SISTAR Wishes Everyone A Happy Holidays

There is good news for all Styles (SISTAR fans) and other K-Pop fans out there! SISTAR sent a very speccial Holiday message to all of their viewers.

Former U-Kiss Member Alexander Releases His First Solo Album, "I Just"

Former U-Kiss Member Alexander released his first solo album called, "I Just." The album was co-produced by Rphabet and e.one. The digital album highlights Alexander's cute and loveable appeal. The album also includes a collaboration with M.I.B., San-E, and Outsider, which raises a lot of interests.

SNSD Maxi Single, "The Boys" Released

SNSD's maxi single, "The Boys" have finally been released (12/20/11) on iTunes after much delay.

T-ara and Davichi Will Release A Christmas Ballad, "We Were In Love"

Core Contents label mates T-ara and Davichi plans to release a special Christmas song titled, "We Were In Love." The (ballad) song will be released in December 24, 2011.

In Related news, this track will also be included in T-ara's 23 minute long music video, "Lovey Dovey."

News source: VITALSIGN via allkpop

Y-MSF: Varan Figure Review

Y-MSF Varan

To my knowledge, Y-MSF seems to be a relatively new toy manufacturer in the Godzilla figure collecting world. According to clubtokyo.org's website, Y-MSF's first line of Godzilla toys date back to 2004. This company so far has created their own versions of monsters featured in the Godzilla movie franchise from the Showa era. For this review, I present to you Varan, by Y-MSF.

allkpop Awards 2011

Do you visit allkpop often for your daily news in K-Pop? How would you like to participate in an awards ceremony? You're in luck!

Big Bang Plans To Release A New Album In March 2012

Photo provided by Donga via Naver

According to allkpop.com, YG Entertainment has announced Big Bang's plans to release a new album and have a "Big Show" concert in March 2012. G-Dragon is reported to be producing new songs for this album also. VIP's brace yourselves for what is in store around 2012!

Source: allkpop.com

Do You Want SMTown Live In Hawaii?

The authors here in The Rave Corner absolutely love K-Pop and we think there would be nothing better than SM Entertainment having a concert in Hawaii!

There is a Facebook group dedicated to make our dreams and your dreams possible, but they need your help by receiving thousands of support from people who want to see this concert happen too. There may be plans of organizing a flash mob too.

Click on the link below and "Like" this organization (participation in the flash mob is not required):

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smtown-Live-in-Hawaii/134175723331842

If you're a resident of Hawaii or a nonresident that would love to plan a vacation here to attend SMTown Live, please support the cause! Please tell all of your friends and family about this page as well.

(Update: 6/11/12) There will be a flash mob on July 14, 2012 @ 2PM in Kapiolani Park during Honolulu's annual Korean Festival! There is a separate page containing more info here:

http://www.facebook.com/events/297344677025803/

The Rave Corner Is Taking A Short Break...

Hello fellow ravers. I'd like to make a little announcement that The Rave Corner is currently taking a short break and will not be posting any new articles till later on this week due to finals week. However, we are working on some new ideas to make this site more creative and fun for all of you viewers. Keep an eye out for future updates!

2011 Billboard KPop Masters: My Experience

Hello once again! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I spent my weekend in my home away from home, Las Vegas to attend the 2011 Billboard KPop Masters in the MGM Grand Garden Arena! The concert was originally scheduled for 1 night, but got stretched for 2 nights by popular demand. This is a recap for the 2nd concert, which featured SHINee for one night only!

X-Plus: Kairyu (Manda) Figure Review

X-Plus Kairyu (Manda)

I finally came across the existence of X-Plus figures over a year ago. The first X-Plus figure I've seen online was Manda and at that moment I decided to buy him one day. With some luck and patience I was able to buy this version: Kairyu (also known as Manda) Monochrome Exclusive from the Ultra Q series!

Kabaya: God Ginrai (Apex Armor) Review

As an added bonus to Saibaa Nichiyoobi, I want to reserve a separate post for a toy based on the combination of two forces who are determined to protect all life forms in this universe. Well actually, one wants to protect all life forms, while the other just does what he is told. I present to you: God Ginrai, also known as Apex Armor in the U.S.A.

Kabaya: God Bomber (Apex Bomber) Review

Hello again! This is another version of Saibaa Nichiyoobi. I will wrap up my Kabaya reviews today, by introducing the 3rd and final toy from Kabaya's 3rd wave of Transformers toys: God Bomber also known as Apex Bomber.

