LEon の话: Toy

My KubrickToys Comics

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:24:09 GMT

It was a weekend and I was packing my toys. Come across some of my Kubrick toys and decided to play with it. Here are some the Kubrick I had.

Above are 3 of the Matrix Kubrick which I have. I got them as they really look cute.
PS: The yellow car (Bumble Bee animated) is not a Kubrick toy. Special guest appearance only.

Batman and Robin were given to me as a gift from a friend who collect Kubrick as well.

Jin-Rô on the other hand was quite a hard find and I bought it from my friend who has an extra.

In the past, buying Kubrick is like "Tikam Tikam". You have to try your luck to get those rare ones. Nowadays most of the figure already shown on the art work of the boxes. Some shop also sell it loose for a price of course. I didn't collect much Kubrick. Only those I find it cute and within my budget.

HOT TOYS M Icon WONG KA KUI 黄家驹十五年

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:35:28 GMT

光阴似箭. 十五年前的今天,我其中喜爱的歌手黄家驹告别了人世. 想到真是惋惜...

为了悼念黄家驹, 香港的 HOT TOY M Icon 做了三个黄家驹十二寸的人行.

他们很成功的把黄家驹的神态捉住了. 相识度很高. 做这个人偶一定是黄家驹的FANs吧?

一个是1992 年演唱会的家驹.

1993 年演唱会的家驹共有两个版本.

其中穿青色外套是限量版. 只有40个. 好象全40个是为拍卖慈善筹款.

我真的很高兴香港会做黄家驹的人偶. 黄家驹在那年代在音乐界的贡献和给年青人的歌真的觉得他是配得这份荣誉.

十五年了.人虽然不在,但歌曲依然还是这样被热爱.

Premium Jazz Transformers Movie

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:59:10 GMT

Jazz is the only Autobot that went "Offline" in the Transformers movie. The vehicle was cool but the toy does not justified Jazz as the body was never properly painted or should I said never painted at all. Rather than looking like silver metallic, it look plastic. Finally the Premium version does SOME justice to Jazz. I use the word SOME as the Quality Control of the painting was not consistent with each toys. Here are the my review.

Package
The package layout remain the same, the only different was the label of the "Premium Series" and the name of Jazz is in chrome Silver. Have a closer look.

Vehicle Mode
The car design of Jazz look really Sleek. It is a Pontiac Solstice GXP.

I just love the car design! You can see the numbers of photo I took for Jazz in his vehicle mode.

Did you notice that some spots were not painted properly? It's pretty obvious right? Here is a picture of every angle of Jazz in vehicle mode.

A view from the top. You can't really go wrong with a good car mold.

Let's mount the gun up. Wicked!

Transformation Mode
The transformation is pretty easy and the joints are steady and firm.

Does this mode look similar to you?

Robot Mode
Here is Jazz in full Robot mode.

Jazz was armed with a gun and shield which look great. However this toy Jazz do look a little stout. I guess the legs were a little too short, that's why.

I choose not to answer that question of yours Jazz.

So how this deluxe class Jazz fair with the rest of his counter part? Let's take a look.

Compare to Leader class Optimus Prime, Jazz do look in scale as he is suppose to be shorter than Prime anyway.

What about with other Deluxe class? We have Bumble Bee in Camero 1974 with us today.
In Robot mode...

But when in Vehicle mode...

Seems like scaling problem once again... Anyway the toys are targeting more to kids and to kids, scale does not really matters.

Overall Premium Jazz is still the way to go for those who wanted a movie Jazz. For the same price, I would rather pay for Premium than a normal plastic looking ones. Of course the QC of the paint job have yet to be improve. However the toy is fun to transform and a good looker in car mode. Way to go Jazz.

Erm...Jazz. Do you remember what happen the last time you said that? Tthat was your final word in the movie anyway. Maybe we have not see the last of you. You may return in the coming movie. :)

Prowl Transformers Animated Toy

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:51:46 GMT

Is another review for Transformers Animated toy figure and this time round we got Prowl.

Prowl is the only motorbike transformers so far in the animation series. Surprisingly in robot mode, he is taller than Bumble Bee.

Packaging
In packaging, Prowl look really nice. Since he is the only motorbike figure, of course he would stand out among the rest. Knowing it is small in size, the manufacturers put it on the most left hand side. The weapons were displayed clearly in the packaging. Yes including the traffic light. Now I wonder what does the traffic light have to do with Prowl.

Vehicle Mode
The bike mode look really cool! I can't really put my hands to where are his hands nor his legs initially in vehicle mode.

At all angles, Prowl is a good looker. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any figure which will look good sitting on top of it.

Compare with a Acree in scout class side by side, you can have a idea what is the size different.

One weakness of this figure in bike mode was balancing by itself.

Autobot Transform!

The transformation is not that simple as I have to really look into the instruction booklet and transformed it step-by-step.

