Singapore Holds Transformers Cybertron Con 2012

4 February 2012, Singapore – Singapore gets its first Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Transformers Cybertron Con 2012. This is the second edition of the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Convention with the inaugural convention held previously in Shanghai in 2010.

What can I expect at “Cybertron Con”?

You can expect a stunning exhibition of TRANSFORMERS collectible toys as well as activities for fans to experience a wide variety of offerings from Hasbro’s toy line and entertainment in this bi-annual event. You will be able to view extensive artwork and information about characters and stories from different eras of the brand from “Beast Wars” to the most recent entertainment blockbuster movie and current “Transformers Prime” animated series produced by Hasbro Studios.

Singapore brings back Toy Carnival 2011

If you happen to be in Singapore this May, try visiting this event for great showcase of action figures. 

27 - 29 May 2011 | 11am - 9pm

Suntec Hall 401 | FREE ADMISSION

Toy Review: Final Form Ride Hibiki

It is a shame to admit but I was a naive and a noob in collecting Kamen Rider figures more than 6 months ago. I didn't know the difference between SHF, S.I.C., Kiwami, RAHs and alike. I just knew who they were. It didn't matter what toy line they came from, the point was getting all 11 Hsieh riders and quit. One of the few early mistakes I did was getting Final Form Ride Hibiki - not because I don't like the character, just as I mentioned  - I was naive. I should have asked around and stuck to one toy line. Because for an average toy collector, the best way not to loose a lot of money but still enjoy collecting is to stick to one kind. Spending a lot (I meant all) on figures is not an option to me. I'll be on the next step of the slew of responsibilities - I have to prepare for it (meaning save).

Anyways, Hibiki was an easy target for me especially when I  was on a hunt and browsing through CSToys' website. There are not a lot of good Hibiki figures out there (erm...during this time, I overlooked the Hibiki SIC Kiwami also posted on the CStoys). Added to the fact that Hibki (in any toy line) is unpopular. Believe me when I say that he is unpopular. If you check online e-commerce sites there are more Hibikis in stock than the other riders.

What is This Final Form Ride? This series from Bandai is to commemorate the different transformations done by past riders through Kamen Rider Decade. For Hibiki, he had two - a flaming (phoenix?) bird and an Ongekiko. An Ongekiko is a Taiko (wide drum) Belt. Hah, I didn't research on this when I was doing the video review.

The Final Form Rider Hibiki came with two drum sticks (Rekka). These are just to plain red drum sticks and there are no additional features. Other than that is the Gambaride card you can use with your DX Decade belt. Unfortunately I don't have one. Hibiki has a slew of weird articulations, which he actually needs especially when converting it to a Final Form Rider. 

 
Cons: Transforming the figure into a bird is easy, but the look doesn't match to the show. He looks like a weird rider with wings.

Pros: He is an effective Ongekiko. The drum sticks do help in the whole look and feel. The only hitch is the difficulty of connecting the pegs and holes on the symbol. It will take a couple of man hours to get it right.

Recommendation: The reason for picking the FFR series is to relive the final form moments of past Hsieh riders as seen on the show. Its not for all Kamen Rider fans.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Masked Rider Kuuga Amazing Mighty Form

 

SH Figuarts Kuuga Amazing Mighty is the one I've been waiting for since this one is hard to catch nowadays. I knew that it has Kuuga Rising Mighty's mold, I knew he had matte finish, I knew that in black he looks stunning. But all changed when I opened the box. But before I go through my very first WTF in SHF history. Let me go through the basics first.

As I've mentioned on top, SHF Amazing Mighty remold of Rising Mighty and Mighty form but in black. Instead of just one golden shin, this has two. Matte finish is pretty consistent with its Dark Kuuga counterparts. Think of it as mix of Rising Mighty, Mighty and Ultimate form...well he is isn't he..Nice sculpt, nice detail. Grongi details on the collar and on the shins do stand out in my opinion. Though the figure alone looks very much like Rising Mighty (but with small alterations) this alone made me feel I'm getting what I wanted, I knew I made the right choice. What else could go wrong? I spoke too soon and started slamming on my table, because I've been cheated.

Box design was decent - very SHF-ish, the toy is a dream and two pairs of extra hands.........what? There are only two pairs of interchangeable hands...WTF! I thought this was a Tamashii Web exclusive? Where did my money go? I tapped the box once again to assure myself that I was wrong, called the seller to check if I got the wrong item. Bandai oh Bandai. Then I fell on my knee raised my hands and shouted WHY?????????

