Diamond (Previews Exclusive) X-Plus 30 cm Godzilla 1989 Review

Frankly, this figure has been haunting me, since I missed my opportunity to buy the Japanese version years ago. Despite my initial positive impression, I couldn't budget enough funds to purchase that figure back then. I lived with my regret, not knowing what the future may hold later. Thankfully, Diamond Distributors obtained an exclusive license to reissue this figure to USA, and the timing could not have been better!

Transformers AOE Deluxe Slash Review

My review of AOE Dinobots continue, this time being Slash's turn. One source claimed Slash was highly considered to be in Transformers Age of Extinction, but he couldn't make the final cut. This figure was thrown in, likely for the purpose of adding more Dinobots and/or making up for not casting this character in the movie.

Takara MP-21 Masterpiece Bumblebee with Exosuit Review

I have been looking forward to this release for months. Bumblebee is second to the last Masterpiece figure to be released in 2014. The figure featured in this review is the standard version, which doesn't include a coin and an extra battle face plate.

HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn [Destroy Mode]

Time for another edition of Let's Build A Model! Today, is Bandai's HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Unicorn GBanshee Norn [Destroy Mode]. This new model was released this past March. The entire project was a strait build with zero customization.

Godzilla 2014 3D paper model available on Tektonten Papercraft

Do you like Godzilla and making papercraft models? Good news! Tektonten Papercraft has a PDF file of the Godzilla 2014 3D model. The link to the template is available here.

I also recommend subscribing to Tektonten Papercraft, as new models, based to Pop Culture and other references, are posted regularly.

NECA 12" HTT Godzilla 1985 Review

I never though I'd drastically sway back in forth leading up to my decision to buy this figure. At first, I was excited to hear the news, then became shocked to see NECA's very first prototype. That prototype, especially the head sculpt, was awful. Thankfully, NECA redesigned Godzilla, due to fan feedback. The revision was definitely an improvement. Thus, convinced me again to give this figure a chance. Is this figure worth buying?

Bandai HG Mothra (2004) Review

Closing the Mini Kaiju Spotlight is one of the most popular opponents of Godzilla. Portrayed as a god of Infant Island, guardian, or messenger of Mother Earth, Mothra is a household name next to Godzilla. The figure reviewed here is based on Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., and was included in Bandai's Godzilla High Grade 10 set.

Bandai HG Destoroyah (1995) Review

The figure to be featured on day 4 of Mini Kaiju Spotlight is a prehistoric monster that was awakened and mutated by the Oxygen Destroyer. Through multiple evolution phases, the final form of this creature was duplicated in a small scale figure. I present to you Destoroyah!

Bandai HG Anguirus (1968) Review

Number three on the Mini Kaiju Spotlight is one of, if not the most trusted ally of Godzilla. Being said as one of the strongest dinosaurs from the prehistoric era and his strong dislike in "war-like predators." His never say die attitude is one of the many reasons why fans like him. Without any further ado, let's review Anguirus!

Bandai HG Hedorah (1971) Review

Number two on Mini Kaiju Spotlight is another monster from the Showa era. Spawned from areas unknown, this creature settled on planet Earth feeding on nothing but pollutants. The continuous consumption of toxins caused some strange organisms to merge into the massive Kaiju, known as Hedorah! This mini figure is from Godzilla Chronicle High Grade Real Figure Set 3.

Bandai HG Ebirah (1966) Review

Welcome to Mini Kaiju Spotlight, the five day marathon that will review mini toys from Bandai HG sets! This fun project will focus on a few allies and villains from various Godzilla movies of different eras. Kicking off this marathon is a figure based on one of the most obscure Kaiju from this genre. Here is Showa Ebirah!

Mini Kaiju Spotlight Special Coming November 24 - 28!

I realized there weren't any Kaiju toy reviews posted in a while, so to make up for lost times, there will be a five day marathon of mini Kaiju toy reviews starting November 24 and ending November 28. That's one figure review each day for five consecutive days!

