The Micro M78

Ultra-Act News

2011-12-27T14:21:00.001+08:00

Thanks to arcona_ultra26 from flickr and modxtoy for the scan:

According to this scanned page from Figure Oh, Ultra-Act Zoffy is slated for a 2012 May release.

-LeoKick

Ultraman Zero Side Story: Killer The Beat Star Stage 2 (RAW)

2011-12-24T18:30:00.000+08:00

Thanks to ultrafanz:

Full HD MKV
Part 1 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CKK9JWUO
Part 2 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JKTEGDGZ
Part 3 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XBY1EF28

SD AVI
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BO2R31F2
Alternate links
Part 1 http://www.mediafire.com/?r4z2p29xz6mzbl0
Part 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?g1bqf0wm96knv6z
Part 3 http://www.mediafire.com/?cp5ifuju6hujreq

Join with HJ-Split.

-LeoKick

Papercraft Ultraman (Part 2)

2011-12-21T03:06:00.001+08:00

Some papercrafts I found off the net.

Links to original Japanese sites.

Our beloved Ultra Eye, Ultraseven's transformation item.

Dyuwah!

Oil monster, Takkong. Fun sized and harmless. Link here.

Return of Ultraman, or Ultraman Jack. Also fun sized so Takkong won't be lonely. Link here.

Garamon, from Ultra Q. The picture says it all. Get this cute little thing here.

Credits: MJ-12's, ozashiki warashi, gojira no misoshiru

Check out these awesome models as well. -->

-LeoKick

DVD Titles

2011-12-17T14:44:00.001+08:00

An assortment of DVD ISOs, many thanks to tokuzilla.
Password if needed: tokuzilla.com

Ultraman Story ウルトラマン物語 (RAW)

Part 01 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1252655424/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_The_Lost_Films.iso.part1.rar
Part 02 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1252661214/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_The_Lost_Films.iso.part2.rar
Part 03 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1252661284/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_The_Lost_Films.iso.part3.rar

Ultraseven Time Slip File

Part 01 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445759061/TokuZilla.com.Ultra_Seven_Time_Slip_File.iso.part1.rar
Part 02 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445797771/TokuZilla.com.Ultra_Seven_Time_Slip_File.iso.part2.rar
Part 03 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445609814/TokuZilla.com.Ultra_Seven_Time_Slip_File.iso.part3.rar
Part 04 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445589081/TokuZilla.com.Ultra_Seven_Time_Slip_File.iso.part4.rar

Return Of Ultraman Time Slip File

Part 01 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445932921/TokuZilla.com.Ultraman_Jack_Time_Slip_File.iso.part1.rar
Part 02 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445960371/TokuZilla.com.Ultraman_Jack_Time_Slip_File.iso.part2.rar
Part 03 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1445976441/TokuZilla.com.Ultraman_Jack_Time_Slip_File.iso.part3.rar

Ultraman Taro Time Slip File

Part 01 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1456366201/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_Taro_Time_Slip_File_DVD.iso.part1.rar
Part 02 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1456380721/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_Taro_Time_Slip_File_DVD.iso.part2.rar
Part 03 http://www.filesonic.com/file/1456380821/TokuZilla.com_Ultraman_Taro_Time_Slip_File_DVD.iso.part3.rar

Password if needed: tokuzilla.com
-LeoKick

News: Future Releases! (Updates)

2011-12-15T13:06:00.000+08:00

Tons of prototype showcases for future Ultra-Act releases at Tamashii Nation 2011.

Thanks to AmiAmi for the following photo-shots:

Ultraman Dyna Showcase:

Ultraman Gaia V2 / Agul V2 showcase:

Andro Melos showcase:

*update* Thanks to JE Fusion for this.
Ultraman Noa showcase:

I'm very disappointed in this prototype. The whole figure is nice, but just look at the eyes.

*more updates*
Thanks to GA Graphic.

Close up shot still doesn't do his eyes any good.

Ultraman Nexus (Junis) showcase:

Missed out on this one. Looks cool.

Ultra 6 Brothers showcase:

New mantles.

Ultraman Zoffy showcase:

Notice the revised ankle joints from Ultraman.

Ultraman showcase:


New mask type. (Although I can't tell the difference from these photo-shots. Also, notice the terrible ankle joints are preserved.)

