Toy Review: Play Arts Kai Cyborg Ninja (Metal Gear)

Play Arts Kai's second Metal Gear offering that is in line with the 25th anniversary. The Cyborg Ninja was actual dawned by two characters, Gray Fox and Olga. But originally made for Fox. Konami and Square Enix is really hitting the right spots on Cyborg Ninja, or is it? I'll skip the box art since it shares the same design as Solid Snake.

At first glance, Gray Fox's Cyborg Ninja is near perfection. He employs a metallic glittery finish which is very rare for most Play Arts Kai figures, well there's the Halo Reach team. The mixture of yellow-ish gold and navy blue is spot on. Even warning signs and other decals on Cyborg Ninja is akin to the game character. In fact, these details are so precise, you can even read the fine print without squinting an eye.

Toy Review: Play Arts Kai Solid Snake (25th Anniversary Edition)

In its 25th Anniversary of the Metal Gear series, Square Enix's Play Art's Kai released their latest war-torn hero, Solid Snake. It has been awhile since I played Metal Gear, the only game I never finished/completed was the first game release - yes back when Nintendo consoles were kings of the home gaming entertainment. A 2D Legend of Zelda type that kept me running to never ending rooms and frustrating bosses. There are no cheat codes that I could remember, I wished it had that up up down down contra style codes that I could have used to at least finish the bloody game. In 1998, Sony's Playstation consoles are already at the center stage and at last, Sons of Liberty was my first MG I have completed and even enjoyed watching the narrative. With a measly budget I have, Play Arts Solid Snake is sensible to grab. I couldn't afford Hot Toys anyway.

Solid Snake's box art looks like the 1998 Playstation game case. In front, there is a 25th Anniversary commemorative logo from Metal Gear's inception till 2012. The red Metal Gear logo stands out from the slightly off white background. It has a lot of splash marks around it and at the back, we are presented with a film strip theme with the figure in different positions.

Gobuster Episode 10: A Reason to Fight - Sub

Gobuster Episode is entitled 10 - A Reason to Fight "Tatakau Riyū" (戦う理由). Rika, Hiromu's sister appears on this episode. Rika continues to be worried that his brother goes on dangerous missions as a Gobuster. Nick Chida tries to convince Rika the importance of Hiromu's contribution, hurtful words only comes out of the conversation. "Why are you teaching Hiromu to fight? You are splitting the family apart".

Gobusters Episode 11:The Targetted Weakpoint - Preview

Gobusters Episode 11 is entitled: The Targetted Weakpoint "Nerawareta Uīkupointo" (ねらわれたウイークポイント) Mechanic Gorisaki Gorilla tries to create a safety device to help Blue Buster (Ryuuji) prevent from over heating. It is a portable device the emits color that will tell that Ryuuji's temperature is rising. However, the safety device also emits terrible sound that disrupts the team's concentration during battles. Although Ryuuji doesn't blame Gorisaki for disrupting the team through his device, Gori is still depressed on what happened. Gorisaki feels guilty and wants to have that same Buddyroid - human relationship just like the other team has with their partners.

Fourze Episode 34 : Sky Hole Offense/Defense - Preview

Fourze Episode 34 is entitled: Sky Hole Offense/Defense Ten Ketsu Kō Bō (天・穴・攻・防). Here is a preview of the upcoming episode. The Kamen Rider Club must work to stop the Libra and Leo Zodiarts from creating The Hole and destroy all of Kyoto with its Cosmic Energy powers.

Fourze 33: Old City May-Hem - Sub

Kamen Rider Fourze episode 33 is entitled: Old City May-Hem "Ko To Sō Ran" (古・都・騒・乱). The third-year class goes on a field trip to Kyoto where they believe they will be free from the Zodiarts for once, but are ambushed by the Libra and Leo Zodiarts. While there, Kengo meets one of his father's old friends.

S.H. Figuarts Red Hawk, BoukenRed On Display

Recent display in Akihabara reveals two more SHF Reds have appeared - S.H. Figuarts Red Hawk from Jetman and Boukengers' BoukenRed. It is rumored that BoukenRed will have a blue shovel that we saw also in Episode 3 of Akibarangers. This has yet to be confirmed. What is confirmed is that we have details for the release dates for the two.

