A guide for toy collectibles: Action Figure pt.3 - Max Factory's Figma

My favorite action figure production... 

I have been saying that word quite frequently - favorite - but well, if you don't like it, why collected it? Or in my case, collect like about 10 to 20 of it. Yes, Max Factory's Figma is actually one action figure manufacture that caught my attention as I begin recently collecting action figures. I say recently, because although the company Max Factory is actually established since 1987, Figma figure actually started to distributed mass produced on 2008. And I begin collecting one ever since I saw what they make with Spider-Man figure - which license for the feature length film is already purchased by Sony Pictures.

Distributed by Good Smile Company worldwide, Figma toy line mainly focused on characters from anime, manga, game, and popular character in Japan. Recently though, they have been entering Marvel Avengers character to produce. It seems like Avengers character is pretty popular for action figure, because as we see in the next manufacture, these characters will keep frequently mentioned.

Max Factory produces other line of product that similar, like FigFix (statue) and Nendoroid by Good Smile company (a big head with small body kind of chibi figures). Their main strong point, and I have to know myself from my own experience by collecting it, is that they produce such a great character resembling the anime or manga persona. The comical sculpting they made on this PVC based model is spot on. If other manufacturers may try to produce the same, but I think Figma brings the most accurate presentation of the anime and manga characters. Other than that, this 6"-7" figures are supported with various figure articulation which make it highly posable. Equipped also with equipments and peripherals from their character references, you can easily pose this figure as near as how they set it on anime, manga, or other references they based on.

They have now expanded a little bit to western characters. To name a few are Michael Jackson, Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and even Daft Punk. Most of it are great, but some has been critical about the figure for its character portrayal inaccuracies and joint articulation problem. One that has been criticized by fan is Iron Man mk.VII, which is looking great in all possible way, except the joint. Now Figma uses one point articulation system that connected two part of the limb. So to make it highly movable, a quite sizable joint had to be made, and it produce some obvious way to notice that only can be concealed through some right angle. This problem has been noticed particularly on the Iron Man Mk. VII figure and Spider-Man. Even that, these figures still largely hunted by fans, because the character portrayal as well as the costumes are quite detailed.

How about the price though? Well, I usually found them at quite reasonable price, at around the same price range with S.H. Figuarts. Though they have different type of Figma figures released, there's a standard figure, SP which is the Special kind, and EX which is the limited figures. Each has different kind of price range, so you should probably run check on your local preferred shop for quote.

A guide for toy collectibles: Action Figure pt.2 - Hot Toys

Now in for the big guys, this company founded in 2000 in Hong Kong used to mainly produce a 1/6th scale military unit action figure along with their customizable equipments. I still remember the first collection I had, that sadly currently is no longer with me (due to theft). Over the time though this toys manufacture now more focused on creating a replica of characters from the movie blockbusters. They are now have gotten so big, several big name distributor are selling their product worldwide, and the fans have been dying to get the hand of their new product release. This is Hot Toys.

I think the legend starts as they enter the movie blockbuster line up. What used to be we saw the replica of military soldier with all their gadgets and weapons, now they sculpting for the resemblance of movies and popular characters. The feeling may be like having a scaled model of Madame Tussaud replica in your own home with movable limbs. But no one thinks about that, because Madame Tussaud is wax based while Hot Toys is pvc hardenend and sometimes die-cast based. The success started as they releases more and more character resembling the movie original. But in my experience, the boost started as they release Iron Man and Marvel's Avengers. Honestly I started collecting the Hot Toys figure again only after I see how Iron Man mk. VII is sculpted, and I immediately looking for one to own it.

Not all of their figures are perfect though. On the earlier model developed, people have been critical about the character resemblance. But over the time, the sculptors and the production team has been learning and developing from their earlier model. Many recurring characters, especially from the Marvel Avengers series that earlier are nothing near resemble the character in the movies, have later been developed near resembling the character. Just like Black Widow from Iron Man and Avengers series, on earlier model the sculpting is nothing near Scarlet Johanson, the actress playing Black Widow, but then on the Avengers series we can see how the development has changed and looking just like the actress herself.

