This is exciting news! Toynami is bringing Bandai's Tamashii Nation Apollo 11 chogokin to the USA!

This is exciting news! Toynami is bringing Bandai's Tamashii Nation Apollo 11 chogokin to the USA!

This awe-inspiring set includes:
* Apollo 11 and Saturn V rockets (S-IC 1st stage, S-II 2nd stage, S-IVB 3rd stage, S-II Aft Interstage, S-IVB Aft Interstage, Spacecraft Lunar Module Adaptor, Command Module, Service Module, Launch Escape Subsystem and Boost Protective Cover, and Support Ship Antenna)
* Lunar Module Descent Stage (fixed legs and moveable legs)
* Lunar Module Ascent Stage
* 2 Astronauts
* U.S. Flag
* Stand for Vertical Display (Lunar Surface Plate, Display Parts, Nameplate)
* Stand for Horizontal Display
* Display Stand for Lunar Module/Command Module
* Commentary Booklet.

SRP $552.00
Availability MARCH 2010

Well it only took 28 years but I finally got a BETA fighter to add to my Robotech collection and I am happy to report it is as awesome as you we have been led to believe.

Robotech was a multi-generational animated saga that documented the “Robotech Wars” and originally aired in 1985. Robotech used three different and un-related Japanese animated series re-edited and re-purposed for American audiences at the time. The Beta Fighter shown here is from the final arc, The New Generation, also known as Mospeada in Japan.

From Robotech.com:

“The Veritech Beta Fighter was developed as a heavily armed and armored booster system for the Alpha fighter to extend its range in space, as well providing the ability to reach orbit from the surface. The fighter can operate from the Horizon dropship when joined with an Alpha fighter. Besides operating as a large fuel tank for the space Alpha-Beta combination, it allows for high thrust capabilities for an Alpha Battloid for high maneuverability in close combat, in addition to augmenting the Alpha's missile load, and carrying a formidable weapons capability when operating independently.

Without the attached Alpha fighter, the Beta fighter relies on its excessive thrust to overcome its non-aerodynamic shape in an atmosphere. Its true power comes in Battloid mode, where an impressive amount of firepower is available for heavy assault.”

Robotech and Mospeada fans have been wanting a Beta fighter for a very, very long time. Matchbox imported many of the original Japanese toys from the various shows (as well as producing original pieces) under the Robotech banner and the Gakeen-made Alpha fighters where released stateside. Disappointingly no Beta ever showed up on shelves in 1985/1986. I found out years later as an Adult collector Gakeen designed a BETA fighter and even produced a handful of test pieces but they went belly-up before they could produce it.

Flash forward to now and Toynami has made our fan-boy dreams come true with a 1/55 scale Beta to attach their previously released 1/55 scale Alpha fighters. The Blue and Red have already been reviewed by Dan and Josh and now I finally get my hands on one.

The Beta fighter or the VFB-91 (in nerdspeak) is the third release in the Beta Masterpiece Collection. Which means it comes in Toynami's book-style packaging. This allows you to take the piece out and keep the Mint-In-Box look when you store it. Just like the toy the box is huge!

The first thing you notice when you get it out of the box is the sheer size and weight of the piece. It's enormous. In Battloid mode it stands over 12 inches tall and weighs over 2 pounds.

All the arm and leg joints are ratcheted and so "click" when moved. Us toy-nerds do love us some "clickity-click."

Since the red and green Beta fighters never transformed into Battloid mode in the show, Toynami had to design original heads for these releases and they opted to design them to match their Alpha counterpart. The shape of the Alpha's 'eye" is retained but there is no head fin.

Paint detail is fantastic with no under or over-spray anywhere and the chest compartments open to reveal banks of missiles. It doesn't do much else but with a piece like this, it's more about the sheer size and presence on the shelf than gimmicks.

Guardian Mode is probably my least favorite on the Beta fighter. See the Beta fighter was not part of the original design and was thought up as an afterthought and kind of mashed together late in the design stages. And so, while it looks good in Fighter and Battloid mode, Guardian just seems a bit of an afterthought.

