Wonder Festival 2009 Figure Review - Part Duo

Here is my second part of the Wonder Festival Figures. I decided I also needed to review the ones outside of Queen's Blade that I would also like to have.

I saw too many that I wanted, but I was able to narrow it down to these. I know some of these will be a pretty penny, but always keep my eyes on the prize! Damn there were so many HOT figures at this WonFest, I really wish I could of been there.

I noticed that this seemed to be filled with K-On and Nendoroids - not what I generally collect these, but I know that there are a lot of you that adore them. I may have to get the Nendoroid of Yoko from Gurren Lagann to see why these are so popular.

What is your favorite figure from this last show?

Without further a-do, here is my other wishing well.

Creator’s Labo Yamato Tsukasa Bullet: Heat Blade

Kyrie Rason from Valkyrie Chronicles

Hatsune Miku VN02

Black Rock Shooter Alternate

Tony Taka's Santa Girl

Yoko

Yea, I had many more, but WTF, like I have the cash for all that - LOL

Source: ( Akiba Hobby } and { Hobby Stock } via { Anime Raku } and { Deathseeker }

Sorry everybody about the delay :/

<- *shock* WTF IS THIS PHOTO? WHY WAS IT IN KUMO'S POCKET? WHY IS THAT GUY SO SMEXY? WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?!

Yeah I know I suck at deadlines >.>

But besides that, I've been trying to think of way to give CC's story more...meat. (Meat is awesome). After all, stuff like CC: Final Core is something I've been planning, which is based around Crisis Core...I've become a bit of an FF7-fangirl, more than ten years after its initial release, lol.

Oh well.

As another note, I'm planning not to have Levi's scar just 'appear'. He's going to get it the regular damn way >=[, from his arch rival O.O.

Betcha didn't even realize that there was a Seifer-type character in CC, did ya XD. I don't even know who I'm talking to...
But yeah, I'm gonna go into proper details and stuff. Like for example, Levi and Kyer will have met before: but they've never been properly 'introduced'. I'm tired of me fawning over FF7, since FF8 had a great storyline, too. I'm going to try and create A DISTORTED VERSION OF THE BOTH OF THEM.

Yes, I'm a sicko. But it's a parody, right? I still need to make sure this stays funny. And what's funnier than getting stopped at the gate by your arch-rival, in a Seifer costume, and getting told you're going to duel him because you beat up his posse with umbrellas?
(That happens in the CC comic XD)

Minisuka (Miniskirt) Police are Back!

They were a big hit in the 1990's and now there are 11 new recruits. They have released a new DVD, “Fukkatsu! Minisuka Porisu” and will again brighten late night TV. Their show will begin on Saturday (8/1) night shortly after midnight on Television Saitama TV (Teletama).

For a more public appearance, they will be at the HMV store near Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City next Sunday and at Tower Records in Shinjuku the next Sunday both at 1 pm. For those of you that are lucky enough to get there, hope you can take some shots and let us all in on the fun. Makes me want to be arrest now in Japan

Not too long ago, Yukiko Hachisuka (one of the girls) got groped on a train and it made the news!




Source: Japan Today

New Shipment: Tandem Twin Dog Girl Annerose

Group: Tandem Twin
Name: Dog Girl Annerose
Manufacturer: Yamato
Sculptor: Yamazaki Kouichi
Scale: 1/6
For more information on the figure > Tsuki-board

Got a figure shipment in from Entertainment Earth that I had ordered a week ago. I had ordered this as I have the original Dog Girl Alma and wanted to get her sister Annerose which was done by Yamato. This figure was introduced in May of 2008 and was limited to 3000 made.

I loved the lighter outfit and darker skin of this figure over the original one. She also uses a Riding Crop instead of a Whip. There is also a set of orange tinted sunglasses while her Alma had a simple dark tinted sunglasses. Like Alma though, she does have the ability to be topless as the chest plate does come off. This is definitely for "mature" collectors.