Kabaya: Super Ginrai (Powermaster Optimus Prime) Review

This is another continuation of Saibaa Nichiyoobi. For this post, I want to talk about my favorite toy out of this 3rd wave of Transformers figures: Super Ginrai also known as Powermaster Optimus Prime here in the United States.

Kabaya: Super Ginrai (Powermaster Optimus Prime)

Kabaya: Starscream Review

Howdy-do! This is a special edition of Saibaa Nichiyoobi. Today I plan to cover Kabaya's 3rd wave of transformers candy toys. The first toy to examine is an alien robot that is considered the dangerous of all the seekers. The self-proclaimed "pride of the Cybertron War Academy" and Decepticon Air Commander: Starscream!

Saibaa Nichiyoobi Special!

For the next edition of Seiba Nichiyobi..........

Imported from Japan, Kabaya and Tomy created devices that forever changed the toy industry! Three crucial individuals contained inside this mysterious box, determines the fate of Earth as we know it. No one saw this advanced, mind-numbing engineered specimiens coming! Fellow viewers, prepare yourself for the debut of.....

Charapro: Great Muta (Cyber Muta) Figure Review

Charapro Great Muta (Cyber Muta) Figure

 Great Muta (alter-ego of Keiji Mutoh) is one of my favorite professional wrestlers today, so to make a review about one of his figures today seems fitting. I bought this version of Muta from ebay. Honestly, finding loose Japanese figures on sale these days is really tough. You are likely to find at least one unpackaged figure every month. I paid more attention to loose figures lately because I like to look at them from different angles and display them on a shelf.

Kabaya: G1 Optimus Prime Review

Greetings readers! Welcome to another edition of SAIBAA NICHIYOOBI!

I'm not a hardcore collector of G1 Transformers toys like a few of my friends, but I do have a tiny (only 5 pieces) collection of figures. This one one of them: Kabaya's G1 Optimus Prime.

Tralalalala lalala lalala lalalalalaaaa! "I will never die!" - Singed

AsianHK here, bringing you the inside dish on what goes on in my crazy head of mine. ^_^v So by popular demand, I decided to do another article based on the online game League of Legends. My last article I covered the OP DPS, Graves the Outlaw. But I thought, "Enh, small kine not fair for me to do an article on a champion that I don't really use or know inside out." So I asked a few friends and I kept hearing the same thing: "Singed so OP!" So, I hope I can give u folks a full insight on my personal main champion in gameplay: Singed, The Mad Chemist.

and btw, if you read my last article about Graves: I CALLED THE NERF! XD

Wonder Girls' Second Album: "Wonder World" Review

Wow! That's all I can say. Wonder Girls (under JYP) introduced themselves to U.S.A. by becoming the opening act in the Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 for 49 concert dates. Perhaps the most popular song by the Wonder Girls was "Nobody," which utilized a retro Doo-wop concept mixed with a hint of modern electro. In October 2009, WG managed to enter Billboard's Hot 100, making them the first Korean band to enter the chart proving you don't need TV or radio exposure to be heard. Thanks to the internet, K-Pop bands have an easier time to reach to us foreigners and we thank them for acknowledging us!

Transformers Universe: (Legends) G2 Megatron Review

Greetings! Today, I'm starting a new, short-run segment called....

I'm taking a break from Godzilla figures to review Transformers toys. Since this genre is barely new to me, I hope to do a pretty decent job.

For my very first Transformers figure review, I'd like to start off with this little guy: Transformers Universe G2 Megatron from Hasbro.

Bandai: Large Scale Godzilla 1991 Figure Review

#1 is by far my most favorite Kaiju figure made: Bandai's 1991 Large Scale Godzilla figure!

Bandai: Large Scale Godzilla '91

Bandai made some large scale figures since 1984. Some of the monsters made before were: Godzilla '64 (reissued twice), King Ghidorah (Showa), and Mothra Larva '61. Godzilla 1991 version was the 6th large scale figure to be made from Bandai. Honestly, I never thought that I would own one of these figures because they're pricey and figuring out where to put him was tough. In fact, large scale figures had a short run because Japanese homes are usually smaller than ours, and finding some extra space to display them may not be so easy. After losing an online auction for this toy (with a low starting bid), I was determined to own one someday. After some careful planning and luck, I finally bought another one and was thrilled to see this toy in person!

Bandai: Standard 8" Godzilla 1991 Korean Figure Review

#2 in my top 10 Kaiju figures of 2011 is believe it or not: Bandai's standard 8" Godzilla 1991 made from KOREA!

