OMG! American Dollar Vs. Japanese Yen = WTF?!

Wow, I’ve not blogged anything in a long time but standing in the elevator this morning I am moved to express my disgust at the American Dollar aka USD.

As a figure collector and import of fine goods from Japan it literally hurt me (in my pockets) to see that the the exchange rate was 90.6120 Yen to One American Dollar. Absolutely horrible.  I can only speak from the consumer side.  I am not into politics and economics, all I know is that this sucks.

God only knows what the rate will be once some of my pre-orders are finally released in the weeks to come.  When I went to Japan in early July, I think the exchange rate was about 98 Yen to the dollar or something like that (and I wasn’t to excited about that).  That rate sure put a slight dent in my purchases while in Japan and it seems that Japans economic forces are trying to thrown a monkey wrench into  my figure collecting.

I’ve been wanting to do somethings but have held off due to money but yet I still keep collecting.  There are certain figures that I must have before I cease my buying.  Even when I’m done I know I simply can’t just quit, it will just mean limiting my purchases to specific artist or characters or manufacturers.  I will try to limit my purchases to items within those categories.  Right now, as a collector, have to really consider whether or not a figure is something to desire.  many factors come into play such as manufacturer (will the retail product be as good as the prototype), size of the figure vs it’s price ($85 and up + Shipping for a 1/8 figure, really?), and hype (I follow the scene but am sometimes thrown back by the response some items get when I have a vague idea of its origin).  Even with limits in place, I know it’s too much.  I feel a figure sale coming on.

But I digress, I don’t know what’s going on between the U.S. and Japan but shit needs to get reconciled fast, cause I doubt that I’m the only one who might stop importing good from Japan in the future.  I’ve seen a good figure importer go under a couple months back and I know times are hard but the exchange rate is getting a bit out of hand.

This mornings Wall Street Journal has the headline “China Strikes Back on Trade”.  China is threatening to limit the intake of U.S. goods due to a “tax” the U.S. has imposed on tires manufactured in China.  Can’t we all just get along with each other?  We all need each other, so being  in each other good graces should pay off but what do I know I’m not some elderly person with any say in the government.  Perhaps it all seems easier than it actually is but I just know how I’d like it to be.  Imagine if we all got our way…..

These are just the words of a simple figure collector.

A Present From Kotobukiya

Came home last night from work to discover a (semi)-unexpected package.   I say semi because they said it was coming, I just had no idea when.   A couple of weeks ago I got an email from Kotobuiya mentioning a site relaunch and that the first initial batch of customers who placed an order would be up to receiving a free shirt featuring Shunya Yamashita’s Rogue artwork.    As a fan of both Shunya, Kotobukiya and free things, I decided to give it a chance.  Placed an order for some Gurren Lagann goods and when that order arrived there was no shirt >_< Included in that package were my ordered items, cd, catalog and a note.

The cd contained hi-res images of up coming figures and Kotobukiya items, the catalog listed the upcoming releases and the note said that the shirts weren’t ready to be shipped yet but would arrive soon.  Well lo-and-behold here it is.  The price was right and Kotobukiya has made an existing customer very happy.

On a side note while in Japan, I visited the  Kotobukiya store and nearly JIMP.  I nearly lost it.  I don’t know how I managed to walk out with buying anything but I did.  I have a majority of the items they had in-store on preorder already so I guess that helped (and transporting them back to the U.S is a task in itself. Will post those pics when that day comes.

THANK YOU KOTOBUKIYA!

I wonder if you know, How they live in Tokyo

Any Tokyo drift fans will notice the reference.  I’m back from Japan and now I can die a happy man.  Had the time of my life, took nearly 4000 pictures (which in a week since I’ve been back, have yet to go through), and am suffering from some serious jet-lag.  I returned home on last Saturday to give myself sometime to get readjusted before work.  Well this proved to be pretty darn useless.  I’ve been waking up between 4 and 5 am in the morning when it should be 6am.  I’m ready to pass out at work around 4pm and by 10 pm you can put a fork in me.   Can’t remember the last time I was up at 6 am for no reason on a Saturday morning (and I was out drinking last night).   Japan I don’t know what you did to me but if you’re trying to make me a better man, thank you.