Yamato Site description:
"Inspired by the German Shepard, this canine cutie is on patrol for all you naughty boys. So be on your best behavior... or face the business end of her riding crop. Standing over 11.5", Annerose is a fierce sight in form fitting body armor accented in spikes, with alternate visor for a touch of cool."

I have some shots of the box and of Annerose. I plan to have a more detailed shoot with her later this week depending on time.

Front of Box

Back of Box
Front of Annerose
Back of Annerose

Wonder Festival 2009 Queen's Blade Review

Wonder Festival 2009 was this past weekend for those that lived around Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Center. Being in the US, I have to live vicariously through my blogger friends.

It was great to see some of the new Queen's Blade figures coming out. There were more than I thought would of been. The one I am most excited to see was Revoltech of Menace. I was glad to see that a 3rd set of Trading Figure busts was coming out, but what is the third one?!? I also have my eyes on Risty as she looks nicely designed and detailed

What is your favorite Queen's Blade figure from this last show?

Without further a-do, here is what I have been able to wrestle together for various sites.

Risty by MegaHouse

Cattleya and Rana

Revoltech Nanael

Revoltech Melona

Revoltech Menace

Trading Figure Bust of Nanael

Trading Figure Bust of Airi

Key Chains by Good Smile Company

Source: ( Akiba Hobby } and { Hobby Stock } via { Anime Raku } and { Deathseeker }

Bleach: Sarugaki Hiyori

The former lieutenant of the 12th Division under captain Hikifune Kirio and Urahara Kisuke, Hiyori is a violent girl with a fierce temper who took the longest time to defeat her inner hollow. Even after she became a Visored, she still abuses Hirako Shinji, often using one of her sandles to slap him in the face, or even using him as a human sheild.

I think there was a change from "Vizard" to "Vizored" at some point, not sure when and why. But she's a rather charming Hiyori, don't you agree? I don't want to get in her way, unless I need a slap on the face. Great cosplay!

EDIT: Thanks to anon for letting me know this is ~m-a-g-i! You can view the original deviation here... Awesome work!

Technorati tags: cosplay, cosplayer, holic, role, play, roleplay, costume, bleach, sarugaki, hiyori, lieutenant, former, 12, division, hikifune, kirio, urahara, kisuke, violent, fierce, temper, defeat, inner, hollow, hirako, shinji, sandle, slap, human, sheild, vizard, vizored, photobucket, コスプレ, コスプレイ, ブリーチ, 猿柿, ひよ里, 平子, 真子, 浦原, 喜助, ゲタ帽子, 虚化, 仮面の軍勢, ヴァイザード

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Lelouch Lamperouge 02

I suppose the main problem with this is that the photo is so small that it's quite hard to make out all the little details of the cosplay. But even if it is small, I wanted to post it anyway because I really like it.

Maybe my readers can figure out who the character is? Or maybe even who the cosplayer is so that I can find a better resolution for this particular photo.

Any takers? Thoughts, guesses, or anything you can throw me at would be appreciated; thank you!

EDIT: Thanks to anon for sharing this is Lelouch Lamperouge of Code Geass!

Technorati tags: cosplay, cosplayer, holic, role, play, roleplay, costume, photo, unknown, english, victorian, era, coat, detail, reader, blog, character, resolution, thought, guess, thank, コスプレ, コスプレイ

Send your Kids to do your Shopping?

In the US, you would send your kids to the market to get dinner. The question is how old would they be to be out on their own? I know I was sent down when I was about 10 to 12 years old to a neighborhood convenience store to get something.

In Japan the age is far more younger that (for a TV Series that is). This originally aired on Monday night (7/20) and was called “Hajimete no otsukai” (”First errand”). It films small children as they are sent on errands. The show involves 2 cute kids by the name of Masaki (5 years and 2 months) and his little sister Saika (2 years and 10 months). They are asked to pickup the ingredients for a Beef Stew Mom is making for dinner.

