Playarts Kai Street Fighter Ryu and Chun-li Official Images

- Ryu and Chun-Li
- release date: November 2011
- 5,200 yen each
- Ryu stands 24 centimeters tall (almost 9.5 inches)
- optional hand parts (open palms
- Hadouken accessory with a transparent base
- optional face part (open mouth)
- Chun-Li stands 22 centimeters tall (just about 8.6 inches)
- optional face and hand parts
- Kikouken accessory with a transparent base

DX Fourze Driver CM!!!

Debuting next week September 4, Fourze will hit your TV screens (or your favorite sub channels/websites). But before everything else, we have now an official Fourze toy - the DX Fourze driver. Will you get one? It features the henshin switches that forms his arms and legs into Drill parts and Rocket Arm especially his hissatsu atatck - the Limit Break. Check it out.

Toy Review: SIC Kiwami Tamashii Machine Tornador

This is a chibi version of the re-imagined S.I.C. Machine Tornador. How I love to use the word re-imagined. It has been about two years since Bandai produced a Kiwami Tamashii bike and I was pretty excited when I finally had one. I couldn't find its regular SIC version nowadays so I opted to get this instead. It's great if you have SIC KT Agito too. This is the reason why SIC KT Agito has the extra holding hands, to prepare for the machine that makes the rider.

The facade of the box is like your any SIC Kiwami design. This is slightly the biggest SIC Kiwami box as of this post and it promises a fun and delightful play for the fan-based SIC collector. Blurbs are shortened to SIC logos but behind, showcases different layouts on how this toy is supposedly worked with as a stand alone or with your SIC Kiwami Agito.

Toy Review: BB Gundam Shin Toutaku Zaku

 

The leader of the Toutaku faction in the Battle Brave Warrior series seen in Season 1 holding the Gyokuji.

I think Toutaku Zaku is the biggest BB Gundam I have to date. Towering over the likes of Ryubi. He should look menacing because he is an evil monger. I like him a lot as he has more joints than the rest of the BB Gundams. Best of all, he almost need no Gundam markers because he is perfect as is.

Gundam instructions are written in Japanese but that wouldn't deter you in finding which part goes to which joint. These are easy to follow.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider OOO Shauta Combo

Everybody now...sachi, unagi, TAKOOOOOO sha sha Shauta, sha sha SHAUTA!!!

The sixth Kamen Rider OOO SH Figuarts is here. This blue combo comprises of three marine core medals namely Shachi (killer whale), Unagi (Eel) and Tako (Octopus).

Shauta obviously came in with a blue stylized box design and blue, purple, blue rings. The box design is not that far from its OOO releases. The silver letters are still in hotfoil.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider 1 (Ichigo)

First and foremost, when I started collecting SHF Kamen Riders, I vowed to only get Hsieh riders and no Showa. Something changed my mind. As a toy reviewer, I should be updated on all of  the collection of that line. As almost a year that passed, SHFs architecture and precision engineering got better. Especially with the dawn of Showa riders starting with Ichigo. Damn. 

Kamen Rider 1 or Shin Ichigo for the true believers, has a brand new packaging style, though it was flicked down by comments on my youtube channel that it is just a spin-off from Sentai SHFs. Still, the box is a fresh new look all together in the advent of that one rider that started it all. The stylized box window enables the onlooker to see more items that the previous designs. Even if SHF Ichigo a regular-released rider, it looks more elegant. Simple black design. 

Toy Review: Robotech Macross VF-1A (Revoltech)

This is one of the review requests I received from the Facebook Fan Page and it goes out to Mr. EJ Padero. He was like insisting for me to do this. I obliged but I have mixed impressions and learned a lot from this Macross Revoltech line experience.

In my previous with Kaiyodo/Revoltech joints, I found it at first interesting how Kaiyodo will execute this. I researched more about the Revoltech line and this is my first encounter of a transforming figure. It's unheard of, at least for me. Because most of the robots that Kaiyodo released, not even their Transformers line  transforms to vehicle mode.

