Haul of the Day - 17 Aug 2007

Bought this jape (an apparent bathing ape / slurpin's ape clone) polo t-shirt at Carrefour for S$10.90. I like the ape design and the chinese character. Had a hard time choosing between black and dark brown. In the end, my friend said black would be easier to match. It's a tad big, but hopefully it will shrink after coming out of the wash.

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Haul of the Day - 14 Aug 2007

Was checking with the guys at TFH if they managed to get the SDCC exclusive She-Hulk since they got the SDCC exclusive Stan Lee. They told me that they did not have it, but were kind enough to let me know what Simply Toys did bring them in.

On checking their blog, I noticed that they still had some stock, albeit low. And I also noticed that they had another SDCC exclusive, the Mezco Abe Sapien from the Hellboy Comic series. But to my disappointment, it was sold out.

So today during lunch, I hurried down to their branch at Suntec, and instead of finding She-Hulk, I found Abe Sapien. Pure joy. Upon checking with the owner, She-Hulk was also available. Double joy.


This completes (well, almost, because I did not buy the rocket pack Hellboy from series 2) my Hellboy Comic collection.

Abe Sapien is probably the last Hellboy figure from Mezco, as Gentle Giants has taken over the license to produce the Hellboy Animated figures. Some wicked figures I might add.


I bought She-Hulk because from the pictures posted at some forums, she looked pretty nice in the laywer outfit.

Haul of the Week - 12 Aug 2007

This was a tough week, and I mean tough on the wallet, with the arrival of the Transformers Encore series and more Transformers Movie merchandise at TFH.


Takaratomy Transformers Encore series


Takaratomy Transformers Movie Basic Ratchet/Megatron/Blackout, Real Gear Booster X10/High Score 100/Meantime, Voyager Megatron and Deluxe Bumblebee 08/Arcee


Daiblock Convoy


And lastly, some stuff I picked up at OG (20% off) while shopping for my nephew's birthday (today) present: Bandai Ben10 Delxue Kevin 11 (his present), Hasbro Star Wars VOTC IG-88/Bossk and Bandai MachineRobo Mugenbine Razorninja.

Haul of the Day - 07 Aug 2007

Funny that during the Great Singapore Sale, all we got were 20% discount for only a limited period. And only after the GSS, we get great bargins.

From Suntec Carrefour,

• 6" Ghost Rider Movie Fire Blast Ghost Rider
• 6" Ghost Rider Movie Chain Attack Ghost Rider

Lucky I did not get them when it was first released. Now they are 2 for the price of S$10. The 12" Ghost Rider with Bike is also available at S$30, an amazing low low price. And there are tons of these figures in mint condition.

Check out mybearbrick's report here.

From Takashimaya's 11th Crazy Toy Sale,

• Avatar: The Legend of Aang 12" Ultimate Avatar Aang (S$15)
• SOTA Street Fighter 6" Sakura (S$5)
• Avatar: The Legend of Aang 6" Sokka (S$7)

There tons of other PVC statues and action figures from Japanese anime, and some of them are at low prices. Tempted to get a Street Fighter Chun Li statue, going for S$10, as well as some acticulated Mai-Otome action figures at S$30.

Review - Transformers Movie Legends Blackout

The first Transformer that appeared in the movie was Blackout, and boy did it leave an impression on the viewers. But after that initial attack, we do not get to see Blackout until the final street battle, where it whisk in and out, and finally back during the Megatron vs Optimus Prime. It was sadly destroyed by the human with some lame shots.

Today's review is based Hasbro's Legends class Blackout.

Hasbro's Legends series has been around for some time, starting with the Transformers Cybertron series. They are small versions of their counterparts in the other classes, and have very simple transformation. The transformation itself might not be the same as the original sequence, due to the size of the figure.

Packaging

Blackout comes with the standard Legends class packaging, with the card altered to feature the movie prints.

