Open The Toy

The Darkness Rising

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:03:00 +0000

It is my pleasure to feature a masterpiece by Leon Ku an award winning modeller for his contribution for the coming Cybertron Con 2012.

If you must know, this is Nemesis Prime. A clone of Optimus Prime with all his power but none of his moral.

Leon Ku has done good modification of some of Optimus Prime parts and gave Nemesis a chain gun. With the good shading of Black and purple, Nemesis look wicked as the diorama shown a Autobot that just got slaughtered by Nememis red hot blade.

This "The Darkness Rising" pieces will be more spectacular when you behold that in person I believe.

If you like this master pieces, head over Leon Ku facebook page to like it!

Cybertron Con 2012 will certainly be more exciting to see all the modeller paying tribute to Transformers. Expect to see top class model Transformers fan.

Fans who wish to attend 2012 TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con are encouraged to reserve their packages and tickets fast through the Resorts World Sentosa website at www.rwsentosa.com, ticketing booths located at Universal Studios Singapore, RWS Ticketing and Membership Hub and MEM, via reservation hotline +65 6577 8888, or through authorised travel agents now. Tickets for the Cybertron Con are priced at $12 for day ticket and $68 for VIP 4-day package.

Don't missed out Transformers fan! This event only happen once in a blue moon.

My 3 Reasons to collect Transformers

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0000

When one is into toy collecting so much that often we missed some good reasons why we do what we did. Just the other day, a friend of mine asked me why I have so much love for collecting Transformers. Ain't they expensive? Such question set me thinking and I have decided to gather my thoughts and list down some valid reasons as much as I can.

1. Two Toys for the price of One.
What is Transformers if they cannot transform in the first place. As a toy, the important part is playing with the toy and what better way to fun than to transform them from Vehicle to robot mode and from robot to vehicle mode again. In the economic angle, you are paying two different toys for the price of one. If you that doesn't convince you, think about the effort to get the toy designers to be able to change the parts without tearing it apart.

2. Monetary Value
Compare to other toys, Transformers value seems to be there especially when it comes to old generation or some collectors edition.That being said, not all Transformers toys has increasing values. Much of it such as the movie version toys often landed in massive sales items.

If by now you are reading this and considering to "invest" in buying and keeping Transformers and sell it off later to make you rich, look around you and ask yourself this question: How many collectors you know sold their Transformers collection and get rich? Chances are such collectors did earn some cash back when they have needed and if you see the time and effort they have invested to collect, it may just broke even the most.

3. Transformers Storyline and Characters
I realized what make me collect the toys had to do with the characters in the cartoons which I loved watching in the 80s and the recent animation series. The simple stories of G1 of Good Vs Evil and memorial characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream stole the heart and mind of many. When the toys appeared just like in the cartoon in both disguise mode and robot mode, every kid went crazy.

The love and connection of the characters are so successful that the same characters name being used in various series and toys, it still draw many of it's followers in different product lines of Transformers. It's a tested formula and you cannot go wrong with that. Even for repaint...

There you have it. 3 reasons I can think of for getting Transformers toy. If you have other reasons, I am more than willing to hear about it at the comment section. ")

Mass Effect Warhammer OTTi

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:15:00 +0000

Who is this? Is it from the Gear of Wars or Mass Effect?

Seems like a heavy armed soldier going for some kind of war. He even as a sigma on his shoulder blade.

Wait a minute... I know that face! It's OTTi!!

What is OTTi doing in such armor? Well this custom OTTi was a surprised gift done modification and painted by an old friend of mine, Andrew. He has been doing much on this hobby and getting really a expert that he even get request for commission work!

To let you have a scale of the work put into this figurine, allow me to show you the size comparison with a 2.5 inches OTTi.

This version of OTTi was done with Warhammer scale figurines with some modification like OTTi unique hand. To that scales, let's look at the details.

He even did the base modification with rocks and grass miniatures

OTTi looked armed and Dangerous and ready for action...

And it seems like OTTi is getting on...

Can Warhammer OTTi defeat it's adversary?

Remember, Size matters Not. Is this statement True?

TRANSFORMERS Fall of Cybertron Deluxe Class Wave 1 & 2

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:20:00 +0000

Just when we are getting excited on Transformers Prime series, there will be more Transformers Generation release in line with the Fall of Cybertron game.

First off, Optimus Prime get some modification in the second installment of the game.

While we are at Autobots, Jazz joined the ranks of Fall of Cybertron with G1 head but more futuristic vehicle design.

For Team Decepticon, fans will be crazy for Shockwave with G1 head design but blaster or spaceship looking vehicle mode

When we talked about Team Decepticon, we truely mean Team with a gang of Decepticon release in Deluxe class.