Kids Crossing the Street

Now if this was in the US, the parents would be arrested for Child Endangerment and a slew of News Shows would be reviewing this over and over again to get public reaction. Sort of like the Grandmom that had her niece sitting on the outside of the moon roof as she drove around a parking lot.

You Tube Movie Part 1


You Tube Movie Part 2

Would you let your 5 year old go to the market for you?

Source: Japan Probe

Manga Review: Oh My Goddess! Colors

Oh My Goddess! Colors
Author and Artist: Kosuke Fujishima
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

After reading much a-do about this, I finally ordered it from Amazon (need to save cash). I have to say the cover is quite impressive with gold foil. The inside colored artwork is even just as great. I liked how they had a separate story for each of the goddess (Belldandy, Urd, Skuld and Peorth) in color.

I have seen some of the Anime and not really read any of the Manga. I have to say, this has given me a great intorduction to the world of OMG! It showed how each of the goddess interacted with Keiichi in his day to day life. It is funny, sexy and heartwarming and usually all in the same page. If I had never heard of this series, I can say wiothout a doubt, this would be a good beginning point.

It is well laid out and a definite MUST HAVE for any OMG! Collector. You not only get a short story that introduces the Goddess, but also an essay for each one as well. They have an encyclopedia of OMG! terminology, a illustrated description of the vehicles used and a summary of each chapter through to Volume 30, Chapter 194. The last page is an Afterword by Fred Gallagher (MegaTokyo fame).

NEO GOLD AWARD

"For an OMG fan, this is an absolute must-have a fan s guide to the series that unashamedly immerses itself with total glee in the sugary sweet world of Belldandy and co. The coloured pages are beautiful to behold and the introductory Manga (illustrated by Neon Genesis Evangelion Angel designer Yoshitou Asari) is wonderfully irreverent description of the series that is sure to have you in stitches." - NEO Magazine

Here is the cover and 3 pages from the book:

Naruto: Shippuden: Karin

Highly skilled in chakra-sensing, Karin appears to have 2 dynamic personalities, often times fluctuating from one to the next. She appears tough and in control around Suigetsu and Jugo, yet becomes extremely flirtatious with Sasuke. She used to be Orochimaru's assistant during his experimentations, but now has an unhealthy obsession over Sasuke.

I think he hair needs to be a little more unkempt on one side, but she does look like she's flirting with Sasuke in this photo. Nice cosplaying!

Technorati tags: cosplay, cosplayer, holic, role, play, costume, roleplay, naruto, shippuden, karin, uchiha, sasuke, suigetsu, hozuki, jugo, personality, chakra, sense, ninja, control, flirt, orochimaru, obsession, hair, unkempt, コスプレ, コスプレイ, ナルト, 疾風伝, 香燐, 重吾, 鬼灯, 水月, うちは, サスケ, 大蛇丸

Kingdom Hearts II: Riku 02

After reuniting with King Mickey, Riku finds Naminé as she attend to the sleeping Sora. Because he was influenced by the darkness, Naminé offers to seal away the darkness form his heart by sealing his memories. Riku turns down her offer and explains he wishes to find the balance between light and darkness. This choice allows him to defeat what remained of Xehanort's Heartless.

Beautiful Riku! Although I wish I could see the cosplayer's face. Great work!

Technorati tags: cosplay, cosplayer, holic, costume, role, play, roleplay, kingdom, hearts, ii, 2, riku, king, mickey, mouse, naminé, darkness, seal, memory, wish, choice, xehanort, heartless, コスプレ, コスプレイ, キングダムハーツ, リク, ナミネ

Sexy Saturday - Eriko Sato

Who: Eriko Sato
Birthday: 1981-December-19
Blood Type: AB
Info: Gravure Idol, Model and Actress (Cutie Honey - 2004)

As seems to be the norm, she started off as a Gravure Model. She has done numerous movie and TV appearences as noted by IMDb. She played the lead role as Honey Kisaragi / Cutie Honey in the 2004 version of Cutie Honey. Her most recent role has been in the new Death Note Movie "L". She has even been awarded the 2008 Best Actress award by the Yokohama Film Festival.

