Excillon

Not so sure about buying a home, I have the money, the credit, and lord knows I need the space, but not now. I'm waiting for the market to upswing, where I can log in some steady OT and prices are still low, then swoop in and get a deal. My wife just got a job with the IRS as an agent, so finally after 4 years of her going to school and me having the only income, that will help a lot. As for what I do for money for toys, it's never been a big deal to me. I always collect one line that I can get at Walmart, Target, etc. to feed my instant gratification fix (this time it was TF Animateds, along with my daughter) and one harder to get line, which is 1/60/PG/DX gundams only, no other scales. I gave up MG kits and sold them all off and my other TF's, etc., and it was a smart thing to do. Since there aren't that many PG and 1/60 kits out there between Bandai and G system, and DX is basically done I think, I don't have to spend a lot on them, and can defer money from that to Macross occasionally, 1/6 figures, or the oddball toy I must have. But I always limit it, which is easy since I'm not a hardcore collector of the other stuff. It also helps to have a hobby that can double for a 2nd job, I do welding and machine custom parts for a local Bike/ATV shop. It's not hard considering I'm a machinst for a living. It's really cool when you find another that does the same thing, like a friend and I have a system where I work on his bikes for him, and he hooks me up with cheap or free tattoos (my other passion) since he has his own shop. God bless the barter system.

OK, this is going to be one of those "If it wasn't for Gundam you wouldn't have Macross" topics, but really. Ok, Macross DOES borrow elements from Gundam. It does, no doubt about it. No big deal, I like them both, so bonus for me. Then Mospeada borrows from Macross. Then Patlabor borrows, then Evangelion borrows, then Code Geass borrows, then Gundam borrows from one of it's offspring. It's commonplace, and up until recently it didn't bother me. However, one thing does bother me: Macross Frontier: I liked it, sort of. Visually amazing, not a bad story, but, has it gotten so bad that Macross had to rip ITSELF off? There's a fine line between an homage and blatant stealing, and this was the most INBRED thing I have ever seen. Come on, the kid with glasses who happens to be a badass flying a BLUE valk? Skull leader happens to be older, have wierd hair and the same looking valk? Alto too. Yeah, there were some differences, but not enough for me. The series was less of a continuation and more of a reboot, and if it was a reboot, it wasn't a very good one. Code Geass: I've been catching up, and all I have to say is "Code Gundam". Gundam 00: Oh christ...I love Gundam, but this series is sooooooo corny, preachy, and downright theft of SO MANY other anime concepts I can't even begin to list them. Evangelion: This was a glorified, artsy fartsy rip off of Gundam. Obviously. The new Appleseed movies: Ok, John Woo had a hand in it. That instantly means "write a lame story around Karate and guns". I don't even really consider these animes. I guess the point is don't we, as consumers who pump millions of dollars into this genre via movies, toys, models, etc. have a right to demand something refreshing other than "howl's moving castle"? I just don't see the same refreshing storytelling I used to find. I'm so sick of teenage angst piloting mecha. It's just become so formulaic...If anyone's got any newer anime's they can recommend other than Bleach and Death Note, I'm open to suggestions.

I could live without: Snakes on a train (I feel this coming...ugh) Any more AVP movies Any more f***ing hobbit movies, the 3 were more than enough Any more X-men/mutant movies NO MORE STAR WARS OR INDIANA JONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anything else that defiles my love of childhood 80's films like the goonies or ESPECIALLY any remakes/sequels of the Brat pack films. PS: Oh yeah, and that last one goes double for Lost Boys 3...2 was bad enough!

dude don't feel bad, I've sliced my fingertips open and had to get stitches more than once, bathed my hands in nail polish remover and then sanded them to get rid of the super glue, and I also had a recent bad expierience with an airbrush and alcad II resulting in quite a head rush.

Oh christ...here we go again. You know, I'm not a loyalist, but 2 things bug me about this. One, I am so sick of reboots and remakes. Can't these overpaid Motherf***ers think of ANYTHING original?! And 2, yeah it's cheezy and dated, but the acting CANNOT be replaced. When I was a kid (about 6-7 I think) and this was on, I about pissed myself. To this day, Diana scares the bejesus out of me. That can't be replaced. Nothing is sacred anymore. Blade Runner remake anyone?

Dude those guys in the pic with the shorts look like my old gym coach...scary.

I have a 47" Toshiba 1080p, and I like it. It's big enough, I upgraded from a 32, and even though I've gotten used to the Toshiba and it doesn't look as big, I still like it, I've never understood the need for anything over 50 anyhow...really. Just seems pointless to me.

I'm going to start on Code Geass. I watched the first episode, then didn't watch it until a couple weeks ago and it looked more interesting, although I didn't know what the hell was going on.

