Alteregoistic

Stark on the Ledge ... ...

2012-03-03T12:08:00.001+08:00

Feat. Hot Toy's Tony's head here with a TTL body (read here)

The suitcase from Mark V is the reason why this whole setup existed. That's what we crazy owners do...

It's really a shame Hot Toys with all their ingenuity and obsession into details failed to make the suitcase slightly operational. Not asking for much but at least open to reveal the forearms for transformation.

Suit up Batman ... ...

2012-02-29T22:21:00.000+08:00

Chanced upon this Batman from DC Direct's Armory line in Harris one weekend and thought to myself "What the heck."

I do not have much background about his story but the suit sure looks hardcore. Due to space constraint, the packaging was ripped off and this is as much as I gathered about this

DC Armory Batman
The Scarecrow is a threat to Batman on any day, but when he morphs into the monster version of himself known as “Scarebeast” in BATMAN #630, the caped crusader finds himself in need of a special armored outfit to win the battle.
Based on unique armor designs from the most popular comics!
Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base.

It came with 2 helmets, the normal one above and the battled scarred one in the picture below. A display stand is in the package as well.

Iron Man Mark FiVe Strikes ... ...

2012-02-29T22:02:00.001+08:00

I'm back after a period of absence as I was sorting out the move and getting things organized. Bought this figure a couple of months back.

This is one of those unintended purchase as I initially did not want this to be part of my collection. After a few more re-runs of Iron Man 2 and the Monte Carlo scene nailed the decision for the purchase.

Well, since this is Hot Toys and there's not much disappointment in terms of the quality of the figure. Articulation as usual is the only fault if I really need to pick one.

This particular release came with the battle scars and it will go well with whiplash in a fight scene. Interchangeable chest plates and a detachable left battle damaged arm gave this figure some character.

Close up of the damaged chest plate and the detailing by Hot Toys is as usual impeccable.

Here's the left arm removed and getting ready for the showroom version of Mark V.

Thumbs up to a spanking showroom shine of the armor. I've left the suitcase out as it will be ridiculous to

The back of the suit is as fantastic and detailed as the front and this is indeed a very nice display piece to own.

Hot Toys did include more mobility in the chest area with more moveable plates but I'm not ready to max out its threshold as this is my only piece.

All in all, this is a great piece to have and I'm really glad I made the right choice.

Leave of Absence ... ...

2012-02-19T00:10:00.001+08:00

as I packed my collection up and ready for the shift to my new place.

The above picture shows only some of what I think was 80 boxes worth of my collection.

Finally an actual display unit for my treasures - The Toy Room. There are a total of 12 partitions and the pictures below shows what I've managed to squeeze in.

The cabinet before the occupants populate it and the picture below shows the initial population process.

It all started with the idea to categorize according to genre and types but then... priority shifted to just simply squeeze everything in.

Part of the toy room has a work area for me and some other older display units found their home here.

Everything is not exactly settled and I will start my regular review of collectibles only when things really get sorted.

G3/G4, I'm not referring to Macs... ...

2011-10-09T07:31:00.000+08:00

Mentioned about this purchase from the previous post. Again, this is nothing new and I'm glad I managed to lay my hands on them.

First encounter with this is the SHFiguarts version which I did not buy and Google tells me these 2 riders are the same. While G3 was one of the protagonists in the Agito series, G4 did a cameo appearance in the Agito Movie.

I presumed this was released in around 2007-2008 and thus, twist ties aplenty.

The first tray holds almost everything and the secondary tray has parts mainly for G3-X

Out of the box, both G3 and G4 have fantastic sculpting and great articulation. However, like most SICs I've encountered, the parts do come off rather easily.

Arsenal of G3 and there are really a couple of definitive Kamen Riders must have weapons which I will not elaborate further.

Henshin ... ... not really. perhaps more of a kai version of G3 is the G3-X which is my favorite form.

SIC never fails to impress with the detailing of their products.

SAUL - Squad Against Unidentified Lifeforms

Next up, G4 which comes in a wicked black with silver trimming color scheme.

The G4 system was deemed unstable and dangerous for use; the huge rockets explains that statement.

Wait a second... something seems not right in this picture... something's missing from the belt, the left block which is supposed to be on the belt is nowhere to be found! No wonder joe107 of sgcollect decided to let it go.

"Anywaist", the problem is easily rectified since there was an additional waist unit (with the belt) from the G3 form. Removed it with a bit of strength and snapped it on G4.

Just look at the beam on G4's face now that he is complete.

