The saga of Saint Seiya continues and Bandai has new Saint Cloth Myth to show for it. I take a look at the first release from Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas. It's Pegasus Tenma.

Review sample provided by HobbyLink Japan.

Saint Seiya has a long and rich history and the main story is still not finished. While fans wait, for the stories of Heaven and Chronos to be told a prologue story was created under the supervision of the original creator Masami Kurumada and written and illustrated by Shiori Teshirogi.

The Lost Canvas takes place 250 years before the original Saint Seiya saga and tells the story of three orphans that grew up as children only to assume their roles in this cosmic battle of good and evil. It touches upon plot points and themes from the original series while chronicling the previous Holy War between Athena and Hades.

First up in Bandai's line of Saint Cloth Mythology line for The Lost Canvas is Pegasus Tenma, the series's main character and this generations Pegasus Saint. With the series being written and illustrated by a different artist the anime adapts this new look and Bandai took and ran with it. Creating a striking new look for the Saint Cloth Mythology line.

The packaging continues the look of previous Saint Cloth Myth, a book style package that opens to reveal the figure and all the armor parts and pieces neatly arranged.

The Tenma figure features an all new body type and a new “style” to the look of the head sculpt. I love how it captures the look of the new series yet fits in with previous SCM releases.

The body features over 40 points of articulation as well as interchangeable faces (for different expressions) as well as 8 interchangeable hands.

Also included is the flower bracelet Sasha (Athena) made for Tenma, Alone and her as children to signify their bond as children.

Each warrior wears an armor in the series. Athena's warriors wear “clothes” and are all named and designed after constellations in the night sky. So when the Cloth is not being worn be our heroes they form a statue or “Object” to be more accurate. Tenma's armor being the Pegasus saint turns into a Pegasus statue.

You may notice that the figures themselves are fairly spindly and thin but all that changes when you put the parts on for the armor. Everything sits and looks properly in proportion once on and looks stunning on the shelf.

Most of this release is die-cast metal with only the skirt plating and head-piece being made of plastic. There's not a lot for armor on the figure as this is how it appears early in the show before it's first repair/evolution.

Not a lot of surprises with this release. Saint Cloth Mythology has been a top quality line from Bandai for many years now and Pegasus Tenma is an excellent start to The Lost Canvas line of figures and a good place to start if you;ve ever wanted to check one of these sharp looking figures. You can get yours at HobbyLink Japan.

On a side note, I have finally had a chance to see the 6 first episodes of the series, fan subbed. It's really well done and a bit more mature in tone that early Saint Seiya. It is an excellent place to start if you have ever been interested in the Saint Seiya Mythology but have been overwhelmed at the rich and long history of the series. It's an excellent beginning point without knowing a thing about the history.

7-Year-Old Named Winner of National Sweepstakes Shopping Spree One Week Before His Birthday; Loads Up On Action Figures, Aliens and More to Share with Local Charity

7-Year-Old Named Winner of National Sweepstakes Shopping Spree One Week Before His Birthday; Loads Up On Action Figures, Aliens and More to Share with Local Charity

Seven-year old Michael M of Angier, NC will celebrate his birthday early with a dream gift come true – a shopping spree at Toys“R”Us Cary – after winning first prize in the Ben 10 Alien Creation Sweepstakes from Bandai America Incorporated.

Not only will Michael enjoy this out of this world shopping spree – but so will members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County. Bandai America Incorporated will donate $500 in Ben 10 Alien Force toys as an early holiday surprise to the members of the local center. Valeska Wittek from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County will be on-site to accept.

Michael is one of more than 5,000 kids who have already invaded www.bandai.com since the start of the Ben 10 Alien Creation Sweepstakes on October 19. Great prizes are still up for grabs, including video games, toys, and a Grand Prize trip to New York to be Bandai’s Kid Reporter at Toy Fair 2010. Kids ages 6-14 can visit www.bandai.com until December 1, 2009 to enter the sweepstakes and receive a coupon for $2.50 off Ben 10: Alien Force toys, or download a mail-in offer for an exclusive Ben 10 action figure with a $20 purchase of Ben 10 products. The Grand Prize winner will be drawn on December 15, 2009.

New episodes from the Ben 10 Alien Force television show debut on Cartoon Network on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

It is not a bad toy per se, but it doesn’t excel beyond merely bringing back an old-school animation technique.

Video review included!

This toy appears courtesy from HobbyLink Japan.

Thirteen generations ago, special ancient samurai warriors called the Shinkenger were authorized by the Japanese Emperor to defend their country against the Gedoushuu monsters from the mythical Sanzu River. The Shinkenger succeeded, and the Gedoushuu were defeated. Hundreds of years later in 2009, the Gedoushuu have slowly rebuilt themselves and they are slipping through all dark crevasses once more to collect human screams to flood the Sanzu River into the world for their return. Takeru Shiba, the current samurai lord of the Shiba Clan, now summons four vassal samurai from different clans, and arms them with the magical scripture power known as mojikara to become the new Samurai Sentai Shinkenger!

