tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15760717606222525392024-03-13T00:29:04.279-07:00Zarak's BarracksBlack Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-42758842284057014492015-03-26T14:45:00.000-07:002015-03-26T14:45:16.355-07:00Back this Kickstarter: Lost Protectors<div style="text-align: center;">
Just wanted to throw this out to the three of you still reading. I've been watching the Kickstarter for a line called <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44339820/play-with-this-too-lost-protectors" target="_blank">The Lost Protectors</a> by a group known as <a href="http://playwiththistoo.com/" target="_blank">Play With This Too</a>. Essentially modern takes on the classic Pretenders of Transformers, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44339820/play-with-this-too-lost-protectors" target="_blank">Lost Protectors</a> is a line of six inch scale, fully articulated figures based on Generation One Pretenders (and a whole boatload of new designs) with smaller tech drones that resemble the inner robots. Now, the tech drones don't fit in the larger figures like Pretenders, but they do break down into weapons and armor for the larger figures. On top of that, the six inch figures pop apart at the joints and can be mixed and matched to your heart's content. The whole idea is amazingly cool and the painted prototype of their first figure, Desolataur (a new take on Skullgrin) looks <i>AMAZING</i>.<br />
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Unfortunately, the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44339820/play-with-this-too-lost-protectors" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> has only three days left and they are still roughly $17,000 below their goal. That's a real bummer as, like I said, the line is amazing. So I'm calling on all of you out there to pledge if you are able, even if it's just a few bucks. Every little bit helps and we're coming down to the wire. If this project goes through, I promise I'll review Desolataur as soon as I have him in hand. If you won't contribute for your own sake, do it for the Zarak! Look at my face, do you want to see it crying when this doesn't go through? Do you want to live with the guilt? <i>CAN</i> you live with it? <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/44339820/play-with-this-too-lost-protectors" target="_blank">Pledge the hell out of this Kickstarter.</a></div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-2482892522553060722014-12-21T13:01:00.000-08:002014-12-21T13:01:24.449-08:00Megaforce Strikemaster<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ydP6JM_1jj0QeH5dkre7GSSr-Nc4AgBvjU2vocZbHT-NLwh2AMmJMu8SVKiowvWCaUkLLjA_O3bTw0HRw4WAqh8ZC7iZ7zM3AOLkGCsNor_OqZT6Bb_3lQesAifBxqLdy6cgWQTYIgvh/s1600/IMG_6874A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Got a first for The Barracks today, the oldest item I have written about to date (not counting reissues of G1 Transformers) from a line I had a special love for as a kid, the Strikemaster Orbital Attack Shuttle of Megaforce!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWyzwoA_aGjwhs7rtFlmW2Z8DHBYx2VdvNoXYbybsf4izUc4AibHz7nzESCIaL4SjCN-ARSDhaXk3H_arLh91KKZD1bQrJqwgVmIXKkDetQRpktAFsBWGhZpATtnSr4Z90y8efK2Mn9MA/s1600/IMG_6838A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWyzwoA_aGjwhs7rtFlmW2Z8DHBYx2VdvNoXYbybsf4izUc4AibHz7nzESCIaL4SjCN-ARSDhaXk3H_arLh91KKZD1bQrJqwgVmIXKkDetQRpktAFsBWGhZpATtnSr4Z90y8efK2Mn9MA/s1600/IMG_6838A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />One of Kenner's lesser remembered but nifty entries, Megaforce was the loosely defined story of the war between the Triax and V-Rocs forces and the giant, ridiculous war machines they loved. Debuting in 1989 and getting cancelled after only one series of vehicles, the line isn't very big but almost everything it offers is gold. Ridiculous, impossibly awesome gold, the Strikemaster being no exception. As I managed to snag one still in box, let's start with a look at that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTlZ7Em5OhgltAI2chShyswN2SyGrFZQQRJbg3PkhxxQyb73FdzUAeDRSbPRESouK-Vw6w2D7fyr5fZGroc9-q_4vpJRNt8OT8FG-PZKl3FGhnGT8nZ-iw0Oe2VJNR5BNIrF-14RbzIgW/s1600/IMG_6883A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTlZ7Em5OhgltAI2chShyswN2SyGrFZQQRJbg3PkhxxQyb73FdzUAeDRSbPRESouK-Vw6w2D7fyr5fZGroc9-q_4vpJRNt8OT8FG-PZKl3FGhnGT8nZ-iw0Oe2VJNR5BNIrF-14RbzIgW/s1600/IMG_6883A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The front features some nicely done art of the Strikemaster preparing to launch the shuttle section while blasting at unseen V-Rocs forces in a desert setting. Until recently, I had always assumed Megaforce was somewhat playing on the popularity of the Gulf War at the time (and if you think nobody would attempt such a thing, you are obviously forgetting how big those <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Storm_trading_cards" target="_blank">Desert Storm trading cards</a> were), but seeing as how Megaforce debuted in 1989 and the Gulf War didn't officially begin until 1990, I guess I just associated the two due to military hardware and desert settings. Though it would have been a much different war if any of these machines had taken the field.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB46e19DMMwAmcYz22_ceD3965-iQi802CNih9ONpmAUM-HJirjvVSQ0I2HrDhXMjwL3SqogpJNxSgxzn38_MZDD_9Z45vXa_DWdp1QAHK3cBWrZBlUusnR2LDcp6RrLLAR9v-p3Xd2_TK/s1600/IMG_6885A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB46e19DMMwAmcYz22_ceD3965-iQi802CNih9ONpmAUM-HJirjvVSQ0I2HrDhXMjwL3SqogpJNxSgxzn38_MZDD_9Z45vXa_DWdp1QAHK3cBWrZBlUusnR2LDcp6RrLLAR9v-p3Xd2_TK/s1600/IMG_6885A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The sides, bottom and top of the box show the Strikemaster in action, but since that action consists mainly of "raising gantry" and "lowering gantry", they are a bit repetitive so I'm only going to show you the top panel. You may have already noticed something a bit off about the scale here, that is meant to be a full-sized battle tank the shuttle is hauling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ3Vhfm3WcD_pycjf0Agy9xsc_HAJQKf7Xw2mqIZVmF1HMAN3iIA6oMRc98SId3esVPpHisrct8mE-2RYxVSJ-WpqPqwA1tXMVq4HDC9UbPJa_Pg62sb8GgFFJUF2cJs1gmxCoWzpn18I/s1600/IMG_6886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ3Vhfm3WcD_pycjf0Agy9xsc_HAJQKf7Xw2mqIZVmF1HMAN3iIA6oMRc98SId3esVPpHisrct8mE-2RYxVSJ-WpqPqwA1tXMVq4HDC9UbPJa_Pg62sb8GgFFJUF2cJs1gmxCoWzpn18I/s1600/IMG_6886.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The back of the box features blueprints of the Strikemaster's design, highlighting various features. It also shows why I was able to score this item in box for only fourteen bucks with shipping, there's a bit of crushing and water damage to the bottom. As the actual toy was perfectly intact and I'm not a mint in box kind of guy, this doesn't bug me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu3_k0llj5VLbS0ydZeouBL6ahDw89iVhLxH9Yt6LJ426SoLFypyFPPI_tMrPZ_bZg2FXjp3JRBMEtfy_eGzScfPa5eV9FtAxDgj5wTRV_II3cAk12YVZ17dHvxUpqrzb2EcKYmDwmONk/s1600/IMG_6841A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu3_k0llj5VLbS0ydZeouBL6ahDw89iVhLxH9Yt6LJ426SoLFypyFPPI_tMrPZ_bZg2FXjp3JRBMEtfy_eGzScfPa5eV9FtAxDgj5wTRV_II3cAk12YVZ17dHvxUpqrzb2EcKYmDwmONk/s1600/IMG_6841A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Out of the box, the Strikemaster is composed of three main sections; the booster rocket, orbital shuttle and gantry. No assembly is required in this case, but there is a small sticker sheet included. Surprisingly, the stickers are still viable and hold like new, though they have developed a few small cracks and bubbles in the printing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lflf3FYUKHjgXCA_TF2LvTAvY_syGPEDW8Y0bviN4DZ5zrAtvIeuSGDySClN-AqH1POSqHlz1zy-gfdK_C77sgHqAhs0KT3PuumFwgYe0mi-ky26NsjoVj99jktuNvVD9GFyCbG0-V9e/s1600/IMG_6852A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lflf3FYUKHjgXCA_TF2LvTAvY_syGPEDW8Y0bviN4DZ5zrAtvIeuSGDySClN-AqH1POSqHlz1zy-gfdK_C77sgHqAhs0KT3PuumFwgYe0mi-ky26NsjoVj99jktuNvVD9GFyCbG0-V9e/s1600/IMG_6852A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The gantry section is essentially a mix between a weaponized version of the crawler transport used to move shuttles to the launchpad in real world space missions and a ICBM carrier. The gantry lacks any sort of rolling wheels so I would refrain from "driving" it across rough surfaces as you will most likely scuff up the sculpted treads.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLuENItIbY1AtIRvgcN5xPNx_O6ehRD0ity-eisMWxSFvuuph_A48oBlSG7hSZqvA2Ph2bnIKfwKlPm3v8-3Ng1oxv4EKO2gV1ycVV2pr7ouJiPWk-SDDYA50-DVwbhvDc8z2yaZdDow2/s1600/IMG_6857A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLuENItIbY1AtIRvgcN5xPNx_O6ehRD0ity-eisMWxSFvuuph_A48oBlSG7hSZqvA2Ph2bnIKfwKlPm3v8-3Ng1oxv4EKO2gV1ycVV2pr7ouJiPWk-SDDYA50-DVwbhvDc8z2yaZdDow2/s1600/IMG_6857A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />As it is both transportation and launch pad, the gantry is jointed at the base and at the "neck" so the command pod can remain level during launch. The swiveling tan cannons on the roof coupled with the four fixed guns on the nose ensure the gantry isn't a sitting duck when bringing the shuttle within launch distance. While the gantry alone isn't all that exciting, the detail level on it is still impressive, with numerous vents, rivets and panels across it's armored skin.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T73tUloVM1O43pCcKp_uCAlSg-Od-6qQialu0TuearYAT2-Z6WyYgrMMYn4_FCrlRFg-w6I0ZEkaGxivoXQGZjUAMMhfOQOiJTxnhI-e4dHonHiFU8yI0WQ_bXgVW-vUgq8kcZvVLlSA/s1600/IMG_6867a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T73tUloVM1O43pCcKp_uCAlSg-Od-6qQialu0TuearYAT2-Z6WyYgrMMYn4_FCrlRFg-w6I0ZEkaGxivoXQGZjUAMMhfOQOiJTxnhI-e4dHonHiFU8yI0WQ_bXgVW-vUgq8kcZvVLlSA/s1600/IMG_6867a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The next section is the booster rocket and here's where the gung ho absurdity really begins to shine. The packaging claims this is merely a three stage booster rocket and lists no armament or crew for it, unlike the others sections, but the sculpt details say otherwise. The middle section clearly sports a cockpit and there are no less than three double-barreled turrets present (one is on the underside of the central section.) You could argue that the weapons are automated, or that the decision to make it an unmanned rocket came late in the design process, but I prefer a different interpretation; the Triax commanders are so committed to winning (or just firing the most guns ever) that they fill even their disposable rockets with soldiers. Steering back towards the topic at hand, the bright yellow-green of the booster makes a nice contrast with the olive, tan and cream of the rest of the Strikemaster. You may also be wondering about the notched strut jutting from the back of the center section, this is because the rocket acts as a giant missile when attached to the shuttle portion of the Strikemaster, as well as serving another purpose when docked that I'll get to in a minute.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUdRNRDC0nb1CRRjLYVy1IK0nmDVS9e9ORGdXCuJtctnrJYAyBLGqcDLKB9VeYRP4Yz1ct1Jm6-XAuwc0Fc-1pvJp96GYRxh8aB5F41M0N91eR_wpUX_dNh1EEuHFHe_QzgDpuksZRQCd/s1600/IMG_6843A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUdRNRDC0nb1CRRjLYVy1IK0nmDVS9e9ORGdXCuJtctnrJYAyBLGqcDLKB9VeYRP4Yz1ct1Jm6-XAuwc0Fc-1pvJp96GYRxh8aB5F41M0N91eR_wpUX_dNh1EEuHFHe_QzgDpuksZRQCd/s1600/IMG_6843A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Finally, we come to the shuttle itself. Arguably the "actual" Strikemaster, the shuttle is the largest and most involved of the pieces. Displaying some serious <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RuleOfCool" target="_blank">Rule of Cool</a>, the shuttle is a mass of guns and awesome, featuring five sculpted turrets scattered along it's body, spring-loaded wings, a hunchbacked secondary command cockpit and cargo space for two vehicles in it's bed. I'm not entirely sure what the Strikemaster's mission profile would be; it has a large booster rocket, implying it is designed for actual space missions, but seems to be mainly intended to deliver vehicles to battle rather than be an active assault vessel itself, but then it is crawling with weapons. Does it launch at an angle and parachute tanks down? Can it land on it's own and let them off? If so, why does it need a launch system initially? I'm thinking about this too much.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTaWTjpwuPmCdzlhM-S0fbidjtM14c7JzSd-AWbEOQD8wq0XYOmECyrH9Rpw20-hH6vybeL1B73Vz16TYpZnC6DLdhAJ6jd5qGgX_HcNh6RAgeCX7f_1oBfRP2nF2iL65wrYTYiFCA7I3/s1600/IMG_6848A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTaWTjpwuPmCdzlhM-S0fbidjtM14c7JzSd-AWbEOQD8wq0XYOmECyrH9Rpw20-hH6vybeL1B73Vz16TYpZnC6DLdhAJ6jd5qGgX_HcNh6RAgeCX7f_1oBfRP2nF2iL65wrYTYiFCA7I3/s1600/IMG_6848A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The two clips in the bed of the shuttle are designed to hold any of the individual ground units from the line, like the included tank seen here. I forgot to take any pictures of the tank by itself, but it is nicely detailed for an item roughly the size of a postage stamp with several paint applications and a die-cast metal body.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ydP6JM_1jj0QeH5dkre7GSSr-Nc4AgBvjU2vocZbHT-NLwh2AMmJMu8SVKiowvWCaUkLLjA_O3bTw0HRw4WAqh8ZC7iZ7zM3AOLkGCsNor_OqZT6Bb_3lQesAifBxqLdy6cgWQTYIgvh/s1600/IMG_6874A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ydP6JM_1jj0QeH5dkre7GSSr-Nc4AgBvjU2vocZbHT-NLwh2AMmJMu8SVKiowvWCaUkLLjA_O3bTw0HRw4WAqh8ZC7iZ7zM3AOLkGCsNor_OqZT6Bb_3lQesAifBxqLdy6cgWQTYIgvh/s1600/IMG_6874A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Putting the Strikemaster together is as easy as plugging the booster into the underside of the shuttle and sliding the combined pieces onto a rail on the gantry's neck via a track on the underside of the booster. The combined vehicle is impressively over the top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0Z1vMSqG-fnHbMLtTLgnHXlJry8KsmRSggy8waXas-XRNQPNVwNBsSBtqHkrKFI6JjdCY0zGJcZsUZWqBdNqw5WUDbmmoykXkv-jDpiryR1odkzMgWEyf00ipeoA-C2rx1M6xKzl-gpe/s1600/IMG_6871A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0Z1vMSqG-fnHbMLtTLgnHXlJry8KsmRSggy8waXas-XRNQPNVwNBsSBtqHkrKFI6JjdCY0zGJcZsUZWqBdNqw5WUDbmmoykXkv-jDpiryR1odkzMgWEyf00ipeoA-C2rx1M6xKzl-gpe/s1600/IMG_6871A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />The Strikemaster is at it's best in a mid-launch pose, ready to fling the shuttle off into...whatever it is giant gun shuttles do. Though there is no real way to launch the shuttle from the gantry, the booster can be explosively detached by the small trigger under the left fin, activating the spring-loaded mechanism. This also allows the shuttle's wings, normally held in place by the booster's fins, to spring forward.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv7BYlo2r71jGPv7dptvW3etn1zOY3aT8F6zPRo1IdKc1pagSai4f9a-e3m8y8E6R8LaGzpXdkRG1ffpxRSKXZPrx7dh1eStli_6V65QaX99sZ3I0WQFQHNy-UL2jGbcOxpxOU-WG0j04/s1600/IMG_6878A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv7BYlo2r71jGPv7dptvW3etn1zOY3aT8F6zPRo1IdKc1pagSai4f9a-e3m8y8E6R8LaGzpXdkRG1ffpxRSKXZPrx7dh1eStli_6V65QaX99sZ3I0WQFQHNy-UL2jGbcOxpxOU-WG0j04/s1600/IMG_6878A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Altogether, the Strikemaster is an excellent summation of the Megaforce ideal; giant military vehicles powered by their own sheer absurdity. Despite only being produced for a short time, Megaforce doesn't seem to have the same level of following some of it's contemporaries still hold, so most items from the line can be had for reasonable prices if you keep an eye out (as I mentioned earlier, this cost me all of fourteen dollars.) The Strikemaster is one of the smaller and tamer of the designs, which include such things as a land-based aircraft carrier and massive jets that are also massive tanks depending on how you look at them. Megaforce was an inspired and underappreciated line full of zany, fantastic ideas. If you don't mind the glorification of war, it's a pretty neat line to get into.</div>
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At this point, I'm sure it will come as no surprise at all when I tell you I have always been a big fan of the card game <i>Magic: The Gathering</i>. Having an older brother who played just when Magic was starting out in 1993 and groups of friends from then up until the current day who enjoy playing, it has been a part of my life for a long time. The game has a reputation of being a more offensive nerdy interest than most but I have never really understood why. It's less time consuming than Dungeons & Dragons, there's a ton of strategies and interactions between cards and it's just plain fun, dammit!<br />
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The point I'm eventually getting to here though, is that despite existing for over twenty years now, the <i>Magic</i> universe has not seen much in the way of non-game related merchandise. There were a couple of statues and...T-shirts mainly. Funko, purveyors of Pop! Vinyl figures of every single character you've ever loved, ever (<a href="http://www.entertainmentearth.com/hitlist.asp?searchfield=pop+vinyl&onform=1&eeshop=&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">seriously</a>) has changed that. After crushing the world beneath their army of unstoppably adorable super-deformed pop culture icons, Funko decided to branch out in more standard action figures in a seven inch scale. <i>Game of Thrones</i> was their first attempt and while I don't dig on the show myself, I had read very positive reviews of the results.<br />
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Then they announced they were working on a line of <i>Magic</i> figures featuring some of the major Planeswalkers from the game lore (Planeswalkers being, for those not in the know, powerful magic users who possess a unique ability to travel between the dimensions of the <i>Magic</i> universe, known as "planes.") The initial list wasn't that interesting, mostly the boring, single-colored versions of the main Planeswalkers <i>Wizards of the Coast</i> use as the "face" of the game a lot. I kind of forgot about them for awhile until actual pictures of the figures surfaced. Then things got interesting and I'll tell you why, but not yet! Read on...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCfzlOVqBDALjO5I2Tg3Muf3ei_XKFEi6ZFoC2HLDjEV6nVKfPeLiindP4t4JFwL_XmOvUuZF34DQm-mQvHGHW2stNKOD7_EAG_uDFBdC5m35r4uJBUDW48GV6XOBngacqT-Ory9JlJNJ/s1600/IMG_6753A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCfzlOVqBDALjO5I2Tg3Muf3ei_XKFEi6ZFoC2HLDjEV6nVKfPeLiindP4t4JFwL_XmOvUuZF34DQm-mQvHGHW2stNKOD7_EAG_uDFBdC5m35r4uJBUDW48GV6XOBngacqT-Ory9JlJNJ/s1600/IMG_6753A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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So this is Garruk, one of the original first five Planeswalkers printed way back in Lorwyn that each represented a single color of magic that can be drawn upon in the game world. Linked with green mana, a type based around life and growth, but also the savagery of brutal truths of nature, Garruk primarily embodies strength and savagery. A beast mage, Garruk summons mighty creatures to aid in his hunts and tracks the most powerful prey across the multiverse using his Planeswalking ability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGs6XxcuJCBXRgbcmupyhqavZuahyphenhyphenc4SbvTC3qxS4BszdtzJfoj7SE9talOjJk1-xt3YiehxogtKYj4CRDtiTLG5kfxhRCIsvNvh22KEGrtNehKmdS-kVRz-rsXgXFip6c7OBR0RsS6nL/s1600/IMG_6715A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGs6XxcuJCBXRgbcmupyhqavZuahyphenhyphenc4SbvTC3qxS4BszdtzJfoj7SE9talOjJk1-xt3YiehxogtKYj4CRDtiTLG5kfxhRCIsvNvh22KEGrtNehKmdS-kVRz-rsXgXFip6c7OBR0RsS6nL/s1600/IMG_6715A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Right out of the package, you can see Funko nailed the spirit of Garruk's character. In a line of seven inch figures, Garruk clocks in closer to eight, towering over his smaller wave mates. Clad in a mix of furs, bits of armor, tattered cloth and ragged chainmail, the detail on Garruk's clothing alone is insane. This is no real shock though, as Gentle Giant Studios, well known for their super-realistic, highly detailed work, did the sculpting here. The details just keep popping out the more you look him over; spikes emerging from the pelt over his shoulders, a broken sword dangling from his belt, small braids at the end of his beard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictU_cWc-bMaXHFu9woMfRqoExuhOO7EQMOpEq8qiai45a3rJMmDZrdeM3ea1elxCIijxQ1MXxuXra2IUubOBfppIiZ4pqiWKnrOQ-UVHy9fzUPkLo6KWSaecM5DeVz8lbVxxx5XGAVOva/s1600/IMG_6731A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictU_cWc-bMaXHFu9woMfRqoExuhOO7EQMOpEq8qiai45a3rJMmDZrdeM3ea1elxCIijxQ1MXxuXra2IUubOBfppIiZ4pqiWKnrOQ-UVHy9fzUPkLo6KWSaecM5DeVz8lbVxxx5XGAVOva/s1600/IMG_6731A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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This version of Garruk bears his signature helmet with narrow eye slits and long curved tusks flanking the jaw. Out of the box, one of my sample's tusks was curled up in his collar and thus bent, but it straightened itself out quite a bit once I freed it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqCS7euK_rUMxmoMyiiqfDA9Qm8nGOoeYXHtTDPj9xnhjZ0a3N2ZlRbEjHwEh4LiJ649VBHBWmsNbcWQ_wAhKlRoww_Cx9g8pMYerdZe9-7TEmCe9-7meKXKvEMTSLMXll6Wf2xSzaoTq/s1600/IMG_6719A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqCS7euK_rUMxmoMyiiqfDA9Qm8nGOoeYXHtTDPj9xnhjZ0a3N2ZlRbEjHwEh4LiJ649VBHBWmsNbcWQ_wAhKlRoww_Cx9g8pMYerdZe9-7TEmCe9-7meKXKvEMTSLMXll6Wf2xSzaoTq/s1600/IMG_6719A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Garruk has about twenty-four points of articulation that I can count; ball jointed neck, hinge and swivel shoulders, bicep swivels, hinge elbows, hinge and swivel wrists, ab crunch, swivel waist, hinge and swivel hips, hip swivels, double hinge knees and hinge and swivel ankles. Whew. A lot of this is well hidden by his costume, but some of it is unfortunately hindered by it as well. Due to his hair and the beast pelt on his shoulders, Garruk's head doesn't move much and his loincloth/skirt bits limit his upper leg movement somewhat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQidJlbyp2gUr4dgW07zCq-j1RFJazfNPh9VTbjPfoh9HTdZ1PDHl6fEC08LZV5u-ffw4Rt5g98BnCFvCDQeo5-ffERqRNoG8Rz2VWdx3LuZ2vgMp29a3CTV28a0XeN2LsZOa5HxZCFt2N/s1600/IMG_6761A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQidJlbyp2gUr4dgW07zCq-j1RFJazfNPh9VTbjPfoh9HTdZ1PDHl6fEC08LZV5u-ffw4Rt5g98BnCFvCDQeo5-ffERqRNoG8Rz2VWdx3LuZ2vgMp29a3CTV28a0XeN2LsZOa5HxZCFt2N/s1600/IMG_6761A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Another articulation related note that also crosses into quality control is this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqWStqm5vjUePV7IrOdPgJPQ7T5KiQ2SCf_tO-zuUw5pb8V0Bdn_5OH54XM17HRS6SiCeztRs3Hh3MAQfEgMV328L52UstHT1fut3v89hmw0cLj60HvYJnnhFZ2hu0soMwSmFsJw30tNI/s1600/IMG_6734A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqWStqm5vjUePV7IrOdPgJPQ7T5KiQ2SCf_tO-zuUw5pb8V0Bdn_5OH54XM17HRS6SiCeztRs3Hh3MAQfEgMV328L52UstHT1fut3v89hmw0cLj60HvYJnnhFZ2hu0soMwSmFsJw30tNI/s1600/IMG_6734A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Note the gap in the plastic between the where the lower arm and upper arm sections meet at the elbow. This was not like that out of package; the elbow joint was stuck when I first tried it and a bit of force caused it come free with an ominous crack, and that gap. The peg holding the arm together doesn't appear to have broken and the joint isn't particularly loose, but it still worries me. Of course, this is most assuredly a problem only in my particular sample so no worries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzfWQRsT2PQCuM3taTq16Zi9yAPdgm04Tmsm5joGin8TSlLjDtu6CZ-yXVIGONAbT6GphKG1KhBaEj9T5eNTC6C9EL8w3ZehM6o2XSqeuUaHyw9nN0sP0yadTC9_G2Uu_lBMW5s1BLWeQ/s1600/IMG_6726A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzfWQRsT2PQCuM3taTq16Zi9yAPdgm04Tmsm5joGin8TSlLjDtu6CZ-yXVIGONAbT6GphKG1KhBaEj9T5eNTC6C9EL8w3ZehM6o2XSqeuUaHyw9nN0sP0yadTC9_G2Uu_lBMW5s1BLWeQ/s1600/IMG_6726A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Garruk's only accessory is his massive axe and is probably all he could ever need. The only other thing I can imagine a Garruk figure coming with is a removable helmet and who knows, this is only series one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJlxOSaOGc2C7zNeJXNZ1SQqvnbuG7y9LU_8_ynxYJpfmroEe-RGKnJwi9OVVJ8_41VTb3tw-JN9hCEkxXZ5LLrUXxVtKpR0EnJd20BXZVDOXjSwUtf7E3QLmVfXYqpwCC8Sved3ZzZss/s1600/IMG_6723A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJlxOSaOGc2C7zNeJXNZ1SQqvnbuG7y9LU_8_ynxYJpfmroEe-RGKnJwi9OVVJ8_41VTb3tw-JN9hCEkxXZ5LLrUXxVtKpR0EnJd20BXZVDOXjSwUtf7E3QLmVfXYqpwCC8Sved3ZzZss/s1600/IMG_6723A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Now the interesting thing about this figure (and a reason I caved to buying it) is the name on the package versus the sculpt. This is clearly Garruk, but the name written on the box is Garruk Wildspeaker, the title of his first card when he was a purely green, fun lovin', beast callin' fellow without a care in the multiverse beyond bigger hunts. This figure though, with a sickly pale greenish tint to the skin, spines poking up through his pelts and a more ragged, menacing appearance overall exactly matches the art of Garruk, <i>Apex Predator</i>. Further backstory is required. After a bit of kicking around, doing what he does, Garruk crossed paths with the black-aligned Planeswalker and necromancer, Liliana Vess. The two clashed and after a prolonged battle, Vess blasted him with a powerful demonic artifact called the Chained Veil and fled. The Veil's power cursed Garruk and warped his powers, driving him mad for a time (creating the green/black "flip" card, <a href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=245251" target="_blank">Garruk Relentless/Garruk the Veil Cursed</a>) until he found a method of temporarily suppressing it. Emphasis on temporary as the curse soon returned stronger than ever and drove Garruk to begin hunting all planeswalkers instead of just Liliana. Jace Beleren, the first blue-aligned Planeswalker and fan Mary Sue, eventually stopped Garruk from turning into a full on demon, but was unable to defeat him. More disturbingly, when Jace touched Garruk's mind, he discovered that while the Veil's influence had made him into a murderous nightmare, Garruk was aware of this and <i>liked</i> what he had become.<br />
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So this figure is that Garruk, the plane-hopping serial killer who revels in his handiwork, not the standard version with the Wildspeaker subtitle. This both makes sense and is a little odd to me. It makes sense to release the first Planeswalker figures in their original and best known forms to attract the most buyers, but the Apex Predator version of Garruk plays heavily into the storyline of the current core set, Magic: 2015, as well as the related tie in materials like the Xbox Live version of M15. It seems Funko erred on the side of caution with this one and in the long run I guess it doesn't matter, but I find Garruk's descent into madness the more interesting part of his story. In fact, I only grabbed this figure after determining the sculpt was based on Apex Predator and not Wildspeaker.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksiv-zz_q_yp3-z8v51VsdAAgcGRJesw3rBa6KblSUPdAmbfYW1qoyxIpZwxhtMkVI6pJhyphenhyphenWq07oF4Vp9PTiEb4zwyOuuZyY0TAGXMRQZB3Rq6aqWFS1_l1zHGl6TNC7Sx8ZPU9nqTh6P/s1600/IMG_6748A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksiv-zz_q_yp3-z8v51VsdAAgcGRJesw3rBa6KblSUPdAmbfYW1qoyxIpZwxhtMkVI6pJhyphenhyphenWq07oF4Vp9PTiEb4zwyOuuZyY0TAGXMRQZB3Rq6aqWFS1_l1zHGl6TNC7Sx8ZPU9nqTh6P/s1600/IMG_6748A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"You call yourself a hunter..."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So my opinion might seem a little biased based on my love of the game, but really Garruk here is the only figure in the initial offering I felt I needed to own. This isn't Funko's fault by any means, just most of the main Planeswalkers aren't that interesting in design. The construction, paintwork and sculpt on Garruk are for the most part excellent and the Magic series is a strong addition to Funko's repertoire. For around sixteen to twenty bucks, the line is on par with other figures in this scale price-wise and if you dig the game or just need some cool fantasy-themed figures to fill out your shelves, these are for you. I hope this line continues on strong, I want to see Ob Nixilis (in any of his forms), Kiora, Sorin, Karn, and dare I say it, a giant-sized Nicol Bolas.<br />
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-27394300647634875282014-12-08T20:26:00.000-08:002014-12-09T10:14:42.906-08:00Deforming Foam Bullet Blaster (Adventure Force Robot K-03)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWnPTT5fULmM-OLcjvaU0e2mySTwDmgLO8HLkfisORocA5AanGWYfkk8wxerunust8QsNF9agNq-FysoffWft89BYKirG2i2EEHSgwm_ah3viR_4nJgGI9RYeyG4g5dzPMsSl1W1zkdoH/s1600/IMG_6694A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>As a Transformers collector, I am no stranger to knock-off/off-brand robots that turn from one thing into another. Most of these are of poor construction and quality; cheap, waxy plastic, crummy decals and questionable transformation schemes. Every once in awhile though, someone out there will surprise you. This is the tale of one such item, the mighty Deforming Foam Bullet Blaster!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWnPTT5fULmM-OLcjvaU0e2mySTwDmgLO8HLkfisORocA5AanGWYfkk8wxerunust8QsNF9agNq-FysoffWft89BYKirG2i2EEHSgwm_ah3viR_4nJgGI9RYeyG4g5dzPMsSl1W1zkdoH/s1600/IMG_6694A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWnPTT5fULmM-OLcjvaU0e2mySTwDmgLO8HLkfisORocA5AanGWYfkk8wxerunust8QsNF9agNq-FysoffWft89BYKirG2i2EEHSgwm_ah3viR_4nJgGI9RYeyG4g5dzPMsSl1W1zkdoH/s1600/IMG_6694A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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A whopper of a name that basically translates to "off-brand Nerf gun that turns into an off-brand Transformer", this is one figure in a series of five offered by the same company responsible for the equally interesting off-brand Devastator set that showed up recently (reviewed <a href="http://www.collectiondx.com/toy_review/2013/transtruck_titan" target="_blank">here</a> by the fine folks at CollectionDX) with the same charming eccentricities. I don't always focus on the packaging of an item, but this one merits a closer look for a few reasons so let's dive in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh5L9psc1udHfb0xXwpCvXLLYKOJTHJcRBmm13YNa3Ui83fA41d2Hl26j9sRO9CbGPIeBE8CjcW0Hh4I78H0wvqso3HImAMR5YO6xY9Zjl6sDqGSbUK20y-8Q5EY_7NeE_xb1ea3dUZjj/s1600/IMG_6669A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh5L9psc1udHfb0xXwpCvXLLYKOJTHJcRBmm13YNa3Ui83fA41d2Hl26j9sRO9CbGPIeBE8CjcW0Hh4I78H0wvqso3HImAMR5YO6xY9Zjl6sDqGSbUK20y-8Q5EY_7NeE_xb1ea3dUZjj/s1600/IMG_6669A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Ol' Blasty here comes packaged in a huge clamshell with a cardboard insert. The card features a lot of nice tech details, tons of Chinese lettering that I can't read and some amusing Engrish, common to items of this nature. Despite the bright colors and flashy graphics, the figure itself is nicely centered and displayed, letting you know exactly what you're in for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicdAwQ-fgcmzi9TsYTq6Mv64Grpz2jAZzC6Nomvjqdyv9mMyi1IaUOomBw19WrOyC3Lk3xmX1s70rbTWCN8wnr15dw-eAS02rTa5A86OmxEhClUC28z8syC5Ve91mVuGc2dlDuX9oXQEi/s1600/IMG_6674A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicdAwQ-fgcmzi9TsYTq6Mv64Grpz2jAZzC6Nomvjqdyv9mMyi1IaUOomBw19WrOyC3Lk3xmX1s70rbTWCN8wnr15dw-eAS02rTa5A86OmxEhClUC28z8syC5Ve91mVuGc2dlDuX9oXQEi/s1600/IMG_6674A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Various call outs on the package include notation of the metal contained within, a shot of the combined form of the five robots in this line and of course, DIE-CAST DEFORMING SOFT BULLET BLASTER!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiT4GFSmIcErR2QW-5lrfDGKc7woQjiM_mFgnSDU34DJPE6S9B6GeKWYI1o9omLAoqgQrSYW30y0qefPc8JvuDcqfuzIig3jxGJWiGUkdMfzv78l_Obanha1YryxdqWwNk3Xb_P1DbO09/s1600/IMG_6672A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiT4GFSmIcErR2QW-5lrfDGKc7woQjiM_mFgnSDU34DJPE6S9B6GeKWYI1o9omLAoqgQrSYW30y0qefPc8JvuDcqfuzIig3jxGJWiGUkdMfzv78l_Obanha1YryxdqWwNk3Xb_P1DbO09/s1600/IMG_6672A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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The back of the card showcases the five individual robots and their combined form once again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9kogZv8KSZrpo2Vevj6wDUqWAtT3wlqjCSz4475WURz2dlN4WdDmTcjYekdc3Nl-ZZWFtDt1fYGD5nCLWO1Tlo6y_EHs8ce6XohGW55O_t12Mc2IXQ6dN1a0ScTEBD6C_SxqvXn_FMch/s1600/IMG_6676A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9kogZv8KSZrpo2Vevj6wDUqWAtT3wlqjCSz4475WURz2dlN4WdDmTcjYekdc3Nl-ZZWFtDt1fYGD5nCLWO1Tlo6y_EHs8ce6XohGW55O_t12Mc2IXQ6dN1a0ScTEBD6C_SxqvXn_FMch/s1600/IMG_6676A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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One of the cooler things about these guys is the variation in design. It's kind of hard to make out from the tiny computer renderings on the backing card, but each gun and corresponding robot have their own unique look. The gun modes all have a quasi-futuristic vibe that reminds me of the weapon design in the Dead Space series, number five especially looks like something out of the third game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwdyuSTDDOT6EYZdGHq5s1hZcKlulVBUk8vUgejf0NVu4xcrO6WksGkDCSrHmDgOg2EUs2U0_uydyY1Oj8-wWRsBcBxMnSXsNq4rlJkhVg8wpLci53Pk-iZoY659HnPCQgmDCbjB9FTlX/s1600/IMG_6677A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwdyuSTDDOT6EYZdGHq5s1hZcKlulVBUk8vUgejf0NVu4xcrO6WksGkDCSrHmDgOg2EUs2U0_uydyY1Oj8-wWRsBcBxMnSXsNq4rlJkhVg8wpLci53Pk-iZoY659HnPCQgmDCbjB9FTlX/s1600/IMG_6677A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Now, with an item like this, you're never sure what to expect. It's not an actual knock-off and the company's past work on their not-Devastator gave me high hopes but I was still blown away once I got this guy open. The gun mode has a nice heft to it thanks to die-cast metal in the handle and underside of the barrel, but the real surprise was the firing mechanism. Due to the sheer amount things this piece does (transform, combine <i>and</i> fire darts), I feared the Nerf-gun aspect of the figure would suffer because I just couldn't imagine a way to incorporate it into this process and still have to function well. Boy, was I wrong! This thing COOKS. Because of American safety laws, even the most formidable Nerf guns tend to fire with a disappointing "puh" due to weakened springs. Not so with this fellow. When I loaded up and fired one of the six gray darts as a test, it easily crossed the room and stuck to the far wall with a satisfying thwack. I haven't tested it, but I imagine it actually hurts to be shot with this thing, truly a rare occurrence these days. (Update: Yes, yes it does. Ow.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9VpomvnDQwZ-1S9JFQoUBpMDKmh7J1LYCI4BNI8WikXdV8-KEo5z4PqCsvIujCemrD7lCABcgGzgKwuBo9gFe6v7tAMZGBA8pLLDCAZZr14qJXenPsEQvuqTkwk2shqBMjiZy5tNdjQj/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9VpomvnDQwZ-1S9JFQoUBpMDKmh7J1LYCI4BNI8WikXdV8-KEo5z4PqCsvIujCemrD7lCABcgGzgKwuBo9gFe6v7tAMZGBA8pLLDCAZZr14qJXenPsEQvuqTkwk2shqBMjiZy5tNdjQj/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another benefit of being a non-American design is that the toy is not constrained by the American safety requirement of shockingly bright colors and a blaze orange barrel cap. This is to keep kids (or yourself, if you're not too bright) from being accidentally shot by the police, should they mistake it for a real gun. I'm not planning on any outdoor games of cops and robbers near banks anytime soon, so I think I'm safe. It's Chinese origins mean the toy can have a nice, subtle color mix of bronze, silver and black instead of blinding neons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbQtnXXUBLf33_ExZ7K-f75BbY3Uh_CWFCLzUO2CSlLzfd5zLUFVGydCB0InqhQI9hgmYJzZ-W2d4COaVXcgvAKQKVtKNnoSq6cWpse-NJgnjEgyWbvtQIXAZplxuW2f-e6hAUzre1pdk/s1600/IMG_6685A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbQtnXXUBLf33_ExZ7K-f75BbY3Uh_CWFCLzUO2CSlLzfd5zLUFVGydCB0InqhQI9hgmYJzZ-W2d4COaVXcgvAKQKVtKNnoSq6cWpse-NJgnjEgyWbvtQIXAZplxuW2f-e6hAUzre1pdk/s1600/IMG_6685A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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There are a lot of tampographed details on the blaster including Adventure Force (the name of the line?), K-03 ROBOT (the number this one is in the series of five), a sort of warning symbol near the butt and, best of all, a modified Generation 2 Autobot symbol of questionable legality. This is a great touch and mirrors the altered Decepticon symbol the not-Devastator members bear, giving the almost-Decepticons a force of almost-Autobots to face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids2AYW17jYyQT_8KhGMEhHRjwvEh3WHY7iKYtLpSp3e5GEF_d2QR45zz7GvEz1tKTmFARUIvssyHL-UaIfZjbJFugUHTS2aR3QbTk7VCQECPXFKm-VrfbDZvaso1rqW7XiqG7LessKOMq/s1600/IMG_6688A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids2AYW17jYyQT_8KhGMEhHRjwvEh3WHY7iKYtLpSp3e5GEF_d2QR45zz7GvEz1tKTmFARUIvssyHL-UaIfZjbJFugUHTS2aR3QbTk7VCQECPXFKm-VrfbDZvaso1rqW7XiqG7LessKOMq/s1600/IMG_6688A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Beyond the paint detailing, the gun sculpt itself is rich with tech details to catch and hold the eye. I'm no gun expert, so I can't tell you if there is basis in real-world design buried in this, but it looks like it could be a plausible, if advanced, weapon. It reminds me of Deckard's pistol in Blade Runner, though it is clearly not an exact match. In a nice bit of integration, the robot's own weapon attaches to the top of the gun as a small sight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7yDuf3kFk_3Q-X67BcN4Us-QIzgX5Ve08mnp-7sMeqJ3zuwTxQ0NRuEIQ0Pbkn1W8N-CM7fH3r5RT4ut9KgtoLnZ_bKbuc6lNTNfXa63FduokYVLpSqQ1ZLDFpfZww-z0z9GEOPx3omO/s1600/IMG_6696A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7yDuf3kFk_3Q-X67BcN4Us-QIzgX5Ve08mnp-7sMeqJ3zuwTxQ0NRuEIQ0Pbkn1W8N-CM7fH3r5RT4ut9KgtoLnZ_bKbuc6lNTNfXa63FduokYVLpSqQ1ZLDFpfZww-z0z9GEOPx3omO/s1600/IMG_6696A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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Transformation is refreshingly simple but well designed; the handle unfolds into arms, the kibble underneath the barrel into legs and the main body slides down to form the torso. Robot mode is solid, with the barrel and firing mechanism of the pistol forming the majority of the body and the metal in the lower legs balancing it out nicely. This mode reveals a bit of turquoise on the shoulders as well as some copper and green for the robot head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfhkoXUIxf0RWceOoB0xlOAHfbk1fr15r9oqAjTgm_mUkpn1wBw8MjY6pBeL9_hFZRYW10CG31GDuJG0YeAbhVfwDf-1tYvkzpBPWjDzclobkBhwYk4qF2KuIZndAbvWm-vWhNhTCNjXc/s1600/IMG_6697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfhkoXUIxf0RWceOoB0xlOAHfbk1fr15r9oqAjTgm_mUkpn1wBw8MjY6pBeL9_hFZRYW10CG31GDuJG0YeAbhVfwDf-1tYvkzpBPWjDzclobkBhwYk4qF2KuIZndAbvWm-vWhNhTCNjXc/s1600/IMG_6697.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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The robot has decent proportions and holds together well, the plastic quality is fairly high and everything feels nice and solid. One of the only real quibbles I have with it design wise is that the hands, which slide out from the forearms, have no locking point along their track so they will sometimes slide back into the arm against your will (robot hands being notoriously defiant.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vbZaVYpm33pwoSbsNyCmrobOFUcpef820aWHa3O2_sCYXwbMmN2ZUAJkNLuuxR8Go1EuMW121bENuNZWW-cyQf4JN0BK2jQrr23axBKo8FRP-qvtU4INnFpyfan_wjkGEs8fXAtH3AlQ/s1600/IMG_6701A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vbZaVYpm33pwoSbsNyCmrobOFUcpef820aWHa3O2_sCYXwbMmN2ZUAJkNLuuxR8Go1EuMW121bENuNZWW-cyQf4JN0BK2jQrr23axBKo8FRP-qvtU4INnFpyfan_wjkGEs8fXAtH3AlQ/s1600/IMG_6701A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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The head sculpt is nothing to write home about, but nor is it bad in any particular way. It's vaguely Optimus Prime-ish but is just generic enough to be a little irritating, if only they had gone just a bit further with it. In a nice touch though, the head is flanked by two twin-barreled cannons that can swivel up and down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkvx_20ueODjvVFt002luHzpCMUHY83ZA2z8vUI5Ibtuui_4SaAgreQWBOBP6PgJGwIN1ons9acXmNfrrRxp23zU8PGoc8DDxHAMTMtjkheaTX1-YeiD4MFaL9rh6LVzaz0wSLZcppK7I/s1600/IMG_6703A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkvx_20ueODjvVFt002luHzpCMUHY83ZA2z8vUI5Ibtuui_4SaAgreQWBOBP6PgJGwIN1ons9acXmNfrrRxp23zU8PGoc8DDxHAMTMtjkheaTX1-YeiD4MFaL9rh6LVzaz0wSLZcppK7I/s1600/IMG_6703A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Articulation is varied, but a little stiff. Ratchet joints that angle forward and back extend from the body which the arms then attach to via ball joint. Furthermore, there are ratchet joints at the elbow and upper arm. The legs consist of ratchets at the hip that can swing forward, backward and outward, hinge knees and toes that can move if you need them to. Earlier, I mentioned I had a couple of quibbles with this figure's design and here is where the second comes up. Though the hips <i>should</i> have a wide range, their forward motion is severely restricted by the abdominal region of the body; when moved forward, the hip strikes the body which pushes it upward, which in turn pushes the chest out of place. You can somewhat avoid this by moving the hip forward ninety degrees then pulling the body piece back down, but it doesn't sit quite flush. This, like the hand issue, is minor but seems like something that should have been caught early on in design.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnBBEKe4qhxyh-PF89LT8QHASAIjEAZN9vthmQkQoXvFaw6HsAK8g_tiSTZEHDNUuuGwPuMvFz3ougW1rWcYpwUG9sfRe_ejAGsSnV_RdHoMvVlEoGR7aeVAynRkfnqUmzBIELNs57_ln/s1600/IMG_6707A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnBBEKe4qhxyh-PF89LT8QHASAIjEAZN9vthmQkQoXvFaw6HsAK8g_tiSTZEHDNUuuGwPuMvFz3ougW1rWcYpwUG9sfRe_ejAGsSnV_RdHoMvVlEoGR7aeVAynRkfnqUmzBIELNs57_ln/s1600/IMG_6707A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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So to be completely honest here, I was in love with this thing the moment I found out it existed, having it in hand now does not change my opinion. It is such an amazingly insane and amazingly ambitious idea, I couldn't resist it's charms. I keep running over all the things this toy embodies that makes the super nerd in me squeal with piggish delight. Die-cast metal! Nerf gun to Transformer! Combining robot team! Despite it's flaws, this is an amazing, amazing piece that I cannot recommend enough if it's your kind of thing. These guys are sold directly from China via a distribution company selling through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=holy+stone+transformer&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aholy+stone+transformer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> so the price and the wait can be factors in deciding if you want to purchase one of these, but keep in mind that shipping is free and my particular Deforming Foam Bullet Blaster arrived a whopping <i>fifteen</i> days before it was estimated to. Just please don't buy all of robots one, two, four and five before I can!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxmTlUm-sjkXhl5rqH9a-gNYkoID5elRIxCXuaGlrdf400zBn5yjkA3pspyGsQXBOfde3wzBI9-H03hk23W44vgJBXKwpy7VfqxdaYjg2qQDs6fv4LI8AAEWwFq_i3vB_6KBMNHYd7yEw/s1600/IMG_6708A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxmTlUm-sjkXhl5rqH9a-gNYkoID5elRIxCXuaGlrdf400zBn5yjkA3pspyGsQXBOfde3wzBI9-H03hk23W44vgJBXKwpy7VfqxdaYjg2qQDs6fv4LI8AAEWwFq_i3vB_6KBMNHYd7yEw/s1600/IMG_6708A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gun Club</i></td></tr>
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-2476661400558002222014-11-07T13:23:00.001-08:002014-11-07T13:23:22.746-08:00Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Krang (Classic Collection)<div style="text-align: center;">
First off, let's get this out of the way: Yes, The Barracks are back online and yes I hope to be writing reviews again with quite a bit of regularity. Where have I been? None of your beeswax, nosey-parker! <br />
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Ahem, anyways...<br />
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Today, I'm going to talk about a figure a great deal of you probably have fond memories of (unless you aren't male/didn't grow up in the mid to late 80's), the mighty Krang!<br />
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Playmates has been reissuing classic Ninja Turtles figures as Toys 'R' Us exclusives for awhile now, but I am not so big a fan of the series that I felt the need to own any. With Krang, that changed. As a kid, my tastes in Turtles skewed more towards the villains and more outrageous looking characters than the heroes in some percentage of shell themselves. Obviously, a giant talking brain from another dimension with a voice like rubbing your finger on the side of a balloon was right up my alley. Krang fast became a childhood favorite, dethroned only by the later released version of him in his better known "half-naked, progressive-rock front man" android body typically seen on the show.<br />
