Alen Yen's ToyboxDX

	10.29.00-- 11.4.00


RUMBLE INDEX

11.4.00: Happy Birthday To Kaiju!

That's right -- November 3 marked the forty-sixth birthday of everyone's favorite symbol of the horrors of nuclear war, Godzilla!

The very first Godzilla film, "Godzilla, King of the Monsters," opened in Japanese movie theatres on November 3, 1954 -- and character toys would never be the same again. (Actually, it'd take a few years more before Marusan hit on the idea to make the first toy portrayals of the big guy. But you take the point.)

-- Matt

11.4.00: Domo Arigato, Mr. Kyomoto!

Hey, kids! Remember the "Kyomoto Collection," that series of 18-inch-high vinyl figures of Ultraman and Kamen Rider characters? The ones that took up half of the famed Saito Jumbo Machinder Encyclopedia in spite of the fact that they're absolutely, totally nothing like Machinders? They're back. Look for Kamen Rider Kuuga/Cougar/whatever at the end of November for 5,800 yen.

(And for those of you who've been wondering, the "Kyomoto" in the "Kyomoto Collection" is Masaki Kyomoto, a famous babe-magnet Japanese actor who's known for being a big fan of (and occasionally starring in) Japanese live-action SFX television shows.)

-- Matt

11.4.00: Lord, not POLYSTONE!

Yep, it's true: Bandai's caved in to the utterly pointless Polystone phenomenon by issuing a series of tiny 300-yen Godzilla statuettes. Man oh man, I hate this stuff. It's like plaster of paris, only slightly harder and more brittle. Pinch me. So why am I reporting this? For YOU, the humble reader. That's how dedicated I am. PROFESSIONALISM. That's my middle name. Yessiree....

-- Matt "Professionalism" Alt

11.3.00: The Future of Sentai Robots

With the release of Timeranger's Timeroboter, Bandai finally halts the production of never-ending, all-too-similar combining robots. Classic battery-operated old-skool styleee now and forever! Ahem... all kidding aside, this new sentai 'bot, a comic mascot on the show, takes retro-design to a whole new level. It even has a functioning LED alarm clock in its chest. Timeroboter, along with black repaints of Time Robo and Time Shadow (yawn), should be available now.

-- Yappy

11.3.00: News Nuggets From Gantsu

The Yokohama Character Museum is open in Yokohama City with a jaw-dropping 40,000 pieces on display, including plenty 'o toys! The exhibit is a virtual encyclopedia of the Japanese character world, past and present, and includes many never before displayed Osamu Tezuka Mighty Atom (AstroBoy) pieces. Admission is 700 yen.

Reds Distribution, the distributors of Miracle House's Shin Getta One diecast, is in an expansion phase and pending a NASDAQ listing. Director of Operations Ashita-san shares some thoughts on the industry...

(Paraphrasing) "If action figures are only appreciated by a sub-culture in Japan, it might be necessary to broaden our audience. I think it's great that adults 'play' with toys. You're not 'bad' for doing so. More and more, people in their 30's and 40's who are buying toys say they are buying them for 'themselves'. There's nothing wrong with liking (for instance) Ultraman. I think we have a reponsibility to make our point of view known.

"You can enjoy child-like happiness even while growing up. I want you to feel this more often. Do you ever hear such opinions of maniac companies expressed to the people? It's necessary for us to broaden our appeal."

Sounds like our kinda guy.

-- Darren

11.3.00: A Blockwork Orange

The Kubrick Gaogaigar line won't be available until March of next year, but Figure-Oh magazine is now taking pre-orders for special "gold" (actually a clear yellow-orange) versions of Gaogaigar (set A) or Gaofaigar (set B). Each set will include pieces to make the core robots (Gaigar and Gaofar, respectively) and the Gao-Machine vehicle components of each super robot. Both sets will also come with the mighty Goldion-Hammer accessory. They're priced at 2480Y a pop.

-- Yappy

11.2.00: YF-21 on Final Approach

Feedback to Yamato on the redesigned "Version 2" YF-19 Valkyrie from their Japanese customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Frequent comments include "I look forward to the YF-21" and "thank you for the improvement in quality."

Interestingly, Yamato's development staff not only refers to the now familiar "Version 1" and "Version 2" YF-19, but also to a "Version 1.5" toy. The v1.5 was shipped in the middle of September with reinforced chest nose cover and air intake parts.

The YF-21 will ship sometime in December. Yamato will not yet provide an exact date -- however, they assure their customers the YF-21 will ship before the end of the year.

-- Darren

11.2.00: Mo' Cheap Thrills

Not to be outdone by its parent company, Banpresto ups the ante in toy crack quality:

To celebrate the release of Gojira vs. Megaguiras, Banpresto will unleash their own phenomenally fierce looking soft-vinyl DX Gojira. The beast will sport clear parts in its spine and for its eyes.

The Action Gokin line continues with the release of the classic Gundam RX-78, Standard Zaku, and Pepto-Zaku. This diecast trio will have much more complex accessories than their predecessors. Along with its weapons, the Gundam will also come with a flat-bed carrier, a cute lil' red jeep, and a very fashionable chest-tarp.

