Firestarter's Blog: June 2012

Friday, June 29, 2012

Get Inside Buster Machine FS-00 Frog

Here are new updates from the upcoming Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters the Movie: Protect the Tokyo Enetower! Let get to know more about one special character - Enetan. Enetan is BuddyRoid related to the Buster Machine FS-00 Frog.

Akibaranger Episode 13 is entitled: Evaluation Meeting! If You Don't Hurt, That's Alright! "Hanseikai! Itakunakereba Zattsu Ōrai!" (反省会！痛くなければザッツオーライ！) This is a special episode of Akibarangers shown at Tokyo MX last Wednesday. Akagi receives a DVD from Saburo Hatte from Toei telling him if he wants a season 2, check out the DVD to know what you did wrong. Interesting. Do you want a season 2?

Toy Review: S.I.C. Kamen Rider Kuuga Vol.13

I'm skipping the rest of the S.I.C. Showa riders for the moment and let's head back to Hsieh era. I'm trying to do the SIC reviews in order so let's start with S.I.C. Kamen Rider Kuuga Vol. 13. Kuuga is one of my favorite riders to date and getting the S.I.C. version is a no-brainer. I'm hoping on this review that even if this volume was released about a decade ago, it will still amaze me and first time dwellers of SICs.

The box design screams Kuuga with Grongi marks all over and the title Masked Rider Kuuga on the face of box. I'm ok that it didn't mention other forms or else, how would you place them all in one box?

Namco Bandai Games is releasing a new game for the Nintendo DS aptly named Tokumei Sentai Gobusters that will be released on September 27, 2012 at 5,040 yen inclusive of tax.

This is in line with the currently running toku show, Tokumei Sentai Gobusters. The game incorporates voices and story plot from the show. On the NDS game, it shows both strengths and weaknesses of the 5 characters and presents interactions from the team's corresponding BuddyRoids.

Shunya Shiraishi Plays Kamen Rider Wizard - Confirmed!

In the recently held press conference, producers of the upcoming rider, Kamen Rider Wizard, named Shunya Shiraishi (to play Souma Haruto/Kamen Rider Wizard) as the new hero. Shiraishi was delighted when he was elected to play the part last October 27, 2011.

He said during the press conference "Honestly, I'm glad and honored in making history and tradition to be the called Masked Rider. When it was announced that there will be a new Masked Rider, I'm thinking if I could go".

It's all about Kamen Rider Wizard this week. To tell you more about our upcoming rider, his first form is called "Flame Style" by using his flame ring and waving this on his Wizard Driver.

He can use different rings depending on what he needs. Big Ring, allows him to increase any body part (might come in handy for some). A Copy Ring that lets him make duplicates of himself and Connect Ring. And another ring to rule them all (ooopppss wrong attribution).

Here is another set of scans from our friends in Jefusion regaring the upcoming Fourze movie. On these set of images, we can see the Meteor and Fourze is surrounded by the 12 Horoscope Apostles. Can they handle the heat?

Below is another image of Kamen Rider Fourze Meteor Fusion States. In this form, Kamen Rider Fourze can wield weapons and abilities of Kamen Rider Meteor. To add, Fourze can multiply the power of the Astro Switches. Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: It's Space Time, Everyone! will premier on August 4th.

You've seen the magazine clips of Kamen Rider Wizard, now let's see who will play as the 14th Hsieh rider and other characters in the series. Please take these rumors with a grain of salt.

Still hot off the press, Kamen Rider Wizard will appear on the upcoming Kamen Rider Fourze Movie:Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: It's Space Time, Everyone! Here are some information on the 14 Hsieh rider and his role in the movie.

Just like how Kamen Rider W appeared in the Kamen Rider W movie, Wizard will mark his entrance telling Fourze to "Leave the rest to me" while fighting Horoscopes Virgo and Pisces.

Just right about the same time Kamen Rider Wizard is shown this month's magazine scans, we have more juicy updates on Gobuster's side. A new character has been revealed stating that she will be Enter's replacement - say hello to Escape played by former Cutie Honey actress, Ayame Misaki.

Escape is the new honcho but it is not yet mentioned whether she is going to replace Enter or just an addition on the high ranking officials.

