Little Plastic Man

TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con 2012 Singapore!

2012-02-02T20:47:00.010+08:00

Singapore has another first!

TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON CON 2012 (‘Cybertron Con’) will be coming to Singapore this year, a first for Southeast Asia.

Following the TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con's successful inaugural convention in Shanghai in 2010, Hasbro Singapore is thrilled to share the hugely popular TRANSFORMERS brand with fans in Singapore and around the region.

With the recent launch of TRANSFORMERS The Ride, and TRANSFORMERS: Dark of the Moon becoming the fourth highest grossing movie of all time at the global box office, it is a fantastic opportunity to bring this tremendous TRANSFORMERS event to Resorts World Sentosa, a destination resort that is very popular with tourists from the region.

The Cybertron Con will be held at the Resorts World Convention Centre from 11 to 14 March 2012.

So all you Transformers fans, be it of the toys, the movies, cartoon or just that Transformers is super cool, here is what is in stored for you at Cybertron Con!

1) The convention will feature an extensive display of TRANSFORMERS toys; cartoon animation and video games! The event will also highlight previously unreleased artwork, as well as workshops for aspiring designers.

2) Hasbro will present an extensive collection of historical TRANSFORMERS items from throughout the brand's 27 year history via a visually stunning exhibit. This I am freaking excited!!!

Photo credit to Hasbro

3) It will feature a wide variety of displays, interactive experiences and special events. TRANSFORMERS brand leaders and designers will also be in attendance to meet with fans and attend special events and panel discussions.

4) Panel Sessions with special guest, Mr. Hideaki Yoke and TRANSFORMERS brand experts from Hasbro.

Photo credit to Hasbro

5) A 22-foot tall OPTIMUS PRIME character statue, one of the largest TRANSFORMERS statues ever.

6) TRANSFORMERS drawing classes by top Hasbro artists (at select times).

7) Three-dimensional action figure dioramas capturing scenes from popular TRANSFORMERS entertainment including the blockbuster movies.

8) National "Fastest Fingers First" Challenge, testing convention goers‟ skills at converting TRANSFORMERS action figures from "robot" to "vehicle" modes. This I surely fail...LOL

9) There will be TRANSFORMERS merchandise available for sales in a wide range of prices. There will also be exclusive Cybertron Con items. These items will only be revealed at the event itself.

...and many many more!

Now that we got your attention...haha here are the details for the event.

Where?
The event will be held on 11 – 14 March 2012 at Compass Ballroom at Resorts World Convention Centre in Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.
11 – 13 March (11am – 9pm), 14 March (10am – 6pm)

How to get your tickets?
Ticket sales will begin from 5 February 2012 onwards and they can be bought:
- Online at http://www.rwsentosa.com/
- At Universal Studios Singapore ticketing booths
- At RWS Ticket and Membership Hub
- Via hotline 6577 8888

There are 2 types of tickets available;
- $12 DAY PASS, and
- $68 VIP 4-day VIP PASS which includes:
Unlimited event access (11-14 March);
Photo Opportunity with 22-foot OPTIMUS PRIME;
1 x VIP Lanyard;
1 x TRANSFORMERS KRE-ON figure

Such an exciting event means there is a high chance that tickets will be sold out. So get them quick!

Pictures from Shanghai Cybertron Con.
Look at the crowd! Better make sure to get your tickets fast!

Photo credit to Hasbro

More Infomation
For more on 2012 Cybertron Con, please visit http://www.cybertroncon.com/

Fans can also receive updates and take part in contests to receive exclusive prizes by joining the 2012 TRANSFORMERS Cybertron Con Facebook page at www.facebook.com/transformerssingapore.

AUTOBOTS Roll Out!

Takara Encore G1 Devastator

2012-01-17T20:56:00.000+08:00

Devastator is the combination of the Constructicons.
The Constructicons are the Decepticons' foremost designers, engineers and builders. They are also the very first combining subgroup of Transformers. The individual members of the team are:

Scrapper, the leader, a modest but masterful designer - Front-load loader.
Bonecrusher - a destructive berserker - Bulldozer
Scavenger, who has some major self-esteem issues - Power Shovel
Mixmaster, a manic and somewhat crazed chemist - Cement Mixer.
Hook, a snobbishly perfectionist engineer - Crane.
Long Haul, a hard-working transporter who longs to be on the battlefield - Dump truck
To me, Devastator was the most well known of all the combiners.

As a kid, I was fascinated by the concept of the combiners and Constructicons was my favourite.
Due to limited resources, I never collected Transformers during my younger days.
Fast-forward to now with more resources, I am able to collect the G1 reissues.
I aways felt that the idea of reissues was a great marketing strategy.

There were many KO version of the Constructicons but I have resisted.
I always knew that a reissue will be done for the Constructicons and now I have it in my hands!

The packaging follows the classic G1 packaging but with the encore label to say that this is a reissue.
The words are in Japanese so I guess they were following the Japanese version.

The set comes with bio cards which looks great and a great addition to the set.

I never owned a Devastator before so I do not have anything to compare with however the reviews on the forums are saying it is not as good as the original in terms of color and plastic quality. Well I guess things are not made the way they were done in the past.
I really can't compare but I am just happy that I finally have my own Devastator after 27 odd years.

One issue I had was the combining of the Constructicons to Devastator. The joining at the legs was pretty loose especially for Scrapper (left leg).

There were also some issues with the Mixmaster in this set.
The Asia sourced versions as compared to the Japan sourced versions are missing the Mixmaster head. So do check when you collect your Devastator.

Hook – Upper Body

Long Haul – Lower Body

Scavenger – Right Arm

Bonecrusher– Left Arm

Scrapper (Leader) – Right Leg

Mixmaster – Left Leg

The Constructicons

Devastator

Emotional Jack for Biko2

2012-01-10T22:45:00.004+08:00

Some time ago, Carlos wrote to me asking if he could slightly edit the design of Emotional Jack so that he could give them to his friends and customers.

Now Jack is working for Biko2 and he is happy!...LOL
Download all Emotional Jack here!

Welcome to the wonderful world of F.A.T.S

2011-12-30T23:07:00.007+08:00

I have always love the idea of F.A.T.S (Future Advance Tactical System) and have finally decided to dedicate a full blog to this paper toys design.

This new blog will record all the characters and vehicles in the F.A.T.S universe.

Little Plastic Man is proud to give you fats-universe.blogspot.com

Welcome to the Wonderful World of F.A.T.S
Now choose your side.

Coming to a blog near you.

2011-12-30T01:04:00.003+08:00

1:72 scale United States Tanks

2011-12-26T20:59:00.000+08:00

Dragon Armor, Easy Armor and Forces of Valor are usually the brands I buy for my 1:72 scale tanks collection. It is not that they are my favourite brands but they are easily found and affordable here in Singapore.
Another brand that I like is Hobby Master (HM). I love their details and weathering painting techniques. They also cover a huge variety of tanks.
Not as heavy as compared to the Forces of Valor tanks, that equates to lower metal content but their sculpting and painting are much better.
However, in places where I found them, they are pretty steep in price.

In my recent trip to Taipei, I found a shop that was selling HM's tanks and for a very reasonable price.
So what does a good toy collector do....grab them!
I will be reviewing the WW2 United States Tanks.

US Willys Jeep 7th Armored Div.,
814th Tank Destroyer Bttn.,Recon. Company No.22,
Jan 1945 Belgium

The US Willys Jeep was manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles.
Wanting to replace their outdated light vehicles the U.S. Military received three tenders. Bantam Car Company was the initial winner but couldn’t meet demand so the job went to Willys-Overland Motors. Willys was to take the best design features of the three submitted tenders and build a standardized vehicle. Eventually in order to meet an even greater demand the Ford Motors Company was asked to build a similar vehicle. During World War II there was a total of 647,870 Jeeps produced by the three companies; Willys-Overland produced 362,841 of them.

In 1:72 scale, this jeep comes in pretty small but is still able to pack in the details. I love this piece as the details and painting are very good.
The windshield can pivot up and down plus the wheels are made of rubber and can roll.

