Friday, September 30, 2011

BBK 1/6 Comic Clown PREVIEW aka The PS3 Arkham Asylum Joker 12-inch Figure

This is the BBK–002 1/6 scale Comic Clown 12-inch figure. What is it with clowns? They scare the $#!+ out of little children most of the time and they rarely wear a happy face when they are performing. Even when they do put on a smiley face, it is never something to cheer about. They just look downright creepy with their white make-up face and grotesque image.


The concept of the evil clown is related to the irrational fear of clowns, known as coulrophobia. The image of the evil clown is a development in popular culture, in which the playful trope of the clown is rendered as disturbing through the use of horror elements and dark humor.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

BBK 1/6 Cowboy PREVIEW - aka Jonah Hex 12-inch Figure

Jonah Woodson Hex is a Western comic book antihero created by writer John Albano and artist Tony DeZuniga and published by DC Comics. Hex is a surly and cynical bounty hunter whose face is horribly scarred on the right side. Despite his poor reputation and personality, Hex is bound by a personal code of honor to protect and avenge the innocent. The character is portrayed by Josh Brolin in the 2010 film adaptation of the same name.


This is an upcoming release by yet another new 1/6 company BBK and it is a 12-inch COWBOY figure based on the DC character Jonah Hex played by Josh Brolin in the film adaptation. The BBK003 Cowboy figure will come with 1/6 head sculpt of Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex, 12-inch figure body, hat, shirt, vest (sepia style), leather belt, 2 scabbards, braces (sepia style), leather boots, coat (sepia style), revolver pistol x 2 and individual metal bullets x 50 pieces.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

TTL 1/6 Canvas Shoes For Male and Female Figures

Even 12-inch figures need shoes. Besides dress shoes and combat boots, what's a 12-inch tall guy / gal going to wear when they go out in their civvies? Unless you are a hobbit, you'll want to slip on some comfortable shoes before heading out the door. Well, TTL is going to offer 1/6 collectors a range of canvas shoes for 12-inch male or female figures, with 4 colors in each style: white, blue, black and red.


The TTL 1/6 scale Canvas Shoes For 12-inch tall Male and Female Figures seem to be pretty well produced (at least going by these prototype pictures) and fit rather well on these models (looks to be Hot Toys True Type 12-inch bodies).

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Medicom Jake Lonergan and Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde "Cowboys & Aliens" figures

"Cowboys & Aliens" is a 2011 American science fiction Western film directed by Jon Favreau and starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, and Olivia Wilde. The main plot revolves around an amnesiac outlaw (Craig), a wealthy cattleman (Ford), and a mysterious traveler (Wilde) who must ally to save a group of townspeople abducted by aliens.

I had actually talked about 12-inch "Cowboys & Aliens" figures in an earlier post HERE, putting together 1/6 scale figures that had the actors' likenesses i.e. Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, Harrison Ford as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde, and Adam Beach as Nat Colorado, Colonel Dolarhyde's right-hand man. Well, it looks like Medicom has secured the license to produce Jake Lonergan and Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde figures, and has released these prototype / preview pictures.


Here's the Medicom 1/6 scale Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, a wanted outlaw with amnesia and a strange metal band shackled to his wrist. Given Medicom's notorious reputation as an under-scaled manufacturer, this 1/6 Jake Lonergan figure won't be able to stand very tall at all which is a shame as the prototype head sculpt really shows a lot of promise.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Hot Toys: 1/6th scale Hall of Armor collectible PREVIEW

Just like Sidehshow Collectibles, Hot Toys is also moving into the movie props business and their latest offering is the 1/6th scale Tony Stark's Hall of Armor collectible, most suitable for their extended Iron Man line of 12-inch collectible figures. These are the display cases we see in the Iron Man movies where Tony Stark parks his armor figures when they are not in use. Obviously he has more than one and that just means that you have to buy one for every Iron Man figure you collect if you want to use this to display your Iron Man figures.