Robot Mode


In robot mode, Blackout has the following articulations:

• ball-joint shoulders
  
• swivle elbow
  
• ball-joint hip
  
• ball-joint knee
  
• rotating main and tail rotor blades

Note that the ball-joints have limited movements due to the design of the figure. Joints are tight.

Transformation



Transformation is fairly simple. The only difficult part is getting the legs, which form the lower half of the helicopter to click in place. It gets stuck at the outer groves, but you just have to force it in.

Vehicle Mode




The helicoptor's main rotor blades are divided into 2 sets (upper and lower) of 3 blades, and they click in place to form the 6 blades and rotates as a unit. This is a good design, and does not leave you with loose blades that spin out of control.

Overall


A nice figure, and nice collection to the other flying vehicles like Evac from Cybertron series.

Haul of the Day - 05 Aug 2007

Took advantage of the 2-day 20% discount at Metro and snag the following at Causeway Point branch.

• Hasbro Transformers Movie FAB Frenzy (read that this will be some exclusive in Japan)
• Hasbro Transformers Movie Legends Blackout
  
• Hasbro Marvel Super Heros Punisher and Ghost Rider 2-pack (interested only in GR)

Haul of the Week

Just picked these up from TFH.

• Takaratomy Transformers Movie Basic Ironhide
• Takaratomy Transformers Movie Lawson store exclusive metallic Bumblebee
• HyperHobby Sep 2007 with clear Transformers Movie EZ Bumblebee
• Takaratomy Transformers Movie Basic Jazz
• Takaratomy Transformers Movie Basic Brawl
• SDCC 2007 exclusive 6" Marvel Legends Stan Lee (Thanks to Calvin !!!)

Haul of the Day - 24 Jul 2007

Got myself a pair of loose Transformers Movie MA-1o BumbleBee from TFH. These were selling like hot cakes. As of lunch time of the stock arrival, they were completely sold out.

Article - Transformers Toy Designer

Found this interesting article, via PingMag, about a Japan-based Transformers toy designer.

While you are there, checkout this article on MisFormers as well.

Haul of the Day - 22 Jul 2007

This figure has been mysteriously flying off the shelves. There were not in abandunce, but I did not figure that they were popular as well. So I did not pick them up when I saw them at TRU or Carrefour about 1 month ago. Now they are no where to be found, even in department stores. Luckily I stumbled on 2 pieces at Causeway Point Kiddy Palace today, and quickly snag one of them.

And while suring the net today, I found out that Series 2 (Battle Pose) of the 4" figures have been released in US. Man, I have not even completed Series 1. With the lack of figures in the stores, I am skeptical that we will ever see the remaining Series 1 figures, let alone Series 2.

DC Comics for Oct 2007

GREEN ARROW: ROAD TO JERICHO TP, cover by Scott McDaniel & Andy Owens.
Another nice Green Arrow cover, this time by Scott McDaniel. I do not follow SM's art, but do take note sometimes. I like the angle drawn.

That's about all that caught my attention, though there are some other good covers out there.

Incidentally, October also sees the solicitation of DC Minimates Wave 7, available on Mar 2008. 2 heavy weights that stands out from this wave are Gorilla Grodd and Clayface.

Haul of the Day - 21 Jul 2007

Went for a toy run, organised by shaun, together with arthur and pro bro.

We meet at 1:00pm at CSC, then to SpawnAsia (which as predicated, was closed), Playpen at Suntec, Yellowbox at Golden Mile, TaiShing, G&B, TFH, and finally ending at Takashimaya shopping centre.

My haul are mainly from Ng's Collection at CSC. The Transformers Movie Deluxe Bonecrusher was from TFH. Haul mainly consists of weapons (katana, Romance of the 3 Kingdoms), Sinking of Japan minature submarine, Formation Arts Incredibles pvc statue and Naruto Shippuuden pvc figures (Naruto and Sakura).



Checkout arthur's haul here

Had a great time guys. We should do it more often, whenever time permits.