Akibaranger Visits Toei in Episodes 6-8

In light of someday Akibarangers will be official soon, the misfits visit Toei studios in Ginza. What will happen to them? Other than that, Marushina opens her own version of the Sentai Cafe. Wait what? Here is a preview of upcoming episodes to Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger.

Akibaranger Episode 5: Our PainYellow Mama - Preview

Nobuo thinks that they must work together if they want to fight as team Akibarangers. This means also that they also must keep their identities a secret even from their parents. The received a surprise when they were visited by Yumeria's mother. Who seems to be also a cosplayer the story takes a sharp turn now for our Akibarangers.

Akibaranger 4: Forbidden Delusion is the Pain of Immortality Blue - Raw

Akibaranger Episode 4 is entitled: Forbidden Delusion is the Pain of Immortality Blue "Kinji rareta mōsō wa aoi haitoku no itami" (禁じられた妄想は青い背徳の痛み). Suddenly Blue withdraws from the team and declared the Mizuki was the DekaRed delusion. She doesn't want to transform again to concentrate on other club activities. Akagi realizes this but cannot suppress the allure of delusion. He says that without delusion, you might think of something else rather doing what she likes for example cosplaying or other hobbies. With this, the corporation takes the advantage and disguises as Blue to fight the rest of the team. It is up to AkibaRed to force her back..while doing this Red is pushed in a corner surrounded by enemies.

Gobuster 11 - 14 Episode Guide

From the pages of Hyper Hobby Toei Hero Max Issue no. 41 are upcoming episodes for Tokumei Sentai Gobusters. Gobusters go on a field trip, the Commander is no where to be found and Yoko does a switcheroo. 

S.H Figuarts Akibarangers Official Images and Scans

 

New images of the S.H. Figuarts Akibarangers have appeared on Tamashii.jp website and recent magazine scan issues. According the Premium Bandai site, the current price for each Akibaranger and release dates are the following:

S.H.Figuarts Akiba Red @ 3,200 Yen - June, 2012

S.H.Figuarts Akiba Blue @ 3,200 Yen - July, 2012

S.H.Figuarts Akiba Yellow @ 3,200 Yen - August, 2012

Kamen Rider Garren and Meteor Added to Medicom Site

Two new Kamen Riders have been added on to Medicom's stream of 1/6 scale figures. These are Kamen Rider Garren (Blade Series) for RAH (Real Action Heroes) and Kamen Rider Meteor (Fourze series) for Project BM.

The life-like RAH DX Kamen Rider Garren includes 4 extra hands and a Garren Rouzer that has a fanned out card function. A stand will be included  for those rider kick and other action poses.

Leo Zodiarts - The Body Guard

The latest Televi-kun issue reveals two more Zodiarts namely: Aquarius Zodiarts and Capricorn Zodiarts however their user have yet to be revealed. 

Capricorn uses sounds as a form of attack, his weapon of choice is a guitar. Aquarius on the other hand uses a whip and water flows out of his body to regenerate. 

S.H. Figuarts Libra Zodiarts Official Images

Tamashii Webshoutten site recently posted the official images of the S.H. Figuarts Libra Zodiarts from the Kamen Rider Fourze series. The AGHS Principal (Kouhei Hayami) is the second Zodiarts Horoscope revealed for the S.H. Figuarts line up after Scorpion. This Tamashii Webshoutten exclusive is set to be released on September, 2012 for 3675 Yen. Pre-orders have open as of yesterday.

New Project X Zone Characters Revealed!

Enterbrain's Weekly Famitsu magazine recently revealed additional characters to Namco Bandai/Capcom/Sega joint Nintendo 3DS game named in Project X Zone. Characters revealed are the following:

• Capcom Hsien-Ko (Lei-Lei) from Darkstalkers and Frank West from Dead Rising
• Sega Zephyr and Leanne/Reanbell from Resonance of Fate
• Namco Bandai Alisa Ilinichina Amiella and Soma Schicksal from God Eater

More Info on S.I.C. Vol 64

 
Aside from what we have posted recently on S.I.C. Vol. 64's Tatoba Combo, magazine scans have also included a sketch of what SIC Gatakiriba would look like.

