Hasbro Transformers Titans Return Chromedome

I actually was planning to review Chromedome on my own, but Quinncat over at CollectionDX had one that covered all the bases.

My additional observations:

The IDW head really is the icing on the cake, and will probably make you want to get the new rewind figure to make up the Conjunx Endura pairing. Other than that, I love how the colors of chromedome in figure form gives it a Diaclone vibe. Sadly, the cockpit size of teh headmaster makes for a really big Seat, if you use the Dia-Nauts. It works if you think, as a friend said, that the Headmasters are over-sized extended power suits for the Dia-Nauts (thus marrying the two lines neatly, in headcanon).

Link for CollectionDX review: http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2016/chromedome

Takara Tomy Diaclone Reboot Powered-Suit Set A and Dia-Battles v2 Photos

I've just recently received the Takara Tomy Diaclone Powered-Suit (Set A) from Takara Tomy, courtesy of my online seller, and I decided to do a photo shoot with it. Along the way, I shot my Dia-Battles to go with it, along with some small photos to show off the wonderful Dia-Naut design.

For more about Diaclone: http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/diaclone/

Without further ado, here they are:

Bandai Gundam HG IBO 1/144 Flauros

I'm a sucker for transforming and gattai mecha, and the latest Gundam series, Tekketsu/Iron-Blooded Orphans, now has the Flauros. True to Gundam styling, it prioritizes the mecha form, while the transformed animal form seems to be a make-do, or twisted at the most. Still, it looks pretty good, and with the incoming additional weapons set, it should look even better.

Hobby no Toriko Link: http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hg-ibo-flauros.html

Bandai Armor Girls Project: Saber/Variable Excalibur

I've taken note of this armor girl before, but with these new reference photos, it really does look like a Fate/Saber version of the Astray Blue with its Back Weapon System.

I'll let the photos do most of the talking. I like how it has two sword versions, and that the sword variants are because of how it integrates additional armor into the figure.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=145973

For the Astray reference:

New Frame Arms products; Hexa Gear, too

The new Frame Arms mecha looks impressive, but for some reason it's not hitting me where hype usually tags me. The Hexa Gear stuff, on the other hand, is making me have second thoughts about sticking only to Frame Arms. Good job on that one, Kotobukiya!

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150728

Gundam Build Fighters: Transient Glacier

I already bought the initial variant of this, and to be honest, were it not for the fact that it has some special connector holes molded into some of the original parts, as it were, I would probably have just done a straight parts swap. However, given the fact that the overall color is a near polar opposite to the old Transient, I'll probably end up sticking with this variant over the old one.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hgbf-transient-g.html

Not-Scorponok: Master Made

I didn't follow up on the Transformers past the movie when I was younger, because that was around the time I got more into music (and mix tapes). Scorponok, I think, is a great addition just for the sheer horror-story creepy feelings that it can give.

Turning this particular character into an SD toy has, effectively, made it super cute and horrifying at the same time.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150301

Hobby No Toriko review: Zetaplus Gundam

After mentioning it in a previous article, I was very happy to see that Hobby no Toriko had a review up for the Zetaplus C1 Gundam. From the looks of it, I can probably swap parts from the special kit onto the standard Unicorn version of the Zetaplus A1 variant. Important to note: this is one of the few units where having the first-variant rifle may not be a good thing, as it has to use both hands for the cannon weapon.

http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/hguc-zeta-plus-c1.html

Evolution Toys: Magnemo/Magnetic Ball goodness

After my experience with wobbly joints in my Microman toys (which had, of course, magnetic ball joints), I'm somewhat leery of these toys. However, One cannot fault the great retro styling, and the wonderful choices for toy pieces. As for the magnetic ball joints, if they can make some sort of industry standard for replacement magnets, then I'm all for it.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=149790

Gundam: Bawoo - RE/100

I've long ago made my peace with deciding not to get 1/100 scale kits from the Gundam line (except for Astray kits, long story), but i have to admit, the Bawoo tempts me mightily to break that vow.

The Bawoo is a splitformer, in that it is made of two space fighter units that combine to form one full mecha. If I remember correctly, one of the fighters can be flown - or is flown - as a drone. This version of the bawoo is particularly chunky, and the detail to go with it just makes the whole package perfect.