Only Hasegawa's I've built are Macross. Those are simple, I'm sorry, not taking anything away from Wm cheng, HWR, or any other talented hase builders. And I rather liked the decals, never had a problem yet. I say complex because Hasegawa's have limited moving features, as PG's have TONS. PG's have there problems and challenges too, I remember swearing like a sailor at my Zeta and my Mk.II (those stupid gold springs that have to be just the right length through the PC. I play with my Battroids too sometimes, does that mean they're toys as well? I agree with most of what you said, the only area I disagree on is the "Toy" label. You should try G-systems stuff, conversion kit or even full blown 1/60 (I recommend Kampfer). Or if your really brave, the 1/35 RX-78 is incredible and you wouldn't dare call that a toy. I also disagree, to an extent, on the "snap and play" thing. This is true, I did it for a while, however, once I went from MG to PG, then to Hasegawa kits and back to Gundam kits, I found myself modding older kits like the Wing Zero Big scale, G Gundam 1/60 kits, etc. and making them better. I think a Gundam/Bandai kit, no matter what, is like any other kit from any other company, it's all what you put into it. I mean, I've even seen some incredible HG 1/144 builds that blow my stuff and most everyone else's out of the water. So I've rambled enough, I'm just saying that you can't generalize the snap and play thing because like anything else, it depends on the builder.

Dude, I would find and kill whoever had them. That not being finished depressed the hell out of me, so I can't imagine what it must have been like for you. You can't do new masters, or even retool and improve it? I'd kill for an updated Legioss.

I know what he needs to do, he needs to get back to work on that Legioss. Kidding, Cap'n...kinda.

Oh come on! Raiden flipped out and went all cyber-ninja...how can he be a puss?! Furthermore, you can't say that, because characters, like real life, evolve. How do you know Raiden wouldn't have matured since 2, which given the events of 4, I would think he would have. And, furthermore, Snake was a puss as well, come on a stress level meter, call your shrink? I don't think it's fair to bash Raiden, especially when the main reason for hating him is because you wanted to be Snake in MGS2. If MGS5 is about Raiden, my respect for Kojima will only grow. Snake has run his course, it's time for someone else to step up.

I'm going to have to respectfully (and I say that because your skills far surpass my own) disagree. While yes, it's an action figure, at the same time, I treat Hasegawa kits and Bandai kits as entirely different things. It's like a Green apple vs. a Red apple. Here's why: Hasegawa kits are models, in the purest most traditional sense. Yes, they're detail is unmatched, however, construction is VERY simple. Even battroid kits, which have movable joints, are simple, even more so than the most basic 1/100 Gundam kit. Hase puts more emphasis on appearance, painting, etc. Bandai PG's look great as well, even without paint. Unless I'm doing a custom scheme, I don't even paint mine, just washes/weathering. However, Bandai kits, especially MG and PG, focus more on the assembly side of things. Moving parts, very elaborate, more sturdy, and yes, made for light play. Personally, my paint skills are average, and I enjoy the construction more than painting and detailing, so these cater to me more. Bottom line, PG's aren't 'toys', just a different form of model catering to a different crowd. I love building both types, but I'd never dare to call a PG a toy. I think that you just can't compare the two really, except to give both credit that they are models.

Actually it shouldn't be a problem if you think about it, however the only ways to pull it off is make the inner frame modular, and connect/disconnect in various modes, or more likely, a torso that can split in half vertically on a hinge, flattening out for fighter/gerwalk mode. I guess actually you could make the frame REALLY skinny, but I don't think that would work given the weight of the armor, let alone FP/armor/etc.

A-ha, but not in this case! I'm using gundam PG's as comparison against the possible PG VF...and if someone asks me a question about a Gundam kit, that would be just bad form not to answer... Bottom line, I really hope it's an improvement over the 1/72. Without a true inner skeleton, it's pointless and I won't waste my time.

Why the Raiden hate? I thought MGS2 was the best of the series until 4. I think Raiden is an interesting character, especially after 4. Just because Snake has been tied off doesn't mean there aren't other baddies needing attention. And they could bring back Snake, I mean, it's all about the clones, right?

You should snag one. It's badass in Aile mode with the stand, the grand slam is awesome, and even though the Red Frame is a retool/update of it, the Strike still blows it out of the water. Pretty much anyone who has built even 2 PG's will tell you the Strike is the best one, and probably the best representation of an MS period. And the stickers make the kit, really. The Beecraft design is incredible. The armor even "shifts" and moves to allow more posing without interference. I would think to make a transformable PG VF you would have to use this method on a scale this size. I hope they also include metal parts/springs like on the Gundams, it really helps them by weighing down the legs. I think Gerwalk might be difficult though, it would be really off balance unless they found a way to shift parts of the skeleton to the approriate places to balance it.

Not that I know of. Both my built Zero's are ver. 1, and I haven't seen or heard otherwise. I'll have to check when/if I build my Pearl mirror ver., as that's the latest version made. I doubt it though, as I built the EVA PG and the extra coating EVA (another cheap buy at the time), and it's been a while but I don't remember any changes, and that kit needed them badly. I think they will do a line of them, like I said, it would really only require different headsculpts/decals for the most part (except Luca). Unless they do a GP01/Tallgeese 1/100 HG type kit, with parts for 2 different valks and you build what you want. Hopefully there are waterslide or dry transfers though, I've never understood why a PG kit would come with stickers. However, they are pretty sheer and with some trimming look ok.