Yes! Tatoba Combo will have an alternative pair of grasshopper legs and a replacement pair of Tora claws. Tatoba has become wilder looking than ever. The set includes the Medajalibur with three cell medals. Of course once we get our sweaty hands on this bad boy we will dissect OOO for you.

Toy Review: Soul of Chogokin Dragonar and Cavalier SPEC XS-05

This is my attempt to actually review a Soul of Chogokin that is not related to any Super Sentai or Kamen Rider stuff I used to do. I bought this from my friend John in light of cleaning up his winnings but those are not up to his discriminating taste.

I was a bit hesitant to take Dragonar with Cavalier of his hands since I'm not really familiar with Dragonar and I only watched 3 separate episodes when I was a kid. I didn't know what to expect.

Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze Elek States

The S.H. Figuarts Fourze Elek States. This is Fourze's second form using the Elek Switch to also power up with his sword of choice the Billy the Rod. For the first time, I wasn't entirely excited on getting most Fourze figures but I had this anyway. I almost forgot that I even pre-ordered this.

Anyways, Fourze Elek States box art maybe the same as Base States but with minor changes. Instead of heavenly bodies displayed on the window, these are replaced by lighting bolts. Of course to match the rider's theme, the color is changed from white to canary yellow - supposed to be near the shade of gold.

Akibaranger Episode 4: Forbidden Delusion is the Pain of Immortality Blue - Preview

Akibaranger Episode 4 is entitled: Forbidden Delusion is the Pain of Immortality Blue "Kinji rareta mōsō wa aoi haitoku no itami" (禁じられた妄想は青い背徳の痛み). Here is s preview of the upcoming episode. Suddenly Blue withdraws from the team and declared the Mizuki was the DekaRed delusion. She doesn't want to transform again to concentrate on other club activities. Akagi realizes this but cannot suppress the allure of delusion. He says that without delusion, you might think of something else rather doing what she likes for example cosplaying or other hobbies. With this, the corporation takes the advantage and disguises as Blue to fight the rest of the team. It is up to AkibaRed to force her back..while doing this Red is pushed in a corner surrounded by enemies.

Fourze 32: Super Cos-Mic Sword - Sub

Fourze episode 32 is entitled: Super Cos-Mic Sword "Chō U Chū Ken" (超・宇・宙・剣).Gentaro clings to life, and Kengo does not know how to help him. Ryusei is labeled a traitor by Tachibana for his actions. The Aries Zodiarts takes the other Kamen Rider Club members hostage, while telling Ryusei he can revive Jiro with his powers.

Fourze 33: Old City May-Hem - Preview

Fourze Episode 33 is entitled: Old City May-Hem "Ko To Sō Ran" (古・都・騒・乱).The third-year class goes on a field trip to Kyoto where they believe they will be free from the Zodiarts for once, but are ambushed by the Libra and Leo Zodiarts.

Gobuster Episode 9 - Usada Recovery Strategy - SUB

Gobuster Episode 9 is entitled: Usada Recovery Strategy! "Usada Dakkan Sakusen!" (ウサダ奪還作戦！) After Yoko and Usada get in a fight, Usada gets kidnapped by Vaglass operatives, and Yoko must go find it instead of paying the 2,000 ton Enetron ransom to Enter. Yoko uses someone else to disguise as Gobuster Yellow to provide distraction in finding Usada.

Gobuster Episode 10 - A Reason To Fight - Preview

Gobuster Episode is entitled 10 - A Reason to Fight "Tatakau Riyū" (戦う理由). Here is a preview of this episode. Rika, Hiromu's sister appears on this episode. Rika continues to be worried that his brother goes on dangerous missions as a Gobuster. Nick Chida tries to convince Rika the importance of Hiromu's contribution, hurtful words only comes out of the conversation. "Why are you teaching Hiromu to fight? You are splitting the family apart".

Akibaranger Episode 3: It Hurts! Drunken Hero Adventure!! - Sub

Akibaranger episode 3 is entitled: It Hurts! Drunken Hero Adventure!! "Itata! Yoidore Hīrō Dai Bōken! !" (痛タッ！酔いどれヒーロー大冒険!!). After Ban from Dekarangers made his cameo, episode 3 will feature an imaginary version of BoukenRed. Seems like Akibarangers is a true parody of the 35th anniversary of Super Sentai.