-- Yappy

11.2.00: Cheap Thrills

Bandai's churning out some swank gashapon/prize toys for November:

First up, a Kikaioh/ Tech Romancer set in their Gashapon EX line. If you've got a Dreamcast and consider yourself a Japanese robot fan, you owe it to yourself to purchase this game-- it's simply the most brillant super-robot homage/parody ever. The set will include 2 color variations of Kikaioh/ G. Kaiser (a Mazinger clone), 2 variations of Fire Formation Twinzam (a would-be Getta Robo), and a lonely Pulsion (Ultraman and an Eva's love child).

The HG Metal Mecha Collection line will feature a diecast Shin Cyclone. Kamen Rider 2's trusty crotch-rocket will cost a mere 1000Y.

-- Yappy

11.1.00: In case I haven't mentioned ...

... Sandrock is not my most favorite Gundam Wing mech, but the Hong Kong version MSiA Sandrock is BEAUTIFUL and looks like it belongs in a museum. The difference between the U.S.-issue toy and the Hong Kong version is like night and day. The gold trim is classy and the color palette used could not have been chosen better. Ok, I feel better now.

-- Darren

11.1.00: I'm Dreaming of a White Base

White Base fans will be happy to know that Bandai will release an EX gashapon White Base figure at the end of November in a set that also includes the Alpha Aziel, Devil Gundam, Browbro, and Perfect Jeong. The total set will sell for 3,000 yen.

-- Darren

11.1.00: Ama-mazed!

Amazon.co.jp opened today, and our frustrations with obtaining Japanese toy books may be over! I'm happy to announce that I've successfully ordered a Turn-A Gundam book, and am having it shipped to my United States address!

Existing U.S. Amazon.com customers will need to create a new account at Amazon.co.jp, and you'll need to contend with the language barrier (although the site's interface and button placement is nearly identical the U.S. version). However, no Japanese street address is required, and Visa is accepted!

I got hit hard for shipping -- about $20 in shipping for a $20 book -- but this proof of concept may be important to many Toybox readers. I'll update again when (and if) I receive the book!

-- Darren

10.31.00: Robert Duban Loves Rock Lords

Hey, I've got to "ditto" the sentiments on Rock Lords. They are truly some of the coolest toys ever. In fact, you could pretty much say that the Rock Lords line led me into the world of Japanese toys, and have held me captive ever since! Ask me about my collection anytime! Rock Lords rule!

-- Robert D

10.31.00: Chiller Theatre Report, Part Deux

As Chiller was winding down, I got to schmooze a bit more with Yuji and Michi Nishimura of M-1, who gave me some info about more upcoming figures:

Mechagodzilla 2, with a removable head that reveals his robot brain.
Another issue of their famous Titanosaurus, this time with a different color scheme.
A giant-size (roughly a foot tall) Garamon with little baby-doll eyes that close when he lies down. Pictures of this can be seen in Hyper Hobby #24.

Never one to miss an opportunity, I pitched the idea of an M-1 Satan Beetle figure. Calling the response "lukewarm" would be an overstatement...

Again, thanks to Greg Cordero for the pic.

-- Roger

10.31.00: Medicom Madness

Medicom takes a turn for the weird with its November announcements:

Not so strange is the second Toei-web exclusive, the RAH 450 Kamen Rider 2. Unlike its much smaller cousins, this 45cm tall figure will feature an unjointed body.

Slighty strange, but predicable, is the Kubrick Tetsuwan Atom set. Due in February, the set features Atom, Uran, Atlas, Dr. Tenba, Dr. Ochanomizu, Pluto, and Garon. Atom and Atlas will have detachable rocket-exhaust parts.

Weird (and creepy) is the pederast fantasy named Candy. This Stylish Collection Doll is from "Buffalo 5 Daughters," a manga currently running in CUTiE magazine, the Japanese equivalent of Sassy. Candy's also due next Febuary at 6800Y.

Certifiably insane is Medicom's set of "24 Bruce Lees," the first 6 of which will debut in February. Die-hard obsessive-compulsives will soon be able to purchase 24 different Bruces, dressed to the nines in clothing the "Little Dragon" actually wore. Whee!

Artistes, take note: "24 Bruce Lees" was originally an exhibition piece created by Hong Kong artist/designer Eric So (who's overseeing the mass-produced pieces). It created enough impact to warrant an international tour, even making it to a NYC gallery space late last year. Each Bruce will set you back a relatively low 4800Y.

-- Yappy

10.31.00: Big Zam: A Chorus Line

Bandai's Mobile Suit in Action Big Zam is written up by Japanese toy journalist D.Kei. As expected, Zam is large, detailed, in-scale, and satisfying. D.Kei points out the detents in Zam's hip and legs joints, and the Core Fighter that comes included with the figure.

-- Darren

10.31.00: Withdrawal!

Takara announces no new Microman 2000 or Transformers 2000 toys this month! ACK!.

-- Darren

10.30.00: GM Dandy

Bandai finally releases the Chogokin Kadou Senshi GM.