Dude, if you ever sell that Optimus on evilbay, post a link. I doubt I could afford it, that thing would go for thousands!

Yeah, Strike is my favorite Gundam in any series. It's so multi- functional, that's why I love it. I'd even buy a forth if they came up with sword and launcher packs. The RD versions just fall flat to me. Anyhow, I have a regular straight build Strike, one I airbrushed into Deactive mode, and another I got on the cheap and display with just the skeleton (Although I'm thinking of battle damaging the armor). I guess I actually have four if you count the Strike Rouge. I also have 3 Wing Zero Customs, but that was an accident. One that I bought, one I battle damaged ala EW, and unfortunately a 3rd my wife bought me, the awful ass pearl mirror coating (I hate special coating models) that's still sitting unbuilt. PG's/1/60/HY2M/G-system are my main collection focus, and seeing as how we just got a new one after 5 years, it means you end up with duplicates, and in some cases triplicates. The G-system conversions are nice as well. Next I want to build an entire platoon of PG Zaku's. Back on topic, try not to be to hard on the first kit in the series. My first PG build was the Wing Zero, and it's no secret that the kit sucks compared to the others (Finicky LED's, really tight joints, super back heavy), I will probably buy one of or all the MF PG kits, however, unless the first gets a stellar review, I might wait for Ozma or Michel and give them a chance to work out some bugs before I go back. I really hope the same design team for the Strike builds these, I'd hate to see another interlocking type frame like the MK.II's, with a bunch of needless crap. The Strike frame is perfect, simple, yet VERY effective and functional. My only bitch is I build them too quick, my first Strike I built the Skeleton in one day.

I can see Hasbro maybe doing a straight to DVD movie or something, maybe a series of them. That would be nice, maybe even show them on CN as specials. The ending wasn't terrible, although I agree way to many loose ends to tie up. Especially the Dinobots, that really pissed me off. They could have at least showed them fighting with the autobots, even done a G1 homage to "Me Grimlock kick butt" having him take a chunk out of the clone's rear end. If they do continue it at some point, I'd love to see one of, or both of Prowl's G1 brothers come into the fold, I think that there are a lot of possibilites in that from the way they left the ending, and Smokescreen and Bluestreak's paint jobs would look great on a bike. I was also hoping that with the addition of Dirt boss earlier in the season, we might see a couple more constructicons and hopefully a Devastor. Animated gesalts would have rocked... Anyone else think that Optimus Prime's 1st jetpack looked strangely like the Gundam GP01's backpack?

What about the Turn-A? Anyhow, I get what you mean, Gundam is my favorite, and it does get old. In most series lately, I like the enemy/misc. suits more. I mean really, Gundam did give us the ultimate mecha (Sazabi) and the GM's, EZ-8, Zeta etc. are different (at least face wise). Also, you have to give respect to 00 because it's pretty refreshing in terms of design, especially the Exia itself and the Union Flags. I don't know why your bashing V-fins though, I remember getting into a debate with you over "clown feet" on gundams before, I thought they were your big thing against Gundams. Does anyone know if there's an official english site up yet? I haven't had any luck so far.

I have 3 Strike Gundam PG's, all built and all I can say is too date it still remains the best PG kit. It can stand on one leg in a firing pose, do mad ninja poses, and that's all with the armor on, take the armor off and anything is possible. It even beats out it's retool/revamp version, the Red Frame in terms of articulation (red frames armor hinders it more). I fully believe that this will be a PG kit. Bandai owes us a good non-gundam PG kit after sucky ass EVA-01. As someone who has built and owns all the PG gundams to date (not including the cheezy event exclusives except Casaval's RX-78) I welcome a non PG Gundam. Plus, it's an easy buck for them, because all they really need after a solid skeleton are minor retools on the heads and whatnot to make them all. I expect super packs also to come later, hopefully in a skygrasper style, with stands included, which aside from the strike is the biggest drawback to the line not having stands. I wasn't impressed with the 1/72 scale kits (although they were OK), and the 1/60 stuff I've heard only bad things about, so I really hope they get this one right. As someone who also owns 2 Zeta PG kits, I can tell you that they can definately do it right (the transforming kit), I have no doubt about that, it's more of a matter of whether they give the design as much love as the Zeta got.

If you ask me, this is still a lame attempt to make up for what should have been. Voyager/Deluxe sized ones that combine. Sucks too, Devastator was the one I was looking forward to getting.

Spielberg...Not just for Kingdom, but for that boring ass AI, and utterly waste of time Minority Report. Him and Lucas...ugh. I LOVED that episode of South Park where they went after those 2...it was the best thing they've been associated with so far in the 20th century