US M8 Light Armored Car
82nd Armored Recon. Battalion,
2nd Armored Div., 1944

The American M8 was equipped with a 37mm gun and 6X6 wheel drive and was the
main recon vehicle used by the US military during WWII.
The only positive thing the crews had to say about the vehicle was it was reliable and fast on roads. It performed poorly off road, was very lightly armored with only sheet metal for a floor. It had an open top with no periscopes and exposed the crew to weather and enemy fire.

Another armor vehicle with great details and painting.
I also like the fact that the wheels are made of rubber and can roll.

US M10 Tank Destroyer "Duckbill"
France, 1944 "Corsair II"

Originally developed as part of a mobile tank destroyer force in 1941.
The M10 tank destroyer, formally 3-inch Gun Motor Carriage, M10 was a United States tank destroyer of World War II based on the chassis of the M4 Sherman tank.

The 'duckbill' version of the M10 was the configuration put into production later in the M10's development. The 'duckbill' was actually a more effective turret counter-weight to offset the weight of the M7 76mm main gun. The extended 'duckbill' also provided a better 50 cal machine gun mount.

Seriously what's not to like about a tank destroyer!
I like the fact that you get to see the inside of the tank from the top. The details are amazing.
I particulately like the weathering effect on this M10

M5A1 US Light Tank
E Tank Company, 83rd Recon Battalion
3rd Armoured Division "Victory"

The M5A1 was the major variant of the M3 Stuart, formally Light Tank M3.
It an American light tank of World War II and supplied to British and Commonwealth forces under lend-lease prior to the entry of the U.S. into the war—and used thereafter by U.S. and Allied forces until the end of the war.

This is a very cute tank.
I like the overall design of this tank and Hobby Master has done well to capture it in this die cast model.

LVT(A)- 1
Saipan, 1944 "Blue Beach 1"

The LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) was a class of amphibious vehicles designed for the U.S during WWII. The original idea was for a cargo carrier from ship to shore. It wasn’t long before it evolved into a troop carrier and a fire support vehicle.
The LVT(A)-1 was given a turret almost identical to that of the M3 Stuart Light Tank along with other fire-power.

This is one very well made model.
The details are great and the nice blue wash is eye catching.
I am really pleased with this tank.

LVT-2 AMTRAC Unkown Unit,
Saipan (Mariana Islands), June 1944

A vast improvement over the LVT-1 came with the arrival of the LVT-2 commonly known as the “Water Buffalo” and also as just the “Buffalo”. The new machine was provided with better armor, a newer Continental engine and the same transmission found in M3A1Stuart tanks all riding on a new suspension.
This made it possible for the LVT-2 to carry 6,500 pounds, 2,000 pounds more than the LVT-1. The one flaw with the LVT-2 was the bilge powers were powered by gasoline so when the gasoline ran out the LVT-2 usually foundered.
One of the many battles the LVT-2 was used in was the Battle of Saipan that lasted from June 15, 1944 – July 9, 1944. On June 15th over 300 LVTs landed 8,000 Marines and by the end of hostilities the Americans had landed 71,000 personnel.

Just like the LVT(A)- 1, this is a great model.
I especially like the great details you can see in the hull of the tank.
Plus the machine guns look sweet!

A very F.A.T.S Christmas!

2011-12-13T22:04:00.006+08:00

It is beginning to feel like Christmas and I am getting the feel good Christmas feeling.
For this holiday season, I decided to incorporate my F.A.T.S (Future Advanced Tactical System) design with Christmas.
I love the contrasting theme.

If you like what you are seeing and would like the template, please hop over to my facebook and like the photos. If I can get 40 likes, I will make the template available.
I am also thinking of dedicating a whole blog just for the F.A.T.S universe so if there are many likes, it might just push me to do so...:)

Wishing all my readers a very F.A.T.S Christmas!

Update: Check out the new F.A.T.S blog

Hot Toys Superman The Movie Christopher Reeve

2011-12-10T13:19:00.017+08:00

Not being a comic reader, my real exposure to Superman is when I watched him as a little boy in the movie "Superman The Movie".
At the time, Superman was played by Christopher Reeve.
So please forgive me when I can only relate Superman to the one played by Christopher Reeve!

Which better company to do a Reeve's Superman than Hot Toys. Given their superior track record, we know the figure is in safe hands.
As a mark of respect the figure is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Reeve and a part of the money collected from the sale of the figure will be donated to the the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which funds research into spinal injuries and their treatment.
Hence there is no better reason not to get your hands on this figure.
As a mark of respect, there will not be a stupid joke at the end of the review...:)

This is seriously one of the best looking packaging I have seen.
The packaging itself can be a display piece!
It is actually a no brainer to use the "S" logo as the centrepiece of the packaging but according to what I have read on the internet, HT graphic artist Dixon Chan thought that the "S" logo was somehow expected and he didn’t want to use it but everytime he tried out different designs he always came back to that logo.
So here it is.

The logo being a diamond shape made it impossible to stand upright...so what did they do?
Yes they created 2 triangular tip bases to hold the diamond shape logo.
But when you close the base, it forms one triangle and together with the diamond logo it forms a square for easy packaging...cool.

When you open the box, you will see that the figure is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Reeve.
There are 2 layers, 1st layer for the figure and the second layer are the parts to form the Fortress of Solitude base.

Base

Closing the base forms one triangle

A perfect square!

The packaging as a display piece.

1st layer

2nd layer

Wonderful sculpting here.
After a slight miss with Indy's head sculpt, I am glad this was not the case.
I will just let the photographs do the talking...

Not counting the Fortress of Solitude base as an accessory, there aren't much accessories. Well it does make sense right, the man of steel doesn't need any weapons...
Oh if you get the exclusive version (which I did not) you get the the lump of green Kryptonian meteorite on a chain that Lex Luthor uses on Superman.
Other than that, he comes with a selection of six hands which are great for some classic poses like the flying poses!

Now to the Fortress of Solitude base.
It looks really cool but the shards of ice crystals could not be completely inserted into the snowy base. Is it just my figure?...I think so because I don't see anyone else complaining.
Anyway, the base is really good and well made but again it is huge!
I simply do not have the space to display this base. I really feel wasteful as I know that I have paid for this beautifully made base but I just can't display it!
In the end, I have to settle for the normal base given to all Hot Toys figures.

Just a point to note, I am not sure if there was a little tear on his outfit (right leg) before I took the figure out.
So be careful when posing him because even though the material of the outfit is stretchable, there is a chance it could tear.

Overall a great looking piece. Too bad I could not display him with the Fortress of Solitude base.

Little Plastic Man Presents: 8 New Faces for Jack!

2011-12-05T18:55:00.010+08:00

Emotional Jack now has more emotions to showcase!
Little Plastic Man is proud to presents 8 New Faces for Jack!

Download more faces for Jack here.
Download Jack and his cosplay accessories here.

Hot Toys DX Indiana Jones

2011-12-03T21:35:00.009+08:00

Colonel Henry Walton Jones, Jr., Ph.D. aka Indiana Jones was created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg in homage to the action heroes of 1930's film serials.
The character first appeared in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, to be followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in 1989, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles from 1992 to 1996, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008.
Jones is famously played by Harrison Ford.
A super iconic figure but I had passed on so many Indiana Jones 12" figure offerings from Sideshow and Medicom, mainly because I did not like the sculpting.
When Hot Toys finally came up with their version which was even a DX version, I knew this would be the one to get.

When the figure was released in Hong Kong, the unhappiness over the head sculpt raged throughout the internet that it was not up to expectation and looked really off.
That put doubts in my mind to get this figure but I have already pre-ordered.
When the time came to collect the figure, I decided to go ahead because I did not want to cancel my pre-order with the nice people at Falcon's Hanger and I decided to continue to put my trust with Hot Toys who, up to this point has not really disappointed me.
So was it really that bad? Read on...

Hot Toys packaging is first class and this is definitely no exception.
The box is huge with Indy's hat and whip as the main focal pointsof the packaging.
The box is designed to look old and distressed, like you are about to open a treasure.

