Toy review roundup
yo go re reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Green Lantern figure. Excerpt: “… Hal Jordan isn’t much of a character; this mundane action figure suits him perfectly.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Harley Quinn figure. Excerpt: “… this is one very impressive figure.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Flint (Cobra disguise version) figure. Excerpt: “… this is a good toy, even if it is everything we’ve seen before.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Comic Packs Kashyyk Trooper and Wookie Warrior set from the Revenge of the Sith comic. Excerpt: “… this is a set that you can’t go wrong with …” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Indiana Jones with Horse set from the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Excerpt: “… I believe it’s perhaps the best horse action figure ever produced, certainly in this size range.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Militaries of Star Wars Captain Antilles (Rebel Captain: Tantive IV) 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “The sculpt is my favorite overall feature of the entire figure, but the paint doesn’t quite come up to the job of supporting it.”
Jeff Parker reviews the Hot Toys The Dark Knight Two-Face/Harvey Dent 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… this figure is more for your hardcore 1/6 collector or serious Batman fan …” (See also.)
Jeff Parker reviews the Hot Toys The Dark Knight The Joker (Bank Robber version) 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “Beautiful, just beautiful …” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Transformer Universe Classic Deluxe class Prowl figure. Excerpt: “Handle your Prowl carefully.” (See also.)
Updatedude reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Deluxe class Rodimus figure. Excerpt: “… about average.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Animated series Legends class Optimus Prime figure. Excerpt: “A good Legends toy …” (See also.)
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Go-onger Engine Gattai Series 07 Engine Toripter toy. Excerpt: “… it’s not bad …” (See also.)
EVA Unit 4A reviews the Bandai Go-onger Engine Gattai Series 08 Engine Jetras toy. Excerpt: “… this toy is just as passable as his partner Engine Toripter …” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel Batman The Brave and The Bold Ray Blaster Kanjar Ro figure. Excerpt: “… he’s just not that much fun with his limited articulation.” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel Batman The Brave and The Bold Skiff Ripper Black Manta figure. Excerpt: “Black Manta impresses with great and show accurate sculpting and paint, but falters when it comes to articulation, fun, and value.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Phantoka 8692 Vamprah set. Excerpt: “Nice idea, so-so execution.”
Retro reviews
Tom Prankerd reviews the Tomy DX Ideon toy. Excerpt: “… there’s something charmingly inept about Ideon that’s difficult to dislike.”
Philip Reed reviews the Ideal Robo Force Hun-Dred toy. Excerpt: “Hun-Dred’s not a great toy, but he’s a fun toy and, in the end, that’s what really matters in a toy.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Lanard Ro-Bots toy. Excerpt: “Possibly one of the ugliest, cheapest pieces of plastic transforming robot toy from 1984 …”
Mike reviews the Funskool G.I. Joe General Hawk figure. Excerpt: “… this is one of those figures that will be truly forgotten.”
Toy links
From Hell.
A Lego MOC by misterzumbi. (More.)
Blue BAT.
A Stikfas custom by Shadow Master.
Mission briefing.
If we’re to win on Hoth, these weapons need to be at least … three times bigger.
OMGWTFBarbecue.
By Niktom.
Pile up.
A photo by Melissa.
Batman and Robin.
Lego art inspired by the Lego game.
Greg Horn on G.I. Joe package art.
“I was fascinated by the package art as a kid and now I’m continuing the tradition.”
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 Dragon in Dream (DiD) US Presidential Election 2008 Barack Obama 1/6-scale figure.
Kaz reviews the Soldier Story Navy SEAL Team 10 1/6-scale figure.
MaruH102 reviews the CM’s Corporation Brave Gokin Mospeada Ride Armor Dark Bartley (Shinobu type) set.
SR../Blood Zwei reviews the Banpresto Kiba Musha Gaiden Knight Gundam (lance and sword versions) and Kiba Musha prize toys.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Happy Well RoadBot Harley Davidson FLHRC Road King Classic 1/8-scale figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai and Alfes review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-07 Cyclonus figure.
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-06 Galvatron figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Deluxe class Cyclonus with Nightstick set. (See also.)
Red reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Swindle figure. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Assemble Borg Cyber figure. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Assemble Borg Baron figure. (See also.)
Sousuke (part 2, part 3) reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin (SOC) GX-43 Daimos set. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Bandai Super Imaginative Chogokin (SIC) Kamen Rider G3 Mild Toei Hero Net exclusive figure from Kamen Rider Agito. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Bandai S.I.C. (Super Imaginative Chogokin) Limited Kamen Rider Den-O Rod Form and Kamen Rider Den-O Ax Form set. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Danbo Mini (Amazon.co.jp version) exclusive figure from the Yotsuba&! manga. (See also.)
Gun0826 reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary Firefly figure. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Bandai SDX Knight Gundam figure. (See also.)
Ebi reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids Rebirth Century GRZ-009 Valga 1/72-scale kit.
Retro reviews
MaruH102 reviews the Aoshima Shin Seiki Gohkin Black Getter (normal version) figure from the Shin Getter Robo OVA. (See also.)
