New X-Plus Products Up For Reservations!

The upcoming X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Godzilla 1962, and Real Master Collection MechaGodzilla 1974 are now up for reservations at Hobby Search. Check 'em out!

Ultra-Act Ultraman Nexus

The Ultra-Act Ultraman Nexus has finally been confirmed for a February 2013 release. It will cost around 3360 Yen, approximately $42.00 USD.

100 Original Monster Challenge

Though not collectible related, I still wanted to post this challenge that I've been undertaking for the last few weeks.

From now to the end of January, I intend to illustrate 100 original monster designs. Some of the monsters that I'm doing are pre-existing concepts that I've been working with for years, and others are completely brand new. See below for the 12 designs I have up to now.

I Can Has Work?

For those who do not know, I am also an artist and graphic designer. Right now I am on my final year at the Guam Community College, on my way to earn my Associates Degree in Visual Communications. At the moment, I am trying to build up a portfolio with various illustrations and graphic art designs. 

However, I am also open for commission work as well! Visit my DeviantArt page to see many examples of my work. I am able to do Godzilla, Ultraman, and Gamera related art, as well as anything original whether it be your own kaiju, your own characters, mascots, logo designs, and more! My prices are very affordable, and at the moment I am charging based on the type of request you make and not by the hour. My terms and conditions relating to commissions can be found on my main DeviantArt page at the link in the first line of this paragraph. 

Please help this artist push forward in becoming a professional! Thank you, all! 

My Two Cents: Biollante. Why the Controversy?

I'd like to take some time and reflect on the S.H. MonsterArts Biollante prototype that was just revealed at the Tamashii Nations 2012 event the other day.

Biollante is a figure that many fans want. Very few Biollante figures exist due to the character's obscurity to the general public. Since the beginning of the line, everyone has wondered if a Biollante figure would ever be released. Time and time again, people would pester Tamashii Nations, and Bluefin (their official North American distributor) about the figure. Now just as they answer our prayers, there is much backlash and controversy.

Why?

From what I have read online, people believe the Biollante figure to be, 'too skinny' or 'too tall'.  However, I for one believe that it's just how the figure is posed, which throws people off. S.H. MonsterArts is a line of super articulated figures. The displayers must have wanted to show off Bio's capabilities. However, I think this was a hit and a miss. Sure the figure looks great, but I think posing it in such a fashion was not the best move to start out with. Many people, and fans especially, are familiar with Biollante being hunched over, and bulky. The way the figure is presented makes her look thin, tall and not so movie-accurate. Despite this, I refuse to blow a gasket like many people have already done. Frankly they're overreacting to a very, very small issue.

I believe that Biollante can achieve a more traditional pose. I don't think the sculpter, Yuji Sakai, is stupid enough to sculpt the figure to deviate away from how she looked in the movie. I believe that whoever who made the display wanted to showcase her sheer total size compared to the other figures in the line rather than display her in a more traditional sense.

Biollante looks best at this angle in my opinion.

Frankly, I think we're lucky that we're getting a Biollante figure at all! Think about it. Biollante is NOT a profitable character, never was so from the beginning. However, we kept on pestering, and pestering Tamashii Nations about it. This figure is for the fandom essentially, and for it alone. It just shocks me that so many people are freakishly disappointed about it. So what if it isn't 100% movie-accurate, or if it's too skinny. Geez, people. Man-up, and stop making childish complaints over it. It's just a toy.

I am happy that Biollante is confirmed for the line. Not because I am a fan of the S.H. MonsterArts line, but for the fact that I'll be able to easily, and finally, acquire a decent Biollante figure without paying over a grand for it. I was so ready to save up for getting the X-Plus figure, but now, I can acquire the S.H. MonsterArts figure for perhaps $700 cheaper! So tell me. What's the better option? A large static hunk of vinyls for $800 to a grand? Or a slightly smaller, super articulated, 85% movie accurate figure which would cost around $190?

Whatever decision, it's to each his own.

Overall, I am just sick, and tired of hearing people complain, complain, and complain. Yes we get it, you don't like the figure. Don't be a baby about it. If you don't like it, then don't buy it, and don't make arguments that are pointless. Everyone has their preferences and will not agree with one another. If someone likes the figure, good for them. If they don't, good for them too.

