The Stormtrooper Effect

Toy Story 3: Movie Review

2010-06-19T15:15:00.004+08:00

Toy Story 3, follows up as decade long awaited sequel to the franchise so fondly known and treasured in the hearts of the inner child within us. Toy Story 3, truly succeeds in delivering the essence of what Toy Story had always been about, the inner child within us, the emotive attachments with the characters we've grown so fond of through the years, and with a twist this time around, how things never stay the same with the passing of time.

Toy Story 3 takes viewers to a darker place of finality which we always knew would happen. Children grow up, and outgrow the very toys they grew up with. The simple fact on how things could and would not last forever. Despite its somewhat underlying darker theme, Toy Story 3 is truly a heart warming, tear jerking emotive film suitable for viewers of all ages, and reconnects every adult with that little child in us, and brings back every small childhood memory we've ever had with any toy in our lives.

A DEFINITE must watch, irregardless of the kind of films you love. And by far from the rest of this summer's films thus far, this one scores a 5/5 stars with me.

Disney/Pixar never fails to deliver with their films. Oh, and likewise with Disney/Pixar films, this too comes along with a short film entitled '' Day & Night" Truly touching too, especially when it came to that old vintage radio voiceovers.

Don't miss this film for the world. And best caught in 3D.

The Force Unleashed 2: E3 Exclusive Betrayal Cinematic Trailer

2010-06-15T19:29:00.004+08:00

Video Games The Force Unleashed II E3 2010: Exclusive Betrayal Cinematic Trailer HD

XBox 360 Playstation 3 Nintendo Wii

You can't have it better than Star Wars Video Games. Their narratives just blows your mind. And if you didn't yet know or haven't been following up. The secret apprentice died in TFU 1, and he returns as a clone with implanted memories of his past life in TFU 2. Hence explaining the ending of this trailer.

Be sure to get your copy when it hits stores on 26th October 2010.

Purchases thus far

2010-06-15T18:21:00.003+08:00

With the holidays having just begun, comes along the opportunity to show what i've been doing thus far.

While this may seem like alot, the purchases above are separate between what i've bought and completed since the start of the year, (the left) and those i've just bought today. (Right)

I don't quite need to explain the Hurt Locker, hearing rave reviews about it from friends and family alike and having won the Oscar for best picture, its pretty clear i had to have it.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 was a good distraction for the start of the year but i've since moved on to Splinter Cell Conviction since i've been anticipating its release for a good 3 years. Though i can't quite say the same for AVP.

And ever since the PC's release of SCC, its been pretty much devoured, yes devoured my leisure time but the time has come for me to take off the gloves, put back those tri-focal-splinter-cell goggles and put this game down. Its been a blast, and i'd say i'd be damn if you're a gamer and haven't played it, but having unlocked all the PEC challenges and juiced all the fun i could with it through coop, its time to move on.

The purchases to the left were done today. Couldn't get my eyes off from the latest Green Day album, the original broadway cast recordings and what nots....got a few badges to ornate my guitar strap whilst waiting for it to be serviced and have its pickups changed.

Yep the Pickups I picked out to upgrade my guitar with. Quite a hefty sum, but a long overdued overhaul for my guitar.

And laugh all you want, i know its a little late to pick up GTA IV since its end 2008 release, but i've got both GTA IV and its Episodes from liberty city to keep me preoccupied during this video game dry spell till the release of THE FORCE UNLEASHED II, scheduled for a 26th October release.

oh, and that little can named ''buff'' is actually a nice stretchy scarf/mask/bandanna, commonly known from survivor, though in a different print. Will come in handy when i hit the road on my bike.(mud splatters and drizzle do get in the way)

Call of Duty : Black Ops

2010-05-30T22:20:00.003+08:00

I've been checking up regularly on this new line from the Call of Duty Franchise since its annoucement at the start of May, and its slated for a 9th November 2010 release. So fanboys and videogamers alike can expect a very merry, bloody and messy year end holiday in online multiplayer...

Most of what that would be expected of World at War's engine would be back, including dismemberment of enemies etc....though the engine is improved from what i've read.

that aside, the DEBUT trailer has got me jacked for its release. considering it features an interrogative/torture scenario where ''you'' are forced to recall and divulge information over previous black ops missions, till the point your heart stops and a cold sinster voice orders you to be revived, (for further torture...doh')...

you can check out the trailer from the official site HERE.

Hot Toy's Facebook Iron Man Competition

2010-05-24T20:26:00.003+08:00

been late on posting as i've been very busy of late, but the good news to share here would be that i've won the HOT TOYS IRON MAN COMPETITION!!!!

I've been contacted by Hot Toys and will be receiving this prize via mail sometime during early June!!! You may check this link here, for a look at my winning entry!

Thank you HOT TOYS!!!

Hot Toys Announcements: Predators and Terminator T-1000/sarah connor disguise Figure Unveiled,

2010-05-24T20:19:00.003+08:00

Lookin' real good so far, as Hot Toys recently unveiled over at Hot Toys Tokyo International Toyfair 2010.

The supposed ''Super Black Predator'' which was named/dubbed from the movie's casting, debuts itself as to how it would look like in 1/6th glory here. And it's giving me the itch to catch the film and building up every ounce of geek hype!

T-1000 disguised as Sarah Connor comes in a limited run of 300 pieces, as far as sources over at MEDIWORLD go... loving the realism of the free flowing hair, intense expression and liquid metal bullet hole battlescar....

Can't wait to see the full announcements for these figures!

Hot Toys June Announcements DO COME QUICKLY!!!!

Hot Toys: Iron Man 2 Mark IV - Full Pictures Revealed

2010-04-16T19:52:00.004+08:00

This figure's gonna sport a new Tony Stark Headsculpt! Red lensed sunglasses and A donut box and donut!! gonna be perfect to recreate that SDCC teaser released last year where Stark was sitting atop a donut store eating a donut!!! Hawt Damn, a donut with a donut box....

Hot Toys – MMS123 - Iron Man 2: 1/6th scale Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Figurine

~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~
Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Figurine from the Iron Man 2 movie. The movie-accurate Mark IV collectible is highly detailed and fully deployed, specially crafted based on the image of Robert Downey Jr. as the iconic character Mark IV in the movie, highlighting the well equipped armor and light-up functions.

The 1/6th scale Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:
- Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness as Mark IV in the movie Iron Man 2
- Newly developed alternate head with authentic likeness of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in the movie (photos coming soon)

- Approximately 30 cm tall
- Over 36 points of articulations
- Special features on armor:
- Newly developed movie-accurate helmet
- LED-lighted eyes and Micro ARC reactor on chest (white light, battery operated)
- One (1) piece of detachable chest armor
- Improved articulations on waist armor which allow flexible movement
- Detachable forearm rockets
- Four (4) pairs of interchangeable palms:
- + One (1) pair with improved articulations, movable fingers and light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of open palms with light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of relaxed palms with light-up repulsors (white light, battery operated)
- + One (1) pair of forceful fists
- Fully deployed air flaps at back of the armor with built-in metal flaps
- Retractable countermeasure dispenser
- Articulated flaps at the back of armor on left and right legs
- Metallic red and gold-colored painting on armor

Accessories:

- One (1) pair of red framed sunglasses

- One (1) donut box with one donut inside

- Extendable figure stand with Mark IV nameplate and movie logo

- One more additional square-shaped figure stand with LED light-up function, Mark IV nameplate and movie logo (white light, battery operated)

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Kojun

- Head Painted by JC. Hong

- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong

Sideshow Collectibles: 501st Vader's Fist Clone Trooper

2010-04-04T00:45:00.002+08:00

We've been waiting for this for far too long, and hum-ho finally here comes the long anticipated 501st Vader's Fist Clone Trooper!!!

Lovin' the battle scarrings on the armor of this figure, even though its just a rehash/repaint of the standard trooper.

Hot Toys Clash of the Titans Preview: Perseus

2010-04-02T19:35:00.002+08:00

Looking pretty good. Though i guess everyone's waiting on the full announcement to see the accessories this figure will be sporting. Seems like this figure will be sporting a somewhat similiar body to Comedian's, namely the hirsute* body, as opposed to a muscular rubber sheathed body.

Caught the film today, and i say it's been good enough to get my attention piqued for this line of figures!

Chris Evans will star as CAPTAIN AMERICA!

2010-03-23T22:11:00.003+08:00

Yes, Chris Evans has been confirmed to star as Captain America. Many thanks to the REBEL for this piece of news! While i may not be an avid follow of Captain America, with what little knowledge i have from my childhood days of browsing through its comics, i agree with the Rebel that i do find Chris Evans rather unsuiting for this particular role.

Still can't quite get into my head Chris Evans as the All American Hero...
You may read the article here. Kudos to The REBEL again for this piece of news.

Hot Toys Iron Man 2: Whiplash Teaser

2010-03-23T17:37:00.002+08:00

Hot Toys has released a teaser of their upcoming product. Need i say more?

Hot Toys Iron Man 2: War Machine (Pictures Released)

2010-03-15T16:33:00.002+08:00

And here we have it, in its full glory, War Machine, by Hot Toys.
Looking very impressive, and carrying a ton of heavy weaponry too.

Whilst i'd say everything looks perfect, despite the film not being out yet,
I'd go as far as to say i find James Rhodes/Don cheadle likeness is totally off.
While the features are discernable, it still strikes me as a way miss in the features department.

And pardon me for being a wet blanket as to say that his head looks squashed to the top of the helmet too.

Everything else looks mighty fine!

Seems pretty apparent, Hot Toys invested a significant amount of time in R&D to come up with the nifty little details like movable fingers and abdomen pieces. Though i hope they dont' come around with a BD/DX version, though i guess we'd all see that coming around if its popularity is overwhelming.

Predators (Sneak Peek Trailer)

2010-03-15T16:19:00.002+08:00

Skipping the sequel to the original predator, Robert Rodriguez takes the helm as the director in this film, Predators. I am highly anticipating this movie as it'd be definately mind blowing to watch a film that stays true to its roots, or so Robert claims, as opposed to the severe dilution and over the top gore/blood fest that the predator and alien franchise has now become after Aliens Versus Predator.

Not that AVP isn't awesome. it's been falling steadily through the A grade to a B grade film with each sequel.

So for a reboot of a franchise of which fans have mostly since lost faith in its credibility to deliver, hey, i'm game to watch this film!

The full trailer releases on the 18th march.

Movie Review: Green Zone

2010-03-14T00:02:00.003+08:00

Caught Paul Greengrass' Green Zone on Thursday, and it's pretty much deserved the hype it got and has has delivered a pretty well structured storyline and flows smoothly with its bag of explosions, firefights and such.

Whilst most would be expecting some super spy, one man against the world action flick, Green Zone in stark contrast, focuses on Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon) in his unit assigned to seek out and recover the WMDs in Iraq which were the crux of which the war was ignited over.

However with time after time of intelligence on locations of the WMDs proven to be a wild goose chase, Miller begins to suspect that the inaccuracies and anonymity of the intelligence given to be suspicious and unravels a dark truth over which the war begun over.

The chase camera sequences and close quarters combat filmography was pretty gritty and realistic, and was pretty much the tense edgy moment we all paid our good money for and though this film paved a stable and well told path to the climax, the ending of the story, being an action film, left much to be desired(ending wise).

No you don't get your cheesy happy endings, nor is the ending a tragically sad tear jerker...the end of the film however delivers a morally ambigious and powerful political undertone. with damon/Miller's translator ending the climatic scene with the phrase
"who are you to decide what is best for our people?"

whilst it is food for thought, and a really good scene, i was strongly under the impression the climax was going to end with a big bang...not quite a downer, and not quite a score, though i'd hand it to the directors though.

In all, Green Zone is a film not to miss if you enjoy war films, bourne, or simply films which are good food for thought, though i'm a little bummed over the fact that i was a little misled with the theme of the film, thinking it to be that of suspense action and explosion, and turning out to be a food-for-thought/this-is-the-truth political message. (not that it lacks any of the later though.)

I would've given Green Zone a clean cut 4 stars, but for its rather abrupt gear shift in its climax to a political message, i'd nick 1/2 a star and give it a 3 1/2.
and it beats the bullcr*p that is Alice in Wonderland by far. If there's a film to watch in cinemas now? its Green Zone.

Hot Toys Iron Man 2: War Machine Official Teaser Picture

2010-03-12T15:22:00.003+08:00

There we have it, War Machine in all its glory.

I wonder if a jim rhodes headsculpt would be included with a removable faceplate,
if not it'd be pretty highly likely that we'd be seeing another version of War Machine,
knowing Hot Toy's milk em' licences dry policies, we'd certainly be able to see a Battle Damage variant sometime down the road.

Geek cool nevertheless...

Hot Toys Iron Man 2: War Machine Teaser schedule for unveiling tomorrow.