Robot Mode
In robot mode, Prowl is tall which he should be. However the joints are rather easy to come out. Although it can snap back in place, you would still want to handle with care.

Prowl is rather flexible. It is the only one which can be pose in a sitting position so far.

The facial was well done. Look just like the one in the animation.

Weapons
One of the weapon which is the blade was cool. It can be fitted at the side of his back tyre. The blades can be expanded as well.

Next weapon, a traffic light. How can traffic light be use as a weapon? Beats me. It is a rather stupid idea if you ask me as it was not found in the animation as well.

We just leave it to Prowl to do the explaining.

Overall a value for money figure. I do not know if time to come will Prowl have anymore weapons or armor add-ons but I think I will just stick to this Prowl version figure for now.

Transformers Animated Soundwave

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:13:07 GMT

Since my previous entry is about Mini-Compo, let's do a toy review of Soundwave in Transformers Animated series.
This decepticon had a big fan base and one of them is me. Stood faithfully under the leadership of Megatron, Soundwave is one loyal Decepticon.

Originally a mini-compo player, in the recent animated series, Soundwave finally become a moving MPV vehicle. A good take I would say.

Yes your eyes are not deceiving you. That is the guitar on top of the MPV.
So what the Guitar for? If you are a fan in the Generation 1 transformer, you will remember Soundwave being a mini-compo cassette player in disguise had a good number of loyal sidekicks in cassette form. One of them is Laserbeak which transformed from cassette to a bird (eagle) in the Generation 1 series. Although in latest animated transformers no sidekick of Soundwave made any appearance, the toy had included one.

Behold, Lazerbeak transform!

Quite neat isn't it?

Let's move back to Soundwave shall we?

Vehicle Mode
The fluorescent green outline I thought was meant for glow in the dark but it was not. However if under UV lighting (those blue lighting tude), the outline should stand out like in the animated series.

I realized that some of the outline of Soundwave was not painted like the back of the vehicle. Some cost cutting measures? Ya. it is kinda different from the prototype AGAIN. The rims of the wheels should had be painted in gold. Look at the prototype figure and you can tell the differences.

Robot Mode
Let's see how Soundwave transform himself from Vehicle to Robot mode shall we?

The figure can balance really well. The back do look a bit of haunch. Can you see the "Power On" logo on his back?

It always a regret that the Transformers toy maker never make soundwave come with any actual sound feature like he can say a line or two? The best they did was to make it a MP3 player. I still like how Soundwave sound like in Generation 1 series tho.

Well let's see if Soundwave can dance. Maybe they can start a "Transformers / Decepticon got Talent" or something.

Soundwave: "It's good to be at the..."

Wow, Soundwave really can dance. See what I told you about how well these figure can balance itself even though he look bulky?

Since Soundwave had a guitar, can he sing as well? Soundwave can you sing us a Rock song?

Yeah! That is my kind of music! Rock on Soundwave!

PS: The above singing and dancing are NOT that actual feature of the Animated Transformer Toy.
It is just Fiction done up by digital touch up and story telling.
However the actual toy do look, transform and able to be pose as the above.
Have fun.

6" Venom from Spider-man movie 3

Fri, 30 May 2008 02:15:07 GMT

Finally after a long wait, I got a 6" Venom from the Spider-man 3 movie. I actually got a 5" Venom sometime back but I am not happy with the scale as it look too small! Thank God I waited and not give in by buying from some sellers who sell this figure at high prices.

I got this figure at the Takashimaya toy sales. Originally was $17.90 (You can verify in the picture) but there is 20% discount!! I only paid for $14.00++ for it! It is a steal right? And to think I was about to pay $35 for one. Good things come to those who wait.

The packaging is colorful and the display in card look really good.

When I open the packaging. I found a Green Goblin Sticker hidden at the back of Venom.

Now to review Venom out of the package!

Thanks Spidey, on with the proper review!
From the front and back, Venom look really massive as he should be.

Venom's signature tongue on side view. Wicked!

Time for Spidey to join in to further the review.

You can see the size different between the two of them. Yes, the scale is correct for 6"!

This Venom figure lose out in joints compare to Spider-man. On the hand, Spider-man's fingers can move while Venom's fingers could not.

On the leg part, the Venom toes does not bend like spider-man (see the orange circle part of spidey) which make Venom impossible to crawl.

Although losing out with joints, this Venom generally still a good figure. It is still flexible enough to make some pose which is good enough for me.

Don't take it so hard Venom. Guess he really hate to lose...

Transformers Animated Blackarachnia

Thu, 22 May 2008 12:23:18 GMT

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.
Down came the rain, and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

Help! Spider crawling up my thighs!!!

Just joking. This is Blackarachnia from the animated transformers. Doesn't it look scary? Actually I find her rather neat in spider mode.

Well she look like this in the cartoon.

When in robot mode, the designers really gave her feminine features. Look cold but sexy. The sharp golden claws and pointy helmet somehow remind me of Thai design.

