November 1999 | Ramble Index | September 1999

10/31/99: My Bleeding Fingers

...hurt. It's because I just finished a 12 hour burn, processing and uploading over 400 pictures for our latest World Collector Hall entry, the Marc Sparagen Collection.

Marc's bizarre and intriguing notions of collecting are meticulously laid-out in a four-page exploration of his Mecha, Popinica and Chogokin acquisitions. Thrill as he enumerates the intricacies of his transforming toys. Recoil as he off-handly discusses "chopping" and "repainting" features to suit his personal tastes...

Link now to the Gallery of Love and honor my pain!

Yappy's very first Ramble on the diecast, magnetic, transforming Robotack! "Robotack. They're gokin. They're magnemo. They transform. And they're under $20.00 a pop. Why wasn't everyone jumping on these toys when they came out a year ago? Sure, the cuteness might put some folks off, but look past that, and you have the best toy lines of the 90's. "There are eleven toys in the series (12 if you count the mail-away premium); I added their weapon names, 'cause they were so silly-sounding: Robotack the dog, armed with the RK Bar DarkCrow the crow, with Kara-Slicer Kamerock the turtle, with Camera-Zooka Kabados the hippo, with Masakari-Hawk Mimeena the Bunny Girl, with Carrot-Stick Mogurakki (Mogulucky?) the mole, with Rakki-Pickle Torabolt the tiger, with Inazu-Bar Takkard the eagle, with Hawk-Shield Speedy the other red dog Mighty the purple ape(?) Master Ranking, the freakish elephant vehicle "The first eight, not counting Mimeena (more on her in a bit) sport magnetic limbs and diecast torso parts and tranform from cute cyber-animals into bad-ass super-robots. For the most gokin for your buck, I'd go for Robotack, Torabolt, or Kamerock -- the last being my fave since it's got the proportions of a chunky old Bullmark die-cast. Mimeena's the Robin-chan of the group, which means the toy doesn't do very much; she's just an all-plastic figure. But she's a must-have (not just because she IS a bunny girl), because she's packed with the mighty 'Power-Arm,' a magnetic, spring-loaded-weapon-firing accessory that can be attached to the rest of the gang. I haven't been able to find Speedy and Mighty- two animals that combine into two different super robots, so any leads would be mucho appreciated. "Coop, that lucky bastard, managed to score Master Ranking at Mandarake L.A. Here's his take on the toy: "The Ranking Elephant-thing is odd. It transforms from a phallic Whale/Elephant transporter thing [Ranking Galley] into some sort of Basketball court [Ranking Arena]!?! I haven't seen the program that these toys come from, so perhaps a viewing would clear up my mystification about the need for such a device...the elephant, with his cheesy gold-plated crown, looks like one of those air fresheners that is often seen on taxicab dashboards. I found Ranking for $20 at Mandarake. Had I paid full retail, I might have been a little more dissatisfied. As it is though, Ranking looks pretty cool with all the other fellers,so I'm happy!" -- Coop "The last and rarest Robotack toy's the Randotsuuru (Land Tool?), a mail-away premium. It's some trophy that I assume is central to the plot of Robotack, and it transforms into a set of gold-plated limbs. Ooooh...Shiny... "1-4 and 6-8 are currently available at www.actionace.com. What the hell are you waiting for?" -- Erik "Yappy" Ando-yeap

Jason from Bullmark.com with new Saito Pics! "this is jason from bullmark.com, how are ya? "i've been busy since i got back from japan, on my last trip i was able to visit mr. saito at his home. i took quite a few pictures of his collection, since i got alot of requests from your readers who wanted to see it. please take a look at the photos, i uploaded it to my website..." -- Jason [Thanks Jason! -- A.Y.]

Terence with some Gundam News "I just thought you might like to know that Toys R Us is now selling Gundam model kits on their web site, the same goes for Etoys.com No SOC to be found, but it's a start. "Thanks for reading." -- Terence

Matt Alt on the Reissue Chogokin Raideen "The reissue of the Raideen chogokin was released in Tokyo to rave reviews. As you undoubtedly already know, the arms and legs have been changed for an 'updated look.' Interestingly, however, Bandai announced that they re-used the original mold for the body and head. Could similar refurbished new-old hybrids be in the works? Only time will tell." -- Matt

10/25/99: Toy Widows Unite!

Well, I'm kind of speechless.

An impromptu and bizarre meeting of the Toy Widows just occured in our very own Cafe Chogokin Chat!

TBDX Secret Press Agent Hiroko started the ball rolling by logging on and fielding "Yes I'm married to Matt" questions. Yappy's yin "Pokemistress" joined shortly thereafter, and was soon followed by AngryJohn's AngryGirl." My own Phantom Toy Widow Steph eventually logged on, and the rest is cafe history.