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Though I (and quite a few other collectors out there) would love to see Krang's android body on shelves again, this version of him in his simpler robotic walker was the first form he saw release in and the first one I owned as a little guy, so it holds a bit of nostalgia for me.<br />
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I forgot to take any pictures because I'm a savage, but Playmates recreated the look of the original line's packaging pretty faithfully with classic artwork, logos and more to give it the feel of vintage without being a perfect copy. In fact, the only bits that would give it away as not being vintage at first glance are the nickelodeon (it annoys me more than it should that they don't capitalize their own network's name, BTW) logo and a small call out on the front and back of the card informing you that Krang was originally released in 1988.<br />
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Krang takes the slightest bit of assembly when taken out of his package; the arms must be popped on to the body of the walker and a hose linking his brain-draining gun attached, but this takes roughly two seconds and everything fits as snugly as it did in 88'. Once his walker is assembled, Krang is ready for action!<br />
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I've was always a big fan of toys with "companion" figures (think <a href="http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Targetmaster" target="_blank">Target</a>/<a href="http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Headmaster_%28technology%29" target="_blank">Head</a>/<a href="http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Powermaster" target="_blank">Powermasters</a>,etc) where a larger figure came with a smaller buddy of some sort and I think this is half of why I liked Krang so much as you get both the main brain himself and his robot walker in the same package. True, his walker isn't really a character on it's own (and should probably be considered the companion in this scenario), but it still feels like you're getting more with this pair than you would with a "normal" figure. Plus being able to actually remove him from the walker adds so much more play value, can you imagine if he was glued or (God-forbid!) <i>molded</i> as part of the walker? <i>Shudder</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4meLN3CSl77HO6bEhWPhZxlkOx6xWVzgQGhfjsBsrR0SDGhTpld2St0-7U8bH2tbdld4kcHHI8TfstpkabnZuCq_OGgGWjtyIo0lBwy8iR3HtLH6uZhVyCVwpRaZSGZIcFYopZIkrewo/s1600/IMG_6667A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Both Krang and his walker show the trademark features of the Ninja Turtles line; bright colors and intricate sculpting. The walker is primarily a light grey-green in the main body with lighter gray arms, turquoise hips, and light purple lower legs/feet. A bit of red, yellow and purple is used for detailing and to highlight some of the sculpt, such as tech designs on the back and hips. A clear canopy piece folds down to cover Krang when he's piloting the walker and his brain-drain gun is the same light grey of the walker's arms.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4meLN3CSl77HO6bEhWPhZxlkOx6xWVzgQGhfjsBsrR0SDGhTpld2St0-7U8bH2tbdld4kcHHI8TfstpkabnZuCq_OGgGWjtyIo0lBwy8iR3HtLH6uZhVyCVwpRaZSGZIcFYopZIkrewo/s1600/IMG_6667A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4meLN3CSl77HO6bEhWPhZxlkOx6xWVzgQGhfjsBsrR0SDGhTpld2St0-7U8bH2tbdld4kcHHI8TfstpkabnZuCq_OGgGWjtyIo0lBwy8iR3HtLH6uZhVyCVwpRaZSGZIcFYopZIkrewo/s1600/IMG_6667A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Krang himself is an impressive collection of creases, wrinkles and veins cast in a wonderfully bright bubblegum pink. Touches of blue highlight some of his veins, his eyes are yellow and his sharp teeth are white. One of the things this version of Krang beat the android body version on is the veins; if I remember correctly (and I could very well not), android body Krang skimped on the vein detailing and was slightly more plain because of this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtnByajEK0IH4c5YiV4UvhgVMSyxNCrK77SUzs77FNuOf6y2vcFlrGfPCw0gWhwY__81I5vnJX7zAWwTM5IXOSFgUEj1KtqosAXTj33fFh_7dwkLshUhyI8N8KSawMKtXICLUn6H5SRDA/s1600/IMG_6638A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtnByajEK0IH4c5YiV4UvhgVMSyxNCrK77SUzs77FNuOf6y2vcFlrGfPCw0gWhwY__81I5vnJX7zAWwTM5IXOSFgUEj1KtqosAXTj33fFh_7dwkLshUhyI8N8KSawMKtXICLUn6H5SRDA/s1600/IMG_6638A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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You get a total of eight points of articulation between machine and brain with the walker having hinged shoulders and both hip and knee joints. The arms are a bit long and stiff to be of much use (an elbow joint would have really helped out here) but until I finish my time machine and go back to warn the Playmates designers of 1988, they'll have to do. The leg joints are ratchets to better support the weigh of the body and only swing back and forth, limiting your posing options.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JaiGTiodGwPh1HAQnMwLGsEDhIyuS3PKa01n5703TQkEyFW6KIsrRmWvahkabSew0sw2gULF6B7nd-gNTzH0qZxScVSnU8M7ylxsYPpFEElvIHhSsDeHemN-piAIfnfZ0zrATJ_aJnvI/s1600/IMG_6651A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JaiGTiodGwPh1HAQnMwLGsEDhIyuS3PKa01n5703TQkEyFW6KIsrRmWvahkabSew0sw2gULF6B7nd-gNTzH0qZxScVSnU8M7ylxsYPpFEElvIHhSsDeHemN-piAIfnfZ0zrATJ_aJnvI/s1600/IMG_6651A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Krang sans walker has only two points of articulation at the bases of his tentacles, allowing them to rotate but I'm fine with this. Mainly because you can pose him to look like he's doing his best impression of Meatwad dancing. Look at that picture and tell there isn't a little bit'o Krang somewhere in Meatwad's family tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiE66MhmLzk3DdO45cE0KsSML9gnlHpIgAL27MUbl0yE7dah_wIeu0mgAax6HZBwhNAqmFFKIlZT_milgV03tQWQYkRzoURB_9HJQxVuXGOXQe_tqyXDBgz12t63F5e0fBlE-EFnyUetR/s1600/IMG_6664A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiE66MhmLzk3DdO45cE0KsSML9gnlHpIgAL27MUbl0yE7dah_wIeu0mgAax6HZBwhNAqmFFKIlZT_milgV03tQWQYkRzoURB_9HJQxVuXGOXQe_tqyXDBgz12t63F5e0fBlE-EFnyUetR/s1600/IMG_6664A.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meatwad make the money, see?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVPdpK9RTp4Ix0h-T4BF6W6mv0CZSpvOhwel42stzh_gcZrgUY3Nd6yZfZe0Kz0F5GF2fEf0IsImzK2503fHkg-JbQ4XdC02pmM5OnXiECVsT9U4I-gsP2jIgZoT0MFsSyn4-kAEg569s/s1600/IMG_6640A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Of course, in the show, Krang's walker didn't have arms and he just used his tentacles to manipulate things. This is easy enough to achieve by just popping the arms and gun cable off the body and voila! Show accuracy! Almost.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVPdpK9RTp4Ix0h-T4BF6W6mv0CZSpvOhwel42stzh_gcZrgUY3Nd6yZfZe0Kz0F5GF2fEf0IsImzK2503fHkg-JbQ4XdC02pmM5OnXiECVsT9U4I-gsP2jIgZoT0MFsSyn4-kAEg569s/s1600/IMG_6640A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVPdpK9RTp4Ix0h-T4BF6W6mv0CZSpvOhwel42stzh_gcZrgUY3Nd6yZfZe0Kz0F5GF2fEf0IsImzK2503fHkg-JbQ4XdC02pmM5OnXiECVsT9U4I-gsP2jIgZoT0MFsSyn4-kAEg569s/s1600/IMG_6640A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuJtJnlv3cmL3fV55MdPQ3I5kfC7iErF5s0_sisXCbc4cxIbmLp_OZ8StQnT3VFq9kBvJ2vd15NwHXh3HGhaJDkx83s6vi65tYxY5ayDM5HJhs8x8w8K9aCPxeeAxeMKQERCPLLRqkdSo/s1600/Krang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Overall, Krang is a pretty big hit. I forgot how much I used to love this guy until I had him in hand again and I feel like he is just as strong a figure now as he was then. The Classic Collection is a great way to get old school figures back into the hands of both collectors who miss them and kids who may know the Turtles, but not this exact form of the Turtles. Seeing as most of them are pretty cheap as well (I snagged Krang for nine bucks), I can't recommend the line enough if it is your kind of thing. I will be grabbing Slash as soon as I can find a decently priced one and I am sincerely hoping that Baxter Stockman gets the Classic Collection treatment as well, to complete my favorite Turtles enemies mini-collection.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuJtJnlv3cmL3fV55MdPQ3I5kfC7iErF5s0_sisXCbc4cxIbmLp_OZ8StQnT3VFq9kBvJ2vd15NwHXh3HGhaJDkx83s6vi65tYxY5ayDM5HJhs8x8w8K9aCPxeeAxeMKQERCPLLRqkdSo/s1600/Krang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuJtJnlv3cmL3fV55MdPQ3I5kfC7iErF5s0_sisXCbc4cxIbmLp_OZ8StQnT3VFq9kBvJ2vd15NwHXh3HGhaJDkx83s6vi65tYxY5ayDM5HJhs8x8w8K9aCPxeeAxeMKQERCPLLRqkdSo/s1600/Krang.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Bonus points for Krang's hollow body allowing him to act as a boss finger puppet. I always assumed I was the only one to do this when I was kid, but Matt (of <a href="http://dinosaurdracula.com/blog/classic-collection-krang/" target="_blank">Dinosaur Dracula</a>!) showed me I was not alone in his review of old brainface. Also, he remembered to take a picture of him still on card. You know what, just go read Dino Drac. ALL OF IT.<br />
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-62015016733906470212013-03-25T21:41:00.004-07:002013-03-25T22:02:13.953-07:00Barracks Special Report: Mr. Zarak goes to PAX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Got a little something different for you today in lieu of the usual reviews. Partially because it was my birthday and partially because it was there, I traveled to Boston last weekend to attend my (shockingly) first ever convention, PAX East! A large convention geared around games both electronic and of the good old fashioned paper variety, PAX is where companies can show off and promote goods both current and upcoming and fans can try out demos, play a multitude of games, get free stuff, buy non-free stuff and dress up like their favorite characters. Though it runs from Friday to Sunday, my group of friends and just attended Sunday's festivities but there was certainly no lack of things to do and see. As I spent 90% of my time annoying people with my camera, this is going to be picture heavy. You've been warned.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRW9Xlas-T6EyLv_Je-Ny1bi3KZtni98PjfLK5nwog1PuMqqAmN1STO2op22rHa_ilfOd0nC9DcNY3mLSYEva7yxE12-dZTr6oiLn9v1eKZIJPXsCKI9TOaFlgf51A9d7RQyUVMH_Z3FZ/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRW9Xlas-T6EyLv_Je-Ny1bi3KZtni98PjfLK5nwog1PuMqqAmN1STO2op22rHa_ilfOd0nC9DcNY3mLSYEva7yxE12-dZTr6oiLn9v1eKZIJPXsCKI9TOaFlgf51A9d7RQyUVMH_Z3FZ/s640/IMG_3490.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Approaching the convention center. That's my good friend Metal Kyle on the lower right. Oddly enough, his face really does that in person.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx977aNlQh_6-WDR3HWESSF5qhtp8K3zNr7KFkyOPYDtpuWCuknsNLwb6RuB4cZWSpLIKuIZHNmy3QQaLDI0tZjPsBtL5URL7VnTchWzaPKg-3wSAbZq0dae1L37HsixQ57jQqs3R7dtXi/s1600/IMG_3495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx977aNlQh_6-WDR3HWESSF5qhtp8K3zNr7KFkyOPYDtpuWCuknsNLwb6RuB4cZWSpLIKuIZHNmy3QQaLDI0tZjPsBtL5URL7VnTchWzaPKg-3wSAbZq0dae1L37HsixQ57jQqs3R7dtXi/s640/IMG_3495.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A view of the lobby. Despite the massive amounts of people in attendance, getting in was quick and easy with no real line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-jEoo9IXRaOMwBAWjIBweB1ANtNqS6iPe3EzKDNmc46Jhl_DbWLz3YeNPpuoqxq1pN3Zrn2Yef92Avcy_1KamcXcqujpn0rs78cUbb18KZZOFwJ5_-5FzCWKNaKs3s1O1R0hj7_68OmS/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-jEoo9IXRaOMwBAWjIBweB1ANtNqS6iPe3EzKDNmc46Jhl_DbWLz3YeNPpuoqxq1pN3Zrn2Yef92Avcy_1KamcXcqujpn0rs78cUbb18KZZOFwJ5_-5FzCWKNaKs3s1O1R0hj7_68OmS/s640/IMG_3497.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Really cool statue of a savage wizard generating a glowing orb of energy. I like his floating spell book and the ground beneath him shattered by his power! No idea what he's from, but what I learned this weekend was that if I don't recognize a character, odds are he/she is from League of Legends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6wO9UF3lb_FWY-cnw-G5y_4WtxVSWzGV1PcRZAp5l0hTSOS7FD0gMiTh_suasxOhO4X7pghj2yS4XO_VrFTm4pAPPjRoqlRO9nsf-Q_7BeLNT_iu9hTekMhJnrJXAV2WiR4W1Gr3sjgs/s1600/IMG_3498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6wO9UF3lb_FWY-cnw-G5y_4WtxVSWzGV1PcRZAp5l0hTSOS7FD0gMiTh_suasxOhO4X7pghj2yS4XO_VrFTm4pAPPjRoqlRO9nsf-Q_7BeLNT_iu9hTekMhJnrJXAV2WiR4W1Gr3sjgs/s640/IMG_3498.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The first cosplayer I encountered and the first of a few Chells from Portal. This girl gets bonus points for making her own gun however, instead of just buying the super expensive (but super cool) NECA replicas. Plus she's pretty cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCz_sT4RP5iiHjT4LkOAViriqrhBZA_1I-gD_Lgu1D4y1EG7qaIvgZiLJYPrAbsvuig3bKDAfM3jKwgk9mwoZUN62Ue_7ccKTxKjeXOF_z_hCSYx9cqHKF3jE0znDKPPyUtkbtq4g5lIB/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCz_sT4RP5iiHjT4LkOAViriqrhBZA_1I-gD_Lgu1D4y1EG7qaIvgZiLJYPrAbsvuig3bKDAfM3jKwgk9mwoZUN62Ue_7ccKTxKjeXOF_z_hCSYx9cqHKF3jE0znDKPPyUtkbtq4g5lIB/s640/IMG_3499.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Team Fortress 2 was a popular choice for costumes, but this pint-sized Pyro and Engineer were the only members of their class I saw. Plus they were like ten so it was adorable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi5CWwdkbwXR2WY1IaihthFEX5Ws0Q9zv2xxY_QHREj6V_OkbN5FjVHuUs0D_tQQjp3jB8FAhAOscVzbT7wwoJlKYXjpIJrSKaL6hUtPuW1nu5ZIE2HWj2j-NlBgGw2yWr7JScwZ2POCG/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFi5CWwdkbwXR2WY1IaihthFEX5Ws0Q9zv2xxY_QHREj6V_OkbN5FjVHuUs0D_tQQjp3jB8FAhAOscVzbT7wwoJlKYXjpIJrSKaL6hUtPuW1nu5ZIE2HWj2j-NlBgGw2yWr7JScwZ2POCG/s640/IMG_3501.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another lobby statue, this one promoting a game called Firefall. The big machinery piece behind them rose up and down and had some flashing lights on it. A giant, pulsating phallic object behind a half-naked sci-fi chick, Freudian.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ikQR3sfWx52AQc0SvVsnZg-bjYioOLiFuD_eJhp1DMWjZhjDzGhZf-v5ttqiklp5U1B2Vw-Z7HLrbjmPm8lYhnFsGjJO3JMS5hdQBb3ajEA8cauEhl-qXgztOxE2_WgMGFdcRk5INEhd/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ikQR3sfWx52AQc0SvVsnZg-bjYioOLiFuD_eJhp1DMWjZhjDzGhZf-v5ttqiklp5U1B2Vw-Z7HLrbjmPm8lYhnFsGjJO3JMS5hdQBb3ajEA8cauEhl-qXgztOxE2_WgMGFdcRk5INEhd/s640/IMG_3502.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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No idea what game this icy barbarian is from, but awesome statue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4aQc6cvk-i9dLYvcjqHR5jjs8g3zeZc_OUsen6hvpAyk3NHRqcDbwKEdwudeYngBdQQYM11k3xPLmLqFqrgO5LHIlHdZWut00jzcB2g1jJ-x4dYZdipBkyBpdCXlJAcRCfbADtEuEgXw/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4aQc6cvk-i9dLYvcjqHR5jjs8g3zeZc_OUsen6hvpAyk3NHRqcDbwKEdwudeYngBdQQYM11k3xPLmLqFqrgO5LHIlHdZWut00jzcB2g1jJ-x4dYZdipBkyBpdCXlJAcRCfbADtEuEgXw/s640/IMG_3505.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The first of a few Borderlands Psychos running around. This one had a plasma cutter from Dead Space though. Meaning he either beat up Isaac Clarke or the CEC and Atlas Corporation have shady ties...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YSx1DtlVZ6nSlCDLf9e2ueRLeHrgX8ccRasiXc_6sRXs27dA04X7gdE4hADKMF58Ju4IuKjfF6rRx7Xw2TOnpe8VKsjcn5SK2gQZrev22upeNQEWr2EkIMKJTYixvMv33_TMaVY4Ofzd/s1600/IMG_3506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YSx1DtlVZ6nSlCDLf9e2ueRLeHrgX8ccRasiXc_6sRXs27dA04X7gdE4hADKMF58Ju4IuKjfF6rRx7Xw2TOnpe8VKsjcn5SK2gQZrev22upeNQEWr2EkIMKJTYixvMv33_TMaVY4Ofzd/s640/IMG_3506.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The white boards outside of some of the free play rooms had pretty nice illustrations on them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mZnJvwB52KaKHz5Q1hlkCT3t5R5i3gpiiqKXcvR7Q_y7VwPp9uOxP4RK7QO1XFdM91xBNYbytBaeWJ03_Vn-st7W-ebmUuym-S2ytuzjbzFG_ofT4XqX-ODTrrB3ZoJr79a5cWRmerop/s1600/IMG_3507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mZnJvwB52KaKHz5Q1hlkCT3t5R5i3gpiiqKXcvR7Q_y7VwPp9uOxP4RK7QO1XFdM91xBNYbytBaeWJ03_Vn-st7W-ebmUuym-S2ytuzjbzFG_ofT4XqX-ODTrrB3ZoJr79a5cWRmerop/s640/IMG_3507.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Or just straight up amusing drawings like poor Link here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrCsXtVXTpgTv6117CPSu-iziJ8HnIj_FFRqDSUs6DtWzshsSlxWQ0XxMESy7Sw555_ECF2A0p6ezQdrbDhzHRHHdtRQmXhHuP09BeHAFXa4XOYqhN_3Bud4igKMHt1y6i27c1Oe74Lhj/s1600/IMG_3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrCsXtVXTpgTv6117CPSu-iziJ8HnIj_FFRqDSUs6DtWzshsSlxWQ0XxMESy7Sw555_ECF2A0p6ezQdrbDhzHRHHdtRQmXhHuP09BeHAFXa4XOYqhN_3Bud4igKMHt1y6i27c1Oe74Lhj/s640/IMG_3516.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This made me chuckle, especially since it was the next door down from the Smash Brothers one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7jjvrBp9O8pWEXSrugAdnd6C7-fkUYZhIvmvtuulbczdb2R6xVdWii3KJaHwHwP35hJXLFFPFajpUeLVBf45vaUG5pi1hMQ-3Q2zRfMAC2MUz04mMZLAX3-jtRSRgh5-0FWAwTPq8avQ/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7jjvrBp9O8pWEXSrugAdnd6C7-fkUYZhIvmvtuulbczdb2R6xVdWii3KJaHwHwP35hJXLFFPFajpUeLVBf45vaUG5pi1hMQ-3Q2zRfMAC2MUz04mMZLAX3-jtRSRgh5-0FWAwTPq8avQ/s640/IMG_3508.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This guy had an awesome homemade Vault 53 outfit from Fallout: New Vegas. There were a lot of people who half-assed Fallout costumes by just wearing Vault 101 hoodies, but this guy went all out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfdy-rE533xIRBgZlrx7Jkm1scB-HJKBhnWj_IhCfNuXnrrCaaGfC94IKWDjK-3NXwBUviT-5-oGENK9JJQPeN3HdvWcLC8CB8-8FenrfYaDlr8Po2EVrg8sCFPvyOv6yOhHGc9VgtErW/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfdy-rE533xIRBgZlrx7Jkm1scB-HJKBhnWj_IhCfNuXnrrCaaGfC94IKWDjK-3NXwBUviT-5-oGENK9JJQPeN3HdvWcLC8CB8-8FenrfYaDlr8Po2EVrg8sCFPvyOv6yOhHGc9VgtErW/s640/IMG_3509.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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There were some large framed prints of video game art near a bank of escalators. Can't remember what game this is, but I know I've read about it in the past.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAQ4IVHKF3UYEDCnEDnFkmJ0qMSYAobdWrN2LRP7NuTdTkKeh-3o0kAP5tqB6BVMacrLh4e_r4KMKivuygB2Go14uz_VHD7Xl_mWMIF1vtvq-8auknBsfKe4GAW3BGk3kfCZTkjq92snJ/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAQ4IVHKF3UYEDCnEDnFkmJ0qMSYAobdWrN2LRP7NuTdTkKeh-3o0kAP5tqB6BVMacrLh4e_r4KMKivuygB2Go14uz_VHD7Xl_mWMIF1vtvq-8auknBsfKe4GAW3BGk3kfCZTkjq92snJ/s640/IMG_3510.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This one's not ringing any bells, but it's a cool spaceport type scene.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSPzur6pyXSedyUbj03vuX2pr7932nWdi9_uf_vgpxzUdu0laW8yGrPo4wUIqJyvGBU9984HIauMeOVMGCNKayPJicCyfn6BUkvd6LqYYlG7NGOLlui6ZaZkLGYcAiWiV9Zmr73wAC0_7/s1600/IMG_3511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSPzur6pyXSedyUbj03vuX2pr7932nWdi9_uf_vgpxzUdu0laW8yGrPo4wUIqJyvGBU9984HIauMeOVMGCNKayPJicCyfn6BUkvd6LqYYlG7NGOLlui6ZaZkLGYcAiWiV9Zmr73wAC0_7/s640/IMG_3511.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Pretty sure this is a Halo 4 landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmVfPpoKrjIKOiXSPNEfc2_Rlwgd4o740cTjOlmOZpqT9SIDXYct9gqmKMd2ku2Lp4BCfK5rI0UmwkUoYWKQPo42pNTfDWvOwnAN6ulbc-aCWeryucj1yIN3GckVDhmD8Cil94HsQGfC6/s1600/IMG_3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmVfPpoKrjIKOiXSPNEfc2_Rlwgd4o740cTjOlmOZpqT9SIDXYct9gqmKMd2ku2Lp4BCfK5rI0UmwkUoYWKQPo42pNTfDWvOwnAN6ulbc-aCWeryucj1yIN3GckVDhmD8Cil94HsQGfC6/s640/IMG_3512.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The robed figure crosses the desert, from Journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj991PlLig5m7tRojSl-fG5wsdQJvCTRQiuw7SZ8LDLBi0gZjb8MwxsE9VBLyudGAvvTCShg9hA0w0b-dhPnBmICL7UhGPrz-B4rjqcFMO_bIh7N8GMxqK6cy1lAOm0lL-P-Vb9oXw_Tecw/s1600/IMG_3513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj991PlLig5m7tRojSl-fG5wsdQJvCTRQiuw7SZ8LDLBi0gZjb8MwxsE9VBLyudGAvvTCShg9hA0w0b-dhPnBmICL7UhGPrz-B4rjqcFMO_bIh7N8GMxqK6cy1lAOm0lL-P-Vb9oXw_Tecw/s640/IMG_3513.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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No idea if this guy is from a game or not, I just liked his style. Dig the birdcage staff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXoshPIRbdPzQ9-6Ormnu8Jw0qrZ74N0fiCBNO2OORK_1F9H6zjAaQL-59QEckPnLc6tw3oIwrOES4inGYzwG99RWXOxUQGHicWEoZoOcwjYhUFpce6oRqbKwGZE3bYlDFLva-TvWFkac/s1600/IMG_3514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXoshPIRbdPzQ9-6Ormnu8Jw0qrZ74N0fiCBNO2OORK_1F9H6zjAaQL-59QEckPnLc6tw3oIwrOES4inGYzwG99RWXOxUQGHicWEoZoOcwjYhUFpce6oRqbKwGZE3bYlDFLva-TvWFkac/s640/IMG_3514.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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A White Mage from the Final Fantasy series. Nice legs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q9HbgoQBWPs2rG7yDEUIriPC_4ImNsP_cOLPQ2IqI_Ve1spu9AB1i54tPgbFMGrRt5xXZv8-oDCz1jkSqiIVAutWQpMSlzdfeqkiBeluEEhoGl_yme17M9ffGlgAHh82IUjlqbw3KIzt/s1600/IMG_3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q9HbgoQBWPs2rG7yDEUIriPC_4ImNsP_cOLPQ2IqI_Ve1spu9AB1i54tPgbFMGrRt5xXZv8-oDCz1jkSqiIVAutWQpMSlzdfeqkiBeluEEhoGl_yme17M9ffGlgAHh82IUjlqbw3KIzt/s640/IMG_3515.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This chick was awesome, she was prancing through the hallways clacking her coconut halves together in a pretty damn good impression of Patsy from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. After I asked to take her picture, I found out she worked at the con and her giant backpack was full of free stuff!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsBWJcB2XMmXzW7Ok6nVEGR7iA9GHEiLT2c1Z7s3H7ZCc06Aas6SJwVAnB9S8iOJYX9XWX3GeJPF16PV3PzFgB3H0wrPj4PE_LiJBnN8HSmSI8n6i9tVFZNRhCoO_mDV4KkMOrHCKMNjQ/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsBWJcB2XMmXzW7Ok6nVEGR7iA9GHEiLT2c1Z7s3H7ZCc06Aas6SJwVAnB9S8iOJYX9XWX3GeJPF16PV3PzFgB3H0wrPj4PE_LiJBnN8HSmSI8n6i9tVFZNRhCoO_mDV4KkMOrHCKMNjQ/s640/IMG_3517.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This guy gave me a free pin and I admired his moxie enough to snap a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTMcfRsogJla1ibsIz96XAFJQqtuvJj8TdMgpEv8wE0kOKOn9_DiEN71HGxP3As6C7dR0DsadqWElTsTyKUu-pAYpcd1e2ueqlAe082xh7e6a4MwHfP3IEWUSOAEfqIri2XMeQgnlGPjD/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTMcfRsogJla1ibsIz96XAFJQqtuvJj8TdMgpEv8wE0kOKOn9_DiEN71HGxP3As6C7dR0DsadqWElTsTyKUu-pAYpcd1e2ueqlAe082xh7e6a4MwHfP3IEWUSOAEfqIri2XMeQgnlGPjD/s640/IMG_3518.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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One of many instances where when I didn't know who someone was dressed as, they turned out to be League of Legends characters. Which struck me as odd because before this, I was only vaguely aware of LoL, never realized it was such a force.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-0182mzjqMboUqd5mCsyxXSsHuKurPXHoMu7KsmY0cITtxeJByBQq2xAaqsSNNgKRXKIQ2GAdIvzKc5RnFRzcwFRkygg1NjeLuYpZ0AGp5DmXPGWA4V0-W7zlbuIh_POk1fdDjx0tHZi/s1600/IMG_3520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-0182mzjqMboUqd5mCsyxXSsHuKurPXHoMu7KsmY0cITtxeJByBQq2xAaqsSNNgKRXKIQ2GAdIvzKc5RnFRzcwFRkygg1NjeLuYpZ0AGp5DmXPGWA4V0-W7zlbuIh_POk1fdDjx0tHZi/s640/IMG_3520.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII. She just had to blink right when I took the picture...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip33Ua8U9ShWHLV4-rh3Dj1joBNusI2y-GIEphf7e0HMyEIpvXsfHCngP0x6F48H3uwRpHb68LBxrZ-LQsuyf4f1PZ005UGKE4VvCdl_TFiCXh5REHPEWASaJfTqEUTw7n-UkcwoLQm3xu/s1600/IMG_3521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip33Ua8U9ShWHLV4-rh3Dj1joBNusI2y-GIEphf7e0HMyEIpvXsfHCngP0x6F48H3uwRpHb68LBxrZ-LQsuyf4f1PZ005UGKE4VvCdl_TFiCXh5REHPEWASaJfTqEUTw7n-UkcwoLQm3xu/s640/IMG_3521.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I admire this girl's dedication; she could barely move in this thing and had two people helping her suit up intially, but that's a totally homemade and pretty impressive Swampert costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSq2sSgOVDR4q8yqKInOkoTlVNJYHF4AjqG9VWpyI3U614DbEUGGgsyq8X9xVL5L9100uy6MAaHkSKE7i4hQq40eEL64Kfs9d0o22kmCNTKpWSN4ptBis9Vm4Rsoj2FV8uAETKnnBalGD/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSq2sSgOVDR4q8yqKInOkoTlVNJYHF4AjqG9VWpyI3U614DbEUGGgsyq8X9xVL5L9100uy6MAaHkSKE7i4hQq40eEL64Kfs9d0o22kmCNTKpWSN4ptBis9Vm4Rsoj2FV8uAETKnnBalGD/s640/IMG_3522.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This guy was a perfect Luigi, when I saw him later, he had a tool belt complete with toilet plunger! I think the only reason it's absent here is because I caught him right as he was running for the bathroom. He was a good sport though and totally struck a pose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5liBVC4yujYLDvo-Hc3J3GBECEoJNdIgFmqlKqNfkakOy4khiolnZha7DzMSx88v9F0omcLnEIpoKf3ezBqIPL4Z2fzFCn280wclwmguCqDgelXKV3E_0BUqsSEWk_c7VAD09iLcyhxKT/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5liBVC4yujYLDvo-Hc3J3GBECEoJNdIgFmqlKqNfkakOy4khiolnZha7DzMSx88v9F0omcLnEIpoKf3ezBqIPL4Z2fzFCn280wclwmguCqDgelXKV3E_0BUqsSEWk_c7VAD09iLcyhxKT/s640/IMG_3523.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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These horse head masks crack me up so I had to get a picture of this guy when I saw him. Oddly, he would not be the only horse head mask wearer in attendance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZX0gsYhlxtoaAZqFcPOQowg6dZP3iKdZBgfP0x5ppd-LM_b0wpjZnUMsjbFYhqfGfxnbbfFFTFIn0pdQNeD-l-pCDDSOKXyRLlru7i1CsXjphhqHBjfHmFzjb5nYEJkrH0hLkltjzkRW/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZX0gsYhlxtoaAZqFcPOQowg6dZP3iKdZBgfP0x5ppd-LM_b0wpjZnUMsjbFYhqfGfxnbbfFFTFIn0pdQNeD-l-pCDDSOKXyRLlru7i1CsXjphhqHBjfHmFzjb5nYEJkrH0hLkltjzkRW/s640/IMG_3524.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Ryu! This guy was good, he dropped into a Hadouken stance as soon as I lifted the camera. There were a decent amount of Street Fighter cosplayers around, including another Ryu, Dan, a Chun Li and a smoking hot Cammy I was too embarrassed to ask for a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCr3ra0Pwy170PAC9F83hKb6Ld6e4puVlIRqmcSSkERX5BMOQQrwB_3lFiNcVO5o73z9hIZIAwoUNsK2AZLgzXWu1ldeHdMZVJBJlSyRFBb9t5tENaejVG7RhoODrcZ8xcE875RYeZV8qg/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCr3ra0Pwy170PAC9F83hKb6Ld6e4puVlIRqmcSSkERX5BMOQQrwB_3lFiNcVO5o73z9hIZIAwoUNsK2AZLgzXWu1ldeHdMZVJBJlSyRFBb9t5tENaejVG7RhoODrcZ8xcE875RYeZV8qg/s640/IMG_3525.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Auron from final Fantasy X. That sword is custom made and looked really cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uk4Sq2s1vi-g8kZ2tih9hAqTYIl_PEdEpUfcVIvq8-20j_i-o_pUdIW8kLcobeX0mFT8hRj5tEFPKa68_i4h6QhWhdIVuG2F345ckhX6vMwZ2H8xHFk_S9YacGzbssDu65k1MsYKfoyP/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uk4Sq2s1vi-g8kZ2tih9hAqTYIl_PEdEpUfcVIvq8-20j_i-o_pUdIW8kLcobeX0mFT8hRj5tEFPKa68_i4h6QhWhdIVuG2F345ckhX6vMwZ2H8xHFk_S9YacGzbssDu65k1MsYKfoyP/s640/IMG_3526.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Giant Chandra art adorning the walls of the Magic booth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N8xn9hEPg12yLH0mpXifl5g2XFAZ2PZjwqrLaENBGA_z6I86CVEqyX5ryi4UfAA5_Viys0eKl1EgDsOjOyUmc2txwuyLiUPMi_N28_bTavAzd0URWqhlvDSu2WfsuLBS91vJPNq_muV0/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_N8xn9hEPg12yLH0mpXifl5g2XFAZ2PZjwqrLaENBGA_z6I86CVEqyX5ryi4UfAA5_Viys0eKl1EgDsOjOyUmc2txwuyLiUPMi_N28_bTavAzd0URWqhlvDSu2WfsuLBS91vJPNq_muV0/s640/IMG_3529.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Rebecca and Barry from Resident Evil! Very cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP4bJvrJhU7V9njkHus2sLXfftTQ2GxraxIEKIx2Mdn1MCLsKzblHkfHbgDbaeKnQeDmpvLf55asJJEe6N65rDLP-5harsCKYHZNhDCzbObt6zgRYDUPvQpgPrzkh58VE0toT2A9SwM-o/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNP4bJvrJhU7V9njkHus2sLXfftTQ2GxraxIEKIx2Mdn1MCLsKzblHkfHbgDbaeKnQeDmpvLf55asJJEe6N65rDLP-5harsCKYHZNhDCzbObt6zgRYDUPvQpgPrzkh58VE0toT2A9SwM-o/s640/IMG_3530.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Replica of Garrett's armor and bow from Thief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhNQQJAu-b_kDhq7t1Sj0r5OW6s36lT7prbcZYR7bFvVyHUYm7jHCwjqDch8KZvclF-yCsOVHLVMu-bnLPuEJt1SIwPljuuHdXMwn50_5wuZj7ULli0sf31Z4VddmhbpRYjpZKioWhaXx/s1600/IMG_3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhNQQJAu-b_kDhq7t1Sj0r5OW6s36lT7prbcZYR7bFvVyHUYm7jHCwjqDch8KZvclF-yCsOVHLVMu-bnLPuEJt1SIwPljuuHdXMwn50_5wuZj7ULli0sf31Z4VddmhbpRYjpZKioWhaXx/s640/IMG_3531.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Bethesda had a huge booth and was promoting The Elder Scrolls Online. This was one of a few giant screens showing teaser trailers. I couldn't garner much story wise since it's hard to watch even a thirty second video with a sea of people flowing around you, but it all looked very cool and slick.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnjvMS_Szn5ZdzQpIR2mNEtLNi-XDdTFqwzdI9PH5uQZHzXc_r_yc5abe5z4Rb3C71UmXl3m7T3ZpYMXdBENhcDx51YZs6d_epJbdh11kT_0CiVd2T_YwgdXK3hlF_EPHYFepBihqkyjw/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnjvMS_Szn5ZdzQpIR2mNEtLNi-XDdTFqwzdI9PH5uQZHzXc_r_yc5abe5z4Rb3C71UmXl3m7T3ZpYMXdBENhcDx51YZs6d_epJbdh11kT_0CiVd2T_YwgdXK3hlF_EPHYFepBihqkyjw/s640/IMG_3535.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Some folks in line to check out Elder Scrolls Online. This was one booth I had some interest in seeing the inside of, but the line wrapped all the way around and back so I passed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CZzE1oyrwD87yPifV9LDTsSK4Xgma_tcXQF4XINnf8kMN6TuX1X2wtpapYWiiyCtsZL7J84ub3D5GL1BBBpv3h3elzPQiREpkmQ5gp5h5mG2mE29a9Yq574HyeD7iNwlvfyO3fJPpFZu/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CZzE1oyrwD87yPifV9LDTsSK4Xgma_tcXQF4XINnf8kMN6TuX1X2wtpapYWiiyCtsZL7J84ub3D5GL1BBBpv3h3elzPQiREpkmQ5gp5h5mG2mE29a9Yq574HyeD7iNwlvfyO3fJPpFZu/s640/IMG_3659.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Even the back of Bethesda's booth had awesome artwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCpEcdf1w8G9n6Ye-55nPU1W7RSzMRYe9d5Qsi86ykQcGuoAiuJCQRcSHj7y4ABs-sbgUsFfMJInj9KuUr6EcG4M0INCry21rPpGZXDJ5p96L7OsRQ-sFaRqYfqnwSCnSZGRRsM_PFsGL/s1600/IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCpEcdf1w8G9n6Ye-55nPU1W7RSzMRYe9d5Qsi86ykQcGuoAiuJCQRcSHj7y4ABs-sbgUsFfMJInj9KuUr6EcG4M0INCry21rPpGZXDJ5p96L7OsRQ-sFaRqYfqnwSCnSZGRRsM_PFsGL/s640/IMG_3683.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I took a lot of pictures of Elder Scrolls Online stuff just because I love Elder Scrolls in general. I liked how these banners were staggered so they lined up at certain angles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPci1ZQ8FmJPJfrNcE24ycWJfzcjIkBDb8grHP9q9qu_nA5ekEnXdnZkUCySs1K9rtM9TnEh3DBZGtavpAMJKWT0FF8VS5ybUYY2F1lYsqm-ZE2x86r6-zX4sd23YxFY5vKbyI73OGQL6/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPci1ZQ8FmJPJfrNcE24ycWJfzcjIkBDb8grHP9q9qu_nA5ekEnXdnZkUCySs1K9rtM9TnEh3DBZGtavpAMJKWT0FF8VS5ybUYY2F1lYsqm-ZE2x86r6-zX4sd23YxFY5vKbyI73OGQL6/s640/IMG_3685.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another Elder Scrolls Online still.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX50HzOkcqb3f_s4aw2ePfVm1tOHuvzuhXLgnEsd3H9ausqojsloNJri9mLRE4nGrT9X_rQEBElpPjxGqo3nxg4myf9L-7qJKJvKjfUDOUoSWgv9dWzZ36DPo9rToPCuX9CN5Ol1PYgIq2/s1600/IMG_3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX50HzOkcqb3f_s4aw2ePfVm1tOHuvzuhXLgnEsd3H9ausqojsloNJri9mLRE4nGrT9X_rQEBElpPjxGqo3nxg4myf9L-7qJKJvKjfUDOUoSWgv9dWzZ36DPo9rToPCuX9CN5Ol1PYgIq2/s640/IMG_3710.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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These three characters featured heavily in all of the Elder Scrolls Online art and fought in one of the trailers. I'm not sure if they are unique NPCs you'll encounter or if they are just meant to be general representations of what your character could look like depending on your play style, but they were very nicely done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ucmxu7AD2ZzI3gKfShhXFbICey0hm8s7rraUHOAI97i0SF3NJ1Bbw15J1mncgc3KxFvycREjUZKtfHZ7LAuHa1HvyW-CydsPvrb8Pwl0bGA96Ljvk7hwTi9yyBfIEkfrxPtI8SE3MUQc/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ucmxu7AD2ZzI3gKfShhXFbICey0hm8s7rraUHOAI97i0SF3NJ1Bbw15J1mncgc3KxFvycREjUZKtfHZ7LAuHa1HvyW-CydsPvrb8Pwl0bGA96Ljvk7hwTi9yyBfIEkfrxPtI8SE3MUQc/s640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I think this awesome giant skeleton dragon was part of the Neverwinter Nights display.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf1chc3Bob9-RFMpYnWN5FGYyOvNFjShgGhPS7uT9TcT9ogrD_5akRWot9C8WRwm9lr-ub9kItVkw5z4FGkvcOCdACwhMoViN0p6yk_3IFxnca6KGur2dP7RAiam3ySbfGWPWdAeoTGbl/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf1chc3Bob9-RFMpYnWN5FGYyOvNFjShgGhPS7uT9TcT9ogrD_5akRWot9C8WRwm9lr-ub9kItVkw5z4FGkvcOCdACwhMoViN0p6yk_3IFxnca6KGur2dP7RAiam3ySbfGWPWdAeoTGbl/s640/IMG_3540.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Behemoth studios booth had this statue of the Blue Knight from Castle Crashers atop it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgco38WS86sTB9yL0KOT6K35dcdBlsocmzBYRSvBAl3pvTqbRYho0wpFEwGz495Z9auP6Comf8hy0cnPTF3vmXOQ3ykU4iETsp3j1k2Rem4W42W5BSn895bRqDzlz45OzQ1WR4rhoVceVZM/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgco38WS86sTB9yL0KOT6K35dcdBlsocmzBYRSvBAl3pvTqbRYho0wpFEwGz495Z9auP6Comf8hy0cnPTF3vmXOQ3ykU4iETsp3j1k2Rem4W42W5BSn895bRqDzlz45OzQ1WR4rhoVceVZM/s640/IMG_3632.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Security at The Behemoth's display was tough, but adorable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PTvmzCxrg7zeCtdH6d4q29KPeYvroy6wyALmszy-ZSbIIAyzJvmij3LRDMXDTJGji7XlggM2mBwLWzmMldO3R92TaoCrrNBYP7Zz1hbt1urjQcZzCIsDFebh-FR8yWzEtN52NykTnAPQ/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PTvmzCxrg7zeCtdH6d4q29KPeYvroy6wyALmszy-ZSbIIAyzJvmij3LRDMXDTJGji7XlggM2mBwLWzmMldO3R92TaoCrrNBYP7Zz1hbt1urjQcZzCIsDFebh-FR8yWzEtN52NykTnAPQ/s640/IMG_3662.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The back of The Behemoth's booth. Security was no nonsense about loitering.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOTf8nZ1y__6YBfXRlJy3rZj93Q8lv4FGgKY_oTwG3HC-9J41A_8aQCDHleCDCxn-xS0MbYNeloieXhDWpDV2SrKubLOybGYa9az_tX9pNfqCbURRqmWjxS8x2F0Q4Kv4ZZ-fkhvWi-st/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOTf8nZ1y__6YBfXRlJy3rZj93Q8lv4FGgKY_oTwG3HC-9J41A_8aQCDHleCDCxn-xS0MbYNeloieXhDWpDV2SrKubLOybGYa9az_tX9pNfqCbURRqmWjxS8x2F0Q4Kv4ZZ-fkhvWi-st/s640/IMG_3543.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I refrained from making a "I found you!" joke when I took this Waldo's picture, I'm sure he thanked me for it deep down inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqjC9twgAmZ7lo66acxdSouPy5B8aSTJr0d9gmMlKbBuPDYj89gJB1fGSPsCE-zAThHBapyxe0goj1d5uSA10XW1Jofvha8urZn8-WJ3tjVjrrURTvlPzUafb2shN9TYldLP8cde1AEfK/s1600/IMG_3546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqjC9twgAmZ7lo66acxdSouPy5B8aSTJr0d9gmMlKbBuPDYj89gJB1fGSPsCE-zAThHBapyxe0goj1d5uSA10XW1Jofvha8urZn8-WJ3tjVjrrURTvlPzUafb2shN9TYldLP8cde1AEfK/s640/IMG_3546.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Full sized statue of Sam Fisher from the Splinter Cell series at the Ubisoft booth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARApZ7DjfhFR1hPKt78m4tai2pbC1jw2I69KEMBTcmJ_dp4qXWLTmbfhvgE8CNoqT3l1_fjS0vw3JC9sdvQxIN8aIuih1bCq5i-FyT0SgH56fVCt41oNbr21_ytJujU1D4PcTQULwPbO2/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARApZ7DjfhFR1hPKt78m4tai2pbC1jw2I69KEMBTcmJ_dp4qXWLTmbfhvgE8CNoqT3l1_fjS0vw3JC9sdvQxIN8aIuih1bCq5i-FyT0SgH56fVCt41oNbr21_ytJujU1D4PcTQULwPbO2/s640/IMG_3550.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Assassins were a popular costume choice, as seen here. I think there's at least three games worth of protagonists here. And that one guy who looks like he's mad just to be there? His attitude did not improve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0k1P8vOlMWAyhysaz5AacScsE058HxvkNxQtIkKlTQV_Yfl-9bCxdzon-6MaueGct7UzIgBSTRSbbsC9ZZfib78kDPwD3XAGy3zH9eJrpfvHUUM3At4DTe8LnS43Fn06Zua685rSRO8C/s1600/IMG_3551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0k1P8vOlMWAyhysaz5AacScsE058HxvkNxQtIkKlTQV_Yfl-9bCxdzon-6MaueGct7UzIgBSTRSbbsC9ZZfib78kDPwD3XAGy3zH9eJrpfvHUUM3At4DTe8LnS43Fn06Zua685rSRO8C/s640/IMG_3551.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Nerdy though I may be, I don't think I had ever seen so many dice in one place in my life before I hit the vendor tables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid43X-JIfS7gyn0KHoDlKWsCgOwwGrrHQEdcsAttm6IumHrdd76gZLoyiE58_kyTRDohmWpYnXUg-fxsiQVIqqJmJGwvDZD4yc8aZ7fwN0bfi7Q8QZNQn_KZbe8IPA3OvWrrh_nCrQU9oJ/s1600/IMG_3552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid43X-JIfS7gyn0KHoDlKWsCgOwwGrrHQEdcsAttm6IumHrdd76gZLoyiE58_kyTRDohmWpYnXUg-fxsiQVIqqJmJGwvDZD4yc8aZ7fwN0bfi7Q8QZNQn_KZbe8IPA3OvWrrh_nCrQU9oJ/s640/IMG_3552.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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There's just something visually pleasing about that many dice sorted and arranged...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYqgt1rzgjoIBdiv0k2wc1VbJt-mkn8kiIKQOlMHrusDe6-8jnR2b7bY5eCGBFJfwmf98u7fmknDeheU5s8by514IvP5a27wToiB0PuD9UW8-X9aYk2RSiKagAgMNTcFyXuotxoMz1hMY/s1600/IMG_3553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYqgt1rzgjoIBdiv0k2wc1VbJt-mkn8kiIKQOlMHrusDe6-8jnR2b7bY5eCGBFJfwmf98u7fmknDeheU5s8by514IvP5a27wToiB0PuD9UW8-X9aYk2RSiKagAgMNTcFyXuotxoMz1hMY/s640/IMG_3553.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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"You attempt to taste the rainbow! Roll for initiative!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLxPVcm9xgrBN-Lv1DIkY8G9ppm6ikoi0ShjVrxVs436kEf8JitqnOeaKjeHoJb79OXqxi9nRsznI_kZ_WM-FXRTFfVKB6dixxopm_ztoRmYgHEkAayIxL0dMDhktu89uyKJethjf8Toz/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLxPVcm9xgrBN-Lv1DIkY8G9ppm6ikoi0ShjVrxVs436kEf8JitqnOeaKjeHoJb79OXqxi9nRsznI_kZ_WM-FXRTFfVKB6dixxopm_ztoRmYgHEkAayIxL0dMDhktu89uyKJethjf8Toz/s640/IMG_3554.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Sazh from Final Fantasy XIII. He didn't have a Chocobo chick in his hair, but he was a real nice guy so I let it slide.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5XH2Xhmy3EvH_jEdfbT4QmEtMp4_BS0QnA4QuJ6b_-M1R5wRfXNcePWZ6E2PXRzxgUeN-H_mBfZ_EGBDzInviSnTRWsJTviXVzhlLvS08hjhgQHNQBz3O8NWAeSHKNo-NHNF1jdgh_Rw/s1600/IMG_3555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5XH2Xhmy3EvH_jEdfbT4QmEtMp4_BS0QnA4QuJ6b_-M1R5wRfXNcePWZ6E2PXRzxgUeN-H_mBfZ_EGBDzInviSnTRWsJTviXVzhlLvS08hjhgQHNQBz3O8NWAeSHKNo-NHNF1jdgh_Rw/s640/IMG_3555.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Sazh's girlfriend was dressed as Chun Li. I don't remember that happening in XIII, but it probably would have made the plot more interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK4aHGbSJS6vEWmQ4G5LecRR6g-_c9EOW6tztcHCjJ4wUVGe_3QaMLFOTsyf7i_bLuYhZaCFCAQcnrqFht6geyCHua-NRC_Z8swrtHZDhoshevb2OUgQ8fS5TeU2gZHHHU1u-fnmMGMUI/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMK4aHGbSJS6vEWmQ4G5LecRR6g-_c9EOW6tztcHCjJ4wUVGe_3QaMLFOTsyf7i_bLuYhZaCFCAQcnrqFht6geyCHua-NRC_Z8swrtHZDhoshevb2OUgQ8fS5TeU2gZHHHU1u-fnmMGMUI/s640/IMG_3558.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This giant-ass mech was perched atop the booth for a game called Hawken. Occasionally, the base it stood on spouted up clouds of fog, shrouding it's feet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCFpTvvRodJ3d5jJ2b_uYE01HZM2LJGB0e7No3H3Airnvvb8wa4Pn_03COc5GIt_eiTpdEtAUP1YSzmX8xgWi2rYR1iSz7vS1yTjF5PoK2JQiWj3apEYYqJQjt18_40H2733Z1VLpJ2uW/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCFpTvvRodJ3d5jJ2b_uYE01HZM2LJGB0e7No3H3Airnvvb8wa4Pn_03COc5GIt_eiTpdEtAUP1YSzmX8xgWi2rYR1iSz7vS1yTjF5PoK2JQiWj3apEYYqJQjt18_40H2733Z1VLpJ2uW/s640/IMG_3560.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Pop Cap had a whole mini carnival set up, complete with one of those test your strength games where you try to ring a bell by slamming down a hammer and a "Kiss the Zombie" booth for having your picture taken with a guy in a great Plants vs. Zombie Zombie costume. He was always swamped with people though so I failed to get a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1W1rlq5a2-9LxLGo04sMaRh8eoARXRRGQjcbXe_gxdQblKUkHpLFCCsRe9wmWsybUvAJh8DK0kPZ1v19hX1-IWeEraIpAWQ85mxqFNhfPVNvn-U1lUXTtKvxNOfLTdS47rmhBoP8VFK2/s1600/IMG_3561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1W1rlq5a2-9LxLGo04sMaRh8eoARXRRGQjcbXe_gxdQblKUkHpLFCCsRe9wmWsybUvAJh8DK0kPZ1v19hX1-IWeEraIpAWQ85mxqFNhfPVNvn-U1lUXTtKvxNOfLTdS47rmhBoP8VFK2/s640/IMG_3561.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A fraction of the Magic cards available at the vendor tables.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGQkpsHuNw_E2jWrfut2-9YTBh1Y-cmKGek3AjR8D-WG_x14E-FPT3vG-450Ko1RzeIQje3OJ5yGnlufqfsnRCuHvSBuudSNNpEk49vYksqgw5U-EQJ4-UTph0jWHy4lxTRwbAkeBkq89/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGQkpsHuNw_E2jWrfut2-9YTBh1Y-cmKGek3AjR8D-WG_x14E-FPT3vG-450Ko1RzeIQje3OJ5yGnlufqfsnRCuHvSBuudSNNpEk49vYksqgw5U-EQJ4-UTph0jWHy4lxTRwbAkeBkq89/s640/IMG_3624.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Event Decks, Duel Decks, Pre-Cons, Fat Packs and more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk0FdzSrQTC6SvBTNEj1Goni6AhfFW2CkZIuRVTw7K6T2vs5s_SNTnYZ8DQqwlG95t_cx5_Bg0QJsX6QsubJ2cg9g2ArYTcMwIirSZ35HydjLC4ydJAo48uW2Wkvhyphenhyphenir_aBPKMVZLY6Z4/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk0FdzSrQTC6SvBTNEj1Goni6AhfFW2CkZIuRVTw7K6T2vs5s_SNTnYZ8DQqwlG95t_cx5_Bg0QJsX6QsubJ2cg9g2ArYTcMwIirSZ35HydjLC4ydJAo48uW2Wkvhyphenhyphenir_aBPKMVZLY6Z4/s640/IMG_3562.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Inflatable Portal Sentry Turrets and unicorns. I think the unicorns are a Team Fortress 2 thing, but I'm not "hip."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggosQnRxHUXLvLP9lLI05M1_avlB8PV3rNcSZUgNvISdEaz_z57mAyTuvLKaSk_hJ1OcgE4KMa7Rx-Wu8DTauvXwcxhe26qjXUAVLFO7O7yJUzDRl0_5EylMaQOOg1TJqUY6aMS3gkY37L/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggosQnRxHUXLvLP9lLI05M1_avlB8PV3rNcSZUgNvISdEaz_z57mAyTuvLKaSk_hJ1OcgE4KMa7Rx-Wu8DTauvXwcxhe26qjXUAVLFO7O7yJUzDRl0_5EylMaQOOg1TJqUY6aMS3gkY37L/s640/IMG_3563.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A view from the escalator of a section of the PC game area where you could play a whole bunch of games against other folks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs4d_SXzU9pd6hbcIiDkj9wk0bTDplR_tQgRuWjt2g9RK7TbyGvOkDy5sicsGBENIz2quB_S1Y338acO3wMZnx7SgGcuxPmeuAdbUoJtK6uB29R6K_augfd0CxY7dwHWoJkH0vU6CK6hQ/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs4d_SXzU9pd6hbcIiDkj9wk0bTDplR_tQgRuWjt2g9RK7TbyGvOkDy5sicsGBENIz2quB_S1Y338acO3wMZnx7SgGcuxPmeuAdbUoJtK6uB29R6K_augfd0CxY7dwHWoJkH0vU6CK6hQ/s640/IMG_3568.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Nintendo's pokemon booth had a guy in a giant Pikachu suit you could have your picture taken with. My apologies to the random woman I captured here; I wanted a picture of Pikachu but didn't want to wait in line, sorry if this picture somehow ends up ruining your life through a series of sitcom-esque hijinks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrA-IkWEITgY-U9Wly6YE93r3wKh5fELPlS8zSWMYawdmI7qIJCSRNjtIpreytZRnPCub36r0UwyEvHyjSTq4kxzGWijvBEp4YGeNN1z2-0LbqHdXF-dvjN3gwY2GrooMEN0kqLI0EdwZ/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrA-IkWEITgY-U9Wly6YE93r3wKh5fELPlS8zSWMYawdmI7qIJCSRNjtIpreytZRnPCub36r0UwyEvHyjSTq4kxzGWijvBEp4YGeNN1z2-0LbqHdXF-dvjN3gwY2GrooMEN0kqLI0EdwZ/s640/IMG_3601.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The inside of the Pokemon booth, decorated with the newest generation of starters. And Pikachu because his contract calls for it and they don't care that he's fifty now and has a bad hip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhQPFoza-RRRyH3s-Dumr5_9IHm0hUcoWu2d6ubKIArOG3KV06XG3K83YcINVL9Hjc5F1Xr6g_t4jibEcWzltx9PA_UrlBOGV7tbMsd1RZ1fJ7T5Sk8b59JJV_0BBu9ou64DFvFBlNDpu/s1600/IMG_3570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhQPFoza-RRRyH3s-Dumr5_9IHm0hUcoWu2d6ubKIArOG3KV06XG3K83YcINVL9Hjc5F1Xr6g_t4jibEcWzltx9PA_UrlBOGV7tbMsd1RZ1fJ7T5Sk8b59JJV_0BBu9ou64DFvFBlNDpu/s640/IMG_3570.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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One of the many rooms set up with dozens of monitors and consoles running various games that you could jump in on and play whenever you felt like, this being the Xbox 360 room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSgkA01VW_3RRwXA4-VJ6hb5MCPYTj-rA8F2iEs18mKfoNKTdBvlEcgUA-_YK_c_glaEq74tFOpD2U7cH81Dfkzv3nndzpZ6O3bmCC_bPZbCHdRsiJjKmaKnGMzyxkboZCKENaNi6_HQa/s1600/IMG_3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSgkA01VW_3RRwXA4-VJ6hb5MCPYTj-rA8F2iEs18mKfoNKTdBvlEcgUA-_YK_c_glaEq74tFOpD2U7cH81Dfkzv3nndzpZ6O3bmCC_bPZbCHdRsiJjKmaKnGMzyxkboZCKENaNi6_HQa/s640/IMG_3571.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another White Mage! Better costume design than the first one, but not as hot. That seemed to be a trend; Girls either had super involved, accurate costumes or if they were hot, less intricate versions that accented their hotness instead. No offense to this White Mage though, she was still cute, just the first one was rocking some sexy legs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-lfDCQbNA2I79NfkcBEVhbOhOBwm6rIRyXA-eTyG4DFgPxuttDm7riKgG6d-Z1p_85rksyMWcSuePkgWU3w7RpAjQVi2ekzl9rMKNMRw4KWAKGV2dSiaKM5RwG34hj8EfL_vhmrLRxur/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-lfDCQbNA2I79NfkcBEVhbOhOBwm6rIRyXA-eTyG4DFgPxuttDm7riKgG6d-Z1p_85rksyMWcSuePkgWU3w7RpAjQVi2ekzl9rMKNMRw4KWAKGV2dSiaKM5RwG34hj8EfL_vhmrLRxur/s640/IMG_3572.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This was part of a free play DDR type game where you got up and danced to music. You can't tell from this shot, but this guy was burning up the stage to "Call Me Maybe."<br />
