DX Joker

Funny, however, how Hot Toys have chosen to announce this April Fools'. A fitting salute to those who bought the original Joker figure perhaps?

Anyhow, as speculated by many (myself included), MMS DX Joker will indeed feature a re-released version of the original Joker figure with the movie-accurate head sculpt as well as the "Police Officer" version.

As the photos will attest and as is the case with recent Hot Toys releases, this new and improved Joker looks absolutely breath-taking.

Comes with loads of accessories of course, such as the M1 Garland Rifle, grenades, knives, belts and cards. But more interestingly, it also features something Hot Toys calls Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS).

What this really means is adjustable eyeballs so that the figures look more life-like.

Enterbay, I recall, has something similar.

There's a thought.

Spawn Resin

McFarlane Toys foray into high-end collectibles continues with their second 8"-scale resin statue,


The Beginning, based on one of the original pieces of promo artwork for Spawn.

It will be limited to 1,500 pieces total.

Guitar Hero

If you scan the photo you'll notice quite a few guitars, what look like super-deformed mini figures that may be the smaller figures mentioned in last week's product announcement and the most interesting item, Slash.

Since one of the figures in the lineups was listed as TBA speculation could mean that this Slash figure may slot into that lineup,

however this may not be the case and it could also be an individual release.

Dowload Naruto Wallpaper

Collection of the Naruto Wallpapers
that you can find anywhere on net.

Happy Hinamatsuri

Hinamatsuri, or Girls Day or Festival of Dolls. This holiday is celebrated in Japan on the third day of the third month (Boys Day falls on the fifth day of the fifth month). Its roots are placed back to the ancient custom called hina-nagashi, or Doll Floating where people would float dolls down the river to carry away the bad spirits.

I love paper, so I made paper versions of the doll display for each of the girls to keep.

Happy Hinamasturi!

Today, families display their heirloom dolls depicting the royal Heian court on a special red lacquered tiered platform, starting with the Emperor and Empress on the top tier shelf and going down to the various ladies in waiting, musicians, samurai on the following tiers.

Little girls celebrate Hinamatsuri by having a party of delicious Japanese treats and drink and "offering" it to the dolls. Japanese bakeries will offer special Hinamatsuri treats during this time, like special manju and cakes (with a lot of pink!).

On Saturday, one of my daughter's former preschool friends hosted a Girls Day celebration at her house. Her mom and grandmother prepared a delicious spread of pastel-colorfed manju (sweet rice cakes), sushi, miso soup, and other Japanese yummies. I made nigiri, rice balls in heart, bear, and star shapes seasoned with sesame seeds and nori.

For dessert was the super cute Girls Day cake topped with candy versions of the Emperor and Empress.

One of the girls' mother shared her tiny Hina Doll set, a miniature version of the top tier with the Emperor (left) and Empress (Right). Super cute!

Yeondoo Jung

(image copyright Yeondoo Jung)
Always a bit behind in the art world (and maybe life in general), I only recently discovered the works of photoartist Yeondoo Jung of Korea. Perhaps his most famous exhibition is called "Wonderland" where he recreates children's drawings into real life photos. They are so lovely, so refreshing. I can't help but smile.

It's like looking at life through the innocence, whimsy, and fantasy of a child's eyes.

Another series I enjoy is called "Bewitched", which has a beautiful and slightly haunting feel to it. It's a glimpse into the "what if" of doing something you dream about but for some reason you can't do it.

I was briefly in contact with Jung and had tentative plans for an interview, but to this date it hasn't been finalized.

If the interview happens in the future I'll be sure to share it with you. Until then, please visit his website for the most current information.

Tokidoki

For those of you who don't know TOKIDOKI, shame on you. Just kidding. I have to say once I discovered Tokidoki several years ago, I've become fixated. The history of Tokidoki is sweet and inspiring to those of us who are crafty in our own right, who love simple and pure forms of art, and who appreciate those who are like-minded in the pursuit of all things creatively cute.

