Alen Yen's ToyboxDX

	3.5.01-- 3.19.01


RUMBLE INDEX

3.19.01: AFFE Affectations

Big toy-related news regarding the Asian Fantasy Film Expo! Straight from the AFFE web site:

SHINICHI YOKOKAWA of Bandai's entertainment toy development division in Japan has been responsible for planning character toys based on Godzilla, Ultraman, Kamen Rider and more, including vinyl figures from Godzilla 2000 Millennium, Godzilla X Megaguirus and the exclusive Gamera 1999 figure available at AFFE last year. Mr. Yokokawa will be available to answer all your Bandai character toy questions in this first-ever US convention appearance.

Returning once again to AFFE following last year's guest appearance is NOBUHIRO ARAI from the entertainment toy development division at Bandai Japan. Mr. Arai has been planned of many popular product lines including the Godzilla Island/Toho Kaiju vinyl figure series, as well as toys based on the 90s Gamera and Mothra feature films and more. He will join Mr. Yokokawa in answering questions about the most popular toy company among kaiju fans today.

If you didn't have a reason for visiting scenic Saddle Brook, New Jersey this June, you should have one now.

-- Roger

3.19.01: It lives... Kinda...

We've put a stop-gap solution into place... Try to ignore the damn banner ads... Expect a brand spanking new 100% original TBDX BBS soon... maybe.

-- TBDX Rumble Crew

3.19.01: Chubby Wubby Dragun

Quick announcement: Marmit's Mini-gokin Getta Dragun is out. Available in three flavors: regular colors, prototype colors, and pimp chic. 9cm tall. Y2800. Comes with a comic book continuing the Go Nagai Mini-gokin saga.

-- Yappy

3.18.01: Hiropon NYC

My jaw drops to the gum-encrusted floor as I step into the F subway train. Across from me, a techicolor marvel screams from the beige plastic wall. It is an image well burned into my subconscious-- a familiar, jocular icon-- an illustration by Takashi Murakami, head honcho of the otaku-deconstructionist Hiropon Factory. Goddamn. Goddamn! I immediately try freeing the poster from the cruel frame clutching it. The other subway riders try to ignore me. I fail, lacking the necessary knife or specialized bolt-driver. Defeated, I can do nothing now but read the accompanying text:

3/14 - 4/13. Wink-- Works by Takashi Murakami.
Vanderbilt Hall. Grand Central Station.
Sponsored by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Goddamn!

-- Yappy

[3.19.01 update-- David Z. writes in with the following:
There's a fair sized article about Takashi Murakami and his work in the march 2001 issue of ARTNews (I think it's on newsstands now; I stumbled upon it at a pal's house). The article mentioned that his work will be on exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts April 25 - September 3.]

3.17.01: Nth Shin Getta

We've already seen styrene, vinyl, and diecast representations of the pointy headed robot from Bandai, Miracle House, Marmit, Yujin, and Kaiyodo. Now Romando has announced Shin Getta (a slightly redesigned Shin Getta vs. Neo Getta version) as the next member of their soft-vinyl Mecha-Roman action figure series-- a line that currently features Neo Getta and new-robot-on-the-block, Tryzenon.

Yes, Romando doesn't have the best reputation around these parts, especially with their notoriously chintzy robo-Hummel Action Stone line (which already featured ol' Shinny). But the Mecha-Romans hold some promise; they feature "full articulation" (though closer to Kaiyodo's early Victory Action Figure attempts than a HCM) and stand around 20cm tall. Shin Getta lands at the end of this month and is priced at Y3000.

-- Yappy

3.14.01: Prepare Yourself

Perhaps you remember last year's Tokyo Toy Show -- our first glimpses of Dendoh, R/C Zaku, TimeRobo, and other toys we spent the following 12 months talking about.

The 2001 Tokyo Toy Show is upon us. The public part of the show runs on the 24th and 25th at the Tokyo International Exposition Hall ("Tokyo Big Sight"). Admission is only about $10.

Last year, 187 companies materialized for the big show. This year is expected to be larger, with names from Bandai to King Dam in Hong Kong ... from RoboCup to Yamato. It'll be a ride.

