Welcome Back
February 1 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #1, and...
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  Today we look at a great new-ish line of G.I. Joe action figures aimed squarely at older fans of the 1980's figures with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #1 with Cobra Commander, the Baroness, and a Cobra Trooper. You get a full-size full reprint of 1982's issue #1 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising), three figures, six firearms, some purse thing, a knife, and the smug satisfaction of having just bought a set of toys based on terrorists.
Is it worth it? We think so-- more or less. Find out why in today's review, and come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #2!
ALSO...
Word on the street by way of American Dream Comics or whatever they're called this week, you can see pictures of the Green Shirts set from Toys "R" Us-- apparently it's hitting stores! It turns out that they use multiple body parts with a clever repaint of a single head, giving you six distinct looks spanning multiple ethnicities and facial hair types. So yeah, the beards and goatees-- where available-- are merely painted on. And it looks a little like Tom Green. But we'll buy them if we see them.
And finally, a fantastic interview with Devil's Due Publising head Josh Blaylock about what they might do should they get the TransFormers license, the renumbering (but not end) of the current G.I. Joe comic, the end of G.I. Joe Reloaded... and a lot of other stuff. If you have an interest in the licensed toy merchandise game or have nothing better to do at work, you should probably read this.
--AP
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Kay-Bee Clearance... Clearance
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 Some (if not all) Kay-Bee toy stores are marking down their orange tagged clearance product to buy one get one half off. This includes Xevoz, Star Wars Saga, sundry LEGO, TransFormers Universe deluxes, and many other great toy lines. We do not know if it includes G.I. Joe because the store we visited had zero product from that particular line.
--AP
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Can I take my tank this time?
February 2 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #2, and...
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 Today we look at a great new-ish line of G.I. Joe action figures aimed squarely at older fans of the 1980's figures with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #2 with Snake Eyes, Scarlett, and Tracker Kwinn. You get a full-size full reprint of 1982's issue #2 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising), three figures, five firearms, a dog, a crossbow, a backpack, and a tripod. Not a bad adventure-in-a-box for kids or a nifty collectible for the older folks.
While we live in the desert and don't understand snow, we still enjoyed the set immensely. Find out why in today's review, and come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #3!
ALSO...
Word on the street is that the next Master Collector club exclusive will be called Jungle Viper. Pics to follow, we guess.
--AP
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Cheapo Batman Microman Two-Pack
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 While we have yet to determine if this is a fluke, we spotted the two-pack of Batman Microman figures-- Batman & Batgirl-- for a sweet $14.99 at Suncoast Motion Picture Co., a popular mall-based movie sales chain. Individually packaged Batman Microman figures were also $14.99, and most stores we've visited ask $24.99 for the two-pack. (Of course we bought one.) These super-posable superheroes are a steal at this price, so we say check your local stores and see what's up.
--AP
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They Started Cheering
February 3 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #3, and...
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 We continue our special look at G.I. Joe action figures with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #3 with Sgt. Stalker, General "Hawk" Abernathy, and Double Clutch. (Also known as Stalker, Hawk, and Clutch.) You get a full-size full reprint of 1982's issue #3 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising), three figures, seven firearms, and two grenades. As the figures originally went for $2-$3 with the comic at $0.60 and the extra weapons, this is a really good deal.
This set contained the first green shirted main characters from the G.I. Joe mythos to be made in this line, which started a proud tradition that so far encompasses a whopping seven team members. This set inspired us to keep picking the line up, and you can find out why in today's review! Also, be sure to come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #4!
And hey...
Lee's Action Figure News & Toy Review has shots of in-package comic book packs from the next series, so you can get an advance look at Serpentor, Firefly, and Destro. They come in the same style of packaging, but sport the sticker for the mail-in Storm Shadow offer, so check them out!
It appears writers AND a producer were named for the in-preproduction movie based on G.I. Joe-- we were surprised. It isn't official, and we don't know which storylines it will follow, but we at 16bit.com demand appearances by Snake Eyes and Cobra Commander.
--AP
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TransFormers Cybertron Preorders & US Names
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 The guys at Big Bad Toy Store have confirmed several names of the upcoming TransFormers Cybertron line and an estimated release date-- May! They also renamed the assortments-- Basics are now Scout, and Megas are now Voyager. Also, Supers are Leader, it seems.
--AP
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Star Trek from Playing Mantis
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 Numerous die-cast metal vehicles have just started hitting stores from Playing Mantis, makers of the fantastic line of Johnny Lightning die-cast metal cars. The line includes items from the original TV Enterprise to the new NX-01 Enterprise with several awesome designs from the middle. Check your local stores (or favorite etaillers) for the latest. We spotted these at a local comic shop.
--AP
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X-Toys Godzillas Available
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 This week, comic book shops started to get (or get more of) Godzilla figures from X-Plus. These are similarly sized to BanDai's vinyl offerings but don't seem as friendly to play. They also require assembly. We spotted them for $19.99 per and did not yet buy any.
--AP
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That's Maddy
February 4 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #4, and...
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 We continue our special look at G.I. Joe action figures with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #4 with Grunt, Snake Eyes, and Zap. This pack contains a full-size full reprint of 1982's issue #4 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising), three figures, seven firearms, a bazooka-looking thing, a knife, and a backpack. Since one of the figures is basically the 1982 Snake Eyes with better paint, this is a great release.
While Grunt is the odd man out in his brown militia uniform, he's still a nifty figure-- find out why in today's review! Also, be sure to come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #5!
And hey...
We also spotted the G.I. Joe Greenshirts set, also known as the G.I. Joe Infantry Division. We're currently taking pictures of these mostly nameless figures-- the file cards have a blank spot where you can write in your own codename, a throwback to several mail-in figures from the 1980s. The set is good for the most part and is loaded with accessories-- sixteen guns, six stands, six backpacks, six helmets, and a knife. Not bad!
--AP
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Street Fighter Microman Revealed
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 Over at Microman Forever, they revealed the pictures for two upcoming Street Fighter figures-- one's Chun Li, the other's Sakura. Both look great, and you really need to see the pictures-- even if you aren't a fan of the characters, it's hard to deny that these turned out really well.
--AP
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Star Trek Finally Cancelled
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UPN made it official today-- Star Trek Enterprise got the axe. The final episode will air in May, mere days away from Revenge of the Sith. Odds are the series' end will be buried in Star Wars press, much like how the ninth Trek was eclipsed by the release of the trailer for The Phantom Menace.
--AP
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PlayStation Portable Price, Launch Library
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 March 24, $249.99 in a bundle with extras, so says this story at GameSpot. The article also talks up the launch library and tells you about the bonus Spider-Man 2 movie disc you get in the box.
--AP
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Something
February 5 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #5, and news on #9
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 We conclude our special look at G.I. Joe action figures for a little while with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #5 with General Flagg, Ralph "Steeler" Pulaski, and Cobra Officer. This pack contains a full-size full reprint of 1982's issue #5 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising, save for one place on the packaging), three figures, seven firearms, a a knife, a helmet, a hat, and a backpack. While General Flagg isn't the most interesting figure ever, nor is Steeler especially exciting without a MOBAT to drive, there's no denying the appeal of yet another Cobra trooper! Read all about them in today's review! Also, come back later this month for a look at issues #6, #7, and #8!
But where's #9? According to Steel Brigade's rumor control section, Hasbro confirmed the set would be coming out in "late 2005," whatever that means. The set was originally shown at the summer conventions of 2004 and includes Breaker, Scarlett, and a holographic Cobra Commander.
