Play Arts Kai Predator Review - Variants

I was surprised no one is getting all hyped up with the Play Arts Kai Variants Predator figure, but considering the numerous awesome Play Arts Kai releases for 2015, it's damn easy to be overlooked, especially considering the fact that he (it's a HE right? i haven't got the slightest clue on their gender and i'm afraid to look) came out on the Variants line when the market is saturated with demands for Metal Gear Solid, DC, Marvel and Final Fantasy Kais. It's gonna be a tough job to hype him up but here goes nothing...

The Return of the "FLASH"...Live with it... - a tired photographer/reviewer

This one ugly mothef#!ker has stood the test of time ever since that 80's action flick starring that guy from Jingle All the Way (*reference in keeping with the Season! YAY!) and easily one of the most recognizable character/monster in all of movie history. With the various incarnation in almost all the major toy lines, i'm half expecting he'll eventually make it to Play Arts Kai.

TOP 10 Sexiest Female Play Arts Kai Figures

Well, looks like it's that time of the year again for the beach, the sun and viewing sexy wom...errr...sorry wrong introduction. 

I'm supposed to write about the TOP PAKs for 2015 because tradition, even if it's tedious and repetitive, is still tradition. However, this article is just too good to pass up. You can ask Comrade Mikhail, he pushed me to write this because if there's one thing that Comrade Mik likes more than vodka, it would be sexy, sexy figures...and i'm not too sure about the vodka part. So here's a toast (of alcohol and what-not) to the Sexiest Play Arts Kai figures released thus far as voted by members of The Convergence Brotherhood and Play Arts Kai Philippines.

#10. (Tie) Catwoman - Arkham City, Harley - Arkham City and Yuna - FFX

Everyone's undecided, eh? Well, expect to see a lot more "Ties" beyond this point. Catwoman was a favorite of mine and i agree with Harley of Arkham City being the sexiest Harley PAK. Those skin tight leather suits are hot. I'm kinda expecting Yuna to be higher in the rankings though, being aware of the FF fanboys everywhere. Believe me, my god they're everywhere! 

Play Arts Kai Darth Vader Bootleg Spotted

ATTENTION COMRADES: We're having a disturbance in the Force. We've received reports of a bootleg Darth Vader from the Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variant line in the local bootleg haven. We're yet to see the actual differences, i.e. paint job, durability, smell, etc. but we do have pictures of the serials from both boxes. With the PAK Darth Vader price tag soaring into utterly preposterous heights i suggest you familiarize yourselves with these to avoid being duped. 

BOOTLEG SERIALS: 

- Larger Font

- Evenly Engraved

Pic courtesy of Jhun Dela Roca

Play Arts Kai Darth Maul Review - Star Wars Variant

Wow, the Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variants are really becoming very interesting. We just had Lord Vader a couple of articles down, that Bounty Hunter and, of course, this fearsome Dathomiri Zabrak warrior...or was it Dathomirian?...ehhh, whatever. Just careful not to attract the ire of die-hard Star Wars fan, they can be very finicky if you know what i'm saying and by the Force! they are everywhere. 

That proves very well indeed for the Star Wars Variants, i heard they are steadily increasing in price and demand these days. Well, at least for the SW and Pop Culture poster-boy Darth Vader, still i'm quite confident that Maul would follow suit. Also...ehhh...what is a Dathomirian Zabrak? They are a race in the Galaxy, the result of a hybridization between humans and Zabraks. And yeah, it does sound like Zebra, i dunno if that is connected but the first time i saw Maul in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace he looks like a zebra to me for some weird reason. Just thought i mention it. Anyway...

Before anything else, thank you Clandestine toys and The Convergence Group for the Play Arts Kai Darth Maul figure. We're opening some more POs for upcoming PAK figures very, very soon so stay tuned. 

Play Arts Kai Venom Snake - Sneaking Suit Version Review - Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

On a previous article, i shared my reactions to the much hyped Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain game so i would assume that we are all familiar with this character already and what he's all about in the game. I guess i won't be needing to add SPOILER ALERT Warnings here anymore, right? I mean, come on! It's been a month or so already, don't expect to see Big Boss from Snake Eater, or Peacewalker or Ground Zeroes... ALRIGHT? Alright!
Hey, this review is made possible by my new vehicle CLANDESTINE TOYS via The Convergence Brotherhood, and yeah we sold a lot of this figure. Hit me up if you're looking to Pre-Order the new/upcoming Play Arts Kai figures.

Pic Courtesy of Kevin Constante since our (mine and Bryan's) pics suck. lol

Don't get me wrong, i love the game though not as much as its contemporaries and i love "Venom" Snake (cough, cough, cough), he's a vital part of the Metal Gear canon (Hello Metal Gear 1, we haven't forgotten you!) and also, i simply love this figure. Check these out...