But with that said it holds this form just fine on the shelf. However if you pick it up and try to fly it around the room (Don't roll your eyes- we know you do it...) the weight of the lower legs makes the legs droop down as these are die cast metal where the rest is plastic.

It is not a big deal as I really won't be displaying it in this mode. Plus it's more of a nitpick then a genuine complaint.

Fighter mode is where it looks best in my opinion. I don't know why but I really like the flying brick aesthetic of the fighter. Everything locks in and sits where it is supposed too. No loose, dangling or floppy parts here.

My one complaint about Toynami's release is the landing gear. Instead of the landing ear folding into the fighter when not used you have to remove them. Yep the landing gear just plugs into the fighter when you need it. It's not a big deal but I am finding that having to keep track of parts keeps me from wanting to pick it up and fiddle with it more.

It's not a huge deal but if Toynami where taking a pole I would have voted for gear that folds into the fighter instead of part swapping.

Toynami also includes a removable pilot figure but like many tiny pilot figures the paint and sculpt detail doesn't really hold up to close inspection. It's all a bit “soft' and sloppy. From a distance it's not a problem.

So as huge and impressive the stand alone Beta fighter is, we as fans of Robotech are more interested in how well it docks to the Alpha fighter. Well I'm happy to report, it's all good.

While again this involves part swapping, it doesn't bother me as much as swapping out the landing gear. There is a white arm that cups the fighter and then slides into the beta fighter. Once in you can attach the combined form to the provided stand.

It sound like it wouldn't work it does. The fighter sits nice and tight but I wouldn't recommend doing barrel rolls with it.

You can do the same with the Alpha fighter in Battloid mode. Toynami includes a second arm to attach it int his mode. The arm cups the bottom of the crotch and leaves a hole for the nosecone to fit in. Once again you can attach this combined form to the provided stand

Again, it hold the Alpha part in well but I wouldn't recommend doing a barrel role with it.

Despite a couple of nitpicks it is a really nice piece and a fan boy's dream made real. While many know the Alpha fighters where plagued with QC issues the Beta makes it all worth while. The fit and finish is fantastic and the materials all feel top notch. Toynami has done a real nice job delivering a solid, long-desired collectible.

Get one while you still can because when these are gone they are GONE. If you where ever a Robotech or Mospeada fan you will kick yourself for missing out.

So $150 bucks was to rich for your blood for Toynami's exquisite Masterpiece Voltron. Well how would you like an almost identical version for $80? Is an all plastic version of this piece worth the asking price? Maybe. We take a look at Voltron (SDCC 09 Metallic Paint Version.)

So today I am taking a look at the SDCC09 exclusive version of Voltron: Defender of the Universe. Toynami's previously released Masterpiece Edition Voltron was a hit with fans and collectors alike. It was well-made, had a lot of metal content and sold out pretty quickly. Face it, $150 is a LOT of money for a “toy” but I also understand the regret of not getting one when you had a chance.

Well Toynami has released this piece in an all-plastic build and I must say it's pretty good. This isn't the first all plastic version of the mighty Voltron from Toynami but it is the first metallic paint version and was sold in limited numbers at San Diego Comic Con 2009.

So for about half the price of the die-cast metal version the first thing you notice is the package. It is not the Masterpiece “book-style” package Toynami is known for. Instead you get something more akin to the classic Go-Lion or Lionbot releases.

This time using the Voltron name and logo. Very nice indeed.

Can you tell which is the plastic version and which is the metal version?

5 Robot lions combine to form the giant defender. Each is as exacting in detail as the previous metal version. Each lion feels solid and well constructed yet light and toy-like.

They retain their high level of pose-ability and striking presence on the shelf. The metallic style paint works to maintain the illusion these are metal incarnations. They look just as good as the original release really.

Very sharp.

Where the difference in materials makes a huge difference is in the finished robot mode. Voltron actually makes for a better “toy” in plastic than he does in metal.

Now don't get me wrong. I love the high metal content of the Masterpiece Edition but the all metal bodies of Blue and Yellow Lions weigh the legs down feeling like they may fall off if not supported.

