X-Plus MechaGodzilla/Kiryu 2003 Standard Release!

Just as I thought, X-Plus is indeed releasing a standard version of their new Kiryu/MechaGodzilla 3 sculpt. Unlike the RicBoy Exclusive, the standard release does not come equipped with a weapons pack, BUT, it does come with the alternate drill hand! It's at $191 at the moment, and will be releasing in late September. Check it out at Hobby Search!

S.H. MonsterArts Wishlist

With the upcoming Godzilla 1964, Kiryu, Biollante, and Battra figures coming, as well as the announced Alien and Predator figures, and the newly unveiled Mothra and Godzilla 2000 for Tamashii Nations' S.H. MonsterArts figure series, it's a wonder of what the future holds for the figure line! Here is our own personal wish list of monsters that we would like to see made into an S.H. MonsterArts figure:

#1 - Gypsy Danger (and anything from Pacific Rim)

I think it goes without saying that with Pacific Rim's success amongst the Kaiju and Mecha fanbases, demand for figures in the S.H. MonsterArts line is incredibly high, and Tamashii Nations knows it! While I do like NECA's figures, I feel that Pacific Rim deserves better in regards to the detail, articulation and materials that go into their figures. Besides Gypsy Danger, I would absolutely love to see the other Jaegers and Kaiju such as Leatherback, Otachi, and Slattern get the MonsterArts treatment. I believe that in time, we'll definitely get them.

#2 - Eren Jager [Titan Form]

The success of the anime series and manga of Attack on Titan warrants the release of figures! Just earlier, Max Factory has unveiled that they're releasing Figmas of characters from the show as well as what appears to be a VERY large figure of the Colossal Titan (which is 60 meters tall). Whether it's supposed to be in scale has yet to be determined. However, Tamashii Nations DID include Attack on Titan as an option on possible products in the future during their survey at San Diego Comic-Con last weekend. It is not impossible that we may be getting Attack on Titan products from them sooner or later. 

#3 - The Angels from Rebuild of Evangelion

The Angels have been already prototyped by Tamashii Nations and shown at a couple of events already, however, they have not progressed beyond that stage. Is it because demand for the Angels is not sufficient as it is for the EVAs themselves? Whatever the case, I do hope that they are released someday. I'd like a MonsterArts figure of Sachiel, the 4th Angel (3rd Angel in the original series,) duking out with my Robot Spirits Evangelion Unit 01!

#4 - Gigan 1972

Even though Gigan has already been produced as a Revoltech figure, I think a lot of fans want to see it also produced as a MonsterArts figure. The Revoltech figure is good, but I must admit, there are a few inaccuracies in it, which I would love to see corrected in a MonsterArts rendition. 

#5 - Jet Jaguar 

Jet Jaguar is a personal addition to the list. This weekend at Otaku Recon, as well as last year at ChibiCon, the one character that many people asked for was and still is Jet Jaguar. I spoke with a fellow Godzilla fan today at Recon, and he said that Jet Jaguar is his absolute dream figure for this line. I somewhat feel the same way since a highly articulated Jet Jaguar figure would be rather neat and unique. Being that its an immensely popular character in the Godzilla series amongst Western fans who grew up with the films, I don't doubt that it's in the running.

Otaku Recon 2013 Review

Well, this is the second anime convention that I have attended, with the first being ChibiCon last November. I knew from early talks with friends that Recon was a much bigger event that ChibiCon, so I decided to go full out! Instead of a select few figures from my S.H. MonsterArts collection, I chose to bring the entire haul (minus King Kong) as well as my Revoltech Evangelion collection and NECA's first wave of Pacific Rim figures.

My EVA display was present for both days unlike my MonsterArts set

The Recon Experience for me began on Friday afternoon when I was asked to come down to the mall where we were having the event to set up our displays. I hauled a huge Home Depot box and a couple of tote bags filled with figure boxes! It was certainly a workout carrying them to and from my car - the display area was in a convention hall on the second floor. There, I ran into some old friends. While setting up, I definitely made some new friends as well. While much of the display was focussed primarily on Gundam, and Muv-Luv models and figures, I couldn't help but add a certain spark to the booth when it came to showing off the marvelous S.H. MonsterArts figures. By 7:30pm we were done setting up. After sitting to a pizza dinner with my fellow collectors, we all went home and rested for the following day.

NECA's Pacific Rim figures were the bell of the ball!