Gobuster's Compassionate Buddyroids

Before the day breaks tomorrow for Gobuster's episode 9, let's look at succeeding episodes and learn how the story develops. We will learn more about our heroes' history and how compassionate the Buddyroids are for the team.

Episode 10 - A Reason to Fight

Rika, Hiromu's sister appears on this episode. Rika continues to be worried that his brother goes on dangerous missions as a Gobuster. Nick Chida tries to convince Rika the importance of Hiromu's contribution, hurtful words only comes out of the conversation. "Why are you teaching Hiromu to fight? You are splitting the family apart".

Toy Review: S.I.C. Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joker Gold Xtreme

Some of my friends would say that I am sometimes a compulsive buyer. I won't refute that, I would even say softly that if I see a new release I whisper "add to cart". LMAO. It is just that because of the passion that passed on to me by another S.I.C. lover whose code name goes by Locust, I just can' t help myself indulging on the S.I.C. spin. The latest adopted child of mine is the Toei Hero exclusive S.I.C. Kamen Rider W Cyclone Joke Gold Xtreme.

 

The S.I.C. Kamen Rider Cyclone Joker Gold Xtreme is W/Double's movie form in A to Z Gaia Memories of Fate. This is also the S.I.C. counterpart to last year's SHF offering. Honestly, there is no difference between the mold of this exclusive Toei Hero figure and S.I.C. CJX.

Toy Review: S.I.C. Kamen Rider ZX (Vol. 62)

Showa riders are almost complete. Welcome to my review of the S.I.C. Kamen Rider ZX. The ninja-inspired Kamen Rider has the sleekest design and I am quite impressed. But like all SICs, the articulation on the legs won't stretch that much unlike SHFs. SIC Kamen Rider ZX includes a bunch of cool shinobi weapons but let's dissect him first.

Accessory count is not as massive as SIC Kamen Rider CJ. ZX includes a Cross Shuriken, a Impact(Shougeki)Bomb, a "Microchain", the sword with corresponding sheath, kunai knife and a cannon (?). I tried to google if that was a cannon, a mace or a flash light. I haven't seen ZX use this on the show. Or might have missed from years of not watching Kamen Rider ZX. The set also includes 5 hands - two open relaxed hands, two holding hands for his right arm mainly to hold the kunai knife and the sword, the left holding hand is for the shuriken and the bomb. Basically, the bomb and the shuriken just rest there and when titled, it falls off the hand easily. A muffler is also included and functions like Skyrider's.

Toy Review: Super Robot Chogokin Dekaranger Robo

Bandai and Tamashii Nations should be proud of their recent baby the SRC Dekaranger Robo. Many toy aficionados who are both into Super Sentais and Kamen Riders (like me) missed this because previous releases didn't offer that much. Dekaranger made a mark and launched SRCs to a new height. I totally recommend this if DX Robos are not your cup of tea - when you need a robo that is more poseable and dynamic.

The sculpt of this figure is downright amazing. There are great paint applications and the details are a match to the DX version, probably even better.  Its joints are very poseable which is comparable to my Voyager Class TF Animated Optimus Prime. In addition, these are extra hinges on the arms and legs to maximize its action potential. One hiccup would be that the SPD Riot Shield may get in the way and even if there are swivel points, I'm quite certain that this will loosen over time. 

Toy Review: Super Robot Chogokin MagiKing

Previous catalogs and magazine scans probably gave a lot of publicity to the SRC Magiking. Even the displays on Tamashii Nations event looked awesome. I haven't seen a lot reviews prior to me purchasing one so I had to see it for myself the difference at hand against the three released Sentai Robots in the SRC line.

At the first glance, I'm actually impressed on the design. MagiKing is more humanoid and the proportions are very similar to the super hero series. The paint apps are stunning with a mix of metallic, glossy and matte finishes. These blend perfectly on MagiKing. You may think at first that the design is without hiccups. Guess again.

Gobuster Episode 9: Usada Recovery Strategy! - Preview

Gobuster episode 9 is entitled: Usada Recovery Strategy! "Usada Dakkan Sakusen!" (ウサダ奪還作戦！).Usada gets into a fight with Yoko and went to the administration and asks for a break. Usada comes across a guard at the administration and invites Usada to go away with while riding a cart. Whilst, did Usada knew that it is a plot to kidnap him. While Usada is away, the team receives a ransom of 2000 tons of Enetron from and reveals that Usada was kidnapped. When the team knew the cause (because of Yoko and Usada’s recent fight) Ryuuji and Hiromu helps in the investigation to rescue Usada.

