Toy Review: R&M Kamen Rider Zolda and Magnugiga

Welcome to my written review of the R&M Magnugiga and Kamen Rider Zolda from Kamen Rider Ryuki. It has been announced that SHF Zolda will be arriving this year and definitely be posted on this blog. As we wait for that, let's look back on the first tandem through Rider and Monster series.

Kamen Rider Zolda's articulation is like what you can compare with today's OCC and FMCS line. Its fingers can articulate to handle the Magna Visor well. That's the only purpose for it. What lacks from today's SHFs is an ab articulation. The feet have limitations especially when you pose these with knees bent and legs apart. The rest are of the articulation points are decent but nevertheless a far cry from figures to date.

Gobuster's Morphin Brace Demo

Only a few weeks left before we end the 35th Super Sentai Team Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger's and everyone in the toku world anticipates its climax finale. Before we get to that, let's get a sneak peak on the upcoming team Tokumei Sentai Gobusters.

Starting with their first toy offering the Morphin Brace. On Youtube, there is already an uploaded demo of the Morphin Brace and here are some sounds you'll here from it.

Fourze 21: The Misguidance Counseling Session - Preview

Fourze episode 21 is entitled: The Misguidance Counseling Session "Shin Ro Go Dō" (進・路・誤・導). Third-year teacher Ms. Haruka Utsugi takes over for Sarina Sonoda, and begins to grow wary of Gentaro. A Zodiarts also makes its appearance, using martial arts skills similar in style to Ms. Utsugi. This guest star Nao Nagasawa (Hurricane Blue).

Fourze 20: The Transcendent Magnetic Force- Raw/Sub

Kamen Rider Episode 20 is entitled: The Transcendent Magnetic Force - Chō Zetsu Ji Ryoku (超・絶・磁・力) featuring Fourze's 4th transformation, Magnet State. After loosing the NS Magphone, Gentaro seeks help from fellow KRCs. Miu must convince Rumi to help them repair his friendship with Kengo, who has begun helping her with her training.

In other places Kengo leaves KRC in despise of both Gentaro and Ryuu. Later on, joins the track and field team not knowing of them is the Dragon Zodiarts.

Gokaiger EP 49: The Greatest Treasure in the Universe - Preview

Gokaiger episode 49 is entitled: The Greatest Treasure in the Universe "Uchū Saidai no Takara" (宇宙最大の宝). With all of the 35 greater powers, the Gokaigers seek out the Greatest Treasure in the Universe, but Insarn is sent to begin the Zangyack Empire's final assault on the Earth. So it looks like a Tri Force (Link where are you?) but what really is it? A weapon to defeat Zangyack finally? Stay tuned as we are nearing the conclusion of the 35th Super Sentai series.

Gokaiger EP 48: The Fated Showdown - Raw/Sub

Three more episodes to go but here is Gokaiger's 48th episode is entitled: The Fated Showdown "Shukumei no Taiketsu" (宿命の対決). Basco has all the rangers keys in possession including Flashman, Changeman, Sun Vulcan, Maskman and Fiveman.

While transferring the last 5 ultimate powers, Navi escapes. Basco uses the Gokai Ranger Keys to find the bird. The rest of the pirates went out to hide and plan their next move.

Infiltrating the GokaiGalleon the pirates with the exception of Marvelous fight their Gokai versions to save the ship and Navi. At the end its mano-y-mano - Red vs Red.

Toy Review: Super RHF Side Basshar and Kamen Rider Kaixa

I love my RC Jet Sriger. It is massive, it moves and my SHF Faiz fits, though it sinks on the cockpit. What would match my Sriger is another bike I recently acquired, the Super RHF Side Basshar, this set include Kamen Rider Kaixa.

Let me start first with RHF Kaixa. Kaixa's articulation is similar to WFC, OCC and Fourze's FMCS figure line. Fingers are have two joints, no ab crunch. The most troublesome part that is different from the toy lines mentioned above is the leg articulation. Splits are easy but having on different action poses are least exciting. At least, this version of Kaixa has the correct bug eye pantone colors unlike my SHF counterpart.