2010-03-11T20:24:00.004+08:00

I guess the title says it all. Official announcement was posted over at Hot Toys' facebook page.

Iron Man 2: Trailer 2 ( Mark V revealed!)

2010-03-09T00:27:00.003+08:00

I guess the speculation is now over and the time for gaping like a fanatic schoolgirl has come. Mark V has been unveiled in the Trailer #2 of Iron Man 2 to be the unfoldable armor that's packed neatly away in a suitcase format.

Be sure to check out the trailer below to get yourself hyped over what's comin' up this May. Kudos to Mirrorboy for the heads up

My inner geek is just doing backflips and cartwheels after seeing this.

Hot Toys Inglourious Basterds Aldo Raine Teaser

2010-01-19T19:14:00.002+08:00

Kudos to the REBEL, from whom i found out this teaser...you can read the official post over at Hot Toy's Blog.

Whilst pleased to see this teaser of the highly anticipated and long awaited Aldo Raine, i do agree with the Rebel that it's still got some way before hitting it as a top notch sculpt. Nevertheless, its a pretty fine sculpt of Brad Pitt at his best in inglourious basterds, but i'd be patiently awaiting some tweaking, as per Hot Toy's usual standards.

Missing Button on DX joker

2010-01-09T23:55:00.003+08:00

this killjoy has mowed down any chance of me doing a photo review of the figure, but as far as i can see, my DX joker is missing a button from his green waistcoat, second from the top.

hopefully i can find some what to do something about it, mailing TFH about it, dont' know if i'd get a replacement in any way.

Hot Toys: Terminator 2 Judgement Day Sneak Peek ( He's Back )

2010-01-03T02:02:00.003+08:00

Nothing makes a man's day like flipping on the television and seeing good ol' Arnie whooping ass as his famous persona, the Terminator. So it should be no different when we see pictures and news of him in 1/6th form online.

1/6th the scale, no less in the sheer magnitude of coolness and awesomeness.

This is surely one helluva of piece to grace any collector's shelve. Though i'm pondering on the possibility of variants, and i'm pretty sure we'd get to see a battle damaged version arriving, shot up and bleeding out and exposing the full terror of the endoskeleton.

Terminator 2: T800 more pictures

2009-12-24T02:09:00.002+08:00

seems to be what we'd be getting for this MMS release by hot toys.

Hot Toys' Next MMS: Terminator 2 T800 Arnold!!!

2009-12-20T02:21:00.001+08:00

When he said he'd be back, he sure as hell is BACK. that aside, he's gonna feature an endo arm like the film where he peeled off his organic flesh from his arm.

A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Force Unleashed 2 & Batman Arkham Asylum Sequel

2009-12-16T20:03:00.007+08:00

Yes, as if movie titles such as Clash of the Titans, Toy Story 3, Prince of Persia isn't enough, we've got announcements in the Video Games department, namely Force Unleashed 2 and a Batman Arkam Asylum sequel whose project name has yet to be announced.

Pure AWESOMENESS

whilst not entirely unexpected considering the success its predecessors had garnered, i'm rather interested in Star Wars: Force Unleashed 2's storyline as i'm wondering how they're gonna bring Galen Marek/secret apprentice back to life. And yes, here're the whooping awesome trailers below.

Just the Voice Over with Yoda and Vader combined to contrast the DARKLIGHT side, just gives me the nerdgasms.

we're jam packed for one HELLUVA year in 2010 with epic movies, epic game sequels and events too! (in the music department) with more bands flooding into singapore for concerts.

Toy Story Official Trailer

2009-12-06T16:29:00.006+08:00

Cue in the familiar soundtrack ''You've Got a Friend in Me'' by Randy Newman, and it sure can strike a chord and bring back fond memories from so long ago.

Everybody's favourite Spaceman and Cowboy are back! Apart from Jim Varney, the original voice of Slinky, who passed away from lung cancer, the rest of the original cast will be reprising their roles. This could possibly be the biggest movie for 2010!

With the anticipation of this long awaited sequel, a decade since the last, I can hardly wait for the toy line for this movie to hit stores!!! The sheer magnitude of reliving childhood days of 95' when the first movie came around would be something to behold.

Hot Toys: Iron Man - Tony Stark (Mech Test Version)

2009-12-04T20:21:00.004+08:00

Finally Announced, Hot Toys Iron Man Tony Stark (MECH TEST VERSION)

Hot Toys - MMS116 : IRON MAN - 12” Tony Stark collectible figure (Mech Test Version)

~ Movie Masterpiece Series ~ The 1/6th scale IRON MAN Tony Stark specially features:
- Newly sculpted head with authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark in the movie IRON MAN
- Approximately 30 cm tall figure
- ABS material TrueType body with newly designed chest, forearms and forelegs
- 34 points of articulations
- Two pairs of interchangeable hand palms
- LED-lighted heart device, hand gauntlet and boots (battery operated)**
- Real-like mechanically wired hand gauntlet and boots
- Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Detailed Accessories:
- Articulated mechanical robot with 360° rotated base and fire extinguisher as accident detector - Belt with one large and one small bag
- A pair of knee pads
- A pair of real-like leather shoes

Value-added Equipment:
- 6” X 6” black-color square-shape figure stage
- Cardboard backdrop imitating Tony Stark workshop setting where he practiced flight in the film

Artists:
- Head Sculpted by Kojun
- Head Art Directed by JC. Hong
- Head Painted by JC. Hong

Note
- ** batteries included

© 2008 MVLFFLLC. TM& 2010 MARVEL Release date: end Q1 2010

Those repulsor boots have light-up function this time around! as is the chestpiece!

Stark's lookin' rather sharp i must say, whilst the resemblence is closer than previous iterations, something about the eyes just dont' hit it all 100% yet. but by far is the best we've seen!!!

The one we've been waiting for, for so long, i'm so gonna put this on the to-get list.

Oh, if you hadn't realised, he comes with a backdrop of the workshop from the film,

And ''Dummy'' the fire safety/mechanical robot tony invented, is included too!!!

Hot Toys' Next Project ( Tony Stark Sneak Pictures )

2009-12-02T23:16:00.006+08:00

This is the one figure many if not MOST collectors have been speculating about ever since Hot Toys released a youtube videofeed of their offices and some snippets of it featured one of their artists working on what seemed to look like Tony Stark from IRON MAN, with the prototype parts of the repulsor engines and such ( shown below )

Well, i can say for certain that we will most likely be seeing it announced sometime soon, and by golly, i'd be glad to have a spot on Robert Downey Junior headsculpt! Despite what most may have said, i still feel strongly that the first sculpt of Tony was a tad generic and missed the essential features of RDJ.

I'd wait and see for this upcoming release!

Gadget UPGRADES! Nikon D5000

2009-11-30T23:58:00.012+08:00

As of late i've been fiddling with my new gadget for the past month, namely the Nikon D5000, got an additional lens for it to help supplement my use with the stock lens.

had been picking up tips and tricks from fellow friends who also owned DSLRs' too, and now i'm blown away to a whole new level of photography where i could finally adjust my ISO settings specifically, the exposure and whatnots.

A sample shot with my DSLR. Kudos to those who figure where this picture was taken. or what it is to begin with. =D Drop your answers in the comments section!

Many thanks to Paul Shi once again for his patience and expertise on DSLRs'

=====================

Meanwhile i've gotten started on my Stormtrooper Armor Project which was delayed for a month due to some complications with replacement parts, as some pieces were pretty banged up during shipping and some pre-cut sections were not up to standard. (Trust is a fragile concept on Ebay).

Aside from that minor speed bump, i've managed to find alternatives to those problems and am pretty glad to say that i've completed almost 40 percent of the armor in one day, Kudos to Mr. Kwoh, whose help sped up the process and with whom i couldn't do without.

Pictures of the process as well as detailed shots with my new DSLR will be coming right up!!! However in the meanwhile i'd be looking for ABS CEMENT as some of the hot glue i used isn't exactly durable and i might be stripping down some sections and rebonding it with ABS cement.

Now does anyone know where to find ABS CEMENT? I've tried local hardward stores from d.i.y to homefix to shophouses to no avail. any information would be appreciated!

Hot Toys: 300 preview King Leonidas!

2009-11-24T22:41:00.001+08:00

Picture popped up over at toyworld forums..

Hot Toy's Next Licence: 300

2009-11-23T19:27:00.003+08:00

a pleasant surprise which greeted me a few days back, and i'm sharing the news now.

Hot Toy's next MMS, movie masterpiece series, would be Zack Snyder's movie adaptation of Frank Miller's 300!

Would be highly interesting to see how it turns out! especially so when these fellow spartans are gonna be baring alot of skin, it'd be a task for Hot Toys to cover up the joints, but with what they've done with previous works like sheva/dutch etc, it shouldn't be too much of a problem for them!

this wait will be highly anticipating, and pardon me if i yowl out the classic tagline for this film....''TONIGHT, WE DINE IN HELL!!!''

Hot Toys: Watchmen Comedian

2009-11-12T21:53:00.002+08:00

looking very fine indeed!!! can't wait for the official annoucement.

Hilariously Creative Tribute to John Williams and his works

2009-11-11T20:16:00.002+08:00

Found this over on youtube. Seriously brilliant tribute to John Williams for his work in Star Wars and all his other famous soundtrack tunes.

Somehow this tribute never fails to make me smile, thinking back on the years growing up on Star Wars, and also reminds me of this acappella group performance which i watched over at Anaheim's Disneyland a few years back.

The A - Team Movie (Official Picture)

2009-11-03T09:57:00.003+08:00

Bradley Cooper screams out every inch of the word '' Heat, Kane & Lynch'' in his dressing, but what balances it off is seeing Liam dressed in this rugged manner

You might remember Bradley Cooper in his fantastic performance from the Hangover. And with Liam Neeson to boot, i doubt he needs an introduction. Hell, i think we just got ourselves a film not to miss!

Guns, Mercenaries/ soldier of fortune , Joe Carnahan( director of smokin' aces, pride and glory ), produced by Ridley and Tony Scott, Film's vein will be like that of Die Hard, Bourne Identity and Casino Royal. Hell, this film sure hits all the right buttons!

Hope this film adaptation of the classic TV series does deliver!

Oh did i mention Jessica Biel is in the film too?

Halloween Review: NECA Raziel

2009-10-31T10:00:00.001+08:00

Presenting a Halloween Special Review for this year, featuring NECA's Raziel from the Legacy of Kain Series. Some of you would recognize him from the video game franchise, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver.

Kudos to Leon of OPEN THE TOY for suggesting the idea of us reviewing this figure back when we met @ STGCC 09', as we both shared the same interest in this particularly dark and brooding figure. You can head down over to his site for some really nice shots of this figure!

On my part, i'd be reviewing and nitpicking the figure as well as imparting as much backstory as i know about Raziel.

====================

Now, where do I begin, with a complex storyline that weaves in and out between perspective time, paradox and reality, this would be a hard tale to tell. Furthermore this videogame story drew heavily upon biblical and angelic imagery.

Raziel, firstborn of Kain's Vampiric lieutenants, and second in command, was cast in the Lake of the Dead an eternal tormenting ground for traitors and weaklings, in what seemed to be an act of treachery for having surpassed his master in the evolutionary process which vampires undergo. Having grown wings before his master, Kain. In his disdain and anger, Kain ripped the fragile cartilage forming the Raziel's Wings.

In Soul Reaver, Vampire's physical wounds are fleeting. Vampire's immortal flesh close upon being cleaved. Vampires need only fear wounds that impale or inflame. Water scorches like acid and sunlight affects vampire fledglings.

So it explains a great deal how and why upon being cast into the lake of the dead, that good ol' Raziel turn up pretty washed up. With his insides, skin and practically almost everything being scorched and melted off. Turning him into the wraith of his former self. From his once pale skin and dark iris, he now possesses glowing eyes and bluish skin. The cape wrapped around his face was all that was left of Raziel's former Vampiric glory, bearing the Razielim clan's symbol of which he was the leader of.

In Soul Reaver 1, much of the plot revolved around Raziel bent on vengeance over his brethren having casted him into the abyss and Kain for the unjust and unwarranted punishment. However as the story unfolds in Soul Reaver 2 and Defiance, Raziel was not always a vampire. He was once, a Safaran Priest, a member of the high order of the human race, bent on exterminating the Vampires who scourged the lands of Nosgoth.

A little narration into the history of Nosgoth was that it was that it was a land of ancient beings, the Hylden and the Vampires. Having their battle waged aeons over the very grounds humans now trod. The noble Vampires and the dreaded Hylden worshipped a Deity, also known as the Elder God who spins the wheel of life, with every soul upon passing into the spectral realm would be spun and reborn into another form.