Here's my plan, the figures that are arranged for a review will come from Bandai's HG (High Grade) set, hence the "Mini Kaiju" part of the main title. I won't review any Godzilla figures at all, rather his co-stars ranging from allies to villains. To give you an obvious clue to which Kaiju will be in a review, please look no further than the silhouette on top of this post.

Who knows, if this project turns out well, I will consider doing another short marathon of mini figure reviews another time. For now, I hope you all enjoy the marathon, and I wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe during Black Friday!

Transformers Generations Windblade Review

Windblade is possibly one of, if not the most highly anticipated release from the 10th wave of Generations Deluxe toys. This character's gender, allegiance, alternate mode, color theme, signature weapon, and personality was created by fan output on Hasbro's online polls last year. The outcome, and Hasbro's added influence to Windblade's design, led to the figure seen here.

World of Nintendo Waluigi Figure Review

Wario looked pretty lonely on his own, so to make up for the void, I bought a Waluigi figure to go with him. Although everything seemed fine at a glance, an unimaginable setback turned my excitement down a couple of notches.

World of Nintendo Wario Figure Review

One of the most popular villains/anti-heros of Super Mario is up next for a review! While shopping in Walgreens, I found this Wario figure in the toy section. I normally pass on most video game inspired toys, but this one was definitely interesting, and the cheap price tag made that moment even more compelling.

(Update 11/26) NECA Godzilla 1985 12” Head-to-Tail Action Figure Shipping Schedule

NECA's feedback for their first Godzilla 1985 prototype didn't go so well. Due to overwhelming fan feedback, NECA retooled Godzilla's head, and in the process, pushed the figure's shipping date to November.

According to NECA's November events calendar, the redesigned Godzilla 1985 figure will start shipping from their warehouses to stores on November 20. Hopefully the toys will be in stock by following week, but that's entirely up to the places that sells them.

There's no doubt that these figures will also be available in their eBay and Amazon stores within the same week, so keep a lookout!

Check out the links below to view NECA's November schedule and info on Godzilla 1985 figure.

http://necaonline.com/events/
http://necaonline.com/49202/products/toys/action-figures/godzilla-12-head-to-tail-action-figure-1985-godzilla/

(Update:  November 26, 2014)

NECA's eBay store is now taking orders for Godzilla 1985! BIN (Buy It Now) price is $18.99. The clickable link to their eBay page is provided below this sentence.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Godzilla-Classic-Series-1-85-Godzilla-Action-Figure-12-Head-Tail-NECA-/251732623454?pt=US_Action_Figures&hash=item3a9c6f005e

Happy 60th Birthday Godzilla!

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the king of the monsters, Godzilla! Throughout a 60 year span, Godzilla certainly engaged my imagination, since childhood, and here I am reviewing and sharing my appreciation of Godzilla figures. Thank you for the memories!

Transformers Generations Tankor Review

Tankor makes his way into the 9th wave of Generations Deluxe toys, alongside Rattrap. Tankor's origin lies from Transformers Beast Machines. Under Megatron's rule, he was one out of three Vehicon gernerals, and commander of the tank drones.

S.H. MonsterArts Toho Ultimate Weapon Set 2 Review

Anyone who missed Tamashii Nation's first weapons set, now has an opportunity to buy this. Toho Ultimate Weapon Set 2 came out the same day as Godzilla Effect 2, with high hopes that collectors would naturally order both at one time, such as this case.

X-Plus King Ghidorah Now Available For Preorder!

Preorders for King Ghidorah have finally surfaced! To save you the trouble of looking around for stores, I do have a few links of stores, who are selling them!

Ami Ami

So far, Ami Ami has the best deal than the rest. At a price tag of 32,850 JPY comes out to roughly $306 USD (shipping charges will be determined when the item is ready to be shipped).

