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Saturday 28 April 2012

More Pre-Orders

Well I've succumbed to the temptation of preorders!

For a while, I had canceled a couple of my preorders due to the fact that I reserved myself the hefty X-Plus 30cm Godzilla 1989 figure. However, I finally got off my butt, made an account over at Amiami, and preordered myself the figures there.

My orders include the Ultra-Act First Generation Ultraman, Ultra-Act Red King, and S.H. MonsterArts Fire Rodan. I had Fire Rodan preordered at HobbyLink Japan, but seeing that it's cheaper over at Amiami, I canceled my HLJ order and reordered it over there along with the two other figures. Totaled together, I spent $104.00 which isn't bad for what I'm getting out of it. However shipping will eventually be a different story for I am having Fire Rodan and Ultraman shipped together at the end of July while Red King comes later in late August separately.



I've been happy with the prices I've been seeing at Amiami and Hobby Search that I'll be making them the primary places to buy figures. I'll still come around to HobbyLink Japan to surf the sales.

Here's a link to Amiami - http://www.amiami.com/
And I have also added it to the Want Kaiju Toys? page.

Thursday 26 April 2012

HobbyLink Japan Sale

Hurry now to HobbyLink Japan!
www.hlj.com

They're having a clearance sale right now, and a lot of their science fiction related items are now at excellent prices! Of course, I too had to take advantage of the sale and buy something.

I managed to order the Sci-Fi Revoltech Type 66 Maser Cannon, a famous weapon in Toho's giant monster films of the 60's and 70's. This version of the weapon first appeared in the film War of the Gargantuas, the subtle sequel to Frankenstein Conquers the World (aka Frankenstein vs. Baragon).

I can't wait to receive this item, which I can only anticipate sometime next week before or after the arrival of my X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Gigan figure. Expect reviews for both items immediately after they arrive!

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Latest Pre-Orders

Even though I am currently set back after purchasing my X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Gigan the other day, I am still going strong with future items.

My latest reservation is another X-Plus figure, and a BIG one too with a bigger price. It is the latest of X-plus' Toho 30cm Series of figures, the new Godzilla 1989 figure. This figure, unlike Gigan, stands at around 31.5cm tall, which is about 13 inches, a bulky figure.

I was hesitant at first when ordering this, mainly due to the larger price tag. However, I found a solution - cancel some of my pre-orders. With the exception of the S.H. MonsterArts Fire Rodan, I had to cancel some of my other reservations, including the one for the new edition of the Ultra-Act Ultraman. It's not a huge loss, since I'll eventually get it sooner or later.

Unfortunately I will not be home when it arrives (thankfully I have my cousin to pick it up for me), so I'll be getting it in August when I return to Guam from my summer vacation.

Monday 23 April 2012

Latest Purchase

Well, I went a tad bit over my budget for this latest purchase.

I just ordered myself my first of X-Plus' Toho Large Monster series of figures, the alien cyborg, Gigan.

It's a beautifully sculpted figure from what I've seen so far. And the detailing is phenomenal. Apparently it stands at 23cm tall, which is close to around 7 to 8 inches. While I would've preferred a taller, 30 cm, figure from X-Plus' other line, Toho 30cm Series, the Large Monster line is what I can afford right now albeit one figure every few months.

I do intend to buy more from this line when the opportunity presents itself. While not my favorite Godzilla design from the Showa era, I am considering on purchasing the 1967 Godzilla figure from the Toho Large Monster Series some time later this year (perhaps after obtaining the S.H.MonsterArts King Ghidorah figure in early October).

Saturday 21 April 2012

Kaiju Toy Reviews - Ultra-Act Ultraman Belial, Ultra-Act Alien Baltan, and Bandai Tokyo Vinyl MechaGodzilla

Well, this is a first, three reviews in one post!

The reason I am doing my reviews this way is that I received all three figures at once, and therefore it would make sense that I utilize one post for all the reviews.

The first figure that I will be reviewing today is the Ultra-Act Ultraman Belial. 

