Jump to content

M'Kyuun

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    4605

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Everything posted by M'Kyuun

  1. M'Kyuun
    Nice! While I like my Apollyon, Despotron wins for best 3P MP scaled Megs, IMHO. HM looks awesome, the closest yet to what I want in a MP Seeker. I'd love a new official version along these lines. And yeah, that PMOP looks amazing; my Takara PMOP hides in shame. As for butt flap eradication, I have Delta Magnus, which I find to be a nice figure. I don't really notice the flap, and honestly, it doesn't bother me as much as it seems to bother others. To each, his own. However, I'm curious to see what other changes they make to the mold. For those who despise the flap. though, options are good.
  2. M'Kyuun
    It may be a matter of how the helmet's molded rather than a paint issue; I got my copy of the Slave I right when it came out, and I've not bought the new skiff set yet to compare Boba helmets, but it's possible the mold changed in that time.
  3. M'Kyuun
    Other than the seam line running down through the black, it looks like my copy. The black part of the visor is smooth on mine. Not sure if there's a different issue, but it looks fine to me.
  4. M'Kyuun
    Not that I'm aware of. I checked my copy, and the printing is perfect. However, I've had offset prints on figs in the past, so it's something that happens occasionally. Still, shame to happen on Boba. LEGO has excellent customer service, so I'd contact them and let them know about the issue; they may send you a new helmet at no cost. Are you looking at System sets, i.e. minifig scale, or something collectible? For collectible, the UCS Snowspeeder, and the Slave I are both great sets. For System, it becomes more challenging, as folks have different standards to which they hold the sets based on accuracy, colors, functions, and minifigs. The Force Awakens X-Wings are nice sets, and while the shape of the nose relative to the canopy is inaccurate, it's still a nice looking set with working opening wings, which can likely be found on mark-down at Walmart. Of the current spate of Ep 8 sets, I've only bought the First Order Heavy Assault Walker (love me some walkers), and it's a nice set with enough differences to stand apart from previous AT-AT walkers. The Ep 8 set that really has my attention is the Resistance Bomber, which I don't own yet because the price is a bit high for the parts count, and eventually, all or most of these sets get marked down. I digresss, but as a set, and as a parts pack, it looks to be an absolute winner, with some nice play features and an interesting look that hearkens back to the B-Wing. Hope this helps. Lovely little VF-1, len_d69. Looking ever forward to your Ideas Voltron. Welcome to the MW forums.
  5. M'Kyuun
    Saw it yesterday. It's long and slow, but it tells a good story that makes a fitting sequel to the original, IMHO. TBH, I think I prefer this film over the original. Nice seeing a few old faces besides Harrison's in there.
  6. M'Kyuun
    I'm also not a Bay-verse fan, but if they make Blackout, and it looks pretty decent, I'd consider getting it. I kinda liked the look of Brawl from the first movie, too. Still kick myself for passing up the leader class toy they made of him. Back then leader class toys, esp the Bayverse designs, had much more complexity to them, as they should. In the past 5 years or so, Has/Tak seem to have taken an opposite approach to design based on size class- deluxes get the most intricate engineering, and they get simpler as they get bigger. Should be the opposite, IMHO. Deluxes should maintain the current level, and they should become more complex with each up-class. New price hikes on TF toys announced- deluxes are going to be $20. It's a bit much, I think, for what you get. Then again, everything keeps going up in price, and I also consider what we're paying for similarly sized third party figs, so I guess it's inevitable. Miss the $10 deluxe days, though. Glad to see the G1 love continuing with PotP. While I feel they are hit and miss (most deluxes and legends are hits, while the larger size classes are more miss than hit), I'm happy to be filling gaps here and there on the CHUG shelf. The new Windcharger looks great (huge improvement over the CW figure), and I hope Huffer is in the works for a later release.
  7. M'Kyuun
    I remember seeing pics of your 1/18 VF-1; gorgeous shaping on the entire forward fuselage. From a thumbnail, or a distant shot, you can't tell it's LEGO. I've never tried shaping with the brick, or with plates, in that manner, but I can see where weight would rapidly increase with that method. You'd need to have steel or high grade aluminum joints forged to bear the full weight of the completed valk. If one had good CAD skills and knew a good machinist, it'd be a mighty impressive model, even if it needed some beefy non-LEGO framing/joints to make it work. Those in the know understand how heavy LEGO is, and even most of the large models at LEGOLAND and other LEGO affiliated stores and such use steel frames within the models, as do, I believe, a number of the Certified LEGO Artists, and even some MOCs. It's not a cheat so much as practicality; LEGO's tough, but it's still just plastic and has its limits as opposed to metals. I'm about at the cusp of what the Exo-Force clickies can handle with my VB-6. I had a discussion with a fellow builder at BrickCon concerning the inadequacies of LEGO's current joint systems, and we both wish they'd make something stronger for larger models. The upcoming Voltron Ideas model gives me hope that new joints will be forthcoming to handle the loads that they'll have to bear (hopefully it won't end up being a giant statue in combined mode). I digressed a bit. Alas, you're a damned fine builder and I hope you stick with it, find solutions to the challenges, and continue to wow us.