More info sprung up from HJU regarding Kamen Rider Wizard. Are you ready? For obvious reasons, the henshin belt is called the Wizard Driver. Rings are going to be important tools in fighting Phantoms.

How the rings work is that Wizard wears the rings and waves them in front of the belt (like Den-o's rider pass). This move essentially enables the ring to use magic depending on the kind of ring he wears.

Kamen Rider Wizard Starts Filming?

Are these images Kamen Rider Wizard? Along the pages of Henshin Fever spotted what is seems to be Kamen Rider Wizard filming at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park. It was mentioned through the string of rumors that Kamen Rider Wizard has a red cape may be true.

As for the henshin (transformation) belt, a what seems to be a hand and as other sources spilled that he will use rings called "wisemen rings" as the source of his power. He will utter words "Chi-chin n puipui" like chants of a magic spell. As we continue on, there is another image that could be one of the villains called "Phantoms". His main weapon is aptly called WizaSwordGun and his main vehicle called Machine Wizardry. Will we know additional details in the upcoming issue of Televikun Magazine August Issue this month.

Fourze Episode 40: I-Dea Pas-Sion - SUB

Fourze Episode 40 is entitled: I-Dea Pas-Sion "Ri Nen Jō Nen" (理・念・情・念). As the Taurus Zodiarts, Sugiura continues to stifle everyone's creativity, but Ryusei challenges to a game of golf to get everything back to the way it was. Who will win?

Fourze episode 41 is entitled: The Club Coll-Apses "Bu Katsu Hō Kai" (部・活・崩・壊). The Virgo Zodiarts begins attacking other members of the Kamen Rider Club and sending them into the Dark Nebula, blocking Kamen Rider Fourze from accessing Cosmic States. However, Tachibana arrives on Earth to show Gentaro a way to fight with other abilities. Who knew Virgo is a male user? Fourze uses Rockestates for the first time on TV.

Gobusters Episode 18 is entitled: Cooperative Operations 3000 Meters In the Earth "Chitei Sanzen Mētoru no Kyōdō Sagyō" (地底3000メートルの共同作業). To stop Drilloid, Hiromu, Ryuji, and Masato descend down into the depths of the Earth in their Megazords while Yoko and J keep watch on the surface.

Gobusters Episode 19 is entitled: My Combination! Buster Heracles "Ore no Gattai! Basutā Herakuresu" (俺の合体！バスターヘラクレス). With J's presence as a member of the Go-Busters, Nick starts to feel that he is not good enough as he does not have a specialty like his fellow Buddyloids. On his time out in the city, Enter and Spannerloid capture him.

Den-o fans will really get a kick out of this. The latest Dengeki Hobby issue has surprised us with another Den-o release, the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Zeronos Altair Form. Zeronos is the secondary rider from the said show with ZeroGasher in Saber Mode and Bowgun Mode. Scheduled to be released this October, Zeronos costs 3150 Yen.

Akibaranger Episode 12: Most Painful Times. Farewell, Delusional Sentai - SUB

Akibaranger Episode 12 Final Episode is entitled: Most Painful Times. Farewell, Delusional Sentai "Saitsūkai Saraba Mōsō Sentai" (最痛回　さらば妄想戦隊). Well it is not yet the end since there is one more episode about the behind-the-scenes events that transpired during the rest of the season. But in episode 12, let see what happens to the Delusion Empire, and take a look at their first big mecha fight.

S.H. Figuarts Perfect Cell Images Released

Bluefin Tamashii Nations USA has opened the box and recently posted on their facebook page the official images of S.H. Figuarts Perfect Cell. This figure is created through polls and inputs from North American Fans.

Perfect Cell now joins the ranks in the S.H. Figuarts line like Super Saiyan Vegeta, Trunks and other character in the Dragon Ball universe. He also has interchangeable hands and a kamehameha effect parts. For the Asian market, Perfect Cell will be sold as a Tamashii Web Exclusive. S.H. Figuarts Perfect Cell will debut at the San Diego Comic-Com and costs 56.99 USD for November/December 2012 release.

Bandai already released their promo images of the S.H. Figuarts Power Dizer from Kamen Rider Fourze. First seen in the Tamashii Nations 2012 event, SHF Power Dizer has more dynamic joints than that of the DX version. This maybe compatible with your S.H. Figuarts Machine Massigler. S.H. Figuarts Power Dizer will be released as a Tamashii Web Shop Exclusive this November and costs at 8925 Yen.

