Takeru Satoh is Kenshin Himura

Live-Action Rurouni Kenshin Film Image has recently been published in Jumpsquare's Jan 2012 issue. Satoh who used to play as Ryotaro Nogami/Kamen Rider Den-O in the TV series is the actor for the title character in the live-action Rurouni Kenshin. The Rurouni Kenshin Live film will open on August 25, 2012. 

Toy Review: S.I.C. Skyrider

In the past, I had doubts and have little expectation on the S.I.C line because of reports that joints break, bad articulation points and even if they look pleasing, provides low ROI for its user. It is to a point that you would not dare to take off these figures out of the box in fear, albeit its ridiculous price point.

That has changed as I dig deeper in the SIC line with the new showa riders coming into the foray. To finally shatter my dismay, I picked up SIC Skyrider to keep check if there will be developments in terms of playability. Welcome to my review of the S.I.C. Skyrider. Together lets explore.

Gokaiger vs. Gavan New Scans

Jouchaku! We now have new images of the upcoming Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan THE MOVIE with prison scenes and three characters that Kenji Ohba has taken namely Battle Kenya DenjiBlue and of couse Uchuu Keiji Gavan. It is also confirmed that these Ohba characters will work together side by side.

The images also revealed some unexpected casts returning in the movie such as Kegaleshia, Kita-chan and Yogostein, villains from Go-Onger and Shizuka of the Winds from Boukenger. They are also in Makuu Prison where all villains dead or alive are kept there. In addition to Vancuria, the Gokaigers' previous enemies Mons Drake, Kinggon, Jealoushitto and Robogorg are also here.

MEGAMAX Movie Stage Greeting

On November 28th, Hello! Project’s Mano Erina and actor Fukushi Sota attended a stage greeting for the upcoming film, “Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze & Ozu MOVIE Taisen MEGA MAX“.

Mano, who plays the role of ‘Kamen Rider Nadeshiko’, commented, “Before we started filming, I was uncertain. However, director Sakamoto requested to make his heart flutter, so I did my best.” She added, “With each cut, the director would tell me that I’m cute… I’ve never been told that I was cute that much in one day before.”

“Kamen Rider × Kamen Rider Fourze & Ozu MOVIE Taisen MEGA MAX” is the latest of the ‘Kamen Rider MOVIE Taisen’ series. The story is split into 5 parts, and will feature appearances by both Kamen Rider Fourze and Kamen Rider Ozu/OOO.

Tokumei Sentai Gobusters Cast and Plot Rumors

Rumors have been circulating that there are three rangers that will appear first on the initial episodes of Tokumei Sentai Gobusters. These are RedBuster, BlueBuster, and YellowBuster. We also have a tentative list of actors who will be playing the part namely: RedBuster, Sakurada Hiromu (played by Suzuki Katsuhiro), BlueBuster, Iwasaki Ryuuji (played by Baba Ryouma), and YellowBuster, Usami Youko (played by Arisa Komiya).

Moreover here are more show rumors and treatment of the show (ignore my side comments while I list it down):

SH Figuarts Gosei Knight Images

Together with the official announcement of the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Birth Prototype is SHF Gosei Knight from Tensou Sentai Goseiger. This Knight Headder comes with 8 hands, A Leon Laser in Sword and Gun Mode, Leon Dynamic Laser and an open and closed Leon Cellular. Release Date April 2012, Price 3,675 Yen.

Souce: Bandai.jp

SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Birth (Re-Birth) Prototype images

Bandai's Tamashiiwebshouten site has posted details on another upcoming SH Figuarts offering - Kamen Rider Birth (Re-Birth) Prototype. This figures comes with replaceable hands, head, a Birth Breast Cannon, Crane Arm and Core medal effect parts. The site also warns that the photo is just a prototype (no pun intended) and actual figure may vary. Price 3,675 Yen, Release Date: April 2012. 

