Takashimaya 18th Craziest Toy Sale ... ...

into its 18th year of craziness and perhaps, it has evolved to regain sanity. Anyway, I wasn't there during opening day to witness what I used to see; toy shop owners scouring the ground with their employees or friends for cheap bargains and retailed them back in their stores at markup prices.

That's one of the reasons why I gave up expecting much from this annual event but I have to admit it still draws me to just take a look what I can pick up.

This year, prices aren't that sweet anymore with Robot Spirits item going at $25-35 minimum. I feel that this year, it's more targeted at young children. I still managed to picked up some Halo stuff with 60% off and 6" Robocop 3.0 for $8. This entry only features the Halo Micro Fleet I got.

The Matrix Revolutions ... ...

I have this set of Hacker World Set from CM Toys aka The Matrix Revolutions for sometime and I put them together in a hurry when I shifted to my current address.

Since toy companies these days seem to be churning out toys for fanboys, I figured I play with a bit of the nostalgic feel into this entry as essentially the first of the Matrix trilogy, The Matrix, was screened in 1999.

I have to say the Matrix trilogy is in my list of top movies amongst Star Wars and Back to the Future. Bullet time is one of those wow factors back then along with that incredible freeway chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded which sealed the deal for me.

ACI Greek Hoplite ... ...

This somehow has an effect on me that I decided to get my very first ancient warrior, the Greek Hoplite by ACI toys. I have seen many of ancient warriors or soldiers figures around by ACI and never had I felt so compelling to put my money down for this guy.

As mentioned that my knowledge on this category is limited other than the occasion movie screening of movies like "300", here's where I pick up more information on a Hoplite.

Ace Toys Wayne Enterprises CEO, Lucius Fox ... ...

or at least that's what it seems to be to the rest of the world. Ace Toys has taken upon themselves to make the 1/6 scale Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman, from Chris Nolan's take on Batman.

The figure is less than satisfying due to the fact the head sculpt is slightly off (face should have been longer) as compared to the promotional pictures and the plastic cane is slightly warped as well due to the packaging. It was placed with the figure and not individually slotted between the foam.

3R Stathom ... ...

After the USSOCOM Post.. Jason takes a rest on a DIY 1/6 scale "Saving Gaia" sofa. There are really many useful things around; one man's trash is another man's treasure.

This is actually my signature pose whenever I'm at home... 

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce

USSOCOM is So Very Hot ... ...

I really need to stop buying 12' military figures but can they stop making such good stuff!!

I find this hard to resist because I don't have any soldier in a diver suit and Very Hot did a great job in publicizing this fellow with good promo pics.

Red Snapper (Mark XXXV) Strikes a Power Pose ... ...

This product is interesting as it gets exciting only when you have it in your hands and after one or two diecast suits, you appreciate the good old plastic with a great glossy crimson paint job.

The decision to make this a Power Pose Series (PPS) figure is quite rational as this guy will be too difficult to stand on his own if it has too much articulation. It will be too heavy if this is diecast so, plastic is simply the ideal material and cut a few articulation is probably a good idea.

The packaging is a simple slip cover with a clear window box and finally, the figure is in a blister package.