The great battle of these elder beings was based on the differences of their beliefs on the Elder God. With the Vampires seeing death as a purfication and path to rebirth while the Hylden saw the Elder God as a fraud and but a mere creature, manipulative and deceiving. the battle waged on and it saw the vampires defeating the hylden. And the Hylden were banished from the land, with the Vampires creating the Pillars of Nosgoth. Nine in total, each with a vampiric guardian. This Pillars were the very fabric holding the Hylden in the banished land and preventing them from ever stepping foot into Nosgoth lest they unleash their vengeance. But it came with a price as the Hylden cursed the Vampires with eternal life, sterility and bloodlust. The vampires in their desperation from being cut of from their sacred process of rebirth, resulted many committing suicide.

It is revealed in the end that the Elder God was but a tentacled creature, scheming and manipulating foolish mortals and ancients alike into doing his bidding to keep his insatiable wheel of life turning.

There upon we come with the paradox of the story. Two of them in fact.
The hylden and the vampires had a prophesied champion. With the Hylden champion bearing flaming eyes and a burning sword (the wraith form of the soul reaver). Bluish skin to boot too! whilst the vampiric champion bore with him the SOUL REAVER.

so what is the Soul Reaver? It is the very blade raziel bears but that its wraith form. The original blade, forged by the Vampiric smiths for their prophesied hero. But kain, who wielded it, upon crashing it over Raziel, caused it to shatter, and unleashing a soul within the blade. A ravenous spirit which devoured the souls of its victims on the end of its blade. ( Note how Raziel is a reaver of souls, with his death transforming his blood thirst into a deeper need, the devourer of souls!)

it is revealed that in the traveling across millenniums and eons, that the soul reaver indeed was RAZIEL'S soul. that Raziel was destined to be trapped into the physical forged form of the blade. The strike on him by kain merely shattered the blade as it, as it had its trapped soul and hence could not consume and imprison its own soul twice. unleashing a wraith form of the blade unto raziel which he does not realise at first that it would be his instrument of doom.

Seeking answers and ravaging through the murky past, Raziel realises that having being spared the wheel of life, being destroyed and yet retaining his soul. he was the only being who had free will to choose his destiny and was unbounded, Hence a prime canditate for manipulation by various characters in the story to help them in their own agendas. EG: The elder god.

even the act of casting raziel into the abyss was foreplanned by kain. An act he did to have the last toss of the coin, in hopes that his prediction that Raziel would be returned, once again with the true power to claim his destiny and redeem nosgoth.

If you're confused, here's one last bit of it. Raziel is and has always been both champions. For the Hylden and the Vampires and his power of free will being unbounded to the wheel of life gave him all the power to change the realm. And his misreading of the prophesy murals resulted him into thinking that Kain was the vampiric hero.

Last spoiler: Raziel in his wraith form killed his human form in his travel back in time, which gave Kain the chance to resurrect him as a vampire eons later. =D

===================
Pardon me for blowing your mind.

Storyline aside, NECA did a spectacular job with this figure. The sculpt i can say is absolutely spot on and the paintjob deserves nothing short of an A+. With every little detail sculpted and painted out perfectly. From the tone, to the colour. I can't quite sing a higher praise.

This figure is peppered with some rubberized parts ( which i fear may degrade in time) for added realism. Eg. the hair, and the tattered wings. As is the cape drapped over his dissolved jaw.

The sculpt and paintwork is perfect. Look at those clawed feet! STARE and gape at those armored boots!

Material plane Raziel with the Soul reaver (unimbuned)

they even added accessories to boot! open claws and one to hold the torch it came with.
what more can a collector as for?

NECA's Raziel by far scores higher than any other action figure i have in my collection. From paint apps to sculpting, this figure scores and blows past all expectations. A serious must have for die hard fans of the video game to even those who take mild interest in it.

Meanwhile, Happy Halloween and happy birthday to me.

Hot Toy's Next License

2009-10-29T23:39:00.004+08:00

Looks like its official that Hot Toys will be doing Blade II for their next license. Darn, i was so looking forward to a Hannibal King from Blade III. Guess i gotta place my bets for a deadpool from X-men Origins Line then.

Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown Music Video

2009-10-25T03:26:00.008+08:00

Green Day's fourth and last single off the 21st Century Breakdown album was officially premiered worldwide @ MTV on 19th October 2009'. Hit Here for the link

was a pleasant surprise that it had been released considering the last official statement was that it was to be due on 21st December. Got tons to catch up on both pop culture and music news having been rather busy the last month.

==============

Directed by Marc Webb, the song makes several references to Green Day's lead singer and frontman Billie Joe Armstrong's upbringing and life, and several lyrical references to musical influences to boot, especially its dynamics reminiscent to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.

The video heavily draws inspiration from graffiti art, the same stylized design used primarily in the album artwork.

While this video was a leap from Green Day's usual videos of set pieces and stage videos, and while it was a breath of fresh air, i was longing for real video footage, something like a dissolving of the graffiti art into the real video of Green Day playing, somewhat reminiscent to the iconic scene of (500) days of summer.

And hell, Marc Webb doesn't disappoint..

Orange glow of the dawning sunlight - check
Billie Joe Armstrong - check
Tre and Mike - Check
playing the last sentiment of the lyrics which defines the song
all atop the roof (what more can you ask for?)

Oh dream, America dream. I can't even sleep, from the light's early dawn.

Oh scream, America scream. Believe what you see, from Heroes & Cons.

oh, and East Jesus Nowhere's got its own video some time back too.

Green Day's Rhapsody Advertisement

2009-10-24T00:42:00.003+08:00

A fantastic commercial for Green Day's newest album, with references abundantly placed all over.

CAN you spot all the 51 references to Green Day's past to present discography and albums?

hint: ranging from paper lanterns, basket case, time of your life, going to pasalacque, warning, jesus of suburbia, kerplunk, christie road, 86' etc.

possibly the best damn Green Day advert ever.

The Stormtrooper Effect: Upcoming Updates and Annoucements!

2009-10-19T19:45:00.006+08:00

After an almost 2 month long hiatus and irregular postings, i'm pretty pleased to say now that my schedule has allowed me to post regularly and update on the several hauls over the last months.

Meanwhile i'd like to give a shout-out of thanks to those who dropped me an email about my absence from updating! And pardon me yet again if i replied late!

=================

And to update on the few figures that i have managed to squeeze the time to haul in, along with geek-fan-dom projects that i'd be engaged in for the months leading up to Christmas!

Many thanks to Desmond who helped keep a lookout for this figure for me over at CSC and who successfully turned me over to the DARK SIDE through his fantastic review & photography of the figure, which made me cave in and buy it.

Its my first figure from Sideshow and whilst the base body is loose and may not be on par with that of Hot Toys, i will say that aesthetically and visually it seriously is a figure to grace one's shelves for one to even call oneself a Star Wars Fan. And i simply love the way how the armor hangs off realistically from the figure as opposed to Medicom's glueing of armor pieces to the bodysuit.

Furthermore i'm much happier with the hard ABS plastic armor pieces that Sideshow uses as opposed to Medicom's softer PVC material used. And with a reasonable price of SDG$150+, I purchased mine off ebay from a nice dealer at $165, its pretty much a good deal.

=================

My latest haul as yet, is Hot Toys' John Connor. Its sports its realistic likeness of Christian Bale and Hot Toys doesn't disappoint in terms of quality, nor did they stinge on the amount of accessories, specifically the ammo clips for the M16 and C4 blocks. Every minute detail was realistically captured and i'm very happy with this figure.

Though, i must confess putting on the pouches can be a huge pain in the ***.

=================

And if you're not yet aware, Green Day, the Grammy award winning, punk rock trio hailing from Oakland, California will be hitting Singapore for a one night only LIVE concert @ the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 14th January 2010.

They're embarking on their 21st Century Breakdown Tour starting since July 2009 and ending in early January 2010.

Being a musically influential band to me since i was young, and the sole inspiration which propelled me to pick up an electric guitar, i can barely grasp and wrap around a word to articulate how pleased I am over the news that they're arriving in Singapore for a concert. Had this news been said out loud as words a few years back, most would have scoffed at the improbability and impossibility however much they'd want it to happen.

And with this once in a lifetime chance, i would never let it slip past me. Purchased 6 tickets on the very day ticket sales opened.

so if you're heading there, i'd see you at PEN A! mosh! mosh! mosh!

tickets are still on sale at prices going at $88, $128 & $148.

====================

Saving the best for the last, i am currently embarking on a "bucket-list" thing to do before i get too old to do so. One such thing to do on my list was to build myself a Stormtrooper Armor! being an avid fan of Star Wars and the stormtroopers to clonetroopers, it would be a shame to live a life without an armor to call my own.

and so YES, i have ordered a stormtrooper FX armor kit and am awaiting delivery of the item from UK, it has taken months of careful planning and consideration, be it researching on the materials and items needed to the best kit to use and build up from, namely screen accuracy being the subject of nitpicking.

While i do realise that FX armor isn't entirely screen accurate, and more than often is called and dubbed the bubble headed armor, as the helmet sculpt was purely an original design and not casted off ANH or any other actual movie helmet unlike the TE armor, it is the most commonly used armor amongst the member of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars Officially approved costume trooping fan club.

i do know the long laborious and meticulous process which it will be, to build up this armor, but i'm certain that the end result would be something to behold.

The kit will arrive through FED-EX around this weds-fri, and subsequently i'd be covering/blogging the progress of the Stormtrooper Armor on a weekly basis, basically a chronicling of the process of building the stormtrooper armor, i expect there to be hilarious mistakes and ''epic phailz'' moments along the way.

I hope that by covering this project in my blog, it would serve as a guide for others who are interested in this heading down the path of kit/costume building their own stormtrooper in the name of pure GEEKDOM!

==============

that's all for now, and i will update again on the matter when FEDEX knocks on my door with my package! Meanwhile, i'd be settling the logistics side regarding the tools required, and other materials needed to build the costume, from the mic tips, to the boots, and undersuit.

GREEN DAY Live in Singapore @ Singapore Indoor Stadium 14th January 2010

2009-10-15T22:39:00.006+08:00

There is not a moment that i'm more pleased to present than this, Green Day LIVE @ Singapore Indoor Stadium on the 14th of January 2010.

For years I have waited, with many other fellow musicians and fans alike, for the glimmer of hope that Green Day would come to the small sunny island of Singapore for a gig, and by hell, i guess that dream of Billie Joe Armstrong roaring to the words '' welcome to the 21st Century Breakdown World Tour 2010!!'' can finally come true, right here, in Singapore.

Ticket Sales opened today at 9am online, going at prices from $88, $128 and $148. i took the opportunity to purchase 6 tickets, for myself and friends alike who'd be at PEN A of the free standing area, fondly known as the mosh pits.

Kudos to my best buddy Chin How who updated me about the news as soon as he got wind of it, and followed through by informing me of the posters in the newspapers. You're a real bro mate! had it not been for him i'd be still buried in work daily, not knowing i've let by this wonderful opportunity. ( this explains my long absence from updating too)

so see you there at the GREEN DAY 21st Century Breakdown TOUR!

Milk Magazine features Hot Toys: Wolverine

2009-09-28T17:22:00.003+08:00

We've got pretty awesome toys coming our way, and whilst i love the costume and bodysculpt for Wolverine, i must add that the headsculpt is still somewhat off in my opinion. hair's right, facial hair's right. the nose is right. though...

Still no Hugh Jackman likeness however close. What do YOU think???

Hot Toys Announcements: DX Joker Released.

2009-09-25T21:24:00.007+08:00

Both the final headsculpts of the DX joker and its Cop uniform alternative head have been released.

And as far as i can say, i'm pretty sure on my part that i did make the right choice in pre-ordering this superb figure. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

also, here's the link to how the new PERS (Parallel Eyeball Rolling System) works for the joker's DX Headsculpt.

==============================

Hot Toys Poll: Terminator Character of your choice!

2009-09-15T21:10:00.003+08:00

If you didn't yet know, Hot Toys is hosting an open poll for fans, toy collectors and whatnots alike to vote for their favourite Terminator Figure they want to see made! And by hell, i must say, this is possibly the one and only chance to get us that iconic T2 Arnie figure we've been living and scrimping and saving all these years for.

So what are you waitin' for? Head down to Hot Toys and POLL NOW!

Final Marcus Wright Headsculpts.

2009-09-10T19:45:00.003+08:00

Lookin' good thus far, can't wait to get my hands on him. though its pretty serious damage to collector's wallets with HOT TOYS unloading the figures at one shot, t600s after another , then connor and him.

and if you didn't yet know, there's gonna be a variant of John Connor in his BDUs. possibly sporting scars on his face like the end. Ah well, lets all wait and see.

Iron Man 2 Movie: Mark IV, Mark V, Mark VI incoming!