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A display case of classic Activision game patches and some prototype game cartridges. There was one called Save the Whales!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G6xiuOYDwP_dxnnyYflEAX-hqyz6DHflIFq9LN6bUFV_WrEPdhfDVbrqW4HdX6lEcn976uem5scRZtO9A_bTwlFmSPH1u944DCL5j-qjdQ0_Oup47HjqNaG1FA_27EbAU9gCFuGkKSZG/s1600/IMG_3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G6xiuOYDwP_dxnnyYflEAX-hqyz6DHflIFq9LN6bUFV_WrEPdhfDVbrqW4HdX6lEcn976uem5scRZtO9A_bTwlFmSPH1u944DCL5j-qjdQ0_Oup47HjqNaG1FA_27EbAU9gCFuGkKSZG/s640/IMG_3577.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This girl was awesome. Not only did she have a perfect Prince costume, but she's a minor internet celebrity thanks to <a href="http://tampontears.tumblr.com/post/21286735317/fort90-my-pathos-filled-katamari-cosplayer-pic" target="_blank">this great picture of her looming over PAX East 2012</a> with the Katamari, contemplating how many people, tables and booths she can roll up with it. She knew immediately what I was going to ask her before I even finished my sentence and confirmed she was indeed that same Prince.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn5_Z1dtaHQXVhTL9tyokuvsA7n7lLe4rdEkvxAZNUgneYjHIxWsLANpRsrbzB9SSBmm5i0o916JvJXh_QwEzlNWP2d26A6RSlL72ZakOiXnEtXJHnwpIA4-1XzPnIvwuc4hnFflz-7zJ/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn5_Z1dtaHQXVhTL9tyokuvsA7n7lLe4rdEkvxAZNUgneYjHIxWsLANpRsrbzB9SSBmm5i0o916JvJXh_QwEzlNWP2d26A6RSlL72ZakOiXnEtXJHnwpIA4-1XzPnIvwuc4hnFflz-7zJ/s640/IMG_3579.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Blues Brothers were in attendance, that half tank of gas must have been enough to make it to Boston.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjSCnh3pM-KYwyHwJyt5zjauwb135CiM5p52GAdqS8OKX3asvujiPVheb-pIk4e-kLeLvfuDJusCsaFqr6pA0aEjLWAE0lp1K2hcPHYe_Gu2sVI2qv-SV-yc2ML6-IAEMAwSDdssZ8gbe/s1600/IMG_3580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjSCnh3pM-KYwyHwJyt5zjauwb135CiM5p52GAdqS8OKX3asvujiPVheb-pIk4e-kLeLvfuDJusCsaFqr6pA0aEjLWAE0lp1K2hcPHYe_Gu2sVI2qv-SV-yc2ML6-IAEMAwSDdssZ8gbe/s640/IMG_3580.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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One of my favorite cosplayers, this guy made this insanely intricate <a href="http://www.flawith.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/nightingale_armor.jpg" target="_blank">Nightingale</a> costume from Skyrim himself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwef7wgKf5f41CFWSZYOFPduLOrhHuvkP6RAsoyvZQKjS8Yf8inybdSzOMSDCfb9q9QDV7HmJCI6RvVck1kTmSadwNzafoCx7nCAPbNu9Ezv2MK4NF-l7HOTJoWLR0sNlIavOzOKwXlEk/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwef7wgKf5f41CFWSZYOFPduLOrhHuvkP6RAsoyvZQKjS8Yf8inybdSzOMSDCfb9q9QDV7HmJCI6RvVck1kTmSadwNzafoCx7nCAPbNu9Ezv2MK4NF-l7HOTJoWLR0sNlIavOzOKwXlEk/s640/IMG_3581.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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CHEWIE! Strangely the only Chewbacca present, hanging out with one of a few Links and a girl whose outfit I don't recognize off hand. Sorry lady, it still looked cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiPD5pDE2UIrbQKGjHFz9qD_wUyIazfvgHfJKdj0_9cw3UdiuZ1XXJjdMAMocEHTdWgzls6RQYkqkhfRCYMZk233viHK06SYYAiO-UchStbYaZ00z9osc6PcgLTw3xRqW61hcRslWNx8W/s1600/IMG_3583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiPD5pDE2UIrbQKGjHFz9qD_wUyIazfvgHfJKdj0_9cw3UdiuZ1XXJjdMAMocEHTdWgzls6RQYkqkhfRCYMZk233viHK06SYYAiO-UchStbYaZ00z9osc6PcgLTw3xRqW61hcRslWNx8W/s640/IMG_3583.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Aerial view of Microsoft's Xbox display.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2vDwDgGbo3WdgZtAGXVWgImKlp3syrNTctHZqymZHNZpohBR4oOWq5seo8rYtvzjgjm-FsouBMzjgbdKaEjlwWiUcEwUsMukdO_QYZfpMd6pKihP2cLZQD1rj5OTnICOvg-U7mUfgKU2/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2vDwDgGbo3WdgZtAGXVWgImKlp3syrNTctHZqymZHNZpohBR4oOWq5seo8rYtvzjgjm-FsouBMzjgbdKaEjlwWiUcEwUsMukdO_QYZfpMd6pKihP2cLZQD1rj5OTnICOvg-U7mUfgKU2/s640/IMG_3584.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The League of Legends booth. This place was hopping, literally as the MC had the crowd jumping and chanting and just generally going wild all day long. Apparently LoL players know how to party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9byFbyrdyHOA7NpyU6fGYtt31rTd6zQPKplA5nDlAYI9nvLtPerkRfsjyXF0Pp-pjANL4aa0x0JOO5QVxAhhSzB2OukVCrwyKa9I5WGTN0UZdq6Lmg7j8xgCv80XTltHGhv1nWIx0DRTZ/s1600/IMG_3586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9byFbyrdyHOA7NpyU6fGYtt31rTd6zQPKplA5nDlAYI9nvLtPerkRfsjyXF0Pp-pjANL4aa0x0JOO5QVxAhhSzB2OukVCrwyKa9I5WGTN0UZdq6Lmg7j8xgCv80XTltHGhv1nWIx0DRTZ/s640/IMG_3586.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I think this chick was League of Legends related as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cWuFHeIL0_myR3hX5JZWyn_jacbpjGnMPoBt5Un85kiDe9MlLkgUufnpmWOqLhtKTLOFI4Gx8zyQ3k_sz-ywzV-fJKsdyqHQYX4yVD-limt-hD0H36x1TuWVIUhGRfet7DZb1juPbSeb/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cWuFHeIL0_myR3hX5JZWyn_jacbpjGnMPoBt5Un85kiDe9MlLkgUufnpmWOqLhtKTLOFI4Gx8zyQ3k_sz-ywzV-fJKsdyqHQYX4yVD-limt-hD0H36x1TuWVIUhGRfet7DZb1juPbSeb/s640/IMG_3587.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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There were a few Steves from Minecraft who just had the mask and wore a normal blue T-shirt and jeans alongside it, but this kid gets kudos for going full on block and building his costume in such a way that he has no elbow joints. You got to suffer for your art man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICdzwNn6rsXK5DNlnrPM01BC9hfkT_hiU8o55Q0bX469kIv_pJq7j4zBhJreQFigxgUcs5IgYjpGMmOz3eMMcNtFp1PvSFHVkjTcl5NJEzH7BZVN8X29L3oI7aKxA42pgTEfMU70Cc8Fy/s1600/IMG_3588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICdzwNn6rsXK5DNlnrPM01BC9hfkT_hiU8o55Q0bX469kIv_pJq7j4zBhJreQFigxgUcs5IgYjpGMmOz3eMMcNtFp1PvSFHVkjTcl5NJEzH7BZVN8X29L3oI7aKxA42pgTEfMU70Cc8Fy/s640/IMG_3588.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Princess Daisy and one of the radishes from Super Mario Brothers 2! I had to give that guy credit for originality, no one else is going to show up in that costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSZVXut6gOmsqJn04146gEhQeaAGzsEpcUoFQ7MPniv1QJFRkiP-x4UeLUFTqrozowYyXZgZauQqGEH6y9mv2VdoHg-JAfPpyURWxnuClQXn4OPxTP0KmIKq2o6S-MtnT4moSqfsowlVP/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSZVXut6gOmsqJn04146gEhQeaAGzsEpcUoFQ7MPniv1QJFRkiP-x4UeLUFTqrozowYyXZgZauQqGEH6y9mv2VdoHg-JAfPpyURWxnuClQXn4OPxTP0KmIKq2o6S-MtnT4moSqfsowlVP/s640/IMG_3590.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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They were hyping the hell out of this Wildstar game. The gameplay itself just looked like World of Warcraft crossed with Starcraft to me, but what do I know.<br />
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A cool mural of various Marvel characters on the back of their booth promoting Marvel Heroes. Had to get it at an angle because too many people were milling around it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu9jh8SUYpxmc7_aI2Tn07JPpLb8PQcN6NJVUk7Zl5g_ZpSKVKRIqFRKhEeaCjy98YwcMmI6RMjZ_atwaT0n4-nbGcn1HFUsSdUlPsAncbaoF_ru3S1NsIAMGX8JdH1GMAah4tVRwCxOQ/s1600/IMG_3597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu9jh8SUYpxmc7_aI2Tn07JPpLb8PQcN6NJVUk7Zl5g_ZpSKVKRIqFRKhEeaCjy98YwcMmI6RMjZ_atwaT0n4-nbGcn1HFUsSdUlPsAncbaoF_ru3S1NsIAMGX8JdH1GMAah4tVRwCxOQ/s640/IMG_3597.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another Link accompanied by the Frost King from Adventure Time and a guy whose costume I didn't recognize, sorry man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcj9PNrFvhK3USnuv2fUHdurnE6qMHz3gZtSRs1m4Y1HvdujMhTlgUmAWZdEB5njsRH0Vim1LF-tJRBwCHOLUzdwxmjeZTbc601WDj7_FmwXQHhhRqDu69ozo190YBXMBIZP7gSlyYUNm/s1600/IMG_3598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcj9PNrFvhK3USnuv2fUHdurnE6qMHz3gZtSRs1m4Y1HvdujMhTlgUmAWZdEB5njsRH0Vim1LF-tJRBwCHOLUzdwxmjeZTbc601WDj7_FmwXQHhhRqDu69ozo190YBXMBIZP7gSlyYUNm/s640/IMG_3598.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another of my favorites, Donkey Kong ala Donkey Conga! It takes guts to run around a convention in just a furry vest and tie, but this guy was a pro. He went nuts on those bongos when I asked if I could get a picture of him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrjLSxvgDJaAQV2s21a-p5ZG5i1jvErQh6lL-7ec2wfqGbuaACd0l3YTkaDf6cgtVVZzARTkpXS7Hl_kFdZOAysv8QFMtF7DCRpQ9FRCdbcSu5xHJLDQUE7WH045BjXtdvP_yoF5kKkmM/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrjLSxvgDJaAQV2s21a-p5ZG5i1jvErQh6lL-7ec2wfqGbuaACd0l3YTkaDf6cgtVVZzARTkpXS7Hl_kFdZOAysv8QFMtF7DCRpQ9FRCdbcSu5xHJLDQUE7WH045BjXtdvP_yoF5kKkmM/s640/IMG_3599.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
The only Boba Fett I spotted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNRVVOjJ24khTsfKJIlF5Q-jfM0-JMnJU-u-FzjGuPp5-Rhb2DVr8d_xXgDYrXY3eyVuFHhkFLes_UHpN4IXZRCal493jcsIqQQ0_cNSLDWnTfsY6gyYVEU7gdDkGI9Ifqjjt8cE0q-4C/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNRVVOjJ24khTsfKJIlF5Q-jfM0-JMnJU-u-FzjGuPp5-Rhb2DVr8d_xXgDYrXY3eyVuFHhkFLes_UHpN4IXZRCal493jcsIqQQ0_cNSLDWnTfsY6gyYVEU7gdDkGI9Ifqjjt8cE0q-4C/s640/IMG_3600.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This hallway was where you could play your 3DS with other people and it was packed. Might have had something to do with the giant, comfy bean bag chairs they lined it with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGJx3KAlPzv5oVwdiBHXV6mFJ-ZqFGHN6Un4gx-QIdb5U7Y2Q7zKL4Awmi1sQmGm3iqegs-riUXKH8TNSOzuIohAVnrvyHd1Ep9metuj43BLinJkh9GaJXdIRLQ17kI7TC4VXIDuom7Vq/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGJx3KAlPzv5oVwdiBHXV6mFJ-ZqFGHN6Un4gx-QIdb5U7Y2Q7zKL4Awmi1sQmGm3iqegs-riUXKH8TNSOzuIohAVnrvyHd1Ep9metuj43BLinJkh9GaJXdIRLQ17kI7TC4VXIDuom7Vq/s640/IMG_3604.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Sweet D&D mural.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8sYVTRYWU4q7emCNFQNxjjZMVmA_2qoCEZ-yJykemeOm9By-1HwC5Jjy-luRzDWaSJDDz8NW3L8UK8vTn7wSybNu9LsWJnMZaUJ0UFLiTNffq28gwD4mkVDzROd1fE-LvDp_bHBM1IzW/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8sYVTRYWU4q7emCNFQNxjjZMVmA_2qoCEZ-yJykemeOm9By-1HwC5Jjy-luRzDWaSJDDz8NW3L8UK8vTn7wSybNu9LsWJnMZaUJ0UFLiTNffq28gwD4mkVDzROd1fE-LvDp_bHBM1IzW/s640/IMG_3605.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This vendor had a variety of solid metal dice. I almost bought the big bronze D20 to the top left, but twenty bucks was a bit rich for my blood.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK9jUj8UPi2XgZzNme19odz51NwpmAv8sUl6J2A5LoNL172AaNYsUxGxoua9FMxU1IUlK_6ROwK-rGyBCNY_Htsgj6RxchyphenhyphenqEaPwbjhY9c__CbizSUfI0KoZIPeoMiwdKZaNeYEYDwywn/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkK9jUj8UPi2XgZzNme19odz51NwpmAv8sUl6J2A5LoNL172AaNYsUxGxoua9FMxU1IUlK_6ROwK-rGyBCNY_Htsgj6RxchyphenhyphenqEaPwbjhY9c__CbizSUfI0KoZIPeoMiwdKZaNeYEYDwywn/s640/IMG_3606.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Magic was all about putting sexy Chandra on everything they had.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP0PgJfeqpHLXCtH4v9g46Cy4SJBidMUpQqQL3BkLhCftQD1Bd59-wYph-F6meGgIGV8Q5UXQki3BQanyV_BIWuQZ044N4FndRx1XmCRMSpEGGStZ5x72hm1RHODV0Lwvu-KN-fuqJ77i/s1600/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP0PgJfeqpHLXCtH4v9g46Cy4SJBidMUpQqQL3BkLhCftQD1Bd59-wYph-F6meGgIGV8Q5UXQki3BQanyV_BIWuQZ044N4FndRx1XmCRMSpEGGStZ5x72hm1RHODV0Lwvu-KN-fuqJ77i/s640/IMG_3613.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
See?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou0EQDtw-5GAqHetSuFSKtY9eQKOWhwwEW4umExZ1O3t2Mc9xyyA8qVoV1Gkv-EOk0M6KI5ClemPlKDDieunew98oRiGt-ZKaPf1Ir7WwUSfJ5_TOOObgyXwxozobSJbC3rq7IYKyGlAQ/s1600/IMG_3676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou0EQDtw-5GAqHetSuFSKtY9eQKOWhwwEW4umExZ1O3t2Mc9xyyA8qVoV1Gkv-EOk0M6KI5ClemPlKDDieunew98oRiGt-ZKaPf1Ir7WwUSfJ5_TOOObgyXwxozobSJbC3rq7IYKyGlAQ/s640/IMG_3676.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
They did shake it up with some sexy Liliana though.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLICBGswNwjUu8lvn8S_dLqBTlvvCSbHh3HT-RjAnzlY36K5cHJnl-mhvUpkvRz6Jjq0gqF2iBd54KvhyZsNq2aU7iqIeuX2_biB7uI1IvKYwX5K1QLYU2xemvZjnr4XzKHRR3-r5IPFo2/s1600/IMG_3609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLICBGswNwjUu8lvn8S_dLqBTlvvCSbHh3HT-RjAnzlY36K5cHJnl-mhvUpkvRz6Jjq0gqF2iBd54KvhyZsNq2aU7iqIeuX2_biB7uI1IvKYwX5K1QLYU2xemvZjnr4XzKHRR3-r5IPFo2/s640/IMG_3609.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Don't know what game this rhino man belonged to, but he merited a picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjK-nq5kPrlueCs803RTC6_6zIqNKR9V7gPMij2YsFq3ygYqQe2E9TS8nX6f3oQzGFrSXDKzI8S5r1_rzhuoFQdptTlTKoSIB37atex5g8IKNKsmrhExUps9gd0YHD0ssvg0DPecK1uJK/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjK-nq5kPrlueCs803RTC6_6zIqNKR9V7gPMij2YsFq3ygYqQe2E9TS8nX6f3oQzGFrSXDKzI8S5r1_rzhuoFQdptTlTKoSIB37atex5g8IKNKsmrhExUps9gd0YHD0ssvg0DPecK1uJK/s640/IMG_3610.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Even more dice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmcZFktLj8BAnneUDvPXQ67IlfhEBurdVRyUBMdtO8ft21rQZluvhweNc2gFJOXKF2bhuyVbtNqvN0BxrFtNIWzODMnS_naTWobrR6Cux_EHOkwCcZUovE0_oL2WbckWRebSjzh6ENF_-/s1600/IMG_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmcZFktLj8BAnneUDvPXQ67IlfhEBurdVRyUBMdtO8ft21rQZluvhweNc2gFJOXKF2bhuyVbtNqvN0BxrFtNIWzODMnS_naTWobrR6Cux_EHOkwCcZUovE0_oL2WbckWRebSjzh6ENF_-/s640/IMG_3611.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
These were one of the few things I actually stopped to fiddle with. Wooden half circles with slots carved along the rim called Skallops, they allowed you to build things by linking together playing cards. I tried to build something, but found the cards can get stressed easily and not support the weight of your work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d73aX_x4I0hcESABlMcSwStq3Jf0_DoMzOEFiDHbgjZoyQM5W08vgMisVCmP_2h2ON9FjY2FQ5JZpuIbnDqF7ISMnMZmBHJtDS0yN0IJzYsqUegmpxmi-CppsWLT2Sc1Et4Zsv4H6l6y/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7d73aX_x4I0hcESABlMcSwStq3Jf0_DoMzOEFiDHbgjZoyQM5W08vgMisVCmP_2h2ON9FjY2FQ5JZpuIbnDqF7ISMnMZmBHJtDS0yN0IJzYsqUegmpxmi-CppsWLT2Sc1Et4Zsv4H6l6y/s640/IMG_3615.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Ash! I just wanted a picture of this guy because he had a good costume, but I realized at the same moment that I had gone to high school with him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZHVoUHrh-5ujfByjMoYr144KtSmiVvj3VkeRyM_aMRihsstsKa2_Dsz4Ruh6jpPdEnQC_SwEqHYvLMJwdPa8o8pObQ7NdrTR36QDZM7JbW20JCe9V1_QKdPZZ1XRXguEcwA1s6wJQREz/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZHVoUHrh-5ujfByjMoYr144KtSmiVvj3VkeRyM_aMRihsstsKa2_Dsz4Ruh6jpPdEnQC_SwEqHYvLMJwdPa8o8pObQ7NdrTR36QDZM7JbW20JCe9V1_QKdPZZ1XRXguEcwA1s6wJQREz/s640/IMG_3617.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This was a new (I think) D&D game that used cards and cool little mono colored miniatures like these trolls, elementals, drider and so forth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQQn2Gt5s2X5lNUrTG74qUFA2MRshL0BXy8A98KnR2010EffgHA4xvUSUg7t4CuGsXQqdcvTmNcioRY3UBvnVixSuAhmYJylbfMnaYjGOSK9cCWWyvc4MX6R4ENnF06SxJ9TkMNWYoh5l/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQQn2Gt5s2X5lNUrTG74qUFA2MRshL0BXy8A98KnR2010EffgHA4xvUSUg7t4CuGsXQqdcvTmNcioRY3UBvnVixSuAhmYJylbfMnaYjGOSK9cCWWyvc4MX6R4ENnF06SxJ9TkMNWYoh5l/s640/IMG_3619.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Miniatures of Drizzt and Guenhwyvar. I really hate trying to spell that, I think R.A. Salvatore did that on purpose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ8bDRdrnFs8NPSWs8yh8rz_3RI3-gWifwbpWhlOx_cuq46vu5__hhDjK-Sdmy0ITxSAfu469Gtxd6QZGuPM6XY5WT1WgBNWD66O7N9ozC2lUBOXQ_GFWizWq5B-Ib9l1GGOZ54rygAxA/s1600/IMG_3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ8bDRdrnFs8NPSWs8yh8rz_3RI3-gWifwbpWhlOx_cuq46vu5__hhDjK-Sdmy0ITxSAfu469Gtxd6QZGuPM6XY5WT1WgBNWD66O7N9ozC2lUBOXQ_GFWizWq5B-Ib9l1GGOZ54rygAxA/s640/IMG_3620.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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A dragon! The bright, singular colors coupled with the small size made me think of Monster in My Pocket, which I loved as a kid.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBNxNLP8Iqj8QByqpD_9o2SjzXGuzAUOjocYmzAeKPNdGpGTuSkic5Mv9goY5p5c8x6NoIoylJilb4-bgl7qXegH7jNUiyBmD1Ef0-1v8HR927Z8U3BdXFwI44t85LzvulAnykBh7Au1-/s1600/IMG_3621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBNxNLP8Iqj8QByqpD_9o2SjzXGuzAUOjocYmzAeKPNdGpGTuSkic5Mv9goY5p5c8x6NoIoylJilb4-bgl7qXegH7jNUiyBmD1Ef0-1v8HR927Z8U3BdXFwI44t85LzvulAnykBh7Au1-/s640/IMG_3621.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Relax, zombuddy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aXHWfdlPXI99rgMebTIo_8z15IHLX8IN6KsSnUYeZXtcIjfbklXoMkcu96ApSiA0vukmkj755JkYGjPCZhTDUkcgYOlj16AoDSvue_T0J4YvGAfdtUa8ePwr1SxbWwscJ4NbqQxjUj7O/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aXHWfdlPXI99rgMebTIo_8z15IHLX8IN6KsSnUYeZXtcIjfbklXoMkcu96ApSiA0vukmkj755JkYGjPCZhTDUkcgYOlj16AoDSvue_T0J4YvGAfdtUa8ePwr1SxbWwscJ4NbqQxjUj7O/s640/IMG_3623.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This guy again and he still looks like he hates everyone around him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEyOU0zpSrhpHa3o9eC3BoooTB_BxCapAhO_ftkdcjCHWkstN1mDrJBhHf3IfUAB_Rkn-6zw7K2N9Cb9Rde0guU30AeawQcGksElxLG2sbfKBNpJXHqWMhc9-czx0hkGSEJtFGlmrK5zT/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEyOU0zpSrhpHa3o9eC3BoooTB_BxCapAhO_ftkdcjCHWkstN1mDrJBhHf3IfUAB_Rkn-6zw7K2N9Cb9Rde0guU30AeawQcGksElxLG2sbfKBNpJXHqWMhc9-czx0hkGSEJtFGlmrK5zT/s640/IMG_3625.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I feel kind of bad because this guy really wanted to tell me about the game, whereas I really just wanted pictures of his booth art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UW6aA0sUCPdcdo2cg44gxkr7-zDNjns49o8xlII7ZK9E_sk0lsSk3YHlS4FmPk9JXfhktWJ3t8cYrCRwP2ESkZwEOpwuw7nciz797Q5sUunD8w1WldhQ_CGE05vecwe72vlZWvkvM_Sj/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UW6aA0sUCPdcdo2cg44gxkr7-zDNjns49o8xlII7ZK9E_sk0lsSk3YHlS4FmPk9JXfhktWJ3t8cYrCRwP2ESkZwEOpwuw7nciz797Q5sUunD8w1WldhQ_CGE05vecwe72vlZWvkvM_Sj/s640/IMG_3626.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Ghostbusters and a female Han Solo. The Ghostbuster on the right was My Little Pony themed with pink and blue gear adorned with characters from the show. I will never understand Bronies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL4QmE3jDXxAkXTV9CDXlQq9mDDzf8MMK72sNcSSjZBcAHTwNXkWHmHoXle7LAQOUK_FEx28j5k2L_MV1cibQ5J_ibl_YFZEWUujjBgi8dIj-BhVF9yxbMGe-LjsdYAv6z_4CVV_zbjyD/s1600/IMG_3628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL4QmE3jDXxAkXTV9CDXlQq9mDDzf8MMK72sNcSSjZBcAHTwNXkWHmHoXle7LAQOUK_FEx28j5k2L_MV1cibQ5J_ibl_YFZEWUujjBgi8dIj-BhVF9yxbMGe-LjsdYAv6z_4CVV_zbjyD/s640/IMG_3628.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Old school Power Rangers team! Under the masks, they're all dudes. Which made me wonder if the Yellow Ranger appreciated the irony.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW56N7lfPg6bWUmY6k2Q1ao_DyepVLUTV7_nEU3zq5lzbqxPN72gCCNaLQq2ESAvph3h0to1ZMBmIKCgTcLktIfdiDrDhgxV4aiXwDVr_G-ZNxFPqnAv2UNeV9Hs68BpMY_3_Midbs4UEH/s1600/IMG_3634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW56N7lfPg6bWUmY6k2Q1ao_DyepVLUTV7_nEU3zq5lzbqxPN72gCCNaLQq2ESAvph3h0to1ZMBmIKCgTcLktIfdiDrDhgxV4aiXwDVr_G-ZNxFPqnAv2UNeV9Hs68BpMY_3_Midbs4UEH/s640/IMG_3634.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Blizzard had a booth, but they were pretty low key, focusing mainly on Diablo III and a new Warcraft heroes game of some sort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYWz1O9zhLAbe8csik54FT_rZ5ofDS-8RBSNRY74eCRn-fFRcYPWVv7Hy96LnB-o1Df_3-h1JsWyDy6EUzGrl-K9FWKyanW2QH7tEuICyPsLrEiGZ7kfynBVOMWzvk_Wz9GFk14EXbLD/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmYWz1O9zhLAbe8csik54FT_rZ5ofDS-8RBSNRY74eCRn-fFRcYPWVv7Hy96LnB-o1Df_3-h1JsWyDy6EUzGrl-K9FWKyanW2QH7tEuICyPsLrEiGZ7kfynBVOMWzvk_Wz9GFk14EXbLD/s640/IMG_3636.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
Awesome Harley Quinn and Joker couple. There were a couple other Harleys around and one other Joker, but these two looked the best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSC0iY5Imgwuoi_E0IvKh1gI-qgvWzibS4UuSHlUbnWeu6DwrZGVUtlCwkl3otyZOF6G4yOGKIr-z09trvSJWSLhAbq9og31jh_r6oe7FM3VQ5W4usT3BucvyXA06lDAINA_XA07df3s_/s1600/IMG_3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSC0iY5Imgwuoi_E0IvKh1gI-qgvWzibS4UuSHlUbnWeu6DwrZGVUtlCwkl3otyZOF6G4yOGKIr-z09trvSJWSLhAbq9og31jh_r6oe7FM3VQ5W4usT3BucvyXA06lDAINA_XA07df3s_/s640/IMG_3637.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A shot of the crowd. I've run into a lot of rude, foul-smelling nerds in my time, so I feared the worst upon arrival, but everyone was very friendly and polite. Stay classy, PAX crowd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8kWryW1vmfOZ8ehru9Xvvc8xQ6Z8LAlrhR5kl6_x8i3lkSOjQSe_BfkXcsZh5rolO13ppCk0KfTmtGHypuhokEscV8bIdtJytdNbm7gd_BlN-ZYoOuIeCFPkBmqDI1gM6NV1TsT2CsI3/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8kWryW1vmfOZ8ehru9Xvvc8xQ6Z8LAlrhR5kl6_x8i3lkSOjQSe_BfkXcsZh5rolO13ppCk0KfTmtGHypuhokEscV8bIdtJytdNbm7gd_BlN-ZYoOuIeCFPkBmqDI1gM6NV1TsT2CsI3/s640/IMG_3643.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This arena was set up so you could wallop people American Gladiators style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn6Cu_4qg78vf8oYkjft4sLP-PVvMlDCaUp2WeUukX7xy-mMvH6BJAagQug7a13S-VfoxcJR5o-3CBnb-7OLXPdHKynv4Fewlms34LzScim4Wc0qiViRE3HZ01kuN9fT7YUwsGRJ0Qe4A/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn6Cu_4qg78vf8oYkjft4sLP-PVvMlDCaUp2WeUukX7xy-mMvH6BJAagQug7a13S-VfoxcJR5o-3CBnb-7OLXPdHKynv4Fewlms34LzScim4Wc0qiViRE3HZ01kuN9fT7YUwsGRJ0Qe4A/s640/IMG_3644.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The merc with a mouth! There was a green suited Deadpool too, but I apparently didn't get a picture of him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT77Q3ujxb4sSJdZYR9OdnhyphenhyphenI24NRa6Q16eh3WlmqEJrBhFyu6FF592Rapzx89nrZZkpvgGjLjMg0xmhUB469f8dMFjCowK4YWJ_YUh_6xVUqaNSq_HwpYQ-hzTQEQRsPPK5u-ZJcwnE7/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT77Q3ujxb4sSJdZYR9OdnhyphenhyphenI24NRa6Q16eh3WlmqEJrBhFyu6FF592Rapzx89nrZZkpvgGjLjMg0xmhUB469f8dMFjCowK4YWJ_YUh_6xVUqaNSq_HwpYQ-hzTQEQRsPPK5u-ZJcwnE7/s640/IMG_3645.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Nice Helljumper costume from Halo: ODST.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ69AXqXFSjHUy2hV22GFlZ7_QIyw8goCkpTAZxo6FKhoO3TXY74e01XjTRoG8rWrgoWSVy6aO-EfQLkKb_C0BNK0sJAvpKZAJpT14hpXaoH9FnXZs7OQ9IVPghyphenhyphenaF75WH-i86dBk0efKA/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ69AXqXFSjHUy2hV22GFlZ7_QIyw8goCkpTAZxo6FKhoO3TXY74e01XjTRoG8rWrgoWSVy6aO-EfQLkKb_C0BNK0sJAvpKZAJpT14hpXaoH9FnXZs7OQ9IVPghyphenhyphenaF75WH-i86dBk0efKA/s640/IMG_3650.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another Chell accompanied by an Aperture Sciences technician with a Companion Cube.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iG1ThyphenhyphenAg73G8SPnnkT2iUvaSQrPGHgUyPeR-nDSY6b-zjxCET1bljeXsNK2c1GUbY5NF5BncZso8zqowJtl8YPCaoraEg4ZOWbDPok0Duf45h7ZJb6L_IO5m4tOfQ1mtraIL0sklvE9/s1600/IMG_3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4iG1ThyphenhyphenAg73G8SPnnkT2iUvaSQrPGHgUyPeR-nDSY6b-zjxCET1bljeXsNK2c1GUbY5NF5BncZso8zqowJtl8YPCaoraEg4ZOWbDPok0Duf45h7ZJb6L_IO5m4tOfQ1mtraIL0sklvE9/s640/IMG_3651.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Gaige, the Mechromancer from Borderlands 2.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqG1ZtlnSbK6tKx_bn8MrL8QBD3stLhCX2n9V3k89ZF1102YYuYjrWQ9I08O0TOxY8KKzUN7kwjEr4a6xw-wcsNJuNDvUb7090YcKH-djbBpP3fz1M9tisKsPSc9pWd8zXTFeS7kobtz/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqG1ZtlnSbK6tKx_bn8MrL8QBD3stLhCX2n9V3k89ZF1102YYuYjrWQ9I08O0TOxY8KKzUN7kwjEr4a6xw-wcsNJuNDvUb7090YcKH-djbBpP3fz1M9tisKsPSc9pWd8zXTFeS7kobtz/s640/IMG_3648.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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One booth was demonstrating a 3D printer, these are some of their wares. I was particularlly impressed by the Tachikoma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv9-ebozyVXP3CKCbSP_fB7RCf3JvJ_C3B9gJw6rzQQzLwFVTRENCX92dZb8M_nfBn_4QMdsFeEerdDADR5KuMRhvVLwR0KA7LMViqoi6gCfWpqB_hzg5yz353k12U0sd1MGFJhuqFDPp/s1600/IMG_3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv9-ebozyVXP3CKCbSP_fB7RCf3JvJ_C3B9gJw6rzQQzLwFVTRENCX92dZb8M_nfBn_4QMdsFeEerdDADR5KuMRhvVLwR0KA7LMViqoi6gCfWpqB_hzg5yz353k12U0sd1MGFJhuqFDPp/s640/IMG_3649.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The 3D printer at work. Doesn't look very exciting here, but it was cool it watch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFOAfEWKRGrOtIIpA1TvG0fXYlKHOjwvQNAzXRT1OxeSj4TkQEmFkg4f46AHF7or-UIyCFD9B0iYWGmFp6Yh161_ROkvzbhfau_asxKO33wfKd2A18er7SeR93asOjU_QGYTW1Ph09cRC/s1600/IMG_3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFOAfEWKRGrOtIIpA1TvG0fXYlKHOjwvQNAzXRT1OxeSj4TkQEmFkg4f46AHF7or-UIyCFD9B0iYWGmFp6Yh161_ROkvzbhfau_asxKO33wfKd2A18er7SeR93asOjU_QGYTW1Ph09cRC/s640/IMG_3652.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This game seemed to involve commanding fleets of steam punkish airships in battle. The guys playing it were kind of annoyed by me even though I asked if they minded me taking a picture, so I didn't stay here long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIQVrQM03tKIzB8aNRBy34SDTU19GX4UxxmHarel_2B3L0bEKa0CtKpceXbaQ7fqnmmFoMNkpfgiLLLophQIUTLUOYdb9Z4fFRd3DYCBlNJS4qucu-N3n5XM47KOWBvCj7ek9eG5vHEQS/s1600/IMG_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIQVrQM03tKIzB8aNRBy34SDTU19GX4UxxmHarel_2B3L0bEKa0CtKpceXbaQ7fqnmmFoMNkpfgiLLLophQIUTLUOYdb9Z4fFRd3DYCBlNJS4qucu-N3n5XM47KOWBvCj7ek9eG5vHEQS/s640/IMG_3653.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another Waldo and Walda!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MMMTiz4XePErIbXSIQI3L6jwSvFsNnRQbvnGx3tvqQQVQSP-yNKfg-3BZYNIz7AHitBFRJyXa1qNybJQ9x2HqdWaMS9949NNGHVfbb5-Z6thTilo-8wuXH-JHgo8VbTfSRC76t6sReNP/s1600/IMG_3654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MMMTiz4XePErIbXSIQI3L6jwSvFsNnRQbvnGx3tvqQQVQSP-yNKfg-3BZYNIz7AHitBFRJyXa1qNybJQ9x2HqdWaMS9949NNGHVfbb5-Z6thTilo-8wuXH-JHgo8VbTfSRC76t6sReNP/s640/IMG_3654.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This girl came running up as I was taking a picture of her friends and wanted in, so I said what the hell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM6Fie9G5FgiZYkVg1C_1UGXLDGH_Q9XuzpAjWOvhVXCuqpOLx0dUnTeXAzwjzWEEZ4s_GvZl9-ISWbQN4h5i2nPyOxh08FAZwYwcFjGa0OBOtjIRQfcEnxtVgkJxvShSXyLFml6GvAKE/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM6Fie9G5FgiZYkVg1C_1UGXLDGH_Q9XuzpAjWOvhVXCuqpOLx0dUnTeXAzwjzWEEZ4s_GvZl9-ISWbQN4h5i2nPyOxh08FAZwYwcFjGa0OBOtjIRQfcEnxtVgkJxvShSXyLFml6GvAKE/s640/IMG_3655.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This chick had a very nice costume of the protagonist of Journey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0pi_WbV0DmYvBRt-bOwYAhzHdGURWT224ARCTsjDfB8lAGLLsyAYf_ss30c5EQ9SPRZhmgxRL8AF402M3zWgqWeCtYMWEFxljXmslgwGpjX6sGccal6CeZCgeLKIahRW3E6xNx7V11aT/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0pi_WbV0DmYvBRt-bOwYAhzHdGURWT224ARCTsjDfB8lAGLLsyAYf_ss30c5EQ9SPRZhmgxRL8AF402M3zWgqWeCtYMWEFxljXmslgwGpjX6sGccal6CeZCgeLKIahRW3E6xNx7V11aT/s640/IMG_3656.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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While Red Team boasted a Pyro, an Engineer, a Spy, a Medic and at least three Scouts, these guys were the only Blue Team members in attendance. They have their work cut out for them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP5I5Zd-Zq3feAfGizoFue9_dP-tBsGFBcEkPSx9dQVHgJgPYWYQ9Rgjp5IoVI83K0-2E9Fj8EiaPL9xzV3b8OGrN4XOX7BJ-gwV-cuVYshHrT9Mi8dA2TzwyLiahHj7D5ccBbl3FBOjM/s1600/IMG_3658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP5I5Zd-Zq3feAfGizoFue9_dP-tBsGFBcEkPSx9dQVHgJgPYWYQ9Rgjp5IoVI83K0-2E9Fj8EiaPL9xzV3b8OGrN4XOX7BJ-gwV-cuVYshHrT9Mi8dA2TzwyLiahHj7D5ccBbl3FBOjM/s640/IMG_3658.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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He's a little paunchy, but had a perfect Keaton Batman scowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf-fyLezvWQ6r4hTOsWBTNZaIQIWI6Aoha3wP7XHiZjonxK1KF_1CxoanIL7vQGd9EEV9kIoAuCh3cOtXarRo3WfwfS34NWpiUIvGMIwf51Rz8i9AMPVoPW_R74dno_C0Bh9Oj7UgvvkK/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf-fyLezvWQ6r4hTOsWBTNZaIQIWI6Aoha3wP7XHiZjonxK1KF_1CxoanIL7vQGd9EEV9kIoAuCh3cOtXarRo3WfwfS34NWpiUIvGMIwf51Rz8i9AMPVoPW_R74dno_C0Bh9Oj7UgvvkK/s640/IMG_3660.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I saw these two coming down the escalator from a distance and knew I needed a picture of them right there, but it didn't hurt that Sonic had a fantastic chest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAPdMh8B4AflNQcoA_d2CHm2t3kkWMSjiq97pZzknrZHaYz6fBidn3Y741ftd3WnLqyHXJeCBu0oNlk8E8vOvEVcniTawnCc48ITmkYZw61QLf519xktxlV7xTMNp2synfyAL3gz2efMY/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAPdMh8B4AflNQcoA_d2CHm2t3kkWMSjiq97pZzknrZHaYz6fBidn3Y741ftd3WnLqyHXJeCBu0oNlk8E8vOvEVcniTawnCc48ITmkYZw61QLf519xktxlV7xTMNp2synfyAL3gz2efMY/s640/IMG_3661.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Doctor Horrible, taking a break from battling Captain Hammer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5BMhB8ffTBojOD18j3Y5FVZYF4wB_8HX-lPHhEcQPY7o9rSUvtLPxEU7QWheHAsDYi4Dsj0DIDkZnANM68NBb5ySPBHazpIqPWHqSnar7y1E_J9GDkP-XqOrmGvZaZSFd19jbinPsfix/s1600/IMG_3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5BMhB8ffTBojOD18j3Y5FVZYF4wB_8HX-lPHhEcQPY7o9rSUvtLPxEU7QWheHAsDYi4Dsj0DIDkZnANM68NBb5ySPBHazpIqPWHqSnar7y1E_J9GDkP-XqOrmGvZaZSFd19jbinPsfix/s640/IMG_3667.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Pretty much right around the corner from that Doctor Horrible, I found this one, complete with death ray and Wonderflonium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPs-ZRnUSkF-KE5Laha7Lkrf68Lawub5vHIlKiOL69pSGRZkAMLIRJXLadVZqCJEyZrSGIHacsk2vHEWBnQTmbykOv6p5pZcylmamoJuo6hrtG3FVRiZktLnPysEPSSsPFH0VPfI7m4CV/s1600/IMG_3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPs-ZRnUSkF-KE5Laha7Lkrf68Lawub5vHIlKiOL69pSGRZkAMLIRJXLadVZqCJEyZrSGIHacsk2vHEWBnQTmbykOv6p5pZcylmamoJuo6hrtG3FVRiZktLnPysEPSSsPFH0VPfI7m4CV/s640/IMG_3664.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Yet another cool, light up statue whose origins I know nothing about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy45DGVOnpcR1Lr1BWIyZzS2nqfSLvD2hCyNiLlWdmM0Jejw6jVFIYVTGMMpaXJmSmFxwIpvFOBKfNNWUoPxhV1oirJC_A2UqXWcp17DJHSFDozP8q2ChnUVJsEljl3pCNefvdaBGTk84G/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy45DGVOnpcR1Lr1BWIyZzS2nqfSLvD2hCyNiLlWdmM0Jejw6jVFIYVTGMMpaXJmSmFxwIpvFOBKfNNWUoPxhV1oirJC_A2UqXWcp17DJHSFDozP8q2ChnUVJsEljl3pCNefvdaBGTk84G/s640/IMG_3665.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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My sources tell me this is a character called Fiddlesticks from, you guessed it, League of Legends. All I know is he was on stilts and had a giant scythe, I wasn't messing with him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bJXNlqXGrfTMQlZz3wSS8US0pEgV1x3E3-KcdDcDhXFIlamyB-FRMxdNA4T8KdgmxWLK6RKuOMFBiTpswBtEGAyWjkmwYzFIW-ZgQDp5_dovlM2Xk4ocGhyphenhyphenN6EcMvEPOPxDR_qDqtfMD/s1600/IMG_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bJXNlqXGrfTMQlZz3wSS8US0pEgV1x3E3-KcdDcDhXFIlamyB-FRMxdNA4T8KdgmxWLK6RKuOMFBiTpswBtEGAyWjkmwYzFIW-ZgQDp5_dovlM2Xk4ocGhyphenhyphenN6EcMvEPOPxDR_qDqtfMD/s640/IMG_3668.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Finding both Jesus and Waldo in the same day was rewarding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju9RmPsUTTYpFzTgmjOCmD89gIk9I74tpT0zh3NC88l0CIRScF02hukfjVHG6ptzaQdJlc23t8qcgjWm5vTrHKdBdcdZldqqcdpBFj9oaOja7A68G0fCkgIe8OKY5eFcMjV2VXv8PLe8R/s1600/IMG_3669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju9RmPsUTTYpFzTgmjOCmD89gIk9I74tpT0zh3NC88l0CIRScF02hukfjVHG6ptzaQdJlc23t8qcgjWm5vTrHKdBdcdZldqqcdpBFj9oaOja7A68G0fCkgIe8OKY5eFcMjV2VXv8PLe8R/s640/IMG_3669.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I forgot to take a picture of their sign, but this is from the booth of a company called <a href="http://www.geekchichq.com/" target="_blank">Geek Chic</a> who make really fantastic wooden furniture and replica weapons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4-gHpa2aF2g6JY2SCJq9eo0DNgS3QM4zGlpa8eTKNEwa-Ozza2RuDTfQIUKXslaxRXmqSkT2cgYsTZPvZ3-8LmaE1TsgURxxd9ZXIn9WcL9_s-fewh4lQDYRXQ8lhzgNel3bDIt78hcR/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4-gHpa2aF2g6JY2SCJq9eo0DNgS3QM4zGlpa8eTKNEwa-Ozza2RuDTfQIUKXslaxRXmqSkT2cgYsTZPvZ3-8LmaE1TsgURxxd9ZXIn9WcL9_s-fewh4lQDYRXQ8lhzgNel3bDIt78hcR/s640/IMG_3670.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Their work was all very impressive and if I had had a few hundred extra bucks on me, I would own this war hammer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0viskuUXsPhmIGG5FAUl5Et-hmSZIAMkgeehWyEgDKwCPP138toW44P22EBw_xrcUdQS4t6v4hntZWeAG8azZ_YICJ68Y-G9D5W1re_k0Kx-47mV_Wh71fLzE9ypqphe7WJjkMo9kQb9E/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0viskuUXsPhmIGG5FAUl5Et-hmSZIAMkgeehWyEgDKwCPP138toW44P22EBw_xrcUdQS4t6v4hntZWeAG8azZ_YICJ68Y-G9D5W1re_k0Kx-47mV_Wh71fLzE9ypqphe7WJjkMo9kQb9E/s640/IMG_3671.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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All their pieces were very nice and I think they were my favorite vendor booth. Also, they had wooden mustaches on pocket chains like the upper lip equivalent of monocles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc5sfXd-S5kp_GsWw79pVnAEgVtUSmvAcohpA3Z9i5z2nKRBxvt5MhwL5MQmmPE7Ca1k_WPCR3ocRciNtau5HcAdvSD-oimR-v-T48IxBO6H2S8WZCcVmsJrGwYqxvEDp1ZcdXhQCwe-3/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc5sfXd-S5kp_GsWw79pVnAEgVtUSmvAcohpA3Z9i5z2nKRBxvt5MhwL5MQmmPE7Ca1k_WPCR3ocRciNtau5HcAdvSD-oimR-v-T48IxBO6H2S8WZCcVmsJrGwYqxvEDp1ZcdXhQCwe-3/s640/IMG_3672.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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They had quite the selection of weapons with very fair prices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlDXTyS2e4quoGAEGkcSvOrba87NbrGRn4zFllY6W1eGOhuIAo-3KviFBnyXN-ICi0ZlM3O3XCRLDUTSgfN1ny-XFlOX1YEzMBRQsn91j8rdeHJ-FnNd6LUzuLPnzSzjE19wDzrMemPS7/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlDXTyS2e4quoGAEGkcSvOrba87NbrGRn4zFllY6W1eGOhuIAo-3KviFBnyXN-ICi0ZlM3O3XCRLDUTSgfN1ny-XFlOX1YEzMBRQsn91j8rdeHJ-FnNd6LUzuLPnzSzjE19wDzrMemPS7/s640/IMG_3674.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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They also make things like this hard wood gaming table, though I was a bit more interested in the dungeon terrain they had set up in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EBNzeOwNZVYonFpoH2jyodVKmhrZjd7-xQnuWltzG2JH9dVmZBA4yUI62LHDgpKP3EOCjR0-RnPIasbTeV9l1au0vk7GTLEZKd2FnXohomM_Xjty4QK5OnN-9eOd555mhr0foql4BGwq/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EBNzeOwNZVYonFpoH2jyodVKmhrZjd7-xQnuWltzG2JH9dVmZBA4yUI62LHDgpKP3EOCjR0-RnPIasbTeV9l1au0vk7GTLEZKd2FnXohomM_Xjty4QK5OnN-9eOd555mhr0foql4BGwq/s640/IMG_3675.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Wouldn't be a gaming convention without Steve Jackson!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1Yni9yEbs4w3TNjyuqHIOAuGLBcZK8-FACVSk8h9E6OVeYZX13lgnM5WJSLGuy5slJhc298mwHC10YXYTJ5hCKfs9qd3AWvcWrPqtIgEb4HHdCsZMt5lndbHx-u30bPlkRUjIfmZcMgj/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1Yni9yEbs4w3TNjyuqHIOAuGLBcZK8-FACVSk8h9E6OVeYZX13lgnM5WJSLGuy5slJhc298mwHC10YXYTJ5hCKfs9qd3AWvcWrPqtIgEb4HHdCsZMt5lndbHx-u30bPlkRUjIfmZcMgj/s640/IMG_3678.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Another of my favorites were this Elite NCR Ranger and (I think) NCR Sniper complete with New California Republic flag!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJa0567U3UX7GphcFOUP5-xrSCtrceO82Ai4tkxvCc8G3Am8q0F0ee-d1gfq5LBIMg93JcgBoV-i9-d8v9r1MvJVSLcETUH7eSBcr9aGrWbkbwRPOK5nHKCzT5EKwUEof-bGfTtIYAM54/s1600/IMG_3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJa0567U3UX7GphcFOUP5-xrSCtrceO82Ai4tkxvCc8G3Am8q0F0ee-d1gfq5LBIMg93JcgBoV-i9-d8v9r1MvJVSLcETUH7eSBcr9aGrWbkbwRPOK5nHKCzT5EKwUEof-bGfTtIYAM54/s640/IMG_3679.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another Ash with a Pikachu that wasn't just a stuffed toy for once! I didn't notice at the time, but I love how he darkened and thickened his eyebrows to look more cartoony.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTwUq9hFqd-53y5BhQsXxWaFpzLU42yXMNTCgxpVoO3GN_ZOouzC4ITNh52RmVcBStZkG6nFDn2WmRHsje_uyUuEP-jUUPqAEWM60T0VckaXj_tMZFWk0e9H9wEvLSsnQK0LIWhL4DtJ5/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTwUq9hFqd-53y5BhQsXxWaFpzLU42yXMNTCgxpVoO3GN_ZOouzC4ITNh52RmVcBStZkG6nFDn2WmRHsje_uyUuEP-jUUPqAEWM60T0VckaXj_tMZFWk0e9H9wEvLSsnQK0LIWhL4DtJ5/s640/IMG_3680.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Another fantastic one, this time the Sith Stalker skin you can unlock in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. It's a really delightfully evil looking, cyborg failed Sith apprentice with a mask like Boushh's and a ton of lightsabers clipped to the belt and this guy nailed it, he's even holding his primary saber reversed like how your character grips his in game.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr-aYcNzl90bJHghJvUZOiHrboS1-8ge8s9NBMml8dusYM0cQmKYjIJYATWa2wfJfOwidmmZ1MZupHS0tQo9E1aAGLTiizMZ3ozlSosaYYi8lTrsjmTesr85oBd7LKlqJ5qw8dj0zeNek/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsr-aYcNzl90bJHghJvUZOiHrboS1-8ge8s9NBMml8dusYM0cQmKYjIJYATWa2wfJfOwidmmZ1MZupHS0tQo9E1aAGLTiizMZ3ozlSosaYYi8lTrsjmTesr85oBd7LKlqJ5qw8dj0zeNek/s640/IMG_3682.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Random zombie chick mannequin from the booth for Dead Island: Rip Tide. The rest of which I apparently didn't think was important enough to photograph but included a large fake palm tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8hPGSxMeYSoN3r9ZgL3r_aQtkrjueNmoIG28n-XN4SWwnXt_BsQVsGVs5AH5mrqs4s6pqoKQOF5a2kpxC0ZlDbhk-A_YhvmehLcE01ksvxdJuSCnzy_WGvNdXjcp9LzylaqyW0Pwk_YF/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8hPGSxMeYSoN3r9ZgL3r_aQtkrjueNmoIG28n-XN4SWwnXt_BsQVsGVs5AH5mrqs4s6pqoKQOF5a2kpxC0ZlDbhk-A_YhvmehLcE01ksvxdJuSCnzy_WGvNdXjcp9LzylaqyW0Pwk_YF/s640/IMG_3689.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Snake? Snake?!? SNAAAAKKKEEEEEEE!!! There were a few Snakes of various solidity around, but this was the only one with a box! Also, the others managed to evade me before I could get pictures. Damn, they were taking their cosplay seriously!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeGww-qHYypsR1UEUlCTPDtOBlnUo5MKGsoEJnUCU5Tqz74GKjvpxWYRnb9nkleYfLt73gtocOmVTTHJG0aQCiYvuUEVfqxa2Ywm2gFDQg3c-zeOFp5yAmlR2_yBenhC6k0YuF9AvT0Dx/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeGww-qHYypsR1UEUlCTPDtOBlnUo5MKGsoEJnUCU5Tqz74GKjvpxWYRnb9nkleYfLt73gtocOmVTTHJG0aQCiYvuUEVfqxa2Ywm2gFDQg3c-zeOFp5yAmlR2_yBenhC6k0YuF9AvT0Dx/s640/IMG_3690.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I won't even try to lie to you by claiming to know what Solforge is all about, but the art is pretty fancy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1H5_90lucxrBAAswPrIlcyeYymCGJ5Popdus4-HG9m96gsZOeOA9o5QVh77Vvn86pyKm1xMpdRNXW_QQvtV930Zk3WiJZAGbXVSu2GIZQqahVxflB7R1lhKrwbyL-Fc2m0ogztzo2bGGt/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1H5_90lucxrBAAswPrIlcyeYymCGJ5Popdus4-HG9m96gsZOeOA9o5QVh77Vvn86pyKm1xMpdRNXW_QQvtV930Zk3WiJZAGbXVSu2GIZQqahVxflB7R1lhKrwbyL-Fc2m0ogztzo2bGGt/s640/IMG_3692.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Solforge also had this giant, spinning death sun hanging above the booth. I risked life and limb by standing still in the middle of an aisle during a convention to wait for it to come around for a good picture.<br />
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Dragons in futuristic D20 cities? Cyber-Wizards regarding robot skulls? Spinning orbs of fiery, iron ringed death? What's your game, Solforge?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdykMwkhpUXHl2T8l3A33VUA4aBvg_9os_TNLick_sw3CTOt-ZscKRC8l76oI-gxfUe0aj-6RK3teabb3ySWX7qNuToFEGGYg-E7vAqILa0-HpBLZ1l-rToAIGAgNhyGbO0fZZlg90Yks/s1600/IMG_3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdykMwkhpUXHl2T8l3A33VUA4aBvg_9os_TNLick_sw3CTOt-ZscKRC8l76oI-gxfUe0aj-6RK3teabb3ySWX7qNuToFEGGYg-E7vAqILa0-HpBLZ1l-rToAIGAgNhyGbO0fZZlg90Yks/s640/IMG_3691.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The other side of the booth was devoted to a game called Ascension, which I think is just a card game and not also a video game as I had initially assumed, it was just being promoted in both sections of the convention center. This was Ascension's giant hanging banner and it totally trounces Solforge's banner of the same size. "Cyber-Wizards? Boring! Eat hooded mage guy slicing up demon octopus tentacles, Solforge!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3EPnrhgWkz5X0Ak4PvkGbtBCT7JMvN5NoNCT6a8hO7DGOtYhvpe-k-MsmMHiGfzNVB3x6RSXrccYIwlt349jPHE5qTrP4rItgVBkLDDlVXY8mVo_TbpAp-v_As6cnLR7BoT3qdQwKpQj/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3EPnrhgWkz5X0Ak4PvkGbtBCT7JMvN5NoNCT6a8hO7DGOtYhvpe-k-MsmMHiGfzNVB3x6RSXrccYIwlt349jPHE5qTrP4rItgVBkLDDlVXY8mVo_TbpAp-v_As6cnLR7BoT3qdQwKpQj/s640/IMG_3693.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Alright well maybe the Ascension booth art isn't as exciting as a dragon, but it's still pretty nifty. I like the multiple fine, over-lapping lines style this artist has.<br />
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Ubisoft would like you to know they have another Assassin's Creed game coming out. I know repetition is the whole point, but these "Assassin in white in front of a white background with only his weapons differentiating him from any of the other protagonists" covers are just so bland.<br />
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I've heard The Last of Us is pretty good. The booth was of course playing video of that fungus that bursts out of ants' heads after zombifying them to remind you both of the game's plot and how horrible it will be when one of those fungi catches wind of this idea and decides it's a good one.<br />
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Full sized Iron Man cut out on the front of the Marvel Heroes booth. There was a slick Black Costume Spidey on the other side too, but too many people in the way again.<br />
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A banner of Link from the Nintendo booth.<br />