With a spider and a woman, it make sense to have a big butt. She comes with heels as well.

"I am the ONLY female in transformers animated toy (so far in the series), Hear me ROAR!!"

One down side was that her hand lack of joint at the wrist.

She got two pair of eyes and it will glow if there is bright light source directly at the back of her head.

As for weapons beside her venom, it come with a clip which act as a claw.

Aim and shoot!!

Yes, she can start hanging around with you if you want.

Okay exclusive Transformation capture from robot to spider!

I fancy this figure which I find she look better than Acree transformer. However being a big spider as vehicle mode do not make much sense She is one wild Decepticon.

Stealth Bumble Bee Transformers Movie Toy

Thu, 15 May 2008 13:19:04 GMT

I got a Stealth Bumble Bee toy from the Transformers movie line. I got this piece at retail price. The changes in packaging is the head change to Bumble Bee in battle mask which also shown in the movie.

It is not hard to tell the difference of this Bumble Bee and the original one. Yes it is not Yellow as it should be. This is the alternate color version. The yellow become black while the black become yellow. Chevy Camaro design already is quite good looking. Just played with the color and it should sell like hotcakes. That must be what the toy makers thinking.

The wind screen is in tinted blue which is a good touch.

The front view look cool in black. Actually black look good on everything.

See the uneven part of the top? I have not get this Bumble Bee to transform yet. It was just out of the box.

The view from the back can be better. Yes I know, my camera missed focus.

View from the Top side. Personally I find this view look best for the vehicle mode.

You can see the detail of the wording "CAMARO" on the side.

As for the Robot mode, they only change of head to the battle mask of Bumble Bee in the movie. Somehow the head does not go well with the color of the body. In fact the you see more yellow than black in robot mode which is rather confusing.

His weapon remains the same. A short blade which can change to be a cannon gun. Just look at the face of Bumble Bee, doesn't it look FLAT to you? The head color should be painted in black as well. Sigh...my Bumble Bee's toy head is rather loose too.

The transformation remains the same. It is basically just a Repaint figure. The paint job wise can be better.

The plus point of this Bumble Bee is in Black which is first time in other colors (Forget about cliff jumper movie version which used exactly the same figure as Bumblee Bee just in tone of Red). Minus point is the Mask which still look ugly to me. For retail price and nothing to buy at the moment, it is rather worth actually.

Does this repaint look better than the original to you?

Coming Soon Singapore Toy and Comic Convention

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:06:43 GMT

Early morning got to read this piece of new from mypaper. Alas Singapore finally see the market of Comic and Toys and starting a Convention. Let's hope they will be good offers and presentation of new comic and toys.

As a toy collector and comic reader, I do have some level of expectation. I do not want to keep my expectation high ever since the last Official Starwars exhibitions in SG... Just got to wait and see. Anyway here are the details

Singapore Toy and Comic Convention
Date: 28-29 June 2008
Venue: Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center, Convention Hall 603
Website: http://www.sgtoyandcomiccon.com/

Admission is FREE.

Free admission is NOT a good thing actually. It is a Convention not a fair!

They will sure be people who go there to see see look look just like the IT show but have no interest or knowledge of what is the convention about. Oh ya... the parents who push the baby strollers along inside too... To think "Toy and Comic", some parents (who know nothing about toys or comic) will sure bring the kids there thinking is selling toy (yes maybe some toy is for sale but not all) or Disney show and they got money to buy and so my kids has the right to be there to enjoy themselves running around and ... enough said! This thoughts actually put me off. Let's see how the organizer going to handle these situation.

Hey organizer! Singaporeans are not cheap stake especially for Toy and Comic collectors, we are willing to pay some admission fees (but not too expensive lah. Must have goodies pack too!) to enjoy some comfort room in such convention. Even Nata fair people are willing to pay to go in. Sigh... Now I don't really feel like going if I think about the crowd. Anyway if I do, I will do a review here.

More News and Details.

Kamen Rider The Next: Rider 1

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:17:12 GMT

As I am wanting for "Kamen Rider the Next" movie, the toy was released. But there is no V3!! Just Kamen Rider 1 and 2 repainted. Since my Kamen Rider's friend wanted a Kamen Rider 2 for this series, I took Kamen Rider 1.

Kamen Riders also goes by another name as Masked rider which I am more familiar with. Side note that personally I tense to call Kamen Rider 1 and 2 as V1 and V2 respectively. Why? Maybe have to do with V3 or "Banana in pyjamas" the B1 and B2 thingy. Hahaha. So in the review if you see V1 and V2 name being mention, you know I am referring to Kamen Rider 1 and 2.

On with my review of the Kamen Rider 1 in the NEXT movie...

Spotted any difference? Here is the First V1 side by side with The Next V1. See for yourself for the difference.

Can't see the difference? Never mind, let the figures tell the story.

