Toy review roundup
Artemis reviews the Diamond Select Toys Star Trek Deep Space Nine Dr. Julian Bashir figure. Excerpt: “The face is where it falls apart …”
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe class Bumblebee and Soundwave figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Soundwave) … for the most part this is a toy you leave in robot mode.” (See also.)
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers Devastation Blast Long Haul figure. Excerpt: “A brutish mold for a brutish Decepticon …”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-14 Ratchet figure. Excerpt: “For G1 fans this is an excellent update of Ratchet, and can satisfy cartoon fans in a way that the G1 toy never could, so I’d recommend this toy unequivocally.” (See also.)
Jeff Parker reviews the Triad Toys Gunn 4 Hire Lola 1/6-scale figure. Excerpt: “… there is very little not to like here.”
Michael Crawford reviews the Mattel Batman The Brave and The Bold Proton Smash The Atom and Longbomb Sportsmaster figures. Excerpt: “I’ll live with the holes, but I won’t ever be happy about it.”
Corey Tincher reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Vigilante figure. Excerpt: “Vigilante has a quality control problem that holds him back from greatness …” (See also.)
yo go re reviews the Mattel DC Universe Classics Captain Atom figure. Excerpt: “… with no major joint or construction problems, ‘boring’ is a step up from the usual DC Universe offering.” (See also.)
Toy links
Golobulus.
A very cool G.I. Joe custom by StarWarsGeek.
The Blob (ver. X-Men Origins: Wolverine).
“… Big Daddy V plus a LOT of Apoxie Resin.”
The Red Baron.
A Transformers custom by sabretooth based on Ransack.
Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense.
Custom Hellboy Minimates by Mr. Bob Harris.
Old school.
A photo by Lea Homicki.
Licensed for fun.
wolfchild59’s custom license plate.
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 reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Hokuto No Ken Revolution Kenshiro (final fight version) figure.
Yo reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Yamaguchi Gurren and Lagann set from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. (See also.)
Nekonekokoara reviews the Romando Glorious Muscles Akuma Shogun figure.
Gamu reviews the Bandai Soul of Chogokin GX-45 Mazinger Z figure from Shin Mazinger Shougeki! Z Hen. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kyokagaikokkaku Zero figure from Kakugo No Susume. (See also.)
K3, Gamu and Tom review the Bandai Robot Tamashii 0 Gundam figure from Gundam 00. (See also.)
Mojya reviews the Max Factory Figma Tsuruya-san (Cultural Festival maid version) figure from The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi series. (See also.)
Maruo reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Robot Replicas Autobot Ratchet Tomy Direct exclusive figure.
Koshihara Hitoshi reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-03 Demolishor figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-05 Sideways figure. (See also.)
Itsuki and Soh-dr review the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-03 Bumblebee figure. (See also.)
Ken Murasame and Yo review the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-04 Soundwave figure. (See also.)
Yuki Bune reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-06 Rollbar figure. (See also.)
Damien Sancho reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-07 Knock Out figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-05 Breakaway figure. (See also.)
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Timelines Flak Botcon 2009 exclusive figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Timelines Scourge Botcon 2009 exclusive figure.
Alfes reviews the Hasbro Transformers Timelines Kup Botcon 2009 exclusive figure.
Nekonekokoara reviews the Hasbro Star Wars The Clone Wars Clone Commander Cody figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Kabaya Keitai Changer Corecellder candy kit. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Kabaya Keitai Changer Mobeagle candy kit. (See also.)
Retro reviews
Lem reviews the Volks Super Robot Wars Original Generation Full Action Figure DX Valsione Dengeki Hobby Magazine exclusive figure.
Mondo reviews the DC Direct Batman and Son Action The Joker figure.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers C-367 Dump Shovel W Team set from Return of Convoy. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers 13 Cliff figure.
Toy links
Demoman: the younger years.
Aye, that’s the way ye do it.
Warpath.
A custom of the Marvel character.
Doc Walro.
A custom inspired by the Tigersharks character.
Downsized.
A Star Wars photocomic by Niktom.
Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy.
Resistance is futile.
More than meets the Cobra-a-a-a!
These G.I. Joe/Transformers crossovers are getting odder.
Fanmode interview: Bryan Wilkinson (part 4)
Long-time Micronauts and Microman fan, Bryan “MicroBry” Wilkinson, is one of the select few who’ve made the transition from toy fan to toy designer. His website was one of the earliest to draw attention to Transformers’ (then) little-known origins, and he was given the opportunity to work on Palisades’ Micronauts revival in 2002. As Transformers celebrates its 25th. anniversary and Microman celebrates its 35th., we thought it only appropriate to ask him about Micronauts, Microman, Transformers, fandom, and making the transition from consumer to creator.
(Due to its length, the interview will be presented in several parts. Parts one, two and three were published earlier.)
When did it become clear the Palisades Micronauts line was seriously flawed?