  8. M'Kyuun
    Thanks, Chronocidal, much appreciated. I know you're quite handy with the brick, so it adds weight, and I'm both humbled and grateful. To be fair, this is my second VB-6, both in Classic Space colors, so I can understand the confusion. This version is about 2/3 the original's size, as my original design became too heavy for its hip joints to support, and a few other features were left unfinished. I still have it, but now that I've mostly completed its little brother, I'll likely start borrowing parts off the original until there's not much left. Still, I had a LOT of time and money invested in that first version- it's like a child, hard to give up. As for the VF-14, the only thing that surpasses the coolness of the SR-71 is a Blackbird inspired valk. I hope I can make it work. I've got a Variable Glaug I've been tinkering with for a couple years. I'm waiting for LEGO to release a few parts in certain colors, and hopefully I can get that thing done, too. I find it to be a sweet design. Thanks again, Chronocidal!
  9. M'Kyuun
    Silverstreak, you just made my day! Thanks for the kind words, sir. I plan on making a few improvements to this guy, and then I may try building the infamous Popehead, the VF-14 Vampire. I have a non-Macross idea or two percolating as well, but I just can't escape the desire to build transforming mecha. Thanks again!
  10. M'Kyuun
    Golden response.
  11. M'Kyuun
    Likewise. But then, so were most of the musicians who've passed in the last couple of years. Rock-n-Roll takes its toll, but then again, the Stones, Ozzy, Aerosmith, and many others are still with us, so I guess it just boils down to when it's your time to go, fin. It was good to have him while we did. RIP, and condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
  12. M'Kyuun
    Well, like anything else, diversity is a good thing as everyone likes different things. Being an old fart who grew up watching the original show, that will always be my go-to for Transformers lore, as it informed everything that came after. Sorry Kuma, but I'm with Mike concerning the Unicron Trilogy; it was pretty to watch with all the CG cell shading, but I just couldn't get into it at all. Glad you liked it though. Also glad to hear both of you will be proud possessors of Howling Meteor; two reviews are better than one, and Kuma's photos are always a nice treat.
  13. M'Kyuun
    Mike, I hope you'll do a review on Howling Meteor. Now that I have all 5 Dinobots and my Devastator, I'm slowing down on third party acquisitions, esp since LEGO keep pumping out sets like the Ninjago City and UCS Millennium Falcon, and many more. Alas, Maketoy's take on Starscream fits my idea of what MP Starscream should be, and if he turns out to be a really good figure, I'm down for at least one copy of the mold, most likely SS. I saw a few things among the TFCon photos that were of note. Richthofen looks awesome-pretty tempted. Kuma, lovely photography, as always. Gotta say, I love the Eva Unit 1 deco on that figure; I like the figure in its original scheme, but there's just something striking about Unit 1's colors.
  14. M'Kyuun
    Howling Meteor is just a beautiful Starscream toy, far superior aesthetically than the official MP seeker mold. I wish Takara would make a new seeker mold more in line with this, but, if reviews are positive, I might have to get a copy.
  15. M'Kyuun
    As longtime fans of the Ninjago tv show, my wife and I were a little disappointed to learn, well before seeing the movie, that it was its own stand alone story apart from the show, which by now has a pretty rich backstory. We still saw it, and enjoyed it for what it was. I suppose it made sense to make it stand alone with a more basic premise to appeal to a wide audience, especially those who don't watch the tv show. There were little nods to the show, but that was about the extent of their connection beyond the character names. So, this coming weekend is BrickCon in Seattle, and as usual, I plan on taking a few of my MOCs for display. I just finished this guy, well tentatively. It's been a stressful last two weeks toiling away to get him done, and I'm happy to have something new in keeping with this year's 'back to old school' theme. He stands about 15" tall to the tops of his cannons.