Rurouni Kenshin Shin Kyoto-Hen Release in December

Aniplex production company announced that the Rurouni Kenshin anime seroes will have a two-part Shin Kyoto-Hen (New Kyoto Arc) original video anime series. Its initial release will be played in Japanese theaters this December.

This story is a remake of Nobuhiro Watsuki's manga and anime adaptation. Former Director of the series Kazuhiro Furahashi and Studio Deen are returning to create the said video.  Mari Okada (AnoHana, Wandering Son) is writing the scripts this time. Art designers are also named:  Hiromitsu Hagiwasra known for Saint Beast ~Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen will be doing the theatrical release while Hiro Kaburaki famous for his works in Kimi ni Todoke will take over as the episode director.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Ankh Stand Set

Ahh, one of my spur-of-the-moment pre-ordered items for the month of August. The SH Figuarts Ankh Stand Set. I'm not so sure why I wanted one probably I was interested on how this will turn out. The Ankh Stand Set is actually a pretty release and it is not exclusive (it shouldn't be at 20 bucks). This is far better than the exclusive Unkh figure that came with first release SHF Tatoba.

The package is half the size of a regular SHF release but still retains the bo art of the SHF Kamen Rider OOO release. Just see it as a pint-size SHF box. Instead of Unkh as previously spelled on the 1st Tatoba Release, we have now Ankh as per the subbed videos we see on sites such as TV Nihon.

Toy Review: Action Works Shaider

Shouketsu. Uchuu Keiji Shaider...how can I not forget the days when I was so excited every Sunday morning watching every single episode. Actually, it is from this tokusatsu show I have come to learn and love the mystery of history - Incans , Pyramids, Rice Terraces craved from mountains and alike. There are some things that you really learn from watching, besides learning a bit of Japanese (phrases at least).

To those who weren't born in the early 80's, Shaider's human form Dai Sawamura is an archeology student who has deciphered some Nazacan hieroglyphics which impressed the Galactic Union Police and given a code name Shaider who some 12,000 years ago defeated the Fuuma empire lead by Emperor Kubilai. When the empire came back to wreak havoc, Shaider also returned. I didn't pay attention to Dai, as I was in my pubescent stage - I was more keen to his partner Annie. You must see her in action to find out why. That's my short history with the show.

Rebellions Seeks Investors

After Toei opened its Youtube account, the company recently posted a demo-movie entitled "Rebellions" that was produced inside Toei's Digital Center Tsukun Laboratory.

The demo is like a mash of Sucker Punch and Final Fantasy: Spirits within. This was directed by Koichi Sakamoto well known for the Super Sentai series. Rebellions stars familiar faces from the tokusatsu ring namely Nao Nagasawa (Ninpū Sentai Hurricaneger/Kamen Rider W/Double), Minami Tsukui (Kamen Rider Den-O), and Saaya Irie (Hell Girl, Kyo no Gononi).

Rebellions' short demo ends with a pitch to investors.

Saban Registers "PowerRider.org”

Saban is really getting into the Power Rider wave as they finally registered PowerRider.org. This breaking news is brought to you by our friendly neighborhood Henshin Justice Unlimited's- Keith Justice. According to rumors, Power Rider will be Saban's take on Kamen Rider Decade. Nothing has been confirmed as of date but it is exciting to speculate nonetheless. 

Toei's Youtube Channel Open to Everyone

 

Toei has finally opened its YouTube channel to viewers outside Japan. You can now watch your favorite classic tokusatsu shows like Shaider, Gavan, Goranger, Kamen Rider V3, Kikaider, Kamen Rider Agito and Kakuranger.

Unfortunately, these shows are raw so there are no subtitles on these. What we are hoping is that they open Super Sentai movies and Net Movies as well.

At least the classics can be watched for free and legally via Youtube without the cost. 

Visit Toei's official channel here.

Tamashii Festival Hong Kong 2011 Images

Held at the Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the Tamashii Nations event brought more mouth-watering SH Figuarts to its plate. As always, Bandai went full mach with their successful toy line to date. Some of the SHF figures showcased are the following:

After the release of Ichigo and Amazon this month and Nigo, V3 will have his own form SH Figaurts style. I guess more Showa riders to come soon.