Great packaging

When you open the box, you will see an"old map" of the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant by Dr Henry Jones PH.D. How cool is that!

1st Layer

On the left side of the flap you have the silhouette graphic of Indy and the plot of the movie.

A visual feast but that is only the first layer.
After removing the first layer, you see the figure and its accessories which you shelled out so much $$ for!!!
Everything fits snugly.

2nd Layer

Wait! There is still a 3rd layer!
What awaits you in the 3rd layer is the pedestal for the fertility idol and his white robe and staff of Rah.
Lastly under the 3rd layer, there is Indy's base / stand and the cardboard backdrops.
This is what I call multi-layers of pure goodness!

3rd Layer

Now to the heat of the debate - the head sculpt.
Seriously it is not as bad as what is being said on the internet.
It is Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones.
He even have his trademark smug and scar on his chin.
But yes I do agree it is slightly off.
Maybe because of the PERS eye system which makes his eyes a bit too deep set.
I am not sure but he does resemble David Beckham from certain angles... :)

With the PERS eye system, you are able to make Indy gaze to the left, right or middle.
Just like the other Hot Toys figures with PERS, the control is at the back of the head after removing the back of the hair piece.

Look to the left...

now look to the right.

The higher price tag for a DX figure mean you are getting something more than your ordinary Hot Toys offering.
Beside the PERS eye system, you get loads of accessories and I mean LOADS!
The figure comes with
1) 5 pairs of hands,
2) hat
3) whip
4) 2 guns
5) holster
6) shoulder bag
7) notebook
8) stand

An interesting point to note is that the holster for the gun and the loop for the whip have magnetic closers. Thank God for that as I hate those little buttons that usually comes with such tinier accessories!

Not only do you get items and accessories to create dioramas for the starting of the movie where Indy was trying to steal the Fertility Idol, but also for the scene where he goes down to the map room in the desert.

Fertility Idol scene

1)Sand Bag
2)Fertility Idol
3)Idol Base
4)Base
5)Jungle backdrop

Map Room scene

1)Staff of Rah
2)Head piece
3)Temple outfit
4)Base
5)Map room backdrop

Indy's outfit in the map room

What is cool about the backdrops and base is that they are interchangable. If you want the map room scene, flip the backdrop around and you get the map room.
Take out the base's carboard and flip it around and you get the desert floor.
Seriously how cool and smart is that.

Ok here is the problem. The backdrop is tall. I am not sure how many collectors have display cabinets that have so much distance between the shelves!
Basically you need a lot of display space both horizontally and vertically.
For me, the base and backdrop go into storage. I love to display them but I don't have so much room.

So is this the best 12" Indy figure around?
The head sculpt may not be Hot Toys' best effort but it is still good.
And the accessories...what can I say...1st class!
For that I give it a resounding YES!

Little Plastic Man Presents: Christmas Paper Ornaments

2011-12-01T23:35:00.006+08:00

Christmas is round the corner and I am feeling so Christmassy!
What better way to decorate your Christmas Tree with your hand made paper Christmas ornaments!

Little Plastic Man Presents: Christmas Paper Ornaments Christmas Angel & Snowman.

You can download them here.
If you like what you see, please like littleplasticman facebook and watch out for more papercraft!

Christmas Angel

Snowman

Joe Ledbetter Chinese Zodiac

2011-11-26T09:25:00.015+08:00

Joe Ledbetter is an American artist and art toy designer from Los Angeles. (also known as JLed) Influenced by classic animation, graphic design, and daily life, he often combines cute and cuddly creatures with unfortunate — albeit humorous — situations.

I love his style of design, especially with the use of bold colors and black outline.
He recently released the Chinese Zodiac Series featuring animals based on the Chinese Almanac redesigned with his unique style.
Of course, I had to get the animals related to my family's birth dates.
Dragon for me, Horse for my wife and Ox for my son.
Just love toys that have a direct relation to myself.

The packaging is generic but have a window so you know what you are getting.
A simple design with the back showing all the animals in the series and the year of birth related to them.
So you would know which animal is for you!
A point to note, the painting is slightly sloppy so do look closely while choosing your piece.

Overall, a fun and cool series.

Play Imaginative (Singapore) at Scape is now selling the series.
You can read the story of how the animals were chosen for the Chinese zodiac here.

The Ox

The Horse

The Dragon

The rest of the Zodiac animals!

The Cast of Saving Private Ryan...well almost

2011-11-22T22:53:00.005+08:00

Most of us 12" collectors dream about getting the whole team led by Captain Miller in the movie "Saving Private Ryan".
DiD & Soldier Story has done some of the characters, namely Captain Miller and Private Daniel.
Now, Dragon has joined the bandwagon and given us not 1 or 2 but 5 characters from the movie.
Yes we all know these figures are not supposed to represent those characters but everyone knows that the inspiration for these figures came from the movie. It also makes the cost lower hence a cheaper figure.

Based on the picture, DiD offering is still the best in terms of sculpting and accessories.
However Private First Class Cappy (Vin Diesel as Private First Class Adrian Caparzo) looks mighty tempting!
Now please someone give me Medic Wade!! (My obsession with medics because I was a platoon medic when I was serving my national service...I also kitbashed Medic Roe from Band of Brothers)

You can read my review of DiD Captain Miller and Private Daniel.
Now on pre-order at Falcon Hanger.

Vin Diesel as Private First Class Adrian Caparzo, a rifleman

Barry Pepper as Private Daniel Jackson, a marksman

Tom Sizemore as Technical Sergeant Mike Horvath

Edward Burns as Private First Class Richard Reiben,
an automatic rifleman (BAR gunner)

Matt Damon as Private First Class James Francis Ryan, a paratrooper

Little Plastic Man Presents: Emotional Jack's Accessories

2011-11-21T22:08:00.006+08:00

One of Emotional Jack's favourite hobby is cosplay.
His dream is to be an international cosplay superstar but for now he is happy to showcase his costumes!

Now for download are Emotional Jack's accessories!
There are 4 accessories.
1) Stormtrooper helmet
2) Gundam helmet
3) Angry Bird helmet
4) Brown Paper Bag

Download Emotional Jack & his accessories here
See all my paper creation

Little Plastic Man Presents: Emotional Jack

2011-11-19T14:36:00.016+08:00

Emotional Jack is a boy whose emotion changes like the weather!
It is a paper craft which enables you to change the facial expression of Jack.
How does Jack feel today? It is all up to you!
I will continue to do more facial expression and post it for download...so watch for it!

There is even a Zombie version of Emotional Jack which took part in TOYSREVIL's First Annual Zombie Pageant.
He was even picked by the judges for "MR CONGENIALITY (PLEASE DO NOT EAT ME)" award by having the 2nd most judges' votes!

Download Emotional Jack here
See all my paper creation

Kidrobot & Travis Cain Best Friends Forever (BFF) series 2

2011-11-18T10:19:00.010+08:00

"I can't live with or without you..."
The song "With or Without you" by Irish rock band U2 basically sums up the whole idea and concept of this series.
I just love designer toys with a witty and cool concept.
In the series are everyday items that go well together but in the process one of the items is actually getting hurt!
Sometimes what you love most can be your downfall...Love Sucks!

I got a couple from series 2.
Each item comes in a sealed packet so you do not know what you are getting.
However most shops that sell this open them up so you can actually choose the figures you like.
In each box there will be a card which will have the picture of the BFF you got plus a quote behind. The quotes are pretty funny.

Overall, a witty designer toy series.
I am on the lookout for more BFF (Bloody F*@king Funny!!)

chester & phillipe
Love quote: isn't love grate?
There is an interlocking action which allows the 2 figures to be combined.

big t & little c & barry
Love quote: you're the sweetest tooth!

maxwell & earl
Love quote: you can't erase true love!

freedy & gaston
Love quote: time for a love omelet!

how2work x 3mix 12" Toy Story Toy Soldier Sergeant

2011-11-12T09:51:00.016+08:00

Imagine the Toy Soldier Sergeant in the movie Toy Story blown up to 12" proportion.
Yes! how2work x 3mix did just that.
This figure immediately caught my eye when I was toy hunting in Taipei.
I just love this piece because it speaks so much to me.
It is a 12" green LITTLE PLASTIC MAN (toy soldier) from the movie Toy Story! Seriously what more can I ask for.
On yar...and it was also on discount...the cherry on top of the sundae!!!