If these look vaguely familiar to you or the images gave you a sense of déjà vu, it's because another company had already put out similar images on the internet. Oribi Custom had released pictures of their Action Figure Display Stage just about a week earlier before Hot Toys released their pictures for preview. You can view the Oribi Custom Display Stage in my earlier post HERE.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Veryhot: 1/6 scale Sniper version 3.0 PREVIEW

VeryHot is really working up quite a bit of sweat in the shops. They have just released pictures of their third Sniper uniform / outfit set they intend to release. This will be the Veryhot: Sniper version 3.0. It's going to be a sniper in MultiCam. From the pictures they released (see pictures below), it looks really good. The photography makes the figure looks 1:1 scale - because of the camouflage covering the face, the figure look so realistic! Just goes to show what good photography can do :)


MultiCam is a single camouflage pattern designed to help the wearer hide in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. It is a 7-color, multi-environment camouflage pattern developed by Crye Associates in conjunction with U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center.

Friday, September 23, 2011

B is also for Blight

In the animated series "Batman Beyond" also known as "Batman of the Future", Terry McGinnis adopted the identity of Batman in the future. Derek Powers was a powerful but corrupt businessman who in a freak accident was transformed into the villain Blight, the archenemy of the second Batman.


Derek Powers / Blight bears characteristics of both corporate villain Lex Luthor and DC Comics villain Doctor Phosphorus. Blight also bears some similarities to the Joker from the 1989 film Batman. Both were disfigured by chemicals by Batman, and the attempt to fix the injury caused by the chemicals also resulted in the creation of their new identities. Both characters also disguise their deformity by using a method to cover their skin to give a (relatively) normal appearance.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Preview: Hot Toys 1/6 Iron Monger Limited Edition Collectible Figure

Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Iron Monger Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from the Iron Man movie. The movie-accurate Iron Monger collectible is highly detailed, specially crafted based on the image in the movie, highlighting the newly developed head sculpt of Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane, well equipped armor, light-up functions and weapons.


Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS164 Iron Man: 1/6th scale Iron Monger Limited Edition Collectible Figurine Specifications: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Iron Monger, featuring the likeness of Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane in the Iron Man movie, Approximately 17.5 inches / 44 cm tall with Over 60 points of articulations, Specially painted armor with steel feeling, One (1) pair of palms with improved articulations, movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated), LED-lighted eyes and micro ARC reactor (white light, battery operated), Chest can be opened for revealing the Obadiah Stane’s head sculpt

Incoming from Heroic: 1/6 Crazy COP outfit set

Another Bruce Willis figure? This is an upcoming release by Heroic and it's called "Crazy Cop". Bruce Willis has a knack for playing never-say-die characters since his role as John McClane in "Die Hard" in 1998 and it seems 1/6 manufacturers just cannot seem to get enough of him as they are always trying to sell us 12-inch Bruce Willis figures. There are so many blog posts /entries on Bruce Willis that I had to create a label just for him :)


Heroic 1/6 Crazy Cop outfit set will include the following items: Headsculpt (Normal), Neck Connector (suitable for HT, TTL, EnterBay 12-inch bodies), Hands (2 pairs), Feet with pegs (1 pair), Colt Python .357 Magnum 6-inch, Colt Python .357Magnum 2.5 inch, black jacket, Handcuffs, Sunglasses, Casual shoes, Sock tops (not a full sock since the shoes are attached by pegs and not slipped into the feet), Jeans, White Vest, Belt, Police badge, Double shoulder holster, Nokia mobile phone, Baton, Ring, magazine pouch. Body NOT included!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Medicom RAH Stealth Predator Figure