Well it’s been a week since I’ve been back and no pics yet (sorry, it’s not easy to go through 4000 pictures when you can barely keep your eyes open).  I had a lot of fun in Japan seeing Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, (most importantly) Akihabara and more.  Everything was simply beautiful and I didn’t get to see everything I had hoped to but that just gives me a reason to go back!  Saw a lot of city, but no country.  Saw a lot of new, but not as much old as I was hoping to see.  Spent a lot of money, got a lot of toys, ate a lot of great food.  Rode a lot of fast and efficient trains. Explored a lot of back streets.  Spoke to/with many Japanese (in English mostly, my Japanese is limited).  Burned a lot of rubber (from my sneakers that is, soooo much walking hurt my feet every night).

Taking in Japanese lifestyle is a task in itself.  It’s quite different from American culture, and truthfully I prefer it.  It’s a change and a much welcomed one.  Just taking in how things are done and trying to harmonize with the people enough not to stand out is an experience.  I didn’t have a problems with the money but when you’re trying to figure out what a cashier is saying to you when you gave him more than enough money, and the line is getting longer behind you, the pressure starts to build.

I could try to write up my experience in Japan, here, all in one go but reliving it day after day is so much fun, you’ll just have to wait.

Japan – Here I Come!

Will be off to Japan today.  I expect big things, hope it’s all fun.  I can’t think of anything I’m forgetting but I’m sure I’ll remember once I get to Japan.

Big write up once I get back.

Destination: Japan

Well the moment has finally come, the many years of buying figures, taking Japanese language classes, listening to Japanese music and watching anime and Japanese movies have finally lead to an actual trip to their origin.

The desire to be there and take in the culture is currently being shadowed by the planning phase which is proving to be a challenge.

The days are set but where do I stay and for how long?  Do I switch to a different hotel for a couple of days in another area?

Do I buy a rail pass if I only want to go to one other city other than tokyo?  Since this is my first trip (doubt it will be my last), should I aim to do a bit less traveling and just enjoy Tokyo and surrounding areas?  How big is Tokyo?

Where is the best place to book these details online?

Argh, so many details and time is winding down, help meeee………

Figure Sale – UPDATED w/eBay Links

Finally getting around to posting some figures for sale.  Not sure if I’ll be listing on eBay due to their listing fees, final value fees, and paypal’s fees. Well eBay happened. links below

Some prices may seem crazy but this is what I value them at, not sure of actual values but most prices are below what I paid.

For the time being I’m just going to list the items , their conditions and prices.  I can’t guarantee that their will be any exciting values but I may have things that are no longer available for sale.  Any questions can be left in comment.  and I will reply soon.

RAH DX – AINA – No Longer For Sale.

WHIP X NONOKO (Yamato) -Brand New (not sealed, never removed from box, Box is a bis damaged) can provide more pic if necessary

CHUN LI (Street Fighter) (Organic) - No Longer For Sale.

TALHO (Eureka Seven) - purchased used/open, orange sticker and pricing sticker residue on box.

KUREHA (Shining Wind) - Opened, displayed, reboxed

KOYORI – (Sengoku Blade) (by ebCraft) - Brand New Factory Sealed. Still wrapped in tissue paper.

HARUHI (Live Alive) – No Longer For Sale

YUKARI MORITA (Rocket Girls) - Opened, Never Displayed, Reboxed

HONEY/CANDY (Fighting Vipers) - Opened to check contents, Never Displayed

MYLENE HOFFMAN (009-1) - Opened to check contents, Never Displayed

FINEPRINT

Shipping in the U.S. only – Sorry No International Shipments – Paypal Only Accepted –

First Come First Served.  Discounts for multiple items (if we can come to an agreement).  Please leave a comment about the figures you are intrested in (I will respond to the email used to leave the comment)

Time for some fresh Air by Kotobukiya

Wow, it’s been quite some time since I last posted.    Late January I did manage to take some pictures but have been sitting on them for nearly 2 months.  Can’t say I haven’t had the time but not sure if I’ve been motivated.  Another reason may be that the bulb I used in my lamp suddenly gave out and I sent it back to the company but have yet to hear anything from them.  It’s a Sylvania bulb and supposedly carried a two year warranty.  I only had the bulb a few months and since I had the packaging and receipt, I decided to take them up on their warranty.  It’s been a couple weeks now but I’ve yet to get any response.

