Sephiroth

I'm pretty sure that all the Hasbro/Takara Optimus Primes are like that, i.e., missing an "ear-plug."

Damn, that's a smaller production number than I thought. Yamato wasn't kidding when they labeled it "Limited Version". Oh well, I'm happy with the one Low-Viz that I own.

Does Isamu fit in the Yamato YF-19 cockpit as well?

An oldie, but a goodie...

Only versions 1 and 1.5 have the the leg fins that fold on the outside (although not line accurate, I prefer it over folding them them the other way). The 1/72 scale aircrew are from Hasegawa; they also make 1/48 scale aircrew.

You're second-guessing your decision to buy a Yamato 1/72 YF-19 v.2 for $158 shipped? Dude, trust your instincts...you got yourself a great deal! Although it is fragile and certainly could be improved on, Yamato's YF-19 is an excellent representation as a fully transformable ABS plastice/diecast toy. Not to mention that it is also Yamato's first Macross product offering which helps to retain it's value. I personally love the size, sculpt and detail of the YF-19 and it remains as one my most prized possessions. As for the LS version, I love the accuracy and slim lines; however, the chances of me ever owning one are probably slim to none. Also, 1/100 scale and made of resin just doesn't do it for me. Given the choice to have the Yamato YF-19 on my shelf or pictures of the LS on my computer; I'll take the Yamato. Here's some gratutious Yamato YF-19 love:

I don't understand why Yamato is being so stingy about releasing a 1/48 VF-1A cannon fodder version. It's not like they would have to spend a whole lot of money to do it and I'm sure I'm not the only one who would buy more than one.

I'm not really surprised that Hasbro is starting fresh with a new line of 8" figures and supporting animated series. The only 3 3/4" figures I collect are the vintage ARAH figures and the comic book 3-pack figures. I was really hoping that they would keep the new figures in scale with the popular Marvel Legends and SOTA Street Fighter figures, but I'll reserve my final judgment when I see them for myself.

That reminds me of the Food Fighters toy line of the 80's. Check this site for more info/pics of the "Kitchen Commandos" and "Refrigerator Rejects": http://www.figurerealm.com/Galleries/FoodF...ionFigures.html

I've been a big fan of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto manga ever since I read the first issue Shonen Jump over two years ago. I've never seen the anime, but if it's anything like the manga, I know I will enjoy it immensly as well. After surfing Google for Naruto toys and only seeing mini-trading figures and keychains, I stumbled upon a pic of the Bandai Sasuke action figure. At first, I thought it was just another statue-like figure with zero poseability...until I noticed the articulation joints at the legs and arms and then the extra accessories. My interest peaked; I started searching for more and found that Bandai released Kakashi and Naruto figures as well back in 2003. I searched all over eBay and internet stores and was able to pick up Sasuke and Kakashi for around $25 each, but that damn Naruto figure cost me almost $90 on eBay...and now that I have them in my possesion, I have to say they were worth every cent. The window-boxes are gorgeous and remind me of the vintage Takatoku boxes for some reason. Although they are not textured, they do feature a great deal of artwork and detail on each side. They are unique to each character with it's own color and images. The back side displays photos of the actual figure in various action poses and includes instructions on how to attach the multitude of accessories and parts. The figures are contained in plastic trays that are covered by a molded top that secures the figure and accessories firmly in place. A third plastic tray cover then fits over both pieces and fits snugly in the colored cardboard tray. Each figure comes with three extra interchangeable hands and an extra interchangeable "angry" head that allows you to display your figure in poses straight out of the manga or anime. Each figure comes with a standard kunai blade, ninja star, open and closed scrolls. Each figure also gets one unique item: Naruto has a bowl of ramen noodles, Sasuke comes with a large throwing star weapon, and Kakshi comes with his copy of "Make-Out Paradise." On top of all that, Each figure comes with a life-sized scroll that features a picture of each respective figure and can be hung on a wall. Each figures stands around "5 tall and features articulation at each major joint. Even the feet are articulated. Ball-joints are used for the head, shoulders and hips. There is also articulation at the waist that is concealed. The sculpts are closer to their anime counterparts from what I've read, but they look just like the manga version to me. The scuplted detail is in one word, awesome! From the little pouches they carry to the logos on their jackets, everything is where you would expect them to be. The paint application and color-molded parts are flawless. Kakashi stands taller than the Naruto and Sasuke as he should, but I would have expected Sasuke to be a little taller than Naruto. They look very striking when displayed next to each other and I only wish Bandai had produced at least one more figure for this line...Sakura. A full line up of characters would have been perfect. Here are couple more random pics: I wish I had a better camera and more light to really show you guys how impressive these figures really are. HLJ has some pretty sharp pictures: http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN912052

Well, Evangelion is getting a live-action movie...and if it does well, who's to say Macross couldn't have one someday.

"No!...I am your baby's daddy!"