In the past, before Hot Toys even came on the scene, Medicom Toys was already putting out a whole line of 1:6 scale superhero figures wearing rubber suits over a Joe-like body, portraying popular Japanese media characters like Devilman, Kamen Rider and Kikaider (they were also called tokusatsu i.e. live action films with special effects). Then Medicom decided to venture into movie-related merchandise associated with the West, mainly Hollywood films and their RAH (Real Action Heroes) line began to expand. My FIRST Medicom RAH 12-inch figure was Sylvester Stallone as Judge Joseph Dredd from the 1995 "Judge Dredd" movie. You can check out the pictures HERE


This is a Medicom RAH (Real Action Heroes) Stealth Predator figure. I think this figure was released way back in 1998. It's supposed to be 1:6 but then, the scale is all wrong because a 1:6 Predator would have to be at least 14 inches tall but this figure is barely 12 inches (300mm), let alone 14 inches. It has also shown the ravages of time as it is now turning yellow when it used to be a translucent white.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Grenadier 75th Ranger, Operation Gothic Serpent SOMALIA 1993

Once called VTS which stood for Virtual ToyS, the company that started producing these 1:6 scale Black Hawk Down 12-inch military figures has changed its name to DAM (Don't Ask Me - haha just kidding) and has released these preview pictures of their next figure in line. The next DAM figure to be released will be a 1/6 scale Grenadier from the 75th Ranger Regiment of TASK FORCE RANGER during Operation Gothic Serpent which occurred in SOMALIA, 1993. I am liking this figure a lot :) you have to scroll down to see why.


These 1:6 scale 12-inch military figures might have been based on the real Rangers who were stationed in Somalia from August to October 1993 when Operation Gothic Serpent took place but the head sculpts are based on the actors who played the Rangers in the film "BLACK HAWK DOWN", released in 2001 and directed by Ridley Scott. The first figure previewed earlier was Chalk Leader (pictures HERE), based on actor Josh Hartnett whose role as SSG Matt Eversmann was based on Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann, US Army Ranger, leader of Chalk 4.

Monday, September 19, 2011

REVIEW II: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Optimus Prime

Continuing from where I left off in the previous post, this is the 2008 released Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Optimus Prime CLEAR version in robot mode as we had already seen him in vehicle / truck mode in the previous post.


In robot mode, Voyager Class Optimus Prime is proportionally more accurate to his CGI design than the Leader Class toy and has a more accurate headsculpt.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Optimus Prime REVIEW 1

Remember how much I like anything transparent that shows the working parts inside? I had posted transparent versions of the Bandai MS-06 Zaku II clear color version model kit and Bandai Mobile Suit Gundam RX-78-2 clear color version model kit in earlier posts (click on the links to bring you there). Well, my wonderful wife and number ONE supporter surprised me with this transparent / clear version Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime recently :) Even though I don't really collect Transformers toys, I cannot resist one that is clear / transparent but you must know that already. So on with the show!


This is the 2008 released Hasbro Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Optimus Prime CLEAR version which features: Autobot leader Optimus Prime from the "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" movie. It transforms from robot to truck in the blink of an eye (well, almost) and has missile-firing cannons. He's ready for battle. Are you?

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1:6 scale Boba Fett 12-inch Figure PREVIEW

Pictures are OUT! These are prototype pictures of Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1:6 scale Boba Fett 12-inch Figure. No name strikes more fear into the heart of a galactic fugitive than that of Boba Fett. The famed bounty hunter's cool, helmeted visage is known to the denizens of countless worlds, though few have ever encountered the mysterious warrior, and fewer still would have any clue to his true identity or face.


The product of Kaminoan cloning, Boba Fett was the unaltered clone and son of Jango Fett, a Mandalorian hunter no less deadly in his day than his progeny. Trained in the techniques of his people and gifted with his father's cunning, young Boba follows in Jango's footsteps after the bounty hunter's untimely death on Geonosis. Boba Fett's trademarks are his instantly recognizable Mandalorian battle armor, his scorched jetpack and battered old Firespray interceptor Slave I, inherited from his father. All the bounty hunter's tools are custom fitted with modifications and improvements that grant him the edge in tracking and tackling his marks.