Click here to see a partial log of the estogen-heavy bash!

Welcome Cafe Chogokin/BBS Compadre Angry John with his First Ramble: "hopelessly addicted to magnemo power!" "alen, i finally made an attempt at a ramble: All Hail Magnetic Limbs! "just got 2 fixes... check em' out Microman (old) Titan command 471 and Acroyear Uniquer U613. (thanks Tom Bowman - Toymonster.com) "SELL ME YOUR MAGNETIC SOULS!!!!" -- aNgryjon

Roger Harkavy with the countdown to Toycom's V2K "A few rumors have been floating around lately that a quick call to Toycom has clarified: "Diamond Comics will not be the exclusive carrier for the Macross Plus Valkyries. They will be available through many distribution channels." "They are still planning to release the toys in Spring of 2000." "Design work in Japan has proceeded at a steady pace. The VF-11 prototype is now complete, the one for the YF-19 is in progress, and the last one to be designed will be the challenging YF-21." "Accessories will be designed last for each of these. Right now there are no firm plans for Super/Strike armor, either packaged with the 'bots or sold separately." "Depending on the success of the toys, Toycom would probably be more interested in making new toys of 'classic' VF-1 Valkyries afterwards. Repainting the Macross Plus ones to make Macross 7 versions is something they've considered, but they're more interested in giving the fans something fresh. (Sorry Miriya fans! That bright red 'stealth' VF-22 may not be landing for a while...)" "And since I know you like purty pitchers, here's the latest addition to the cube: my new Marmit Vinyl Paradise Ebirah, courtesy of my new best friend Chad Hensley. Today Ebirah wears the guise of Mogomra, the Giant Country Lobster. Fear him!" -- Roger

Matt "C3PO" Alt with more mind-numbing Toy News "Good news, kids! Bandai's just officially announced that they will produce a 'Mass Production Type Zaku' chogokin sometime after the Char's Zaku chogokin [pictured] goes on sale. Char's Zaku will hit the shelves in late November. The 'Mass Production' toy should be substantially identical to the Char, but will be painted in olive drab, of course. Look for it late this year or early next." "As a die-hard fan of insect-themed diecast, I nearly lost it when I heard that Uni-Five's going to be extending their wildly popular 'Shin-go-kin Grip' series. Check out these mini-diecasts of the Mekabuton, the Dotanbatan, and Kuwagatan. Each is stuffed full o' tiny gimmicks: the Mekabuton features removable wheels and detachable wings; the Dotanbatan contains a reeeealy tiny 'Shakutorin,'; and the Kuwagatan has a spring-driven propeller attachment. They're due out this fall at an estimated retail of 2,200 yen ($20) a pop. "And for all you vinyl fetishists out there, U5 is planning to try their hand at something you might like: this three-pack of retro-style Kamen Rider vinyls. The release date and price still aren't set yet. " "Think you're sick of over-hyped, event-special releases? Read on and share the pain along with your Japanese brothers on the Kong Tong BBS system:" - Bandai, please, stop it with the now-obligatory special event re-issues (especially the black ones.) What I REALLY want aren't reissues, but new SOCs! - I totally agree! The black versions are really ugly! I'm begging you, Bandai, completely fill-out the SOC line! - I feel the same way. I'm totally sick of 'premium' items....my friends are all like, 'I want this stuff to be sold retail! Enough with all the event specials already!' "Finally, check out the upcoming 'Desktop Model' of Tetsujin 28. Molded in transparent resin, the piece contains etched copper-sheet designed to replicate the internal organs of everyone's favorite pot-bellied hero. It's beautiful and elegant, but with a 12,000 yen ($110) price tag, it's clearly aimed at the executive set. Look for it at the end of December. " -- Matt

10/20/99: Exposed!

Since the buzz is simmering, somebody's got to prolong the thread. The "alleged" knockoff Litan Hero is IMHO a definite fake. Wanna see the details? Jump now to the Gallery of Love's Collection Narrative for pics and analysis.

(And thanks to Willy for the transaction, to Robert Duban for nurturing the topic, and to Big Science Dave for his ass-kicking pics!)

10/13/99: GunnnnnDAMN!

Scratch everything I said last month about "new toys." The Bandai Chogokin Gundam has floated to the top of my pile and now occupies the vaulted "next-to-mouse" position.

I know it's already been said many times on this site, but it needs to be said again: this sucker articulates! The weapons are totally satisfying, and the graceful joint mechanisms are a pleasure to, um, pose.

