Firestarter's Blog: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Know More About Kamen Rider Wizard's Rings

Here is another great batch of Kamen Rider Wizard magazine clips courtesy of alternate-zer0. Let's see what is in store for us before we actually watch the 14th Hsieh rider on September 2.

Most likely, Kamen Rider Wizard will first appear on the upcoming twin bill Kamen Rider Movie entitled: Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: It's Space Time, Everyone! premiering this August 4.

Here are clearer images of the upcoming rider that will soon be released in S.H. Figuarts and S.I.C. Kiwami Tamashii toy lines. First is the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Knight Survive, the upgrade form of Kamen Rider Knight.

SHF Knight Survive includes the Dark Visor Zwei, Sword Vent, Advent card and a blue Tamashii Stage with Knight logo imprinted. This will be released in November for 3675 Yen.

Toy reviewer Firestarter1331 and JEFusion | Japanese Entertainment Blog brings you a contest that you shouldn't miss! Up for grabs is the new S.H. FiguArts AkibaRed and a soon-to-be-revealed JEFusion T-Shirt featuring InuRanger!

009 Re:Cyborg Movie Team With Pepsi On New Campaign

Youtube's PH9 recently streamed two Pepsi NEX Zero TV ads with characters for the upcoming movie adaptation of popular classic manga by Shotaro Ishinomori, 009 Re:Cyborg.

According to the official website, the story starts as multiple simultaneous bombings occurred throughout the world including London, Berlin, Shanghai, and Australia. Who and the source of these indiscriminate attacks is unknown and has lead the world into the state of panic and anxiety.

Recently published magazines showcase one of the upcoming twin bill movie Kamen Rider Fourze the Movie: It's Space Time, Everyone! with more focus on the machines that will be used.

Space Iron Men siblings will use the Space Ironmen Ultimate Form XVII's robot form, the XVII One Seven Formation. The final robo will have the number 17 on the chest as also a tribute to Daitetsujin 17 tokusatsu series. Also seen are the mecha form of the Space Ironmen. Grand Car is the alternate form of Grandain, while Skydain transforms into Sky Jet.

Gobusters Episode 23 is entitled: "Ishi o Tsugu Mono" (意志を継ぐ者). On Yoko's birthday, she learns her mother was a Megazord pilot and a colleague of Masato's. However, the Metaloid Jishakuloid attacks, sticking Hiromu, Nick, Ryuji, and Jay together, leaving Masato to have Yoko test a risky prototype armor.

Gobusters episode 24 is entitled: A très bien Summer Festival "Torebian na Natsu Matsuri" (トレビアンな夏祭り). Hiromu is called in by his old high school friends to help out when they need another person to join their performance troupe at the city's summer festival. The appearance of Wataameloid puts Hiromu in a sticky situation when he has to abandon his old friends to assist his teammates.

"From legend to immortal, a Space Sheriff Will Rise Again…” Here is a teaser movie poster for the upcoming Uchuu Keiji Gavan THE MOVIE with the new Gavan played by Yuma Ishigaki (Gokusen, Hana Kimi, Azumi) as Geki Jumonji, supposedly the heir of Gavan's powers in line with the 30th anniversary Gavan and the Metal Hero genre.

The New Gavan is poised to be called as Uchuu Keiji Gavan Type-G without breaking the image of the previous metal hero. Although Gavan Type-G will have some similarities with the original combat suit, there will be some differences like the light up eyes are blue instead of yellow, and have less lights on its chest.

All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2 2nd Promo Streamed

Namco Bandai Games recently posted their 2nd promotional video of the upcoming game All Kamen Rider: Rider Generation 2, set for Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. The video presents all Showa and Hsieh riders doing their own Kamen Rider finishers and hissatsu kicks.

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.

We have so many upcoming SHF releases, how can you manage your expenses this coming festive season? To add to the increasing number of figures to look out for, here is the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Knight Survive form. Don't panic just yet. So far what we know is that this is slated as regular release. If you want this, you might want to save extra. Slated to release this November, its price tag has yet to be announced.