The packaging is very simple.
No color at all, just the title, wording and the picture of the figure you are getting.
I usually display just the figures so the simple packaging does not bother me.
The figure is kept securely in the box hence there is very small chance of damage.

At first glance, I thought it was a single molded figure of those plastic-molded soldiers made famous in the movie Toy Story but blown up to 12" scale.
Yes I was still intrigued by it even though my initial thought that is was just a single molded figure.
However when I got my hands on it at the shop, I was surprised.
It actually had an internal articulated armature wrapped around by a rubber casing.
In another word, there is actually articulation in the arms, waist and neck!
How cool is that.

The sculpting is what it should be, those plastic-molded soldiers we used to play when we were kids.
Even though the sculpting is simple, all the details we are familiar with plastic-molded soldiers are there.

The only disappointing area is the color. It needs to be of a darker green. Well nothing is perfect...:P

There are no accessories.
There is a little gun attached to his hand. I don't considered that as an accessory.

If I am not wrong, there is a red and black version but I think the green is cooler as it stays true to the figure it was supposed to represent.

Overall, I love this unique piece.
It looks great displayed with my other 12" military figures!

Toy Shopping in Taipei

2011-11-12T09:42:00.003+08:00

I just came back from a holiday in Taipei.
Like any self respecting toy collector in a foreign land, I had to trawl the streets of Taipei to seek out the toy shops.
In general, there are 3 main clusters of toy shops.

Wan Nian Commercial Building

Wan Nian Commercial Building is seated at the intersection of Emei (pronounced as er-mei) Street and Xi Ning South Road in Ximendng.

It was my very first stop as my hotel was located in Ximending.
Majority of the toy shops are located on the fourth floor.
The shops there sell mostly model kits of Gundam, cars and military vehicles.
As you know, I love to collect 1/72 scale tanks and there is one shop that had great stocks of such tanks.
They had a great selection plus the price was at least $10 lower as compared to Singapore.
A fruitful and bountiful first day of toy hunting. I LIKE.

The shop where I blew so much $$ on 1/72
scale tanks!

Ding Hao Department Store

You can either alight at MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station or MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station.
From the station, find the East Metro Mall which is basically a underground mall that links the 2 stations together.
At the East Metro Mall, exit at exit 11. Ding Hao Department Store is just outside exit 11. You can't miss it.

On the third floor of Ding Hao Department Store is where Monster Taipei is located, which is considered a big name in the Taipei's toy scene.
They sell mostly designer toys but there are a few assorted 6" figures around.
Another toy shop called Tin Tin was supposed to be on the fourth floor but I could not find it when I was there.

Outside Monster Taipei, there is a flight of stairs that will lead you to the ground floor and out of Ding Hao Department Store. From there, turn left into a lane and walk straight. At the 3rd section, turn to the left and you will reach a shop called "Monster Gear" (from the same nice people who also brought you Monster Taipei). It is opposite a cafe called "Osweets" The shop looks more classy and cool as compared to Monster Taipei.
They sell mostly designer toys and they were having their yearly sale (20% to 40%) when I was there.
HaHa...let the shopping begin!

Hot Dog Toys and Paradise

Another popular toy shop is Hot Dog Toys.
It sells mostly designer toys and anime related toys.
Located near MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station.

Near Hot Dog Toys, you will find Paradise which is another toy shop selling designer toys and clothes. Very cool layout.
Within this area, there are other shops selling cute and cool t-shirts and fashion. Worth a check out.

Got a few designer toys from Paradise. Nothing exciting.

Other toy shops

The big malls like SOGO & Momo have very poor selection of toys, very different from Singapore. However in Taipei 101, there is a toy shop called Toy Land which is located just outside the food court at basement 1.
Nothing exciting. You can find console games, Ultraman, model cars and Gundam.
Lego looks pretty well stocked here.

The 12" scene is not really big in Taipei, most of the time I could not find any 12" figures. However toys relating to anime are in abundance. Mainly due to the Japanese influence in Taiwan.
As I also collect 1/72 scale tanks and designer toys, this is where I bought the most toys.
If you are not into model building (gundam, cars or millitary vehicles) or designer toys, Taipei might be a disappointing place for toy hunting.

-----UPDATES!!!!-----
Thanks to Sebastian who informed me that I have missed the biggest place in Taipei for buying toys, which is TAIPEI CITY MALL. It is underground, right below Taipei Main Station. It has tons of toy shops, offering all kinf of cool stuff (tamashii, bandai, revoltech, figma, figuarts, etc)!!!
I may have missed it (Boo Hoo) but that does not mean you have to...:)

My Taipei Toy Haul

Tanks!

Designer Toys!

Hot Toys Iron Man Mark V

2011-10-26T16:50:00.000+08:00

Hot Toys has been milking the Iron Man movie for what it is worth!
They have produced all the suits plus many more variations.
It does not help that in both the Iron Man movies, there are a total of 6 suits and rumor has it that a seventh suit will make its appearance in the The Avengers.

I recently got my hands on Hot Toys Mark V and it is a beauty to behold.
When I was checking the figure at the store, my wife unexpectedly gave out a "WOW!" and everyone stared at us.

Introduced in the second film, the Mark V is a portable suit developed for emergency use made in the six month time gap (between the 2 movies). Lightweight and flexible enough to take the form of a briefcase that's handcuffed to Happy Hogan.
By kicking open the case, inserting his hands into the protruding gloves and placing the main assembly onto his chest, the armor folds out around Stark, quickly forming into a full red-and-silver armor.
The Mark V armor's look was likely inspired by the Silver Centurion armor in the comics.

The packaging is the same for all the Iron Man 2 characters produced by Hot Toys.
I love the metallic feel of the sleeve.
The figure and the accessories are are all stored in one nice tray which I like very much.
The packaging for past Iron Man 2 characters all had a glimpse of the next figure that is due in the series on their sleeves. However for Mark V, there is none. Most likely this figure will be the last of the series.

This suit was developed for emergency use hence it does not have as many fancy stuff as compared to the other suits.
However the sculpting of the suit is perfect and looks really good.
The painting as always is first class!

Accessories are pretty decent.
You get a battle damaged chest plate and arm so you can display it after the battle with Whiplash in Monaco.
Damaged pieces looks real good as you can see all the mangled metal.
Please read the instructions before attempting to do the change. You would not want to break anything especially at Hot Toys pricing

You also get the suitcase that stores the suit, 3 hands and the handcuffs that were used to handcuff the suitcase to Happy Hogan (Tony Stark's chauffeur and personal assistant)

You get two stands for this figure. One is the common stand we usually get along with our Hot Toys figure, however the other stand looks more like what you get from a DX figure.
It has light function and looks real cool. However I am those who do not like to display the figure with the stand. So extra stands mean little to me.

Just like the other suits, this figure also has the standard light function on it head, chest and hands.
However like what Alex from Toy Haven says...please take out the batteries because after some time the batteries will leak and destroy the figure.

Overall another killer figure!
It will fit in nicely with the other "1,000" Hot Toys iron man you might have...:)

Look at all the details...amazing

Awesome details under the chest plate!

Battle damaged Mark V

Let there be light!

TOYSREVIL's First Annual Zombie Pageant

2011-10-24T14:46:00.005+08:00

When I found out that Andy was doing his First Annual Zombie Pageant, I submitted a paper toy Zombie named Zombie Boy Jack.
Surprise! Surprise!
My entry was picked by the judges for "MR CONGENIALITY (PLEASE DO NOT EAT ME)" award by having the 2nd most judges' votes!
I am so happy that my paper toy in a way has been recognized...:)

Very unlikely to win the main prize, "The Most Attractive Zombie" based on public voting. However I am very grateful to all who voted for me. Thank you so much!
For those who have not...:) there is still time.
Go down to this link and like Zombie Boy Jack! (show him some support!) Voting ends on October 27th @ 11:59PM (+8 GMT /Singapore-time).