Fourze 12: "Life Mission of Kengo" - Sub

Here's the sub version of Fourze ep 12: Life Mission of Kengo "Shi Mei Ken Mei" (使・命・賢・命).  After the destruction of the Rabbit Hatch locker, the Kamen Rider Club must find a way to save Kengo while dealing with the Pyxis Zodiarts. Kengo, is getting impatient and frustrated. In his mind he is quite regretting why KRC was formed in the first place. He tries to reach out and think of his father on how he endured loneliness in space, Kengo feels he doesn't want to die alone in space. 

Yuki's freakingly obsessed Astronomy Club member vows to get revenge to all the girls who have denied him before through a bus ride of death. Will the KRC revive after this? Who is Mitsuaki Gabou (the Red-Eyed Man)? Is Sonoda part of something big?

Gokaiger 40: "The Future Is In the Past" - Sub

On their usual lunch, the Gokaigers are surprised to see Gozyu Drill outside the Gokai Galleon. While Gai is inspecting the situation he is presented with Timeranger Domon's hologram which he shared with the rest of the team. Domon asked them to go back on October 2010 (during the Goseiger/Shinkenger movie) to protect the Megakure Temple to find another greatest treasure of the Super Sentai legacy. The temple mentioned exploded during that time.

Even if Gai already received Time Ranger's power (through TimeFire) the suspect that there is another Sentai ultimate power hidden in the temple. The Pirates find Shinkengers and Goseigers taking down Gedoushuus and Beebies and, I guess if you have watched the movie you know what happens next. In short, Gokaigers have taken their part in history. Gai is left behind to protect the temple against

Short ZanKTO and Metal Alice.

Gokaiger VS Gavan Plot Update!

Numerous rumors will shatter our thoughts on the Gokaiger Vs. Gavan the Movie. The movie's official website has included some updates regarding the plot. There is also a hint that this maybe the grounds to revive the metal hero genre.

It is also the commemoration of 30th anniversary of Uchuu Keiji Gavan TV series which aired in 1982. This series is also known as X-Or in France, Sky Ranger Gavin in the Philippines, and Space Cop Gaban in Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This series began the Space Sheriff Series (宇宙刑事シリーズ Uchū Keiji Shirīzu?) and featured a police hero sent to Earth to battle a rampaging force of aliens. This series is visually influenced by Star Wars.

MEGAMAX Movie Extended Promo Trailer!

 Since the upcoming movie Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Fourze & OOO Movie Wars MEGAMAX is nearing and we are almost in the month of December, Toei recently aired an extended trailer of the movie. These scenes from these might be familiar from previous magazine scans but this time we will see some of the characters in action like Nadeshiko, Poseidon and the rider from the future Aqua.

It is mentioned on the trailer that a series of meteor showers has seen on earth and Foundation X's Lem Kannagi wants to harvest that energy with Zodiarts Switches and Core Medals leading to a war. Aqua comes back in time to warn OOO and Fourze. Kamen Rider W's Philip and Shotarou also helps on the scene. Maybe its the end of the World. 

Gokaiger EP 40: The Future Is In the Past - Raw

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger episode 40 is entitled "The Future Is In the Past". A video feed reaches Gokaiger from the future c/o Timeranger's Domon aka Timeyellow. Timeyellow taps the team to go back and help Shinkengers and Goseigers in the hour of need, even if they don't know yet they exist. The pirates set out to October 2, 2010 during the Goseigers VS Shinkengers the movie. Goseiger's enemy, Agent Metal Alice appears in this episode taking note of the Gokaiger's powers.

Fourze 13: Rejection From School - Preview

Kamen Rider Fourze's 13th episode is entitled "The Rejection from School" (Gak Kō Kyo Zetsu 学・校・拒・絶). Sakuya Tachibana aka Kamen Rider Garren together with Kousei Amano guest stars on this episode.

Gentaro and his friends work to befriend Shunya Miura (the expelled player who used the Zodiarts Switch) after he has been expelled, and the new Principal Kouhei Hayami arrives. This episode airs on December 4, 2011.