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The back of the Nintendo booth had some nice, big art of recent games, including Pikmin the Third.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAgU7ajNnbI_qQaJvRgIJrysbvMw5CnHAc4gALZQmoeH0QMcbYZDYXyWP1nHYl-ix9hkkSjkQwYyvFifxCZMlIDeeWAbu3Vh1fxOYmAzoP35CF_ckiwK3PEw_-REHXvkkDPlkvVJVVsoK/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAgU7ajNnbI_qQaJvRgIJrysbvMw5CnHAc4gALZQmoeH0QMcbYZDYXyWP1nHYl-ix9hkkSjkQwYyvFifxCZMlIDeeWAbu3Vh1fxOYmAzoP35CF_ckiwK3PEw_-REHXvkkDPlkvVJVVsoK/s640/IMG_3703.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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And Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. Right next to Pikmin 3! You think they'd break up the threes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkl7ykzynLLRARUrYX2FI5MWvdL3slU4Kg8h6YP2v9eLEcWcM8pOPZwApFLHX4-DD98q0YHOJxZ6hFwnJH5c-FvVRfB1hevMpP0ejnQBmF9X1UHyCQHqt2NhCwlrS0Z9zlVpjJD52SaG7/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkl7ykzynLLRARUrYX2FI5MWvdL3slU4Kg8h6YP2v9eLEcWcM8pOPZwApFLHX4-DD98q0YHOJxZ6hFwnJH5c-FvVRfB1hevMpP0ejnQBmF9X1UHyCQHqt2NhCwlrS0Z9zlVpjJD52SaG7/s640/IMG_3704.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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See? They could have dropped The Wonderful 101 here right in the middle and had much better balance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZltYVU2NYdr4ATSTTD4VLErLjdW36NVGHJ0-1QgLVhSZ_sgcy1f9ENTqrkx6DWbMwENGj5v9-x_u28q81NRjEWp9Mh-l3C2biEi6c7yAsnHzTnjsO7PHDRPpmhDdcnegFVjsWzFzXz-Td/s1600/IMG_3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZltYVU2NYdr4ATSTTD4VLErLjdW36NVGHJ0-1QgLVhSZ_sgcy1f9ENTqrkx6DWbMwENGj5v9-x_u28q81NRjEWp9Mh-l3C2biEi6c7yAsnHzTnjsO7PHDRPpmhDdcnegFVjsWzFzXz-Td/s640/IMG_3705.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Solforge isn't the only game in town when it comes to big, aerial spinny-things,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8z7Nf7bHTvIw5J9z7hLoGhY9P05-3iyjXM8xnEB1TUKUZ54iWNuvr4EfoV-Xpqbq0_u6LNFDpmK180qJ5c0sSVi1kSH09PjbjQL2takr6ye2HPTGlhXfFCOtgRwhdZnPjZjWxLPqErie/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8z7Nf7bHTvIw5J9z7hLoGhY9P05-3iyjXM8xnEB1TUKUZ54iWNuvr4EfoV-Xpqbq0_u6LNFDpmK180qJ5c0sSVi1kSH09PjbjQL2takr6ye2HPTGlhXfFCOtgRwhdZnPjZjWxLPqErie/s640/IMG_3701.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Lego had a Lego City: Undercover booth right next to Nintendo where you could get your picture taken with a guy in big, kind of unnerving Chase McCain costume.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhBQZu4gD8c26nSOM4cHv4Wy2lxowTQmgI7_rAa1JCFrhiJ5jdbdvlGlLaJYl6CHQ_5eUGM8Y2UqHJbfJaqCXVGYzGR67ZgX5dssTOtJbIXktk48SrRUNfhIP3nvlRQjgOBxZQJHT4Xu4/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhBQZu4gD8c26nSOM4cHv4Wy2lxowTQmgI7_rAa1JCFrhiJ5jdbdvlGlLaJYl6CHQ_5eUGM8Y2UqHJbfJaqCXVGYzGR67ZgX5dssTOtJbIXktk48SrRUNfhIP3nvlRQjgOBxZQJHT4Xu4/s640/IMG_3706.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I saw this Johnny Cage early on, but he eluded me at first. When I found him again, he was accompanied by a Tifa so, bonus. Much like Donkey Kong earlier, I admire this guy for having the balls to walk around a convention shirtless all day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtsv6ne3FQPLnwVSWjQwpK5Bwbk7cFsQRGoLnSev44ZyIvA8F7QkTnfwFpKTK1KhzNlx4UdIV0UA6GoueT3YDWy0MHneEZ13ub0L7C_Ic7M_buxL40LeHy7bIP_WQJ3QMArrxtIhmmLgm/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtsv6ne3FQPLnwVSWjQwpK5Bwbk7cFsQRGoLnSev44ZyIvA8F7QkTnfwFpKTK1KhzNlx4UdIV0UA6GoueT3YDWy0MHneEZ13ub0L7C_Ic7M_buxL40LeHy7bIP_WQJ3QMArrxtIhmmLgm/s640/IMG_3707.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Princess Zelda and yet another character I didn't recognize until a friend informed me she too is from League of Legends, her name is Caitlyn apparently. They also happened to be really hot Asian chicks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RCHKF6cp5T630XmOYlxjBDMIc0uE4sS3vFsD_B4QYQbylDv7qSCz64JgGvM72RZqJgARwt4Qbyy8ELOvO4JJW2641KDjkCxWgsSvrprbzm3tXOgUDTW98y30XjP_7IwzfDZubpdththT/s1600/IMG_3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RCHKF6cp5T630XmOYlxjBDMIc0uE4sS3vFsD_B4QYQbylDv7qSCz64JgGvM72RZqJgARwt4Qbyy8ELOvO4JJW2641KDjkCxWgsSvrprbzm3tXOgUDTW98y30XjP_7IwzfDZubpdththT/s640/IMG_3708.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Old Famicom cartridges! Tactics Ogre, Mario Kart, Super Mario 3, some form of Bomberman, a Dragon Warrior, awesome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUUx-G9i-M8vsETFgXcFKRtp2CGX44lNjhvRNB6Q7kXLXnMlR5q-AK8QJ3nNxKyv8xgUVtDtgRdlAc5ECkAMsMGnyB8_z2W7_wetb8Oz8Ti6RaQbd-s-5vHY4yLuPCuS4upv6FIFw83Ld/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUUx-G9i-M8vsETFgXcFKRtp2CGX44lNjhvRNB6Q7kXLXnMlR5q-AK8QJ3nNxKyv8xgUVtDtgRdlAc5ECkAMsMGnyB8_z2W7_wetb8Oz8Ti6RaQbd-s-5vHY4yLuPCuS4upv6FIFw83Ld/s640/IMG_3709.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I took this for a better shot of the Ultraman game, but I just spotted a Gundam head poking up from the first row as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgkoLEqu2z6APE2kO0b89MIjVy-j1f7tTWpp3K6X6zbG0kIZeMb1sg16tZXE8Afv-dL3ulMm8Wf-PyRkeq_dML6Y0Mhsfu-regFZIALl1GNR4LapQDNxIpV8WR98o7QwJPn6QDwE5skrN/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgkoLEqu2z6APE2kO0b89MIjVy-j1f7tTWpp3K6X6zbG0kIZeMb1sg16tZXE8Afv-dL3ulMm8Wf-PyRkeq_dML6Y0Mhsfu-regFZIALl1GNR4LapQDNxIpV8WR98o7QwJPn6QDwE5skrN/s640/IMG_3713.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This replica of a Zed's Meds machine was dispensing free baseball caps with the Borderlands logo on them when we first arrived, but was long depleted by the time I took this. I don't look good in caps anyways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3fz93navGLAyi__Taw7PhzrhNtcgi-RrMGNS5coaSSZ01bCXO6KTkbRfppNjQWPwTUD2ODwlqOSjmeLugdrvkzEOsFVerz762orKWXzGLqchU7qaRCp5yHEYwjweyxFN1ptHnWJHZwEF/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3fz93navGLAyi__Taw7PhzrhNtcgi-RrMGNS5coaSSZ01bCXO6KTkbRfppNjQWPwTUD2ODwlqOSjmeLugdrvkzEOsFVerz762orKWXzGLqchU7qaRCp5yHEYwjweyxFN1ptHnWJHZwEF/s640/IMG_3714.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This bull sculpture is probably just always on display, but it was new to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JYnsai06UjGvqOLHC9rIfO7KdaVh44aEyZPk9RhyphenhyphenIH64jE42qFsl7b5P1MqUibLlpbjqVTOalBtpnT6s04_rZq5glNHTGA_0mFxggUTWC0lpT1PKXuR5RQ6RycjCuSrQWMSJX3NdZJBt/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JYnsai06UjGvqOLHC9rIfO7KdaVh44aEyZPk9RhyphenhyphenIH64jE42qFsl7b5P1MqUibLlpbjqVTOalBtpnT6s04_rZq5glNHTGA_0mFxggUTWC0lpT1PKXuR5RQ6RycjCuSrQWMSJX3NdZJBt/s640/IMG_3716.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The lone Batgirl I encountered in my travels. She had a pretty good costume though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTVzFogyUNXovo1eefo7wSSo05oiMUqyMl6Y5sCB8rhLBxIKkppJeFaBHl2LgjwDklvScs9MROeDiizv705Ruw3SHJhDe0zt4S8-N_8An4uox_X78dhgsWoAH9DTXrjmisZSk7r_Pp5Sp/s1600/IMG_3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTVzFogyUNXovo1eefo7wSSo05oiMUqyMl6Y5sCB8rhLBxIKkppJeFaBHl2LgjwDklvScs9MROeDiizv705Ruw3SHJhDe0zt4S8-N_8An4uox_X78dhgsWoAH9DTXrjmisZSk7r_Pp5Sp/s640/IMG_3723.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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No idea who this girl was dressed as, but everyone else seemed to know and were complimenting her on it, so taking a wild guess I'm going to say someone from League of Legends. She had real metal wrenches and socket wrench bits accenting her tool belts and pouches and looked very much like a steam punk mechanic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5l3dUnWHsg4v7CXwMZHMS44P2zLrESyniDozwvTGAi40W2FERaeIUQanPw_B1ZDpt8RyL9Fdas9vq_KK1csSZTX0QadKyNyBx0TE4yNSl5-ZWMKs-MwOS_nxGrfG_KSskImes_OKHbx2/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5l3dUnWHsg4v7CXwMZHMS44P2zLrESyniDozwvTGAi40W2FERaeIUQanPw_B1ZDpt8RyL9Fdas9vq_KK1csSZTX0QadKyNyBx0TE4yNSl5-ZWMKs-MwOS_nxGrfG_KSskImes_OKHbx2/s640/IMG_3724.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This dude was on a Poke Safari. I actually started talking to him because he and his friend were trying to give away a box of Yu Gi Oh cards they purchased during a last day of the convention sales frenzy from a vendor who had mislabeled them as Magic cards. They couldn't convince me to take them, but not fifteen seconds after leaving them on the bench with a free sign did a couple of guys come along and start praising their good fortune in finding the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO5o6i_8vMNOSDRnArvENZRNT3UVPKQ5Ri42tSaVonP2lbjvnPs817-tlqktPlOPo58uogqrAKLY4YWp9sXBAPHH0r9aXpCZ4WL41n7tk5OIZ6bAUDD1wNBCkxBI4iUuW6cacTqrWSzn6/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO5o6i_8vMNOSDRnArvENZRNT3UVPKQ5Ri42tSaVonP2lbjvnPs817-tlqktPlOPo58uogqrAKLY4YWp9sXBAPHH0r9aXpCZ4WL41n7tk5OIZ6bAUDD1wNBCkxBI4iUuW6cacTqrWSzn6/s640/IMG_3725.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Wreck-It Ralph had been giving me the slip all day, but I caught him and Vanellope at the end of the day and finally got a picture. I actually didn't realize his girlfriend was in costume at first since she's as tall as he is and not up to his knee with a giant head.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjxnolsqjgTTwTbuylleZOtJ46selyXoT007-scoC6s1II7RJcscEP1V1klW9kre8JpMJTyyl4p4LTuPVCPdf4TEOPNc9vuz6SyTGr8Vllmfi3fUiGszQ_8txDW9BvLuEfuLKsc3R0pAB/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjxnolsqjgTTwTbuylleZOtJ46selyXoT007-scoC6s1II7RJcscEP1V1klW9kre8JpMJTyyl4p4LTuPVCPdf4TEOPNc9vuz6SyTGr8Vllmfi3fUiGszQ_8txDW9BvLuEfuLKsc3R0pAB/s640/IMG_3734.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I had given the event schedule a single glance before shoving it in my bag never to be opened again and contenting myself with taking pictures of every little thing that amused me, but there was one thing that had caught my attention; Kris Straub was there somewhere. I wasn't about to miss gushing like an idiot fan boy to the man behind <a href="http://chainsawsuit.com/" target="_blank">chainsawsuit</a> and <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Webcomic/Starslip?from=Main.Starslip" target="_blank">Starslip Crisis</a>. I wasn't a complete idiot, but I still forgot to ask him to make out the copy of Starslip Volume 2 I bought to me personally instead of just jotting a generic signature. Oh well, he drew me a sketch of Mr. Jinx so really it's still a win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpESprXG0HNDFhq8-FUJlHG2xYzb3r0vJHkFcrvmM2lrMWdRQJYcYfZxnPlHMbmaT0qjzkiK0AXA5I6KkIt7tvrPYKLgv3BqTn8v3coUEVByZL3EdAQ9jKcAwIPoUWm69M59i0dZHAyugL/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpESprXG0HNDFhq8-FUJlHG2xYzb3r0vJHkFcrvmM2lrMWdRQJYcYfZxnPlHMbmaT0qjzkiK0AXA5I6KkIt7tvrPYKLgv3BqTn8v3coUEVByZL3EdAQ9jKcAwIPoUWm69M59i0dZHAyugL/s640/IMG_3732.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This is the Adventure Time side of the giant swag bag WeLoveFine was handing out when you made a purchase at their booth. They had some really awesome and amusing shirt designs and this bag was a godsend; My usual messenger bag filled up almost immediately after we arrived and until I bought the shirts that earned me this bag, I was juggling freebies and my camera like a fool. A fool!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXxo2H1xBnlUfN8l_gA-4t8IufPJ-I6pCvIb2eAPTA8pTCmUiOivwfqqXkqpGcvXrv1mdlQrl1UKpH45cHjehLBmVVmVPOl3i94MTKkh5nboZwE3_0MeQAQcP4DXp0_d2nvg3jf2DBi4d/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXxo2H1xBnlUfN8l_gA-4t8IufPJ-I6pCvIb2eAPTA8pTCmUiOivwfqqXkqpGcvXrv1mdlQrl1UKpH45cHjehLBmVVmVPOl3i94MTKkh5nboZwE3_0MeQAQcP4DXp0_d2nvg3jf2DBi4d/s640/IMG_3733.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The other side of the bag features Hello Kitty as all of KISS. Sure, why not? It was real convenient having this bag hanging off your shoulder as you could fit literally anything in it and the opening was at the perfect angle to just dump whatever you picked up or were handed right into it. At one point, I was carrying the shirts I bought, Starslip Volume 2, all my free stuff, my winter coat and my messenger bag and <i>it still wasn't even close to full! </i>It's so damn big, I kept seeing it out the corner of my eye and thinking it was a person when I had it sitting in the passenger seat of my car on the drive home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDf-F5ajQU5BrysRQLVWCkBK-I6PggpD1wqp-XBMJ3PkMtJ3fPryvQlpJZtI2UX9tHoPjdE5wq2DsySFP1zsLNvwMXPS3-3iFcu8w8AYW1DGbsDa7ntt0kJ2D-E2fGXuwxygAlc7p4bfza/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDf-F5ajQU5BrysRQLVWCkBK-I6PggpD1wqp-XBMJ3PkMtJ3fPryvQlpJZtI2UX9tHoPjdE5wq2DsySFP1zsLNvwMXPS3-3iFcu8w8AYW1DGbsDa7ntt0kJ2D-E2fGXuwxygAlc7p4bfza/s640/IMG_3736.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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All the freebies and promotional materials I managed to gather throughout the course of the day, including my entry badge and a cool little necklace that fastens magnetically and I think is supposed to cause the pendant on the end to light up when you complete the connection, but mine doesn't. I actually found a whole lot more free stuff in another bag after taking this picture, but even so, I know I didn't even scratch the surface on the amount of things that were available for grabs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JaWlZNZffVT37k2Z7cbHOagnrGpSNhEegfs7YBdqDY2b2zIj6jsbg8mQzeL4rKr_Zgg1PHfIppTawgJSBjcxsHIxINLZVuuTh8okWSA6Iohjq1TPzKFloITkxwuPMBVaYlFUhQdw1CzW/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JaWlZNZffVT37k2Z7cbHOagnrGpSNhEegfs7YBdqDY2b2zIj6jsbg8mQzeL4rKr_Zgg1PHfIppTawgJSBjcxsHIxINLZVuuTh8okWSA6Iohjq1TPzKFloITkxwuPMBVaYlFUhQdw1CzW/s640/IMG_3726.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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We arrived not long after dawn and we left as the sun descended once more. My feet were blistered, my legs ached, my eyes were dry, my head hurt and I was coated in a glaze of dried sweat, but what an amazing day. Many thanks to my friends who invited me along and to all of the people who were kind enough to let me get pictures of them, I can't wait to go again next year!<br />
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-65034981980339985812013-02-21T15:49:00.002-08:002013-02-21T15:49:59.376-08:00LEGO Super Heroes Spider-Cycle Chase<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the past, I've brought you <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/12/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing-phage.html" target="_blank">more</a> <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/12/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing-scud.html" target="_blank">than</a> <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/12/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing-demon.html" target="_blank">a few</a> <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing_19.html" target="_blank">Lego</a> <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing_10.html" target="_blank">creations</a> <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing.html" target="_blank">of my own design</a>, but I today I thought I'd break tradition and show you an <i>actual</i> set on shelves right this moment, the Spider-Cycle Chase from the Super Heroes sub-line. Since Lego now has the licenses to do both DC and Marvel based sets, Super Heroes is a bit of a catch-all banner they can be released under instead of having distinct packaging designs and whatnot for each company. The Marvel half of the line started out with mainly Avengers themed sets to coincide with the movie, but has branched out a bit into other heroes, like Spidey and friends here.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTvfSZ84CeAbkaL41Ntoi_EaHJi1TpIFC63CX9lJYUAIhJygc3FU0AUU_3Gbdp8ajo9vTu6HwdeN72mYXs1_gmuDgbI48dF5WuLECPtj9klYqjUsC6QZji1X3GDQLyA4hM5UAUiv9F47Z/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTvfSZ84CeAbkaL41Ntoi_EaHJi1TpIFC63CX9lJYUAIhJygc3FU0AUU_3Gbdp8ajo9vTu6HwdeN72mYXs1_gmuDgbI48dF5WuLECPtj9klYqjUsC6QZji1X3GDQLyA4hM5UAUiv9F47Z/s640/IMG_3404.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /> I admit, half the reason I bought this set was for the Nick Fury mini figure. The thought of a tiny, Samuel L. Jackson-voiced Fury amused me to no end. Then I saw the mention on the box that this set is based off of the <i>Ultimate</i> Spider-Man comic and was not a quasi-movie set, d'oh. Oh well, seeing as Ultimate Fury is what inspired the movie in the first place, I guess I'll live. We'll start the review off with Fury and his wheels.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlHXZ2KQE94SbWRn1Rugyuy6gFYZYspHiLWGVcnxWs69w7_6N8f4BXXOJ3ZDDHCKI7GtpT6ZkAgP9bLQJkRexSd8Xd4U-ox3jnZ1TkGR_hvUtSSyR3BnHcfhF2TMvCYpjVcNyZdYc33mf/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlHXZ2KQE94SbWRn1Rugyuy6gFYZYspHiLWGVcnxWs69w7_6N8f4BXXOJ3ZDDHCKI7GtpT6ZkAgP9bLQJkRexSd8Xd4U-ox3jnZ1TkGR_hvUtSSyR3BnHcfhF2TMvCYpjVcNyZdYc33mf/s640/IMG_3382.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /></div>
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The first of three mini figures in the set, Nick Fury looks...well, exactly like you'd picture a Lego version of him to look. Like if you had no idea this figure existed and someone just asked you to draw what your ideal Lego Fury would look like, this would be it. Unless you drew a Lego David Hasselhoff chomping a cigar. If that was the case, you have still awhile to wait I'm afraid. Lego Fury has a determined expression, the requisite eye patch and bad-ass facial hair. He has a shoulder holster and belt lined with pouches slung over what looks like a tactical turtleneck printed on his torso, some black slacks to complete the international secret agent look and a pistol for firing wildly while yelling (Sam Jackson does that a lot.) I think the only thing that could make this figure better is if he had a little cloth trenchcoat piece and black sleeves on his shirt to match it. That might not be very Ultimate, but it would look cool and Lego has done a few cloth pieces as capes and such in the past.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmoULlVTo31yd7mBQUcDSTT_w4vcGpImYtCWTdo6xXNvMASG8nDxFQy7ffC-242ObBumugIWUO-7uT-voPw7TTBLoOt3sudnTKGAJM5kgGx-N9CrsX8OYaWIgMgkRMiBGSPv_RjW1xO_J/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmoULlVTo31yd7mBQUcDSTT_w4vcGpImYtCWTdo6xXNvMASG8nDxFQy7ffC-242ObBumugIWUO-7uT-voPw7TTBLoOt3sudnTKGAJM5kgGx-N9CrsX8OYaWIgMgkRMiBGSPv_RjW1xO_J/s640/IMG_3367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fury gets a vehicle in the form of a slick green two-door job from S.H.I.E.L.D. I don't know enough about cars to even guess if this one is based off of a real life model, but it has the chunky, tough-looking build a spy agency would look for in their field vehicles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb5i0UApvoBo5B24_zfiYz5a5gYmzeFryiGPp15xBJQYjkWiR9hbbs6rmy5AVWs9MyX1wYzo8B3XHwdRbqkoB-gokc0aOpEcZAjxKeR1g0VfRiNo-6WJLvNM-q6-aiewb5zaPtsuSs2P-/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb5i0UApvoBo5B24_zfiYz5a5gYmzeFryiGPp15xBJQYjkWiR9hbbs6rmy5AVWs9MyX1wYzo8B3XHwdRbqkoB-gokc0aOpEcZAjxKeR1g0VfRiNo-6WJLvNM-q6-aiewb5zaPtsuSs2P-/s640/IMG_3370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While Lego seems to be phasing stickers out in favor of tampographed detailing in their newest lines, this set has a small sticker sheet for details like this S.H.I.E.L.D. logo on the hood and license plates on the front and rear bumpers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU_A7ZqZ4cceGgw67UFGJqe-Wy_uOo1zJ_uzNAwqpPn6OqKZTxMR8jVJvParLx_ZPDxQgLjn9vxyI0zugXWWllbzhnfctbnjtKActgmG6UToZHCfSfhr7nizSS3DIkHN-AH1z-JQLoGQJ/s1600/IMG_3372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWU_A7ZqZ4cceGgw67UFGJqe-Wy_uOo1zJ_uzNAwqpPn6OqKZTxMR8jVJvParLx_ZPDxQgLjn9vxyI0zugXWWllbzhnfctbnjtKActgmG6UToZHCfSfhr7nizSS3DIkHN-AH1z-JQLoGQJ/s640/IMG_3372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought that "MB 19 89" must be some Marvel related in-joke, but all I can find on the internet is a rumor that it's just the initials of the designer of this set. That's not nearly as interesting as the Stan Lee-infused tale of mystery and intrigue I had in my head before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZvSJA-AKUJgmbNuHESs_m76cYAynOqFI5UJmrd5mK7v4p_e9jz4aaM3-tuSyqP-PTuOlCrkpV1B_OdZloS3vKYq7DbEG9Mi9tTFdXv94iJe-nXLmLcvv-HgXaNjEAV10sz1LEsq5tEJA/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZvSJA-AKUJgmbNuHESs_m76cYAynOqFI5UJmrd5mK7v4p_e9jz4aaM3-tuSyqP-PTuOlCrkpV1B_OdZloS3vKYq7DbEG9Mi9tTFdXv94iJe-nXLmLcvv-HgXaNjEAV10sz1LEsq5tEJA/s640/IMG_3371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A look in the car reveals that no matter how cool his car is, Nick Fury isn't bringing any dates home in it as there's only room for the driver. Hell, the doors don't even really open, Fury has to hop over the side every time he wants in or out. Admittedly, that's an awesome way to enter or exit a vehicle, but it does seem a bit impractical. Besides the steering wheel, the car from S.H.I.E.L.D. has two banks of controls (these details <i>are</i> tampographed) because did I mention it was a spy car?</div>
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S.H.I.E.L.D. being S.H.I.E.L.D., the Furymobile has a few tricks up it's sleeve, the first providing proof that Doc Brown used to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. The car's wheels flip down on pivots to turn it into a hover car in a simple but effective gimmick. The jointed black bit beneath the car is just my impromptu hover stand, pay it no heed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7RVLZc-l-saIAexXun4kRQikTmHXqhS_RR7zJ3a05uTbfK_2IEnbExxe_Dk3T4XQfZofl99FkRBtNfBK4D4l-YWmM5rmqAvhLsE5T5_mVXywx7vkLUgj0KByWfvOFG0E_jfOB2cpE8JO/s1600/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7RVLZc-l-saIAexXun4kRQikTmHXqhS_RR7zJ3a05uTbfK_2IEnbExxe_Dk3T4XQfZofl99FkRBtNfBK4D4l-YWmM5rmqAvhLsE5T5_mVXywx7vkLUgj0KByWfvOFG0E_jfOB2cpE8JO/s640/IMG_3376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If hover part alone didn't wow you, the S.H.I.E.L.D. car has one more surprise in the form of a missile launcher that rises up from the rear section. The missile is of the "flick" type where a small tube piece is snugged within a slightly larger "launcher" socket hole and putting pressure on the rear section of the missile (such as by flicking it with your fingertip) causes it to "fire."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gsFeK6pTBM3B-KddjRrgS7xc-DJMxU63JV7jqACxsz8ABxMqduT4EIq-5q4JlP35s4-zpjUto57Zzvksoe8Fo4N87uxSU4YswlFDyxjWh3Li-X6kVlo1Xdmzf230F7Atk84rC2DG9Lv7/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gsFeK6pTBM3B-KddjRrgS7xc-DJMxU63JV7jqACxsz8ABxMqduT4EIq-5q4JlP35s4-zpjUto57Zzvksoe8Fo4N87uxSU4YswlFDyxjWh3Li-X6kVlo1Xdmzf230F7Atk84rC2DG9Lv7/s640/IMG_3391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next up is the Spider-Man himself and his titular Spider-Cycle. I know what you're thinking, I thought it too. Let's just say it together and get it out of our systems; Why does Spider-Man need a motorcycle? Much like the question of why Superman would need a <a href="http://www.superpunch.net/2009/02/supermans-justice-jogger-with-power.html" target="_blank">clumsy robot walking machine</a> when he could fly, one can't help but wonder how this really helps Spidey's overall performance. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbajPIGXeZOnJ_pwZeBnnAZLOQjjSxoRSKqgHKvYt8LlBk6pdOg9JF2UtcXOe32gDn7gK8SSHxR2fqnHkZbmnL2Kgqb64iCFze8yrO7ZB9PN0bfFW6OUA5BsId3gaV5qH9NfKgRHISbIWN/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbajPIGXeZOnJ_pwZeBnnAZLOQjjSxoRSKqgHKvYt8LlBk6pdOg9JF2UtcXOe32gDn7gK8SSHxR2fqnHkZbmnL2Kgqb64iCFze8yrO7ZB9PN0bfFW6OUA5BsId3gaV5qH9NfKgRHISbIWN/s640/IMG_3393.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"Don't hate."</i></td></tr>
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Not that it isn't a sweet little bike, but wouldn't an earth-bound vehicle just slow down a super hero noted for his speed, agility and disregard for gravity? He'd have to abandon it the first time a villain took out a grappling hook or fired up a convenient jet pack, it's not like it can fly...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhr6mWty8Enm65fGPWSqDIh0Cpa9t-1csI6ImQIOJGvWq3pzRucfU0mIEaGF-mIf9zUJ6BsSb5NgEgaeUoJByWgzwsLGHICFr57Tlg0SF9OTTN2ohl4Es-6lTO_v8lZuCx2-HtvZJ08-D/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhr6mWty8Enm65fGPWSqDIh0Cpa9t-1csI6ImQIOJGvWq3pzRucfU0mIEaGF-mIf9zUJ6BsSb5NgEgaeUoJByWgzwsLGHICFr57Tlg0SF9OTTN2ohl4Es-6lTO_v8lZuCx2-HtvZJ08-D/s640/IMG_3395.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oh right, it absolutely flies. Much like Fury's car, Spidey's wild ride can flip it's tires sideways and call them turbofans to take the fight to the skies! Well, probably not much higher than Spidey would be swinging on his webs anyways and with the possibility of mechanical failure or a bird getting sucked into a turbine or... Look! Flying motorcycle! Cool!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbWt-uHheMrx0w6UiviFmVcg4kxiM7dNoFWSmWv7EmSSB5UNNRgx7fys1VJyHNDM2cvllkhw8QuU6emb2epsdjau-WgCXRqljaaDNpQMJc6UFd2KzEkW_L7cX-H5QAuXMYJ5wc86YtGLp/s1600/IMG_3397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbWt-uHheMrx0w6UiviFmVcg4kxiM7dNoFWSmWv7EmSSB5UNNRgx7fys1VJyHNDM2cvllkhw8QuU6emb2epsdjau-WgCXRqljaaDNpQMJc6UFd2KzEkW_L7cX-H5QAuXMYJ5wc86YtGLp/s640/IMG_3397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can't really fault Lego for the Spider-Cycle though, super heroes are hard to accessorize and sets with just a few mini figures and nothing else would be boring. Plus, I'm not really up on the Ultimate universe, but I'm pretty sure Spidey works directly for S.H.I.E.L.D. in that continuity, so maybe the motorcycle comes with the badge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVuWaBdGwBlOVNeZMSub87o-_EaOziUYjZikXFulYucJ1Bp8Srn0-NZfoXDUhmWElRHmmd1QA5rT16r45E1JN7Bsn9A0IBWmHTct2kphc7sFSqFKLh1Etmz7_svLxfNXDfCiKPs_gnzIM/s1600/IMG_3400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVuWaBdGwBlOVNeZMSub87o-_EaOziUYjZikXFulYucJ1Bp8Srn0-NZfoXDUhmWElRHmmd1QA5rT16r45E1JN7Bsn9A0IBWmHTct2kphc7sFSqFKLh1Etmz7_svLxfNXDfCiKPs_gnzIM/s640/IMG_3400.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Spidey himself doesn't have quite all of the detailing present on the comic version of the suit, but much like Fury, he's close enough that you're not going to mistake him for anyone else. Also included in the set is a piece composed of a white string with short bars spaced along its length and a cap that can fit over a mini figure's hand or a single stud on brick pieces, meant to simulate Spidey's webline. This is a fun piece that works pretty well for having a figure "swing" from things or for "tying" villains up.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgxxZcE5n209VPHF70-koE-KIvm45bPBKxZQRsqo1c8AqMKHewzWc4EWT0E_-enMs_XoPLw-MtFXL3Fh0UNM_Y7GWVpLCmedY_UZ8VAHGdttQc8yMSOQcvfCxXWAEVgpY8Xr1CXEPVWUT/s1600/IMG_3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgxxZcE5n209VPHF70-koE-KIvm45bPBKxZQRsqo1c8AqMKHewzWc4EWT0E_-enMs_XoPLw-MtFXL3Fh0UNM_Y7GWVpLCmedY_UZ8VAHGdttQc8yMSOQcvfCxXWAEVgpY8Xr1CXEPVWUT/s640/IMG_3402.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"We HATE you!" "Yeah, yeah..."<br /></i></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, due to the slack nature of the string, the webline looks less impressive in any sort of pose requiring Spidey to shoot it forward in a classic "slinging" pose. And if you have him holding it while riding the Spider-Cycle like on the packaging, he starts to resemble a different Marvel hero.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoYir5o8nuMwJ7nZIdD_Jwlm5m9whun_CDYe3v7KTm08nd0hEVXMgorfCqp83ntI684B8rBd3GV6p6LihyB5WlQAt5E6soRHXCPtzizgILGVeQyL24LVCBBb4wSNA3GtaTEBEGIrce1W9/s1600/IMG_3401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoYir5o8nuMwJ7nZIdD_Jwlm5m9whun_CDYe3v7KTm08nd0hEVXMgorfCqp83ntI684B8rBd3GV6p6LihyB5WlQAt5E6soRHXCPtzizgILGVeQyL24LVCBBb4wSNA3GtaTEBEGIrce1W9/s640/IMG_3401.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"NONE ESCAPE THE SPIRIT OF VENGE- I mean, Spider-Sense tingling!"<br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though he's already popped his head in a couple times now, I saved the best mini figure for last, VENOM!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI_pZRvEWg64l5gw5rVB8ObNkty7eJ-VDkwNosK02xL8YAM3H90F89NFoIYxnfqz0H07DV8YYks7SeFAIInZA5o73MInlRSesDlvo1AVMJ6DPLVCxcvreesvPLEwRhZiriuDaY3tMQHti/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI_pZRvEWg64l5gw5rVB8ObNkty7eJ-VDkwNosK02xL8YAM3H90F89NFoIYxnfqz0H07DV8YYks7SeFAIInZA5o73MInlRSesDlvo1AVMJ6DPLVCxcvreesvPLEwRhZiriuDaY3tMQHti/s640/IMG_3388.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing up, I loved Venom. He was an honestly terrifying villain with a very personal connection to Peter Parker and later was my first exposure to an anti-hero before I even knew that word existed when he turned "good." It's a really weird feeling to finally hold in your hand a figure like this after spending so long as a kid thinking about how cool it would be to have Spider-Man Legos. Lego Venom's deco is perfect with the giant white spider logo on his chest and back, huge white eyes, rows of sharp teeth and even lines showing muscle definition on his torso and super-thin lines of pink for gums!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkpA3rDBdueptoef4yFkM6D8eyiJdEltZgdJBG_mR3qkz1XiBreZv8lhQSwor2iJScuRjDAAgQaywtE-EEsmYh6x_cwyXjmbMhJvXt-OVCp25dBRmNjHIqXAzOtRzrPWhJO-BL0DBXW2e/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkpA3rDBdueptoef4yFkM6D8eyiJdEltZgdJBG_mR3qkz1XiBreZv8lhQSwor2iJScuRjDAAgQaywtE-EEsmYh6x_cwyXjmbMhJvXt-OVCp25dBRmNjHIqXAzOtRzrPWhJO-BL0DBXW2e/s640/IMG_3383.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Though he lacks a vehicle like his enemies, Venom has a few accessory pieces to give him a fighting edge. The first is a backpack with a free-spinning hub piece attached that has four clips spread around its edge. Black, spiny tentacle pieces attach to these clips to give Venom array of extended pseudopods for thrashing the heroes with. This rig gives Venom a stretched neck unfortunately, so I prefer to just leave it off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqAtrNHdKzuH3vsAa7eSCFcuQVONVNj9MGFKPnG0aknIcLtWShZNiz-MqV7LJQdC4lRnMYU1YV3f3RqlbYPT8mUPzkpITfBfL5oyJFnSKeFUC4j9NUCAWFXKV2RLxsswNdzJggsGVAISD/s1600/IMG_3389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqAtrNHdKzuH3vsAa7eSCFcuQVONVNj9MGFKPnG0aknIcLtWShZNiz-MqV7LJQdC4lRnMYU1YV3f3RqlbYPT8mUPzkpITfBfL5oyJFnSKeFUC4j9NUCAWFXKV2RLxsswNdzJggsGVAISD/s640/IMG_3389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Venom also has a couple of bricks covered in tentacle and spine pieces that I assume is to represent him throwing globs of his suit as weapons. Not a terrible idea as they would most likely be smart enough to further harm or at least hinder their target once they hit and the main symbiote could probably regenerate the lost mass fast enough. You can also peg or entangle them on and around Fury's car or the Spider-Cycle to muck up the systems.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7n1P7uNJfDTZgapwn6sIR86HCYWBG9VF3XMUDdyGMOQZrZ6ueDCSq6TB-HSdCpwV9TL6K3MTDGaa5hbe-lXeTX0Z7Xkx3JSI-ii7AEkW6g8IHLcKk9kQU7t1t5RIGU5pxvEt-0LF6wp2/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7n1P7uNJfDTZgapwn6sIR86HCYWBG9VF3XMUDdyGMOQZrZ6ueDCSq6TB-HSdCpwV9TL6K3MTDGaa5hbe-lXeTX0Z7Xkx3JSI-ii7AEkW6g8IHLcKk9kQU7t1t5RIGU5pxvEt-0LF6wp2/s640/IMG_3390.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And while there is only one webline included, Venom can still steal Spidey's and go swinging through the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WL1P9-0xKKgdhmVQNJUMZgOESaWTpKoEgHGmAu51Kdq1LwN8Wvvd7XTiIO5pmsMv6A1Ta1tZpnnqpmLt_j_y9TNzGTuxKpkS59jVhJgwPTDHO0WlFS2o02ftEQ3YRHnwtRjT5sVupxv4/s1600/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WL1P9-0xKKgdhmVQNJUMZgOESaWTpKoEgHGmAu51Kdq1LwN8Wvvd7XTiIO5pmsMv6A1Ta1tZpnnqpmLt_j_y9TNzGTuxKpkS59jVhJgwPTDHO0WlFS2o02ftEQ3YRHnwtRjT5sVupxv4/s640/IMG_3366.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"Well, at least it's not a giant shark..."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me, the Spider-Cycle Chase is a solid hit. For twenty bucks, you get a large-ish vehicle, a small vehicle and three mini figures with accessories, a good deal for a good set and one that won't break the bank if the kids (or you) really want Spider-Man Legos. The mini figure selection alone is almost worth the asking price, the vehicles are just icing.</div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-17466770116155038312013-02-02T19:50:00.002-08:002013-02-02T20:03:53.640-08:00Fall of Cybertron Air Raid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Generations</i> is a sub-division of the primary Transformers line, used primarily to bring characters from media other than the current cartoon to toy shelves for kids and collectors. <i>Generations</i> started life in 2008 as <i>Transformers:Universe </i>and was mostly garish repaints of older molds, but the line changed names and got a better handle on what it was offering by the time High Moon Studio's highly successful <i>War for Cybertron</i> video game hit shelves in 2010 to give us really fantastic versions of Megatron, Prime, Bumblebee and Soundwave based on their game designs. To this day, <i>War for Cybertron</i> Soundwave is one of my all time favorite versions of the character. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to hear Hasbro had plans of releasing figures based off of <i>War's</i> sequel, <i>Fall of Cybertron</i>! The first wave was...a little less than exciting. Rising costs for labor and materials meant higher prices for smaller, less decorated figures containing less metal (which in some cases means less structural stability.) Really, only Shockwave was worth the sixteen dollars in my mind, Prime and Jazz will have to wait for Marshall's/T.J. Maxx runs. Long story short, I was planning on spending less money on Transformers from here on out if this was the trend, but the latest wave of Generations deluxe class figures changed my mind. To find out why, let's look at one such figure, Air Raid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-RGXGE1PwnIK-Q8SYtoiO_6I88ozKbkFP4nYqQZ2g40PouLjapdN1X1RfroxHgiL2-mbG6DF_QkN5MI_ItO5Fhbh5_YPf_DkxSMSzEw7wqDo_OaA_26wLHq2K0MuJRGDoLin7zwhW-7j/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-RGXGE1PwnIK-Q8SYtoiO_6I88ozKbkFP4nYqQZ2g40PouLjapdN1X1RfroxHgiL2-mbG6DF_QkN5MI_ItO5Fhbh5_YPf_DkxSMSzEw7wqDo_OaA_26wLHq2K0MuJRGDoLin7zwhW-7j/s640/IMG_3291.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Air Raid in <i>Generation One</i> was one of the Aerialbots, a team of Autobot jets who combined to form the super robot Superion. Though I believe this is meant to be the same character, this Cybertronian Air Raid will not be joining his fellow Aerialbots in combination anytime soon as he is a clever repaint and slight retool of <i>Generations</i> Shockwave released a few months ago.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr8jK75hzS2axWv4_4JRy6FMNCURuxZJgwvIx64-lT8gd3iYg9ygBePXU_x7QxiTPaFl4hxUP7naX2ZXUYsxHzoOQNJTC_eOMJTtJLcuL989-7Az3WaZRDFgRtFmlDqduEPyrNoi_fnGG/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimr8jK75hzS2axWv4_4JRy6FMNCURuxZJgwvIx64-lT8gd3iYg9ygBePXU_x7QxiTPaFl4hxUP7naX2ZXUYsxHzoOQNJTC_eOMJTtJLcuL989-7Az3WaZRDFgRtFmlDqduEPyrNoi_fnGG/s640/IMG_3292.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">"Do I know you?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, this heroic Autobot owes his form to one of the most nefarious Decepticons! A new head, chest plate and color scheme goes a long way however and even side by side, they are clearly two distinct figures. Some have complained that this is cheap even for a repaint, as neither the robot body, nor the alt mode (more on that later) really scream "Air Raid." This doesn't bother me however as this is meant to represent Air Raid before he came to Earth, possibly before the Autobots even <i>had</i> combiner technology (depending on which canon you're going by), it's not really a big deal. In his defense, <i>Fall of Cybertron</i> Air Raid does have a similarly shaped head and a large amount of red in his paint scheme like his G1 predecessor (descendant?) and his silver detailing could stand in for the original Air Raid's white in a pinch. To throw things off even further, this figure was originally announced as Fireflight, a different Aerialbot with more red and a bit of gold in his G1 color scheme. The name changed to Air Raid before his actual release, undoubtedly due to a legal snag of some sort. I sort of wish he had remained Fireflight however, as the name seems more appropriate with the blazing red and gold color choices on the final figure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibynSAjOhN0z5lYCDkdbHmR6R6K4rSxOZ33c0N9hPxPNYWL0Ii_JUj5DtAJ_TNiNwp4Y6wmdZu8B7kg1wVSHLI-ssnosSCIkjvmnEHZYOKiY3qxRQn7WZZD0ShR1UiOdMLQWfT3vEXRpZ0/s1600/IMG_3282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibynSAjOhN0z5lYCDkdbHmR6R6K4rSxOZ33c0N9hPxPNYWL0Ii_JUj5DtAJ_TNiNwp4Y6wmdZu8B7kg1wVSHLI-ssnosSCIkjvmnEHZYOKiY3qxRQn7WZZD0ShR1UiOdMLQWfT3vEXRpZ0/s640/IMG_3282.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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As I mentioned, two of the biggest changes from Shockwave to Air Raid are the additions of an entirely new head sculpt and a new chest plate. The head is a cool, but almost generic helmet plus face plate combo with the visor lighting up red due to light piping. Sadly, his head still only swivels like Shockwave's. The chest plate is interesting with two shallow, gold rimmed cavities on either side lined with hexagonal translucent red cells within, bridged by two mechanical "arm" like details extending from a central panel with a nice bright Autobot symbol on it. The overall effect is like some sort of energy collection array, except on his chest. But these are not the only new features Air Raid sports.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIUxYXxxhFddV6evCI7l_Ey-jv0QoeL18d2c0Ac4B4Ywe48EZRMmye0fkZJ1BDotTEZAQOCSU5KePq7efMm7r4dqkQn5pLDr_MgBJEInnIZoNo0yBqW7miNx9RK-BENP2Sn_dnvVIUy-g/s1600/IMG_3286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIUxYXxxhFddV6evCI7l_Ey-jv0QoeL18d2c0Ac4B4Ywe48EZRMmye0fkZJ1BDotTEZAQOCSU5KePq7efMm7r4dqkQn5pLDr_MgBJEInnIZoNo0yBqW7miNx9RK-BENP2Sn_dnvVIUy-g/s640/IMG_3286.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Air Raid has quite a few weapons available to him, including a slightly modified version of Shockwave's arm cannon. Instead of the three barrels that Shockwave's sports, Air Raid's cannon has only two so that it can better interact with another of his accessories. The cannon can still be wielded on it's own however, and can be held in Air Raid's fist or be pegged to his wrist if you fold in his hand. I've found that it does not peg quite as tightly as Shockwave's did however. Though considering how much I had to fight to get <i>his</i> off for a couple of pictures in this review, that might be a good thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0q_SMTzPglrjr0WlYVwTvjBzFFrmKbqoV_t6exy59kctfPTnromvn3WnW_UkwlPb1my6Znk_6HX0Awn5C9M7KYiot6YOn3rsoQ2lVvLnCNqEL9lf1i9XZ-QsOeZX5kOcY0d3zzjBtjJa/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0q_SMTzPglrjr0WlYVwTvjBzFFrmKbqoV_t6exy59kctfPTnromvn3WnW_UkwlPb1my6Znk_6HX0Awn5C9M7KYiot6YOn3rsoQ2lVvLnCNqEL9lf1i9XZ-QsOeZX5kOcY0d3zzjBtjJa/s640/IMG_3285.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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An entirely new accessory comes in the form of this gun and/or sword weapon. The translucent red blade can fold under to form a short "nailgun" style blaster as seen here or be extended fully to be a gun-blade of sorts. This piece can also snap onto the two-barreled cannon to form a slightly larger blaster with extra barrels when hand held or be clipped to his hand fully extended to give Air Raid a literal sword arm.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7erfjvpQX6ZK2LpnloGc_yXb2jqSgT-7f6WDP3WRg-Su29aoC6ntOX5OASt5BiXU_2CvvYh5uERtgcwitYl0pdmPUzsjaTgx87qVnd32zotwly_QcyemNnP4SoRRY_TSczl2fvvHgd_i8/s1600/IMG_3287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7erfjvpQX6ZK2LpnloGc_yXb2jqSgT-7f6WDP3WRg-Su29aoC6ntOX5OASt5BiXU_2CvvYh5uERtgcwitYl0pdmPUzsjaTgx87qVnd32zotwly_QcyemNnP4SoRRY_TSczl2fvvHgd_i8/s640/IMG_3287.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Like so</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is still one more new piece added to this figure and I absolutely spoiled it by accident in the last picture, so before we move on to that, let's rattle off articulation real fast. Air Raid's articulation scheme is identical to Shockwave's but to the unaware, that means swivel neck, shoulders that pivot forward, back and hinge out, inward/outward hinges right above the elbows, ball joint elbows, hinged wrists, ball joint hips, mid-thigh swivels, hinge knees and toes that can point if need be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnyvlTPMjAybC0D13FB-kT5QSwS2SLJza4hJoI654tDotutehQtmm0_9BKJEdh5xocTcRaIv4sIMYbFYGUzuNPRZ_spEOjGVcpXwKHqPpfp2lzK8ZdZ8rAtS-qJbHzaZXHmFwQQtXbN5W/s1600/IMG_3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnyvlTPMjAybC0D13FB-kT5QSwS2SLJza4hJoI654tDotutehQtmm0_9BKJEdh5xocTcRaIv4sIMYbFYGUzuNPRZ_spEOjGVcpXwKHqPpfp2lzK8ZdZ8rAtS-qJbHzaZXHmFwQQtXbN5W/s640/IMG_3284.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And now onto a sweet sword! This weapon is my favorite new addition because it feels like we don't get that many sword wielding robots these days. The sword is cast in more translucent red with nice silver and brownish-bronze detailing and splits down the center of the blade. Not because it's awesome battle damage action or anything, but because Air Raid still has one more surprise up his sleeve. Er...cowling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC6bLYeepsumgV-rf0Gmo6liTXRkgMINvb_WylTNx0gR50g1kR-3RufLPRFx8A3cvx6CZrcqQfb00B1ZVKLATqD3t2FM6STiRs8rjXeoOO85Gd0qhrQUyjqjCiDyzNo1qRK5027FHE0_9/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC6bLYeepsumgV-rf0Gmo6liTXRkgMINvb_WylTNx0gR50g1kR-3RufLPRFx8A3cvx6CZrcqQfb00B1ZVKLATqD3t2FM6STiRs8rjXeoOO85Gd0qhrQUyjqjCiDyzNo1qRK5027FHE0_9/s640/IMG_3288.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Spread the halves of the smaller sword's blades and peg it into the handle of the larger sword and you get a really big, impossible to realistically swing sword! This is a nice play feature, but what I really appreciate about this modular weapon system is the sheer variety you can get out of three weapon pieces and a few connection points on the figure. Being able to hold a weapon in either hand, connect a sword or cannon to either arm, connect his sword to his cannon, connect all three into his mega-sword and/or still carry a weapon on the peg hole in his back makes Air Raid very versatile and gives you tons of options of what he might need on "missions." And I totally commend Hasbro for this, all the figures in this wave have either larger than normal weapons or several smaller weapons that combine in different ways. To me at least, this says the Hasbro understands our displeasure at higher prices and smaller figures and has given us larger or more plentiful accessories as a trade off. I can live with myself a little easier when my sixteen dollar figure makes me feel it's <i>worth</i> those sixteen dollars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJFeJy2eoaT2rZa9dF0qgb1hrSFozzMPb3h05ULNybGPpagnKRh7v3pSA55Xb_uLwgU_qmlvlAJeNVWrme_xNVnqVSurzCXqvW9p5j18mYsaCUoKImJ-NHvExDaZDY_vNafuKdIK4O2Ja/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJFeJy2eoaT2rZa9dF0qgb1hrSFozzMPb3h05ULNybGPpagnKRh7v3pSA55Xb_uLwgU_qmlvlAJeNVWrme_xNVnqVSurzCXqvW9p5j18mYsaCUoKImJ-NHvExDaZDY_vNafuKdIK4O2Ja/s640/IMG_3299.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Vehicle mode is where I can at least understand where "This isn't Air Raid" complaints are coming from. While for Shockwave, a ship that is essentially a flying cannon is perfect, the design is less of a fit for Air Raid. The new weapon pieces give it a different central "engine" and the new chest plate and sword attached to the top break up the outline a little, but it's a stretch. The best I can come up with is that this class of ship is a fairly common patrol cruiser or what have you on Cybertron and a few characters use variations of it as their alt modes. The new larger sword piece is cleverly notched to lie flush against Air Raid's torso in vehicle mode, but unfortunately the edge of the blade projects in such a way that the ship cannot rest flat on a level surface and always leans one way or the other.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA1SQ3APlMEVAUF20eY4SlQnU3oNbrbdpvfqYNgCsDX2cuXkNQgVXZsz9TNr46ChkkN7tBQZrcvLX6buOOTDwPmqSXW3UwKK-dn-guwLvft4Gqm1_uBhdi9MFRDqOgegjPx5RibikdAvI/s1600/IMG_3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA1SQ3APlMEVAUF20eY4SlQnU3oNbrbdpvfqYNgCsDX2cuXkNQgVXZsz9TNr46ChkkN7tBQZrcvLX6buOOTDwPmqSXW3UwKK-dn-guwLvft4Gqm1_uBhdi9MFRDqOgegjPx5RibikdAvI/s640/IMG_3298.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">"Seriously, did we go to high school or something?"</td></tr>
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While Air Raid tends to have more paint aps overall when compared to Shockwave, one area that really could have used a spot of paint is the triangular arrangement of emitters at the bow of the craft.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSpziiJ6iPajArd5eIgcagGk_qos3zavNx26sSGvR98gNjymG5dkThSl6aaV_W9C6cB_aKd3p7PiqJJYfLb2QW963zeXdDX1Fc6PX9MZxHtOecOCCzMJKlpSfeIlt40KKmTUkBHCxF1Pg/s1600/IMG_3301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSpziiJ6iPajArd5eIgcagGk_qos3zavNx26sSGvR98gNjymG5dkThSl6aaV_W9C6cB_aKd3p7PiqJJYfLb2QW963zeXdDX1Fc6PX9MZxHtOecOCCzMJKlpSfeIlt40KKmTUkBHCxF1Pg/s640/IMG_3301.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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As you can see here, Shockwave got some light pink detailing to show the energy storing up within his cannon, while Air Raid looks a little bare without having that area painted. A touch more gold or silver paint on these details would have gone a long way, but seeing as how the review is almost over and that is the only negative thing I've found to say, Air Raid's doing pretty well.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBYhJ6s2vzFVGsEfVt7bFNK8d0UtMFqxPxP5KAeYJS69lRsImWOp-EFyLg8jLLRDWkSDhii-FMVfeff_VuOrAiKvn9O0KyBDdmI9pyJiUVT6B6Ll0Dq8dSZREunbSmh6YuWOcPIogGyo-/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBYhJ6s2vzFVGsEfVt7bFNK8d0UtMFqxPxP5KAeYJS69lRsImWOp-EFyLg8jLLRDWkSDhii-FMVfeff_VuOrAiKvn9O0KyBDdmI9pyJiUVT6B6Ll0Dq8dSZREunbSmh6YuWOcPIogGyo-/s640/IMG_3293.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"I DON'T KNOW YOU!"</i></td></tr>
