Alen Yen's ToyboxDX

	2.18.01-- 3.4.01


RUMBLE INDEX

3.4.01: GimmieGaiGar

A lot of you have turned a cold shoulder to Kotobukiya's once recalled Souzetsu (Heroic) Gokin Gaofighgar, either holding out for GGG himself, or scared away from the fledgling figure line by reports of poor quality.

Belay both concerns. Souzetsu Gokin Gaogaigar, originally scheduled to be on shelves back in September, will ship at the end of May for Y12,800.

Personal experience and (most) reports from the field indicate that the quality problems have been repaired. While not quite on par with the SoC standard, the PVC, ABS, and diecast Souzetsu Gokin figure promises to be imposing, heavy, and a must-have for GGG fans.

-- Darren

3.4.01: Crawler Galliar

Finally, after being on the market several days, somebody has some pics of WMiA Walker Galliar up. But, it's not much.

See Ryou's pictures of Galliar and his oversized arsenal. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks Death Garry Gun looks a bit like Iron Gear ...

-- Darren

3.3.01: A Little Slice of Jaburo

Some interesting crane game prizes are coming out in April. The MTSS Kidou Senshi Gundam series is a set of four dioramas that snap together to form a busy hanger display -- very similar to the Gundam Operation V set.

Each diorama features a "real type" scene of battle damaged Gundam armor. Choose between GM, Gundam, Guncannon, and a Zaku / Gouf pile. The 7cm figures offer limited poseability. The set of four retails for Y2,100.

Also, the "DX" crane game Gundam figures we originally reported on in our 24 November Rumble are still on track for May, but are now priced at Y2,980 for a complete set of two.

-- Darren

3.2.01: Moment of Zen

Today's Moment of Zen is brought to you by Aoshima.

-- Darren

3.1.01: Ah. Agito.

New Chogokin Agito action figure released. Stop. Like Kuuga "cloth" figures from last year. Stop.

Diecast armor parts for "Storm" form, "Flame" form, and "Grand" form. Stop. Bandai will continue this line with release of Chogokin Sochaku-Henshin Kamen Rider 1-Go, Kamen Rider 2-Go, V3, and a repackaged Kuuga Mighty From. Stop. Cheap Chogo-fun. Stop.

[Please stop -- Darren]

-- Yappy. Stop.

3.1.01: Takara's March

Takara announces their updated schedule for the month of March ...

Megatron Reissue	Y4,980	Mid-March
Brave Giant Gattai King Exkaiser	Y6,980	Mid-March
Wave Rider Jaguaron	Y2,200	End of March
Wave Rider Sharkon	Y2,200	End of March
Wave Rider Griffion	Y2,200	End of March
Wave Rider Galleun	Y3,980	End of March
Wave Rider GrandBlade	Y3,800	End of March
Wave Rider Flash Gattai Gradion	Y2,980	End of March

-- Darren

2.28.01: Repro Man

If you're an educated Brave Max owner, you may know that the giant is a reproduction of the old Fort Max toy, and your beloved hulk was deprived of some of the original's accessory guns. A few lucky prize winners in Japan were given the full treatment of accessories, but to the masses: squat.

Along comes Ken at KCC Collectibles. Ken is doing a little light manufacturing of his own. In addition to selling quite an array of repro Transformers parts, he's taken on the challenge of Brave Max' armament. Take a look at the Dual Cannon, which I recently received in the post.

The finished product is right on. The surface detail is great and the plastic quality is excellent. The gun has a nice, unbroken shine, and does not at all look like something you made in your basement. Granted, it's not going to fool anyone who's specifically looking for imposter parts, but it is a SWEET, high-quality gun for your toy. Give 'em a look!

-- Darren

2.28.01: Golden-Shiki

Reverse Pentagram presents some pictures of MSiA Hyaku-Shiki! Enjoy!

-- Darren

2.28.01: Micro Drama!

Felix Lu of Fantasia Toyz pours on the MicroScoop straight from Nihon ...

There will be even MORE special recolors of the Microman Robotman reissue. These are planned for Toys R Us and department store issue later this fall. A prize reissue of the four inch Robotman vinyl is also on the horizon.

But get this: Takara is holding Acroyear hostage! That's right, they are threatening "no more Microman reissues" ... and that means Acroyear ... unless current reissue sales pick up!

See Fantasia Toyz for more Micro news!