15th Craziest Toy Sale ... ...

2011-10-08T23:47:00.003+08:00

at Takashimaya returned yet again this year at the end of July and I managed to catch up with some of the buying frenzy and snagged myself some of the better buys at the sale.

And here they are

Captain Lock which was a OG exclusive.. price at the sale? $10

Battered boxes but at a cheap price ($20 for the Alvaaron and $12 for GN Archer)... why not?

These Robot Spirit figures were at a very sweet price ($30)... I remembered I paid a good $60 for this 00-Raiser.

Thank goodness I didn't pay the original price as I held back buying when they (the double 0s) were first released... price at the sale... $25 each

Just found this nice and so I bought it at $15 I think...

Finally, got myself Momotaro...

Erm...this wasn't from the sale but a Robinson sale at Expo...only $15!!

G3&G4 (at $40, of course they were snapped up!)was only available on the first day and perhaps during the morning restock period of the first week. I managed to have this when someone let it go online.

Roll Over The Floor (ROTF) Seeker Starscream ... ...

2011-09-05T23:45:00.000+08:00

Okay, it was stacked (not rolled) amongst many others in OG Orchard one day. Starscream from Revenge Of The Fallen. The reason I finally bought this has been consistent with my collection; robots got to have hands!

And yes, this version comes with hands along with the cybertronia inscriptions that were tattooed all over this Leader Class Hunt for the Decepticons version. Another big draw is it was retailing for $39.90.

Hasbro did a rather decent job for this and I'm glad I didn't plunge for the Takara Tomy version which will set me back by at least $100.

I just realized the legs aren't meant to be straightened.

Appreciate the little details that went into this like Con's insignia, retractable rail gun and missiles on the forearm (much like Iron Man).

Gerwalk for a true Macross fan!

F-22 Raptor mode and again, I do appreciate the effort to make this version better than the 2007 Voyager Class version.

It All Ends with a Snipe ... ...

2011-08-10T19:17:00.005+08:00

and it's indeed ironic as my first 1:6 scale is a sniper (PMC) as well. So, I shall end off with this sniper kit from Very Hot and indeed it's very well produced.

Packaging is simple as it's just the kit without any figure and everything is wrapped in individual plastic bags dumped in the box. Amazingly, everything is intact.

Choice of figure is the Hot Toys True Type Caucasian Male with narrow shoulders. (red underwear not included)

So, what's in the box?

Ghillie Suit Jacket

Ghillie Suit Pants

Ghillie Suit Boonie Hat

M40 Sniper Rifle

M4 Carbine

Beretta Pistol with Serpa style drop down holster

coyote brown Rifle Drag Bag

Binoculars

FROG Chest Rig

Tan cloth nomex gloves

Sunglasses

Lightsticks x3

zipties x2

Carabiners x2

Oakley tan boots

Time to put everything together and yes, I spotted the gloves....strike 2! What a great way to end this.

It's definitely a great figure and too bad no spotter spotted for this. The M40 rifle needs another mention as the detailing is superb as seen in the close-up below.

All right......1:6 military men, thank you for the memories, the pain, the sleepless nights but most of all the joy of owning every piece. Until something really GREAT comes along. It's au voir for now.

Figurative Art ... ...

2011-08-10T19:17:00.001+08:00

contemporary art if you allow me. Over the weekend, I have collected my final 1:6 military men and incidentally, I'm relatively new to the manufacturers.

First up is Lt. A. K. Waters played by Bruce Willis from the 2003 movie "Tears of the Sun". Manufacturer is Art Figures and I missed the Saves edition (Punisher: War Zone version) and pre-ordered this immediately when this was available.

I like the packaging with the flip open lid which is held together by a magnet. Everything is kept in place in foam which is perfect as I can keep more than one figure after some modifications.

The likeness of Bruce is very well produced by Art Figures and too bad I'm trying to cut on this genre as the next release of The Punisher with the head sculpt of Thomas Jane as Frank Castle from the 2004 movie version is superb as well.

There isn't many accessories to go on Waters but the GLOVES!!

So what's in the box?

M4A1 Sopmod rifle W/sling adapter
1911Pistol
KNIVES SP4+Knife sheath
EMERSON+Knife sheath
KABAR TANTO
M67 FRAGMENTATION GRENADE*4
AN/PRC-148
MilitaryÂ pitcher
Pistol Magazine*2
M4 Mag Pouch*2
H-type belt pad
Black T shirt
White Pants (?? din pull it down to check)
Black Hoses
Military Gloves
Military camouflage uniform
OTB BOOTS

I wasn't sure if I'm getting much better at kitting this genre of toys or because it's coming to an end as it took me less than half the time I needed with the others. The overall feel is fantastic and I'm glad it's lying down nicely - back in the box.