Gobuster Episode 8: Protect the Machine Blueprints! - SUB

Gobuster episode 8 is entitled: Protect the Machine Blueprints! "Mashin Sekkeizu o Mamore!" (マシン設計図を守れ！). Ryuji is reunited with his old high school classmate Kazuya who has become one of the Go-Busters' engineers, while Enter tries to infiltrate the Go-Busters' base of operations to steal a new Buster Machine's blueprints.

100 minutes before waking up, Hiromu feels gloomy. GT-02 is asked to deploy but Nakamura and Morishita were operating it. Nick bumps into Hiromu and started training with Yoko. Usada mentions that the training is needed to close the gap between her and Hiromu’s shooting skills.

Akibaranger Episode 3: It Hurts! Drunken Hero Adventure!! Preview

Akibaranger episode 3 is entitled: It Hurts! Drunken Hero Adventure!! "Itata! Yoidore Hīrō Dai Bōken! !" (痛タッ！酔いどれヒーロー大冒険!!). Here is a preview of this episode. After Ban from Dekarangers made his cameo, episode 3 will feature an imaginary version of BoukenRed. Seems like Akibarangers is a true parody of the 35th anniversary of Super Sentai.

Fourze Episode 32: Super Cos-Mic Sword - Preview

Fourze episode 32 is entitled: Super Cos-Mic Sword "Chō U Chū Ken" (超・宇・宙・剣).Gentaro clings to life, and Kengo does not know how to help him. Ryusei is labeled a traitor by Tachibana for his actions. The Aries Zodiarts takes the other Kamen Rider Club members hostage, while telling Ryusei he can revive Jiro with his powers.

Fourze Episode 31: Plei-Ades King-Dom - Sub

Fourze episode 31 is entitled: Plei-Ades King-Dom "Subaru Boshi Ō Koku" (昴・星・王・国). After the 39th and 40th Astro Switches were developed, Amanogawa Subaruboshi High Schools hold a test transfer of some of AGHS's students to SBHS, which causes problems when the Aries Zodiarts makes itself known at SBHS. The Aries Zodiarts appears and he is a transfer student from Amanogawa to Ryuusei's former High School Suraboshi High. During the conflicts, Gentarou finally knows who is Kamen Rider Meteor and confronts Ryuusei.

Kamen Rider Stronger Actor Shigeru Araki Passes Away at 63

Kamen Rider Stronger lead actor Shigeru Araki (63) recently passed away last Saturday April 14 due to aspergillosis infection. Aspergillosis is a lung infection caused by exposure to mold in compost, grain, and decaying vegetation.

Prior to his illness, Araki had a esophageal cancer in 2007 before running for government office in Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan.

Akibaranger EP 2 - Sub

Ok get this super lengthy title. Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger EP. 2 is entitled: The Activation of a Bizarrely Decorated Vehicle Summons a Full Blast of Red Delusion. Get it? The Activation of a Bizarrely Decorated Vehicle Summons a Full Blast of Red Delusion is the second episode of Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger. It serves as the introduction of Machine Itashar, the mecha of the Akibarangers.

S.H. Figuarts Scorpion Zodiart and Fourze Module Set 3 Revealed!

As we go deep into the Kamen Rider Fourze series, Bandai through Tamashii website revealed the S.H. Figuarts Scorpion Zodiarts and the S.H Figuarts Fourze Module Set 03. Both will be released this July, SHF Scorpion Zodiarts price is 3,500 yen and the Fourze Module Set 03 is 2,940 yen.

Dragon Ball Voice Actor Passes at 76

Piccolo's (Dragon Ball) voice actor Takeshi Aono recently passed away due to multiple cerebral infraction after an aortic aneurysm last April 9 at 4:38 p.m.The 76-year old voice actor veteran was also known for other voice acting roles such as the grandfather on Chibi Maruko-chan, Shirō Sanada in the Space Battleship Yamato anime works, Rihaku in Fist of the North Star, and Kami-Sama and also in Dragon Ball.