Bandai cheated on me, they could have given extra hands like Ultimate form, a Tamashii stage like  Rising Ultimate, a greeting card from Godai Yuusuke, a signed autograph from the manufacturer but no. Nothing. Bandai justify this!!! For a web exclusive, why am I given just two extra hands, heck this is even worse than Agito. At least SHF Agito had an extra interchangeable mask and yet his is not an exclusive. I paid good money but given so less. This will haunt my wallet for a long time.

Oh ok, you want my verdict? Guess....ranting goes on, see my video below.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Masked Rider Kuuga Ultimate Rising Form

The epitome of all of Kuuga's evolution - the Ultimate Rising form. Ultimate Rising is badass in every sense of it - like if Kuuga was in Dragon Ball, this is type Kai, the final transformation. For history's sake, Ultimate Rising made its debut on Kamen Rider Decade series, particularly on the last episode (or movie) wherein Yuusuke was possessed by Tsukasa's (Decade) younger sister and eventually able to wield the form on his own.

When I saw this form for the first time, I thought there's another transformation? Then I jumped in excitement like a little school girl.

This SH Figuarts Kuuga Ultimate Rising form at my first glance was a sight to behold. There are more thorns or horns protruding in almost every part of the figure, colored in gold - shining, shimmering, splendid. I got through the details of the golden arms, shoulder pads and horns on the helmet...I thought there is something lacking. Slowly, the gold paint was too much for me. In my opinion the vein-like design over those gold parts should have some sort of variety in color. It was a shame (well shame is a rough word), it didn't stand out and found that it was there until you actually have taken hold of it. Customizing it may be a solution.


 

But I was told on my Youtube channel that customizing the figure may ruin the figure. I agreed, because first, this is an exclusive figure so getting a new one just in case is cumbersome and expensive. Second customizing it doesn't guarantee that the finished product may not be what you wanted (well it depends). To each his own. Still, too much gold on this figure bothers me.

He has 7 interchangeable hands and a Tamashii Stage. The stage looks very plain in black. Bandai could have added some phrases (like SHF Ixa) from the show or a design that would signify that this is definitely exclusive for Kuuga UR. The dark compound eyes are very well done, dark enough to let you see the design underneath without ruining the whole concept of a devilish Kuuga.

Articulation on Kuuga UR are limited, because of those huge shoulder pads and thorny arms. It was difficult for me to maximize the potential of figure when I was taking photos and posing it to my liking. Only the head satisfied my appetite (this sounds wrong). Worst part is that when standing the figure straight, it is on a limp, he is tilting on his right side. I tried moving its legs to get it upright, but no senor.

Bandai is tricking us by producing the same figure, number of hands and other exclusive stuff with another Ultimate Rising - but with Red Eyes. They could have done the same with Ultimate form wherein aficionados are given an additional interchangeable mask all in one box. As a Kuuga fan, I'm in this dilemma whether I need to get the Red Eyes or not. But the concept of it is absolutely ridiculous. Again, to each his own. I already a little under satisfied how UR panned out. I won't fall for it twice. One is enough. Can I not reiterate it more?

In the end, you might get too excited on a figure that maybe be awesome. I'd rather hold back that feeling first until you've gotten it. Just don't get expectations so high.

Mikel'z Pre-orders SH Figuarts, SIC, MG Gundam

Deadline for pre-orders: Jan 21, 2011 (all in SGD)


Bandai MG Shenlong Gundam (EW Version) : $60 ( release Mar 2011 )

Tamashii Exclusive Super Imaginative Chogokin – Masked Rider Di-End : $140 (release Apr 2011 )


Bandai SH Figuarts – Masked Rider OOO Sagozo Combo : $38 (release Apr 2011 )


Bandai SIC Kiwami - Masked Rider Agito Ground Form : $16 (release Apr 2011 )

Bandai SH Figuarts – Masked Rider OOO Latorartar Combo : $38(release Apr 2011 )

Bandai SH Figuarts – New Den-O Strike Form (Trilogy) : $42 (release Apr 2011 )

Tamashii Exclusive SH Figuarts – Masked Rider Cyclone Joker Gold Extreme : $100 (release Apr 2011 )

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Kuuga Ultimate Form

I had to say that Bandai was hitting the right spot when they released SH Figuarts Masked Rider Kuuga Ultimate form. This figure sets the tone on how generous Bandai could be for a specific toy line especially for a non-exclusive one. Ultimate form has 9 extra hands to compensate our lust for the figure - the fact that in the show, Kuuga in this form wields no weapons or special abilities but only a heightened strength. The toy also has an interchangeable green-eyed mask when, in proper lighting, the eyes look as dark as night. The mechanics of the mask is seemingly familiar with SHF Agito Ground Form. The slots and pegs, however are thin and susceptible to snapping it.