Gashapon Ranger Key Set 4 Released Soon

Gashapon Ranger Key Set 4 has been on display in various events and blogsites but there are new announcements as to when these will be available in the market. The set will feature a lot of sixth ranger keys in including Kiba Ranger, Time Fire, Mega Silver, King Ranger, Gao Silver and the rest of the Gao Rangers, Shinken Red and Gokai Silver.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Faiz Axel

Standing by. Welcome to my review of  the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Faiz Axel , the third  release and second Faiz form by Bandai. He is the first Kamen Rider to use time and speed as his weapon. I cannot fathom how I just adore the show as this is the third Kamen Rider show I watched since I rekindled my love for the franchise. From the time I saw Kaixa throwing the Axel watch to him, I knew back then the story will be one of the most epic stories in rider history. Though I am equally disgusted how Kaixa is utterly useless in the show. Enough about Kaixa, I'm here to talk about Axel.

Let's quickly run through the accessories. He continues to have the Faiz phone in three modes - gun, gun with pointer on top and the phone mode. There are no difference between the sculpt, mold and paint here. The Faiz pointer, and hand embedded - Faiz shot are also available. A wand-signal-looking Faiz Edge to add to the look, two Faiz Drivers and last but not the least the Faiz watch hence the Axel transformation.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Shinken Green

I thought that Shinken Green and Blue will come in a two pack. Instead, Bandai separated the two so it will would be harder for us collectors to find each (what a pain). I don't believe this two pack idea would happen anyway since the two have massive weapons and I don't think it would  fit or Bandai to put a little effort to increase the box size. Again, I won't argue why these are exclusive figures....I gave up already. 

Shinken Green (Tani Chiaki) much like Blue has the same articulation points and poseability just like the other Shinkenger releases in the SH Figuarts line. I won't dwell on this much anymore, as you already know by now how these works. I won't detail the box art as well as the design is not far from Blue's, just change the color to green and paste Chiaki's image in. 

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider OOO Tamashii Combo

 

SH Figuarts Kamen Rider OOO Tamashii Combo is this year's Tamashii Festival offering. I pretty much knew that Tamashii combo will be announced in the festival and an exclusive nonetheless. But honestly, he is not one my anticipated releases just like how Kamen Rider Joker debuted last year. Tamashii Combo is one of unimagined combination from the 40th Kamen Rider Anniversary film - Let's Go Kamen Riders. 

The box is just ok for my taste. Its cover has a scrapbook design going on -  torn paper, cut outs and a photo copy/carbon image of Kamen OOO. OOO is positioned for his Tamashii Bomber attack. At the back of the box is a familiar silhouette art similar to Rising Kuugas that were released about 2 years ago. 

Toy Review: Revoltech Iron Man Mark VI

Iron Man Mark 6 is my first ever review for the Revoltech line. As I promised to diversify more and dwell on other stuffs than SH Figuarts. I was convinced by a friend in HWM Singapore to buy this out from him, his sales talk worked on me. Besides it's Iron Man so no need for further pitches. I'm not setting expectations when I finally had him so I'll try to be honest in doing this written review. 

Mark 6 is the moment when Tony Stark's old power core was failing and killing him. Nick Fury opens a suggestion to check on his Tony's father's notes for clue to find a solution - build a new palladium core. With the aid of his server brain child J.A.R.V.I.S., has created a new arc reactor which came with the new suit. Thus the legend of Iron Man Mk. 6 moves on.

OOO Net Movie - Featuring Kamen Rider Fourze

 

Another OOO All Stars Net Movie has been ripped for all of us to see. This time it features Dr. Maki analyzing and tempted to dissect Kamen Rider Fourze's Astro Switches, naughty naughty.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Shinken Blue

I couldn't fathom the idea the rest of the Sh Figuarts Shinkenger team would be exclusive. I would get Bandai's ruling if Gold or Red were exclusive. But Blue? And how come SHF Gokai Blue and Green are not? For this day fourth, I wouldn't argue who should be an exclusive, who is not. I give up. Anyway continuing on.