Ultraseven showcase:

Can't tell for sure, but it does look like he has a newly molded body and better looking head.

Return of Ultraman (Ultraman Jack) showcase:

Looks good with the new shoulder and ankle joints. Hopefully the final product comes with a better option for color timer parts though (for Zoffy too). The line across the chest reminds me of Mebius.

Ultraman Ace showcase:

Solid looking figure, though the shoulder joints look worrying.

Ultraman Taro showcase:

Another solid looking figure, although I wonder why can't his ankle joints be similar to the above Ultraseven's.

Hopefully in the next announcement: Ultra Father, Ultra Mother, Ultraman King, Ultraman 80, Ultraman Hikari, Ultraman Cosmos, Ultraman Max.

That's it for the heroes for now.

Now for the villains.

Alien Metron showcase:

Another Ultraseven classic opponent.

Alien Baltan (The First) showcase:

Notice the different shades for his "shadows". Meaning two different figures? If they're due for exclusive, only die-hard completionists will get them I suppose.

Apatee showcase:

Don't know why him first, of all Gaia's opponents. But he is the first villain Gaia and Agul sort of fought on the same episode.

Kanegon showcase:

Can't understand his release for now. Going to be a hot seller though, no doubt.

Ace Killer showcase:

Classic opponent for Ultraman Ace.

Ultimate Force Zero with Jean Killer showcase:

Newest villainous blood.

That's it folks!

Photo credits: AmiAmi, JE Fusion, GA Graphic, Toy-World
-LeoKick

Game Titles

2011-12-12T23:11:00.002+08:00

I have been trying to use some game emulators to play some Ultraman games from yesteryear, as the only machines I own are a PSP and PS3. Hoping for new content from Bandai Namco.

Anyway, here are some links I found while searching the net.

Wii: Daikaijyuu Battle Ultra Colosseum DX

Thanks to planetultraman:

Part 01 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NV068ECJ

Part 02 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Y2E0BOOH

Part 03 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PHTWSK8Q

Part 04 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6QXBQ7MM

Part 05 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3LP4QIEU

Part 06 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=324H0MAV

Part 07 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=38DAPJCN

Part 08 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H7UWIX33

Part 09 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DRM3Q8GH

Part 10 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=12KSW7PK

Part 11 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=32M10CUW

Part 12 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J3X49I20

PSP: Ultraman Fighting Evolution Zero

Thanks to ultrafanz:

Part 01 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3R3BH5W0

Part 02 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QARW12F9

Part 03 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UNOV6D60

Part 04 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9QZ1NQMV%20

PS2: Ultraman Fighting Evolution Rebirth

Thanks to tear from gamevn:

Part 01 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zjq9q91rk6xspd5

Part 02 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?1w0eiwhl4tiiusu

Part 03 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?55odwsdgnzupamm

Part 04 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zrmrxspiva72lat

Part 05 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?5949qp6sm2r43hc

Part 06 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?hnnnr41jjgs68vs

Part 07 http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?t5qfoeii8as4q9i

Password: _tear_

PS2: Ultraman Fighting Evolution 3

Thanks to pedro cei:

Part 01 http://www.mediafire.com/?1zkudbpj2rul71i

Part 02 http://www.mediafire.com/?syiljy9qp7b6u76

Part 03 http://www.mediafire.com/?7uk8imi921v5451

Part 04 http://www.mediafire.com/?w79i0h6ebil1nwr

Part 05 http://www.mediafire.com/?k9dv6fzwe7e5957

Part 06 http://www.mediafire.com/?4i4fn4yncifsz1m

Part 07 http://www.mediafire.com/?rzwkkw043hkgqu7

Part 08 http://www.mediafire.com/?qia5sl5iw953mps

Part 09 http://www.mediafire.com/?rlku62w2bf1853j

Part 10 http://www.mediafire.com/?7409532csfdf5u5

Part 11 http://www.mediafire.com/?6p9bhf8edtyu4yu

PS2: Ultraman And Ultraman Fighting Evolution 2

Thanks to smashey9 from theisozone:

Ultraman

Ultraman Fighting Evolution 2

PS2: Ultraman Nexus

Thanks to 7ma-arte:

http://www.megaupload.com/pt/?d=CTC8ZUZE

-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraman And Alien Baltan II

2011-12-11T00:13:00.001+08:00

I have been pushing this review for a while, and I think it's high time I started on it now.
It would have meant more if this was the first review I did for this line, as it was the first release, after all. But due to the nature of the review itself, it just wasn't a good way to start off this blog.