Sengoku Basara HD Collection Presents 3 Warriors

Here is a comparison video on Famitsu's Youtube channel on Sengoku Basara HD collection presenting Date Masamune, Nobunaga Oda, and Sanada Yukimura. These videos showcases their relative moves and in-game skills.

The HD collection comprises of 3 games in 1 disc which are – Sengoku Basara, Sengoku Basara 2, and Sengoku Basara 2 Heroes. Capcom's Sengoku Basara HD Collection scheduled to be released this August 31 in Japan.

Tekken franchise official Youtube channel began posting promotional videos of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 which includes four of our fighters Prototype Jack, Alex, Tiger Jackson, and Forest Law with new stages such as France, Spain, Philippines, and Holland.

The latest Tekken offering will have more than 50 playable characters and for those who have pre-ordered in the US will have access to a Snoop Dogg bonus stage. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will be released on Sept 11, 13 and 14 for North America, Japan and Europe respectively.

Square Enix UK recently streamed a new trailer of the upcoming PC and PS3 game, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, a MMORPG. Square Enix have not yet confirmed the release date for, what others call, FFXIV 2.0.

Produce Naoku Yoshida said, "Since announcing our plans for the future of the title last October, we have been working tirelessly to include all of the elements that we have promised in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn,". Added, "This new title not only becomes a symbol of a completely new Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, but also marks the beginning of a new stage as the latest title in the Final Fantasy series. I hope you’re looking forward to it!”

Tecmo Koei's Hisashi Koinuma, recently twitted that there are plans of producing Samurai, according to Game Jouhou. However this hasn't been officially confirmed as of writing but the company is hoping to launch the game by February 2014. This is in hopes to align with the 10th year anniversary Samurai Warriors.

Here is a preview of Kamen Rider Fourze episodes 45 and 46 before we reach the end of the series. Wait there are a few Zodiarts left before the finale. It is mentioned that Ran Kuroki will be joining Kamen Rider Club but will be a Pisces Zodiart.

Kaiyodo recently released official images for Revoltech No.040 Optimus Prime Jet Wing slated October at 4,800Yen. This version of Optimus Prime is in line with the movie Dark of the Moon that includes a nicely sculpted wing and accessories.

Accessories include an axe, sword, two pairs of hands, a signature Revoltech stand and a interchangeable head that has Optimus' closed mouth piece. His height is approximately 140mm in height. More images after the jump.

Here is your first look on the Square Enix Play Arts Kai Armored Batman. Just in time for the Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises movie even through this figure is based on the Arkham Asylum game created by Rocksteady Studios. This is also my first DC review.

Batman has a very cool and thick box art showcasing a panoramic view of (most likely) Gotham city on a murky night sky and splashed purple paint near the window. It has its game logo at the bottom left hand side and the Play Arts Kai Logo in silver letters on the right.

Take A Peak at XBOX 360 Halo 4 Bundle

In line with one of the most anticipated games in year, Microsoft will be launching a Halo 4-themed Xbox bundle. The set costs $399 inclusive of a 320 GB Xbox console and two wireless controllers with that touch of transparent outer casing and Halo design inside. These controllers are equipped with LED lights and the console also have Halo-themed sounds.

More items are bundled in like the black Xbox 360 headset and Halo 4 exclusive DLC codes to unlock skins, avatar accessories and more. The aforementioned bundle will be released this November in the US.

Tiger & Bunny Movie Trailer Previewed

Cinema Today recently posted a video on their Youtube channel of the 1st trailer of Gekijō-ban Tiger & Bunny "The Beginning" anime film. Aside from this, the video also showcases the theme song for the movie entitled "Linear Blue o Kikinagara" by rock band Unison Square Garden.

The story revolves around the first TV anime episodes with additional scenes. On Twitter, the organization's official page also revealed that Kappei Yamaguchi will be voicing a new character named Robin.

Gekijō-ban Tiger & Bunny "The Beginning" will open in Japan on September 22.