Super Hero Taisen: Decade and Gokaiger Mashup

Super Hero Taisen: Decade and Gokaiger Mashup! Also new Gobuster information and their participation on the upcoming movie. As we almost end the Gokaiger series, the latest scans reveal the purpose of getting all the Ranger Keys to finally retrieve the greatest treasure in the universe. Read on!

Toy Review: S.I.C. Kamen Rider Decade

Just a passing through Kamen Rider - Remember that! Decade was very influential to me back in 2009. A year of personal turmoil and somewhat lost at bay. Lost a job, undecided on my future in the height of the financial crisis. It was every Sunday and/or Monday I found myself in trance and escaped for 1 hour from the crisis I was having. It was Decade's journey I learned whatever happens, I must carry on.

There was a review request via my Youtube Channel from RiderOrigin to do a SIC Kamen Rider Decade. Reluctant at first because I wanted to complete all SIC Showa Riders in my review channel before I head to Hsieh. But since I was on a pensive mood the other day,  I obliged. Welcome to the review.

S.I.C. Kamen Rider Joker Official Images

After the release of the S.I.C. exclusive Cyclone Cyclone and Joker Joker, Bandai's Web Shouten site has announced another exclusive - the S.I.C. Kamen Rider Joker. Kamen Rider Joker debuted during the Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider A to Z movie when Skull handed our detective, Hidari Shotaro the Lost Driver and also accidentally found a Joker T2 Gaia Memory - inside the office!

It seems like Bandai would repeat the same Kamen Rider W phenomenon from its SH Figuarts line. Release date July 2012, price 5,250 yen. A year ago,  two were arrested in modifying SICs, one of which is Kamen Rider Joker.

SH Figuarts Nadeshiko Images Released

 

Recently it has been reported on this blog that one of the list of upcoming toku toys is SH Figuarts Nadeshiko that is set to release in June. Tamashii's website have posted photos of SHF Nadeshiko. Buy or pass? Price 3,465 Yen.

Man Steals 64 One Piece Manga - Arrested

According to Yomiuri Online, a 26 year old man was arrested for stealing a complete set of One Piece manga from a book store. On December 23rd, the man visited the book store with a one meter long traveling bag and put 64 comic books into the bag in a blind spot from the cashiers. Next morning, a clerk found one of the shelves empty. The man deposed to the police that he sold the comics for 23,000 yen, which was almost equal to the original price. If you pile up the 64 comics, it will be one meter high and weigh ten kilograms.

One of the secondhand bookstore keepers said One Piece is so popular that the secondhand comics are sold out quickly. A complete set of the series in good condition are sold at a premium.

Takara Builds Optimus Prime Life-Size Snow Sculpture

Japanese toy maker Takara Tomy announced that a life-size snow sculpture of Optimus Prime is currently on the works. The autobot leader will be featured at this year's Asahikawa Winter Festival, Hokkaido Prefecture to be held on February 8 to 12. Below is Takara Tomy's artist rendition of the intended sculpt.

The construction of the 16-meter Optimus Prime started last January 6 and aims to complete in time for the festival.

More Decade Actors Joining Super Hero Taisen?

After the announcement that Toei is making its much awaited movie of the year Super Hero Taisen: All Kamen Rider vs All Super Sentai movie, netizens are trying to spy through other known blogs and tweets from Decade and Gokaiger actors for some information. Take these as a grain of salt.

Past Kamen Rider Decade actors Ryota Murai who played Yusuke Onodera/Kamen Rider Kuuga and Kimito Totani who played Daiki Kaito/Kamen Rider DiEnd posted about filming in cold weather and disliking it. In addition, Masahiro Inoue who played Tsukasa Kadoya/Kamen Rider Decade himself posted the same sentiments and filming in cold weather. Masahiro said that they are filming in Ibaraki and confirms it is for a Kamen Rider movie.