After the recent release of Vol. 63 Kamen Rider Gill and Another Agito, Bandai will be releasing their respective bikes Dark Hopper & Gills Raider on S.I.C. From the image, this is practically one bike with interchangeable parts to form their respective vehicles. S.I.C Dark Hopper & Gills Raider will be out this November as Tamashii Web exclusive at 8925 Yen.

After the 1 week break, Kamen Rider Fourze comes back with a some surprises. One of which, Tachibana finally visits the Kamen Rider Club on the Rabbit Hutch. Why not, both or their facilities are found in space, so it is like visiting your next door neighbor.

Also on this episode, Tomoko is missing and Tachibana advises that she is dangerous to be with. Zodiarts (finally gets it) starts to target each of the member of the Kamen Rider Club. Yuuki has a doppelganger that's causing trouble at school. Gemini will appear also in upcoming episodes .

New scanned images have surfaced on CA3 blog pertaining on the upcoming Gobuster movie: "Protect Tokyo's Enetower". This entails Enter working on using 4 Megazord to fight the team and Enter actually riding on one.This first scan shows you that Enter is riding one of the Megazords preparing to attack Tokyo.

From the pages of Figure Oh magazine, it was published that S.H. Figuarts Gokai Christmas will arrive this Decemeber in time with the festive season. Gokai Christmas made its way into the series on episode 44: A Lovely Christmas Eve when Gai show the team the spirit of Christmas.

During this episode Gai fused GokaiGreen and GokaiRed's ranger key to create a one of a kind transformation. The cost of this ToeiHero.net exclusive S.H. Figuarts Gokai Christmas is 3675 Yen.

What Happened to These SHF Prototypes?

S.H. Figuarts line up has been booming and blooming year after year clearing are bank accounts, making online enemies or friends and sprung a lot of toy reviewers who wants to take a bite of the action. We are witnesses on the development of this line which opened space to more anime and toku characters such as Super Sentai genre. Speaking of which, once was limited to Asia distribution have allowed the company to reach other markets clamoring these toys like the United States.

The annual Tamashii Nations festival was a testament that S.H. Figuarts is one of the sought after toy expo showcasing upcoming figures and prototypes sure to make any fan drool. I did.

Namco Bandai recently released their 5-minute promo of Banpresto's Lost Heroes RPG game. Lost Heroes RPG is a team up of the popular toku and anime heroes namely Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Gundam.

The game will be made available on the Nintendo DS and PSP this coming September 6. Lost Heroes' streamed video contains turn-based demo and around 15 playable characters to create a 4-man team. Namco Bandai is also including on its first 3DS release a code to download games from the NES game SD Hero Sōkessen and for PSP, a product code for customed themes and bonus in-game data.

Japan is one of the countries very vigilant in preventing illegal uploading of copyrighted content over the web. Now, it is also illegal to download these pirated copies. The House of Councillors' bill to prevent users to download these illegal digital content has been approved and will commence starting October 1st.

The approval for this bill has been voted by 233 out of 242 from the Diet's members and was passed on to passed the Diet's House of Representatives last June 15th. The law also states that it is also banned the ripping on these contents like in CDs or DVDs.

After a few days on exposing the next rider Kamen Rider Wizard (仮面ライダーウィザード) on the August issue of Televikun Magazine, the name is now officially listed in Japanese trademark database under the ID 2012-42681. So that sums it up totally. According to HJU, the name Wizard might have a different name in English. So goes the debate if we need to call Orga, O-ga.

And of course with the name already out there one thing we are sure of, that Kamen Rider Wizard will debut in the Fourze movie, "Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: Everyone, It's Space Time!

Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Machine Massigler

The S.H. Figuarts Machine Massigler. This set not only includes the bike but also the Flash Module with switches. As expected this SHF creations has slight differences from the Machine Massigler that came with the DX Power Dizer.

Let's start from the front. Unlike the DX version, the bike can be turned from side to side. Its wheels have soft plastic spokes and a higher splash guard with a spring action at the back. The rear view mirrors are actually lifted higher than its DX counterpart that adds to its sleek design.