The all plastic version, being lighter can actually picked up and posed without fear of falling legs. As a matter of fact I am comfortable letting my 2 year old nephew play with it (under my supervision of course) it's that much more playable

As a collector I prefer the metal “Masterpiece Edition” but the SDCC09 metallic paint version is an excellent choice for those they may have missed the first release. For those on a more discerning budget the all plastic release here is worth getting your hands on. It actually makes a great toy!

SDCC09 brought us some cool exclusives, including this vinyl figure of Voltron III (the lion one!). Click here to see how it stacks up...

Okay, so this is a little odd: news of Toynami dropping a simple, articulated vinyl figure of seminal robot hero, Voltron III (Go-Lion in his native Japan), dropped quite some time ago--before San Diego Comic-Con 2009, in fact. Lots of folks waited patiently for it to come out...and then it was announced that a metallic paint variant would be released as an exclusive at SDCC.

Sure, that's totally cool. But...where was the normal one!? As it turned out, the Comic-Con exclusive came out firstjust dropped a few days ago!

Oh well!

So...this is the San Diego Comic-Con 2009 exclusive metallic version of Toynami's Robot Vinyl Collection 01 Voltron III. Quite the mouthful, no? Well, I honestly have no idea if there will be more entries into this "Robot Vinyl Collection" series, so I didn't add that to our toylines list above (and I didn't bother to enter "01" as the figure's number). Hopefully, we'll see more characters done in this series (a Voltron I/Dairugger XV would be killer!), and we'll just update the review for clarity.

So let's get down to business. How's the toy?

I'd say, "not bad".

No, not a resoundingly enthusiastic endorsement, but as VF5SS is fond of saying these days..."it'll do".

It's a very simple toy, and as such, I think it's pretty easy to break down how to judge it. The way I see it, there are three things to look at: 1) what it is, 2) what other toys of this character exist, and 3) how much it'll set ya back.

What is it? Well, it's a 9-inch, fairly "realistic"-looking, semi-articulated figure of Voltron III. It's completely painted Chinese vinyl, so it's certainly adequate. It's a far cry from the lustrous, hard, glossy sheen of genuine Japanese vinyl...but in the final analysis, who cares? It's a solid, cheap Voltron toy.

The vinyl feels pretty thin and lightweight (except for the wings, ears, and other extremities, which are solid vinyl and perfectly straight!). The paint gets a little tacky on hot and humid days. Oh well. Like I said, it's more than adequate. The articulation is interesting. The figure is already clearly posed, slightly...but they added bicep, wrist, and knee swivels to the prerequisite neck and shoulder joints.

Why? I'm not exactly sure. They don't add much posability...at all. It's actually a rather awkward toy. I mean, he looks like he sorta could be/should be dynamic, but he totally isn't...at all. Most vintage vinyl robot toys were purposefully given blocky proportions with very limited right-angle joints. AND WE WERE HAPPY WITH THEM, DAMNIT!! *Ahem*

What I'm trying to say is that vintage-style blocky proportions just look and feel right with limited articulation. It's like holding a Jumbo Machinder--you don't suddenly expect it to be as posable as a Revoltech. It's awesome just the way it is with its 2 or 3 points of articulation. This toy, on the other hand, has "realistic" (cartoon-accurate) proportions and styling, so you almost *expect* it to breakdance on your desk. Nope.

Yep...that's about all he can do.

The sculpt, as I mentioned, does a great job of conveying the look from the show. There were a couple shortcuts I didn't appreciate, however. First off, the "hands" (the mouths of the red and green lions) are totally filled in. Booo! I know it woulda been tough to pull these parts from the molds if the hands had been hollowed out, but they really should've thought of a better solution...and then given us an ABS plastic Blazing Sword, damnit!

My other sculpt gripe is the lack of lion legs (whew). I know this figure is not meant to depict the transforming toy, but c'mon...it looks really plain without the visual cues that it can transform/combine. The arms look really naked to me. Most folks considering buying this toy are probably gonna be pretty familiar with the design. As such, I'm guessing they'll expect to see the chrome folded-up lion legs on the front of the arms and sides of the legs.