HLJ

Hobby Link Japan (HLJ) also jumped on the bandwagon. They currently come second, with a reserve price of 34,200 JPY ($319.43 USD). Shipping prices will also be determined when the figure is in stock.

BBTS

Big Bad Toy Store's preorder price is $509.99. Please consider this option as an absolute last resort before orders from Ami Ami and HLJ are capped.

According to the X-Plus Collectors group on Facebook, Hobby Search will not be selling King Ghidorah. This post will be updated in case more preorders are available from other sources.

Transformers Masterpiece 30th Anniversary Exclusive MP-05 Megatron

BBTS has announced their plans to release an exclusive 30th Anniversary edition of Masterpiece MP-05 Megatron. Further details are explained from Seibertron on seibertron.com!



Transformers Masterpiece 30th Anniversary Exclusive MP-05 Megatron

Importing Monsters Present NECA NYCC Godzilla Booth Pictures

Looks like NECA will be making an articulated Burning Godzilla and Godzilla 1954 figure. Burning Godzilla uses the same mold as Godzilla 1994, except some parts of the body will sport Godzilla's burning effect. 

I personally like the Godzilla 1954 prototype much more. The figure seems to be influenced by Bandai's Japanese vinyl version, but there are enough tweaks to differentiate the two. I like how the proportions make the figure look like a man in a bulky rubber suit.

Burning Godzilla is said to be released in January 2015, while Godzilla 1954 will debut sometime in Spring 2015.

Importing Monsters have some pics of NECA's Godzilla booth on their blog. I recommend anyone to click the link below and check them out!

http://importingmonsters.blogspot.com/2014/10/neca-nycc-godzilla-booth-pictures.html

Kaiju Addicts Share New Details on X-Plus King Ghidorah

After years of fan speculations and wishlists, X-Plus is finally producing a King Ghidorah figure in the 25cm scale. This figure is scheduled to be released in December 2014. As we await pre-orders to open up, John Stanowski of Kaiju Addicts provided an inside scoop about King Ghidorah as it's still currently in production.

http://www.kaijuaddicts.com/news-details-surface-upcoming-x-plus-king-ghidorah/

S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla Effect 2 Review

As S.H. MonsterArts continue to dig deeper in the Godzilla franchise, producing more effect sets is bound to happen, especially for those interested in creating cool dioramas. After three years since the first accessories kit, Tamashii Nations produced another batch called Godzilla Effect 2.

Transformers Reveal The Shield Voyager Deep Dive Review

Deep Dive is basically a recolored version of the Hunt for the Decepticons Voyager Sea Spray. I'm not sure if this is the same character that was once a submarine and member of the Mini-Con faction in the Cybertron series. If so, this latest incarnation is pretty different in terms of his physical appearance and his new alliance with the Autobots.

S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 2014 Review

Legendary's remake of Godzilla became a success, both nationally and internationally. Bandai/Tamashii Nations capitalized on this momentum by including Godzilla 2014 in their S.H. MonsterArts line, and having Yuji Sakai in charge of sculpting this project. Prior to this figure's mass release, the potential continued to escalate through various teasers, official promo images, and showroom displays. Now that Godzilla is here, was he really worth the wait?

Happy Godzilla Day!

I received a special haul this morning. In one shopping trip, I was able to add more blu-ray movies in my collection, including Legendary's Godzilla (2014). However, the most anticipated arrival is definitely S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (2014)! A figure review draft is already in the works. The final draft will be posted immediately after completion. I hope you all look forward to it!

X-Plus Gigantic Series Godzilla 1995 Review

X-Plus surprised many by announcing their second figure added in their special Gigantic Series line. The first figure was GMK Godzilla. Products from the Gigantic Series aren't suit accurate, but they instead take an artistic approach that interprets Daikaiju as more of a living creature, and Burning Godzilla (1995) is another prefect candidate for this line. X-Plus obtained permission to use Kaibutsuya's master mold of their previous Burning Godzilla model kit to create this figure. The one in this review is X-Plus' standard release and not the Ric. Boy Exclusive.