Fate of digital assets 'in limbo' after death

In the news recently: When you die, does your Facebook account die with you? Or that online photo album? What about your iTunes playlist, blogs or tweets?

The original tomb raider, Indiana Jones :)

Laws in the United States and elsewhere are vague on the fate of digital rights to online accounts after death, leading to complications and legal wrangling for survivors who want access to the online services of the deceased. Legal experts say it's unclear who owns what in the Internet "cloud," and that in some cases the user agreement for email or social networking sites terminates when a person dies.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Hot Toys 1:6 scale Iron Man One-of-a-kind Display Case

This is a Action Figure Display Stage to be released by Oribi Custom, designed specifically for Hot Toys Iron Man. Why? Because there are just so many Hot Toys 1:6 scale Iron Man 12-inch figures out there (Mark I armor to Mark VI with variants and battle-damaged version plus exclusives thrown in) that a company actually thinks it is worthwhile making and selling these specially designed display cases specifically for Hot Toys Iron Man figures! There are so many collectors out there who are eager to display all their Hot Toys Iron Man figures the way these armored figures are meant to be showcased.


The Oribi Custom Action Figure Display Stage Parts List: 2 x Side Wall (2 LED Bulbs included), Back Wall, Figure Clip, Semi-transparent Wall Edge, Background (8 LED Bulbs included), Ceiling, Base Cover, Base, Pegs (for Single Figure and also Multiple Figure Displays), Transformer (100v-240v), USB / DC Wire, Spare LED Bulbs. Hot Toys Iron Man Action Figures NOT included!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Incoming from VeryHot: 1/6 scale Correspondent Outfit

A war correspondent is a journalist who covers stories firsthand from a war zone. In the 19th century they were also called Special Correspondents. [ source: wiki ]


War correspondents deliberately go to the most conflict-ridden parts of the world. Once there they attempt to get close enough to the action to provide written accounts, photos, or film footage. Thus, being a war correspondent is often considered the most dangerous form of journalism. On the other hand, war coverage is also one of the most successful branches of journalism. Newspaper sales increase greatly in wartime and television news ratings go up. News organizations have sometimes been accused of warmongering because of the advantages they gather from conflict.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Hot Toy Collecting Tip #2: What to do about Cracking Rubber and Disintegrating Suits

When the rubber meets the road! Hot Toys first generation muscle bodies are cracking up all over the place. This is the Hot Toys released 1:6 scale DEVGRU 12-inch military figure from way back and it too has suffered the fate of cracking rubber bodies!


As I had blogged in an earlier post, Hot Toys muscle bodies can CRACK! See my post HERE for more pictures of the damage to the Hot Toys SDU muscle body.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sideshow Collectibles COBRA Desert Ops Trooper: Officer PREVIEW

Cobra Commander inspires undying loyalty in his soldiers. However, they wouldn't become part of the tremendous COBRA ranks if they didn't get results. While the standard "blueshirt" troopers are the backbone of Cobra Commander's army, the terrorist organization's leader has realized the importance of specialized training to meet specific needs. As he weaves his dangerous web across the globe, he needs troopers who not only endure the harsh environments they're placed in but use it to their advantage. Trained in desert survival and combat, Cobra Commander's Desert Ops Troopers wear tan uniforms to blend in with the whirling sands of the desert. By the time they are spotted, it's too late for their enemies.


