Figuarts Zero: New World Robin

While I know this figure has been reviewed non-stop over the internet, I couldn't help picking her up when she went on sale, and adding my own photos online.  She is the ever cool and mysterious Nico Robin all done up in a new design.

Right out of the box she is beautiful and classy.  Her arms are graceful and poised like she is about to attack.

The skirt has wonderful fold and creases as if it were hanging naturally.  Her base seems large for her but follows the typical figuarts zero base design.  I do like Robins new Jolly Roger. 

 I love the detail of the fringe and the high heels on Robin's feet.  They look delightful.

These back shots help show off her figure and the nice flowing hair.  And yes it does serve as a nice bum shot for those who like that as well. 

 I love the positions of her hands, and the blue paint job on her jacket. That's really what sold me on the figure.  I do have an issue with how flat the top of her head looks and how wide her sunglasses appear, but its not enough to ruin the figure for myself, others maybe.  And yes, a nice bust shot for those who like that as well.

She is pretty fetching from all sides, but still really looks best from the front.  All the elements of her clothing hands and flowing hair seem to come together the best up front.  Despite being slim she is a tall woman, and a really nice addition to any one piece collection.  I have her with Zoro but I think I would like to pick up Nami at some point and display them together, being the ladies of the Straw hats and all.

She also comes with a plastic stand that helps her stand without the usual base.  I normally don't care for this but at least this one is small enough not to be an eyesore and does help save space if you are worried about that as a collector.

Thus that is it for this one!  A Nice figure that I am very pleased with, here to hoping I can nab Nami to go along with her in the near future!

One Piece Bandai Candy Toy: Impel Down Collection

I've been meaning to put the tiny guys up for a while.  I didn't go out of my way for these, but they are pretty cute.  They came as free gifts with a few of my Figuarts Zero figures that I picked up lately.  But for such tiny figures (only an inch tall at best) they have some nice details.

I had three boxes in total after my purchases, and I was lucky to get three of the best characters out of the set: Zoro, Buggy, and Luffy!  It would be pretty cool to get Mr. 3 to go along with Buggy during the "we need to go up!" speech.  They come with tiny stands that have their names on them.  If you prefer to have them off the bases they will stand by themselves.  They do look really great for such small figures.

It is disappointing that the stripes on Zoro and Buggy are not continued on the backside.  This isn't too bad of an issue since I only view them from the front, but it's something to be aware of when you are looking to buy these guys.  All in all though, if you are one for minis like these, I say pick up your favorite characters.

Pokemon Cards: DayBreak Deck

I should explain something, pokemon cards are my cigarettes; I say I've quit cold turkey, but every once in a while I pick up a pack for old times sake.  Well, actually though, I still really love them, I like to seeing the new visual interpretations of pokemon and their new card stats.  Yes, I am that much of a nerd.  I used to play/trade for my cards when I was younger, but now I just buy whatever pack or deck appeals to me at the moment.

I picked up the HGSS Undaunted DayBreak Deck for 10 bucks.  Mostly I was sold on the price and the Espeon Holo card that came with it.  Everything Else was just icing for me.  Here is a rundown of what is in this 60 card deck for anyone interested, but just know it is a psychic/grass themed deck:

- 1 Metallic coin
- 1 Rulebook/Cardlist
- 1 Player Play mat
- Damage Counters
- 1 Bonus Pokemon Undaunted Booster Pack

Complete Pokemon Card List of cards included in this deck:
    Espeon X2 (1 special holo, 1 non holo)
    Eevee X4
    Bellossom X1
    Gloom X2
    Oddish X2
    Dodrio X1
    Doduo X2
    Muk X2
    Grimer X2
    Togekiss X1
    Togetic X2
    Togepi X2
    Raticate X2
    Rattata X2
    Scyther X2
    Energy Exchanger X2
    Interviewer's Questions X2
    Life Herb X2
    Poke Ball X2
    Ruins of Alph X1
    Sage's Training X2
    Team Rocket's Trickery X2
    Grass Energy X10
    Psychic Energy X8

Here is everything as you open up the deck.  Everything is actually held in place with a plastic tray so nothing is bent or shaken.  So it's all very nice and new, I love the pokemon coin I got with this one.