Recon began at noon on Saturday. Almost immediately we had dozens of people checking out our exhibit. I was surprised how much attention the MonsterArts figures received as well as the Pacific Rim figures. Many people were unaware that toys were made for the movie, but after seeing NECA's work and the efficiency in pricing, I think a lot of people are now interested in ordering these figures and whatever else comes out! MonsterArts received equally as much attention as well. With the new movie coming out next year, people are quite stoked to see the Big G back on the silver screen and done faithfully. There were a good number who had a great deal of knowledge on the Godzilla series, and a couple who were truly fans like myself. By the end of the day, at least 100 people managed to stop by our booth to take a gander at our awesome figure and model collections! One of our highlights as a whole was towards the end of the day where many of us at the display booth broke out into song with "I'll Make a Man out of You," from Disney's Mulan. I regret not catching that on video.

Some of the AMAZING custom Gundam models featured at our booth

We started a 10:00am today, Sunday. I brought home my MonsterArts figures after Saturday's show, and brought in a new display made up of five of my 25cm X-Plus figures: Godzilla '75, Anguirus '68, Mothra '61, Gigan '72, and MechaGodzilla '75. Today was not as busy as yesterday. However we did get a lot of viewers. Much of the day involved the guys and I to get into some mischief and play around with animal sound effects on the speakers. Sure we came off as dorks, but it was fun and at a convention such as this, how can we take it seriously? Anyways, regardless to that, a lot of the attention my stuff was getting was directed towards the Pacific Rim figures. With the movie being such a huge hit here on Guam, it's no surprise that a lot of people have taken a liking and appreciation towards NECA's figures.

The ever-so-popular Hatsune Miku with fellow Nendroids!

Anyways, there's not much else to say. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the cosplay, dubbing, video game, nor singing contests that also took place at Recon. However, from what I heard, they were pretty amazing. Also guests Vic Mignogna, the English voice actor for Edward Elric from Full Metal Alchemist, and Reuben Langdon, voice of Dante from Devil May Cry 3 & 4, were simply amazing! They interacted a lot with the fans and visited our displays. I wish I could've had more time to meet with them personally, but I didn't want to abandon our display booth for too long. There's always next year, and the next set of guests!

Me doing my best Kaiju impression!

So to finish off, please visit our Facebook page to see the rest of the pictures of our display and the display from my fellow GUAMPLA Builders at Otaku Recon 2013!

S.H. MonsterArts Mothra & Godzilla 2000 Unveiled & More!

So Summer Wonderfest has just begun and we already have pics of some goodies to look forward to! Firstly, along with the MonsterArts Battra that will be released (as a web exclusive in Japan) in January, Yuji Sakai has unveiled two NEW figures for the MonsterArts lineup: Godzilla 2000 and Mothra (Heisei Ver.). 

On top of that, Max Factory has unveiled several new figures for their Figma lineup. These figures hail from the popular anime, Attack on Titan. They include the Colossal Titan, and the characters Mikasa and Eren Jager. 

More when available!

X-Plus Toho 30cm Series MechaGodzilla 2003

X-Plus has finally put up the Toho 30cm Series "Formula 3 Machine Dragon" (aka Kiryu) up for preorder on their site. It is unclear at the moment whether a standard version of this figure will be offered at retailers since another version of this figure was advertised a while back without its weapons pack and sporting a drill-arm as featured in the 2003 film, Godzilla x Mothra x MechaGodzilla: Tokyo SOS. Unlike the previous Kiryu figure from the Real Master Collection EX series, this figure is sculpted out of vinyl as opposed to resin.

Official MonsterArts Battra Promo Pics & Preorder Date

Tamashii's website has put up several official photos for the S.H. MonsterArts Battra, which is set to release some time in January 2014. Preorders begin tomorrow, Thursday July 25th on Tamashii's Web Shop as well as other third party vendors such as Nippon-Yasan and Big In Japan.

Scans for MonsterArts Battra! UPDATED

The first scan of images for the S.H. MonsterArts Battra have surfaced!

UPDATE: Another scan has surfaced as well.

S.H. MonsterArts Battra slated for January 2014!

It looks like there will be a new MonsterArts figure: Battra! It's unclear at the moment whether this will be the adult version or larva version (most likely the former). It'll be released as a Web Exclusive in Japan. It's definite at this point that Bluefin Distribution will be bringing over as a standard release in North America. More information as it becomes available.

NECA to do Godzilla (2014) figures!?

It's been a BIG day for the Big G at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday! A panel was held in the morning featuring Gareth Edwards and cast members - Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Bryan Cranston. New footage from the movie was shown, including the presence of another insect/beetle-like monster, and of course Godzilla - perhaps the LARGEST incarnation of the creature to date.