It wasn’t clear at first if the early reports of bad product were just a fluke or not so Palisades had no clue just how extensive the damage to the line was until well after it was far too late to recall the product.
We started getting the first shots back from the newly commissioned factory in China in June 2002, and they looked fantastic. Those of us who have owned preproduction samples can vouch that the initial hand-made prototypes were of excellent quality that matched or even possibly outdid their originals.
Furthermore, Ken Lilly (head of Palisades’ product development then) went to China in September, saw the production floor and was given a number of samples. He sent back photos which included a nice, sturdy clear-cast Baron Karza that not only could form the centaur form properly but even hold the classic “rearing up” pose that the original toy could do so effortlessly. (The Karza that shipped could not form the centaur mode without serious modification and even then didn’t fit together this precisely.) The stuff was pretty solid and just about to enter full production.
Micronauts copyright © 2002 AGE, Takara, licensed to Palisades Toys.
Photo by Ken Lilly for Palisades
What none of us knew until much later was that Ken had been given a total dog and pony show by a dishonest company acting as Palisades’ middleman responsible for subcontracting the factory (this was very similar to what Patrick Calello experienced).
Read more
Toy links
G.I. Joe Sigma 6: the unproduced.
“… hefty galleries of figures that were in the works, but didn’t make the cut.”
Ransack attack.
“… once I cut his string he didn’t look back.”
Hail to the king, baby.
Look but don’t touch. Your primitive intellect wouldn’t understand alloys and compositions and things with … molecular structures.
Ore futatabi sanjou!
Momotaros strikes a pose.
Odds stacked against matryoshka dolls.
“The first matryoshka is said to have been made (in Sergiyev Posad) in the 1890s, after a local craftsman saw a set of Japanese stacking dolls in the likeness of a Buddhist deity and created a Russian version in the form of a matronly peasant woman.”
Mastering the Universe review.
“… peppered with moments of bitterness, egotism, and defensiveness, not to mention a heavy helping of self-martyrdom.”
Toy review roundup
Monkey Boy reviews the NECA Terminator 2: Judgment Day T-800 (Pescadero Escape) figure. Excerpt: “Despite the dearth of accessories and the lack of mobility below the waist, this really is a fine figure.”
Poe Ghostal reviews the NECA Terminator 2: Judgment Day T-800 (Pescadero Escape) figure. Excerpt: “NECA’s Kyle ‘Tankman’ Windrix once again proves he’s one of the best in the business when it comes to detailed sculpting and high-quality likenesses.”
yo go re reviews the Diamond Select Toys Marvel Minimates Punisher War Zone Punisher and Jigsaw Toys ‘R’ Us exclusive two-pack. Excerpt: “We normally try not to gush in our reviews, but this time, I just can’t help it.”
Newton Gimmick reviews the Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight Scud (Sol version) figure. Excerpt: “This is one of the best toys I’ve had my hands on in a long time.” (See also.)
Clark reviews the Hasbro Marvel Universe Black Costume Spider-man figure. Excerpt: “I would recommend going with the regular version of Spider-man instead.”
Corey Tincher reviews the Hasbro G.I. Joe Hall of Heroes Snake Eyes (with Timber the wolf) figure. Excerpt: “The only things holding this figure back for me are the detachable hands that fall off when I’m trying to get him to hold weapons, and the fact that he’s a rerelease we’ve seen before with very little changed.” (See also.)
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Robot Replicas Optimus Prime, Starscream, Ironhide and Autobot Ratchet figures. Excerpt: “(Re: Autobot Ratchet) Accurate, well-articulated, stable, generally a good sculpt. My favorite of the set …”
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Legends class Bumblebee, Jetfire, Autobot Springer, Optimus Prime, Megatron and Sideswipe figures. Excerpt: “… Jetfire is the best of the lot, all the rest of the new molds are either
generally just okay, or rather good but with significant flaws.”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Legends class Optimus Prime figure. Excerpt: “One of the best Legends we’ve seen …”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Legends class Jetfire figure. Excerpt: “There’s surprisingly little kibble overall – and none in jet mode really – thanks to a clever transformation, but this same transformation does limit the robot hips a lot.”
Dave Van Domelen reviews the Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers Cannon Blast Megatron figure. Excerpt: “… ‘cute Megatron tank’ is a reasonable selling point, as far as I’m concerned.”
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei C-15 Inferno figure. Excerpt: “While there are distinct design cues taken from his G1 toy, Inferno has some notable differences, many of which are for the better.” (See also.)
Darren Cilenti reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Henkei Adams figure from the C-19 Minibot Spy Team set. Excerpt: “A good tribute to a G1 character which has been largely ignored since 1985.” (See also.)
Brent Johnston reviews the Hasbro Transformers Universe Classic Deluxe class Sunstreaker and Sideswipe figures. Excerpt: “… the G1 Brothers are in a league of their own.” (See also.)