Ultraman (The First) is our flagship character for the ultra series, the face of the ultramen. Ultraman(1966) was the first season featuring, of course, Ultraman, and the second in the ultra series (the first being Ultra Q), with a total of 39 episodes. It quickly became one of the most popular special effects show then, even till now, the ultra series is widely popular and is even considered to be iconic for Japan. Throughout the season (and even till now), there have been various changes made to his suit, thus he ended up with different "variants": Type A, B and C. This, of course gave Tsuburaya more marketing chances in merchandise especially with the Medicom line, coming up with 6 different dolls for 1 character. Luckily, they haven't seem to implement this in the Ultra-Act line yet.

Opinions:
For a character with such popularity and history, the Ultra-Act version of him certainly fails to impress. The Ultra-Act line started with his release in 2010. I am rather disappointed that in this era, there are still collectible toys that doesn't satisfy.

He is the face, after all.

Looking from afar and on camera, his sculpt does look okay for an action figure. But once you handled him, it's another story. To date, I have not handled any other figures in this line that got me more frustrated over loose joints. Ultraman is an agile character, with many classic poses. This figure can't hold half of them without his legs giving way few seconds into the pose. He almost flaps around like a rag doll if you swing him about. He has an okay sculpt and paint job, but the joints are terrible. Changing his hands is a pain because it's too hard to pop out, his color timer is too loose and has a groove that is useless, and his ankles just look ugly. The only joints that are strong enough are his wrist and neck. It's a pain to pose this thing. He does come with a campaign item though (So do Ultraseven and Ultraman Zero, but I missed those).

Alien Baltan the 2nd. I'm not too sure why Tamashii decided to release this first, rather than the original Baltan. Maybe they wanted to test waters first as this was still a new line back then. But, in contrast to Ultraman, this was decent. The sculpt is nice, and it has strong joints for such slim limbs. I appreciate the double jointed arm for increased articulation. The drawback was the lack of effect and campaign items for a not so friendly price.

Ending comments:
Ultraman: Seriously, if not for the campaign box, I would have failed him. Action figures are meant for action, otherwise they would be called limp figures, no? 5/10

Alien Baltan II: Nothing really wrong with this, not exceptional either. Just not as classic as the original Baltan, of course. 6.5/10

Ultra-Act Review: Kyrieloid

2011-12-04T12:46:00.001+08:00


The unboxing.

Main body.

Kyrieloid in the Ultraman Tiga series is an ancient race in the Tiga universe which supposedly existed before even the warrior of light himself appeared on earth. This character appeared twice in the series, upgrading itself to Kyrieloid II in the second encounter, with an enhanced body and powers.

Opinions:

I didn't really notice this character in the series. He wasn't so memorable compared to other villains. Yet I can see why Tamashii decided on this character to be paired with Tiga's Ultra-Act release. His character, while lacks any real depth, does have a really cool suit design. He is the first seijin (alien), or rather, humanoid opponent that Ultraman Tiga faced, and apparently also the first since the heisei era.

Though this release can be justified, the lack of accessories is still a huge disappointment, with just one effects part and an extra set of hands. He does, like Ultraman Tiga Multi-Type, come with a first batch campaign toy UMW Guts Wing 1 though. I missed it on both occasions, although it is not hard to find it sold loosely somewhere nowadays.

Ending comments:

Kyrieloid can be forgettable, but this figure is still well made. Solid joints and articulation, detailed sculpt and excellent paint job are a good action figure's qualities. 8/10

-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraman Gaia V2

2011-12-03T14:00:00.000+08:00

Newest acquisition.

The unboxing.

I haven't actually watched much of the Ultraman Gaia series, I'll admit, so my knowledge of him is limited. But I like him enough anyway to get him first rather than Glenfire.

Opinions:

Ultra-Act Ultraman Gaia V2 is the second release after Tamashii revamped their Ultra-Act line packaging box. Can't say I love the new design, although I don't hate it neither. I'll prefer the old dark design any day. This new shiny colorful box makes me feel like a kid again.

