[Alen Yen's ToyboxDX]


    7.29.01-- 8.7.01
RUMBLE INDEX

8.7.01: Gangu-ji

Q: What do the Japanese characters used at Toynami's web site mean?

A: In Japanese, those characters can be pronounced "TO-O-I-NA-MI". It's kind of fun to try to find characters that can be pronounced to sound like your name. Finding characters, though, that sound like your name AND have cool meanings is especially challenging.

The first character means "far", "distant", or "a long way". The second character refers to living by your own principals, or following your heart. The same character is used in the word "ronin", if that helps. Perhaps "rogue" or "renegade" is a decent translation.

So, together, they could mean something like "Rogues from Far Away". You get the picture. They are wandering traders from across the ocean.
-- Darren
8.6.01: CompuGokin Majinga 3DZ

Sanjeev Shankar Selvaraj sends in some awesome CG renderings of the classic Chogokin Mazinger Z. Sanjeev says the work is done in Pro/ENGINEER release 2001. See all three pictures of airborne gokin action!

ZAP! | POW! | BIFF!

Notice: Download the full-sized set of these pictures by clicking here (300k). This link will become invalid once this Rumble is archived.
-- TBDX Rumble Crew
8.6.01: GaoJekyll / GaoHyde

Some confusion has been expressed over the dual-release of GaoHunter. Here's some clarification. The original GaoHunter toy, the "Demon Beast Gattai" GaoHunter, represented the character back when he was naughty.

He is now a nice guy, and comes home promptly after work, and always compliments his wife on her cooking. His title is now "All Beasts Gattai" (like the kanji used with the other GaoRanger mecha).

Bandai no longer produces the former version. However, the only real difference between the items is the box. The toy inside is the same. The two characters do form different heads ... but either toy can form either head. No biggie.

You should only feel compelled to buy both toys if you have some strange box fetish, like Josh Fraser.

Images courtesy of Popo's Room.
-- Darren
8.5.01: BanPreview

Banpresto showed off their range of upcoming prize merchandize at the Asakusa View Hotel in Tokyo on August 2. The darling of the show appears to be their Gundam Desktop Model RX-78 Ver. Katoki. Actually, the item's name is quite a bit longer than that, but sheesh.

The item is based on a 1:144 resin kit, and is fully articulated in the upper body. It will come with Core Fighter, beam saber, hyper bazooka, shield, beam rifle, and extra hands. It won't be available until March 2002, but as Banpresto says, "A Gundam fan will look forward to the release and be patient." Hear that?

Also on display were new Kamen Rider Agito items, but most important is a sneak peak at Agito's two new forms: Shining (on the left) and Burning (on the right). Pictured are the new "Battle Form Figure" mini-action figures. Gils' (far right) new form was not available for photographs. G-3X is on the far left.

Banpresto also offers photo-ops for their fixed-pose Big Size Soft Vinyl Figures, including Agito's Shining Form. Other Big Size figures include the currently popular releases of "regular" Agito and Agito Flame (top), and Agitos Grand, Trinity, and Storm (bottom) that will ship in November.

News compiled from Gamespot/Japan news service.
-- Darren & Yappy
8.5.01: Cosmo Consumerism

Next up in Bandai's line of Ultraman Cosmos support vehicles is the Core Module Proto Troy Total. In addition to the standard removable Core Module gimmick, the VTOL also features deployable arms that can be outfitted with speakers or giant boxing gloves(!). ¥2890. Available any day now.

If you prefer silver bug-eyed giants to spaceships, check out Banpresto's 15cm tall "Fighting Costume" Cosmos figures. Fully poseable and decked out in cloth costumes, both Lunar mode (blue) and Corona mode (red) Ultramen will be available from your favorite prize-toy resellers this month. Bonus "Basical version" Baltan Sejin and Neo-Baltan mini-figures included.
-- Not Darren
8.4.01: It Had to be Made

Just so you understand the total extent of my bona fide geekiness, nearly every lunch period of my 6th grade year was spent in the library with my best friend ... drawing robots. With our mechanical pencils and spiral-bound notebooks, we exhausted every possible transformation gimmick that 11-year-old minds could conjure. On rare occasions, we would hike up to my house for lunch (we had an open campus) to see what weed-induced fantasies Tatsunoko had dreamed up for today's episode of Otasukeman... MORE!
-- Darren
8.4.01: Green Divers

The Tokyu Bunka Kaikan in Shibuya presents Green Divers, a 23 minute long "Gundam Neo Experience" set in 0087. The movie is a combination of CG and animation, and is projected on three screens, the largest of which is a 20-meter dome from a salvaged planetarium.