HGBF 1/144 Beargguy III (SAN) Review

Beargguy III (SAN) model kit is unique enough to compel me in adding this model to my collection, despite my usual tastes in models and figures. Beargguy III is featured from the Gundam Build Fighters series, and was modeled and created by China Kousaka. The mobile suit creatively utilized battle effective offense to go with a cute sense of personality.

HGBF 1/144 Beargguy III (SAN)

My latest project for the Let's Build a Model! series was HGBF 1/144 Beargguy III (SAN). Frankly, my particular taste in Mobile Suits certainly doesn't include a cute, mechanized bear in the criteria, yet this particular model looked very strange, but cool altogether. Needless to say, Beargguy drew me in. This model was a straight build with no added customization.

(Update: 8/22/14) Dorats Included with SHMA Mecha King Ghidorah!

Promotional pictures of S.H. MonsterArts Mecha King Ghidorah has surfaced, and as a big surprise, Tamashii Nations will also include three Dorats in the set! Besides the little creatures, Mecha King Ghidorah will be equipped with machine hand accessories that fit perfectly with the new Godzilla (Adult Jr.) figure.

Mecha King Ghidorah will be released as a web exclusive in late February 2015 (March 2015 in USA). The suggested retail price is $199.99, but there's no doubt that most online stores will offer a better rate.

Official images can be found through Tamashii Nation's main page.

http://tamashii.jp/item/10811

(Update 8/22/14) Mecha King Ghidorah is up for preorder at Big Bad Toy Store for $189.99.

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=BAN15980&mode=retail

TMNT (movie) The Shredder Review

The thought of Playmates still producing TMNT figures to this day, is certainly admiring. In more than a decade later, Playmates still upholds their services by creating a separate line of TMNT figures inspired by the latest movie. I can't say I'm anticipating this flick, nor am I willing to go see it, unless someone dragged me into it. However, this particular figure was compelling enough to buy. Bear in mind, this review was made before viewing the movie, so there may be some faulty assumptions about the on-screen character based on what's presented on this toy.

Spring~Early Summer Movie Reviews 2014

The year of 2014 has provided us a great time at cinema. Although not the huge blockbuster even we had in 2012 with The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises, this year has given us some nice surprises. Some great and some just ok...

Blog Updates (8/12/14)

Tired of constantly clicking the "Older Posts" button on the bottom of the page to access reviews/articles published previously? This ends today! The Rave Corner now has menus that will allow viewers to find every blog post made in the past, along with a new banner. Thank you for your continued support!

S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (Adult Jr.) Review

In an unpredictable move, S.H. MonsterArts stunned the collectors community by announcing this particular figure's release. Even more interesting is the back story behind this creation, which is being referred as the moment when Godzilla Jr. absorbed Godzilla's radiation during the meltdown phase (Godzilla vs. Destoroyah) towards the ending. The absorption evolved Godzilla Jr. into the creature you saw before the closing credits. This figure is referred as "Adult Jr." or "Rebirth" Godzilla among collectors.

Transformers Generations Legends Class Cosmos & Payload Review

This review is long overdue. My local Walmart finally stocked these figures on their shelves for the first time. I'm not sure why some Transformers toys can't be stocked immediately following their official release dates. Opinions aside, Cosmos and Payload are part of the new breed of Legends Class toys whose size is more in scale with Cyberverse Commander Class toys. They are around the fifth entry into this new series.

Bandai Museum Godzilla 1962 Review

This review is a real treat. I've always been a fan of Bandai Museum's daikaiju related figures, since X-Plus was contracted to do the sculpts. With much luck, I scored a Godzilla '62 figure for a pretty good price. Now that another figure is off my want list, let's move on to the review.