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All in all, I think Air Raid is a fantastic entry in the <i>Generations</i> line. Toy collecting has hit a bit of a rough spot in recent years due to increasing costs of pretty much everything and some companies (Hasbro included to be fair) are experimenting with reducing the number of paint applications, points of articulation and accessories some toys have in an attempt to keep prices reasonable, but it's nice to see that while some of them might be shrinking a little or losing weight, <i>Tranformers</i> is a brand that continues to try to give you bang for your buck. If around sixteen bucks sounds like a reasonable price to you, I highly recommend hunting down Air Raid and his case mates. Really, every figure in this wave (except maybe Swerve) is great looking and has fun accessories, you owe it to yourself to have a look. Keep in mind Air Raid will also be made available in Japan soon with a much darker color scheme of black, maroon and orange under their version of the <i>Generations</i> banner for around thirty dollars from importers if you don't mind spending a little extra for a very cool deco.</div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-80532922141025749682012-12-13T12:13:00.000-08:002012-12-13T12:13:44.496-08:00Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING!: Phage Drone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Yet another installment of GIHBTT and once again, we're looking at a robotic drone based off a real world animal (sort of), the Phage Drone!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzXSRNDZXxjDKEP0O_cmrrU1YfW5x-xek3EbPlsvTyP6TUDeEc-kZYl0ZZIr2ZiH0FR91hEMytfylYuXui1BjdwLBPbQWO_RDDrxeeiAimIyP8eFA19uy9DFP66Ctv0u3AUuYX9Vk2UFh/s1600/IMG_3152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzXSRNDZXxjDKEP0O_cmrrU1YfW5x-xek3EbPlsvTyP6TUDeEc-kZYl0ZZIr2ZiH0FR91hEMytfylYuXui1BjdwLBPbQWO_RDDrxeeiAimIyP8eFA19uy9DFP66Ctv0u3AUuYX9Vk2UFh/s640/IMG_3152.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I took less pictures of this one for some reason so I'll have to jump right into the description. This is the Phage Drone, an autonomous robotic unit designed primarily as a deep-space area of denial tactic similar to a remote mine, but with an insidious twist. The drone gets it's name from the real world <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phage" target="_blank">bacteriophage</a>, a virus type with a bulbous "head" and multiple radial arms attached to a stalk body. The real bacteriophage attaches itself to healthy bacterial cells and injects them with it's genome, turning the bacteria into miniature factories that create endless copies of the phage until they burst. The Phage Drone copies both the bacteriophage's appearance and method of attack, but is well equipped to defend itself in any situation. The drone is shown here in a neutral, "stand-by" stance. Deployed in large numbers from capital ships, the Phages will float in this position in a power conserving state with incredible patience, waiting for a ship to come within range. The orange wedges visible on the head module are it's primary optics, four in total. Since each "face" of the head module sports an eye, the Phage has excellent vision and is difficult to approach unawares. The light gray nozzles at each corner of the head are microthrusters that help keep the drone from drifting off it's assigned path while waiting for targets. Also visible are two of the Phage's four secondary weapons: The gray double-barreled device on the left face is a magnetic acceleration cannon modified to fire short ranged bursts of charged projectiles in a fashion similar to a shotgun. This weapon is primarily intended for use against organic enemies, but can easily punch a hole in starship armor at close ranges. The black harpoon gun protruding from the right face is a pneumatically powered projectile launcher that fires foot long metal spikes. As with the scatter MAC, this weapon is most effective against organic targets, but the Phage can electrify the bolts before firing to cause minor EMP black outs to sections of larger ships or completely overload smaller robotic targets and starfighters.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_RhTFY8PkKK1P1fYuOJ1_kJ0oNMxUNORjLXOkAR56CnfnaiTky4DCABwCOEgD_rKapx9CV6xgIzlQqGmAzjCnSlM2ebkccgSxsTtcF7nYmnHQjWZCMmr5EfxsydYRd_tAg0jT9MDqyTD/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_RhTFY8PkKK1P1fYuOJ1_kJ0oNMxUNORjLXOkAR56CnfnaiTky4DCABwCOEgD_rKapx9CV6xgIzlQqGmAzjCnSlM2ebkccgSxsTtcF7nYmnHQjWZCMmr5EfxsydYRd_tAg0jT9MDqyTD/s640/IMG_3151.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This shot shows the additional weapons present on the Phage's other faces. The orange and gray stacked discs on the left are a kinetic wave generator whose output can be greatly modulated by the Phage. At it's most powerful setting, the generator can produce waves of force strong enough to rattle a starfighter to pieces, but can be attuned to a setting light enough to merely disorient living targets or render them unconscious by rapidly altering the subject's inner ear pressure.The dark and light gray cannon on the right face is a powerful cutting laser that lets the Phage make it's own entrance into enemy ships, often hiding within the target's hull to avoid external detection.The Phage's head module also spins freely where it meets the body stalk so it can bring any of it's weapons to bear on a target in a split second. Visible in both of these pictures is the Phage's long range communications antennae, with which it can send and receive transmissions from capital ships several star systems away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX5DkA6fe-tASl9I3q49McknbFKrRCV8dGfTELd1WvS7oqDTeBSu-Wl_JU7u18n15b3wlGmzys13PYq60DOz5ZY0KuBIZhGOgbLvOfdO3x4THjHttvr1UQNYbDyxuahv9Kj-vrMDPiqk7/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX5DkA6fe-tASl9I3q49McknbFKrRCV8dGfTELd1WvS7oqDTeBSu-Wl_JU7u18n15b3wlGmzys13PYq60DOz5ZY0KuBIZhGOgbLvOfdO3x4THjHttvr1UQNYbDyxuahv9Kj-vrMDPiqk7/s640/IMG_3153.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Though the Phage certainly has the means to bring the fight to nearly any unit on the battlefield, it rarely needs to use the weapon systems and relies instead on it's sinister primary programming of crippling and destroying enemy fleets. When a Phage Drone detects a hostile ship within it's vicinity, it quietly engages maneuvering jets and drifts forward until within range, sensor-baffling reflective plating preventing it's target from distinguishing the drone from other floating space detritus. Once the drone closes the distance, it extends grasping arms and positions itself above the target's hull (imagine the Phage in the picture without the black pole/gray hub cab base, I don't have any clear "hover" stands). At this point, the secondary optic sensors on the inner surfaces of the arms (the orange wedges) come online and begin scanning the target, looking for vital electrical systems close to the surface. Once such a system has been located, the drone deploys it's primary weapon, the Viral Missile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajGTt8z7gpVLOD7vrVE7ICiUVleZzMzOKVe1Uhp8Tin4nk400BdFPV3H2GuCcIhhHjwpqemrt0e713Lw8z9CTPaGR2sJlJYGyDI0CSwS8jecxZlI7TRhv0I8e3EbllSsJnSEh2C7sWgR_/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajGTt8z7gpVLOD7vrVE7ICiUVleZzMzOKVe1Uhp8Tin4nk400BdFPV3H2GuCcIhhHjwpqemrt0e713Lw8z9CTPaGR2sJlJYGyDI0CSwS8jecxZlI7TRhv0I8e3EbllSsJnSEh2C7sWgR_/s640/IMG_3156.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Phage fires the drill-tipped Viral Missile directly into the enemy ship's hull, boring until it strikes the targeted electrical relays. A high tensile, flexible cord packed with fiber optic cables links the drone to the missile and allows it to transmit a debilitating virus directly into the tethered ship's systems. This virus quickly guts the target's central computer and places the Phage in direct control, locking crew members out of the system, disabling life support and escape pods and hijacking the ship's weapons to turn them on allies. The virus prevents both direct and indirect attempts at limiting it's spread or control, even re-routing systems around infected consoles or hardware physically removed from the target. Experts have theorized that it may be possible to eventually undo the damage the virus inflicts and regain control of an infected ship, but the Phage is specifically (and somewhat sadistically) programmed to minimize the chances of such an operation succeeding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUo4DtvxZuq2MwyRlrBD0bkULNSKSjX9jmC2zrI5E_Jey4v7kwEI81OHFxCREwRCGCLngocZeleI2oPlrR-AoyuNJGlQt-QiYZd2pRj3sfmdeD1ZqE-BboDGdm7cJRF_-nCAI6nTAd6oe/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUo4DtvxZuq2MwyRlrBD0bkULNSKSjX9jmC2zrI5E_Jey4v7kwEI81OHFxCREwRCGCLngocZeleI2oPlrR-AoyuNJGlQt-QiYZd2pRj3sfmdeD1ZqE-BboDGdm7cJRF_-nCAI6nTAd6oe/s640/IMG_3155.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<i>Again, imagine the missile with no base...</i><br />
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Phages have the cruel tendency to open all hatches and air locks to the vacuum of space as soon as they gain control, negating a potential crew uprising almost immediately, often before any personnel realize what is happening or have time to send a distress call to other ships in their fleet. As a result, Phages are considered to be one of the most terrifying weapons in exo-naval warfare, able to lie dormant and nearly undetectable for long periods of time across space lanes before hijacking a ship with no warning and turning it against it's fellows. The drone's own intelligence and high level of independence make it even more dangerous, as multiple Phages will covertly communicate over encrypted short-wave bandwidths and work together to hijack strategically positioned ships within a flotilla secretly, only to reveal their deception once the enemy fleet encounters the Phage's allies, unleashing a surprise attack that can rip formations apart and leave the remnants easy prey for the home fleet. Some concern has been raised over the ethical use of Phages in space combat as the drones are often released in the hundreds of thousands and exact records are rarely kept of every unit deployed to a zone. This shoddy record keeping, coupled with the tendency of the drone's advanced CPU to become "bored" when left floating for long periods of time without directives, results in huge swaths of space within some systems that are incredibly hazardous to traverse to this day, decades after the conflicts that seeded the area with Phages in the first place has ended. Multiple instances of civilian ships being puppeted or outright destroyed by "malfunctioning" Phages that refuse to acknowledge command signals has led many governments to quietly retire the model from their naval forces, but they are still popular among pirates and smugglers as advanced defense systems for less than legal star bases and outposts.<br />
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And that's the Phage Drone. It started out from me just fiddling around with random pieces while trying to polish off an unrelated mech design (<i>still</i> unfinished mech design...) and then almost built itself once I thought "Hey, this kind of looks like the head of a bacteriophage..." Besides the bacteriophage itself, the Phage Drone is influenced by the Probe Droids of Star Wars, and to a lesser degree, by the "hovering" Imperial kill Droids of Star Wars in general. If I had the pieces, I would make all it's legs joints ratchets since the current friction joints just can't support it's weight. Also, I'd build it a clear display stand of some sort if I had the pieces because this baby's gotta float to look it's best!<br />
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-60850632104722420252012-12-10T07:40:00.000-08:002012-12-10T07:40:02.266-08:00Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING!: SCUD Drone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Following right on the heels of the <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/12/gentlemen-i-have-built-this-thing-demon.html" target="_blank">Terror Bird & Demon Ninja</a> GIHBTT, I have another build I'm fairly proud of to show you. This time, we're going deep under the sea and combining several nightmare fuel ocean creatures into one laser-wielding death robot, the SCUD Drone!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65WK5MJU6U-8XaJjdcB8v8IjOEqYc-OcwiXBgPCIr0574xq-FAGito-YS5Tpqv3vit_tnPRWqodLMl8yIgL3uWG7BoERjiJiepwpGc1TdP1sJK-RIrvaYpxSj3hxlBPq5P_FnwLM_MgFN/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65WK5MJU6U-8XaJjdcB8v8IjOEqYc-OcwiXBgPCIr0574xq-FAGito-YS5Tpqv3vit_tnPRWqodLMl8yIgL3uWG7BoERjiJiepwpGc1TdP1sJK-RIrvaYpxSj3hxlBPq5P_FnwLM_MgFN/s640/IMG_3144.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This guy came about from my having a bunch of dark blue pieces from a Star Wars <a href="http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/8086_Droid_Tri-Fighter" target="_blank">Tri-Droid</a> set, the light-up brick piece from the Creator <a href="http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/5764_Rescue_Robot" target="_blank">Rescue Robot</a> set, lack joint pieces since they are mainly in use in other builds and the desire to bring all those things together. It worked pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb_Gcal5kGCM3Q8yUXS3zCQWBpfuoqiH5SRrqYVJYj1tmLM8oG6vg3zJPe58I2JRyupbFbKSfKsnT1IGRs5vQFshMF2CEfJF9SH6QTtxB4-Ze9ZM-yBtrtuLoYQEFMd5OZ1t44UODcEFi/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMb_Gcal5kGCM3Q8yUXS3zCQWBpfuoqiH5SRrqYVJYj1tmLM8oG6vg3zJPe58I2JRyupbFbKSfKsnT1IGRs5vQFshMF2CEfJF9SH6QTtxB4-Ze9ZM-yBtrtuLoYQEFMd5OZ1t44UODcEFi/s640/IMG_3142.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The SCUD Drone is an autonomous, deep water military unit used for a variety of purposes, but primarily as a surprisingly form of underwater artillery. Shown here in it's walking mode, you can see the influence of the creature that inspired it's primary appearance, the Spiny Lobster. The thick, spiky body, tail and antennae, plus the lack of claws is a rough summation of the Spiny Lobster. In this mode, the SCUD freely traverses the ocean floor, surprisingly dexterous in it's ability to climb extremely angled or unstable surfaces. The four stout, reinforced legs give the SCUD a stable grip and can dig into the sea bed to anchor it when firing it's tail cannon. The long, bladed antennae contain a variety of complex sensor systems as one might imagine, but they also serve as the SCUD's primary close range weapons and grasping appendages. The antennae are complex enough to cradle and lift objects as small and fragile (in comparison to a thirty-something foot long robot) as a watermelon, but can also be whipped forward with alarming speed and accuracy to cause severe slashing damage to targets as hardened as the hull of a submarine. Much like the real world mantis shrimp, the SCUD whips with enough speed and force to create <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavitation" target="_blank">cavitation</a> bubbles, the collapse of which creates an additional concussive force on the target seconds before the appendage actually strikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpOZeEuWzT2GQMakXrDg8DOXhebE4l5oX_lZvQ2tEhU6nB-fx3KEjXwdSMbcoMlCRAoEvZFyGzPr4FN0Q8_8oboOG7AzHJggkq-TjhBaxfFY4C6D3eILiEt5ltsRW8YeQd98dl3jnOwuV/s1600/IMG_3145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpOZeEuWzT2GQMakXrDg8DOXhebE4l5oX_lZvQ2tEhU6nB-fx3KEjXwdSMbcoMlCRAoEvZFyGzPr4FN0Q8_8oboOG7AzHJggkq-TjhBaxfFY4C6D3eILiEt5ltsRW8YeQd98dl3jnOwuV/s640/IMG_3145.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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At the bases of the SCUD's antennae are a pair of sharpened blades that it can use as both a weapon and a cutting tool if a mission requires it, "feeding" targets into the blades using the highly flexible antennae. Shown here also is the forward weapon exhaust vent (situated between the bases of the antennae) and the third optic sensor mounted on the underside of the SCUD's body that helps it maintain a rock solid footing on the ocean floor by constantly scanning the terrain ahead and beneath it. This sensor, coupled with the powerful primary optic sensors, gives the SCUD an excellent field of vision and a variety of available spectrum scans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewgSxPmq0lb-xalVYJiCDoUvzb7DDyPiwmXotzC7wGTZ3V8ncsKzuRoU8jBh44COGafbWP4CVFlD7ciIY8fZ1BXcOoO4_-T973F2VvQJhyphenhyphen1iGTQhGi0RY-xSDbwX_Q3NAJjRCS52Q-qu_/s1600/IMG_3146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewgSxPmq0lb-xalVYJiCDoUvzb7DDyPiwmXotzC7wGTZ3V8ncsKzuRoU8jBh44COGafbWP4CVFlD7ciIY8fZ1BXcOoO4_-T973F2VvQJhyphenhyphen1iGTQhGi0RY-xSDbwX_Q3NAJjRCS52Q-qu_/s640/IMG_3146.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Here is the SCUD's tail, where the artillery portion of it's functions come in. The SCUD's tail actually possesses it's own independent processor that is built solely around advanced targeting systems and firing the powerful particle cannon contained within the "stinger" pod. Operating alone, the tail's systems are advanced enough to gather and compile data from the amount of light reaching the SCUD's optics, pressure changes, water column movement and even the behavior patterns of native sea life to locate and identify enemy targets operating at the surface and beneath the waves and can fire a devastating blast from several miles away. If the tail's systems are linked with those of a friendly surface ship or orbital satellite however, the SCUD can lob arced shots from beneath the water to hit inland or fire precise shots at airborne targets. These types of fire require an additional ramp up of the SCUD's power core to levels that can potentially damage the unit's more sensitive systems if further stress is put on the it, so the drones typically only employ this system from a secure position or when defended by other units. The excessive amounts of heat resulting from firing the particle cannon was a hurdle in the SCUD's development, one that was cleverly re-purposed into yet another weapon in the robot's arsenal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG4I-e4Gay-c18vw14eZiipwN6HGxmtWLu1l3yCXaRhrj_8m83nAKOrmaZGTLWbWlf5PqItmcr4IQc_Ey11NwTjfSsawjBosf2A07cKmUAQEpiaKSV5-vRy-iFiqclarafOQ1lKx01rwy/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqG4I-e4Gay-c18vw14eZiipwN6HGxmtWLu1l3yCXaRhrj_8m83nAKOrmaZGTLWbWlf5PqItmcr4IQc_Ey11NwTjfSsawjBosf2A07cKmUAQEpiaKSV5-vRy-iFiqclarafOQ1lKx01rwy/s640/IMG_3148.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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From an overhead view, the primary weapon exhaust vents are visible running along the SCUD's flanks. When the particle cannon is fired, the SCUD's systems reroute the resulting heat and steam and releases it through these vents, literally boiling the sea around the SCUD a few seconds after a cannon shot. The SCUD's designers built a separate system that re-routes and stores a portion of this discharge in a mechanism nestled between the drone's antennae stalks. Though it must be used quickly before the heat can dissipate, the SCUD can release this scalding burst in front of itself to boil any biological threats alive. This ability can still be used on land, though it "merely" blasts super-heated air at targets instead of boiling them, but this is no comfort when still enough to cook a man where he stands and completely ignores the most advanced body armor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy5F0gRIvsxWcWrwp_jm-W0XkFqbVTudbjHbkAx0rSq-VIP9-fs_q_sjOlZVgDtGDjqmrHtuLHAJxYxWoSs20dPC_TZSY7_tHzh0Ql2pOM1xDJuw3R6BrLcPnSD4R8kNBTygvWbZNAYkA/s1600/IMG_3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIy5F0gRIvsxWcWrwp_jm-W0XkFqbVTudbjHbkAx0rSq-VIP9-fs_q_sjOlZVgDtGDjqmrHtuLHAJxYxWoSs20dPC_TZSY7_tHzh0Ql2pOM1xDJuw3R6BrLcPnSD4R8kNBTygvWbZNAYkA/s640/IMG_3149.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I built the light-up brick into the tail to serve as the particle cannon and it can be activated by pressing in the button at the back of the tail pod, as seen here. This is also a good photo for segueing into more about the things that influenced me in the SCUD's design. I already mentioned the Spiny Lobster as one influence and the "underwater artillery crustacean" idea is borrowed from the <a href="http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Crab_Cannon" target="_blank">Crab Cannon</a> of the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series, but any Zoids fans out there will surely notice another looking at the tail. The SCUD's tail design, from being a super laser to having various flaps and fins surrounding the barrel, is highly influenced by the <a href="http://www.zoid.us/deathstinger.htm" target="_blank">Death Stinger</a> from the Zoids series. Of course, the SCUD has one final surprise that also evokes a sea-dwelling early invertebrate...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10TGs6lEyCY1AehTmXMYVXGVj40nJis2z5QingOal3krh_euwa9AFHa4WMnh3XMjG93qqciO-fTe-hN4lN_NG-OmYaIQnfIwQKxDwLhvBxv_RmecDvXsFRSI8lo1Dn89w4o5c1oRL56Wz/s1600/IMG_3140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10TGs6lEyCY1AehTmXMYVXGVj40nJis2z5QingOal3krh_euwa9AFHa4WMnh3XMjG93qqciO-fTe-hN4lN_NG-OmYaIQnfIwQKxDwLhvBxv_RmecDvXsFRSI8lo1Dn89w4o5c1oRL56Wz/s640/IMG_3140.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The SCUD reveals the final influence in it's design when it converts to swimming mode, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomalocaris" target="_blank">Anomalocaris</a>. Anomalocaris was an early arthropod that swam in the warm, shallow seas of the early to mid-Cambrian period and crushed hard-shelled prey with it's spiked mouth parts.The SCUD mimics the smooth contours of Anomalocaris and swims with powerful undulations of it's body and tail when scuttling around the sea floor becomes boring. Also, the way the antennae fold beneath it's head when swimming is an exact mimic of how Anomalocaris' mouth parts were positioned and the two share a similar body profile. When swimming, the SCUD's weapon exhaust systems seal off their connections to the core and are used to aid propulsion by drawing water into the channels through the vent in the drone's "mouth" and forcing it out through the rear. This also allows quick bursts of movement in nearly any direction the vents can angle to, but prevents the drone from using it's particle cannon until it has purged all water from the system and resealed the exhaust.<br />
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So ends another edition of Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING! I hope you enjoyed the exhaustively detailed account of the SCUD Drone and the mini paleontology lesson about Anomalocaris. Tune in next time for more overly thought out descriptions of Lego robots!</div>
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-24924348346068142472012-12-07T15:23:00.000-08:002012-12-07T18:07:11.859-08:00Silas Breakdown AM-24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Way back in my review of <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/transformers-cyberverse-breakdown.html" target="_blank">Cyberverse Breakdown</a>, I mentioned my hopes of getting a larger sized version of Breakdown here in the US. Shortly afterward, I saw Takara-Tomy's take on a voyager-class Breakdown and assumed we'd see it here stateside soon enough. Well, Hasbro said <a href="http://tformers.com/transformers-sdcc-2012-hasbro-has-no/17901/news.html" target="_blank">we won't</a>. Rumor has it that "not made to our standards" means "too expensive to retool to not include the roughly nine-hundred 5mm ports intended for Micron figures" the Japanese mold sports. This somewhat makes sense as the <i>Prime</i> toy line in Japan is heavily geared around the companion Micron figures whereas in America...it's not. Instead, we get normal weapon accessories, or on larger figures, clunky piles of junk that "transform" and light up and are still nowhere near as cool as just a little Targetmaster-style companion bot. Even though I liked the look of Breakdown, I waffled on ordering him because I wasn't sure how the mold was in hand, plus the hammer/rhino Micron he came with didn't interest me that much. That changed when pictures started to surface of a black repaint with a new praying mantis Micron, Silas Breakdown!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCF_N-26VhS4tz99G0gdqsiiPqi1J8-btvz-xZG0VlA11Ou1WewMmxusJ3gYbkg5O0Q-TpyEoRNFwDwHkNc2hOu1em4BpU-ssqH0zACF3wii1jCiEzKeu-E9rmu8-xtItJTgdbdv5j6EB/s1600/IMG_3180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCF_N-26VhS4tz99G0gdqsiiPqi1J8-btvz-xZG0VlA11Ou1WewMmxusJ3gYbkg5O0Q-TpyEoRNFwDwHkNc2hOu1em4BpU-ssqH0zACF3wii1jCiEzKeu-E9rmu8-xtItJTgdbdv5j6EB/s640/IMG_3180.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now I admit, I haven't seen any episodes of <i>Prime</i>, but after reading up on Breakdown for this review, I <i>really</i> want to, as Silas Breakdown's story is quite an interesting one. Spoilers relating to the plot of the Prime series follow this picture, so you might want to skip ahead.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjOrIF4PCIzNfCzaCq4zX3RCH5UpwYlljq1BrHbBS98L6vMlBgT4SL-sW9mzzP3180EtU1s7Mqe6hSkEPmrJOsjX8LW2vc-DZOHMjlsdwCU38i50JJkKT5Y5niudw_GUBI8SVh_XIv7OO/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjOrIF4PCIzNfCzaCq4zX3RCH5UpwYlljq1BrHbBS98L6vMlBgT4SL-sW9mzzP3180EtU1s7Mqe6hSkEPmrJOsjX8LW2vc-DZOHMjlsdwCU38i50JJkKT5Y5niudw_GUBI8SVh_XIv7OO/s640/IMG_3181.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Besides the Decepticons, the Autobots in <i>Prime </i>must also contend with human antagonists, including the sinister M.E.C.H. organization that seeks to understand and reverse engineer Cybertronian technology the direct way, by ripping still living Transformers apart and studying their innards. Led by an ex-military operative with special forces training calling himself Silas, M.E.C.H. clashes with both the Autobots and the Decepticons several time in pursuit of their goals. After events lead to Silas crippled and Breakdown killed, M.E.C.H. recovers the body and directly grafts Silas' broken frame into Breakdown's systems, creating a Frankenstein-like Transformer of both flesh and metal. Calling himself CYLAS (CYbernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis), this cyborg attempted to offer his service to Megatron as a true Decepticon and, well...it didn't go quite as he envisioned, I'm sure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8twZQthSgDskrTjgDGlVY7K8Yu-m42j-MwipgF3F_n4usjdvYho4baNlLMrtXeGyGC6MFYa3augTdKNyi2t7zfHWBPePWWVkh0-gIEc06ydqDtIlAhig6hEFCMGvN3gsarO2FG93jOj9/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8twZQthSgDskrTjgDGlVY7K8Yu-m42j-MwipgF3F_n4usjdvYho4baNlLMrtXeGyGC6MFYa3augTdKNyi2t7zfHWBPePWWVkh0-gIEc06ydqDtIlAhig6hEFCMGvN3gsarO2FG93jOj9/s640/IMG_3183.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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What strikes me as interesting about the packaging is that minus the obvious Japanese text, the layout is fairly close to the design of the US Prime line, the box is even the same dimensions as US voyagers. You could plop this guy on a shelf in Walmart among the Bulkheads and Primes and he would blend right in at first glance. The left side of the box showcases the toy transforming and has his tech specs across the bottom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn3PnxFOA3fHte0jBM5WmYyttAbx6dbrwgNyA5Z1OaStH-5Ipmz1PCTpPy5YoCz_S8U4pRRO4GVJbFzfiOXfni-M6N-21qQhU2E7sNLo-OYswjIEL6_k3s79W9-bNva7dItmleDQzOza3/s1600/IMG_3182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn3PnxFOA3fHte0jBM5WmYyttAbx6dbrwgNyA5Z1OaStH-5Ipmz1PCTpPy5YoCz_S8U4pRRO4GVJbFzfiOXfni-M6N-21qQhU2E7sNLo-OYswjIEL6_k3s79W9-bNva7dItmleDQzOza3/s640/IMG_3182.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The right side displays his mantis Micron in both beast and weapon mode and provides a small statistics chart for him as well. This is a nice touch as most Hasbro releases that include a smaller companion figure are lucky to have a single line in the larger figure's bio mentioning the sidekick, never mind individual stats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLPDLgNTvUQQr5KbdF8H1C4Ys96x9SiTNEsM42G1_aCkvQFMdGidK02NNBudnj2jLNdNqSNOQxlAQTeaYOQw9ui7SIFMaH18vjsfLEB4QcT7pETr0PloNur3wd5yodQE5ud8mu70XSfIk/s1600/IMG_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLPDLgNTvUQQr5KbdF8H1C4Ys96x9SiTNEsM42G1_aCkvQFMdGidK02NNBudnj2jLNdNqSNOQxlAQTeaYOQw9ui7SIFMaH18vjsfLEB4QcT7pETr0PloNur3wd5yodQE5ud8mu70XSfIk/s640/IMG_3184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though he's packaged in robot mode, I'm going to start with Breakdown's vehicle mode to mess with you. Like his Cyberverse counterpart, Breakdown is a massive truck that still looks like lovechild of an off-road SUV and an armored car to me. Black replaces the blueish-purple of the first release with a bit more color added by a few stickers. Additional bits of blue are present in his windshield and windows, whereas silver appears on the painted mirrors and chromed grill piece. The grill is one of the three pieces that make this mold not just a repaint but a retool, as the standard Breakdown lacked this shiny accoutrement.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0kJNsA6Odp_mm6sNiFBpTxlrBif9SOHxYMKaqZXg-PZus8-xhol341kCeiYmkoKoma7RiSMOqpna2dJHZBp09vVJePbgyoTvlumxSGx-jAqW1EELdrP-oHysH6iW4pZwMaE9XQPGadLn/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0kJNsA6Odp_mm6sNiFBpTxlrBif9SOHxYMKaqZXg-PZus8-xhol341kCeiYmkoKoma7RiSMOqpna2dJHZBp09vVJePbgyoTvlumxSGx-jAqW1EELdrP-oHysH6iW4pZwMaE9XQPGadLn/s640/IMG_3185.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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One thing that makes American fans (myself included) wary of collecting Japanese <i>Prime</i> figures is that Takara-Tomy uses an included sticker sheet to provide decos on a lot of figures that are simply painted on for US releases. This is most prevalent on deluxe class figures who often have windshields and windows that lack paint and must rely on large stickers instead, and applying these in an even slightly sloppy manner can ruin the look of a toy. Thankfully as a voyager, Breakdown has only a few stickers to apply and most of them are for vehicle mode details like headlights, side windows and the rear windshield. As I applied these stickers however, I was struck by how involved Takara-Tomy got with them as many of the details highlighted by stickers would have been left completely unpainted on a Hasbro release. An excellent example is in the decals for the headlights <i>behind</i> the edges of the grill piece. You can barely see these lights in vehicle mode and they're irrelevant in robot mode, but just the idea that they took the time to make stickers for them is a sign of the amount of dedication Takara-Tomy's designers put into this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ9n3kbeYyMqvDO3slpmMKjW80EoDpBbu4KepILxIaH0Feh9MuB2g8VZPtWn7MbMNTtG1XPM1mny5iJ3hfa5_ck9WF8UWY_tOC7D0z_e4U0hSxlDcy8ZE0vAaa6KPcl2mwb9MjhdSMDr9/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ9n3kbeYyMqvDO3slpmMKjW80EoDpBbu4KepILxIaH0Feh9MuB2g8VZPtWn7MbMNTtG1XPM1mny5iJ3hfa5_ck9WF8UWY_tOC7D0z_e4U0hSxlDcy8ZE0vAaa6KPcl2mwb9MjhdSMDr9/s640/IMG_3189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Silas Breakdown has a lot of 5mm ports in vehicle mode, fourteen to be exact, meaning he can carry a lot of weapons and Microns. Additionally, the posts on either side of his spare tire are the right size to plug weapons or Microns/Minicons with the proper holes onto, raising his potential number of weapons to sixteen. I can see how Hasbro would find retooling all these spots to be a bit daunting. I should note that there are Decepticon logos on the sticker sheet meant to be placed on his doors, but I personally think he looks better without them. The sheet also includes some extra silver stickers that resemble scratches and dings to replicate the beat-up nature of Breakdown's body when it was recovered, as well as some M.E.C.H. logos. I didn't apply any of these bonus stickers, but again it is nice to see a company offering you a little variation and the ability to customize your Transformers without needing painting skills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsya9tvbzhCFdguHdRq3poCpkxl0TUJUdnTlqgT8LNBIHzvFDoPLyyXaiployrLyHUQWNuEuoTW37E0m43nbdL0hYXyLR2nrMsCk1iXub4Onitl4QA-l1RL8cKUbF-ZqBV-18qGZdcfpl/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsya9tvbzhCFdguHdRq3poCpkxl0TUJUdnTlqgT8LNBIHzvFDoPLyyXaiployrLyHUQWNuEuoTW37E0m43nbdL0hYXyLR2nrMsCk1iXub4Onitl4QA-l1RL8cKUbF-ZqBV-18qGZdcfpl/s640/IMG_3192.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Whereas the first version of Breakdown came with a rhino Micron that transformed into his hammer, Silas Breakdown includes a new purple mantis Micron. I haven't seen a translation for this little guy's name yet, so I'll just refer to him as Mantis (Toboggan.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvjttF-78o0xIJ5OixifVasJpQkf1KBNWn10bPvPPSpzQBEX2gck8QdlHF9c7Em8X5g0zDyG85myQFPU_GpsbmX7U5QRxqH2Or-s7DLFtO3qvJ5U3qNmGPJ1poPE20r6WT8cQHJWNWNKO/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvjttF-78o0xIJ5OixifVasJpQkf1KBNWn10bPvPPSpzQBEX2gck8QdlHF9c7Em8X5g0zDyG85myQFPU_GpsbmX7U5QRxqH2Or-s7DLFtO3qvJ5U3qNmGPJ1poPE20r6WT8cQHJWNWNKO/s640/IMG_3195.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mantis resembles his inspiration close enough that you know what he's meant to be just from a glance. He sports giant scythe-bladed arms and the cyclopean red eye customary of Decepticon Microns. Mantis sports about five points of articulation, having lightly ratcheting joints at the shoulders and elbows and the ability to bend forward or back at the waist. His spark crystal is on the top of his abdomen and is a light blue in color. Mantis is a bit larger and bulkier in beast mode than most Microns which fits well with the nature of his wielder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJlH4uFGHpTls7OPTMomAWSbL1svZRT1gWzDtWJYIqm-iHQvanZJbLDkZgo1dFnevc2Lyec-7jEwV_AupDRG5vP_zHO07o1x97k1rnD1H2S1-gfqexHIarVFzofnmZhqQPyBEy4WncJRE/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJlH4uFGHpTls7OPTMomAWSbL1svZRT1gWzDtWJYIqm-iHQvanZJbLDkZgo1dFnevc2Lyec-7jEwV_AupDRG5vP_zHO07o1x97k1rnD1H2S1-gfqexHIarVFzofnmZhqQPyBEy4WncJRE/s640/IMG_3199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mantis folds up into a bladed gun of some sort. It's somewhat odd looking, but fits with the brawler nature of Breakdown, I imagine him using the blades like double bayonets to impale enemies then blast them off his gun with a squeeze of the trigger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahkp6s1zcQiz9q_0vcy5hDLsyxlMjBAXMCtSssa-MyQ1fbrn9moudciPen0iTgonhjFpPtSDcFVn6sNAwido4x-lK6iaitwiRv66T0MttQbWaKeiAPwbpbFhtPlF_oZ2MtKWjrtHzu19w/s1600/IMG_3200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahkp6s1zcQiz9q_0vcy5hDLsyxlMjBAXMCtSssa-MyQ1fbrn9moudciPen0iTgonhjFpPtSDcFVn6sNAwido4x-lK6iaitwiRv66T0MttQbWaKeiAPwbpbFhtPlF_oZ2MtKWjrtHzu19w/s640/IMG_3200.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In theory, you could attach Mantis to any of the multiple ports in vehicle mode, but the instructions suggest the one on the right side of Breakdown's hood and I'm inclined to agree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4NiQSHZICUhH3yn2-sKASkDzxijsJyI2-oCPF1E4yP1FxKfiNuh1VzGH1mXYVtUoy0KLPYfNkvWPjolBSH4g4g-MD2keXtMZAIiEzr0Jy7ddPm17iWECRUADRpbLIP1Pe9oNenJSJhAY/s1600/IMG_3202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4NiQSHZICUhH3yn2-sKASkDzxijsJyI2-oCPF1E4yP1FxKfiNuh1VzGH1mXYVtUoy0KLPYfNkvWPjolBSH4g4g-MD2keXtMZAIiEzr0Jy7ddPm17iWECRUADRpbLIP1Pe9oNenJSJhAY/s640/IMG_3202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before getting into the full robot mode, I wanted to point out the second mold change made to Silas Breakdown, the inclusion of Silas himself. It would look a whole lot better with a few licks of paint, but you can definitely make out Silas' mug buried in the middle of Breakdown's inner workings, nestled between two piston-like details. This is another great little touch as you never see Silas normally, this piece is only visible during mid-transformation before you lock the chest into place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxIiMevMx_4vuHkm3ySLuJrddfe3SsZrQoBwiu7A-YRjyAXWAwJ0FHEO7yu9ucY4bGqjahjpGsb3_P25vdblWcdDhwTNIePcDghHG0kXoWX4760svI0HFKDT8d_4eAfSqlHTUWA6270G5/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxIiMevMx_4vuHkm3ySLuJrddfe3SsZrQoBwiu7A-YRjyAXWAwJ0FHEO7yu9ucY4bGqjahjpGsb3_P25vdblWcdDhwTNIePcDghHG0kXoWX4760svI0HFKDT8d_4eAfSqlHTUWA6270G5/s640/IMG_3206.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Robot mode is where Silas Breakdown really shines, the black and silver paint scheme looks great and the figure itself is nice and bulky with a air of menace about it, this is one mean looking cyborg. Articulation includes ball jointed head, shoulders and hips, outward swinging shoulder hinges, upper arm and leg swivels, hinge elbows, knees and feet and a swivel waist. Breakdown has even less stickers in robot mode than in vehicle mode, just a few added areas of silver and black for his legs and feet and some black and blue details at his waist. He honestly looks just as good without them though, making this a figure you could display straight out of the box without applying a single sticker (though Mantis would look a bit plain without his.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ-7J6IYPTTgxfb5h58mQH6yPxHoovpdAAD4XzDitZazjRvuhYD-EDqBb1ke-HRSSbwK9GM_LadYVKpTphHEKN4c_09tAsbdGFSh65rUP7C9bj23E_s0duycYqS_B2Vsz99f_pLMmsrMm/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ-7J6IYPTTgxfb5h58mQH6yPxHoovpdAAD4XzDitZazjRvuhYD-EDqBb1ke-HRSSbwK9GM_LadYVKpTphHEKN4c_09tAsbdGFSh65rUP7C9bj23E_s0duycYqS_B2Vsz99f_pLMmsrMm/s640/IMG_3207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The third and final mold change for Silas Breakdown is the addition of an all new head sculpt showing how beaten and battered he has become. The right eye is gone, replaced with a round lens that is incongruent with the otherwise organic design, which makes sense as this eye was ripped out by M.E.C.H. and replaced with human technology during the series. My picture is too fuzzy to see it clearly, but the rest of the head also has an asymmetrical design with chunks missing from his armor or plates of a different design replacing original parts. The effect is pretty cool and really sells the "Franken-bot" nature of the character.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCH1PTBky65KpL-oziKQrGJaJMv1WaoTEYVNZxMoIqHzp71T93YqnG42Ju-MwDNWUsQ8Oay1uhwCoCN5BZX7KstLb9jNBF30rcuWcNMLRz0cUSMqIJUltWFpb6-vYEvUJMcHHhX9c7pv7/s1600/IMG_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCH1PTBky65KpL-oziKQrGJaJMv1WaoTEYVNZxMoIqHzp71T93YqnG42Ju-MwDNWUsQ8Oay1uhwCoCN5BZX7KstLb9jNBF30rcuWcNMLRz0cUSMqIJUltWFpb6-vYEvUJMcHHhX9c7pv7/s640/IMG_3218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Silas Breakdown can wield Mantis (or any correctly sized weapon/Micron) in either hand and can still flip his wrists around so weapons appear to have extended directly from his actual arm. In robot mode, Breakdown sports a whopping <i>eighteen</i> 5mm ports with which to attach weapons or Microns and even a single C-clamp rail on the left side of his backpack section to attach Dark of the Moon/Generations weapons to. This is fantastic, I'm not even sure you can have each spot occupied at once without everything banging into everything else, but you can really outfit him if you want...</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnMB15XnYcpmLfSnTyrKobD-5QHSq63tHRRwgoYQstWm9KOUUUqiSoYRj-TI6jzflNrKu6hEgjpkzVDjq4eT3XdvTEiHOa4CUYMsFx9_y5dW7R0i4mgrxGQxPfdvOczjioZbQ6ugN676A/s1600/IMG_3225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnMB15XnYcpmLfSnTyrKobD-5QHSq63tHRRwgoYQstWm9KOUUUqiSoYRj-TI6jzflNrKu6hEgjpkzVDjq4eT3XdvTEiHOa4CUYMsFx9_y5dW7R0i4mgrxGQxPfdvOczjioZbQ6ugN676A/s640/IMG_3225.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Something like this</i></td></tr>
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All in all, Silas Breakdown is a pretty amazing figure with a ton of play value. It's a shame that as of this moment, the only way to get one is to import him, but perhaps Hasbro will surprise us and find a way to get this mold to US fans after all (and hopefully not through a Botcon boxed set.) If you just can't wait however, I'd highly recommend importing one version or another of this figure. Besides the Silas version, there is the standard Breakdown with a dark purple/blue color scheme and a rhino Micron, and also a repaint/retool of the mold as an Autobot named <a href="http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11425&mode=retail" target="_blank">Swerve</a> with an awesome rescue saw Micron. All three will probably run you around fifty bucks a pop and as I write this, <a href="http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/" target="_blank">Big Bad Toy Store</a> is out of all of them minus Swerve. So looks like it's off to eBay with you!</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4INVi0glCoeR2xN7lRykGa7G8imNv2okxJLK-7jSZAkodsRbztap4Yez8p5NORFSq0E7-fZd5KAhU0glAD8z7xIXHkqnhRLkWvqCLFUYDneYkombhFw9UQahsImldcGFX-PeyU1n2kBk/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4INVi0glCoeR2xN7lRykGa7G8imNv2okxJLK-7jSZAkodsRbztap4Yez8p5NORFSq0E7-fZd5KAhU0glAD8z7xIXHkqnhRLkWvqCLFUYDneYkombhFw9UQahsImldcGFX-PeyU1n2kBk/s640/IMG_3221.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>"But...but you're DEAD!"</i></td></tr>
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<br />Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-18473579324194029662012-12-04T13:22:00.000-08:002012-12-04T13:22:03.986-08:00Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING!: Demon Ninja & Terror Bird<br />