In response to a fan asking about the English version of the game Black Rock Shooter, Imageepoch CEO Ryoei Mikage replied "We are developing BRS [Black Rock Shooter] now. BRS will be completed soon."

Black Rock Shooter: The Game was released previously back in August of 2011 and has been distributed in North America and Europe but never mentioned of an English release aside from this recent reply.

TOEI's official website and Youtube channel recently streamed the first trailer for their “HERO NEXT” direct-to-video film project entitled “PIECE ~Kioku no Kakera~” with Kamen Rider OOOs dynamic duo Shu Watanabe and Ryosuke Miura.

Watanabe role is a freelance reporter and Miura as a cameraman with five different personalities in this suspense-filled sci-fi movie. Cast line-up includes Kazue Itoh, from Jyuken Sentai Gekiranger.

Canon recently set a press conference last July 23 for the launch of their mirror-less, interchangeable lens camera called ‘EOS M‘. Also announced during the PR event that actress Aragaki Yui from (Ranma 1/2 Live) and actor Tsumabuki Satoshi (41st Television Drama Academy Awards Best Actor for Orange Days) as the company's communication partners for the said mirror-less camera. In addition, it has been revealed that the song for their commercials will be a cover of the The Beatles‘ “Hello Goodbye” sung by Kimura Kaela.

This year, Canon EOS series is celebrating their 25th Anniversary and to culminate the festivities is the launch of the ‘EOS M’. Built as a small and light weight camera, it the output quality can par with today's DLSR offering and utilize Canon’s great line-up of 60 different EF lenses.

S.H. Figuarts DekaGreen, Basco & Sally, Fourze Astronaut Images

Bandai's Tamashii Webshoutten site finally posted complete images of the S.H. Figuarts DekaGreen, Basco & Sally, Fourze Astronaut. All of them are slated to release this December in time for the holidays.

First is SHF DekaGreen is inclusive of the D-Blaster and D-Rod and stands about 150mm tall. Suggested retail price is 3,675 yen.

During the recently held press event in Tokyo for the movie Kamen Rider Fourze: Everyone It's Space Time, sultry siren Mikie Hara revealed that she sustained bruises from all the action sequences she participated in. Mikie Hara appears as a female spy, said that it was a challenge for her to be in such intense action since the first day of shooting. Despite all that she always asks if "there is something wrong" and listens to every direction. She said, "we are very satisfied on the outcome" assuring that this movie will be well remembered.

Also present during the press conference and theater stage greeting were Katsuhiro Suzuki (RedBuster) Sota Fukushi (Kamen Rider Fourze) and the rest of the cast. Kamen Rider Fourze movie will feature Grandain, and the younger sister Skydain as they try to attack Earth. The Gobusters movie of course revolves around the team protecting the Enetower "Protect Tokyo's Enetower".Enter will be working on using 4 Megazords to fight the team and Enter actually riding on one. Both movies will premier of August 4, 2012 in Japan.

S.I.C. Kiwami Tamashii Kamen Rider Decade Seen!

In this month's Hobby Magazine, it has been revealed that the next S.I.C. Kiwami Tamashii is none other than Kamen Rider De-De-DECADE!. Onore Dikeido will include his Ride Booker in Sword and Gun mode. So far what we have is a prototype version and it is mentioned that the price tag is about 1575 Yen due this fall 2012.More info coming soon. Looks better than the original don't you think?

Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze Module Set 2

This is a review of the S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze Module set 2. Pink? really? I have no idea why but it seems that guys from Tamashii Nations are fond of this color and had place this on Module Set 2.

The set includes the parachute, chainsaw, hopping and smoke modules accompanied by their respective on/off switches which amounts to 8. Against all of the modules, the chainsaw and the parachute are the most hassle prone accessories here. The chainsaw module does have a flip out action to reveal the saw and has an extra foot with the teeth embedded to be more realistic. So this means, I need to keep exchanging these parts depending on when and how I use them. Because of that, the pegs are susceptible to wear and tear. As for the parachute module, this is no rocket science to place the parts together but be warned that the ropes (wired assembly) will be crooked in the process. A KRC Tamashii Stand with extension are available to hold the parachute and a clip on lock to hold Fourze in the air. Looking at it, it feels unstable.