Crazy Mod ... ...

2011-07-23T08:57:00.004+08:00

Yes, another piece to add to my arsenal of weapons. Here we have the MK46 Mod1 with Gen2 Para Stock by Crazy Dummy.

Nice set of accessories provided to complete the rifle.

Good detailing and everything else stay in place even when manhandled.

Slapped on everything and this is a fantastic piece and it will go well with my Crazy Dummy.

TTL ... ...

2011-07-23T08:54:00.003+08:00

Erm...not too sure how do I exactly blog about this. Not too sure why I purchased this. Anyway, this is a TTL body in a suit.

Every thing looks all right until the metal buttons are in sight. The Coo Model Desert Eagle is not included in this package.

A little creative styling hides the unsightly buttons.

Brit Force ... ...

2011-07-21T23:15:00.000+08:00

Over the weekend, I've picked up one of my remaining orders for 1:6 scale military men. British Special Force by Toys City.

The packaging is somewhat disappointing but again it makes throwing much easier.

Figure out of the box comes with the tactical vest on and the head sculpt is Captan Price which is much needed for my 22nd SAS Regiment outfit.

Kitting this guy up is not too much of a hassle unlike my last experience which kind of killed the joy of this hobby.

Final touch includes the cigar which I find a tad too long compared to the promo picture.

Last check on the tactical plan and ready to be fully suited with the balaclava and the Sordin radio set.

The S-10 gas mask provided comes with magnifying lens which somehow looks slightly weird as compared to the one from Loading Toys' 22nd SAS gas mask.

Lastly, is the PVS-21 NVG which is one of the best that I've collected so far.

So, do I like this figure, Yes I do and will I change my mind about slowing down or stopping this genre. I guess it's pretty much decided.

Clone Unit 2224 - Code name Cody ... ...

2011-07-04T21:22:00.000+08:00

is the commander of the 212th Battle Battalion under the command of General Kenobi before he was sliced and diced by Kenobi when Code 66 was issued.

The pictures above are parts of the packaging and Sideshows does one of the best jobs in this area. The flap of the packaging is clever held together using magnet.

Commander Cody unarmed with Phase I helmet which is totally ugly but surprisingly it looks much better in a 3.75 inch figure.

Cody here with the helmet removed and no, the head is a switch out and not contained inside the helmet.

Stability of Cody is much better than my last encounter with Sideshow's Captain Rex which I had a hard time posing. Cody here stands pretty well on his own as you can see.

Phase II helmet above is a much better choice when displaying Cody and this is the helmet that betrayed Kenobi.

As usual, 2 Blastech blasters are provided and the one above is the 15a rifle while the one earlier is a 15 blaster.

A generous supply of switch out hands are provided and I'm not complaining. They do come in handy.

As mentioned, posing Cody is a breeze and I left the "Michael Jackson" feet in the box for now.

The rear of the figure is equally stunning as the front and the magnetically latch on jetpack is another sweet gimmick.

Last set of weapons are the commander pistol and sadly Cody does not come with any kamas or holsters to hold them. Looks like he has to squeeze them between the armpits during battle.

You've got mail

Darth Sidious in the hologram issuing Code 66 and Cody obeys without a question.

This figure is a much anticipated one and it did not disappoint. Glad that it's in my possession and do get it to complement Rex and if you are a Clone fan.

Green Faces Navy Seals ... ...

2011-07-03T07:53:00.001+08:00

released by Toys City featuring the head sculpt of what many are calling Matthew Fox from Lost. However, it kind of resemble Sam Worthington (Jake Sully) of Avartar. Anyway, let's move on to take a look at this amazing set.

The packaging is the kind which you do not want to simply discard immediately as some thought has been put in such as box sleeve and removable trays and rooms to store the figure semi-kitted.

Figure out of the box and the woodland BDU brings back memories of days during my national service. The boots are moulded so do not expect too much of an ankle movement here.

Putting all following on was quite a task

Woodland SEAL custom LBV-88 vest

Olive drab 1476A 3-day assault pack
Olive drab 1195A harness
Olive drab LC-2 M-16 mag pouch
Olive drab LC-2 1L canteen & pouch
Olive drab 0902A butt pack
Black SABRE radio pouch
Olive drab strobe pouch
Olive drab compass pouch
Olive drab MG ammo pouch

Olive drab tri-mag leg drop
Olive drab duty belt

After hours of struggling, the result is more than satisfying.