Now with all the history and personal experience have been described, let me share with you reader my own experience of owning the figure by Hot Toys. One thing you should know and probably expected from this figure is the price. Hot Toys now have different line up of toy collectibles like bust figure, 1/4th scale, cosbaby, etc. But for the 1/6th scale only, most of the figures costs more than at least USD250 Special limited series figures sometimes could cost more than USD700. If that is overpriced or not, I leave all the judgement to you readers or collectors. I myself only could get a hand on several figures that I really REALLY liked. Due to its price, I tend to keep them on the box, or place it on a special showcase (one that is dust proof and humid balanced). That is why I usually look one on bargain price from old model, which usually dropped the price depending on the bargain or the condition of the figure itself.

So about the figure itself? Well - looking for character resemblance from the movies or references are the point of this figure. The articulation of the figure is well made - some wide range of pose can be made, but there's some limitation although not too significant. Some parts are replaceable, and the details are pretty amazing. If you happen to have character that have a light up perks on the screen, the figures might also able to project the same light up like one on the movies. Particularly on Iron Man and Darth Vader model, where they provide batteries for the model so it can light up the arc reactor and hand blaster, or even make Darth Vader speaks some famous words.

Since I like to travel around and took photograph, sometimes I like to take some figures to go and pose them on the background of real landscapes or natural background. I can bring the 6" and 7" figures without a problem, but taking 1/6th scale is just too demanding. This figure is not for adventurous type who wanted a real backdrop for their figures. It will mostly end up indoors or in a studio and showcases.

That being said, I recommend the Iron Man line if you ever wanted to start a collection from Hot Toys. They have different kind of line up for Iron Man only, bust collection, mini bust, 1/6th scale, and cosbaby. The figure itself requires a bit of maintenance, especially for woman characters, because the hair sometimes requires special gel so it may retain it current shape.

Like I said, it is up to you to decide whether it is a good selection for your toy collection, or if you think it is a way overpriced. In my opinion though, sometimes they are all right. It can be overpriced if you don't really know what you're looking for, and end up placing a not fully satisfied piece of object on your surroundings. However, finding the one you liked and placing it can sometimes be a center piece and something to bring up the conversation.

A guide for toy collectibles: Action Figure pt.1 - Bandai S.H. Figuarts

Toys? We no longer call it that - collections, hobbies, collectibles, or some word that empowering. Dolls? Nuh-uh, we call them action figures, figures, statues, arts, anything but dolls!

Over the time these action figures collection has been growing significantly with all new manufacturer lines. Hobbyist and toy collectors should've know some, if not all the name of the manufacturers. But those who just started might not really know the difference between one and another. So to help spreading the information, I would like to describe my own experience collecting some of these items and the difference between one and another. You may know already some of it from looking at one or maybe browsing on the internet, and searching for reviews on youtube. And in this golden age of Internet, I encourage you to look for pros and cons and additional information on Internet.

BANDAI S.H. FIGUARTS Line

One of my favorite toy line, Bandai publishes this Tamashii Nations'  product through Bandai corp or Bluefin distribution. One of the longest player in toys, Bandai mainly releases Japan character to be introduced worldwide. Probably Japanese enthusiast will be more likely familiar with this line as it releases mainly Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Mazinger Z, etc. Recently though their product line is becoming more interesting as they have expanding their license to Disney product franchise such as Marvel Avenger's and Star Wars, and some of the DC Comics franchise like their Injustice: Gods among us product line.

Enough with the history, let me tell you a bit of my experience with this product line. Now S.H. Figuarts mainly releases action figures on a 6-7 inch scales depending on the characters. But they also releases statue, under the product name Figuarts Zero. For starting collectors, people might want to familiarize themselves with this, since instead of statue, there's another thing of limited articulated figure, or replaceable statue, or limb movable figure.

It is actually common when people are not aware of this, since many people thought that any toy with the character's face is an action figure. But the difference is actually quite severe, and when you have high expectation of it, sometimes you will be left feeling disappointed. 

Why I like this product line is because of the detail, and the wide range of poses it could be made. Though this product line doesn't provide 100% satisfactory, but I am really quite happy with what they done with this line. The limb articulation, as well as torso, waist, and head are averagely good. One thing they made great is the axle for the joint is colored according to the connected part, so it is well disguised whenever you making a pose for photograph.

Most replaceable parts are usually hands and hand/face. Some replaceable hands are used for different kind of hand gesture, while the face usually for some expression from the referenced characters. Having said that, you should be aware that most limbs are not replaceable, so if it happen to come off - well, it shouldn't have done that. But it is quite rigid, so you should not be afraid of that.