Fourze 12: "Life Mission of Kengo" - Raw

On Episode 11, we saw the KRC locker blown up to bits by Zodiarts. The rest of the team must find a way to save Kengo, probably from madness while dealing with the Pyxis Zodiarts. The said Zodiarts is Yuki's Astronomy Club member. This classmate apparently is madly in love with her and uses the Zodiarts Switch to get to Yuki.

Kengo also tells the tale how he found the Rabbit Hatch through a birthday present which looks like from the Kougami Foundation. Initially, it was rumored when Fourze was announced, that it was Eiji who gave the switch to Gentaro. 

Gokaiger 41 Preview: Something I Don't Want To Lose

After the posting a preview of Gokaiger episode 41, here are tidbits for the upcoming episode, centering this time on Ahim de Famille aka GokaiPink. This and next week will be a tribute to Timeranger on the start of festive December. This episode is entitled "Something I Don't Want To Lose" "Nakushitakunai Mono" (なくしたくないもの).

On this episode, Emperor Ackdos Gill makes a move after Walz Gill's death. Ackdos has summoned his elite guard Dyrandoh and Zatslig. Ahim goes to war for Zatslig is behind the destruction of Ahim's home planet Famille. Wow the planet is named after their family.

Kenji Ohba X3 in Gokaiger vs. Gavan

It is confirmed that Kenji Ohba will reprise his role as Gavan, Denji Blue and Battle Kenya in the Gokaigers vs Gavan the movie slated in January 2011. So far the story goes that Gavan is a space sheriff ought to capture the pirates. Gavan has no idea what the Gokaigers stand up for so Gavan still sees the six-man team fugitives.

During a battle between Captain Marvelous and the Space Sheriff, Gavan was captured by a red gavan named Gavan Bootleg. In this journey, Captain Marvelous remembers that during his childhood he was saved by Retsu Ichijouji aka Space Sheriff Gavan. Felt that there is something wrong, the pirates are off to the worst prison in the Galaxy to save Gavan. 

Here's more of Gavan Bootleg. 

Hobby Link Japan offers Flat Shipping Rates

On Black Friday November 25, online figure shop Hobby Link Japan is offering a flat rate of 980 yen for SAL and 1,980 yen for EMS, per order, for orders of any size, to any destination in the world excluding Japan. Yes, if you have purchased items in stock between 2pm November 25 and 2pm November 26, 2011 (Japan Standard Time; GMT+9) you can get it on a flat rate, even if you have 45 items in one shipping - no matter what the size. 

Check out their promo here.

Legend Core Medals and Switches in Megamax Movie

It's that time of the year again when Kamen Rider series celebrates the festive Christmas holiday. For the Kamen Rider Club, it will be their first Christmas together. On this scan, you can see Kengo on the right side wearing a blue glove with wires. Is this new device related to Meteor or to Fourze?

As also know by now Kamen Rider Meteor, Fourze's secondary rider, will make his debut on both the series and in Megamax the movie. The Meteor Driver user's name is Gray, a transfer student. According to rumors, Kamen Rider Meteor is actually an alien ought to warn Kengo of an upcoming Rider War called the Great Space War.

More SH Figuarts Images from Tamashii Nations 2011

On my previous posts for the latest SH Figuarts unlisted releases I've mentioned that Amiami posted some SH Figuarts photos. They are actually from the Tamashii Nations 2011 event held recently. And with the help of fellow fanatics from HJU, more images have been leaked to make you drool

The said new and clearer SH Figuarts images have been leaked, will provide you a full view of the upcoming figures hopefully to come in 2012. These include Kamen Rider Zolda (Ryuki), Kamen Rider Raia (Ryuki), Gosei Knight (Goseiger), Kamen Rider Ryuga (Ryuki) and Teddy Imagin from Kamen Rider Den-O (Den-O). More images to come and details for release date soon. Also I've added a close-up image of Den-O Sword Form via 2chan.

OMG!!! SH Figuarts Den-O Sword Form seen!!!

For those who have been waiting for this moment to come, we have now a glimpse of the SH Figuarts Den-O Sword Form c/o online hobby store Amiami via twitter account. The details are not clearly seen but if you take a look at your far right after SH Figuarts Den-O Strike Form and Imagin Teddy, there you have Den-O Sword in the familiar Ore Sanjou pose. 