Remember, it was us, the fandom who asked, begged, and prayed for Biollante from Tamashii Nations. Do not tarnish that by trash talking them or the figure itself.

This has been my two cents.

Toy Review - Sci-Fi Revoltech Optimus Prime [Jet Winged Ver.]

Prime has landed, and here he is!

This is the Sci-Fi Revoltech Optimus Prime [Jet Winged Version] based on his appearance in Michael Bay's 2011 film, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. 

This sculpt of Prime is pretty much the exact same as the first one released last year. The detailing on this figure is just astounding! This is my first Sci-Fi Revoltech figure that is not a Toho monster, so I was surprised of the level of accuracy on this figure.

Besides the Jet Wing parts, Optimus comes with two extra pairs of hands - a pair for gripping the Energon Axe and Sword, and a pair of open hands. He also comes with an alternate head without his faceplate, and a Revoltech Stand. 

The Energon Sword and Axe are really well done. The blades on both are sculpted out of orange translucent plastic, which perfectly mimics the glowing effect that is seen in the film.

His alternate head, without the face plate, is also sculpted really well. However, the right eye is a bit off.  Unless you're looking at it up close, the head is pretty good. To be honest though, I prefer Optimus with the face plate. 

Now here's the fun part, the Jet Wing Pack! The Jet Wing Pack comes disassembled, but it's pretty easy to put together. 

On Optimus' back there are two Revoltech Joints. They're on the figure when you take it out of the box, but depending on your preferences you can take them out if you wish to display Optimus without the Jet Pack. However, these joints are where you attach the main Jet Pack as seen below. 

From there, you proceed to attach the two pairs of wings, and some sort of 'control' devices to Optimus' wrists, and bippety-boppity-boo you got Jet Winged Optimus Prime!

Once fully assembled, Prime is pretty big! The wingspan is at least a foot long, and the added jet pack adds quite a bit of bulk to the figure. It is nearly impossible to get the figure to stand without the use of a Revoltech Stand. Using the stand, you will be able to pull off some neat flying poses such as this one above. 

Overall, the Sci-Fi Revoltech Optimus Prime [Jet Winged Version] gets a full 5/5 stars for me. It is one of the more accurate sculpts of the movie version of Optimus Prime, and the accessories are just out of this world! I only hope that Revoltech releases a Megtron figure to accompany Optimus. I am also aware of the Sci-Fi Revoltech Bumblebee, but since he's out of scale with Optimus, I am passing on him. 

More Pictures from Tamashii Nations 2012

Along with Toho's kaiju, the Angels from Evangelion make a return this year!

S.H. MonsterArts Biollante, AND D-Arts Charizard

Here she is everyone, the S.H. MONSTERARTS BIOLLANTE!

Note: Take a glace at the bottom right quadrant of the photograph. That is NOT the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 1994's arm there. Could this possibly be an in-scale S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 1989? We'll find out soon enough...

Also alongside the previously announced D-Arts Mewtwo, we are treated to another D-Arts Pokemon figure, Charizard! It turns out that instead of being implemented into the S.H. MonsterArts line, Pokemon have been placed into the more appropriate D-Arts line. 

The Rose IS Coming!

It is official!

Tamashii Nations has confirmed that the prototype of the long awaited S.H. MonsterArts Biollante will indeed be shown at the Tamashii Nations 2012 event this weekend! Check out Tamashii's Twitter feed for yourself.

I guess that popular demand by the fandom to Bluefin and Tamashii Nations has certainly paid off!

I will post pictures of the prototype immediately once they're available.

S.H. MonsterArts Destoroyah Sizing

Here's a scan of an image showing the size comparison between February 2013's S.H. MonsterArts Destoroyah, and the S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla [1994].

Gotta Catch 'Em All

D-Arts is now taking on the Pokemon franchise starting with Mewtwo!

Mewtwo will be releasing in March 2013, and will be coming with a Pokeball themed Tamashii Stand as well as a Shadow Ball Effect accessory as well as a miniature figure of the Pokemon, Mew.

I am an avid fan of the Pokemon games, so this will be an instant buy for me!

Roll Out!