 It's nice to get the theme decks that come with a free booster pack  It's a nice way to round out the chances of new cards.  I love the artwork of the box and the booster pack.  They are dynamic and eye catching. Th holographic card is a real stunner, although I think I would prefer the deck box art as a holographic card.  I'm pleased to have both.

When I get a chance, I'll brush up on the rules, since I got a nice rule book with this one, also the new deck come with damage counters, which I would've loved as a kid. 

Onto the cards!  I pulled my favorites out of the deck.  I'm very pleased with the selection in this deck.  Although the draw back is duplicates, I'm too distracted by the adorable togekiss card.

I enjoy the trainer cards as well, so I'm always pleased to add new ones into my collection.I would love to hear the story on those rocket dudes in that top supporter card.

 With the bonus booster card pack I got a really good haul! 9 new cards including a reverse holo! awesome

The last thing is the plat mat... which is fine I guess.  It's not the best looking mat I've seen, but then again I played without one ten years ago, so they really aren't my thing.  Mostly I just wanted to show people what they are getting along with the deck.

That is it for this one! If I pick up anymore packs/decks, I'll try to post them up as well, otherwise it's back to books and figures. 

Taito Real Figure: Galaxy Express 999 Conductor

It's time to change things up with a prize figure review.  This is a figure I've been considering for a long time.  It's nice to finally have it in my collection, since he is one of my favorite characters of all time: The Conductor from Galaxy Express 999!

I have to say, it was really really exciting to get this figure in the mail the other day.  I know it's difficult to find a lot of reviews of this guy, so I took a lot of box pictures to show off for anyone interested in looking for one of these.  Just look for the "Taito" logo in the upper left corner of the box.

The box is 11 inches tall, and the figure itself is 8 inches. It's heavy also, since The Conductor, also known as "Sancho-san" (syasyo on the box), is solid instead of hollow like newer figures.

The inner package is really nice, the plastic is supported by cardboard and he is taped in so he won't come loose. The base is separate and a simple black round with the Galaxy Express 999 logo molded onto it.

He looks great right out of the box.  The sculpt is what really sells me on this figure, because he is true to the chracter from every angle.  especially the clasped hands behind the back.  Its a little plain pose wise, but then again, it's hard to make a dynamic pose with a character that tries so hard to remain official.

It's the details that bring out the "prize figure" background on this figure. For example the hat is perfect and the emblem is spot on, but his eyes aren't light enough to bring out the "glow" that they usually give off in the series.  You can also notice while the blue and red of the paint work are flawless, the yellow rims on the hat and clothing is spotty in places.  The hands again look great and do have a solid paint job.

The back revels a little chunk missing in the collar rim and the 999 logo is a little misaligned, but at least it's completely there.  The band also has some scuffed paint, but it can be fixed when I get a chance.

 The buttons are beautiful but have some spotty paint on their edges.  It's not too bad until you get up close to them.  They are the right size, shape and color so this is forgivable.

 Honestly though, he looks so good.  a lot of what I am pointing out are just nit picks.  It is nice to let people know what they are getting.  I just wish his eyes were a little brighter.

 Again I love how he looks from all angles.  This is a very true profile of the beloved Sancho-san.

Despite the little paint flaws I point out, I'm super pleased with this one.  I know people are down on prize figures but this is one I would recommend to any 999 fan.  Especially since this is one of the only larger figures of the Conductor.  Its solid, well done, and a great representation of the character.  I picked this one up for about 30 dollars. I had to hunt around online for a long time, since this is an older figure from 2007/2008. If you can find him I would get him right away.