Depends. Complete, $250-$300. incomplete over $200 depending on incomplete. MISB-$1000 eh, a bit to rich for my blood. maybe if they remake it one day, i'll pick it up for $100. its still pretty good definitely a cool way to display your valks. USS Flaggs (in excellent condition) are bit pricey, but they are definietly worth it. Especially compared to how much one 1/48 Low Vis or any of the vintage valks cost. It's 7 1/2 feet long and 3 1/2 feet tall with hundreds of parts and cost about $100 when it was first released in '85. I doubt Hasbro or any other company will ever release a toy of this size and intricacy again for that price, or if at all.

Depends. Complete, $250-$300. incomplete over $200 depending on incomplete. MISB-$1000 I paid about $450 for the first USS Flagg I bought (the one in the pics) about a year ago. It came 100% complete (pretty rare when you count all the small pieces & often lost pieces like the deck clips, fan tail guard rail, speaker/horn system, etc.). The second USS Flagg I bought was about $350 and is only missing two deck clips. It has about 85% of the stickers still on the sheet and looks like it was built and displayed for about a day and then put back into the box. That Flagg is in storage at my parents house because I only have room to display one right now. I use the USS Flagg as a backdrop primarily for my GI Joe collection, which is much more extensive than my Macross collection, but I always have fun landing a new Valkyrie on the deck for the first time and then launching it again. Much more fun than the two Skystrikers I usually have parked on it. It has plenty of room even for the 1/48's and 1/55's, but just imagine how many Yamato 1/60's would fit on the deck...

Ask and you shall receive...dial-up beware!

It appears that Reissue #19 will be Perceptor: http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/toystan.asp?Queryid=pr250 BBTS has it on pre-order for $41.99

With the 20th anniversary celebration planned for the Transformers movie in 2006, MP-03 will be Hot Rod with Rodimus Prime conversion parts/accessories. Expect a Japanese release in Dec 2005 and an US release in Feb/Mar 2006. The sculpt and transformation is much more faithful to the movie than the vintage release, but will follow Dreamwave's preliminary line art. MP-03 Hot Rod will be constructed from diecast metal and plastic parts, feature a full range of articulated joints and remain in scale with MP-1 Optimus Prime/Convoy, meaning it is slightly larger than the 1/24 Binaltech/Alternators line. Retail will be around 8,500 Yen for the Japanese release and 60 dollars for the US release. In vehicle mode, MP-03 Hot Rod features an opening canopy/windshield, rubber tires, and steering capability ala Binaltech/Alternators. In robot form, Hot Rod features articulated fingers and a super-poseable range of articulation. As seen in the TF movie, MP-03 Hot Rod includes interchangeable tool/weapon hands, a removable visor and his classic dual pistols. It will not include the Matrix as one is already included with MP-1 Optimus Prime. Also included will be interchangeable conversion parts that allow you to transform MP-03 Hot Rod into Rodimus Prime. This includes head/chest swaps and the trailer. The Japanese packaging inserts will include photos of all Hot Rod/Rodimus toys produced by Takara/Hasbro, pictures from the movie and a detailed history of Transformers inclusive of the series, movie and beyond. Only in my imagination...for now.

While they both use the same mold (for the most part), there are several differences between the original Takatoku 1/55 Valkyries and the reissue Bandai 1/55 Valkyries. The most obvious difference is apperance; most of the details (stickers for the original) are now tampo printed on. The quality of the tampo printed details is amazing in that you can actually read the little warning messages and stuff and they are much more durable to handling. There are also some slight paint variations between the two. For example, the reissue has both sides of the tail wing painted while the original only has the outer side. All the reissues' wings use the 1990 Bandai mold were the painted line area are actually depressed slightly so that the paint doesn't get scratched when you move them. Save for the Hikaru VF-1J, the reissues all have removable canopies and come with interchangeable heat shields. Also, the reissue canapies are much lighter in color than the originals. The molded parts seem to have a much better fit than the originals as well and locks more securely in battroid mode. The nose cones on the reissues have been glued together for some reason. Bandai included a small spring in the tail pack assembly to help keep it folded up/down better. The DYRL VF-1A use really bright white plastic compared to the original and the Super VF-1S uses an almost cream white color plastic. Certain parts are colored differently, i.e., the elbow joints on the reissues (Max/Millia VF-1J and CF VF-1A) are grey where the originals have them molded in color. The wings of the CF VF-1A are painted to match the color, while the original had the wings molded in color.

I'm very impressed with your custom 1/48 CF VF-1A. The CF VF-1A is my all time favorite valkyrie, even above the Low-Vis paint scheme. Since my custom skills are very lacking, I really wish Yamato would get off it's ass and make the standard type VF-1A already. It's the one 1/48 valkyrie that I've been wishing for ever since I saw the first Yamato 1/48 prototype pics so long ago.

I would so watch that movie!

What does the text say? Somebody? http://s02.imagehost.org/0136/asuka.jpg

Sephiroth = 574,000 vs. Cloud = 18,000,000

Rei = 6,150,000 Asuka = 834,000 Shinji = 831,000 Rei is the winner

There's nothing wrong if your monster is green, right?

I finally found HLJ's ad for the Rei Vol 9 figure: http://www.hlj.com/scripts/hljpage.cgi?KDK00760 Had I known when this figure came out, I would have bought a few...especially with an original price of 1,700 Yen each.