Leaked!!! SH Figuarts Dekarangers, Kamen Rider Stronger and Hyper Shinken Red

Dang it! I knew it. Amiami twitter account (@amiami_figure) recently revealed new and upcoming SH Figuarts but not yet slated when will these be released. These photos tweeted came from a display show in Japan. One of them I have predicted recently which are the SH Figuarts Shinken Red Hyper form and Gedou Shinken Red.

Other pictures reveal SH Figuarts Deka Rangers. It is not yet announced whether Deka Master will also be included in the toy line (most probably yeah). Another showa rider is also coming, SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Stronger! It seems that Stronger will include a lightning effects part on its slew of accessories. 

Bandai Entertainment to Close Online Store By End 2011

Bandai Entertainment said that they will hold an online sale today in line with the closing of their e-commerce site. This sale will transpire from today till the company shuts down their site on (http://store.bandai-ent.com/), December 29, 2011.

Discounts will go up to 50% off on selected item. The company encourages to use all of their acquired points from previous store purchases and no orders will be accepted after 5pm PST, December 29, 2011.

Bandai Entertainment will continue to sell their DVDs, Blu-rays and related merchandises on other online stores.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ketaros

I've finally finished reviewing the God Speed Love movie riders with SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ketaros. Ketaros is in my opinion the most appealing from the three. Even if the base of the head is like Hercus and Caucasus, there is something unique on its posture which I couldn't pinpoint where.

I guess that  these riders are plain okay to play with. There are no hindrances on articulation point and show no stigma from the first released figures in the SHF Kabuto line, meaning bow legs. Since the joints again are the same with Caucasus and Hercus, I won't dwell on this too much. So as the box art.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Caucasus

This is my review of the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Caucasus from the Movie God Speed Love. Caucasus is the main honcho of the trio but he doesn't look so scary and the fierceness is seemingly not there. Unless you are afraid of this rider mustache - LOL. Amongst the trio, I remember he is the only movie rider whose name was mentioned. We had no clue on the other two until we read it on online blogs and other toku-related news or even the toy released. I won't detail the box art as I've already covered this on Hercus.

Articulation points are the same with Hercus with the same mold on the left pointy shoulder pad, chest, lower torso and legs. Change the rest of the metallic body apps to mustard yellow and you have Caucasus. I'm not really a fan of the color but that is what Toei presented and therefore needs to be translated to its Figuarts figure. The head sculpt is a likely a Hercus remold for its base then covered a new metallic mask.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Hercus

This is my review of the SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Hercus from the Kabuto movie God Speed Love. Getting these old figures were an easy target because they have been abundant in almost most of the auction sites and japan online stores. On my Youtube channel my review for this was also quick because there is not a lot to talk about Hercus a figure. But still, while I am waiting for the new figures to arrive, let me get a whack on this two-year old figure.

Its box design is provides a familiar face to the long-time SHF collector. Enveloped in a grey shinny finish with modest black letters to cap it off. On the back are pictures of different poses and a watermark that says Masked Rider Hercus. The monicker Masked Rider used instead of Kamen Rider was optimally used to engage customers not only in local Japan but it was Bandai's effort to capture audiences across the globe. And they have successfully done it thanks to youtube reviewers such as your truly.

WB Talks to Ken Watanabe for Akira Movie

Entertainment news site, Twitch recently reported that Gary Oldman is now out of the big screen manga classic Akira. Now the entertainment company Warner Bros. has placed its sights on veteran actor Ken Watanabe from The Last Samurai, Batman and Inception fame. Watanabe is offered the role of Colonel on the Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira manga. Ken Watanabe might be an obvious choice and would feed the audience's clamor for a Japanese actor to play on the film. Akira will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. 

Source: Twitch

Toy Review: S.I.C. Alternative Zero and Kamen Rider Ryuga

My affirmation that I am also going on the S.I.C. way. This is my review of the S.I.C. Alternative Zero and Kamen Rider Ryuga. I've mentioned this a couple of times, it is one of my regrets in overlooking how great SICs are - aesthetically. Getting this two-pack is what I call an accidental surprise. It caught my eye over eBay which was selling at 25 dollars. Looking for something cheap but great to splurge on, there were no hesitations in getting myself this set.