Tamashii is on with campaign toys again, this time with Ultraman Gaia. His first batch release comes with extra effects part which you can pose to mimic his arrival like in the show, landing with such force that the surrounding ground is unearthed.

This release comes with an interesting choice of accessories as well; you get two heads with different eyes.

Reflective eyes without flash.

Reflective eyes with flash.

Non-reflective eyes without flash.

Non-reflective eyes with flash.

His accessories are the usual amount. His joints are okay, a little loose at the chest and waist area. Otherwise, the sculpt is fantastic.

Ending comments:
Ultra-Act Ultraman Gaia V2 is yet another decent release by Tamashii. The line is definitely improving. 8/10

-LeoKick

Ultraman Zero Side Story: Killer The Beat Star Stage 1 (RAW)

2011-12-03T10:26:00.001+08:00

Thanks to Ultrafanz:

Full HD MKV
Part 1 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YZHUMPK0
Part 2 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TPTUB1QC
Part 3 http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AY4YDXZ1

Join with HJ-Split: http://www.hjsplit.org/

SD AVI
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0CPSIUO9
Alternate links:
Part 1 http://www.mediafire.com/?j3t25yo01o1bnd4
Part 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?juo15nq485k1wep
Part 3 http://www.mediafire.com/?4298pl6m0ghet2t

Join with HJ-Split: http://www.hjsplit.org/

Thanks to Tokuzilla:

DVD ISO (NTSC DVD5)
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034421714/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part1.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034423934/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part2.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034421734/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part3.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034421744/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part4.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034421784/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part5.rar
http://www.filesonic.com/file/4034407484/Ultraman%20Zero%20Gaiden%20_%20Vol.1%20STAGE-_2011_.TokuZilla.com.iso.part6.rar

-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraman Tiga (Multi-Type, Tiga Dark, Sky-Type, Power-Type)

2011-11-27T00:32:00.001+08:00

It has been a busy past week for me, but still found time to do this quick review of 4 figures anyway. 4 figures, that is, of the same character: Ultraman Tiga. Tamashii certainly know how to let their business thrive. Luckily for them, I am enough of a Tiga fan to be drawn to this abyss.

Opinions:

Ultra-Act Ultraman Tiga Multi-Type was the first figure in this line that I acquired. However, it was a rather new release back then, and it may be a good thing that I didn't review it until now, when I have got his main modes and dark as well.

Group shot of early acquisitions.

Comparing Multi-Type with previously released figures (not Leo, I know), you got to think that he could have had much more potential to look better. Heck, even Zero is better made than him.

Basically the same mold.

Multi-Type is bugged with problems that you commonly find in mass-produced toys. Paint over-lap, under-paint, glued-paint etc. Basically shoddy paint jobs.

His joints are not bad and could be quite articulate if not for a major problem which is his chest joint. It's somehow too rigid and perpetually tilts forward unless you really force him back like trying to straighten the hunched back of a centurion.

His accessories are the usual amount, with an added "shield" which is actually just a flimsy piece of colored transparent plastic accompanied by a stand to prop it up with.

You'll also get the campaign toy accompanied in the first batch release for free, UMW Guts Wing 1, if you got him early enough, although by now there are still a lot of them left undistributed. I wasn't able to get it then.

Sky-Type and Dark are really just the same molds as Multi-Type, but painted to their respective forms with better effort, and accompanied by campaign items, catered to suckers like me. Although I did get them while they were on half price. Obviously there weren't enough suckers for them, so I got the campaign items too, very much later after the release date.

Being the same mold, they have the same articulation but without the major problem in Multi-Type, making them rather decent releases, if you can see past the fact that they are not the default form of Ultraman Tiga.

Campaign items as shown above include: UMW Snow White and a special Tiga Dark themed STAGE Act stand. I especially like Tiga Dark's paint job. It's either done with a better grade paint, or there was better quality control.

Power-Type is something different from its 3 predecessors. The most prominent upgrade is his head. He has got a real jewel above his eyes now, unlike the rest who got them painted, and he has realistic, clear, reflective eyes, unlike the ugly things on the previous 3's faces. Maybe it's just me, but I think there's something different with the silver part of his suit as well. Another obvious difference is the sculpt. He has got thicker legs and a better torso than the rest.