Tamama Common Soldier Bandai model kit

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:49:08 GMT

Got this piece when I was shopping in Malaysia. Tamama in Common soldier outfit from Bandai. Assembling this line of modeling kit is getting easier as they did a lot of improvement on how the kit was cut and joined.

The instructions although in Japanese, the step by step were done in drawing which can be easily understood.

First step was to build the head and within less than 5 minutes, the head of Tamama was done. The eyeballs and the mouth are stickers with the ease of peel and paste.

In this design, a beetle was design on top of Tamama hat. I wonder what is that beetle has to do with Tamama.
Updates: Thanks to Beetle contribution of the information between the Beetle and Tamama in the comment in this post, "The Super Beetle is a mystical being that developed a friendship with Tamama through intense battle. He gave Tamama a power up at some point." Thanks Beetle. :)

The hat was a one piece plastic. Just need to add a sticker and the beetle on top of the Hat. It will fit nicely on Tamama's head.

The body was where the great improvement was done. The legs and the arms were design already in the plastic mold fitted together and enable movement of the joints.

The head can be easily fitted to the body by the neck. See how nice it looks now?

Next up will be the armor. The armor consist of the body armor at the chest and a pair of gloves. It would be an interchangeable set.

Putting on the armor is no where near difficult. Snap it on and there you go.

As a soldier, you need a banner of your clan. So Tamama soldier comes with a banner too.

How can there be no weapons as a soldier? So common weapon for infantry will be something of a long spear/pole. They decided to give Tamama a choice between a fork at one end...

or if you prefer a heavy weight mace looking weapon.

An easy model kit which can be put up just less than 30 minutes. This is how it will look compare to the drawing found on the cover of the box.

Not too shabby I must say. Just need to touch up with some coloring will do. Anyway without coloring will still look great. Bandai has done it again. Value for money for this product.

Ironman movie Figure: Ironman Mark II

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:04:19 GMT

Got some Ironman movie figures last week and decided to open one at the moment and do some review.

Ironman Mark 02 is the subject today. I think I will just let the figure review himself. Hehehe

Animated Bumble Bee Transformer

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:07:30 GMT

Last week I got hold on a loose Animated Bumble Bee Transformer from a old toy collector at a reasonable price. I do not mind getting loose figure as I will open it up and play anyway. I didn't really catch the animated series but as a Bumble Bee fan. Sure must get one!

The following is my personal review of Animated Bumble Bee.

Vehicle Mode
I personally love the Vehicle mode of this animated Bumble Bee a lot. It retaining the size and the color of Bumble Bee but added style and sleekness with the design. It look good in all angles. The two roundish rocket boosters on the side give him extra cuteness. They added a amber siren on the top of the vehicle. Too bad that does not light up or make any sound.

An Autobot logo can be found on the left cheek of his back bumper (A good place to put a logo in fact for car anyway). Overall in vehicle mode I give a rating 4.5 / 5 for the design.

Transformation
What good is it if a transformers does not transform right?
Autobot Transform!! Let see the transformation!

It is really a simple transformation. It does not take long to figure out even without looking at the instructions which I have none since it was sold loose. The joints are firmed and it is not brittle even this is a loose figure.

Robot Mode
When come to robot mode, this is where the testing of the action figure. This Bumble Bee do have a good sense of balance. Beside the head can turn side to side, elbow can bend, arms can raise, the keens and leg movement are very much limited. In short for posing it is very limited. I will give this mode 3/5. Remember the Autobot logo? After transformation, it will be on his left shoulder. Cool!

Paint Job
There are nothing much things to paint as the plastic color are yellow itself. The only painting that can be found are the head, torso and the black racing stripe in vehicle. Even with such basic paint requirement, they still can missed some spots! At such I did some minor modification in painting with a paint pen. Basically doing outlining of fingers as it is very difficult to see the hands. One part of the stripes are missed in vehicle mode (this seems to appear on every animated Bumble bee). The picture below will show the modification which I did.

Compare with Classic Bumble Bee
I did a visual comparison with this animated version to the classic version of Bumble bee.

In vehicle mode, animated version has a taller top.

On the side however, both vehicle length look the same.

In robot mode, animated version is much more taller and slimmer than the classic. Man Classic Bumble Bee do look Fat next to animated one... Classic has shorter arms and smaller head...

Overall rating of this figure I will give it a 4/5. I am more incline to the design of the vehicle I guess. Overall one of the good looking in animated series for me. :)

Stitch Ohana

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:18:23 GMT

Went to Disney on Ice with my wife and family. It was a entertainment good for the whole family (only apply if you have kids). Everyone enjoyed it (who will not?). This installment of Disney on Ice was made up by 5 stories. The last part of the show which was Lilo & Stitch left a deep impression on me. The word was Ohana.

Ohana means family. Family means no one is left behind - or forgotten.