2009-09-04T22:45:00.004+08:00

as written in this article, we can expect to see Mark IV, Mark V, Mark VI as well as bruce banner, Black Widow, Whiplash, and War Machine upcoming from hot toys in 2010!

and not just that, with ample research online, i found pictures of what Mark V would look like.
This picture below is Mark V made by hasbro.
Triangular Chestpiece eh? Well i can't wait for 2010. Boy, the best parts of collecting always is the hype and speculation and geek discussions. Kudos to Mirrorboy for discussing and kickstarting this hype for next year!

Hot Toys: Battle Damaged Iron Man ( More Pictures)

2009-09-01T20:06:00.004+08:00

Looking good so far, i must say. The Battle Damaged Iron Man's definitely going to be on my to get list. Kudos to UNDici

Disney Buys Marvel Entertainment for US$4 Billion

2009-09-01T11:13:00.004+08:00

There you have it, as of this morning, Disney now owns Marvel Entertainment. Whilst most fanboy comic book fans are out all over the world ranting and screaming about the endless possibilities of foul ups and mess ups, screw ups and even sell outs,

i say let us be patient, let us wait and see.
while i wouldn't say the news didn't surprise me, i wont' say it isn't amusing either. I wonder if we'd get to start seeing Marvel characters roaming around Disneyland when it all goes through. Though i'd very much love to see Disneyland stay the same way it does, with its classic characters and all.

and to those already mourning, weeping, tearing their hair out in despair, lets wait and see...a good justification would be how Warner Bros accquired DC and still managed to do such a good job with BATMAN. We'd never know if Disney could be the key to good funding for better quality films from marvel.

If you didn't yet know Marvel actually sold much of its licenses for the rights to their comics to be adapted to film. For example, the Punisher and Blade, due to them being unable to fund it themselves, and Iron Man was the very first that they had a chance to fully finance. Perhaps with Disney all these woes would be easily solved.

My only take on this, is that i'm surprised. wow....Disney...i wasn't half expecting that though. but all in all, lets just wait and see folks.

Hot Toys Battle Damaged Iron Man Mark III

2009-09-01T10:54:00.004+08:00

While there has been a lot of speculation as to the accessories we'd be receiving for Hot Toy's newest announcement on the Battle Damaged Iron Man Mark III, we can at least for now, say with some certainty, the items we would get to see!!!

there will be 2 interchangeable heads for Iron Man, One sporting the battle damages with his fight against Iron Monger, and the other, a lift-up faceplate revealing tony stark's head sculpt. Something reminiscent of Mark II, but i do believe its a new sculpt after scrutinizing it thoroughly.

Also there will be 2 pairs of Iron Man hands, including one tony hands, which was seen when he removed his armored arm whilst speaking to Pepper Potts.

The cool thing here, is that we'd also receive two armored chest-plates for this version, one being crumpled and battle damaged and the other, relatively untouched and yet to see action. Best of all we'd be able to see the inner workings of the iron man suit this time around, having a removable section of the chest-plate armor revealing the metal mesh that these hot rod red plates are attached on, just like the scene where Iron Man puts on his armor for Mark III and heads off to Gulmira.

Lastly, there are new additions to the armor in terms of detail, where there'd be flare pockets or whatever you call them on the side of his hips, his arms are now able to expand to its intricate shielding we've seen in the last battle. PLUS if i'm not wrong, he now sports that little shoulder cannons we've seen in action in gulmira!!!!

so hum ho here we go! Hot Toys lets make this OFFICIAL!

Hot Toys: Battle Damaged Iron Man Mark III & Inglorious Basterds Annoucements!

2009-08-28T23:52:00.002+08:00

pardon the long inactivity. was busy for the last two weeks with exams. and with what little breather i have, here's a little something to make your day!

Hot Toys with their latest announcements on Iron Man Battle Damaged Mark III and Inglorious Basterds...

as far as i know from intentionally blurred pictures. Iron Man's gonna sport 3 heads, a crushed helmet, a liftable faceplate, and a standard Battle Damaged one. And it seems like there's gonna be a new stand too. Sweet, though i must say it's a little late for another Iron Man figure...

STGCC 2009 Exclusive Media Coverage: Meeting Brian Bolland

2009-08-23T16:01:00.005+08:00

The definitive part of STGCC 2009 for me was meeting Brian Bolland. Famed comic book artist in United Kingdom as one of the definitive Judge Dredd artists, and most popularly known for his illustration in Batman: The Killing Joke.

i first saw him signing autographs and doing sketches for fans from the media before leaving his booth to do an interview for ANIMAX. and after accquiring a marker and locating where he was doing the interview, i stood in wait behind the cameras for a chance. Good thing Animax allowed me a chance to crash the interview as they wanted a short section of Brian Bolland and a fan. So there my moment of a lifetime was!

Kash has kindly informed me that i was seen on Channel 84 Animax shaking hands with Brian Bolland in an advert, which was in a different angle from these pictures.

Brian Bolland's Autograph.

Many thanks to both Adrian and Leon for the pictures!

STGCC 2009: Transformers brought to you by Stephen Chiam aka Stephenus Prime

2009-08-17T13:10:00.003+08:00

If you've visited STGCC 2009, you would've noticed a shelf, dedicated to Transformers, filled to the brim with variants of Optimus Prime and Megatron. These figures are displayed graciously by the generosity of a fellow local collector, STEPHEN CHIAM! aka Stephenus Prime. And its my pleasure to have a picture here of Stephen himself with his display @ STGCC!

i had the honor of knowing Stephen online, and have discussed various interesting figures and toys over the months. Finally met him in person @ Transformers' Revenge of the Fallen midnight launch at Forum gallery, with him coming up to me in person to introduce himself, catching me off guard! Meeting him here again at STGCC 2009 has been great and its one of the best part STGCC 2009.

so should you have any queries or just simply fanboy stuff related to both transformers and kamen rider, feel free to discuss it with him for not only is Stephen a guru in this field, he's more than willing to help and give advice on best prices or simply just to discuss hauls of the day!

so all you Transformers and Kamen Rider fanboys, do head down to Stephenus Prime, Stephen's very own toy blog to check out the tons of other figures he's collected his entire life for what you saw on display @ STGCC is merely a small humble fraction of the figures he's collected in his lifetime.

STGCC 2009 Exclusive Media Coverage: Booths & Exhibitions

2009-08-15T18:15:00.000+08:00

As a second part to my earlier post on the Opening Ceremony, here is Booths & Exhibitions, part 2 of 6 of my Exclusive Media Coverage of STGCC 2009.

This following post will be the first of several that i will be posting, with the posts coming up in these formats:

1. Opening Ceremony
2. Booths and Exhibitions
3. Meet the Artists!
4. The Stormtrooper Hunt!
5. The faces behind the posts (Sg's toy collecting blogger community)
6. My Hauls!

Nintendo & Bandai

Otaku House!

Rapid Culture from over at Cineleisure will be selling their stuff!

XenoHOBBY & Toyz Crazi. Andrew who runs Toyz Crazi is seen here.

Expect to see parker brother's now owned by hasbro's Monopoly figure!

Playmobile

Guitar Hero World TOUR!

Wii Sport demos

GnB comics

Gashapons over at bandai

Movie Mania's Cosplay items on display!

Brian Bolland's gonna be over at STGCC for artist signing sessions! and here's a picture of his rough sketch of the joker.

more of his sketches on display

Sideshow's booth.

McQuarrie's Concept Vader.

Phase II helmet of the Clone Trooper Armor. Featured in Episode II

eFX collectibles' take on Star Wars' iconic stormtrooper. Do note that this helmet is actually symmetrical. Which is the idealised version of the stormtrooper helmet as the original stormtrooper helmet wasn't symmetrical, and had somewhat slightly slanted left side.

Upper Deck Entertainment

501st's make a wish specially designed celebrity custom helmets

Do check out my fellow bloggers' take on their experience @ STGCC 2009!

Adrian of Little Plastic Man
Bayu's Daily Silence
Dennis' COLLET'em ALL
Juliana's Toy Collecting Tips
Kodomut
Ken Moo's Everything, Anything better than Nothing
Sket's wait

STGCC 2009 Exclusive Media Coverage: Opening Ceremony

2009-08-14T01:54:00.001+08:00

And yes, i am finally back with an Exclusive Media Coverage of the Official Opening Ceremony of Singapore's very own Toy, Games and Comic Convention, STGCC. This annual event, is now ongoing on its sophomore endeavor to cement its reputation as an event not to miss for everyone.

This following post will be the first of several that i will be posting, with the posts coming up in these formats:

1. Opening Ceremony
2. Booths and Exhibitions
3. Meet the Artists!
4. The Stormtrooper Hunt!
5. The faces behind the posts ( Sg's toy collecting blogger community )
6. My Hauls!

First and foremost i would like to take this opportunity to thank both Leon Chen and STGCC commitee for giving me and my fellow bloggers this wonderful opportunity to experience this celebration of Pop Culture firsthand, and exclusively.

My Exclusive Media Coverage Pass to STGCC 2009!

=========================

The kickoff for this event would namely be, the opening ceremony, and considering this opening was done privately for the media, VIPs and organisers, and not open to the public, allow me this chance to it share with you.

It begins with the VIPs, and guests escorted into the hall to their seats by the stage. And what other escorts can you choose to reinforce yourselves with than the fearsome 501st Stormtrooper Legion also notoriously known as Vader's Fist?

With the grand march past, invited media and guests are then called to gather round the stage for the ceremony.

The opening speeches were heart rendering at parts, with hopes that this STGCC event would be rallying cry to stand strong against the falling economy and to be merry and celebrate pop culture despite these dark and desperate times.

A stormtrooper standing guard over the speaker.

Guest of Honor Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoun, Minister of State, Ministry of Community development, Youth and sports ( in red ). Ushered to the stage.

all under the watchful eyes and protection of Vader's Fist

The lauching of STGCC 2009 by a push of a button. 5-4-3-2-1.

STGCC 2009 HAS OFFICIALLY OPENED!

You see the details, NOW head on down!

Steadfast and Ready, these troopers will never falter in the line of duty to serve the Emperor. Their current mission? Ensuring the safety of the Guest of Honor.

Till someone sneaks up from behind them!

TADA! they didn't notice me doing that. They just though they're gonna be in for pictures. Kudos to Leon Chen of Open The Toy for the shot. Adrian of Little Plastic Man can be seen to the left.

Dang! I'm compromised, spotted by the trooper to the right!

Behold the power of the FORCE!

=========================

I would strongly encourage everyone to make time for this event, for this event is not limited to gamers, toy collectors, hobbyists or even cosplayers. This event is an annual celebration of pop culture, and i can say with definite certainty that pop culture has in some way or another, affected, influence and even inspired us.

This article will be followed by 5 other posts as mentioned early on my Exclusive Media Coverage of STGCC 2009!

You can also read up on the Opening Ceremony of STGCC from my fellow bloggers at these links

Adrian of Little Plastic Man
Leon Chen of Open The Toy
Juliana Heng of Juliana's Toy Collecting Tips
Dennis of Collect em' All
Bayu aka KazeTora

Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention 2009 ( Toy Bloggers Secure your passes now via OPEN THE TOY )

2009-08-12T17:04:00.008+08:00

With the Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention just a day away from its opening, i am certain that i am not the only one who's very hyped up about it, and it gives me no greater pleasure than to say that Leon of Open The Toy has generously made a huge effort to secure exclusive coverage passes for fellow toy bloggers!

You will have to meet the following criterias before you are allowed to register yourself. ( in Leon's words )

=====================

1. You must be able to make it tomorrow 13 Aug 2009 at the Suntec Convention Hall 401 & 402 in Singapore before 5:30pm for registration.

2. You must have a blog that blog about Toys/Cosplay/Games/Anime/Comic for more than half a year with a "sizable" number of related post.

3. You are required to at least do a post with photos you have taken from the event after the event on your blog as soon as you can and inform me (Leon of Open the Toy) by sending me (Leon of Open the Toy) a link of your blog entry as a proof.

====================

In short, these exclusive passes are for the opening night tomorrow, and registration closes by 5.30pm. The venue will be the Suntec Convention Halls 401 & 402.

To qualify for the registration via OpenTheToy, you would have to own a blog which posts on Toys/Cosplay/Games/Anime/Comics which spands over half a year with a substantial number of posts.

Lastly, you'd have to post about the event because you'd be entering as a Media instead of a regular visitor, hence do be prepared and bring your cameras and snap away!

IF you meet ALL these criterias, head on down NOW to OPEN THE TOY and register yourself with your name and bloglink, to qualify for this very exclusive pass!

These passes are in limited amount of 30 only so do hurry to Leon's Open The Toy to secure your passes. Registration closes TOMORROW AT 10 AM! Further details are available on Leon's Open the Toy.

Once again i would like to thank Leon for this wonderful opportunity and the hard work he's gone through to get those passes, good luck registering and SEE YOU THERE!

Hot Toys MMS: X-Men Origins Wolverine

2009-08-12T00:32:00.004+08:00

And finally we have the much anticipated figure we've been waiting from hot toys since forever, Wolverine! and Hot Toys has finally managed to capture his likeness. I've pointed out some of the flaws spotted on this figure below...