This may give the viewer an experience similar to OmniMAX projection. If you haven't sat thru an OmniMAX/IMAX viewing of Hail Columbia! or The Dream is Alive, the environment is very immersive, and some of the images of planetfall will leave you gripping your seat for fear of falling to Earth.

The Green Divers story involves a passenger ship that falls to Earth after being crippled by a random MS attack. As is often the case with anime, a brief science tutelage is included in the show.

It begins August 10. Don't be surprised if limited edition MSiA turns up from this. Adult admission is ¥1000. Produced by Sunrise with special supervision by Tomino-san.
-- Darren
8.3.01: Gundam Growth

From March of last year, Cartoon Network recorded Gundam Wing as having its #1 audience rating in their North American market. With synergy from Bandai, 25 million (USD) in sales were produced, centering around plastic model kits.

This year, throwing in Playstation 2 games and a full toy line, Bandai expects to realize sales double the previous year. Cartoon Network has already moved Gundam Wing to Australia, and it will be aired in Italy in the fall.

In the broader toy market, sales receipts are in from late July. The top sellers in Japan relevant to Toybox readers are:
  • 1st -- B-Blade (Takara)
  • 3rd -- GaoHunter (Bandai)
  • 4th -- GaoKing (Bandai)
  • 6th -- MG Ingram (Bandai)
  • 10th -- GaoMuscle (Bandai)
News compiled from Gantsu news service.
-- Darren
8.3.01: Trade Talk

The Tokyo Character Show 2001, ending on 22 July, saw 55,000 in attendance to see exhibitions from 55 different companies over two days. That's a high for the show. Tired of waiting, another 16,000 bailed out of line. The summer vacation season is starting, and standing in line isn't a fun holiday.

Bandai's private toy show, Rumbled about here on the 29th, was focused on getting retailers on board with their mid-year strategy: selling upgrades to the items sold in the first half of the year. This is nothing new, but has turned into a major corporate focus. In Character Toys, Bandai will push new story lines in their character shows, driving more sales. Kamen Rider Agito, Ultraman Cosmos, and GaoRanger will carry the brunt of this campaign.

GaoRanger will go the recycled route of having a former rival (GaoSilver) change his allegiance. New toys will include the previously announced GaoFalcon, shown here in a combination called GaoIkarus. I fear Wing Gundam Custom will be heartbroken. The bionic bird has a 22 inch wingspan, and will sell for ¥4000 in the middle of September.

Similar mid-year drives are being made with Digimon and Godzilla characters. Bandai is also strongly marketing their Innovative Toy line and Mattel offerings. Hitting hard with character items for girls, they are driving for a 150% increase in girls' character toys sales.

News compiled from Gantsu news service.
-- Darren
8.3.01: "It's Over Prime...It's Over!"

Well this thing has worn me out, but I'm pleased. The total height is 26.5" (27" if you measure from the real barrel.") The Photon Cannon measures 20" long and can be added and removed with the use of peg dowels. If you look at the circled areas you will see that with this design the Photon Cannon actually works as a brace to take the pressure off of the elbow joint.

I tried using magnets to hold the cannon in place but they couldn't handle the bulk. The cannon is being held up in the picture but this will not be the case when produced. (The Photon Cannon on the prototype weighs about 1/3 of the whole Megatron!). The rear gun barrel has been lengthened and relocated where it doesn't get in the way of the gun while still allowing the waist to rotate.

HEAD | BODY | BACKSIDE | CANNON

Tomorrow...The extra surprise complete with pics.
-- Marvin
8.2.01: SoC Getta G Announcement

An important note regarding Soul of Chogokin Getta Robo G: As of this date, 2 August 2001, Alen Yen's ToyboxDX is aware of no plans to produce an SoC Getta G toy. There is no evidence to suggest one will be made, or will ever be made. Bandai doesn't seem to care. SoC Getta G is a fantasy.

Thank you, that is all. We are very sorry, Mario. Honest.
-- TBDX Rumble Crew
8.2.01: Unifive Overdrive

Before Unifive's latest Cho Shin Gokin toy, Tetsuwan Atom, even sees shipping day, we already have news of an Atom recolor! Osamu Tezuka fans attending the Dream of Atom event -- going on right now in Tokyo -- are able to place their reservation for a retro-recolor Atom, complete with rosey red cheeks and metal-tone briefs.