Lastly, the paintjob. Not bad. I gotta say, though...THIS is "metallic"??? I had to work pretty hard to get that sorta wet look in some of these close-ups. In normal light, he looks...normal. I can't imagine there being much difference between this and the actual normal version just released. Still, it's pretty cool. The barely-detectable glittery flake used in the paint makes the sculpt pop a little better.

Okay, we've talked about what this toy is. Now, let's look at what Voltron III merchandise is already out there. Well, there are two deluxe combining diecast toys: the recent Toynami toy and the vintage Popy DX and its umpteen variants and bootlegs. There are combining plastic toys, as well, by Toynami and other companies during the 80's (Panosh Place...**shudder**). Popy released an ST chogokin and a Jumbo Machinder (later reissued by LJN in the States). And there's probably another eleventy-billion other Voltron III/Go-Lion toys out there...

Do ya really need another???

Well, that depends. Here's the deal: to my knowledge, there's only ONE Popy mini vinyl of Go-Lion. And that's it for vinyl toys of this guy! No standard-scale vinyls, no missile-fires, no nothing! So, if you're a vinyl head and you just need a modern-style sofubi Voltron III, this may be the toy for you!

Hey, think positive, will ya!?

Lastly, price. I'm actually not sure what this guy retailed for at Comic-Con (shogundan, you wanna chime in?). I wasn't there. I do know, however, that the normal color version goes for $36USD. In the final analysis, that's not a bad deal at all. A modern character ST vinyl manufactured in Japan would easily run 2-3 times that, no problem. Onell Design's Armodoc is a Chinese vinyl figure that's shorter, but stouter than this guy...and runs you around $25USD...but Onell doesn't have to pay royalties on the name.

All in all, this figure is undoubtedly a *terrific* value despite my gripes above. That said, however, those gripes will really be the deciding factor in whether or not you want one of these on your shelf!

Each comes with a removable brain chip and light-up feature, and a plexi case for display

Due out in September 09 for $140 USD, the Half-Scale T-800 Endoskull Bust from Toynami. Each comes with a removable brain chip and light-up feature, and a plexi case for display.

I am sure this was a memorable purchase for many at San Diego Comic Con 2009.

When Toynami set out to create a more affordable Macross toy, the results were mostly satisfactory. Their 1/100 line for better or worse is readily available at almost any comic book store for the low introductory price of $15.99. They were marketed as Macross toys with nary a hint of the Robotech logo in sight. This particular example is the first time this toy has been marked as a Robotech toy. This exclusive "Stealth" Veritech also comes with the Strike/Super pack accessory, which is a little confusing since the Strike pack was never part of Robotech. The color scheme is also unique although it feels a little bit like a combination of the Stealth and Anniversary colors used by Yamato and Hasegawa Macross products.

The toy looks alright in fighter mode. The intakes do not lock into the upper fuselage nor does the backpack lock into the legs so it can be a little fiddly. The toy comes with four missile packs of each type and the extra set adds three large missiles. The gunpod attaches via its own special part that replaces the gunpod's handle and plugs into holes on the bottom of the stowed arms.

The landing gear is a simple plug-in affair with the holes being hidden under folding panels.

Gerwalk mode is also fairly standard. The toys comes with two fists, one gun holding hand, and two styles of open palm. For this mode, the toy's extensive stand set is attached by simply plugging a ball joint into a hole on the underside.

Battroid mode is arguable this toy's best mode. It features good articulation and several features like the ability to attach the gunpod to its arm. I'm afraid this sample has some excess plastic around the right shoulder.

The Strike pack fits well to the figure. Nothing feels like its going to fall off.

Strike Battroid looks good as well.

Battroid mode comes with its own stand attachment piece which plugs in under the backpack. There is also a stand extension piece to give the figure a little more altitude.

The only real problem with this figure is that there are a lot of small parts to keep track of. Be sure to buy a little storage bin.

Toynami's 2009 exclusives include favorites such as Voltron, Robotech, Gundam and Soul of Chogokin

Toynami sends word of their 2009 Comic-Con exclusives. Visit them at booth #3229 and grab yours before they are all gone!