Known as a shadow living in the Land of Light, Ultraman Belial is the first truly evil Ultraman. He was once good, but reckless, and fell into darkness when he attempted to acquire the Plasma Spark, the artificial sun of Planet Ultra, for himself. This act of treachery resulted in Belial's banishment from his home planet. The only other Ultra that came close to succombing to the same fate as Belial was Ultraman Zero, but thanks to his father's, Ultra Seven's, intervention, Zero was spared Belial's fate and would one day, after years of intense training, face Belial in battle. 

Despite being an evil character, Ultraman Belial has one neat design. This figure of him stands at the standard six inch height. Almost all articulation is identical to the other Ultra-Acts except for the fact that Belial has a moveable jaw, revealing two rows of teeth - I didn't think that Ultraman had openable mouths!

Belial also comes with alternate hand gestures, and his primary weapon from Mega Monsters Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie - his Giga Battle Nizer, a device that allows him to hold and control 100 giant monsters. It's a neat item, and kind of gives Belial a Darth Maul kind-of vibe. 

Overall, the Ultra-Act Ultraman Belial figure is pretty neat and certainly displays well next to his opponent, Ultraman Zero. Like Zero with his Ultimate Form, Belial also has a figure of his Kaiser form. Both of which I have no intention of buying since I already have figures for Zero and Belial. 

The next figure I am reviewing is another Ultra-Act figure, Ultra-Act Alien Baltan.

Alien Baltan is a seijin, and giant monster that first appeared in the second episode of Ultraman The Original Series. The Baltan were and advanced race from a distant world, but when their planet was destroyed by their own nuclear testings, the surviving population made a grand exodus off their world and embarked on a search for a new one to colonize. The entire population shrunk themselves to microscopic proportions during their travel. However when their ship became damaged, they landed on Earth to repair it, only to realize that Earth itself is a suitable planet to call their home and proceeded to colonize it. The Baltans merged themselves into one giant entity and eventually battled Ultraman. 

This Baltan figure is actually based on his second form, which appears later in the original series. It is a neat figure, but its articulation is limited compared with other Ultra-Act figures. The head and neck hardly move and the only areas that have a wider range of motion are his arms, elbows, claws, legs, knees, and feet. Despite this, Baltan comes with a flare effect that fires out of his claws, and various tinier Baltans. 

Baltan is neat, and definitely a classic monster for the collection, however due to its limited articulation, I feel that it was not worth the amount I paid for it, and I wish I found it elsewhere for a lot cheaper. 

Finally, the last figure on my review list, the Bandai Tokyo Vinyl MechaGodzilla.

This figure certainly took its sweet time in getting here! I ordered this shortly after I ordered the Tokyo Vinyl Godzilla figure - which was in mid-March. However, at least it's here so I can no longer complain. The MechaGodzilla figure, unlike the Godzilla figure, has a distinctive design, which is the original Showa incarnation from 1974's Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla

MechaGodzilla has a great deal of detail from the nuts and bolts to the shiny silver coating. It even has the design's evil-looking grin. The one complaint about this figure that I hear among a lot of collectors is its size. It stands at 5 inches tall instead of 6 inches, which is the size of the Godzilla figure. I understand why collectors may speak ill of this, but I for don't care about scale. As long as its close to the same size then I won't complain. 

Overall, the Bandai Tokyo Vinyl MechaGodzilla is a neat display figure. I am actually hoping that Bandai USA produces more figures in their Tokyo Vinyl line - Mothra, Rodan, Anguirus, King Ghidorah, Gigan? The list goes on!

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Kaiju Toy Review - Ultra-Act Ultraman Zero

This is my latest addition to my new Ultra-Act collection, Ultraman Zero.

He first appeared in the film Mega Monsters Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends The Movie, and is the son of Ultra Seven. Zero is quite a hot shot and a confident fighter. He was nearly corrupted by a craving for ultimate power from the Plasma Spark (the artificial sun of the Ultra's homeworld), the fate that fell upon Ultraman Belial. Fortunately Ultra Seven stopped him before he was able to acquire the Plasma Spark.

This figure of him is based on his first appearance. It stands at least six inches tall. The figure comes with various hand gestures, several weapons, another chest piece, separate eye sluggers, and an alternate head. Ultraman Zero is one of my favorite Ultras besides Mebius and the original.