-- TBDX Rumble Crew

2.28.01: Gao DX Debut

A brief note on pricing and availability from the world of Daltaneous, I mean Ohranger -- uh, make that Gaoranger ...

The much harassed King of Beasts DX GaoKing will be available from Bandai at the end of March for Y6,000. GaoKing's first Power Up Power Animal, the GaoElephant, will hit the market at the same time for Y1,500.

GaoElephant's pachyderm parts form a shield and sword for GaoKing in a Dendoh Data Weapon kind of way. GaoKing himself sports more traditional gimmicks. He splits between his five component Power Animals, and transforms into his cleverly named Tank Mode. If you thought Dino Tanker was bad, get a load of this -- it's Dyna Garry with animals riding on top. A circus train with weapons!

-- Darren

2.27.01: Zinc Giant

Some posed and poised studio photography of old sphinx-head. Yamato's Giant Robo, another Billy Wong sculpt (he did their Valks, too), weighs in at two pounds of diecast, ABS, and PVC. Unless you've been living under a rock, you're aware there are two versions available: one armed with missiles which may be deployed or hidden, and one armed with his removable bazooka.

American pre-orders of the product to be distributed by Toycom are going on now. Contact your fave Diamond distributor for a surprisingly affordable price.

The bazooka / backpack assembly is lush with detail -- dig that retro-mecha styling. Dig that big, bulbous arm. Dig the detail in those missile arrays. But, curiously, check out that ribbed, inner shoulder joint -- it looks remarkably like a well-crafted shoulder joint in another diecast marvel of toy ...

-- Darren

2.26.01: Where Are They?!?

... All ye who complain that Getta Curly Stooge gets no respect amongst the toy elite? Toward the end of June, Marmit will release three Mini Gokin versions of Getta Poseidon: normal, gold, and prototype colors.

Nine centimeters of diecast. All for Y2,800 each.

-- Darren

2.26.01: Bokan Bokin

Unifive's Time Bokan Gaikottsu is on the shelves today! Price: Y6,800.

-- Darren

2.25.01: Bits 'n Pieces

You might be interested to see the official Bandai release photo of the Soul of Popinica Yamato. Dig that gun barrel articulation. Dig that Cosmo Cleaner. What would you do without a Cosmo Cleaner, after all?

Here's a little set of gashapon figures coming out soon. The set of five includes (from left to right): Iron Gear, TorunFam, L.Gaim Mk2, Duraphe, and Daitan 3. Note what might be a tiny little clear Xabungle at Iron Gear's feet. TorunFam and Duraphe are from ViFam, a Real Robot anime from around the beginning of the dark ages.

-- Darren & Yappy

2.24.01: Look Familiar?

Tomorrow, some limited edition goods may be had at the Tokyo Toy Festival. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Unifive is letting loose with their limited Retro Repro Soft Vinyl Series, and we begin with Daiku Maryu and Boss Borot.

There are only 200 sets available, and they are selling for a man (about $90). Oh, and yes ... Boss has a magnetic snap-on head.

-- Yappy & Darren

2.23.01: Goldfighgar

Another brief note: a gold version of the Kotobukiya Souzetsu Gokin Gaofighgar will be out at the end of April. Retail hasn't changed.

-- Darren

2.23.01: Golden Goodness

A brief note: MSiA Hyaku-Shiki is on the shelves for Y1,200. He's equipped with rifle and missile launcher.

-- Darren & Yappy

2.23.01: Astro Gokin

Today, we humbly bring you a little insight on Unifive's upcoming Tetsuwan Atom -- also known as Astroboy in some parts of the world.

Once again, Unifive realizes the Cho Shin Gokin dream: a good balance between mold proportions and gimmick factor. Atom appears to be a fine sculpt derived from his best-known, animated incarnation. He's a fairly poseable young 'bot. Assisted by his Kadou Senshi type shoulder-forward joints, he can manage all the famous Atom "guts poses".

Gimmicks include opening chest-hatch, optional flame exhaust feet, blue LED glowing eyes, and optional fists. A three-jointed stand is included so Atom can be captured in various mid-air poses.

Sadly, there is no sign of his butt-mounted machine gun. A sale date will be announced soon. Retail price will be Y6,800.

-- Yappy & Darren

2.22.01: Perfectly Kaput

Production ends for Studio Half Eye's Perfect Change Getta One. There is only one left in SHE's office, a lonely tribute to a ground-breaking line. No word on whether or not production may be restarted in the future.