Gentaro's Motor Shop?

Recently we posted an announcement that Souta Fukushi who played the titular Kamen Rider Fourze/Kisaragi Gentaro opened his own blog site, now we have his twitter account. We are in hopes to gain new information on upcoming Fourze episodes, guess what, we might have.

Aside from this, a lot of Kamen Rider fans have spotted of a possible Kamen Rider episode. On another tweet (@fuwa1fuwa) he mentioned "Gentaro's mysterious "***" finally appeared". What does this mean? More of this information below:

SIC Vol. 63 - Another Agito and Gills leaked

Sources have leaked a new volume in the Kamen Rider SIC line. Its S.I.C Vol. 63 Kamen Rider Another Agito and Gills/Exceed Gills. Previously, Another Agito was released as SIC Classics 2007: Another Agito & Burning/Shinning Form. Volume 63 presumably has a better joint design for the arms and a different set of scarves for Another Agito. Gill transforms to Exceed Gills with additional accessories to make it such. The twin-pack will released in Spring 2012, Price: 7140 yen.

Other news reveals SRC Shin Mazinger Z also set to be released this spring. Price 5040 Yen.

Credits to Knightshaz and Blazin of HWM Kamen Rider and Super Sentai Club

Go-Busters Theme Song Revealed!

The theme songs both opening and ending credits for 36th Super Sentai, Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters has been revealed! These will be part of a single on Gobuster's airing date on February 26.

The opening credit theme song is entitled "Busters Ready Go!" by Hideyuki Takahashi (Project.R), and its ending theme will be "Kizuna Go-Busters!" by Nazo no Shin UNIT STA☆MEN.

Gokaiger EP 48: The Fated Showdown - Preview

Gokaiger's 48th episode is entitled: The Fated Showdown "Shukumei no Taiketsu" (宿命の対決). Showcasing the final showdown between GokaiRed and Basco ta Jolokia.

With Basco ta Jolokia in possession of all of their Ranger Keys and 34 of the greater powers, the Gokaigers must find a way to get them back and to defeat him once and for all. Basco will be using the Gokai Ranger Keys against the pirates. At the end its mano-y-mano - Red vs Red.

Gokaiger EP 47: The End of Betrayal - Raw/Sub

Gokaiger Episode 47 is entitled: The End of Betrayal "Uragiri no Hate" (裏切りの果て). The pirates are determined to get the last 5 Great Super Sentai Powers from Basco Ta Jolokia. But first they need to find Basco's ship - the Free Joker.

But Basco has another trick on his sleeve and sends monkey Sally on board to get close to the Gokaigers. Sally mocks as a forgotten ally to be under the team's wing. Basco also sends Sunroid Solar and Goldroid Geronpa to fight the pirates. 

Fourze 19: The Unparalleled Steel Dragon - RAW/SUB

Kamen Rider Fourze episode 19 is entitled: The Steel Dragon Warriors - "Gō Ryū Mu Sō" (鋼・竜・無・双). Ryuusei is not part of KRC and impolitely takes over in modifying Astro Switches starting with 30 and 31 (soon to be N and S switches for Magnet State). Also Ryuu butts in on how Fourze should fight using the switches in Kengo's surprise. Also it seems like Gentaro is more confident in Ryuu about Astro Switches than Kengo.

A Dragon Zodiarts appears and seems too strong for both Kamen Riders Fourze and Meteor. Kengo is now more interested in Ryuu's background and his knowledge of the Astro Switches. This brings controversy to Ryuu's true identity.Fourze tries to use the new NS Phone but accidentally looses in the process.

Kamen Rider Fourze for your iPhone

Game developers Lireneosoft and Spicysoft released a Kamen Rider Fourze game for the iPhone. Kamen Rider Fourze collabolated with Chari Sou, a popular game. The name of the game is Kamen Rider Fourze x Chari Sou, help Kamen Rider Fourze drive the Machine Massigler across the universe! Uchuu KITAAA. Kamen Rider Fourze x Chari Sou is compatible with 3GS, 4, 4S, iPod touch that has iOS 4.2 software or above. 