  16. M'Kyuun
    Nice little model there; once I secure one, I've no idea where I'll put it, as nearly every flat surface in my little house has Transformers, Macross, or LEGO on it. Still, like the original UCS Falcon, I look forward to a nice week's worth of building. In response to Scyla's post above, I've been aware for some time the remarkable demand for the original set on secondary market, which makes $800 for the new improved version a steal, relatively speaking. Since a number of employees at LEGO, esp quite a few of the model designers, are AFOLs, who are very much entrenched in all things LEGO as a hobby and a lifestyle, I can't for a second believe that the leadership at LEGO were unaware of the demand for the retired UCS Falcon, facilitating a rather easy decision to design a new one after a decade of new parts and experience. According to an interview I read with the designers, it doesn't sound like they had a budget ceiling to adhere to, which freed them to make the best model they could. The medium itself was their main limitation factor, as they said they about stressed the parts to the allowable max. Personally, I've often thought that certain parts cast in aluminum would be really handy, primarily Technic links. Anyway, it's cool to see the inevitable reviews cropping up. Also cool to see Tommy from Bricknerd getting some hang time with the Tested crew. I'll make a shameless plug here for BrickCon, which is set to take place at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Oct 7 and 8. For anyone who likes to see amazing stuff built with LEGO, often without constraints, and not without a lot of humor or lack of artistry or technical detail, I hope to see you there. As usual, I'll be in the mecha section with a couple of my MOCS. The coolest thing about this convention is that it is entirely dependent upon AFOLs carting their creations from hither, thither, and yon, which sometimes means traversing oceans and datelines, just to have an opportunity to have four or five thousand people visit and check out their handiwork. It's a great time, highly recommended. Last of all, I'm not in any way a paid endorser, nor am I affiliated with BrickCon in any way except as a paying participant who likes to show off his models and engage with the crowds once a year. If any of you are interested in attending or participating, visit BrickCon.org.
  17. M'Kyuun
    Thanks for pointing that out; I didn't even notice the lighting effect, but I see what you mean. They kept it a light color to amplify the LED.
  18. M'Kyuun
    Talk about a transformation! That's an impressive paintjob. I wonder why they didn't paint the interiors of the feet; gunmetal with some black apps would have looked great.
  19. M'Kyuun
    There are folks who know this kind of stuff, but their nerd factor exceeds mine by quite a wide margin. Minifig scale to me means a minifig can fit in it, whether sitting, standing, laying, prone, or sideways, so it's not an exact measure by any means. Having the original, it's a big model, which means it'll take up even more room that I don't currently have (another reason why I'm really in no hurry to get a copy). I plan on getting a big shed next year, and then I'll be better situated to obtain a set of this size. As I mentioned, this thing's going to sell, even with the exorbitant price tag, so I imagine LEGO will keep it on the market until sales start to dip, which probably won't be for awhile, esp with Disney putting out a major episode every year, and with filler movies like Rogue One keeping it fresh.
  20. M'Kyuun
    Likewise; I'm in no hurry. LEGO knows they've got a good selling set on their hands, and judging by aftermarket for the original, this was really a no-brainer for them, esp given the hype generated by new movies every year. So, I'm going to keep building up my VIP points until at least half of the set is paid for (I'm close to that point now- I'm hoping for another double-VIP point month to come along so I can get the lovely Ninjago City set and get 600 points in one fell swoop.) I don't understand the whole queueing mentality; it's not like this is a one time only offer. Likewise for other products where people have to have it the day of release; I like stuff too, but that sort of fervent fanaticism eludes me. Anyway, if we have such release events here in the States, I hope it doesn't devolve into the usual mindless shoving and trampling that seems to accompany product releases these days. Patience and courtesy, America, not injury and death, over a toy that'll be available for awhile.
  21. M'Kyuun
    I was at my local TRU this weekend, but they had neither of the Bay-verse MPs. They did, however, have Sixshot; it was the first time I'd seen him anywhere, but as he doesn't interest me, I left him on the shelf. I looked for price stickers for MPM Prime and Bumblebee, but didn't see any, although I have no intention of buying either. Now, if they do a decent Blackout some time down the road, or even Brawl, I may consider those. I'm always on the lookout for the latest Generations figs, esp deluxes, but our TRU here never has them when I go in, or they have one or two older wave figs, which really peeves me when I see other folks post fully stocked pegs at their TRU. (not that I begrudge them, but it just irks me that our store here seldom has them) Alas, they're in my stack at TFSource. The hunt is pointless when there is no prey.
  22. M'Kyuun
    Never heard of up or down voting- seems petty. I was checking out some pics of the Volcanicus in-hand pics on TFW2005. I hope the final product allows Sludge's head and neck to snug up against his back in leg mode. There's something almost obscene in how it looks in those proto shots. I see they're still using the robot legs for elbows ; I get why, but it doesn't look good and with ball joints, there tends to be a bit of looseness, unwanted torsion, or both. At the very least, it would have been nice if the hip joints swiveled a la G1 Sludge so they can tab together to make a more solid joint. I do have to say I like how the upper torso looks. I intend to get these guys just b/c they're the first full set of G1 inspired Dinobots we've gotten, and they look decent on their own. The combiner thing is a nice plus, but my Dinos will likely remain as themselves.