The recolor bears a close resemblance to the original Atom tin toys of days past. On a negative note, Atom will ship in one of those hideous plastic trays, perhaps anchored by twist ties. Nothing runs a new toy high more than those miserable trays. Bah.

In other Cho Shin Gokin news, the display stand for the God Phoenix is completed. Fans will note that the crescent shaped base represents Gatchaman's artificial island home.

Check out the over-the-top Firebird parts accessory for the Phoenix (Hi no Tori). This soft vinyl shell completely encases the G-team's diecast ride. Insane. And probably expensive. Unifive is already reporting that this will be a "super rare" accessory.
-- Darren
8.2.01: Tetsujin Express 999

999 pieces of the metallic color model of the Tetsujin 28 Kubrick that was only distributed at the San Diego Comic Convention in June 2001 will be specially released in a limited edition!

It's scheduled to ship in September, and it's FREE! Actually, they will be given away by prize drawing in a special campaign for Japanese Kubrick fans. Have your entry in by 8/24/2001; limited to Internet entries only, please. This information courtesy of Mr. Facets.
-- TBDX Rumble Crew
8.1.01: More Kubultrakins

Well, it was inevitable... Run'A follows up their Tinibiz Gokin Ultraseven and King Joe (see the 6.30.01 Rumble) with an Ultraman and Baltan Seijin two-pack. At least one of you out there must be excited... It's like a Kubrick... It's DIECAST... It's wholly inappropriate... come on! COME ON! ¥3800... due in August.
-- Yappy
7.31.01: Multi-Facet-ed

The acroamatical, recondite, and all-around metemphirical Mr. Facets delivers eye-candy to our humble mailbox...

First up, La Reve/Toycom's upcoming 12" Shin Getta vinyl figure. $34.99 MRSP...

MUSKLES | AXE | GETTA DANCE

On the opposite end of the scale spectrum, here's Kaiyodo's Evangelion gashapon set. Says Facets: "3" tall action figures, with extra parts and articulation, all for ¥200! These are unlike other static and boring gashapon you are used to." Diamond will oversee domestic release-- probably using special US-only packaging.

STANDING EVA | CROUCHING EVA | HAPPY EVA | BORED EVA
SACHIEL | SPARE PARTS | NERV PLANE THINGY
PEDOPHILE FANTASY

Finally, a quick note on the Unifive Choshingokin God Phoenix: "Unifive will have a T1 sample (first "actual production" piece) of the die cast God Phoenix on display at Wonderfest on 8/5 at Tokyo Big Site. If all goes according to plan, Diamond should be offering this to customers in the October issue of previews for a retail price of $99.99 (same as the Mach 5)."
-- TBDX Rumble Crew
7.31.01: Bandai Bulletin!

A top-secret source at Bandai confirms two rumors and kills another! The upcoming 1:55 Valkyrie reissue will feature markings applied with paint rather than stickers, AND it'll be an exact physical duplicate of the old Takatoku toy -- they're "running the old molds as-is"! So much for the rumor that the molds had worn out. More info as it becomes available...
-- Matt
7.31.01: Finally, Marvin...

Hello all. Just wanted to let everyone know that the JM Megatron is finished... Finally! I will have complete pictures no later than Wednesday. I PROMISE! In the mean time I realize some of you didn't understand what I meant by the sources from which I based my design. Please keep these pics in mind so you will be able to see where some of the different design elements came. I am including 2 of the 4 basis for the design. They are from the Marvel Transformers Universe 2 and the toy box art by Hasbro. Once you see the LARGE differences between the 4 versions of G1 Megatron you will be able to pick up on the elements used when the pictures are shown. Also there are 2 people on this site who I promised a sneak peak, email me. I keep my word as soon as the pictures are taken. So until then...
-- Marvin
7.30.01: Botcakes

Like your Super Robots big and beefy? Drool at the sight of thick, stocky servo-musculature? Does the sight of barrel-thick metal thighs make you hot and bothered? Then you'd better hit a cold shower before reading about Kaiyodo's upcoming Yuusha GaoGaiGar action figures...

GaoGaiGar with Dividing Driver (¥3980) arrives first in August, followed by GaoGaiGar with Goldion Hammer (¥4980), and Star GaoGaiGar (¥4980). Just look at the size of them gams! And their steroid-fueled physiques won't limit them to being mere statues; These GGGs have yogic flexibility thanks to their patented Mono-Shaft-Drive systems. Mono-Shaft... defog those glasses, fanboys!