Art-figures Navy Seal Special / Lt A.K. Waters (Tears of the Sun)

2011-10-15T11:00:00.001+08:00

Tears of the Sun is a 2003 war movie, depicting a United States Navy SEAL team rescue mission amidst a civil war in the West African country of Nigeria.
Lt. A.K. Waters played by Bruce Willis commands the team sent to rescue U.S. citizen Dr. Lena Fiore Kendricks played by Monica Bellucci who will only go with them if they agree to rescue 70 refugees too.

I have never been a great fan of Bruce Willis's movie but Tears of the Sun is an exception. This is one movie I can watch over and over again.
I have always wanted a Lt A.K. Waters 12" figure and with more and more 12" figure companies doing 12" representations of prominent movie characters, I knew some day someone will do a Lt A.K. Waters.
Up comes Art-figures with their Navy Seal Special which is supposed to represent Bruce Willis as Lt A.K. Waters. I am happy.

The packaging is very simple and average.
The front shows off the figure...well that's about it.
Inside the figure and the accessories are not well secured, so do check if you have all the accessories inside

Very simple no fuss packaging

Figure & accessories are loosely packed so do check before you
bring him home!

The sculpting is very good. The texture of the skin looks realistic and great.
I just love the stubble on his face.
But does it look like Bruce?
Okay...in all fairness it does not need to look like Bruce but we all know where Art-figures is going with this figure.
It looks dead on like Bruce when you look at it from the side but from the front something seems to be missing. I am not sure really.
But overall it is a pretty impressive sculpt.
The painting is equally impressive and I love how they painted the stubble on his face and hair. It looks impressive as hell!

My love hate relationship with 12" figures.
I love them for their beautiful sculpt, great details and wonderful accessories but I also hate putting the accessories on.
Yes I admire the details that can be found in such small accessories but putting them on is really a pain.
This figure is no different. Plenty of wonderful detailed accessories but it means more time and sweat goes into putting all of them on.
Well just take your time and do it once. I don't think you want to do this twice!

Being used to getting many pairs of extra heads with other 12" offering, I was expecting the same for this figure. However I was surprised to just get 1 pair of hands.
Don't worry, they are hands with bendable fingers so they more or less function like real hands.

The uniform is pretty well made and I love the fact that they stained the bottom of the pants to make them look like they are covered with mud. A pretty nice touch.
I also like the feel of the uniform.
It reminds me of the time when I served my national service, after a week out in the field, my uniform felt hard and stiff due to all the hardened mud and sweat. Yes that is how the uniform feels like!

Overall a well made figure. Good sculpt and great accessories. To date, this would be the best 12" represntation of Lt A.K. Waters in the movie Tears of the Sun.

Lt A.K. Waters

Lt A.K. Waters fully geared up

TOYSREVIL's First Annual Zombie Pageant

2011-10-10T10:08:00.011+08:00

I am taking part in TOYSREVIL's First Annual Zombie Pageant and have submitted a paper craft piece.

I was actually planning to launch my new paper craft called Emotional Jack (the boy whose emotion changes like the weather!)
Basically it is a paper craft which enables you to change the facial expression of Jack.
However when I found out that Andy was doing his First Annual Zombie Pageant, I had to convert Jack into a Zombie with multiple facial expressions!
I am contestant number 23!
Go down to this link and like Zombie Boy Jack! (show him some support!)
Voting ends on October 27th @ 11:59PM (+8 GMT /Singapore-time).

The Story of How Jack became Zombie Boy Jack
Like any other night, Jack was making his way home after his weekly session with his shrink.
In order to get home, he has to walk pass a secluded beaten up path next to a cemetery.
He has walked down this path thousands of times but this night proved to be different and life changing.
As he maneuver his way along the path, he felt a bite on his left arm.
He quickly looked down to see what was biting him. At first glance, it looked like a normal mosquito but as he looked harder, it was actually a Zombie mosquito!
From that night, Jack was never the same

Another customised Trexi

2011-09-24T11:00:00.006+08:00

Recently Play Imaginative was having a clearance sale at up to 90% discount.
They were selling blank Trexi at $2 a pop so I decided to get some after my pleasant experience in customising my very own Trexi.

I bought some markers but realised that the ink could not stay fully on the plastic of the Trexi so I washed it away. However it did leave a light impression on the figure.
Using this method, I was able to draw with a red marker and leave a light pink impression on the figure...hmmm I kinda like it.

So I present to you: " Skulls & Flowers"

Andrew Bell O-No series

2011-09-18T12:32:00.017+08:00

Andrew Bell is a British-born American artist and founder of Dead Zebra Inc. He specializes in creating collectible designer toys.
Well known for his set of vinyl collectible figurines based on the mascot for the popular Android operating system.These figurines have become very popular with enthusiasts.

However I like his O-No (Food Company) series of toys the best because of his dark and witty take on Japanese food.
At the recent STGCC 2011, I managed to get his exclusive STGCC 2011 O-No Sashimi to add to my O-No Sushi.

O-No Sushi

My favourite of the series.
This is the first of the series and it is super cute and funny.
I love the packaging as the pictures say it all.
It is done like you are actually buying it from the supermarket!
Just love it!

This design is so eye catching. It looks so cruel and yet I just can't stop smiling when I look at it.
Great concept!

It also comes with interchangeable eyes. One looking at the side while the other looking down.

O-No Sashimi

The second of the series.
Not as visually eye-catching and thought provoking but it is still a nice piece.
This is the STGCC 2011 exclusive and it was nice of Andrew Bell to design something just for STGCC 2011.
Similar concept to O-No Sushi for packaging.
Why fix something that is working.

The STGCC 2011 exclusive is designed with the Singapore's flag in mind.

It comes with interchangeable eyes. One with the crescent and the other with the star.
Main elements of the Singapore's flag

Now we have Sashimi and Sushi together.

Anyone hungry!

Weekend Toy Shopping

2011-09-16T20:00:00.003+08:00

The Takashimaya (Singapore) 15th Crazy Toy Sale is here and there are loads of good deals on toys.
Unfortunately, none of the toys on sale were of interest to me but do drop by as there might be toys that might catch your eye!
However, I managed to get some great discounts on toys for my son.
At least someone is going home happy...LOL

Leon at OpenTheToy has a more detailed review and pictures on the Sale.

Just beside Takashimaya at Scape, Play Imaginative is also having a clearance sale. Up to 90% off!

Even though most of the stuff are old but the discounts are really very attractive. I managed to get some designer toys at very good prices. The sale will end on Monday 19th Sep.

Enjoy the weekend and happy hunting!

My very own Trexi

2011-09-07T23:08:00.005+08:00

Long time ago, I bought a blank Trexi hoping to stamp my own design onto it.
Initially I was excited and bought spray paints, paints and brushes so I could do an "awesome" customised Trexi.
BUT I never got started and this poor blank Trexi remained blank.

Fast forward to last weekend, I again noticed this blank Trexi.
I thought to myself, "What the hell...I have a red marker and I am bored."
So I just started drawing.

Well...it looks ok...from afar...LOL.

Anyway, I am calling it:
"Seriously Mum, it does not hurt as bad as it looks!"

Mattel Movie Master Green Lantern Hal Jordan

2011-09-03T08:41:00.002+08:00

The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters and superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics.
Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and power lantern that gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it. The ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe, and can be very dangerous.

With the recent spade of comic superheroes movies churning out of Hollywood, it comes as no surprise that Green Lantern gets his very own movie.

The film stars Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan.
I seriously don't fancy this actor.
I don't know...I feel his look is more suited for comical roles. I just can't see him as a superhero.
For the record, I was also against him playing Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Anyway back to the post.
At the recent STGCC 2011, I managed to get my hands on Mattel's Movie Master Green Lantern Hal Jordan.
It was on discount and I though my display needed more green.
The figure is part of the Collect & Connect theme where each figure from the series comes with a part that can be combined into another figure. This time it is Parallax.