You can download the app from here.

SHF Kamen Rider Nadeshiko Release in June

After the successful Kamen Rider Fourze Movie - Megamax, SH Figuarts/Bandai will be releasing their first SHF female rider, Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko is the female Kamen Rider Fourze who used the same driver as our lead hero, and also Gentaro's love interest to add. Aside from Nadeshiko, here is a list of other upcoming toys from Bandai including Robot Damashii, Figuarts Zero, DX Chogokin and another PBM which I have difficulty deciphering.

Fourze 20: The Transcendent Magnetic Force- Preview

Kamen Rider Episode 20 is entitled: The Transcendent Magnetic Force - Chō Zetsu Ji Ryoku (超・絶・磁・力) featuring Fourze's 4th transformation, Magnet State. After loosing the NS Magphone, Gentaro seeks help from fellow KRCs.

In other places Kengo leaves KRC in despise of both Gentaro and Ryuu. Later on, joins the track and field team not knowing of them is the Dragon Zodiarts.

New Gobusters Trailer V2

A new promo video was released after Gokaiger's Episode 47. The 36th Super Sentai Team, Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters will premier this 26th of February.

The Gobusters titular trio will be played by Hiromu Sakurada/Red Buster who will be played by Katsuhiro Suzuki, Ryuji Iwasaki/Blue Buster will be played by Ryouma Baba and Youko Usami/Yellow Buster played by Arisa Komiya.

The video contains a view of the Buddy Roids and their Mecha. READY? GO!

Soulja Boy Seen at New Fullmetal Alchemist Film's L.A. Premiere

YOUUUUU!!!! Rapper and self proclaimed anime afficionado, Soulja Boy was seen as a guest in the L.A. premier of Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos the movie last January 19, 2012. Other guests include director Kazuya Murata, President Masahiko Minami of the film's anime studio BONES, English dubbing director Mike McFarland, Edward Elric's voice actor Vic Mignogna, and pop singer Alana Lee.

Source: ANN

Nao Nagasawa Enters Amanogawa High School

After confirming that Nao Nagasawa (Hurricane Blue in Hurricanger, Lily Shirogane in Kamen Rider W as Invisible Dopant) will be joining our band of misfits in Kamen Rider Fourze, Nao will be playing the new teacher at Amanogawa HS.

She will be playing Haruka Utsugi, a teacher/proctor at the said school. Some rumors circulate that she is Zodiart Virgo, the Zodiart who banished Sonoda in the Dark Nebula. Her appearance will be on episode 21 and 22, more details will come soon.

Fourze Opens Blog Site

Actor Souta Fukushi recently opened a blog to fans in the height of the Kamen Rider Fourze series. Souta plays the lead role of Gentaro Kisaragi/Kamen Rider Fourze. His first entry was just this January 16.

Some of this posts are the previously released Movie Megamax movie and related event. One teaser note on his blog is what he said "Gentaro's *** has finally appeared for the filming!" What does that mean? Is he doing another movie? Is it related to Super Sentai x Kamen Rider Movie (Super Hero Taisen)? Hope we can get spoilers from this blog soon.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Gokai Yellow

The most talked about pirate in the series Gokai Yellow. All thanks to boyish but sexy Luka Milfy aka Mao Ichimichi. I think she is the only actor I know that I actually remember her stage name. I know that Gokai Yellow's suit actor is male but I still picture Mao behind the mask doing things she is known for. Like most of young adolescence of this era, I consider her one of the best looking super sentai heroines. Let see if this oozing sex appeal translate is SHF form.

