Inflames Toys x Newsoul Toys Journey to the West Sha Wujing (Sandy)

I was previously most impressed with the Inflames Toys Sun Wukong (Monkey) 1/6th scale figure in their new Journey to the West line. The build quality was exceptional, and right up there with the best of Hot Toys and Sideshow.

So when they announced the other characters in this troupe, starting with Sha Wujing (Sandy), I preordered straight away. And it certainly does not disappoint. In fact, I'd say it's a better release than Sun Wukong is almost every way!

Here's my full review of this amazing figure over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel.

The packaging has the sort of beautiful artwork and foam protection that you see with the very best Hot Toys DX figures. And the huge array of accessories puts to shame pretty much most of what the other 1/6th scale companies put out these days, especially for the price point!

The attention to detail in the accessories is incredible. Beautiful use of materials, patterns, and paint application really showcase what a little effort can produce in this scale. They all fit perfectly to take this figure to the next level in terms of accuracy to the TV show and its original ancient source material.

The paint app on the head sculpt does not have the realism of Hot Toys, but is certainly a step above the flat and overly dark paint apps on Sideshow figures. The sculpt itself is very accurate to the TV show actor from the 1970s/80s iconic Chinese series.

The costume, as it was with Sun Wukong, is another higlight. So many layers, and beautiful use of realistic materials that just makes the figure really have some presence on display. The cloth outfit flows nicely, and certain areas and ties are aided by wires for poseability. The detailing overall is second to none, right down to the little laces on the shoes.

Together with Sun Wukong, this new Sha Wujing figure simply looks incredible. Now that Inflames Toys have teased the rest of the troupe with Zhu Bajie and Tang Sanzang coming later this year (and with the White Dragon Horse no less!), this will be an amazing troupe to display for any fan of Chinese mythology and literature. I for one could not be happier that these are being released in such high quality. Highly recommended!

Sideshow Collectibles C-3PO 1/6th scale figure

Well in mid-January 2016 the Sideshow Threepio was finally released to complement their previous R2-D2 figure. I was looking forward to getting the figure since I really did want a weathered version to go with his droid friend.

But as you'll see in the video review below, I had a few issues with some paint defects that ultimately meant I got a refund from Sideshow since they wouldn't send me a replacement.

Main issues on mine were the paint marks/scratches that were not the intentional weathering effects, and also the left arm that was stuck at the joints. There were many other reports in the forums and groups regarding broken pistons.

Hopefully one day I can get this at a sale price, but for now, my Tamashii Nations version will do the job nicely :)

Some pics of the figure below. Overall it looks pretty good, especially next to Artoo. But build quality issues are what ruined it for me. I ended up having to destroy the figure and get a full refund from Sideshow.

Overall in terms of build quality, the Bandai Tamashii Nations Threepio still beats the Sideshow by a wide margin. If only Bandai actually produced the diecast Artoo that they teased along with their Threepio!

Worst defect, that annoyed the crap out of me because of how prominent it looked on display, was this weird paint scratch on his chest. At first I thought it was some weird residue, but it couldnt be rubbed off.

Paint scratches on the hip that affected the gold paint.

Not sure what the hell that weird protrusion is on the back of his head.

I hate it when I see fingerprints in paint applications on figures, especially at this high price point! Sideshow's QC and factory production process should be better than this.

In the end, a bit of a disappointment for me, especially after such a long wait. But I'll check out the sales towards the end of the year and see if I can get it at a discount cheap price.

Hot Toys MMS279 Darth Vader comparison with Sideshow Darth Vader Deluxe

Catching up on posting summaries on the website!

I got the new Hot Toys Darth Vader from A New Hope recently, and decided to do a full decomposition comparison with the previous Sideshow Darth Vader from Empire Strikes Back/Return of the Jedi. Normally that sort of thing scares the crap out of me, but this time I was pretty much forced down that path since the elbow on my Sideshow seemed to be stuck. So I had to undress the figure to access the underlying body to force the elbow to bend properly.