Now if you happen to wanted to collect one, may I recommend you with the Star Wars product line. This line is pretty easy to collect nowadays, especially with the Star Wars the Force Awakens release. Another line to recommend is Marvel's Avengers Age of Ultron - but not all of it is a good collectible item, especially if you wanted something referenced from the movie accuracy. I am really impressed with what they make of Captain America, but the Hulk is not well received by general collectors. 

I recommend you having the S.H. Figuarts line because it's by my opinion the average satisfaction by quality and price. The price ranges from USD50-80, some say it quite cheap compare to others (you'll see), and some may say it quite high for 7" figure, but from that price you can have a great range of posable characters with highly detail characters. The packaging also artistically graph. In my experience, the collectors community for this figure is quite large. Sharing and getting to know the people who own it will be great to expanding your knowledge around toy collectibles.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer - original stormtrooper costumes? milking for merchandise?

So I just realized that Star Wars are releasing another movie for this December. And it is not the sequel to Star Wars series - it is a Star Wars Story apparently. You can see the trailer here if you're curious.

I just watched the trailer and it is good to see the familiar costumes and vehicles like they use in original Star Wars (episode IV-VI), only now it is in CGI - so expect more acrobatic and over the top movement sequence as we see the AT-AT walker performs backflip or cartwheel etc. Though very unlikely, I'm just saying that they could do that with their current resources. I mean imagine the pilot now using VR to control the AT-AT.

Anyway - I kind of lose interest since I think it was pretty rude that the production team is instead of releasing the episode VIII, they go with a spin-off starring Jynn Erso? I don't know how to spell the name, so maybe that's right. 

Now - I'm a casual fan of Star Wars, by which I watch all the Star Wars movie from episode IV V VI, and I II III, and now episode VII. Saying that, I don't really care the story outside the movie, like Star Wars Clone War cartoon series, Star Wars Rebels, nor the comics and novel. I only saw some clip like from the Star Wars game made by BioWare, but I never count it as the main references of my knowledge in Star Wars series.

So - I don't really understand what's happening with Rogue One. I think it is wrong to say I'm a little hyped to see all the original Stormtroopers costumes and war vehicle, but it goes only so to the point that I realize I don't know who the characters are.

I guess it's good to reminiscence, but I don't condone the milking that the production team make from Star Wars, and this is probably just the beginning. Using similar formula for Marvel movies, Disney probably tries to expand the characters of Star Wars to promote the B-list characters. Maybe I'm wrong, this probably either sink or launch.

Anyway, I'm already a sucker for the Star Wars merchandise, it's already a hobby of mine. With this additional another dark looking trooper and tan looking one, I don't know if I want to add it up for my collection. Looking forward to December, but maybe not for the movie - only as gimmick to see when there's nothing else to see.

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice - a late review

I have waited 2016 with such big anticipation. After last year we have been treated with some superheroes movie - and have been with the absence of DC release, this year it finally opens up with Batman vs Superman. It is much anticipated, especially since the trailer has been nothing more than going round and round of Batman vs Superman, and Suicide Squad. Dawn of Justice - we all know what that means, finally DC stepping up to the superheroes mash-up on the big screen. Or at least, moving on to that point... since well, it's Dawn of Justice - sorta like the teaser for the superheroes team.

Released in March 24th worldwide, I couldn't be more excited as it is just nearing my birthday. It seems like the studio, production, distribution, marketing, and whole other team has been sync up with the universe to present me with such a blessing to see the release of Dawn of Justice on my birthday period. It was all just a coincidence though, because I don't know any of the production team even on the distant relation, as well as they don't know me. So I guess I'm at least one out of the 7 billion people out there who wishes this kind of things.

However, since I wanted it to be perfect, I wishes to watch it on the most well deserved viewing option I could have, and that is on IMAX. For that though, I have to wait for the weekend to arrive - and it's a terrible idea.

Why? Not because of the weekend - but then I have to hear on the radio, see on the social media and reviews - and it crushes me to see how POORLY it received by the audience. I am one of the people who believes in rating - and it leads to the cancellation of my weekend IMAX experience of Batman vs Superman.

It is nearing a month after the movie has been released before I decided to watch it. On regular, weekday, no IMAX experience - I decided to watch Batman vs Superman on the theaters that still decided to put it up on their list. So I spend some 2 hours - maybe less, to watch of what I think the summarize of few Batman and Superman comic books into this feature length film.