Tamashii items

GX-24N Tetsujin 28 Naked Version

Wing Gundam Early Type (Crystal Clear Version) includes free Full Armor Gundam Mini-fig (clear) with purchase)

Toynami Items

Robotech Stealth Veritech

Voltron Vinyl - Metallic Version

Voltron Vinyl - Black version

7" Naruto Rasengan Figure

Bleach Hollow Ichigo

Skelanimals Cute as Hell Elle (elephant)

Limited Edition Emily the Strange Jinx

Futurama Alternate Universe 2 pack (Fry + Leela)

All of these items will be available for sale at the con at booth #3229, so act fast before they sell out!

Toynami and Bandai bring the excellent Batman and Bat-pod to the US in August

Toynami and Bandai bring the excellent Batman and Bat-pod to the US in August

The Deluxe articulated figure set “BATMAN & BAT-POD” has met with high praise from collectors the world over. Up until now this highly desired set was thought to be a Japan/Asia exclusive. Toynami will abate these rumors with a limited import for N America (limited to 1000pcs). A collaborative work from top manga illustrator, Masakazu Katsura, and world-renowned sculptor, Takayuki Takeya, “The Dark Knight” has been interpreted and artistically rendered in an entirely unique Japan aesthetic. Includes figure, bike and accessories. Exquisite package features highly coveted Katsura illustration. A must have item for Japan sculpt fans, Dark Knight fans, and anyone who appreciates awesomeness.

MSRP $105 due July / August 2009.

Check out our review of the set here

The ultimate fan favorites are back by popular demand in Toynami's dual release of the Encore Collection!!

The ultimate fan favorites are back by popular demand in Toynami's dual release of the Encore Collection!!

For a limited time only, we are bringing back 2 classic collections that have been sold out for over a year. Dynamic duos Bender + Fry, and Ichigo + Rukia will be making their exciting comeback this summer, as early as July!!

Ichigo is armed with a new Zangetsu Sword in his return in the Bleach Encore Collection, along with another best-seller, Rukia!

The Futurama Encore Collection features Philip J. Fry from the original Series 1, with the ever popular Bender! Please note that neither Fry nor Bender comes with any build-a-bot parts.

Based on frequent inquiries for these sold-out figures, early ordering is a MUST! These Encore Collections are a one-time release for 2009, so don't miss out!!

New items confirm release of SIC and Saint Cloth Myth in the US! Also, Robot Soul and Evangelion!

New Toynami Tamashii Preorders

All due around August / September 2009

Robot Spirits

• Robot Spirits - Akatsuki (Heavy Weapon Type)
  
  • Figure replicates mass production Knight Mare frame employed by the special forces division of the Black Knights- the resistance group led by Lelouch (under the guise of Zero). The heavy weapon type is issued appropriately with Grenade Launchers and Bazooka. (figure height 125mm)

    Product Details:

    • stands apprx. 5"
    • included with figure:
      - interchangeable hands
      - grenade launcher
      - bazooka
      - sword

• Robot Spirits - Akatsuki (Wing Type)
  
  • Special Akatsuki model equipped with Float System for aerial combat. One of the most popular Knightmare frames in the Code Geass Series will now join the Robot Spirits line-up. Release timing matched with Heavy Weapons version. Figure height- 125mm

    Product Details:

    • stands apprx. 5"
    • included with figure:
      - interchangeable hands
      - hand gun

• Robot Spirits - Tristan Transformable Knightmare Frame Action Figure
  
  • Custom. transformable Tristan Knightmare Frame used by 17yr old ace pilot Gino Weinberg (one of 12 elite pilots in the Knights of Round).

    Product Details:

    • stands approximately 5"
    • transforms from "Fortress Mode" to "Knightmare Frame Mode"
    • included with figure: clear head piece, silver head piece, Maser Vibration Sword
• Robot Spirits Cross Bone Gundam X-2
• Following the June launch of X-1, this upgraded version of Cross Bone Gundam inclues a full array of accessory weapons not included in first version: long rifle, beam shield, beam sabre and more. Figure stands 12cm..