Behold Blast Off, Onslaught, Vortex, Swindle and Brawl each can transform into their own vehicle mode. But the most value added for collectors would be getting all of these 5 figures to form Bruticus!

As for the weapon of Bruticus, it is a combination of all the 5 figures weapon that formed together. Pretty neat right?

You can view more Photos from Transformers

Look out for these release this year in the toy shop near you! Look like more Transformers for me to collect. LOL

The Revenge of Waspinator

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

It has been sometime since I do some toy comic and finally have the time to do some when I am playing with Waspinator. ")

If you have no idea of what is the "arm thingy" we talking about, you can refer to the review of my Waspinator having wrong arms. :)

Hope you guys like it. I did enjoyed the process. LOL

Transformers Animated Waspinator

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:01:00 +0000

In the Transformers Animated series, Waspinator is one character who went through framed and betrayal. And today I am going to review this toy which at the end of this review, I too was being short changed too. Continue reading to find out.

In Transformers Animated, Waspinator was originally a Autobot who resemble Bumblebee physically enrolled themselves in the training to be Autobots Elite Guard. Both Wasp and Bumblebee never looked eye to eye and because of this weakness, a Decepticon spy Shockwave used that as an advantage to get Bumblebee to frame Wasp as a Decepticon spy.

Wasp was striped of being an Autobots and sentence to prison. However with the help of the Decepticon, he escaped vowing to have his vengeance on Bumblebee. Later Wasp was seduced by Blackarachnia and transformed himself to be a organic wasp named Waspinator .

So here he is, Waspinator

Time to Open the Toy!

As I opened up the card, I saw a limb of Waspinator fallen out. Luckily I was managed to fit in the limb as a insect. The toy is stay true to the designed of the animated series and in all manner looked like a Wasp.

As the crown of the Wasp head, a Decepticon logo.

As a Wasp, it is expected to not only have wings but to be able flap it too and this toy do just that by the pressing of the button at the back.

As an insect, Waspinator was given many limbs just like Blackarachnia.

There are two tiny arms which in the insect world suppose to feed themselves with that hands but in the animation, the two tiny hand shoot up sting ray paralyzing the victim.

The transformation is pretty straight forward by pulling down the legs and it can stand

The Wasp insect head will need to pull down and become his chest and that instant, the head of Waspinator will be shown in full view.

There it is, the Waspinator standing tall.

In robot mode, the butt of the Waspinator gave not only better balance but a wasp like feature.

Instead of double limbs from the Wasp mode, both arms can merge together and form a decent hand.

However of my case, the left arms of Waspinator in robot look incorrect no matter how hard I tried to fit it together.

It turned out that both of left arms are the same part and that is the reason why it can never fit together like the right limbs.

Originally I thought it was the animation designed but I realized shortly that is not the case. It's the quality issue of the assembling process that some working simply put the part wrongly without paying much attention in their work. That was the reason why one of the limb fallen out of the figure.

Waspinator on the other hand start blaming on Blackarachnia...

* Lady Gaga jokes just in case you guys don't get it...

Sadly Blackarachnia is correct, the Quality Control should be the one to blame. Now I kept this figure unopened for some time and there is no way for me to exchange the part. :(

Just my luck I guess but somehow this mistake gave my Waspinator uniqueness and character. Don't you think so?

Continue to the Toy comic of Waspinator. :)

TRANSFORMERS Mania Has Begun in Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Take Singapore Ahead of Cybertron Con 2012

Singaporeans were greeted by a surprising yet familiar sight earlier today as two iconic characters from popular entertainment franchise, TRANSFORMERS, took to the streets in their pre-Cybertron Convention 2012 tour of Singapore. Autobot leader Optimus Prime and his trusted brother-in-arms, Bumblebee, arrived early into Singapore and wasted no time in getting to know the Lion City, their home for the next three weeks.

Here for the Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 (‘Cybertron Con’) due to take place from 11 to 14 March, the two began their tour of Singapore ahead of the event’s Southeast Asian debut with a visit to locations such as the Old Airport Road Food Centre, the market at Kallang Centre, Chinatown and even Raffles Place, stopping to rub shoulders with the locals who have made such locations a common feature in their daily lives.

Indeed, there was more than meets the eye at Old Airport Road Food Centre this morning for breakfast regulars as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee sat down to a hearty traditional local breakfast complete with Kaya Toast, Kopi, and fried dough, known to many a Singaporean as ‘You Tiao’.

Captivating onlookers with their sudden and unexpected appearance, the two posed for pictures with eager TRANSFORMERS fans who recognised the two almost instantly.