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First off, I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything (exactly a month it seems) and I apologize. It's not that I've been particularly busy or short of things to write about, I've just been...kinda lazy. I partially blame XCOM: Enemy Unknown. I never played the originals, but this one made me drop off the map for a couple of weeks straight training my troops into psychic operatives and researching the best tech. But I digress. In the spirit of things I haven't done in way too long, I give you a brand new installment of Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIoY1KO2a8QZsYkS-iw5Ny6qDL9B2Ts8L7fPtIUlYgi5NZuvdd43TSy3NyvI8SbNenAjM6_5zoE6sRGgMk1u05QraRhbqUQdP0yopJ4h6hn8_D4f9uw3eXafaaJdOVEjn9vYB2m_aYU5I/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIoY1KO2a8QZsYkS-iw5Ny6qDL9B2Ts8L7fPtIUlYgi5NZuvdd43TSy3NyvI8SbNenAjM6_5zoE6sRGgMk1u05QraRhbqUQdP0yopJ4h6hn8_D4f9uw3eXafaaJdOVEjn9vYB2m_aYU5I/s640/IMG_3126.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Today I have for you a Ninjago-inspired beast and rider pair that I just call Demon Ninja & Terror Bird. The names are a bit generic I know, but a big part of the spirit of Lego is fleshing out the basics of a story line with your own imagination, so fairly simple names. Plus it sounds a lot better than "I'm not very good at coming up with cool-sounding fantasy names." This whole thing started with the construction of the Demon Ninja rider, so let's start with him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBPgdImnG8STLP7zaGuXV8b127OyOm4Y6faTVhb6KLSG6GH1jY7lDB-2NXFXtF6onKQFPazI5998C_bWrH-R9anzzWtzXsZ5uGvovdLllkjm9uiEBAOXAMzfbwMi1BfWa_PTcDrqfT6zU/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBPgdImnG8STLP7zaGuXV8b127OyOm4Y6faTVhb6KLSG6GH1jY7lDB-2NXFXtF6onKQFPazI5998C_bWrH-R9anzzWtzXsZ5uGvovdLllkjm9uiEBAOXAMzfbwMi1BfWa_PTcDrqfT6zU/s640/IMG_3121.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />This guy came about when I was just idly messing around with mini figure pieces whilst trying to put some finishing touches on a larger thing I was building (which may very well show up in a future installment of GIHBTT) and like a lot of things I build, it took on a life of it's own from there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYVAyEN-gkr9J7w3xQgqAmer-K_QTxNoMWhajxXdABfh9Qh1OkQo_itQzbYOu0jGtHeehkg3FLZtWE1TgaZI5sKi5WiKud3j9g_531KBTC6hEmivSmSRAgOjee14NN0pCukHp9vdhtbi/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYVAyEN-gkr9J7w3xQgqAmer-K_QTxNoMWhajxXdABfh9Qh1OkQo_itQzbYOu0jGtHeehkg3FLZtWE1TgaZI5sKi5WiKud3j9g_531KBTC6hEmivSmSRAgOjee14NN0pCukHp9vdhtbi/s640/IMG_3122.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />This guy started life as the Cole from Cole's Tread Assault, but I switched his gear with Kai from Kai's Blade Cycle to make him all black and gray. I had originally popped the Mummy head from the Monster Fighters set of the same name on just for a laugh, but it looks really cool under the ninja head wrap and gave me the idea to make him an evil undead ninja to begin with.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiTNv-2w18_MWZTsWqoNg4K-0V0eden5YH5RAuR8QAajWgPQ4jKFdrMJRA0uytAn3_FaJeW0nLRHs9zMd5zdVTwMoDyeISokxGISKBWjJsIXCQ-wZzc8CaPgVNiqGjX5gBoYnvwkust5R/s1600/IMG_3123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiTNv-2w18_MWZTsWqoNg4K-0V0eden5YH5RAuR8QAajWgPQ4jKFdrMJRA0uytAn3_FaJeW0nLRHs9zMd5zdVTwMoDyeISokxGISKBWjJsIXCQ-wZzc8CaPgVNiqGjX5gBoYnvwkust5R/s640/IMG_3123.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Kai provided "cursed" black swords which look great with him, but I still felt he needed a little more omph...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m9Gw9QbMXuJT-qoL0lOoWYQzyDM7GmVmL6x6Jb7Ie4zVshiH8gThwsPBoz4jtiBhnbuwz9vqaRXBGhrC4CSif4h5DPjZHXygE62OlGAs2JwtONQ-UGvqTRUbl5ChtlRDZyF2teQ9trpx/s1600/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5m9Gw9QbMXuJT-qoL0lOoWYQzyDM7GmVmL6x6Jb7Ie4zVshiH8gThwsPBoz4jtiBhnbuwz9vqaRXBGhrC4CSif4h5DPjZHXygE62OlGAs2JwtONQ-UGvqTRUbl5ChtlRDZyF2teQ9trpx/s640/IMG_3124.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />There we go! I call that sucker the Oni Maul because it somewhat resembles the clubs traditional Oni supposedly carried. It is quite an intimidating weapon if I do say so myself, but it has another surprise yet to unveil.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdKN44gcTl1hW1XlXRkelaXxC1vmN2NyqcCzVm2cHf-ProcSbGrX7VwGurQrlphQbbbT9Iso64QaNHgPWgR9PMQeCUW9u85Z1pui6ylIFZHzQzfpKt8xTR37w-ElbLWruRjZDrMVlpkNW/s1600/IMG_3125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdKN44gcTl1hW1XlXRkelaXxC1vmN2NyqcCzVm2cHf-ProcSbGrX7VwGurQrlphQbbbT9Iso64QaNHgPWgR9PMQeCUW9u85Z1pui6ylIFZHzQzfpKt8xTR37w-ElbLWruRjZDrMVlpkNW/s640/IMG_3125.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />When things get tough, the Ninja can unhook the spiked head and let it swing from the chain, turning the maul into a long flail! Also, can you tell by the design I was watching the Lord of the Rings movies while building this? Sauron would love that thing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOkOkGOZg0-S9MDvkXN888VteifEvSbKrua8cUfIbvAVrRZT1NUBQCzbJunMoIEbUr3qFADrtmNKIMu5MdLKSe26WTlSiukHVFef91e4nyTiod7cAWyI5jSL5Y0KjY18ikcWWRYlhiP1i/s1600/IMG_3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOkOkGOZg0-S9MDvkXN888VteifEvSbKrua8cUfIbvAVrRZT1NUBQCzbJunMoIEbUr3qFADrtmNKIMu5MdLKSe26WTlSiukHVFef91e4nyTiod7cAWyI5jSL5Y0KjY18ikcWWRYlhiP1i/s640/IMG_3134.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />A fierce warrior deserves a fierce mount and the Demon Ninja receives that in spades with the mighty Terror Bird! The term terror bird refers to a real family of giant (thankfully extinct) flightless, predatory birds that roamed South America during the Cenozoic era. These ten foot monsters ran down their prey on the ancient savannas and finished it off with savage kicks from the huge claws tipping their powerfully-muscled legs and crushing bites from their hooked beaks. Basically, they were bad news for anything not a terror bird in those days. My Terror Bird is designed to be a distant relative of those creatures with a fantastical twist.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjZu1PKU7BUksnl4NnjWPzaySsv8AEGOKhtBUEUI1cNoMC9fG51dpGFDpNGWsRXYj5OlcwttFKRNQn7u86KmJ0lCWFky7FiUVrj-oIgUSrZ-WzLTQLvgXbnXq5jWC78MxzfXFqTsNyyHP/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjZu1PKU7BUksnl4NnjWPzaySsv8AEGOKhtBUEUI1cNoMC9fG51dpGFDpNGWsRXYj5OlcwttFKRNQn7u86KmJ0lCWFky7FiUVrj-oIgUSrZ-WzLTQLvgXbnXq5jWC78MxzfXFqTsNyyHP/s640/IMG_3128.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Originally, I had wanted to give the bird full, massive wings so the Demon Ninja could survey his territory from on high (again, Lord of the Rings influence seeping in again), the long, angled vanes from Cole's Tread Assault would make perfect feather sections after all. Once I started playing around with designs however, I discovered that I did not have enough ball and socket joint pieces, nor enough large "filler" pieces to make the wings look good, but still retain at least somewhat realistic bird-like folding capability. So instead of a Nazgul-esque flying terror, I re-imagined the concept as desert dwelling evil ninjas taming and riding the native giant, predatory, flightless avians and ensuring no one ever tries to cross that desert again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-GtOxxTCuKplw6HJouQu6g5vV3WQIs2u2_7x82jVreUzBpFusHyEVD7Ge9TX7pGzN810cg2H36NjZO1fyqbrgq0n0ZmXFhxi5i4JycFV_UjFnwT1Aoys-ndSnxXqP6bn7m5VXwiPH67t/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-GtOxxTCuKplw6HJouQu6g5vV3WQIs2u2_7x82jVreUzBpFusHyEVD7Ge9TX7pGzN810cg2H36NjZO1fyqbrgq0n0ZmXFhxi5i4JycFV_UjFnwT1Aoys-ndSnxXqP6bn7m5VXwiPH67t/s640/IMG_3135.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Terror Birds are close in physical build to their real world counterparts with with powerful legs, hooked claws for catching and holding prey and a powerful, sharp beak for tearing flesh and crushing bone. These Desert Terror Birds however sport a few differences: Their wings, though greatly stunted, are still a bit longer and more dexterous than real terror birds and they use them to both help secure prey and climb, plus they can deliver a nasty slash with the scythe-like claws at the tips. Terror Birds have also evolved long, prehensile tails that help them balance while running and can also serve as an additional limb when climbing or manipulating smaller objects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36O0E4PBe2KpfaQbkDZUgefANEswmvM5tdluU7XyDcm3BdCDqYvzYOdzgjU6HTC1II8vxAULzVxv5bcUmmD8pUgkEX16LJGnQ3fX0U277k8LK9apdJveOJqtjrboQMKJw0gxHlwqqRCdx/s1600/IMG_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36O0E4PBe2KpfaQbkDZUgefANEswmvM5tdluU7XyDcm3BdCDqYvzYOdzgjU6HTC1II8vxAULzVxv5bcUmmD8pUgkEX16LJGnQ3fX0U277k8LK9apdJveOJqtjrboQMKJw0gxHlwqqRCdx/s640/IMG_3133.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Additionally, male Terror Birds have a two pronged claw at the tip of their tails. In the wild, this is used to help hold a female steady during mating, but Terror Bird riders have trained the males to utilize this claw in battle, using it to catch and then crush enemies, or hurl them long distances with a single twitch of the muscular tail. Females lack the grasping claw, but instead have a single sharp spine terminating their tails which can also be employed as a weapon with proper training, though generally fewer females are trained as mounts due to their less aggressive nature.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vD18DpxrhZtcXAcnb9eS6c8ejXave7qIqakGLPxyKRva_n4h9DwGuOuRJ2YhlcX2klxMOYoIjCzQ8BQhooHfNOpyav4r1Ck303_B3I2drxVQCNOtpK2Ge_DLw98ps-YLYVZ3HBxtxHxp/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vD18DpxrhZtcXAcnb9eS6c8ejXave7qIqakGLPxyKRva_n4h9DwGuOuRJ2YhlcX2klxMOYoIjCzQ8BQhooHfNOpyav4r1Ck303_B3I2drxVQCNOtpK2Ge_DLw98ps-YLYVZ3HBxtxHxp/s640/IMG_3130.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The Terror Bird has ball joints at the base of the skull, base of the neck, shoulders, elbows, wings claws, hips, knees and ankles and the jaw, toes and tail are also fully articulated with a series of varying joints. Originally, I was going to have the chain reins be loose at the end so the ninja could hold them directly, but they rattle around too much already as the bit is loose and just fits in the Terror Bird's beak.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOYgTPKwiIgAFCPT-0gBODNOYNbrh5KoeK0PHXSC_aQbMIC1djP2AWUQnMR3cvM3GO6ZhnXWlQZjPr2QS9DPaKAsAxnhwUZrMlgKjXGq0mL3-2K0IJDF0G6YSmtX7DQ7MAi2BbytfHgU/s1600/IMG_3131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOYgTPKwiIgAFCPT-0gBODNOYNbrh5KoeK0PHXSC_aQbMIC1djP2AWUQnMR3cvM3GO6ZhnXWlQZjPr2QS9DPaKAsAxnhwUZrMlgKjXGq0mL3-2K0IJDF0G6YSmtX7DQ7MAi2BbytfHgU/s640/IMG_3131.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Here's a close up of a leg to show off the joints better. Given the proper parts, I would rebuild the legs to be sturdier (besides giving him full wings) because they are a bit weak in spots right now and pop apart or cause the bird to collapse if stretched too far in a pose. For example, look at the knee joint. See the gray rod peaking through just below the gear at the end of the thigh? That's because I fudged a few ball socket joints by using one of those single ball pieces that only a rod can connect to (for an example see, the "ball" in the ball and chain of the recent <a href="http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/30201_Ghost" target="_blank">Monster Fighters Ghost</a> set) and attached it via rod to another piece. The result is a not very stable joint and little things like that just drive my Lego OCD nuts until I fix them. Still, the foot claws came out nice and can totally grab mini figures pretty tightly.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJQEO5K7a5NEA4NCfm41Q4pMWe5mCZZkvuyllMjpUqUO2z-48Y__-t1q9ZIfnWn4o-fX3lTpQ8fKERSUs-yo5Q8QHD8vxiyynBezs_JYgLKAxY23JNgoNLrlA9d6o72lH3qLOItHc-XZM/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJQEO5K7a5NEA4NCfm41Q4pMWe5mCZZkvuyllMjpUqUO2z-48Y__-t1q9ZIfnWn4o-fX3lTpQ8fKERSUs-yo5Q8QHD8vxiyynBezs_JYgLKAxY23JNgoNLrlA9d6o72lH3qLOItHc-XZM/s640/IMG_3137.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The saddle for the Demon Ninja has enough room for him to either sit or stand and a place for the Oni Maul to clip to on the back. There are also a spear and an ax on either side of the saddle that can be removed (with a bit of hassle) to give the ninja further armament if he needs it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vyf1SmLqKICrlnzRh5gUZ81yv2AeUMLfgigWEh6HmDFORVgX4U3SJc6DiijlV1-HwvBtqI4LAMBVElJjYilKM3b90Qlc0hus7ceIArwHWXSfIoMMFwuVydhmt4GrxjceT8n4wokKprOa/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vyf1SmLqKICrlnzRh5gUZ81yv2AeUMLfgigWEh6HmDFORVgX4U3SJc6DiijlV1-HwvBtqI4LAMBVElJjYilKM3b90Qlc0hus7ceIArwHWXSfIoMMFwuVydhmt4GrxjceT8n4wokKprOa/s640/IMG_3139.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I'm pretty proud of this one. It took a while to build to my liking, and there are still a few things I'd like to iron out about it's design, but if I saw this as a set in stores when I was a kid, I would have flipped out about it. I really like the Demon Ninja's overall design and think the Oni Maul came out especially nice, it's kind of hard to build a weapon for a mini figure that doesn't look ridiculously over-sized or silly, but this one has justifiable reason for it's size and looks nice no matter how he wields it.<br /><br />That's it for the Demon Ninja & Terror Bird entry, but I have two more things built that I really want to show you guys and a third that is about 98% complete so even though it was a long hiatus, Gentlemen! I have built, THIS THING! will have more coming down the pipeline soon.</div>
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-80834503997860778672012-11-02T09:38:00.001-07:002012-11-02T09:58:03.566-07:00Iron Man: The Armored Avenger Hammer Drone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Though I've talked about the <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/05/midnight-raid-captain-america.html" target="_blank">virtues</a> of T.J. Maxx <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/marvels-hydra-soldier-dark-threat.html" target="_blank">hunting</a> before, it continues to pay off as yesterday's visit turned up yet another awesome Iron Man figure I'd never heard of before, the Hammer Drone. For those who have yet to see Iron Man 2 (and why haven't you by now?), there are mild spoilers ahead so look out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp8pW5dISmOtrM2FFoak65MPT_NNhSmt3eZycsGfKb4By-6ZzjcQzeSzA3V8yqrRS6Dq7ARuPKTAggUvnouata_6swOfYcFPeHTRdFFacFXjuwaB1CwsYAej2l_WfEFoSljO_EuOZagHS/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwp8pW5dISmOtrM2FFoak65MPT_NNhSmt3eZycsGfKb4By-6ZzjcQzeSzA3V8yqrRS6Dq7ARuPKTAggUvnouata_6swOfYcFPeHTRdFFacFXjuwaB1CwsYAej2l_WfEFoSljO_EuOZagHS/s640/IMG_2906.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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A large part of the second film's plot involves Tony Stark's competitor, Justin Hammer, attempting to create his own version of personal mech armor. He gives up on that after a few less than successful prototypes and decides it would be much easier to simply steal the technology from Stark and with the help of Ivan Vanko (Whiplash), reverse engineer it into a series of variable attack drones to sell to the military. Clearly, nothing can go wrong with using a revenge-driven convict with his own agenda to design your automated military-class weapon platforms. Before Iron Man and War Machine destroy the majority of them however, we get to see three very cool armored drone designs, each adapted to a specific environment; land, sea or air.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqRPxpya3xYcJtHPYTIjgMrB-Iaobj_3vNTGIuj-iyRXMDSO3WotI09xKGBL3u0L3cDwb4CBa02J41K2DTdlySKQjZZymC1jF_7jMPfqstJXz_M687hvvuchny0PG1EW2RSgiwHT4VkGS/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqRPxpya3xYcJtHPYTIjgMrB-Iaobj_3vNTGIuj-iyRXMDSO3WotI09xKGBL3u0L3cDwb4CBa02J41K2DTdlySKQjZZymC1jF_7jMPfqstJXz_M687hvvuchny0PG1EW2RSgiwHT4VkGS/s640/IMG_2905.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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This is not one of those models. In fact, I'm pretty certain this version isn't in the film at all, but there's nothing wrong with that because it is still outstanding. The Hammer Drone shares 99% of it's mold with the Weapon Assault Drone from the Iron Man 2 movie line, having only a new, skull-like head to differentiate the two on a sculpt level. Where the Hammer Drone blows the Weapon Assault Drone away however is paint scheme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKHR20-TM9TksXq7GNPc7zcZDN2JPltd-DlII7qK2OvPEFuXTY1VpmuKv-ajoCpXyvkW3FrIlEK2hYnf1a96LvrZV5Gprcl0tIAjQMC7jeO9CD-jj0_qqLWBNI8PZgn4Y0TjRAq083p4/s1600/IMG_2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBKHR20-TM9TksXq7GNPc7zcZDN2JPltd-DlII7qK2OvPEFuXTY1VpmuKv-ajoCpXyvkW3FrIlEK2hYnf1a96LvrZV5Gprcl0tIAjQMC7jeO9CD-jj0_qqLWBNI8PZgn4Y0TjRAq083p4/s640/IMG_2938.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Weapon Assault Drone is primarily a dark olive green with only a bit of silver in it's joints and weapons with white highlighting it's Arc Reactor, overall not a very exciting scheme. The Hammer Drone is far more visually interesting, using a lighter olive green than the Weapon Assault Drone on it's forearms, chest and lower legs, with silver making up the rest of the body color.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAikBh4FxH5vthX3LegKWtaaT_0qHp2GNxwQsp0KjtpBQnxzIoOFUuQibcTX0D-Ob9GS5ppwv7qTXkU97lsn16pBdzYz643WLyiCB8M3sii2cOyEhs3Wy3ZpbtOcB8K2IXNAf8gKJQ1G5/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAikBh4FxH5vthX3LegKWtaaT_0qHp2GNxwQsp0KjtpBQnxzIoOFUuQibcTX0D-Ob9GS5ppwv7qTXkU97lsn16pBdzYz643WLyiCB8M3sii2cOyEhs3Wy3ZpbtOcB8K2IXNAf8gKJQ1G5/s640/IMG_2915.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Like <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/07/iron-man-2-stark-racing-armor-iron-man.html" target="_blank">Stark Racing Armor Iron Man</a>, the Hammer Drone benefits from quite a few tiny tampographed details, like this Hammer logo on it's right thigh...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDWmMRFNodWyRlDLTOBW73Q54qbuHsXCdLf_6J81aaGvyR_K0GBc1nq2vAbJ899YvNpYfiVqctB4ZAYN0K6zBRVDEerAyS0byJQEhhtlSzudKaPAaq5tgQnSHoHb_1pSO2s-6zgQODM8J/s1600/IMG_2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDWmMRFNodWyRlDLTOBW73Q54qbuHsXCdLf_6J81aaGvyR_K0GBc1nq2vAbJ899YvNpYfiVqctB4ZAYN0K6zBRVDEerAyS0byJQEhhtlSzudKaPAaq5tgQnSHoHb_1pSO2s-6zgQODM8J/s640/IMG_2917.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And this one on it's left forearm, along with some of the warning stripes that are also present in a few other places on the Drone's body. There are also several small yellow triangles bordered in black and the black and yellow quartered circles you see on crash test dummies (I can't seem to find an official term for them.) The black and yellow detailing really pops against the silver and olive green and gives the impression that this is an early prototype, still being tested and recorded in one of Hammer's facilities before the design is given the go ahead for full production.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBmD8TavPO7fKOtH1yi74BRetfUicTrXrCr1nqSVNn6dTuGCJmvmItY7YeQG0BExR3EY9gWSDp5aFNflNXvrcogzdmIXgAB1hN0urCpbzOxBXq8YYHXovOLvTbAMyzJfRhXLEYWyFLzPQ/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBmD8TavPO7fKOtH1yi74BRetfUicTrXrCr1nqSVNn6dTuGCJmvmItY7YeQG0BExR3EY9gWSDp5aFNflNXvrcogzdmIXgAB1hN0urCpbzOxBXq8YYHXovOLvTbAMyzJfRhXLEYWyFLzPQ/s640/IMG_2926.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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But just because it's a prototype, there's nothing saying it can't beat the snot out of you. Check out that whip action! The Hammer Drone includes the same serrated whips the Weapon Assault Drone sported, they're soft enough to get some whipping poses out of, but they won't hold any shape you try to curve them into and can't be used to strangle your Iron Men or anything (at least, not without some creativity.) The whips plug snugly into the inner forearms and can be switched out for the other weapons borrowed from the Weapon Assault Drone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_wUCe2GxyaaGQwlq2bEpW794inDaUvMWfJ9Yqd1nEGLidGm9n0JxORAHEk55JdWPqeir8Uotd3884k4lo0RcKp7lLYWuS4t84wI0Rap6icBlpobimmqMoWggzC_44wAQJsnunX3URMr3/s1600/IMG_2924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_wUCe2GxyaaGQwlq2bEpW794inDaUvMWfJ9Yqd1nEGLidGm9n0JxORAHEk55JdWPqeir8Uotd3884k4lo0RcKp7lLYWuS4t84wI0Rap6icBlpobimmqMoWggzC_44wAQJsnunX3URMr3/s640/IMG_2924.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Big ol' chainsaws! While the whips look mean, these just look brutal. If supposedly emotionless robots can express sadistic glee, it would be on the face of this thing as it uses it's saws to slowly carve it's way into Tony's armor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsmgFbTc1wA_AJ0PVcd75mqi1scY1ELDRGzmTDftmiI3mn-RbSEogRNJmFeSK0W_uL2HTq9x0YIgjDTruIH4LTN5Aye2nNu3a2okS3sDah_W17_CoeVrv_GFFOc7HAdLr3UWzVlyB1MTB/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsmgFbTc1wA_AJ0PVcd75mqi1scY1ELDRGzmTDftmiI3mn-RbSEogRNJmFeSK0W_uL2HTq9x0YIgjDTruIH4LTN5Aye2nNu3a2okS3sDah_W17_CoeVrv_GFFOc7HAdLr3UWzVlyB1MTB/s640/IMG_2923.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Unfortunately, the figure is packaged with the left saw in a section of the bubble tray that by very design, cannot help but bend the holy hell out of it. As the picture shows, you end up with a pretty warped saw on one hand. I'm trying to flatten mine out by leaving it pressed between heavy books and it could also be fixed via boiling water I'm sure, but really this sort of thing could easily be avoided. They managed to make packaging that didn't bend the Weapon Assault Drone's saws, why make a whole new tray layout that seems designed to damage an accessory?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaPPOgvC5CN-eB04QNAa3SNPC5ZAWwedf3gJBoyOpliHiNItT3XHz5Xrw_5-s6CGn0zK64lrzxDVbVJpM2S8qvq_xdqPSa_RcyFntURL8am5TAc6rT_zOWtXdI4nfi3PKBvtg6O4dDS4S/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaPPOgvC5CN-eB04QNAa3SNPC5ZAWwedf3gJBoyOpliHiNItT3XHz5Xrw_5-s6CGn0zK64lrzxDVbVJpM2S8qvq_xdqPSa_RcyFntURL8am5TAc6rT_zOWtXdI4nfi3PKBvtg6O4dDS4S/s640/IMG_2919.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Hammer Drone features ball jointed shoulders, neck, hips, and ankles, though the hips are those weird ball-hinge joints Hasbro loves so much on their super hero toys these days. There is technically an ab ball joint, but it's far more restricted than the Weapon Assault Drone's so it's limited to mostly swivel movement. Rounding out the articulation are hinge elbows, double jointed knees and upper thigh swivels. I would have liked to see the Drone be a little more flexible (he sorely needs elbow swivels) but the clunky movement sells the walking tank aesthetic of the design. Just like the Weapon Assault Drone, panels on the Hammer Drone's forearms can flip up. I'm still not sure why, nothing is revealed beneath and I don't remember this feature coming up with any of the drones in the movie. Though as I've only seen the second movie once, eons ago, I'm hardly an expert on the subject.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XLVFHDnXOqYATwMeTkluC9hg8d4-sT6qB0zqHKXaLMhLO709ECjbdAcf2COYrPmtjGAFK8PmgwIYz7amDNjC8AS2aa-fPkZiW5r_j162t6-okR_PNjPUnD4M6q57Dp0HlywTVkNX0398/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XLVFHDnXOqYATwMeTkluC9hg8d4-sT6qB0zqHKXaLMhLO709ECjbdAcf2COYrPmtjGAFK8PmgwIYz7amDNjC8AS2aa-fPkZiW5r_j162t6-okR_PNjPUnD4M6q57Dp0HlywTVkNX0398/s640/IMG_2914.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Besides the paint scheme, the factor that turns a "meh" mold into an "OMG I NEED THIS" repaint is the new head. I can't put my finger on exactly what is so great about it, the four eyes? The skull-like shape? The fact it kind of looks like a Zaku from Mobile Suit Gundam? Most likely all these factors and more, but the bottom line is that it looks pretty damn <i>sinister. </i>Tilting the head down even slightly makes the Drone appear to be glowering at you, cocking the head to the side makes him look like he's scheming, it is a surprisingly emotive sculpt for being a largely faceless robot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8KlL_nhuxdFyKkI4Olm6Fd6O_Zim5OCPS8Quc_zxlbOYko1S2RDXII48Desc7LY3Tiu6UaRLzzyxqDaFyhlzw32QtQgMPAQTV8vIFLylMcbbKKnODkf2js43gjey9rgOw8rl_n9_ea09/s1600/IMG_2911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8KlL_nhuxdFyKkI4Olm6Fd6O_Zim5OCPS8Quc_zxlbOYko1S2RDXII48Desc7LY3Tiu6UaRLzzyxqDaFyhlzw32QtQgMPAQTV8vIFLylMcbbKKnODkf2js43gjey9rgOw8rl_n9_ea09/s640/IMG_2911.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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As is typical of these Marvel reviews however, after all the praise I heap, I have a bit of complaining to do as well. What you're looking at up there is the Hammer Drone's hip joint. That lighter band of gray in the center of the circular joint section should be the same metallic grayish silver as the rest of the joint. It isn't that color because fresh out of the package, the paint on his hip joints flaked off the first time I moved them. This isn't a huge negative, but it seems to me it would have been better to either leave the joints unpainted, or use the same method as the Weapon Assault Drone. That figure also has this problem, but the plastic of the hip joints are much closer in color to the metallic olive paint applied over them so it's far less noticeable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_Eu4f4exquZst6dX1a7yrQOCV87-XCprEmS2hIxI2XUeRhSLq-v4ZLQvylM1HSiEq2RYi94LqcWcjow1mYSNDJPUAdBYRSo2tk7spwPykP3qU04XLj-cdAwxd4yivlZ3hFnja7mfAuy0/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_Eu4f4exquZst6dX1a7yrQOCV87-XCprEmS2hIxI2XUeRhSLq-v4ZLQvylM1HSiEq2RYi94LqcWcjow1mYSNDJPUAdBYRSo2tk7spwPykP3qU04XLj-cdAwxd4yivlZ3hFnja7mfAuy0/s640/IMG_2912.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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My other issue comes from a couple of the tampographs. That isn't shoddy camera work in the picture above (well, not entirely at any rate), that triangle really does look that fuzzy and broken up on the actual figure and there is some yellow slopping into the black sections of this particular crash test dummy marking. Though these two are the only sloppy/blurry tampos out of seventeen or so on the figure so it's not that bad considering.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ95ZLhYEBnIAm1HiwOY9kTk7KM2vyi36kJWwk3dIWaBjWvVJaTSdhz82mViCokubsO2a_hYIxMjVrHMIBYRsonXImScSjwbgWZq70U-wvxxX8QB180JtQQjVVtVpJmH_KKzIrRGFqYBR/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ95ZLhYEBnIAm1HiwOY9kTk7KM2vyi36kJWwk3dIWaBjWvVJaTSdhz82mViCokubsO2a_hYIxMjVrHMIBYRsonXImScSjwbgWZq70U-wvxxX8QB180JtQQjVVtVpJmH_KKzIrRGFqYBR/s640/IMG_2930.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Hammer Drone, if you can find it, will make a fantastic addition to your Iron Man or mecha collection. I really love the paint job and the idea of this being a "just off screen" character you could imagine being a step up from Hammer's earlier suits that tended to horribly malfunction (that poor guy who tried to turn at the waist...) and the polished final drones seen during the climactic battle. The Hammer Drone seems to be semi-rare and sells online for around twelve to twenty bucks depending on where you look, but if you have a T.J. Maxx or Marshall's nearby, I'd suggest searching there first as I only paid six bucks for my Hammer Drone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFpISFAXrP0iudzKYkqx7WYRA_0_OnwLEQeovPOajFFpoRMszS2tfssWpBhNiwp-5JaJEzBQVDXI0kxWBun8ld4HKenlDOYssU3jPh82-h0f2bC9-TrSdot0ZuEZ49LiteZicBX-UJGn6/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFpISFAXrP0iudzKYkqx7WYRA_0_OnwLEQeovPOajFFpoRMszS2tfssWpBhNiwp-5JaJEzBQVDXI0kxWBun8ld4HKenlDOYssU3jPh82-h0f2bC9-TrSdot0ZuEZ49LiteZicBX-UJGn6/s640/IMG_2949.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>"Stop! ... Hammer Drone!"</i></div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-56133076488795091262012-10-19T21:08:00.004-07:002012-10-19T21:08:30.896-07:00Portal 2 Sentry Turret, Animal King Version<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a franchise with only a single (living) human character, the Portal series sure has a lot of oddly endearing artificial characters. From the psychotic, yet sympathetic GlaDOS to the oddball personality cores (SPACCEEEEEE...) to the innocent Companion Cube you burn alive, the cold machines of Aperture Science are frequent sources of humor and pathos in lieu of other fleshbags to interact with. And of course, one of the most amusing pieces of killer hardware you encounter are the murderous yet extremely polite Sentry Turrets.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly2uGFHXStC7hdbCZgaYSzRM9xYkHmqvNvyimsZYYH_dz7M75kfyKbMeVvI9g5zCyEU7OIAyYi01fTcf_9-0vHZdSLypKOqnABtn6YkyaRVt_-mJ9NKOEYEMzboZD0Lftrxbp8qHmm-9B/s1600/IMG_2884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly2uGFHXStC7hdbCZgaYSzRM9xYkHmqvNvyimsZYYH_dz7M75kfyKbMeVvI9g5zCyEU7OIAyYi01fTcf_9-0vHZdSLypKOqnABtn6YkyaRVt_-mJ9NKOEYEMzboZD0Lftrxbp8qHmm-9B/s640/IMG_2884.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />In my travels today, I stopped off at ye olde local comic shop (in this case, <a href="http://www.jetpackcomics.com/" target="_blank">Jetpack Comics</a>) to see if there was anything interesting about and they had some of the brand spanking new Portal 2 Sentry Turret blind box figures by NECA/Wizkids.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSmcZbnJ3cRSb-3i8JDbamoWzetD906MgocQXc58GMrau1zH308hSkdKJ3gpjn1_OGsYoLSWH_jfQCJtkC69TRLFm1TtalbIs_cPovyHTJhnksNdmLDCMCI2vb_qBtq_wsQbmfjAEoHpl/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSmcZbnJ3cRSb-3i8JDbamoWzetD906MgocQXc58GMrau1zH308hSkdKJ3gpjn1_OGsYoLSWH_jfQCJtkC69TRLFm1TtalbIs_cPovyHTJhnksNdmLDCMCI2vb_qBtq_wsQbmfjAEoHpl/s640/IMG_2883.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The box is simple but hilariously tongue-in-cheek. The entire package is made up to be as if the turret within is a full-sized death appliance, this side showcasing a schematic and handling instruction icons to ensure your turret is not damaged in transit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY9B2it38b2PnMppY7WjVo1O-QEm4xZqNwFpO2xRq5OV5XCjpJuriN5ifUz7dCc3GVttEfaXXmIMGJ4833OmCooy5nM-Ovrjq8N1eXYYaOPHvUUwNUdk2cpGFivOARGtNxy6Nllz0kkg0/s1600/IMG_2882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY9B2it38b2PnMppY7WjVo1O-QEm4xZqNwFpO2xRq5OV5XCjpJuriN5ifUz7dCc3GVttEfaXXmIMGJ4833OmCooy5nM-Ovrjq8N1eXYYaOPHvUUwNUdk2cpGFivOARGtNxy6Nllz0kkg0/s640/IMG_2882.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The opposite side features a diagram of positioning turrets in the home and blurbs about not using the turrets as home security systems and the fact that you may want to invest in an ANOTHER home security system to defend you from them as they tend to go rogue. The second paragraph is legal text removing any responsibility on the part of Aperture Laboratories if things go horribly, horribly awry. Both sections are hilarious and written perfectly to match the cynical wit and sarcasm of the video games.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1z5_MCFQOiMwn9oDMgFsQlqVYNa0BCIT2oKvK91BOwdNLeUcMIUX-8hUXEAW0drva5W-_wm9VRK9w3p6-hPHSoitAD1E6u8jk5OvPSV1A2dSWKdwYTcBndYah6Es7X2VQIyKT_roL5pn/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1z5_MCFQOiMwn9oDMgFsQlqVYNa0BCIT2oKvK91BOwdNLeUcMIUX-8hUXEAW0drva5W-_wm9VRK9w3p6-hPHSoitAD1E6u8jk5OvPSV1A2dSWKdwYTcBndYah6Es7X2VQIyKT_roL5pn/s640/IMG_2881.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The back of the box reveals the ten different color schemes the turrets come in. There are technically twenty figures in total as each paint scheme comes in both a "neutral" mode and an "attack" mode with guns extended. Some of the designs are pretty awesome, Sunburst, Clouds and Desert Camo being a few of my favorites. Really though, they're all pretty awesome looking. Except Table. Apparently there was an online poll to decide the tenth pattern in the series and Table won. Seriously? There was an awesome Hawaiian Shirt design that looked like a turret version of Dennis Nedry. But I digress, my point is that half the reason I decided to buy one was the paint schemes. I wanted an attack mode turret in a cool color scheme and boy did I get one.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiHhujyKBwKuR_mQsEuJoqnCWonl_Zfal4c_zkekm8Mjfz62wN2WRXontZFDCPshK3bzq7tljPReHjRFEG5voeB0IbGsh4dx0cUmuNYe4twfvW70xvUQ5XJThAK0uxzC4giIczQXkXj_p/s1600/IMG_2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiHhujyKBwKuR_mQsEuJoqnCWonl_Zfal4c_zkekm8Mjfz62wN2WRXontZFDCPshK3bzq7tljPReHjRFEG5voeB0IbGsh4dx0cUmuNYe4twfvW70xvUQ5XJThAK0uxzC4giIczQXkXj_p/s640/IMG_2880.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><i>Leopard Camo. Attack Mode. CROWN.</i><br /><br /> I won on all fronts. I'm not 100% certain as the series just came out this month and none of the official documentation I can find mentions chases, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say this is a chase variant. A giant leopard spotted, crown sporting sentry turret known as the Animal King shows up in the second game during an in game slide show and later during the closing credits while you are treated to an opera performed by levels and levels of turrets stored within the Apperture Science facilities. Apparently, The King is also a chase version of the standard Leopard Camo figure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoSv3InYQxEhqt_mgxAYo8_Rybs2-2L09jCCrYnhbNxtCLnKsW8ejTR5M3Z1flMHu38qs6ie90Lh_hrwrCs9inCsiVVElqXqVFYQo-dhU-jxlW6I5suwzrhBu_9IsJSr0ASahExfyKh0e/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoSv3InYQxEhqt_mgxAYo8_Rybs2-2L09jCCrYnhbNxtCLnKsW8ejTR5M3Z1flMHu38qs6ie90Lh_hrwrCs9inCsiVVElqXqVFYQo-dhU-jxlW6I5suwzrhBu_9IsJSr0ASahExfyKh0e/s640/IMG_2873.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The Animal King is cast in a hard plastic that makes me worry about him breaking a leg if he takes a fall, with the crown made of a softer PVC. The sculpt is excellent, perfectly capturing the in game look and featuring some pretty intricate mechanical detailing on the inner workings of the gun panels. The only negative is an obvious seam that runs vertically up the turret. For the main body, this is fine since there is a seam between the plates there in the games, but this one also unfortunately runs directly across the eye, ruining the effect. The sculpt features no articulation, but other than unfolding, the turrets don't move much anyways so I'm perfectly OK with this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6fYYkqTGp93BHmlyQh95eVysEoNZ2MTYEyMsFMsqa8r9F1kVhsYE-tJB1n-BnZUok69UcisPYckhwYDAL6NSqZevmIgfCkVmkslnaymeNiEBSRFuelOe5YVRB0tYEg4s-Mjvlp-robOw/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6fYYkqTGp93BHmlyQh95eVysEoNZ2MTYEyMsFMsqa8r9F1kVhsYE-tJB1n-BnZUok69UcisPYckhwYDAL6NSqZevmIgfCkVmkslnaymeNiEBSRFuelOe5YVRB0tYEg4s-Mjvlp-robOw/s640/IMG_2874.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The turret stands just under three inches tall at the top of the body housing, the antenna and The King's crown adding a little height in this case. He's a bit too big for menacing your G.I. Joes and Star Wars figures, but should be perfect for apologetically shooting at your DC Universe figures, or better yet the Gordan Freeman figure NECA just recently released. I should note that the whole "tripods aren't structurally sound" adage rings true here as The King will topple over on any surface that isn't perfectly level. I don't know if mine just has a slightly warped leg or if this is a design flaw, but a stiff breeze can knock this guy over.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQnbXQTEQVJDwGoc1FClR1Y_pfegnJZ3vP8HiT7rzmOmc_pXxG9T3aiTc2b628yH1oEnQEHSeKpHfFuHjmW8YgfjIdwEShf7Dud4xUZ7y8dO6NBvbqWJ-36_PzJtJKZURkRLm20_ZFCNB/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwQnbXQTEQVJDwGoc1FClR1Y_pfegnJZ3vP8HiT7rzmOmc_pXxG9T3aiTc2b628yH1oEnQEHSeKpHfFuHjmW8YgfjIdwEShf7Dud4xUZ7y8dO6NBvbqWJ-36_PzJtJKZURkRLm20_ZFCNB/s640/IMG_2878.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Paint detailing is nice, the leopard print is sharp and there is no slop that I can see. A great little detail is systems readouts printed in the recessed open sides of the turret's body. These spots are hard to photograph since the gun panels are angled and real close to the body, but the left side features live ammunition warnings and an incredibly tiny block of text I can't possibly read while the right states armament & elect then gives a status report of the fusion cores. All of this printing is miniscule and put in a super tiny, pain in the ass spot on the figure so I'm suitably impressed at NECA's effort.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXfmjDUHzSvsKY0djBUJAuobvipXibNjIpkLvDhWtnCucHGiezRa-kAGNfKMrskm8wDnM1cAwsh-Sd03N06T0DHMBmi_3YSr3lBzJ0D4PusoOiUfly3K0DjE89toyVSu6BizhHfClFoAX/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXfmjDUHzSvsKY0djBUJAuobvipXibNjIpkLvDhWtnCucHGiezRa-kAGNfKMrskm8wDnM1cAwsh-Sd03N06T0DHMBmi_3YSr3lBzJ0D4PusoOiUfly3K0DjE89toyVSu6BizhHfClFoAX/s640/IMG_2875.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Even though this started as a total impulse buy (damn my weakness for blind boxes!) I'm ultimately quite pleased with The King here. It certainly helps that I pulled a chase version I didn't know existed going in, but the clean sculpt, excellent paint work and sheer variety would make me recommend you snag one anyways. A minimum of 21 different styles (and who knows how many other chases) is a tantalizing enough reason to grab a blind box, the fact that I only paid a mere five bucks for this guy is just icing on the cake (sorry.) While I can't guarantee that other retailers will be as cool as Jetpack, you should absolutely get one or two (or a dozen!) if you can find them at a decent price or happen to be a fan of Valve's other most popular series.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-69884499612267935232012-09-24T10:34:00.002-07:002012-09-24T11:26:48.122-07:00Beast Saga Kingdom of the Sea Death Heart Deck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day, years and years ago, my father found a small rubber figure of a gorilla in red armor on the floor of his workplace and knowing his son well, brought him home for me. Turns out he knew me quite well, I loved that gorilla and after a bit of nosing around, I found his name was Gargantuan Gorilla and that he belonged to a line called Battle Beasts. Most of you need no explanation of what Battle Beasts were I'm sure, but for the uninitiated they were roughly two inch high, anthropomorphic animals in colorful armor who waged war with each other using an advanced form of rock, paper, scissors substituting fire, water and wood instead. None of that mattered to myself or other kids, we just loved warrior animals beating on each other in cybernetic armor.</div>
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Battle Beasts eventually faded away like most great 80's toy properties but last year, strange rumblings began to come out of Japan. Prototypes figures of armored animals with chest insignia began to make the rounds on the net and soon enough, Takara-Tomy unveiled Beast Saga, a spiritual successor to Battle Beasts that frankly looked amazing. I immediately placed pre-orders for a few things and after a long (LONG) wait, they finally arrived a couple of days ago. So today we look at my favorites from my order, the Kingdom of the Sea Death Heart Deck!<br />
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While Battle Beasts' game system was a really simple variation of rock, paper, scissors, Beast Saga figures are heavily themed around a more involved, dice based game. Each figure has a launcher in their chest that can fire a small die used in the game. Hence the Shark blasting a fiery cube of vengeance across the front of the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnr18tOthF68tuNCLX3HNZIi68q8Bf7jZNqxrV5IbqNXyWwtEVdA0tWvZnRrVgywAmhhLn8-eh_vSk2jnaw2rjp51AtoAgSvQspWuUrnuErui4S6bB7890Y25kkbAqPqP72KSE66ZOuRc/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnr18tOthF68tuNCLX3HNZIi68q8Bf7jZNqxrV5IbqNXyWwtEVdA0tWvZnRrVgywAmhhLn8-eh_vSk2jnaw2rjp51AtoAgSvQspWuUrnuErui4S6bB7890Y25kkbAqPqP72KSE66ZOuRc/s640/IMG_2668.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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At this point, I should mention that I can't read Japanese so I'm using my best guess on how the game itself works. Each figure has a unique die with their personal symbol on one face and various numbers of pips on the other faces, plus a separate light blue die that appears to be for bonus damage points. By pushing in a plunger on the figure's backs, the die in their chest launches a decent distance and gives you your game rolls. The instructional photos seem to indicate that each player "fires" their character's unique die, fires the bonus modifier die, then adds the result. The winning player is determined by the highest total value, though I'm sure it's slightly more involved with that. Each figure's bio card has what I assume to be a "hitpoint" value and the Sea Death Heart Deck set also includes two black die with different symbols that I'm guessing are random effects that makes play more exciting. My lack of Japanese comprehension and having more interest in the figures themselves lessens my enthusiasm for the game aspect, but if games are your thing, there are plenty of boosters sets, play mats and more that offer unique dice to spice up play. Kudos to Takara-Tomy for putting in such effort.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAfcfjCw9SmlUqH4dm60At1gatQtFA_W9KovxVKv3zocm8OCy_pJochn6CJqqy11TCbOlqw96eJHCDhYh4ZHB58v7cK-cvRKTMsAGWfVSkDaBOB-Zz8wjYNqXfwpTvQvjwXoI52FmhmEP/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAfcfjCw9SmlUqH4dm60At1gatQtFA_W9KovxVKv3zocm8OCy_pJochn6CJqqy11TCbOlqw96eJHCDhYh4ZHB58v7cK-cvRKTMsAGWfVSkDaBOB-Zz8wjYNqXfwpTvQvjwXoI52FmhmEP/s640/IMG_2766.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Cracking open the box, the figures themselves are nothing short of amazing. Though they are slightly taller and a bit bulkier than the original Battle Beasts, they capture the spirit of the line so perfectly, I felt like I was ten again after handling them for a bit. The Sea Death Heart deck consists of three aquatic and (I assume) evil warriors; A Great White Shark, a Piranha, and a Coelacanth, each with their own spears and shields. I feel like I don't even need to say anything about them and just post picture after picture after picture, captioned only with increasingly long strings of exclamation points. But I suppose you guys expect SOME explanation accompanying them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTx5kxiwRFvqKxy2Xj0U069l3g-hXlXO5pt3bMhLLYHyedsFD01xP9lYGiqrxRV10iERObRbGl3u3tq4alXM5O37ATznVnRIHLLg2evuwdkBdyVlatBRnw5f5YZTL8LC2SUgQ6Gcce_pE/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTx5kxiwRFvqKxy2Xj0U069l3g-hXlXO5pt3bMhLLYHyedsFD01xP9lYGiqrxRV10iERObRbGl3u3tq4alXM5O37ATznVnRIHLLg2evuwdkBdyVlatBRnw5f5YZTL8LC2SUgQ6Gcce_pE/s640/IMG_2748.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Though the single packed figures are usually listed on sites under their English names, I have yet to see names for the figures in the Deck sets, so I'm just going to call them by their animal inspirations. Starting with the Great White here, the de facto leader of the pack. Just look at him, isn't he fantastic? Clad in what looks like a cross between a knight's suit of armor and a SCUBA suit, his detailing is incredible; bladed fins on the forearms and shoulders, tubes around his neck and plugging into the back of his head, intricate shoulder pauldrons and my favorite, tattered remnants of cape around his shoulders and waist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyzDoBriB9xffvjD_g6u2JWJ-NxN9EUDyqorbA1moxJwnI5FiLg5jr7iIMP8zATeP_ZYRlcCllxW0j9MUezK9lIwakuUryPXZS-yLEiOPUfWNsY3yeI90nY32TWPDm99yAvLkDmtMJ7R1/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyzDoBriB9xffvjD_g6u2JWJ-NxN9EUDyqorbA1moxJwnI5FiLg5jr7iIMP8zATeP_ZYRlcCllxW0j9MUezK9lIwakuUryPXZS-yLEiOPUfWNsY3yeI90nY32TWPDm99yAvLkDmtMJ7R1/s640/IMG_2749.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The head sculpt is very nice and closely resembles a real Great White, with rows of sharp teeth and the soulless black eyes of a killer! His personal die is cast in dark translucent blue and features the iconic "rising up from below" shark head profile. The placement of the die in the figure's chest also brings back fond memories of the classic Battle Beasts, some friends I've shown these too have actually mistaken them for classic versions due to the near identical design aesthetics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWMHKBh1sXscuaQdSeadCZmkmYsewxJgtyWL5i-8GihTj9WTLR7BH78-G-QdFYabTkbga7Ql6APSy3GV24gPEddM5pTNRaVceuHqbwd27voF8DYkR1_LPr_lcxUgAYpPUYzhTKOK9rwB_/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWMHKBh1sXscuaQdSeadCZmkmYsewxJgtyWL5i-8GihTj9WTLR7BH78-G-QdFYabTkbga7Ql6APSy3GV24gPEddM5pTNRaVceuHqbwd27voF8DYkR1_LPr_lcxUgAYpPUYzhTKOK9rwB_/s640/IMG_2750.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Great White's head sports what I can only imagine is the anthropomorphic shark equivalent of rank insignia, crossed bones over red wings with a golden shark head topping it. Rough translation, this shark is the boss.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSZRYaS-rv63_PPBEV51sKgwFQvqyHNl3xzmJiCyk4ypppDda5URl8lKPCoKa-1lHnt8A7ErRvpnQyH4niDNU-kyQj00H5qFgvd5QGKI5cujfQan5IBNjQJzepQQpzq7o9ErujfbSY7cs/s1600/IMG_2751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSZRYaS-rv63_PPBEV51sKgwFQvqyHNl3xzmJiCyk4ypppDda5URl8lKPCoKa-1lHnt8A7ErRvpnQyH4niDNU-kyQj00H5qFgvd5QGKI5cujfQan5IBNjQJzepQQpzq7o9ErujfbSY7cs/s640/IMG_2751.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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As I said, each figure includes a weapon (for these guys, all pole arms) and a shield. These pieces are cast from a soft, semi-rubbery plastic that some collectors have voiced concerns about, but this is not really an issue in my opinion. I wouldn't put a lot of weight on them as they may get warped out of shape, but for display on shelves or normal play, they should hold up just fine. In a nice touch, some figures' weapons are themed to their wielder, the central tine of the Great White's trident being sculpted to resemble a tiny shark for example.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0CJw6HgJPpqRITV3ljOsJeKCsSBgANLFYkEk1E1kzKQsPqqc6IW2QbIQuZcXpUHEiBigwl7dThXJlOGeR73n_WRwkO_mYE72XK0DduBpDODvyFWvTQjXapeVQl5LQKFbcCOZNC4HQ0u4/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0CJw6HgJPpqRITV3ljOsJeKCsSBgANLFYkEk1E1kzKQsPqqc6IW2QbIQuZcXpUHEiBigwl7dThXJlOGeR73n_WRwkO_mYE72XK0DduBpDODvyFWvTQjXapeVQl5LQKFbcCOZNC4HQ0u4/s640/IMG_2752.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Here's a shot of the arm to show off the detailing in the pauldrons and the cape tatters. I only wish there had been budget for a couple more paint aps because a spot of color on the cape or armor details would have been amazing. Another interesting thing to note here is that in lieu of multiple paint applications, the figures appear to be constructed from a multitude of small pieces cast in the appropriate color. The Great White's gray fists for example appear to be separate pieces that were then glued to the dark blue forearms. This is a very intriguing method of construction and I can only imagine it must be related to cost effectiveness. I don't know if it's cheaper to mold multiple colored parts than it is to cast them all one color then paint them, but that's my guess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7F-vNViOgWzgm3fkw2-O-fG2gdByyzL3qtDBBRl4vBX7UwHicC8MmiMII5mDZyO3-bKFa0tO3SFQMsWo_lYkyjMZYYajfhHSlxlWilGoCVS6EomjJx65uJpPeJ6lZXPLedhG3XgCmgLt/s1600/IMG_2754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7F-vNViOgWzgm3fkw2-O-fG2gdByyzL3qtDBBRl4vBX7UwHicC8MmiMII5mDZyO3-bKFa0tO3SFQMsWo_lYkyjMZYYajfhHSlxlWilGoCVS6EomjJx65uJpPeJ6lZXPLedhG3XgCmgLt/s640/IMG_2754.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Articulation is minimal, due to the size and the fact that the majority of the figures' bulk is taken up by the launcher gimmick, but Beast Saga actually trumps Battle Beasts by adding hip joints as well as the standard shoulders swivels those little guys sported. The result is that you can get some decent action poses out of Beast Saga figures, but they won't be joining your Marvel Legends for yoga anytime soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmdWqRRXr7yLMWyCcdw0vgJhwSRBR8Rv5mRFjcw60-5SA6tu_BiyHHOz8zAB4H1oOhybL3hEOBbqrOpCX7OBu3bfAvjNk1a-JOedMiTRNcSHaP1pUW24e-ecrNEG2denuPahVzlUiLXNb/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmdWqRRXr7yLMWyCcdw0vgJhwSRBR8Rv5mRFjcw60-5SA6tu_BiyHHOz8zAB4H1oOhybL3hEOBbqrOpCX7OBu3bfAvjNk1a-JOedMiTRNcSHaP1pUW24e-ecrNEG2denuPahVzlUiLXNb/s640/IMG_2741.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next up is the Piranha whom I see as the psychotic wise-cracking type. Kind of a scaly Joker if you will. The Piranha's armor more closely resembles the style used by classic Battle Beasts, with gaps between the shoulder pauldrons and gauntlets, then again between the waist armor and boots, showing his well detailed scaly skin between. The fins sprouting from the shoulders and forearms are a nice touch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVQfX5YGgsZw9CJn1y9Q4m8VHJmgptvTMSg1wVK4b_bKMqTSA0iPkogVrp1QM1QW7Achxsw0DgaqcQtqfgGgmH2grPihRlHVqrsfAAg6VOVnNnjuYhoIoPJNIHLXdHHGmKwkXaTq8uBtU/s1600/IMG_2689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVQfX5YGgsZw9CJn1y9Q4m8VHJmgptvTMSg1wVK4b_bKMqTSA0iPkogVrp1QM1QW7Achxsw0DgaqcQtqfgGgmH2grPihRlHVqrsfAAg6VOVnNnjuYhoIoPJNIHLXdHHGmKwkXaTq8uBtU/s640/IMG_2689.