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain - 10 Reactions

WARNING: SPOILERS
We've just recently conquered one of the "Most Anticipated Games" for 2015, which may very well be the Swan Song for the Metal Gear series by Legendary Creator Hideo Kojima. I was personally expecting for it to go out in a blast worthy of  a "nuclear winter" but, sadly, it did not. Less than 30 hours within the game you'll no doubt be voting for it to be "Game of the Year." Gameplay, intrigue/story and graphics wise it is a hands down winner, the visuals alone are extremely phenomenal.

But further down the road it becomes less and less interesting and more tedious that you'd just want for the entire story to unfold so you can figure out what the hell is going on. As expected it is still a masterpiece but it is far from perfect and i'm wondering that, perhaps, the MGS franchise wasn't exactly going to end here and i hope the great Hideo would take us for another ride sometime in the future. Knowing a bit of how "THE MAN's" brain operates, it is entirely possible that the falling out between him and Konami was all a promotional stunt...very manipulative if you ask me, but then, he's the one who thought up "The Patriots" after all.

(***NOTE: The following observations, praises, reaction and rants reflect the author's PERSONAL OPINION about various elements in the entire game so of course SPOILER ALERT***)

Pre-Order for Play Arts Kai NOW OPEN @ The Convergence Brotherhood

The Convergence Brotherhood Group on behalf of Clandestine Toys is now accepting Pre-order for the following Play Arts Kai figures. Click LINKS above for more details.

You can place your Pre-Order HERE

Play Arts Kai Cloud Strife Review - Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

Hello everyone, Franchesca here. First things first, when Jeri approached me to do this review, I was hesitant seeing as I try to stay away from reviewing articulated figures (My initial reaction to such things can be summed up in three words: "It moves, yay!"). However, due to his persistence here we are. Do let me know if the format doesn't work for you so I can change it in the future. Now, let's begin, shall we?

Note: This is a picture-heavy blog.

Obligatory box pic to start the review.

Play Arts Kai Darth Vader Review - Star Wars Variants

I was genuinely surprised when they first previewed this figure especially when SQEX  announced that it would be in the Variants line. Lord Vader here has been the face of science fiction and Pop culture in general and there is no way you can change his appearance without raising an outcry. Well, maybe i was just overreacting, having little knowledge about the Star Wars fanbase. lol. Anyway, this Outdoor Review 2/2 was made possible by Big Boys Toy Store.

I don't think i need to introduce Darth Vader anymore or his role in the Star Wars saga, which actually saves me a lot of time doing this kinda late review. We all know how he should supposed to look like anyway: black helmet with wheezing mouthpiece, black suit with a 70's science fiction control panel in front (buttons, switches and HAL9000 light bulb), black cape and that awesome, awesome red Lightsaber.

Play Arts Kai Robin Review - Arkham Knight

It's been a while but damn right i have a bunch of reviews coming in starting with the "boy wonder" over here. I got him from Big Boys Toys Store by the way and i believe they still have some units available in their Glorietta 2 and Greenhills branches. Anyway, this is my first "outdoor" review and, possibly, the first time i'll rate a MALE Play Arts Kai figure using the "Fist Bite" system. LOL

And if you're there during the review checking out my pics YOU'LL KNOW WHY, haha, right Bryan?

I haven't played the new Arkham game: Arkham Knight so i don't know Robin's full role here but I do know the identity of that so-called "Arkham Knight." Anyway, let's proceed...

Toycon 2015: The Convergence Brotherhood, Play Arts Kai Philippines, Chopsuey Toy Collectors & Hot Toys and SideShow Market, Grand Meet-up

I have no words for this year's Toycon @SM Megamall, i'm semi-retired from collecting after all, haha so i'll be posting pictures instead and putting captions which is a lot more fun than reviewing figures. Anyway, for the 3rd straight year Play Arts Kai Philippines display rocked, Chopsuey Toy Collectors joined the fray with theirs while PSEC's diorama of Midgar looks awesome indeed. Oh, congratulations to PSEC for their 5th Year Anniversary. They had a separate meet-up the night before but common members attended the "Grand Meet-up" during the 20th. Rounding up the roster would be HTSS and my main vehicle right now, The Convergence Brotherhood. My sponsor Big Boys Toy Store provided the main prizes for the raffle by the way. Anyway, i'll shut up now and just post pictures...(note: if the pics are without credits and they suck those are mine

Photo courtesy of Cheski Caram, atop high heels.

Play Arts Kai Yuffie Kisaragi Review - Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

I don't usually do a really, really late review like this but since SQEX seems hell-bent on completing (crossing my fingers!)  the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Play Arts Kai line i might as well do a little bit of backtracking most especially if we're doing a review of one of the characters with a rether solid fan base such as Yuffie Kisaragi here. Also, i'm hell-bent as well on using more of that Fist-bite Rating System designed especially for Female characters.

This thief/kunoichi here is one of my least favorite characters in the Final Fantasy universe but i perfectly  understand her popularity, well, for one, she's very attractive (by fanboys standard i must say!) and she's got a kick ass weapon, albeit impractical and more likely to decapitate your hand/fingers than your opponents.