Following those three, Kaiyodo will release the similarly manly Chouryuujin, sidekick to the lion-chested he-bot. The duotone robot will come with a fixed pose Volfogg "lil' buddy" and a very thick... um... "Eraser Head Megaton Tool."

And yes, like all thing Kaiyodo, these fellas will hit the western hemisphere thanks to Diamond.
-- Yappy
7.30.01: 100 Repaint Task Force Gaoranger

Bandai's Gaoranger line-up continues with the mighty, pointy-headed GaoGod. If he looks familiar, that's because its components are resculpts of the original Power Animals that formed GaoKing. This time around there's GaoBuffalo, GaoLeon (sic), GaoCondor, GaoJaguar, and GaoSawshark. But the best part is... GaoGod is free!

Well, that's if you win him. Bandai's giving away only 250 GaoGods with special Gaoranger videos (1000 less lucky runners-up will receive the video alone). So head down to your friendly neighborhood Japanese chain toy store before September 20th, look for a special GaoGod poster, and fill out a postcard entry form! Waitaminute...

Alright, for those outside the confines of Nihon, don't fret. In late October, Bandai will release the non-limited edition DX GaoWing, a combination of GaoLion, GaoGiraffe, GaoRhinos, GaoMadillo, GaoDeer, and GaoFalcon. ¥9000. And if you're a diehard GaoCompletist, look for a "good guy" repaint of GaoHunter (¥5000) around the same time.
-- Yappy & Darren
7.30.01: The Hype Machine Rolls On...

Ladies and gents, for your awe and amusement, here's Bandai's publicity shots of SOC Getta One:

FRONT | BACK

So how much loving metal is actually going to go into the GX-06 Getta Set? EVERYTHING except for the head, forearms, and "tank-top" will be diecast on Getta One. Same for Getta Two, save plastic drill and claw attachments and leg fins. Getta Three gets the short end of the gokin stick with only a metal torso and wheels. The included Gett-Machines will feature diecast underbellies. You have been warned.
-- Yappy
7.30.01: When Worlds Collide

Here's a smattering of Medicom goodies due this holiday season:
  • RAH 220 Kamen Rider X and Apollo Geist- These 1:8 scale figures will retail for ¥4500 and ¥4800, respectively. December release. Where's Skyrider, dammit? SKYRIDER!

  • 2001 Planet of the Apes Kubrick Set A- Known officially as "Ape (Re Imagination)." Criminy. Helen Bonham Carter, Paul Giamatti, and evil Tim Roth will be available in November for ¥2480.

  • Miracle Action Figure Mickey Mouse DX- Reality shatters. Civilization crumbles. "DX." "Mickey Mouse." Two words that should never belong together. This is why there was no color Mickey Mouse Kubrick; Medicom decided to save the "best" for last. 20cm tall Mickey will feature bendie arms and removable cloth pants. ¥4800. December. Who needs Valkyries when you can have REMOVABLE PANTS?
If you've recovered from that, here's a pseudo-Kubrick tidbit: Bandai will release Anpanman Cubemates as gashapon in August. ¥200 apop. Can you hear someone crying? That's the sound of Harkavy weeping with joy.
-- Yappy
7.29.01: She's My Private Bandai

Our jaws drop to the floor. Our eyes tear up with droplets of pure ecstacy. Japanese toy site Temus unleashes pure visual gangu overload on our unworthy retinas. Witness the majesty of Bandai's private toy show held on June 26th:

Check it out now! These pictures might be removed without notice. Can you hear your wallet weep?

And webmasters everywhere, if you wish to use these pictures on your own sites, please give Temus proper credit. Karma boomerang, dig?
-- Darren & Yappy
7.29.01: Sansei Starts Up!

Delve into the mind-bogglingly obscure, as gokin-huggers Duban, Alt, and Moy explore the strangely limited catalog of defunct toy company Sansei. Jump straight to their sparkly new Datafile and cheer these men for their diligence in unearthing the very bottom of the gangu barrel. With such scholarly acumen, who needs anything as banal as a Popy datafile? Champion on, brave TBDX archaeologists!
-- TBDX Rumble Crew
7.29.01: Daitalion Detail

A bigger, better picture of Daitalion, from Takara's Webdiver series. This "airship titan Webknight" has one feature we weren't previously aware of. Through IR communication with Pegasion or Ligaon, his chest hatch will spring open! We know you'll sleep comfortably tonight knowing that.
-- Darren


 Previous  |  RUMBLE INDEX  |  Next 

[Back to the top]