The packaging looks pretty cool and shows off the figure very well.
It is sturdy and the figure will be safe in it.
It also brings out the feel of the movie.
However the packaging is rather wasteful, as there is a lot of unused space.

Nice packaging

The sculpting is decent comparable to most mass market superhero toys.
However this is supposed to be Mattel's collector range and at the original price point, this figure falls short.

The standard of the painting is not as good as the sculpt as it gets sloppy at times.
There's a little slop on Hal especially around the hair line.
Something not acceptable if it is supposed to be marketed as collector range and comes with a hefty price tag.
The good thing is that the painting improves for the costume and the transition between colors on the costume looks well done.

Hal Jordan

Not counting one part of Parallax, this figure is very limited in the accessories department.
He comes with a very ordinary base. Come on Mattel...for that kind of cash, you could at least design a nicer looking base!
Hal too comes with a lantern, which took a bit of effort to get him to hold.
Well...that's about it.

The limited accessories

I only bought this figure because it was on discount and in the spirit of STGCC I was in a toy buying spree.

Hal Jordan as Green Lantern

The FIRST People's FlatHeads

2011-09-01T00:52:00.004+08:00

YEAH!
The very FIRST People's FlatHeads is here!
chrismandesign over at My First Bloggy Experience has done up a Flatheads based on his blog's mascot.
I just love it and I wish more designs (xiongatoz@gmail.com) will come in from fans and artists of paper craft.
Once I get enough of FlatHeads design, I will launched The People's FlatHeads Series 1.
YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!

Download FlatHeads Blank Template

You can view Series 1, Series 2 , Series 3 , Series 4 & Series 5.

Download FlatHeads Series 5
Download FlatHeads Series 4
Download FlatHeads Series 3
Download FlatHeads Series 2
Download FlatHeads Series 1

Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention 2011

2011-08-21T21:49:00.055+08:00

Wow...another year has passed by and the Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention is here again. Or should I say was here as today was the last day of the convention.
Like last year, I thought I was not going to make it to the convention but in the end I managed to get my lazy ass to the convention.

Like what Benjamin Franklin said,"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".
I forgot to prepare my camera and in the end, at the entrance I realised I only had 15 mins of battery life. Once the battery dies, I will only have my crappy Iphone 3GS camera.

At the entrance of the Singapore Toy, Games and Comic Convention 2011

As everyone should know, the cute mascot for STGCC 2011 was designed by none other than Alex from ToyHaven.
I also made a paper toy out of his design. Thank Goodness it turned out ok...phew.

The first thing that caught my eyes when I got in was the Hot Toys booth.
It was simply awesome!
This is the first time that Hot Toys has set up a booth in STGCC.
I just knew that my 15 mins of battery life will be used up here!

I love this wall.

At the booth, they were displaying up and coming figures plus figures that have already hit the stores.
I finally could see the actual figures and not rely on photos from the internet.
After seeing the figures, I am now rushing to pre-order more figures...LOL

Iron Monger...awesome! It will be mine.

Tick...pre-ordered!

Suit-Up Gantry with Iron Man Mark IV Limited Edition Collectible Set

Mark V

Good thing I pre-ordered him...

The original Joker!

One of the STGCC 20011 exclusives.

Wow...even bigger than the Tumbler!

Samurai Predator

Classic Predator. TICK!

Luke is looking good. Looking forward to Hot Toys Star Wars offering!

Indy...I am glad I pre-ordered u.

Got to get you. The shield is the winner!

Blue and tall. Avatar Jake Sully

Flynn with light cycle

Sweeney Todd

Captain Jack Sparrow
POTC - On Stranger Tides

Spiderman 3

The New Goblin

Sucker Punch - Baby Doll!

Amber

They have also set up a few dioramas!

The Dark Knight

Alien

IronMan 2

Batpod escape from The Dark Knight

Other Hot Toys stuff.

Also on display were customised Hot Toys Iron Man by various artists.

Ironmania by Satoshi Fumihara
The World of Golden Eggs

IronMan Diabolos by Yasushi Nirasawa

IronMan Classic Japanese & Space Titanium Color
by Yuji Nishimura
M1-00

Assemble Man & Antique Man
Unfortunately I can't recall the artist who did this.

IronManGantz Edition by Hiroya Oku Gantz

Ninja by Youji Shinkawa
Kojima Productions

Affection Man & Love Machine by Franck
Hot Toys Japan

The Jaws of Death by Max Watanabe
Max Factory

Iron Machine & Iron Man To-Fu by Shinichiro Kitai
DevilRobots

Cosplay will always be one of the highlights of STGCC.
Not really into it but I thought it was nice to take pictures of the photographers taking photos of the Cosplayers!

All attention on her!

It was at STGCC 2010 where I became a fan of designers toys and To-Fu Oyako by DevilRobots was what started me off.

Colorful sign

The man himself, Shin, signing autographs

New figures on display

Joe Ledbetter's Piggy Bank

Joe Ledbetter Chinese Zodiac Mini Figures

Mickey Mouse Vinyl Art Figures

In collaboration with Disney, Play Imaginative displayed over 30 customised Mickey Vinyl Art figures at STGCC 2011.
Quite cool I must say.

Tokidoki also had a booth and business looked good!
Always loved his art.

What is STGCC without the Artist Alley.
Artists from all over the world showcased their art and design.
Always love to roam along this alley.
Salute to all of them!

Andrew Bell! I just had to get his Sashimi Singapore version!

His painting was pretty cool.

ARTXCHANGE...They had some paintings that really caught my eye.
Imagine them hanging in your house.
All I can say...Super Cool!

I love this!

There was a Star Wars display brought to us by the community at Starwars.sg.
Very cool display and they even had some "easter eggs"
Great fun.

The Clone army getting ready for battle.
Who could resist such display of a huge army ready for battle.
Reminds me of my time in the army before we went out for exercise.

Some of the "esther eggs" I could find.
Did not managed to find all of them.

Popcorn Pop was also there selling movie poster.
I used to buy posters from them.

Posters from all the Batman Movies.

Finally, our usual suspects were there to dish out great deals so we would not have to go home empty handed!
You just had to end the day buying more toys...LOL

The ever helpful Desmond helping out at Invasion!
Kept saying he did not look handsome enough for the picture!
Come on...damn handsome right!!!

U-TOys

Spotted this!
Selling for $350!

Shop Shop Shop till your head drop!

There was a Grafitti Wall where you could just write or draw whatever you wanted!
I actually wanted to write Little Plastic Man was here with my FlatHeads logo...LOL

Yeah...my haul from the STGCC 2011.
It was enjoyable and a nice way to spend my Sunday.

Little Plastic Man Presents: FlatHeads Series 5

2011-08-10T22:14:00.000+08:00

People's FlatHeads project has not been successful as I have yet to recieve any designs...:(
As I am still very much for the idea of the People's FlatHeads project, I am still open in receiving your designs. Once I get enough, I will launch the series...so fingers crossed.

However the cutting, folding and glueing must go on so...

Little Plastic Man is proud to present: FlatHeads Series 5.

You can view Series 1, Series 2 , Series 3 & Series 4.

Download FlatHeads Series 5
Download FlatHeads Series 4
Download FlatHeads Series 3
Download FlatHeads Series 2
Download FlatHeads Series 1
Download FlatHeads Blank Template
See all my paper creation

Jakks Pacific Smurfs Movies

2011-08-06T20:51:00.028+08:00

The Smurfs (French: Les Schtroumpfs) is a comic and television franchise centered on a group of small blue fictional creatures called Smurfs, created and first introduced as a series of comic strips by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo on October 23, 1958.
I love the Smurfs cartoon and I remember watching it on the television every Sunday and humming to the tune "La La La La La La..."
At that time, Schleich was the company that was producing the Smurfs figures and are still at it today. I did a review on some of my childhood Smurfs figures.

Papa Smurf always says...