-- Darren

10.30.00: Chiller Theatre Report

A quick report from Chiller Theatre before I hit the sack. Highlights:

Yuji and Michi Nishimura from M-1 showed us a test shot of an upcoming figure depicting suit actor Haruo Nakajima wearing his Godzilla waders.
Club Daikaiju unveiled the prototype for their latest M-1 collaboration, the rat-bat-spider (I think -crab belongs there, too) from Angry Red Planet. This drew many oohs and aahs from passersby.
Jim Cirronella, proprietor of Club Daikaiju, still managed to get forty winks behind the table. That guy can sleep anywhere, it's amazing.

Resculpted Ultraman kaiju were present at several tables throughout the show, including Eleking, Gomora, and Red King. I scored a new Gomess figure for myself, it's pretty damn sweet.

Special thanks to Greg Cordero for the pics!

-- Roger

10.30.00: Roboto Obscura v2.0

A quick recap: Tomy recently reissued the main hero robots from relatively obscure Eldran series (three separate TV shows that ran from '91 to '93). Following the finest Japanese tradition, when the going gets tough for the Eldran robots, the tough get upgraded. Due to the relative success of the first reissues, Tomy's reissuing the "support" Eldran robots -- the ones that gattai with each main robot to form the ridiculously powerful, massively bloated uber-bot that predictably appears in the final episodes of each show.

Bakuryuoh, a dragon/robot, combines with Raijinoh to form God Raijinoh. Gekiryuger, another dragon/robot, and Ribolger, a winged-lion/robot, combine with Gunbulger to form Great Gunbulger. Granzaurer, a Triceratops/jet/robot, and Magnazaurer, a T-Rex/robot, combine with Gouzaurer to form King Gouzaurer. Whew... confused yet?

-- Yappy

10.30.00: ABiA, Henkei!

Japanese toy fan D-Kei updates his online toy diary with an entry on the Aura Battler In Action Billbine. The Billbine not only features the obsessive detail (opening canopy, articulated toes, etc.) of the ABiA Dunbine, but it's also the first truly transformable Bandai "In Action" figure. It even features a transforming Aura Sword/Rifle. D-Kei notes that some poseability was sacrificed for the transforming feature, and that the "Wing Converter" back-pack was slightly modified from Izubuchi's original design.

-- Yappy

10.29.00: MicroRocket LAUNCH!

What may very well be the LAST toy in the Microman 2000 line (as reported by Fantasia Toyz), the L-26 MicroRocket Base is on the shelves in Japan. Takara will continue to reproduce classic Microman toys.

Speaking of which, it looks like Takara may be re-issuing the original Robotman, known in the U.S. as Biotron!

-- Darren

10.29.00: Perfect Wing

The PG Wing Zero Custom was seen in public for the first time at a recent toy and model show, and Bandai is finally starting to release details of the winged wonder, scheduled to ship around the 23rd of November.

Although the figure's only accessories are his Twin Buster Rifle and Beam Saber, the kit's big feature is his diecast content and internal mechanism. Bandai touts that the PG Wing Custom has evolved from a poseable model to an "action model".

Due to the diecast components, Bandai claims the kit has very strong joints, and a low center of gravity to support those weighty wings. It's revolutionary design is also said to reproduce a very "human" joint structure and movement, evident in the extensible knee mechanism, where the thigh and calf armor slide around to affect "perfect" movement.

The red abdomen sections are soft, also allowing very action figure-like poseability. The wings are built from a single, spring-actuated mechanism, allowing them to pop open "like a Japanese fan".

Some minor features: the cockpit hatch opens and closes, and the shoulder-mounted vulcan guns move, and the camera eyes and search eye are LED illuminated.

The figure, of course, can assume ALL the famous poses from the OVA.

-- Darren

10.29.00: Bandai's Buried Treasure

It's always a pleasant experience to dig around in the ole toy chest and find some overlooked gem of days gone by. Such is the case with these three fine critters circa 1986, representing the last installment of the hit & miss "Rock Lords" line. Rock Lords, as you may or may not care to remember, were an offshoot of the ever popular and oh-so deeply respected Go-Bots/Machine Robo line, which first surfaced in the early eighties. Unfortunately, most of the coolest MR toys never made it to the states, including the awesome Fossil Lord Combiner, a sort of "Dino/Dragon/Mech/Thingy gestalt that currently commands huge money in Japan.
[Yappy: Pictures of Fossil Lord can be found at the Super Toy Archive]

Lucky for us, the three coolest Rock Lords, the Jewel Lords, did indeed make to US shores before the Gobot line collapsed. Say hello to Flamestone, Sunstone, and Solitare. Each is quite beautiful in it's own way as Bandai did a great job accentuating the whole "transparent gem" aesthetic. Flamestone and Sunstone both have a fair amount of die-cast (arms & legs), and while the transformations are not particularly convincing, they are nonetheless fascinating to behold. The real star of the three has got to be Solitare, a transparent, transforming FEMALE robot. Of course, she is a diamond.

-- Iron Kitten

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