-- Darren & Matt

2.22.01: Ye Olde Bandai Dirte

After reading Yappy's Toy Fair coverage, you might be excited about the new domestic Gundam toys. We certainly are. But just how Japanese are they?

Matt Alt rakes in the dirt over the top secret Pacific Connection ChogoPhone ...

The base MSiA offerings were -- of course -- developed in Asia, but all the other Gundam toys were developed locally by Bandai of America. "Micro-playset" toys are all the rage in the US, so the same tried-and-true toy engineering was put into the Gundam goods.

However, "micro-playset" doesn't mean tiny. The Albion is roughly 25cm long, and the Musai is no slouch at 20cm. The Gau and Medea each have 15cm wingspans.

There are no plans to release these toys in Japan. Of course, there's not a big market for true G0079 toys in Japan, but you can bet Japanese collectors will want to get their hands on these.

Long live G-Armor! That boring Core Booster is heresy!

-- Darren

2.21.01: Another Core

Kotobukiya is pressing on with their AC2 line of high-end action figures. Some details have been announced for the new Armored Core 2: Another Age figures.

The Emerald ECL-ONE, not radically different from its predecessor, will ship in May for Y3,500. The beautiful, crimson GeoMatrix ZCH-GR/1 will hit shelves in June for Y3,800. Also coming is the Emerald ECH-D4, with more details on the way.

-- Darren

2.20.01: The End is Nigh

As we've reported earlier, Sanrio's dropping the popular Keroppi from their line-up. The official company explanation is their star's long bouts with "exhaustion." But rumors of Keroppi's substance abuse have been spreading since the mysterious disappearance of Tuxedo Sam.

Fear not, true believers, Sanrio's unleashing a replacement: the cuddly Robow@n. That's right-- a robot dog. Ingenious! 100% original! Never before seen! What will they think of next?!

-- Yappy Damashii

2.19.01: More U5 Dioramas

The little diorama that comes with Zenda Lion is just spiffy. The diorama planned for the upcoming Gaikottsu is even better. It's Marjyo's little spooky mansion hide-out. And it's internally lit. (Oohs and Aahs, please.)

A set of figures depicting Marjyo and her gang of half-wits is included to grace the diecast Gaikottsu's cockpit (and vanity couch).

Also, look for an announced "Battle Damaged Version" of the Gaikottsu coming soon! Is this a trend? First the Gucci version, then the Tarantino version?

-- Yappy & Darren & Matt (Oh my!)

2.19.01: Kubrick Till You Drop

Can't get enough Kubrick packed into your days?

Kubrick connoisseur Joe Buck has found a Yahoo Group for fans of Medicom's stubby little block-men. Check it out by clicking here.

-- Roger

2.19.01: Popinika Hogs

The time nears for a fresh batch of Kamen Rider motorcycles from Bandai's Popinika line. Agito's Machine Torneda will transform ... kinda ... into "Slider Mode", the preferred skateboard of insectoid cyborgs. It will go on sale at the end of April.

Kamen Rider G3's Guard Chaser will find its way on shelves at the end of May. Both will retail for Y2,980, and both saddled with little fixed-pose bow-legged rider figures.

-- Darren

2.18.01: Don't Cell & Drive

Japanese toy fan RYOU has graced us with pictures of the first toy for the new Gaoranger series -- it's the G-Phone from Bandai. Yes, that's right. It's a transforming cell phone.

Used by the Gaoranger sentai to transform into their fighting modes, the G-Phone can emulate the forms of all of Gaoranger's component animal mecha by snapping on the right animal-head antennae topper (oh, dear Lord above) and fiddling with the arms and legs. Gao-Lion, -Eagle, and -Shark forms are pictured -- Gao-Bison and -Tiger didn't make the photo shoot.

The silly pictures at the bottom are Ryou's speculation about the animal form of the obligatory "sixth hero" to come along during the second half of the show.

The retail is Y2,980 and B/O gimmicks provide lots of light and sound action. And please -- don't transform the G-Phone while driving.

Yes, Yappy ... I suppose I'll probably end up getting one ... Happy?

-- Darren

2.18.01: Gatcha-Pon

Yujin has just released their boxed five-pack of gashapon-ish non-poseable Gatchaman figures. The PVC figures are 6cm tall, and retail for Y1,980.

-- Darren

Previous | RUMBLE INDEX | Next