Almost everything about this figure is spot on, from the clothes, to the jacket and boots, and hey, the BUCKLE TOO! its fantastic that they've resculpted the hair making it more accurate and the frown to the nose screams Hugh Jackman all the way. And i'm lovin' the new hirsute muscular body, a nice balance of muscled figure and articulation! Better still is the painted hair on the body to give the feral wolverine touch!

However much i do not wish to burst the bubble for most fans of wolverine, and Credits to Chun Sang for pointing it out to me, Notice how the figure's chin differs from Hugh Jackman as wolverine, not noticible but to the keenest of eyes, but hey, if the chin's wrong, its wrong! Jackman ain't got no cleft chin!

another closeup comparison, Jackman has no Cleft Chin.

that aside, we've got an awesome figure lined up, do hope that Hot Toys does tweak it up...

GI JOE movie review

2009-08-10T20:42:00.002+08:00

Caught G.I. Joe the movie on saturday,

I must confess that this film was for me a breath of fresh air compared against the blockbusters of this year. A brief recap on that would be,

==================

Watchmen: A simple proof of how being completely faithful to its roots didn't quite pay off for the response it got, though i must say i loved that film. It faces the strong dilema of being incomprehensible for people new to the story, and falling short of expectations for the hardcore fans. ( hey, where's the f*ckin' GIANT SQUID we paid to see, zack? )

Terminator Salvation, possibly the biggest crush of expectations for a film which shoulders the reputation and distinction of its predecessors. IMHO the biggest flop for a blockbuster this year. Poor scripting, piss poor graphics. And yes Bale's one dimensional ''intense'' portrait all the way. Rule of thumb? ( don't take a Charlie's Angels' Director )

Transformers: Pure Robot Porn. Whilst the storyline was somewhat non-existent, or nonsensical, ( reviving Jet Fire with the broken shard when Sam COULD'VE used it on Optimus hence spanning the film for an extra hour, and that's just one out of many loopholes ) the visual aesthetics and visual graphics of the film pretty much quenched the inner child. Trnasformers seriously made the impossible possible. Bringing Robots we'd always wanted to see come alive, to life.

======================

however back to the point, we've not had a balance of great visual aesthetics and a decent storyline with good enough laughs to qualify for a decent blockbuster yet till now...

While i honestly did find some of the graphics to be pretty distinguisable, considering the quality of graphics and level of advancement in technology we've seen so far in the field of graphics, G.I. Joe's director really should try harder...though i will not critize this film based on its graphics for it sure does make up for itself.

Whilst the graphics may not be top notch, the storyline was interesting and coherent even for newcomers to the G.I. Joe franchise, and the director's adaptation of a Hasbro toy line, spanning from toys to comics, all in itself deserved some form of merit.

Casting was pretty suiting, i must say that Lee Byung-Hun as Storm Shadow was good, furthermore his portrayal as the Arch rival and sword brother to Snake Eyes was good, though i would've loved to see more of their brother/rival/ evolution to nemesis backstory...
on another note, storm shadow's murder of his master due to jealous was a pretty cheap shot considering Storm Shadow in the comics was falsely accused of doing so, with the assasin mistaking the master for Snake Eyes, resulting in Storm Shadow's masters' death, causing the rift and animosity towards his sword brother.

I felt too that the change of the Cobra troopers from the Klu Klax Klan hoods to metal skull masks were a nice touch to the modernization of most comic fanfare. However if i could nitpick, i wished that they hadn't changed Cobra Commander's Mask, it being rather iconic to me. Destro was pretty spot on too, and the explanation for the forming of Cobra Troopers and their unwaivering loyalty was pretty well done.

Besides that, one could never talk about G.I Joe without mentioning the Baroness, yes, yes, she sure does give the boys a run for their money. But most importantly, evil never looked so good before.

What intrigued me more than the Snake Eyes/Storm Shadow chemistry was Snake Eyes' suit. It sure does pack up a hell lot of bulk, reminiscent to that of Batman from Batman Begins. And it took me a while to realize that Snake Eyes was wearing a suit, in a sense they didn't quite say if he was wearing a suit, and i was mistaken for a while thinking that the whole rubber outfit he was in was supposedly his muscled body coated in black paint or something, and the fact that he wore a hoodie or some other form of coat over it in scenes at the base whilst his teammates were out of their gear, had me thinking it was his body instead of a suit.

Then again, it would be nice if they dropped the bulk off snake eyes and gave him a lean muscled frame something like that of ryan reynolds...

I particularly loved the introduction to the film where i was pretty much wowed by the sets, the guns, the trucks, and the grand entrance of the JOEs

All in all the film was pretty well balanced out, and for a Toy line thought up by Hasbro to be brought into silver screens with a decent storyline, action and backstory sure is on helluva achievement, and Stephen Sommers sure did deserve every bit of credit for that. Yeah the graphics weren't top notch, yep we had some cheesy lines, ''YO JOE'' every now and then from General Hawk, but hey, what's the film without its cheesy fanboy kid appealing cheer? Though what tickles me to be ridiculous is the whole scottish language to activate the weapons of the Night Raven.

The story does flow well and the humour and mild violence does make it a kid friendly and family approved action blockbuster, whilst some would rate this film down harshly or draw comparisons from The Dark Knight, a "standard bar" for comic book adaptations, videogames, or toys, i say enjoy this film for what it truly is, a well adapted film suitable for fanboy and family alike.

McFarlane: Halo 3 Spartans ( Seeing Red ? )

2009-08-10T00:14:00.004+08:00

Here comes the Spartans in their Mjolnir Armor, RED TEAM, in all their glory!
Very apt too considering Singapore's Birthday has just been celebrated!
Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

after a much delayed posting of these Halo Spartans in Mark VI Mjolnir Armor, here they are. Blogger has been glitchy of late, with random disappearances of the toolbar, making it hard to navigate, link and do up usual posts...

'' If it's a war they want, we'd give em' WAR!!!''

i've previously done an in-depth review of this figure which you can find HERE

And like i've said time and time again, the paint application is superb for a toy its size and price, though i feel strongly that the materials used could've been improved for it to be a superior figure to the toys Hasbro has been churning. (Hasbro's are expensive, god awful sculpts at times, and those figures actually degrade over time due to the soft plastic that they use, leading me to feel hasbro, a once leading brand in toys, to be a ''HAS BEEN'' )

em' spartans and their brethren in boxes!!!

NEXT UP will be Raziel from the Legacy of Kain series: Soul Reaver, one of my all time favourites in terms of narrative storyline for a video game.

Singapore Toy Games & Comic Convention 2009

2009-08-09T16:40:00.006+08:00

STGCC%20200x200, originally uploaded by Stormtrooper Effect.

Yes, the Singapore Toy & Comic Convention is back for this year, opening its doors for the second time to public from the 14th of August to 16th August.

Venue as per usual like the previous year, would be at Suntec City Convention Halls 401 and 402.

So HEAD ON THERE! to check out the coolest pieces of pop culture you can ever find, statues, busts, 12' inch to 3 3/4 inch figures on display for your viewing pleasure! and there'd be comics galore! That aside, there would be designer toys, video games promotions and many other interesting events ongoing!

This is a no. 1 event not to miss for any fanboy/collector/ etc, and since its introduction to singapore last year, it has been a hit with the community.
===========================

That aside, Leon of OPEN THE TOY, is organising a gathering for fellow collectors to head down to STCC on Friday, @ 7pm.And on behalf of Leon, i would like to extend the invitiation out to other fellow collectors and toy bloggers! Should any of you do wish to come along, do drop me or Leon an email!

you can also check my coverage of last year's STCC here!

Expanding My Collection: Sideshow Premium Format

2009-08-02T21:44:00.000+08:00

I have recently taken an interest in Sideshow Collectible's range of products, starting off from their 12' inch Star Wars products and after much consideration, i felt that the amount spent on getting 12' inch figures and the somewhat ''margin of diminished returns'' with each subsequent figure i got, made me choose to turn to something much more substantial and definitive. A figure which would stand the weathering and test of time and yet be the center of awe in a collector's shelf.

So i chanced upon this Premium Format figure of Yoda and a 501st Clone Trooper, depicting the intense battle where Clone Troopers actually get decapitated and stabbed outside the Jedi Temple on Coruscant in Episode III, revenge of the sith.

Ever since i saw clone troopers on the big screen, or Stormtroopers for the matter, i always wondered to myself why there never was a scene with Luke Skywalker facing these troopers in close combat? to flaunt the intensity and danger of getting on the wrong end of a lightsaber...or jedi dicing up the Clone troopers...

Basically Clone Troopers for all their skills, training and bravado, would be no match to a trained jedi with a lightsaber, and to see limbs and arms flying around just like say, Jedi Academy the video game, or Jedi Outcast, would be every Star Wars fanboy's Nerdgasmic dream. seriously, in my opinion, star wars has been too downplayed and ''clean'' so as to appeal to all ages, hence losing much of the potential it could have had, to do something way darker and gritter...say like the video games '' force unleashed...though THAT too doesn't have much graphic violence.

So here it is, in my opinion, the definitive moment of the ferocity of Yoda, captured in premium format. Demonstrating how the force is something not to be underestimated, and that this little, and often calm Jedi Master can indeed be a formidable opponent.

Running through a clone with a lightsaber like a hot knife through melting butter! YODA For The Win!

I am still considering my options and finances to get this figure. Would appreciate any comments and or opinions to a definitive Star Wars display ....

Priced at around $600 +/- it isn't something to take lightly, but then again, its almost the cost of 2 12' inch figures. and pretty worthwhile too considering its made of polystone and handpainted, with yoda featuring tailored costume, and an eventual light up lightsaber...

well guess that's my take on this, any opinions or suggestions for a better figure before i settle on this?

Hot Toys John Connor Final Production Sculpt

2009-08-02T02:07:00.000+08:00

while it is agreed that there is a significant change in the final production sculpt as opposed to the first release version, i can't help but say that the headsculpt isn't instantaneously discernable as Christian Bale as John Connor in Terminator Salvation.

Namely because Christian Bale's cheeks looked a lot more pronounced in Terminator Salvation, something i noted after watching the film 4 times around, far sallower than represented in this headsculpt, leading me to easily mistake it for a David Beckham sculpt instead...i do recall clearly the product photo's sculpt on Hot Toy's website seemed much more pronounced in cheekbone structure....

then again it could just be the lighting, or me being way too picky... i do hope someone can take some really detailed pictures to blow me away...

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation John Connor Backstage Headsculpt production

2009-08-01T01:17:00.003+08:00

with the previous massive production errors on the headsculpts released for the first batch of connors, Hot Toys had since issued a public apology letter and held back further releases, but it seems that now they've fixed their paintwork and manufacturing issues to show us production photos of the to be released final mass production headsculpts of John Connor of Terminator Salvation.

according to Hot Toys, this production line is the first to feature their new PVC material which would be closer and more lifelike, reflecting the realism that of Christian Bale as John Connor.

though i must say i'm not feelin' the love y'all.....doesn't look john connor to me at this angle. and the beard's a tad too much. BUT i'd be patient and hold my tongue. Hope i'd be proven wrong and that this sculpt will blow me away when i have it in hand.

Hot Toys to do Astro Boy

2009-07-31T23:35:00.002+08:00

10, originally uploaded by reavengeance.

Well i know this piece of news sure gonna make my good ol mate, Chun Sang jump up and down and go gaga over....so here goes bro...Yes, hot toys will be making ASTROBOY.

this photo is taken from their ANICON @ japan off hot toys official blog. so no worries about whether or not they're gonna make it. just a matter of time before we hear the announcement..

meanwhile blogger is throwing tantrums at me, refusing to reveal its week long hidden toolbox etc...rendering me unable to post much of anything ...so i'm doing all this via FLICKR. and even flickr is going wonky, claiming i've reached my monthly picture upload limit. BAHHHH...guess its the off season for toy blogging for me of late..

Sideshow Deluxe Clone: Clone Commander Cody Announced

2009-07-26T11:04:00.002+08:00

ss_1, originally uploaded by Stormtrooper Effect.

via Mediworld forums, thanks to KazukiJUN,

Sideshow has announced at SDCC that they will be making a Clone commander Cody as a deluxe clone figure, which will include an Ep III & II helmet respectively.

now that's something all star wars collectors and diehards can't run from.

been holding back on spluring on previous announcements such as the stormtrooper, stormtrooper commander, utapau clone etc...but now this is on figure i'm definitely getting...

Hot Toys: Marvel Licence

2009-07-19T21:54:00.003+08:00

from the small font, taken directly from EDDIE WONG of www.eddiewong.net

====================================

Yes, that is right folks. Hot Toys has the license to the Marvel Universe. And the pic above is the announcement teaser from HT’s official catalog.