The Sideshow Collectibles COBRA 1:6 scale Desert Ops Trooper: Officer 12-inch Figure features: Prometheus body with over 30 Points of Articulation, Highly detailed and hand painted Cobra Officer portrait with sculpted Facemask, Detailed fabric Desert Ops uniform with COBRA insignia and Officer Rank Bars, Fabric Officer Facemask, Tactical Boots, Smersh Harness with Buttpack, Magazine Pouches, Canteen Set, Knee Pads, Belt, Three Sets of Interchangeable Gloved Hands, Desert Goggles, 12-inch display base with COBRA logo, Additional desert sands base accessory, AK-74 Assault Rifle with Folding Buttstock and AK-74 Silencer plus Red Dot Scope, 30-Round Banana Magazines, G17 Pistol with Holster and 17-Round Magazine, Bayonet with Sheath & Strap.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Hot Toys "Predators" 1/6th scale Noland Collectible Figure PREVIEW

Hot Toys is proud to present their latest Movie Masterpiece Series figure – MMS163 1/6th scale Noland Collectible Figure from the "Predators" movie. The movie-accurate Noland collectible is specially crafted based on his image in the movie, highlighting the newly developed head sculpt, highly detailed helmet, specially sculpted body armor and weapons.


Hot Toys MMS163 Predators: 1/6th scale Noland Collectible Figure Specification. The 1/6th scale Noland Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Laurence Fishburne as Noland in the Predators movie; Approximately 30 cm tall; Over 30 points of articulations; Newly developed head sculpt and body armor; Six (6) pieces of interchangeable palms including: One (1) pair of fists, One (1) pair of relaxed palm, One (1) right palm for holding axe, One (1) right palm for holding spear or laser gun

Asmus Toys "Batman Forever" Riddler PREVIEW

Batman Forever is a 1995 American superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is a sequel to Batman Returns (1992), with Val Kilmer replacing Michael Keaton as Batman. The plot focuses on Batman trying to stop Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Jim Carrey) in their villainous scheme to drain information from all the brains in Gotham City.


Jim Carrey plays Dr Edward Nygma / The Riddler: A former Wayne Enterprises employee, Edward resigns after his newest invention is personally rejected by Bruce Wayne. He becomes the villainous Riddler, leaving riddles and puzzles at scenes of crime.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11, Ten Years On

Let's all take a moment to reflect on the events that occurred ten years ago on September 11, 2001 and the impact it has made in all our lives, one way or another. [ Source of Infographic: ReuseThisBag.com ]

Click on the picture to get a bigger and better view :)

Saturday, September 10, 2011

B is also for Batman – Michael Keaton Batman

This is the Kenner 1992 "Batman Returns" Bruce Wayne action figure with Quick Change Batman Armor!

Back in the 1990s, few of the Batman actors had ever received a movie-accurate plastic translation. Toy companies don't always receive the rights to actors' likenesses along with the general franchise. A high quality effort usually requires complicated laser scanning procedures. Sometimes it's just not worth the trouble for a toy marketed at the prepubescent crowd.


That all changed with the release of the 1989 BATMAN film! In the months pre-dating Batman's release in June 1989, a popular culture phenomenon rose known as "Batmania". Over $750 million worth of merchandise was sold. Cult filmmaker and comic book writer Kevin Smith remembered, "That summer was huge. You couldn't turn around without seeing the Bat-Signal somewhere. People were cutting it into their f***ing heads. It was just the summer of Batman and if you were a comic book fan it was pretty hot."

Friday, September 9, 2011

A is also for Azrael Batman

This is the Legends of Batman AZRAEL Batman Toy Action Figure by Kenner. Azrael, a brutal masked crime-fighter makes a name for himself in Gotham standing in for Batman while the Dark Knight heals from a crushing injury dished out by the terrifying Bane. Though he is new to the dangerous streets of the city he is swift to dole out his own brand of hard justice.


Azrael is the name given to the champions of at least two splinter groups of the Sacred Order of St. Dumas. The mantle of Azrael was passed down hereditary lines in the Order of St. Dumas for hundreds of years until the their final Azrael, Jean-Paul Valley destroyed that faction of the order. The name is from the traditional Angel of Death.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Hot Toy Collecting Tip #1: Remove ALL Batteries!