With most comics titles being made into movies, how am I not surprised that the Smurfs have now gotten their own motion picture.
I have no idea how the movie will turn out as I have not even seen the trailers. But based on the posters, I guess the Smurfs look decent enough.
I still like the original look though...:)
Jakks Pacific is the company that is producing the movie's toys.
I got myself the two-packs series of Papa Smurf & Clumsy Smurf, Smurfette & Gutsy Smurf and Brainy Smurf & Chef Smurf. Pity they did not include Grouchy into the 2 packs but is included in the Smurfs Movie Magic Moments Figure Gift Packs.

The packaging is very simple but oddly very eye catching to me. I believe I would be the minority but somehow I like the packaging design very much. Maybe it's because blue is one of my favourite colors. The packaging shows off the figures very well so good news for the MOC collectors.
The front of the packaging is almost the same for the 3 packs save for the different names denoting the figures you are buying.
However the back of the packaging is different as it has the picture of the figures you are buying.

The sculpting is pretty good. I guess as the Smurfs are CGI characters, the chances of producing decent sculpt are higher.
The painting is not bad but there are slop on Papa Smurt's eyebrow and beard.
Overall, the blue is very eye catching.

Guess what!
In the past, Smurfs figures (produced by Schleich) were plastic statues with zero articulation.
However, Jakks Pacific has decided to add some articulation onto the Smurfs.
Even though the articulation is super limited (shoulder & legs), I guess I am satisfied.
The only problem I have is that Smurfette legs are not articulated as compared to the rest of the figures. This makes her impossible to stand due to her heavier head.

There are no accessories at all except for Chef Smurf.
He comes with a spoon and meat dome.
Brainy does have a book but that is glued to his hand so I am not counting it as an accessory.

Overall, cute figures to have.

Papa Smurf & Clumsy Smurf

Smurfette & Gusty

Brainy & Chef

The Smurfs!

Now what were u thinking...

Little Plastic Man Presents: Little Devils 7 Deadly Sins

2011-07-25T09:44:00.013+08:00

The Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of objectionable vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin. The currently recognized version of the list is usually given as wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.

Now you can have 7 deadly but cute Little Devils to represent each of the deadly sins.

Little Plastic Man is proud to present: Little Devils 7 Deadly Sins

Download your 7 Little Devils here
See all my paper creation

ORGASMIC!!

2011-07-21T17:12:00.009+08:00

Hot Toys offerings at the SDCC 2011.
Truely ORGASMIC!!
But an expensive one.
Photos taken from Action Figure Insider

Asmus The Mask

2011-07-17T21:19:00.042+08:00

The Mask is a 1994 American superhero film based on a series of comic books published by Dark Horse Comics.
The film stars Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss (also known as The Mask).
I am not really a great fan of Jim Carrey nor did I read the comic books but I was drawn to the movie.
I always like to watch films about losers who gets into very difficult situations but in the end come out of the whole thing a better and improved person...LOL.

Asmus Toys has produced a 12 inch figure of The Mask.
Not too sure if they actually got the license to do the figure.
They did use the name "Mask" because when toy companies who did not get the license will have very creative names for the figure. For example when a toy company did a representation of Forrest Gump,they named it Toms Forrest (a combination of the first name of the actor (Tom Hanks) who played the role and the first name of the actual character).
However I did notice they did not add in "The", as the movie is titled "The Mask". Maybe that is the loophole.
OMG...I feel so anal.

Anyway I do like such figures from relatively unknown toy companies.
They are definitely cheaper as compared to Hot Toys and Enterbay and the sculpting and accessories are usually pretty good.
Basically value for money.

The packaging is simple and has a slipcase over an enclosed box displaying the main figure inside. The front of the slipcase shows the iconic pose (used in the movie poster) of The Mask, while the back has another picture of The Mask plus the people behind the creation of the figure.

Packaging.

The people behind the figure
Know anyone?

The sculpting is actually pretty good.
You can immediately recognise that this figure is The Mask!
However if you examine it closer and compare with the movie stills, you can tell that the overall shape of the face is skinnier and longer, the nose a bit too narrow and the eyes too deep in.
I also like the expression used in the sculpt.

The figure comes with the yellow suit which is actually pretty well made.
The material is soft to the touch and fits the figure pretty well.
The suit looks movie accurate except for the tie.
The design of the tie is totally off.
It is really a pity as most of the suit looks good and movie accurate.

The figure also comes with his yellow hat. It is made of hard plastic. I would rather they made it using a softer material. This would have matched the suit nicely.

The accessories are pretty cool and the coolest of them is Milo (Stanley Ipkiss's dog).
You don't just get Milo but also the alternate version of Milo when he wears the Mask.
Basically you get 2 Milo heads and they are interchangeable.
Magnets are used to attach the head to the body.

Normal Milo

Milo wears the Mask

MILO!

You get 3 extra pairs of hand.
The are horribly sculpted with little or no details.
They also don't attach well to the figure.

Other accessories are the 2 money bags.
With that, you can recreate the scene when The Mask robs the bank.
However the print on the money bags is not movie accurate and also rather faint.

The figure also comes with the oversized hammer.
The problem is that the head of the hammer is made of hard plastic and is very heavy while the stick is made of real wood like disposable chopsticks material.
This combination makes it top heavy and bottom light.
They should have just sculpted the whole hammer as a whole.
Without a stand, it would be pretty difficult to display the figure holding the hammer.

You too get the actual mask. It is sculpted very well and have the wooden feel to it.

One problem with this figure is that the head does not really fit very well with the body.
Slightly loose but it's a small problem.

Overall, a value for money figure.
If you are a fan of the movie, it is a great figure to have.
Smoooookinn!!!!!

It is done!

2011-07-13T21:50:00.002+08:00

I simply could not resist!
After picking up my first Mighty Beanz Star Wars Edition, I went on to collect all 60 of them!

Because of the way the Mightly Beanz are packaged (4 beans in one packaging but you are only able to see 1), I thought they were being sold like blind box concept, you do not know what the other 3 characters you are getting.
However, when I started collecting them, I realised that this was not the case.
As long as the visible bean is different, you can rest assure that the hidden beans will be different. You will not get any repeats!

Oh well, I am now satisfied...LOL

Crickitt's Crazy Creation!

2011-07-11T21:31:00.003+08:00

Now look what Crickitt has done with my Angry Birds Paper Toys.
This is absolute great!
I just love it!
Read it here.

Mighty Beanz Marvel Edition

2011-07-05T12:28:00.003+08:00

Ever since getting some Mighty Beanz from the Star Wars edition, I am even more attracted to them.
I will most probably try to get all the Beanz from the Star Wars edition unless my interest in them fade....which ever comes first.
Besides the Star Wars edition, there is also a Mighty Beanz Marvel edition.
I thought it looked pretty cool but will not be following up on this edition.
Even if I wanted to, I can't find them at retail in Singapore.

Mighty Beanz Star Wars Edition

2011-07-02T22:05:00.010+08:00

Mighty Beanz are collectible toys manufactured by Moose Enterprises, a corporation headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Moose launched Mighty Beanz in the Australian market in 2002; the toy launched in the United States that summer.

An individual Mighty Beanz is like a large plastic capsule, approximately one inch long. The beans are characterized by a small metal ball inside which is free to move about the capsule. Each Bean is decorated with a character's likeness—usually an animal, a monster or a caricatured human.
With the small metal ball, the Mighty Beanz can actually move down an incline. You can actually race one bean with another but for me I would just be displaying them...:)

I have came across Mighty Beanz before but it did not really catch my attention until now.
Recently, popping up in stores in Singapore are Mighty Beanz Star Wars Edition.
In this series there are 60 different Star Wars characters ranging from common to ultra rare.

There are 4 Mightly Beanz in one packaging but you are only able to see 1. Usually that will be a common one.
Just like the blind box concept, you do not know what the other 3 characters you are getting.

I thought it was pretty cool and having the Star Wars characters on it, I knew I had to get at least one.
I am never a really lucky person but guess what, in my package I had one rare (Qui Gon-Jinn) and one super rare (Watto) Mighty Beanz.

Overall, a cute concept and design. It was also on discount, so what the heck!