Tokidoki means "sometimes" in Japanese. The creator, Simone Legno, chose this word because he loves Japan. He loves everything from the ultra modern happy face of Shibuya to the serious magical silence of Kyoto. He chose "sometimes," because everyone waits for moments that change one's destiny. By simple chance or meeting a new person, Tokidoki is the hope, the hidden energy everyone has inside that gives us the strength to face a new day and dream something positive, that something magical will happen to us.

Tokidoki started as a personal website for Simone a few years ago, a diary and place to display his art and soul. Since launching Tokidoki, Simone has been touched by the kindness of thousands who have expressed their love for his unique interpretation of the world.

Graphic Novel Storms Book

Based on the best-selling videogame, the Halo Graphic Novel reached #2 on the BookScan list of graphic novels sold in bookstores, the highest position of a non-manga, non-movie tie-in graphic novel in years.

It also debuted at an impressive #33 on Amazon.com.

In fact, the Halo Graphic Novel has sold so incredibly that a second print will be available within weeks.

The reviews have been pouring in from numerous media outlets praising the video-game’s expansion into the world of graphic fiction.

Andrew Smith of Scripps News Service says, “It's an excellent graphic novel for comics fans…it's also undoubtedly a must-buy for anyone who loves the game because it fills in so many blanks.”

Hilary Goldstein of IGN.com says, “Considering the large audience who has played these games, this is a book that belongs in a few million homes.

Master Chief's first journey into comics is a brilliant success.”

Wayne Oliveri of UGO.com says, “Marvel knows how to make comics, and this hardcover has the highest production values. It's a colorful, well-designed book.”

Wook Kim of Entertainment Weekly says, “All in all, this is an impressive effort, given a handsome and solemn presentation.”

The Halo Graphic Novel features four full-length stories by several well-known comic writers and artists including Moebius, Simon Bisley, Tsutomu Nihei, and Jay Faerber as well as a gallery of illustrations by both Bungie artists and other comic book artists.

The Halo Graphic Novel is a 128-page full-color hardcover for a retail price of $24.99 that no comic or Halo fan should be without.

Henkei Exclusive Seekers Thrust

Just in is a new gallery of images for the Tomy Takara Henkei exclusive actions figures Thrust & Dirge.

Note on Thrust the VTOLs are removable and also spins.

Both of the cockpit insides are also chromed! Check out the images of both of these figures now.

The Transformers

Following the events of The Transformers: Devastation,
long-lost Cybertronians are returning from a dead dimension with plans to set off a cosmic event that could mean the end of the universe as we know it.

Can the AUTOBOTS retrieve an all-knowing, all-seeing artifact before the coming apocalypse, despite having a double agent in their midst?

But would that even save them from NEMESIS PRIME’s master plan? Originally presented in Spotlights featuring CYCLONUS, HARDHEAD, DOUBLEDEALER, and SIDESWIPE.

Alien VS Predator

The Force has met its match with these recently released Alien VS Predator Snap Kits! These four inch figures are exceptionally detailed with over 15 points of articulation and more than comparable to the similar sized Star Wars figures.

Developed and created by Blister Direct Japan, (and also licensed and distributed by Hot Toys in Hong Kong and Mega Ridge in Taiwan), this collection of 8 to 10 figures are only available in Asia. The question to ask is why haven't other toy companies come up with this cool style of figures before?
To get things straight, unlike the name and pictures in magazines entail, these are not actual snap kits where you snap parts off a plastic tree. This is decidedly good though as you won't damage the parts or the paint in the process. The figures are in fact molded PVC plastic similar to the many trading and capsule figures out there but are separated into many attachable parts with ball joints. These are the only things you have to "snap" into place.

We chose to review Chopper Predator rather than the Alien figures, because the former has more detail and accessories. Components for every part of the body come separately in a plastic bag.
After building the figure and examining in detail, you will surely agree that he is darn right awesome! The intricate sculpt and painting are done impressively well and even the face is true to the film character.
It also comes with many attachable, highly-detailed accessories including armored mask, chain of skulls, blades, spear, knife and scabbard, round spike bladed weapon, back mounted laser, etc. They all fit nicely for a four inch figure though not as securely as a conventional action figure.