The rest of the kit includes

Woodland bonny hat

Jet dive fin
Mesh semi-finger gloves
SABRE radio
LITE II head set & TEA PTT
LST-5C SATCOM
M18 smoke grenade
M67 frag grenade
Military pace-counter
UDT life preserver
D-ring

M4A1 assault rifle
M1911A1 automatic pistol
SOG combat knife
M72 LAW

My favorite bit of this kit is the fully functional (except the firing) M72 LAW (Light Anti-armor Weapon).

This is an excellent set with a generous load of accessories. However, I may have hit the peak for this genre of collection as I feel it is taking too much of my time. I have a few pre-orders of 1:6 scale military men and perhaps if nothing fancy comes along, I may call it quits for after those.

GUNS and more Guns ... ...

2011-06-13T16:36:00.001+08:00

is what I needed after acquiring the Soldier Story's weapons rack. Was in Bangkok and stumbled upon this set.

Well, the set is not exactly cheap as indicated on the price tag and there should be a fifth box with a special item. However, the set is indeed value for money.

The weapons come stripped and the magazine is made of diecast metal. Everything fits perfectly and this makes this set a steal.

TAKEN 22 SAS Regiment ... ...

2011-06-13T16:22:00.004+08:00

UNKNOWN to some is the elite special ops force from the United Kingdom and I recently acquired the tactical suit for Liam Neeson (an Irish).

I'm slightly disappointed with this set from Loading Toys as there were a couple of flaws and products that were not up to expectations.

Packaging here is so-so and it's a good thing as it made the decision to disposal easier.

The tactical suit is passable while some of the other accessories were not. Firstly, the boots are plastic moulded unlike the ones shown in the promo. Next, the two weapons; the MP5K's Eotech tactical sight is painted instead of clear plastic and the magazine of the M911 pistol drops out in whatever position and the top barrel does not lock in place too.

The gas mask is one of the better made items in this set and it fits snugly on most heads.

Used a M4 S.I.R tactical assault rifle with a much better looking Eotech sight.

In short, this set is all right if you have other 1/6 accessories to replace those that are not so fantastic and that again is subjective opinion.

Lego Bug .. ...

2011-05-21T19:38:00.002+08:00

really have an effect on me as I've never own so many Lego pieces before but how can I say no to Star Wars!!

What we have here is the Star Wars mini pack and it came in packs of 5 (of course it's retail strategy to off-load less popular items)

First up - Battle Droid on STAP

Rating - LIKE

Number 2 - Clone Trooper with Clone Walker

Rating - LIKE!

Number 3 - Storm Trooper with Imperial Speeder Bike

Rating - LIKE!

Number 4 - Vulture Droid

Rating - Ok ... ...

Lastly - Republic Attack Cruiser
Rating - Must I really get this?

Anyway - They do look cute.

I Hate Shopping ... ...

2011-05-21T19:26:00.004+08:00

because I always end up buying stuff!

Saw this series of Mini Figures by Lego which retails for $3.90 and it's not revealed which figure is in the packaging. I was told to 'feel' for the one that I desire which is figure no. 13 below.

Feel I did and out of the 3 packets I chose; there were all WRONG!! I give up.

My Son on the other hand wanted figure no. 6 from Series 3 and he too 'feel' for it.

Ok, some guys are indeed luckier than others. I give up!

However, there's a reason I like shopping; when things become cheap!

Told my son to wait for the Den-O figures to drop in price which they always do! Reason? The toy distributor here is very business savvy by bringing things that are already being dumped else where and then sell them at their original retail price.

The Den-O live action series should have been aired in Japan in 2007 and the local toy distributor for Bandai brought them in this year and sponsored the airing of the series on the local kid's channel to entice sales. Then when the series is about to end or has ended; they slash the prices which has happened.

The prices can go even lower but I'm not going to hunt for them when they do.

Incidental find such as the one above is another reason why I shopping is still all right.

Rapidly Coo Machine ... ...

2011-05-21T19:10:00.002+08:00

gun from Coo Model and I missed this the last round it was available.

The M134 Rapid Fire Machine Gun which is featured in many Hollywood productions and this one is made to go along with Arnie as Terminator (Hot Toys) which I don't own.

The gun came in pieces as there are 2 modes to this; the hand held portable mode and the floor with tripod mode.

