Check checklist
Updated Figma checklist with Shana (black hair 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.)
Gamu reviews the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Iron Man Iron Man Mark III 1/6-scale figure.
Mojya reviews the Medicom Toy Real Action Heroes Dragon Ball Z Super Saiyan Son Goku mail-order 1/6-scale figure.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Bandai Samurai Gattai DX Shinken Oh set from Samurai Sentai Shikenger.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection General Grievous figure from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. (See also.)
Shishioh and Yuki Bune review the Max Factory Figma Shana (black hair version) mail order figure from Shakugan no Shana II.
ledmb4da reviews the Max Factory Figma Shana (Enpatsu version) figure from Shakugan no Shana. (See also.)
Machu reviews the Max Factory Figma Sakura Hime (JPWA Tag Tournament version) figure from Pla-Wres Sanshiro. (See also.)
Machu reviews the Max Factory Figma Seto San figure from Seto no Hanayome. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Mr. Assemble figure. (See also.)
Kanon reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Assemble Borg Barrels Speeder toy. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Dark Kabuto figure from Kamen Rider Kabuto. (See also.)
Ken Murasame (part 2) reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Seravee Gundam set from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii GN-X III (A-Laws version) figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Deluxe class SE-02 Special Edition Megatron HasbroToyShop.com exclusive figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-09 Lambor figure. (See also.)
Alfes (part 2, part 3) reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Superion set.
Gamu reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Blazing Lockdown figure. (See also.)
Toyhunter reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Sentinel Prime figure. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Dreadnok Torch (single-carded 2009 version) figure. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones German Soldier with Motorcycle set from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. (See also.)
Ebi reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids Dos Godos (old colours) and Valga (Republic version) e-Hobby exclusive 1/72-scale kits. (See also.)
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai Hiden Saiseitou Shinkenmaru role-playing toy from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger.
Soh-dr reviews the Bandai Hiden Disk Buckle role-playing toy from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger.
Retro reviews
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Overdrive Transformers Station mail-order figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars II S-2 Moon figure. (See also.)
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Collection Chear figure from the Transformers Collection 20 Future Cybertron set. (Related.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers 04 Lambor figure.
Damien Sancho reviews the Toy Biz Marvel Legends Blade figure. (See also.)
Toy links
Yeah, I can fly.
J. Thomas Tantiangco keeps coming up with outstanding digirama.
The look.
Another fine loosecollector custom of another obscure Marvel villain.
Assemble Regult.
Creative fanmodes by Shikku combining Assemble Borg toys and Revoltech Regult. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Ah-nuld.
A muscular Microman custom by Vintage.
Avengers Assemble!
A Minimates digirama by edwardleeart. (See also.)
Lost.
A photo by Saturn Robot.
To boldly go.
A photo by Robert E. Sohl. (Larger size.)
Soundwave sells out.
Pre-pare for ob-so-les-cence.
Mugenbine: infinite combination
Machine Robo Mugenbine is Bandai’s follow-up to Machine Robo Rescue, which was in turn Bandai’s updating of Machine Robo (or Gobots as toy fans outside Japan might know it).
Machine Robo Rescue, released in 2003 and backed by an entertaining anime by the always dependable Sunrise, did well enough even though the toys were lacklustre. The main concept for the toyline was Hyper Gattai: Machine Robo Rescue robots, strongly influenced by classic designs, could connect to interchangeable limbs to form a powered-up Hyper Mode. This connectivity was based on standard pegs and ports which fans dubbed the MRR joint.
(As an undocumented bonus, the use of the MRR joint in other Bandai lines, like its sentai robots and Ultraman vehicles, allowed for cross-line interchangeability.)
Though the official modes were uninspiring, toy fans went wild coming up with fanmodes despite being hampered by the fact the toys really weren’t designed for a great deal of interchangeability.
Perhaps inspired by what fans were doing, Plex, Bandai’s famous design house, went to work on the sequel, Machine Robo Mugenbine. Interchangeability, once again based on the MRR joint (now named the Mugen joint), would be emphasised as indicated by the name of the line itself. Mugenbine is a portmanteau word combining the Japanese word “mugen” (infinite) and “combine”.
Crucially, Plex moved away from the classic Machine Robo designs and designed a brand new core robot, the Mugenroid, a 9cm tall action figure bristling with pegs and ports, which had much greater potential for fanmodes. By transforming the Mugenroid into cube mode and attaching parts, you could transform the Mugenroid into a vehicle, an animal or a super robot. The designs, much like the ones in Machine Robo Rescue, tended to be simple and geared towards younger kids but the ability to create your own fanmodes appealed to toy fans young and old.
There was no Sunrise anime to promote the line so Bandai resorted to magazines and a few TV spots to spread the word but for the most part Mugenbine sold mainly on its own merits.