Play Arts Kai Red XIII Review - Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

Rounding off the 2nd wave of Play Arts Kai Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children here's a review of one of the most underrated, and least favorite characters in Final Fantasy 7. To be honest, i know very little about RED XIII or Nanaki, his proper name. I believe though that it was intended by the developers since it was never mentioned which race he came from though he's a denizen and Guardian of the Cosmo Canyon, same as his father before him (Seto), and was raised by his adopted "Grandfather" Bugenhagen.

The name RED XIII, if i remember correctly, is a specimen signature assigned to Nanaki by Hojo while he's under incarceration and experimentation. It is not clear what kind of human/animal hybrid he is, a lion perhaps or a wolf since he howls. It is clear though that his intellect is similar to that of a teenage human though his lifespan is exceptionally long, as shown in the ending of Final Fantasy 7 when he visited the ruins of Midgar with his two cubs and his conversation with the immortal Vincent. 

Play Arts Kai Barret Wallace Review - Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

For the first time in like forever, the fans got what they want, the first SQEX mandated action figure translation of this well-known big guy from the Final Fantasy universe. Well, this is his movie version which is a much more modern redesign of the Mr. T -esque character from the game. He's sporting cornrows now instead of the perennial badass trademark, THE Mohawk (correction, it's a cross between that and the 90's High-Top Fade cut).

Mr. Wallace here is the leader of Avalanche back in the day and he's one of the characters who will be forever immortalized in polygon during that epic Train intro of Final Fantasy 7. I'm sure the true fans here will be able to relate with me.

Play Arts Kai Tifa Lockhart Review - Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children

This figure review really took her time, i was not able to get Tifa when she arrived since almost everybody wanted her and i had to give way. Of course, i also allowed Sephtimus to do his review with lots of pretty pictures first. Anyway, the Play Arts Kai Tifa sold out quickly? I can definitely understand why.

and yes, that's me, reflected on her box, lol

Being one of the most recognizable characters in the Final Fantasy universe, Tifa needs no introduction. Even though she underwent a costume redesign in the Advent Children movie there's no doubt she's the hottest RPG heroine this side of planet fanboy...the Play Arts Kai version did her justice...in a way...

SH Figuarts Sasuke Review - Naruto

GUEST REVIEW: Anjo Singson will be taking over the reins for this SHF Sasuke figure from Naruto. I was asked to edit this but i don't know jacks#!t about Naruto so i'll just be here for the *** comments. LOL. FHRITP Anjo!!!

Second time to review a figure for Mr. Tyler Durden in his enchanting blog. Grammar Nazis, don't stop f*c&!n6 yourselves. LOL! I have been collecting S.H. Figuarts as my secondary line (Next to PAKs whenever they aren't going to release some of the good stuff ... errr.)

The box looks good, IMO, it is better than Naruto's box. You can see some of the accessories there in the window, as well as the figure itself.

This time, I'm going to do a short review  of the "most-emo" anime character boy/guy in History ---- Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto: Shippuuden. *Special thanks to bro Christopher Patrick Chang for this figure fresh from Hong Kong!*

If you don't know the character ... well, I don't blame you. Short history --- he was a friend of Naruto in his younger years in Konoha (the setting of the anime, A village). Naruto always felt that he and Sasuke had a "special connection". Sasuke came from an extinct clan, The Uchihas (His brother killed his entire clan BUT FOR A GOOD REASON tho) and Sasuke strived to get stronger each and every episode he is featured so that he would look strong to ladies. No homo tho. Chicks are crazy for this guy. anyways, read the rest of the history here if you're interested: SASUKE UCHIHA. 

Play Arts Kai - TOP 10 PAKs of 2014

I've let go of the Play Arts Kai line in general to shift to a different scale but i must admit i'll always be a goddamn PAKer at heart. It isn't that difficult to enjoy or appreciate the Play Arts Kai line, even if in my case, from afar.

Cover Pic designed by JC of Sephtimus 

This "Unofficial" TOP 10 of 2014 article reflects the result of a survey i conducted in our local group "Play Arts Kai Philippines Trading Group" so some figs that are HOT elsewhere may not exactly be HOT here in the local scene. Ahem, without further ado, I present to you the TOP 10 Play Arts Kai figures of 2014.

SHFiguarts Gokou (Regular) - Dragonball Z Showcase

I don't think i need to introduce this World-famous Saiyan any longer. One of the greatest anime hero ever created from one of the greatest anime ever produced. I've seen other versions of Gokou in this particular line but this one takes the cake since this is the "Regular" edition or the basic and most well-known form of this Japanese Superman. Anyway, this would be the last SHFiguarts review i will be doing for GreattoysOnline.com

Props to a good friend Carlo Rogelio Silverio for these awesome shots. I wouldn't be able to top your shots man. 

I understand that this version is a web exclusive and knowing how meteorical the prices for these figures rise i expect him to hit absurd prices in the future. Unless of course they will not stop reissuing him, a very good thing for would-be collectors.