Here is a review of the S.H. Figuarts Dekared from Dekaranger! Well, the release of this figure is both a surprise and an expected outcome from the Tamashii Nations 2011. Expected- is stating the obvious from numerous news and blog posts on this release and there was even an image that has all 5 members. Surprising means that it suddenly went into a delay in the production ever since Akibaranger started to air. Not only we have some weapons that are obviously included in the package but a bonus item as well.

The S.H. Figuarts DekaRed box art has a bigger window that previous SHF Super Sentai releases, probably because it wants to reveal the delusion D-Wrapper that he handed out to Akagi. This is the bonus item that is included in the box. But more to that later. A huge number 1 is printed on the left side of the box and his name and the team that he belongs to are printed on the window instead of the carton box. As more SHF rangers join in the foray, the more organized the company and associated logos are and these are neatly lined-up on the bottom.

Toei's official Youtube channel recently streamed the press conference of the upcoming twin-bill films,"Kamen Rider Fourze THE MOVIE: Everyone It's Space Time!” and “Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters THE MOVIE Protect the Tokyo Enetower".

The cast of the Kamen Rider Fourze movie started the first presentation with a theatrical entrance of Meteor, Fourze and the Kyodain siblings segway to introducing the KRC team in their orange space jumpsuits.

It is has been stated by Naruto Manga author Masashi Kishimoto that the series will run for 1.5 years more although the epic conclusion is nearing its climax. Tetsuya Nishio, the character designer of the manga epic once open this discussion with Kishimoto revealing its reader span.

Recently, the Kamen Rider Fouze cast have posted on their respective blogs that filming the Kamen Rider Fourze show has ended and they have reaped the benefits of their experience. Most of them conclude that doing Kamen Rider Fourze will be a thing to remember and whatever wisdom they have acquired will be forever treasured in their memory. Besides from this it is unbeknownst be many that Fourze series will end in Episode 48. How will our team defeat the Zodiarts completely? More info coming soon.

Recently toy catalogs have revealed that S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Super-1 out for sale too. A true Showa rider, Super-1 will include several attachments akin to his show and will be released this November at 3990 yen. Pretty hefty for an oldie.

Also announced that a few notable SHF figures will also join for this December as Tamashii Web Exclusives such as S.H. Figuarts DekaGreen for 3675 yen, S.H. FiguArts Genocider for 10,500 yen, S.H. FiguArts Basco & Sari for 5250 yen.

Fourze episode 44 is entitled: Star Fate Cere-Mony "Sei Un Gi Shiki" (星・運・儀・式).The Kamen Rider Club work to save Yuki from ceasing to be as the Gemini Zodiarts begins to take her place as the real Yuki.

Fourze episode 45 is entitled: Li-Bra De-Fects "Ten Bin Ri Han" (天・秤・離・反). Here is a preview of the upcoming episode. While preparing to celebrate Kengo's birthday, the Horoscopes seem to have found their final member in Ran Kuroki, who has been given the chance to study abroad in America. But after attacking the Leo Zodiarts in his Horoscopes form, Principal Hayami gathers the Kamen Rider Club to tell them the truth of what has been happening.

Gobusters episode 22 is entitled: The Beautiful Avatar: Escape "Utsukushiki Abatā Esukeipu" (美しきアバター　エスケイプ).When a prank call brings the Go-Busters and Enter and his new Metaloid Keyloid to a hotel, they all meet Messiah's newest avatar in the real world: Escape.

Gobusters episode 23 is entitled: Those Who Follow Their Intent "Ishi o Tsugu Mono" (意志を継ぐ者). Here is a preview of the upcoming episode. On Yoko's birthday, she learns her mother was a Megazord pilot and a college mate of Masato's. However, the Metaloid Jishakuloid attacks, sticking Hiromu, Nick, Ryuji, and Jay together, leaving Masato to have Yoko test a risky prototype armor.