In the end, I'm glad I did this anyway since it was a great way to learn about the base bodies of both figures, and really see what the pros and cons of both figures are. Click the link below for the full comparison video over on the channel :)

And here are some pics. Overall, I have to say I prefer the new Hot Toys figure over the older Sideshow, but as you can see from the video, there are definitely design elements that I prefer on the older one too.

It's actually pretty amazing how they've been able to lay out the accessories and cram so much into such a small space! Luckily no damage problems like the old Sideshow had when it was first released with lots of reports of damaged helmets.

The overall package that comes with the figure is sweet indeed! The only negative I can say about the accessories is the larger clamshell plastic base of the Interrogator Droid. That was definitely an afterthought by Hot Toys, with terrible quality on the base.

And here is a pic of the two figures (Sideshow on the left, Hot Toys on the right) fully decomposed into their parts. Definitely a lot of fun comparing the two! I think for Star Wars fans, you'd be happy with either figure, so pick which one you want based on the movie you prefer.

Takara Transformers Masterpiece repaints in Diaclone and Micro Change colours

Takara ended 2015 with a bang with three quick releases in succession in repaints utilising the Lamborghini, Corvette, and Volkswagon Beetle molds. I love that they're doing the Diaclone and Micro Change repaints as homages to the original series of toys that preceded the G1 Transformers toys as we know them.

Here are my full video reviews of each one over on the channel :)

MP-14C Clampdown:

MP-21R Red Bumblebee:

MP-26 Road Rage:

Packaging and contents:

Together with the other Diaclone repaints, they simply look awesome together! I am really hoping they announce a MP-22 Powered Convoy repaint soon!! :)

2015 End of Year Collection Summary

Forgot to post this up on the website! Earlier in January I posted my 2015 End of Year Collection summary video over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel.

Definitely was a big year in 2015! Hope you can check it out :)

Stay tuned through 2016 for all the upcoming awesomeness :)

A couple of quick pics of the room now.

Ikea Detolf LED strip lighting setup kit from Sahmez Lights & Decals

I've had my Ikea Detolf cabinets for a while now, and have always thought of putting in some LED light strips. I was going to use the Ikea Dioder lights, but they made a running production change that made them warm white (yellowish) instead of cold white (brighter white).

But then I heard about Sahmez Lights & Decals on Facebook and saw some photos from other collectors that had installed their Detolf light up kit. They looked amazing, so decided to try them out.

I filmed two videos showing the kit and how I set them up in the Detolf. Hope you can check them out below and find them useful! If you're interested in getting these yourself, click the link above to head over to their Facebook page and contact them.

Part One:

Part Two:

Quick pic:

Kotobukiya Street Fighter Bishoujo Poison statue

I love the Kotobukiya Bishoujo line of statues, and when they announced they were doing Street Fighter versions, it was pretty much a combination made in heaven! The previous statues have been amazing, and this new Poison in this series is pretty much was Bishoujo is all about!! Sexy, sexy, sexy!! :)

Here's my full video review of Poison, along with a look at the whole line of Street Fighter statues together. Looking forward to the next one with Ibuki for sure!

Here are some pics I took. I think this statue looks pretty frickin amazing from all angles :)

Together with the rest of the Street Fighter gang, they make for one awesome display!

Get yours from Big Bad Toy Store at the link below! :)

Kotobukiya Bishoujo Poison - BBTS

Bandai Tamashii Nations Samurai Taisho Darth Vader (Death Star Armour)

Here's my look at the new Bandai Tamashii Nations Darth Vader in his Death Star Armour. Another fantastic addition to the Samurai ranks in this line! The new skeletal design elements are fantastic.

Here's my full video review and comparison against the first Darth Vader release.

The box art is the usual classy style in this line. Everything is nicely packed in very collector friendly fashion.

I think the Death Star on his forehead does look pretty ridiculous, but at least it's removeable lol!! Of course the selling point for this figure is the new acacessories and the skeletal design elements.

The molding and paint app on areas such as the helmet, forearm, hand, and torso area are great and really differentiate it from the first release. There are definitely pros and cons to both figures, and so both are worthy additions to the collection.