MaruH102 reviews the Aoshima Shin Seiki Gohkin Black Getter (metallic colour version) Kawai Co. exclusive figure.
MaruH102 reviews the Aoshima Shin Seiki Gohkin Black Getter (export version with weathering and blood) limited figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers C-98 Repugnus mail-away figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars X-4 Magnaboss figure from Beast Wars II.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars C-26 Lio Junior figure from Beast Wars II.
Toyhunter reviews the Takara Transformers Micromaster Sixtrain series Desire, Atlan, Rays, D-Go, Windy and Converter trading figures.
Gun0826 reviews the Toy Biz Marvel Legends Showdown Booster Pack Thor figure.
Toy links
Ogre.
A green goliath of a Lego MOC by greenglo. (More.)
To the Assemble Mobile.
This Assemble Borg fanmode by chikuwabu uses parts from the Revoltech YF-21 and Regult figures. (Click on the image for a better look.)
O.B.A.M.A.
Mugenbine fan Bon wanted to commemorate the US President’s inauguration with a fanmode comprising the A, B, M and O figures.
Red.
Edward Lee’s beautiful portrait of a Mezco Toyz figure.
Get your gattai on.
The early Transformer combiner attempts left a lot to be desired.
Bwaa bwaa.
Babysitting Galvatron was not an easy task.
My Little Harley Quinn.
By Mari Kasurinen.
Assemble Borg links
Updated Jan. 24 with Flickr group
Kaiyodo‘s Assemble Borg is closely related to the company’s Revoltech line — the two lines have the Revolver joint in common — but it’s clear from the design elements and play pattern Assemble Borg draws inspiration mainly from classic lines like Microman and Henshin Cyborg. Assemble Borg’s main appeal is its interchangeability and in this respect it surpasses those older lines. Indeed, there’s no action figure line as interchangeable as this one in the market right now.
On the downside, the figures are pricey, currently Kaiyodo-exclusive (making them all the more expensive for those outside Japan) and the figures are unlikely to appeal to those who buy toys for their shelf display value. Assemble Borg figures are designed to be played with and most older toy fans simply do not do that.
Those who do, however, will take delight in a line that fosters fanmode creativity. Here are some links for those keen on discovering more about the line.
What is Assemble Borg?
An English translation of the information found in the Assemble Borg booklet. (Part 2. Part 3.)
Official site.
This is worth checking out for its concept art gallery and original recipes (which include printable instructions).
Assemble Borg checklist.
Fanmode’s checklist of figures released thus far includes links to Japanese pictorial reviews.
AB Laboratory.
The official fanmode image board has some inspiring creations.
Flickr group.
Assemble Borg photos by Flickr users.
assembleborg@web.
The designers’ blog. (In Japanese.)
Cross-line compatibility.
Toy fan misodrill investigates Assemble Borg’s interchangeability and compatibility with Revoltech, Fraulein Revoltech and Microman.
Henshin Assemble Borg.
This fan-made video draws comparison between two lines.
Toy links
Zombie Wolverine.
A remarkable custom by OLJA1.
Thor (ver. Mike Deodato Jr.).
Another very cool custom by loosecollector.
Barret.
A custom by Soma of the Final Fantasy VII character.
Dreadlock.
pairadocs used the War Hulk and Monev the Gale figures as a base.
Winged Saber.
Katarina Rina used parts from the Figma Saber and Busou Shinki Siren Eukrante figures for this.
Ready Go!
Psychedelic digirama by Nak featuring Microman Microsister El. (See also.)
Yotsuba & art.
The Sasha Bratz Project made Yotsuba scream.
My Little 60s Batman.
By Mari Kasurinen.
Toy review roundup
Scott Rubin (part 2) reviews the Toynami The Masterpiece Collection Robotech The New Generation VFB-9H (Rand version) figure. Excerpt: “The fighter mode does suffer from a sort of anti-kibble …” (See also.)
Corey Tincher reviews the NECA Street Fighter IV C. Viper figure. Excerpt: “… she’s actually a great action figure and solid first entry for NECA in the Street Fighter franchise.”
Corey Tincher reviews the NECA Street Fighter IV Ryu figure. Excerpt: “… I’m generally okay with angry faces; this one just takes it a step too far.”
Corey Tincher reviews the NECA Street Fighter IV Ken figure. Excerpt: “I’ve found bigfoot, and he is Ken.”
dedguy reviews the 3A Toys Tomorrow King Yoji 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… a great figure at a great price …”
John Stinsman reviews the Hot Toys U.S. Secret Service Emergency Response Team (ERT) with P90 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… this figure has many great points, and a few glaringly bad ones.”
Jr. reviews the Mattel Masters of the Universe Classics He-Man and Beast Man Mattycollector exclusive figures. Excerpt: “The sculpting is where the line shines.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Wonder Woman figure. Excerpt: “… there’s just something about her that bugs me.” (See also.)
Action Toy Review reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Metallo Wal-Mart exclusive Collect and Connect figure. Excerpt: “Well worth the purchase.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Ares series Human Torch Wal-Mart exclusive figure. Excerpt: “This Human Torch doesn’t have a lot to offer over any previous version of the character …” (See also.)