For those that cannot read Japanese, here’s what it say:

Left side: Movie Masterpiece. Starting soon.
Right: Blade trilogy, X-Men trilogy, Spider-Man trilogy, & more…

Movie Masterpiece, not comic versions. This means, those that have longed for a good Spidey 1/6th figure, you’re about to get one. And it’s the trilogy they’re doing which means you will get Spidey, Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Venom, and Sandman to say the least!

This also means you ‘ll probably be able to get every X-Men character in the movies to date since HT is also doing the trilogy series for X-Men. Then Blade! Man, bankruptcy will surely be on the rise this year…

==============================

Spiderman and X-men, talk about a massive churning of figures. Though i understand the necessity for Hot Toys to hit the markets in storm and full force, reason being the rise in competitors, such as Brothers Production, DID, Enterbay making equal if not better products and licences that Hot Toys hasn't acquired. Hence this sudden upsurge in licences are to cement its crown position as 1/6th scale toy makers...

though its gonna take a toll on us collectors, nevertheless, i'm still excited.

Black costumed spidey and the classic red/blue, and most of all, HANNIBAL KING played by ryan reynolds! boy i'd love to get my hands on his headsculpt! possible Deadpool kitbash! Though blade himself doesn't quite interest me.

Hot Toys Licence Acquisitions

2009-07-19T02:06:00.010+08:00

as yet from forums and some of the displays they've showcased at Japan's Toy Fair, we now know that Hot Toys has now undertaken serious business by tanking and churning out more toys, from various licences, rapidly. Perhaps a little to fast for us to regenerate/recover/reccuperate from our expenditures.

namely, the licences taken up by HOT TOYS are as follows,

1. The Matrix

and as yet they've only showcased a scaled replica of the Sentinel. And i'm keeping my fingers crossed for a 1/6th Neo.

Credits for the picture goes to EDDIE WONG of www.eddiewong.net

2. Disney Pixar's UP!

3. Giger's Visionary ALIEN

4. Mars Attack ( a licence which took me off guard and by suprise)

i wasn't aware that Mars Attack had a strong cult following, and quite frankly found the film rather disturbing as a child. with martians randomly zapping humans to dust with no rhyme or reason, running around screeching and wailing and decapitating prisoners. Hardly a choice of film to watch for a child don't you think?

Either way its left an indeliable mark in my head... and here goes Hot Toys doing the licence of the Tim Burton adaptation.

Credits for the picture goes to Eddie Wong of www.eddiewong.net

and on updates, wolverine's headsculpt has been improve tremendously though i do believe they can tweak it up a tad more to make it more ''Hugh Jackmanish''

Credits for the picture goes to Eddie Wong of www.eddiewong.net

===================

Other relevant information would be that Hot Toys has acquired the licence for Spiderman and Blade from Marvel.

Now i can't wait to see what they'd churn out for these lines. But i must say that Hot Toys indeed are tanking down the toy collector's path, putting out into the market more figures with fury. Hardly letting collectors the time to breathe...

whilst its a good thing, its pretty much a downside for us poor and broke folks and the completist fanboys... that wallet's gonna feel the pain!!!

MMS DX 02 Comic strip by David Wilis

2009-07-17T19:43:00.002+08:00

found this over at the forums in mediworld. Seriously hilarious i must say...

Hot Toys M ICON: Michael Jackson (Thriller Version) New Pictures

2009-07-15T21:30:00.003+08:00

good to finally see this dream come to fruition! long live Michael!

though i wished they done BEAT IT, because i loved that particular song most and the jacket he wore in that video ( and that piano keyboard shirt ), i'm still glad they did thriller because the headsculpt of Michael Jackson, namely how he looked before his plastic sugery ( was the same look as 'BEAT IT' video )...

best of all we get two headsculpts. what more can i ask for? Kudos to hot toys!

Hot Toys MMS DX 02 - Batman ( Hi- Res Pictures )

2009-07-10T20:38:00.003+08:00

Hot Toys MMS DX 02 - The Dark Knight's Batman's Official Pictures are OUT! and i must say they're looking impressive...

I will confess that i'm highly excited about this MMS DX figure, however the suit doesn't seem to be improved in anyway from the first TDK batman release, apart from the new headsculpt, additional facial expression , and weapons/tools. So i'm asking myself the question, why didn't they do this earlier?

a DEFINITIVE must for this figure that i'd expect would be for BATMAN to be slim.

NO MORE BEER BELLY HOT TOYS!

Loving the intense stare from batman, now with the new PERS system.

Nip and Tuck worked well for Bats so far it seems.... LETS KEEP THE FINAL PRODUCT THAT WAY TOO HOT TOYS!

KUDOS to yuili for the fantastic bale chin. nothing defines batman more than the chin BENEATH THE COWL!!!

Finally we get the SONAR VISION we've awaited for so long.

======================
Hot Toys - MMS DX 02 - The Dark Knight - 1/6th scale BATMAN collectible figure

This life-like Batman collectible, is true to 1/6th scale, stands approximately 32 cm tall, featuring Hot Toys figure body with over 32 points of articulation and the movie accurate -The Dark Knight- complex Batman suit.

This deluxe version comes with two functional Batman heads:
-One features Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) and Translucent Iris
-Alternate head features the sonar vision device – light-up eyes (cell button battery operated- battery included)
-Three(3) interchangeable unique faces captured the Batman classic facial expressions, which fit for both two functional heads

The collectible also features:
-Newly sculpted and developed Batman complex suit
-Weapons and accessories -Transformable Sticky Bomb Gun, Back Pack, Grapnel Gun, Mini Mines, removable Holster, and two (2) interchangeable and Magnet featured Batman Utility Belts etc
-Three sets of interchangeable posing hands
-Deluxe figure stand with LED lights

Release date: Q1, 2010
Artist: - Head Sculpt by Yulli - Head Art Directed by JC. HONG - Head Paint by JC. HONG

TM & © DC COMICS. WB SHIELD: TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

Hot Toys MMS DX 02 - Batman ( The Dark Knight )

2009-07-08T23:24:00.003+08:00

well, need i say more?

Tony Stark Kitbash

2009-07-08T21:38:00.004+08:00

So now with the arrival of the Narrow Shouldered True Types, i can now get down with my long awaited Tony Stark's Kitbash!!!

scored me 2 of these Narrow Truetypes as they'd come in handy in the future for say DX Joker? Would be hauling another 2 more this coming weekend, judging by how well they fit on 1/6th clothes.

First and foremost, you'd need a narrow shouldered truetype as they fit best with suits and don't make the figure look too bulky round the arms.

I'm liking the new headsculpt already. Similiar to the released military figure, the secret service with G36c.

Narrow Shoulders True Type comes with the standard figure, a pair of hands and a neck post.

You'd need the Hot Toy's Men's Suits specifically for Tony Stark Kitbashes.

looking' good!

Stark, billionaire playboy and industrialist

Now tell me who this resembles? Keanu's chin seems pretty obvious. the rest? is anyone's guess.

Instructions for the glasses!

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation: Marcus Wright New & Improved Headsculpt Detailed Photos

2009-07-04T20:53:00.001+08:00

And here it is, pictures of the announced and finalized headsculpt for Marcus Wright. I must add that it looks dead on to Sam Worthington this time around.

loving the battle damage headsculpt in the package too. Love the tinge of purple they added to it giving it a realistic taint of blood to a certain extent.

on another note, its good to finally solve the uploading problem. in FLICKR i trust. =D

test post for flickr

2009-07-02T19:20:00.001+08:00

IMG_4221
Originally uploaded by Stormtrooper Effect

can this picture be seen?!?!

Technical Difficulties.

2009-07-02T00:49:00.001+08:00

as yet i'm backlot on 4 posts as i am still unable to upload pictures.

i normally directly upload my pictures to blogger, however this time around, while it successfully uploads, it doesn't appear on the compose screen.

so yeah. till then i guess i've gotta find an alternative.

The Passing of a Pop Icon: Michael Jackson, An Eulogy

2009-06-26T21:07:00.015+08:00

An Eulogy: Michael Jackson

29th August 1958 - 25th June 2009

Today marks a passing of one of history's most indelible Pop Culture Icons, Michael Jackson.

For four decades, he has entertained the world. Be it his adorable youthful voice as a child singer in Jackson Five, or his solo career with the unforgettable trademark moves, from the moonwalk in Billie Jean to the gravity defying leans in Smooth Criminal, to the distinct screams and yowls peppering his songs.

Rightly dubbed the ''King of Pop'', having hit multiple platinums for his hit singles and albums, and snagging 13 grammies, having being awarded 7 in one year. And not to mention, being honored at the Hollywood walk of Fame twice. These are proof enough of the impact he has made in his 50 years in this world.

and through his work, he has broken racial barriers for other fellow artists into the music industry and inspired generations to come.

with relation to that, i remember fondly the times where i would groove to the catchy tunes of 'beat it' and 'black or white', amongst many others. These two songs are distinctively a part of my memory, having grown up listening to them, recalling the youthful defiance McCaulay Culkin in the music video of ''Black or White'' to the sheer cool dance moves of ''Beat it'' and how he actually managed to make a shirt with a piano keyboard print actually look cool. (having grown up playing the piano since childhood, i never thought it would actually be cool playing the piano till i saw Michael Jackson wearing that shirt in Beat It )

and years later, i still must confess that his music has been a great influence to me still, with me playing BEAT IT instrumentally as a soundcheck during both my practice and stage performances with my band. Whilst the english language falls short to describe the riffs and solos of that song, i will say, his legacy will carry on strong, for generations to come.

and with that I end my personal eulogy to Michael Jackson. Thank you for all that you have given this world.

Rest In Peace

With Regards,
Joshua Lim

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Review & Exclusive Figure

2009-06-24T18:28:00.005+08:00

Caught Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen today. And i must say, this movie is a must for those who love the franchise/toy and or cartoon, and also those who're just hanging around for the movie kicks.

i feel strongly that this show was based on a fast paced, dynamic action movie, with extremely breathtaking aesthetic graphics, namely the robots be it autobots or decepticons. Though i must add that whilst this year boosts a hell lot of heavyweight titles in terms of franchises and movies, as yet they've all been pretty much action movie no brainers. Apart from Watchmen perhaps?

there a a few plotholes or rather small questions left unanswered likewise with the first film but i doubt one would pick on such nitty gritty details when the film just blows you away in terms of visual appeal. From frame to frame, be prepared to be wowed at the COOL FACTOR of the robots. Transforming, to fighting to dying to disguising. Loved the cinematic dramatising of Optimus' defeat and (PLOT SPOILER, HIGHLIGHT TO VIEW) -DEATH. but he gets resurrected- Spoilers end here.

There is a general plot ongoing though, this film drives hard on its action and i'd give it a 5/5 star rating with consideration that one watches it solely to be entertained, action, big explosions, visual appeal and plain geek fandom! It's a one of the better films by far to hit the box office so far, with Terminator Salvation being a huge downer.

===============

That aside, i've got a nice figure for you to peek.

just get the popcorn and drink combo and you'd get to choose one of three 3' inch figures, of Optimus Prime, Megatron or Bumblebee. Looks pretty sweet IMHO. though the combo special comes at a stiffling price of $9.90... and i got it mainly for this figure...

whisking this figure off to my shelve display!

that aside the plastic cup for the drink is reusable, and has a very nice design of transformer's Optimus on it. Will feature it here when i've scrubbed it clean.

Hot Toys Announcement Updates - X-Men Origins Wolverine & Marcus Wright Improved Headsculpt

2009-06-23T23:53:00.003+08:00

After a much anticipated wait, Hot Toys has finally unveiled their next blockbuster product lineup, X-Men Origins: Wolverine figure...namely, the titicular character...

However hyped i am, i must admit i'm not impressed, YET. The Hugh Jackman likeness has a long way to go to look like him. Not a fan of the hair sculpt either, though the clothes look rather fantastic. But knowing HOT TOYS, they'd soon announce a new and improved headscupt so i wont ' worry much.

On another note, Sam Worthington's likeness here as Marcus Wright is now finally, SPOT ON! The jaw to the nose and ears now resemble the iconic Terminator he played in Terminator Salvation, though i honestly missed the intense stare he had from the first sculpt.

To note, they also improved his hairsculpt which is growing on me slowly, wasn't really blown away by it at first but now, its looks better the longer i stare at it. ( self comforting )

=====================

that aside, Iron Man Mark I is due to hit stores end June, and boy...i sure am broke.

as yet my preorders are as follows

T-600 Endoskeleton

John Connor

Marcus Wright

DX-Joker

Chris Redfield

Sheva Alomar

may have to pass on the Resident Evil line to get the other figures i am also interested in, namely

Mark I Iron Man
Dutch Schaffener
John Connor 2nd Variant
T-600 with rubber facemask

but with so many variants to keep up with, there would come a point that i have to choose between one. And hell, this year sure is one helluva year for collectors. With multiple lines being announced and churned, and not just that, Terminator Salvation's packing a truckload of figures to collect. Making this year awesome, and terribly expensive.

though i predict the yet unannounced figures that i'm interested which will soon grace the shelves of Hot Toys are

Rorschach of Watchmen
Wolverine
Deadpool
DX batman

now i ponder on what we'd have next year.