I got one with a springy left leg, unlucky. And just with every decent release, there always is one flaw to disappoint. The zepellion ray included in his accessories set failed to be of use to him as with a new mold comes different articulation, and with this articulation, his arms can't get into the zepellion ray stance. I did find some use for it with Ultraman Zero though.

Ending comments:
Multi-Type: A disappointment for such an iconic heisei Ultraman. 6.5/10
Tiga Dark: A rather flaw-free figure, although the release can be questionable. 7.5/10
Sky-Type: Good figure, though being just a repaint. 7/10
Power-Type: Rather solid release, just that the zepellion ray bothers me. 7.5/10

Well, with the above 4 figures you have the most popular modes of Ultraman Tiga. Although they may not be the last.

-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Eleking

2011-11-20T00:38:00.001+08:00

The unboxing.

Main Body.

Opinions:
When I acquired my first Ultra-Act figure (Ultraman Tiga) casually, I never knew how deep into the abyss I will fall. When I looked at Eleking at that time, I thought: Maybe someday...

Now, I'm happily reviewing it on a blog.

For people who are familiar with this line, I think you don't need to see a comparison photo to see that Eleking is HUGE.

To say that this release is good is an understatement. He is just that well made. Although mine did arrive a bit greasy, I suppose that's because he's been left on the shelf for too long. The joints are SOLID, the best I've come across yet. The sculpt is fantastic, and the paint job is awesome.

Although he was not the most formidable opponent of Ultraseven, he was classic enough to be frequently reused in various sequels.

On the down side, his accessories are one of the fewest in the line. But that is because he really has no other powers.

Ending comments:
Ultra-Act Eleking is easily the best of my collection yet. Made exactly what an action figure should be. 9/10

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraseven

2011-11-19T23:22:00.001+08:00

The unboxing.

Main Body.

Opinions:
I have mixed feelings about this one. Ultraseven is one of my favourite Showa era ultramen, other than Ultraman Leo and Taro. I like them for their costume designs. Ultraseven was the first ultra to be designed with red as the base color, with unconventional angular eyes. He also happens to be the only ultra I know of that doesn't have a proper color timer, although his beam lamp on his head sometimes act like one.

As you can see from the photo of the main body, Ultraseven suffers from figure design rather badly. He can't keep his arms by his side properly, he has a short abdomen and quite exposed ankle joints.
His abdomen piece is also too stiff and tends to tilt to the right side. His eye slugger is too loose and just drops off his head every time I happened to brush against it.
The one thing I can't stand the most is his back view.

The torso piece is poorly done. He's missing his two "back muscles", and what's with the silver paint on his traps? It's atrocious.

He's not all negative, however. With his abundance of accessories, he can be a fun piece to play with.

Ending comments:
I really want to love this figure, but it's just too flawed to be loved. Sadly too, I failed to fall down the abyss early enough to get the campaign box that came with the first 3 released ultramen. Ultraseven is a character with depth. This figure however, looks only as good as it does on camera. 6.5/10

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraman Belial

2011-11-19T21:58:00.001+08:00

The unboxing.

Main Body.

Opinions:
Time for Ultra-Act reviews again, this time: Ultraman Belial.
First off, I must say I'm quite disappointed with HLJ's service this time round. Been ordering stuff from them for quite a while now and this is the first time my items took double the time to arrive. Not to mention a mangled clear plastic cradle. (though you can't really see it in the above photo, the sides of the clear cradle are mangled) At first, I thought perhaps it's the design for Belial as he's a villain, but experiencing the difficulty in removing the cover made me realise otherwise.

However though, as I got him on half price and the set itself was not damaged, I can't complain.

Ultraman Belial is molded pretty well. The added texture on his whole body sort of gives him a realistic look. The joints however, are inconsistent. The whole of his torso feels good enough, but from the chest down, everything feels a little loose. I think his eyes are quite well made for an early release, although it would be better if his color timer was clear too, instead of painted. I also noticed that his waist joint looks more natural than Kaiser Belial's. Bear in mind that this is an even earlier release.

It's pretty amazing for figures of this size to have elaborate details like movable fingers. But for this case, I'm not really a fan of it. His fingers, while movable, can't really serve the purpose of why it's made like this in the first place. The joints are separated into 3 sections for 5 fingers. The thumb is by itself while the index and middle are together, then the fourth and pinky. This set up doesn't really give you natural-looking poses, but it's a good effort, nonetheless.