From Hobby no Toriko:
http://hobbynotoriko.yumenogotoshi.com/re100-bawoo.html

Patlabor: Brocken Labor

With the Reboot incoming for Patlabor - and rightly so that it should be modernized - they're now coming out with a new Brocken labor toy. What makes this collection impressive s not so much the, err, power output at the crotch, but the inclusion of everyday items to give scale to the mecha. It makes for a great vignette or diorama feel.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=146855

Godzilla X Evangelion, and other interesting things

I just had to post this immediately. Nothing like making a mashup mecha from Godzilla (or should we say Mecha-Godzilla?) and the Type-01 from Evangelion. Woobie-Emo Killer Giant Lizard!

Also, the Bubuki Buranki mecha looks great. The other mecha shown looks interesting in the sense that they remind me of I, Robot.

http://www.taghobby.com/?p=150193

Xabungle: Super Mini-Pla Set

I think the real strength of Bandai's Super Mini-Pla line is that they can hit so many birds with one stone. First, it gives them an affordable line for less-famous franchises, while at the same time providing office-goers with small tabletop display options. They're also good enough to be painted and put in proper displays. It's also a call-back to the old mini-kits that used to be sold with chewing gum, or in smaller stores. And from the looks of this Xabungle set, it is probable that there will be many more releases from the late-70's post-Super Robot to early Real-Robot franchises.

CollectionDX:
http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2016/xabungle

Optimus Primal: Kong-errific!

Admittedly, I never liked the idea of having Transformers turn into animals - there's a bit of techno-organic horror there, probably because I grew up with stuff like Cordwainer Smitth's Instrumentality, where cyborg Scanners had horrible lives as people cut off from their own bodies, and interfacing with them through their implanted mechanics.

Still, this is one amazing toy. I like how they had the fur effect printed on the plastic, and how solid it looks overall. Optimus Primal is definitely the big gorilla of the MP line.

Article and photo from CollectionDX:
http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2016/convoy_aka_optimus_primal

Frame Arms Girl: The Animation

It looks like the Frame Arms Girl sub-franchise from Kobukiya's Frame Arms line is finally getting an anime show, to flesh out more "background" for the toys.

Not surprisingly, it looks very close to the whole Busou Shimki/Brave Witches/Kan Colle thing.

Instagram Photo Archive: MG Astrays

I do have a soft spot for the Astrays.

I decided to remove the converted Aile Pack from the Astray D, and then just put in the Tactical Arms. Surprisngly, it looked even better. I also left the thigh-mounted knives in.

Here's another shot, with full backpack and the TA.

Instagram Photo Archives: Amazing Red Warrior, Dynames, Lightning Gundam, Rinascita

HG00 Dynames Arms Arms w/ Extra parts
I wasn't satisfied with  the fact that it couldn't hold on to a truly full complement of weapons, so I added two equip arms at the sides.

HGBF Lightning Gundam with both Backpacks
Aside from having both backpacks equipped, this also has a Powereder Arms set equipped, and a few other things. I've streamlined the idea lately, and I think this one has to have its own photo shoot.  I might actually remove the Powereder parts, as it may look similar to another build I thought of... 

HGBF Amazing Red Warrior
Added another set of Red Warrior parts, and some campaign parts. I got the idea from the Dynames Arms Arms unit.

HGBF Wing Idea
This idea is still in development, but it promises to be the most "SRW" of the lot.

Instagram Photo Archives: HGBF Gundam Modification Ideas

Hello, all! It seems that I'm becoming a bit too busy with other stuff, and I tend to whip out my mobile device to take instagram photos more. However, I really would like a more permanent record of the stuff I put in my instagram feed. So for now, I'll be doing photo archive entries when I find that I'm getting busy with other stuff.

Here are some of the HGBF ideas I've been putting up in my Instagram feed.

HGAGE AGE-2 with Artemis Parts
Originally seen in this entry, I'll definitely have to do a more detailed photo shoot of this particular kit.

HGBF Mega Shiki "Three"
This is another one that deserves a better photo shoot. I have to say, though, that the connector parts for this one are rather fragile. 

HGUC/HGBF Zeta with Honoo and MS Weapons upgrades
To be honest, this was supposed to be a "finished" deal, but we'll see how the incoming Lightning Zeta kit will fare with the add-ons.