Retro reviews
Erin Snyder reviews the DC Direct Batman Dark Victory Commissioner Gordon figure. Excerpt: “It’s really good, but just a hair away from great.”
yo go re reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Power of the Jedi Darth Vader (Dagobah version) figure from Episode V: The Empire Strike Back. Excerpt: “… as a recreation of a specific scene, Dagobah Vader has never been matched.” (See also.)
Toy links
G.I. Joe Sigma 6: the creativity.
“… for such a short-lived toyline and cartoon series, it seemed to inspire a lot of fans to do customs, dioramas, general picture taking, and even crafting entire universes based on these 8" action figures.” (See also.)
Cover Girl.
A 6" G.I. Joe custom by customiza.
Heavy Battler Goliath.
A mecha Assemble Borg fanmode by moromisox. (Click on the photo for a better look.)
Jarkspeeder and Jarklady.
Cool Assemble Borg fanmodes by chikuwabu. (Click on the photo for a better look.)
The approaching doom.
Digirama by Ryu-Oh featuring the Assemble Borg Doom Diver figure. (Click on the image for a better look.)
Rescue.
A creative setup by maverickf. (More.)
The Sculptors Corner.
For sculptors and fans made by sculptors and fans.
Todo para el juguete.
“A Dinky toy van has sold for £6,400 at an auction – almost six times as much as the actual vehicle it is modelled on can be bought for today.”
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.)
Maruo reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Robot Replicas Optimus Prime Tomy Direct exclusive figure.
Itsuki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-02 Ironhide figure.
Itsuki and Soh-dr review the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-01 Optimus Prime figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-03 Bumblebee figure. (See also.)
Onbashira reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-04 Sideswipe figure. (See also.)
Itsuki, Alfes and Onbashira review the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-02 Starscream figure. (See also.)
Yo reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-03 Demolishor figure. (See also.)
Hinatatiki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-04 Soundwave figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-06 Rollbar figure.
Red and Nekonekokoara review the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-07 Knock Out figure. (See also.)
Maruo reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-07 Dead End figure. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RD-08 Dirt Boss figure. (See also.)
Itsuki reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Revenge of the Fallen RA-06 Rollbar, RA-07 Knock Out, RD-07 Dead End and RD-08 Dirt Boss figures. (See also: 1, 2, 3.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Guardian Team Guardian Sky (Toys ‘R’ Us Japan exclusive), Guardian Powered and Guardian Speed (Edion Group, Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera store exclusives) campaign figures.
Hinatatiki reviews the Hasbro Star Wars Transformers Crossovers Darth Vader to TIE Advanced X1 Starfighter figure.
Kaz reviews the Bandai Chogokin GE-46 Phone Braver 7 toy from the Keitai Sosakan 7. (See also.)
Taoo reviews the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Black figure. (See also.)
Shishioh, Lem and Damien Sancho review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kyokagaikokkaku Zero figure from Kakugo No Susume. (See also.)
Mojya and Damien Sancho review the Bandai S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Yuuki B-Shop and Tamashii Web exclusive figure from Saraba Kamen Rider Den-O The Movie: Final Countdown. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Medicos Entertainment JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Hierophant Green figure. (See also.)
Gamu reviews the Bandai Super Imaginative Chogokin (S.I.C.) Kamen Rider Gaoh and Kintaros Imagin set from Kamen Rider Den-O. (See also.)
Ramuna and Damien Sancho review the Bandai Robot Tamashii Nirvash type the End figure from Eureka Seven. (See also.)
Tom reviews the Kaiyodo Revoltech Yamaguchi Gurren and Lagann set from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. (See also.)
Ebi reviews the Bandai Final Form Ride Agito Tornador figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
G.S.R. and K3 review the Bandai Final Form Ride Series Hibiki Ongekiko figure from Kamen Rider Decade. (See also.)
Tettsun reviews the Max Factory Figma Sakura Hime (JPWA Tag Tournament version) figure from Pla-Wres Sanshiro. (See also.)
Onbashira reviews the Takara Tomy Transformers Disney Label Mickey Mouse Trailer figure. (See also.)
Retro reviews
Yuki Bune reviews the Bandai Souchaku Henshin GD-29 Kamen Rider Kuuga Ultimate Form set. (See also.)
Transformers Baka Ichidai reviews the Takara Transformers 46 Hoist figure.
Red reviews the Takara Transformers D-54 Dead End figure. (See also.)
Mondo reviews the Kenner Star Wars The Power of the Force Speeder Bike with Princess Leia Organa in Endor Gear set. (See also.)
G.S.R. reviews the Popy Chogokin GB-76 Goggle Robo and DX Popynika PC-26 Goggle Caesar toys from the Dai Sentai Goggle V series.
Toy links
“I find your lack of space disturbing.”
Fantastic.
Little Mac.
A cool CollectableKid custom inspired by the Punch-Out!! character.
Eat dirt.
A groovy DC Universe Classics-style Earthworm Jim custom.
Re: Transformers.
“The 25th anniversary of the Transformers seems to be generating as much, if not more, Internet buzz than the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.”