Kenji Ohba and Wakiko Kano Reunites for Gavan DVD Launch

Kenji Ohba and Wakiko Kano recently attended a press conference for the 30th anniversary of metal heroes and the Space Sheriff Gavan which also serves for the launch of its commemorative DVD release. This is the first solo movie after teaming up with Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger x Gavan film. Kenji Ohba reprises his experience in making the Uchuu Keiji Gavan the Movie,"Basically I did the same (stunts) 30 years ago which left me with sore muscles", saying this with a wry smile.

In the 30th anniversary Gavan DVD to be released this September 21st, there are also audio commentary on some of the scenes and Ohba said that he is proud of these works and after 30 years, he can still do these things. Also present during the conference is Wakiko Kano who played Mimi and mentioned that the character was married to Gavan.

Recently Bandai Asia has released and listed prices for upcoming Kamen Rider Wizard toys and other related merchandizes in Japan and in Hong Kong. Check the list and pick the ones you want to save up for September to December.

Haters be hating. Recently Rotten Tomatoes' Editor-in-Chief Matt Atchity recently issued a statement that reviews about the anticipated end of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, will be put on halt until further notice.

The move came from influx of comments against critics who have given the movie bad reviews. The first negative review was from Marshall Fine who have received equally nasty and hateful comments which Rotten Tomatoes were carefully policing. According to Atchity, "referral traffic seems to have crashed his server, we've temporarily removed the review link at Fine's request, so his site can go back up. But the score will not be affected. His Rotten review still applies to the score, even if the link isn't active at the moment".

Koei Techmo's Youtube channel recently streamed the upcoming game DEAD OR ALIVE 5 showcasing their TAG TEAM ACTION platform. Set for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles, this fighting game allows combo variables and hits by using pairs characters. In this video, it is also confirmed that Tina and Jann Lee will be included in the game.

Also according to its Youtube description page, Dead or Alive 5 will be released in North America on September 25 and in Europe on the 28th.

After Rurouni Kenshin, Kamen Rider Den-o's lead Sato Takeru is again on a roll with a new movie with co-star Ayase Haruka entitled Real Kanzen naru Kubinagaryu no Hi directed by Kurosawa Kiyoshi. Previously, Sato and Ayase worked together in the Panasonic commercial but this is the first time for film. The movie will also include Kamen Rider Kuuga's Joe Odagiri.

Real Kanzen naru Kubinagaryu no Hi is based on a novel written by Inui Rokuro. Sato (playing as Koichi) and Ayase (playing as Atsumi) are lovers who have been friends since childhood. Atsumi attempted suicide and currently in comatose. Koichi is trying to revive her through a new neurosurgery technique in order to communicate with her while in a state of coma.

Kamen Rider Fourze 7-11 Campaign Running In Japan

In line with the continuous popularity of the currently airing Kamen Rider Fourze and the recently concluded Kamen Rider OOO x Fourze Megamax movie, 7-11 in Japan will be raffling away goodies and one Big Kamen Rider Fourze Cosmic States Mask. Beginning August, consumers can purchase a lottery tickets at 500 yen and a chance to win a big Kamen Rider Fourze mask and other Fourze-related prizes.

Bandai's D-Arts line finally released official images of the Terry Bogard from the game King of Fighters. Towering at 150mm, Terry includes a interchangeable hair accessory, 3 kinds of effect parts for his signature moves and an additional face replacement. Bandai promises that the new D-Arts King of Fighter figure will bring more fans into the toy line and we hope that more game-based characters will follow suit. D-Arts Terry Bogard is set to be released this November 2012 at 4,200Yen.

Filming Kamen Rider Fouze Series Ends

Since yesterday, blog posts from the cast of Kamen Rider Fourze have been updated stating that the filming of the toku series have finally come to its end.