Said Daniel Tan, 30, designer, who was ecstatic about the Autobots’ visit, “Who are they? Optimus Prime and Bumblebee of course! The TRANSFORMERS was a programme that I grew up watching. I had their toys and almost never missed an episode”.

Referring to the upcoming Cybertron Con, Tan added, “It will be amazing to see what the upcoming Cybertron Con will bring. It’s something that will be hard to miss”.
Here’s a quick look at Optimus Prime and Bumblebee’s journey through the streets of Singapore.

Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre

Optimus and Bumblebee trilled by the selection of food

Even long queues fail to deter our two heroes

Patience finally pays off with a bagful of yummy goodness!

Next Stop, Chinatown.

A Quick Ice-Cream Sandwich Stop

Followed by a Mid-Afternoon Trishaw Ride

And Finally Raffles Place MRT Station to meet their adoring fans!

Fans who wish to attend 2012 TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con are encouraged to reserve their packages and tickets fast through the Resorts World Sentosa website at www.rwsentosa.com, ticketing booths located at Universal Studios Singapore, RWS Ticketing and Membership Hub and MEM, via reservation hotline +65 6577 8888, or through authorised travel agents now. Tickets for the Cybertron Con are priced at $12 for day ticket and $68 for VIP 4-day package.

For regular updates on Cybertron Con, please join the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/transformerssingapore or visit www.cybertroncon.com.

Mattel making Hoverboard from Back to the Future

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Great news for Back to the Future fans as news of Mattel is planning to release a 1:1 replica of the Hoverboard first make it debut in Back to the Future 2.

Mattel is getting your pre-order from 1st of March to 20th March 2012. That mean if you are keen to have one of this replica, head over during that period to place your order.

So far no price were mention and being a pre-order, you faced the risk that if the minimum number is not met, this replica Hoverboard will not go into production. So if you are a Back to the Future fan and wanted a replica Hoverboard which "glide" over most surface but not on water, make you move to go for the pre-order at mattycollector.com.

As a Back to the Future fan, I felt this replica come too late. If it was release earlier, I would glide and play with it even if it doesn't hover. Then again if I have a daughter, I may get one for her since it so pinky.:P

Note: If by 2015 this hoverboard still cannot hover, I fear for Martin's future when he actually snatched the Mattel hoverboard from the little girl in the future.

Great Scott....

More of Danbo coming in June!

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Danbo, one of the all time favorite who has a big fan based of the Toys as photography is releasing on another toy line! Beside getting Revoltech version of Danbo, now you can get a cheaper and more interesting version as a Model kit by Kotobukiya.

The descend of Danbo. Personally I find this pose very simpliar to Append Miku.

This model kit version offer not only affordable pricing but also pose-ability that is equal to it's revoltech counter part. He can stand, walk...

and sit as a relax pose.So happy go lucky.

The head seems be be able to form a box and there is a switch on the side of the box which is just for show (I think)

It does not really light up as in LED but it can be simulated by having yellow eyes.

By now you may notice the hands and feets has 3mm holes. That is designed for any accessories of 3mm to put on Danbo. Just like the picture below with M.S.G. and Frame Arts parts or weapons.So armed your own Danbo.

Each of this Danbo cost 2940 Yen and they will be releasing in June 2012.

Look out for it Danbo fans. I will keep my eye on this for sure!
You can buy this Danboard here!

Transformers Animated Blurr

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:32:00 +0000

In Transformers Animated, Blurr was a Autobots Elite Intelligence and as I am a big fan of the Animated series, I got to have my hands on this unique Autobots.

For a Transformers fan, both robot and vehicle mode must be something that interest me and for Blur is one of those few Transformers who look good in both mode. Let's start with his vehicle mode.

Blurr vehicle form is all about sleek and futuristic. The vehicle design remind me very much of Tron with hollow wheels and illuminate outlines.

The vehicle design fit Blurr for speed and sleekness.

It is after all important for a Elite Intelligent to have the speed and grace for going into enemies area and collection intell. I just cannot get enough of the Tron looking hollow wheels.

Even the back of the vehicle is empty leaving just the head of Blurr disguised in it.

The sigma of Autobots Elite guard can be found displayed proudly in front of it bonnet

From the view from the top, Blurr look sharp!

If you begin the Transformation, the first thing to remove in Vehicle is the bonnet.

The bonnet can transformed into Blurr melee weapon as a Saw.

Blurr robot mode is tall and sleek. He should be one of the tallest figure in deluxe class.

The weapon can be fixed on his arm if you need Blurr to go into battle.