Chopper Predator poses quite nicely with his 15 points of articulation but is somewhat limited by the armor.
It would also have been nice to have a peg base for one leg so it can stay upright easier.
The only other thing that bothers us was the time and effort to put him together, which took close to 15 minutes. It was strenuous to push and twist the ball joints into place versus what we thought would be a "snap".
(Engineered tight to better retain its pose?) Also make sure you put the arms and legs facing the right side or you will have to take him apart again.

As the instructions says, familiarize yourself with the parts first!

WTS Medicom Chun-Li and Hot Toys Jack Sparrow

The title says it all too clearly. Need to clear a bit of my collection since it's been growing like mad. As such, I'm looking to sell my Medicom Chun-Li, since I realized I don't really need it.

Figure has never been removed from box, and the box is in immaculate condition. Looking to recover what I paid for it - S$200. Would preferably like to deal in the West.

Also looking to clear my hands of Hot Toys' Jack Sparrow. Pretty meaningless to have Jack if you don't have Davy Jones, and since I can't get my hands on Davy Jones, I figured Jack's got to go.

Figure has only been opened for inspection and has since been kept away in my cupboard, away from sunlight. If I recall correctly, the plastic shell protecting Jack has a little crack, otherwise, the box is perfect. It was there when I opened the box. Looking for around S$230. Again, would like to deal in the West.

Victor and lilith

Another piece for the contest of darkstalkers tribute.

Downloads Bleach Episode 213

Selec to Download Bleach Episode 213

DOWNLOAD-flv - myspace (88.29MB)

DOWNLOAD-avi - rapidshare (178.33MB)

DOWNLOAD-mp4 - easyshare (53.2MB)


Anime Video Downloads Bleach 213
The Soul Burial Detective, Karakuraizer is Born

Download Naruto Chapter 438

Hope you are doing all fine, depending on when you are reading this. hopefully you are the dedicated type who refreshes 10x an hour!), but if not, this is bound to put you in a good mood for however long it takes you to read 17 pages of Naruto goodness.

The 438th chapter, the latest chapter to be released in the multi-colored pages of the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine, entitled: “Breaking the Seal!!” - has been released now completely translated in to English for your enjoyment. As usual, this chapter can be given a completely FREE direct download by absolutely anybody who wants to read it.

http://rapidshare.com/files/206318251/Naruto_-_438.rar

Downloads Bleach Episode 211 212 213

Bleach 211
Betrayal! Aizen’s Secret Maneuvers

DOWNLOAD-flv - myspace (83.67MB)

DOWNLOAD-avi - megaupload (170.13MB)


Bleach 212
Rescue Hirako! Aizen vs. Urahara
DOWNLOAD-flv - myspace (85.04MB)

DOWNLOAD-mp4 - easyshare (46.8MB)


Bleach 213
The Soul Burial Detective, Karakuraizer is Born

DOWNLOAD-flv - myspace (88.29MB)

DOWNLOAD-avi - rapidshare (178.33MB)

DOWNLOAD-mp4 - easyshare (53.2MB)

Joker Unveiled

This being April Fools', I tend to regard every news I come across with a bit of caution and skepticism. But since this has already made its way onto Hot Toys' very own website, I think it's safe to say that this is the real deal.

Funny, however, how Hot Toys have chosen to announce this April Fools'. A fitting salute to those who bought the original Joker figure perhaps?

Anyhow, as speculated by many (myself included), MMS DX Joker will indeed feature a re-released version of the original Joker figure with the movie-accurate head sculpt as well as the "Police Officer" version. As the photos will attest and as is the case with recent Hot Toys releases, this new and improved Joker looks absolutely breath-taking.

Comes with loads of accessories of course, such as the M1 Garland Rifle, grenades, knives, belts and cards. But more interestingly, it also features something Hot Toys calls Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS). What this really means is adjustable eyeballs so that the figures look more life-like.