Marvel Comics for Oct 2007

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST –– STAR-LORD #4, cover by Nic Klein
The style is similar to Simon Bisley - the muscles and colouring. I like the rust effect on the main subject. Check out more of Nic Klein's art in the link. Very nice line and painted work. His art is reminisce of Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Ashley Wood, and Glenn Fabry, to just name a few.


IRON MAN #23, cover by GERALD PAREL
Nice cover by Gerald Parel. Gadget, the female subject has a very strong Japanese anime influence.


NEW X-MEN #43 and CABLE & DEADPOOL #46, covers by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Skottie Young is also a versatile artist, as it can be seen from the 2 different styles for these 2 titles.


WOLVERINE #58, cover by ARTHUR SUYDAM
Arthur Suydam does very nice water colour art, and this is no exception. I like this cover as it has some similar qualities to Simon Bisley.

Haul of the Day - 19 Jul 2007

Picked up the following from TFH:

• TakaraTomy Music Label MP3 Soundwave (Spark blue)
• TakaraTomy Music Label MP3 Soundwave (Sonic white)
• TakaraTomy Music Label Frenzy and Rumble headphones
• TakaraTomy Transformers Movie MA-09 Ironhide
• TakaraTomy Transformers Movie MD-07 Megatron
• TakaraTomy Transformers Movie MD-08 Starscream
• TakaraTomy Transformers Movie MD-12 Real Gear Zoom Out25X

My colleague was so impressed by the transformation sequence of Starscream that she went ahead to buy the Deluxe Protoform Starscream and Voyager Starscream figures. Woohoo ! She's got great taste !

Haul of the Day - 16 Jul 2007

Went down to Waterloo Centre for the first time to checkout TFH's new location. Much more spacious, for customers as well as the folks working there. By the way, you'll need to remove your footwear before entering the place. Picked up the following while I was there:

• Revoltech #30 Buster-Machine No.19 Dix-Neuf
  
• Revoltech #31 Getter 1 (Original Video Animation Version)
  

Haul of the Day - 14 Jul 2007

Went down to TFH at their current location for the last time, to pickup my arrivals for the week. The folks will be moving to their sparkling new location at Waterloo street come 16 Jul 2007. Checkout some pictures here.

• Revoltech limited edition Kuro (Thanks Ken !)
  
• Transformers Movie Target exclusive Sector 7 Arcee, Signal Flare and Hardtop
  
• Star Wars 30th Anniversary Assault Vehicles V-wing Starfighter
  
• Medicom Star Wars 1/6 Sandtrooper Celebration IV USA Exclusive
  

Video - Before It's Too Late (Transformers the Movie)

More music video from Transformers the Movie. This time is a sentimental theme by the Goo Goo Dolls, Before it's too Late. Great song and video.

Video - What I Have Done (Transformers the Movie)

This song, by Linkin Park, is featured as the title song in Transformers the Movie. You cannot go wrong with Linkin Park. Cool video, and even though the video has no relation to the movie, it does try to bring a host of messages (environmental, war, hunger, drugs, etc). Check it out.

Video - Naruto Shippuuden Ending Theme 2nd version

After 19 episodes of the new Shippuuden storyline, we finally get a new ending theme. The opening theme is still not changed. Another nice song, especially the staring violins track. The comicbook style is also a nice touch.

Movie - Naruto 4th Movie Trailer

Check out the trailer for the 4th Naruto movie that is tied to the Shippuuden series.

The trailer is done nicely to give an impression that this movie will be quite different from the other 3. I hope it will be darker than the previous.

Movie Thoughts - Transformers the Movie

Finally managed to catch the movie on 07.07.07, Saturday 11am local time with an ex-classmate cum ex-colleague. I will not post anything related to story, so potentially no spoilers ahead. Just my after thoughts.

All in all, it was an enjoyable movie. It is great to finally see a live action version on the big screen. I do not seem quite excited, and frankly, I was not completely blow away by the movie. Though it was great to see Autobots, Decepticons, a bit of Cybertron, and Peter Cullen's voice, there was something missing, that did not let me get as pumped up as I hoped I would be.