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Pirahna's personal symbol is a slightly exaggerated pirahna fish that is mostly mouth and teeth. It meshes with his head sculpt nicely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoly1GCIRBdBJPmJHM_KHQT3DGOvJMMxGou91_5r5qAuWeEX5LlG1MdVNaM4Ej8IzOccv4Kxm-3o36eKyQ-H6XlD56X5Ug3ya26Ix8VoLnJYxOM-lI89Y8ESuYShnhxj-yzOkAHT4I8D3/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoly1GCIRBdBJPmJHM_KHQT3DGOvJMMxGou91_5r5qAuWeEX5LlG1MdVNaM4Ej8IzOccv4Kxm-3o36eKyQ-H6XlD56X5Ug3ya26Ix8VoLnJYxOM-lI89Y8ESuYShnhxj-yzOkAHT4I8D3/s640/IMG_2692.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The head is nice and toothy, the eyes are bright and orange and the gill flaps are well defined. The Piranha's weapon reflects his form yet again with wickedly barbed prongs and a small fin-like protrusion from the handle. I'm not sure if the small loop opposite the fin is just a design aspect or if it is meant for something, you can push the handle of a shield or another weapon through it, but the fit is so tight I'm afraid it will tear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0arpOTpSiJeEEeLMzrgKQd8NAOw-lI81kRkmCHfzW4tyTfSX4YnCNeREDQ8OpCZeZY3OpWsITNxMmOP6yeD4YCqp59e4Ybl6noIlpAQTI6LEg60la1svZzLykwR6wMPl7io-CFLSocnTc/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0arpOTpSiJeEEeLMzrgKQd8NAOw-lI81kRkmCHfzW4tyTfSX4YnCNeREDQ8OpCZeZY3OpWsITNxMmOP6yeD4YCqp59e4Ybl6noIlpAQTI6LEg60la1svZzLykwR6wMPl7io-CFLSocnTc/s640/IMG_2747.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Here's a shot of the figure from the back to illustrate the plunger for launching dice. I was a bit worried when I first heard that the plungers protruded so much from the figure's backs but after having them in hand, I really don't mind. The plunger isn't very visible from the front and it actually seems to help balance the figures a little better when extended. You can push the plunger flush to the character's chest if you remove the die, but it looks a little plain without the insignia clearly displayed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoHEwafvbqurrlmILNj3wq0j8tAFLjF6QDdFhGjPEhK9aiK6KLWyXUb7ABDXb3rYpUcpveWGCjcUfyqNSNfob_C2492NnwvqhBdOUfw1oi_DdDpQl2ZzC0i1ogSAmDH6oivoEEmgLizNb/s1600/IMG_2756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoHEwafvbqurrlmILNj3wq0j8tAFLjF6QDdFhGjPEhK9aiK6KLWyXUb7ABDXb3rYpUcpveWGCjcUfyqNSNfob_C2492NnwvqhBdOUfw1oi_DdDpQl2ZzC0i1ogSAmDH6oivoEEmgLizNb/s640/IMG_2756.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Finally, we have the Coelacanth, a fish whose story is fascinating on it's own without having to be an anthropomorphic fish warrior. The Coelacanth is an ancient species of bony, lobe-finned fish that for a very long time was thought to have died out during the Cretaceous Period until a living specimen was hauled up by a fishing trawler in 1938 off the coast of Africa. One can only imagine this Coelacanth is the evolutionary future of the species. Woe be to the fisherman who hauls this guy aboard however.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfevX5FLJObgDRqvnb7QimaNrpPF1HAwqWKHza1v5dqBgbo6X0VzIfa9aQDrB0LZbnNFWl9ULx2H3b3TW2PNj5lIJJgURb7aKDrSm8Iu9SzKq9O08cghGDdyYN3X5iHxOgYFm5AaR3NRA/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfevX5FLJObgDRqvnb7QimaNrpPF1HAwqWKHza1v5dqBgbo6X0VzIfa9aQDrB0LZbnNFWl9ULx2H3b3TW2PNj5lIJJgURb7aKDrSm8Iu9SzKq9O08cghGDdyYN3X5iHxOgYFm5AaR3NRA/s640/IMG_2761.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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While the other two members of the team are more lightly armored, the Coelacanth's suit seems heavier and more solidly built, resembling both the old, clunky deep sea diving suits of yore and a submarine. The shoulder pads especially resemble the hulls of submarines to me and this deep sea theme is fitting since the real fish is a deep water beastie. His dour expression and squat form make me think Coelacanth here is the team sourpuss, but maybe I'm just projecting the personality of the Transformers character Skalor on him as they're both based on the same fish. A nice touch that thrills the amateur ichthyologist in me is his feet, styled to resemble the limb-like fins of the actual Coelacanth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzqM15uycVUprNKbn8qvbKxrMLRU4Uk-r0tHlrFD_T1dAdt2Pl0weWkwe_mhcF2PAQJVLl_9RobWJpDLMokx4cqn2mxXAiWvpV50xo77YvV-uH2KQkhc73ZNV0ZLrr3mhLwJQ8KgOhxpM/s1600/IMG_2759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzqM15uycVUprNKbn8qvbKxrMLRU4Uk-r0tHlrFD_T1dAdt2Pl0weWkwe_mhcF2PAQJVLl_9RobWJpDLMokx4cqn2mxXAiWvpV50xo77YvV-uH2KQkhc73ZNV0ZLrr3mhLwJQ8KgOhxpM/s640/IMG_2759.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Coelacanth's symbol is a slightly stylized profile of a real Coelacanth, showing off the distinctive lobe fins, thick scales and split sectioned tail. Like the rest of his teammates, Coelacanth's die is cast in translucent blue plastic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD50s0qCPc9fgtUMGl8vUhg39-YNcEdcORkeXMyJVmiQkg2br4dP4yyXF6yQl4hDAy7gaFlIancFfDLHAzHLbjm02r-rq4TuUbBBIfojAxUcfeO86ydE3CoR26O1PAJhu0h-YVQ093KEKc/s1600/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD50s0qCPc9fgtUMGl8vUhg39-YNcEdcORkeXMyJVmiQkg2br4dP4yyXF6yQl4hDAy7gaFlIancFfDLHAzHLbjm02r-rq4TuUbBBIfojAxUcfeO86ydE3CoR26O1PAJhu0h-YVQ093KEKc/s640/IMG_2760.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Coelacanth's weapon is a spear topped with a bladed, fish-shaped head. None of the details are particularly Coelcanth-ish, but it is certainly fishy in theme with eyes, fins and a toothy maw.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUUXgodlKH5lRlwsUPuCyRGBZYkhn8SvcCZBl_QB2NRruWRFqAYifV0P9cFm0f-5j7lElObMrv3J1MWQJvboO5q9mKQUmy0UhfsHT2V5Dup-8B6Gg0FT0NHxDZkMch6KQzHCzZUur5QYh/s1600/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUUXgodlKH5lRlwsUPuCyRGBZYkhn8SvcCZBl_QB2NRruWRFqAYifV0P9cFm0f-5j7lElObMrv3J1MWQJvboO5q9mKQUmy0UhfsHT2V5Dup-8B6Gg0FT0NHxDZkMch6KQzHCzZUur5QYh/s640/IMG_2764.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I cannot stress enough how much I love Beast Saga. I was a little leery about the game plunger ruining the the aesthetics of the figures and the soft weapons, but once I played with the little guys for a bit, all my fears melted away. These figures are amazingly detailed and a ton of fun to just fiddle around with, and even though I'm not really into the game, I'm completely in love with the figures for their own merits and the fond memories of the originals that they bring back. If these guys look the least bit interesting to you, order some. Don't even think about it, I promise you won't be sorry. Currently there are two other "decks" of three figures themed around animals of the land and air available, but there are also a slew of single packed figures not available in deck sets. On top of that, there are also blind boxed single packs that contain translucent versions of figures from the single packed line and seemingly one member from each of the three decks. As this is a Japanese line, you'll need to get them from an importer (I used <a href="http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=beast+saga" target="_blank">Big Bad Toy Store</a> myself) and the deck sets will run you around twenty bucks whereas the single packs and blind boxes run about eight. Well worth the prices in my opinion if you loved classic Battle Beasts or want to introduce a new generation to the idea of warrior beasts fighting for survival. Highly recommended.</div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-31085703949209899132012-08-21T19:06:00.000-07:002012-08-21T19:14:31.252-07:00Kozik X Kidrobot's Goon Squad: The Gipper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've written about Kidrobot <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/04/kid-robots-mad-villain-vinyl-figure.html" target="_blank">before</a>, but today I'm giving you something a little different from the Mad Villain figure. You see, recently Kidrobot teamed up with a graphic artist by the name of <a href="http://fkozik.com/" target="_blank">Frank Kozik</a>, known for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Kozik" target="_blank">a great many things</a>, including the creation of the Labbit vinyl figure, to create a series of blind-boxed mini busts of former world leaders with a twist. The result is the Goon Squad; The Gipper (Ronald Reagan), The Havana Slammer (Fidel Castro), The Pyong Yang Player (Kim Jong-il), DJ Aya-Holla (Ayatollah Khomeini) and Lil' Illych (Lenin). It is at this point that I would like to note that I'm not even going to try touch on the political statements (whatever they may be, if they may be) of this series, I just find things like Castro in a double-beer helmet and Reagan with a safety pin earring amusing, cool? Cool.</div>
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In my travels last week, I came across a store that had a case of the Goon Squad blind boxes, so I grabbed a Gipper, completely intending to give it to Black Zarak's good friend, <a href="http://sydlexia.com/" target="_blank">Syd Lexia</a> next time I saw him as he's a bit of a Reaganophile and I thought he'd get a kick out of it, despite the whole "Dictator" mention on the box. Well, the best laid plans and all that... You see, The Goon Squad members come blind boxed because there are five different color ways; blue, pink, yellow, white and the coveted (by me at least) black. When I bought The Gipper, I told myself I would give him to Syd as long as he was any color other than black.</div>
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Sorry Syd. Oh well, let's make the most of it and review a punk rock Reagan, shall we?</div>
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First, let's touch on the packaging for a moment. The boxes are nice, charcoal gray with single color portraits of the squad members in the available colors with the title of the series and a "Kozik X Kidrobot" logo along the sides and the portrait and name of the particular goon in the box along with a "collect them all" style blurb mentioning the five busts and multiple colors available on the top flap. Despite being nice enough to tell you which goon you're getting, they REALLY don't want you peeking to see which color he is; the box flap is sealed with a sticker, then glued shut and the bust itself is then bagged within an opaque silver sleeve.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FpBgafiU_ZVSRTqLdiWJjKWKlevCsn0Sm8BCA3anPVm95QP9oT14Jb6mA1rytPGEEpkLRBqetQqWji1aKgLiCdh6xJ-9PUXyH_4_V-qO9Hnt3pRTnAdvX1ylDvm3jx8RNfNfk4865IVa/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FpBgafiU_ZVSRTqLdiWJjKWKlevCsn0Sm8BCA3anPVm95QP9oT14Jb6mA1rytPGEEpkLRBqetQqWji1aKgLiCdh6xJ-9PUXyH_4_V-qO9Hnt3pRTnAdvX1ylDvm3jx8RNfNfk4865IVa/s640/IMG_1988.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The actual mini bust is pretty cool. At about four inches tall, it's a very well sculpted hunk of vinyl. It looks eerily like the real Reagan with the immaculate suit and tie, but the 80's visor sunglasses, anarchy lapel pin, X-carved forehead and safety pin earring make his easy going smile seem a bit unbalanced. As I mentioned, this is essentially punk-rock/anarchist Reagan which is an interesting cross of political and cultural trends of the time.</div>
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There's not too much more to say about this guy, rather you should just look at the pictures and imagine how awesome it would have been to have seen Ronald Reagan dressed just like this in the middle of a mosh pit back in the early 80's, throwing elbows and throwing jelly beans.</div>
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The Goon Squad was just recently released, so if you know where to look, they're not hard to find. Kidrobot's web store has them available as singles or as a set and select retail outlets received stock of them as well, I found mine at Newbury Comics for ten bucks which seems to be the standard asking price. At first, this series just gave me a chuckle and I was fully ready to live my life without ever owning any of them. But after looking The Gipper over personally, I'm still chuckling but also rather impressed with the sculpting and execution. I may very well add The Pyong Yang Player and The Havana Slammer to my collection if I come across more of them in my travels.</div>
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And oh yeah, get another Gipper for Syd...</div>
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Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-39479028942615968702012-08-14T18:21:00.001-07:002013-02-02T17:21:48.802-08:00Arms Micron Dark Matter Caliber <div style="text-align: center;">
Way back in 2002, <i>Transformers: Armada</i> introduced us to the idea of Minicons; small Transformers of a neutral third faction that unlocked and enhanced abilities in their larger cousins when utilized, typically by just smashing them onto convenient points on their bodies. Though <i>Armada </i>was geared specifically around the Minicons, both in importance to the plot and in the toys, they continued to serve a supporting role throughout the subsequent toy lines and cartoons for the <i>Energon</i> and <i>Cybertron</i> series. After that, they faded into the background a bit in North American markets, reduced mainly to occasional repaints of earlier molds and a brief resurgence in the sadly short-lived <i>Power Core</i> subline. In Japan however, the tiny robots kept going through a flurry of repaints, many of them extremely limited and related to in store contests. Until the latest animated installment, <i>Transformers: Prime</i> shook things up a little.<br />
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When Takara/Tomy started showing off their versions of the <i>Prime</i> toys, the molds had been retooled to include 5mm ports in various spots and in place of character-specific weapons, personal Microns (the Japanese name for Minicons) that transformed into character-specific weapons were included instead. This move intrigued me as one of my weaknesses is small companions for larger figures, but price and the fact that the proper Autobot and Decepticon figures relied on stickers in lieu of a lot of the more intricate paint applications of their US cousins stayed my hand. Released just this month however were the six individually packaged Microns pictured above. The bottom three are repaints of molds available only with larger figures before now and are a review for another day. The top row however, are three all new Microns in service of the Decepticons with a powerful secret, The Dark Matter Caliber Team!</div>
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These fellows are part of what's known as the Arms Micron Weapon Series, marked "AMW-0X" on the packaging where X is whatever number figure it happens to be. Said packaging is a simple plastic envelope containing the plastic sprue of parts, a small sticker sheet and a printed insert that serves as both package art/information and instruction sheet. Each Arms Micron is essentially a small model kit as you have to snap the parts off the sprue and assemble them yourself, adding detail with a few stickers.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpQj4OEGGayTFOrM0SyQ4H4qvj5pYswCeUmFL73lSOliX2x_yDIgp3Egdvn7kqRF_rk2Wfa_NWW_mUAbhXMRPi-XDKg7i6yPtwkG-0mFZ3n_VTMb2OxigyuJwTCJwICeN0FvHMuv9Qfjv/s640/IMG_1882.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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I have yet to see any official names for the individual Dark Matter Caliber team members beyond their AMW designations, so I'm just going to refer to them as the animals they resemble. In this case, AMW-01 is a sting ray cast in an almost pearly gray plastic. Of the three, this Micron's animal mode is the biggest stretch. He has a long, pointed tail and "horns" near the mouth similar to those of a manta ray, but the rest is debatable. The "wings" have large holes in them due to their use in the other modes and no ray on Earth has a face that creepy. (Edit: I've since read that this guy is actually supposed to be a <i>horseshoe crab</i> and not a sting ray. This makes more sense in some ways, but less in others.)<br />
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Seriously. Look at that singular, red eye. Those serrated mouth parts. He's evil. This is a good place to point out that both his eye and the Decepticon symbol under the yellow crystal are stickers. Tiny, nigh-impossible to place with my giant sausage fingers stickers. The eye stickers for these guys especially are incredibly miniscule, I held my breath while putting them on.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierPjuahwzq2pypwiYJlE64UND8C4v7AKCOdxjz8oeJFAOONKfJ0smhWt_CZdbL-qYf4uXM_n-IGbMKyq-SO0xISjUf1zU0HIgOJOHNmu_g2iwT5d5WIHmXfTSiGbXspMBfjeSee2RlZ2T/s640/IMG_1877.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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The sting ray transforms into a crossbow like weapon, straightening out the ray wings into bow arms, flipping the tail around and extending a triangular bit at the front that looks somewhat like the head of a bolt. This one confused the hell out of me when I first saw pictures of it as when not in the context of being held as a weapon, it looks like nothing more than a bladed dradle of death!<br />
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It's actually a pretty nice weapon now that I've had it in hand to look over, holes due to the combination aspect of the team give it a dual-barreled appearance and there are a lot of technical details spread across the main section. It reminds me of bowcasters used by the Wookiees in various<i> Star Wars </i>media and anything reminiscent of Chewie and his laser-crossbow is a winner in my book.<br />
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AMW-02 is a bird of prey of some sort, cast in a slightly metallic silvery-gray plastic. Personally, I think of him as a condor since he resembles Generation One Laserbeak both in appearance and transformation, he even has the same landing-skid feet that Laserbeak had! <br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgNZ2l7WXl5iTtc2SOO4IedletX8RDySpk4j3ICVavvDIe8WMyBgaunUqqK88XK6ewMWZ-3xk8qK7uqGxNGjLIeDajRIvYZ-_V6V8lC2pM7HkoGdOgWT2tAVKjb3XB1RVsECGTVtxNbUb/s640/IMG_1910.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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The condor's spark crystal is located on his back, right between two intake looking details (another Laserbeak nod?) and above his surprisingly detailed little tail. I should mention that the stickers for these guys are on thick paper and seem to be holding well, but I worry about areas like the edges of the condor and sting rays wings where the stickers have to bend over curves as some areas are already peeling up.<br />
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AMW-02 folds up into a roughly rectangular, cleaver-like blade with a long handle at one end. This is the simplest weapon mode out of the team members, yet it is also the most effective in my view. This is a mean, savage weapon with no finesse or subtlety; you cleave skulls (cyberskulls?) with this blade and wipe the blood (oil?) clean on the corpse.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfxB5AvdkOP3vI715PxWYjexBQXT4b7MrB7SBn5tiFYiDmMADbgu6MsWcK2bKoI9jgX5ltGY4NMI8nfUP7Y53dcoDSiQTbmU4rX99-aebFOzut-WzNv64VZ9LP_vy6ec7XanfJj9JtmqW/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfxB5AvdkOP3vI715PxWYjexBQXT4b7MrB7SBn5tiFYiDmMADbgu6MsWcK2bKoI9jgX5ltGY4NMI8nfUP7Y53dcoDSiQTbmU4rX99-aebFOzut-WzNv64VZ9LP_vy6ec7XanfJj9JtmqW/s640/IMG_1892.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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AMW-03 is an alligator, or perhaps crocodile judging from his long snout, cast in a dark gray plastic with his spark crystal housed near the base of his tail. He is fairly detailed with lots of mechanical bits, little accordion tube legs, a ridged spine, serrated teeth and the omnipresent cyclopean red eye of doom. He is also the most articulate member, being able to raise his head upwards a bit and to bend his tail up and down at the base and about half way along the length.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75nndqMvRdfThxridPAaxTCEPYwgGNHQBQWlsAQZN6kOM8Ws9-vTdYV_BKECyxknqkjHBAvsjNEnOkp786dbW2PdvtE7MlRRE_XNUnuqQmBrpHbi2M5cG9UwvFt422VFBMobYUESOowW4/s640/IMG_1890.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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AMW-03 folds up into a stout, four-barreled weapon with a buttstock which makes it very unique looking, but hard for some figures to handle properly. Due to the short profile and added stability of the stock, I imagine this as being a grenade launcher of some sort, adding some heavy firepower to the Transformer who chooses to wield this gator.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBzVEO3FAeBjIH50dhyphenhyphennwBd-Cz4uOy1FXcl4UsxKQbMpZSWWuqFpSNFREwoCdwvxC-PmBg6FeKJrR4CvrZCj16Zq5MYAxr6HczZnlH8rCYnoV4ITkUdvbuFOn3q02894e1-1t6gHk77lg/s640/IMG_1872.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Soundwave demonstrates that the Dark Matter Caliber Team individually are firepower enough, but these Microns have one more trick up their sleeves. Back in the days of Armada, a team of Minicon jets known as the Air Defense Team had the ability to merge together to form the legendary Star Saber Sword, a weapon coveted by Autobot and Decepticon alike (well, until they got the Dark Saber) and depending on the writer, this struggle for power represented in the sword was a key factor in why the Minicons wished to stay neutral in the first place. The actual toy versions of the Air Defense Team were cool enough, but the combined sword was a bit lacking as the connection points were too shallow or weak and the blade was likely to just topple off the hilt in even the lightest play scenarios. Well, ten years have passed and guess what? The Dark Matter Caliber itself is a sword formed by these three Microns. Has toy engineering advanced to provide sufficient support or will this be a repeat of the Star Saber?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO5WSg0p_1V8TwFN3CuPuNR0mE6TgcH9zOCCtcSjUufXWR3fRDActM9T4X8o5zwK47o2UgRW7it8TaVEzMon3OJczcZDHpGll9A1qxwZs3BN88I_QFRikdMv20_aGRv5_DP3RJLaFrBKL/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO5WSg0p_1V8TwFN3CuPuNR0mE6TgcH9zOCCtcSjUufXWR3fRDActM9T4X8o5zwK47o2UgRW7it8TaVEzMon3OJczcZDHpGll9A1qxwZs3BN88I_QFRikdMv20_aGRv5_DP3RJLaFrBKL/s640/IMG_1911.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm happy to report that the combined Dark Matter Caliber is quite sturdy and quite impressive. AMW-01 folds up into the point, AMW-03 reconfigures into a hilt and AMW-02...just stays in weapon mode to form the center length of the blade, merging the color and detailing of the three separate Microns into roughly six inches of pure robo-sword goodness. The combined Dark Matter Caliber suffers from none of the Star Saber's weakness, holding tight and being designed in such a way that each point of connection between the figures is reinforced for maximum stability. The sword is quite heavy, so not all your figures may be up to the challenge of wielding the Dark Matter Caliber, but those who can look quite intimidating with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdfbt_kjJEijQHJNRhbCcI_ss0I5kBwNFIiwyNBVHuUcuQHlk4pGLpe2Xhr6G_1MkxXyUlRn_r6dw4X8QSEzJHJpJdexuBGoknN4rf-V3D8IzU5UI3CCk-FWGMxUuXG6nGrOu6Vjk9EH/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdfbt_kjJEijQHJNRhbCcI_ss0I5kBwNFIiwyNBVHuUcuQHlk4pGLpe2Xhr6G_1MkxXyUlRn_r6dw4X8QSEzJHJpJdexuBGoknN4rf-V3D8IzU5UI3CCk-FWGMxUuXG6nGrOu6Vjk9EH/s640/IMG_1916.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Due to the transformations of the elements, the Dark Matter Caliber unfortunately only looks really sword-like from one side and the other is pure kibble. Kids won't care about this however and collectors can display it with the good side facing outward, so this isn't really an issue in my eyes. It is after all three small figures that turn into animals, weapons and parts of a sword, there's only so much a sculptor can do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8EMrax3Dao9aC5RthmOalpiD3Ib5k9BKSS6zEyh7_hixlJc0HhEyep9KVMa28cbMjyYEK0u_kq4tOsLTbwaeXsJaQoDmr5kIusWJcH6gyiMCwVJkzulxJQQ-4kr8-aYZUZYW6J7oFtTG/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8EMrax3Dao9aC5RthmOalpiD3Ib5k9BKSS6zEyh7_hixlJc0HhEyep9KVMa28cbMjyYEK0u_kq4tOsLTbwaeXsJaQoDmr5kIusWJcH6gyiMCwVJkzulxJQQ-4kr8-aYZUZYW6J7oFtTG/s640/IMG_1918.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Dark Matter Caliber is, as I mentioned, not available domestically. Each Micron is bagged and sold separately in Japan at most toy and department stores, but if you live in the US, your best bet is turning to an importer. I bought the Microns from <a href="http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/" target="_blank">Big Bad Toy Store</a> for about eight bucks a pop and you're probably not going to score them for much less. I would strongly recommend them if you like Minicons already, were a fan of the smaller companions of Generation One figures like Headmasters, Targetmasters and Powermasters, or just need some additional firepower for your larger Transformers.</div>
Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-45926554084043435582012-07-17T08:56:00.001-07:002012-07-17T08:56:46.519-07:00Iron Man 2 Stark Racing Armor Iron Man<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelKwP_um_N5WJWRyC9AdzAKQuNCy84jLWr_bSzGIPPSfYxnb_AeQlqvNnWD4sAnIKMVO6GRIbPBXE1E-PXKYwfd1L9twLdP3ann5QSjZGi6Q0EKa-sIurfGJseyE8cPSMXY7xwX47iY7-/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>A large part of why I enjoy prowling the aisles of T.J. Maxx is that they sporadically get shipments of older stuff I never thought I'd see again. Or as in the case of today's review, something I had never seen ever.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzv-QRfhfcVpdhqbwt7UW7ihBPrkmH4LpxFO8b8fUWD3ZSNYADeLnNw0mCQD8hlMa9xs2f8FoJ_YReXOZl-iQAyiNSGvfFKUauS6CQxC7drze3G0ad2Vu4kNay2uLRu9GFwypOZ7yZ4_5/s1600/IMG_1235.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzv-QRfhfcVpdhqbwt7UW7ihBPrkmH4LpxFO8b8fUWD3ZSNYADeLnNw0mCQD8hlMa9xs2f8FoJ_YReXOZl-iQAyiNSGvfFKUauS6CQxC7drze3G0ad2Vu4kNay2uLRu9GFwypOZ7yZ4_5/s640/IMG_1235.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />This is Stark Racing Armor Iron Man, a figure in the 3 3/4 inch Iron Man 2 line that, while a repaint, is a <i>fantastic</i> repaint! Essentially copying the design of Stark's racing jumpsuit seen in the movie and applying it to a suit of Iron Man armor, the figure is a ridiculously ambitious and awesome paint scheme for such a small scale figure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTrG6lTjLAc-u93dP9VYs96p2jMhh3fwRDmJWRXx6s2ECIxuFPAI91aByunXciv2iAS5MwrDbnVGJ2GoUX4KepWu7qIEwuz9TTpGI92JdGjmWbZIvQj3U7M_7tCYaCNDb3X4CjBTZ7Ib-/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTrG6lTjLAc-u93dP9VYs96p2jMhh3fwRDmJWRXx6s2ECIxuFPAI91aByunXciv2iAS5MwrDbnVGJ2GoUX4KepWu7qIEwuz9TTpGI92JdGjmWbZIvQj3U7M_7tCYaCNDb3X4CjBTZ7Ib-/s640/IMG_1188.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />A lot of this review is going to be about the deco because it never ceases to amaze me. Tony has tons of tiny printed lettering all over his suit, including his last name no less than six times, either on it's own or part of "Stark Industries" graphics, three large S's and the number 11 on his left shoulder pad.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiozHesmCg7HVxBkBTs1n_zl8ixuarmRcGPuw19pNMKjBjieQGBYVGnQGBW98gUW9mgtlnLm92vJudN0cTQKyZA6TcAojjq6ghaQOrHfmk6wrl-Ly-pL9965iUzSQi6XcvMvY0ByFI9Djm/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiozHesmCg7HVxBkBTs1n_zl8ixuarmRcGPuw19pNMKjBjieQGBYVGnQGBW98gUW9mgtlnLm92vJudN0cTQKyZA6TcAojjq6ghaQOrHfmk6wrl-Ly-pL9965iUzSQi6XcvMvY0ByFI9Djm/s640/IMG_1189.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />I am really so blown away by how tiny some of the lettering gets, such as this "Stark Industries" label on his right forearm. The main plastic color here is a beautiful metallic sparkle blue, offset of liberal paint applications of black and silver to mix it up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbefvrc9-zMdyJfTjJj_61SFwgCMJPfYg2UGN5Oya2M4_1fEr0A5JEif-fYGaCXWjO01BwokvzPW2hzeSJbxspw5cwiSEgBCNfMWPMQW6qUvDHOUzF_8drGMBsgbzzuuUVUf9JcN7w-gh_/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbefvrc9-zMdyJfTjJj_61SFwgCMJPfYg2UGN5Oya2M4_1fEr0A5JEif-fYGaCXWjO01BwokvzPW2hzeSJbxspw5cwiSEgBCNfMWPMQW6qUvDHOUzF_8drGMBsgbzzuuUVUf9JcN7w-gh_/s640/IMG_1190.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />The racing suit theme just tickles me for some reason, if I were Iron Man, I'd probably end up wearing this suit all the time just because. The backing card claims Stark wears this armor during an annual competition he holds where any company can attempt to challenge his designs and has apparently never lost. It doesn't mention the exact nature of this competition, but it amuses me to think of Stark completely smoking whatever vehicles or armor prototypes competitors might bring.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnEncEd0KbTXgvsNfoEDDAYvz6404xnaOsn3CzaBdUr0aTYTmaZ30nYytoNjGzAlOC08zZzLD6ueg7NZ93ZVC3-CZUDKMNf-uInDPIn56Wf4myZ3mqdXzlEr6Yjhilan7LyIe-6bz6Uz/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvnEncEd0KbTXgvsNfoEDDAYvz6404xnaOsn3CzaBdUr0aTYTmaZ30nYytoNjGzAlOC08zZzLD6ueg7NZ93ZVC3-CZUDKMNf-uInDPIn56Wf4myZ3mqdXzlEr6Yjhilan7LyIe-6bz6Uz/s640/IMG_1234.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><i>"Away!"</i><br /><br />Articulation is pretty standard for the line; ball jointed neck, torso, shoulders, elbows, hips (sorta) and ankles with swivel wrists and hips and double jointed knees. The neck is really stiff and somewhat limited in range unfortunately and the hips are those incredibly awkward joints Hasbro has been using on their Marvel properties lately that always makes me afraid I'm going to break a figure's legs off when trying to pose them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e7pCAHY_avRXQhcqFkP3Qj56N4hLXFmaYPu6cmZNuvtnrmyDwUg0tawBg2vPO078UaUq2IK7D2SX4_p_5D2beWhyCOzMurJHXY0bGGGij2UbBdxCSwLW1PP0px833zW2IlSxIktpJwY2/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2e7pCAHY_avRXQhcqFkP3Qj56N4hLXFmaYPu6cmZNuvtnrmyDwUg0tawBg2vPO078UaUq2IK7D2SX4_p_5D2beWhyCOzMurJHXY0bGGGij2UbBdxCSwLW1PP0px833zW2IlSxIktpJwY2/s640/IMG_1223.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Stark Racing Iron Man's main accessory is a large launcher with a translucent pink rocket. The spring is tight and the missile fires pretty far, the launcher itself clips securely to either forearm and he can do some pretty cool firing poses with it, as seen above. Besides the launcher, Stark includes the standard gray display base and three "Armor Cards", clear plastic cards with sections of the armor printed on them that when layered together display the entire schematics of the suit. These cards were designed to be used in a mobile command center vehicle released in the line that I kick myself for not buying on clearance now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvNqzfiZpxRFgMD_lgCG8-t3pYSUcb92jDZSLy91GlpST5XXo8XyDszrkRpZPSAqjLlYgAqiczX4s1rkWzIBlKBG-PSuhAM_Q274zkq0XhrD9-WLZPpheZsrDE91LuDMHCEImjWIwhgNM/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvNqzfiZpxRFgMD_lgCG8-t3pYSUcb92jDZSLy91GlpST5XXo8XyDszrkRpZPSAqjLlYgAqiczX4s1rkWzIBlKBG-PSuhAM_Q274zkq0XhrD9-WLZPpheZsrDE91LuDMHCEImjWIwhgNM/s640/IMG_1185.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />As much as I love the figure's paint scheme, I have to point out issues in it's application. You can clearly see above that Stark has a large scrape in the silver of his faceplate, as well as chips missing from the silver inner arm sections, sloppy silver application to the vents on his chest armor and some silver missing from the panels on the front of his thighs. Even after noting all this however, I <i>still</i> grabbed him because I love the idea and paint scheme that much. It also helped that he was the only one on shelves and I didn't want to pass on an awesome figure I had never even seen before.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelKwP_um_N5WJWRyC9AdzAKQuNCy84jLWr_bSzGIPPSfYxnb_AeQlqvNnWD4sAnIKMVO6GRIbPBXE1E-PXKYwfd1L9twLdP3ann5QSjZGi6Q0EKa-sIurfGJseyE8cPSMXY7xwX47iY7-/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelKwP_um_N5WJWRyC9AdzAKQuNCy84jLWr_bSzGIPPSfYxnb_AeQlqvNnWD4sAnIKMVO6GRIbPBXE1E-PXKYwfd1L9twLdP3ann5QSjZGi6Q0EKa-sIurfGJseyE8cPSMXY7xwX47iY7-/s640/IMG_1178.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /><br />Overall, I would grab this figure if you're an Iron Man fan, he's too cool to pass up! I got lucky and found him at T.J. Maxx for six bucks, but he seems to be available online for around fifteen. Which is maybe a bit much, but that decision really depends on how much the figure impresses you personally. Me, I would buy this armor again if they repainted it in the six inch Iron Man scale in a heartbeat. My only advice is to take a good look at the quality of his paint applications if you can, or you might end up with a scuffed faceplate like me.<br /></div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-51367609051318510602012-07-17T08:04:00.003-07:002012-07-17T08:04:56.288-07:00Semi-HiatusSome of you may have noticed a slow down on new content recently and I apologize for that. I'm in the middle of a fairly ugly personal situation with my roommates and plan on moving soon, hopefully to a place where everyone isn't a delusional psychopath convinced that I'm the root of all their problems. But I digress. I will still be posting between now and then (I have a LOT of cool stuff I want to cover), but depending on time/how enraged I am any given day, reviews might be few and far between. I ask you loyal Barracks fans to just bear with me for the next month or so and I promise there will be a wealth of new stuff soon!Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-79107994408550404372012-07-06T16:59:00.001-07:002012-07-06T20:30:30.407-07:00NECA's Night Fighter Robocop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ZmBUoi6f_pcZ3F4iK40wBTLLmHfp-P9_MBXV9J44famY3hthElIcHb8B2mbVJultjRF286DtOxthcZU7qU7VtfkSBi_iDe-6ilnUyDWmR16kGf6veEouiijXR2Sr485AyhDcNyHLfvI/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Though I never saw <i>Robocop</i> as a kid (thanks, over protective
Dad!), I was still into Kenner's tie-in line and the spin off Ultra
Police that were added later. Though I only ever owned ED-209 due to
said Dad's fear the caps packaged with the figures would turn me into a pint-sized pyro, there was always one basic figure in the old
Kenner catalogs I drooled over; Night Fighter Robocop. This
nineties-tastic figure was cast in glow in the dark plastic with
metallic blue highlights and a swap out chain gun arm. Obviously, the
stuff little boys' violent dreams are made of. Fast forward to 2012 and
toy giant NECA owning the Robocop license. So far, there have been standard, battle damaged and
spring-loaded hip holster variations utilizing the same basic figure buck with new paint and or gimmick. Fresh out the gate however, is a Toys R Us
exclusive that may make a few old Kenner fan boys swoon. Say hello to Night Fighter Robocop, 2012.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj2kj3F531Buob0Ela_k_alvLtNXhjau6jQnnM0y8bteMcm5-j07QLtO4bAYLT_Vre4DDQPyoQggdfwUKSD6TyZCIgvdGE4n7TaWPLNKpq0E3p-ERyZG8TgTuGlzkJaaEhpn2z-6_Q8Xz/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj2kj3F531Buob0Ela_k_alvLtNXhjau6jQnnM0y8bteMcm5-j07QLtO4bAYLT_Vre4DDQPyoQggdfwUKSD6TyZCIgvdGE4n7TaWPLNKpq0E3p-ERyZG8TgTuGlzkJaaEhpn2z-6_Q8Xz/s640/IMG_1125.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I have to talk about the packaging here because it is a great homage to the classic card style and features a very nice version of NECA's logo designed to resemble that of Kenner. The character portrait is drawn well enough, but still a little rough so that it fits the style of old school packaging art of the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NUQWyAaYPPLlZIZipCse1R8mYU_PTgSffSxzYTuw03S4-TAsntH_94403BuWUfTsW-IE0x_JdtCvP7HEbGtaFZ1bVG1WmrGtbKbaWaYpE3JEcCGcUucme5IK51Oek1INTo_MrrUmHgoZ/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NUQWyAaYPPLlZIZipCse1R8mYU_PTgSffSxzYTuw03S4-TAsntH_94403BuWUfTsW-IE0x_JdtCvP7HEbGtaFZ1bVG1WmrGtbKbaWaYpE3JEcCGcUucme5IK51Oek1INTo_MrrUmHgoZ/s640/IMG_1128.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The insert in the front of the clam shell features the yellow and red grid pattern present on the classic line's packaging as well as the character's name, role and special abilities. Unbeknownst to me, glowing like a light bulb is the number one method of fighting crime after dark. The best thing about the packaging however, is a line mentioning that no caps are included, another reference to the old Robocop line where <i>everyone</i> came with a roll of caps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xc4cVKckfe7a6ZXnw1lMHwBf9yuKIiyA-fU7TeaxZ_jSYP3Nkunu0sGB0XnuNlBpOWQPx2EflwA474JUhe40CKieXcfmExIPC6YC7_AAlg4YANh7LHmNdeufhJ1G_rS-EfkKhiINe5Me/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xc4cVKckfe7a6ZXnw1lMHwBf9yuKIiyA-fU7TeaxZ_jSYP3Nkunu0sGB0XnuNlBpOWQPx2EflwA474JUhe40CKieXcfmExIPC6YC7_AAlg4YANh7LHmNdeufhJ1G_rS-EfkKhiINe5Me/s640/IMG_1131.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Out of the package, he looks pretty good. NECA's sculptors seem to have to captured every teeny tiny detail in the suit; Murphy here is covered in panels, rivets, joints and wires that faithfully recreate the movie prop. What blew my mind is that across the band of his helmet and front of his left thigh, etched in tiny letters is the legend "OCP POLICE - 001" This detailing is practically lost on the glow in the dark plastic, but as this basic mold is used for four different Murphy's, it undoubtedly shows up better on silver. Still an amazingly small detail most other companies wouldn't bother with.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFhJe6aO17ig6YdyXiEzKTIDccibqQFY8EZgfFpyj-CKbkiHbnzXIx4w4kJCNcnVp0aoF548fScJXTwtvXwayLYNqUKmLNkGaVEZ2qsAOnZuzHyNPEmzl2YH03hgucaWVB_YlCc7hFI7b/s640/IMG_1160.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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As mentioned, the sculpt is nice and crisp, closely resembling the character's movie appearance. The head sculpt is simple but effective with a stoic, neutral expression that again nicely captures his cold, impersonal manner after being rebuilt. It almost looks like the top half of the helmet is removable, but sadly it is not. it would have been a cool feature to remove the upper half and reveal Murphy's scarred visage, but with costs of tooling and all...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpiPlLCoX4K1W2DsnglRzQmJK93mgq-McCGXmZztWJ0VQFWNSDhjHn4xzM2JPfr8LeBBfcJKkFZaJP7kSUqzqoGCH9C_AKcUVBn2Uou5xEvDOCqH_AM7W9TDHJojZ3GWlbeuPPZoMAYNF/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpiPlLCoX4K1W2DsnglRzQmJK93mgq-McCGXmZztWJ0VQFWNSDhjHn4xzM2JPfr8LeBBfcJKkFZaJP7kSUqzqoGCH9C_AKcUVBn2Uou5xEvDOCqH_AM7W9TDHJojZ3GWlbeuPPZoMAYNF/s640/IMG_1158.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Articulation is generous if a little stiff, but this is Robocop we're talking about. He features ball joints in his neck (at the shoulder instead of the base of the skull interestingly enough) chest and hips, pivot and swivel shoulders, swivel waist and forearms and lightly ratcheting elbows, knees and ankles. Some of these, like the elbows, are a little limited but he can hold and aim his gun and stalk mechanically forward, pretty much all you see him doing in the movie anyway.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLD_Q6LmQYnb-7chv6N5lWNVu6SgJC38YiPjK-tJD_wvVIjcQG_sOR2NiZM7gEYItTa569-ZIm7PXF1o_luaPZcQD1dyzl01Y53QZ1fO1bH8mqFQ9imYIe5_XUkQflE6Xp8J_pyrjSyxr/s640/IMG_1147.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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In a cool little piece of engineering, NECA has made working ankle pistons that are hinged to be able to move with his legs. The glow in the dark plastic lets you get a good look at the little cylinders sliding up and down as you move his feet, a very nice touch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVItrELMSp8ppkySmgd9bktApOufmZOzjvKXGR3-4z4ZWmMJp7YOVD4J4frUKru-JU7TTUovBlf-C1Af_76kWYBlJ2gbjQ3qzDdI_XZO3hwp8k2ywXXAgG8M_e2snb-eZMVCqLWNF2_-F7/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVItrELMSp8ppkySmgd9bktApOufmZOzjvKXGR3-4z4ZWmMJp7YOVD4J4frUKru-JU7TTUovBlf-C1Af_76kWYBlJ2gbjQ3qzDdI_XZO3hwp8k2ywXXAgG8M_e2snb-eZMVCqLWNF2_-F7/s640/IMG_1138.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Night Fighter Robocop comes with two accessories, the first being his heavily modified Beretta 93R pistol. Cast entirely in black, it fits in his gun hand a little loosely but should stay stable as long as you're not in earthquake country. Sadly, this figure doesn't use the spring loader holster version of the mold so he can't store his pistol, but he can be posed with it hovering over his hip like he's in the middle of drawing it. His left hand is molded in an open palm so he's only ever going to be a righty, which is fine since a big part of his character is how he uses the pistol, but I do wish it were in a slightly less neutral pose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-apRCHYQjg6l72mqBeK9E59bgiS0e5Vk9i4UKimysfV7_-wL-V78o3XtTu9semEz8PCOylWfg40EbQdPAxE04-gPnf2-pu-n_0n_t374GLqNGZ_4yeMAcuTzHK71DDlDj-nkUASO2B_F/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-apRCHYQjg6l72mqBeK9E59bgiS0e5Vk9i4UKimysfV7_-wL-V78o3XtTu9semEz8PCOylWfg40EbQdPAxE04-gPnf2-pu-n_0n_t374GLqNGZ_4yeMAcuTzHK71DDlDj-nkUASO2B_F/s640/IMG_1154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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His other accessory is an alternate right hand with the data spike seen in the movie extended. The hands pop off smoothly and the spike itself is surprisingly hard and pointy, perfect for stabbing into the eyes of your other toys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpAGFjtCA6XZyjA7p-EB3kA_TbRxxrzARRIyTuYBYWL7I7mLXk1_t9lV95kuymlpL_XoLw6Mhz3B-LZhak4NmVMcHVsq_9JjK9befoyx-Vmt8u-N_dYQP8-v03AZV5EOJs5lSBfE17O1G/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpAGFjtCA6XZyjA7p-EB3kA_TbRxxrzARRIyTuYBYWL7I7mLXk1_t9lV95kuymlpL_XoLw6Mhz3B-LZhak4NmVMcHVsq_9JjK9befoyx-Vmt8u-N_dYQP8-v03AZV5EOJs5lSBfE17O1G/s640/IMG_1144.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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There is an area I have issue with on this figure and that is the paint. Night Fighter Robocop uses only a single color in the black seaming between the joints of his armor and on his visor, but as the picture above shows, it has a tendency to bunch up around the shoulder joints. After taking him out and rotating the shoulders a bit, I was disappointed to see large flakes of paint coming off. This doesn't ruin the look of the figure, but it would have been nice if it were a little more durable. Robocop also appears to have a very light black wash over the glow in the dark sections, but considering the uneven distribution and spottiness of it, I'm not entirely certain this isn't just slop paint dirtying the figure up. If you're going to grab this guy, take a good look at his mug first because that seems to be an area where the black spattering was most prevalent, I passed on a couple samples until I found one with a mostly clean face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ZmBUoi6f_pcZ3F4iK40wBTLLmHfp-P9_MBXV9J44famY3hthElIcHb8B2mbVJultjRF286DtOxthcZU7qU7VtfkSBi_iDe-6ilnUyDWmR16kGf6veEouiijXR2Sr485AyhDcNyHLfvI/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6ZmBUoi6f_pcZ3F4iK40wBTLLmHfp-P9_MBXV9J44famY3hthElIcHb8B2mbVJultjRF286DtOxthcZU7qU7VtfkSBi_iDe-6ilnUyDWmR16kGf6veEouiijXR2Sr485AyhDcNyHLfvI/s640/IMG_1165.JPG" width="480" /><br /></a></div>
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Paint issues aside, I can't really fault this figure, he's an awesome sculpt paying homage to an awesome classic figure and we all know I love glow in the dark toys. <a href="http://www.poeghostal.com/2012/07/poes-point-night-fighter-robocop.html" target="_blank">Poe Ghostal had a few words</a> about Night Fighter Robocop, mainly lamenting the lack of metallic blue highlighting and gun arm, and while I see where he's coming from (and Poe, I totally agree both those things would knock this guy out of the park), I think NECA did pretty well for a quick exclusive that would tug at nostalgia collectors. Hell, I almost want a second one just to leave in package for display! Night Fighter Robocop will run you sixteen bucks and is of course only available at Toys R Us, but if the six or so on shelves when I was there is any indication, he's not such a hot item that you'll miss your chance if you don't grab him at first sight. And while you might not love him the first time you set eyes on him, I have a feeling he'll grow on more than a few of you just as he has on me.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRLzLf7EQVPSymEUDxwqAXg4owdm117N8mWorxW4rJTA0T57qtEdgUCSi7sE4pdIBGxkIn2n7Sn0HuM7qrNq2jmB_uDp1Q9eSe9IpxYBwR37LcgwDHcVt-ycYGel2ZJ071dWKDtDlZ7rw/s640/IMG_1157.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<i>"Your move, creep."<br /></i>Added bonus glow pics!<br /><br /><i></i><br />