Amongst all of this, a question was asked on Twitter, to NECA, in regards to the popular company producing any figures for the new Godzilla movie. The response was pretty enthusastic. Read for yourself:

An official confirmation on this has yet to be announced, but its very enthusiastic nonetheless. Looks like at this point, Bandai of America and NECA will both be releasing figures in conjunction with the new movie.

More information as this develops.

Recon 2013

We're only one week away from Guam's Otaku Recon 2013 (or simply known as Recon 2013). I have volunteered myself not only to showcase figures at the convention, but to also be there to watch the exhibits and provide information in regards to MonsterArts, Godzilla, or anything else that is in regards to whatever I'm displaying.

I'll be sure to note some of the highlights of the event and take plenty of photos during my break periods. I am super excited to be part of the convention! Being that I was unable to attend SDCC, this is perhaps the next best thing.

SDCC Update

We may not be at SDCC, but we'll make sure to provide up to date coverage on any details in regards to MonsterArts, Legendary's Godzilla, and more! Here is what we know so far:

The S.H. MonsterArts Biollante is being showcased. 

Alien and Predator join the MonsterArts lineup slated for a 2014 release!

We see NECA's new 7" figure of the Kaiju, Leatherback, and the Jaeger, Striker Eureka, slated to be released in the second wave of Pacific Rim figures sometime this Fall.

While talking about NECA's Pacific Rim figures, this our first look at the completed figure for the 18" Gypsy Danger. 

Looks like Knifehead will also get the 18" treatment too!

Bandai USA teases us with their figure/prototype for their 'Legendary Godzilla' figure!

Diamond Select showcases various X-Plus/Plex figures. Godzilla '54 and MechaGodzilla '74 are slated to release stateside sometime later this year! 

Legendary releases another teaser poster for Godzilla. A presentation is set to take place with Director, Gareth Edwards and cast members, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, and Bryan Cranston.

We'll be sure to update this post whenever we acquire new images and/or information!

Figure Review: Ultra-Act Zoffy

It's about friggin' time that I acquired myself the Ultra-Act Zoffy! This figure is perhaps one of the most popular Ultra-Acts out there! I regret not snagging one when it first came out last year. Since then, aftermarket prices for this figure have skyrocketed from anywhere around $70 all the way up to $200! I fortunately was able to snag this one for far less.

Zoffy first appeared in the final episode of the original Ultraman series. In the following years, he would cameo in various other Ultraman series and movies. The figure for Zoffy is packed in the typical silver and red window box in which Ultras part of the Brothers line come in. This is my third figure in the Brothers lineup. I feel fortunate enough to snag Zoffy right now instead of paying much more for it later. The figure came still newly sealed. 

Prior to now, I had no clue as to why Zoffy was so valued by collectors. Personally, I just wanted it to complete my Ultra-Act Ultra Brothers lineup. However, I can see its appeal now. It's perhaps one of the best Ultra-Act figures out there. It may not be relevant now considering that many figures have already come after it, but think about last year when Tamashii Nations began upgrading their sculpts. Zoffy has a similar sculpt to the renewed Ultraman figure from last July, but its legs are much more secured in their joints, allowing the figure to stand on its own without the aid of a Tamashii Stage. 

In regards to accessories, Zoffy comes with a good few on top of various option hands. Pictured above is Zoffy holding its Beta Capsule.

Zoffy also comes with a flame damage accessory that fits on top of his head. This is supposed to be from when Zoffy fought Birdon in the series Ultraman Taro and was injured.

He also comes with the Ultra Converter, which he utilized to heal Ultraman Ace in the latter's titular series.

And finally he comes with his M87 Ray, which is said to be the most powerful beam weapon possessed by any Ultraman. The cyclone effect running down his arm creates a nice effect and makes it unique and much more powerful looking than other beam effects in the Ultra-Act line.

By being part of the Brothers lineup, Zoffy is compatible with the Ultra-Act Brothers Mantle. I only have one Mantle at the moment, but I intend to buy more so I can display Ultraman, Ultraman Jack, Zoffy, and ultimately Ultraman Ace, Ultraman Taro, and Ultra Seven wearing them. 

Overall, I am very happy that I was finally able to acquire Zoffy! I feared that I wouldn't be able to obtain him due to the ridiculously high prices that he's been going for. However, with enough researching and browsing around, I was lucky enough to snag this figure for a price that I was happy with. He's perfectly fits in with his fellow brothers. Now, I have to acquire Taro to finally own the entire Brothers lineup!