In the five years since its debut, Mugenbine has seen a lot of changes as Plex sought to freshen the line with new gimmicks and styles in order to keep fans engaged. The Turboroid replaced the Mugenroid then gave way to the Mugen Engine which was replaced by the Buildroid. But then change is to be expected in a line which features change as a central theme.
Mugenbine has lost a lot of its momentum since 2004 and Bandai has had to scale the line back but it is still selling even though the current designs barely resemble the original figures. It is something of an irony that the newer figures, cheap and unfortunately, feel that way as well, are the finest designs of the line. MugenPharaoh and MugenAshura really do deserve a higher price point, better plastic and better paint to fully realise the classiness of the designs.
Looking to the future, Bandai and Plex are about transform Mugenbine yet again with the release of Moebine, a bizarre fusion of moe figure designs and Mugenbine interchangeability. This is undoubtedly an attempt to get into the otaku-aimed moe-mecha market dominated by Konami’s multimedia offering, Busou Shinki. It will be an unusual experiment by Bandai and Plex, but as long as the toys retain the appeal of the infinite combination one suspects they will do well.
Mugen links
Mugenmuseum.
Bandai’s checklist of Mugenbine toys includes custom modes.
Ore-Bine.
There are some staggering Mugenbine creations archived here. (Older archives.)
Prominence Image BBS.
A Japanese Mugenbine fanmode BBS.
Everybine.
Bandai’s official site for Mugenbine fanmodes. (Older archives.)
Fans.
A thread at TFW2005 for English-speaking fans of the line.
Toy links
Will o’ the Wisp.
A very good loosecollector custom of a very obscure Marvel character.
The Three Amigos.
Neat customs of Fandral, Volstagg the Valiant and Hogun the Grim.
Mugen gattai Barrels King.
A cool super robot-style Assemble Borg fanmode by Mr. P. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Zaku.
Johnny Tang decided to improve upon the Mega Bloks Zaku.
Beastformer Convoy.
A crossover between Transformers Beast Wars II and Beastformers/Battle Beasts. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Life is a joke.
More great digirama by J. Thomas Tantiangco. (See also.)
Another great moment in the legend of Spike.
A cool image by Ken Tay. (More.)
Links
Created a Links page and added Busou Shinki and Assemble Borg sections to the Blogroll. The sidebar now displays 10 random Blogroll links.
Toy review roundup
Michael Crawford reviews the Diamond Select Toys Ultimate Quarter Scale Han in Hoth Gear figure from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Excerpt: “… I had my hopes up that he’d be the ONE, the Neo of the line.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Mezco Toyz Cinema of Fear Jason Voorhees (hockey mask version) 7-inch figure from Friday the 13th (2009 remake). Excerpt: “Mezco has done a nice job packing in some useful weapons for Jason, as he hacks his way through your display shelf.”
Rustin Parr reviews the JUN Planning Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington figure. Excerpt: “While paint and sculpt put NECA’s to shame, the lack of thigh and especially bicep articulation really, really limit this figure.”
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Resolute Comic Pack Tunnel Rat vs. Storm Shadow two-pack. Excerpt: “They really are worth the price.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Legacy Collection Darth Vader figure. Excerpt: “… do you want a Darth Vader figure? If so, buy this one.” (See also.)
Nathan Newell reviews the Wild Planet Skeleflex Aliens Skullkor kit. Excerpt: “Skullkor is a great action figure with tons of fun play value.” (See also.)
Philip Reed reviews the Onell Design Glyos System Series Rothan Pheyden, Redlaw Exellis and Standard Sarvos figures. Excerpt: “They make an excellent diversion when I’m stressed and they’re so durable that I don’t worry about breaking them.”
yo go re reviews the DC Direct Superman/Batman Despero figure. Excerpt: “Even with the low-end articulation, I still really like this figure quite a lot.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Marvel Legends Ares Series Kang Wal-Mart exclusive figure. Excerpt: “… this is a straight re-release of the old figure, right down to the 2005 ToyBiz copyright stamped on his leg.” (See also.)
Monkey Boy reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Robin figure. Excerpt: “… nice, if a little plain …” (See also.)
Thomas Wheeler reviews the Hasbro Indiana Jones Dr. Henry Jones figure from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Excerpt: “The figure is a superb likeness of Sean Connery as Dr. Henry Jones.” (See also.)
Updatedude (part 2) reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe G1 Series Bruticus Maximus set. Excerpt: “This is a case of the sum being greater than the parts.”
Ben Yee reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Beast Series Deluxe class Cheetor figure. Excerpt: “I can’t help but look at it and feel that the design was 90% done and then they rushed it out the door …” (See also.)
Ben Yee reviews the Hasbro Transformer Universe Classic Deluxe class Prowl figure. Excerpt: “… some minor tweaks would have made it much more desirable.” (See also.)