While I have no real issues with the figure, I was dissapointed in how it was shipped to me. By the time I got it, the box was pretty much smashed - and I am a collector who cares about the state of the packaging. I just hope when I get Belial it doesn't have the same problem. Overall, the figure itself is just as fantastic as his other Ultra-Act comrades. I'm glad I bought this guy.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Olragon's Domain

Heads up!

Olragon's Domain is back at the following address - http://olragondomain.blogspot.com/ 

Check it out and subscribe. Expect to see some new development pretty soon.

Thursday 12 April 2012

Kaiju Toy Review - Ultra-Act Ultraman Mebius

Here is the Ultra-Act Ultraman Mebius!

I received him alongside my Ultra-Act Gomora today. Like my Ultraman Gaia V2 that I received on Tuesday, he stands at six inches. His articulation is the same, with minor improvements. He comes with various hand gestures, and effect parts. My favorite is his laser sword. Mebius is one of my favorite incarnations of Ultraman for he has that mixture of classic and modern design elements.

Overall, I like this figure. There isn't much else to say except that I am eager to build up my Ultra collection. Thankfully I have Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial on the way!

Kaiju Toy Review - Ultra-Act Gomora

After much stress in getting this thing paid for, I finally got it! My Ultra-Act Gomora!

I am a fairly new fan to Ultraman. After watching the original series as well as the movie Mega Monsters Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie, Gomora has become one of my absolute favorite giant monsters period. It's something about his design that spoke to me. It's simple and complex at the same time.

Anyways, on to the figure itself. This Ultra-Act Gomora released over two years ago, and now it is considered somewhat rare. I was lucky enough to snatch the last one of these that AnimeJungle had in stock. I am glad I got it, because this figure is simply amazing.

The Ultra-Act series is developed by Bandai Tamashii Nations who are also doing the S.H. MonsterArts series for Godzilla related figures - and also the Angels from the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. Personally, Ultra-Act Gomora fairs off a bit better than the existing SH MonsterArts figures! Let me explain.

Gomora stands at around 6.5 inches tall (on par with MonsterArts SpaceGodzilla). He is quite heavy, but due to having a simple design without too many spikes, Gomora is much easier to handle and pose than figures for Godzilla or SpaceGodzilla that have thin arms, and tails. Gomora comes with two accessories. The first is a tail stub where his tail was severed off in his debut two part episode arc in Ultraman The Original Series. The second his his own beam effect. I have not put it on yet, but you must take off his horn and replace it with the effect. It's neat, but I prefer displaying Gomora without any effect parts - unlike my Ultraman figures.

Overall, Gomora is a fantastic figure. It has great detail, fantastic articulation, and it stands well next to my Ultras. It makes me crave more Ultra Kaiju out of the Ultra-Act line!

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Latest Purchases

I'm still down with Ultra-Fever and it has affected my latest purchases!

I just ordered myself two Ultra-Act figures. They are Ultraman Zero, and Ultraman Belial. The latter is the first truly evil Ultraman, first featured in the film, Mega Monsters Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie.

I certainly hope these arrive before I leave for vacation in May!

Ultraman Zero
Ultraman Belial





Going to Make Some Changes Around Here.

I've been thinking. Since I am focussing mostly on other things besides Olragon on this blog, I am going to change things up somewhat.

First off, I will be renaming the blog from Olragon's Domain to Kaiju Planet.
Secondly, all my original work will have its own page. Kaiju Planet will focus more on figure & movie reviews, which I have been doing a lot of lately.

I think that pretty much sums things up. So expect to see the change any time soon.

Kaiju Toy Review - Ultra-Act Ultraman Gaia (V2) with Korin Effect

Along with my Garuda accessory for my SH MonsterArts MechaGodzilla figure, I also received my first Ultra-Act figure, the Ultraman Gaia (V2).

Even though I have seen only a couple of episodes of Ultraman Gaia, the V2 design is perhaps one of my favorites. His Ultra-Act representation is pretty awesome if I say so myself. The figure stands around 6 inches tall, a standard size for these figures. I comes with various accessories such as a beam attack as you see in the image, as well as a whip-lash kind of laser that originates from his forehead, and several different hand gestures.

What was really cool is that this figure came with the Web Exclusive Korin Effect for free (pictured as the explosion around Gaia's feet). For me it adds a lot more power and spectacle to the figure. Based on my reaction, I am looking forward to my other Ultra-Act purchases to arrive - Ultraman Mebius, Gomora, and Baltan Seijin.