After the show we decided to get some at the souvenir booth. At the booth were Soft Toys, Toy candy, touch light and a branch of Soft Vinyl toy on sales. The soft vinyl was the one that I am interested in. Among Lucky (from 101 Dalmation), Peter Pan, Ariel (from The Little Mermaid), Mickey and Minnie, Stitch just stand up among the rest (In my opinion). Stitch was in his original alien form with 4 arms and two hand holding blasters (Thank God not in Elvis suit with guitar version). Suppose to look mean but somehow he look CUTE. I decided to bring him home.

Finally here is my review on this Stitch toy.

Standing 25cm in height, this Stitch is handsome. The head is able to turn from side to side.

All of his four arms are movable too. Too bad the blasters does not have any light or sound. :P

Yes even the two whiskers on the top of his head are flexible as well. The down side of this toy was no legs movement available.

However it has a great sense of balance despite having big head and ears. The coloring was neat and the colorful was vibrant.

It may look very rubbery or plastic but there is no presence of strong plastic / rubbery smell. It look great in every angle.

The "Official Seal" of Disney can be found on the sole of his feet.

Overall a good toy figure suitable for kids to play (will not break easily. How can it be broken anyway?) but also a good pieces on display as well.

Actually I didn't know I like Stitch so much until I bought this figure. For the quality of the toy and as a souvenir it was a good buy for $18.00. :)

Nike Transformers replicates version

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:32:37 GMT

These shoes ain't make for walking. These two are actually a transformer toy. Replicates of Takara Tomy Sports Label Nike Transformers is the same size of the actual toy but with different packaging. The original one come in a shoe box and this one comes with plastic clamp shell.

I found these as I was on my way home, walking by a neighborhood shop. Surprisingly it was found in a convenient store. There were even smaller ones as keychain but I find it too small to transform or to display. It was a pleasant surprise indeed as the original ones costing more than hundreds.

Although they are not original, the detail level in the shoe are still amazingly good! The laces were the real shoe laces material! However the Nike logo painting was not that obvious (on purpose). The original has a NIKE FREE but this replicates replace it with the wording of "Transform".

In robot mode, both of them are wearing sport shoes respectively.

The back view was not something that you will scream about. The original ones had some black color painting on some part of the sole but this replicates has none at all. The back design of these series of Transformers restrict much movement and posing action such as sitting or even bending a knee.

Optimus Prime are marked with his signature look of the head and the his colors of red and blue. Of course being a replicate, the head of prime will not be as good looking as the original ones but still acceptable. The logo on the chest was nicely done and the chest area does not have any NIKE logo (differ from Original). Paint job wise, I will give it a 7/ 10.

Megatron being bad guys are in wicked black with his signature head look good too. Megatron look more cool to me compare to Optimus Prime in this series. Again the Nike logo on the chest was taken out.

These two toys are not much play for posing as robot mode but look great in Shoe mode. Unlike the original ones, these two does not come with any weapons. For the price of replicates I do not really mind. To be honest this is a nice or should I say most accurate replicates I have seen so far (If you do not believe, do a google). Overall these two replicates toys are not too shabby and a great buy for me. :)

Click to see Real Nike Transformer

Toy Scalpers

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:18:37 GMT

Oh how I hate scalpers as they bought most of the hot toy I wanted from retail and making some of the toy prices beyond affordable. Why don’t they do something better or really go into importing toys to sell rather to sweep the toy from retail!! Please do not tell me that is enterprising! it is just scalping!

I could not find such definition on toy scalping and so I decide to write one to the best of my knowledge about them.

What is Toy scalping?
Toy scalping, also known as Toy resales, is the time-honored practice of buying new re-stock toy from retails and reselling them for more than you paid for them. This is distinct businesses that buy up all the hot figures for future resale, marking them up to whatever they feel the market will bear. Toy scalping is most common for comic superheroes and Movie series lines. Toys to a sold-out line may be available at the right price. The stereotypical toy scalping scenario is to go to online auction or forum and purchase them from a “toy collector” for 20% and above what the scalper paid for them.

Toy scalping only apply if the figures that were not release in retail before.

Origins of Toy Scalpers
To know the value which is a Hot toy need some experiences in toy market. At such they are are two origins, one a genuine toy collector turn to a profit makers and another a profit maker who acquire the toy knowledge. Difference is one actually keep a collections of the toys and know the background stories like comic or cartoon of the figure while the other have absolute no idea or could not be bother to know.

Where to find Toy Scalpers
Due to it freelance nature, toy scalpers can normally been found at toy sections during the retail restocking on week days or early toy warehouse sales. Retailers normally do not stop such bulk purchasing as profits already been reached. Bulk purchases can easily be identified although reason like getting for their friends or for personal collection.

Most toy scalpers actually have their own sales channel either in shop, flea market booth or online sales thread or auction. Some regular toy scalpers actually did errand for some local toy shop since they are it is much more regular sales. To certain extend they may move in packs even as a family outing sourcing high and low at retails or sales (Yes whole family affair father, mother and child").