His accessories are less than the usual amount for Ultra-Act, but sufficient for his character. His effect parts could be done better though. They would look better if they were clearer.

Come, join me...

Never!!!

Ending comments:
All in all, Belial is quite a decent release. A nice addition to your collection of villains in this line. 7.5/10

News: New Ultra-Act Exclusive?

2011-11-17T23:10:00.001+08:00

Straight from Ultraman Retsuden blog:

Ultimate Force Zero!

Ultra-Act Jeanbot New Gallery

Battle Axe!

Jean Blade!

Jean Knuckle!

Scoop: Ultra-Act Jean Killer

Ultra-Act Jean Killer in the works!

-LeoKick

Upcoming Toys Releases (Spoilers Alert)

2011-11-15T15:58:00.001+08:00

Thanks to pasttimecollectable for this news.

View picture here. (Contains spoilers about upcoming movie: Ultraman Saga)

-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Ultraman Zero And Ultimate Zero

2011-11-13T20:20:00.001+08:00

The unboxing.

Main Bodies.

Opinions:
I must say, I'm not really into new age ultramen.
Although, with the ever-advancing technology that comes more realistic effects (which what Ultraman is all about), I find that somehow, the current age is deviating from the original set up. I'm not saying I dislike all new age ultramen, just the way it's advancing. Ultraman Nexus, for one, has a really cool suit design. All gone to waste with a lackluster plot. Ultraman Max returned to the normal plot. But his suit reminds me of Guyferd. Then you have the ridiculous Ultra Galaxy Battle. Battlenizers, really? I mean, the original maquette monsters were original, but this is way off. *cough-kemon* *cough-di-cough-gimon* I hope Tsuburaya Pro can head in the right direction.

That being said, let's move on to these toys. Ultraman Zero hasn't got a series of his own, yet. So I can't really say I like him or not, although he does look good in the two movies he has starred in. I just have a bugging question though, how the hell are they going to come up with the series, when he almost single-handedly took out Arch Belial? How would they come up with competent monsters to face him anymore, after what happened in the monster graveyard?

Moving on, Ultraman Zero is done quite well here, considering he was one of the early releases in this line. The joints feel tight enough, less the upper arms.

One problem I have with the early releases is their tight hand joints. Makes it a pain to do multiple poses after a while.

The accessories for Ultraman Zero is not bad. I think it's a good move to have changeable heads rather than removable sluggers. I had a bad time with Ultraseven.

Ultimate Zero is another try of Tamashii to suck us fan boys deeper into their abyss. He's priced even higher than his default form. They could have just released an upgrade pack with his additional armor and "wings" for us to clip it on or something. The body is the same mold, with a fixed head. Meaning you are paying that much more for his new armor and a few new accessories.

He's not even made properly. The new armor is off axis, and I got a left upper arm joint that was just fused together, limiting movement. There's also this odd yellowish tinge to him that I see on his whole head.

He's just not really that special.

Ending comments:
Ultra-Act Ultraman Zero is definitely a decent figure to have. Tight joints, well done paint jobs, good sculpting. 8/10

Ultra-Act Ultimate Zero is, no matter what, not worthy of your money. Good job, Tamashii, for taking me into the Abyss again. I wouldn't have gotten him if not for the discount. If you're just keen on main forms of ultramen, don't feel bad for skipping this. If you would like to complete your collection, get him on discount. As a toy, 6/10

Ultraman Vs Kamen Rider [Re-Release DVD]

2011-11-13T19:01:00.001+08:00

Genre............: documentary Distributor......: (Bandai) Year.............: 1993/2011 Country..........: Japan Director.........: (director name)
Source...........: DVD9 DVD Format.......: NTSC DVD Size.........: DVD9 Programs Used....: CCE Video Bitrate....: Screen Format....: Fullscreen Audio Language...: Japanese Audio Format.....: 5.1 Subtitles........: none

Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider (ウルトラマンVS仮面ライダー Urutoraman Bui Esu Kamen Raidā) is the name of a television special that aired July 21, 1993 featuring clips from the various series from over the years, interviews with two of the stars, and finally a team-up between Tsuburaya Productions' Ultraman and Toei Company's Kamen Rider. It was also released on VHS and Laserdisc in 1993. In 2011, Ultraman vs. Kamen Rider was re-released on Blu-Ray and DVD for the 45th anniversary of the Ultra Series and the 40th anniversary of the Kamen Rider Series.

