Alen Yen's ToyboxDX

November 1998

December 1998 | Ramble Index | October 1998

11/29/98: GPK-1s

It's terrible to admit, but it's been weeks since I've really thought about chogokin. I blame one person: the infamous Matt "Fanboy" Alt!

For almost a year now, I've successfully slain all desire to acquire Macross Valkyries, but now, alas, have begun to trod the dark and poverty-stricken path. Check the Digital Shelf for a pic of my fledgling Valkyrie collection...

Speaking of Valks, Matt Sez...:
"Of all the weird-ass crossovers to have taken place over the course of toy history, none grabbed me as much as this: a twisted drawing of a half- Macross Valkyrie, half-"Cabbage Patch Kid" done by Topps for their mid-Eighties "Garbage Pail Kids" collector cards. (Bring back any memories?) The question remains: did Bandai even know anything about it? Probably not -- there's no credit given anywhere on the card. Talk about a pop-culture collision..." -- M.A.

Mark2 Productions has released their 1st issue of Japanese Toy and Model. Issue Number One is 22 pages of black and white photocopied images and articles, and is available for ordering at $6.00 an issue.

And dont' forget, tommorow night: the Cafe Chogokin weekly chat. Seeya there!

11/16/98: Finally: Summit!

Okay frothy dogs: it's finally here! The official announcement for the 1st ever North-Eastern Chogokin/Mecha Summit, hosted by SOG Roger Harkavy! (It's been remarked before that the state of New Jersey for some unknown and unfathomable reason is one of mystic nexus points of Japanese toy collecting. Now's your chance to find out!)

"Winter is almost here, and as the holiday spirit descends on us like a soggy woolen blanket, our thoughts turn to toy collecting."
"Uh, they do turn, don't they?"
"If they don't, then here's something to keep you focused: "

1998 Northeast-Tristate Chogokin Summit

SEE! The faces behind these weird handles in the BBS and Cafe!
SEE! The opulent splendor of "Joisey"!
SEE! The vicious battles that ensue outside the famous Outer Limits!
SEE! Mountains of pizza consumed by ravenous hungry hordes!
SEE! The Sock of Gangsta Chogokin!

"Is it something that will solve the world's problems by bringing collectors of the tri-state area together, or is it just a bunch of jerks sitting in Roger's living room? YOU DECIDE."
"One way or another, on Saturday, December 12 at 2PM, history will be made."
"If you live within a reasonable distance of Northern New Jersey and are interested in meeting and trading with other Toybox regulars (and irregulars), please contact Roger Harkavy (harkavyr@planet.net) for more information about this event."
-- Roger Harkavy

The great Eau Master Alt fields a request from Toybox-regular Heinel. Watch as Matt deftly and effortlessly translates the japanese Green Arrow Grafitti blurb celebrating the one and only VOLTES V! Link here to the Info library...

Once in a lifetime, a movie comes along that warms the heart and prods the head: As regular readers of the BBS already know, Marc Raley's 2nd installment of Mazinger Theatre was "released" on the net last week. This latest gem left me drop-jawed and giggly for, like, an hour. Don't miss this passionate triumph of the human spirit! Link here....

I got stuff! Tiny lil' treasures of Daidenjin ST and diecast Genesis Climber Mospeda Cyclone, both plucked from Day-Old Antiques last week. Check the Collection Narrative for some new entries. And thanks to everyone who bidd(ed) on the ToyboxDX ebay auctions!

Seeya in the Cafe Chogokin, tonight at 10PM!

11/10/98: New Talent

A new star is born. Yesterday, Marc Raley sent me the URL for his Small Parts website and "movie." I peed my pants laughing. This is the funniest thing I've seen in a long long time. Go ahead -- click it. You won't be dissapointed!

Robocon Addendum! Matt Alt, with help from Mike Parisi, addends his Dragon Robocon report with new scoops... Live now in the Info library.

Have you checked Tom Vigneau's site recently? His pics of Microcon are pretty phenomenal. Tom's Magunemo collection has really blossomed and you can see it, as well as several others collections, in the Microman Zone. [Click on the thumbnail to see an insane sample!]

Were you looking for a Joons Valkyrie? Kevin Lam has them for sale on his web site (I'm getting a couple this week for guns and missles.) While you're there, check out his gallery pics too...

Also on the webfront: Carlos has posted Una entrevista con GO NAGAI on his website La Maquina Z -- a Spanish translation of Matt Alt's translation of An Interview with GO NAGAI! If you think about it for a second, this is REALLY cool! Congrats to all involved with the 1st ever ToyboxDX trilingual effort...

Viva the Web!
11/09/98: Chat Tonite

Morning morning morning. A bunch of things to mention this week...

Louis sent in these pics [left] of giant Gundams and sez:
"the gundam, char's zaku and f-91 was from this yr's comic con in cali. my friend mark took these pictures for me. i also believe that these were used to promote the offical gundam video line being released this year for the american market..." -- Louis

Ted Terranov sends in an "Ask Matt" translation request, answers posted in the Eau De Alt section of the Info library. Keep the questions coming in! He's got too much time on his hands...

It's ToyboxDX financing time! I've dropped a bunch of items for auction last week to help with the costs of running this site. Please check out the following items:

And don't forget -- it's Chat Night tonight in the Cafe Chogokin. Hope you're all having a groovy monday day...

11/05/98: Enter the Dragon!

Jump to the Info Library to check the new Eau de Alt. Matt covers Dragon's new large-size vinyl Robocon!
Also: check new links in the Linkorama...

11/02/98: Chat Tonite!

Eau Master Matt Alt slaps in a review of the new Nostalgic Heroes Kikaider and Hakaider diecasts. (Pics of these pieces have brightened my entire week.) You can read about them along with Matt's coverage of the charming and clear-bodied Time Traveller, as described in the current issue of Hobby Japan.

Jump to Eau De Alt in the Info Library...

Also: don't forget that it's Chat Night in the Cafe Chogokin...

December 1998 | Ramble Index | October 1998