-- Darren

3.13.01: Hattori Trick

Because everyone begged and begged for it, Japanese toy store Modern Bunka Market will produce store-exclusive limited edition vinyls (500 only) of everyone's favorite hero, Ninja Hattori-kun. And not the adorable manga/anime version (see the Yonezawa Datafile for more), but the mean-as-a-rottweiller 1966 tokusatsu version. Gaze into the blank-eyed, megacephalic visage of cruel ninjitsu death, puny mortals! 23cm tall vinyl Hattori-kun will be sold as a set with a mini-sized version of his sidekick Kaiju Jippou (Y9800). The store will also offer 500 mid-sized Jippou's (Y4800). Be sure to get in line early on April 8th!

-- Ninja Yappy vs. Kaiju Darren

3.12.01: Play:

It goes without saying that Bandai takes character design seriously, and now they've taken the first step towards taking off the "kid-gloves" -- the establishment of a "character gallery space" in downtown Tokyo. Dubbed "Asobi:" ("Play:"), it's mainly a one-stop shop for grabbing Bandai goodies. However, it'll also feature a space for the display of various character-related gallery shows.

Fittingly enough, it's at the "Ningyo-cho" ("doll-town") stop on the Asakusa line of the Japanese subway system.

-- Matt

3.12.01: Not for children under 14 years

To quote an anonymous early 21st century poet...

Time GAIKOTTS
A time machine that can be operated by remote.
Put it on its head, and ideas and cool plans come out
from its body and legs everytime!
In the cockpit is equipment for Fanfare of the week.

-- Yappy

3.12.01: Ishinomori Insanity

Two of Shotaro Ishinomori's most revered tokusatsu creations get the five star toy treatment...

Medicom goes all out with the release of their 100th 12" Real Action Hero: a brand spanking new Kamen Rider 1 figure. But this sure ain't your grandma's dolly-- this is the most obsessively detailed RAH yet. This Kamen Rider will sport a new "RAH 300" (that's 300mm) body that'll feature "improved proportions and body lines" as well as all the standard articulation. The mask separates correctly to reveal the grim visage of Hongo Takeshi. The gloves and boots will have "realistic leather texture," and the Henshin Belt... well, check it out. Photo-etched Typhoon (spinny thingy). Ridiculously accurate energy convertor with all the proper dials and meters. Real locking mechanism. Whee.

All this comes at a hefty price-- Y19800-- and a limited release-- an initial run of 3000. Expect RAH no. 100 "sometime later this year."

Unifive shrinks Ishinomori's primary colored android, Kikaider, into an original manga-style (or recent anime style) toy. There's conflicting information at this time-- we're not sure if this toy will be a new Cho Shin Gokin, or if will be something entirely different-- a "Neo Action Figure." We're also unsure if it'll be 25 or 30 cm tall. What we do know is that unlike the prototype pictured, the final toy will have a ton of articulation and "realistic" details, including boot jet nozzles. The main gimmick will be an electronic light-up head, activiated by pressing the belt buckle. Price and date are TBD.

-- Yappy & Darren

3.11.01: Tanks for the Memories

There's no doubt that the MSiA topic du jour is the recently released Hyaku Shiki. Sure it's a pretty, pimp-style figure, but no one has uttered a peep about the true hero of the Gundam multiverse: the mighty RX-75 Guntank.

Its sheer mass makes an immediate impression. Though certainly not as tall as the rest of the original Gundam trinity, this mutha has "wide load" written all over it; the lower body is a solid chunk of dense PVC. In fact, Guntank's only slightly smaller than the massive Zeong. The joy is in the details: a freakishly flourescent yellow Hayato Kobayashi (or is it the ghost of Ryu Jose?) peeks out from the clear blue cockpit canopy. Little details like the four thrusters on the underside are painted. There's the expected articulation: full arm motion (with rotating gun barrels), elevating shoulder cannons with a smidge of lateral motion, and waist rotation. The head also tilts up, but its placement restricts the range of rotation.

Of course, this piece of toy crack is not going to satisfy every purist. Hayato is slightly out of scale; If Amuro was the same size, he certainly wouldn't fit inside the chest of the much svelter Gundam MSiA. Some might also take issue with that gaudy yellow; I personally think it looks like brain matter... a la Hakaider... creepy fun. The PVC shoulder cannons will also suffer from (to borrow Darren's coinage) "Gashapon Disease"-- soft plastic droop. Although the treads are seperate pieces-- a nice touch, the wheels of the Guntank are glued to the chassis. Nope, Guntank don't roll.

Still, the sheer mass of Guntank makes the the other bipedal MSiAs look like pansies. And to add more fuel to the eternal "True MSiAs stomp U.S. Gundam Action Figures" debate, the newest MSiA boxes also have individualized backdrops and serve as handy dioramas. Bonus.