Ultra-Act Papercraft Diorama

2011-11-13T18:37:00.001+08:00

Probably old news to most, but still posting this little tidbit here:

Download Ultra-Act Papercraft Diorama

-LeoKick

News: Ultraman Saga

2011-11-12T22:50:00.000+08:00

Trailer:

Special report [Dyna edition]:

Special report [Cosmos edition]:

DAIGO tranforms into Ultraman Zero, appears in new movie with Tsuruno, Sugiura

Musician DAIGO transforms into Ultraman Zero in the Ultraman series’ latest movie “Ultraman Saga”. (Director: Oka Hideki, Release: 2012.03.24) DAIGO takes the challenge of playing the leading role for a movie for the first time as Taiga Nozomu, whose signauture pose this time won’t be “Wish!” but “Finish!” On his first tokusatsu hero role, DAIGO says, “This is the first time in my life that I’m going to be a hero, and I get to be Japan’s pride Ultraman. This is really an honor.” DAIGO will be co-starring with Tsuruno Takeshi as Ultraman Dyna’s Asuka Shin, and Sugiura Taiyou as Ultraman Cosmos’ Haruno Musashi.
The movie’s plot centers on the three Ultra heroes from outer space — Zero, Dyna, and Cosmos — who are called upon to protect the earth from mysterious alien invaders and bring back hope and peace.
Ultraman Zero first appeared in the 2009 movie Daikaijuu Batoru Urutora Ginga Densetsu (Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy). As a new generation Ultraman, he comes from Galaxy M78′s Hikari no Kuni, and is the son of Ultra Seven. He has also been featured in Ultraman Zero THE MOVIE and also appears on TV Tokyo’s ongoing series Ultraman Retsuden.
Taiga, the character DAIGO plays, is a rookie of the defense team Super GUTS, with genius aircraft pilot skills. Taiga becomes one with Ultraman Zero after a getting seriously injured while trying to save a trapped boy. Taiga obtains the ability to transform into Ultraman Zero, a gigantic hero who stands 49 meters tall and equips the same Ultra Zero Eye as Ultra Seven, but he is the first in the Ultrman series who is described as “reluctant to transform.” Looking back on the filming, DAIGO says, “I played the role while thinking that it would be nice if I could show Taiga’s feelings as he transforms into Ultraman Zero, rather than my own.”
Tsuruno debuted as Ultraman Dyna in 1997, while Sugiura debuted as Cosmos in 2001 — both in TV dramas. Both works were popular among fans, but this will also be the first time they’re competing with each other. Tsuruno says, “It’s been 15 years since the series, but I still feel that I’ve grown together with Asuka during that 1-year shoot. I’m really happy that this time, I get to fight together with other Ultra heroes.” Sugiura expressed his joy on the other hand, saying “It’s been ten years since Taiyou transformed so I’m really pumped up! I’m proud to have acted as Ultraman Cosmos. Cosmos taught me the meaning of strength, kindness, and courage.”

-Thanks to brzfan.net
-Original source: Oricon Style
-LeoKick

Ultra-Act Review: Evil Tiga

2011-11-07T18:05:00.000+08:00

The un-boxing.

Main Body.

Opinions:
I'm quite a fan of the Ultraman Tiga series( then again, I'm a fan of all things Ultra) less Revival of the Ancient Giant. The series was a big comeback for Tsuburaya Pro. and the Ultra series after a long hiatus (less Ultraseven reproductions), and sparked off another wave of Ultra craze.
Then was the time when I got my first ever Ultra related toy, the GUTS WING 02. I'm glad I kept it well until now.
On with the review, first impression of Evil Tiga is the nice paint used. Makes the whole figure look decent and doesn't look plastic. Application however, is not perfect. I am unlucky enough to get one with a scratch on his face. Guess he's a victim of mass manufacturing.

