.

I was really excited the first time I got an info about this release. It is Shanks, it should be awesome, how bad can it be? But when I actually saw these shots, I totally felt disappointed. If you have read my thoughts about the Figuarts ZERO - Trafalgar Law (Battle ver.), this is worse. Yeah, it's worse than I expected

Looking at the face alone, there isn't any resemblance to Shanks. I can't even make what a lifeless looking facial expression is that. The only defining expression are the eyebrows, which is absolutely offensive looking. They should have used the Figuarts ZERO - Shanks (Showdown at the Summit ver.) head sculpt which look way a lot better than this.

The pose is also non-flattering. They didn't even thought of some unique and cool looking battle stance. The effect parts are also lame. It's nothing we haven't seen before. C'mon Bandai, this is Shanks. One of the most epic character in the world of One Piece. He deserve a better Battle ver. treatment than this.

I suppose this figure would look a lot better when we see the official promotional photos, which were normally post processed to make the figure look nice, a common technique for Figuarts ZEROs. But since we already saw this prototype, Bandai won't be fooling us. Well, I still do hope that it will look better upon release. If only they can make the face look right, then it's fine for me. But for now, I'll say "pass".

No preorder schedule announcement yet, so be sure to keep an eye for further updates.