I was first introduced to her when I watched the Live Action version of Cutie Honey (2004). I am also looking forward to seeing her in the US release of Death Note "L".

She is currently being represented by Yellow Cab talent agency. She also has a Blog you can check out from Ameblo. Please note these are in Japanese - so you will need a translator.

Her in the Cutie Honey Costume

Random Shots

Wow, I update often

<- Lol, randomness last level mock-up screen. Probably won't happen.
And this one ->
is the logo I decided to make today. It has *Unknown*(Ultimicia) Arithial (Sephiroth), Kumo, Levi and Miri in it. As a side not, Amano has a creepy drawing style. Cool, but slightly creepy...
Well it's not really an update. Not really. I finally got flash's sound to work. Turns out it wouldn't play the MP3 versions of the songs I wanted, so I had to convert them to WAV. Yeah. The file is now 100mb IN SIZE.

I almost immediately gave up on ever having animated sequences in Cosplay Crisis. But I probably wouldn't have them until the final game's released anyway, so...

In other news, I almost lost the game O.O. Yeah, you heard me right! All my files went and corrupted on me, and I think it was because I tried to play it on another computer O.O. Luckily I had a backed-up version I kept to do testing with. Everybody thank the gods of computer data, they shine on me today *basks in monitor screen light*

I also added Summons, but they won't be in the final version either due to the IMMENSE file size of the animation files. Each of them are roughly 25mb!! 5 of them would increase the game by 125mb, and it's 50 mb already. But so far, the Summons list is:
Ifrit
Shiva
Ramuh
Titan
Carbuncle(if, IF I can get a reflection script to work in game...I highly doubt it, but it's still IF)
Mog
Bahamut

However, 4 of these won't even be available if you just play without getting extras. The two summoner secret characters (Hanah and Ruby) come with 2 summons each. Just more incentive to get them, eh?

Also, these are possible thanks to Ringo. They look amazing, thank you!
TrÉs belle, Ringo! Merci beaucoup ^_^.

Over that drama, I also mocked up PSP covers for CC and made a new CC logo. It's not much better than the old one but meh.

I also uploaded a picture of the new logo on its own.

Gungrave coming to Live Action

Convergence Entertainment has now acquired the rights on a franchise property that we all know > "Gungrave". These are the same guys that did King of Fighters movie.

This is a mobster story about 2 buddys that grewup, got into the mob and one buddy kills the other. Sounds same old, same old, except said dead buddy is brought back to life and goes on a kill/revenge shooting spree. Lots of action /gun fire and back story while this is all happening.

What started out as a Manga by Yasuhiro Nightow, then to 2 video games, a comic series by Dark Horse and then a full fledged anime. With all this success, a progression to a live action movie was just natural.

There is a budget of 30 to 35 million with production to start next year. It should be real interesting to see how they adapt this for the movie screen. I hope that most of the secondary charaters are still in it, but wondering what will be cut.

{ Sankaku Complex } via ( Variety } and { Screen Daily }

Video Game Screenshot

Darkhorse Comic Cover

Anime Screenshot

Need more room in the display case - but how?

I was checking out a few blogs I review daily. One in particular had an issue that we have all run into ( Flying Pussyfoot }. It is how to we fit more figures in our displays than is available. Do you move them around, but while still keeping similar genre together. I am not luck enough to have a display case yet, but do have this issue on my shelves.

It got me thinking about my days in Retail and displaying products. We used acrylic stands to maximize available space. This also gave us a way to show more of the product in plan view for the buyer instead of behind another item.

You can find several places online that offer these products as well as eBay. Some of these are fairly inexpensive and simple while others were more elaborate and little more pricey. You can get simple U shaped risers, a step style riser or some more cool design. Just make sure you do not go for the ultra cheap thin acrylic as these are too light weight for most figures.

I have some pictured below for you to get some ideas.







What do you do when you run out of space?