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Jetstorm and Jetfire set. Excerpt: “This is one of those cases where you have to admire the ambition, but regret that the execution wasn’t up to snuff.” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Shockwave figure. Excerpt: “The engineering had a lot to accommodate, and actually does it very well …” (See also.)
Updatedude reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Swindle figure. Excerpt: “Swindle is a very good toy but due to a few factors, he’s unnecessarily annoying.” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Cobra Trooper 12-inch figure. Excerpt: “… this line is the perfect blend of the original 12" size with the modern 3-3/4" concept and characters.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe RAM Cycle vs. Cobra Flight Pod set. Excerpt: “It’s a sublime mixture of the mundane and the borderline idiotic …” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection Imperial Jumptrooper figure from The Force Unleashed game. Excerpt: “… if you want the specific character seen in the videogame, with his little jetpack, you’ll be disappointed.” (See also.)
Engineernerd reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones German Soldier with Motorcycle set from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Excerpt: “I’m torn on this one.” (See also.)
Nathan Newell reviews the Mattel Batman The Brave and The Bold Hang Climber Batman figure. Excerpt: “While I love the concept, the execution leaves much to be desired.”
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Phantoka 8687 Toa Pohatu set. Excerpt: “… he’s got whirling blades of gory death for hands.”
Artemis reviews the Lego Bionicle Mistika 8696 Makuta Bitil set. Excerpt: “He may be a reality-shattering temporal catastrophe waiting to happen, but Bitil’s also a really fun monster.”
Retro reviews
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Takara Microman Ryukendo MA-32 Ryujino figure. Excerpt: “… impressive, extremely ornate, and pretty mean-looking.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Action Masters Autobot Turbo Cycle with Prowl set. Excerpt: “The robot does look like Prowl and the colours are decent match, but he still looks underdone with so many defining features left off.”
Philip Reed reviews the Hasbro Transformers Kickback figure. Excerpt: “… he’s durable, inventive, and, for me, packed with enjoyable memories.”
Toy links
Arc demon.
An Assemble Borg fanmode by Souma.
Bio-mecha.
Another neat Lego MOC by bigfatslob.
Blazing Heaven.
This fiery Microman custom by misodrill makes use of Duel Knights parts.
Ee chee wa maa!
When will Stormtroopers learn to stay away from Endor?
Masters of my universe.
“It was my springboard to adventure, my gateway to creative thought, and my stepping-stone to a fantastic world filled with magic, high technology and simplistic (but fun) morality plays.”
Checklist knighted
Updated the Figma checklist with Yagami Hayate (Knight Armor version) 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.)
Damien Sancho (part 2, part 3) reviews the Beagle Mospeada Armor Cycle VR-052F Variable Type (Stick Bernard version) 1/10-scale set.
Taoo reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Assemble Borg Baron and Assemble Borg Cyber figures.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Happy Well RoadBot Kawasaki Ninja ZX12R 1/10-scale figure.
MaruH102 (part 2) reviews the Bandai Soul Of Chogokin (SOC) GX-31V Voltes V Respect for Volt in box set. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Hypnos figure from Saint Seiya. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Ketaros figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto: God Speed Love. (See also.)
Ken Murasame and Tom review the Bandai Robot Tamashii 00-Raiser Trans-Am Set from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Shishioh, The G, Mojya, Goe, Toybu and Yuki Bune review the Max Factory Figma Yagami Hayate (Knight Armor version) figure from the Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS series.
Machu reviews the Max Factory Figma.BP Kururugi Suzaku Wonder Festival 2008 Summer and online exclusive figure from the Code Geass series. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Max Factory Figma Shana (Enpatsu version) figure from Shakugan no Shana. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Max Factory Figma Ryomou Shimei figure from Ikki Tousen: Great Guardians. (See also.)
Syuuamamori reviews the Konami Busou Shinki Ninja Fubuki Konami Style exclusive figure. (See also.)
Ken Murasame reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Voyager class Wreck-Gar figure.
FuRyo and Red review the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Blurr figure. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Silver Surfer figure.
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Street Fighter Online Ken figure. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Mattel The Dark Knight Batman and The Joker 4-inch-scale two-pack. (See also.)
Ebi reviews the Bandai Mugenbine Kaiseijuu Mugenpirates Mugencaptain, Mugenstingray, Mugenshark, Mugenscissor, Mugenkraken and Mugenwhale candy toys. (See also.)
Retro reviews
Gamu reviews the Takara Tomy Votoms Actic Gear AG-EX08 Big Carry and Scopedog Turbo Custom 1/48-scale set.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars C-27 Skywarp figure from Beast Wars II.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars C-28 Santon figure from Beast Wars II.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Hasbro Transformers Movie Voyager class Rescue Ratchet figure. (See also.)
Yuu-yui reviews the Yujin Master Action Genesic GaoGaiGar (Extra version) figure.
G.S.R. reviews the Unifive Choushingokin Varidreen toy from Goranger.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai Megaranger DX Popynica Digitank toy.
Mondo reviews the McFarlane Toys Spawn Grave Digger figure.