On the close up of the figure, it resemble well of Blurr in the animation

Here is a clip of Blur talking non-stop for your reference.

Regardless of his skinny legs, this Blurr toy can pose well and isn't as hard as I thought it would be for keeping itself balance.

I have never regret to get Blurr into my Transformers Animated toys collection as he is one interesting Autobots with a personality of a class of it's own.

Do you like Blurr too?

Custom Killer Bumblebee by Waylander

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:57:00 +0000

I have the pleasure to introduce a custom Bumblebee built and conceptualized by my friend Waylander who also run a blog of his own.

His version of Bumblebee is a good mixed of the movie Bumblebee and the War of Cybertron version of Bumblebee.

You can get to see his building post from the concept to the actual model.

Waylander is one of the winner for his work in last year Bandai Model kit World Cup last year and this is his first work on Transformers. Really proud of him..

WIPs here:

Guess the coming Cybertron Convention in Singapore is getting everyone excited about Transformers. :)

Qui-Gon Jinn, A Great Jedi Master

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:11:00 +0000

Beside the Jedi Master Yoda, one of the Jedi Master that I like is Qui-Gon Jinn. That is the reason why I got a action figure of him.

I love his style of dressing in Jedi robe and his leather boots.

I never believe a Jedi would have long hair as the old saga all Jedi training are discipline and neat.

Just like other figure in the series, Qui-Gon has his own Chip for Commtech. A good looking photo of Qui-Gon himself.

The figure was one of those who gave a lightsaber without blade for it to put on his belt. A good concept and improvement.

Now for the blade of the lightsaber in green which resemble very much of Luke Skywalker built of his lightsaber.

Qui-Gon look good with the lightsaber.

The reason why I like Qui-Gon as a character as he is one of the Jedi who is unconventional and grounded. He follow his instinct while not forgetting his wisdom in the way he handle matters. Young Obi-wan on the other end was very strict and only wanted to do the right thing going by the book and being political correct.

In contrast, Qui-Gon ways and view are more balance. He even use mind trick on individual in order to complete his object a way that I think some Jedi will not do.

Greed can be a very powerful ally.

Of course one mistake he did was to assign young Anakin to Obi-wan at his death bed. Somehow I believe if Qui-Gon would trained Anakin, maybe the result will be different.

When it comes to stupidity, Qui-Gon is equally helpless. LOL

Jar Jar Binks Mini

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:18:00 +0000

If you think the hate list of villain in Starwars Episode 1 was Darth Maul or Darth Sidious, you are gravely mistaken. The Public enemy in number one spot is Jar Jar Binks!

Jar Jar originally was a outcast from his Gungan community and all that took a turn to better when he met a Jedi and his Padawan. He started an adventure unknowingly getting himself in the battle of Naboo and survived.

Now you maybe thinking since he is not a popular character why do I have him as a toy in my collection? I got him as a complementarity gift on my purchase and he is not a regular 31/4 inch figure but a much more small version. I will show you the size of him later in the post as the review goes along.

Here is Jar Jar Binks dressed in his own native attire. Although he should be tall, somehow he always slough as he walk.

You can have a good look as his fin like ears from the back and how bad the sloughing is.

For the toy, his "ears" can be flipped up but that is not originally design that way but the soft rubber ears for this toy can do that but it will not hold to that position for long.

This mini version of the toy only allow movement on both legs and arms by moving up and down and nothing more.

Now here is the comparison of the size of this Mini Jar Jar Binks to my episode 1 R2-D2.

here is Jar Jar in his usual self in episode 1...

Hurray for a day of peace! LOL

Every dog has his day. Ten years after the battle of Naboo, Jar Jar became a delegate to the Galactic Senate. How he landed himself there was a mystery. Jar Jar later played a big part to empower republic to have their clone soldier and indirectly powering the empire... so what's new? LOL

Beware, Little Godzilla Coming

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:38:00 +0000

If you are a Godzilla fan, this toy will be something you want to get.
If you are currently not a Godzilla fan, this toy may melt your heart and get you thinking to get this.

Why? It's a super cute little Godzilla!!!

See how cute it is trying to walk?

Even when sitting down, this little fella look so cute!

This little Godzilla is releasing in June 2012 from the S.H.MonsterArts series. Compare to the first release of Godzilla toy this figure is half of it size but almost the same price...

The accessories are 4 crystal and two bases.

With the base, you can make the 4 crystal shafts stand around little Godzilla which suppose to be a prison set by the space Godzilla...

The price for this little Godzilla is 3,465 Yen. A little too high for this little guy in the series...but hey it's cute.

Sport Champ Playmobil Fi?ures Series 1

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:50:00 +0000

We are the Champion my friend! I remember this song bring sung whenever someone won some matches during the school sport day.