  Product Details:

  • stands approx. 4.7"
  • included with figure:
    "open face" head piece
    interchangeable hands
    Zanbuster (weapon)
    Beam Zanber (weapon)
    Beam Saber (weapon)
    Shot Lancer (weapon)
    Long Rifle (weapon)
    Beam Shielf (weapon)
    ABC cloak

• Robot Spirits Garazzo Mobile Suit
  
  • Garazzo (Care Hilling's MS) appears 2nd season 18th episode, and battles the celestial beings. Beam claw is recreated with clear parts, backpack can be attached and removed.

    Product Details:

    • stands approximately 6"
    • included with figure:
      Beam Claw
      Backpack (removable)
      "Twin Eye" face part

• Robot Spirits Gundam Exia
  
  • At last the long awaited release of the mobile suit employed by the main character Setsuna F Seiei. This Robot Spirits sculpt captures the proportion of the mobile suit as featured in the anime, and includes a full array of weapon accessories that make the Exia the ultimate close-quarters combat MS.

    Product Details:

    • stands approx. 4.7"
    • interchangeable hands
    • pacakaged in window box
    • GN sword
    • GN Beam Saber (2)
    • GN Beam Dagger (2)
    • GN Long Blade, Short Blade
    • GN Shield
• Robot Spirits Masurao
  • This Gundam 00 Masurao action figure was piloted by Mr. Bushido who was set on taking down the Gundam00 in mid-season 2 of the series. The black poly-carbonate body achieves high custom finish detail. This 4 3/4-inch tall figure includes display stand, interchangeable heads, beam saber (long and short), and is packaged in a window box.

Chogokin

• SDX Command Gundam
  
  • The best of SD Gundam and Chogokin technology combined Tamashii Nation's SDX series has become popular amongst Chogokin and Gundam fans alike. Incorporates die-cast and features a full array of weaponry accessories, as well as display stand.

    Product Details:

    • stands approx. 4"
    • PVC, diecast
    • included with figure:
      - multiple weapons
      - multiple armor parts
      - display stand

• Kamen Rider Dragon Knight Action Figure
  
  • 12cm figure rendered by renowed sculptor Kenji Ando. Kamen Rider Ryuki is the series on which the hit show, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight is based on! This will be the SIC Kiwami series official debut ! Licensor Approval pending.

    Product Details:

    • stands approximately 4.7" tall
    • included with figure:
      -
      interchangeable hands with Advent Card
      - packaged in window box

• Saint Cloth Myth Pegasus Tenma
  
  • This will be the first official North American release of the long awaited Saint Cloth Myth Series. This launch begins with the all new Manga and Anime series- The Lost Canvas. This first item replicates the main character, bronze armored Pegasus Tenma- figure stands 16cm tall and comes with full array of armor as well as pegasus object!

    Item Description:

    • stands apprx. 6.3" tall
    • included with figure:
      - pegasus (transforms into armor)
      - interchangeable hands

• GX-47 Energer Z
  
  • EnergerZ the prototype model for MazingerZ makes its grand appearance in the all new anime series, "Mazinger Edition Z: The Impact!". In this all new Chogokin, EnergerZ's signature motorcycle pilot seat on head and slope back (cape/ramp via which the motorcycle climbs to the head) are recreated in precise detail. Entirely new tooling and design from GX-7E.

    Product Details:

    • stands apprx. 6.3"
    • included with figure:
      - back ramp
      - bike
      - display stand

• Tamashii Spec Tekkaman Blade & Pegasus
  • Product Details:
    - Tekkaman apprx. 4"
    - Pegasus apprx. 8"
    - Included with figures: Tekk Lancer (single), Tekk Lancer (twin), Tekk Shield, interchangeable hands for weapons, clear display stand

Other

Evangelion 1/8 Scale Mari Figure

• 1:8 scale figure of the hot new character, Mari, in the new Evangelion movie. Sculpted by renowned Evangelion artist Kameyama Mizue. Figure includes stand.

  Product Details:

  • stands approximately 7" tall
  • PVC figure
  • included with figure:
    -
    display stand
    - packaged in window box