As you might have already read, there is not much of a story (but hey, we are just there to watch the Transformers whack each other), and the editing was not good as the transition from some scenes was odd.

I wished more characterization, dialogue and interaction were provided to the Decepticons. The Autobots spoke and interactered more than them, and probably Frenzy was the only Decepticon, or rather, the only Transformer with the most screen time.

Although the CG of the Transformers, the transforming sequences and battles were great, some of the CG did not blend well with the background, especically some day scenes with the Autobots. I am not sure if it is due to their bright colours. The Decepticons did not have this problem.

Also, as many have also griped, the battle scenes were too fast to see in detail what was going on. I am a bit puzzled here. The makers spent millions of dollars to build the CG models, but they were not utilized fully, in my opinion in the battle scenes. Maybe it costs more to produce the battle scenes than the other non-battle sequences. The makers were trying to "hide" the battles by cutting away from the scenes with angles and shots that obscure the battle.

Despite views that Megatron's design was not good, I found it otherwise. The design brings out Megatron's menace, and the characterization and voice (though I could not make out Hudo Weaving's voice) also brought out this aspect, which I really enjoyed. He was one big bad ass.

And G1 fans will be thrilled, as I was, with the subtile scenes and dialogue that was in the movie. I will not reveal what they are, so you have to see and hear it for yourself. This is one great aspect that I appreciate the makers of the movie had put in for the fans. Some of the G1 transforming sound effects were also subtly injected into some of the transformation sequences. Cool.

The pace of the show was good, with some action from the start, slowing down in the middle and picking up again till the end. I was actually looking for Michael Bay's signature action sequences, but somehow could not find them. Vehicles and buildings get blown up and tossed around aplenty, but still not that Michael Bay Bad Boys stuff.

I watched the show at the new The Cathay cineplex, at Hall 1, called the Grand Hall, which is the largest hall, providing digital format. The hall is large, and the seats are comfortable. There was enough leg space and the slope was steep enough so that the person in front of you will not block your view too much.

But I was really disappointed at the digital screening. It was very obvious the source was pretty lousy. I can see the grainy texture all throughout the movie. I am not sure if the source is the same for the other movies, or just this particular cinema. Most likely I will watch the show again at another digital cinema. But I'll ask around first if this grainy problem is also inherent in other cinemas. If so, I'll probably watch it again on a non-digital format.

The runtime was approximately 2.5 hours.

Overall, I would give it a 3.8 out of 5.

Till all are one.

Haul of the Day - 30 Jun 2007

Got the following comics from Kinokuniya at 20% discount:

The Wolverine Civil War tie-in has art by Humberto Ramos. I had to choose between getting DC/Dark Horse's Superman/Batman vs Aliens vs Predator because of Ariel Olivetti's art, or IDW's Completely Doomed black and white trade paperback by various artists (Ashley Wood, Ted Mckeever, etc). In the end, I went for the latter due to the black and white art and artists.

Took a stroll to Takashimaya and Metro Paragon, and then to TFH to see if my outstanding stuff have arrived. Haul from the shopping trip:

• Transformers Movie Scout Class Sector Seven Target exclusives Strongarm, Skyblast and Clocker (Metro Paragon, S$15.90 each). A bunch of repaints from the previous Energon/Cybertron series.
  
• Amdriver Monocle Bisar Wendigo (Takashimaya, S$17.50). In Japan, this series was a flop and I guess they dump the excess stock here. But it is not doing well locally as well, with no cartoon to support the toy. Now all the prices have been reduced by 50%, and it is still not moving. Unfortunate, as I had followed the toy series way back when it started in Japan. Anyway, the plus side is that I can get another figure cheap. Next target would be another Bisar, Behemoth.
  
• Pinky Choro-Q Pinky with Messerschmitt KR200 (TFH)
  
• Beast Wars Reborn TM-11 Tigatron (TFH)