Say hi to a sport champ from a local college from Playmobil Fi?ures Series.

In all honestly since I tried my luck on blind pack, this sporty fella is not in my top list of what I wanted to get. Well that's life. you can't always get what you wanted but just make the best of what you got. Anyway on with the review.

Maybe it's my locality but seeing someone dress in a full set of sweater don't really make me think of being a sport man. You don't see much on anyone dress like this in the streets of Singapore as it is usually hot and such attire ain't cool....

Since this figure comes with a hood, I was hoping that it can do a covering over the head but too bad they didn't design that way.

On the positive point, I like his hair design and color. Somehow his hairstyle remind me of Luke Skywalker from the new hope. Such hairstyle will not be approve in much institution actually.

The unique feature about this figure was his shoes which was a sport shoe. You don't see much feet design in Playmobil.

Can you see the brand of the shoe? LOL

For accessory, he comes with a tall trophy. No mention what he won too. Personally I think a medal will be a better fit for this case.

If that is not enough, he even comes with a certificate with some wording I have a hard time understanding it.

Can you read what was written on it?

Somehow this figure with the certificate reminded me that you can still get into some school not by mere academic results by being good at certain sport too. This is true as I know of some real life cases that someone was so good in his sport that good school take them in to help the school in achieve some medals and he get away with his certification in academy. So never be a jack of all trades. If you not good in studies, put your best effort in sports and you never know where it will land you.

This sport Champ did pay his price in up keeping his body fit. You can see him in training hard such as doing the standing board jump.

Pull himself up regularly at pull up bar.

Do a lot of situp to get the 6 packs although for this figure you won't get to see the abs.

Sometime when the going get tough, you just need some encouragement from someone to push you through such as coach which you will hate them during those time...

But at the end of it when you see the result, you can't thank them for their contribution for your achievement.

Ultimately when it comes to physically training, the only enemy is yourself and your thinking.
Do you agree?

Starwars Episode 1 R2-D2

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Every Saga has a beginning.

It is my pleasure to share with you a Starwars Episode 1, The Phantom Menace figure which I kept more than a decade ago.

To be honest, I didn't get much of the toy in this series and since I have a R2-D2 loose, I kept this R2 in storage. Since the 3D version is going to open again this week, I decided to go into my slash to look for such old figures. So here it is. R2-D2 in Episode 1 packaging. I have to say I dig this packaging simply because of the color and the face of Darth Maul.

One of the unique feature of this line was that each figure comes with a Commtech chip which will interact with another chip using the Electronic Commtech Reader. Unfortunately, I didn't get the device then.

At the back of the card comes with introduction of other characters in figurines in the series.

These figures were released in 1998 by Hasbros which made in China and there is a Official Starwars fan club advertisement there.

There was a simple instruction of the figure in this case R2-D2 by twisting head and pushing up the legs

Time to Open the Toy!

Here it is, R2-D2 from Episode 1. He is the only droids with a timeless design both in the real world and in Starwars universe.

The astromech droid R2-D2 serves on board the Naboo Royal Starship of Queen Amidala. A multifaceted utility droid, R2-D2 becomes a hero in the struggle against the Trade federation's invasion of Naboo.

Here is the mug shot of the back of R2-D2.

One of the feature of this R2-D2 of having him to have jet pack that allow him to hoover or fly. To do that, you have to turn the head from the side to the front. One thing to note that the turning of the head is restricted to only less than 45 degrees...

Complete the transformation by pushing up the leg and should see four jet parts exposing by the side.This is where R2 get to flight mode and go on the ship to do repair for his royal Queen spaceship.

On the Commtech chip itself, there was a writing of the information on R2-D2. COMMTECH Chip sound effects include 7 different expressions. This chip interacts with Anakin Skywalker, C3PO, Jar Jar Blinks, Padme and Jedi.

The front of the chip comes with 3D photo of R2-D2.

This figure had quite a fatal mistake which is the paint job on top of the R2-D2 was not in place. See the circle paint should be around the center circle.

Compare Episode 1 R2-D2 with another R2-D2 that I got years ago, I can see some minor differences in paint and parts. Firstly the episode 1 got it correct to have the R2-D2 light or eyes to be in blue color but that red one was generated by electronic LED and made sound. The head cannot even turn tho.

On the side you can see the differences on the leg part?

Obviously the top paint look so inconsistent.

Regardless, this version of the R2-D2 toy still look better and close the original that I know.

By now if you have forgotten what R2-D2 has done in Episode 1, you can check out the following video of the summary of event where R2 was there.