Breaker appears to have the same construction as one of the Green Shirts recently released, including the helmet, but also has a new head. Scarlett appears to be the old body with a brand new head, slightly different than that used with Issue #2. And finally, Cobra Commander appears to be indentical to his Issue #1 release, just unpainted and clear.
So with the first eight packs of figures, Hasbro has released a mere four characters associated with Cobra-- not a lot, that's for sure. More are on the way, though-- between issues #9, #21, #24, and #49 a whopping seven more Cobras make their way into the line-- unfortunately, one of them is another Cobra Commander, but one has to start somewhere.
--AP
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TransFormers Collector Club Magazine #1 Impressions
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In the mail today we received our free sample issue of the very first TransFormers Collector Club Magazine under the new license with Master Collector. So, you may ask, what do you get?
You get a 16-page color minimagazine that's wrapped inside a large newsprint classified ads publication not unlike Toy Shop, if you're old enough to remember that. As far as actual content in the color portion, there isn't much-- of course, this may have been thrown together quickly, but the Hasbro interview is extremely thin, and while the Simon Furman interview is meaty, the decision to cut it up into installments is not one I can honestly say was for the best.
The issue also contains two fairly long toy reviews, clocking in over a page each, as well as a very nifty look at the Mini-Spies from the early days of G1. Finally, there's the first segment of a serialized comic that introduced TransFormers Cybertron's own Vector Prime which was actually quite good. All in all it's a very mixed bag, for $40 year (toy included) it may be a tough sell. The content isn't horrid, but the design looks like an issue of Tomart's Action Figure Digest circa 1991 and aside from the comic, genuinely exclusive information is lacking.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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 After this week's look at the first two series of G.I. Joe comic book three-packs, we're going to set our sights over to Japan and start looking at Godzilla: Final Wars toys that started seeing release in the land of the rising sun last November. First up tomorrow: Godzilla!
--AP
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I Like You Mecha Much
February 6 2005 |
Review: Final Wars Godzilla; Valentines?
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 Today, we start our look at BanDai's line of Japanese figures from Godzilla: Final Wars with the big lizard himself, Godzilla! While not a highly posable beast, he's huge-- and nicely sculpted. We daresay one of the best Godzilla items in the house. Just look at that face.
So far, the large hollow vinyl/rotocast/whatever figures line has hit ten unique figures, all of which will be coming your way over the next few weeks right here at the ever-self-promiting 16bit.com. Tomorrow, we'll be looking at Angurus (or Anguilas, or Anguiras, they can't keep it straight). But don't miss today's review of Godzilla!
Also, we found a pack of Valentines at Kmart. Yes, Godzilla Valentines. Yes, based on the movies from like the 1970s. A full review will be posted in time for Valentine's Day. (We also purchased a box of TransFormers Energon valentines to be posted around the same time.) The box boasts 32 valentines and a sheet of stickers-- there are eight unique valentines and a sheet with about 30 unique stickers. It's a good deal if you can find it, upon discovering it we checked eBay and the set, which sells for $1.39, seems to go anywhere from $3 to $11.
--AP
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G.I. Joe Page, Comics Figure Checklist Added
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In the interests of giving you far more information than you want, we added a Page for G.I. Joe as well as this Checklist for the G.I. Joe comic three-packs. Since the line is thousands strong, we will not be covering the line in great detail although we will add items to our archive as we have the means to do so.
--AP
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TransFormers Alternators Ravage Available
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Word on the street that the Corvette Ravage from Alternators is hitting stores. We've just only spotted Windcharger for the second time, so we're not entirely sure if it's here yet, although we are keeping our eyes peeled.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We've got another Godzilla review for Monday, and we're working on a look at some valentines for you for next week. We're suckers for these kinds of oddities.
We also added the Review Pile to our nav bar to let you know some of the things we're currently working on for a review soon. Feel free to make requests if there's something you want reviewed that isn't on the list, or if you want something bumped up sooner.
--AP
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Save Up To $7.00
February 7 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Angurus
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 Today, we start our look at BanDai's line of Japanese figures from Godzilla: Final Wars with the big lizard himself, Angurus! He has six joints and is a different color than he was before, but he looks very well designed and sports a lot of textures in his (relatively) small body. Don't miss all the pictures and commentary in today's review of Angurus!
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter
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  Galactic Hunter has posted their weekly Q&A column by yours truly, the first of two Q&A columns this week! We look at 10 questions with 10 answers from you, the readers, about all sorts of things from Revenge of the Sith to the fact that Darth Vader and lava have gone together since 1983. Read on for all this... and more on Padme's rack!
As an added bonus, there will be a second Q&A this week for the first time in... a very long time. Come back here or to Galactic Hunter on Thursday to see another set of 10 questions and answers!
--AP
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G.I. Joe Comic Packs #6-#8 Sales
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We're working on several reviews, but while you're waiting, here are some photos of the samples we picked up recently and some tidbits on where you can get them-- and cheaply, sort of.
Kay-Bee toys is currently running a "buy one get one half price" sale on orange tagged items at all stores and ALL items at every store we've been to this past weekend-- which, so far, is all of them. They stock issues #6-#8 for $11.99 each, so at buy-one-get-one-half-off you're looking at something like $30 if all you buy are those three toys, which is the same as we've seen them sell for elsewhere. So far, we have also seen these sets at several Target stores and Toys "R" Us stores in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area as well as one instance of a #8 at a Wal-Mart near central Phoenix. We are presently unsure if this is a fluke because we've been seeing some of the first five sets for an even $5.00 (and have been buying them for the Cobra troops. Well, two of them anyway.)
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And this is the G.I. Joe Infantry Division, known better as the Green Shirts and jokingly referred to as "The Tom Green Shirts" due to the facial hair on one of the figures. This set contains six figures and several accessories for each-- quite impressive if you like such things. Reviews of all four of these sets will be posted in February.
--AP
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TransFormers News & Rumors Aplenty
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Thanks to our fearless readers, we now know that Alternators Ravage toys are floating around here in Arizona, and that more Energon combiner limbs are out there as well-- we'll keep you posted as we find them!
Also, you may wish to check your favorite TransFormers news sites for some interesting rumors that popped up this weekend. For example, Don Murphy confirmed some more things about the movie he's producing, like Megatron's being a tank and Soundwave appearing... and having some minions to boot. There's also some rumblings going around about "Cybertron Allstars" toys which may be something and may be nothing. Toy Fair is just weeks away so we're hoping to hear more then.
--AP
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New Mini Marvel Legends scale to 4"?
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 That's the word on the street-- apparently Toy Biz is joining the bandwagon of the miniatures game with some four-inch superheroes. Apparently this was floating around but we missed the news of Marvel Super Hero Showdown, which is apparently some sort of scaled-down Marvel Legends line in which for this game, so says Toy News International. There are no pictures yet, and if this is true it's a pretty exciting development-- now Spider-Man can fight Cobra Commander, just as the gods of Marvel Comics may have intended.
Figures listed in the assortment breakdowns include Hulk, Wolverine, Spider-Man, Thing, Iron Man, Doc Ock, Black Spider-Man, Berserker Wolverine, Punisher, Iron Man, Human Torch, Dr. Doom, Captain America, and a Spider-Man with Spider Sense. Toy Biz always has a great presence at Toy Fair, so here's hoping we will get to see more of these potentially very interesting figures in a couple of weeks! (And curse you, Toy Biz-- in a small size we're probably going to start looking into these. Especially if Man-Thing and Dr. Strange are involved.)