The toy is not really for kids because of the pointy thorn-like armor and small pose able hands that can easily be swallowed (not that i wanna chew on it). SHF Kuuga belongs to the first wave of SHFs that Bandai has released and I think that because of the success of selling Kuuga in the market paved the way for other successful SHF series such as IXA, D. Kiva, Double and alike. But not with Kabuto, until now I can still read reports that it continues to produce "bow-leggedness", despite that this SHF Kabuto series has been released and re-released (from my recall) thrice.

I still like hinges on the foot as it gives more balance in a certain stance. The problem is that over time hinges become loose thus making the figure more wobbly (heck if I am paying more than 3000 yen for a figure I would definitely take care of it). Grongi characters on the gloves change for every rising or ultimate form (well except for Rising Ultimate).

I've said it before that i like the dark version of Kuuga and I believe it suits him well. If I know someone who customizes figures for (ahem) reasonable price (when I say reasonable, it should cost me just a dime and a nickle) I'd rather have this figure in shinny black than matte black finish, but that is just me. I have a different concept of what Ultimate form should be but not would be as creative as Ishimori. The main attraction for me are the gold lines that highlight some of its parts. The paint job is clean well crafted. The jewel on the belt is now opaque as it would be on the show. Arms have a limited reach since they are hindered by those horny (take this literally ok?) shoulder pads that are tightly close to the torso. You can still lift those shoulder pads but it would look cumbersome when setting those on a 90 degree angle.

Some of the small nuisances are the loose ball joints/hinges on the arm. But it might be my figure only as some are satisfied on what they got.

In conclusion, not all SHF collectors would easily jump on this figure and would rather start first with other forms. But believe me, once you have your own Ultmate Kuuga, you'll slowly start to appreciate the beauty behind the beast.

Hear YE Hear YE - The arrival of DX Beat Chaser and Gouram

Finally it has arrived. Watch my video to know what I'm talking about. Toy Review coming soon.

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Ixa

Like my other related SHF Kiva figures, Ixa rank amongst my top list of the best releases of 2010. There are so many reasons why this need to be on top.


1. Simplicity - white base paint app underneath those gold, blue and red lines makes you appreciate its figure, without lessening its masculinity or femininity. These colors blend and balanced so well that even in the series, this Kamen Rider was worn by both male, a neutral Kamen Rider for all sexes.


2. "Pose"-ability - I was impressed on how this toy can balance in one foot. (See figure) Probably, the one SHF that I can make it stand on one leg with out the need to use a tamashii stage. (eventhough he has one)



3. Accessories - As the first SHF figure to have more than what you bargained for...the number of switchable hands two kinds of blades and for a non-exclusive item - wait for it....A TAMASHII STAND!!!

4. Price point - In its first release you might have thought that this is an exclusive, but its not. For a regular price you have so many options. I actually had fun taking pictures on my DSLR camera as if he is on the red carpet to the Oscars.



I see no major faults on this figure just praises. Below is my video review, follow me also on youtube Firestarter1331.

Kamen Rider Birth trailer

Since the DX belts and weapons in Kamen Rider OOO have been released and sold. I still don't know how (as of this post) will Kamen Rider Birth actually play in the series. We know he uses cell medals to transform (henshin) we know he has Birth Buster and then some...then what? There's a Kamen Rider fan out there who have posted on Youtube a glimpse of how he will kick Greed ass. 

Toy Review: SH Figuarts Masked Rider Kiva Emperor Form

Now that D. Kiva is for the first day of Kiva week now its time to move to another amazing looking SH Figuarts item...SHF Masked Rider Kiva Emperor Form.


Kiva Emperor has the same mold as Dark Kiva with a little tweaks here and there. Almost a splitting image of the latter, hence the name Dark Kiva.  Rather than having a black and red motif for its costume, Kiva Emp is an illuminating figure with gold and bright yellow accents which makes it stand out and more defined than any character in the series. Well, the is the hero of the story isn't he?

Aside from the sun color shades, the wings are quite tucked in unlike the former that had wings protruding which makes the dark night (Batman) need to ask Kiva's costume mistress' number.  Eyes and cape are bloody red, fitting to the Halloween-inspired theme

Accessories - almost the same number less the Sagark sword. The blank sword is replaced with actual Zanbat blade that has the same color scheme as the Emperor. Cape extensions continue to be a pain pegs do not differ from Dark Kiva's.

The box remained the figure's likeness which I hope to see in many future SHFs - themed and munificent. 

SH Figuarts Kiva Emperor Form remains among the best-looking figures in 2010 together with Ixa, R. Ixa and is mirror Dark Kiva. Sorry Double, though your world has been interesting and probably loved  by most Toku-manic fans out there, won't share the same spotlight  I hold for them.



Some of the pictures I've taken in line with this review.