Despite the lack of lighting, time or motivation the figures have just kept pouring in, so before I get too backed up in the review department I’ve decided to post during my sick day as aI rest at home.  These pictures were taken with the Sylvania bulb before it died.  I wasn’t 100% pleased with them but that might be the perfectionist in me.

Before buying this figure all I knew was the art.  All I knew was the art was on point, reminds me of NitroPlus art style.  Then learning that the figure was being done by Kotobukiya was just the final selling point.  It’s supposed to be limited edition or something but I doubt it will actually be limited in quantity.

There’s no cast off process for this figure.  While it might have been a nice addition, it’s not necessary.  Cleavage is on display and the backside is exposed but sparingly covered.  It’s a lovely pose and nicely executed.  Air is displayed leaning against an airbrush for support.  There is a little guy at the end of the air brush which may be an ink well of sorts I assume.

The only issue with this figure would have to be the hair.  The hair looks like it was just tacked on beneath the ears.  It just doesn’t blend in well with the rest of the head of hair.  Other have mentioned this in their reviews as well and I didn’t really know what they were referring to before I opened mine.  It’s a nice beauty of a figure and is a great addition to any collection.

One of the great things about this figure is the creation process which was involved.  The entire process was recorded and aired on Japanese television.  The videos can be found on youtube. There are 9 episodes total, the first of which can be found here.  Finding the remaining 8 video is simple, just do a youtube search.

Capcom’s Darkstalkers Graphic File by Udon

Just got this book in after nearly a years wait.  I placed my order for this book through Amazon.com on April 7, 2008.  After multiple emails updating me that of released date being pushed back, my order didn’t ship until January 14th, 2009.   If that does show my dedication to this book, then I don’t know what does.

As a long time video game fan and a lover of 2D fighters when this book was announced I knew I had to have it.  I knew very little about what the book would contain but that didn’t matter as it mentioned it would include artwork collected from the Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior series.

At first glance of the Darkstalker’s Graphic File, expecting and a book full of art, I was disappointed to find out that it was not so.  Out of 140 pages it only gives about 23 pages dedicated to the art itself.  I felt quite ripped off immediately.  There are however very detailed biographies through out the book which do provide additional art.  You can also think of it as a game guide since it provides the move lists for the characters.  All Darkstalkers/Vampire Savior games for all systems are listed in the back noting every character and what game they have appeared in.

This book isn’t really a reader, but instead you should enjoy the art, concepts and ideas.  There’s really nothing to do but appreciate the information which is presented to you and seek to enlighten yourself with things about the series you didn’t know.  I enjoyed the art for Dee, a character I knew nothing about before getting the book.  It’s great to learn about the characters and history behind the games.  There’s even a small section dedicated to figures.

My favorite fighting game company has always been Capcom,  giving us such series as Street Fighter, Rival Schools, Darkstalkers (Vampire Savior), and the VS series kept me indoors (arcade or home) for hours.  Many of those games complete my collection today.  I’ve always been a fan of Capcoms artwork regarding their fighting games and always jump at owning any of it as part of my collection.  I already own Udon’s Art of Capcom book and as a former comic book collector, I enjoy Udon’s work.  Just recently purchased the new Street Fighter Legends Chun Li and I’ve even picked up their trade paper backs (TPB) of the Street Fighter series.

The current generation of fighting games is great (Tecmo, Namco, etc. ), but it’s really nothing like the ones I grew up with.  I remember playing those Capcom fighters in the arcade for hours on end.  Then later, once the game was released for home consoles, like the Sega Saturn, playing an arcade perfect translation for even more hours.  This is a great piece of nostalgia for any fan of the series or capcom.  I have no doubt that there will be some facts in this book that fans will find interesting and fun.

Demonbane’s Another Blood by Max Factory

This latest review will be part of my elegance series.  I figure that I have at least one figure left before this ideas dies but I’ll enjoy it for what it is.  I’ll also be adding Kokoro from my last posting to this series since she gave me the idea.

As strange as it may seem, the name of the character actually seems to be “Another Blood” and she comes from what I understand to be an anime.   Before being adapted into an anime it was an eroge for PC.  Anyone with better info please feel free to provide it or you can consult the wiki.    The Demonbane series is also responsible for Metatron, Eserudoraida, and Al Azif.  I can guarantee a future review of at least one of those three.  I have not watched the series yet but will be doing so once I have the time.