Note that the subtitle is fan made and has some coarse language. Play it at your own risk.

Now the golden question. Are you going to the theater to watch Starwars episode 1 in 3D?

Preview of Lego Lord of the Rings

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:10:00 +0000

This summer, Lego will be releasing a new toy line series for The Lord of the Rings. See how they make the lego Gollum? Creepy isn't it?

I think we can expect not only the toys but the games as well. For the legion of the darkness, you have the Orcs, Nazguls and Gollum.

For the fellowship of the rings, take your pick between Wizard, men, Elf, dwarf and the hobbits

Personally these look more like the game lego characters as the hands and pose are different from the regular mini-figure.

What do you think?

TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con 2012 Singapore Coming!!

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Do you know there is a TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con 2012 happening in The Resorts World Sentosa Singapore?

I would like to share with you something that I received early in the morning.

It is a media kit from the organizer to inform me about Transformers Cybertron Con 2012 that will be on during 11th to 13th March 2012 at The Resorts World Sentosa.

Following the success of TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con‟s convention back in 2010 at Shanghai, Hasbro Singapore is thrilled to share the hugely popular TRANSFORMERS brand with fans in Singapore and around the region. This is the First time in Singapore for such official TRANSFORMERS event people!!

With the recent launch of TRANSFORMERS The Ride, and TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon becoming the fourth highest grossing movie of all time at the global box office, it is a fantastic opportunity to bring this tremendous TRANSFORMERS event to Resorts World Sentosa, a destination resort that is very popular with tourists from the region

Hasbro will present an extensive collection of historical TRANSFORMERS items from throughout the brand‟s 27 year history via a visually stunning exhibit.

Other special events and exhibits will include:

- A 22-foot tall OPTIMUS PRIME character statue, one of the largest TRANSFORMERS statues ever

- TRANSFORMERS drawing classes by top Hasbro artists (at select times);
- Three-dimensional action figure dioramas capturing scenes from popular TRANSFORMERS entertainment including the blockbuster movies
- National „Fastest Fingers First‟ Challenge, testing convention goers‟ skills at converting TRANSFORMERS action figures from “robot” to “vehicle” modes.
- Panel Sessions with special guest, Mr. Hideaki Yoke and TRANSFORMERS brand experts from Hasbro

Ticket sales will begin from 3rd February 2012 onwards and they can be bought:
- Online at www.rwsentosa.com;
- At Universal Studios Singapore ticketing booths;
- At RWS Ticket and Membership Hub;
- Via hotline 6577 8888

There are 2 types of tickets available;
- $12 DAY PASS, and
- $68 VIP 4-day VIP PASS which include the follow:
   1. Unlimited event access (11-14 March);
   2. Photo Opportunity with 22-foot OPTIMUS PRIME;
   3. 1 x VIP Lanyard;
   4. 1 x TRANSFORMERS KRE-ON figure

The operating hours of the event will be the following:
11 – 13 March (11am – 9pm), 14 March (10am – 6pm)

Hurry get your ticket as there are limited and it may not be again in Singapore if you missed this one.

To have more information you can head over to www.cybertroncon.com. Fans can also receive updates and take part in contests to receive exclusive prizes by joining the 2012 TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con Facebook page at www.facebook.com/transformerssingapore.

See you there Transformers fans in South East Asia!!

Super Famicom Controller

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:25:00 +0000

I have so much sweet memories in my younger days playing my favorite SNES games with controller like this.

When I read the news TakaraTomy coming out a tribute to Nintendo controller by having them as keychain with lights, I tell myself to get some of those I wanted.

In this series, you have the vintage first generation famicom controller, Super Famicom Controller...

Nintendo64 and the current Wii much of motion controllers comes with Black and White version.

For these toys, you can see the trademark on it's back with Nintendo copyrights.

Among all these model of controller, I am very much attached to the Super Famicom controller which to me was one of the controller of revolution simply with design of the plastic material and button layout.

Firstly it continue the direction pad on the left which today most game console still use this design.

On the right are the four action buttons which uses different colors to make the controller look lively however the naming of the button was not that successful as XY and AB does not really stand out. Sony later uses the same format on play station and uses symbol instead. Today regardless the naming, these layout of the right 4 buttons still remain.

When you think 4 buttons should be enough, Nintendo at Super famicom era push further to add 2 more buttons that are logical and friendly. The L and R button. Now this time the naming of the button was replicate later across other console. See how important naming of buttons are?

Now the question you may asked why Nintendo created 6 actions buttons? I can tell you it is not because of RPG but more for action game which one of those defining game of that era which I was crazy about "Street Fighter II".