It was NOT A BAD movie, but then I also realize why most reviews would score this movie poorly. Not getting ahead of myself, let's just break it down from the beginning. (I write this review almost a month of the movie release, so I won't say spoiler alert since well, I guess if you haven't watched it until now, then maybe you're not interested on watching it and wouldn't be bothered by the spoiler).

Batman vs Superman starts from Bruce Wayne - that famous story that has been repeatedly told about how Bruce become Batman. Nothing new here - because Bruce's parents died, told in a quite beautiful but quick story rendering, et cetera et cetera - but then we get to see some different angle of clip from Man of Steel, but focusing on Bruce Wayne. Ever since the thing that happened in Metropolis and Indian Ocean, Bruce gets angry, and Lex Luthor is in motion for his plot.

Along the movie we get to see how Bruce is becoming more and more edgy about the whole Superman, and Clark become more critical about Batman vigilance. We might see how this all has been plotted by Lex Luthor - who in this movie I sadly say is more like a successful Start Up owner rather than as intimidating business magnate tycoon.

With more plot here and there, it all sum up to Batman and Superman in the near end forming an alliance to fight another threatening plot developed by Lex Luthor - Doomsday. At this point, when Luthor says Doomsday, fans should know that it will lead up to (Not Spoiler Alert, Read Above Statement Again) Superman's death. We all know it - Superman is dead, stabbed by the bones formed by Doomsday.

Eventually, this made the world a better and happier place. Superman is dead, Bruce is without Luthor competition as he goes to jail, and Wonder Woman is there also - being independent and strong, just like how we see today's generation be. And just before the end, some dirt lift up from Superman's casket.

I summarizes the story as such because that's what I thought could be digested by the audience. And I think, this is not such a bad movie. Unlike the rating that gave this poor review, I gave it actually a moderate review. I'm interested with the new storyline generated, although at few point I rather annoyed by it.

But I understand why this got a poor review, and I think it relieving to know why. Ever since the success of The Dark Knight trilogy, people nowadays expecting a much better rebooted story from the original. I was actually among the skeptics who taught Batman Begins is an abolishment to Batman story, and more prefer to Tim Burton's Batman. It was not until I try to open my mind and saw The Dark Knight quite long after it released, and realized how it has been a great movie started by new cast and everything.

But then Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan, gets a bumpy road after it release. Many has been criticizing it - and though I loved the movie, many aren't. Some reviewers even say that it is quite wrong to bring kids to watch that movie, only to see in the end that their idolized Superman snap the neck of General Zod and killing him.

The same reviews maybe also think the same in Batman vs Superman. The thing is - I think people just not ready to see Superman's character is rebooted. To err is human, and Zack Snyder tries to put the element of human in the new Superman character - but then Superman is not a human. Like many who idolizes him, he is a figure of savior. If Batman is the dark knight, Superman is a god-like in a shining armor.

Now we see him killing Zod, being manipulated by Luthor, fights Batman abruptly, and the worst of all - DEAD. Audience by general population must've been like - ease up Zack, give Superman a chance. And I think this is probably what scares the movie-goers, seeing Superman just have been viewed twice ever since the rebooted franchise.

For me, Batman vs Superman is a good movie. A great superhero movie in fact, the thing that I want to watch it again. But then there's Jessee Eisenberg's Lex Luthor that I just couldn't take seriously. Watching Lex Luthor in that movie is just exactly like looking at Jessee Eisenberg. I don't get the feel that it is Lex Luthor he was playing, and felt that it is Jessee Eisenberg tries so hard to play Lex Luthor. And I guess that's all my beef about this movie.

We are now living in such a fast development - and we can see how the new generation has been quickly absorbing the new lifestyle that we are getting harder and harder to catch up. We've seen may things nowadays has been rebooted or reintroduced into new form. Some we accept, some don't - and rebooted character Superman may be among the things may people don't want to see. I think it is great that people still want to see the Superman they once knew. We can imagine Superman in our mind as tall strong handsome man, who always looking up to the sky and smiling - watching all of us with kind eyes, swiftly catch us whenever we fall.

But we forgot one thing. Superman is a born Kryptonian who is raised by the care of Kent family to put humanity first. Superman is still raised as human - and is still just one person. Superman is god-like and most powerful, and putting humanity side in his character is just natural.