When news broke out the Tensou Sentai Goseiger will be adapted for Saban's Power Ranger's 20th anniversary series - Megaforce, there has been a lot of frowns and debates why not use Gokaiger? Gokaiger seems to be more sensible since on the Japanese toku series, the story revolves around the crew looking for past ranger powers. Obviously, this was also Toei's anniversary sentai team and so far the younger generation's favorite Super Sentai team.

It is also been said by the leading authorities, that there is this non-written rule that there will be no skip on the series. There hasn't been one since Zyuranger (aka Mighty Morphin Power Rangers). Here are my thoughts why Goseiger will work as an anniversary series to Power Rangers.

Two Cowboy Bebop characters will join the foray of anime characters produced by Square Enix for the Play Arts Kai figure series. First is Vicious, Spike Spiegel's sort of evil half and member of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate based on Mars. Vicious will include to open hands, a katana and a bird. He will be released on October 2012 and costs about 6,800 Yen.

If there is Vicious of course our protagonist will not be left behind. Spike Spiegel includes 2 open hands and a trigger hand for his pistol. He will be released on the same month at also 6,800 Yen.

We've heard a lot of rumors about the next Kamen Rider after Fourze, a painter, a ninja and more confusing attributes leading to our next hero. But recently from the pages of ANN and HJU a scoop arose that the next rider will be named Kamen Rider Wizard according to 7 Net Shopping retail website naming the next rider on the upcoming August issue of Terebi-Kun magazine. Now I think this has more spine into it but how connected are the rumors to this latest rider? The latest issue will be on sale this June 30 so let's see what this rider will look like soon.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Rio: Bone Shaman King Asakura Yoh and O.S. Spirit of Sword: Byakkou

Rio: Bone, released images of their latest figure in the Anime Shaman King, Asakura Yoh and O.S. Spirit of Sword: Byakkou. Shaman King's main character, Yoh has over 26 points of articulation and his Spirit Sword is about 26cm long and he has at least 5 different interchangeable face expressions. Yoh also comes with his white swan armor which orbit Yoh for protection. Scheduled to be released this November, Yoh costs 8,500Yen.

Another upgrade form of Kamen Rider Fourze - the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze MagnetStates. Now this is an upgrade, no a freaking tank, or Fourze on steroids. For its packaging, pretty similar to Base States but there are ripple effects on the plastic front window rather than heavenly bodies.

Magnet States packs a lot for a Kamen Rider Fourze figure. Let enumerate. First he has two kinds of turrets, the first pair is used to plug on his backpack for some major magnetic fun. These have extra hinges to lift those in different sections. The other is mashed into one big magnet. This is plug on a special Magnet States Tamashii Stand to form that hovering action as what he did on the show. Speaking of stands, Magnet States is well done with red and blue panels separating the N and S Magphone/Switch.

The 7th Showa rider to come out the S.H. Figuarts line, this is a review of the SHF Kamen Rider V3. S.H. Figuarts is going all out with all the S.H. Figuarts showa riders and I am glad that Bandai is presenting us these. Unbeknownst to many but there are a lot of showa fans out there itching their way in updating their old school rider figures. That includes me.

Its packaging has a two-tone watermelon design both in an out of the box. This will look appealing to first time buyers (and in some cases makes me crave for a watermelon). We have V3's image in black and white and the rest is just pure V3 goodness.

On episode 11, Akagi leaned that their world is being manipulated from the producers and creators to make an actual TV program. Now on episode 12, they are set out against the producers to set things right. During this turn of events whatever they have predicted for to continue on the show, always been the contradictory. Like when AkibaBlue tells that she will go back to her annual martial arts tournament which she thought she would loose to the girl on the photo. However, her rival backs out since she had a leg injury.

Chibi-Arts Tiger & Bunny Mini Theater UP!

To increase the popularity of the Chibi-arts line for Tiger&Bunny, Bandai started posted mini theater versions over their official Youtube channel. Have fun while these two crack their 10mm funny antics trying to outdo each other in this short comedy. Expect more Chibi-arts Tiger&Bunny series. This presentation also is promoting their twitter announcement for the sale of Kaburagi T. Kotetsu coming Saturday June 30th. Check out Tamashii.jp for more information.