Bandai: Standard 8" Godzilla 1991 Korean

Okay, some of you are probably wondering why did I pick this or what's the difference from the one made in Japan? Although Godzilla's looks are the same as Godzilla 1991 from Japan, there are a good amount of differences that makes this figure stand out to me.

Bandai: Little Godzilla Figure 1994 Review

#3 on my top 10 countdown of 2011 is Bandai's Little Godzilla Figure.

Bandai: Little Godzilla Figure.

Transformers: Generation One Shockwave

On the fateful day, when Megatron, Optimus Prime, and their crew left the battle-scarred planet of Cybertron and suddenly disappeared from all contacts, for 4 million years Cybertron was under the care of the Decepticon's military operations commander, Shockwave.

"Clarity of thought before rashness of action." ~ Shockwave

James Storm: NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion

It's Mr. 4.0 HIMSELF; The PreZ, bringing you the LATEST in wrestling news...

Introductions and Graves

Hello all, AsianHK finally making her debut on The Rave Corner!

First time blogging with the crew and felt a bit obligated to give you a little heads up about myself and what you'll be seeing in the upcoming posts from me. Most of my interests are in video games, computer games, sci-fi (especially movies), and music. I especially try to keep on top of upcoming video games that are being released and also new updates with the popular online game League of Legends. I do share a love for Korean artists with my partners here, and I hope you do too. ^_^


So first topic??? The new champion released to Summoner's Rift, Graves the Outlaw.

New Raver: The Prez

Greetings! Once again I have another announcement to make. The Rave Corner has another new member joining the team....ThePrez! Look forward to his columns as he will cover professional wrestling, K-Pop, and much more! You can follow this blog or "like" us through our facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rave-Corner/217046151690388?sk=wall

Check back for more updates!

Bandai: Standard Mecha-King Ghidorah 1991 Figure Review

#4 on the countdown of 2011 happens to be one of my favorite rivals of Godzilla: Bandai's standard Mecha-King Ghidorah 1991 figure.

Mecha-King Ghidorah 1991 figure

Godzilla and Anguirus were once my only favorite Kaiju monsters of all time since I was a kid. I used to think King Ghidorah (Showa version) was nothing more than Godzilla's punching bag, until I saw "Godzilla vs King Ghidorah." Seeing Mecha-King Ghidorah for the first time in that movie gave me goose bumps. That cyborg is one of the most coolest monsters in the Godzilla movie franchise, and the toy is no exception.

K-Pop Thoughts: Invincible Youth Season 2 Cast Revealed! Girl's Generation (SNSD) and Secret's Newest Singles!

Greetings everyone, WimpLo is back! Sorry been out for a while, but I've finally gotten myself a display board to give you guys good quality toy reviews. However, let's do something new in this blogsite and talk about a couple things happening in the K-pop industry.

First off, if you haven't heard the news yet, KBS is releasing a second season of their beloved reality show Invincible Youth sometime later this year. For those of you who are not familiar with this program, I'll give you a short history of it: Invincible Youth is a variety show that debuted in October of 2009 and was hosted by veteran actor Noh Joo-hyun, comedian Kim Shin Young, and singer Kim Tae Woo. This show featured 7 female K-pop idols from 6 different groups, Sunny and Yuri of Girl's Generation, Narsha of Brown Eyed Girls, Hara of Kara, Sunhwa of Secret, Hyuna of 4Minute, and (my personal favorite) Hyomin of T-ara.

Godzilla Forever Series: Meltdown Godzilla Review

#5 on my top 10 countdown of 2011 is the ever so popular "Godzilla Forever Series:" 9" Meltdown Godzilla figure.

Godzilla Forever: Meltdown Godzilla

You're probably wondering, "What....another Meltdown Godzilla?!" That's right baby! This version is a lot more special to me than the Theater Exclusive version for a good reason. In 1996 (1 year after Godzilla vs Destoroyah), the Godzilla Movie franchise was temporarily retired. Bandai took on a new project to release 6 reissued figures from their previous runs with spectacular repaints. These toys are supposed to display a more accurate portrayal from the films those monsters starred in. This series still remains as one of the most aesthetically pleasing toys today, and Meltdown Godzilla is one of them.

Bandai: Standard 8" Godzilla Figure '91 Japan Review

#6 in my top 10 countdown of 2011 is the Standard Godzilla figure from 1991.

This figure is made in Japan and in conjunction with one of my favorite movies and Godzilla suits of all time, "Godzilla vs King Ghidorah." The origin of this monster from this movie is a little complicated to explain, but here it goes....