Finally, Toy News International also posted some word on Marvel wares from the Candian Toy Fair, including word of Marvel Legends 10's line-up. (Black Panther, anyone?)
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Tomorrow we shift gears for a review of something completely different-- a Japanese figure of The Count from Sesame Street from their not-at-all wildly d series of Kubrick figures.
--AP
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I will be testing my smoke alarm
February 8 2005 |
Review: Sesame Street The Count
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  Sometimes you have to go to Japan to get the best American character collectibles, like this Sesame Street Kubrick figure of The Count! While it's basically a block figure, there's some excellent paint and a top-notch head sculpt here-- plus it's the freaking Count. Don't miss all the pictures and commentary in today's review of The Count!
--AP
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TransFormers Alternators Battle Ravage Found
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While it's a little odd to see a toy that originally turned from a cassette tape to a robotic jaguar altered to a car that turns into a robot with a cyber kitty head, well, we were still happy to see one today at Target, and another one today at a Wal-Mart. So check your local stores.
We also scored two new Energon combiner limbs, pics tomorry.
--AP
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Pikachu Edition GameBoy Advance SP
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Are you ready for something so cute it's disgusting? IGN posted these pics of the new yellow Pikachu edition SP. It has the little electric mouse's face on the lid. It's disgusting but odds are you'll still want one anyway, so go look you shameless game fiends.
--AP
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KA-BLAMN
February 9 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Mothra
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 Today, we start our look at BanDai's line of Japanese figures from Godzilla: Final Wars with one of very few female characters in these movies, Mothra! While fairly unposable, she's big-- really big. And colorful, painted in oranges and reds previously unseen on a Mothra toy-- so even if you have a Mothra, you probably don't have one like this. Don't miss all the pictures and commentary in today's review of Mothra!
--AP
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TransFormers Energon Combiner Limbs
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We found two last night and two more the day before, so now we've got four new Energon toys recently released for your enjoyment.
As of now, this means you can put together Superion Maximus but the two Decepticon combiners are sadly still incomplete. Here's hoping Hasbro hurries the pair of pieces pronto.
--AP
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More Shipments of Playmates The Simpsons at Toys "R" Us
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 It appears to be a trickle, but the fine folks at Toys "R" Us keep getting in more cases of the first few waves of Simpsons action figures. Today alone we saw nearly a half dozen Smithers, the most we've ever seen in one place... well, ever. They're a little under $4 each and Mr. Burns, Chief Wiggum, and several other old favorites are still shipping to some stores. If you have gaps to fill in your collection or just want a Mr. Burns for your computer at work, we advise you to hit the nearest Toys "R" Us (or some far away ones too) as soon as you can.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Tomorrow, we start back with another look at some Robot Masters TransFormers from Japan with Road Rocket! Also, a new installment in the ever-popular Galactic Hunter Q&A will be added on Thursday along with another review from Godzilla Final Wars!
--AP
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Moment of Truth
February 10 2005 |
Review: TransFormers Robot Masters Road Rocket
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 We're serious suckers for Japan's own Robot Masters line of TransFormers with a repaint of a pretty great Generation 2 toy, Road Rocket! Originally he was red and blue, but now he's yellow with flames-- but he still has the same great LED weapon that lights up, now cast in a bluish hue. Don't miss all the pictures and commentary in today's review of Road Rocket!
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter... again!
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. Who loves ya baby? Certainly not us, but we like you enough to answer your questions about all thing Star Wars.
This time around we look at General Grievous' arms, the new taped packaging for Revenge of the Sith, why we'll probably never see mass production of the likes of Vlix, and yes, how to finally please your man! Maybe not the last one. (Sorry ladies and/or gents!)
--AP
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Final Fantasy VII Toys from Kotobukiya
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The fine folks at NCS added shots of three new Koto toys from Square's classic Final Fantasy VII. The large figures include Tifa, Sephiroth, and Vincent-- they're due in August and about $50 a whack. Neat, but at this time we do not believe we will be obtaining a set to review.
--AP
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Revealed: Aliens, Predator Microman Toys
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 Finally! The fine folks at Big Bad Toy Store posted preorders with images for two new sets of Microman toys based on the questionable hit ALIENS vs. Predator. As we love both, we're going to show you where to find pictures-- these are the two Aliens and you can find three Predators here.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Tomorrow, we look at another one of Japan's finest with with Alien-X! This oddball creature from Final Wars may share the screen with Godzilla, but he certainly sucks. No ifs ands or buts about it, this looks like a Power Rangers villain, and as we are not Sentai friendly most of the time, you can see what we have to think about this character tomorrow.
--AP
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I Am Plastic 1-2-3-4
February 11 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Alien-X
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 Today, take a look at a new character from Godzilla: Final Wars with a bit of a low point with Alien-X! His pose is basic, he has few joints, and he's mostly one color-- while true to his movie design, we wonder-- does it make for a good toy? Find out by looking over pictures and commentary in today's review of Alien-X!
--AP
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TransFormers Robot Masters Flowchart, G1 Megatron??
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The great guys at The Allspark posted this flowchart showing the bulk of the Robot Masters line and who relates to who and why. And it does most certainly show a shadowy G1 Megatron, giving fans hope that the Decepticon despot will get a new toy in this line. The chart shows pretty much the whole line that was released through November 2004.
The guys over at the 2005 Boards posted the very first shots of the packaging for TransFormers Cybertron and it's unlike anything Hasbro has used before. Although it may remind you of what the Invader Zim line may have looked like had their graphics department not been on vacation. So click here to see Overhaul and Scattorshot.
--AP
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You Know That it's Right
February 12 2005 |
Review: TransFormers Robot Masters Doubleface
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 We're serious suckers for Robot Masters toys of our favorite TransFormers, and we were genuniely surprised to see an homage to Armada already with the release of Doubleface! He's been sold under several names and with all kinds of different colors, and this is by far the most festive. Fans of the character will love this, as it's a great mold... although as it's modeled after real motorcycles, the coloring could be a little less... a little more... well, not this. Do we like it? Find out in today's review of Double Face!
--AP
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Pikmin 2 Toys
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NCS has posted images of the upcoming toys based off of Nintendo's Pikmin 2. Neat, sure. Exciting, no.
--AP
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90% Off Green Tags at Toys "R" Us
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 Toys "R" Us stores are now offering up to 90% off all green tagged merchandise. This includes a lot of video games (of dubious value), what's left of the Extreme Soldier 1/18 scale figures, vehicles, and playsets, and tons and tons of stuff that isn't fit to be purchased by a collector as discriminating as yourself. Still, it's neat to see all the old games you can buy for $1 or less and not feel the urge to look at any of them twice.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Tomorrow, we look at some real crap with Minilla! Then we look at some valentines. Funny stuff, trust us. Also, we're going to continue looking at more Godzilla toys, more G.I. Joe packs, and yes, more Star Wars Q&A-- we just finished our two updates for next week, so be sure to come back Monday and Thursday for those!!
We'd also like to give a shout out to Timmy and Linsey and offer a preemptive congratulations!
--AP
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TOIS!
February 13 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Origins Valentines
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 Some things are too amazing to pass up looking at, like this box of Godzilla Valentines! We just found these in a store a couple of weeks ago. It's an unusual item and we're not quite sure who they're aiming them at, but we have scans of all of them as well as the bonus pack of stickers! See what you're missing in today's review of Godzilla Valentines!