Ikenami Ryunosuke also as known as Shinken Blue, the water samurai, is impressive despite the errrm heavy price tag. I was truly anticipating this release when I  pre-ordered this through The Falcon's Hangar. There are no big difference in terms of  design but as expected this is on a blue color and thinner because he doesn't have a Rekka. Ikenami's name is imprinted on the box and you would likely to see these human names for the rest of the Shinkenger figures. 

Bandai Premiers Online Card Game Cyber One

Bandai and Net Carddass have teamed up to release an online card game called "Cyber One" that is set to debut on October 28.

Cyber One is a role playing styled games set in 2030. Players like you can create avatars and summon creatures to battle other players. There are battle league modes in the game and can choose from four "companies" featured in the game. Bandai is targeting men in their late teens to 30s for this game.

To play, you can purchase boosters packs for 315 yen or in a vending machine that will give you two card about  200 yen. There will be 120 different cards available at the outset.

Source: ANN

Fourze Switch On Sounds

 

If you are wondering what are the different sounds for Fourze's Astro Switches, the latest Gambaride Commercial will show you. Other than showcasing Kamen Rider Fourze, it also features the show's new narrator - Nobuyuki Hiyama

Kamen Rider Fourze THEME!!!

Kamen Rider Fourze's theme is called "Rocket Rider" and the theme song is called "Switch On" which the latter is rumored to be sung by Acid Black Cherry.

Since Kamen Rider Fourze already introduced himself as a cameo in the upcoming OOO Movie, Wonderful the Rocket Rider theme has been released. Below is what the theme would sound like.

SHF Super Saiyan Exclusive to US

Something the rest of Dragonball fans in Asia need to source out.

SH Figuarts is set to hit the US shores after the release of the SH Figuarts Super Saiyan Goku. This SDCC exclusive figure was announced by Bluefin, a US distributor. The release and selection was made by a amass of Dragonball fans in the United States through a fan survey.

You may find more details about this figure on the Tamashii Web Shop page and set to be released on December 2011. 

Source: p-bandai.jp 

ANOTHER TOY GIVEAWAY AT CLIMAX!!!!

Here are the mechanics:

1. Find a Nega/Dark Rider review I posted here on youtube. When I say Nega/Dark Rider, I mean the exact dark opposite of the main rider for example Ryuga. So Shadowmoon doesn’t count.

2. Copy the url/link and email me your answers to Firestarter1331@gmail.com

Email subject line: Firestarter’s Bday Giveaway 1.

Don’t forget to place your youtube, blog, twitter or facebook username when submitting your entry. As long as you are a subscriber to any of my channels and sites you are in!

Deadline of submission is Friday, August 19th 11:00pm JST.

This contest is only open to subscribers to any of Firestarter’s channels (twitter, facebook, blog or youtube)

Good Luck.

Power Rangers SPD (Japanese Dub)

The tables have turned, the Japanese are subbing Power Rangers with Power Rangers SPD. What is surprising is that the characters from Dekaranger (Japanese original SPD) are doing the dubbing for the Power Ranger Characters.

It features the voices of the former Dekaranger team on their SPD counterparts: Ryuji Sainei, Tsuyoshi Hayashi Yousuke Ito, Ayumi Kinoshita, Mika Kikuchi, Tomokazu Yoshida and Tetsu Inada.

Kamen Rider OOO Kangaroo Medal (TakaGaruBa)

Introduced in the market as a Core Medal for Gambaride Machine and was an exclusive medal in Televikun magazine, the Kangaroo Core Medal will actually be used in one of the Kamen Rider OOO Hyper Battle Video.

It starts of as Hina found a Kangaroo Core Medal and simply wanted to be a Kamen Rider. But since Eiji has the OOO Driver, Hina dared Eiji to use the Kangaroo medal. In the August issue of the Televikun Magazine Kamen Rider OOO's Hyper Battle Video named Quiz, and Dance, and TakaGaruBa it features the screencaps of OOO transforming into TakaGaruBa Combo.

The Kangaroo Core medal can be used as the arms or legs (with a tail) of Kamen Rider OOO and the finisher is called Champion Puncher!

