RavenHawk

On 6/21/2025 at 10:19 AM, Rock said:

Prime 1 Stuido

Man, I really hope the pricing on this isn't something idiotic...

Also interesting to see Josh Nizzi's name pop up. I think he did some of the Bayverse Trasformers designs, like the motorcycle triplets?

On 6/23/2025 at 8:10 PM, Old_Nash_II said:

M.A.S.K. in the new Energon Universe
I hope that this time Hasbro can officially launch it in the line along with the Joes

Like in that SDCC 2017 kit

As long as it isn't written by Brandon Easton this time.

Not a fan of his work.

Also, who's that WRAITH there?

On 5/14/2025 at 2:45 AM, enphily said:

i like it so far. except wings in robot mode

These look like they might actually be enjoyable, in a "play with toys, don't just look at them" way, and I'm there for it.

On 4/8/2025 at 1:25 AM, Shawn said:

Recently picked up a doujinshi with a nice Mospeada Art Piece

 

I've never seen this before. Can you provide us illiterate-in-Japanese folks some backstory on what this is? It looks fun.

Just got my Moshow (I let it sit in my pile of loot on BBTS for a bit while waiting for some other ride armor-type toys to release), and I have to say that I am really impressed.

Sure, I wish it was less of a parts-former, but it's got some great heft and seems solidly built.

It has even survived a small fall (dog pumping into table it was on) where my Sentinels (love them) have broken easily (cat knocking one off of a pretty low shelf).

Side note: I've lost more MOSPEADA toys to cats over the last couple of decades than I care to remember.

Really my only gripe is those 4 tiny little round plastic pins while so much else is metal.

It very much looks to me like the Loyal Subjects stuff is going to be new/updated figures, but like the vehicles have very, very minor changes (like a silver piece on Condor and some accessories that weren't there before, but otherwise the exact same vehicle, possibly re-using old molds are making new ones from scans and re-scalings of the physical products).

On 2/9/2025 at 4:37 PM, sh9000 said:

Really excited for these.

It's funny, when I first saw MZ23 two decades ago, I wasn't that into this mech. Since then... yeah, I've become a big fan, have custom made some of my own stands-ins for my collection, but am really looking forward to the real thing.

On 1/20/2025 at 10:47 AM, M'Kyuun said:

You've pretty much summed up my feelings about third party. My days on this Earth are ever receding, and with the license holders of these properties sitting on those licenses when there's an audience for stuff to be made, unofficial options become the only options, or in the case of many Transformers, interesting, unique, or superior options compared to, or in the absence of, official releases. I look no further than XTransbots' Omnibots, which haven't had toys since their original American releases in 1985, and of course their earlier Diaclone toys. As the only option for toys I've long wanted and waited for, I'm all in for the three G1 variants that XTransbots are releasing. They're not the best toys, as some of the design decisions are questionable, but in the absence of any other Omnibot toys official or non, I happily parted with my money for them. Likewise, my newest acquisition, Newage's Romulus, a well-done CHUG scaled G1 Megatron that turns into a Walther P38ish pistol, a toy we shall never again get officially, unless Takara makes it for the Asian market. That was a huge want, and I'm pleased to finally have a figure to fill that hole in my collection. No guilt, no regret. Much joy.

Agree here, especially on the Omnibots. Downshift has been a favorite since I was a kid, and I played with him both as a Transformer and, when not caring about scale, as a MASK toy.

I'm not a fan of XTransbots, but this was a no-brainer for me.

On the general topic, I'm a big believer in NOT infringing on someone else's IP, big or small. That said, if there is zero activity on it by the owner, sometimes us collectors really want that itch scratched... As long as I know it isn't causing the IP owner any damage.

Overall, it depends on what you're going for.

In my opinion:

- Want one to display, toon accurate? Beagle.

- Want the full set, toon accurate? CMs.

- Want full set, and open to/actually like updated designs? Sentinel.

- Want toon accurate partsformer? Megahouse.

- Want updated design partsformer, and into just slapping a ton of weapons onto a figure, physics-be-damned? Moshow Toys.

- Want to actually play with it, and have it only be in scale with JoyToy? B2Five.

- Want to play with it, but not have any fun doing so, and you're a completist? SMALL '80s Henshin Robo.

- Want it to not be much fun? Matchbox.

- Want to make me jealous? BIG '80s "Perfect Mounting Real Change" Henshin Robo

1 hour ago, sh9000 said:

 

Yeah I'm thinking of going down.  It would be cool to get a Mospeada art book and a Riobot Legioss or Ride Armor signed by Shinji Aramaki and the Yamato 1/3000 SDF-1 and a Riobot Legioss or Ride Armor signed by Keiichiro Maeno.

I'm fearful that, as the guest of honor, there might not be opportunities to actually meet him or get anything signed. Does anyone had prior experiences with this show and this level of guest?