Other than anime, he has also lent his voice into dubbing Hollywood films like Doc (Christopher Lloyd's role)in the Back to the Future films and Joe Pesci movies in Japanese. 

Source: ANN

Switches & FMCS Complete Module Set Up!

SWITCH ON! Singapore local reseller Fujiya Character Shop recently scooped upcoming toy releases related to Kamen Rider Fourze. First, is the Horoscope Zodiart Switch that is pegged for release this August. The Horoscope Switch will have 12 interchangeable pins representing all main Zodiarts in the series and is equipped with LED lights. However, the distribution will be limited to 9000 sets only. Suggested retail price is 5,040 Yen.

Second is the complete FMCS Module set that obviously contains all 40 modules seen in Kamen Rider Fourze. Price is 12,600 Yen also set to be released in August. However only a limited number will be released, about 8000 sets only.

Toy Review: Soul of Chogokin Battle Fever Robo (Battle Fever J)

In the light of having Super Robot Chogokins (SRCs) to my current collection, I stumbled upon an oldie - in fact the first Super Sentai Robo. I was adamant at first, but a classic is a classic and I cannot miss this one. It was on sale via ebay so I clicked and brought it home. Safely wrapped in plastic, I peeled the aging scotch tape that was holding the plastic together and to my surprise, everything was crispy as a pork knuckle dish.

This is my review of Battle Fever J and the Super Sentai's first mecha - the Battle Fever Robo (Soul of Chogokin version). The box art looks as any old SOC figure with Battle Japan and the robot on the cover. On the back, first impression was - OMG talk about weaponizing a mecha. It brings back to old Super Sentai robos (from 70s to 80s) when more gadgets means more firepower.  But what is inside will amaze you. He has tons of heavy die-cast weapons namely:

Go-BusterBeet Debut and other Gobuster Toys

The latest toy catalogues reveal the presence of two additional members of Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters namely BeetBuster and StagBuster. Beetbuter is the new human Gold Go-buster member while his Buddyroid morphs into a silver StagBuster via Beet's MorphinBlaster, a cellphone-to-gun weapon ala Ixa Riser.

BeetBuster's robot the BC-04 Go-BusterBeet forms from crane to a beetle. StagBuster's mecha is SJ-05 Stag Beetle, which can change from fighter F-15 jet to a stag beetle. Both mechas combine to their own zord named BusterHercules. In this mode, the joint transformation will allow them to use the Go-BusterAce as weapon of some sort.

Gobuster's 9 and 10 episode details

Here are additional details for Gobuster's episode 9 and 10 which includes a Usada being kidnapped and ransomed and a new blueprint for a Buster Machine?

Mission 9: Usada Rescue Strategy!

Usada gets into a fight with Yoko and went to the administration and asks for a break. Usada comes across a guard at the administration and invites Usada to go away with while riding a cart. Whilst, did Usada knew that it is a plot to kidnap him. While Usada is away, the team receives a ransom of 2000 tons of Enetron from and reveals that Usada was kidnapped. When the team knew the cause (because of Yoko and Usada’s recent fight) Ryuuji and Hiromu helps in the investigation to rescue Usada. 

More Akibarangers Toys @ Tamashii Nations Vol.3

Gobuster Episode 8: Protect the Machine Blueprints!

Gobuster episode 8 is entitled: Protect the Machine Blueprints! "Mashin Sekkeizu o Mamore!" (マシン設計図を守れ！). Here is a preview of this episode. Ryuji is reunited with his old high school classmate Kazuya who has become one of the Go-Busters' engineers, while Enter tries to infiltrate the Go-Busters' base of operations to steal a new Buster Machine's blueprints.

Gobuster Episode 7: Bad Maintenance on the Ace - SUB

Gobusters Episode 7 is entitled: Bad Maintenance on the Ace?! "Ēsu Seibi Furyō?!" (エース整備不良?!). A rookie mechanic takes over maintenance of the Go-Buster Ace, making Hiromu feel unsure if he is ready. The Train Zord attacks, and there is a problem when sorting the Go-Buster Ace to combat the new Vaglass Megazord. Due to fault issues, Gobuster Ace must need of immediate repair and takes 30 minutes to complete.