Overall, I am so glad I bought Ultraman Gaia (V2) during HobbyLink Japan's recent Ultra Sale. I great deal of $21.00 for a great figure!

Kaiju Toy Review - UX-01-92 Garuda & Effects for MechaGodzilla

After months of waiting, I finally received the web exclusive UX-01-92 Garuda & Effects for the SH MonsterArts MechaGodzilla action figure.

First off, I would like to talk about the Garuda airship itself. It's about six inches in length. The detailing on this ship is pretty good, getting every nook and cranny down. Articulation can be found in the long cannons, and even on the rocket nozzles on the back of the ship, which I found pretty surprising and neat.

Along with the Garuda airship, the pack includes its Beam Cannons (pictured above), and MechaGodzilla's Shock Anchor weapon (Not Pictured), which he utilized to nearly kill off Godzilla in the film, Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla (1993). The pack also comes with parts that allow it to dock onto MechaGodzilla's back. These parts include some alternate flaps on the bottom of the ship, and a new dorsal plate piece that the Garuda snaps onto and then can be attached to MechaGodzilla. The result is a much more complete figure - SUPER MECHAGODZILLA!


This pack is a certain MUST for anyone who has the SH MonsterArts MechaGodzilla, or is a completist such as myself. The Garuda definitely adds on to the quality of the MechaGodzilla figure. I actually like it better now than before. Overall. I am so glad that I found this when this item was sold out almost everywhere else. If anyone else finds one - for a decent price - don't hesitate to snatch it up! You won't regret it.

Monday 9 April 2012

Kaiju Toy Review - Bandai Tokyo Vinyl Godzilla

Today I picked up the Bandai Tokyo Vinyl Godzilla this morning from the post office. It's been over four weeks since I ordered this, so it's about time it arrived.

Much of Bandai USA's Godzilla products have not impressed me too much. Besides their original line of six inch figures back in 2002, I have their 12" scaled Godzilla 2005 and MechaGodzilla 2003. Their later items have not intrigued me one bit. However, once I saw the images of the new Tokyo Vinyl figures earlier this year I was interested.

I ordered Godzilla first. The first thing I noticed was that it was bigger than I was expecting. It stands at around 6 inches in height - I was expecting something around 4 inches. Well, the bigger the better, am I right? The thing that attracted me to this item was that it had a designer toy-like quality to it. Normally I don't collect these style of items, but it's Godzilla, what can I say? My only gripe with this figure is that it doesn't resemble any particular design of Godzilla. It seems that it is a general take on the character - unlike the MechaGodzilla figure.

There isn't much else I can say about this item except that I personally like it. I hope my MechaGodzilla Tokyo Vinyl figure comes in this week.

Thursday 5 April 2012

Kaiju Toy Review - Scrap Metal Godzilla

While this is definitely NOT a toy in any way, I still like to review him as one. This is a scrap metal sculpture of the Big G himself!

Though it is not based on any incarnation of the character, it is still very recognizable as Godzilla. This is a custom made sculpture made by a welder at one of the off-road stores in Bangkok, Thailand. I acquired this item through my parents who were vacationing there the other week. They found this and immediately called me, asking if I wanted it. Sure enough, I got it, and received it in the mail just today.

The sculpture stands approximately 7 inches tall, and is quite heavy. One of the things that caught my eye was the use of bike chains for Godzilla's spines and dorsal plates. I found it quite innovative from an artistic point of view and never would've considered that myself. Even though Goji here appears quite hefty in the belly area I still love it. I think it adds a certainly charm to the sculpture and makes it fit well amongst my Marmit and Bullmark figures.

In all actuality, I am not the one to collect customized figures or sculptures, but since this Godzilla was a gift, I made an exception, and it is quite a unique item - pretty much literally. I thank my parents for getting me this!

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Newly Preordered Items

Lately I've been ordering various items, but tonight I just preorded two new items set for a July release. They are the SH MonsterArts Fire Rodan, and the Ultra-Act Ultraman (New Edition).