-- Yappy

3.10.01: Gucci Getta

Before Studio Half Eye forever seals the Perfect Change Getta Robo molds in the vaults of character robot history, it's getting one last hurrah.

SHE is currently producing a limited run of BLACK versions of the figure to ship in April for Y46,000. With only 120 to be produced, this is a first-come, first-served arrangement, and you have to make reservations now through one of the few retailers authorized to sell the figure. (Noda-ya being one of them.)

As Noda-ya says, "This is guaranteed to be rare."

-- Yappy & Darren

3.10.01: I Believe In Miracles...

Tired of all the Soul of Popinika Yamato hoopla? Sick of Bandai getting all the gokin glory? Well, remember how upstart Miracle House created a certain diecast Getta toy that managed to trump the revered SOC line in terms of diecast content and quality? This time they're targeting Bandai's upcoming Leiji Matsumoto spaceship with... another Leiji Matsumoto spaceship.

Feast your eyes on the prototype for Miracle House's second official Shin Seiki Gokin (well technically 3rd, if you include the Devil-wing Shin Getta)... Captain Harlock's Arcadia. This 31.5cm long beauty will feature:

Fully moveable turrets
Light-up bridge
A tiny, in-scale Space Wolf
"Almost completely diecast construction, with the teensiest bit of ABS plastic"
A stand that includes Tochiro's hat! TOCHIRO'S HAT!

So it might not have as many features as the SOP Yamato, but the Arcadia is priced much lower at Y12000. Pray that it'll make its expected July release date. And in true Miracle House tradition, a limited run of 3000 "battle-damaged" Arcadias will also be released.

But wait! That's not all! Check out Shin Seiki Gokin #3: Neo Getta in full color! This revisionist Getta Robo Go will stand 17cm tall and feature two gimmicks: the Chain Knuckle and launching Shoulder Missiles. It'll also come with a "Plasma Thunder" accessory and the requisite transparent chest and shin pieces.

And the limited edition variant for little boy blue? Miracle House upturns the toy industry by introducing the very first "limited gimmick edition." 2000 repainted Neo Gettas will come with different engineering-- the spring-loaded Knuckle Punch. Love or hate Miracle House's marketing team, you'd better have Y9800 saved away for Neo Getta's August release. It's going to be a very, very expensive year.

-- Yappy, Matt, & Darren

3.10.01: A Quick FIX

Here are a few new shots of Gundam Fix Figuration #2- PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam: in the buff and dressed to kill. Expect this wee monster at the end of this month.

-- Yappy

3.10.01: Feelings

Introducing the next entry in Bandai's Kamen Rider Agito "Cloth" Chogokin line: the Amazon-esque anti-hero, Kamen Rider Gils. The toy will feature diecast armor and accessory parts for the "Gils-Claw" and the unfortunately named "Gils-Feeler." Set for a late April release and priced at a relatively paltry Y2200, Gils should make a cheap post-Daiku chogo-crack fix...

-- Yappy

3.9.01: Zorku

You encounter a Zaku in a crumbling city. The Zaku hands you a glowing beam sabre, and darts off into a cave laughing maniacally. What do you do?

(A) Attack, (R) Run, (S) Search, (C) Command
?_

-- Darren

3.8.01: FIX, the Third

A little more info on the upcoming Gundam FIX #0003, the GP-01 Zephyrantes ... it will ship with shield, rifle, long barrel rifle, bazooka, machine gun, beam rifle, and other accessories.

The 135mm tall figure is promised to have better poseability than FIX #0001, including the ability to assume the poses found in Katoki's art. (Just smile and nod, folks.) Y2,680 in May.

A very tiny note: the statue shipping with SoC BLACK Grendizer will be none other than Duke Fleed. Couldnt've guessed that, could ya? You were thinking Panhandle, huh? Admit it. Y15,800 in June.

-- Darren

3.8.01: Zoo Ranger

Lotsa power-up Power Animals on the horizon for DX GaoKing. We've already covered Gao Elephant, his sword and shield, and Gao Giraffe his -- um -- lance? They will be available this month for Y1,500 each. Next up is Gao Black Bear and Gao White Bear (names subject to change), to be sold as a set in April for Y3,000. They appear to be some kind of power-up arms.

The month of May will see Gao Gorilla for Y2,000. Not sure what he does, but Ryou had the G-Phone's gorilla form nailed long ago ...