Habits of Toy scalpers
Toy scalpers will always get the mint condition boxes (profitable) or card while leaving the not so good condition one behind. In some cases, they may damage the remaining on purpose so others collectors or scalpers will not get to own a perfect condition ones.

They will get as many as much as 3 or more (as much as they can find or afford) for some figures. Reason they gave can be they can will open one and keep another in the box or getting for their friends.

Then there are the 'accidental scalpers' - the people who purchased more toy figures than they wanted, not knowing friends would don’t want them or they have a change of heart or running out of space (but later find the another same figure on sales from him) who try to recoup their costs by selling the excess or unwanted toy. Some may even do a "field report" on the spot making calls to shops or "friends" (you can tell by their communication).

Toy collector turn scalpers?
It is indeed a possibility that such things happen. Reasons the temptation of some hot figures on sales at the time the toy collector was there. Since toy collector does see the value of the toy decided to get hold resale it later for a profit or at time to spike bake the scalpers. However such behaviors are normally temporal or one off incident (benefit of doubt given).

The battle of Toy collections and Toy Scalpers are on going. As parents willing to pay for kids and lazy or lucky day-job workers toy collector willing to pay extra for the price of the figure, it will always fed the belly of the scalpers to encourage them to go on. The one who really have many to lose are the kids who genuine want to own the hot toy in their childhood.

Ultraman, Super Reborn Chogokin

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:10:37 GMT

I got a Super Reborn Chogokin Ultraman toy 2 weeks ago with my friend, Bayu as it was on sale. I bought it as it will look good with my Godzilla toy. We both share a box (two figure per box, both Ultraman) expecting it will match with SIC Mask Rider with many point of articulation. It was a Chogokin (超合金 Japanese for "Super Alloy") version and the only metal are the feet which gave it a good standing. This feature will soon contribute to the coming disaster.

After 2 days, Bayu told me that the toy was not as flexible as he thought and worst, he broke the knee of his Ultraman. He warned me about the brittle knee joint which he broke it when he was trying to bend the knee. I brushed it off as an one off incident of unlucky or mishandling as mine is still perfectly fine. As I was posing my Ultraman for photo taking, it fell from a height of 1.2 meter and it landed on the ground in two. The knee had given way since the foot was metal, the shock of the fall actually broke the most brittle part which is the knee. Sadness and unbelief set in. How can it happen to me? My 1st Ultraman toy is now handicap...

I fully understood what Bayu was trying to tell me. Beside the joint of the figure were not as flexible enough, it was too brittle to handle a fall as well. We were both deceived by the "Look" of the figure. The articulation fall short and worst, the durability of the toy is really not acceptable.I did the best of what I can for my first Ultraman toy to round up the photo shoots. Some of the remaining shots were taken without any glue on the knee.

It will stay this way now (without glue) but soon I may have to make the difficult decision to glue it tight or not. Sigh...

More details about the S.R.C Ultraman Toy

Keroro and Dororo Real color Model Kit

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 04:18:37 GMT

It has been sometime since I gave a review on toys that I bought. Just last week I pick up these 2 model kits with my wife during shopping. Keroro and Dororo Real color model kits. Originally wanted to get the whole set of 5 but thank goodness I listened to my wife to get 2 to see how it goes. I picked up 2 personal best of these series.

When they said Real color, I thought it is REAL color tone but I stand corrected once I open up the package. It was NOT the real color!! Not even close! Another market gimme...

Assembling the parts was a breeze. Fitting joints and stable pose. Even when it falls on the ground, none of the part cracks (I didn't do this stress test on purpose. It just happen to fall off the table :P ) Dororo color was good. Black really kicks as a Ninja.

The hard part were the stickers. See how ugly the stickers were when it was paste on the body? I thought they should be using Stenter rather than stickers... Some of the stickers cutting was not done properly to peel too! Anyway what can you expect at $13?

I spent 2 hours to get all these done up. I don't think I will get the rest. The promise of True color and the stickers are a disappoint.

Cyber Stomping Optimus Prime

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:59:33 GMT

I was lucky to get a good deal on this toy. Actually have been eying on it for a long time. When I wanted to get it in ToyRus, it was sold out. It was originally S$60 and I managed to get it at S$45 at a fleamarket.

I just wanted a toy with Optimus Prime's voice. Although the Helmet offers the voice of Optimus Prime as well, I still find this figure more appealing. Maybe because of the glowing eyes and a stable standing figure to pose. It runs on 3 AAA Batteries.

I brought it out to play with Oreo. Apparently, she was not interested in it even when the voice was being played. Good! My Optimus Prime is safe. :P

Arcee & Elita-One Transfomers Review

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:00:30 GMT

I got these two babies yesterday. Arcee & Elita-One, both are rare female Autobots. (You just do not get to see many female transformers anyway). Originally I was thinking it would be to scale with my other movie transformers since they were not deluxe series as they were smaller in scale. However it does not appear to be so. Read on and you will know. I am going to review Acree since Elita-one turned out to be a repaint of Acree.