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<br />Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-55001128854759158952012-06-23T19:56:00.001-07:002012-06-23T22:16:29.529-07:00Ice Blast Mr. Freeze<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes my <b>Collector-Sense</b> tingles, compelling me to check local stores even if I was just cruising their aisles the day before. All through work today I felt the itch, so at quitting time I swung on over to the nearby Walmart to have a peek. And my intuition proved correct as they had the entire second wave of Mattel's <i>Power Attack</i> Batman figures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UbUEig1WWU4AyZ8hQ1qJKZrn0df3EaI8cBDp8xbstqWmw7y9obmolfUJ1pTnH8sXw4mTYIlU6iZlv5SNUpkFpM5dZ_hIb-pEf3yRouMr0NwmotxwgTXlA2KVbnTjZQ3fdPDnymWIDkpU/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UbUEig1WWU4AyZ8hQ1qJKZrn0df3EaI8cBDp8xbstqWmw7y9obmolfUJ1pTnH8sXw4mTYIlU6iZlv5SNUpkFpM5dZ_hIb-pEf3yRouMr0NwmotxwgTXlA2KVbnTjZQ3fdPDnymWIDkpU/s640/IMG_1101.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Though I spent some time debating whether to snag Mutant Assault Batman over Blizzard Buster Batman, I didn't pause for a second at grabbing Ice Blast Mr. Freeze here. The second (or possibly third, Two Face is in the same wave) villain in the Power Attack line, Freeze doesn't represent any specific incarnation of the character, but instead pulls elements from many of his appearances.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5im5uLW-y65_kgJKVfF2blUTrWmuJdM6fykqLfmVeYZy7Wy7NcTwPfeV8bHWx9ZawBiYvBwKylgBUDDVUxv9uBnYAK3ZB5H__KkKJjXjXelh03eBPlLkt0CH9VV9pIPBdUeVnrItS2cx2/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5im5uLW-y65_kgJKVfF2blUTrWmuJdM6fykqLfmVeYZy7Wy7NcTwPfeV8bHWx9ZawBiYvBwKylgBUDDVUxv9uBnYAK3ZB5H__KkKJjXjXelh03eBPlLkt0CH9VV9pIPBdUeVnrItS2cx2/s640/IMG_1090.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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He has a dome helmet, goggles and containment suit resembling The Animated Series Freeze, the physique of Schumacher's Ahnold Freeze and a body semi composed of actual ice which is somewhat reminiscent of how The Batman Freeze used his abilities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickRyIHUZgOD6DfPCk1T7IvjwbAiepsZJPRcSeXhJMbOXBLfiYINR0oCMFdKXL4JZzel7Ho8SofRLXDSB1u-Cmnshp1kusRsdjzO1SoBJHaFA1f5P_6O086wufojVx6SJZC-tvQcuvdLyP/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEickRyIHUZgOD6DfPCk1T7IvjwbAiepsZJPRcSeXhJMbOXBLfiYINR0oCMFdKXL4JZzel7Ho8SofRLXDSB1u-Cmnshp1kusRsdjzO1SoBJHaFA1f5P_6O086wufojVx6SJZC-tvQcuvdLyP/s640/IMG_1100.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Combined with elements like a frozen ribcage visible through his chest
armor, quad-lenses on his goggles, and these giant ice spikes erupting from
his over-sized right arm, this Freeze is a unique and intimidating version of Batman's frosty foe. I should note that Freeze's entire right arm and the upper half of his
left are molded in a really, ridiculously soft plastic. It doesn't
hinder the figure in any way, but seems an oddly fragile material to use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXAwqIYXCHqVPYO-2HFeyULZdGKUiwdpIpZIufFLup37PafUI18vUVHVMJfpAnszbSQITmpajDlf3jLxkQgWqWziEvdmXgiioQVtnjjg3o47fSWwjM1QK97QFmA_KRG-7b76286jaqXnF/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXAwqIYXCHqVPYO-2HFeyULZdGKUiwdpIpZIufFLup37PafUI18vUVHVMJfpAnszbSQITmpajDlf3jLxkQgWqWziEvdmXgiioQVtnjjg3o47fSWwjM1QK97QFmA_KRG-7b76286jaqXnF/s640/IMG_1099.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Freeze's only accessory is a giant, translucent blue ice sword that comes packaged in two halves you need to snap together. Once assembled, it's a solid piece that Victor can wield in either hand, though you have to squeeze a bit to get it in his left. Unfortunately, due to the sword's weight and Freeze being unable to assume a wider stance, he tends to fall over if you try to get a dynamic sword swinging pose out of him.<br />
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In a nice touch, the circular hole in the sword allows it attach to Freeze's back via a bit of machinery protruding from his armor. Interestingly, the backing card photography shows the sword having a distinct "fork" with two separate blades rising from slightly above the hole for mounting it on his back instead of the single, flat blade the final version has. These kind of tweaks occur all the time with toys, packaging even cites the fact that product may not resemble the photos present, but the Power Attack line seems especially prone to this often if you closely examine the cross sells on a figure's backing card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85N6XTnFrvtwuNAy5tpgVOoQt5NMcw_gJpji5hMhS2cSOAS3VlTV5c0JbogM9ug2iXSIRaxUKLP9zieV2tjobWSc38UXUzs_e_flr-UAd2vcGh2BXNnhF5r1DsL8O-_YY-CrA5Ao7SkPG/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85N6XTnFrvtwuNAy5tpgVOoQt5NMcw_gJpji5hMhS2cSOAS3VlTV5c0JbogM9ug2iXSIRaxUKLP9zieV2tjobWSc38UXUzs_e_flr-UAd2vcGh2BXNnhF5r1DsL8O-_YY-CrA5Ao7SkPG/s640/IMG_1095.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Freeze's dome helmet comes off revealing a face that...really amuses me. He looks mean and serious about villainy and all, but at the same time reminds me of a cross between Strong Guy from X-Men and a member of Devo. On a disappointing note, he has no head articulation. I was hoping the head and helmet were a single piece that swiveled together and was ready to accept that, but then was pleasantly surprised when the helmet popped off. Only to be crushed once more when his head refused to budge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3JRPKvZPgkKR1StLeFkVk4IzkYVoBYZCQECpBSse37VGOW049S2nkaXTrVWvfdCG5szRBoDU2tqcMDiFT3i7YT_owIa2g3gu7TI1t0SOYOlXBnPnezlxD3MSd58BHQb_1WzhJQG32U3K/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3JRPKvZPgkKR1StLeFkVk4IzkYVoBYZCQECpBSse37VGOW049S2nkaXTrVWvfdCG5szRBoDU2tqcMDiFT3i7YT_owIa2g3gu7TI1t0SOYOlXBnPnezlxD3MSd58BHQb_1WzhJQG32U3K/s640/IMG_1103.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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One of my favorite things about this figure that the majority of it is cast in translucent blue plastic which makes for some nice light piping effects, they even left enough of his back unpainted to allow light through and silhouette the ribcage. Articulation is standard of the Power Attack line, besides the aforementioned lack of neck, though the gray vents on his thighs limit the hip joint range a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcpoKZoBU4bj-9lEPHdbGFW6PZB0Hfr_GYVFDa5TS_3yFvMfyHtAcneLdddMvXWu3aExoTDIC38V0qYoP-6-ZCD1q_2hvtzGK_ApnOi6xyzmONiPyuoAGmMIzf7mls6vObbvRRd02odde/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcpoKZoBU4bj-9lEPHdbGFW6PZB0Hfr_GYVFDa5TS_3yFvMfyHtAcneLdddMvXWu3aExoTDIC38V0qYoP-6-ZCD1q_2hvtzGK_ApnOi6xyzmONiPyuoAGmMIzf7mls6vObbvRRd02odde/s640/IMG_1104.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<i>"What killed the dinosaurs? THE ICE AGE!"</i><br />
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Despite his articulation woes and weird soft arms, I would strongly suggest you grab this figure if you see him. His design is a nice amalgamation of homages to earlier Freezes with his own spin thrown in and the exaggerated proportions and see-through chest reminds me a lot of the aesthetics of the 200X <i>Masters of the Universe</i> toy line. Again, at roughly nine bucks a pop, the Power Attack line is a steal for what the figures are and injects a little spice into the Dark Knight's universe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1vIV5BUJwo-W82z96xlYpwcdBYcineOG-366S4n_gXDAOKS5WMD6kHcb7JY64F7nwvEcbBjBsTkF6zwEwhqfgDf9ws97sefJEx7vuI391k25xLrG74jTILxVGPH0bCyy6316WI6I0nEH/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1vIV5BUJwo-W82z96xlYpwcdBYcineOG-366S4n_gXDAOKS5WMD6kHcb7JY64F7nwvEcbBjBsTkF6zwEwhqfgDf9ws97sefJEx7vuI391k25xLrG74jTILxVGPH0bCyy6316WI6I0nEH/s640/IMG_1115.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
Obligatory black light shot!</div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-25790038875270384422012-06-13T08:45:00.000-07:002012-06-23T22:17:21.336-07:00Thermo Attack Batman<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5c1ZVnuKlmoJExz2kAQYxxMbRRhX21HIi82kIERvoaYX8CX6d5-4Oc3E9rZ94iXcJ1-go2No6_sT9qnSMVjRH7noPeBfVhIRGoC8ZgZGduIaanRIphaprRimPRIOaEhIXgs8661obA0/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Released alongside <i>The</i> <i>Dark Knight Rises</i> toy line, but not directly tied to any movie or television series, the <i>Batman: Power Attack</i> figures have been generating a lot of nostalgia among collectors for when Kenner was at the wheel of the Batman toy franchise. With good reason as the <i>Power Attack</i> line currently features roughly fifty Batmen (your number of Batmen may vary), decked out in outrageous color schemes and mission gear. Today we're going to look at one of the neon offerings of this line, Thermo Attack Batman.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPwWnXC9jlnFFpYwXUlaiRT7m8JDf1JohsjIye-aDr_-DUzusX5H8ULaQ6kzpf8rA2e5XjOAFQyvtdj4tMpq7n_Gl_6DyO-9kQwn21l6EwpkavD5w_lTGcXROmaA0FhoJ1Yjd5eLM-6O8/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPwWnXC9jlnFFpYwXUlaiRT7m8JDf1JohsjIye-aDr_-DUzusX5H8ULaQ6kzpf8rA2e5XjOAFQyvtdj4tMpq7n_Gl_6DyO-9kQwn21l6EwpkavD5w_lTGcXROmaA0FhoJ1Yjd5eLM-6O8/s640/IMG_0968.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I should mention that half the reason I bought this guy was from reading Phil Reed's review of him on <a href="http://battlegrip.com/" target="_blank">Battlegrip</a> and staring at the pretty pictures until I caved. So if you want to read a better review of Thermo Bats here, <a href="http://www.battlegrip.com/?p=39859" target="_blank">read his</a>. If you're still here however, I'll give you my two cents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoVQzsPCyhurOPElADxlGtCyr-XFb_zEeXNlcDN1sHSYh2vL7bbGlz8aukCXQH0TAQ2GpnmexeMC_xfP0H4Q1dPXUVpEjGQbkRIxt9bLXecKuCvE0DonWjNcUeEDoJOq3xFplywJlC-nq/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoVQzsPCyhurOPElADxlGtCyr-XFb_zEeXNlcDN1sHSYh2vL7bbGlz8aukCXQH0TAQ2GpnmexeMC_xfP0H4Q1dPXUVpEjGQbkRIxt9bLXecKuCvE0DonWjNcUeEDoJOq3xFplywJlC-nq/s640/IMG_0960.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The <i>Power Attack</i> line is centered around Batman using various armor suits and gadgetry to combat members of his rogues gallery whose quirks might justify spending a ton of money designing and building said armor suits and gadgetry. The Thermo Attack armor for example is designed to combat <a href="http://zaraksbarracks.blogspot.com/2012/06/ice-blast-mr-freeze.html" target="_blank">Mr. Freeze</a>, presumably keeping Bruce warm and toasty while slicing through ice with his giant saw weapon. The neon orange is so Robin can spot him easily after he gets buried in an avalanche and needs to be dug out when the armor's servos freeze.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBeZDg4EcMiMX3PkF6GXFsZ2iIOF7n0hKMqFfcMp9XQi_jqbkxOF108v8fNqBzjT6hZoUmzwasy9k-bPVOcM79sELK0WUj1qB77vDduqaoc_7CEGkqHKtJDg4N9WNDZ4Mkq75zUKzH93J/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBeZDg4EcMiMX3PkF6GXFsZ2iIOF7n0hKMqFfcMp9XQi_jqbkxOF108v8fNqBzjT6hZoUmzwasy9k-bPVOcM79sELK0WUj1qB77vDduqaoc_7CEGkqHKtJDg4N9WNDZ4Mkq75zUKzH93J/s640/IMG_0966.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Joking aside, there are a lot of things I like about this figure. The armor simultaneously evokes Lex Luthor's power armor, the Anti-Monitor's armor and Superboy Prime's armor that copied it's design. The orange, blue and silver color scheme works well together, again reminding me of the Anti-Monitor. In addition to three villains at once, the armor also resembles what Bruce wears in <i>The Dark Knight Returns</i> when he brawls with Superman. The oversized, bladed gauntlets and heavy boots give Thermo Attack Batman the look of a solid, hard hitting figure who doesn't even need a weapon to beat larger opponents to a pulp. I also have to mention his big, honkin' belt because it looks like he stole it from He-Man's wardrobe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp93or3srrIXINX92IaNRb9eT0C7QkopShndJi0Z_cn9Lt4sPv3k1XU_icaYayqXUomTVmTetOUvJAi8crpqRHiRNPMj96PBs5gDZvsldWJvKCIXUeJRvm_6PkwMRxaTx3gqwsStRwRRxY/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp93or3srrIXINX92IaNRb9eT0C7QkopShndJi0Z_cn9Lt4sPv3k1XU_icaYayqXUomTVmTetOUvJAi8crpqRHiRNPMj96PBs5gDZvsldWJvKCIXUeJRvm_6PkwMRxaTx3gqwsStRwRRxY/s640/IMG_0965.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The slightly stylized head sculpt seems to be a merging of the more realistic DCU Classics and a more cartoon-ish look, such as the recent <i>The Batman</i> line. You can see in this pic that the blue plastic the majority of Bats is molded in has small metallic flakes swirled through it. It's a subtle effect, but very nice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ2JYb_SNEFbG9KvSKHx0dEUc8OJ7nIAisNUDfNKhFapqiEatgN5EJeX8ZPoyaD8cZGt23rM7FUoWI1K1cunSgiPv8vv63LplkKIcVachh8ZO8RtyXhGkaNch1LT0UKzsTT38SZ5tF_Hk/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ2JYb_SNEFbG9KvSKHx0dEUc8OJ7nIAisNUDfNKhFapqiEatgN5EJeX8ZPoyaD8cZGt23rM7FUoWI1K1cunSgiPv8vv63LplkKIcVachh8ZO8RtyXhGkaNch1LT0UKzsTT38SZ5tF_Hk/s640/IMG_0967.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Since it's a line directed pretty much entirely at kids and kids are less inclined to care about their toys being able to assume yoga positions, Thermo Attack Batman has only eight points of articulation; hinged shoulders, elbows and hips, swivel waist and ball jointed neck. This means you won't be getting any real dynamic poses out of him, but standing on a shelf with his weapon hefted on his shoulder, he looks pretty impressive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60HAChbMq_IZ7xDrXo3Utae2fXexhHFCB8f08VbLuIli4YUeb3ioKozVnVFRWxuxWz5GlRWYutbGwPg1ntEpUi5buhMvUC1z84njB3_uNhbBX8QmtSlF-46n3gnM6JbS6t1frjRdLbwm3/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60HAChbMq_IZ7xDrXo3Utae2fXexhHFCB8f08VbLuIli4YUeb3ioKozVnVFRWxuxWz5GlRWYutbGwPg1ntEpUi5buhMvUC1z84njB3_uNhbBX8QmtSlF-46n3gnM6JbS6t1frjRdLbwm3/s640/IMG_0963.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Thermo Attack Batman's only accessory is a large, neon orange hand...buzz saw...thing. It's a really big buzz saw blade on the end of a handle and frankly, it seems a little brutal for Batman. I'm sure Mattel would tell you it's solely for sawing through ice Freeze puts in his way, but I can't help seeing an angel of death Batman sawing goons in half in showers of blood... Anyway, the weapon ends in the grooves and hook that mark it as a missile for a spring loaded launcher. This confused me at first until Phil of Battlegrip informed me it is the same mold as one of the launching weapons on the new Batmobile that's part of the line. Which is a neat reuse of parts, but also I think a missed marketing opportunity. Since at least one other figure uses a recolored Batmobile missile as a weapon too, Mattel should have made a blurb on the packaging referring to the single pack figure's versions of the weapons as "powered up" weapons for the Batmobile or something along those lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI5W7ThvtVZeR2re4UC39MWneXyBzjRvohGNFgjM20B8zVo-qLHJoPh7Jsv6Q-7LeDcTtXqwfmvwLR5R4MUJeTQ7kwMI4_Cp5ZFPov2ZBQOQGuy1CiZJmZ9HE51hfi0VGbi_vJ7c6Gxz2/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI5W7ThvtVZeR2re4UC39MWneXyBzjRvohGNFgjM20B8zVo-qLHJoPh7Jsv6Q-7LeDcTtXqwfmvwLR5R4MUJeTQ7kwMI4_Cp5ZFPov2ZBQOQGuy1CiZJmZ9HE51hfi0VGbi_vJ7c6Gxz2/s640/IMG_0974.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Just slightly shorter than Mattel's DC Universe Classics figures, the <i>Power Attack</i> Batmen could display right alongside them without a real issue, as the Batmen here comparing weaponry illustrate. I should note that the line reuses a lot of parts between figures; the
majority of Thermo Attack Batman is recycled as Toxic Takedown Batman
with a hazardous materials handler theme and color scheme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5c1ZVnuKlmoJExz2kAQYxxMbRRhX21HIi82kIERvoaYX8CX6d5-4Oc3E9rZ94iXcJ1-go2No6_sT9qnSMVjRH7noPeBfVhIRGoC8ZgZGduIaanRIphaprRimPRIOaEhIXgs8661obA0/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5c1ZVnuKlmoJExz2kAQYxxMbRRhX21HIi82kIERvoaYX8CX6d5-4Oc3E9rZ94iXcJ1-go2No6_sT9qnSMVjRH7noPeBfVhIRGoC8ZgZGduIaanRIphaprRimPRIOaEhIXgs8661obA0/s640/IMG_0975.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I'll admit, this line isn't for everyone. If the lack of articulation, reuse of parts between figures and outlandish colors turn you off, I would skip the <i>Power Attack</i> line and buy DCU Classics before they disappear forever. If, however, you were one of the lucky few to have grown up with Kenner's Batman lines, well, you're probably already on the way to the store. This figure is a great spiritual successor to the old Kenner style and is a great, solid figure for introducing your own kids to the wonders of wacky Batman variations. My only complaints with Thermo Attack Batman are his lack of knee joints and the fact that the blade of his saw weapon doesn't actually spin. But these are minor issues overall and at about nine dollars a pop, I'm already planning on getting most of the other figures in the line (If you see Blizzard Buster Batman, you tell me!) In addition to a few crazy armor Batmen, the line also contains a pretty nice classic suited Batman sculpt in both black and blue color schemes and a decent looking Robin, so Batfans have options. And honestly, <i>The Dark Knight Rises</i> figures look god awful, so Power Attack is your best choice for Batman.</div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-76235305988164940262012-05-27T20:19:00.002-07:002012-05-27T20:19:28.923-07:00Transformers Bot Shots Sentinel Prime (Super Bot)<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXoTT_-pyK-iK6r07-pnjZq01K5yhnZGBnZ2d8VXwKZMlFn-p8XsLZfnUHpfZMq01IVSdCQ2YDo5HP_oxJrM69YjPwnBzEKRnOWDNxPkKihukl7ATYS0GqLECoAF9d2RJBjHv5pP0LLJu/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Hasbro has branched the Transformers property out quite a bit in recent years with the addition of sub lines like <i>Cyberverse</i>, <i>Stealth Force</i> and <i>Robot Heroes</i>, one of their newest variations on the franchise being <i>Bot Shots</i>. <i>Bot Shots</i> are small, roughly two inch figures utilizing a spring-loaded automatic transformation system and integrating a simple game in the style of Rock, Paper, Scissors for added play value. The line features a variety of characters drawn from Generation One as well as the live action movies and each wave of single pack figures includes a "Super Bot" version of a character cast in translucent plastic, symbolizing the power coursing through their circuits. Super Bots also have different battle stats in the game than their normal incarnations and are packed in less numbers per case than other characters. The first Super Bot available in wave one is Sentinel Prime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnXoakaiwb9FgrMIPrGZKPLnZnGwWNlgzw03D7nZSmdjXUh9p465dzhhW1T1eJdh9mC_BlPKhQcZsqKLxxHZbxG8XWrCeyjaB-MIRANLxBEVzKdbr1fmBf-zLB6QNnTrDSI2L_P2IVZ3N/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnXoakaiwb9FgrMIPrGZKPLnZnGwWNlgzw03D7nZSmdjXUh9p465dzhhW1T1eJdh9mC_BlPKhQcZsqKLxxHZbxG8XWrCeyjaB-MIRANLxBEVzKdbr1fmBf-zLB6QNnTrDSI2L_P2IVZ3N/s640/IMG_0550.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Sentinel's proportions are exaggerated to make him a cute lil' mini betrayer of his entire race with an oversized head perched atop a stumpy little body. Articulation is zilch due to the way the figure transforms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViCKuOhoUcEY4NWi_vxs1eWP8GNVPCLlLcOXxhgRxYSaiuDfq0mIJna10-JFtyBSmiVfiNPJiDKUAW3BbIw-SlrFcUR8EI0f0Lt-iheqpHKWnXYhjqv8XV01UshWoZXZlQovY7Z4rdegM/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViCKuOhoUcEY4NWi_vxs1eWP8GNVPCLlLcOXxhgRxYSaiuDfq0mIJna10-JFtyBSmiVfiNPJiDKUAW3BbIw-SlrFcUR8EI0f0Lt-iheqpHKWnXYhjqv8XV01UshWoZXZlQovY7Z4rdegM/s640/IMG_0552.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Based off how the character's appearance in <i>Dark Of The Moon,</i> but with a more friendly G1-esque face, Prime is cast entirely in
translucent red plastic with literally two paint applications, a silver
face plate and Autobot blue eyes. His expression is determined with a slight upward quirk of the right corner of his mouth.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvTejeEVwDl0yqDlUU9Lz2pwmj6yBWOAwR9IVLKGRcR-v5VE6YR0cUEECoBE7taq6pdz6hOWdII-Aq7_ZGy0dQc_er3uNRtDVPZXd423EHizml2FKa5cbfuMjBFGG7Ik5mjF2RwEl4hrD/s640/IMG_0581.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Transformation is as simple as folding down the arms, folding up the legs and pulling the bumper down to lock everything in place. Be careful because the front bumper is the transformation trigger and also where you are most likely to try grabbing him because your brain hates you. Sentinel's alternate mode in the movie is a Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 fire truck, frequently used at airports, and the Bot Shots figure is a scaled down, super-deformed version of this vehicle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrppov4STMVc0zL-busu0BraVCTPq3MfKdFknh_yGr53zcdc0ScPzmR4dTJJ-23Px4MTlPXPkV1Q32USvj6J8OZ1iED96jQoQGnFeqI0dtRAaenJR4sFbhtMuWv5BWO3YWgEFeGcng-l8H/s1600/IMG_0582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrppov4STMVc0zL-busu0BraVCTPq3MfKdFknh_yGr53zcdc0ScPzmR4dTJJ-23Px4MTlPXPkV1Q32USvj6J8OZ1iED96jQoQGnFeqI0dtRAaenJR4sFbhtMuWv5BWO3YWgEFeGcng-l8H/s640/IMG_0582.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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While the figure may be simple, the sculpt is far from it. The Panther has multiple grid patterns, ladders, panels and hoses molded along it's length and it rolls freely on four black plastic tires, the central set of being sculpted on and sadly unpainted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjsBdTUV0uKE5w46ukyqHy7vtJiD2AoqXKjUgM4gZITRnKc402NB2kVaithZTVxNGuH8tlvwQAhkkhYV-cau0tecF6j8F3vPrHN9gi6G1QoX746m4h2jPTw320eg-rBqYhStH-t09oU6o/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjsBdTUV0uKE5w46ukyqHy7vtJiD2AoqXKjUgM4gZITRnKc402NB2kVaithZTVxNGuH8tlvwQAhkkhYV-cau0tecF6j8F3vPrHN9gi6G1QoX746m4h2jPTw320eg-rBqYhStH-t09oU6o/s640/IMG_0553.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The game aspect comes into play via a rotating wedge set in their chest of each figure with a different sticker on each face, representing the character's strength in a particular fighting style and a number exactly defining that strength. Seen here is the Blaster image, for skill in ranged weapons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjTEftFaHh_bBCSjn9itv6_uqXYBYxnQs8DhaqPiCzXonw2pj7jndlZ08w332ydPY5Bt_bWfRg-vclCZO0nHbwAQSTFf5TVTIvCgJ9dL-UJsa4X6EcWoUW-jQ-vQWhO2IqoDlG5pcSd4e/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjTEftFaHh_bBCSjn9itv6_uqXYBYxnQs8DhaqPiCzXonw2pj7jndlZ08w332ydPY5Bt_bWfRg-vclCZO0nHbwAQSTFf5TVTIvCgJ9dL-UJsa4X6EcWoUW-jQ-vQWhO2IqoDlG5pcSd4e/s640/IMG_0554.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The wedge rotates freely and the idea is that two kids each pick a figure and secretly choose their attack type by rotating to a certain side. The two figures are then crashed into each other in vehicle mode and upon springing up, the winner is decided by which attack type beats the others and in cases of the same attack being chosen by both players, number value of an attack.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0Bb31ajvUhQL-XTF1D9LOzFqhy2txAsbQnBYM2yWjMe0HE4tSGWIV1YHaO0dUGrGduWWgi7cDQGW545ScRnxLkuefjCBPkW6GwHYoInmENHev6kXrn4PXB5sLPL9zEwQM4dABn9VP3mm/s640/IMG_0556.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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This Super Bot version has much different stats than the normally colored Sentinel Prime, having much higher values in Fist and Blaster strength, while his Sword strength is actually much lower lower.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj1dBlMabiG4-dfb5tLLokK5ZMRlOvHKzlpLVwoEPWTd5yHkTpTD_J4r2_fe4gFRgNsAvZbWDL3198KWjj-sbHloRya-e9NfLhkWuroySbnINhDKmMJr7jc16mM7LxC62ytyq4i-4by0n/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj1dBlMabiG4-dfb5tLLokK5ZMRlOvHKzlpLVwoEPWTd5yHkTpTD_J4r2_fe4gFRgNsAvZbWDL3198KWjj-sbHloRya-e9NfLhkWuroySbnINhDKmMJr7jc16mM7LxC62ytyq4i-4by0n/s640/IMG_0750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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At roughly four dollars, it's hard to dislike this little guy. When first announced, I had planned to avoid Bot Shots as the more gimmicky Transformers sub lines typically don't appeal to me and I cared not a whit for the game, but translucent plastic is my Kryptonite and I can see how the game would be a quick, easy way for kids to play. The low price point also allows kids to build up a collection fairly easily, as four bucks is much easier for a parent to swallow than the roughly twelve dollars Deluxe class figures cost these days. Sentinel Prime was the first Super Bot available in wave one of Bot Shots and as such, should still be in stores near you. If translucent red isn't your color, you can also get a movie colored version that comes in a three pack with Bumblebee and Prowl.</div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-57015246894066938292012-05-25T21:34:00.002-07:002012-05-25T22:24:00.675-07:00Mezco's The Ghost of Lobster Johnson<div style="text-align: center;">
This is going to be a real picture intensive review because...well, you'll see.
Lobster Johnson was a pulp hero of the late 1930's similar to The
Phantom or Green Hornet, but through Mike Mignola's view. The Lobster had several
adventures fighting Nazis and even future <i>B.P.R.D.</i> villain
Memnan Saa before accepting employment from the U.S. government during World War II and
undertaking what would be his last mission. <br />
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In an attempt to prevent a
Nazi rocket launch, The Lobster lead a group of United States soldiers
on an attack of Hunte Castle located in Austria on the night of March 20th, 1939. Though they prevented the launch doors from opening, the rocket ignited anyways and slammed into the ceiling in a fireball. The resulting fire killed all but a single German soldier and recurring villain Herman Von Klempt, a deranged Nazi scientist who would go on to be a head in a jar. Decades later, after they discover Von Klempt in the ruins of Hunte attempting to finish what he started so
many years ago, Lobster Johnson mysteriously appears to aid Hellboy and the homunculus Roger when the doctor's thugs and cyborg gorillas get the upper hand. Not to spoil it for you, but he pulls a <i>Sixth Sense</i> on them by the end of the story, bringing us round to today's review.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsO1MeDMI2Y_4k9BrRmiT0rXsNKK5IRVDV8ID6iDnUZRd1VQ3sBZIDPtP00oEy8E1q85NoD4_MdgrbtpCPx4_CCR66Wi1xICaBqnjTBrzBsMSbWCg2odmiudZXPVMjnjXfR8nc7j8b0XU/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtgZOMrl-8G6HMGt3uzfrhOB1tds8IhQGZpO9vF-UUWj-yNrngXe2nkNXF-tBS1OAj42ak_xyQcTdmAwltdrKd6JAVZGgB4_CduUi75CH13xGECyOwRpKnCx0YYSUaVEUbzBpo8-6mOX7/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtgZOMrl-8G6HMGt3uzfrhOB1tds8IhQGZpO9vF-UUWj-yNrngXe2nkNXF-tBS1OAj42ak_xyQcTdmAwltdrKd6JAVZGgB4_CduUi75CH13xGECyOwRpKnCx0YYSUaVEUbzBpo8-6mOX7/s640/IMG_0694.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Ghost of Lobster Johnson by <a href="http://www.mezcotoyz.com/index.asp" target="_blank">Mezco Toys</a>! There is nothing that I do not love about this figure, it is quite possibly my most favorite thing ever. But seeing as a review should be a little more than one paragraph of fawning praise and twenty pictures, let's talk history.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZets47VgZ7lE-2ivm4qqHcxipWAwRGORAf8RQMwgSEOuYvo4iO0XPm5XZiS_IQErOymWsv1WE5mMbVOE0J4jS5B3SGIhEYxkTHDoezazufhUDsJmGseo866hkEzLF3ceP5vmgiLCyiddD/s1600/IMG_0683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZets47VgZ7lE-2ivm4qqHcxipWAwRGORAf8RQMwgSEOuYvo4iO0XPm5XZiS_IQErOymWsv1WE5mMbVOE0J4jS5B3SGIhEYxkTHDoezazufhUDsJmGseo866hkEzLF3ceP5vmgiLCyiddD/s640/IMG_0683.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Released in 2005, this figure was originally available to the mass market in normal, comic inspired colors with an additional "radioactive brain" accessory as part of Mezco's seven inch <i>Hellboy</i> line. For the 2005 San Diego Comicon, Mezco gave fans an exclusive version of The Lobster cast entirely in translucent purple plastic and limited to just 2,000 pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpfN_nSCC1U4kMyTgYq3MUHwL8SXdLxJuprvGMcjdXIpcM1bCoDmGfh6r2sMH-3tPE_g-TTDLDk91n4rtBCzA9VrAVKp-u_Ig7Q2zScLTzfZ1kadMZCp0Cf1VP2GMtT7xZmnk97qiJ7Id/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpfN_nSCC1U4kMyTgYq3MUHwL8SXdLxJuprvGMcjdXIpcM1bCoDmGfh6r2sMH-3tPE_g-TTDLDk91n4rtBCzA9VrAVKp-u_Ig7Q2zScLTzfZ1kadMZCp0Cf1VP2GMtT7xZmnk97qiJ7Id/s640/IMG_0682.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The box is heavy weight cardboard with a portrait of The Lobster drawn by Mignola on one side and a very large version of Johnson's claw symbol as well as notation of the limited number on the other. It looks a little dinged up because I purchased it second hand, but no matter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkXFfgnAOxQfhGR3S_0_hSZO__8sBzLFW5nHjtT9OLlXejlwwwDJNh92Qk7ZrGxEdu-pAYxu3rrouh8lXouLB4caLu3p-BChWQ4pPm_hWUML7tBp0O5YOJOameIKSVrX1KMGMoD9nRxkk/s1600/IMG_0688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkXFfgnAOxQfhGR3S_0_hSZO__8sBzLFW5nHjtT9OLlXejlwwwDJNh92Qk7ZrGxEdu-pAYxu3rrouh8lXouLB4caLu3p-BChWQ4pPm_hWUML7tBp0O5YOJOameIKSVrX1KMGMoD9nRxkk/s640/IMG_0688.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Inside the box, the figure is nestled in a two-layered plastic tray and is held in place with three really heavy gauge, actual-metal-wires-under-the-plastic, twist ties. Which makes me feel old after recently untwisting a million of those new biodegradable rope twist ties everything comes packaged in now.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TzEfiYNHHSVYlydHvRttgLrM55gF8frC_0_SxXkPl_qYU4k6ieU8EbmnVN68-QqIfOzXYzeX7OlzUlDO0ksERQsRGVj4F_3UuUOz9xEqYOenvDklWZF5b95CAbLhjWkGtnxFZyokN1Pz/s640/IMG_0691.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Removing the card that wraps around the back and sides of the plastic insert reveals a sweet Mignola drawing of Lobster Johnson killing electrified Nazi zombies! It makes sense if you've read the comic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsO1MeDMI2Y_4k9BrRmiT0rXsNKK5IRVDV8ID6iDnUZRd1VQ3sBZIDPtP00oEy8E1q85NoD4_MdgrbtpCPx4_CCR66Wi1xICaBqnjTBrzBsMSbWCg2odmiudZXPVMjnjXfR8nc7j8b0XU/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsO1MeDMI2Y_4k9BrRmiT0rXsNKK5IRVDV8ID6iDnUZRd1VQ3sBZIDPtP00oEy8E1q85NoD4_MdgrbtpCPx4_CCR66Wi1xICaBqnjTBrzBsMSbWCg2odmiudZXPVMjnjXfR8nc7j8b0XU/s640/IMG_0697.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Out of the package, Johnson is exactly what I've come to expect from Mezco's Hellboy figures, amazing. The sculpt perfectly captures the essence of Mignola's style and replicates Johnson's quasi-military uniform to the smallest detail. Cast in a translucent purple plastic that really makes me want Grape Kool-Aid, the only other paint applications present are a little orange on the lenses of his goggles and on the tiny claw symbol on his left palm.<br />
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUv_4gTLbiV1Dl8L2lkdvmL8iVize_Vr-3_-xwpfs3bDEuMEmKoRl_iZQl-D9Tf7CfIQ5Yn7j7A8DMthUnAL11xWp7MJ-z_KsZstKEHZxmnfaPLLFNlqE8NcRCEYPbBItKfmFyREwtXmp/s640/IMG_0707.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Johnson fits right in with other figures in the line, shown here with Mezco's versions of Johann and Roger. I'm deliberately not going into a lot of detail on articulation and sculpt yet because frankly, normal light doesn't do The Lobster's Ghost justice...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadNBZekcC6Jj6xpTvFhpCI3pRQIc_G5Kqvnch4dOSeVoayi77wnIVE2OidePoGy7XBbsaAbKD821qLtuV1fU_R_qTLys4MHVJQ5UTB8QO8aagC7GZO0AYOa6oI1ryVVJ6oO30VD26f51i/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadNBZekcC6Jj6xpTvFhpCI3pRQIc_G5Kqvnch4dOSeVoayi77wnIVE2OidePoGy7XBbsaAbKD821qLtuV1fU_R_qTLys4MHVJQ5UTB8QO8aagC7GZO0AYOa6oI1ryVVJ6oO30VD26f51i/s640/IMG_0724.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Now we're talking! This figure is <i>made</i> for black light, I have never seen a plastic react more vibrantly! Under a black light, Johnson's Kool-Aid purple turns an amazing electric blue that really is out of this world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXeva3_W5Y4FtuOMJBH0YDXY1jNYfELxcMcgKxgDdsEN_uBO7mTwJY6WmuwwyS_mq8g-E_b1XdfmntAJAKU_c_0YyBKy2pz_5XXyiO3c6W-mouez1ZwCOJpEJV_nlcy8QvmOW1HNSv0Jo/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXeva3_W5Y4FtuOMJBH0YDXY1jNYfELxcMcgKxgDdsEN_uBO7mTwJY6WmuwwyS_mq8g-E_b1XdfmntAJAKU_c_0YyBKy2pz_5XXyiO3c6W-mouez1ZwCOJpEJV_nlcy8QvmOW1HNSv0Jo/s640/IMG_0717.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Interestingly enough, it's actually easier to make out detail on Lobster Johnson when he's glowing than under normal light. Here for example, you can see the clear borders of the lobster brand on his palm, as well as the pouches, grenades and belt buckle at his waist and the large lobster claw etched into his chest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYUC2s9g7zc_OE74rXVL4x7Piyn7yUXjh8-64updt0clWsHptSFa6TYDL56SQg8fVRMcUhyphenhypheneK9u6MzPk8nVCIx27JECax4kKgaaWcYN1QyPcdxJDuK4rYrSmjT08gBGB5Jit8vml5ddRe/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYUC2s9g7zc_OE74rXVL4x7Piyn7yUXjh8-64updt0clWsHptSFa6TYDL56SQg8fVRMcUhyphenhypheneK9u6MzPk8nVCIx27JECax4kKgaaWcYN1QyPcdxJDuK4rYrSmjT08gBGB5Jit8vml5ddRe/s640/IMG_0730.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The back of the figure is equally as detailed, with more pouches, a large canister (a thermos of cocoa perhaps?) and a length of rope attached to The Lobster's belt. And would you look at the flares in those pants...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRnwYzocpfUC_DM1WyavylIuUnW6VNcZ6NPioHflVRG5b0de5V6k-pjCAFJ-HqgUBCOguN2RKBb0zhszuvyX7fGJTUHcKZraY1ztieF6Vgu85Cgx_1SToWF605KAYNFm2hyQeV5ryqKNk/s1600/IMG_0735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRnwYzocpfUC_DM1WyavylIuUnW6VNcZ6NPioHflVRG5b0de5V6k-pjCAFJ-HqgUBCOguN2RKBb0zhszuvyX7fGJTUHcKZraY1ztieF6Vgu85Cgx_1SToWF605KAYNFm2hyQeV5ryqKNk/s640/IMG_0735.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Lobster's only accessory in this release is his pistol, as a ghostly brain on a spring would have been a bit silly and skipping it lowers costs. The pistol fits into the right hand, his index finger slipping into the trigger guard for a snug grip. When not in use, it can be stored in the holster at his hip. The holster is made of a soft, rubbery plastic so the top flap folds up to slip the pistol in with no issue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBZhw77o3j9CjiyR3chGpg32o2lQ0aXwv-Iv3Xlsaac2APsIOZ2290JDsZ7e5CIePcpidrzn_tc136bl0z-zJONecwFSaRAPHBlWcRuUmBDtXxrAtsn8tJpsFDpPN6T_vlF1Cux-4kVwd/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBZhw77o3j9CjiyR3chGpg32o2lQ0aXwv-Iv3Xlsaac2APsIOZ2290JDsZ7e5CIePcpidrzn_tc136bl0z-zJONecwFSaRAPHBlWcRuUmBDtXxrAtsn8tJpsFDpPN6T_vlF1Cux-4kVwd/s640/IMG_0727.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Articulation is pretty good, with ball joints at the neck, shoulders, mid-torso, hips and wrists. The wrists are interesting as they appear to be incorrectly assembled at first with a gap between the wrist and glove, but this is to allow the ball joints a better range of movement. The result is that Johnson has really thin wrists, but that does mesh with the art style and is actually a feature visible in the art on the insert of the packaging. Other joints consist of hinged elbows, knees and ankles and swivels on the upper arms, thighs and waist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxU9LKRQ40gQSHcq4Vf-LhtA8UdvZ8kbvjHerJnK0r9HiZwBdYemKguhZ-qlXkFJIYuUuwJ5OCqw7t3-2HCw6oiDObsmCfEKW3wf17rjf0TvH6zGirO-91NIV_M2b5y78nCr4bv1BUrdz/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxU9LKRQ40gQSHcq4Vf-LhtA8UdvZ8kbvjHerJnK0r9HiZwBdYemKguhZ-qlXkFJIYuUuwJ5OCqw7t3-2HCw6oiDObsmCfEKW3wf17rjf0TvH6zGirO-91NIV_M2b5y78nCr4bv1BUrdz/s640/IMG_0731.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<i>"Taste the harsh justice of The Lobster's Claw!"</i><br />
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I turned on my black light intending to just take a couple of pictures of this guy because I knew that it would have an effect on him. But I didn't know how much of an effect! No words...they should have sent...a poet... *ahem* Anyways, I can't stress enough how awesome this figure is. If you are at all a fan of Hellboy or the B.P.R.D. (and why wouldn't you be?), Mezco, or trippy things to put under your black light, The Ghost of Lobster Johnson is for you. Oddly enough, despite the limited number of pieces out there, The Lobster does not command a whole lot of money on the secondary market. I purchased mine for about seventeen dollars and there were quite a few still available as of me poking around today for a decent price. But you never know how the secondary market will go, so if you want ol' Ghost Lobster here, I suggest grabbing one today before you're sorry tomorrow.<br />
<br /></div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1576071760622252539.post-87568355372764130132012-05-23T20:47:00.001-07:002012-05-23T20:57:03.925-07:00NiStuff's Glow Outer Anomalies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMdrwbLxPzejGtlqot7lB3QewkR4j-X8Wa9QnObPikCkVjMrB3tQIOXfVYTblPhn31sBYGN6a4uw437dY-UbKfWG2GZ2Zlmz9UJrb_rRjMxC-nUf_qBKS4SMAcEzaP9y4WfV3YOlUwDCp/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.nistuff.com/" target="_blank">NiStuff</a> first came to my attention through a post on <a href="http://onelldesign.com/" target="_blank">Onell Design</a>'s blog and I really liked the look of a few of the small PVC figures he sculpted and sold in the website's store section. But I forgot to bookmark the site and then forgot what site I had seen the blog post on! A few months pass and Onell posts another entry about the newest wave of the very same sculpts I had been intrigued by before and they were GLOW IN THE DARK. Needless to say, this time I bookmarked immediately and placed an order when I had some cash. So today I bring you NiStuff's Glow Outer Anomalies!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0PPzuDuiQENbR1GGQfIam_wFyQujJ9W09mcwiUwDKi_46VSgefaNwTYxWenca2uIk9yXyDKvxWrtDpnNr-rQw44PXISR-hkWu6ghwGUC4sOkgIklNZAuHpi-AOd_U_LE_tVD5sID7NKb/s640/IMG_0605.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Sold in a set of three, you get (from left to right) the Ancient Astronaut, the SEG and the Slir. I don't know a whole lot about the universe these fellows live in, but from what I've gleaned, the Ancient Astronaut is just what he sounds like, the SEG is a swarm of microbots and the Slir is an intelligent plant mass. Regardless of back story, they all look awesome. Each figure has an insanely-detailed-for-the-size sculpt with a distinct pattern to each character's "skin" that sets them apart from each other.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpnxcv-RojtsHv7LsoXzTi5y9rDUQRKzaD8bXaiYcsxDAEFmT6Mtc4u8ii1QLWQD05wZgqILRvtqdG5Xoi-HuARh_dm9a_OcDDBz8JDE3hZwIArSeyH0IMG6rA6IOW3lBKVTvmiG4EUav/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpnxcv-RojtsHv7LsoXzTi5y9rDUQRKzaD8bXaiYcsxDAEFmT6Mtc4u8ii1QLWQD05wZgqILRvtqdG5Xoi-HuARh_dm9a_OcDDBz8JDE3hZwIArSeyH0IMG6rA6IOW3lBKVTvmiG4EUav/s640/IMG_0611.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Ancient Astronaut stands about two inches tall and is covered with an irregular, pebbly texture with larger plates around his (it's?) arms and a single large eye or perhaps helmet visor in the center of the face.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb00fG9Pgnj7AxrFsAAFkZbmlVjcUSSATgUl-ti31Wiz3oUhehlgZ6kY_XSWpukOl40ZYPqemuyfe5j3TMpQiKrMZ_2mro-uGuO7KPySLLjSOq5xumh5RunTW4h9ISrKnVIsC4_EgLQSBg/s640/IMG_0612.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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I think the Astronaut is my favorite of the three, he has a great 50's sci-fi monster vibe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN2dCbUD9H_7gwwwpS6Ey3erorjKAqzTgs_6p6TjSe3K0mYGBdD7te70_OwRAYER6P5q2bglpoILyH310sAQ0ydugTqgUJNytJuMMlNNEnwCXw6bcwKvCgeT5QWiqM0iOPul1NrUMsPZf/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN2dCbUD9H_7gwwwpS6Ey3erorjKAqzTgs_6p6TjSe3K0mYGBdD7te70_OwRAYER6P5q2bglpoILyH310sAQ0ydugTqgUJNytJuMMlNNEnwCXw6bcwKvCgeT5QWiqM0iOPul1NrUMsPZf/s640/IMG_0606.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The SEG towers above the other two at a whopping two and a half inches and is patterned with billions and billions of tiny squares, which makes sense as he's constructed of billions and billions of tiny robots. The SEG is tall and lean with spiked arms and tree trunk legs.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuwIVRGN9B60p50pQvSyBO13nFBD9QbBTpLSspCKhIIbpD8Ki8Yv8mziJujhORACoq3H6xbCanYJ_wvIfOdobLJmB47LIiNRQ4ixrJiPJYKEmacTB68KckphZDOYUApKPNyFSnbnkP0jF/s640/IMG_0607.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Detail is hard to catch with the glow in the dark plastic, but believe me, these guys are incredibly detailed, even the bottoms of their feet are sculpted!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxZNmf65CW8IKa_FYBm_JUwJg2CRHzYJR9f46i9xjeRIr9q8QkfYfKEhpfeqfB1LCixPB2x2_CYY17QVer1PkgflFTaRZaOjpb20BockSKcM9z3_Ewe5mHi8U4aU_uR9-5annBevxlj6d/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxZNmf65CW8IKa_FYBm_JUwJg2CRHzYJR9f46i9xjeRIr9q8QkfYfKEhpfeqfB1LCixPB2x2_CYY17QVer1PkgflFTaRZaOjpb20BockSKcM9z3_Ewe5mHi8U4aU_uR9-5annBevxlj6d/s640/IMG_0613.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Slir matches the Ancient Astronaut at two inches tall and is sculpted to look like masses of vines twisted and grown together. When I first saw this guy, I thought maybe he was a colony of leech-like creatures that sometimes pop up in fiction, but shambling vegetable man works too. In a neat bit of sculpting, the Slir's arms end in a few loose swinging vine tips.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4zrBFPHppXXRLb95LP7lOCTyoai6swIEt3JUyg7zvpTYxmdFyGQm-kyO-V0Q1x0H2NFW5nPZs1iAIoDKAAWs2EZK1kEKtTPMLUPyM11yrguIGg1Pkr7nR0YY0YDFxNW_oGHVUc4S8aED/s640/IMG_0616.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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These outsiders don't have any articulation, but that honestly does not bother me in the least. I bought them because they are funky, fun sculpts that remind me of past pocket figures like the infamous Monster In My Pocket line. The fact that they glow is just icing on the cake. Speaking of...</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ_aIud5D8CLiDw-kxt_-0JpwtZ0rH5kSJUAeZqL1XIZe5gupGYrLbXnlGpWgfqM9P0BxuwdzziVdRSdAs0XfW9evcuN06ER8VbM5RcpHgKUMGegcxbPZVm-F_C5DUWQ-2PmhYn1CMEEr/s640/IMG_0657.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The glowing aspect is where the Outer Anomalies really shine, literally. I'm not sure what they're doing at the Ni studios, but these guys are <i>bright</i>, just holding them cupped in your hand is enough to get them glowing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrDhzh2S4wezWRgvUh1-LCgUO6ObH0dhmkZnFKunc1lKgMjilVVYLe0mV8xIbYti5ddAwWFShePN_NyTThvP9FfdMgLH4n3e4Dah9Vib9DHvRFMEp4jCvFqmhPl2Rz6_iH42G0dD2KLF2/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrDhzh2S4wezWRgvUh1-LCgUO6ObH0dhmkZnFKunc1lKgMjilVVYLe0mV8xIbYti5ddAwWFShePN_NyTThvP9FfdMgLH4n3e4Dah9Vib9DHvRFMEp4jCvFqmhPl2Rz6_iH42G0dD2KLF2/s640/IMG_0659.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Space Ghost?</i></div>
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The Outer Anomalies look even better under a black light, hence why I ended up with about thirty pictures of these three just in said black lighting.</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMdrwbLxPzejGtlqot7lB3QewkR4j-X8Wa9QnObPikCkVjMrB3tQIOXfVYTblPhn31sBYGN6a4uw437dY-UbKfWG2GZ2Zlmz9UJrb_rRjMxC-nUf_qBKS4SMAcEzaP9y4WfV3YOlUwDCp/s640/IMG_0668.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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The Glow Outer Anomalies are currently available on NiStuff in a three pack for six bucks, as well as three different sculpts known as the Terrestrial Anomalies who are more robotic in appearance than the Outers. Beyond that, there "metal" silver versions of both sets and about a billion ridiculously awesome custom paint job versions of the six molds. And a ton of custom dyed and air brushed Glyos builds. And his own custom cast Glyos compatible heads. And...look, the guy is prolific, OK? Just browse the store and sold out sections and prepare to have your jaw drop. It is very affordable in most cases as there are several three figure bundles including the ones previously mentioned for only six dollars. And while six to ten dollars might seem steep for one of the airbrushed and/or gloss coated figures, I still plan on buying at least a couple without any regrets, those Voss Dyed Anomalies are just too slick to pass up.</div>Black Zarakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06919324017786453789noreply@blogger.com0