-- Darren

3.8.01: Gundam US Tour

Bandai is going all out- and sending one of Japan's famous mobile tours throughout the US to promote Gundam. A huge tractor-trailer, dressed to look like the control area of a Mobile Suit Production facility, with full-size props and multi-media interactive displays illustrating the array of Gundam mecha, stories and battles. Tour-specific hats, shirts, toys and items + free gifts. Wal-Mart and ToysRus are sponsoring it, so I hope it visits our area!

[Yappy: Chances are the Gundam trailer will tour alongside Bandai's Power Rangers Time Force mobile tour. Make sure you get into the right vehicle!]

-- AcroRay

3.7.01: "Dammit, Yappy..."

I'm not even going to try to justify this any more. OK, maybe I'll try a little. Observe: Bandai's DX Choshinka Imperialdramon. It's big, an impressive 9" to the top of its crown, and it transforms, though it's not the most complex henkei. And yes, damn it, it's from a kiddie show. Then again, notables like the Time Bokan series, Tryder G-7, and Zanbot 3 were also kiddie shows. But who's keeping score?

It's all about design purity, and this toy has that "it." Imperialdramon shouts out to the old-school with its self-consciously "Nagai"-esque color scheme. Its basic form and proportions follow the current school of neo-classical Super Robot design. And the toy just feels like one of the classic Bandai DX all-plastic toys from the mid to late 80's. Clean lines, smooth functional engineering-- that's classic Japanese toy design.

There are two nagging reminders that this toy is an early 21st century artifact: the ball-joint contruction (the millenial shortcut) and the glaringly cheap hollow inner thighs. Still, the mass of this thing, its transformation gimmick, its aesthetics-- all make it worth the Y3200 retail. At least for me... kinda... maybe...

So will this see a cheaper, domestic release? I can't say for sure. Bandai America never released last year's more complex Japanese D*gimon toys. And although other 8" figures were shown at Toy Fair 2001, Imperialdramon wasn't on display, nor is it mentioned in any of BoA's 2001 press kits or catalogs.

Well, it's time for my xanax now...

-- Yappy

3.6.01: ChoGAOkin

Good news, Sentai fans! The DX GaoKing returns to the realm of Chogokin as toy number GD-21! The exact diecast content is unclear, but it promises to be substantially more than the plasticy Victory Robo and Time Robo.

Here's a good look at GaoKing's Tank Mode, featuring GaoBison, who seems to carry the bulk of the diecast. It looks as if his folding wallet design may require zinc strength.

The entire toy is finished in metallic paint, and looks sharp. The arms feature Kadou Senshi type shoulder-forward joints -- an innovation in sentai robots.

-- Darren

3.6.01: Tini But Growing

You may remember Yappy's Rumble about Run'A's new Kubrick-like Tinibiz line. (You do remember Yappy, don't you?) Here's a peak at some of their first offerings.

Look for Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Z-Ton, Metron, King Joe, Baltan, DaDa, and Pegassa ... all "coming soon".

Speaking of Kubrick, here's their Special Force 3 set, coming in June.

-- Darren

3.6.01: Return of Bubble Cast

Because Perfect Grade isn't enough -- Bandai's heart-stopping 1:12 Super Scale Hybrid Model, the ever popular Zaku II, will be available at the Tokyo Toy Show later this month.

Made of styrofoam and a pinch of ABS, Zaku is almost FIVE FEET TALL. Price is Y200k. That's about $1,700. For that price, you should get two, and leave one in the box.

-- Darren & Yappy

3.6.01: Broken Bokan

Here's a little peek at the upcoming "Damaged Version" of the Cho Shin Gokin Gaikottsu. It'll be available in April. The battle-worn interior features a different set of figures than the normal Gaikottsu's.

You may also be interested in the decent diecast content in the evil little mech.

In other Unifive news, here's some photo evidence that the much anticipated God Phoenix will feature its most important gimmick yet ... wing droop.

-- Darren

3.5.01: Daiku Delay!!!

The top secret Chogo-Phone rings out in the night ... the news is bleak ...

SOC Daiku Maryu will most likely be delayed due to "minor issues". We will bring you details as we get them.

-- Matt

3.5.01: State of the Karma

I was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful generosity of people from all over the USA. Tennessee, Georgia, Massachusetts, Washington, California. The list goes on. And, for a while during mid-December, I was receiving packages for Toy Karma everyday. But it wasn't just the quantity that was donated. It was the quality... MORE!

-- Felicia "Flea" Friesema

3.5.01: Gucci Grendy

Black UFO! Masato Shono reports we will see a BLACK SoC Grendizer.

-- Darren

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