--AP
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Polysics Show Report
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 Our pal Pete went to the Polysics show last night with us, and saved us from being killed by a suicidal stripper that pulled out in front of us in the middle of the street. But that's not what you want to hear about.
We went to the Old Brickhouse down on Roosevelt to see Polysics, who-- unlike last year-- were not preceeded by an amazing array of talent. Opening acts aside, the band from Japan played at least five songs previously unreleased in any recorded form and the usual mix of new and old stuff, as well several songs off of our personal favorite LP of thiers, "For Young Electric Pop." Including the title song.
We spoke to several interesting people over the course of the night and got an autographed poster, the new CD "Polysics or DIE!!", and their new shirt. (Pictures coming, we got in late.) We found out the label Tofu Records is basically a Sony Japan subsidiary, and as such they pretty much run the show-- a bunch of restrictions on recording and photography were levied on the audience before the headliners went on. Also, it appears Tofu is toying with the notion of releasing their back catalog stateside. Considering how many members of the audience were singing along with their songs that have as of yet gone unreleased in the USA, maybe it isn't entirely necessary.
The show was excellent and well worth seeing-- if they come to your town, go see them and drag a friend. And bring money for merch.
--AP
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More new TransFormers Energon, Universe Clearanced
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Some finds at Wal-Mart last evening, pictures to come soon. For Energon we found the remainders of some new cases, including Sixshot, Roadblock, and what may well be the first sighting of Quickstrike. For Universe, all their deluxes were down to an even $3.00. We saw Skywarp and Skydive, and bought the latter.
For those keeping track, this likely means we missed Energon's Energon Starscream repaint, Overcast, and/or Alpha Quintesson. Although we cannot be sure of the latter two at this time.
We hope to have boxed images of the new Energon releases first thing Monday morning.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Tomorrow, Energon valentines. Exciting, I know. We dig 'em. More toys are on the way!
We'd also like to say something to the young woman that almost killed my associate and I last night. Unfortunately we did not get your name. I'd make some crude joke about not breaking when you cross the street but the fact that we did is probably why you are most likely still among the living, and if you're out there-- which is supremely unlikely-- we still wish you the best.
--AP
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Love It
February 14 2005 |
Review: TransFormers Energon Valentines
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 While 2005 is supposed to be the year of the toy, we figure it's OK to go on a tangent for special occasions, like for these TransFormers Energon Valentines! Eight valentines and a sheet of stickers are highlighted in today's review!
Also, we'd like to show you boxed images of some new toys we found the other night, Roadblock (retooled Inferno), Quickstrike (repainted and allegedly short produced repaint of Bulkhead), and Sixshot (repaint of Shockblast).
As we found these at a Phoenix-area Wal-Mart, we'd say they're now available in the USA. So far we've cracked open Roadblock and are quite pleased with it. Review's in the works.
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter: Monday Update
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. We also added a link to each 2005 Q&A linking to the previous week's Q&A-- so now you can see how bad my predictions are.
This time around we look at what to expect from Hasbro in the coming months, model kits, chances of new old prequel characters returning to plastic, and why you can't find that damned Unleashed Darth Vader.
Once again, a second update will go up on Thursday of this week.
--AP
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Sledge Hammer! Creator on Season 2 DVDs
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 Fans of the classic sitcom Sledge Hammer! have plenty of anti-Belvedere rage and news of DVDs in this brief article by series creator Alan Spencer. News of the April release date and lots more appear in this article over at Anchor Bay, so do go and read it.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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First, a tangent. JC Penny is running an ad for Valentine's Day to the tune of "99 Red Balloons." You know, the German anti-nuclear song. If you don't find that funny then there's no hope for you.
Coming up: another Final Wars character, the woefully uninteresting Minilla! Reviews for several G.I. Joe items are in production, including the next three comic book three-packs and yes, even the Greenshirts! Come back this week for the Joe Infantry Team, and come back in a couple of weeks for the new comic book sets.
We're working very hard here. As such, we appreciate all your support and if you like the cut of our jib, do tell your friends.
(Oh, and the Polysics concert swag is coming tomorrow.)
--AP
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A Private Place for Public Reflection
February 15 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Minilla
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 Today, take a look at an update of an old character from Godzilla: Final Wars with Minilla! (Or Minya, whatever.) His pose is generic, he has too few joints, and he has one ugly smug mug. Do we like him? No. Find out why by looking over pictures and commentary in today's review of Minilla!
--AP
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Found: TransFormers Energon Alpha Quintesson
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One of the final original molds for Energon, the non-transforming Alpha Quintesson has been spotted at several Phoenix- and Scottsdale-area Wal-Marts.
$20, blah blah blah. The design seems to be... shall we say different than what was presented elsewhere. It seems overly crappy expensive for what it is, but as a US-exclusive of a TV show character, there's little doubt that it will be coveted to some extent by fans for years to come. Hopefully not only ironically.
--AP
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Sega Saturn Controller for PlayStation 2
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Over at The Magic Box, they posted shots of a Sega Saturn-esque control pad for the PlayStation 2 as well as a Virtua Stick for Sony's console. The retro controllers are to tie in to the old-school releases by Sega for the system and are sure to delight collectors and hardcore gamers alike.
Previously, they have released a similar controller for USB-enabled computers along with a Mac OS X port of Puyo Pop which, sadly, we cannot currently find for sale.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Hasbro posted a big Toy Fair press release and Entertainment Earth is selling some weird inflatable "adult" (wink) alien. Neither link will do much to enhance your life, but it's not like you have much else to read if you made it this far.
Coming up: GI Joe Greenshirts! They're pretty neat. And cheap. More tomorrow, and probably the Polysics stuff.
--AP
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More than Great Coats
February 16 2005 |
Greenshirts Reviewed; New: G.I. Joe Valor vs. Venom Vehicles Revealed
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 Today, we look at the G.I. Joe Infantry Division, six nearly identical and basically nameless grunts to augment your 1980's style Joe forces. You get six fully armed figures with basically blank profiles to do with as you please. Are they great? No. But they're neat. Take a closer look at the set in today's review of the G.I. Joe Infantry Division.
Hasbro posted several new vehicles today, which should excite or infuriate. We're on the fence. The names of the items do not appear to correspond with the molds that were used, either that or Hasbro has decided that because it was sold as a HISS before and it looks like a HISS, maybe they should just call it something else. Anyway, here's a set of links to Hasbro's pages for the new toys.
The first three are retooled or recolored vehicles, the last two are new Adventure Packs. The Adventure Packs seem to have turned out fairly well, with the Sand Viper's new color scheme making it look like the convention exclusive Air-Viper from 2003. All in all, a mixed bag, but worth a look if you're curious about such things.
--AP
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Pepsi Promotional Nintendo DS, Classic Mario Stuff
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Over at The Magic Box, you can see the many details of Pepsi Japan's latest promotion which includes a blue Nintendo DS and a bunch of 8-bit themed character bottlecaps. Exciting!
Obviously, there are no plans to bring these out here in the USA, because Pepsi secretly hates us.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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More stuff's on the way, of course. We're just deciding what's next.
As far as tangents go, it appears Pilot Scott Tracy is back online with a brand new CD! The band is/was the core members of the superbly awesome The Causey Way and we're quite happy to see these guys still making music.