Admit it, there are similarities between ZO and J. But of course, there will be subtle differences as well. We will get through that in a bit. The packaging I say honestly is kinda bland but you can see all both figures tied up with all those annoying twisties. If you are unaware of this, the backboard design is from Doras' opened chest nothing to be excited about but nice to have as a backdrop for display.

Kamen Rider ZO has similarities to Kamen Rider J but there are details that sets him apart. For example are the gold trims that highlight most of the lines surrounding his body. Next is the neckline that has an extra grove allowing the head to move up and down better that J.

Bandai recently started streaming the DX Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Z promo in line with the 40th anniversary of the series and the 15the of Bandai's Chogokin line. Aside from the details recently posted, Bandai also provided a teaser of upcoming Mazinger Z accessories to tie up with the DX Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Z.

In addition to the video below, the promo narrates on how Mazinger Z toys evolved from 1974 to present day. DX Soul of Chogokin Mazinger Z price is 36,750 yen and set for December 2012 release.

Akibaranger episode 11 is entitled: The Second Generation Is a Fresh and Painless Warrior "Nidaime wa Sawayaka Mutsū Senshi" (二代目はサワヤカ無痛戦士).Takuma Tsuzuki dawns Akagi's place as the new AkibaRed with a new jacket. So Akagi is called to go to Pentagon in the US but will he abandon his team mates?

Gobuster Episode 18 is entitled: Cooperative Operations 3000 Meters In the Earth "Chitei Sanzen Mētoru no Kyōdō Sagyō" (地底3000メートルの共同作業). Here is a preview of this episode. To stop Drilloid, Hiromu, Ryuji, and Masato descend down into the depths of the Earth in their Megazords while Yoko and Jay keep watch on the surface .

Gobuster episode 17 is entitled: Its Name Is Go-Buster Beet! "Sono Na wa Gōbasutā Bīto!" (その名はゴーバスタービート！). Ryuji is surprised when Masato calls for an Enetron transfer station to be shut down, leaving him as the only available Go-Buster to battle a Vaglass Megazord when Go-Buster Oh cannot be formed.

Akibaranger Episode 12: Farewell to Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers-Preview

Akibaranger episode 12 is entitled: Most Painful Times. Farewell, Delusional Sentai "Ni Saitsūkai Saraba Mōsō Sentai" (二最痛回　さらば妄想戦隊) . This is time the Itasshar Robo grows to the mecha we are familiar with in the super sentai universe. Will our heroes finally becomes official? Where do they go after this?

All Rider Generations 2 Coming Soon

After last year's highly successful Rider Generations game, Namco Bandai Games has begun promoting their latest installment for PSP and Nintendo DS, All Kamen Rider: Rider Generations 2.

Over 100 playable character will be made available on this game. New challengers include Garren, Skull, Accel Trial, New Den-o, Kaixa, Gattack and G3. There will be new power up for other characters and of course, Kamen Rider Fourze and Meteor will be included.

Hot Toys presents the 1/6th scale The Avengers: Black Widow Limited Edition Collectible Figurine. This Black Widow replica clearly represents Scarlett Johansson's figure on the said movie. Some of the highlights are a new head sculpt and more details accessories and costume design. The release date will be nearing the end of 2012. Price has yet to be announced.

Takara Tomy has set loose prototype images of the MP-13 Soundwave and Laserbeak Amazon Japan Exclusive Images, a homage to the G1 tape deck concept. Some might call it a boom box. Laserbeak also transforms to a cassette tape and can be stored in Soundwave.

This set will also be revealed at the Tokyo Toy show that is currently running from June 14-17th. Amazon will also include 2 Energon cubes just like what Soundwave used to do in the 80's Transformers cartoon.

Great Shots from Akiba Hobby on the coverage of the 2012 Tokyo Toy Show. Some of the images you's already seen it and there are lot that are new. The slew of images include Gobusters figures, S.H. Figuarts Akibaranger and related stuff, One Piece, Gundam, Gobuster Rider and Go series, and Kamen Rider thingamajigs in all shapes and sizes. Finally, Bandai also released their latest Chogokin - the DX Chogokin Mazinger Z, and Ultraman Zero all for everyone to enjoy.

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Friday, June 29, 2012

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Monday, June 25, 2012

Friday, June 22, 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Monday, June 18, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012