Check out Big Science's provactive photo spread, now in the Gallery of Love's Collection Narrative. (Thanks too to Tom the Greek!)

Matt sez Bandai Hype "The chogokin of 'Burn! Robocon!' is due out at the end of this month. Dubbed 'GD-13,' it transforms into a car, has a little holo-sticker inside his chest, and sports a nifty eye-switching gimmick (actuated by a dial on his back). The price? A paltry, bowel-roilingly decent 4,500 yen (around $40.) "Meanwhile, DANGER WILL ROBOCON! There are sporadic reports popping up on Japanese-language BBS systems regarding the chrome on Bandai's Robocon reissue. Seems that repeated skin-to-chrome contact (um, don't ask) can cause the gold plating to de-laminate and slough off the underlying chogokin. "Some are speculating that Bandai's chosen to go the cheap route with their materials. But who knows what kind of 'play' Japanese die-hards are giving their toys....Where's Robin-chan when you need her? "As for kaiju: now's the chance to start that vinyl collection you've always dreamed of. Check it out: Bandai's released a yummy promo-pic of everyone's favorite radioactive monster. Check out those sharp-ass spikes! Retail is 980 yen ($9). Look for him at the end of October. "Finally, I'm not a huge fan of Gashapon figurines, but I might make an exception in this case: Bandai's releasing a set of Macross guys in late October. At 200 yen a capsule, you can't really go wrong." -- Matt

10/10/99: Sunday Updates

Got my Marmit Getta 2 from the kool guys at Just Be and I'm thrilled. I've been dragged kicking and screaming into collecting the Fierce Legend line, and have been blown away by the escalating level of quality. Getta 2 comes with disco-stretch pants, and an "impressive" drill. Out of all the Super Robots at my office, he's the only one getting the "ooh" from the ladies.

Matt Alt with Toy Spool "I cant believe it eluded me for two entire years, but I just stumbled across a great site: www.sf3d.com, which is dedicated to the infamous S.F.3.D. powered-suit model kits put out by Nitto in the mid-Eighties. "S.F.3.D. was one of the gateway drugs that got me hooked on Japanese mecha design, and the kits were truly ahead of their time. Featuring rubber hoses, metal grilles, and other incredibly tiny detail, the designs were top-notch: check out the German WWII Wonder Weapon feel they've got going on. Most were 1:20 scale, but a single, Medicom-sized 1:6 scale powered suit was released as well. "The great news is that most of the line was just recently re-released -- pick up a few and find out what you've been missing." "Meanwhile, Banpresto recently produced a spectacular, fully-combining Zanbot III toy that's been driving Japanese fans wild. The only catch? It ain't for retail sale -- it's only being distributed through 'UFO Catcher' crane-game machines. It's a pretty complicated toy, and because it's made of that hardened vinyl-rubber that Banpresto loves to use for prize-toys, it's pretty heavy to boot. The only problem is that the arm of the average crane-game machine is calibrated for stuffed animals and other trinkets, not a heavy-duty piece like the Zanbot -- which makes the piece all but impossible to snag directly out of a UFO Catcher. This has led to hard feelings and a rash of complaints against Banpresto; in fact, Kong Tong Town felt the need to make an announcement on their BBS system that bribing game-arcade attendants to sell the prize retail was absolutely against the law." -- Matt

Roger Harkavy has Joy in Cubeville "At my day job as a mild-mannered technical writer, I do what I can to stave off the sterile atmosphere of my productivity pod by populating it with toys. Of course, in some offices one has to be a bit conservative to avoid strange looks. "In addition to the all-too-classy Enterprise-E and Taco Bell Yoda cup-topper (firmly pegging me as a geek for all seasons), I have this nifty pocket watch case that I showed off in the June 30 Ramble. I used to have a Drumlo Gashapon EX figure under there, but now my Yutaka GM-N figure stands proudly at the top of my mini-tower, overseeing the tasks and toils of my daily routine. "When anyone asks me about it, I tell them that it's an incredibly delicate one-of-a-kind piece that I sculpted and painted from scratch. Best to keep up the illusion - these 780-yen soft vinyl figures are pure crapola. "Hidden from everyone's view but my own, however, there's a war going on. My budding collection of Micromen and Acroyears are battling each other, magnetized to the side of my overhead storage compartment. "The way I've been gobbling up these little 500-yen figures, I think the cube wall it's mounted on will get its first true stress test - buckling under the weight of dozens of little 8 cm heroes and monsters. Good thing I don't use magnetic media anymore. "Back to the grind, my taskmaster approaches with the cat o' nine tails..." -- Roger

November 1999 | Ramble Index | September 1999