Her box is thicker than the three male pirates before her. It is because the Gokai Darin is inside rather than having its own separate box. Thinking about it, could Bandai have done the same thing as previous SHF Gokai releases? With this, the plastic tray comes in two, as it were for SHF Kamen Rider Eternal.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Ankh (Lost)

 

2011 was absolutely a crazy year with tons of SH Figuarts releases almost every week. I had to adjust my spending budget and choose the ones I like and stick to it. My strategy was the same with Dopants - skip all. This means I missed a lot, for example the SHF GREEED releases. I hailed GREEED SHFs as one of the best figures of 2011 because of how detailed these villains were, their playability etc. What was getting in my way was the price point. But amongst the Greeed figures I skipped I only chose two figures to get, one is Ankh (Lost) and the other is Ankh Complete (coming soon).

The S.H. Figuarts Lost Ankh continues on the legacy of good-looking SHF GREEED figures since last year. I've seen them all but this is my first Greeed ever. I passed the previous releases because the prices were too steep for me back then. Besides with the miniscule budget I have, I set just to take only one Greeed.

Megaupload Site Shut Down Because of Anime Videos?

Recently leading online file sharing site Megaupload has shut down as it was hit by piracy indictment. Since its inception in 2005, site has caused an estimated half-billion dollars in copyright losses and made an estimated $175 million in proceeds for uploading music, videos and games on their site.

According to an indictment filed by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court of Alexandria, Virginia on January 5, the defendants were accused of two substantive counts of criminal copyright infringement and conspiracies to commit money laundering, racketeering, and copyright infringement. The indictment listed 103 alleged, overt criminal acts, including a 2010 incident involving a user who watched the television anime series Fruits Basket via a linking site.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ouja

SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ouja came into my doorstep just right before my flight for the New Year's vacation. At first glance, I was expecting something similar to Ryuki and Knight - long, thick box with the same tone of excited as I had with the other two. We will go with the details in a bit.

Box size is more than half than the previous SHF Ryuki releases. With its size, the details and photos on the box were cut short too. If you check on the back we have three profiles including Sword Vent and Advent positions. That is because it didn't had a contact monster. Looks depressing right? But wait.

Firestarter Returns for 2012

After a long and well rested vacation, I'll be starting with my beloved SH Figuarts. Some of these were delivered to me as soon as I was about to go out for a scheduled flight. There are some items that I haven't showed on this video but I shall keep them as a surprise just in time for the Chinese New Year break. Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi, Gong Xi.

If you had fun on the first season of Firestarter's toy reviews, you'll get a kick from what's in store for the first quarter of 2012. Hold on to your seats coz it will be a blast.

Gokaiger EP 48 Summary

We are almost near the end of the Gokaiger series. Of course we expect a climax towards the end of the 35th Super Sentai team. Aside from the upcoming  Episode 47 – The Limit of Betrayal, we also have the latest info for episode 48 - Episode 48 – The Fated Showdown "Shukumei no Taiketsu" (宿命の対決) to air on January 29.

Basco sent Sally to the Gokai Galleon and made him look like he was injured by his master. The kind-hearted pirates take Sally into their care. While sleeping Sally lets Basco take over the Gokai Galleon and had Navi as hostage. Now the ship and all Ranger Keys are now in his possession. How will the Gokaigers take everything back?

It feels like the rumor circulating last year that Basco will join Gokaigers will not push through and seems like Gai will not die either.

Man Arrested for Sharing Gokaiger Videos Online

Last January 11, 2012, a man was arrested by the Aichi Prefecture police for uploading Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger shows via a file-sharing software. Gokaiger's copyright is owned by Toei.

The 26-year old male from Toyohashi City was suspected uploading and sharing the video file on September 2011 according to the Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS).

Aside from uploading the said show, the police found that the male suspect has been uploaded copyrighted anime and obscene images for four years now. 

Source: ANN

Gokaiger EP 47: The End of Betrayal - Preview

Gokaiger Episode 47 is entitled: The End of Betrayal "Uragiri no Hate" (裏切りの果て) and here is a preview of the said upcoming episode. The pirates are determined to get the last 5 Great Super Sentai Powers from Basco Ta Jolokia. But first they need to find Basco's ship - the Free Joker.