I'm not sure if there are any other Alternative Zero figures around but so far this one takes the cake out of the Ryuki fanatic. I've watched the series and I realize there are details here that are not visibly obvious on the show. For example is the 00 mark at the back of the collar and other bits that makes the figure look mechanical. Just like my Revoltech Iron Man War Machine.

Figuarts Zero Naruto Shippuden's Kakashi Hatake - Images

New images have been posted on Tamashii.jp website for Figuarts Zero - Naruto Shippuuden's Kakashi Hatake. Among popular characters that have been announced this year are Naruto and Sasuke. Kakashi Sensei will have a molded lightning Raikiri Jutsu in a clear plastic fashion.

Figuarts Zero Kakashi stands at 120mm and made out of PVC ABS. The package includes a base. 

Price: 2,940 Yen

Release date: March, 2012

S.I.C Kamen Rider ZX Images

The S.I.C Showa Riders are now complete with the advent for SIC Kamen Rider ZX (仮面ライダーZX (ゼクロス) Kamen Raidā Zekurosu). As a Kamen Rider Ninja, ZX comes a shuriken, chain-sickles, katana and a kunai knife. S.I.C. ZX is scheduled to be released on March 2012 at 4200 Yen.

Source: Tamashii.jp

SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze Elek States Revealed

After revealing its Base State offering, Bandai has posted their latest Fourze creation - the S.H. Figuarts Elek States. The action figure will be released on March 2012. Bandai has posted photos on their Tamashii website.

Priced at 3,200 yen, Elek State will have a Billy the Rod Module, Burgermeal Foodriod, Scissor and Beat Module as well. In addition, chibi-sized switches are included for the Fourze Driver.We haven't seen the Base State in action yet but it seems that the switches can be replaced. Another cool first from SH Figuarts. 

Scan: Gokaiger's Warzu Giru Art Works Monsters (MegaHouse Toei)

Price - 9,555 yen

Pre-Order Date - November 21, 2011

Release date - March 2011 

New Voltron Vehicle Team Toy in the Works?

According to websites Toy Freakz, Kamen Rider-OH and Robot Pilipinias, the is a new robot chogokin currently in development. This is Voltron's Vehicle Team. The vehicle team is comprised with 15 separate parts with three main teams - sky, land and sea.

It is said that the new chogokin style Volton will be coming this spring 2012. Most of the details are hush hush as of the moment. It is about 13 inches tall and more than half of its parts are in die-cast. 

Gokaiger EP 40: The Future Is In the Past - Preview

The former Time Yellow Domon tells the Gokaigers that they must go back in time to help the Goseigers and Shinkengers. This will set them back in October 2, 2010 during the Goseigers VS Shinkengers the movie. In addition, explain their appearance on that movie. Goseiger's enemy, Agent Metal Alice will also appear in this episode.

Gokaiger EP 39: "Why? We're High School Students"

Why? We're High School Students" "Dōshite? Oretachi Kōkōsei" (どうして？俺たち高校生.Navi's next clue leads to "Moroboshi High School". Gai being knowledgeable on Super Sentai teams, the next clue is to find Megarangers. The pirates meet sensei Kenta Date - former Mega Red. Date however imposes the team to be his students to learn the Megaranger's greatest power.Oh and Basco is back for more mayhem.

Basco has planted bombs across the school and it is the pirates' task to find them all. In return for the school's safety, Basco needs to absorb Date's powers. Captain Marvelous declines Basco's offer and asks Gokai Silver to take care of business while the rest of the team needs to find the rest of the bombs in 10 mins. They wouldn't have completed the task if not for the student's cooperation and love for the school.

Fourze 12 "Life Mission of Kengo" - Preview

After the destruction of the Rabbit Hatch locker, the Kamen Rider Club must find a way to save Kengo while dealing with the Pyxis Zodiarts. Kengo, is getting impatient and frustrated. In his mind he is quite regretting why KRC was formed in the first place.