Bandai: 8" Godzilla (Japan) 1991

*WARNING! SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH IF YOU DID NOT, BUT PLAN TO WATCH THIS MOVIE WITHOUT ANY INCONVENIENCE. A&D'S CORNER WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR SITUATION. PLEASE DO NOT THROW SALT IN THE AUTHOR'S EYES IF YOU SEE HIM IN PERSON...WE DID WARN YOU!*

Bandai: Theater Exclusive Metldown Godzilla Review

#7 in my top 10 countdown of 2011 is a toy based on a monster you wouldn't want near your neighborhood because you could die with him: Bandai's Theater Exclusive 9" Meltdown Godzilla!

Theater Exclusive Meltdown Godzilla

This guy is made in 1995 in conjunction with one of Godzilla's last films, "Godzilla vs Destoroyah." Yes I did say "one of" because Godzilla's movie run was supposed to end in 1995 forever or at least a long period of time. I read somewhere that the next Godzilla movie wasn't expected to come out until 2004 or 2005. I cannot remember the source of this info so don't quote me on that. Anyways after Tristar's terrible remake in 1998, Toho decided to make Godzilla movies again in late 1999.

Bandai: Standard 8" Godzilla Figure 1992 Review

#8 in my top 10 countdown (for 2011) is the first figure produced of this sculpt: Bandai's standard 8" Godzilla figure made in 1992.

Godzilla 8" 1992 Figure

Just like Battra, Godzilla '92 was made in conjunction with "Godzilla vs Mothra: The Battle For Earth."

In the movie, Godzilla awakens because a meteorite fell into the bottom of the ocean where he rested. This disturbance caused Godzilla to rampage through Japan again because he's cranky!

His powers/abilities (displayed in the Heisei era only) includes emitting atomic pulses from his body, tail whips, high resistance to injury, regenerative ability, and of course his powerful atomic breath.

G.I. Joe: The Cobra Stun - "WimpLo's Debut!"

Greetings fellow ravers! I am WimpLo, Aaron (aka AT543)'s counterpart and co-founder of this blog website. While Aaron covers kaijus, Japanese wrestlers, and whatever else he decides, I will be dealing with the likes of Transformers, Star Wars, G.I. Joes, anime, K-pop, etc. But enough about me, it is time for my first toy review: The Cobra Stun w/ Motor Viper!

New Members & New Articles Coming Soon!

Hello readers! I am proud to announce that there will be new members that will contribute to this site.

Look out for my counterpart WimpLo! I mean really....one way to describe our friendship is yin yang. We may be opposites but he's one of the best friends I ever had.

Also, joining the team is another good friend, AsianHK covering anime or whatever her fave rave is at the moment.

This site will continue to expand and improve to satisfy your viewing pleasure! Also, there will be more kaiju monsters to cover in my top 10 every weekend this month. Subscribe, follow, or like us through our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rave-Corner/217046151690388?sk=wall for more updates!

Bandai: Standard 8" Baragon Review

#9 on my top 10 countdown for 2011 is Bandai standard 8" Baragon figure!

Bandai: Baragon

Actually Baragon is 6 1/2". tall. He was released in a series with other 8" toys which is why we say Baragon came from the standard 8" line. With that intro out the way I'll talk about the monster...

Baragon debuted in Toho's "Frankenstein Conquers the World" in 1965.

*WARNING! THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS AND ANNOYING, NERDY RANTS!*

Bandai: 9" Theater Edition Kiryu Figure Review

Starting the countdown for best Kaiju figure of 2011 as #10 is Bandai's Theater Exclusive Kiryu 9" figure with battle pack!

Theater Edition Kiryu

I'm usually not a Kiryu (Mechagodzilla III), Mechagodzilla II, or Mechagodzilla fan because they are enemies of my favorite monster Godzilla. But man this toy is cool! This figure has the colors reversed meaning the silver parts are now black and black parts are now silver. The color of Kiryu's battle pack on the shoulders are original. The toy was created in 2003, but released in 2004 in conjunction to "Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S." This figure is considered an exclusive because you could only buy this version inside a movie theater that had a special screening/movie premiere event of "Tokyo S.O.S." And now a short intro....

Godzilla Stop Motion Movie

This stop motion movie features a star-studded cast of Godzilla, Mechagodzilla, Gigan, King Ghidorah, Gamera, and much more! This flick is a silent film meaning the movie has no dialogue or subtitles to read. You're treated to the video accompanied with sound effects and proper background music. Some stop motion pictures could've been cleaned up a little more, but otherwise a great film to watch. Credit goes to the Japanese film makers who created this movie. Enjoy!