The new Ultraman figure is definitely one I've been waiting for. I've been so tempted to buy the original, but thankfully I held out for this one (despite buying myself Ultraman Gaia earlier today). Fire Rodan would be the fifth entry into my growing MonsterArts collection, which already contains Godzilla, MechaGodzilla, SpaceGodzilla, with Mogera, and Little Godzilla on preorder as well.

The remaining figure I wish to purchase from the Ultra-Act line is Red King. I eagerly await for his preorder to come up.

Ultra-Act

As long as I have been a Godzilla fan, I have always been aware of Ultraman. As a child, I collected some of the vinyl figures (even though I didn't know the monsters by name). My first real introduction to Ultraman was through the 2004 film Ultraman: The Next, which was a re-imagining of the Ultraman franchise in a more modern setting. Since then my interest in Ultraman was minimal.

In the past month or two, my interest in Ultraman peaked and I bought myself the entire original series. Instantly I fell in love with it and I knew that I would end up collecting Ultraman items alongside Godzilla. However, as far as Ultraman collectibles go, I chose to exclusively collect the Ultra-Act figures. Leave it to Bandai Tamashii Nations (the same people who brought us the more recent SH MonsterArts line) to produce and sell highly detailed and articulated figures of the Ultramen and Ultra-Kaiju.

I was fortunate to order three figures - Ultraman Gaia (V2), Gomora, and Baltan Seijin (pictured respectively below). The latter two are two of my favorite monsters from the original series thus far. Ultraman Gaia (V2) on the other hand was bought amidst a sale at HobbyLink Japan. I have the Ultraman Gaia series on hand, so I'm ready to watch it after I complete the original series.

Sure the monsters in the Ultraman series may look goofy and at times uninspired (especially in the original series), but for me, that's what makes the series charming and spectacular! Once I start receiving my Ultra-Act figures, I'll make sure to review them.

Kaiju Toy Review - SH MonsterArts SpaceGodzilla

For this blog's first Kaiju Toy Review, I am going to review the S.H. MonsterArts SpaceGodzilla action figure.

I just received this guy earlier today. Prior to SpaceGodzilla I already have both Godzilla, and MechaGodzilla as well as the web exclusive weapons and effects part for Godzilla, and the Garuda accessory pack for MechaGodzilla, which is still in the mail as of now. After fiddling around with SpaceGodzilla for a while, I can confirm that this is definitely an improvement over both Godzilla and MechaGodzilla!

The first that caught my attention when playing around with SpaceGodzilla is how flexible he is compared to Godzilla's figure. The legs can spread wide open. It's ironic since in the film Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla, the titular villain hardly has any extravagant poses. Nevertheless I thought it was a nice touch to the figure for display purposes. The skin and paint detail on this figure are EXTRAORDINARY! I've said this in other places, but this is one figure that surpasses even its own prototype! I like the eyes on this figure. They're properly positioned unlike Godzilla's which give him a "derpy" look at times.

The only accessory to come with SpaceGodzilla is its Corona Beam effect as well as  crystal base. While I was worried about how the beam effect looked in pictures, it turned out that it looked a lot better in person. I would've displayed the beam effect with SpaceGodzilla on my shelf, but it would've taken up too much room.

Overall, I am very happy with this figure. It's an improvement over the first two MonsterArt figures. SpaceGodzilla will certainly keep me occupied until Mogera and Little Godzilla are released in May and June respectively. I also intend to pre-order Rodan, and King Ghidorah.

While on the subject of Bandai Tamashii Nation Products, I also just ordered my first Ultra-Act figures - Gomora, and Baltan Seijin. I refused to order an Ultraman because I want to wait till the resculpted version of the first Ultraman is released, as well as the kaiju Red King. I'll certainly be spending a fortune this year! Thankfully I'll be working this summer in order to pay it off.

New Page

Added the About Me page. Check it out!

GCC Art Refined Exhibit

On April 13th the Guam Community College will be holding the Art Redefined Exhibit hosted by my college's Digital Arts Society, which I am a part of.

Along with the many magnificent art pieces being submitted by fellow classmates and others, I will be submitting the pages of Olragon: Kaiju Wars Issue #1. It has been well received so far, and hopefully this exhibit will boost Olragon's popularity locally.

Anyways, also expect the first half of Issue #2 of OKW to be uploaded by the end of this week!