With 6 actions buttons, players can use the Light, Medium and Heavy Kick or Punches. And with the movement of the direction pad, you will do wonders to summon the killing moves which was awesome. You can forget about the sound effect as most of the time the players will be doing the sound effect of those special moves. LOL

Anyway this toy is just a keychain for much of the display and the only "useful" feature is that by pressing the button, the light will on and off. Nothing fanciful.

This toy for me is just a tribute to the wonderful controller designs and good design last long. Do you agree?

Every Optimus Prime must have a Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Optimus Prime should always comes with a trailer. Period. Fans want it that way and when there is a demand, there will be a supply one way or another. Since Voyager Optimus Prime need a trailer, someone gave it a trailer (except TakaraTomy version)

The trailer comes with this box packaging front and back.I have no idea why there imprinted 16+ and up. Maybe because there are many small parts in the trailer. Or maybe it was a brand name of the manufacture of this OEM version. LOL

There is no mention of the maker and you can said this is an OEM in a way I guess. LOL

Time to Open the Toy and review this OEM trailer.

The front of the trailer come with a shiny looking Autobots logo.

At the back is a simple looking opening like most truck trailer to wheel cars into it.

You can put a deluxe class vehicle into the trailer with not much issue. That's cool right?

If you look inside from the view, you can see the awesome components inside the trailer. Honestly I do not know what is the used of the hooks but it just look so cool. LOL

The trailer comes with a stand to let it stand alone and it allow the stand to stand down when you need to fit into the Truck.

The trailer can be open like G1 trailer and there are various points to hook up the weapons and what not.

In this case, I will place the weapon of the Voyager Optimus Prime. Fit in very nicely.

Now come the most important part, how will this trailer look when it is attached to the voyager Optimus Prime? The answer...It look AWESOME!!

The trailer is flexible to allow turning of the truck and it won't disengage easily.

Here is a size comparison of the trailer and truck with a deluxe class vehicle. Somehow the truck look small...

No matter as the truck and trailer look totally sweet as the Optimus prime I expected it to be. And because it comes together as a package on great discount, I grab it.

Now we have hear about the Dragon version for China Hasbro leader Optimus Prime. I wonder how would a voyager Optimus Prime goes with the theme of the Dragon. For the fun of it, I did a digital version and I think it look better than that. :P

What do you think?

In summary, every Optimus Prime has to come with a trailer. No question about that. Agree?

DOTM Voyager Optimus Prime

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:17:00 +0000

Another Optimus Prime has added to my collection and I got it during last year end offer.

Having a couple of Optimus Prime myself, it take something extra to get me to have a Voyager Optimus Prime from the movie Transformers Dark of the Moon. Well I will share with you the motivation later. Let's us open the toy and review this toy first.

Having myself a Leader class, the setting of this voyager class look different. Somehow the wheels on the arms make Optimus look beefed up.

You will know why I said beefed up by the following picture. See his wheels look so much like biceps?

On his back the two containers look more like thrusters but in reality, it doesn't do anything much as it just make Optimus look steadier. On the side view, the lower legs look strong and with that, Prime have no difficultly in standing and balance.

Talking about the legs, I notice the consistency of having tyres on the thighs, if only they care about painting the wheels there, it would look better.

Here is a closed up of Optimus face which look pretty decent. Notice that his chest area look a bit different from the leader class.

For this voyager Optimus prime, his only accessory and weapon is his blaster. No saber, no hook.

The blaster can transformed into a more powerful mode by pressing on the end button. The only weakness is that you have to keep pressing and holding the button for the blaster to be an upgrade mode.

Nonetheless, Optimus Prime always look great with a blaster than any other weapons in my opinion.

It is time for the transformation and for a voyager class, the transformation look simple but when you are doing the transformation, it may not look so simple. Here is Optimus half way doing the transformation. Look pretty funny in this semi mode. LOL

When the transformation is done, it is a different story where the truck mode look pretty awesome. On the front view, it look consistent with the movie version.

One of the detail that interest me is the only Autobots logo found on this toy was the front of the vehicle. Some custom paint will make the logo stand out.

On the back of the truck, there is a hole for you to insert the trailer logically but for this toy, it is for the weapon.

So I placed the weapon at the back and it look decent. Now in reality it will be an obvious giveaway for a normal truck to carry such a huge cannon.

Now here's something I like about this version of Optimus prime was the view from the top, it seems Optimus Prime is powered by solar panel. Notice the roof and the bonnet? They really look like solar cells. Yes I love Autobots going green. I mean who doesn't?

Even with the above good points that I pointed out, there are not the reason that put me to get this Optimus Prime. There is more. And what will that be?

