Welcome to The Stormtrooper Effect

This is where i will review and discuss toys, video games and movies. I collect 3 3/4 inch to 12 inch Star Wars, Iron Man, Batman, Halo toys and other movie memoribillia that appeal to me! As of late i am into Hot Toys 12' inch figures. Thank you for visiting my page and I hope you enjoy browsing through my site as much as I enjoy sharing it with you!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Green Day's Latest Album Single - Know Your Enemy





Green Day's latest album single off 21st century breakdown. Know your enemy.


have been so busy of late that i totally didn't realise that Green Day had made their worldwide debut for the video...many thanks to Mirrornoob for the heads' up.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Hot Toys: X-men Wolverine Origins Announced


It is no longer a joke. The April fool's joke which set forums rife with calls for Hot Toys to actually make the joke come true, has indeed finally come true.


Hot Toys are finally making 12' inch X-men Wolverine Origins. You can read it all for yourself in Hot Toy's April Newsletter.
Now, who wants good ol' James Howlett/Logan/Wolverine??? i'd love to see a nice X3 version with the leather suit and all. And most of all, in fact above all, a comic suit version of deadpool. though the word out in forum is that Deadpool wound up becoming some bald scarred jawless, laser beaming bladed elbowed beast. ( and its pretty true so far going by screenshots seen on forums)
that aside, its a huge stretch for collector's wallets this year, ironman, DX the dark knight line, predator, resident evil 5, terminator salvation, and now, xmen? and possibly watchmen coming too...good lord. is anyone aware we do have a recession? ( take it easy hot toys, one by one )
gotta make my dollar count now...

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Featured Post: T-shirt Design Artist Roger of RubyRed Designs

Recently, Roger of Ruby Red Designs has brought to my attention some very creative T-shirt designs of his, which he IS SELLING! and has kindly requested a feature here at THE STORMTROOPER EFFECT!

I must say that Roger's portfolio of works truly embodies the geekdom and fanboy at heart for all Star Wars fans out there! His newest piece of art... aptly named "AT-AT anatomy", is an X-ray visual design of Star War's iconic all terrain armoured transport.


Star Wars, a key pillar in pop culture history of our generation, which spawned forth armies in white of clones and stormtroopers alike. Made fans and toy collectors out of generations of us children and adults....You can't have enough of star wars.

And what other better way than to simply wear your fandom! With these fantastically comical t-shirts which parody star wars, it indeed cranks the levels of hilarity to the max!

And if you think he just specializes in Star Wars parody designed shirts, you're wrong, he does others too!


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AT-AT Anatomy
Now we know what goes on in an AT-AT


How it'd look when worn. Seems pretty nice a cutting.

"Cutbacks in the empire's defense budget has reached comical levels!"



You Can’t Park Here Sir
So, you’re a crime fighting super hero with an armour plated, rocket propelled Batmobile, but you’re not above the law. Be aware of parking restrictions, or you’ll be clamped next.
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Now that you've seen some of Roger's amazing designs, what are you waiting for? Swing by his artist page and take a further look!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Hot Toys 1/6th Resident Evil 5 NEW PICTURES!!! resculpted body and head.

Its totally fantastic that they've resculpted and revamped the head and body for both sheva and Chris from RE5. Sheva's looking mighty fine and accurate to the video game, though i must say Chris redfield doesn't look impressive. Though both headsculpts are good, chris falls short in terms of costuming, and his muscles look a tad' too shiny?....

Awesome pose










for weapons used against the zombie hordes, they look pretty new and clean...



i'm awefully dissapointed that the weapons i've unlocked and bought in the RE5 game did not show up here considering the costume isn't that impressive. where's the m3 shotgun?




i wish he used the laser sighted with acog scope mp5 rifle. would've been better.








the AK-74 doesn't look all that impressive but the headsculpt's decent.

with a somewhat tight and limited budget i'm still undecided about these figures, though i must say sheva looks more video game accurate in terms of costume and stands out more than chris. Somehow much of the awesome touch Chris had in video screens are lost on the figure...perhaps due to the lack of details on the muscled body? and its a tough fight between Chris and Dutch, both having muscled bodies.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

New Hot Toys TRUETYPE figure (Caucasian with narrowed shoulders)

Set comes with:
- 2 sets of bendable hands
- 2 neck styles
- Figure display stand
Release date: End Q2 – Early Q3, 2009


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It seems pretty apparent the the headsculpt's been recycled from Hot Toy's Military Line, specifically the ERT secret service male. The likeness of James McAvoy is hiding somewhere there.
Back to the point however, this new narrowed shoulder figure would be extremely handy for those who'd be kitbashing bruce wayne and tony stark with hot toys' yet to be released 1/6th suits. ( IS TFH doing any preorders??? do inform me!!! ) However the main use will most likely be for those who had preordered the deluxe Joker, and need an extra body to fit with the original costume given.
I'd most likely preorder at least 4, gotta stock up on these things before they run out. Though i preferred the Tom Cruise likeness more...

