Asian Toys Collection

DX Joker

2009-04-21T14:00:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-21T13:58:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-21T13:56:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-21T13:53:00.000+07:00

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

Happy Hinamatsuri

2009-04-12T14:37:00.001+07:00

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

2009-04-12T14:34:00.001+07:00

(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

2009-04-12T14:32:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-12T14:23:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-12T14:18:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-12T14:12:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-12T14:08:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:20:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:16:00.001+07:00

Another piece for the contest of darkstalkers tribute.

Downloads Bleach Episode 213

2009-04-07T07:15:00.002+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:15:00.001+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:14:00.002+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:14:00.001+07:00

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

2009-04-07T07:12:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-04T18:49:00.001+07:00

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

2009-04-04T18:48:00.000+07:00

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

2009-04-04T18:47:00.002+07:00

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

2009-04-04T18:47:00.001+07:00

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

2009-04-04T18:46:00.000+07:00

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

Transformers 2

2009-04-04T18:45:00.000+07:00

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is an upcoming science fiction film due for release on June 26, 2009. It is the sequel to 2007’s Transformers, which was the first live action Transformers film. Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg return respectively as director and executive producer, while Shia LaBeouf reprises the role of Sam Witwicky, the human caught in the war between Autobots and Decepticons. The film introduces many more robots and the scope has been expanded to numerous countries, the most important of which is Egypt.

The main hurdle in getting the film produced was overcoming the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, as well as possible strikes by the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild. Bay met his shooting date with the help of previsualization and a scriptment by his writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and series newcomer Ehren Kruger. Shooting from May to November 2008 predominantly took place in the United States, including the majority of scenes set in outside countries, a minimum of which was conducted in those actual nations.

PREMISE
Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) discovers something about the origins of the Transformers and their history on Earth. The evil Decepticons need to capture him for information. The climactic battle takes place at the Giza pyramid complex, where a temple is located within. Lorenzo di Bonaventura explained the film will show the Transformers who visited Egypt before the pyramids were built, and “all our heroes end up here because of the Decepticons’ masterplan.” Furthermore, Egyptian hieroglyphs resembling helicopters and other present day vehicles in real life will be explained in the film as being depictions of those Ancient Cybertronians who visited Earth.

Grey Hulk Marvel

2009-04-01T14:32:00.001+07:00

Action Figure Grey Hulk Marvel Universe

DC Super Hero

2009-04-01T14:31:00.001+07:00

Acion Figure DC Super Hero
10 character DC Comic al :
magneto with helmet, Elecroman, Machine War, Shadowmoon, Red Skull, Mysterio, etc

Figure Princess

2009-04-01T14:29:00.002+07:00

Figure Princess
Princess Belle, Princess Aurora, Princess Cinderella

Inuyasha Chibi

2009-04-01T14:29:00.001+07:00

Inuyasha Chibi Figure 5 character inuyasha

Sakura Card Captor

2009-04-01T14:28:00.002+07:00

Sakura Card Captor Figure

Piece Kid Version seri 2

2009-04-01T14:28:00.001+07:00

Piece Kid Version seri 2
3 character One Piece
Nami, Nojiko, Zoro

Smart Hulk House

2009-04-01T14:27:00.002+07:00

Smart Hulk House of M Action Figure

Peter Pan, Thinker Bell

2009-04-01T14:27:00.001+07:00

Peter Pan, Thinker Bell Figure
9 character peter pan
Peter pen, Thinker Bell, Captain Hook, Thinker Friends, Crocodile

Mini Batman - Robin

2009-04-01T14:26:00.002+07:00

Mini Batman - Robin Figure

Mini Justice League

2009-04-01T14:26:00.001+07:00

Mini Justice League Figure
Batman- Blue Devil set
Blue Devil - Wonder Woman set

Piece Trading Figure

2009-04-01T14:25:00.002+07:00

One Piece :
Luffy, Sanji, Ushop, Nico Robin

Evangelion

2009-04-01T14:25:00.001+07:00

Evangelion Figure (Loose)

Kid Version

2009-04-01T14:24:00.000+07:00

One Piece Kid Version Action Figure
Nico Robin, Sanji, dan Monkey D luffy

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation, Live Action T.V. Show Vam Mi

2009-03-28T12:07:00.000+07:00

Star Trek Hikaru Sulu

2009-03-28T12:05:00.000+07:00

George Takei is one of my heroes.