The ongoing debate continues: To open or NOT to open! To open what? To open the toy: that is to remove the figure from its packaging, to take it out and play, pose or simply admire the figure for what it is, a 3-D (three dimensional) art form. To keep it in its packaging would mean that one cannot truly appreciate the art that went into making the toy (figure, vehicle, playset - whatever it's supposed to be). Nor will you ever know how the back of the figure looks like (since you never get to see it if it remains in the box / packaging) or realize the full potential of the figure with the full accessories and its play value.

You can only truly enjoy the figure when you open it, as Kane found out :)

The term "Mint in sealed box" (commonly abbreviated as "MISB"; variations include "MOSC", or "mint on sealed card") refers to the practice of keeping toys in their original packaging, even after purchasing them. Such specimens are supposedly valued more than "loose" toys i.e. toys that have been removed from the packaging. In addition to the perceived "germ free" nature of such a toy, the owner can be assured that the item is almost certainly complete and intact. The chances of a still-sealed action figure being broken or missing accessories is extremely unlikely; such cases are almost always due to either accidents at the factory (toys being packaged with wrong / no accessories), or the toys being made of materials that decompose relatively quickly regardless of how they are or aren't packaged (such as yellowing – toys discoloring over time, Gold Plastic Syndrome – a toy's plastic decomposing and becoming brittle to the point of shattering or crumbling under minimal-stress conditions, rubber rot – rubber parts drying up, cracking, rotting AND also melting / disintegrating parts – rubber and some leather / pleather materials have been known to disintegrate over time). [source: MISB]

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Very Hot 1:6 Sniper in Jungle PREVIEW

Hot on the heels of Zy Toys is Very Hot, trying to play catch up. This is their next release, which is also a sniper (Zy Toys sniper previewed in the previous post) but Very Hot is calling it "Sniper in Jungle" which actually isn't correct at all!


This figure is much more accurate as a USMC Sniper in Iraq circa 2003. In fact, Very Hot practically copied Hot Toys design and released it as their own.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Zy Toys: Sniper-mamba Suit PREVIEW

A ghillie suit, yowie suit, or camo tent is a type of camouflage clothing designed to resemble heavy foliage. Typically, it is a net or cloth garment covered in loose strips of cloth or twine, sometimes made to look like leaves and twigs, and optionally augmented with scraps of foliage from the area.


Snipers and hunters may wear a ghillie suit to blend into their surroundings and conceal themselves from enemies or targets. The suit gives the wearer's outline a three-dimensional breakup, rather than a linear one. When manufactured correctly, the suit will move in the wind in the same way as surrounding foliage. [ source: wiki ]

Monday, September 5, 2011

Kaustic Plastik Realistik Muscle Body KP01A PREVIEW

Kaustic Plastik emerged from the ashes of Twisting Toyz, formed by Fabio Varesi, former Twisting Toyz historical chief consultant and Danilo Leo, former Twisting Toyz chief prototyper. Twisting Toyz, as most collectors are well aware, was the first and only action figure company producing 1:6 scale World War II Italian soldiers and equipment, that today still remain the most historically accurate Italian action figures in the market.

Kaustic Plastik wanted to continue with that grand Italian tradition. However, Fabio and Danilo felt the need to create a new company that is focused on the more "ancient" themes of Italy, which for too many years has been overlooked in the collector’s market. Being that Kaustik Plastik is headquartered in Italy, they will have wide access to some of the world’s finest historical artifacts out there. Because of this, they will have the capability to produce historically accurate sets such as: Ancient Roman Gladiators - based on the original weapons and equipment found in Pompeii (Italy) (I've previewed both the Kaustic Plastik 1/6 Roman gladiator Retiarius "Astacius" and Kaustic Plastik 1/6 Thraex "Celadus" Roman gladiator already) and the Ancient Roman Army – from the military might of the Roman Legionaries to the impressive stature of the Roman Centurion, get ready for battle! Exciting times indeed!!