Enterbay, I recall, has something similar. There's a thought.

MMS DX Joker is set for a Q2-Q3 release and interested folks should keep a lookout for pre-order solicitations. Expect to fork out more than the usual S$230 for this beauty.

Source

Geneva Motor Show 2009

Part of the reason why us guys love motor shows so much is because of the showgirls.

The cars take center stage of course, but looking at all that steel, aluminum and carbon fiber does get your eyes a lil tired.

BATMAN'S ARCH ENEMY THE JOKER - Wacky Wallpaper

The Bat-Blog posts 2 brand-new Batman Desktop Wallpapers every single Wednesday. It's a proud tradition & recently we have been getting a lot of Bat-Blog Readers sending us this material which is even better because besides making some extremely cool stuff it also creates some nice variety. Both of these are a perfect example. The 1st one was made by a friend named "Bacon" who used some graphics from the new graphic novel book titled THE JOKER. It was written by Brian Azzarello & has turned into a bestseller. The artwork ( used here ) was done by Lee Bermejo. His work is really amazing, a very talented guy. The 2nd background was sent to us by a girl named Danica. She took this photo of one of the Joker Bank Robber Goon Action Figures she has. Of course this is the character from the Dark Knight movie. It kinda cracks me up that Ironman ( from the movie ) makes an appearance. I wanna thank both Bacon & Danica for sending these in, they're really wonderful...good job! Oh yeah, for anybody looking for this JOKER Graphic Novel Book, please click on our button here to buy it from Amazon. We don't get much but every little bit helps keep this site going, thanks.

BATMOBILE REPLICA CAR

Mark Racop, is in the business of making 1966 Batmobile Replica Cars.

I gotta tell you that these cars are pretty amazing! I mean, the attention to every single tiny detail is totally insane! Well, recently, he posted a few hi-res desktop wallpapers of the cars he makes.

I thought I would share a few here ( there are many more at his website ) & also give a shout out to his website.

It's called FIBERGLASS FREAKS & if you're a fan of the 1966 Batman TV Show ( Adam West & Burt Ward ) then you gotta check it out!

Naruto 442

All you need to do for the pleasure is simply click the link below.

















It’s here! It’s arrived! It’s time! The 442nd chapter of the Japanese Naruto manga series has been released, fresh from the pages of the Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine, hot off the scanner, all nice and translated in to English for your enjoyment!

Entitled: The Last Gamble!! - this chapter is, as usual, available to absolutely any Naruto fan who wishes to read it.

The Movie Castlevania

Castlevania is a 2009 film based on the Castlevania series.

The movie was originally to be directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, but has now been set for Sylvian White to direct.
It will start out as a Transylvania Knight leads his men into a haunted castle to seek refuge from the Turkish Army.

They end up unleashing Dracula and this starts a generational conflict between the vampire and The Belmont Clan. The film will focus much more on the castle than other vampire movies. It is currently in production, with very little information actually out.

Characters
Simon Belmont - main protagonist and the first Belmont to face Dracula according to the movie.
Dracula - main antagonist. his origins will be explored deeply in the movie.
Cristofor Belmont - Simon’s brother who gets bitten by a werewolf.
Vlas - A Loyal Moorish servant to Simon.
Aurica - The lone survivor of a band of gypsies who had been attacked by werewolves. She finds out she looks exactly like Dracula’s former lover.
Weidner - A Nazi who investigates a massacre of soldiers at the hands of Dracula’s Castle.
Hengst - Another Nazi who investigates the same massacre with Weidner.

Final Fantasy XIII

It seems that Square Enix have been doing a little updating upon the official website for Final Fantasy XIII.

It is now a complete flash site integrated with scrolling images, which come in high quality upon the main page, a separate character page which unfortunately only lists Lightning, Snow and Vanille, but contains HQ CG Character models along with HQ screenshots, some old and some new.

And to top it all of, its all accompanied by some beautiful background music which has not yet to have been heard until now.

visit the Square Enix: Final Fantasy XIII Official Page