In Act 1- “The Gallant Appearance of the Five Samurai”, the newest generation of Shinkenger assemble together to fight the renewed threat of the demonic Gedoushuu. The Secret Playback-katana ShinkenMaru is the standard-use sidearm for the Shinkenger. While a resilient katana on its own, it is also designed to accept Secret Discs. When a Secret Disc is attached to it, and then infused with a Shinkenger’s mojikara, the associated Disc’s power will be unlocked. Most of the Secret Discs’ powers include special one-on-one attacks, and summoning & controlling busou Origami. Each Shinkenger can also morph their ShinkenMaru at will into their personal-style weapons- Rekka Daizantou, Water Arrow, Wood Spear, Land Slicer, & Heaven Fan- depending on the Secret Disc they each have.

The speaker and On/Off switch are on the right side. The front of the grip has a red trigger that, when depressed, activates one of two sword-swinging sounds. A red LED on the left side also blinks accordingly.

Ordinarily, the ShinkenMaru is utilized with a standard Common Disc (included with the Secret Disc Belt set, sold separately). However, the toy comes with Shinken Red’s personal Secret Disc- the Shishi Disc. When attached to the katana, it allows him to perform his Kaen no Mai (“Fiery Dance”) sword technique/attack. But it also gives Shinken Red authorization to control the giant-sized Shishi Origami when he is inside of it, and the Disc-equipped ShinkenMaru is place into the cockpit’s control pedestal.

. . .

The ShinkenMaru uses a very old motion picture technique for its special gimmick, called a praxinoscope. Used before film cameras were developed in the late-1800s, a series of similar images is placed around a collection of rotating mirrors. Then, when both the images and mirrors are spun at the same speed, it creates the illusion of movement because the human eye is unable to keep track of the movements of the original images (which naturally blur as they spin), but can register the specific angle of only the reflected images. (This is similar to how the centuries-older zoetrope worked, but does not depend on the images being hidden from view altogether. The praxinoscope is considered the direct successor to the zoetrope.)

The Secret Discs are designed around being used for the praxinoscope on the ShinkenMaru. A series of eight slightly-differing ‘cels’ of animation are placed on each Secret Disc, and there are eight corresponding reflective surfaces above the handle. When the Secret Disc is slipped over the handle, it at-first appears as nothing but a hand guard. But, when you spin the rim of the Secret Disc manually, the praxinoscope activates and the cels on the guard become animated on the chrome-plated plastic above!

In the case of the Shishi Disc, the left-reflected profile of the Shishi Origami is seen running & roaring alongside flames in the background.

The ShinkenMaru has an intentionally-hidden tab above the praxinoscope to register its movement. (You can easily hear it clicking loudly when it turns!) The toy can detect two different speeds- ‘normal’ and ‘fast’- and this is tied into how the Shinkenger inject mojikara into the Secret Disc(s).

• Spinning a Secret Disc at ‘normal’ speed, and then squeezing the trigger, activates an extended sword-swinging effect.
• Spinning a Secret Disc at the ‘fast’ speed, and then squeezing the trigger, produces five different sound effects, each coinciding with the Shinkenger’s personal Origami Disc. Each sound effect is pre-programmed into the toy rather than reading it off of the Secret Disc that is attached to it. So regardless of which Disc you have on it, they will each play once in random order.
  • Kaen no Mai / “Fiery Dance” (Shishi Disc, used by Shinken Red)
  • Suiryu no Mai / “Current’s Dance” (Ryuu Disc, used by Shinken Blue)
  • Tenku no Mai / “Heavenly Dance” (Kame Disc, used by Shinken Pink)
  • Kogarashi no Mai / “Winter Winds Dance” (Kuma Disc, used by Shinken Green)
  • Tsuchikemuri no Mai / “Dust Cloud Dance” (Saru Disc, used by Shinken Yellow)

The back of the ShinkenMaru can allow it to be stored into a holder provided on the separately-sold Secret Disc Belt (not shown).

I got this toy under a false pretense. I assumed that, like past card/chip/item-reading toys, this one would be able to read whatever Secret Disc was put onto it, and then provide unique sound effects only when that one Secret Disc was attached. I was wrong. And now I am frustrated because it should have easily been able to do so! Instead, when I put the Shishi Disc on it, I can just as likely get the sound of the Saru or Ryuu Origami screeching, which is wrong according to what is seen in the series. While use of the praxinoscope was cleaver and original (as well as how you activate it, by hand rather than a motor), the entire toy is built upon this one gimmick (as perhaps it should be). Additionally, I thought that having it being able to register a change in speeds was also good. (The clicking of the sensor is annoying and loud, and thus they increased the volume of the speaker to compensate… which makes my ears rattle and ring painfully at the same time!) Really, the only reason I got this toy so that I could plug other Secret Discs from other sets I bought into it to see the animation(s) of each, rather than because it was a role-playing weapon. (I usually don’t collect the weapons and devices used in Super Sentai for personal taste-reasons, so that was a strike against it in my book as well.) The Hiden Saiseitou ShinkenMaru is merely a toy sword with some average sound effects and a single LED (why even bother!?) built into it, and then has a gimmick that only meets your expectations half-way. It is not a bad toy per se, but it doesn’t excel beyond merely bringing back an old-school animation technique.