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Sunday's Haul

Watchmen Graphic Novel and two SUPER BATTLE DROIDS!

With all my hype still going up despite watching the film about a month back, i must confess, that upon reading the Graphic Novel in detail is when i realise why diehard fans complained that film was not the best medium to convey the story. Most of the narrative indeed was lost and what happened to the giant squid?

that aside, i hauled in two super battle droids from the clone wars line. i must say that the clone wars animated style has grown on me for a long time. Somehow the paint applications and sculpt for the animated line are much more accurate to their screen counterparts as opposed to the legacy series. Hauled ' em in at $25 for 2 at metro paragon. Considering that most department stores are not clearing up their leftover stocks of the season 1 animated clone wars toys, i'd say its a very good opportunity to haul stuff for army building.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Hot Toys MMS DX 02: The Dark Knight Batman 1/6th Figure (underway)


I do believe that judging from this magazine discussion, that there will be a MMS DX 02. Namely, a revamped TDK batman figure. I can't quite find the words to scream out in rage at the speedy rate how Hot Toys seems to screw early collectors time and time again, (come'on a deluxe for every figure in TDK will kill alot of us)

Had Hot Toys wanted to do a deluxe figure, they should've at least done both at the same time, for normal and deluxe versions. Joker was explainable. Bats is now pushing it.
we can't possibly collect a figure and then get blown away yet again by a deluxe version. simultaneous release would at least give those who can initially afford the deluxe a choice to splurge a tad' more for something better. Seems pretty obvious over time that it doesn't pay to be an early collector.

Nevertheless, i'm certain it will be a great figure. However being a DELUXE that it should be, i'm gonna make some serious requests.

it should have the following features non negotiable.

-revamped slim figure which is SCREEN ACCURATE ( NO MORE FUCKING MAN BOOBS, BEER GUTS ETC. we collectors are paying good dollars for this. give us quality.)
- SONAR VISION lights up. yes. sonar. yes, lights up.
- Suit for WAYNE ( if they could for joker, they CAN for wayne. no buts this time around)
- the new rotating eye system is expected for the wayne sculpt.


and if Hot Toys starts this fucking DELUXE annoucements with other lines like Terminator Salvation, ironman etc after we've all bought our normal versions, i'm gonna nuke their factory. YES. NUKE'EM.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Tagged: 6 Random Things About Myself

As i've been tagged by both Kenny of Meditation Chamber and Leon of Open the Toy, i do believe it is about time that i start budging and get on with this tag.


Working daily from 8am - 11pm, today being an exception, kinda leaves you dry for everything else.


The Rules of the Tagging Game are:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog.
3) Write six random things about yourself.
4) Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each of the six persons know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up


let us now begin.


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1. Music, the spirit.


Music pretty much means alot to me in all that i do, a form of creative expression, a contemplative companion to lonely hours during travel, wee hours of the morning or the silent moody atmosphere on the way back home past midnight. Or simply, just good ol' fashioned rock n roll for joy, rage and love.

My favourite band will always be Green Day, and my favourite artist? its pretty obvious by the picture, Billie Joe Armstrong.

I play the piano, guitar and drums. I own two classical guitars, two classical pianos, one five piece drum set, one acoustic guitar and one electric guitar. Like i said, music is everything to me and makes my world go round.



2. The Poet, The Writer & The Bookworm




Whilst as of late i have not had the opportunity nor time to delve myself in a simple pleasure that i so enjoy, i confess that i love novels. I can delve myself in continous reading and devour page to page stories of tragedy and loss, of ageing and of pains, triumphs and victories, adventures and fantasies. fiction and non fiction. My favourite novelist as yet remains Harlen Coben, and my favourite book, Tell No One, and i believe that the essense of guilt and regret, loss and pain has never been better captured in way that reaches to me.