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation T-700 Endoskeleton

2009-06-23T13:19:00.003+08:00

Finally got around opening this figure and taking him out.

as you can see, Hot Toys has changed its standard use of cardboard boxes to house figures and went for a stylised styrofoam instead. For the whole rough metallic look. Aesthetically pleasing though i must say it would be a pain to upkeep in the long run.

Front Design on styrofoam. Reminiscent of the endo's chest plate.

and the back, that of the spinal column.

Incredible detailing and shoulder plates which can be opened to peer into the wires and intricate servos/hydrolics

The endo with its diorama stand.

Picked up my predator last week and will feature it up soon, when i do take it out of the box.

Green Day's 21 Guns Music Video

2009-06-23T13:08:00.002+08:00

Green Day's 2nd music single, 21 Guns is officially out as of 22nd June 12am.

though its still yet to be released around our region, with sufficient digging, i've come up with this link to the video.

http://www.nme.com/home

its under the featured videos of the week. Enjoy

Hot Toys T-600 with rubberized facial mask

2009-06-22T10:07:00.001+08:00

as yet pictures from TOYSDAILY.

the T-600 with rubberized facial mask...

T-600 Infiltrator Unit rubberized face mask and ripped human clothing.

2009-06-21T01:34:00.004+08:00

As yet the circulating pictures of a probable release of the T-600 infiltrator unit. Having a screentime of under 3 minutes, its a marvel they're making it into a toy. Not that it won't be good or something, but the rate Hot Toys are churning out toys from the same licence, and how they don't announce these things till customers have ordered the earlier annoucements, does make the whole experience rather fouled up.

just like the whole batman and rerelease for a DX version ''hooha''...or say the joker DX release hooha.

can't trust a toy company that's out to make the most of a licence to play it straight and at least give consumers the benefit of knowing what's coming up in the line, to allow us a chance to choose the better of the two similiar products. this whole ''delaying of announcements till customers have ordered'' tactic before unveiling a somewhat similiar variant is just plaintively low and cheap. point of a variety is to allow freedom of choice. Seems like collecting is now mainly for the completists. Hot Toys seem to force collects down that expensive route.

and in case you don't yet know, there's also gonna be a John Connor variant. no difference in the headsculpt as far as i'm aware.

hell and when they're done with this, why don't they just throw in a DX marcus...? go ahead and milk the damn fucking licence...and suck us dry.

New Updated Headsculpt of Marcus Wright

2009-06-19T19:46:00.002+08:00

I still can't quite make out the likness of Sam Worthington from this picture, and i shan't judge just yet till they get different angled shots of this new headsculpt. Kudos to Wookster over at Mediworld Forums for the picture.

meanwhile i've run completely, yes, COMPLETELY dry on resources and funds after spending on Jack bauer, T-700 and Predator this year, so far. but at least it leaves me with the following left on my list

-Marcus Wright

-John Connor

-T-600

-DX Joker

-Sheva Alomar

-Chris Redfield

and yeah its a stretch for 6 toys when you're broke, meanwhile i'm drooling and at the same time regretting over cancelling my preorder for DUTCH. looks damn fine IMHO from all the pictures i've seen.

pictures of t700 are coming...

Haul of the Month...(Great Singapore Sale)

2009-06-13T19:37:00.001+08:00

As promised, here goes my Hauls thus far. The Great Singapore sale truly encourages consumers to spend and keeping the cycle of cashflow in the economy moving. With that, i've taken the liberty to actually SPEND! SPEND! SPEND! broke!!!!

Be it toys, accessories, fashion here they all go!

------------------------

on the top of the shelve, yet to be reviewed and opened....

zooming in....the T-700 Endoskeleton

The Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown Official T-shirt i bought off HMV @ $39.90

Love the whole design and graffiti feel.

My midnight haul from Toys R Us @ Forum Gallery..

its pretty awesome to tilt his head back and hear him go ''I AM OPTIMUS PRIME!!!'' lights up too!!!

Ironhide

ELECTRIC shades that i hauled for $239. Pretty good coverage from the sun considering its wide lens, shielding the harmful rays and enclosing the sides and cheeks. The model's Killowatt. And its polarized too! helps block off not only direct UV rays but also rays from reflected surfaces!

And after much researching, considering, price hunting, model hunting and patience...i got myself a digital watch from G-Shock. A new change from my usual dress watches from Omega, Longines, or the functional and yet durable Swiss Army.

--------------------

I had always wanted a digital watch since i was young, as i only had analog watches all my life. And with the sports that i take up and rough tough tumbling that my previous watches had endured through my biking trips, snowboarding trips, etc the logical option now was to find something tough, durable and one that packed as much functions as possible.

Be it rain or shine, mud, dirt or swimming by the east coast, fishing to snowboard, i needn't fret about dirting my watch's strap or causing it to rot ( previous watches had leather straps which stank after drenching, was a pain to clean, cost alot to replace) And now i needn't worry about battery replacement either.

Packed in a flashy box, encased in a metal tin, and surrounded with foam. Sweet.

=====================

Inspired by those who challenge high altitudes, the G-Shock RISEMAN features a unique three-layer structured twin sensor to measure altitude, barometric pressure as well as temperature. Add in solar power and atomic timekeeping technology and you’ve got non-stop, self-adjusting performance that is the RISEMAN.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Hourly Time Signal
Auto-Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
Daily Alarm 5 (1 with snooze)
Thermometer
Module 3147
Memory 20 records
Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan, China)
Battery 9 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
Power Saving Function
Countdown Timer
Shock Resist
Backlight Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow
Water Resistant Up to 200M
12/24-Hour Formats
Accuracy +/-15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Time Zone 29 times zones (33 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
World Time
Battery Power Indicator
Stopwatch 1/100 second
Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan, China)
Altimeter
Thermometer
Water Resistant Up to 200M
Backlight Auto EL Backlight with Afterglow
Countdown Timer
Stopwatch 1/100 second
Auto-Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
Daily Alarm 5 (1 with snooze)
Module 3147
Battery 9 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
Power Saving Function
Solar Powered
Shock Resist
12/24-Hour Formats
Accuracy +/-15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Time Zone 29 times zones (33 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
World Time
Battery Power Indicator

=====================

I tried to write out its functions but it was way too many so i just nicked this all right off the official G-shock site.

looks pretty good worn and i simply love it. though i have yet to learn how to use all of its functions. Was originally going for $289. The Great Singapore Sale has helped alleviate the burn on my pocket for this watch, got to check my NETS receipt to check the final price.

Got RISK: Reinvention from Takashimaya today. Was going for $49.90 after its 20% discount and came with a promotional gift of Game of Life Express, only @ Taka. Was going round toys r us and paragon to find the best deals before settling to purchase from Taka. The Great Singapore Sale truly gives consumers a good chance to haul in stuff at a good price.

had been hooked to this game since playing it at the Library's Pavillion with my friends. World domination never was this fun before.

Game of life set inculdes: Dice, score sheets, and a rulebook all in a nicely packed container

Updates on upcoming posts

2009-06-07T12:51:00.002+08:00

Been hauling alot of figures of late, from ROTF during the opening launch, to HOT TOYS' T-700 which just arrived in TFH yesterday. Got myself a few other stuff along the week and will be posting up my week's haul in the next post, when i get back later.

As for now, i'm just trying to calm and centre my nerves for a gig at 3pm later.
it's gonna be one helluva ride and boy i'm glad for this opportunity.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

2009-06-03T19:17:00.004+08:00

A good dose of something that reminds me of my roots, and its highly infectious to non Star Wars fans, and also alluring to light side users.

Caution before proceeding.

I compare its awesomeness to be better than both trilogies by a gazillion times. WoW fanboys, MMORPG lovers, behold the power of the DARK SIDE....

Splinter Cell: Conviction

2009-06-03T14:43:00.005+08:00

With this being the fifth title off Ubisoft's Iconic Splinter Cell series, expectations and hopes run high for this instalment.

Having being stuck in some sort of development hell, as it was being scheduled for release in 2007, and i had been waiting since then till now, it's a sigh of relief that it's going to be out finally.
what i found most pleasing was the fact that Sam Fisher has evolved and grown as a character through the series and years, from one who takes orders without questions through his subdermals and executes his orders, to a gradual lingering moral conflict. where he upholds his morality and struggles to do his job for his country. And often seen were his sacarstic and ironic humor used in dialogue, on deeper insight, a way for Sam Fisher to maintain his stress.

Now with no holds barred, and having left the NSA, he is now a fugitive and renegade by all means, having ended the last instalment's Double Agent as a convict and fugitive working for the terrorist, which was part of a cover he was supposed to keep being a splinter cell. One which only his handler, lambert, knew.

Sam Fisher is out for revenge and justice beyond one that the system that keeps this country running can satiate. he is out for blood. With nothing to lose, and no orders to take but his own. Hell, Sam Fisher's gonna be one kickass of a character.

oh, and watching the trailer, the moves and character development of fisher since the last instalment, he sure reminds me of good old jack bauer, with the interrogation methods, killing styles and all...only more lethal and agile. And one thing to note, Sam ain't that calm no more, he's pissed, and bad ass! Three cheers to that!

links to the gameplay video here.

http://splintercell.uk.ubi.com/conviction/#/gameplay_reveal_video/

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation: Endoskeleton T-600 (Martin Laing Signature Version)

2009-06-03T03:56:00.005+08:00

The conceptual art realization of Terminator Salvation's T-600 Endoskeleton. Seems pretty much the same endoskeleton to the movie version, apart from its somewhat different shoulderblades and absence of a ammunition bagpack. The gattling cannon is held differently and slightly bigger too.

seems an unneccessary variant to milk the license really....

but still looks awesome IMHO...

base comes with some really nice t600 skulls...like a factory line tray..

Singapore Art Museum's Toy Carnival

2009-06-03T03:31:00.005+08:00

Singapore Art Museum will be holding its first Toy Carnival Event on the 5th of July 09'

and with singapore's 501st garrison of stormtroopers, SGcollect, MovieMania, and many other forums of collectors, fanboys, etc participating in this event, it sure would be one to catch.

well, i'd await eagerly for this event to come...

you can head down to the official website of S.A.M by clicking the banner.

kudos to TFH for the mail updates on this event.

Hot Toys Watchmen Teaser: Silk Spectre II

2009-06-03T01:09:00.001+08:00

What can i say, holy $%^&, with so many lines and hot toys busy churning out all the lines, i was crestfallen when they didn't announce WATCHMEN past their hints. And boy i am glad now they dropped the bombshell on us collectors with Silk Spectre, and hell, i was pretty dubious seeing the thumbnail of the picture till i opened it, and it sure looks real.

keeping' my fingers crossed for a Rorschach... Please Rorschach!!!!!!!!!! i want, need, crave, for a Rorschach 12' inch by hot toys.

The Falcon's Hanger Upgraded E-Shop

2009-06-01T22:21:00.001+08:00

i'm not quite sure if fellow collectors based in SG are yet aware, but TFH has just upgraded their services to serve us better with their new online E-shop.

pretty cool.

Just follow the link to preview it...http://eshop.tfh.com.sg/index.php

Transformers Midnight Launch@ Forum Gallery

2009-05-30T03:55:00.008+08:00

It's been one helluva night/ early morning launch party, with the hype and anticipation running high amongst fanboy and children alike at the official TRANSFORMERS MIDNIGHT LAUNCH @ FORUM Gallery Toys R Us. I must admit i'm pleasantly suprised to see, not the number of fellow collectors out there but their spouses who actually tagged along! pretty awesome IMHO to have a partner who actually supports your hobby!

that aside, the queue for this midnight launch was all the way from the fifth floor where the Toys R Us was situated till the basement level...sure was one long queue.

Best part of it all was the countdown. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2..1...

I do believe that Ken Moo is somewhere in this picture considering the fact that i've spotted myself in his video. on this link

Freezeframe 1.04min. Along the ''walkway'' I'm the bloke in white in front of the lady in red. and i'm luggin' my guitar and bagpack of guitar pedals.

wish i had met you Ken! would be awesome. Though i don't quite know how you look like =D

Tags were distributed accordingly in batches for crowd control, and when it was my turn to get the TAG, and get up the long awaited escalator! hallujuah baby! and yes, i'm no. 1 of my batch!

The $20 discount coupon that comes you get to use if you're a star card member or UOB member!

Hauled in 2 Leader class Optimus Primes and 1 Ironhide. The extra prime's for a Ken Cheong, who needed the favour because he couldn't turn up for the event.