  23. M'Kyuun
    PotP looks to be a mixed bag. Prime/ Orion Pax combo fig does a great job of evoking MP-10, which I imagine was the focus of the design, and his alt mode looks to be a whatever somewhat works afterthought. After thirty+ years of designing these things, not to mention all the third party competition, one expects these toys would be more evenly balanced and refined than what we're seeing here. Rodimus' bot mode suffers a similar fate, as bits of the smaller Hot Rod can be seen peaking through the crevices rather obviously. I get that something like this can be difficult to design, and I don't claim to be able to do it better. But a company with a division focused on making these things, IMHO, with all the experience garnered over the years, should be top of their game, or so I'd expect. That said, the new Dinobots are better than I expected, especially given that they're a combiner. As Mike S. pointed out, I wonder why they gave Grimlock such tiny toes. Anyway, in hindsight I'm glad I went with FT's Dinos for my collection instead of any of the combining teams, as I'll have these guys to fill the void in my CHUG collection, and the combining aspect is icing on the cake. Ultimate Optimus looks good; I just never cared for the design at all. I'm curious to see how Primal looks in his Ape mode; bot mode has some stylistic differences from the source. Primal should still be fresh on the designers' minds having just made the MP a year or so ago. The Terrorcons have never really interested me, but for those who like them, cool. I have to agree concerning the criticism of Hun-grrr's dragon mode, especially the unbalanced look of his necks and those pegged-on insubstantial stick-like front legs. I daresay, the original toy looked much better, far better proportioned. The Cloudburst Decoy Armor with the Titan Master hiding inside is lost on me in terms of where it comes from within the numerous continuities; as a collector, I have no interest. I want to like the new Voyager Starscream, but once again, he's a jet with arms hanging on the sides. It's a lazy design; I'd love to see a seeker design mirroring the original as far as tucking the arms into the body cavity once the nose is in place. With larger arms, they could stack them one above and below maintaining a sleeker fighter, as well as adding an addition transformational element to the toy, which is what these things are supposed to be all about. The new Jazz, IMHO, looks more like a Robots in Disguise design than a Generations figure. There's just a simplicity to him that doesn't fit with the other Generations figures, at least to my eye. Beachcomber looks great, probably the best looking figure in PotP, maintaining the updated look of the most recent mini-bots. For me, the Dinobots and Beachcomber are the stand-outs. I would have liked to see the new MP Autobot cassettes on display, potentially with a MP Blaster revelation. Perhaps that'll come today before the Con wraps up. Hopefully there'll be some new MP reveal- Jazz would be great, or an updated Seeker. Guess we'll see.
  24. M'Kyuun
    Saw it tonight with my girl. Good movie, well written, directed, and acted overall. There were some disturbing parts which were only overshadowed by the guy who brought his three sons, all of whom were probably under ten years of age. This is most certainly not a kid's movie, and one scene in particular even made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Anyway, the kids were making noise and talking a fair bit (they sat just a couple seats from my wife and I). To top it off, as we were leaving we noticed the kids' father had been using a beer can as a spittoon and left it there in his seat's cup-holder. Class act. I have to wonder about people's moral and ethical compasses sometimes; some folks just seem bereft of both, and it's disturbing to think they're out there potentially making decisions that may affect others, whether at home or at work. I digressed a bit, but I thought the movie was good.
  25. M'Kyuun
    I like it, but then I like transforming motorcycles in general. The Moto-slave from BGC appeals to me more than the Garland, but it relies on a lot of anime magic to affect its transformation as seen in the show. I have Yamato's Linna version, which is a parts-former. Handling the toy, and getting a true sense of where parts need to end up in either mode, it's not difficult to see why. The Moto-slave is a far more believable motorcycle, though. The Garland design has more focus on the bot mode, but it makes for a nice sci-fi motorcycle. The transformation mechanics are realistic and functional, enabling a perfectly transformable toy/model. I wish all transformable mecha were that way. Oddly enough, I've never cared much for the ride armor; it's not a transformable mech, but a guy wearing chunks of his motorcycle, and thus the appeal for me is lost. Too, it lacks the more streamlined look of the Moto-slave and Garland in its bike mode. Looked up Zillion, as I was unfamiliar. The transforming trike is ok; not as striking as the Garland, which potentially would have made a better trike design than a two wheeled cycle, but I digress. Anyway, the Zillion bike reminds me of the MotoRaptor from D.I.C.E. http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2005/motoraptor Some of the D.I.C.E. designs were interesting.
×
×
  • Create New...