But Basco has another trick on his sleeve and sends monkey Sally on board to get close to the Gokaigers. Sally mocks as a forgotten ally to be under the team's wing. Basco also sends Sunroid Solar and Goldroid Geronpa to fight the pirates.

Gokaiger EP 46: Hero Eligibility - Sub

Gokaiger episode 46 is entitled: Hero Eligibility "Hīrō Gōkaku" (ヒーロー合格)  still centering on Kakurangers. After being freed from the jar, Ninjaman is still not convinced that the pirates are still not worthy of Kakuranger's ultimate power. Action Commander Juju was sent to the Earth to wreak havoc. The pirates were aggressive trying ways to convince Ninjaman their worth.

Gokaiger EP 45: Confused Ninja - Sub

Gokaiger Episode 45 is entitled - Confused Ninja "Awatenbō Ninja" (慌てん坊忍者). On the Gokai Galleon, the crew review their twenty-eight powers they obtained and the five that Basco has taken. When they realize one of the greater powers is missing, Gai reveals that the only one yet to be found is that of the Ninja Sentai Kakuranger team. With it being his last fortune, Navi's only clue is saying "a ninja is playing hide and seek", which makes no sense to the Gokaigers.

When Ahim mentions praying at a shrine to better their chances, the crew remembers their meeting with Domon and the mission he gave them to save the Negakure Shrine, which they realize has the same characters as "kakure". Upon returning to the shrine, the crew searches the grounds while Captain Marvelous enters the shrine and finds a strange pot that seems to be speaking and asking to be freed. He takes it for his crew to examine when Ahim uses a mallet to break it open, releasing Ninjaman. Identifying himself as the Kakurangers' ally, Ninjaman proceeds to reveal how he was sealed in the pot, again, a decade ago. Having no idea what happened in the world while he was sealed, and worried why the Three God Generals did not release him once his sentence ended, Gai informs Ninjaman of the Legend War that happened in his absence and the sacrifice that the Kakurangers made along with the other Super Sentai teams.

Special Message from Kenji Ohba for Gokai vs Gavan the Movie

More Kenji Ohba interviews have been posted on Toei's Youtube channel relating to the upcoming Gokaiger Vs Gavan the movie. One of the videos include Kenji Ohba's experience working with Gokaigers and his lifetime experience as Uchuu Keiji Gavan. Click "CC" to translate the captions in English. Enjoy. Gokaiger Vs Gavan The Movie will premier in Japan on January 21, 2012. Added on is the latest trailer of the said movie.

Fourze 19: The Unparalleled Steel Dragon - Preview

Kamen Rider Fourze episode 19 is entitled: The Steel Dragon Warriors - "Gō Ryū Mu Sō" (鋼・竜・無・双). Here is a preview of the next episode. Kengo and Ryuusei butt heads over testing out the 30th and 31st Astro Switches when a new Zodiarts appears that is too strong for both Kamen Riders Fourze and Meteor.

In addition, Ryuu uses Kengo's equipment to modify Switches 30 and 31 (soon to be N and S switches for Magnet State) which Kengo disapproves. Kengo is now more interested in Ryuu's background and his knowledge of the Astro Switches. This brings controversy to Ryuu's true identity.

Fourze 18: Gen and Ryu's Showdown- Sub

Fourze Episode 18 is entitled: Gen and Ryu's Showdown - "Gen Ryū Tai Ketsu" (弦・流・対・決). Kamen Rider Meteor declares that he is an enemy to Kamen Riders Fourze and the rest of the Kamen Rider Club. Previously Meteor hindered Fourze to defeat the Lynx Zodiarts in hopes that it would evolve to a Horoscope - Aries Zodiarts.

As Ryuu, Meteor reveals himself inside the Rabbit Hatch and asks the KRC member if he could join the club, but Gentaro declines yet still unaware of Ryuu's identity as Meteor.