On 9/27/2024 at 4:35 PM, jenius said:

I'm still waiting on a store I'm comfortable with to offer it. You can get Moshow stuff on amazon so I'm expecting wider availability soon.

Were you uncomfortable with BBTS? I know they have a delay compared to others, but they gave me some absolutely amazing customer service when I had an issue a few years back, and very much earned my business... except for when I find an item elsewhere for substantially less money.

On 9/19/2024 at 3:32 AM, tekering said:

As much as it's off-topic here, I can't ignore this:

It appears in both the first and the fourth Bubblegum Crisis OAVs.

We now return you to your regularly-scheduled transforming motorcycles. 😉

Yeah, I was keeping quiet, but definitely remembered that.

FWIW, my BGC figs are the only Yamoto items that I legit play with here and there, and not just have as display pieces.

1 hour ago, MKT said:

3D rendered video, but the bigger issue and disappointingly, its a partsformer! Really didn't see that coming, and feel quite blindsided by it. 

That's really disappointing.

It probably doesn't actually matter that much. As much as I LOVE the Sentinel figures, I just use them as display pieces. I think that the B2Five figures can be considered legitimate toys (and partsformers), but other than them, I don't think a single collectible that I've purchased has been anything but a display piece since the Yamato BGC Motoslaves... but still disappointing.

I seriously love bad-@ss female heroes, and love the BGC designs, but I'm starting to feel like I'm an outsider in the fanbase because I DON'T want them over-sexualized.

I'm still hoping for a regular one, and for the Bulldog too.

But, truth be told, it's all about the DREAD...

On 5/18/2024 at 3:35 PM, Perxion said:

Hello group!

I leave you a collage of the work process of Jim's truck.

Many have asked me if it is for sale, if I will share the files or if I will mass produce it.
The reality is that I haven't decided yet, but I'll let you know on Instagram. Follow me! @mekanimuss

thank you
enjoy it

 

Gorgeous work.

Definitely hope you make it available, whether for free or purchase. Looking forward to printing a couple.

On 5/1/2024 at 3:35 PM, treatment said:

https://twitter.com/simsim5479/status/1784408840685133931

 

web-translated:

While it wouldn't account for the full height difference (maybe 1/2 at most), shouldn't the ankle on the right be extended?

As for the Moshow stuff, it still just looks to me (both original rendition and slightly more streamlined one) like they're trying to take Sentinel's design and tack on as many bigger guns and more more more more as they can.

I'm still going to buy it, and hopefully love it, but it looks like it could use some paring down.

22 hours ago, Bobby said:

Years back there was that release by Mayhem Mekanics - The Unrustables Otomo Exclusive, that did an Akira Homage that sorta fulfills this ... it came with an "Akira-themed" sticker sheet and is about the same size as the Yaiba CT-3X from Cyberpunk.

 

 

Was just digging out Kaneda bike and Otomo to take pictures of this.

On 4/6/2024 at 11:59 PM, Shawn said:

I recently picked up a 19 page Mospeada pre-production marketing art booklet on one of the Japanese auctions sites for a whopping $20

Included is an early description of what the series was going to be about, and it had some very early (Feb 83) pre-prod designs (Diver mode was referenced as Gerwalk in the text block...since what the hell is a 'diver'...but they knew Gerwalk from Macross lol. It is noted as Diver in the actual Art)

Note the extra large cannons and the early helmet designs n the Ride-Armor, and the rounded heels and rectangular intakes on the Legioss.

These are a right about the time of the awesome set released by Roger Harkavy in the "Imai Files" collection. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogerharkavy/albums/72157623041361265/

Example of little differences-notice the earlier B&W version (feb) vs the awesome colorized from Roger (march)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am absolutely giddy excited to see versions of the MOSPEADA that I've never seen before. Thank you so much for sharing this!

Now, if I can someday come across the sidecar version mentioned in the Imai files...

16 hours ago, Seto Kaiba said:

It takes a true fan to recognize this as not just one of the classic reflex comebacks (lol), but a big part of the why there so few Robotech fans.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by this, so would love for you to explain.

I asked a question about people's thoughts on a specific series, which I am... let's say, pessimistic about, though I have yet to read it (I buy the trades, generally).

Your response was just a comment pointing out your opinion of Robotech licensing in general. A fair statement, but not really relevant, and more of your general disdain for Robotech, which seems well documented here. 

(I, obviously, don't know you, and have nothing against you personally, or the opinions that you share, even if I disagree with them on some occasions. I think I just get frustrated when people venting their hatred over a property seems to get in the way of any genuine discussion... additionally (full disclosure), I'm reading your reply on the same day as reading a reply to a motion for judgment on the merits in a case, with a similar argumentative style, so, hey... visceral reaction)

18 hours ago, jenius said:

Honestly, I don't know that it is a huge rip off of the Sentinel. The cockpit is doing something different in soldier mode and there are definitely different interpretations at various points.