60 different Mighty Beanz Star Wars characters

Packaging

Watto (ultra rare)

Qui Gon-Jinn (rare)

Wicket (common)

Snow Trooper (common)

Sideshow Commander Cody

2011-06-25T21:54:00.030+08:00

Don't we just love our troopers.
Regardless that the sculpting is mostly the same but with different armor painting due to different ranks and divisions, we as collectors will still lap them up.
Genius that George...

I recently got my hands on Sideshow Commander Cody.
Sideshow has already produced a few clone troopers but never one that is as prominent as Commander Cody.
Cody whose real name is CC-2224 was a clone marshal commander assigned to High Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Grand Army of the Republic throughout the Clone Wars.

He was the leader of the 7th Sky Corps and also took command of the 212th Attack Battalion.
Cody was a loyal and competent soldier who always followed his orders.
During the Battle of Utapau, Cody received Order 66 from the Supreme Chancellor. In response, Cody ordered one of his AT-TEs to fire at Kenobi even though he and Kenobi were considered friends after going through so many battles together.

The packaging is similar to the other Star Wars offerings from Sideshow. The box flips open and is held together by magnets.
The figures and accessories are held nicely in plastic trays with no twistees.
Clean and nice which results in minimal damage when you take the figure out of the box.
The front of the box shows Cody in his phase II (Revenge of the Sith) armor.
At the left side of the box, Cody is in his phase I (Attack of the Clones) armor and on the right side, he is shown without his helmet.
At the back of the box, there are some movie screen shots plus the famous pose where Cody receives the Order 66.

Front - Phase II armor

Left - Phase I armor

Right - Cody without his helmet

Back

What I love about this figure is that you get the phase I & II helmets plus the head sculpt of Cody. What's more, there are many accessories so you can pose this fellow in so many ways!

I will start with the phase II helmet, since he is best remembered in this version (for those who don't follow the Clone Wars series)

Phase II helmet
There are 2 items that you would need to attach to the helmet. Not really sure what they are but I guess they are either some radar, communicator or antenna.

The helmet is really well done.
Painting is good and with the addition of the weathering, rust and dirt, the helmet really looks good.
The paint is also very clean.

Phase I helmet
Similar to the phase II helmet, I don't have much complaint on this one.
Overall very nicely done.
Notice that the weathering & dirt effect on this is more prominent as compared to the phase II helmet.
Too bad, I am not so familiar with Cody wearing this as I don't really follow the Clone Wars series. Hence this is going into storage.

Head Sculpt of Cody
Well what can I say.
With Hot Toys and other 12" companies upping their game in terms of sculpting, we as collectors now have a much higher standard.
Unfortunately this sculpt falls short.
A very average sculpt and paint job.
There is almost no texture on the skin hence losing the realism of the face.
However no harm done, as I got a sneaky feeling that not much people will display Cody without his helmet on.
So into storage this goes!

Out of the many accessories, there is his jet pack.
At first when I got it out, I wondered to myself how the hell was I going to attach this thing to the figure as there were no holes or pegs to be seen.
Could this be a faulty figure I thought as I tried to attach it to the back of Cody.
As I brought it closer to the figure, the jet pack miraculously snapped onto the figure.
Magnets! So clever! I just love the use of magnets of 12" figures.

Snap on!

The great thing about this figure is that you get so many alternate hands.
Wow...imagine all the different poses you can get out of this one figure.
I really had fun with the hands!

I guess this would be the most popular hand collectors would use.
It is the switch-out hand with Supreme Chancellor Hologram. With this you can depict the scene in which Cody gets the order to execute Order 66.
A very nice touch indeed Sideshow!

You don't just get hands but an extra pair of feet as well.
With this, more dynamic pose it made possible.
Just to add on, the painting on the feet is very well done. Too bad they will be going to storage as well.

Now to the weapons, you get the the BlasTech DC-15A Blaster Carbine and BlasTech DC-15 Blaster Rifle which are standard weapons that come along with clone troopers produced by Sideshow.
However this time round you get an extra pair of blaster pistol.

Standard stand which you will need because as usual the joints of this figure (like every other trooper Sideshow produces) are so freaking loose.
Don't they learn? I don't like to display my figures with the stand but for Sideshow, I have to make exception or else I would picking up fallen figures every day!!

Overall, I love this figure. Despite the loose joints, this is a joy to admire when you display this figure. One of the best trooper Sideshow has produced!

Commander Cody in full phase II armor

Having fun with the hands!

V for Victory?...Nah Cody just wants 2 hotdogs for lunch.

Cody doing the robo dance...

Cody using the blaster pistols.

Receiving Order 66

Cody in his phase I armor.
Engaging the enemy.

Cody without his helmet

The People's FlatHeads

2011-06-24T22:54:00.000+08:00

Calling just about anyone who would like to contribute to FlatHeads Series 5.
Entitled The People's Flatheads, I am inviting the People (that's you) to use my FlatHeads blank template (version 1 or 2) and design whatever you want!

From now till 24th of Jul 2011, please send over your template, the name you want to be known as and the picture of your newly designed FlatHeads to this email, xiongatoz@gmail.com.
Once after the 24th, I will consolidate all the templates and release it out as The People's FlatHeads Series 5.
I am not sure if this idea is going to be successful or not but I have been toying with it for a while and I would love to have a FlatHeads series designed by other people.

To start the ball rolling, I am going to contribute the first FlatHeads of this series, Little Miss Cherry Blossom.
Come on. Get your creative juices flowing or poor Little Miss Cherry Blossom will be the only one in this series...:(

Download FlatHeads Blank Template

Download FlatHeads Series 4
Download FlatHeads Series 3
Download FlatHeads Series 2
Download FlatHeads Series 1
See all my paper creation

Angry Little Plastic Man

2011-06-22T22:50:00.004+08:00

The nerve of some people.
Thanks to an anonymous tip, I found out that there is actually someone who is trying to sell my Angry Birds template on yahoo Hong Kong's auction. See link here.
I tried to report to yahoo HK auction but did not have the required 8 feedbacks to do so.
Their website was also not very user-friendly and I could not find any email contact to report this matter.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
Just don't like the idea that people are trying to sell my templates which I have made free for all.

Angry Birds Playset

2011-06-19T22:29:00.009+08:00

I was at my in-laws' place for lunch today when from the corner of my eye I spotted something my nephew was playing with.
He was playing with the Angry Birds playset.

Upon closer inspection, it was the bootleg version of the Mattel Angry Birds playset. I am not sure if Mattel has launched their playset as I have not seen it in stores yet.

It comes with the planks of wood so that you can make your own defenses for the green pigs.
A working catapult so you can launch your angry birds, 4 green pigs and the 6 different angry birds.

I found the pigs pretty well made but for the case of the birds, the painting is horrible. Hahaha...I guess that's what you get for a bootleg version.

Bootleg or not, it was real fun playing with it. It was like creating your very own angry birds game outside of your smartphone!

Check out my paper version of Angry Birds.

Later on I realised that the crystal thingy was not part of the playset.

4 green pigs

The 6 different Angry Birds

Not so well painted Angry Birds

Ready to launch

Let's play

Take aim

Game Over!!

Eggbods

2011-06-17T11:41:00.003+08:00

I was looking around at the Takashimaya (Singapore) Toy fair hoping to catch a good bargain.
And this toy caught my eye.

It is an EggBod!

EggBods are crazy egg people that all live on Planet Egg according to their website.
There are 8 characters in this series.

You are able to swap around and mix 'n' match their heads, arms and accessories to create new characters. Swap a Fireman with a Robot to create Robo Fireman! Swap a Nurse with a Singer to create a Nurse-Singer!

What's more, you can wind them up and watch them walk around and move their arms up and down.

I got myself the Eggbot because it looks like a designer toy and would not be out of place when displayed with the rest of my designer toys.

Coming soon, there will also be Transformer (movie) Eggbots.
In the series, there will be
Eggtimus Prime, Eggatron and Bumble Egg
So Funny...

Overall, a cool and cute toy.

Eggbot

Eggbot's ray gun