=========================

My parents swung by towards the end so i could hitch a ride (with all the bulky guitar and gear i brought along from my jam session) and also spend some quality family time with them after the event, with things pretty packed out for the week, i've sure got to balance work, study, play and family time together....

==========================

Best of all, i met a fellow collector, Stephen aka Stephenus Prime, whom came up to me at the entrance to Toys R Us when i was about to leave after completing my haul of the week. i've spoken to him a number of times online, but never met in person. And it truly is a pleasure to finally meet you in person bro, i do hope we do meet again, then we could perhaps go to LIM KOPI like you said!

and congrats on your huge haul which costed a bomb and do post up your pictures too!!!

===========================

in total i spent $231.70 on my haul today, and i'm sure it would last me a long time. ( wallets have a rather slow regeneration time) up till the release of REVENGE OF THE FALLEN!

i would review my haul asap, but now, its time for me to hit the sack. 4.20am and i'm tired from all the fun and action.

Terminator Salvation: Movie Review Coming Soon

2009-05-29T10:17:00.004+08:00

Caught Terminator Salvation yesterday, and will post a review of it by 2am tomorrow, because i'd be geekin' out at forum gallery's transformers launch.

must add that i was a tad dissapointed in the film. strong introduction, weak and flimsy end. been having high hopes of it being the geekdom film of the year.

now i guess Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will be the fanboy film of the year...

Transformers Midnight Launch@ Toys R Us

2009-05-25T21:31:00.002+08:00

If you didn't know yet....

yes folks, transformers midnight launch on 30th May, 12.01am, basically a minute past friday night and a minute into saturday morning. =D

see you all there!

My Prediction for Terminator: Salvation

2009-05-23T22:03:00.006+08:00

With Terminator Salvation already hitting silver screens in america, it's pretty antagonizing that asia has to wait for it to reach us one week later. Not to mention, most would have already reviewed the film, which is an additional excruciating factor to resist reading.

though i peeked at a few reviews online doing my best to force and peel my eyes away from potentially plot spoilers and just reading the comments only.

to my disappointment, the reviews going about online have been rather poor, and mostly stating that terminator salvation has fallen below the expectations set and being unable to substantiate the substance for it's over the top effects.

i was hoping that it'd get some huge critically acclaimed mention so it'd hype me up further. though it wont' dampen my spirit to watch this film i've waited *god knows how many years* long. T3 was a huge joke of a movie by the way. Hopefully T:S does better. I wont' judge it till i've watched it that's as far as i'd say. but i do hope this film lives up to my expectations! god....its THE movie event of the year for me and i'd hate for it to sink...

in the meantime i'm pretty preoccupied with things i'm doing though i still do my best to check out forums for updates on when Hot Toy's terminator figs will hit us. Heard it's out in HK already.

and as a spoiler: t-800 is featured in the film (above) and hot toys did display a t-800 figure as part of the T:S figure releases line up at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, perhaps that'd be our 5th figure. Marcus wright and helena bonaham carter's character are terminators...and they used to be human...Arnie is back (digitally)...and bale's performance was said to be somewhat dry and one dimensional? (hopefully not when i watch it)

Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown Album Review

2009-05-20T12:00:00.000+08:00

Album Cover

Track Listing
CD art
=======================

Originally meant for this post to be up by Friday, 15th May 09' but with unforseen schedule clashes in the teaching schedule @ Marymount Convent Primary, had me scurrying around rearranging timeslots, timetables etc. And now, to the long awaited review of Green Day's highly anticipated Album, also MTV's artist of the month! 21st Century Breakdown.

============================

For starters, this isn't your regular ''Green Day'' album. It ain't no American Idiot, ain't no Dookie, Kerplunk or anything you've heard before. This is one album where Green Day stretches its repertoire of fast beating good ol' school rock & roll for more melodious tunes and dramatically poetic lyrics.

Yes, expect to be pleasantly surpised or dissapointed fans, as Green Day take a twist with Stadium rockish vocals and mass hand waving sing-a-long styled songs, for example, Last Night On Earth. And for the first time, you will be able to distinctively hear piano intros in these Green Day songs. While not all a bad thing, it is somewhat new approach and most would still be grasping the concept with the change in tune or rather genre as Green Day moves past their American Idiot success.

The album is divided into 3 acts, Heroes and Cons, Charlatans and Saints, Horseshoes and Handgrenades, and follows two antagonists, Gloria and Christian, through the struggles of coping with the ongoing chaos of the world around them which they're living in.

While in my honest opinion, 21st Century Breakdown is a breakaway of Green Day from sounds which they're very distinctively know for, it is a refreshing turn as the lyrics wrench out the most poetic styles as yet seen by Green Day. With a distinctive line that goes

'' Oh dream, America dream.

Can't leave and see from rainstorms 'til dawn.

Oh bleed, America bleed.

Believe what you read from heroes and cons"

Whilst relatively mild in terms of politically fused rock as opposed to American Idiot, it still does contain lines and references to songs they've done before, songs like American Idiot are mildly referenced with respect to the previous president, and working class hero is referred in the song "21st Century Breakdown"...

the more definitve and distinct Green Day sounds are still around, in songs like ¡Viva La Gloria! and East Jesus Nowhere, and Horseshoes and Handgrenades. Fast, raw and punchy. most definitely songs most would be able to relate to.

Diehard Green Day fans would be able to distinct nips and bits of their previous ''experimental sounds'' put into play from their previous band projects like THE NETWORK and THE FOXBORO HOT TUBS. New wave sounds and 60's style recordings before songs seen in those experiment albums can be found in songs such as East Jesus Nowhere (radio background noises etc 60's style intro) seen in Foxoboro hot tubs songs, and in Christian's Inferno by the distorted screaming styles from The Network.

All in all, this album experimental as it may sound, would be a staple for musicians and listeners around and has the lyrical depth for all to sink their teeth into. While it may not be on par as that of American Idiot, it still never fails to deliver the punchline at every end of curtain call. Green Day while they didn't deliver the album we hoped or expected, sure did pitch us one helluvan album to keep us pacified for a long time to come.

in the meantime i'm headthumpin' to horseshoes and handgrenades and lighter waving' over Last night on Earth. 5 years for this album, and i'm sure as hell gonna devour it. Now i wonder how long they'd take for the next album. Another 5?

p.s. this album's 18 songs long....

Haul of the Day: Hot Toys Men's Suits

2009-05-20T01:19:00.001+08:00

Been so busy of late and could only collect this on tuesday night. Will bash Tony when the narrowed shoulders come around!

Haul of the Day: Green Day's Official Merchandise

2009-05-20T01:14:00.004+08:00

My latest haul @ HMV citylink mall.

Hauled it in at $39.95 as it just hit shelves today. Green Day's Official Merhandised Shirt. Featuring the artwork off Know Your Enemy, the first single off Green Day's latest album 21st Century Breakdown.

Will update with pictures of the shirt when it gets out from washing...

Terminator Salvation Hot Toys MMS 100 - Marcus Wright Announced.

2009-05-10T23:47:00.001+08:00

Hot Toys has revealed the above images of the forthcoming Terminator: Salvation - Marcus figure. The 100th entry in the Movie Masterpiece Series, this figure is sure to be a fan-favorite of Terminator fans and 1/6 scale collectors alike.

via Hot Toys Newsletter.

Enterbay: 24 Jack Bauer ( My Favourite Toy Contest)

2009-05-10T17:42:00.012+08:00

I am submitting this review for competition via SHAUN's blog. To compete to win a SIDESHOW stormtrooper...so head down there and vote for me! voting opens on 11th may and closes on the 17th.

============================

Having just bought this figure today, and with so much time constraints in my schedule these days, replacing my Bank Robber Joker which i planned to feature as my favourite toy and have already taken pictures of, obviously meant one simple thing. That this figure truly indeed is the epitome of most 1/6th scaled figures.

And yes, for once i can truly say that i have one figure that i can say outranks, outshines and outmatches all other figures in my shelve, and possibly the market at the moment.

I have always been a supporter from the Hot Toys camp, having seen its unmistakable quality in both its sculpts, costuming and even accessories. From the details scars on the joker to the nitpicks of its military figure costumes, to the downright nitty weapons, whose ammo clips can be removed, cocked back etc.

and for me to suddenly be swayed and awed by Enterbay is indeed a feat no one else can pull off than Jack Bauer of 24 MADE BY ENTERBAY.

I remember vaguely watching season 1 of 24 once, before gradually getting hooked. I was looking for some television show to just burn time off. It was Jack Bauer's intensity, raw aggression and the determination to do what he feels is right irregardless of the law and rules, where the ends actually justifies the means sometimes, which drew me into the film. Anti-hero/ Hero/ patriot/ torturer/ father/ husband/ lover/ murderer. the various complex faucets of Jack bauer, portrayed superbly by Kiefer Sutherland.

Look at the details. From the glass eyes which are seperate pieces inserted into the head, to the wrinkles and frown on his face. the rough stubble sculpted and painted to the full head of hair. All these details are yet to be seen on products by Hot Toys. however much i favoured HT back then..i now realise that Enterbay indeed has come into play to rival HT.

you can mistake this sculpt as a photo of the REAL kiefer sutherland

Furthermore the paint apps are superior and you can even see the careful paint application to various parts of the face to bring out the depth, contours and lighting hues of the face to give it realism and life. Truly Enterbay has blown me away in every aspect of the sculpt. Flushing of the face and stubble are so real you will find that every cent you paid for you got more than its worth back.

Enterbay also did a very good take on Kiefer's hair...with the carving lines, wave and fullness and texture. something Hot toys has yet to reach.

his sandy blonde hair at every angle looks so damn good.

and yes, that unmistakable chin and wonky ears!!!

if you didn't yet know..they actually made cavity for the nose and ears. that's how realistic it is!

intense, brooding, Jack bauer wins all other figures i've seen in terms of headsculpt hands down.

not to forget, the costume is cut to fit and brings out 24's season 4 to life in 1/6th scale like no other.

with his standard USP Tatical and trademark sling bag. holster.. boy, pop culture has come alive!

the realism stands out and rings true through different light conditions.

Whilst accessories wise this figure may not reach the par that of HT, it can easily be replaced with 1/6th weapons easily available. Most importantly the headsculpt that Enterbay has done, is a bar set which many other 1/6th toy makers have yet to hit, and indeed enterbay is now rivalling HT. which is a good thing for collectors out there. giving us choice and better quality.

Jack bauer of 24. Enterbay FTW!

Terminator Salvation: New Teaser " Who Are You"

2009-05-09T11:46:00.003+08:00

Many thanks to BillyGoat , a fellow toy collector and pop culture enthusiast like myself who owns far more 12' inch figures than i do!! Been great knowing you bro! and thanks for the heads up for this incredible new terminator teaser trailer ''Who Are You''.

pretty awesome how you see it links back to the original trilogy. father and son. boy i can't wait for this movie.

Hot Toys Terminator Salvation: Marcus Wright

2009-05-08T13:05:00.003+08:00

teaser!!! guess we're all in for one helluavan expensive year .

Manhunt Over: Mas Selamat Captured

2009-05-08T12:22:00.003+08:00

Indeed the game's up for Mas Selamat Kastari, Singapore’s Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader who escaped from Whitley Road Detention Centre on February the 27th 2008, as it has been spread over the news that he has been captured in Malaysia about a month back... ( funny how news take a long time to flush through the pipe when it involves national security )

Mas Selamat has kicked off the largest manhunt in Singapore for his escape from the dention center. With the combined efforts of both Singapore's Police force and Armed forces, almost every inch of singapore was swept to hunt for him. Posters put up, rewards by businessmen, and even SMSes by the police with a very clear picture of Mas Selamat on a wanted poster...( i clearly remember the morning i woke up to a vibrating handphone and looked down at a wanted poster of Mas selamat) first picture sms ever sent to my *back then* 2g phone...was gaping in awe at the clarity of the picture... indeed our National security department spares no cost to apprehend Mas Selamat.

Since his escape, Mas Selamat has gone down into history as the only one to have triggered sucha huge manhunt, and his notoriety has subject him to much online spoofs, parodies, jokes. A simple one to note would be how every biking adventure had to have a Mas Selamat joke.

with every imaginable hiding spot from forrest to alley to clump of bushes would include a '' EH mas selamat hiding there boh? '' joke. Boy oh boy...

Well its good news to all that he's captured, and hopefully it stays that way. I highly doubt our nations' reputation can take another dent if Mas Selamat escapes again, considering we're ranked one of the safest countries in the world....

seriousness aside, if Mas Selamat escapes again. i guess it's time we called in one man to save the day. ( if he were real...)

boy oh boy, we all know how good ol' uncle Jackie deals with terrorist...=D

Iron Man II teaser perhaps?

2009-05-07T23:19:00.001+08:00

i'm still wondering if this is from Iron Man I or II....any clues?

picture credits go to toysRevil.net