Yuki is in for a treat in meeting Mitsuaki Gabou (the Red-Eyed Man)the astronaut from NASA. Gabou also happens to be Amanogawa's HS Principal.

Kamen Rider Fourze 11 "The Moon's Gateway Disappears" -RAW

Fourze episode 11 is entitled "The Moon Door Disappears" "Shō Shitsu Tsuki To" (消・失・月・戸). Going back to the Rabbit Hatch, Yuki Jojima accidentally bumps into one of the teachers. Suspicious of her acts, the door to the Rabbit Hatch was removed leaving Kengo alone on the moon. Now he is trapped in space.

In other places, Yuki must choose between her friends and an opportunity to enter a special astronomy school. Less did she know that she is followed by one of her schoolmates from the Astronomy Club using a Zodiarts Switch. This classmate apparently is madly in love with her and uses the Zodiarts Switch to get to Yuki.  

PETA to Mario Fans: Relax (News Update)

Animal rights advocate group, PETA recently issues a statement to Mario fans to relax after netizens were enraged from accusing the game icon for animal cruelty.

According to Shakira Croce, PETA's media coordinator, "Mario fans: Relax! PETA's game was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, a fun way to call attention to a serious issue, that raccoon dogs are skinned alive for their fur. We wish real-life tanukis could fly or swat enemies away with their tails and escape from those who profit from their skins. You can help them by never buying real fur."

Toy Review: S.I.C. Hero Saga Kamen Rider Amazon + Jungler

Another ambitious attempt to go the SIC way. Welcome to my review of the S.I.C Hero Saga Kamen Rider Amazon and his bike, Jungler. Ambitious in a way that I clearly jumped on the SIC big toys without thinking. Impulsive I guess is the right word. I don't hate Amazon in general but I haven't found an Amazon figure that I liked. True. When I bought SHF Amazon a couple reviews ago, I believe I was clear that I didn't like it. Joints were messy, action poses are not refined - a missed opportunity.

Am I trying to find the best and the most articulatively (no such word) correct Kamen Rider of the jungle? Is my ambitious search doomed to fail? It is like looking for a delicacy that I actually liked. Lets see if the SIC Hero Saga Amazon and Jungler will fit in the fave toys of all time. Hade ni Ikuze! (Wrong attribution I know).

Ezra Miller Will Not Be Tetsuo in Live-Action Akira

"It's not true. That, I can assure you, will not be a reality", said Actor Ezra Miller to website Movie Fone in line with rumors that he will be playing  the epic role of the main character Tetsuo (Akira Live Movie).

With this, there are new updates and talks who will be playing the role of Tetsuo. Other considerations would be James Franco who is  currently in talks with the producers, Robert Pattinson from Twilight fame, X-Men: First Class’s James McAvoy, and Amazing Spider-Man's Andrew Garfield.

The Hollywood Reporter entertainment trade magazine reported on November 4 that Miller and Alden Ehrenreich are among the top contenders for the pivotal role of Tetsuo. As in the manga, the magazine describes Tetsuo as "a young man with telekinetic abilities who becomes a dangerous weapon."

Other rumors have leaked that Chris Pine, Michael Fassbender, Justin Timerlake, and Joaquin Phoenix are being considered for Kaneda.

Source: Geektyrant, Cityonfire

Peta Builds Game Against Mario

Last November 14, 2011. Animal rights group PETA launched a flash-based game against Nintendo's iconic game character Mario clamming that the game company is advocating to wear real fur. PETA is pointing directly at Mario's famed Tanooki (raccoon dog) suit.

On the intro page of PETA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) MARIO KILLS TANOOKI mini site, it says:

"When on a mission to rescue the princess, Mario has been known to use any means necessary to defeat his enemy—even wearing the skin of a raccoon dog to give him special powers.

Tanooki may be just a "suit" in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it's OK to wear fur. Play Super Tanooki Skin 2D and help Tanooki reclaim his fur!"