Sota Fukushi aka Fourze stated on his blog that his eyes might be swelling but he is smiles that he had a great experience since the start of filming. Added that he want to take advantage of lessons learned through this experience in the future.

Aside from the earlier post about, it is also confirmed the Yudai Chiba aka GoseiRed from Tensou Sentai Goseigers will also be joining Super Hero Max 2012 in celebration of the Kamen Rider Fourze and Gobusters movie. He will be discussing highlights and special effect scenes from the Tensou Sentai Goseigers The Movie.

One of the 13 discussions include Tokumei Sentai Gobuster episodes, special effects from Tensou Sentai Goseiger EPIC ON the Movie and Kamen Rider W Forever A to Z (director's cut edition).

Do you miss our pretty pirates GokaiYellow and GokaiPink? Here is a chance to see them again live. TV Asahi recently announced that they will air a special called Super Hero Max 2012 in line with the upcoming tokusatsu twin-bill movie Kamen Rider Fourze: Everyone, Its Space Time and Tokumei Sentai Movie: Protect the Tokyo Enetron Tower.

Starting August 4, one of the 13 discussions include film and TV series such Tokumei Sentai Gobuster episodes, special effects from Tensou Sentai Goseiger EPIC ON the Movie and Kamen Rider W Forever A to Z (director's cut edition) to list a few.

c/o KingRanger's Flickr account, these are customized SHF, not the actual product

According to Keith Justice's visit on the recently concluded SDCC 2012, guys at Tamashii Nations met with Saban Brands and began their talks and plans to produce S.H. Figuarts Zyuranger figures for 2013. This would be perfect in line with the 20th anniversary of Power Rangers. Saban began adapting Zyuranger for the introducing Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in the United States making Saban Brand's mark in the tokusatsu industry. Check out BlueFin Tamashii Nations' facebook page for more updates on this wonderful endeavor.

Tokumei Sentai Gobusters Episode Guide 22-23

Here is an additional information about the upcoming episodes 22 The Beautiful Avatar: Escape "Utsushiki Abatā Esukeipu" (美しきアバター　エスケイプ). It seems like Escape and Enter are cooperating after all instead of one cancelling the other. Moreover a glimpse of episode 23 wherein we celebrate Yoko's birthday.

Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Akiba Red

Even if it only lasted about 13 episodes I love Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers. The show clearly talks to tokugeeks like moi and those who have been witnesses of how Super Sentai has evolved through the years. For some, stuck into the delusion that one day meet one of the legends or become powered heroes themselves. Clearly manifested through cosplayers frequently dashed in comic or toy conventions displaying their aptitude for making clothes and most technical aspects in making their heroes come to reality through them. Pain IS power.

In the S.H. Figuarts line, only Akiba Red that I am most excited about. Now that it is in my possession, I share with you the review of the S.H. Figuarts Akiba Red from Hikonin Sentai Akibarangers. The first entry's unique box design showcases rainbow spasms and the group name in front of the box. Bandai even had the name "hikonin" stamped on the clear window just like it's opening credits used to do.

Beast Kingdom and Kids Logic recently released promotional images for their upcoming deformed figurine series EGG ATTACK in line with the Iron Man 2 movie.

Operating in Taiwan, Beast Kingdom partners with Kids Logic to bring 18cm of cuteness for the following Iron Man figures: Iron Man Mark IV, Iron Man Mark V, War Machine and Iron Man Mark VI in 2012. It is also mentioned that other Marvel heroes will join the foray soon in the light of expanding the EGG ATTACK series.

In addition to the recent Kamen Rider Fourze toy scans is an information about some of the alternative form for the existing "styles".

The scan of the upcoming Rider Hero Series (RHS) vinyl figure line for Kamen Rider Wizard showcases three more forms called the Kamen Rider Wizard Drago or Dragon System. These versions include Kamen Rider Wizard Flame Dragon System, Hurricane Dragon System, and Water Dragon System. My best bet is that Kamen Rider Wizard will use two rings - Style and Dragon System to form new power-ups. More information will be brought to you soon.

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