The figure itself is solid enough; not too stiff, not too loose. Comparing him with Ultraman Tiga Multi Type, it looks like Tamashii Nations updated their Tiga models to be less rigid, with looser hand ball joints. It's not really a good thing; the hands pop in easier, but they come out with same ease as well. The eyes and color timer though, are BEAUTIFUL. Far better than Ultraman Tiga Multi Type to Skytype. The accessories are again, the normal amount for Ultra-Act.

A little disappointing is that they didn't really buff him up. In the show, Evil Tiga was a lot beefier than Ultraman Tiga, especially the chest area. But in this Ultra-Act line, they look about the same build.

Ending comments:
I'm a Tiga fan and if you are, you should get him too! I'll give Evil Tiga 8/10.

Ultra-Act Review: Kaiser Belial

2011-11-07T17:20:00.000+08:00

What came in the mail a few days ago.

The un-boxing.

The contents.

Opinions:
My Ultraman Belial hasn't arrived yet, so I don't know the difference between these two yet, but Kaiser Belial looks like a cool enough addition to my line-up.
First impression, the box is MASSIVE, even thicker than Eleking's. This alone should be reason enough for diverse collectors to shun this piece due to storage problems. I, however am happy enough to have him as I am currently focusing on only the Ultra series alone.

Main body.

The sculpt of the main body is generally good, the cape is quite impressive. The paint job is fantastic, especially on the head with Belial's newly acquired scar in the newest movie.

The joints are all strong enough for various poses, although I just can't stand his waist joint; it looks too off like his body is being pulled apart, showing off his spine. I hope the original Belial have a different joint, because this doesn't really look good without the cape.

His accessories are okay for Ultra-Act, although it's a shame his clawed hands are fixed and his battlenizer is made of soft plastic.

Ending comments:
I'm a fairly new collector of figures, and more so just of the Ultra series. This is my first ever review, as I'll like to start from recent acquisitions. Kaiser Belial looks to set off a good note. Recommended for Ultra fans. I'll give him a 7/10.

Upcoming releases!

2011-11-02T21:54:00.000+08:00

Ultra Act
____________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra-Act Mirror Knight (19.11.2011)

Ultra-Act Ultraman Agul V2 (26.11.2011)

Real Action Heroes

____________________________________________________________________________________


Real Action Hero 565: Return of Ultraman 2.0 (May 2012)

Project BM 51: Asuka Shin (October 2011)

Project BM 61: Hunter Knight Tsurugi (February 2012)

LeoKick-

Ultraman 80 Complete (Raw)

2011-11-02T00:39:00.000+08:00

Ultraman Zero Gaiden: Killer The Beatstar Teaser

2011-10-31T17:41:00.000+08:00

Poster credits: bbs.temox.com

LeoKick-

Papercraft Ultraman

2011-10-31T03:21:00.000+08:00

Thanks to papercraftonly.blogspot.com:


Original Ultraman

Ultraseven

Ultraman Taro

I think these are pretty cool, definitely building them when I get a printer.

LeoKick-

Ultra Series Showa Era

2011-10-30T02:02:00.000+08:00

Found this link from NyaaTorrents which includes almost ALL series during the showa period.
Includes:
Ultra-Q
Original Ultraman
Ultraseven
Ultraman Jack
Ultraman Ace
Ultraman Taro
Ultraman Leo
The Ultraman(Animation)

Comes with many extras like disc art, behind-the-scenes and interviews etc. All are raw. Although if you search around you may get subtitles somewhere. (Thanks to Hikari Senshi for Jack subs)
Sadly, Ultraman 80 is not included and I can't find him anywhere on the web, yet.

Click here to download torrent.

LeoKick-

Ultra-Act Ultraman Dyna Release

2011-10-30T01:47:00.000+08:00

News from Tamashii web:

Ultra-Act Ultraman Dyna(Flash type) is slated for a 2012 February release. With him, the three brothers of the 90's will be complete! (At least in their most popular forms)

LeoKick-

A new star is born

2011-10-30T01:14:00.000+08:00

Well hello there! Welcome to my freshly created blog, dedicated to my love for the Japanese tokusatsu series, Ultraman. I just started my figure collection not too long ago and I'll be sharing them here with pictures and mayyybee reviews (I'm not too experienced enough, but I can give my personal opinions). Also, I'll post any random news I find here, about figures, shows, movies, merchandises. I'll post download links too. Stay tuned!

LeoKick-