He has an AWESOME voice, piloted the first Enterprise for five some years, AND he became captain of the Excelsior, the best Star Ship in the known universe! Now who can beat that?! I have several Sulu figures, including his Target Exclusive 9" figure from the original series, his classic Star Trek 5" figure,

and a statue that depicted his famous fencing stance in the episode "The Naked Time." George Takei also has written a book, and is in the process of writing another one.

The Simpsons Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in Kwik-E-Mart

2009-03-28T12:04:00.000+07:00

This figure is not out yet, but I do know it will be released with the Kwik-E-Mart set. Each set is supposed to include special pegs for other Simpsons action figures to produce dialogue.

We'll have to wait and see, but I bet some of you are wondering why I'm including Apu in the AAAF Homepage. You can make the argument that he's just a Matt Groenig creation that is voiced by a white actor.

And most certainly there are many Asian groups, most of them Asian Indian or South Asian groups, who despise what Apu stands for --- the stereotypical Indian working in the convenience mart. But in recent years Apu's character has turned into some much more than a stereotype.

He was involved in an arranged marriage to Manjula in 1999, and it was discovered that he holds a PhD in Computer Science.

Hmmm, well I guess he's still falling in stereotypes, but at least he's getting more screen time. In fact, the last time I searched for his name (which was like five minutes ago when I wanted to find how to spell his last name) I found no less than eight homepages dedicated to Apu. Now that's an accomplishment! And the other cool thing about The Simpsons is that everybody who's not Black American, foreign, or sick all of the time (like one of Bart's classmates) is yellow! Talk about Yellow Power!

Police Academy Flung Hi with crazy Karate gear

2009-03-28T12:02:00.000+07:00

As I was just mentioning in the above introductory statement, my Flung Hi figure is all played out. I believe he had some sort of "crazy karate action" because his right arm and leg are super loose compared to his left limbs, but alas, he can barely stand anymore.

At least someone enjoyed playing with this figure. As for the "crazy karate gear," I have NO idea what that was all about. In fact, I can't even tell if this is a "good guy" or "bad guy." He has a fu-manchu beard, and a pony tail on his head. He also has some sort of ear muffs on. This figure really confuses me. And another thing, what kind of name is "Flung Hi?!"
Those names must be from the Tang dynasty, which also saw names like Flung Lo, and Fling Flung, and Spring Fling. I tell 'ya, we REALLY need to stop using stereotypical names to describe Asians.

In every culture, and in every name, there is meaning behind the names. My surname, for instance, means "one who proclaims." Chen used to be the most populous Asian name in the whole world, but now it is 4th or 5th. I am very proud of my name, and it offends me when people who do not understand the meanings behind Asian names make fun of them so easily. Even Western names have meaning.

My first name, Peter, means "rock." It is Biblical, standing for the strong foundation that Christianity brings to those who have faith. I am very proud of this name too. My middle name is another name for the toilet, John.

Actually, I'm kidding, it has another Biblical meaning, but I think you get the point. Names are very important in any culture, so lets be more sensitive about them, all right?

M.A.S.K. Bruce Sato

2009-03-28T12:01:00.000+07:00

Bruce Sato comes from Japan. In the cartoon show he had an accent, and I never thought about looking to see who voiced him, but anyway, he was Matt Trakker's (the main character) right hand man.

He came packaged three different ways: in the Rescue Mission Adventure Pack with a flying helicopter backpack, in a two pack with Brad Turner, and in the Rhino truck with Matt Trakker. The Rhino was a semi cab that turned into a huge tank-like behemoth of a machine. As with all of the M.A.S.K. figures, the facial details were almost non-existent.

But I do remember that Bruce had black hair (another stereotype, errr, oh wait, that's a reality, sorry 'bout that) and some molding in the face that led me to believe that he was Japanese, but there were no painted features, so he could have been from any country. 8-)

The Green Hornet and Kato

2009-03-28T12:00:00.000+07:00

In the 1966/67 Television series, Bruce Lee played Kato, the loyal and martial arts fighting chauffer and sidekick to the Green Hornet.

The FEW episodes I have seen from this series (I'm not that old 'ya know?) revealed that Bruce Lee ended up saving the Green Hornet numerous times?! Yet he was STILL just the sidekick.