A pleasant surprise was that a Stikfas is in scale to ride these Acree.

The transformation begin!

Just look at the scale when Acree is in Robot mode.

More details shots of Acree. Very well balance even in Heels (yes heels since Acree is a female).

As for the scale with Movie Deluxe BumbleBee, both vehicle and robot mode were not to scale. It is funny how in vehicle Acree seems to be bigger while in robot mode BumbleBee towered over Acree.

Overall very pleased with Acree. Nice and smooth transformation. The face and the body ratio were nicely done. Only thing I felt that her arms can better in design and the gun seems too big for her to handle.

My old He-man & Skeletor

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 01:48:46 GMT

These are my 1st He-man and Skeletor battle armor toy from the 1980s. He-man was my reward from my late mother after I passed my PSLE.

I still can remember that day when I ran into ToyRus at forum mall. There at the He-man section, I found what I am looking for. My first He-man action figure. How can a kid play with He-man without his Nemesis, Skeletor? That following Chinese New Year, I saved my “Ang Bao” money just to get Skeletor. Yes both battle armor version.

The toys are so neat that the armor will roll to display the battle damage to the armor. Just look at the picture below.

I had hours of fun with these 2 toys during my growing up years. Although some of the accessories were lost or damage, they are remain special and memorable to me.

Actually He-man and Skeletor really cannot exist alone without one another. That will make them the best of friends across two decades plus in my toy collection. :)

Venom is Black

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 03:25:10 GMT

It has been 3 month since Spider-man 3 movie screened in Singapore. When the movie was out, many toy collectors were complaining about the size of the toy which is 1 inch shorter than the regular one and the painting error. One of the paint error was Venom painted in purple. Venom is supposed to be black even in the movie it was black.

I was lucky to get a BLACK venom in retail price some time ago which comes with glow in the dark eyes and teeth.

Look cool isn't it? Black is always cool to me.

V for vendetta & Ravage

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:04:54 GMT

Two new toys are added to my collection this week. :)

Be waiting to get the V for sometime but the price was not right. Finally got it at S$20. The coat textures of the figure is NEAT.

Ravage on the other hand was more than the bargain. I got it at 50% discount of the original selling price. All thanks to great Singapore sales.

It was a pleasurable shopping experence especially with the company of my lovely fiancée. Will share with you more photo once I got the time to open the toys up. :)

Barricade Transformer the movie Toy

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 12:59:11 GMT

Just got the Transformers Decepticon Barricade in the movie from retail! I find this is the best looking toy in the series. The wording "To punish and enslave" engraved at the side was just wicked. The detail level of this vehicle is just awesome. Here are some of the shoots I took.

The robot mode was not that bad either however the transformation is not simple as it seems. Compare to the classic series, the movie series is more complicated. Even with the instruction given, it still took me about 5 mins to get the transformation right the first time. The re transformation to the vehicle mode took me another 5 mins.

Along with it come with Frenzy, a mini robot who suppose to transformed to be a speakers or some sort but who cares?

Overall, it is good looking. Trust me, for decepticon, this is the best looking robot toy I have seen so far.

Saber is in the house

Tue, 01 May 2007 14:10:31 GMT

Finally I got hold of the latest Kaiyodo Revoltech Saber from anime Fate Stay Night. Pretty cool! The face was done in details and the coloring was skillfully done. Good quality check on this release. Kaiyodo done it again. I have yet to pose it up for more detail shots. Will do so when I got more time. Meanwhile here some saber for you. Value for money I must say.

Takara Tomy Sports Label Nike Transformers

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:26:52 GMT

I have to give credit to the designer of this series. Prime look cool in transformed mode and in shoe mode. Try not to see it in side view as it may look a bit ridiculous. Exclusively for Prime in red and Magatron in black. Does not come in a pair so cannot wear. :P

View Jap Prime Review here

My friendly Neighbourhood Spideys Photos

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 01:50:43 GMT

Alas I have the time to hang my Spidey toy up. With some strings and tape does the trick. Hanged up my frist Spider-man movie version up while my Origin Black suit spidery stay on the ground. Only got the time to hang one spidey at a time... It really hard work you know. :P

Love my spideys.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Toys

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 00:30:19 GMT

I have never had a complete set of turtles in the history of my toy collections. I remember back in the 80s, I only manage to save up my pocket money to get a Donatello and a Raphael. Soon I gave Raphael away to my nephew as a gift. In the year 2003, I got Leonardo as it was the best in that series.

Why I never get all 4 of them? Because there is something I don’t really like about the turtles toys. The designers / manufacturers never brother to paint the pupils in their eyes which made them looked unfriendly. What they did back then was about cost cutting. Using the same mold and by painting it in different color for their skin and bandanna, you get a different turtle. They don’t even brother to paint the weapon in series one!