--AP
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12 Units Short
February 17 2005 |
Review: Final Wars Rodan
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 Today, we look at the Rodan, a nicely sculpted but mostly unposable dinosaur-like monster from Godzilla Final Wars. How does this Japanese monster rate? Take a closer look at today's review of Rodan.
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter: Monday Update
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. We also added a link to each 2005 Q&A linking to the previous week's Q&A-- so now you can see how bad my predictions are.
This time around we look at how many General Grievous figures you can expect, a Padme coin, and oh so many questionable predictions about the future of Prequel toys. Read on!
Come back Monday for the next round of Q&A!
--AP
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Earth2 DVD
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Over at TVShowsOnDVD.com, they posted rumors concerning NBC's short-lived "let's go find a new Earth to poison" opus Earth2 on DVD. Have you missed Tim Curry and New Pacifica? Sure you have. Read on for more!
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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Things came up preventing us from getting a lot done, so the next item on the review pile will be determined tomorrow. But we're leaning toward the black repaint of Robot Masters Starscream that was offered as an exclusive to Figure King magazine in Japan... if we can get it to turn out right.
--AP
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Cut Off His Head
February 18 2005 |
Review: TransFormers Generation One Starscream Bust
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 Today, we look at the Starscream, a cheap (if you play your cards right) high-end collectible from Hard Hero. Based on the TransFormers Generation One cartoon character, this bust brings a lot of personality out of a fairly flat sculpt. Take a closer look at today's review of Starscream (the bust).
Have you seen Robot Masters Reverse Convoy?
The Fan2Fan Store has shots of Reverse Convoy, a G2 Megatron-inspired tank mold with a double-head. One side is Convoy, one side is Megatron. It's weird, go look at it. I thought it was a joke when I first read the description. It's just odd.
--AP
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Budget Masters of the Universe PlayStation 2 game... in Europe
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 The guys at He-Man.org have seven screenshots and info on a new PlayStation 2 game based on Masters of the Universe and apparently isn't coming to the USA. It's a budget title so we can't expect much from it, but it's a notable concept and most likely to become the stuff of some sort of legend.
--AP
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Rumor: G.I. Joe Toy Reboot & a look at VvV Wave 7
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While no definitive evidence has surfaced there are many nasty rumors floating around the future of the G.I. Joe brand in the USA. Namely, the 12" line may be cut back to a couple of figures in 2005 while a new six inch line will debut with new figures, vehicles, and playsets. While Hasbro has had a Stormshadow prototype that mimics the style of Star Wars Unleashed, it does not seem likely that this would be the case. What is it, is it real? Marvel Legends inspired figures? More extreme Joes? More as it develops, if it's legit.
The guys over at General's Joes reviewed and photographed the newest wave of Joes-- including Croc Master, Bombstrike, and so many other really nifty figures. Good pictures, good commentary. Check it out.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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The black magazine-only repaints of the Robot Masters are coming along nicely, as are the next three G.I. Joe comic packs-- these seven items will round out February. We're still finishing up some reviews of more Final Wars items and more, so be sure to keep coming back for machines, monsters, and (pseudo) military.
--AP
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She's Not Ready to Settle Down
February 19 2005 |
Review: Final Wars Monster-X
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 Today, we look at the Monster-X, a big and ugly monster from Godzilla Final Wars. He's mostly black and white, lacking in fine detail, and a new character that looks kinda clunky. Is this oversized figure worth your while? Take a closer look at today's review of Monster-X!
--AP
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Confirmed: TransFormers Cybertron Tiny Figures
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We've done some digging, and the "Legends of Cybertron" figures just revealed today are indeed tiny versions of Cybertron characters, but are not PVCs. They're tiny basics. Big Bad Toy Store has a preorder and a packaged Starscream to drool over. These guys are going to be about five bucks a whack and according to absolutely everything we've been hearing, they do transform. Could this be wrong? Sure. But we don't believe it is.
--AP
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Pictures: Masters of the Universe Snout Spout "Staction" Figure
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The guys over at He-Man.org posted six pictures of three new "staction" figures. Now you can see Hordak, Clawful, and Snout Spout in all their unarticulated, fully-painted, and overpriced glory. We like Snout Spout. But not like him like him.
--AP
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Confirmed: G.I. Joe Sigma Six Toys, Show & Photos of Unmasked Mail-in Storm Shadow
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Looks like the rumors were more or less true. While we didn't expect it to be named after a enterprise resource methodology, Hasbro posted a press release including a picture of the eight-inch Storm Shadow figure. It also confirms Duke, Snake Eyes, Heavy Duty, and Spirit Iron-Knife are to be included in the line and these will include lots of accessories and apparently cloth outfits in a Mego-like scale. Curious. A motorcycle and animated series will come with these figures and while there is a picture of a Cobra member, and mention of Cobra, we do not see any mention of Cobra Commander. Without him, we cannot say we are interested at $15 per figure.
Fans of Cobra's white ninja have another reason to be excited as the mail-in version of the 3 3/4" Storm Shadow Unmasked were revealed from a source from Asia best known for leaked TransFormers news. This is a link to the unmasked head and this posting at the Yo Joe! forums has several pictures of it and other packaged previously unseen items. Unseen packaged, that is.
--AP
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New Bionicle Bucket at Toys "R" Us
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 Toys "R" Us stores have a new Bionicle bucket. For $19.99, you can get set #8715, the Ultimate Creatures Accessory Set. Pretty neat, has about 400 pieces and is cool but not as amazing as the previous US TRU Bionicle Bucket. Still neat though, and likely a great gift for kids.
--AP
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New Justice League Carry Case/Playset with Figure
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 Also at Toys "R" Us (but most likely not exclusive) was a new Justice League "Playcase" with yet another Batman repaint. For $14.99, you get a bright blue case with a slightly less bright version of ol' pointy ears. The set holds six figures and folds open to reveal an unpainted blue playscape. Neat, but cheap looking. And $15 to hold 6 figures? Wow Mattel, way to make Hasbro look insanely generous.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We're busy. Very busy. We need to make a bigger backlog of reviews. While we do this, we'd like to point out a link to a Japanese exotica band called Seksu Roba. Basically, it's like lounge with electronic stuff in it. We just heard about it and have no idea if we like it or not yet, so feel free to check it out and let us know what you think. (Sounds decent enough. Not nearly enough screaming.) (Warning/Guarantee: 16bit.com does not accept responsibility for any link you may find offensive for artistic reasons or otherwise.)
--AP
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I'd Like to Announce my Retirement from the Male Modeling Profession
February 20 2005 |
Review: Robot Masters Black Starscream
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 Today, we look at the Black Starscream, a black Figure King exclusive repaint of Robot Masters Starscream. He's mostly black but has some neat details and a gold spear. The set is reportedly limited to 3,000 pieces but is, of course, merely a repaint. Is it worth the effort and money to track this one down? Take a closer look at today's review of Black Starscream to find out!
For filler, here's some packaged pictures of the other three exclusive black Robot Masters packagings. (We think that's how you're supposed to say that.) The boxes are devoid of color and windows, making them look quite different from other toys in this line. The inserts are basically identical (sans coloring) and these are still boxed in robot mode. Although you'll have to take our words for it.
--AP
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DC & Batman Toy Fair Round-Up
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Mattel's offerings are up and over at Altered States Magazine. There, you can see Justice League, The Batman, and movie Batman toys. Justice League seems to be turning into the new Super Powers, so be sure to check it out-- it's good stuff.