Satonaka Becomes Kamen Rider Birth

 

First it was rumored the Hina would become a Kamen Rider. However in recent blog posts, it is Gotou's support Erika Satonaka, will be changing into Kamen Rider Birth but only in Kamen Rider OOO net movies. Net movies are mini episodes that usually shows funny alternatives and tidbits about the show and Kamen Riders. The net movie is entitled "Net Movie Kamen Rider OOO ALL STARS: 21 Leading Actors and Core Medals!”

There will be 21 episodes from July 8 to November 30, 2011 and a bonus feature that will be aired some time in the future. Each episode costs 157 yen.

Chogokin and Robot Summer 2011 Tamashii Festival

New SCAN: S.H.Figuarts Lost Ankh

Price: 3,465 Yen
Release Date: December 2011

Preview: S.H.Figuarts Gokai Yellow

Pre-Order Date: August 5, 2011
Price: 3,990 Yen
Release Date: December 2011

ANKH HAND 1/1 SCALE PVC

Can get enough with Ankh's hand? On sale is the 1/1 scale of Ankh's hand.

Price: 13,000 Yen
Release Date: April 2011

Saban Brands Signs Power Rider

In more surprising news, Saban Brands recently registered in the US POWER RIDER. There are speculations that this will be an adaptation of Kamen Rider Decade to be in line with Power Rangers Samurai.

For those who watched these two tokusatsu shows simultaneously, you'll remember that there was an episode where Kamen Rider Decade crossed over Shinkenger's realm. We already have this footage so it will be easier for Saban to adapt this. The question is, Decade has 10 Hsieh Main Rider powers, how will Saban execute this when Black RX and Dragon Knight were only shows premiered in the US?

Steve Wang, the director of Kamen Rider Dragon Knight has interest in adapting Kamen Rider 555 or Kabuto.

Source: HJU

OOO-medal set 5 SP released!

CStoys International demoed the recently released the latest Kamen Rider OOO Medal Set - the Medal Set SP from Bandai. The core medals forms the Burakawani combo. The set also features are our first look at the DX Fourze's switch number 5.

This has the three "lost" core medals - Cobra, Kame and Wani that was featured in the movie Kamen Rider OOO Wonderful: The shogun and 21 cores. The bonus switch is an Astro Switch which activates the Magic Hand. However, this is somewhat useless at face value without the Fourze Driver coming this September. So you need to wait till the driver hit shelves.

Demo By CS TOYS

Kamen Rider OOO Music Videos and Singles PV

Te o Tsunagō ~Matsuken × Kamen Rider Samba (Let's Hold Hands ~Matsuken × Kamen Rider Samba) by Ken Matsudaira feat. Eiji & Ankh - team song of Kamen Rider OOO WONDERFUL Shogun and 21 Medals movie. Kamen Rider OOO - Time Judged All full PV By Shu Watanabe and Ryosuke Miura and

Reverse/Re:birth PV Full

Toy Review: Revoltech Devil May Cry 3 Dante

I've always wanted my own Dante figure ever since I played Devil May Cry 3 on the old Playstation 2 back in circa 2006. This was also the time me and my friends were so hooked in playing Resident Evil.

Devil May Cry somehow for me revolutionized the smash button game genre. Dante's movements in the game was so versatile and had a lot of sword slashing and gun blazing variations which paved way to similar games like Bayonetta. Fast forward 5 years, I finally have one in a form of Kaiyodo's Revoltech series. I bought this because I am still waiting to get my hands on the Play Arts Kai version. As a cheapy and impatient me, I instinctively bought this on ebay for 10 bucks. Not bad.

I won't go much on detail about the box because when I got him from shipping, it had a lot of tear and creases on it. Blame it on poor handling. Just conclude that it is a Revoltech box.

Vlog - When I say Big it is BIG

Soon to review (not in particular order):
SHF Faiz Axel
SHF Kamen Rider Ichigo
SHF Ankh Hand Set
SHF Shauta
Action Works Gavan and Shaider
Play Arts Kai Nero
Faiz Jet Sriger RC
SIC Kiwami Todoroki
SIC Kiwami Zanki
SIC Kiwami Kamen Rider Knight