I love the new lightsaber hilt with the sharkskin detailing (which I was told after the video review by some very knowledgeable collectors!) I think with both Vaders, you'll definitely have more display options in your collection. For me, I'll have one of the Vaders with the Stormtroopers, and the other with the upcoming Royal Guards. Either way, you're sure to have an incredibly unique Star Wars display in your collection!

I get mine from Big Bad Toy Store. Click the link below for all the order details!

BBTS - Bandai Tamashii Nations Samurai Darth Vader (Death Star Armour)

Hot Toys MMS295 Sandtrooper

The new Hot Toys Sandtrooper figure is another fantastic addition to their Star Wars line. A nice improvement over the previous Sideshow Deluxe Sandtrooper, particularly in the way it can actually stand up on its own without the need for support!

It was an absolute pain in the arse to get the back pack on though! Took forever, and I definitely prefer the magnet used by the Sideshow figure to add support. The Sideshow figure still holds up extremely well, so I wouldn't get rid of them just yet.

Here's my full video review that compares the new Hot Toys figure with the previous Sideshow Sandtrooper. Should give you enough of an idea on the differences to make up your mind if you want to get this!

Packaging is the usual Star Wars style, and it's amazing how many accessories they crammed into the clamshell!!

All set up the figure looks pretty damn awesome. I love the inclusion of the binoculars, but they did not include one of the larger rifles that came with the Sideshow Deluxe Sandtrooper.

Together with the previous Sandtrooper, you can see its weathering is much more subtle. The Sideshow version really does look like he's been walking through some Bantha shit! But overall, it still looks pretty nice next to the new one (despite what the anal collectors who inspect every minute detail will say lol!!)

Together, the original trilogy figures from both Sideshow and Hot Toys look simply amazing together. I can't wait to get more next year with the AT-AT driver. Hopefully one day they make the Royal Guard!

Hot Toys MMS297 Luke Skywalker exclusive

Each time I get one of the new Hot Toys Star Wars original trilogy figures, it just brings a sense of joy that only nostalgia for your favourite movies can bring! These figures are simply incredible, and include a great array of accessories. The new Luke Skywalker figure in his Tatooine outfit is now exception.

Perhaps the only negative point for me is that the head sculpt isn't as good as that shown on the front box art! The final production sculpt still seems a bit off, but overall is still a fantastic package by Hot Toys.

Click the link below to check out my full video review :)

Sentinel Tatsunoko Heroes Fighting Gear Gatchaman G-2

I absolutely loved the previous Gatchaman G-1 figure, so had no hesitation in preordering the G-2 figure. And it's quality and style is every bit as good! I now just hope they don't just stop, but also make the rest of the team!

Here's my full video review of the figure :)

Seriously, I will be so pissed off if they don't make the rest of the team. These two are pretty awesome, but just having them without the team will be a major disappointment! Hopefully they're announced soon!

Transformers Masterpiece MP-11T Thundercracker

It took Takara seemingly forever to finally release Thundercracker in the MP-11 mold. After the exclusive and expensive Skywarp release, they pretty much have done the same with Thundercracker. For the price it's pretty lacklustre, but the baby blue cartoon accurate paint app just looks so damn good!

Together with Starscream and Skywarp, the original trio of Seekers from the G1 cartoon really do look fantastic.

Here's my full video review going over some of the QC issues and my overall thoughts on the figure. Scroll down further for more pics and thoughts too :)

The packaging is the usual MP style, which is classic due to its overall simplistic design.

In alt mode, the classic G1 colours really do look sensational. The only part that's not really screen accurate is the black nose cone, so I'm not sure why they bothered going with the black and not leaving it as blue too.

The bot mode is still fantastic too, but the QC drops in standard due to visible plastic sprue marks. The same marks can be seem on Starscream and Skywarp, but there they seemed to be finished off much better so are not so noticeable. On Thundercracker, especially around the shins they are quite noticeable.

But as I said above, the moment you see all of them together on display, any thoughts about QC are pretty much forgotten since they just look amazing together. I'm definitely glad to finally have them all in the collection, and now look forward to Ramjet and the other coneheads in 2016!