--AP
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TransFormers Toy Fair Round-Up
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We've good news and some bad news. The good news is that Cybertron and some new Alternators have popped up as part of the internet's collective coverage. The bad news is that the comic packs and Alternators Jet rumors appear to be bogus rumors.
Numerous sites put up coverage and their servers got hit, including TFW2005 and TFormers. The only toys we haven't seen leaked on eBay or elsewhere were the Alternators Prowl which looks... different.
The great guys over at Altered States Magazine even got a shot of Alternators Swerve's head-- the first time we've ever seen it. It's a retooled Autobot Tracks/Battle Ravage. Their coverage, so far, is by far the best.
--AP
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G.I. Joe Toy Fair Round-Up
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The good news: there is none. (We kid, we kid.) The news isn't very good today for Joe fans because Hasbro is apparently telling fans at Toy Fair that they are putting the 3 3/4" and 12" lines on hiatus in favor of Sigma 6, the previously mentioned new 8" line that seems to cross Super Joe with the proportions of Jedi Force or Rescue Heroes and characters from the 80s onward.
The best complete coverage (so far) can be found over at Altered States Magazine. For 4", it shows new items but all of these are things you've seen. The only shown 12" figure was of John R. Fox, modeled after a real-life individual. It also shows the showroom shots of all the Sigma 6 line.
Master Collector has posted official photos of Snake Eyes and Spirit, looking a little chunky and apparently somewhat inspired by anime. It's a new direction for the line, with some cloth parts and a $14.99 price point. It appears these are meant to skew younger, which makes sense given that kids tend to move on to video games pretty early.
Not to poo-poo Hasbro's decision, but we find it quite interesting that Hasbro would create a new, more expensive line dedicated to kids. $15 a figure is beyond my price range as a collector unless it's like exclusive or limited, and as such these are priced beyond my level of interest and unless they do a super-spiffy Cobra Commander (which may not happen given the storyline has him in prison, we hear) odds are we won't cover this line.
But what about the other lines? What does "hiatus" mean? Well, to give you an example with Hasbro's Zoids line, it was on "hiatus" in 2004 to surface in 2005 and we ain't seeing it. It's a particularly bad time for the line and while there are some new items still coming (and in development) it appears the new 3 3/4" expansion wasn't shown. Hasbro's press release for the 3 3/4" figures said that they will release six comic book three-packs in the spring, and it's possible that three of those are already out.
Like Cybertron, the animation is said to be done by Japan's animation house Gonzo. The figures have a big "6" on them which seems to indicate this is going to be a show with a fairly limited cast. But we just guessed that so who knows.
We fully expect some more exclusives (club, convention, TRU, etc.) and that the lines you know and love won't completely fade away. But we do think there will be a place for the old popular scales again someday soon.
--AP
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Confirmed: Invader Zim PVCs
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 Action-Figure.com posted shots of a new set of PVC figures from Palisades. The pictures show GIR, Zim, Gaz as a beaver, and Dib after he turned into baloney.
--AP
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New Sesame Street Pics, Playset?!?
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 While we always hoped for a Sesame Street line aimed at adults, we never expected this line from Palisades. Apparently the mass market versions of the figures will just be a figure with a few accessories, but the speciality versions (read: more expensive) have pieces of a huge backdrop to make up buildings that appear on the show! We're impressed. Series 1 has Ernie, Oscar, Guy Smiley, and the Two-Headed Monster. We demand The Count.
--AP
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New Mario Kart Arcade GP coming to Arcades
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Go over to this page at The Magic Box for some info and many many screenshots of a new Namco-developed Mario Kart game for the arcades. Looks interesting, and it will include Pac-Man as a playable character (visible on second page of pics).
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We're honestly a little disappointed. The 2005 lineup has no Xevoz, no Zoids, and they're taking away what we like about GI Joe. We still have Star Wars and TransFormers, but wow... way to kill some good lines.
We're actually starting to get reader mail. Which is interesting as we've been doing this on and off since 1998. So to those of you who write in, hello. We pride ourselves in responding to all the email we receive (as it isn't much and truth be told, we need something to do between reviews) but we are currently unable to answer emails if we can't figure out what it is you're trying to tell us. (We're too proud to ask. We think too much of our meager reading abilities.) So for those of you who haven't received a response, our apologies, please try again and we'll try and write back.
--AP
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I See a Red Door
February 21 2005 |
Hunter S. Thompson Found Dead
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 From the Associated Press: Author Hunter S. Thompson Kills Himself. Counterculture icon, beloved writer, and inspiration for generations of college kids, Thompson has apparently departed this world due to reasons unexplained in the article.
--AP
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Review: G.I. Joe Sgt. Bazooka vs. Dreadnok Torch
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 Today, we look a Sgt. Bazooka and Dreadnok Torch, the first "Fan's Choice" G.I. Joe action figures. One is a brand new sculpt with new arm joints. The other is a driver from a hard to find vehicle. Are they worth tracking down? Well, we went through the trouble to go get one, didn't we? Be sure to take a closer look at today's review of Sgt. Bazooka and Dreadnok Torch.
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter: Monday Update
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. We look at lightsabers, how many fans probably quit, POTF2's interest in a ROTS world, and market economics.
Come back Thursday for the next round of Q&A!
--AP
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Invader Zim Series II and more
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Figures.com posted shots of tons of new figures (and variants thereof) from Invader Zim, including GIR in his dog suit (hood up and down).
Series II includes a new GIR, Tallest Red, Gaz, Zim's Robot Parents, and a "Human Disguise" Zim that looks vastly superior to the "alien" version from the first series. (We'll be buying this one.)
--AP
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Adult Swim Toys... LOTS of them
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 We originally weren't sure if we cared, but we do-- check out this Figures.com gallery showing Master Shake, Mentok, Reducto, Mom, Dad, and so many others. Even characters from popular (and now-cancelled) shows are on tap, so be sure to take a look as some of these are top-notch while others... not.
--AP
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Playmobil we (and maybe you) missed
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 For whatever reason, Collectobil added box shots of five new knights sets and didn't bother to post about it on their front page. They also posted new specials and tons of other things and didn't bother to promote it.
New specials include a Dragon Warrior, Astronaut, [American[ Football Player, Boy on Scooter, Surfer, and Garden Shopper. While devoid of anything especially odd, these are all really nicely done-- fantastic deco and great accessories all around.
--AP
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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine at Toy Fair
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While the franchise is about to go on hiatus, Diamond Select Toys picked up the license to do some figures off of Deep Space Nine, a highly underrated entry into the venerable series. In the interest of use the existing Art Asylum tools, the line will start with the characters as seen in an episode in which they flashback to the classic series. Action-Figure.com has the scoop and photos.
--AP
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Mirror Mask plastic from Dark Horse
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The Neil Gaiman/Jim Henson low-budget pseudo-Labyrinth-esque project is on tap and Dark Horse is now showing the figures. Figures.com has two (sort of) pages of pictures showing off the figures which look to have turned out pretty well. They match the designs shown off at various conventions over the past few years well and we await the flick on which these are based, if it ever gets done. As the budget was about $12.45, though, we're not in a huge rush-- they can take their time.
--AP
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G.I. Joe: Complaining
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How's it going to end? Don't tell me you didn't see this coming.