It is always my criteria that Optimus prime should come with a Trailer to complete the look and it took Michael Bay 3 movies to get that right (still it didn't look too right for me). If I need a trailer, the only version for voyager would be TakaraTomy version as much as I remember, Hasbro voyager does not come with a trailer.

However there is a trailer and I got this toy with a trailer. Are you curious to see the Trailer? I will revive that on my next post. :D

That being said, how do this voyager Optimus prime fair to you? Any opinion?

Snow Miku Wonder Festival 2012 Exclusive

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Snow Miku is returning in Japan coming Wonder Festival 2012. Since it is still winter in February, it make prefect sense to have a Snow Miku.

This figure is in conjunction with Max factory and Good Smile Company for “Wonderful Hobby Life for You 15″! exhibition. There will be a limited to 3000 for the event in Japan but as for web online store, you can place your pre-order of maximum 3 per person. For oversea web order, the item is currently plan to ship out in June 2012 (No longer winter then :( ).

So what so different about this Nendoroid Snow Miku? For one, she comes with a new costume as a coat. For accessories, She comes with mic stand,

a shovel,

a Nendoroid Petite sized clear snow sculpture of Miku and a LED lighted stage for the ice sculpture.

The official name is No.207 Nendoroid Snow Miku ( 雪ミク ) Fluffy. Get her before she slip you by!

Do agree with me that this version of the Snow Miku is better than the previous version?

Android Fu Lu Shou 福祿壽 for Chinese New Year

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Believe it or not but there will be a special edition series for Chinese New year 2012. Instead of Caisheng, this year will be make up of 3 Android from Chinese characters. Fu Lu Shou 福祿壽.

First is the Blessing (福) Fu Android, more like last year Cai sheng android with a golden coin.

Fortune (祿) Lu Android dressed in blue instead of traditional Green represent position and promotion in job market.

Longevity (壽) Shou Android that is a symbol of an old man well in age carrying a peach which suppose to be Longevity fruits. Of course no one lives forever.

The order for this set is going to start today at shop.deadzebra.com today, Wednesday. Head over to get one set now!!

Hot Toys Cosbaby Toy Story Series 2 Coming

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:55:00 +0000

Cosbaby series from Hot Toys will be releasing Toy Story series 2 figures soon and there are some interesting ones that caught my eyes when I saw the prototype pictures.

What you are seeing here are prototype photographs which may look different when you see the actual product.

This figures from series 2 are more futuristic and at the same time with some old west theme.

Firstly Woody still dressed the same but he carry a space gun. Yes it is like Cowboy & Aliens. While Buzz lightyears still stay true as himself as a space ranger. I love the helmet of Buzz.

There are 2 Aliens in this series, Cowboy Alien and Spaceman Alien and all the Aliens say "Oooooo ~"

Now come the two most interesting characters and a good make over. Meet Evil Dr. Porkchop with a one eye patch and hovering on a space vessel while Rex got himself a space helmet. Both look really cool and cute!!

I have to bring extra attention to Rex as this version of cosbaby series really bring out the cuteness and the awesome details of Rex. Surely Rex from this series would not worry if he can take any rejection as he is so CUTE!!!

If you are interested in this series, it should be release in the first quarter of 2012. We just hope the actual product will look this good. :)

Happy Dragon New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (LEon) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:38:00 +0000

This is the year of Dragon so it is proper to get a dragon toy and play with it!

To be honest, this Dragon was for decoration but I modify it to use it with my toys. Just like Chinese Lion Dance, this is something of that sort but in this case a Dragon. Just nice for one person to dance the Dragon dance.

Unlike western Dragons in stories, the Chinese Dragon often comes with two horns on it's head and body are more serpent like. For dancing purposes, they made the dragon to look more friendly with smiling expression with no sharp teeth.

On the back of this decoration Dragon was a short body with a Chinese letter "Fu (福)" meaning prosperity.

Beside the looks of the dragon, the one that make the Dragon dance come to life will be the dancer himself. Often these dancers are from some martial art organization and with proper training, they have the stamina and skills to do great performance.

For this case, I have Son Goku from Dragonball to do the honor of the Dragon dance. Since it is Dragon year, let's have the Dragonball team to do some well wishes for the new year. :)

Wow it is a GEM to see Goku and Vegeta to do something together. Readers you guys are in luck!

PS: Huat Ah means Good luck which normally related to wealth.

Well here's my best wishes to all you readers of this toy blog. Let's have a prosperous new year in the year of the Dragon!

Hey...what is this?

Sorry for the joke as I am currently playing Elder scroll Skyrim. :P Yes playing game for the new year holidays. LOL

HUAT AH!!