Finally the latest movie version came to change just that. First time in the history of the TMNT toy you get to see their expression of their eyes. Each has a different look and personality. But they make Michelangelo look silly and retard as the pupils of the eye look both direction, each of them! Mike should look playful and not retard!! This time they brothers to paint the weapons and best of all, no more press button action figure which to me was good. Sometime those actions really kill a figure. These figures are fully pose able!

The price of TMNT toys was always affordable. The 1^st generation was S$9.90 and that was in the late 80s. The retail price of the latest movie turtles toy cost S$12.90. As you can see, in the gap of 20 years, the price did not fluctuate too much. That is how toy suppose to be, Affordable.

Originally for this series I have only plan to get Raphael as it is the best in the series in my opinion. However my sweet GF surprised me by getting all 4 and take the trouble to wrap it a gift. Thanks Honey. I really love it! My GF too grew up with the turtles cartoon and she used to own a 12 inches figure of Raphael toy, which was her favorite. Hehehe

I have yet to open it up due to space constraint. Once I have open it, I will make a review on it. Nevertheless, they do look good in their packaging. Hm.. maybe I will get a DUDE1 for them. hehehe

Do you know that Shinigami love apples?

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:50:41 GMT

Went lunch with Roy and my other colleagues and surprise to find a Ryuk Doll from deathnote in his car. Apparently he told me it is a gift from a friend who just came back from Thailand. On the way to lunch, I took some pictures and make a story to entertain myself and hopefully you as well. Hehehe

Transformer Classic: Bumble Bee

Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:39:20 GMT

Next to Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee is another of my favourite. He is small in size but big in courage. Beside he is always a friendly transformers who always put a smile on his face.

This time round, Bumble bee was redesign from a Volkswagen Beetle Car to a Suzuki swift. It look great!

It was easy to transform and I really like to play with it so much that my gf have to ask me to stop playing my toy. :P

We fixed Beckham.

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:15:55 GMT

Today My GF and I decided to put our hands to make a D.I.Y stuff toy which I had brought 3 weeks ago.

It was a dog with a soccer jersey No.23.

It come with a birthcert and my GF took the pleasure to fill up.

We named this puppy stuff toy Beckham since it wear the number 23 jersey.

It was easy assembled even for an inexperience guy like me who know nothing about stuff toy. Look good right?

All he need now is a soccer ball.... Any donation? hehehe

King Gainer : Kaiyodo Revolve Tech #007

Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:41:25 GMT

King Gainer is the first Kaiyodo Revolve Tech series I ever collected. When I first saw it on the net, I was capture by its colors. I have never seen the Anime before but when I saw the review of this toy, I decided to go ahead with the purchase. Althought I have to confess that I was a little bit disappointed when I actually pose the figure myself. Being a action figure lover, the flexibility of the toy matters to me most. Nevertheless, the colors and the affortable prices once again justify my purchase. Just look at the poses below and you will know what I mean.

AFRO GUNSO KERORO

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:16:24 GMT

Today I finally took the effort to assemble AFRO KERORO GUNSO model kit which I had purchase a month ago. The reason I have been holding back was because this model kit need much painting. I brought a FLAT BLACK and a White paint to paint the shirt, hair and the flooring of the model kit.

It have been almost a decade that I have not hold any paint brush to paint (all because of the invention of digital coloring). To be honest, I cant really hold a brush well as a painter. I was disapointed yet I expected some coloring will be out of line. I even forgot to buy a green paint to paint keroro hands. Nevertheless overall effect is acceptable...for my standard. hehehe

Chibi Keroro

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 01:44:35 GMT

Yes. I finally have the time to assemble my chibi Keroro. this is when keroro was a kid.

Chibi Keroro : Oh! who is this looking at us?

Keroro: Kero kero... Is one of my fans.

Chibi keroro: Fans? then why can't i feel the wind?

Keroro: .....(Im wasn't so bright when i was young...)

Masked Rider - The First

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 09:03:33 GMT

When I was 7 years old in the 80s. That was the 1st time I saw Mask rider No.1 and 2on TV. As a kid, I was fascinated by the masked rider transformation and cool effect fighting with the monsters. During that time I drew this for a class drawing contest and I got a prize for it too. hehehe

The new design was so good that i purchase the S.I.C figure of THE FIRST.

Here take a look at it before it was still in the box.

These two figures are fully flexible. they can almost do any nice position. Value for money for playablity indeed.

Introducing the NEW No.1 (on your left ) & No.2 (on your right)

No.1: Do I look cool or what? blow wind blow.

No.2: Im more cool in green! This mask is my favourite!

Here a back view of the figures.

Overall these 2 figures are value for money. It is currently so hot that a great demand is on them. However the movie itself was not as hot as the figures due to its storyline. sigh...

In the new movie, there is no more "Henshin" transformation. :duh: