tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55603062768882251102024-02-08T15:37:51.252+10:00The Kaiju PlanetA place for kaiju figure collectors and more!Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.comBlogger656125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-59940350380639746332017-07-24T10:00:00.002+10:002017-07-24T10:00:35.356+10:00Original Figure Review - X-Plus DefoReal Series Godzilla (2016) The 4th Form<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEKl3rZZ1CwO0X-QLsRbJuHVB3TlP4P1mwlRAOhcWI2op89oA_9yeA0Ku72l53TJE1ZfidDf46EqqOstxvmtftq-dT4nS_SFlxqfXLlGbrfkMkop9KoI0EWF5YiCgw0fvcFQbUxcybKmA/s1600/1_HeaderImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEKl3rZZ1CwO0X-QLsRbJuHVB3TlP4P1mwlRAOhcWI2op89oA_9yeA0Ku72l53TJE1ZfidDf46EqqOstxvmtftq-dT4nS_SFlxqfXLlGbrfkMkop9KoI0EWF5YiCgw0fvcFQbUxcybKmA/s640/1_HeaderImage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Continuing on with the <i>Shin-Godzilla </i>trend, today I will be reviewing one of X-Plus's most recent releases, the DefoReal Series Godzilla (2016) 4th Form. Ever since I saw the unpainted prototypes of this and the other Shin Godzilla forms, I knew I just had to have it. DefoReal, also referred to as Default Real, is a brand new series of figures from X-Plus that apply their realistic movie accurate sculpting to super deformed/chibi versions of your favorite giant monsters. Unlike most of X-Plus's other figures, the DefoReal series is much more accessible to the casual figure collector who does not wish to spend $100 and beyond. This figure retails for around $45 USD, and with shipping came out at around $75. Even though it is available at a reasonable cost, is it worth it? Read this brief review to find out!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYarkXWA9Olbtdelk12j-8q1uk92KQfAMMK-Wtkr3CE1W9RgrFtmirLgaNSNyr6_4HxE6qCWE4lOIWDMVvRL22Cfu_KzsFcdRSpy8nQZteozQdzHcUB9cwdt1OlbCkriVoU4PZLevuNXL/s1600/2_Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYarkXWA9Olbtdelk12j-8q1uk92KQfAMMK-Wtkr3CE1W9RgrFtmirLgaNSNyr6_4HxE6qCWE4lOIWDMVvRL22Cfu_KzsFcdRSpy8nQZteozQdzHcUB9cwdt1OlbCkriVoU4PZLevuNXL/s640/2_Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShx-GDDvTeV9Ttx92YZX-Hnt-zvxnVGw8-To8rKgCu5g_e072XO2wQz3Ysyzqx5l1a9oYm3J3OPbTA3Un-LK2NLk1dDG8k7HwHjvl_SvMSHrV0q3nySCnzX8c0vFOLDKahbJVSI1MPF0X/s1600/3_Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShx-GDDvTeV9Ttx92YZX-Hnt-zvxnVGw8-To8rKgCu5g_e072XO2wQz3Ysyzqx5l1a9oYm3J3OPbTA3Un-LK2NLk1dDG8k7HwHjvl_SvMSHrV0q3nySCnzX8c0vFOLDKahbJVSI1MPF0X/s640/3_Back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The X-Plus DefoReal Godzilla (2016) 4th Form released in late June and was (and still is) widely available from Japanese online stores such as Hobby Search, AmiAmi and HobbyLink Japan. Unlike most other X-Plus figures, this did not have an Internet exclusive RIC Boy version. However, there will be an online exclusive version made available later this year. More on that later. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The figure is sculpted out of soft vinyl and stands at around five inches tall. It isn't big, nor heavy. However, it's overall girth and exaggerated features allow it to really stand out. Even when displayed next to X-Plus's other larger figures. I currently have mine displayed next to my Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla (1954) and it actually looks right at home next to it! X-Plus did an outstanding job at replicating Godzilla's appearance from <i>Shin-Godzilla </i>(2016) in such a small and exaggerated sculpt. The base color of the figure is red. The whole figure was sculpted out of red vinyl and then mostly painted dark charcoal gray. The underlying red coloration looks very nice and its use on some areas such as the nose, spines, chest and tail actually give the illusion that it's glowing! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNcqLHIIuNEXc9BUOte1KYpv9rDk_ZRY9Efliqi8LPxfwfeGZ2TclZPX9UhKeS7L67dBgXbin31reQ9o_hyVA2FLHgatESg3MHBeoRlwTqCEFP3XqILbEIiYvMXZ9Ir4anX6IpRZJZyhm/s1600/4_Teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNcqLHIIuNEXc9BUOte1KYpv9rDk_ZRY9Efliqi8LPxfwfeGZ2TclZPX9UhKeS7L67dBgXbin31reQ9o_hyVA2FLHgatESg3MHBeoRlwTqCEFP3XqILbEIiYvMXZ9Ir4anX6IpRZJZyhm/s640/4_Teeth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Godzilla's sharp, jagged, needle-like teeth are very nicely sculpted and painted. They're a dirty bone white color with a nice reddish pink gradient at the base. The teeth stretch all across Godzilla's bulky head, giving him a very unsettling grin. There is a very nicely applied glossy finish on top of the teeth to give it a shiny appearance and smoothened texture.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tKUVI7_kexySX0Jrv7jYvGQxkABXfkYcm1Fzb9B5cpBhYGhstEMPn74txpVR-oTs3lUNBnqB29Ac3VeAFmBknYDWcueI29YTfsHd72yZCn8Uqg4wkc2yIB_gVEEMA55KLQxrpZ4nS66S/s1600/5_Eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tKUVI7_kexySX0Jrv7jYvGQxkABXfkYcm1Fzb9B5cpBhYGhstEMPn74txpVR-oTs3lUNBnqB29Ac3VeAFmBknYDWcueI29YTfsHd72yZCn8Uqg4wkc2yIB_gVEEMA55KLQxrpZ4nS66S/s640/5_Eye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The eyes are also nicely done on this figure as well. They're painted very light gray with downward facing black pupils much in the same fashion of the original 1954 Godzilla. I do not know whether to consider this aspect of Shin Godzilla cute or unnerving...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmZIy9teUH_nGXf_vkCYWXRIwzDvnVBtxV9oDzokdRJvQFfPESu0gj8dubP19I-yI9RHE9eS_GXg0XbYsD00df93wl8dOL88OfbAD2kWWEXUXWQNDmfIqhCFGdO-_yK354DaTpu53-l3r/s1600/6_Tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmZIy9teUH_nGXf_vkCYWXRIwzDvnVBtxV9oDzokdRJvQFfPESu0gj8dubP19I-yI9RHE9eS_GXg0XbYsD00df93wl8dOL88OfbAD2kWWEXUXWQNDmfIqhCFGdO-_yK354DaTpu53-l3r/s640/6_Tail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While on the topic of "faces," what about the one supposedly on the tip of Godzilla's tail? Well, it's there too! The tip of the tail is very detailed. The face is pretty exaggerated and stylized with the jaw wide open. It really stands out on its own too thanks to the nicely applied dirty bone coloration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWmx-VcHoCrjJ3AJ4BPgjY-EQZUTBXPfEAU3AG3n7GYK1NCryfaLI9cj644MUJ4_72GqmDPAToxUSPbMvMa206hkNbJ2_pscswJnVFgFve-3zQUigFelhcq3u9j85E-WZOTa7lJmCyLmy/s1600/7_Chest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWmx-VcHoCrjJ3AJ4BPgjY-EQZUTBXPfEAU3AG3n7GYK1NCryfaLI9cj644MUJ4_72GqmDPAToxUSPbMvMa206hkNbJ2_pscswJnVFgFve-3zQUigFelhcq3u9j85E-WZOTa7lJmCyLmy/s640/7_Chest.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Godzilla's distinct protruding chest is very nicely sculpted with the skin looking as if it's charred meat. The underlying red coloration is meticulously applied within the folds and wedges of the skin, creating a look of rawness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCry7JuCAZUCowfqYSYXuoNyAsRBJrJf7_IxwcQ_Bo1T6AOGQgvKPsMUAmARB-I47nzkjjXOEuMlkEtta_lrItoWnA5lny3OtIpiS54ZrkKBIpei2z-0eJZhOvLNW3FwtypdLGtX6menQ9/s1600/8_Spines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCry7JuCAZUCowfqYSYXuoNyAsRBJrJf7_IxwcQ_Bo1T6AOGQgvKPsMUAmARB-I47nzkjjXOEuMlkEtta_lrItoWnA5lny3OtIpiS54ZrkKBIpei2z-0eJZhOvLNW3FwtypdLGtX6menQ9/s640/8_Spines.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dorsal plates are also sculpted fairly well. Given the figure's small and stylized look, the number of fins were reduced. There are still five rows, which is neat. The mix of dark gray and red is very well done here, adding to the illusion of a bioluminescent glow.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwEoGEcqqKW1lFarIOmhtYJLMgF4kd04RyxL6pPtgUFYaJUhE1AlcPeQlS1fx2DpRU4zxeBYRrhNxptgXE556Wc_s6PD24lNdDyodR2Xs05lZBiGFlbu5dYth1-MdHq9SP0_WXuQx4o4S/s1600/9_Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwEoGEcqqKW1lFarIOmhtYJLMgF4kd04RyxL6pPtgUFYaJUhE1AlcPeQlS1fx2DpRU4zxeBYRrhNxptgXE556Wc_s6PD24lNdDyodR2Xs05lZBiGFlbu5dYth1-MdHq9SP0_WXuQx4o4S/s640/9_Hands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Shin-Godzilla's distinctive upward facing hands are replicated perfectly on this little guy as well! Each claw is carefully painted without any unintentional bleeding whatsoever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OdlEboQC6xdUUEGYSlYimQ3KoqsAFnK-cx8dORvfDmv9SejLLAMkqc2A5eNopW4Q-QHja5CnHkgnTtJjgrLzjpRKNnJtxJ_HJJ5ekMCEojtAXR3ZDh_wNAlTD0cYvnUWpmNf-JSaold_/s1600/10_Scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OdlEboQC6xdUUEGYSlYimQ3KoqsAFnK-cx8dORvfDmv9SejLLAMkqc2A5eNopW4Q-QHja5CnHkgnTtJjgrLzjpRKNnJtxJ_HJJ5ekMCEojtAXR3ZDh_wNAlTD0cYvnUWpmNf-JSaold_/s640/10_Scale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The DefoReal Godzilla (2016) 4th Form, as I've mentioned before, is not a big figure. It stands at five inches tall. To give you guys a frame of reference, I photographed it alongside the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016) which stands roughly seven to eight inches tall. Personally, the DefoReal figure is the better looking Shin Godzilla in regards to overall detailing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsaYDFSB5cRR_thAumFOGqM0BZc0YykydYVAAaEj3EuGhhqypjDsNENy-YG7s1UBw51QfIwtd6Eq7eIYQ8CxdNMG0rmRmtgkfzAiDQTxadQGOy0PdsMB6Wtf0H0xsVSaFST0_6VjM41Aw/s1600/0626155559_5950afff8d627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsaYDFSB5cRR_thAumFOGqM0BZc0YykydYVAAaEj3EuGhhqypjDsNENy-YG7s1UBw51QfIwtd6Eq7eIYQ8CxdNMG0rmRmtgkfzAiDQTxadQGOy0PdsMB6Wtf0H0xsVSaFST0_6VjM41Aw/s640/0626155559_5950afff8d627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Later this year in October, a RIC Boy / Bandai Premium Webshop exclusive of the DefoReal Godzilla (2016) 4th Form will be releasing that depicts him in his "Awakened" state. It's the same sculpt as the original, but has an alternate open mouthed head sculpt and a purple atomic breath coloration. It's priced around $55 on the <a href="http://www.ric-toy.ne.jp/products/detail/62">RIC site</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB3_fla0ZNWpq1SqmMXVrzH0VcNMmhpGgWqMVYt3rthdKDZN_0828wEZHlLF7rB-gB1r5SB10skct4dkMsgwpY4iW2mBLT3Urv5LwYKNw7da96nAFt-mFKDgNdOu_8T8jDvxuJCkzkwEU/s1600/20229189_10155145631504300_8688008578538563696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB3_fla0ZNWpq1SqmMXVrzH0VcNMmhpGgWqMVYt3rthdKDZN_0828wEZHlLF7rB-gB1r5SB10skct4dkMsgwpY4iW2mBLT3Urv5LwYKNw7da96nAFt-mFKDgNdOu_8T8jDvxuJCkzkwEU/s640/20229189_10155145631504300_8688008578538563696_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All in all, the DefoReal Godzilla '16 4th Form from X-Plus is a nifty little tyke of a figure. It takes the Shin Godzilla design and exaggerates its features for comical effect while also maintaining very realistic and movie accurate detailing. It is a mix of cuteness and horridness, and I say that in the best way possible.<br />
<br />
Now, is it worth the $45 + shipping price tag? Oh, absolutely! For anyone who is a casual collector and wants a decent Shin-Godzilla figure, even if its in Chibi form, this is well within your price range.Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-42006283727871772902017-07-19T10:25:00.000+10:002017-07-19T10:32:01.408+10:00Original Figure Review - S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016) The 2nd Form & The 3rd Form<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vcVQw7s-sqSE_XOFVfObolV8cFB_sq03eXgOvTGPde1L222lztOLI9Ehp-k2ueaY1fC4CgN10vMC7Bdv9rtkzUP38HrihzNBwdT1Yi3gvI5X51oUDyrBSqUpxWixNeGQZuShDS65pbtO/s1600/01_HeaderImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vcVQw7s-sqSE_XOFVfObolV8cFB_sq03eXgOvTGPde1L222lztOLI9Ehp-k2ueaY1fC4CgN10vMC7Bdv9rtkzUP38HrihzNBwdT1Yi3gvI5X51oUDyrBSqUpxWixNeGQZuShDS65pbtO/s640/01_HeaderImage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
WHEW! Has it been a LOOOOOOooooonnnng
time since I have last posted a figure review here. Once more, I
apologize for the year-long gap in content on this blog. As I have
mentioned in my previous post, I was focussed on other things that
ultimately did not work out. However, now I am back with a brand new
review of the recent S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016) The 2<sup>nd</sup>
Form and The 3<sup>rd</sup> Form from 2016's <i>Shin-Godzilla</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Godzilla
(2016) The 2</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
Form and The 3</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
Form are the most recent releases in the popular S.H. MonsterArts
action figure line from Bandai Tamashii Nations. Pre-orders for this
two-figure set opened way back in November 2016 and were released at
the end of this past May. These figures were made as Internet
exclusives, meaning that they can only be purchased through Bandai's
Premium Web Shop in Japan. Due to the merchandising rights between
Bandai and Warner Bros., Bluefin Distribution was unable to bring
over this set for a North American release, much like how they were
unable to bring over the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016). Because of
this, this set is quite scarce and now highly valued in the
aftermarket. However, IS this set worth these aftermarket costs?
Today we shall see. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy800N7aCktpJubpx30XTQJ45t_Soa4RMg59Hsv6QK4Q8m39pM6DXimufqAzcOVjUdXAzhK7dq5epo8lH7Xf1o5maSzJmZsieO7IawUzqjIvtXUGPwAxy46yJXLZqkrFdw0BpZJlgttn8/s1600/03_BoxFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy800N7aCktpJubpx30XTQJ45t_Soa4RMg59Hsv6QK4Q8m39pM6DXimufqAzcOVjUdXAzhK7dq5epo8lH7Xf1o5maSzJmZsieO7IawUzqjIvtXUGPwAxy46yJXLZqkrFdw0BpZJlgttn8/s320/03_BoxFront.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQlMaWLnM4ez-iiFkEOuBK-qBxqjPe1FzBCVWX9tjcSD9ghprnV1j-fTvQyaEmeLEAn6lRHkG3IthqksVYczBmS1bHl5gf0ZeNKfkBfh7hAB8_ODhARR6KoEaYkEvCzYpvNw32i7fGa2y/s1600/04_BoxBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQlMaWLnM4ez-iiFkEOuBK-qBxqjPe1FzBCVWX9tjcSD9ghprnV1j-fTvQyaEmeLEAn6lRHkG3IthqksVYczBmS1bHl5gf0ZeNKfkBfh7hAB8_ODhARR6KoEaYkEvCzYpvNw32i7fGa2y/s320/04_BoxBack.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Firstly,
let us take a look at the box art. Let me say this first and
foremost. Ever since the release of the S.H. MonsterArts MFS-3 Kiryu
back in 2013, the box art for the MonsterArts line has taken a bit of
a turn. Truthfully, I am not a fan. The box art looks bland and
standard for my liking. With that being said, the box art for the 2<sup>nd</sup>
and 3<sup>rd</sup>
Form set is no different, but I do like the “Premium” look it has
with the matted black coloring, and glossed red text. It adds a bit
of quality to the packaging.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br />Now, you might be wondering, as
you're looking at the photos, “Your box is dented, torn and taped
up, Arlo. Why?” Well, that was due to piss poor handling by whoever
was mailing this $110 set. I fixed it up as best as I could. Trust
me, it looked far, far worse when it was delivered to me. Nearly had
myself a heart attack! … Not really, but you see my point.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3vhXPFe1zupZi8Mw3HEyZ7JWzahKgwidf-w-IjmXU3CMNy5K-7gnsTHS5fDi0r25HY5sIiV9FJaG9dk8jmYdJ_v2A8y9vPs0T9nSZK5uA4TCqRJklrdf4x9zdAWh6Y6bGo0zwJvSEOcX/s1600/02_MainImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3vhXPFe1zupZi8Mw3HEyZ7JWzahKgwidf-w-IjmXU3CMNy5K-7gnsTHS5fDi0r25HY5sIiV9FJaG9dk8jmYdJ_v2A8y9vPs0T9nSZK5uA4TCqRJklrdf4x9zdAWh6Y6bGo0zwJvSEOcX/s640/02_MainImage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fortunately,
despite the damages to the box, the figures inside arrived safe and
sound. Phew! As I shuck their plastic tray out of its wreck of a box,
I noticed that the figures don't have the plastic wrappings around
them to protect them from being scratched while being handled. I have
seen my fair share of in-hand photos of these figures that exemplify
paint scratches right out of the box. Much to my relief, however, my
figures seemed to arrive fine. A miracle, actually, given how the box
looked when I got it.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will admit. Upon
seeing in-hand photos of these figures I was quite disappointed.
Mostly with the paint application. It looked very inconsistent,
especially where the body meets the tail. It is like that here, but
it is not AS noticeable. Especially when put on display with other
figures. As I held each of them in my hand, I actually came to
appreciate them. The sculpts are not that bad. Actually, they're
kinda' great for their size! The more I toyed with them, the more
words I previously spat out went back into my mouth. I admit. They
aren't so terrible.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbOQpUwNIGLMSR505kGCBM-xqI3gh5PmMVLK9yqoX5syQh0qu6nWzikXxvSv2DEK8CY_eLMZ26ELh4UHoCwVNfUtg727znBaVPSE-VJxsl4oIUJM98D3hv4Or5hJF_c4B_i3rpjm04NkW/s1600/05_2ndForm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1200" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbOQpUwNIGLMSR505kGCBM-xqI3gh5PmMVLK9yqoX5syQh0qu6nWzikXxvSv2DEK8CY_eLMZ26ELh4UHoCwVNfUtg727znBaVPSE-VJxsl4oIUJM98D3hv4Or5hJF_c4B_i3rpjm04NkW/s640/05_2ndForm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tE_mbASZUInwNpy_BeK2AbTVeXNsRA0FODMRuMSzrs5csWBVxS63g8flXnH-gpzIOsRSSKgxtuJ_6cxQaKF7tnQQcu-JD7F2aufjuKKG3rLAXPoALbLApG8fQvPFZLAcuMnhyMDoKTgY/s1600/08_Back2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1200" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tE_mbASZUInwNpy_BeK2AbTVeXNsRA0FODMRuMSzrs5csWBVxS63g8flXnH-gpzIOsRSSKgxtuJ_6cxQaKF7tnQQcu-JD7F2aufjuKKG3rLAXPoALbLApG8fQvPFZLAcuMnhyMDoKTgY/s640/08_Back2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
First,
I will take a look at Godzilla's 2<sup>nd</sup>
Form, which from hereon I will refer to as Kamatakun. Kamatakun is
the affectionate nickname given by the fans of this form of Godzilla,
named after the section of Tokyo it made landfall in during the
movie. This figure is tiny, and I mean TINY! At its tallest, it is
around two inches, and in length it is six to seven inches. So, yeah.
Not that big. But, despite that, it boasts a great sculpt, great
detailing and a good paint job. Between this and the 3<sup>rd</sup>
Form, Kamatakun is the most passable figure between the two in
regards to overall detailing.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQhtkYvheED-RFqQJEg_gUH63kx-CQCQdbX1AcYW1QXoFlUERxYTg6ehQLWp17EBGIjFyA_2VluzPyHGN2ujD_b00U6w1Ue0RJzXXFycBcJTOIZqhhCWeECUhoP2NACISpMZnjMAOSkxR/s1600/06_Neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQhtkYvheED-RFqQJEg_gUH63kx-CQCQdbX1AcYW1QXoFlUERxYTg6ehQLWp17EBGIjFyA_2VluzPyHGN2ujD_b00U6w1Ue0RJzXXFycBcJTOIZqhhCWeECUhoP2NACISpMZnjMAOSkxR/s640/06_Neck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kamatakun has a
primary light tan/beige coloration for the skin with a brighter skin
toned orange highlight underneath the tail. There are nice
applications of red paint throughout this figure. Notably inside
Kamatakun's gills on his neck, in the crevice above his chest, and in
between his tan colored dorsal plates. The big fish-like eyes are a
dirty white with a small black dotted pupil in the center. The mouth
is given a nicely darkened red color. The teeth, despite how tiny
they are, are carefully painted individually. I must admit, better
attention of detail was taken here than on the slop-job that was the
MonsterArts Godzilla (2016).</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHsrYnt_QC2hmCZHF7PALueuSOca7G0oxp5Ikplp6qL6GBzbEfDjt5st_DYerdWlcR5SMod7kyCpd8EyfieH0dyU7sCZP_eQBumK5WHAkQxP_CPgcnqd2THu8jkcwqwFPD5vFgNGgiW5b/s1600/09_JawArticulation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHsrYnt_QC2hmCZHF7PALueuSOca7G0oxp5Ikplp6qL6GBzbEfDjt5st_DYerdWlcR5SMod7kyCpd8EyfieH0dyU7sCZP_eQBumK5WHAkQxP_CPgcnqd2THu8jkcwqwFPD5vFgNGgiW5b/s640/09_JawArticulation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Articulation on
Kamatakun is limited, but you still have a decent range of motion
regardless. The jaw opens and closes on a ball joint. The neck is one
piece and is also on a ball joint. Something to note, however, which
my friend Steven pointed out to me and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vJ3dZYhD58">covers in his review of this figure</a>, is that the joint inside the neck possesses multiple points
of articulation. That means that at some point during this figure's
production, the neck was meant to be split into two parts,
potentially allowing greater range of articulation. Obviously that
idea was scrapped, but the additional ball joint inside the neck
remained.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PhnTG0rSgoHYlX8c2ffL3l0JGh4YVvwmje0dzCXwjG_7yuO7ccKuQUA5KbHn6uGJF35ewhvfzLixNMI5_uDEgEJPZhy5qXtzEhTk_CnnVGQLp3uwYtS6nxxCURgK654oM9_ktK1Ytzfy/s1600/10_Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1200" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PhnTG0rSgoHYlX8c2ffL3l0JGh4YVvwmje0dzCXwjG_7yuO7ccKuQUA5KbHn6uGJF35ewhvfzLixNMI5_uDEgEJPZhy5qXtzEhTk_CnnVGQLp3uwYtS6nxxCURgK654oM9_ktK1Ytzfy/s640/10_Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The torso is also
on a ball joint, but its movements are very limited. The most I can
get out of it is an up and down movement as well as a slight swivel
to the left and right. The legs are, too, connected to the body via
ball joints as well as the knees and feet. This is where one will
need to be VERY careful with this figure. The joints are very small,
and any excessive or careless handling will cause the plastic in
these areas to break. I choose to treat this part of the figure with
extreme caution.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7Upkc1JwTh4DjWV0TFcXimuDwcYxJ3BOb4grTqlRVZGETybNJNj2tGvXwzSHlxLRgXzOI76AH83Ui4O9xOXz2XfvwvoevxVSvo_dUxFpxnHLx1-mrtzBxKDtpmY4wRUI5-EbmfOyCyB7/s1600/11_Tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7Upkc1JwTh4DjWV0TFcXimuDwcYxJ3BOb4grTqlRVZGETybNJNj2tGvXwzSHlxLRgXzOI76AH83Ui4O9xOXz2XfvwvoevxVSvo_dUxFpxnHLx1-mrtzBxKDtpmY4wRUI5-EbmfOyCyB7/s640/11_Tail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
tail, like any other MonsterArts figure is segmented on ball joints.
A decent range of motion can be achieved through it, but not to the
extent that we see in the 3</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
Form figure, which we will get too shortly. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalgAUW_Be5lSoGYHDyIN29FwuEaBihHdqhsKBESDlSiRL8oq5TMyTlyORV3p6Aku0xB3Nq2FyBQZVipZjxau1wYhirpV9JuE1VjK0YEywg-ONqMTpflb4lwLfCYYrzPg4ImLk0hHE_v5j/s1600/12_Form2Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalgAUW_Be5lSoGYHDyIN29FwuEaBihHdqhsKBESDlSiRL8oq5TMyTlyORV3p6Aku0xB3Nq2FyBQZVipZjxau1wYhirpV9JuE1VjK0YEywg-ONqMTpflb4lwLfCYYrzPg4ImLk0hHE_v5j/s640/12_Form2Final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">All in
all, Kamatakun, aka Godzilla (2016) The 2</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
Form is a nifty little figure. It may be quite tiny and lack a wide
range of articulation, but it has a pretty great looking sculpt, nice
details and a relatively good paint job. I like it!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfNYTvvfsZq4mRPCkTyQAE0ypLzVDw2vbTgLF9Am-0cCJVWLh55VkVfOr4FUnNiWyXHPKExUyp8IogAZ8rzFUE_l9i3xjh0fMQm8T_1z5urFEXoU2tlSMNUf_7Wi_YszoTg7RL4yVhrgl/s1600/13_3rdForm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfNYTvvfsZq4mRPCkTyQAE0ypLzVDw2vbTgLF9Am-0cCJVWLh55VkVfOr4FUnNiWyXHPKExUyp8IogAZ8rzFUE_l9i3xjh0fMQm8T_1z5urFEXoU2tlSMNUf_7Wi_YszoTg7RL4yVhrgl/s640/13_3rdForm.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzQvIaBCzkcWQRW8K7tXeWibaLkVHQ_SzbhfC8ktxvnXVaWdVoyj-rS6kQk2yPL9Q9TO9_3WFQUM38AGufnCe-VhiPZ8poqYUWx13N3JDzAV33E1Kg-QeKBEmvlgVsLnxbv_Nrbzynzmd/s1600/14_3rdFormBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzQvIaBCzkcWQRW8K7tXeWibaLkVHQ_SzbhfC8ktxvnXVaWdVoyj-rS6kQk2yPL9Q9TO9_3WFQUM38AGufnCe-VhiPZ8poqYUWx13N3JDzAV33E1Kg-QeKBEmvlgVsLnxbv_Nrbzynzmd/s640/14_3rdFormBack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Ok,
now I will now review Godzilla (2016) The 3</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
Form. From hereon, I will refer to it as “Shinagawakun” as
Shinagawa is the section of Tokyo where Godzilla rapidly evolves into
his third form in </span><i>Shin-Godzilla</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Shinagawakun stands at around five inches tall. Upon this set's
release, this is the figure I had the most problems with when seeing
the first round of in-hand photos from collectors in Japan. So, is it
as bad as I initially thought? Let's find out.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyoPH18CLuOX82EBWX5uehhSuBg_yFZ0YhisrOhPfUHikQnVWqZzd1wvmuKfNRykAfn704dHIDip9WPzd0RcUvZThRMVxuzESat96PoDM4dYDf1RsXBr6yvdA9KGbYdn82OqIoA6pmcp5/s1600/15_ThighHoles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyoPH18CLuOX82EBWX5uehhSuBg_yFZ0YhisrOhPfUHikQnVWqZzd1wvmuKfNRykAfn704dHIDip9WPzd0RcUvZThRMVxuzESat96PoDM4dYDf1RsXBr6yvdA9KGbYdn82OqIoA6pmcp5/s640/15_ThighHoles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCo9w_Up0k-JBOKZduyWCPSVgQJ00Ya5lFjOWAqbxCXYgi9bPl0N-JPweNNxX64i1egwihZjLkz98-I2gs1yTkuTxB6bpZ0-p0iV2_mXRSx89lnehsbt6x0i0e2IrAmggj6JJiUdJjmS7/s1600/16_MouthHoles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCo9w_Up0k-JBOKZduyWCPSVgQJ00Ya5lFjOWAqbxCXYgi9bPl0N-JPweNNxX64i1egwihZjLkz98-I2gs1yTkuTxB6bpZ0-p0iV2_mXRSx89lnehsbt6x0i0e2IrAmggj6JJiUdJjmS7/s640/16_MouthHoles.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As far as its
sculpt goes, Shinagawakun is pretty great. Despite its very thin
frame, Shinagawakun boasts a lot of detailing in its sculpt. Hell,
the hole-like detailing on the inside of the mouth and on the thighs
are enough to induce anyone's dormant trypophobia. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4veTH0zsp9lijy8wzjAfaYQDtL920lq3fnezYuAZks7sJ4Y_D0K1whI0DavLdT7b5bWxkIZKx6Z2lRRhob-XYrT1imMfZz7FsncDggzl_H0mDIBqaEiJcTq-yOpjKfabajlzPdZqribmG/s1600/17_ColorChange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4veTH0zsp9lijy8wzjAfaYQDtL920lq3fnezYuAZks7sJ4Y_D0K1whI0DavLdT7b5bWxkIZKx6Z2lRRhob-XYrT1imMfZz7FsncDggzl_H0mDIBqaEiJcTq-yOpjKfabajlzPdZqribmG/s640/17_ColorChange.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, I think
the excellent sculpt work takes a nose dive one third the way down
the tail when the sculpt work becomes less defined and more softer in
appearance. Mostly due to the multiple layers of paint coating the
sculpt. But, it recovers towards the tip where we see that little
happy face at the end of Shinagawakun's tail.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWM5Zmirue0mQ1vXtu17zo3roiWjobrZqCNLnSBjFirI7O80D5sbdsy2TltvczKdQVQ7WPZj-xRMF9zlqDzRcbnuqIuYHRHikld0VNtqVgnEG3CNrwNblVa_oV6_Xg7Y_wKaKq_Siww4I/s1600/18_TailFace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWM5Zmirue0mQ1vXtu17zo3roiWjobrZqCNLnSBjFirI7O80D5sbdsy2TltvczKdQVQ7WPZj-xRMF9zlqDzRcbnuqIuYHRHikld0VNtqVgnEG3CNrwNblVa_oV6_Xg7Y_wKaKq_Siww4I/s640/18_TailFace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Speaking
of the paint job, it is a really mixed bag for this figure. After
multiple viewings of the film, and flipping through the pages of </span><i>The
Art of Shin-Godzilla</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Shinagawakun's paint job is mostly accurate to what he see in the
film, though it could have been a little darker than it is. The
primary skin color for this figure is a dark red with highlights of
pinkish orange underneath the jaw, on the newly formed arms, legs,
underneath the tail, and at the very tip of the tail. I don't think
the highlighting totally necessary on the tail as it starts abruptly
without any sort of fading in from the main body. This was most
likely a production error that was carelessly overlooked by quality
control managers at Bandai's factory in China. In the movie, it is
clear that the tail has no sort of highlighting whatsoever. With that
being said, the highlighting on the rest of the body is alright. It
is not necessary, but it seems to be one of the creative liberties
that Bandai has taken on this figure. Besides the highlighting,
Shinagawakun also has a bit of dark green/gray dry brush throughout
the body. Again, not sure why that is. However, it does allow the red
areas to pop out more.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4VKGW053wI_8F7BmGTwPP0QVutEFMEefqhad80sDk6u8BoFIx8kzgmK10HTi6Uye8i4fQu2Yd1e57td2wW26pVdAQyShtF-xYemmo9JPFkUvobqgOEAw3pgYQ9w45oA2OD2fuWQdG1u8/s1600/19_Teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4VKGW053wI_8F7BmGTwPP0QVutEFMEefqhad80sDk6u8BoFIx8kzgmK10HTi6Uye8i4fQu2Yd1e57td2wW26pVdAQyShtF-xYemmo9JPFkUvobqgOEAw3pgYQ9w45oA2OD2fuWQdG1u8/s640/19_Teeth.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The teeth are
nicely individually painted with care. Once again, this is a far
better application than what we saw on the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla
(2016)! </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdxVDuSYfRJb4k14jZbjPn_RE3JtvTl2yJe0RGatwDKWbOulvAF9ygS1kHb89GxunAQVgImdpKl0aiko70ypfuxz5U-rIWC6sb6Sfwej10Wer_I5jmh0kvFoHwYVTS_jZZ8XA2MPu06xL/s1600/20_Claws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdxVDuSYfRJb4k14jZbjPn_RE3JtvTl2yJe0RGatwDKWbOulvAF9ygS1kHb89GxunAQVgImdpKl0aiko70ypfuxz5U-rIWC6sb6Sfwej10Wer_I5jmh0kvFoHwYVTS_jZZ8XA2MPu06xL/s640/20_Claws.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Even the teeny-tiny claws on the very tiny hands are dabbed
quite nicely. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Nv1bpYXr9gr5bUqkytQkcRNI1JHEgJpzyv7Ec3qBaGvLOlDqfqAITWQfwK0n1Kg2_LDoNJWOcSSD6cnAphdUCuZ1TpvnGuMcDHW-PtUrtgxjXhmUIFzM3Uuh9r7QgtG3FB53wAxX2VBf/s1600/21_Toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Nv1bpYXr9gr5bUqkytQkcRNI1JHEgJpzyv7Ec3qBaGvLOlDqfqAITWQfwK0n1Kg2_LDoNJWOcSSD6cnAphdUCuZ1TpvnGuMcDHW-PtUrtgxjXhmUIFzM3Uuh9r7QgtG3FB53wAxX2VBf/s640/21_Toes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The toes are fine, but could have been a bit better. The paint was just slapped on. On the bright side, there does not
seem to be any sort of paint bleed from what I've noticed.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSi0fNRFm0fRaDdYPJqnMCV6NWTY-jeOplPkdPxErzXS9tvzkTXzg9-AqIiH5ULFlyR3HeNl1N006ITGJUE-3WxVgZZcC5GO75rG0pMLKMdXCimjnj6tV8pT1N3ukDmTBiEjI83xTSZ1C/s1600/23_Skreeonk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSi0fNRFm0fRaDdYPJqnMCV6NWTY-jeOplPkdPxErzXS9tvzkTXzg9-AqIiH5ULFlyR3HeNl1N006ITGJUE-3WxVgZZcC5GO75rG0pMLKMdXCimjnj6tV8pT1N3ukDmTBiEjI83xTSZ1C/s640/23_Skreeonk.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While Kamatakun has
better detailing, I think Shinagawakun has the better articulation!
Want him hunched over? You got it. Leaned back to howl? Yup! Want to
see him boogie the night away? Bam! Shinagawakun is fun to pose! I
was not expecting this guy to be as articulated as he is. It's crazy.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvY1dl38Z6Li8GXyvrrW-z8sYkFl6AUXcXLZ-e4eokHz3WemlruK7TkNtWKfr8CatNgpWgOMduXcg8NVI0mzJUd3MxBcxLyr4a6KWHJiCfpYSlXAhVUJYqUyDvw7JBYMgw680c7RHRsYr/s1600/24_CantReach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvY1dl38Z6Li8GXyvrrW-z8sYkFl6AUXcXLZ-e4eokHz3WemlruK7TkNtWKfr8CatNgpWgOMduXcg8NVI0mzJUd3MxBcxLyr4a6KWHJiCfpYSlXAhVUJYqUyDvw7JBYMgw680c7RHRsYr/s640/24_CantReach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Almost all of the
joints, except for the lower jaw are on ball joints. The head is
actually split into two articulated parts. The upper jaw is on a ball
joint that connects to the top of the neck while the lower jaw is on
a hinge joint that connects to the side of the neck. The inside of
the mouth is sculpted onto the neck, which I have mixed feelings
about. When you open the mouth really wide, it does not look entirely
great when looking straight into the figure's maw. The neck is split
into two parts allowing you to rear Shinagawakun's head back or learn
him forward. The upper body allows you to bend him forward, back and
side to side. The mid-section provides you the choice to have
Shinagawakun in a lunging forward position, or reared back so he
stands upright. Even the tiny little arms are on ball joints and can
be slightly maneuvered too, which is neat. The legs and feet can also
bend in and out as well. Again, like on Kamatakun, I'd strongly
suggest one to be careful when fiddling with the legs. They are still
tinier joints and prone to breaking if mishandled.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7IDqRmmde-9bPrPqr3n5o7Ed57UjyddLqnfWryPA-sHOBjP6fe-Ys1lBYL8ET_1pcAwfgXpnAjm6s_QmbbExq8F33PdElMqUg_90hW17h3RnIpaWfUJjLddBxPjEpFobaTB4HnFGZf4o/s1600/26_ChaseTail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7IDqRmmde-9bPrPqr3n5o7Ed57UjyddLqnfWryPA-sHOBjP6fe-Ys1lBYL8ET_1pcAwfgXpnAjm6s_QmbbExq8F33PdElMqUg_90hW17h3RnIpaWfUJjLddBxPjEpFobaTB4HnFGZf4o/s640/26_ChaseTail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The tail is where
things get really good as it has a very dynamic bend, allowing for
some crazy tail poses. It looks very natural. Much like the tails for
the Godzilla 2000 Millennium and Godzilla (2014) figures (if only the
latter's tail was not so gosh-darn flimsy!) There's only one issue
with it is that the end of my figure's tail likes to fall off from
time to time. Not a glaring issue, however, since this is a rather
normal occurrence for MonsterArts figures. All I'd have to do is pop
it back on and that's that.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrmzxVrGvYtSV9ZOKokpjSCr1Y4DG6rNiMzmCd8Cmo59ijlCBl3dsM4bTtB6YwwhufH9NWvg7jlkga2-gBJkrpixXZ5omT5WEZwD5Ye_-JoZHL06RPU0kyhbPQ0-iSZwjWdNjAzahyphenhyphena0B/s1600/25_Rawr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrmzxVrGvYtSV9ZOKokpjSCr1Y4DG6rNiMzmCd8Cmo59ijlCBl3dsM4bTtB6YwwhufH9NWvg7jlkga2-gBJkrpixXZ5omT5WEZwD5Ye_-JoZHL06RPU0kyhbPQ0-iSZwjWdNjAzahyphenhyphena0B/s640/25_Rawr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, to wrap up
things on Shinagawakun, while its paint job is certainly a mixed bag,
the figure makes up for it with its dynamic range of articulation
that enable one to achieve whatever pose they desire within its
possibilities. For that reason alone, I think Shinagawakun is one
nifty little figure too!</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3T_kAHS8uGzu_w1bw6JPRhHIRgBMNky4Tl3Ffm5SN-OXRlEU7VtgCIXI0dM-XYAgenjoYs4CjycqKQb-mh2skjmREWS5I_H3JzAZkRLqwjhExcWvRhHHbE4npyTswCTpWZilj9BFZtfg/s1600/28_Scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3T_kAHS8uGzu_w1bw6JPRhHIRgBMNky4Tl3Ffm5SN-OXRlEU7VtgCIXI0dM-XYAgenjoYs4CjycqKQb-mh2skjmREWS5I_H3JzAZkRLqwjhExcWvRhHHbE4npyTswCTpWZilj9BFZtfg/s640/28_Scale.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
-->
</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For
anyone wondering, “Why are these figures so small?” Well, they
are meant to be in proper scale with the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla
(2016), technically the 4<sup>th</sup>
evolutionary form of Godzilla in <i>Shin-Godzilla</i>.
According to official statistics for the movie, the 2<sup>nd</sup>
Form is supposed to stand at 20 meters tall, the 3<sup>rd</sup>
Form at 70 meters tall and then the 4<sup>th</sup>
Form at 118 meters tall.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To conclude this review, I would like to share my overall thoughts on the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016) 2nd & 3rd Form set. I bought this set with low expectations in mind, after experiencing how the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2016) turned out. My views towards these figures only sunk when I saw the first set of in-hand photos of them when released. I thought they looked terrible! However, when I received my set and held each figure in my own hands, my mind began to gradually change. I've had them for at least a month now and I personally dig them. With that being said, I will now say that these are still not perfect figures. I think the days when we can expect top notch quality and detail from MonsterArts figures are long gone. The paint could be way better than it is. The 2nd Form has too much of a glossy coating for my liking. The 3rd Form has very inconsistent paint applications as if one person painted the body and someone else painted the tail. This was most likely the case. My gripes with this set seem to be directed towards paint and detailing, because I think the actual sculpts themselves are superb! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Is this set worth the after market prices? I have seen many other of my fellow reviewers explain how this is a tricky case as the quality doesn't match the price. So, I will piggyback on what they have expressed. This set was NOT worth the retail price, and it certainly is NOT worth the inflated after market prices. However, if you are a big enough <i>Shin-Godzilla </i>fan, like myself, then perhaps you'd be keen to spend the money to acquire this set. </div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-13590278647735489772017-06-12T14:51:00.004+10:002017-06-12T14:51:38.254+10:00The Kaiju Planet Still Lives!Hello, fellow Kaiju Planet citizens! This is Arlo, and yes, the Kaiju Planet is still alive.<br />
<br />
I must apologize for the lack of content over the past year. I had been busy trying to get another website up and running for the better part of 2016. Unfortunately it wasn't gaining a huge following, so I ultimately scrapped it and decided to return here, The Kaiju Planet.<br /><br />A lot has certainly happened ever since I have last posted here, but have no fear. I have new reviews and articles to share with you all in the coming weeks! So, be sure to keep your eyes open, as I will begin to post new content in the coming weeks and change some aspects of the blog's overall design too.<br />
<br />
Just know, we are still alive and kickin'!<br /><br />Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-57344676241079512272016-04-28T19:24:00.000+10:002016-04-28T19:25:00.415+10:00Original Figure Review - Sideshow Collectibles Knifehead Statue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzeQyFd5qjKCEh11eQhu7nH8qCcC8n07SHCWm0xy7IZ08Xbcab3WQJoGzWyAS0IgBom4n3J89M6kyOObxVJpmxEbs2MoTWyyT1L-wKsmpm5YV89dLlZWfRm7TlkLx9iLXHR0sTomQgupc/s1600/TitleCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzeQyFd5qjKCEh11eQhu7nH8qCcC8n07SHCWm0xy7IZ08Xbcab3WQJoGzWyAS0IgBom4n3J89M6kyOObxVJpmxEbs2MoTWyyT1L-wKsmpm5YV89dLlZWfRm7TlkLx9iLXHR0sTomQgupc/s640/TitleCard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<br />
I have had Sideshow Collectibles' Knifehead statue since last September, but I am just now getting around to reviewing it. No, it was not procrastination that has prevented me from sharing my reflections on this piece. I've contemplated for months whether or not to review this and the other Pacific Rim statues I have. I was not keen on doing anymore figure reviews on video, because it was just not my sort of thing. However, since I am going through a little bit of a dry spell, I thought this would be the appropriate time to review them. So far I only have three of the four released statues: Knifehead, Gipsy Danger and Slattern. I will pick up Striker Eureka eventually, but with me currently out of a job, I will just have to be patient for a little while longer.<br />
<br />
Knifehead was the first of the Pacific Rim statues that Sideshow Collectibles released. The statues were sculpted with assistance and guidance by designers who actually worked on <i>Pacific Rim </i>(2013) including director, Guillermo Del Toro. In the movie, Knifehead was a Category III Kaiju that was the first to demonstrate intelligence in battle. It successfully killed one of Gipsy Danger's pilots, Yancy Becket, before being killed by a lone Raleigh Becket before he struggles to get the Jaeger back to the Alaskan shore. Since the film came out, Knifehead has become one of the few Kaiju to really stand out. Of all the Kaiju in the film, Knifehead has received the most figure treatments from tiny Gashapon figures from Kaiyodo, deluxe action figures from NECA, and an upcoming Large Monsters Series vinyl figure from X-Plus. However, by far one of the more impressive pieces of Knifehead released so far has to be this Sideshow statue. Let's take a closer look! <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluuUQ-VXktyBgCiEJCGJp5SQWo-KmvnTlvLcruvPrrThLMjKuB0blUk-tzyvkQMQKH5VumHHtr0kAJ-ZdYcwHG5MT8LLWGJBnRqjCu5e0b8Meuv-Po8sfeTol7cdlYZI16djy4IZfW5XJ/s1600/IMG_6064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluuUQ-VXktyBgCiEJCGJp5SQWo-KmvnTlvLcruvPrrThLMjKuB0blUk-tzyvkQMQKH5VumHHtr0kAJ-ZdYcwHG5MT8LLWGJBnRqjCu5e0b8Meuv-Po8sfeTol7cdlYZI16djy4IZfW5XJ/s640/IMG_6064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vnsSMCVlgKdjk_6bvewcjme00gS9Wo4EkIy9D44R4_kAiZTwJiwTUqoDb0_Ta5KPQOaF45fLsd2pKjLMDsRzCh5Ul3wX2p4kevXhY_JIkibWjJtWQ66XegMAoiLdHPU_5o6h-Lo4EeuB/s1600/IMG_6069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vnsSMCVlgKdjk_6bvewcjme00gS9Wo4EkIy9D44R4_kAiZTwJiwTUqoDb0_Ta5KPQOaF45fLsd2pKjLMDsRzCh5Ul3wX2p4kevXhY_JIkibWjJtWQ66XegMAoiLdHPU_5o6h-Lo4EeuB/s640/IMG_6069.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
First things first... Holy cow is this piece HEAVY! The statue is a very solid sculpt. I am not quite certain of the precise material used to sculpt the statue, but I am guessing it is resin or polystone. The box for it is HUGE too and features a great propaganda-styled artwork of Knifehead. When you remove the statue from the box it comes in three pieces - the main statue, base and the fishing trawler that you attach to the base. There are sockets beneath the statue's legs to insert into the base and connect it to the plug, which sends electricity into the figure to activate the light-up feature (more on that later). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdteXH0G-hQtvnF6eIdYqkIj98Q74pLQICRWR1bycW3fcTRrauK65oC0aFjz8jP3NE7KRVJA-l-GkddHxQ9LFCJS0wdM_BfhhHz43XAkSFv1HJ8WhgcCG7f7-Y4DKcP4XAaxtKnuL-_qC6/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdteXH0G-hQtvnF6eIdYqkIj98Q74pLQICRWR1bycW3fcTRrauK65oC0aFjz8jP3NE7KRVJA-l-GkddHxQ9LFCJS0wdM_BfhhHz43XAkSFv1HJ8WhgcCG7f7-Y4DKcP4XAaxtKnuL-_qC6/s640/IMG_6067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGJGKe6LpL5q6VGuxwVBpytbyy2Z8hqckzNAupgyelB9A3PUYRYW7cHrLzwaE-qkxI8U7ARJ2srf05NPFj15jUXNtGJFvbWgIUGlL2m5FmrTvlrsDcj454n80m846BW9RoT_SDeJLi_8F/s1600/IMG_6070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGJGKe6LpL5q6VGuxwVBpytbyy2Z8hqckzNAupgyelB9A3PUYRYW7cHrLzwaE-qkxI8U7ARJ2srf05NPFj15jUXNtGJFvbWgIUGlL2m5FmrTvlrsDcj454n80m846BW9RoT_SDeJLi_8F/s640/IMG_6070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The statue with the base stand at around 17-18 inches tall and is around a foot long and at least a foot and a half wide. Fortunately it does not require a lot of shelf space so it's easier to display on a shelf. The sculpt is absolutely amazing! No seams at all. The tugs and folds of the skin make it so lifelike. The detailing on the skin is very meticulous and the yellow markings are carefully painted on. The statue has a glossy finish that gives it the appearance that it is still soaking wet after rising from the ocean depths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ikadz_dLErPaL4KgRLtIJEEuWAiwO-pvgyFlwvE1yEo88ZVsNFTZPUKCjjQvl5a22lyy6lIZJAN3MaEkt44Q6LuyLShGII5Q2wj1ca7jfHRP76JzCnGfpVuwqt_z-mgynFkG1AkJvLuc/s1600/IMG_6068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ikadz_dLErPaL4KgRLtIJEEuWAiwO-pvgyFlwvE1yEo88ZVsNFTZPUKCjjQvl5a22lyy6lIZJAN3MaEkt44Q6LuyLShGII5Q2wj1ca7jfHRP76JzCnGfpVuwqt_z-mgynFkG1AkJvLuc/s640/IMG_6068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of water, the sculpt of the base is just amazing! The turbulent waves look great and create a scene. The cherry on top is the tiny fishing trawler, being tossed around by a giant wave caused by Knifehead's approach. It adds a great sense of scale to the piece, which I appreciated. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznhO9HGlyUoStCC0AAqQG9BNgesr6RMfFIvN5DYYSs3c3Y4q3wEbr9CuV7587cvBQ4Kn9spT_1XwURp9-zXs-WqHCitrOvW_68DyXcLV_sUTR2xDXFGTkEbIJYvBV378Jt-vel1CTMKe0/s1600/IMG_6071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznhO9HGlyUoStCC0AAqQG9BNgesr6RMfFIvN5DYYSs3c3Y4q3wEbr9CuV7587cvBQ4Kn9spT_1XwURp9-zXs-WqHCitrOvW_68DyXcLV_sUTR2xDXFGTkEbIJYvBV378Jt-vel1CTMKe0/s640/IMG_6071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLu6MFaxOSURA6KOmwsp9EgBqPbwAKIGw9cbZhTIw0ZXmxWoknI4-nFCRJfuAcCXvNnt8OM2W3ClUU5JXD68RHa6NHuWUtxVqDfuJpvsKhQ8mNEAuEdxu91ZADV1Z770dVfKkKyYUfLGs/s1600/IMG_6072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLu6MFaxOSURA6KOmwsp9EgBqPbwAKIGw9cbZhTIw0ZXmxWoknI4-nFCRJfuAcCXvNnt8OM2W3ClUU5JXD68RHa6NHuWUtxVqDfuJpvsKhQ8mNEAuEdxu91ZADV1Z770dVfKkKyYUfLGs/s640/IMG_6072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the back of the base is a button for the light-up feature. Batteries are included when you get the statue, which can be inserted on the bottom of the base. The light-up gimmick is limited to the base and mouth. It adds a great effect and really brings it to life in a sense. The lights beneath the ocean resemble the moments before Gipsy Danger rises from the sea to challenge Knifehead. The glow in the mouth is pretty spot on to how it looks in the film since the Kaiju exhibit bio-luminescence. Honestly, pictures really don't do the light-up features any justice. It is just something you have to see yourself in person.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6vKzK4lJMd_wSIpUsMItupu4w7zCIKbLBhDrrzv3vgcPDcoGt6eBbBSUvcvfRIhjF9sd543m2ljJJobLfZnZuSUOe2GZ4NwFH0IiRIjpaqXXaCoZBwwrSEMELzmOwqVX7dGhyTM04fmw/s1600/IMG_6084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6vKzK4lJMd_wSIpUsMItupu4w7zCIKbLBhDrrzv3vgcPDcoGt6eBbBSUvcvfRIhjF9sd543m2ljJJobLfZnZuSUOe2GZ4NwFH0IiRIjpaqXXaCoZBwwrSEMELzmOwqVX7dGhyTM04fmw/s640/IMG_6084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though Knifehead is a big lad, it is still dwarfed by Sideshow's Godzilla (2014) Maquette which stands at around two feet tall. Compared in price though, Knifehead is a lot cheaper in comparison, retailing at around $380 USD plus shipping costs if you order it online. <br />
<br />
All in all, Knifehead is a pretty snazzy piece! In my opinion, it is the BEST of the Pacific Rim statues released by Sideshow Collectibles. It has amazing detail, the pose is menacing, the base adds a sense of scale to the statue, and the light-up features only enhance its best qualities. Totally worth the expensive price and makes for an excellent display piece in any monster collection!Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-8008680244996796402016-04-22T17:00:00.000+10:002016-04-22T17:00:04.670+10:00Original Figure Review - Medicom Real Action Heroes NEO Evangelion 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2rKhMEq-t4rCIUlZwFsj0p5Il7ofzRAXjg9V79fdt0bYWp4soJVCZ6O9Py2lWL5eyBGPw_pO6p4bXeOdcUi9A90-5KxYTQGsSkCXi5xJ7gOwIEl6yUvgmxjNgIPHqKnBgzgOu52Fzlik/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2rKhMEq-t4rCIUlZwFsj0p5Il7ofzRAXjg9V79fdt0bYWp4soJVCZ6O9Py2lWL5eyBGPw_pO6p4bXeOdcUi9A90-5KxYTQGsSkCXi5xJ7gOwIEl6yUvgmxjNgIPHqKnBgzgOu52Fzlik/s640/IMG_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<br />
I have been a huge fan of the Evangelion franchise for at least the past seven or so years. What intrigued me was its complex story, characters and use of religious and psychological symbolism. As soon as I was finished watching the original anime series, I then discovered the Rebuild of Evangelion films, which is a partial retelling of the original story with new characters and elements thrown in. Things remained mostly familiar within the movies <i>Evangelion 1.11 You Are (Not) Alone </i>(2007) and <i>Evangelion 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance</i>. However, by <i>Evangelion 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo </i>(2012) things changed a great deal - <b>SPOILER ALERT</b> - there was a 14 year time skip between the second and third film, new characters, new organizations, new EVAs, and new questions that will hopefully be answered in the fourth/final film whenever it releases. One of the definite highlights of the film was the battle between the upgraded Evangelion Unit 02 and Evangelion 13 in Terminal Dogma, which bears a striking resemblence to Unit 01 (with some notable differences). For a long time I've collected the smaller Revoltech action figures for the EVAs, so I was venturing into brand new territory in regards to the Medicom RAH NEO Evangelion 13 action figure.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, this was an impulse purchase. I was feeling rather blue
this past Valentines Day as I am alone. I decided to buy myself
something I've been eyeing for a while as a means to lift my spirits.
That little something was this figure, which costed me a little over
$400 USD. So, was it worth the price and my emotional state at the time?
Let's take a look! <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0uxRwOOgI5BlfV_Le2olT7WwNqNFA2UCQKXIjFst9Za374SjxMuX3tn6DThAzaq4z6qPb13zD1t9xDX3ZJ062Mfjrg1J7_mpfQoF1biuwZFCLyjxzo7M8KKeKpMl2Jz14Gn350JIJkZM/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0uxRwOOgI5BlfV_Le2olT7WwNqNFA2UCQKXIjFst9Za374SjxMuX3tn6DThAzaq4z6qPb13zD1t9xDX3ZJ062Mfjrg1J7_mpfQoF1biuwZFCLyjxzo7M8KKeKpMl2Jz14Gn350JIJkZM/s400/IMG_0066.JPG" width="305" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPU4WReiQfPwno35hRxJ1DqCYuuOwNeWefyQ1GqWIjDnbCP7QwXZwBby9qGWnrwe4fw1Dn-jWPVXNmngEGh9XrOCAa2bayYpAbJ6JajO5u41hgmmEUGaDZYj7jvXMdvID3Ne0xPDoOsTe/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPU4WReiQfPwno35hRxJ1DqCYuuOwNeWefyQ1GqWIjDnbCP7QwXZwBby9qGWnrwe4fw1Dn-jWPVXNmngEGh9XrOCAa2bayYpAbJ6JajO5u41hgmmEUGaDZYj7jvXMdvID3Ne0xPDoOsTe/s400/IMG_0068.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
Medicom's Real Action Heroes NEO (RAH NEO) EVA 13 figure stands roughly 14-15 inches tall. It's sculpt is a mix of a soft flexible rubber outer skin and harder plastics for the armor and shoulder pylons. Underneath the skin is a super articulated plastic skeletal armature. As far as detailing and sculpt goes, this thing is absolutely movie accurate. Many of the proportions are spot on and definitely match its animated counterpart in the movie. The paint work on this figure is mostly good. I would have said it was absolutely perfect, but there is one aspect of this particular figure that upset me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw8uSC3qE5Yey-uLkc2i1t6BITSUGH1cagHrVM4Jdq4fgsbepRCukSZDsPGCQ9yoVaT2jYGJnQXoCMhVFH53nQibF3oP4ye4P1AZitkVP7TRyLOeKHZctM5_9Kere073nbdIq_Dp8KdCf/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw8uSC3qE5Yey-uLkc2i1t6BITSUGH1cagHrVM4Jdq4fgsbepRCukSZDsPGCQ9yoVaT2jYGJnQXoCMhVFH53nQibF3oP4ye4P1AZitkVP7TRyLOeKHZctM5_9Kere073nbdIq_Dp8KdCf/s640/IMG_0072.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon receiving this figure, I noticed that some of the paint on its right bicep is peeling off. Normally the paint should be glossed and look as if it is part of the figure itself, but here some of the yellow on the bicep stripe is stripping off revealing the black rubber underneath. For a figure that costs well over $400 this is unacceptable! It should be flawless at that price. However, since I was unable to return the darn thing for a replacement or refund, I just had to live with it. Figures! <br /><br />Still, I do my best to hide the flaw by displaying the EVA's left side more prominently than the right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-rNxYaMstqiJ4ICdGTWVSWhzMVxVzolvwEy-zsqjczblWSbtIt3cCEseszaGMOCWLzDp1Mo1qlFqnXuZ29lHUkBW2fTV_omd40gvkWd3QG0NBzIjCne3D56dB3nqTzoSWla2Bz9znnn/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6-rNxYaMstqiJ4ICdGTWVSWhzMVxVzolvwEy-zsqjczblWSbtIt3cCEseszaGMOCWLzDp1Mo1qlFqnXuZ29lHUkBW2fTV_omd40gvkWd3QG0NBzIjCne3D56dB3nqTzoSWla2Bz9znnn/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhtgYlIYwT2KZOpp4Bztoq-o73A24qgujWuhNvztJw5qIvUjXBxUsH9RrlsKzGxvYwk8yeIz1tYDeWKgyOTASaEnLrXOEM6DD_NIM7-QMp4RbhOL58Y9skCaym7lMRrI_9Ll-NJLE2OZp/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhtgYlIYwT2KZOpp4Bztoq-o73A24qgujWuhNvztJw5qIvUjXBxUsH9RrlsKzGxvYwk8yeIz1tYDeWKgyOTASaEnLrXOEM6DD_NIM7-QMp4RbhOL58Y9skCaym7lMRrI_9Ll-NJLE2OZp/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Moving on from my complaint above, let's look at this figure's articulation. Truthfully I am reluctant to put this figure in overly dynamic poses, because I am afraid that I may accidentally tear the thing rubber skin coating that covers much of this figure. However, based on what I was able to achieve, I'd say that it has a decent range of motion and manages to replicate poses that we see in the movie just fine. However, since I've heard issues regarding breakages of the rubber skin, I choose to keep the figure in relatively tame poses that don't put stress on the elbow or knee joints.<br />
<br />
What I've noticed over time as well is that if there is stress on the joints for a while, then the joints will loosen. Some joints hold up better than others like the joints on the legs, but the shoulders, elbows, and wrists will become loose and sag if much weight is on them - especially if it's gripping the two Lances of Longinus. To me that's rather disappointing, because through time it renders the two spear accessories moot since the figure will no longer be able to hold them up eventually. Still, there are ways to combat this, which I'll discuss in a little bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XgZ20Pzsy5eY9U4X6ktqzQIPWSaQrrHDrQhNjIgldSXydAHHoAWZiN-CIJyHZ9vjGq7Ef-eoNX5vp9NRw4E4HdY9V66SG5bOiMhDSKePL1b9Q0XCYdlBTGq-p1qMhp_BXipKBo3SbU-J/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XgZ20Pzsy5eY9U4X6ktqzQIPWSaQrrHDrQhNjIgldSXydAHHoAWZiN-CIJyHZ9vjGq7Ef-eoNX5vp9NRw4E4HdY9V66SG5bOiMhDSKePL1b9Q0XCYdlBTGq-p1qMhp_BXipKBo3SbU-J/s640/IMG_0075.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
EVA 13 is loaded with an abundance of accessories! Perhaps more than any of Medicom's previous RAH NEO EVAs. Firstly we will look at EVA 13's second set of arms. Attaching them to the figure is rather easy. Carefully remove the plastic chest piece from the four sockets on the figure's torso. And then insert the second chest piece with the second set of arms in its place. Once you hear a click, then they're set!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOmSomLFpCWzhu0BD6svnLY8pVq98pZJUhU9iSZ1CjAkvEx-bP4ho8eb1C_GpMUHrTE_Y-fU2nbvOov4r0jHH1MxUaaBn5aeiG0jZb6ZW4pgNRhtNH1q0OZz6zTy6qdeDcyq0CrSEAk3n/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOmSomLFpCWzhu0BD6svnLY8pVq98pZJUhU9iSZ1CjAkvEx-bP4ho8eb1C_GpMUHrTE_Y-fU2nbvOov4r0jHH1MxUaaBn5aeiG0jZb6ZW4pgNRhtNH1q0OZz6zTy6qdeDcyq0CrSEAk3n/s640/IMG_0076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
EVA 13 with both pairs of arms attached is truly an amazing looking figure and definitely a unique EVA unit in itself. The reason for the second pair of arms in the movie isn't made clear, but EVA 13 required two souls (Shinji's and Kaworu's) in order to remove the Lances of Longinus from the corpses of Lilith and Evangelion MK .06 during the film's climax. Also there's the fact that EVA 13 is actually one of the multiple Adams that was hinted at way back in the second film during a stylized flashback sequence of Second Impact through the point of view from a young Misato Katsuragi. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsXVikof5hua6TAA6qDA9lHszEc-7I-QaSH_-5N0Ga7GiYd2VV_1mp5UIJgC9JPgJ1WYZRJmKHewizmqdBqjn-JCgZZNX8VRr7nDMHJu1zavr_6C_wZ-LjfGi8YgknIxRYKNDIBiJcJxy/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsXVikof5hua6TAA6qDA9lHszEc-7I-QaSH_-5N0Ga7GiYd2VV_1mp5UIJgC9JPgJ1WYZRJmKHewizmqdBqjn-JCgZZNX8VRr7nDMHJu1zavr_6C_wZ-LjfGi8YgknIxRYKNDIBiJcJxy/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="260" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr9Ygv4YYb34veCWjDVZU22jOOrUFBEqklwi2WIhOmY98VL36yLSI9eqNI2bctRMpV4L-yjmnGz0XrGMHXHsM763kgI-MqPh02hk5mo7ZhcUfZBnsMAESAgo3EiGeH9ZJJFHX0-TJSvIs/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrr9Ygv4YYb34veCWjDVZU22jOOrUFBEqklwi2WIhOmY98VL36yLSI9eqNI2bctRMpV4L-yjmnGz0XrGMHXHsM763kgI-MqPh02hk5mo7ZhcUfZBnsMAESAgo3EiGeH9ZJJFHX0-TJSvIs/s400/IMG_0081.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The figure also comes with a display base and stand. The stand is a bendable rod with a black fabric covering to match the base's color. It has a plastic claw at the end to grip the figure. The stand is pretty neat and sturdy enough to allow you to achieve a levitating pose for EVA 13. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuQXyRVUBtFAAw_azdJ3MVCZ4AkiBXGBE7dUDW09iAQp4Ox4XbaoAjxa8WzyS96vY6rLb-h3z9wFU3K8i1reIThv1UT7OQAKBLApReEp9YKoNHQNfP_cniMZCgOctSI7v3j7qUbqYu5KN/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuQXyRVUBtFAAw_azdJ3MVCZ4AkiBXGBE7dUDW09iAQp4Ox4XbaoAjxa8WzyS96vY6rLb-h3z9wFU3K8i1reIThv1UT7OQAKBLApReEp9YKoNHQNfP_cniMZCgOctSI7v3j7qUbqYu5KN/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPqbTFqAQpFaVjlKRm9xbVnW6uDjZ6ZL7LfjXPjp4b-gAkIGh3B9qB-BiHyZErKzY0nuwS1yxYdC3G4i3jvWjpEoiIW7RZBJQyBPEsnfRBRle2LA_zFXGLDVsTpRd1uI3IIR5SEYylyp4/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPqbTFqAQpFaVjlKRm9xbVnW6uDjZ6ZL7LfjXPjp4b-gAkIGh3B9qB-BiHyZErKzY0nuwS1yxYdC3G4i3jvWjpEoiIW7RZBJQyBPEsnfRBRle2LA_zFXGLDVsTpRd1uI3IIR5SEYylyp4/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
The figure's most notable accessories are the twin Lances of Longinus. These things are quite long, exceeding two feet! They're sculpted out of a thin plastic, so I handle them with care to prevent accidentally snapping either of them. When EVA 13 grips the spears, the figure looks totally complete. The display space it takes, however is a lot and as seen above, it exceeds my current photo set for my reviews. Take some time to also see how the RAH NEO EVA 13 scales with the Revoltech EVAs displayed in the photo above as well.<br />
<br />
Jumping back to the articulation topic from earlier, the figure's shoulder and elbow joints do sag over time when holding to the spears. Initially I displayed it with the spears not touching the base, but with the sagging issue becoming more apparent, resting the ends of the spears on the base provides stability for the arms to maintain their positions. I think this is what I'll do for now on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oRjT_9gnrDuPT7T-YeBZhJNPw7qjly0boBhCA8JsqwywTRAPEYgPv8FHp-6gaP381kO1WgMIgHuZxO_eSO2BJx4bgwEoQ0HQ7H-iRg0ypSw0U2LgFT5dsIvsbO-8YMNfetDKoQVCyS8k/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oRjT_9gnrDuPT7T-YeBZhJNPw7qjly0boBhCA8JsqwywTRAPEYgPv8FHp-6gaP381kO1WgMIgHuZxO_eSO2BJx4bgwEoQ0HQ7H-iRg0ypSw0U2LgFT5dsIvsbO-8YMNfetDKoQVCyS8k/s640/IMG_0088.JPG" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
The final accessories that I will cover are the four RS Hoppers that generate protective AT Fields during battle for EVA 13 since the unit itself can't generate it's own AT Field. They're pretty nicely detailed and are provided with transparent stands that attach into the two visible sockets on top of the base. They add a nice effect to the figure when it's in its normal form as seen during its battle with Unit 02. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfpBflzfkLnSRc2rGYnTletPd8Cyg6KKyyLN1A9PniN8oK_sSjM-9BZ6KzTV_VXAySp92CyonwIIJGSWa_mGlRR3OKEfCRik_Pn1C4bjlanyuq47RPu64BnrB6oS7YF5SFoZ5tjyIRvlJ/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfpBflzfkLnSRc2rGYnTletPd8Cyg6KKyyLN1A9PniN8oK_sSjM-9BZ6KzTV_VXAySp92CyonwIIJGSWa_mGlRR3OKEfCRik_Pn1C4bjlanyuq47RPu64BnrB6oS7YF5SFoZ5tjyIRvlJ/s640/IMG_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So what is the verdict? My overall feelings on this figure are rather mixed. I like it. I like it a lot. However the issues I've brought up about it earlier prevent me from totally loving it. For this review, I will try something new and give final reflective comments on each section...<br />
<br />
<b>Sculpt:</b><br />
<br />
The sculpt is absolutely amazing and truly captures the look and proportions of this EVA unit from the movie. Best EVA 13 sculpt available as far as I know!<br /><br /><b>Detailing:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>The paint work on this figure is mostly good, and would be flawless if it were not for the peeling on its right bicep. As I've stated earlier, being a $400+ figure one should expect every figure that comes out of the factory to be flawless.<br /><br /><b>Articulation:</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Articulation on this figure is really good and if I give it the chance, it could achieve some rather dynamic poses. However, due to the overall fragility of the figure, I am reluctant to do anything too risky that would cause tears in the thin rubber fabric that covers the joints.<br />
<br />
<b>Accessories:</b><br />
<br />
This figure is absolutely loaded and has everything you'd want out of this figure. No complaints regarding the accessories which include multiple option hands, the display base and stand, four RS Hoppers, and the two Lances of Longinus.<br />
<br />
<b>Overall:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In retrospect, the Medicom Real Action Heroes Evangelion 13 action figure is definitely a nice figure that perfectly captures the unit as seen in <i>Evangelion 3.33 You Can (Not) Redo </i>(2012). However, based on the problems I've experienced with this figure I do not think it is worth the $400+ retail price. One would expect such a figure at that price to have no issues whatsoever. Unfortunately, because of the issues I've had with this figure, this will be my very first and last RAH NEO Evangelion figure.<br /><br />Do not get me wrong though. I like the figure a great deal, but if I can expect issues such as paint peeling, breakages and loosening joints in a figure that is that high priced, then it is not worth it for me to buy the others.Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-38686754761224779222016-04-20T17:41:00.000+10:002016-04-20T17:41:17.927+10:00Original Figure Review - X-Plus Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1999<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABRLrQoFlJzVl-kfTgDzuuBnbFMowhGdb8tuGPsmAVwwbna4yVzCLUSnJF0mxr4CDtUplpBosTClFzJiKQJXp0ejcm4S9uS6mc5Ztx9WDZ5XBh_R5kWml5Lj0aZt4LSrd3lccvuuNxZ_-/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABRLrQoFlJzVl-kfTgDzuuBnbFMowhGdb8tuGPsmAVwwbna4yVzCLUSnJF0mxr4CDtUplpBosTClFzJiKQJXp0ejcm4S9uS6mc5Ztx9WDZ5XBh_R5kWml5Lj0aZt4LSrd3lccvuuNxZ_-/s640/IMG_0053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<br />
Whew! How long has it been since my last figure review? A couple months? Well, I am back with an all new original figure review of the X-Plus Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1999 vinyl figure. I intend to do several more reviews over the coming weeks of items I've had for a little while, but not yet have reviewed. That is besides the point right now, because now we are going to take a look at this hunk of soft vinyl. I know I am pretty late with this review since many collectors have already done their reviews on this figure when it first released last year. However, I don't care. Better late than never, right? <br />
<br />
So, without any further ado, let us get started!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjWR5K_ycUr0HtX8_71siooFtGxtbFmjz71V9Rt6FYeCmPQkHg8tP35_kXPvUxKZ8Eai6xQ8HHIFFeWQkiw-C5G55PMyZC-FNQeYv-BmiiDI9LbvTtmP9azwR3Po-qWKMcF6pjnJ50ETk/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjWR5K_ycUr0HtX8_71siooFtGxtbFmjz71V9Rt6FYeCmPQkHg8tP35_kXPvUxKZ8Eai6xQ8HHIFFeWQkiw-C5G55PMyZC-FNQeYv-BmiiDI9LbvTtmP9azwR3Po-qWKMcF6pjnJ50ETk/s640/IMG_0043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sRh0lKWdOBLbNyG2oQwUBBpevW1tTjI0c8rCUN0eFvBNjSCQd69r4vaRKLKzOiMuJtXLuiLxRKF-Te5LUhIhYjMhOi5B4inaqJWEuilDhIw2wLL0CXh68N6JWi9Di8iWg8TIOu9JfdxD/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sRh0lKWdOBLbNyG2oQwUBBpevW1tTjI0c8rCUN0eFvBNjSCQd69r4vaRKLKzOiMuJtXLuiLxRKF-Te5LUhIhYjMhOi5B4inaqJWEuilDhIw2wLL0CXh68N6JWi9Di8iWg8TIOu9JfdxD/s640/IMG_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Gigantic Series from X-Plus has seen some rather amazing looking sculpts since it first started back in 2013 - I think. While the figure line also includes large vinyl figures of anime characters, notably from Dragonball Z, it's their Godzilla figures that have caught my attention. However, I have been unable to acquire the first two figures (Godzilla 2001 and Godzilla 1995) because at the time I didn't have the money nor space for them. Do I regret missing out on them? Definitely! They're amazing vinyl figures and have a great presence among a collection. Especially Godzilla 1995 (aka Burning Godzilla)! However, I was able to move on and get on my life without them. However, one particular figure just kept grabbing my attention every so often: Godzilla 1999. I just had to find a way to get it. Surely enough, I was able to buy one off a guy in the X-Plus Collectors group on Facebook back in February. G99 is the third and most recent addition to the Gigantic Series. It's on the shorter end of the ruler, standing around 14 inches tall. A bit taller than some of the bigger Toho 30cm Series figures. However, despite it being shorter than previous Gigantic Series figures, Godzilla 1999 is still rather massive and long. It's tail extends well over two feet. It's definitely an item that requires a lot of shelf room. In my case, I display it on top where it has no shelf restrictions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Gigantic Series Godzilla 1999 is also the third addition to X-Plus' sub-series, the Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection. It was sculpted by said master monster maker, Yuji Sakai. The figure is based on his unused maquette design that he made for the 1999 film <i>Godzilla 2000: Millennium</i>. Despite it being unused, the design is still widely popular among fans and collectors. The overall sculpt is absolutely brilliant and highly detailed - which I'll discuss in a bit. The pose depicts Godzilla with his tail raised parallel to the ground, like a T-Rex somewhat, and seems as if he is roaring at another monster or charging towards it. No matter from what angle you look at it, Godzilla always looks amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only accessory to come with this figure is a vinyl block that you put under the tail to keep it propped up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mGTg1JKk-cJLZAvyNo5WoaPr-c0Uj8NYvKjzk_4gRnMSrNwlz9yp6Du_wgXN7sm2yqVyaQQokj5kSUjgIcJJq9KmHe1AVgIoA3WsuSLAhhvD8WHJW4mOsMjiQXBcMgwstMVh-VjuBYBA/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mGTg1JKk-cJLZAvyNo5WoaPr-c0Uj8NYvKjzk_4gRnMSrNwlz9yp6Du_wgXN7sm2yqVyaQQokj5kSUjgIcJJq9KmHe1AVgIoA3WsuSLAhhvD8WHJW4mOsMjiQXBcMgwstMVh-VjuBYBA/s640/IMG_0044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You do not get a sense of the awesome levels of detailing in this figure until you start looking at it very close up. The head especially. Godzilla's just filled with meticulous detailing in both sculpt and paint. Some features look very organic like the mouth and teeth. The mouth has a glossy fleshy red color and the teeth are a bony creamy yellow with a darker gradient near the gums. The eyes have brown irises and the eyeball itself has a dirty orange color to it. What I really like is the blood red veins sprouting from the corner of the eyes. It gives Godzilla a more aggressive and enraged look to him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoRidUCQCb-NQLpoXNKqx8p_hbTYLZ1QiPPBDWtTcU3wsbAyB_0MWyyp5z6QOGQNZSXimstKbhQFoCWMk2KlqHfXXzKnIhXWp-uqsSROiQwOLp-0fLiRIyiA2w4-APxWlNRyK7-8bshKa/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoRidUCQCb-NQLpoXNKqx8p_hbTYLZ1QiPPBDWtTcU3wsbAyB_0MWyyp5z6QOGQNZSXimstKbhQFoCWMk2KlqHfXXzKnIhXWp-uqsSROiQwOLp-0fLiRIyiA2w4-APxWlNRyK7-8bshKa/s640/IMG_0047.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving down, we see Godzilla's massive, sharp extraordinarily sculpted dorsal plates. Keep in mind that these are quite pointy and can cause injuries if mishandled. The bright shiny violet coloration of Godzilla's distinctive dorsal plates contrasts well with Godzilla's green skin. I really love how the dorsal plates are colored in a way that makes them look as if they just sprouted from Godzilla's back. There is a minor gradient between the green skin and violet spines that looks absolutely organic. Very well done, in my opinion!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the standard version of the figure. The internet RIC Boy exclusive from X-Plus' website was released with semi-translucent orange colored dorsal plates that makes Godzilla look like he is charging his atomic breath - mind you that his atomic breath in <i>Godzilla 2000: Millennium </i>(1999) was orange instead of blue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlxVvqENMceV799gepMI0JqCKZ3VL4Obe7h0kEhjmcMA-E5YdAsSSslN0xpx4x8lN8RCUFru_pPfHZMNCbH_JRZOnSk82U5WlHBgCKYZa5eof2VU6jD-WOyrwc20uno8KSx1IRYDAn3FN/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlxVvqENMceV799gepMI0JqCKZ3VL4Obe7h0kEhjmcMA-E5YdAsSSslN0xpx4x8lN8RCUFru_pPfHZMNCbH_JRZOnSk82U5WlHBgCKYZa5eof2VU6jD-WOyrwc20uno8KSx1IRYDAn3FN/s640/IMG_0048.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Like Godzilla's teeth, his toes and claws feature a similar yellowish, creamy bone color. It's brightest at the ends while near the roots its gradients into the normal green skin color, which looks very nice. Also like the teeth, they have tendril-like markings that sprout from the base. It certainly adds a new level of depth in the overall detailing of this figure. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5ZUKZxa3TapEKIczV60KyPQdJ1MQQqtJUZrZUkb8UO8nXKgqOZDY0jWI3nDppdTNUZJMAxhE_MUf_62gsb3HCzhqZPYlsDOCk5UscuWcFdcfAImZ5mWsGXSkKArxcscVxAYttgUhj1Hn/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5ZUKZxa3TapEKIczV60KyPQdJ1MQQqtJUZrZUkb8UO8nXKgqOZDY0jWI3nDppdTNUZJMAxhE_MUf_62gsb3HCzhqZPYlsDOCk5UscuWcFdcfAImZ5mWsGXSkKArxcscVxAYttgUhj1Hn/s640/IMG_0049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I do not have any complaints about this figure itself, I do have a complaint regarding how X-Plus packages their figures sometimes. When I received this figure, the toe had a paint scratch near the tip. Granted, I bought this figure used, but the same exact thing happened to me when I bought the Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1991. That figure came to me brand new and still had a similar scratch on the same toe. What must have happened was that the box was handled roughly and the toe must have rubbed against the inside of the box, causing the scratch. This is something I can live with, but it just goes to show that X-Plus still needs to improve the way they package their figures, like add some extra cushioning inside the boxes to prevent potential scratches when being shipped. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTpNJ0OxBMGp6D70nEJmRVopRbdM0QS26ht6FQqy0d1k5GV9gm6jO4IO-Xrzh9nAnESdUqhDVFKRfCu8YZQ7GCIS3pFuA6w-dUgfNCj77YmD2tzn7opOQRoCb2vZTHmU7g1yjNyyNPVm/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQTpNJ0OxBMGp6D70nEJmRVopRbdM0QS26ht6FQqy0d1k5GV9gm6jO4IO-Xrzh9nAnESdUqhDVFKRfCu8YZQ7GCIS3pFuA6w-dUgfNCj77YmD2tzn7opOQRoCb2vZTHmU7g1yjNyyNPVm/s640/IMG_0050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yuji Sakai also utilized his Godzilla maquette design for the highly popular S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 2000 Millennium action figure from Bandai. Both it and the Gigantic Series figure can be seen side-by-side above. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2_libGGO6fuhTBav2kSHZyOmzQAepDYap-gGRKtXmph7QNmwPMfiWecEtMWN8GwGD5SzSg2KOnvdt2kpxYDZfwhQM12y3PgPR8mg5jJRxnce9oiwPTMnziPguqZ4dcytYsn5B0anCxeE/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2_libGGO6fuhTBav2kSHZyOmzQAepDYap-gGRKtXmph7QNmwPMfiWecEtMWN8GwGD5SzSg2KOnvdt2kpxYDZfwhQM12y3PgPR8mg5jJRxnce9oiwPTMnziPguqZ4dcytYsn5B0anCxeE/s640/IMG_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Compared with other X-Plus figures, Gigantic Godzilla '99 is a big boy! He towers over the Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 and the previous entry into the Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection, the 30cm Godzilla 1991. This being my very first Gigantic Series figure, I don't have other figures from the line to compare it with in regards to size.<br />
<br />
All in all, what are my final thoughts on the X-Plus Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1999? It is an amazing figure and has great shelf presence if you have the space for it. I regretted missing out on it when it was still available for preorder, but thankfully I was able to grab this one for a great price through a fellow collector on Facebook. Despite the paint scratch on the toe, I feel absolutely okay saying that this has become one of my absolute favorite X-Plus figures of all time!<br />
<br />
If you don't have this figure and interested in one, then I suggest you check eBay periodically. Sometimes there will be figures listed at great prices.Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-33545075773235819272016-04-14T10:46:00.000+10:002016-04-14T10:51:29.692+10:00NEW Shin Gojira Trailer [Review]<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ysRIwlEBjuw" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<br />
<br />
What a way to start (or end) the day, am I right? Toho drops a brand new trailer for <i>Shin Gojira </i>(internationally titled <i>Godzilla Resurgence</i>), the first domestic Godzilla film since 2004's <i>Godzilla: Final Wars</i>. Today I will be doing something I have not done before: a trailer review. It'll be an analysis of what we saw and some of my own thoughts an opinions on certain aspects of it. So without further ado, let us begin...<br />
<br />
If you haven't watched the trailer yet, do so now!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
So, right off the bat let us take a look at the one and only GODZILLA! I will not lie, when I first saw the leaked designs of the Godzilla prop from earlier this year, I was a bit mixed on the general look of it. However, those grainy cell-phone photos did not do the design much justice since after seeing this trailer, I have a whole new level of appreciation for the design of the character.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxIqCcGziQ2xasxK1Abwx9fR2ChPQFlilqCEzgK8IgyBMCLFRaf_8qSvwVosOclakOdhqWiJBQ1BZxzyvqV5ZENy6vfKg7t3t4yFCiup0H9K2_Ti7D9v9cc8rIi96Oftj227rVIvvLqHN/s1600/Shin-Gojira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxIqCcGziQ2xasxK1Abwx9fR2ChPQFlilqCEzgK8IgyBMCLFRaf_8qSvwVosOclakOdhqWiJBQ1BZxzyvqV5ZENy6vfKg7t3t4yFCiup0H9K2_Ti7D9v9cc8rIi96Oftj227rVIvvLqHN/s1600/Shin-Gojira.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Godzilla looks like... well Godzilla for the most part! He stands upright, has four fingers and four (<a href="http://cdn2-www.shocktillyoudrop.com/assets/uploads/2015/04/godzilla-foot.jpg">or is it five...</a>) toes, has the classic the keloid scarred skin, and traditional dorsal plate designs. It's the whole package and then some. The design is very surrealistic. It is, by far, the most "nightmarish" incarnation of Godzilla to date, especially with the ominous red glow beneath his scarred body. If I saw this thing, standing at a towering height of 118 meters, lumbering towards me, I'd run like hell! It is terrifying, and that is the sense that co-directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi are going for. Godzilla's excessive scarring indicates that he's experienced a horrific event (perhaps a nuclear strike), or is healing from something. A popular fan theory is that this is the same exact Godzilla from the 1954 film that has undergone a complete regeneration since being disintegrated by the Oxygen Destroyer. That sounds neat and all, but I have a feeling that <i>Shin Gojira </i>will be a whole new story for Godzilla that does not tie into the original 1954 classic.<br />
<br />
My only issue with Godzilla, based on what we see only in the trailer, is that he seems rather static. Like, he does not move a lot. I gave the trailer several viewings and Godzilla has a more "lumbering giant" sort of way of moving. He is so large that he has to move rather slow, which is true in nature as well. Maybe it's the way that the movie's wide shots make him that give me that impression. However, that's what Godzilla is essentially, a lumbering force of nature that nothing can stop. <br />
<br />
All in all, I have really grown to love the new Godzilla design. It is different, but it is a true homage to what Godzilla is meant to be. While America's Godzilla is a heroic force of nature, Japan's Godzilla is an unstoppable giant walking nuclear bomb. I eagerly await to see what figures we get of this design. Hopefully we do get an S.H. MonsterArts figure of Godzilla 2016 this year and perhaps an X-Plus 30cm figure sometime after that.<br />
<br />
Now that we've covered Godzilla himself, let's look at the human aspect of this trailer. We don't get any dialogue or any other sort of audio aside from Godzilla's shriek at the beginning and the haunting musical score. However, we do see a montage of scenes that hearken to a disaster film and an intense political drama, something that this film and the original 1954 Godzilla have in common. The trailer treats us to views of the main characters played by Hiroki Hasegawa, Satomi Ishihara, and Yutaka Takenouchi. The way that the threat of Godzilla is being handled by the government in this film seems very realistic when dealing with a situation like this, and not as campy with flashy futuristic super weapons as G-Force from the Heisei Godzilla series or the JXSDF from <i>Godzilla x MechaGodzilla </i>(2002) and <i>Godzilla: Tokyo SOS </i>(2003) have done. Godzilla is being attacked by conventional weapons in this movie and with little effect as it seems, obviously. However, something "unconventional" may be used against the King of Monsters towards the climax - I suspect.<br />
<br />
I wish we had more human elements to add a bit more context or hint at a general plot for the film, but still. Much in Anno's style (as he's done when promoting his Rebuild of Evangelion movies,) the trailer remains ambiguous and shows things without context only to give off a sense of the movie's tone. What I got out of the trailer was a sense of melancholy. Godzilla is an unstoppable force of destruction, which has the Japanese government scrambling for a way to quell Godzilla's rampage. It's a huge tonal shift from many of the Godzilla films of the past. While Legendary's Godzilla gives a sense of hope, Toho's Godzilla gives off a sense of dread.<br />
<br />
I am eager to see <i>Shin Gojira </i>whenever I get the chance. I am a huge fan of Hideaki Anno's work as well as Shinji Higuchi's, so I have high hopes for this film, something I rarely say.<br />
<br />
What do you guys think of the new trailer for <i>Shin Gojira</i>? Share with us in the comments below!Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-26722141210948514102016-04-12T19:20:00.001+10:002016-04-12T19:27:00.255+10:00X-Plus Toho 30cm MechaGodzilla 1975 & Gigantic Series Godzilla 1962<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_ZD-Sy8rk-tEbgvUXPOiTPhBP94U5LMBrwzV1J1mS2b9W1nyohVTQPAxCqpyH4XAx1tCE6wXXt9grrUZ2ZCq3TmWkBW5u8D5GHbJvdkmxCedvGFtmQ54KRCtD0Qda0ZMvgMlwHmIZ3nh/s1600/12963463_1767291383491273_6391046201967389684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_ZD-Sy8rk-tEbgvUXPOiTPhBP94U5LMBrwzV1J1mS2b9W1nyohVTQPAxCqpyH4XAx1tCE6wXXt9grrUZ2ZCq3TmWkBW5u8D5GHbJvdkmxCedvGFtmQ54KRCtD0Qda0ZMvgMlwHmIZ3nh/s400/12963463_1767291383491273_6391046201967389684_n.jpg" width="277" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyarhNyskocrjz-FJqnhyphenhyphennZDIDgpH21_67A7qT8tqqSPtYAym5BwUmSLqh2ia_9276OjDfAKF6vCuSjk2pWQ8ta9GsPIgzp66NVPRnOhBdpBBtRYPq_pGgB9zeNZvHCKt7xNkyDJDoF8R/s1600/13015110_1051783501547974_1874716613360463512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyarhNyskocrjz-FJqnhyphenhyphennZDIDgpH21_67A7qT8tqqSPtYAym5BwUmSLqh2ia_9276OjDfAKF6vCuSjk2pWQ8ta9GsPIgzp66NVPRnOhBdpBBtRYPq_pGgB9zeNZvHCKt7xNkyDJDoF8R/s400/13015110_1051783501547974_1874716613360463512_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Along with the Large Monsters Series Leatherback, X-Plus also teases us with a couple of other upcoming figure releases such as their Toho 30cm Series MechaGodzilla 1975 and Gigantic Series Godzilla 1962 at the 2016 Spring Miyazawa Model Exhibition.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: </b>The 30cm MechaGodzilla 1975 is slated for a June 2016 release date. <br />
<br />
Photo Source: <i>Dengeki Hobby Web</i>Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-44304232702892855042016-04-12T17:14:00.001+10:002016-04-12T19:23:47.390+10:00X-Plus Large Monsters Series Leatherback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxH5rqhDsXLCoJRwVTr0ksnzTJkrPMr0kRn4gQq5RrRiuKSt_j2-xkanQHhW5heez5-ap6CFHT1e2fdEtnmb_7nRmWZFonyJzneZztGaGDDCzmUdBF88vaSPt7eo4KD_BoqAGLQi47Pte/s1600/13000066_10208389878366572_1512547571353479328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxH5rqhDsXLCoJRwVTr0ksnzTJkrPMr0kRn4gQq5RrRiuKSt_j2-xkanQHhW5heez5-ap6CFHT1e2fdEtnmb_7nRmWZFonyJzneZztGaGDDCzmUdBF88vaSPt7eo4KD_BoqAGLQi47Pte/s640/13000066_10208389878366572_1512547571353479328_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
WHOOOAAA!!!<br />
<br />
Look at that. X-Plus has unveiled their prototype for their upcoming Large Monsters Series Leatherback figure. It was teased a while back that X-Plus would be tackling Knifehead and Leatherback, and now we are seeing one of the two promised figures.<br />
<br />
Personally it looks absolutely amazing. The pose alone makes it very intimidating and powerful. No word yet when it'll be released exactly, but it is definitely slated for within this year. I am certainly adding this ferocious beast to my collection!<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE: </b>Based on the title card along with the figure, it seemed that Leatherback was slated for a May 2016 release. However, a blue pen mark over the date may suggest it has been pushed back to at least July... Looks like it'll be a busy month since a majority of my preorders this year release in that month. Must prepare thy wallet! <br />
<br />
<i>Photo Source: Dengeki Hobby Web</i> <br />
<br />
<br />Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-85004380128078790472016-04-09T10:54:00.002+10:002016-04-09T10:56:13.341+10:00Fresh Vinyl Reviews: X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 1954 Gripping Train [RIC Exclusive]<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oZe95PbqcnU" width="640"></iframe></div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-53637707914534403122016-03-29T13:14:00.002+10:002016-03-29T13:14:54.279+10:00Where are the reviews?!Hey, guys! Arlo here.<br /><br />March has certainly been a VERY slow month for me, and I do apologize. I recently left my job and currently unemployed for the time being. Don't worry, I have another job potentially lined up for me next month. However, as a result I have slowed down with my collecting for the time being, which has put my figure reviews on hiatus for a while. I am also working on selling a bunch of figures that I have no more room for in my collection as a means to rebuild my figure collecting budget to pay off upcoming purchases. With that being said, I will still try to whip up a couple of reviews for figures I still have not gotten to yet like the Medicom Real Action Heroes Neo EVA 13 and the X-Plus Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1999. I hope to do reviews for both of them starting later this week.<br />
<br />
Beyond that I have nothing else new coming in to review until later this summer. So, what do I plan to do for The Kaiju Planet until then? I will continue to share figure reviews from our friends like Steven McCarthy of Steven's Toy Reviews, DiegoDoom, and Rich Eso of Fresh Vinyl Reviews. As for original content, I will be doing various write-ups focusing on toy collecting as a whole, retrospectives on certain figure lines, movie reviews and occasional "re-reviews" where I take a look at some older figures I have reviewed and see whether my opinion on it has changed or not.<br />
<br />
Again, apologies for the lack of activity this month. As of April, going forward, I hope to put more effort into providing you guys with new material!Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-57494392058056051112016-03-15T23:46:00.000+10:002016-03-15T23:49:43.190+10:00Godzilla vs. Kong: My Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj5ANjqrB3F8IHIP3Fi5ZQTdG-mVgsfzdy2A9nmQW6LX_pu8rTcnegbVNX51Y3qbEyR2lLtvHB-mto6iDr1lyzbi2jfV25YvWgCTzXuR0thafvJAJiwq3LPMP6LMd6sPA00BeMWB-ZN5K/s1600/Godzilla-vs-Kong-2020-King-Kong-Skull-Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj5ANjqrB3F8IHIP3Fi5ZQTdG-mVgsfzdy2A9nmQW6LX_pu8rTcnegbVNX51Y3qbEyR2lLtvHB-mto6iDr1lyzbi2jfV25YvWgCTzXuR0thafvJAJiwq3LPMP6LMd6sPA00BeMWB-ZN5K/s640/Godzilla-vs-Kong-2020-King-Kong-Skull-Island.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i><br />
<br />
This article is several months late, but please humor me...<i> </i><br />
<br />
Last October, the Internet was set ablaze with the astonishing news that movie monster giants, Godzilla and King Kong, will once again clash in an epic crossover in 2020's <i>Godzilla vs. Kong</i>. The possibility of King Kong intertwining with Godzilla was foreshadowed several weeks earlier when news broke out that Legendary Pictures, currently partnered with Universal Studios, will release <i>Kong: Skull Island </i>(2017) alongside Warner Bros., which was rather shocking. Almost everyone knew that Legendary and Warner Bros. are still partnered for the currently untitled Godzilla sequel set for 2018, so the chances of a crossover were significantly increased. Then sure enough, BAM! Confirmation in the form of a sudden press release from Legendary Pictures.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<a name='more'></a>From that press release, Legendary stated that the Godzilla and Kong films will be tied together by the presence of Monarch, the internationally joint organization that searches out and studies these giant creatures, which they refer to as M.U.T.O. - Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organisms. Chances are that members of Monarch will have key roles in next year's <i>Kong: Skull Island</i>. Speaking of the new Kong film, it is NOT related to Peter Jackson's 2005 remake of the original 1933 film. <i>Kong: Skull Island </i>is a brand new and possibly modern take on the Kong story. In order for it to tie into Godzilla, and the eventual crossover, Kong would need to be re-imagined and resized immensely in order to take on the King of Monsters in a fair fight. According to Legendary, <i>Godzilla vs. Kong </i>(2020) will be the culmination of a trilogy that begins with <i>Kong: Skull Island</i>, which means that perhaps the sequel to <i>Godzilla </i>(2014), which releases in summer 2018, will either openly reference the events in the new King Kong movie or end up developing subplots that will become relevant in <i>Godzilla vs. Kong</i>. Does that mean Legendary's shared giant monster cinematic universe ends there? Not according to Legendary who also hints that other giant monsters, both classic and new, will eventually be included into the shared universe. Perhaps Gareth Edwards' dream of doing a modern take of <i>Destroy All Monsters </i>(1968) is not so far fetched after all!<br />
<br />
So, with all that being said. How do I think the new film will play out? The original <i>King Kong vs. Godzilla </i>(1962) pitted King Kong, who was largely well known back then, against Godzilla, who was pretty brand new in both Japan and the United States at the time. With this being both their third film, and first film to have both creatures featured in color, it was a financial success domestically and abroad. <i>King Kong vs. Godzilla </i>ended with the two titanic creatures falling into the sea. After a few tense moments we see the supposed victor of the fight, Kong, as he swims away back home to Faro Island. There was a rumor for many years that stated that the endings shown in Japan and the United States are different with the Japan ending with Godzilla winning and the US ending with Kong winning. This is absolutely false and the ending is the same in both versions of the film. This, however, does raise a critical question regarding <i>Godzilla vs. Kong</i>, who will win?<br />
<br />
It is a safe bet that neither monster will win or lose against one another. Why? Toho has certain ground rules regarding how Godzilla is portrayed. One of these rules is that he can't be killed. This of course was largely ignored by Roland Emmerich for his 1998 abomination, but fortunately enough, Gareth Edwards kept true with Godzilla's capability of surviving despite some worrying teasing after the final battle. Also Universal may not want to see Kong defeated or killed by Godzilla either. So, you have two monsters from two separate movie studios who do not want either of them killed. What can Legendary do about that? Let us take a look at <i>Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice </i>(2016) as an example. You have two superheroes, Batman and Superman. They're both good guys, but have different ideals. Through some sort of misunderstanding they fight each other. However, they set their differences aside as a greater threat [Doomsday] makes himself known. This is the only way I can see <i>Godzilla vs. Kong </i>play out. You have Godzilla and Kong fight each other by the second act of the film, however a far more devastating monster arrives and threatens the lives of both Godzilla and Kong. Though probably not aligned with one other, they both fight this terrible third baddie side by side as a means of survival. I won't go and assume that Legendary's Godzilla is as "dumb" and reliant on instinct as the American version of <i>King Kong vs. Godzilla </i>made him out to be. This new Godzilla seems to have a spark behind his eyes, so to speak - especially since he was able to fire his atomic breath straight down the MUTO's throat and decapitating it. And Kong, in retrospect, is a rather intelligent creature. So, in my opinion, it wouldn't be too out there to assume that these two would mutually ally themselves with one another if it meant their own survival. Just look at how the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Blue, the Velociraptor both battled the Indominus Rex, and parted ways without even snarling at each other during the climax of <i>Jurassic World </i>(2015). That could be how Godzilla and Kong end up. Both go their separate ways and continue on in future sequels.<br />
<br />
While I don't object a Godzilla/Kong alliance against a much more evil third party, I hope that the writers do think up something much more original. Perhaps Universal may allow Kong to perish at the claws or atomic breath of Godzilla. It would make things pretty even after the ending of the original. Despite my hope for originality, the whole unlikely partnership angle seems to be the most plausible for this film.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts on <i>Godzilla vs. Kong </i>(2020) or even for <i>Kong: Skull Island </i>(2017) or <i>Godzilla 2 </i>(2018)? Mention it in the comments section below! Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-68868527176545733222016-02-26T22:24:00.001+10:002016-02-27T00:14:02.604+10:00Collect For Yourself!<i>Written by Arlo Hansen</i> <br />
<br />
This is a topic I have been wanting to write about for a long time, but I never seemed to have the right motivation to do so. Lately, however, after seeing so many people complain and whine about S.H. MonsterArts and NECA, I think it as good of a time as ever to finally bring it up.<br />
<br />
Ask yourself this question: Why do you collect?<br />
<br />
Sometimes it may be an easy question to answer. At other times it may be pretty hard. I started collecting when I was nine years old because I just wanted Godzilla toys. It is as simple as that! Over the years my preferences of what I collect certainly have changed. However, even though I gravitate towards figures that tend to be more movie accurate and less stylized, I do not go out of my way to bash on other people because they like what I don't like. Unfortunately that is what I have been seeing lately whenever I enter a forum or Facebook group. Adults engaging in heated arguments about what toy is better. When you look at such an argument unfold with an outside perspective, it is incredibly embarrassing for both parties. They make figure collectors look bad. With that being said, everyone is entitled to their opinions. People should have their own thoughts about things for better or worse and share them civilly. However, a line must be drawn somewhere. Collectors who are fans of the same franchise should not tell another collector that they are stupid for buying a particular item they don't like. No. That is utterly disrespectful and only makes you, the accuser look bad. Do not be a Zoidberg!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jG2KMkQLZmI" width="480"></iframe></div>
<br />
Newsflash, people. No one likes dealing with pointless petty arguments about toys! We are collectors. We are going to prefer different things that aren't necessarily your cup of tea. Instead of fighting about it, embrace it! Think about it. That is what makes collecting Kaiju figures so great. There is practically something for everyone!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Are you just starting out or bringing in your kid into the wonderful world of Kaiju collecting? Then the best figures to start out with would be those from Bandai Creations, NECA and Diamond Select.<br />
<br />
Do you love vintage figures? Enjoy hunting down Bandai Japan's classic vinyl figures as well as old Marmit, Marusan, and other stylized sculpts from the good ole' days!<br />
<br />
Impressed by movie accuracy? Indulge yourself in with the dynamic S.H. MonsterArts figures or the super detailed vinyl figures from X-Plus if super articulated figures aren't your thing.<br />
<br />
More of a kit builder? Then there are countless of vinyl and resin kits available.<br />
<br />
No matter your preferences and no matter your budget, there is always something for you! ...Which is why I can't make any sense of this constant bickering in regards to the MonsterArts Godzilla 2001 and NECA Godzilla 2001... And even the MonsterArts Godzilla 1954 now!<br />
<br />
Here are things I constantly keep reading as reasons not to buy one figure or the other...<br />
<br />
<h3>
The MonsterArts figure is too expensive!</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Yeah, no kidding. MonsterArts can sometimes cost a pretty penny. There is no denying that, but let us take a look at what you are getting: a super detailed sculpt by a renowned sculptor (Yuji Sakai), precise detailing, state-of-the-art articulation, and collector-grade packaging. The price you are paying for most of the figures is worth it, trust me. If you can't see that, then maybe MonsterArts is not your cup of tea then. However, if you like MonsterArts, but think that you can't afford them, here is something that Rich Eso, Mr. Fresh Vinyl himself, brought up in his <a href="http://mrfreshvinyl.podbean.com/e/the-freshness-episode-1-first-podcastpissing-and-moaning/">new podcast</a> which is something that I do a lot: Bandai announces MonsterArts figures typically six to seven months prior to their release dates. Preorders for Godzilla 2001 opened at the end of January. Unless you ordered through a middle man service in Japan, you should not have to pay for the MonsterArts Godzilla 2001 until mid-late July. That gives you a solid five months from now to save up enough money to pay it off in full without a sweat. Anyone with a steady income can do that. It's so simple!<br />
<br />
I find that people who complain about the price are just looking for a fight.<br />
<br />
<h3>
But NECA figures break. It's happened to me before!</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Heads up! There is an easy way to deal with broken figures without having to Hulk out. Contact NECA customer service. Send them photos of the broken figure in or out of the packaging. If you don't curse at them or anything most likely they'll allow you to mail in your broken figure for a replacement. I've done this before for a couple of my Pacific Rim figures and it has worked! Here's a tip. Order through their eBay or Amazon stores. That way if something goes wrong you deal with NECA directly.<br />
<br />
<h3>
That gap! I can't even!!!</h3>
<br />
Stop moaning about the gap! All MonsterArts figures have gaps, seams and whatnot. That's part of having an articulated figure. Get over it.<br />
<br />
*And stop saying "I can't even!" It does not make sense!<br />
<br />
<h3>
MonsterArts is dead!</h3>
<br />
This is my personal favorite complaint I've seen! It does not make sense since Bandai is still doing new sculpts, and saying this just means you're trolling about. Just because MonsterArts had a dull year last year does NOT mean that the line is dead. According to sources we still have stuff to look forward to.<br />
<br />
When I see people arguing about this on Facebook, this is precisely what I see... (From Fresh Vinyl Reviews.)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="264" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nkWTzfSAzQ4" width="470"></iframe></div>
<br />
Again, I ask... Why do you collect?<br />
<br />
The more Godzilla we get, the better, no matter from what company. So what if NECA and Bandai both do a Godzilla 2001 figure. What affect does that have on your life? It will not kill you. Do not shame people for liking something that you don't. More power to them. One man's trash is another man's gold as the saying goes. This sentiment does not necessarily have to apply to just Godzilla figures. I see these sort of arguments in all kinds of fandoms. At the bottom of it all it is all about your own personal preferences. Buy what you want. Buy what you can afford. Buy what you like. If a certain figure is not up to your standards or too expensive for you, then skip it and move on. Don't piss and whine, ok? Collect for yourself.<br />
<br />
I did not write all of this to be mean. It is just that I am so sick and tired that this is becoming too common. Here is my advice to those who engage in these arguments: gain some perspective. Try looking at things from an outside point of view. You might learn a thing or two.Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-39053861637720514442016-02-26T15:25:00.002+10:002016-02-26T15:28:01.190+10:00Original Figure Review - X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 Roaring Ver.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ToKEk4e3zt4nSK7vfwEHtV_QjCAmyIaKUTnpBjt-Bg92Rk14jOi5smB-kW7PnghwXM6j4C71wIq778kkC4Ht1thzxh7qL6tj7ZYK0lBf17A4be98A3S7UAPcbLWmYgjYnb2QMNez6uH7/s1600/BannerArt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ToKEk4e3zt4nSK7vfwEHtV_QjCAmyIaKUTnpBjt-Bg92Rk14jOi5smB-kW7PnghwXM6j4C71wIq778kkC4Ht1thzxh7qL6tj7ZYK0lBf17A4be98A3S7UAPcbLWmYgjYnb2QMNez6uH7/s640/BannerArt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Dog goes woof, cat goes meow.<br />Bird goes tweet, and mouse goes squeak.<br />Cow goes moo. Frog goes croak, and the elephant goes toot.<br />Ducks say quack and fish go blub, and the seal goes OW OW OW.<br />But there's one sound that no one knows...<br />WHAT DOES THE GODZILLA SAY?"<br /><br />...SKREEEEEEEEEEEEOOONNNKK!</div>
<br /> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
X-Plus has hit us once more with their chunky 30cm tall Godzilla 2014 vinyl figure with some notable changes. This figure was a RIC/Bandai Premium Web Shop exclusive, only made available domestically in Japan. If you are lucky to come across one at this time, the best method of acquiring it would be through a middle man. In my case I went through Jamie Davis of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1608306996103748/?ref=bookmarks">ToySPLOSION Japanese Toy and Figure Services</a> on Facebook when I preordered mine back in November 2015. He is a SUPER nice guy, easy to talk to, and provides awesome service. He's the best! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, how does this figure stack up on its own and with its predecessor? Let us take a look!</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ2Q-flUlH4kRPrTyJOdvUL5BStU3_Hq0Y2DE-YHLKf_AqCwxdS6_xZQxQyEcEieJkxrLZhm9jfdZ21mDbC8eFSOQP28EUc7VdgYeAWy6b1SGRMGitQjn8HtBpiPVsJiPK9NajcIUofCs/s1600/_MG_5878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ2Q-flUlH4kRPrTyJOdvUL5BStU3_Hq0Y2DE-YHLKf_AqCwxdS6_xZQxQyEcEieJkxrLZhm9jfdZ21mDbC8eFSOQP28EUc7VdgYeAWy6b1SGRMGitQjn8HtBpiPVsJiPK9NajcIUofCs/s640/_MG_5878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I will keep this review rather brief. Since this figure possesses the same exact body sculpt as the original, please refer to my original <a href="http://kaijuplanet.blogspot.com/2015/08/original-figure-review-x-plus-toho-30cm.html">X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 figure review</a>. I will mainly focus on the new head sculpt, dorsal plates, and coloration in this particular review.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsZ70vhAXkXmbIDQUvDKVqDzILxVKPs5V8kiMKyIaMlP2yMnDnT3Zl2ppOSEOdbJBbvrjDcDM4HnMnVx6SCaQmfkq8m-xjaBH6_pNYmdu8JOtsv5Rtx2GOQenL874M5Rp0hr95KKKwkz5/s1600/_MG_5880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsZ70vhAXkXmbIDQUvDKVqDzILxVKPs5V8kiMKyIaMlP2yMnDnT3Zl2ppOSEOdbJBbvrjDcDM4HnMnVx6SCaQmfkq8m-xjaBH6_pNYmdu8JOtsv5Rtx2GOQenL874M5Rp0hr95KKKwkz5/s640/_MG_5880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Godzilla 2014 Roaring Ver. is a brand new variant on the already existing 30cm Godzilla 2014 figure. Both this and the original share two things in common: the body sculpt, and base skin color. Everything else somewhat different.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRwhXgEfo8AGYRRB4Vye_VUH3C7uzJd5nqAacEbYQNLl143tgfSR1iwHamajnsZ_MW881a744WqUZ_NQ2zxngzw3PcwCGkYfO45wAjWWD1pZB4QRg5NhSvOZSfYrBqu0ePHbyxOveu76n/s1600/_MG_5881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRwhXgEfo8AGYRRB4Vye_VUH3C7uzJd5nqAacEbYQNLl143tgfSR1iwHamajnsZ_MW881a744WqUZ_NQ2zxngzw3PcwCGkYfO45wAjWWD1pZB4QRg5NhSvOZSfYrBqu0ePHbyxOveu76n/s640/_MG_5881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The notable differences between the original and the roaring version are notably the new head sculpt and blue dorsal plates. However, one will notice that some of the paint work on the figure is different too, which we will cover in a little bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0TPK_QyllF8p5VlQxvqS8jPmJn31-SdRFTg4BcboZNixr3K7O5qd8DEDb4Fq0dIucocHGsGHnK4dTZLg8TYHFGfGJBR-UW5bAsJh4GIngUdB4Pb_KGM1B4fQ-5J9x4gCdGMsd7qu6-VS/s1600/_MG_5891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0TPK_QyllF8p5VlQxvqS8jPmJn31-SdRFTg4BcboZNixr3K7O5qd8DEDb4Fq0dIucocHGsGHnK4dTZLg8TYHFGfGJBR-UW5bAsJh4GIngUdB4Pb_KGM1B4fQ-5J9x4gCdGMsd7qu6-VS/s640/_MG_5891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The new head sculpt features an extended neck and wide open jaw, as if Godzilla is bellowing out a piercing loud roar. I really admire this particular head sculpt over the original. The eyes seem to be more inset within the head, and the details inside the mouth are very well done. The eyes are not plain white with black pupils as they were on the original. This figure's eyes have a slightly yellowish tint and a hint of gloss to give them a shine. They look far better (especially when seen in person) compared to the first. The mouth color is a bit more saturated than the original figure as well, giving it a bit more "life" to it, if that makes any sense. The small needle-like teeth are individually painted and nicely sculpted. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Interestingly enough, this was the head sculpt that we were supposed to have got with the original 30cm Godzilla 2014 release, but instead we got the more neutral head sculpt. The original idea was that both the standard and RIC come with both head sculpts, which could be switched out for one or the other. However that plan did not come into fruition and the standard 30cm Godzilla 2014 came with just the figure and the RIC came with a miniature figure of the Male MUTO, which I think was somewhat better. Still, it is nice that X-Plus did not let the roaring head go to waste!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi09YqQCPFk-ZLkOVWxVu7y-vLMxJ9JIIXF24Hhd12BilhhP2sXFI-g_o_NicdRqwR2w4CfJMlPmvyXrtdG7B8YujTQQvoxnGTU8Y7tyjqsrGOXr7iFjuvn2wA46_Y5D8fnHeWvku7mUUb/s1600/_MG_5894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi09YqQCPFk-ZLkOVWxVu7y-vLMxJ9JIIXF24Hhd12BilhhP2sXFI-g_o_NicdRqwR2w4CfJMlPmvyXrtdG7B8YujTQQvoxnGTU8Y7tyjqsrGOXr7iFjuvn2wA46_Y5D8fnHeWvku7mUUb/s640/_MG_5894.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Starting from the tip of the tail and going up until the back of Godzilla's head, the dorsal plates are sculpted in a translucent blue vinyl with highlights and shades sprayed on to give it the illusion that they are glowing. While there is no light-up feature with this figure, light can pass through easily through the spines. Most reviewers, myself among them, do not recommend customizing the figure and adding in LEDs for the procedure could potentially ruin the figure due to how the dorsal plates are blocked off by a chunk of vinyl inside the figure. However, if anyone wishes to attempt such a project, by all means, good luck! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The way the dorsal plates look on camera does not do the figure total justice, in my opinion, and it is best experienced in person.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUtL6TEZ57ThfaN4UpDPkTm0abz0kwlNHDMZC3M5oawOyHK9fQaYR4vqEBksXAuyQd3pRlB5eNs_IUfM-c4d9aSyeUy5zp84C4oUvV91MDRmyBv3TLxQIcMWccpfIF1TwI7RC7HqqmPmb/s1600/_MG_5896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUtL6TEZ57ThfaN4UpDPkTm0abz0kwlNHDMZC3M5oawOyHK9fQaYR4vqEBksXAuyQd3pRlB5eNs_IUfM-c4d9aSyeUy5zp84C4oUvV91MDRmyBv3TLxQIcMWccpfIF1TwI7RC7HqqmPmb/s640/_MG_5896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The original figure and the roaring version share the same base coating of paint for the skin, however, the highlighting and shading on the figure is pretty different. The original had more brighter highlights of beige on its jaw, underside and more pronounced claws and toes. The roaring version seems to have an unofficial "night time" color scheme, much like with X-Plus' 30cm Gigan. The underside of the roaring version is a darker brown, there are no more highlights on the jaw, instead of beige, and the claws and toes are a duller shade of brown as well in contrast to the original. Also, along the roaring figure's body, there are specks of subtle blue highlights, as if reflecting the glow of the dorsal plates. These slight deviations from the original may seem small, but they totally make this figure stand out against the original.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq_MmoYtBY1UMxbKftxxeQ4lKoS9VwOnWHo5RSgNcXFaZjUV26pAN42AggvlOgfwOlhnWozKiW3-hBTx7NK7gNy96jFHIcYvg-b-ocyXvwL4pse2pAznomk_gnw1Eb-huuIvWuI-RSlea/s1600/_MG_5899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq_MmoYtBY1UMxbKftxxeQ4lKoS9VwOnWHo5RSgNcXFaZjUV26pAN42AggvlOgfwOlhnWozKiW3-hBTx7NK7gNy96jFHIcYvg-b-ocyXvwL4pse2pAznomk_gnw1Eb-huuIvWuI-RSlea/s640/_MG_5899.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the roaring Godzilla 2014 scaled next to X-Plus' 30cm Gamera 1999 figure. A Kaiju duet! </div>
<br />
To conclude the review, what do I think of the figure overall? <br />
<br />
I really, really love it! The roaring head is suited to this particular sculpt and when looking at it from the left, it looks as if X-Plus was trying to replicate Godzilla's victory roar pose after he decapitated the female MUTO towards the end of the 2014 film. The blue dorsal plates definitely give the figure a bit more life to it instead of them just being skin colored like the original. With that being said, do I prefer this over the original? I somewhat share the same sentiment as Rich Eso mentioned in his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94TzvT4e73E">review for this figure</a>. By having this figure, I have a new admiration for the original and vice versa. They're the same but different simultaneously. That's what I like about this figure. Even though it shares the same body sculpt, enough about it is different that makes you think that this is an entirely different figure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recommend this figure wholeheartedly. It might not be for everyone, but if you love or at least have a soft spot of Godzilla 2014, then get this one. Even if you have the original, I still recommend it. It is different enough for you to give a damn. The blue dorsal plates and roaring head sculpt add a bit more flare to the sculpt more so than the neutral original figure.</div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-25999579695438929412016-02-26T13:03:00.000+10:002016-02-26T13:03:09.814+10:00DiegoDoom Reviews the X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Anguirus 1968 Diamond Select Reissue<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uS8wowH1_Z4" width="640"></iframe></div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-42421245452995624832016-02-26T12:57:00.000+10:002016-02-26T13:03:34.647+10:00DiegoDoom Reviews the X-Plus Toho 30cm Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 2001<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WB4075BJ58A" width="640"></iframe></div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-73593198574843681052016-02-24T11:59:00.001+10:002016-02-24T12:09:17.145+10:00S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Hayata and Alien Baltan<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Ultraman is coming to S.H. Figuarts!</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDORGkuc5resSXN0bhyphenhyphenimcpKfDT9AIjqfVgyrPA3OWLaYEyoXzzfArZ5l4AWHbiniG439sTBT-oAqFwqcempALFrDBHRg9eSwxTRR1yyqiFBtO06ZRIOAMjuUyZR5Fl4KfFhg0tQjqX8p/s1600/lineup03_thum04_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDORGkuc5resSXN0bhyphenhyphenimcpKfDT9AIjqfVgyrPA3OWLaYEyoXzzfArZ5l4AWHbiniG439sTBT-oAqFwqcempALFrDBHRg9eSwxTRR1yyqiFBtO06ZRIOAMjuUyZR5Fl4KfFhg0tQjqX8p/s640/lineup03_thum04_zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Celebrating 50 years of the Ultraman franchise, Bandai is introducing <a href="http://tamashii.jp/special/shf_ultra/#lineup_productarea_50th">Ultraman and Alien Baltan</a> to the highly popular S.H. Figuarts action figure series this July and August! The upcoming a brand new screen accurate sculpts, separate from their stylized Ultra-Act counterparts, with improved joints and details. Between July and August we will be seeing three notable releases.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaER6UDO4_hQEAm2CQ5HD0_DaFeXbCKs71gmkG7DE1bmtMTxIy5xPEvvoBMnT2ZFD2ghV3iM-9UAXEBAgPi6hSRyihKViWsst669kmwiZFdzGiaj08u_0U7SkAEQfbxcyy8S_23DS91pe/s1600/tuika_thum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaER6UDO4_hQEAm2CQ5HD0_DaFeXbCKs71gmkG7DE1bmtMTxIy5xPEvvoBMnT2ZFD2ghV3iM-9UAXEBAgPi6hSRyihKViWsst669kmwiZFdzGiaj08u_0U7SkAEQfbxcyy8S_23DS91pe/s640/tuika_thum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This coming July, we will be seeing the release of two Ultraman Hayata figures. The first is the <a href="http://tamashii.jp/special/shf_ultra/#lineup_productarea_50th">S.H. Figuarts Ultraman 50th Anniversary Edition</a> which includes the figure itself plus additional accessories including damaged buildings, optional hand parts, energy shield, specium ray effect, and Alien Baltan's spacecraft, and Tamashii Stage Act. 4 stand. It will be a general release, going up for preorder in March. Retail price is 8,640 JPY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOCktBb0cj-mFgKD0PgkACtPFVpz8BQGGnAGBxdK2MtV5zuBdteShXz996VGBfTnnQUSI-EDW6WZ7hm7VKD5hntITYv_yQBZUtW7o49z7ePpvsIKpPV8Bz7YsZILtnP1HPo64699VyVx/s1600/lineup_thum04_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixOCktBb0cj-mFgKD0PgkACtPFVpz8BQGGnAGBxdK2MtV5zuBdteShXz996VGBfTnnQUSI-EDW6WZ7hm7VKD5hntITYv_yQBZUtW7o49z7ePpvsIKpPV8Bz7YsZILtnP1HPo64699VyVx/s640/lineup_thum04_zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other Ultraman Hayata is a <a href="http://tamashii.jp/special/shf_ultra/#lineup_productarea_title">normal standard release</a> without the additional accessories except for the optional hands, specium ray effect, and energy shield. It too is slated to release in July and go up for preorder in March. It is priced at 5,616 JPY.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0L9fPYzYqizuy2Ae04_-m55FV2q1hSG00RTKjm6E3lvdg3KecGrwYyfVrkMOWUrspx0FSUJtFtodkQGS4wwZTOySGTil5kUJT9IaGTcixJdDFV4lAhyphenhyphenDYI3djHGzwSyP9viG4wsagb84/s1600/lineup03_thum05_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0L9fPYzYqizuy2Ae04_-m55FV2q1hSG00RTKjm6E3lvdg3KecGrwYyfVrkMOWUrspx0FSUJtFtodkQGS4wwZTOySGTil5kUJT9IaGTcixJdDFV4lAhyphenhyphenDYI3djHGzwSyP9viG4wsagb84/s640/lineup03_thum05_zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Slated for an August 2016 release is the long awaited first appearance design of <a href="http://tamashii.jp/special/shf_ultra/#productBarutan">Alien Baltan</a>. This figure was at one time set to release in the Ultra-Act line, but has since moved over to S.H. Figuarts. Other than the figure itself, it does not seem Alien Baltan will come with any additional accessories. It will go up for preorder in March along with Ultraman Hayata and is priced at around 5,940 JPY.<br />
<br />
But, wait! There's more...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8_dJKLQg8MxJbdBEg0S4tpH56riDqOm_P77Nne-MnGKZ3SNFQ_rmIFU9pDqXK24rs5KLn3lreKkUkmCEaUZ5bMuwhYvDdZELLR6qe7uBXqbb92NxdiLSa2SR5qfu8jr5kJ-oc-9Phdsc/s1600/t_option_detail05_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8_dJKLQg8MxJbdBEg0S4tpH56riDqOm_P77Nne-MnGKZ3SNFQ_rmIFU9pDqXK24rs5KLn3lreKkUkmCEaUZ5bMuwhYvDdZELLR6qe7uBXqbb92NxdiLSa2SR5qfu8jr5kJ-oc-9Phdsc/s640/t_option_detail05_zoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also releasing in July are a couple <a href="http://tamashii.jp/special/shf_ultra/#t_option_container">Tamashii Act Building sets</a>! They are not just limited to the S.H. Figuarts Ultraman figures, but also will work great with other figure lines like Robot Spirits, S.H. MonsterArts, and more. There are two different sets being release. One normal set and one damaged set. They are priced at 2,700 JPY per set.<br />
<br />
Celebrate 50 years of Ultraman right by buying these sets. I know I will!<br />
<br />
<i>Photo Source: Bandai Tamashii Nations</i>Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-47852124534765813612016-02-19T18:24:00.001+10:002016-02-19T18:25:03.680+10:00S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla [1954] HOT off the presses!<br />
<br />
Completely out of left field, Bandai unveils the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 1954! It is sculpted by Yuji Sakai and features a monochrome paint job. It is slated for a general release in July, and will be distributed to North American vendors in August via Bluefin Distribution. A price has not been announced yet.<br />
<br />
I am personally excited as this figure will be released coinciding with the theatrical release of <i>Godzilla Resurgence </i>(2016).<br />
<br />
What do you guys think of the upcoming MonsterArts Godzilla 1954? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG81UvDargrOjaW3rLGlW8oDDx-v16n-f99K13hvKfe8ssiu1n86eWoYEHZu0oJk_jfov7739UMZHIK74b4Wk82LTFtplrSTA-WFola3gOQmNhHDnmZMBIw3yvgf3pZE5Fh-NQOtuMS0iX/s1600/DItjqcZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG81UvDargrOjaW3rLGlW8oDDx-v16n-f99K13hvKfe8ssiu1n86eWoYEHZu0oJk_jfov7739UMZHIK74b4Wk82LTFtplrSTA-WFola3gOQmNhHDnmZMBIw3yvgf3pZE5Fh-NQOtuMS0iX/s320/DItjqcZ.jpg" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLP0HWP6R2JoUIBuI1udFEsx2ccT2IdZpcaPCge0p2_YRzhSaLm2lPOsdKVH55OleYgwl0hVzRKImhJbOYzJrgM23yuC51GbDO8AAQAXMzlsTX2af__XTTeBkFt_fIQu66n1OHzKrCsGE/s1600/fBEEvKW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLP0HWP6R2JoUIBuI1udFEsx2ccT2IdZpcaPCge0p2_YRzhSaLm2lPOsdKVH55OleYgwl0hVzRKImhJbOYzJrgM23yuC51GbDO8AAQAXMzlsTX2af__XTTeBkFt_fIQu66n1OHzKrCsGE/s320/fBEEvKW.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K0CHwr7Iin-MSPIobtCqvgO7bSJZZydikf4V2nbQ_i5QDidN6xDg5DycxrFJwMWQz6y2GBlUYzgWtr3m9W2KYqBh1gG7YkCDWGgWCbGGf-9ZFb6of_HeypDzTD349RLnCSg_SbsIwDj9/s1600/02_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K0CHwr7Iin-MSPIobtCqvgO7bSJZZydikf4V2nbQ_i5QDidN6xDg5DycxrFJwMWQz6y2GBlUYzgWtr3m9W2KYqBh1gG7YkCDWGgWCbGGf-9ZFb6of_HeypDzTD349RLnCSg_SbsIwDj9/s640/02_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Photo Source: Bandai Tamashii Nations</i>Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-90036919104890536452016-02-18T13:07:00.001+10:002016-02-18T13:19:53.907+10:00Original Figure Review - NECA Pacific Rim 7" Figure Series Striker Eureka [Ultimate Edition]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUzpLx9k18l31fvVJTZ6LT-Tl91Wf6VzMQKlqmTMb7DI9wPbenqaBV7um10lbx8vHlOkVsEdYokJ_Praqq0iCZ_ghNnIhOP4cpbgw75nyruNGtoVHGrgMIQUPSYjKwJBn4ATJpmimsTdr/s1600/IMG_9446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUzpLx9k18l31fvVJTZ6LT-Tl91Wf6VzMQKlqmTMb7DI9wPbenqaBV7um10lbx8vHlOkVsEdYokJ_Praqq0iCZ_ghNnIhOP4cpbgw75nyruNGtoVHGrgMIQUPSYjKwJBn4ATJpmimsTdr/s640/IMG_9446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ever since NECA gave us a brand new sculpt for their Knifehead figure [Battle Damaged Knifehead/<a href="http://kaijuplanet.blogspot.com/2015/01/original-figure-review-neca-pacific-rim_10.html">Deluxe Knifehead</a>] back in early 2014, they have been steadily coming around producing brand new sculpts for their older Series 1 and 2 figures. Gipsy Danger received a brand new sculpt with the <a href="http://kaijuplanet.blogspot.com/2015/01/original-figure-review-neca-pacific-rim.html">Hong Kong Brawl Edition</a>, released late 2014 [with multiple variations following,] and as of this summer it too will receive the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484YaCgOt9UYYGXpfwzxVMFJH-dTHy0IGGT68vKZoL8ULdZPUOfai8V71aEq3VrrhWsBz1aWYS2HZwp_VOAYEHGxEBFAWmJkLfZl0pS03E_yU4S1ZnxD0x3fzY8pCH3vLQ0VQWhGKEP83/s1600/CbIZWRtXEAAY65m.jpg">"Ultimate Edition" treatment</a>. Right now, however, we are blessed to have got an updated 7-inch Striker Eureka. A couple years ago, I <a href="http://kaijuplanet.blogspot.com/2013/10/triple-figure-review-neca-pacific-rim-7.html">reviewed the original figure</a> and gave it a thumbs up... I take ALL that back! Because, ever since then it has been the most problematic Jaeger figure that I've ever bought from NECA! I've went through three figures since that review and all of them had broke, and I barely handled them roughly. So I am hoping that NECA's second attempt at a 7-inch Striker figure comes out good.<br />
<br />
Other than its sculpt and detailing, is this figure an improvement over what came before?<br />
<br />
Let us take a look at it now!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-rjobSElisOfn16GEaS7hH6iQ-E9yij7hfnjqC5cQsnc_61wXloI3YBOc6bB2zNUupQbIDOf9IOTV8LMSOmP14_p4YrPWxrSDuz6OtiHYGf5CN4Qq2Kg9Qodbv4jL090eTAYzR4kUZCG/s1600/D8647146-2298-424A-B95D-154DAF992534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-rjobSElisOfn16GEaS7hH6iQ-E9yij7hfnjqC5cQsnc_61wXloI3YBOc6bB2zNUupQbIDOf9IOTV8LMSOmP14_p4YrPWxrSDuz6OtiHYGf5CN4Qq2Kg9Qodbv4jL090eTAYzR4kUZCG/s640/D8647146-2298-424A-B95D-154DAF992534.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Let us start by taking a look at the box. The box features magnificently eye catching artwork of Striker Eureka striking a battle pose in the Hong Kong docks. On the left side you see the name as well as the Australian flag, being that Striker is an Aussie Jaeger. Below are the Jaeger statistics including speed, power, armor, Kaiju kill count, date core, and more. When you open the box's cover, held closed by Velcro, you can see the Jaeger blueprints on the inside as well as a windowed out section where you can see the actual figure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3KH3O0GQla31S3ya5VkYCaVowsjOSzgwJocH-JfMFtcJiuaadOPaQ4uYKqyA1Bu8q3ZpTfAcMGQq1Dndry2uTDXufeLcwtPAF6x-97WW9DVwKw2MXzNPTGowSCmUhbQRseySMeCGAJLP/s1600/3FE23E8A-C51F-4741-BF4E-51509426CF99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3KH3O0GQla31S3ya5VkYCaVowsjOSzgwJocH-JfMFtcJiuaadOPaQ4uYKqyA1Bu8q3ZpTfAcMGQq1Dndry2uTDXufeLcwtPAF6x-97WW9DVwKw2MXzNPTGowSCmUhbQRseySMeCGAJLP/s640/3FE23E8A-C51F-4741-BF4E-51509426CF99.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Like the 18-inch figure, Striker Eureka requires some very minor assembling when you take it out of the box. The back fins come separated, and it is an easy task inserting them into the sockets on the figure's back. If you find yourself having a hard time, just take a blowdryer, soften up the socket area, and gently yet firmly insert the fins. They should slide right in and settle in snugly.<br />
<br />
The overall sculpt for the figure is very well done. Basically, it's a shrunken down version of the 18" figure without the LEDs. It is a significant improvement over the original figure. It features intricate panels across its chest, arms, and legs. The decals are now a lot more movie accurate. The colors are very spot on with very minimal paint bleed on some areas. I would have done a comparison between the original and Ultimate figures, but before receiving this figure, the original figure's leg decided to break on me... So, yeah.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMLGTEdG9_cUM2AbJfha3psmsT5_91413weuAdCAz5f3m4GkigI4CPutnx_24rYL52gHQ5dljgQRkYAkNI-QJ5dateP1MUtQBQxUPUb7JjR0yOTM6LT9cG_RFbL5U_XDPyRg99qF6OGD8/s1600/AEE66428-F0BE-4BE3-B2FD-45DC59D32C02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMLGTEdG9_cUM2AbJfha3psmsT5_91413weuAdCAz5f3m4GkigI4CPutnx_24rYL52gHQ5dljgQRkYAkNI-QJ5dateP1MUtQBQxUPUb7JjR0yOTM6LT9cG_RFbL5U_XDPyRg99qF6OGD8/s640/AEE66428-F0BE-4BE3-B2FD-45DC59D32C02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In regards to articulation, Striker Eureka mostly remains the same as the original except with a few minor, yet notable, additions. Similar to the 18" figure, Striker features an added swivel joint down at the elbow, to give the figure's arms much more range of motion. Same at the legs. With the added swivel joints, Striker can achieve a wider range of poses than its original counterpart. Also, one thing that was absent from the original, yet present on the 18" figure and this one, is the ability for it to retract its Stinger Blades. Ever since seeing this feature with the blades on <a href="http://kaijuplanet.blogspot.com/2015/01/original-figure-review-neca-pacific-rim_9.html">NECA's Tacit Ronin figure</a>, I figured that if NECA was to do an updated Striker Eureka, they'd achieve retractable blades. Thank god, they did!<br />
<br />
However, like the original figure though, Striker's blades are held in place by a peg and if fiddled, the blades will pop out. Not a big deal, though. They're easy to put back in place, so no sweat! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-vrnNPhyphenhyphennTnzrx6lVdfn8PrYsPYsAuiFOnSs5lSw23_20TluJpQ6GRJ83XuinY9WWtcJkLuyPMgE06E_MTO0LJhLFg30VmzpTNtUo8E8NUziv7KRvnkHlAwuyER8LGiHABd-GiLENFsC/s1600/IMG_9434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-vrnNPhyphenhyphennTnzrx6lVdfn8PrYsPYsAuiFOnSs5lSw23_20TluJpQ6GRJ83XuinY9WWtcJkLuyPMgE06E_MTO0LJhLFg30VmzpTNtUo8E8NUziv7KRvnkHlAwuyER8LGiHABd-GiLENFsC/s640/IMG_9434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With this being an "Ultimate Edition," Striker Eureka is packed with additional accessories to give you more bang for your buck. First we will take a look at the Nuclear Payload (pictured above,) that was added onto Striker's back during the film's climax. The accessory can easily be inserted into a socket in the exhaust port on Striker's backside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa-5wdhKULj_UjaRJt10PwL8MYt3rb2dCs7PmpOe2yz8_lMKaYH1VncCF1V4_U84uQZtcQpoJUDDvUVkKMDvfUdysclZCrsXux8PSrI5uu8AN9JeIevxJG5_hLEKutRx3q2SS0zmiDaI7/s1600/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSa-5wdhKULj_UjaRJt10PwL8MYt3rb2dCs7PmpOe2yz8_lMKaYH1VncCF1V4_U84uQZtcQpoJUDDvUVkKMDvfUdysclZCrsXux8PSrI5uu8AN9JeIevxJG5_hLEKutRx3q2SS0zmiDaI7/s640/IMG_9436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The payload is nicely detailed. But some of the decals could have been more precisely applied, such as the nuclear hazard symbol, which looks somewhat faded. The exhaust ports on the payload are articulated and can be slightly maneuvered - similarly to the toes on NECA's Horizon Brave figure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWIDXvm0LYjcXHhTlfKoLancWyBUyo9yhvj4HnH2vbEZP-Mu3BHm3gZGS5y8t6UiSIMObqdGXMGOJ8g712Nifn4ORmgdhRBQiySTlU5fxJgSoHwjI_rCXcq4qvv_BiZkCXY0QJfwx0ERj/s1600/06B35ED9-7E86-4A14-9982-4000797F6960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWIDXvm0LYjcXHhTlfKoLancWyBUyo9yhvj4HnH2vbEZP-Mu3BHm3gZGS5y8t6UiSIMObqdGXMGOJ8g712Nifn4ORmgdhRBQiySTlU5fxJgSoHwjI_rCXcq4qvv_BiZkCXY0QJfwx0ERj/s640/06B35ED9-7E86-4A14-9982-4000797F6960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Striker Eureka's most notable accessories, however would have to be the alternate open chest and missiles. Removing Striker's normal chest plate is easy. Once you have it removed, just insert the opened chest piece into the sockets. Be careful though. The opened panels on the alternate chest are held in place by a thing piece of plastic, so handle with care.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLqnocpSQybLdP0-zj69S3z0tjaM-bTy32enp5KoTF_HhABMxwbxUD9DG1rN7va-Lsbu4VLbGupfZKT-UtMhLrjmDoi8UM3uthIqcbir5ME8P831_zhdxrYeWa4kBGsi7J8fLYogzTwst/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLqnocpSQybLdP0-zj69S3z0tjaM-bTy32enp5KoTF_HhABMxwbxUD9DG1rN7va-Lsbu4VLbGupfZKT-UtMhLrjmDoi8UM3uthIqcbir5ME8P831_zhdxrYeWa4kBGsi7J8fLYogzTwst/s640/IMG_9442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The figure come with three missiles, each of different length. You can arrange them however you like, for they can fit in each of the six turrets. I really love this effect as it gives the figure some life and action to it! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FoSv4L1-F1jduLpUI5nKPxhoFfiECg6Az-stD4ZJ0qi6KP8_pcqdZUK5UE_JnyL2Xnbvpl4ul_vlUSk8yeUqc-3cN0k3aEh9Sl47HvjQHW4LFkhzJISRimTCZevpEH_sTz-vlIgB6SVa/s1600/IMG_9441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FoSv4L1-F1jduLpUI5nKPxhoFfiECg6Az-stD4ZJ0qi6KP8_pcqdZUK5UE_JnyL2Xnbvpl4ul_vlUSk8yeUqc-3cN0k3aEh9Sl47HvjQHW4LFkhzJISRimTCZevpEH_sTz-vlIgB6SVa/s640/IMG_9441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Being one of the shortest of the four Jaegers featured mostly in the movie (discounting the prologue Jaegers,) Striker fits perfectly in scale with NECA's Gipsy Danger [Hong Kong Brawl Edition], Cherno Alpha and Crimson Typhoon (not pictured.) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbuzZzyACf-HwqNlBy8-Eo4DF00iZ6zvimMeqBGG_yoCTfAC0wiVh_jFmdeuHsASiWja9RBn5vuD5UyezJGBpYlYw_oaT8YtK30YuX-VMP8IXG2gbpxcQY6I-zqhyrj7Rybah1IBjSjOV/s1600/IMG_9440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbuzZzyACf-HwqNlBy8-Eo4DF00iZ6zvimMeqBGG_yoCTfAC0wiVh_jFmdeuHsASiWja9RBn5vuD5UyezJGBpYlYw_oaT8YtK30YuX-VMP8IXG2gbpxcQY6I-zqhyrj7Rybah1IBjSjOV/s640/IMG_9440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It is also in scale with all the Kaiju as well. Let us just hope that one day we will get a resculpted version of Series 2's Leatherback (pictured above) as well! I think he deserves an updated figure to match the quality and articulation of NECA's current set of figures. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqtwhaIPMvkcI5fcC2Z1NPfpItxfFWsnvNdI9CIhpIGs4sZPkKYubfy4g34n6H9xu-XPgsX9yBM6niqx_B70IfV-y6BljU4EQ819AHaqfYfPXLrLnj9t8CJTgKJKViwPL6HSHXQRxL1JN/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqtwhaIPMvkcI5fcC2Z1NPfpItxfFWsnvNdI9CIhpIGs4sZPkKYubfy4g34n6H9xu-XPgsX9yBM6niqx_B70IfV-y6BljU4EQ819AHaqfYfPXLrLnj9t8CJTgKJKViwPL6HSHXQRxL1JN/s640/IMG_9445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So, what do I think of the Ultimate Striker Eureka? I made sure not to jump to reviewing it as soon as I took it out of the box. I had some time to fiddle with it and see what it can do. After hours of posing it and trying out the different accessories, here is my verdict...<br />
<br />
Love it!<br />
<br />
NECA achieved what I had hoped: vastly improve on the very flawed Series 2 figure. I have the 18" Striker Eureka as well (albeit it's boxed and stored away right now,) and despite being an incredibly awesome figure, it's biggest flaw was that it was too top-heavy and that it couldn't stand on its own without the use of of a 1/4 scale figure stand. I was dreading that the 7" Ultimate figure would have the same problem since it's a miniaturized version of that same sculpt. However, thankfully that was not a case for my figure. <br />
<br />
The Ultimate Edition of Striker Eureka is the definite version of the Jaeger currently available. It is a significant improvement over what has come before, and it is packed with amazing accessories that allow you to recreate your favorite movie moments from <i>Pacific Rim </i>(2013). I totally recommend this figure to anyone who collects the Pacific Rim line. Buy it, and toss that old Series 2 figure away, 'cause you won't be needing it anymore!<br />
<br />
With the Ultimate Edition of Gipsy Danger slated for this coming June, what other Ultimate Jaeger figures would you want to see from NECA? Crimson Typhoon? Cherno Alpha? Share with us in the comments section below!Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-76720567540563731332016-02-15T10:58:00.002+10:002016-02-15T10:58:52.979+10:00NECA Pacific Rim Ultra Deluxe Hardship Officially Announced<div class="tr_bq">
Straight from NECA:</div>
<blockquote>
<br />
From the epic Pacific Rim movie, our next boxed, ultra-deluxe kaiju action figure is Hardship!<br />
<br />
This deadly kaiju was one of the earliest to come through the breach, and was ultimately defeated by Romeo Blue. At over 8” tall and over 6” wide, Hardship is massive. This movie-accurate figure utilizes new tooling, features over 30 points of articulation, and is to scale with our Jaeger action figures.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://necaonline.com/55397/products/toys/action-figures/pacific-rim-7-scale-ultra-deluxe-action-figure-hardship/#ixzz40C3TyFiM">Read more...</a></blockquote>
<br />
Hardship is slated to be released June 2016.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LKlLQXNFuYIeaUxJNd9JQpSouTEaWayGvFSumZQwCO7NFaSQ-gpxNuXGAgG3_NGgk4CyU-0pjVR2NWWj3K0b1uDGxmcFh2C_QAzAglVmVjs__5C5on9mQMM44rUg67qqrgctKUPAzqI1/s1600/1300w-Hardship1--768x960-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LKlLQXNFuYIeaUxJNd9JQpSouTEaWayGvFSumZQwCO7NFaSQ-gpxNuXGAgG3_NGgk4CyU-0pjVR2NWWj3K0b1uDGxmcFh2C_QAzAglVmVjs__5C5on9mQMM44rUg67qqrgctKUPAzqI1/s400/1300w-Hardship1--768x960-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbnEkexIrEDHMNMboddpDNyR2tlFJj2A4nVHHkFcvrLjtQqC3nYiLiW2cp9Ht7pE6q2gb96_c6z28MH9_-gQMygXnF3xC8ba_R2d7a4nYkonBhMjOUeR9fwaVrNCfdoQfAQbJVwO_DhJ4/s1600/1300w-Hardship4--768x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbnEkexIrEDHMNMboddpDNyR2tlFJj2A4nVHHkFcvrLjtQqC3nYiLiW2cp9Ht7pE6q2gb96_c6z28MH9_-gQMygXnF3xC8ba_R2d7a4nYkonBhMjOUeR9fwaVrNCfdoQfAQbJVwO_DhJ4/s400/1300w-Hardship4--768x960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtnbTz7OwA6I8ao8QAHA0P11QwghrynJ_vT5AsfO0L7hj5fN4K1VkPoFo4RvJII77ucabl8_YQFP2y4aNO0WuwGyMyx-gGskyXKRe0pJWG8u9iJWA-gWycNy4-rHvrYd8HrtunD5NdCXE/s1600/1300w-Hardship3--768x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtnbTz7OwA6I8ao8QAHA0P11QwghrynJ_vT5AsfO0L7hj5fN4K1VkPoFo4RvJII77ucabl8_YQFP2y4aNO0WuwGyMyx-gGskyXKRe0pJWG8u9iJWA-gWycNy4-rHvrYd8HrtunD5NdCXE/s400/1300w-Hardship3--768x960.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iPiEEtlV-dliPJfHulKcV8lwTFU9v8J2o_aK9cOh8W8oi-Dn4iCpGJkV4GcRFtIw05B9wIZCeLE3viVefozvpj6WwpZz8nRCNlRg6p0agvlJsk-2rKbbJ6RZ9d7_OBqfVM4XOr80t5_n/s1600/1300w-Hardship2--768x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iPiEEtlV-dliPJfHulKcV8lwTFU9v8J2o_aK9cOh8W8oi-Dn4iCpGJkV4GcRFtIw05B9wIZCeLE3viVefozvpj6WwpZz8nRCNlRg6p0agvlJsk-2rKbbJ6RZ9d7_OBqfVM4XOr80t5_n/s400/1300w-Hardship2--768x960.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Photo Source: <a href="http://necaonline.com/55397/products/toys/action-figures/pacific-rim-7-scale-ultra-deluxe-action-figure-hardship/?utm_campaign=TFpacrimhardship&utm_source=necafbgplus&utm_medium=social">NECA</a>Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-59042402657342544532016-02-14T10:02:00.000+10:002016-02-14T10:02:36.708+10:00NECA Classic Godzilla Series Godzilla 2001 & Ultimate Gipsy Danger specsNECA was unable to showcase their prototype for their next Godzilla figure, but that did not stop them from sharing it via Twitter! The next addition of their Classic Godzilla line is none other that Godzilla 2001. I know, right? Just after Bandai announced their MonsterArts Godzilla 2001? It is just a crazy coincidence. Still, there is no denying that after their Godzilla 1954, NECA has been stepping up their game in regards to sculpt. Take note of the appropriately proportioned dorsal plates and longer tail length.<br />
<br />