OCTOBER IS KAIJU MONTH!

Starting in October, I will introduce my top 10 Kaiju figures (for 2011) based on the Godzilla movie franchise! Every weekend I will write about 2 figures from the countdown starting from #10. My figures are rated on the standards to how they appealed to me since I bought them. The toys will not be based on rarity and value, but what I like the most. All collectors are entitled to their own opinion and don't have to agree with everything on my list. Follow this blog as a member or visit often because Godzilla and his friends/enemies will invade The Rave Corner this Halloween season!

Charapro: Stan Hansen Figure Review

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Greetings viewers, this is another wrestling figure made in Japan: Charapro's Stan Hansen figure!

Charapro: Stan Hansen

Charapro: Atsushi Onita "Evil Ways" Figure Review

Ohayou gozaimasu! It's time once again to review another pro-wrestling figure from Japan! Today, I'll examine a toy based on a wrestler whose career is surrounded by praises and controversy.

Atsushi Onita figure

Kawaii Kon 2012

I just visited Kawaii Kon's website and I have to make an announcement for my viewers, especially my friends. Those who plan to attend Kawaii Kon 2012; next year's con will happen March 16-18, 2012. The convention WILL NOT happen in April as usual. You can buy your prepaid passes for a discounted price through this page: http://kawaiikon2012.eventbrite.com/

From my previous experience, buying a prepaid 3 day pass is cheaper than paying at the door. Deadline is Oct 31, 2011.

The convention's website is here: http://www.kawaii-kon.org/

Godzilla Pachinko Machine By Newgin

What?! A Godzilla pachinko game?! That's right everyone! Newgin created a pachinko game based on the popular monster Godzilla (Millenium version) along with his co-stars including Rodan (Millenium version), Anguirus (Millenium version), Gigan (Millennium version), and King Ghidorah. Okay before I get criticized for posting old news, I should point out that this game was released around late summer of 2010.

I am not sure exactly how this game interacts with the story (if there is one), but the cool feature on this game is a combination of animated and exclusive live action fight scenes for this game only. There are also spectacular light displays and all kinds of moving, shaking internal components. I didn't play a pachinko game before, so I'd love to try this one first!

The official website of this game can be found here:
http://www.newgin.co.jp/pub/machine/godzilla/index01.html

Video credit:  Uploaded video was provided by SANSHIMA

Bandai: Battra (Larva) Standard 8" Release Review

Bandai: Battra (Larva) Standard Release

Insert narrator's voice: "Battra "The Black Mothra," was created by Earth's life force with the sole purpose to defend this planet from anything that causes mass destruction including "Man." Thousands of years ago, an advanced human civilization lived in harmony on Earth, until they (Cobra maybe) created a device that controls the climate. This invention upset Earth, which sent Battra on a rage to destroy the device. Battra completed the mission, but continued his rampage much to the expense of Earth. Mothra arrived on time to stop Battra resulting in a battle that destroyed the existing human race in flash floods. After the war, Battra rested in the Atlantic Ocean while Mothra settled in Infant Island to stay for many years. In 1992, a small meteor struck the surface of the Earth which awoke Battra and caused him to continue his destruction since thousands of years ago."

Official COBRACON 2011 promo by NGSMOOV

COBRAAAAAAA!

Charapro: Kokushi Muso Deluxe Figure Review

Kokushi Muso is another alter ego of professional wrestler Keiji Mutoh, but is only seen in a few shows. Kokushi Muso is based on his tag-team partner, Hakushi's monk character. Hakushi means "White Angel," while Kokushi Muso is "Black Angel." I like this character because Keiji Mutoh combines the style of Hakushi and the Great Muta. In other words, Kokushi's style is mostly resembles Hakushi, but will use poison mist and the shining wizard when needed!

Kokushi Muso Deluxe Figure made by Charapro is amazing! I should point out that wrestling figures in Japan does lack articulation compared to toys made from Jakks and Mattel. To some collectors, lack of pose-ability sucks because I guess they can't do much with it, so they stay away from Japanese figures. They do have a point and there's nothing wrong with that. As for me, I think the toys are unique and worth collecting.

Charapro: Kokushi Muso

Bandai: Dino-Tank Figure Review

Hello everyone,

For my first post and also as a first test (I'm new to blogging), I thought I'd talk about one of the most unique figures in my collection: Dinosaur-Tank or Dino-Tank for short.

Dino-Tank