Shaider for the USA!

As far as I can tell, Star Searchers was Bandai’s attempt to market Toei’s Metal Heroes to an American audience. Zeric is clearly Space Sheriff Shaider, although I’m not sure of the original toy mold.

Zeric is larger than the standard Popy size, measuring 7.5 inches high. If the back of the box is to be believed, a similar model of Sharivan was also released in America.

Zeric is a great figure, mostly plastic but with a substantial heft provided by the diecast rear leg components. The rest of the toy is executed in sharply detailed chromium, in blue and silver.

Zeric’s primary gimmick is a light/sound feature, activated by a switch on his back. His eyes and chest pulse along with a throbbing laser noise.

For a light/sound figure, Zeric is surprisingly articulated, with movement at his neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

The fit and finish is pure Popy. This is a quality toy.

Zeric comes with two accessories, a sword and a gun. The gun fits nicely in its holster.

Given the dearth of Metal Hero product in the US, I recommend picking up any Star Searchers product you can get ahold of.

Maybe one of the most iconic combinations of the new anime generation, and it's POPYNICA.

i can't beleive we havent covered this here yet, but here it is. Bandai and Medicom are teaming up under their Project BM! label to produce a 1/6 scale Kaneda and Bike.

The Bike is being handled by Bandai, under strict supervision of Katsuhiro Otomo. The vehicle contains overwhelming precision and weight, with special attention to real-world materials. Metal frame, rubber tires. SIX different light up LED, two sound effects (right trigger makes accellerating sound, left brake makes brake squeal).

"from Katsuhiro Otomo's acclaimed manga, AKIRA, and created under Otomo's direct supervision. This die-cast metal vehicle replica is complete with LED light-up features, including front and back wheels, headlights, taillights, blinker, and dashboard, as well as sound effects, including engine start, rev, tires, drift and drive. The headlights can be adjusted to move up and down, and the front can be raised and lowered to simulate park and drive modes. The model has three power levels - off, lights only, and lights with sound, and has full, workable suspension created under cowling. (Requires 4 AAA batteries, not included.) The fully detailed Kaneda's Bike Die-cast Model is the perfect companion to the Shotaro Kaneda 12-inch Figure (available separately), an outstanding pair for any collection."

38,000 yen, due March 2010

The Kaneda figure is being handled by Medicom.

- From Katsuhiro Otomo's eternal creation 'AKIRA', main character Shotaro Kaneda has been fully reproduced in a 12-inch figure!
- The head (made with PVC material) has two types, normal type and the goggle type, which can be swapped!
- Comes with gloves so you can recreate your favorite scene!
- The boots are made with a flexible material for enduring various poses!
- The distinctive bike suit is separated by top and bottom, for a complete reproduction!
- The back of his jacket has the symbolic 'Capsule & Logo' printed on it!
- The laser cannon (made with ABS material) has its intricate details fully reproduced! The aiming device is also mobile, just like the movie setup.
- Battery pack can be attached to the laser cannon via the accuracy cable! Also has a shoulder belt!
- With RAH301 improved body as a base, this uses parts specially designed to reproduce proportion and mobility.
- Comes with figure stand!

Due in March, 17,800 yen

Seagorath is an Ultra Kaiju, meaning he is a Giant Monster featured in the Ultraman Franchise. Specifically, Seagorath comes from episodes 13, 14 and 37 of "The Return of Ultraman" from 1971.

Seagorath is an Ultra Kaiju, meaning he is a Giant Monster featured in the Ultraman Franchise. Specifically, Seagorath comes from episodes 13, 14 and 37 of "The Return of Ultraman" from 1971.

The Kaiju fights with Ultraman Jack until he is defeated and driven back into the ocean.

However, his face mysteriously reappears on the Kaiju Tyrant, who is an amalgam of many previous Ultra Kaiju.

This vinyl toy is a kids toy at heart. Produced in 1992, before Bandai had the collectors market in mind, Seagorath is a solid sturdy vinyl figure. Articulation is limited to the arms and legs.

This figure was bought at a flea market in Tokyo on my 2009 trip for 100 yen. A Bargain.

Evangelion joins the Robot Spirits lineup

Evangelion joins the Robot Spirits lineup with the release of Eva Unit 02 from Evangelion:Fracture.

3,500 Yen, due Feb 2010

New Evangelion Designs from a new Evangelion series?

From what I can gather, Evangelion Anima is a "What IF" story - What if Japan and the UN Successfully stop the Human Instrumentation Project? This would take place three years after that.

The story will be seralized in Dengeki Hobby.

The chogokin will be 8,800 yen, due in March 2010

MOTHERFU*KIN BAOH!!!

I can't believe they are makng a BAOH toy after all these years. Where the hell is my XENON toy?!

Unfortunately, looks to be mostly static pose statue - although it does say action figure.

Sculpted by Takeyuki Takeya

5,500 Yen, due feb 2010

Awesome looking mech from Bandai

This awesome looking mech hails from Fullmetal Panic

Robot Soul M9D FALKE, 3,675 yen from Bandai, due March 2010