NECA's Godzilla 2001 will go up for preorder towards the end of the month. No release date and price have been given at this moment. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lkA9o4luvZtVnPpUO7OG5ycewXlpKCOsrre2Rs9GqyVy9YTZdfv_zIkR8-knyYlWlcHPzagJ2EaN8XU7y45qcKHVAHMQbJrEDPd0bwRw3ULy-DYbv1Mg-kL3aDBCp-TU2CndHV6BS0Hr/s1600/12742541_10153507873059624_93201324211892185_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lkA9o4luvZtVnPpUO7OG5ycewXlpKCOsrre2Rs9GqyVy9YTZdfv_zIkR8-knyYlWlcHPzagJ2EaN8XU7y45qcKHVAHMQbJrEDPd0bwRw3ULy-DYbv1Mg-kL3aDBCp-TU2CndHV6BS0Hr/s640/12742541_10153507873059624_93201324211892185_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Source: NECA via Twitter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along with that, NECA also shared specs on their Ultimate Gipsy Danger figure. The sculpt will be the same as their Hong Kong Brawl Gipsy Danger, but with one notable change. The Reactor Core will now feature an LED light-up effect! WOW! Right?! It will also come with multiple option hand parts, a chain sword, a reactor blast effect part, and a pair of plasma cannons, one for each arm. The light-up gimmick is what sold me on this one. Even though I have like a gazillion Gipsys already, this is pretty much the definite one to go for. Ultimate Gipsy Danger and the Ultra Deluxe Hardship are expected to go up for preorder very soon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484YaCgOt9UYYGXpfwzxVMFJH-dTHy0IGGT68vKZoL8ULdZPUOfai8V71aEq3VrrhWsBz1aWYS2HZwp_VOAYEHGxEBFAWmJkLfZl0pS03E_yU4S1ZnxD0x3fzY8pCH3vLQ0VQWhGKEP83/s1600/CbIZWRtXEAAY65m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh484YaCgOt9UYYGXpfwzxVMFJH-dTHy0IGGT68vKZoL8ULdZPUOfai8V71aEq3VrrhWsBz1aWYS2HZwp_VOAYEHGxEBFAWmJkLfZl0pS03E_yU4S1ZnxD0x3fzY8pCH3vLQ0VQWhGKEP83/s640/CbIZWRtXEAAY65m.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Source: NECA via Twitter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-28584904749232975782016-02-14T09:53:00.000+10:002016-02-15T10:37:49.435+10:00Toy Fair 2016 - NECA Ultimate Gipsy Danger, X-Plus Godzillas, & More!Toy Fair is currently underway in New York right now, and we were treated to some very new unveils!<br />
<br />
From NECA, nothing majorly new was shown. A new Godzilla prototype was to be revealed, but NECA didn't get Toho's permission in time (more on that in the next post!) However, we were treated to views of NECA's Pacific Rim Ultra Deluxe Mutavore and Hardship Kaiju figures and their Ultimate Striker Eureka, which was recently released. There is also another Gipsy Danger as well. Do not be fooled, the sculpt may be the exact same as previous NECA offerings, but this is in fact NECA's next figure in their Ultimate line of Jaegers. More info in an upcoming post, but both Ultimate Gipsy Danger and Hardship are expected to go up for preorder very soon!<br />
<br />
Photo Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ultrazillatoys/" target="_blank">Ultrazilla via Facebook </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxpuv3ppl304_4OiIQZOYYyxjWWjM6X4OWUxqyTCk6zxGnjbyT0M-h-B_Oevw44h8Z9OflKdOpvpK_Th971Ygeb8WcmwwxUZiUxy6Ac6c6aHtCIaKv6vwibrX7R7ryYcEL8bcStDwwBaz/s1600/12669482_573710046128347_7287317865860808582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxpuv3ppl304_4OiIQZOYYyxjWWjM6X4OWUxqyTCk6zxGnjbyT0M-h-B_Oevw44h8Z9OflKdOpvpK_Th971Ygeb8WcmwwxUZiUxy6Ac6c6aHtCIaKv6vwibrX7R7ryYcEL8bcStDwwBaz/s640/12669482_573710046128347_7287317865860808582_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKMdwkNTg2G3X41IJThFtuDtGGg5rawQGzqIBDh2kbUub925LdLCER7U8S813x2-1Cea2Zocr7NKAqSG4pplzU77V_kjKkpC-E01gYVGioJemIj4g8QaUjhYFC1t19Jv17dbfvJNp_D0S/s1600/12715799_573710089461676_4455657815973390620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKMdwkNTg2G3X41IJThFtuDtGGg5rawQGzqIBDh2kbUub925LdLCER7U8S813x2-1Cea2Zocr7NKAqSG4pplzU77V_kjKkpC-E01gYVGioJemIj4g8QaUjhYFC1t19Jv17dbfvJNp_D0S/s640/12715799_573710089461676_4455657815973390620_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwJux2Hrt4ryilTVZ5feGTiWj_Piml_fbLfgfE8Ngn-Fh6d4s508lUvUhKI-LQHx7KNBBtWBu8kFYhze5nIuexM2SlgZ9B3tO8OiDcxIGJ0OUzJrH2hhtGdE3w8x44yCZQIRaZFXCvhkE/s1600/12717319_573710119461673_6931456569743307908_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwJux2Hrt4ryilTVZ5feGTiWj_Piml_fbLfgfE8Ngn-Fh6d4s508lUvUhKI-LQHx7KNBBtWBu8kFYhze5nIuexM2SlgZ9B3tO8OiDcxIGJ0OUzJrH2hhtGdE3w8x44yCZQIRaZFXCvhkE/s640/12717319_573710119461673_6931456569743307908_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt6gtQ8nFMOHmwRwLi4PdmaiepfhoOObMbHG0qO658-WGrwta2kJ9y07xS2_utJoks7s8xpaDiutNC1DD2BdibQ9BqBUyZ478-vRu_Br_GumuxLVMTnZkUF5GuguD9pCRo4H7Gpl4mskT/s1600/12717423_573710029461682_5887512275210091761_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnt6gtQ8nFMOHmwRwLi4PdmaiepfhoOObMbHG0qO658-WGrwta2kJ9y07xS2_utJoks7s8xpaDiutNC1DD2BdibQ9BqBUyZ478-vRu_Br_GumuxLVMTnZkUF5GuguD9pCRo4H7Gpl4mskT/s640/12717423_573710029461682_5887512275210091761_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnXenf74p7qtbLFbcB7cOJQ-VtM-zd3cHqPrzqoBmeF_1oyxl-CMIM4SBWW88L_8fVlrmcohrZ90GgHuAfSB_R8NBam9S8cKSZQfe5HJpBunfmkgFJhyphenhyphenKLbfRxfqLHp8oYk9gPV5IPwsk/s1600/12733479_573710059461679_1735299826770700194_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnXenf74p7qtbLFbcB7cOJQ-VtM-zd3cHqPrzqoBmeF_1oyxl-CMIM4SBWW88L_8fVlrmcohrZ90GgHuAfSB_R8NBam9S8cKSZQfe5HJpBunfmkgFJhyphenhyphenKLbfRxfqLHp8oYk9gPV5IPwsk/s640/12733479_573710059461679_1735299826770700194_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5SUTGONaVNwJZ0ayT869bpR4Hv3kaAVRJnMXbnCYqAnCQAsIZlkbeaW_hS4caTNTi0s9epUBnXp-7OUzM0tOJ9g9yrboh4Pscqq7sGiYawk4Oa5L6XJ_yCasMYJXFZDxmlIIyjVa0oIG/s1600/12733485_573710069461678_1146937477999775558_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5SUTGONaVNwJZ0ayT869bpR4Hv3kaAVRJnMXbnCYqAnCQAsIZlkbeaW_hS4caTNTi0s9epUBnXp-7OUzM0tOJ9g9yrboh4Pscqq7sGiYawk4Oa5L6XJ_yCasMYJXFZDxmlIIyjVa0oIG/s640/12733485_573710069461678_1146937477999775558_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf6oBiBoUxxXR5E_T6La65cCkgOps9VI8XtPqisDZFuuEFaRl9CjZ6ssSenu3j1hISsnie4s3Gna1C5C9gYrjlIbhkuPIQfxhX0WkJ4y85d2LTOB6lpbhVSWb2-REPz_H67-3ssM2VvdO/s1600/12733570_573710012795017_1586353521284202180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf6oBiBoUxxXR5E_T6La65cCkgOps9VI8XtPqisDZFuuEFaRl9CjZ6ssSenu3j1hISsnie4s3Gna1C5C9gYrjlIbhkuPIQfxhX0WkJ4y85d2LTOB6lpbhVSWb2-REPz_H67-3ssM2VvdO/s640/12733570_573710012795017_1586353521284202180_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMSYlFvcG0WSXNFkiNIQatEWcgmoNIRGDC29xOmyLyQ6f-vKmyL6Ox5Pi6DHSJts0m9gpiZKrPJ1JqMzP7ftUl9Hl43ysmxYUsEcTYVaYspSBBTckzt_jNYpgu3abQQdbXy7CMmNtAJ8L/s1600/12745780_573710102795008_210121984509798097_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMSYlFvcG0WSXNFkiNIQatEWcgmoNIRGDC29xOmyLyQ6f-vKmyL6Ox5Pi6DHSJts0m9gpiZKrPJ1JqMzP7ftUl9Hl43ysmxYUsEcTYVaYspSBBTckzt_jNYpgu3abQQdbXy7CMmNtAJ8L/s640/12745780_573710102795008_210121984509798097_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From Bluefin Distribution, along with the displaying of the upcoming S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla [2001] there was also one other giant monster, the X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Biollante. For those unaware, Bluefin Distribution has the rights to release reissues of X-Plus figures from the Toho Large Monsters Series [25cm scaled]. The only ones they have shown off so far have been Biollante and King Ghidorah 1968. However, apparently they have access to more sculpts from the line. No release date nor price have been announced for Biollante yet.<br />
<br />
Photo Source: <a href="http://news.toyark.com/2016/02/13/toy-fair-2016-kids-logic-x-plus-193627">ToyArk.com</a><span id="goog_1836157125"></span><span id="goog_1836157126"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJadxKU3O1Gs-K-UHb9sPkNMUfte8o2CxJcpJmaVu5UPTuAk-6dqcM-35hY59mps5bnUWETLksaXJTTqQYmGfdpobDYNPFaf8-ghepWDtUrtqoGxr88f6fpD_rmZej66rv_tIkTW6MnKGN/s1600/TF-2016-X-Plus-009.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJadxKU3O1Gs-K-UHb9sPkNMUfte8o2CxJcpJmaVu5UPTuAk-6dqcM-35hY59mps5bnUWETLksaXJTTqQYmGfdpobDYNPFaf8-ghepWDtUrtqoGxr88f6fpD_rmZej66rv_tIkTW6MnKGN/s640/TF-2016-X-Plus-009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i6cmWsxy1GUMwQVISzWdU8FKJUHQT8kvB0wfgxiTk8IvWwOJOOLx94iYHjdu3LpTzCcb9G17kbvHUwS8GutpvAn3ecbv26C9o9ImNbZTVa_eTDNYTc2UkqoSyPPPXRZCtFKHVfvlAgE0/s1600/TF-2016-X-Plus-010.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i6cmWsxy1GUMwQVISzWdU8FKJUHQT8kvB0wfgxiTk8IvWwOJOOLx94iYHjdu3LpTzCcb9G17kbvHUwS8GutpvAn3ecbv26C9o9ImNbZTVa_eTDNYTc2UkqoSyPPPXRZCtFKHVfvlAgE0/s640/TF-2016-X-Plus-010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhxchm8LiS5Mb7y7cxFHEi3AaMcTagpTzrT5c2WCHnUraAvPBfS-XWAmt3ADHrGUOivv493Ifa_Hjdrua0Ava4iOr3SQzYVNw9GeMeq2zKru13IlpWTaegeNa5abbPhOXENPyyiVECoz/s1600/TF-2016-X-Plus-011.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vhxchm8LiS5Mb7y7cxFHEi3AaMcTagpTzrT5c2WCHnUraAvPBfS-XWAmt3ADHrGUOivv493Ifa_Hjdrua0Ava4iOr3SQzYVNw9GeMeq2zKru13IlpWTaegeNa5abbPhOXENPyyiVECoz/s640/TF-2016-X-Plus-011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then finally from Diamond Select, we are treated to a series of upcoming X-Plus Toho 30cm Series reissues. Displayed we see the 30cm Gigan 1972 and Gigan 2004, along with new unveils of North American reissues for the 30cm Godzilla 1984 (with a closed mouth this time,) the Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1989, and Godzilla 2004 figures. All look very awesome! No price and release date have been given yet for the Godzilla reissues. Both Gigans, however, are currently available for preorder.<br />
<br />
Photo Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VampireRobots/?fref=nf" target="_blank">Vampire Robots via Facebook </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuE1VTjdaGhBOHqk_XZjWKXbYajN6UJF-qmXd8dZHJpRHUY1IBXAYM085Mat64CLHv49WDkifHWYRUpYKBLMVOH4gTUGqqkB3QTeDRb8kL9kvj1KxxeMAjTctiAPIT5Q3P6NM22mzr4H4/s1600/12670440_1302476876446132_5555064796787610226_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuE1VTjdaGhBOHqk_XZjWKXbYajN6UJF-qmXd8dZHJpRHUY1IBXAYM085Mat64CLHv49WDkifHWYRUpYKBLMVOH4gTUGqqkB3QTeDRb8kL9kvj1KxxeMAjTctiAPIT5Q3P6NM22mzr4H4/s400/12670440_1302476876446132_5555064796787610226_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0biqES9DCI_SNOKba_pYNDKlJVlCtpeFGbibNWx81pfUtwszpFwK9aDwBC_Voacj6y70o9YVVy2dMt8nsz3McERoxxLGNpV19O-PCy1JDv1MPKnnRBsiWBFf0DMbtTWnrtG-lJFSGAvp/s1600/12688389_1302476899779463_1506669083060243713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0biqES9DCI_SNOKba_pYNDKlJVlCtpeFGbibNWx81pfUtwszpFwK9aDwBC_Voacj6y70o9YVVy2dMt8nsz3McERoxxLGNpV19O-PCy1JDv1MPKnnRBsiWBFf0DMbtTWnrtG-lJFSGAvp/s400/12688389_1302476899779463_1506669083060243713_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8xjjScU9Z_mmra3iASObgoukj_AwMxiWgYU9NEN301UC_o3xfV8UJa8wcF1KkT5zbGjr7GDHbiBIFS0AmHQgQ4PbyGwassaXkhUryaM2r8FRwV_LECKvPWVl1G2OT8VT7V6-rBhtkgX/s1600/12717305_1302476913112795_3292382987058363180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsF8xjjScU9Z_mmra3iASObgoukj_AwMxiWgYU9NEN301UC_o3xfV8UJa8wcF1KkT5zbGjr7GDHbiBIFS0AmHQgQ4PbyGwassaXkhUryaM2r8FRwV_LECKvPWVl1G2OT8VT7V6-rBhtkgX/s400/12717305_1302476913112795_3292382987058363180_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbCpk65IniCuKGEgR1fAsFxFHVj8EMXyrisNciBmt_x2nPY410D_iS0mV3MK6h7Z22I0ITMkadPF0ZDslRsEb57-GTEtzns7Cjl5F6xKabPBMqbF0JyyeulbcK25_w_T_dlNctA2Ynyw_/s1600/12744691_1302476939779459_2968276140749484479_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbCpk65IniCuKGEgR1fAsFxFHVj8EMXyrisNciBmt_x2nPY410D_iS0mV3MK6h7Z22I0ITMkadPF0ZDslRsEb57-GTEtzns7Cjl5F6xKabPBMqbF0JyyeulbcK25_w_T_dlNctA2Ynyw_/s400/12744691_1302476939779459_2968276140749484479_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt7IgB8BeKn7-8XFwpvMX13aauf68wmtadipWC9G85EsRDnezJUfdFE33X8HlK8ht6twhmw_CUv-YxPKoJRKdLQCD7HJrsgUE_1WQOum8O8yH6uLMMLGTeKuhFkvz-1DMeZLqqJVSvE7j/s1600/12744317_1302476989779454_7761841698154200174_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt7IgB8BeKn7-8XFwpvMX13aauf68wmtadipWC9G85EsRDnezJUfdFE33X8HlK8ht6twhmw_CUv-YxPKoJRKdLQCD7HJrsgUE_1WQOum8O8yH6uLMMLGTeKuhFkvz-1DMeZLqqJVSvE7j/s400/12744317_1302476989779454_7761841698154200174_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRdgAORwNUPium3Ds8jhx70FZqONX-sjgB7i4PP7uCNLVg9S_Y6IUd9eP1k0QjyXneZ93QdE5-qkTfEp-g0w6UbwnZFNBuPfASRLjNsnsz975l3k-fY-8OBzJ82uMfqFH_zLu4XNkkxVV/s1600/12745823_1302476866446133_3145855016157762570_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRdgAORwNUPium3Ds8jhx70FZqONX-sjgB7i4PP7uCNLVg9S_Y6IUd9eP1k0QjyXneZ93QdE5-qkTfEp-g0w6UbwnZFNBuPfASRLjNsnsz975l3k-fY-8OBzJ82uMfqFH_zLu4XNkkxVV/s400/12745823_1302476866446133_3145855016157762570_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-38225173253805533962016-02-09T11:13:00.001+10:002016-02-09T11:22:31.028+10:00Steven Reviews the S.H. MonsterArts King Ghidorah Special Color Ver.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QC-03tQsgVs" width="640"></iframe>Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-41676931312381847552016-02-07T16:31:00.001+10:002016-02-07T16:32:00.100+10:00More Pics of X-Plus Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1954More images of recently unveiled Gigantic Series Godzilla 1954 by master monster sculptor, Yuji Sakai! It will stand around 18-20 inches tall and slated for an early summer 2016 release date. I am so excited for this figure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-MRYLCYzqVfhs3X6eOIexcdxFttCzvO5Oa3J59GoIQ_tIxGDFT70WyLFELXXZc31-6E-fc4znX430tpsTz2rff_6i8qtn-MjmxLnMQsDWlwShozXdDa8JO4vAVksxxfnFtnVR2VfV_ZV/s1600/12669606_1740986776121734_2562884136912491235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-MRYLCYzqVfhs3X6eOIexcdxFttCzvO5Oa3J59GoIQ_tIxGDFT70WyLFELXXZc31-6E-fc4znX430tpsTz2rff_6i8qtn-MjmxLnMQsDWlwShozXdDa8JO4vAVksxxfnFtnVR2VfV_ZV/s400/12669606_1740986776121734_2562884136912491235_n.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobd2S4vj2342vvgF1YB7C9OT3fkO_gXKaPOhMenyClTjjOy_t5D0QNs6M0ckv6O11_PjxglDJM1RberxY6rGjaz5McSaCyIT8pjIb3PGIj1RE8LjE71G6lUH5wU97UV7SC82pdr_FPNcZ/s1600/12687791_1740986789455066_5531691521144815139_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobd2S4vj2342vvgF1YB7C9OT3fkO_gXKaPOhMenyClTjjOy_t5D0QNs6M0ckv6O11_PjxglDJM1RberxY6rGjaz5McSaCyIT8pjIb3PGIj1RE8LjE71G6lUH5wU97UV7SC82pdr_FPNcZ/s400/12687791_1740986789455066_5531691521144815139_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDQh95GlcZ7LT1jUb_d1oHO5DrHJgJVqUQcY7P0BB70MbpPcM08zddVpLvGTiQi45qKiPAd28adpil5qFz6W5GOStmOXYWUxMsEHLn28uDWEPilXgxLwZj3w7l0RI5C2mWi7_sb_QyoX8/s1600/news-gigantic-sakai-godzilla-1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDQh95GlcZ7LT1jUb_d1oHO5DrHJgJVqUQcY7P0BB70MbpPcM08zddVpLvGTiQi45qKiPAd28adpil5qFz6W5GOStmOXYWUxMsEHLn28uDWEPilXgxLwZj3w7l0RI5C2mWi7_sb_QyoX8/s640/news-gigantic-sakai-godzilla-1954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Image Source: Unknown</i></div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5560306276888225110.post-29587336008642493752016-02-07T13:50:00.000+10:002016-02-07T16:26:29.644+10:00Winter Wonderfest 2016 ReportAs of right now, Winter Wonderfest 2016 is at full steam in Japan. We have scoured the web for whatever is new in the Kaiju realm and here is what we've found:<br />
<br />
Images courtesy of Jamie Davis via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1608306996103748/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>X-Plus</b> - Nothing new Kaiju related was shown at X-Plus' table except for the event exclusive reissue of the Toho Large Monsters Series Megalon and Gigan 1972 set along with the TLMS Godzilla 1973 and Jet Jaguar... Perhaps implying a future RIC Boy reissue?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgms7UC02wJWLijua4gSGPQ0iAfc53ZGnNbKaZze72l4n7G5ZuHnMcUBJ9NNu9aP_yWnAuJ-Cf8Y06-msyPcAnzQOfYMyXQdUfCRGrFjA2xe9Mq3pIKznmyCZhyphenhyphen3n2OYQKKjY8evQYrnG/s1600/12661760_1551386318513598_128561049616203867_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgms7UC02wJWLijua4gSGPQ0iAfc53ZGnNbKaZze72l4n7G5ZuHnMcUBJ9NNu9aP_yWnAuJ-Cf8Y06-msyPcAnzQOfYMyXQdUfCRGrFjA2xe9Mq3pIKznmyCZhyphenhyphen3n2OYQKKjY8evQYrnG/s640/12661760_1551386318513598_128561049616203867_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Also from X-Plus, via Yuji Sakai, we are also getting a new addition to the Gigantic Series line in the form of the Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1954. It's been claimed that this figure will be around 18 inches tall. Be sure to look out for it later this year! I know I will be.<br />
<br />
<b>Update: </b>The Gigantic Series Yuji Sakai Modeling Collection Godzilla 1954 is slated for an early summer 2016 release. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaLThAyPfGCODTs1Ad_qpz2YBdx1p2upbHg9eK9UXS6h_2BWBWPV_mP8TUWjhqUsy83xJ8LEx4FpI1k44ME1GjWsDZEa7NNV71rgCPOfybB-gtyM1WYLjkMgdsd37stpSeBC-kpzK5R2N/s1600/12654334_1551413388510891_3022670460952443777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaLThAyPfGCODTs1Ad_qpz2YBdx1p2upbHg9eK9UXS6h_2BWBWPV_mP8TUWjhqUsy83xJ8LEx4FpI1k44ME1GjWsDZEa7NNV71rgCPOfybB-gtyM1WYLjkMgdsd37stpSeBC-kpzK5R2N/s640/12654334_1551413388510891_3022670460952443777_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Kaiyodo - </b>Aside from the already released Revoltech figures from the Gamera series that Kaiyodo has released years ago, there is also a placard that teases an imminent release of figures from <i>Gamera 3: Revenge of Irys</i>. So a Revoltech Gamera 1999 and Irys may be on the way pretty soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh9rKwlk4dZgJ43lTRFVE6649DnE6QXbMoc_W4aw0Vu9Wd7NaEgF2MKdIsVkuClxKQ0ZRs0VgGWzMLtEfjPoin4DY4GqQrmu-adCHyDMrGtvZ6RXLc3A-54VBWC13S1JoIUhnSY5jTIw_/s1600/12644922_1002475646510534_7720027020085907296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDh9rKwlk4dZgJ43lTRFVE6649DnE6QXbMoc_W4aw0Vu9Wd7NaEgF2MKdIsVkuClxKQ0ZRs0VgGWzMLtEfjPoin4DY4GqQrmu-adCHyDMrGtvZ6RXLc3A-54VBWC13S1JoIUhnSY5jTIw_/s640/12644922_1002475646510534_7720027020085907296_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Max Factory - </b>A couple years ago, Max Factory teased a plastic model kit for Gipsy Danger as well as an implication of more Jaegers to come. Well, they unveiled their sculpt for Cherno Alpha, which will include light-up features! No word yet regarding the release of their <i>Pacific Rim </i>Jaeger plastic model kits. But the tension builds and even though I am not into building models, these might be an exception!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNSaV-jq2EIZ2uDEx4i-I8JLwUF4-JrdWnS_kqcZkITFMw0XZd_yndWKfyCgv1rpc2VX6FfFlsnegpSDo16JQsKwfPkYMy-ZgBxSEPmmgczph3LctbciVtLt0LjSORvyt0RVVyCStvXiP/s1600/Cakv5qJUEAAhxmQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNSaV-jq2EIZ2uDEx4i-I8JLwUF4-JrdWnS_kqcZkITFMw0XZd_yndWKfyCgv1rpc2VX6FfFlsnegpSDo16JQsKwfPkYMy-ZgBxSEPmmgczph3LctbciVtLt0LjSORvyt0RVVyCStvXiP/s1600/Cakv5qJUEAAhxmQ.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Bandai Tamashii Nations - </b>Other than the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla [2001] displayed at Yuji Sakai's table, there is not a lot new shown at Wonderfest. However, the next addition to the Ultra-Act x S.H. Figuarts Manga Ultraman line has been unveiled: Ultraman Suit ver. 7.2<i><b>. </b></i>It is slated for August 2016.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSN8JGLFuE7Ch3BCKC8Qf2_9Inizpaw9fWcsGrRNZvrX6g-Zy2Xl4Lt-BkbN1jsWCzWSd-0znldA_NM9_nl-f7los8Mr5cLsgzxMJKKg_jUwX6GYSlcOMp1hJ9fs4_YoHPgi8LPcZ9TCA/s1600/Ultra-Act-X-SH-Figuarts-Manga-Ultra-Seven-Wonderfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSN8JGLFuE7Ch3BCKC8Qf2_9Inizpaw9fWcsGrRNZvrX6g-Zy2Xl4Lt-BkbN1jsWCzWSd-0znldA_NM9_nl-f7los8Mr5cLsgzxMJKKg_jUwX6GYSlcOMp1hJ9fs4_YoHPgi8LPcZ9TCA/s640/Ultra-Act-X-SH-Figuarts-Manga-Ultra-Seven-Wonderfest.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>We will keep you updated as new information presents itself!</b></i></div>
Arlo Hansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13907990711520180828noreply@blogger.com0