Bandai Movie Monster Series Godzilla 2014 & M.U.T.O (Male) Review

Bandai thankfully brought their Movie Monster Series line back once more, and included in this series is Godzilla (2014) and one of his opponents, the male M.U.T.O. Collectors are uncertain if Bandai will continue the Movie Monster Series and release a female M.U.T.O. figure or other Daikaiju in years to come. For now, we get to enjoy what was given.

More SHMA Battra & Mothra Pics!

Here is a mini gallery of all sorts of Toy pics I thought of randomly, while playing with Battra and Mothra's poseability. I hope you enjoy them!

S.H. MonsterArts Battra & Mothra (Larva) Review

Before Tamashii Nation's announcement of SHMA Godzilla 2014, the Battra & Mothra web exclusive set was certainly my most anticipated figure releases this year. I found the larval stages of these Daikaiju more interesting then their evolved adult forms. The reason is Ghidorah: The Three Headed Monster was the first Godzilla film I watched when I was a kid, and I've been fond of those pre-evolved forms ever since. Battra & Mothra are the second web exclusive set of 2014. Both daikaiju were featured in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992).

Transformers G1 Snarl Review

I recently saw the new Transformers movie (AOE) with a couple of my friends, and am still going through my Dinobot phase. This time I'm reviewing a classic Dinobot toy from the 1980's. Without any further ado, here is Transformers G1 Snarl!

Transformers Prime Voyager Class Dreadwing Review

As I wait for the next AoE Dinobots to come in, I'd like to go backwards and review a toy from the Transformers Prime Series. Thanks once again to my good friend for submitting this figure for a review.

X-Plus Diamond Reissue Mothra (Larva) 1961 Review

Mothra is one out of two figures released in Diamond's (X-Plus) Wave 4, the other being Godzilla 2003. Big thanks to John Stanowski and Flossie's Gifts and Collectibles for giving me another chance to buy this figure in time for the first production run.

Transformers Age of Extinction Strafe Evolution 2 Pack Review

As the anticipation of Transformers Age of Extinction draws near, Toys R Us managed to keep some collectors happy by selling the new AoE Dinobots with a smaller G1 companion in one set. These exclusive figure are called the "Evolution 2 Pack." One of the Dinobots included in this exclusive series is Strafe.

S.H. MonsterArts Effects and Toho Super Weapons Set

This weapons and effects set is the very first web exclusive product from S.H. MonsterArts, and was released in Fall 2011. Since this set became way out of production, the prices have immediately sky rocketed to at least double the initial market price.

Transformers Age of Extinction Voyager Class Grimlock Review

Grimlock is perhaps one of, if not the most anticipated toy out of the Dinobots, since the day he was announced. Grimlock, leader of the Dinobots, is one out of two Voyager Class Transformers toys to be released in Wave 1, alongside Optimus Prime.

Transformers Age of Extinction Deluxe Class Scorn Review

Thanks to a close friend and fellow collector, I received the AoE Scorn as a gift. Scorn is the second Deluxe Class Dinobot to be released in the first wave of the Age of Extinction toys. Without any further ado, let's move on to the review!

Transformers Age of Extinction Deluxe Class Slug Review

Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of the new movie, Transformers Age of Extinction, is the re-introduction to the Dinobots. Here, is one of the characters to come from the first wave of Deluxe Class figures. Here, is Dinobot Slug!

NECA 12" HTT Godzilla 2014 Review

I initially wasn't completely sold on this figure after seeing NECA's various promo images. However, as Godzilla's movie premiere was quickly approaching, my excitement nominally grew. As soon as NECA's eBay store listed their Godzilla figures up for sale for $18.99 without shipping, I quickly caved in to celebrate the big day. For those wondering what 12" HTT means, that small bit of information simply translates to 12 inches from Head To Tail. Godzilla is stated to be around 6 inches in height.