Ben Yee reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Blurr figure. Excerpt: “I actually find it very cool that he actually looks better in vehicle mode than the animated model suggests …” (See also.)
Ben Yee reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Soundwave figure. Excerpt: “My only gripe are the floppy legs, which brings this down from highly recommended to recommended.”(See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Dirge figure. Excerpt: “… it’s one of the worst repaints I’ve seen in a toy paying direct tribute to a G1 character …”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Grimlock figure. Excerpt: “… a good toy.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Activators Megatron figure. Excerpt: “Recommended if you like Activators …” (See also.)
Retro reviews
Tom Prankerd reviews the Tomy Kiseki Gattai Ideon set. Excerpt: “… probably the best of the Tomy figures, for what that’s worth …” (See also.)
Erin Snyder reviews the Mezco Toyz Hellboy Abe Sapien 7-inch-scale figure. Excerpt: “I love my Hellboy and Liz figures, but Abe leaves them in the dust.”
Updatedude reviews the Bandai Souchaku Henshin GD-68 Kamen Rider Chalice figure from Kamen Rider Blade. Excerpt: “What else can you ask for in a toy?” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Transfomers The Headmasters Cybertron Master Warriors Rodney figure. Excerpt: “… he has such an unusual groin shape.” (See also.)
Artemis reviews the McDonald’s Changeables Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Cheesburger C2, Milk Shake and Large Fries Happy Meal exclusive toys. Excerpt: “Watch what you eat.”
Toy links
Thunder, thunder …
Tamaki’s Little Treasure updates with new digirama. (Be sure to scroll down to see an awesome team-up.)
Armoured Elektra.
A classy custom.
Z-Baron.
moromisox’s neat Assemble Borg fanmode was inspired by Zeta Gundam and includes a waverider mode. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Curse you, dread Baron!
Assemble Borg Baron takes to the skies with a flight pack fanmode by katsuboy. (See also.)
All in the family.
A fantastic portrait by Marcos. (See also.)
On the advance.
A fine diorama by castor photo.
Turn ya inta a popsicle.
A cool diorama by Jason Jerde.
The history of Action Force.
An article by David Tree.
John Gersten’s action figure columns.
It’s been over a decade since he wrote them but you’d be hard-pressed to find more enjoyable writing about this hobby.
Barbie turns 50.
“Barbie may not always appeal to adult sensibilities, but she has been successful in spite of it, because she unlocks the possibilities that a child can imagine. If what that child imagines is sometimes troubling, perhaps adults need to examine the society and values they have created for their children to emulate.”
Checklist grappled
Updated Figma checklist with Juohmaru review link.
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.)
Shishioh and Gamu review the Bandai Saint Myth Cloth Kido Saori mail-order campaign figure from Saint Seiya.
Damien Sancho reviews the Medicos Entertainment Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Star Platinum figure. (See also.)
Shishioh and Gamu review the Bandai Tamashii Spec XS-11 Falguen figure from Metal Armor Dragonar. (See also.)
Damien Sancho (part 2) reviews the Bandai Robot Tamashii Seravee Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Hasbro Transformers Animated Deluxe class Samurai Prowl figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune and Ebi review the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei D-07 Cyclonus figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune (part 2) reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-13 Hound figure. (See also.)
Kaz reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Urataros Imagin figure from Kamen Rider Den-O. (See also.)
Kuronuko Yamato reviews the Max Factory Figma Chunichi Dragons Mascot Doala (home version) figure. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Snake Eyes figure from the G.I Joe Set 5-pack.
Ramuna reviews the Takara Tomy Zoids Rebirth Century GRZ-011 Crimson Horn 1/72-scale kit.
Toyhunter reviews the Hasbro Nerf Iron Man Stark Industries N.R.F. 425 toy.
Ebi, Soh-dr and Koshihara Hitoshi review the Bandai Henshin Keitai Shodo Phone and Shodo Phone Holder role-playing toys from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger.
Retro reviews
Reisende reviews the Max Factory Bio Fighter Collection Guyver Gigantic figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Bandai Machine Robo MRR-4 Mask Rock figure from Machine Robo Revenge of Chronos.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Brave Command Dagwon DX Dagtector 3 Armor Shin figure.
G.S.R. reviews the Bandai B-Fighter Kabuto Action Fighter Series B-Fighter Kabuto, B-Fighter Kuwaga and B-Fighter Tentou figures.
Esuyu reviews the Takara Transformers Micron Legend MC-03 Hot Rod figure.
Esuyu reviews the Hasbro Transformers Armada Sideways (version 2) figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Metals D-45 Quickstrike figure.
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers Beast Wars Rockbuster figure from the Beast Wars Neo VS-33 Rockbuster vs. Hydra set. (Related.)
Red reviews the Takara Transformers Collection Wheelie figure from the Transformers Collection 20 Future Cybertron set.