Detailing is fantastic here and this is one cool piece of toy.

Floor mode comes with the magazine case and it's really a masterpiece. Now I can't decide on which mode to display this in but one is enough for me. Need some restraint.

Gibberish here but you get the idea

Super Imaginative Chogokin Kamen Rider Double ... ...

2011-05-17T23:05:00.001+08:00

which I almost missed because I intentionally skipped it during the pre-order and I would have paid lesser for it.

Anyway, it's a really a sweet piece to own and although it's more expensive than the pre-order; it's worth it.

A stand is provided in this release which is a first for S.I.C and the design is similar to S.H.Figuarts.

The first mode of this series is the CycloneJoker form which is not too different from the live action series unlike some other Kamen Rider releases.

The stand provided allows for more dynamic poses.

To be continued in mode 3.

After fiddling with the figure for a while and then realized that I've not inserted the Gaia Memory into the belt.

Insert the Prism Gaia Memory and it's transformation into CycloneJoker Extreme mode which takes us to mode 2 from this series. This requires some dis-assembly but it took no more than 5 minutes to get the job done.

Extreme mode completed and this is indeed a very well-made piece and amazing as well when this is put together piece by piece.

Close up of the Cho Tashoku Hakkou Ken (Super Multicolor Luminescence Sword) Prism Beaker.

Last mode is the split mode which I believe is Maximum Drive finisher is a Rider Kick called the Joker Extreme, which Double's body splits down the middle as the halves reach their target in a drop kick fashion.

The 2 halves join together which is something quite redundant as the split line is rather obvious and I wouldn't be displaying it in this mode. However, it's commendable for such thoughts to be put in.

AT-RT ... ...

2011-05-17T22:29:00.001+08:00

All Terrain, Recon Transport with ARF trooper Boil. This is from the animated series, The Clone Wars. General Windu led a group of ARF trooper and traveled on the uneven terrain of Genosis on this walker.

Boil with his toy and I'm kind of lucky that I'm able to pick this up in retail. Guess Hasbro just happened to restock and I'm sure they are off the rack by now.

Articulation of the walker is limited to only the 'hip' and 'foot'. A pity the other 2 hinges are useless else this will definitely be greater.

Boil spots some detailing on his helmet with his regular marking (above) and I discovered symbol (below) of Numa which is the young Twi'lek he met and rescued.

Breacher ... ...

2011-05-17T22:06:00.026+08:00

a scout class under the "Hunt for the Decepticons" line under Hasbro and like the rest of the Transformers from my recent purchases; is a sale item. However, at $13.90, it's not exactly a bargain.

I find the robot form very well design and thus, I bought it. The armor vehicle mode is fantastic too.

It comes with a great head sculpt too and the recent Sky Hammer shares the same well-designed (similar to Prime himself) sculpt.

Articulation of this figure is as good as the rest that I have reviewed recently.

Discovered a "mech warrior" mode with the head tucked in and uses the cockpit of the armor vehicle as the head.

Stock and Load ... ...

2011-05-17T22:04:00.002+08:00

more weapons with the purchase of this 1:6 scale weapons rack by Soldier Story.

The packaging is a surprise to me with a very well-thought design and made it classy.

I am not going to open this as yet as I have no space and enough weapons to make this a decent display.

Tomahawk to Nighthawk ... ...

2011-05-16T13:21:00.000+08:00

Stripped Tomahawk apart to transform it to Nighthawk. The regular works apply; stripped and paint.

Nighthawk is born and Tomahawk below

Spotted!

Relax, Terrordive just want a photo taken together.

War Machine ... ...

2011-05-15T22:49:00.001+08:00

from Iron Man 2 and what do you know? It's under the line of Mega Bloks.

Best part of the purchase, it's only $7!! Packaging is all shiny and comes with decently done box art.

Opened it up and there are 2 bags of parts; one for the main body frame and the other the armor parts. Instructions manual are redundant for adults like me but can be helpful for little ones.

The main body parts are pieced together very quickly and for the uninitiated; Mega Bloks has this proprietary magnetix link system for the joints. It's really cool and I'm glad I own one as War Machine.

Everything is done in like 5 minutes or less and this is a fantastic 6 inch figure from the front.

As, they took care of just the front. The magnetix connections are clearer in the picture above.

Articulation is superb for this and it kind of put Hot Toys to shame in this area.

Lift up the mask and you will not find the head sculpt of Don Cheadle; more of drone head which is a nice touch by Mega Bloks. Hey for $7, what's not to like?