This is the big question right now. It's no secret that numerous comic book publishers and Hasbro grabbed GI Joe by the collar and shook it up good in the 1990s, with new books from Dark Horse that nobody remembers and the two lines Sgt. Savage and G.I. Joe Extreme which most people would rather forget... except the people at Takara that seem to have tied them in to their Binaltech storyline. But we digress.
The 12" line has had its ups and downs, going away from the 1970's through the early 1990's, when it finally returned as a Target exclusive and eventually evolved into the line you see today. The 3 3/4" line was born in 1982, killed due to then-#1 toy player Toys "R" Us' decision not to stock it around 1995, and resurrected-- by Kenner-- as a TRU exclusive just a few years later. Now, #1 player Wal-Mart is speculated to have had something to do with killing Joe again, this time giving his space to Lanard Toys' The Corps!, now 20 years old itself.
So now we have something entirely new-- the eight-inch Sigma Six, an anime-influenced weekly animated series with a toy line that will ultimately (or temporarily?) replace the two other scales. So what's left for 12" and 4"? Well, we read it's not dead dead, just on hiatus-- which in the past at Hasbro means dead. This may change, though, given fan interest in the brand.
A Hasbro press release on Valor vs. Venom names very little in the way of specifics. One 12" Joe was shown in New York. The collector's club has indicated it will continue doing exclusives, but what does that matter? There's still VvV 12" product we first saw over a year ago that's MIA.
So what's next? The 12" line seems pretty down on its luck, and this is unfortunate as the line has been filled with novel and creative toys, from the goofy-yet-fun talking 12" Duke to the truly spectacular Secret of Planet Xenome and the entire Adventure Team concept. The 12" Venomous Maximus will most likely never be, and the 12" VvV Cobra Commander probably will never see any real distribution in the USA. The existing second batch of Built to Rule sets were test marketed and ultimately canned.
Hasbro's press release said six new comic book three-packs would be released in Spring. What does this mean? Well, we know it means that Hasbro still plans on releasing three specific sets-- #21 (Storm Shadow, Snake Eyes, Red Ninja Viper), #24 (Duke, Destro, Roadblock), and #49 (Scrap Iron, Serpentor, Firefly). What are the other three? No idea. It's possible Hasbro meant issues #6, 7, and 8-- which were just released. It's also possible they mean there's another later wave which will include #9 (Breaker, Scarlett, Cobra Commander) which Hasbro just supposedly confirmed the other week. And as this is our main interest, we hope that's what it means.
Toys "R" Us has a few more six-packs of 3 3/4" Joes coming. There's the two Crimson sets (one with Tomax, one with Xamot) as well as a Winter Operations set-- about which we know nothing. It's possible (and we daresay likely) Toys "R" Us will see a void in the market to fill-- which means more packs like these. (We hope.)
So what's to come of the toys of this list, which, while unconfirmed, are widely believed to be legit? We may not find out for a while-- possibly Convention Season. We hope to bring more news as the year goes, and we assume that there's more on tap for non-Sigma Six Joes-- I mean, 2005 is a long year, Hasbro has to have more on tap.
In the interest of crazy ramblings, are we alone here in hoping Hasbro does a Sigma 6 box set for Toys "R" Us using repainted 3 3/4" molds? (I thought not.) In the interest of more crazy rambling there's going to be some crap going down if I can't get me a Bombstrike vs. Croc Master set.
--AP
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More: Masters of the Universe Staction Figures
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He-Man.org posted in-progress shots of three new NECA figures. One you've seen-- Snout Spout. Also shown is the spectacular Stinkor and the craptacular Grizzlor. The latter has fur. The former just looks good. At $20 a whack, though, they still may be a tough sell-- but damn do they look nice.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We're working on more black Robot Masters and the last few Godzilla Final Wars items in our stash as well as a look at Sgt. Bazooka vs. Dreadnok Torch from G.I. Joe Valor vs. Venom. Good stuff all around.
We're up late listening to unreleased Man or Astro-Man MP3s. We're reminded how much we don't like things we enjoy dying on the vine.
But on the note of things we like, Stan Ridgway is going out on tour again. Stan, formerly of Wall of Voodoo, puts on a great show and he's coming to a few cities in the southwestern USA, including Phoenix and Tucson. We'll see him here in Phoenix on March 9.
--AP
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That's Why I Own This Bar
February 22 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Ghidorah
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 Today, we look a Godzilla's favorite (only?) three-headed nemesis, Ghidorah as he appears in Godzilla: Final Wars. By taking the original three-headed monster and adding some black and two more legs, did Toho make a good design choice? And how about BanDai, did they translate it into plastic especially well? Be sure to find out in today's review of Final Wars Ghidorah!
--AP
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Microman Returns to America... as Micronauts!
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Color us surprised. SOTA unveiled Micronauts Evolution (link at Action-Figure.com) and the designers have been referring to them as the "Ferrari of action figures." That's not pure hyperbole... these look like statues but have tons of joints and weapons. Of course, they're $20 per, but if you look at these, it's easy to see why they're probably going to be well worth it and shame other $20 collector figures that aren't posable...
--AP
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Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Toys coming to America
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When we reported the Kotobukiya Final Fantasy figures at an importer earlier, we didn't expect them to come out here-- but they are! As an added bonus, they also announced they're going to do a deluxe figure of Cloud Strife, too! Well, maybe-- if you're lucky. See the pictures and read more at Action-Figure.com.
--AP
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Aliens Vs. Predator Chops at Toy Fair
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Dark Horse announced they're doing chops of ALIENS and Predator. Don't know what that means? Click for pics.
--AP
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More on Hunter S. Thompson
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Editor's notes: Some links on Hunter S. Thompson as compiled by a friend of the site.
One of HST old editors tells a few stories about him.
Another story from an Aspen resident.
More stories about HST on Salon.com
Pics of the Owl Farm
A good writeup on HST and politics.
A well written livejournal entry.
A possible explanation for his suicide.
--SC
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We're working on an amusing (to us) theme week for March. We're collecting trivia bits for weekly toy trivia-- basically factoids on fun things that you need to know.
--AP
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Beats Working
February 23 2005 |
Review: Star Wars Queen Amidala (Celebration Ceremony)
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 Today, we look some of the best known royalty in the Star Wars Universe with Queen Amidala (Celebration Ceremony) as she appears in The Phantom Menace. She's an all-new sculpt and has a ball-jointed neck, but what else can she do? Aside from looking white and happy? Be sure to find out in today's review of Star Wars Queen Amidala (Celebration Ceremony)!
--AP
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The Life Aquatic DVD
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Two versions of the latest Wes Anderson project are coming to DVD in May. One is a two-disc Criterion edition for an MSRP of $32.99. The other is a single disc version for $29.99. We don't understand either, but we'll happily buy the Criterion version come May 10.
--AP
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New Playmobil Theme: Gardening
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Collectobil posted shots of seven new sets tied in to a Playmobil Gardening theme. We find it dull too. The high point? A guy in a goofy hat with two potted trees and a big chainsaw. We like chainsaws. The series is expected in the USA in 2006, but will be hitting Germany some time in the next month and change.
--AP
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What's Next at 16bit.com?
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We've got some more good stuff coming but we got some MORE good stuff in the mail to shoot, so light update. More tomorrow.
--AP
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They're Thirsty Outside
February 24 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Gigan
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 Today, we look the arguably best update of any character from Godzilla with the first of two toys based on Gigan from Godzilla Final Wars! Is he awesome, or is he just merely wonderful? Be sure to find out in today's review of Godzilla Final Wars Gigan!