This will be Kaustic Plastik 1/6 scale Realistik Muscle Body KP01A. This newly developed 12-inch nude body will have extraordinarily life-like muscle definition with 4 posing hands, a Lifelike head with "state of art" paint, Carefully painted skin texture, Improved ankle joints for extra stability and be made of extremely durable plastic (PVC and ABS) for lifetime enjoyment. Finally, a company that listens to collectors - No more cracked muscle bodies which may be good to look at at first but bad in the long run because they tend to crack up (see my post HERE for a cracked up Hot Toys rubber body!)

Saturday, September 3, 2011

ACI 1/6 Roman Gladiator "Flamma" 12-inch Figure REVIEW II

Here's the ACI 1/6 scale Warriors Series: Gladiator of Rome "Flamma" 12-inch figure in its full glory, fully kitted out and ready for battle in the arena of ancient Rome. After having reviewed and seen pictures of the figure without its helmet and accessories (Roman shield and gladius sword) in the previous post, now we see the figure as it was meant to be, and what a fine figure it is!


This ACI Roman Gladiator "Flamma" 12-inch figure surpassed my expectations :) Sure, the head sculpt wasn't the best and could have been done better (see previous post for a cross-eyed looking Ron Parlman) but I was never going to pose and display this figure without his helmet on. With the authentic 1/6 scale Myrmillo gladiator helmet on his head and fully equipped with his curved rectangular shield (scutum) of the Roman legionary in one hand and straight-blade sword, or gladius (from which gladiators derived their name) in the other, this figure just looks AWESOME!

Friday, September 2, 2011

ACI 1/6 "Flamma" Gladiator of Rome 12-inch Figure REVIEW 1

A gladiator (Latin: gladiator, "swordsman", from gladius, "sword") was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals. Some gladiators were volunteers who risked their legal and social standing and their lives by appearing in the arena. Most were despised as slaves, schooled under harsh conditions, socially marginalized, and segregated even in death.


Flamma was one of the most famous gladiators of Rome because he was awarded the rudis (the highest reward which was the gift of a wooden training sword or staff) no less than four times but still chose to remain a gladiator. The gravestone of Flamma, in Sicily, details the following information: "Flamma, secutor, lived 30 years, fought 34 times, won 21 times, fought to a draw 9 times, defeated 4 times a Syrian by nationality."

Phicen Laura II Tumulus Raider PREVIEW

This will be Phicen's second Laura female action figure, aptly named "Laura II Tumulus Raider" (any relation to Angelina Jolie in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" is purely coincidental and most likely intentional LOL). After all, Phicen's first "Laura" figure was based on Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.


Phicen 1/6 scale Laura II Tumulus Raider female action figure will be about 29.5cm tall with thw PL2011-13 New Large Breast Seamless Body Tan C plus Head sculpt. Outfit includes White T-shirt, light-colored jacket, pistol holsters (left and right), belt, backpack and a pair of boots. She will be armed with two Uzi submachine guns with two Uzi submachine gun magazines, two USP HK pistols, two pistol clips. Additional parts: two pairs of replaceable hands and a figure display stand.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

G is also for Gundam RX-78-2

You cannot mention Zaku (see previous post) and not blog about Gundam! They go hand-in-hand like peas in a pod and you just cannot have one without the other.

The Gundam Series (ガンダムシリーズ, Gandamu Shirīzu) is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots (or "mecha") called "Mobile Suits" (MS); usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam. The metaseries started on April 7, 1979 as a serial TV show called Mobile Suit Gundam.


That first TV series has since spawned a franchise that has come to include works released in numerous media. Titles have appeared in the form of multiple television series and OVAs, movies, manga, novels and video games, among other modes. The story from the original 1979 series has been considerably extended with sequels, prequels, side stories and alternate timelines. As a result, the title Gundam has become a collective term for the seven distinct but related timelines that can be pieced together from the stories that appear in the Gundam franchise.