Demonbane is brought to us by the fabulous Nitro+.  They are also responsible for Jingai Makyo, the series which gives us the Misae Makimoto Fantastica PVC and all of the beautiful Ignis PVCs.

I almost passed this figure by but seeing it more and more made me realize just how beautiful it is.  What first turned me off was the loli-ness.  It just wasn’t oppai enough for me.  but her glaring eyes along with that devious smile worked its toll on me.  The color scheme, along with the level of detail in the outfit and hair makes this one a no brainer. The only things that held me back on purchasing was as I said before, the loli-ness and the exposure during her curtsy.  While there have been more shocking poses, the loli factor makes this one kinda controversial.  If it doesn’t spark some questions, it might at least get people thinking …the wrong thing.

Depending on how you chose to display it, the figure can be just as safe as any other to display without worry.  The height level matters because the higher you place her, the more you see under her.  The lower you place her, the less you have to worry about. Though if you have any figures which you have to REALLY think about before displaying, perhaps you should have thought about it before buying it.

As much as I like this figure, I am not posting all the pictures I can  (makes me feel kinda dirty).  If you don’t like this figure by now, you wouldn’t like the extra pics and if you do like this figure so far then I urge you to buy it and enjoy your own pics. ^_^

Beach-goer Kokoro from DOAX2 by Kotobukiya

Ahhhh, it’s been a long time but here is the latest addition to my collection. The lovely Kokoro who first made her appearance in Dead or Alive 4. I’ve followed DOA from PS1 to Dreamcast to PS2 to Xbox to Xbox 360. The only version I never got was the Saturn import. The creators, Team Ninja, went on to make Dead or Alive Xtreme Volleyball for the original Xbox which was somewhat fun. That game received a sequel on the 360 which wasn’t very fun. The difficulty was increased and some feats were just impossible.

From that sequel, Kotobukiya has produced the “Venus on the Beach” DOAX2 PVC series. The previous releases include (not necessarily in this order) Kasumi, Lei Fang, Tina, Hitomi, Ayane and now Kokoro. When the first, Kasumi was released, importing these figures cost about $80+, the more patient U.S. collector could have picked up Kasumi for almost under $40 in some places. With each release, I seem to have to pay a higher and higher price. Normally Kotobukiya releases are able to keep low prices once a N.A. release happens but I don’t know what’s going on.

I was able to get mine from GCS Toys & Collectibles. This small start up provides quality service and isn’t widely know. I was able to find my Max Factory Shana and Shuraki’s Char Rhousemann long after they had been sold out at other sites. I believe those two examples may have long been sold out from the site but they are just examples. I’ve placed many orders GCS and have never been disappointed. I was however disappointed to find out that business was not going so well due to the economic situation. As such the business may be going under. Normally I say it’s survival of the fittest, but the level of service that I have received makes me want to keep one of the better legit PVC and Hobby retailers around for a long time. All I’m asking is that anyone reading this will take a look at the site and see if you can find that rare missing item from your collection. Please keep in mind that the more legit retailers we have round who provide great service, the less you will have to turn to ebay and possibly buy a fake item.

But I digress, though I have the other figures, this is the latest DOAX2 figure and since I’ve wanted to test out my new XSI, she was the prime target. Hopefully the quality of the pics will improve as a get better with the camcera.

The main thing I love about this figure is her umbrella. It’s an actual mini Japanese paper umbrella. I can’t say that this feature sold me on the figures since I’m collecting the lot, but it sure helped. Further up the handle you can find a locking mechanism which keeps the umbrella open.

The other accessories include her Citron outfit from DOAX2, two small bows to be attached on her hips, the beaded neck strap and the base. The Skirt has built in panties to keep her bikini hidden when you display Citron.  A few pictures up you can the notches in her chest that allow her nexk strap to be attached.

Her Apple bikini is not removable. It is permanently built on to the figure.

This may well be my favorite of the DOAX2 Venus on the Beach series. This figure is simply beautiful. Maybe it’s my love of most things Japanese, but this Apprentice Geisha while not my favorite character in DOA4, has easily become of my favorite figures. Dare I say she is the most simple, natural and most realistic of the DOAX2 VotB series so far.

Hey Kotobukiya, Christie, Helena and La Mariposa (aka Lisa) still haven’t been released. I’m sure that I’m not the only one waiting for them so please keep up the good work and I can guarantee you at least one sale