Alen Yen's ToyboxDX

	9.24.00 -- 9.30.00


RUMBLE INDEX

9.30.00: The Lion King

Uni-Five's issuing yet another set of Shin-Gokin "Grip" figures, and this time the top o' the heap is going to be none other than Zenda Lion, the main mecha from the semi-popular Time Bokan series show "Zendaman."

And as if that weren't enough, U5's also developing figures from "Kirameki-man," the newest addition to the Time Bokan mega-franchise. First up will be (gag) polystone statuettes; look for "real" stuff later. No word on release dates or prices yet.

-- Matt

9.30.00: Color Me Overloaded

Groan! There's been some pretty interesting Transformer : CarRobot re-color news lately, but it's all getting to be a bit too much. After the re-issue of the original Convoy (Optimus Prime), we saw a black version, and now a "gold" version with gold instead of chrome trim. There are also now crystal (translucent) re-colors of Super Fire Convoy and God Magnus, and a black Super Fire Convoy. Then we have the sporty re-colors and crystal versions of the three Car Brothers, and Jusco re-colors of the Spy Changers. Whew!

This has gone from cliched to predictable to boring. The Rumble will never cover Transformer news to the extent that dedicated TF sites do, but you can bet your bottom dollar on this: the toy companies are going to get their money's worth out of their molds!

-- Darren

9.30.00: Daiken-GO!

I am the proud owner of a plastic Daikengo knock-off curtesy of Peter at Toys Central. Daikengo seperates into his three component ships, and can form that larger spaceship-thingy, too ... although they appear to be creative interpretations of the original design. ^_^

He comes with a sword, and the two mini-shields usually found mounted on his arms. He features some articulation in his elbows and shoulders. Perhaps best of all, he came in a window box and was sold under the "Convert-A-Bots" label. You, too, could've owned Daikengo for $10 back when he was sold at Toys 'R Us.

-- Darren

9.30.00: Spiral In, Again!

FantAsia Toys is now FantAsia Toyz. Now that Japanese toy dealer Felix Lu is once again master of his own domain, you'll never have to keep track of that little list in your e-mail ever again. The new site is up and growing, but for now, please continue to contact Felix at his old e-mail address, info@fantasiatoys.com.

Update 10.3.00: Felix' new address works! (info@fantasiatoyz.com)

-- Darren

9.29.00: Baby's Got Black

More news and pictures on Aoshima / Miracle House's limited Black Shin Getta One. His official designation is "Devil Wing Version", and he's considered the second figure in the Shin Seiki Gokin line.

As reported earlier here by yours truly, the diecast wonder will ship with both the Tomahawk Lancer and Getta Scythe. However, not only will the weapons' blade edges glow in the dark, but parts of the black- and gold-trimmed robot will, too. He also sports a new wing design, but they will not be moveable, spring-loaded wings as found on the standard version.

Can't you see him glowing in your bedroom after you turn off the lights?

-- Darren

9.29.00: Takara Announces

In their October lineup, Takara today announces C-027 Cybertron City Brave Maximus (9,980 yen) and D-013 Devil Gigatron (2,980 yen), both to ship in mid October from their Transformers 2000 : Car Robot line. Devil Gigatron, which was originally touted as a "10-mode transforming toy", turns out to be a re-paint of the earlier 6-mode Gigatron, as reported here by Yappy. Those four "new" modes were there all along, although "undocumented".

Also announced is the L-26 "Space Transfer Base" Micro Rocket Base (3,980 yen), to ship at the end of October. This may be the last new toy in the Microman 2000 line, as rumored here by Felix Lu.

-- Darren

9.29.00: Daiya CHANGE !!!

Another happy little photoset from D-Kei. See the transforming Daiya-Block Daiya-Droids in action. Featured are D-Ground and D-Head.

-- Darren

9.29.00: Bandai in Action

MSIA Jiong is on the street! He has ball-jointed vernier nozzles and removable fists for Gundam-attack action. He'll sell for 1980 yen.

The first entry in the Aura Battler in Action line is also out with Dunbine. He has a flip-open cockpit canopy, and will sell for 1300 yen.

-- Darren

9.29.00: The Gangu Is Coming!

"Gangu Jinsei," that irregularly published toy magazine that's not really a magazine (it's a "mook," one of those magazine-book trade paperback things the Japanese are so fond of), has hit the shelves. Thrill to the diehard-fan-focused content: the cover story is "Jumbo Machinders: The Undefeatable Special Feature." Look for a review as soon as I get my grubby, grubby paws on a copy (it's winging its way over as you read these words, thanks to reknowned toy scholar Koji Igarashi.)

-- Matt

9.28.00: Takara Troubles

Felix Lu of Fantasia Toys graces us with news about hard-luck Takara:

"As you all already know, the new Microman 2000 line is over with the latest releases (concluding with the L-026 Rocket Base that is due at the end of October). However, the repros will continue for the time being. The head of the Microman group wants to repro Microman Geag, but the rest of the group is against it. It'll be interesting to see if it actually gets made. It does have two strikes going against it though: 1. It's a die-cast figure which will make it much more expensive to produce than a regular plastic figure and 2. The Magnemo Geag was a big flop.

Unfortunately, although the toys are selling fairly well, Takara may be pulling the plug on Transformers 2000. The reason is that they can no longer afford to pay broadcasting fees to TV station Channel 12 to continue broadcasting the animated show. They do not believe that the toys will sell without the show, so it's a real Catch-22 for them. In Japan, toy companies pay TV stations to broadcast their cartoons (almost like informercials, how fitting!). Channel 12 is a relatively cheap station (low on the Japanese TV dial), so it really underscores the financial bind Takara is in (the fee is rumored to be about 3 million dollars per season). There has been no further word of a Konami bail out, but something has to happen...and quick. In the meantime, Takara's woes continue."