Godzilla 2014 Post Reaction

My friend and I saw an early screening of Legendary's Godzilla in 3D tonight (5/15/14). I had my reservations at first, but after seeing the flick, I'm glad I bought a ticket! I won't spoil the movie in detail for everyone, but the least I'll do is talk about what aspects worked for me.

S.H. MonsterArts MFS-3 (Kiryu) Review

As soon as I spotted this figure in the Dealers Room of Kawaii-Kon (2014), I just couldn't pass this one up. MFS-3 (Kiryu/MechaGodzilla III) is the ninth entry in S.H. MonsterArts' normal lineup, 15th entry including the web-exclusive toys released prior. This collectible toy is based from the movie:  Godzilla x MechaGodzilla.

X-Plus Varan (30 cm) Diamond Reissue Review

Diamond has once again graced collectors with another shot to own X-Plus' Varan figure, since being long out of production years ago. This interpretation is based on the movie Varan the Unbelievable. Varan is one out of three monsters introduced in Wave Three of X-Plus reissues.

Transformers Generations Metroplex Review

Generations Metroplex was one of, if not the biggest headlining toy of 2013. Not only was Metroplex the first entry into Hasbro's Titan Class, but this behemoth is the biggest transformer today, standing 2 feet tall, and is equipped with lights and sounds. Big thanks to my close friend for bringing this big guy in for the review.

"Put Akira Takarada back into Legendary's Godzilla!" Petition

In a talk show conducted during Super Festival (2014) in Tokyo, veteran actor Akira Takarada, one of the most recognizable and reputable actors throughout the Godzilla franchise, revealed his cameo appearance was omitted from Godzilla's final cut. The news came as a huge shock among Godzilla and daikaiju fans. In response to this news, one fan has started a petition that requests director Gareth Edwards to respectfully put Akira Takarada back into the movie. This petition needs 1,000 signatures by May 10, 2014. If you would like to help the cause, please click the link button below and sign-up.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/127/717/655/put-akira-takarada-back-into-legendarys-godzilla/

Kawaii-Kon 2014 Collection Haul

Kawaii-Kon has celebrated their 10th Anniversary, and this event will always be one my most memorable trips due to the amount of stuff that I bought from the Dealers Room. Although the non-toy purchases outnumbered this year's overall figure count, I feel that this year has been my best shopping spree so far. My latest collection haul includes (from left to right):

• S.H. FiguArts Perfect Cell
• Bandai HG 1/100 Death Scythe
• S.H. MonsterArts MFS-3 (Kiryu/Mechagodzilla III)

I'm currently working on a draft for Kiryu's review, but won't get around to publishing my article soon, due to other figure reviews that are currently under development. However, I can promise to have Kiryu's review posted in the earliest part of May. Perfect Cell and Death Scythe will also be covered sometime in the future, so please check back for future updates.

Kawaii-Kon 2014

This year was a little more special than the previous events, as Kawaii-Kon celebrated their 10 year anniversary. They also stepped up their game, to now occupy all three floors of the convention center. Kawaii-Kon 2014 was held from April 4 - 6. The following article covers what events I have seen.

Transformers Asia Exclusive Hot Spot Review

Thanks to a buddy of mine, I'm able to review a cool toy that came out years ago. Hot Spot is basically Inferno, but with some modifications that separate the two. This toy was released as part of Habro's Asia Exclusive line.

X-Plus Godzilla 2001 GMK (30 cm) Diamond Reissue Review

This version of Godzilla 2001 is a reissue from X-Plus that was distributed by Diamond Comics. The first run from Japan has been long sold out, and aftermarket prices have drastically increased, due to supply and demand. Thanks to Diamond Comics, fans are given a second chance to own this figure. Godzilla was purchased from goHastings.com.

Collector’s Update & an Upcoming Review (3/25/14)

I am very excited for the latest addition to my collection, mostly due to these figures being long out of production. Diamond's X-Plus Godzilla 2001 has arrived, and accordingly, will be reviewed momentarily. Please check back for more updates!