We're also finding numerous other toys from Final Wars that we will be posting in the coming weeks. There's some interesting figure two-packs out there for fairly low prices that come with a piece of something the manufacturer claims is candy.
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter: Thursday Update
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. Today, we look at what the figures are going to cost this year, Tauntaun horns, the chances of trilogy toys in '05, and of course, more Star Tours.
Come back Monday for the next round of Q&A!
--AP
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G.I. Joe: America's Elite Comic Coming for $0.25
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Desparation or genius? Devil's Due Publishing posted a press release yesterday for their new series starting this June. It's $0.25 and it's issue #0 of G.I. Joe: America's Elite. The release really doesn't say anything other than they're going to kill off some characters and you probably know at least one of them if you've seen any of the advance art floating around out there.
So, yeah, June. And not Sigma 6. And it's a quarter. May as well pick it up.
--AP
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Marvel Legends 10, 11 at Action-Figure
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Action-Figure posted a ton of articles on the new series of Marvel Legends, which looks to be pretty diverse. Included in series 11: 1st Appearance Thing, Logan, Hulk Buster Iron Man, Vengeance, Taskmaster, Ultron, Wonder Man, and Scarlet Witch.
Series 10: Mystique, Sentinel, Mr. Sinister, Omega Red, Black Panther, Cyclops, Angel, 1st Appearance Spider-Man, more!
--AP
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And in other news...
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Over at Big Bad Toy Store, they posted a buttload of photos of the Hithhiker's Guide to the Galaxy movie toys. Plush, action figures, rotocast, props, all kinds of crap. Go check it out.
--AP
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I've Seen It
February 25 2005 |
Review: Godzilla Final Wars Gigan Power-Up
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 Today, we look an update of a great Godzilla character update with Gigan Power Up from Godzilla Final Wars! Why is this special? Two words: chainsaw hands. You gotta see this. Be sure to check it out in today's review of Godzilla Final Wars Gigan Power Up!
We're also finding numerous other toys from Final Wars that we will be posting in the coming weeks. There's some interesting figure two-packs out there for fairly low prices that come with a piece of something the manufacturer claims is candy.
--AP
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Microsoft scores former Final Fantasy mogul/creator Hironobu Sakaguchi
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He released his Final Fantasy for the Famicom, and then had a few more down the road. GameSpot reports that this game maker has been hired by Microsoft to make games for the next Xbox, which means more potentially good RPGs for the next Microsoft console era. Apparently two games are in development from his studio, Mistwalker, which also employs Nobuo Uematsu. And if that name doesn't mean anything to you, we can't tell you why this is exciting news.
--AP
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BinalTech Jaguar story translated at Fan2Fan
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Fan2Fan posted translation of Jaguar's story, which references Beast Wars and is generally interesting if you are at all interested in the numerous generations of all things TransFormers, which, sadly, we are very much. Check it out.
--AP
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What's next at 16bit.com?
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Starting tomorrow, we're going to post reviews of issues #6, #7, and #8 of the G.I. Joe comic book figure three-pack collection. And then after that, some other cool stuff. Just stay tuned, March is going to be a good month.
--AP
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Not all the time
February 26 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #6
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 Today we look at a the newest series of G.I. Joe action figure with comic books with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #6 with Daina, Colonel Brekhov, and Shrage. You get a full-size full reprint o issue #6 of the Marvel comic book (excised of all mention of Marvel and its advertising), three figures, a bundle of firearms, a tommygun, and the satisfaction that you just bought three action figures based on Soviet Union commandos from a story that could loosely be considered late Cold War propoganda.
Is it worth it? Well, we're easy-- so we think so. Find out why in today's review, and come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #7!
--AP
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Pinball title Devlish Returns... to Nintendo DS
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The guys over at The Magic Box have word that the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) classic pinball title Devilish is coming to the Nintendo DS, but with wireless and touchscreen support. Sound exciting? We're not sure ourselves. But we're interested enough to tell you.
--AP
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An Extended Look at Godzilla Microman Megalon, Jet Jaguar
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Over at Microman Forever, the editors posted images of the Megalon & Jet Jaguar two-pack. They look chunky, but still cool-- be sure to get a gander at the man-in-suit monster toys.
--AP
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Maybe in a few months
February 27 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #7
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 Today we look at a the newest series of G.I. Joe action figure with comic books with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #7 with Sgt. Stalker, Horror Show, and Stormavik. Three figures and lots of guns make this an exciting set, but the inclusion of Sgt. Stalker again-- the second version of him in this series, and a straight repaint to boot-- make this set a little less exciting than it could have been with, say, another Cobra in his stead. Still, it's a box with two more members of the Oktober Guard and it rounds out the five-man team nicely.
Is it worth it? If you liked #6, you need #7. Find out why in today's review, and come back tomorrow for a look at Issue #8! (Even though it doesn't have commies.)
--AP
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And in other news...
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With information still trickling down from Toy Fair (and a lot of it still seemingly absent from the web), it was a busy week-- and now, not so much.
We've got a lot of in-progress items for you in the coming weeks, such as the Marx Toys "Mystery Ship" toy from 1961. It's cool. Trust us. We're also going to start posting our numerous Xevoz reviews as best we can, as we have most of them-- the final few that are showing up on eBay, not so much. Anyway, it's late, so see you tomorrow!
--AP
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1.2 Million Square Feet
February 28 2005 |
Review: G.I. Joe Comics Pack #8
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 Today we look at a the newest series of G.I. Joe action figure with comic books with G.I. Joe Comic Pack Issue #8 with Short Fuze, Craig "Rock 'N Roll" McConnell, and Anthony "Flash" Gambello. Two new green clad soldiers, and one space man. Not a bad mix, but it has fewer accessories than previous packs which may make it slightly less attractive. Also, Flash has no new parts-- he's just a straight repaint of the 30th Anniversary Action Astronaut from 1994. The others are good, though, and the comic book is a pretty spiffy thing to behold as it serves mostly as a product introduction issue.
Is it worth it? If you've been buying these packs, you won't want to miss this one. Find out why in today's review, and come back soon for a look at some more Joe reviews over the coming weeks, including the convention exclusive Cobra HISS IIb, toys from The Secret of Planet Xenome Action Team subset, and many others.
--AP
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Star Wars Q&A Updated at Galactic Hunter
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Galactic Hunter has posted a bonus Q&A column by yours truly. Today, we look at all sorts of Star Wars goodness.
--AP
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Invader Zim: Giant GIR
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The guys at Action-Figure posted a bunch of photos and a brief description of Palisades' in-progress Giant Size GIR, complete with what appears to be a removable dog costume. We hear he loves to make waffles.
--AP
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Lord of the Rings 2005 Figures
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 Over at Altered States Magazine you can now find dozens of images from the Toy Biz showroom including Lord of the Rings. New items include a particularly freaky Galadriel, new and awesome Frodos, a Dead Soldier, and several more-- do check it out.
--AP
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Unconfirmed: Song of the South coming to DVD
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 While not remembered as a shining moment in race relations in Hollywood, Disney will soon release their movie Song of the South on DVD. Best known for a song which we don't know the full title of (but it goes "Zip A Dee Doo Dah"), bits and pieces of the movie have been used for various Disney projects over the years but the full film hasn't been released in North America for quite some time. Now The Digital Bits has a semi-confirmed story about the future of this movie which you should go and read.
--AP
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Click Here For News From January!
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