-- Yappy

9.28.00: Ricky Rumbles on Daikyojin

I got a big, heavy box from HLJ. Inside, among three MG Gundam kits, was the Uni-Five Cho Shin Gokin Daibajin. This toy has a very Godaikin feel to its overall presentation, from the window box to the small, chokable firing missiles. Also included is an original artwork print that shows off five angles of Daikyojin's head.

Daitenba the horse and Daikyojin the robot each have their own unique transformations. The robotic horse can change into a free rolling tank, while the super robot can change into a grand space ship. Both transformations are aided by plastic add-on pieces, such as the double cannon head for the tank mode on Daitenba and the bridge of the space ship on Daikyojin. The two can merge to form a mighty super robot centaur that holds up very well thanks to Uni-Five's use of stiff, clicking joints and the strong diecast legs of Daitenba. The diecast content on this toy is very impressive. This is a very nice toy. These smaller companies are definitely on the right track when it comes to quality diecast toys.

-- Ricky Lee

9.27.00: Toy Crack, 700 Yen

Ultraman anniversary mania continues, as Bandai's updated their web site with pictures of all the newly renumbered hero and kaiju repaints. Special thanks to "King" Joe Buck for digging up these links.

-- Roger

9.27.00: God Fire Convoy Power Up Campaign

As if Transformers God Magnus and Super Fire Convoy weren't bad @$$ enough. When combined they make a mean robot well over a foot tall aka God Fire Convoy. Now for all you lucky kids living in Japan just check out that sword you can get when you send proofs of purchase to Takara. They'll send you this mean mother of a sword that towers over God Fire Convoy!! There were only 1000 of these swords made.

-- Christopher Boivin

[Note: This is a remold of the sword that was originally included with the Grand Maximus (Japanese 'Pretender' Fortress Maximus) toy]

9.27.00: Crystal Car Clarity

Toy and model enthusiast D-Kei treats us to pictures of a VERY special "three pack" of the Transformers: Car Robot's "Car Brothers" in clear plastic, limited to 1500 pieces. Looks good!

A translucent God Magnus and Super Fire Convoy will also be out soon! Convoy will come with a GIANT SWORD. (Ooooooh!)

-- Darren

9.25.00: Gashaponus Gigantis

You think you've seen the last of Jeeg? Never! Yujin's SR SP Kotetsu Jeeg is 12cm tall and will retail for 4,980 yen toward the end of November.

Jeeg also comes his trusty steed, Panzeroid, and a slew of extra parts-- 2 Mach Drills, Jeeg Bazooka, Jeeg Buckler, Jeeg Lancer, Sky Parts, Earth Parts, and Marine Parts. Basically, you can make every Jeeg variation seen on the classic Go Nagai show.

The first in the SR SP line was the gaint PVC Mazinkaiser figure. A lot of dealers mistakenly advertised 'Kaiser as 'diecast,' so be warned: the new Jeeg is also just a gashapon on serious steroids. The mother of all gashapon, perhaps...

-- Darren & Yappy

9.25.00: Gangu Colors

We've finally figured out where the heck that mysterious Black Version of the Uni-Five Garada K7 is coming from -- it's going to be sold as a promo item through the newest issue of "Gangu Jinsei" (Toy Life) magazine.

Jumbo fans already have their collective panties in a knot over the fact that this particular issue features an explosively juicy Jumbo Machinder expose, complete with multiple pics of the mythical ORIGINAL Popy Garada K-7 toy. It's also going to contain a checklist of Mirrorman vinyls, a feature about the Toei Manga Matsuri, and a chronicle of Diaclone toys of well. Talk about covering all the bases.

It's already on shelves in Japan; look for issues to start filtering into the 'States in a few weeks.

-- Matt

9.25.00: The One That Started It All

The Playing Mantis/Polar Lights Godzilla reissue is out!

Why is this model kit being covered in the Rumble, you ask? Well, the original Aurora Godzilla kit, issued in 1964 for a whopping $1.29, was the item that inspired Marusan to release their own vinyl Godzilla figures, leading to the licensed character toy boom that laid the groundwork for the chogokin renaissance of the 70s and the mecha toy invasion of the 80s. It's not just a model kit, it's a piece of HISTORY, man. Walk into any Toys R Us and plunk down a 10-spot for it. Maybe they'll issue a glow version if we're lucky.

Oh, and in case anyone didn't notice, Playing Mantis' Johnny Lightning division has been releasing some pretty cool Matchbox-scaled diecast Speed Racer toys. Check 'em out!

-- Roger

9.24.00: Computer Controlled 'Bots -- A Trend?

See Bandai's official photos from the Plastic Model and Radio Control Show 2000 in Tokyo. The finished PG Wing Gundam Zero Custom is shown, as is a WonderBorg controlled Guntank!

The WonderSwan controlled Gear Senshi Dendoh gets his first weapon! Data Weapon 1: Unicorn Drill is out now for about a thousand yen. Slap him on a compatible robot's arm, and his turbine drive will spin up the drill.

-- Darren

9.24.00: Rhapsody in Black and Other Melodies

You've heard the news, there will be a BLACK version of Miracle House's Shin Getta One. We have some details. Shin Getta Black will be limited to 3,600 pieces, and will be finished in a combination of matte black and black metallic. He will retail for about 12,800 yen and ship just before Christmas.

And now the juicy bit: Included will be the Getta Scythe AND Tomahawk Lancer BOTH with GLOWING BLADE EDGES. Nice.

IN OTHER DIECAST NEWS -- Although the "2nd version" Yamato YF-19 has limited availability in certain locales right now, it will available in quantity in Japan at the end of October.

-- Darren

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