Tamashii Nations Unveils S.H.Figuarts Perfect Cell
What I know about Dragon Ball could be laser-etched on a microchip, but fans seem excited about Tamashii’s latest reveal of the character Perfect Cell for their S.H.Figuarts line, the anime-oriented sibling to S.H.MonsterArts. (more…)
Odds ‘n Ends > Beast Saga Vid, NECA does Half-Life & Prometheus, Nerf Intimidation, Figma Link
- Damn, I am way overdue for one of these. Right now my own toy collection is somewhat in chaos, as we’re packing for a move to our very first house. Still got some reviews coming, though.
- What’s going on with ThunderCats? Pixel Dan asks the question, and TNI (sort of) answers it. Bottom line: Bandai still holds the master license, their product line is not canceled, and they are currently rolling out ThunderCats product globally in conjunction with the TV show being airing internationally. So those dreams of a Four Horsemen-sculpted, MOTUC-compatible ThunderCats line must remain in dreamland for now.
- Here’s NECA’s Gordon Freeman from Half-Life 2. Evidently they’re also bringing us a Robocop with an opening thigh holster (possibly spring-loaded).
- TakaraTomy has released a short promotional CGI video (narrated in English) highlighting their upcoming Beast Saga figures. The anthropomorphic warriors blast each other with fire and water from symbols on their chests. Kind of reminds me of the Care Bear Cousins, actually.
- I missed this sketchy-seeming incident in which Hasbro and its lawyers tricked and then threatened an Australian toy blogger over his review of a pre-release Nerf gun that he bought online. If Hasbro offers you free toys for a giveaway and you’ve recently reviewed pre-release items, think twice about providing them with your personal information.
- I seem to have been one of maybe five geeks who actually enjoyed Prometheus. Sure, the story was messy, but the visuals and atmosphere were amazing…anyway, NECA’s making figures, including what’s basically (mild spoiler alert) the “Space Jockey” pilot from the original ALIEN. I’ll be getting that solely because I’ve loved the look of that character since the original film.
- There’s going to be a Figma Link (from Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword). I did not know this. Awesome. Now that we’ve got Link and Samus, when do we get a Figma Mario?
- Packaged shots of S.H.MonsterArts Little Godzilla.
- LuchaSharks are a thing. A thing in the process of being developed by Galaxxor creator Ben Spencer.
Tamashii Nations Bringing Super Robot Chogokin Megazord to the U.S.
Super Robot Chogokin Megazord (Daizyujin)
Commonly known in North America as the original Megazord in the first aired series of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in 1993, the Daizyujin joins the ranks of the Super Robot Chogokin Series. The import of this figure is appropriately timed with the upcoming twentieth year anniversary of the Power Rangers legacy!
Figure employs Super Robot Chogokin diecast and features an extensive array of accessories and effect parts. Figure set includes Dinosaur Sword Godhorn, Mammoth Shield, two sets of interchangeable hand parts, as well as effect parts for Super Legendary Lightning Cut finishing move, and energy beams from crown. Shoulder mounted cannons are articulated to allow for re-enactment of both forward firing and retracted modes. This release will be available in anime, comic, collectable, specialty stores, small to medium retail chains as well as online retailers within the U.S. and Canada.
Oct 2012 MSRP $60.99
The Megazord looks a lot like Voltron, right? Has that been discussed in geek circles? (more…)
Interview > Bluefin Tamashii Nations USA
As many of you know, I’m pretty excited about the S.H.MonsterArts line. That line is being brought to the U.S. by Bluefin Distribution, who have a fairly active presence on Facebook. Bluefin’s Xavier Lim was kind enough to answer a few questions about the company and the brands it distributes.
1.) Many Western collectors are unfamiliar with Bluefin Tamashii Nations USA. Can you briefly describe the company and its connection to Bandai? (Side question: what’s the “Bluefin” about?)
Bluefin Distribution is an official U.S. distributor for 2 branches of Bandai Japan: Bandai Collectors, known as Tamashii Nations, and Bandai Hobby, the division that produces Gundam-related model kits. The “Bluefin” is a reference to the bluefin tuna. (more…)
S.H.MonsterArts King Ghidorah Destroys Poe’s Objectivity
I need to be honest with you, dear readers – I’m not sure I’m capable of being objective about the S.H.MonsterArts toy line. “Super-articulated Godzilla action figures” is the sort of thing I found at toy stores in my dreams, but the very idea of them existing in the real world seemed like pure fantasy. And yet, here they are. (True, I wish we could get some monsters from the 1960s and ’70s in addition to the current 1990s lineup, but to say I will take what I can get is an understatement.) (more…)
Pic of the Day > Kamen Rider Blade King Form by Jii Dee
New S.H. MonsterArts Poll at Tamashii Nations
Godzilla (S.H.Monster Arts) by Jova Cheung, on Flickr
I try not to ask favors of you, my readers. I write this site for my own enjoyment as well as yours, not to advance my own agenda.
But once in a while I may make use of this megaphone I have, and this is one of those times. If you’re a Facebook user, please vote in this S.H. MonsterArts poll. While I voted for all the Godzilla monsters, I don’t care who you vote for – just please vote! And maybe consider voting for Showa Godzilla and Mechagodzilla. Y’know, if you were wondering whom I might recommend or something.
Guest Review > Mumm-Ra (6″ Thundercats Classics, Bandai)
I previously reviewed the 6″ Thundercats Classic Lion-O figure, and today I’m here to continue in that fashion and review the 6″ Classic Mumm-Ra.
Bandai’s Thundercats toy lines seem to be very hit or miss with the fans, due to several design elements the fans take issue with (and rightfully so), but the general consensus seems to be that the Classic figures are a good attempt at collector-oriented figures.
There have been rumors floating around recently of the new Thundercats cartoon ending and if so, it’s likely that the toy lines would end as well. I, and many fans, certainly hope that isn’t the case, because it would be nice to at least have the main characters in action figure form.
Keep reading to find out if Mumm-Ra is a worthy addition to your Thundercats collection. (more…)
Tamashii Nations Unveils “Comic-Con Explosion Godzilla” S.H.MonsterArts Exclusive
Tamashii Nations has released information and pics about their S.H.MonsterArts exclusive, “Comic-Con Explosion Godzilla”!
Tamashii Nations’s Facebook page will also have a S.H. Monster Arts survey, starting today and running for one week, to help determine future releases and the direction to take the Monster Arts line. There will be some Western monsters on the list including more obscure choices like Pokemon.
Box art by Yasushi Torisawa
TN will post more information concerning this year’s SDCC plans, including a number of un-announced prototypes for the various Tamashii Nations lines, on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
More info on the exclusive after the jump!