Well, I decided to treat myself with a little something in the wake of the stressful week I just had. I had the chance to pick up either the Sci-Fi Revoltech Mogera or Baragon on HobbyLink Japan. But, I decided to go with neither of them, and instead I bought myself the Sci-Fi Revoltech Optimus Prime Jet Wing Version!

With the animated series, Transformers Prime, on the verge of its second season finale with only three episodes left, I was in a Prime mood, and decided to purchase this guy! 

Replacement Ghidorah

Just a brief update,

I got my second S.H. MonsterArts King Ghidorah. So far, I am having better luck with it than the first one I got. The joints are a lot more snug, and not falling off, and the wings are a-ok. I am not touching them excessively, and moving them only at the base.

As for my broken one, I am considering using to to make a diorama piece along with my second MonsterArts Godzilla figure for my school's art exhibit. However, let's see how things go first.

X-Plus December Listings

X-Plus has recently unveiled their listings for December:

- Toho Large Monsters Series Godzilla 1962
- Toho 30cm Series Anguirus 1968 (Online Resale)
- Real Master Collection MechaGodzilla 1974
- Kit Version Godzilla 1954

Check out their website.

More information when it becomes available.

UPDATE S.H. MonsterArts King Kong Photos

Photos of the S.H. MonsterArts King Kong figure have finally surfaced from NYCC. It turns out that my speculations were correct and that it will be the Peter Jackson King Kong. It looks really neat. From initial observation, there is no jaw articulation and I assume that there will be another head accessory that can be switched out. It also appears that another accessory of Kong will be a hand clutching the beautiful damsel, Ann Darrow. Question is now, will this figure scale with the other S.H. MonsterArts figures? This figure is expected to release sometime next year. 

S.H. MonsterArts King Kong slated for 2013?

Though no picture of the actual prototype is available yet, at the bottom left corner of this photo from Bluefin's Facebook page of their set-up at NYCC confirms (?) that their first 'Western' monster figure in the line will be none other than King Kong himself! Hopefully in the coming days as NYCC commences we'll see photographs of the figure's prototype. Now the question is, which Kong is it? RKO's? Toho's? Or Peter Jackson's?

Dual Kaiju Toy Review - X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Godzilla 1968 and Anguirus 1968

After two weeks of waiting since their release, I finally got both the X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Godzilla 1968, and Anguirus 1968 in the mail today!

Both are packaged in the standard Toho Large Monsters Series window boxes. 

Upon taking both figures out, and assembling them, utilizing a blow dryer, I displayed them on my shelf. Personally both figures look spectacular, as usual. Let's begin with Godzilla's review...

Godzilla was the first figure I unpacked and assembled. It stands approximately nine to ten inches tall, and the detailing on him is just astounding. X-Plus has never disappointed me when it comes to detailing. Though no one can tell from the photos, Godzilla's pupils are not entirely black. Under direct light, the pupils are surrounded by a light grayish blue iris. It is a really neat detail that I have not noticed before on the actual suit. It is a very nice touch. The one accessory that is included with this figure is a lower jaw piece that can be switched with the open lower jaw piece to give Godzilla a closed mouth appearance. I have yet to attempt to try the closed lower jaw on Godzilla. 

As for everything else about this figure, it is spot on. The 25cm Godzilla 1968 perfectly captures the look and spirit of the character and original suit. Overall, based on the fact that this figure is well detailed, sculpted, and that nothing is wrong with it, the X-Plus Toho Large Monsters Series Godzilla 1968 recieves a full 5/5 rating!

Now onto Anguirus...

The Toho Large Monsters Series Anguirus 1968 figure is another nice figure. From crest to toe, the figure's height is around six inches. That may sound small, but remember, Anguirus makes up for it in body size, and length. He is perfectly scaled with Godzilla and the other figures in the 25cm line. Detailing on this guy is superb. The spikes are well sculpted, the skin is well detailed, and his face captures Anguirus' brute never-going-to-back-down character. 

Keeping this review brief, this figure also receives a 5/5 rating. Detailing, sculpt, and painting on this figure are very well done, and there are no flaws or quality control issues whatsoever. 

Both the 25cm Godzilla and Anguirus 1968 are the last figures I'll be buying for some time from X-Plus. They pretty much round out my X-Plus display shelves. I was going to get Gorosaurus, but I had to use the money I had planned for him to buy a replacement S.H. MonsterArts King Ghidorah figure.