I do not have a specific genre that i stick to, more of the style of writing of the author. Other pretty good authors i've stumbled across from paper back to hardback from library to library are iggulden conn, ted dekker, philip k dick ( no introduction needed) and Isaac Asimov.



In times where i find myself in desperate need for an escape, and music can't quite suffice, i turn to writing to express myself. Be it in creative juices or just an outlet to let my mind wander and mull over things. I write poems and am often inspired to do so on bus rides in the early morning or late at night. A favourite route of mine is bus 172 past the cementeries to jurong point/ boon lay. I am currently writing a novel for my own reading pleasure, and as a way for my mind to unwind.





3. The Heart a Reason for existence.

unbehest-known to others i long to travel the world, not in terms of a holiday but a journey to open my eyes, for i know although we are all reminded time to time of the pain in the world around us, yet we still remain woefully ignorant of the truths, pains, and struggles of others until we experience it firsthand.



I long to backpack, and my aim to lose myself in the world for a year with nothing but a toothbrush, a passport the clothes on my back and just a hundred bucks or whichever country i may choose to go. Work there for my daily living and consumption and get to better understanding of the place i will be in. For what can open your eyes more than being one with the people around you? the yearn to learn, feel and understand the lives out there less fortunate than us, to find the meaning and appreciation of life. possible candidates for my backpacking for a year would be Cambodia, Tibet, India, Africa specifically darfur/sudan.





4. The Spirit and Drive for adventure and challenge

since a young age i have always loved nature, the great outdoors and always a nice overwhelming challenge. I enjoy offroad biking/ mountain biking though i often tend to wind up with impossible injuries...I am proficient in snowboarding in my month's stay at Lake Tahoe's skiing resort at USA and the followup visits in subsequent years. We'd see who dares go gingerbreadman ( a flip ). I double dare you.



Furthermore i practice martial arts, from taekwondo to brazillian jiujitsu to muay thai and eventually Mixed Martial Arts. I shall say i've had my fair share of busted balls, bruises, broken bones and chipped bones too. Will be heading down to NUH's hand sugery department on the 9th of April, Wednesday to remove a bone chip in my hand that's interferring with my hand articulation and causing me excruciating pain when i play the piano or stretch my fingers. ( an accident whilst delivering a blow to someone during a friendly sparring )





5. The movie enthusiast

Since a young age, i have always been inspired, touched, or plaintively awed by films. Its that little bit of movie magic that goes a long way in our everyday, mudane lives.



an actor who has delivered emotionally in films that i feel will transcend time, for me, was Thomas Cruise Mapother , the couch jumping scientologist, Tom Cruise. While i won't comment on his strange antics as he ages over the years, i wont' deny him the due credit for his prowess as an actor.

And my favourite most definitive film that i felt touched me, has and will always be Vanilla Sky. Give it a watch and you'd know why.

here's a link to a speech/ oscar monologue that kinda explained much of what movies meant to us. The inspiration, the dreams and hopes.






6. The FANBOY


this you should know by now! otherwise what the hell's this site for? Since a young age i was introduced to toys by, naturally my parents, but one toy that will always be firmly etched in my memory as the starting point for me to actually keep my toys in perfect condition was a STAR WARS Han Solo figure my father bought for me during his business trip overseas, i was only 6 years old then.


Subsequently as i grew older i collected beast wars and transformers before going back to my roots ( STAR WARS) 3 3/4 inch collecting. As of last year i slowed down the collection to branch off to 12 ' inch figure collecting, you can't resist the DETAILS on those figures nor the quality, and also the drop in QC by HASBRO has really made them a HASBEEN for me.


furthermore we're paying pretty steep prices for figures that dont' quite cut it at this point of time. However time to time i do haul in the better figures.

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Now for my VICTIMS

1. DENNIS AKA KATSUDEN

2. KEN MOO of Everything, Anything better than nothing ( update bro, 1 week already )

3. Sket of Wait

4. Rip666 of Art of hobby

5. Stephen of Stephenus Prime! ( good ol' bro )

6. how can i ever forget my doped up partner in crime who never fails to fail me in CO-OP...MIRRORNOOOOOOOOOOB!

7. The Rebel of Rebel with Causes

8. Razmanshah, the avid 12'inch collector

9. Shin from Shin fell from the Sky

10. Dash Macbastard of Paper and Plastic Please

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Teamwork is essential, in all video games with COOP especially.




Teamwork is essential in CO-OP games. Seeing this kinda reminds me how important it is to have a good partner in co-op games.

Enjoy!