I was referring to the MOSPEADA, and not the LEGIOSS.

2 minutes ago, Seto Kaiba said:

Isn't "nostalgia as a substitute for quality" pretty much the textbook definition of Robotech licensed works in general?

On that basis, Easton sounds like a perfect fit for Robotech.  Not an original idea in sight, just an in-the-box story that puts existing characters and set pieces into slightly different configurations from normal.

I understand that you hate Robotech, as you make clear in all of your posts (that I have seen); this was not the purpose of my questions, though.

Additionally, Robotech licensed works have shown quality, at times (I think Invid War had a high level of quality, by way of one example that comes to mind); just how stunningly, unprofessionally bad other works have been overshadows these.

As to originality, I think that Simon Furman DID use some original ideas in his run, and not just "put(ing) existing characters and set pieces into slightly different configurations from normal." I have not seen any sales numbers to suggest that the works with originality have undersold those without it. Titan's business practices are... enigmatic, in my view. 

My point with Easton wasn't a lack of originality, but just the lack of quality that we both mentioned. In that sense, yes, he fits into the Tommy Yune pack of nostalgia over quality. This, in my view, is a commonality to all of his licensed work. It is not just Robotech, but also Power Rangers, Transformers, M.A.S.K., etc.

On 3/28/2024 at 1:52 PM, Old_Nash_II said:

Robotech: Rick Hunter #3

And here we are again for the penultimate (so far) edition of this mini "solo".

  Reveal hidden contents

And returning to the edition with the usual entry: Intro so far, cast of the edition.

(Nice art)

And we start where the last edition left off.
With Vince's possible death.
Rick, enraged, goes all out on Zeraal.
Rick gets the better of the Zentraedi, but just as he was going to defeat him, the YF-4's energy runs out and he ends up letting Zeraal escape.
Rick is frustrated by what happened, but is happy to know that Vince survived the fall.

(Really? They used Evangelion reference here???)

Back at Zeraal's base, he is happy to know that he discovered what he wanted, but due to his injuries in the confrontation, he is taken to a cloning room, where he is placed in a tank to recover. In this there is a small flashback about how he survived the fight (in space) against Jack Archer; being recovered by his soldiers, IN SPACE, and revived somehow.

(Now, we will have a mini focused on Jack)

On the aircraft carrier UES Pandora, Rick's team recovers from the fight, and Vince comes into contact with Leonard, who blackmails him about his past (he had a romance and a son with a Zentraedi, until they were killed in combat). and he develops hatred for the race) to obtain information and strength to try to defeat Zeraal.
After that, we see the group enjoying the starry sky of the Southern Hemisphere, and some soldiers listening to Minmei.
Vince arrives and makes fun of Rick for almost being "Mrs. Hunter Lynn Minmei". The team laughs, and Rick tells more about his past with Lisa, and how he joined the army.

Back at base, Zeraal leaves the regeneration tank, organizes his forces again to go to Antarctica, where the Grand Cannon of the South is located...

(Always have a Grand Cannon to try steal)

On Pandora with Rick, they receive Leonard's "gift", a VHT prototype, and with it, they are ready for the "final battle", ending the issue.

(Time to merchan!)

Personal opinion:

Well, the edition that has had the most flashbacks so far, whether in the motivation of Rick and Zeraal, or in a monologue by Rick (twice) or Zeraal (In SPAAAACE).
Or the "friendly" conversation between Vince and Leonard, and the reasons (or part of them) for his prejudice against the Zentraedi. Which gives us a certain perception of the world in this soft-retcon in the franchise.

In fact, Rick is somewhat bitter about everything that is happening, "revisiting the past" and somewhat apathetic about the situation, he doesn't even look like that initial auttruistic person; In short, he is tired of war, and because of it he "never changes", even in times of peace.

(War, never change...)
In Zeraal facton, we see that he remains as he was in the game, even though "some time has passed", and how all he wants is to take revenge on the victors of the war.

(Male fanservice like a Ken)

The racial confrontation between Vince and Leonard is well explored, especially given the latter's past, but I believe it would be better used in the outcome of the plot, and not as a "bargaining chip".

(Sins Past)

The art is very good, better than the initial series (yes, that one by Simon Furman)...

(I saw this reference to Macross 0...)

Narrative, as I said above, is more explanatory than the action itself, with plenty of references and quotes from the franchise's lore, which is useful for new readers or those who don't know the Robotech universe well post-Macross Saga.

Rating: 8/10

Bonus: Alternatives covers

 

Has anyone been reading this?

Thoughts?

I thought that Easton was shockingly TERRIBLE on M.A.S.K.

I feel like between here, M.A.S.K., and Power Rangers, he kind of rides on the nostalgia already present, rather than the quality of his own work.

On 3/30/2024 at 10:53 PM, sh9000 said:

I hate that this is such a rip off of Sentinel's designs... and yet, take my money. I want to own this.