Oh well, such is the case when it comes to super heroes. In any case, check out www.katoman.com from some cool information about the show, the series, and Bruce Lee.

G.I. Joe Chun Li

2009-03-28T11:59:00.000+07:00

Chun Li is not a part of GI Joe, per se, but she is a member of the Street Fighter group.

The reason I include this figure in the GI Joe group is because GI Joe did a special series called the Street Fighter series. She has a plethora of weapons that come attached to a plastic frame, and she has kicking action in her legs.

Her facial features are much like many other GI Joe women figures, namely, they look like men, but she does have her signature hair pieces on and she's ready to kick some major butt!

Tunnel Rat

2009-03-28T11:57:00.000+07:00

Now this is a special figure.

It was modeled after Larry Hama himself! He is an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, and he also is a combat engineer.

No GI Joe collection should be without one of the two Tunnel Rat figures that were released due to its tribute to the creator of GI Joe.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers 1994 Tiger Toys

2009-03-28T11:56:00.000+07:00

Gi is the Chinese, or Asian, representative who controls the power of water. This particular figure I found in a now defunct K-Mart on the west side of Indianapolis. It was on the clearance rack, so I got it real cheap, but the important thing here is that I decided to begin collecting Asian American Action Figures with the purchase of this figure, thus changing my life forever (yeah, forcing me to form an addiction to going into toy stores and departments every chance I get!). Her hair is short and her eyes are just a little slanted inwards. This figures posture is amazing.

I say that because it is almost unnatural. I think this is the case because she comes with a huge backpack that sticks into a hole in her back that runs a tube through to her right hand and comes out of a ring that is on her figure. Basically, she squirts water.

It doesn't work too well, but hey, we all know she controls water, so she doesn't have to prove it all the time! 8-) The file card on the back of the card says that Gi is "an athlete whose favorite sport is surfing, she is very smart and started college at the age of 14 in marine biology." True, this is a stereotype of sorts, but hey, it's a good stereotype, and it's not like they said "she, like ALL Asians, started college at age 14 and etc..." so I'm not criticizing it too much. 8-)

X-Men vs. Street Fighter Apocalypse vs. Dhalsim

2009-03-28T11:24:00.000+07:00

These two figures scare me.

Apocalypse is just big and cold-looking, and Dhalsim has tiny shrunken heads all over him.

The accesories scare me too; it's just a bunch of extra arms for Apocalypse.

X-Men vs. Street Fighter Chun Li vs. Juggernaut

2009-03-28T11:22:00.002+07:00

This figure is not as cool as I once thought. Her head sculpt isn't bad. It really captures the animated look that this character is made of. However she is so disproportionate that she can't even stand on her own.

The articulation points appear as if Play-Doh was used, and the paint job almost rubs with a touch. On a brighter note, Juggernaut is really cool, and if you're a Juggernaut fan, then I highly recommend this piece.

One of the best accessories I've seen is the steel I-beam that bends (remember, I grew up without all these new fangled Wrestling Action Figures that you can buy boxes full of odds and ends accessories for).

Final Fantasy VII Collector's Edition Aeris Gainsburg

2009-03-28T11:21:00.000+07:00

This figure is articulated at the arms and the head.

She has big blue eyes and carries a staff that hold magical power, or something like that.

1996 Kenner Amy Chow

2009-03-28T11:19:00.000+07:00

That's right, here she is, one/seventh of the famed magnificent seven from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics! I took a 1996 Timeless Legends Nadia Comenci and painted her hair black, and painted her uniform.

It's not great, but I think that Amy Chow deserves it. She has received, by far, the least amount of attention among all of the U.S.'s Olympic team.

All seven of them contributed equally to winning the Gold Medal, yet why is it that they don't all receive equal amounts of attention?

Professional Wrestling Yokozuna

2009-03-28T11:18:00.000+07:00

Yokozuna is the Sumo wrestler of WWF wrestling. He is HUGE! He has this thundering body slam that kills people, I think.

In any case, I have not idea if he is really from Japan or not, but his figures are cool.

He has a big one, a really tiny one with a big head, and one that pits him against Ahmed Johnson (former pro football player) in their own tiny wrestling ring. Needless to say, Yokozuna always knocks Ahmed out of the ring due to his tremendous girth!

Hockey Paul Kariya

2009-03-28T11:17:00.000+07:00

Paul Kariya is a multi-racial Japanese Canadian player for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Disney's version of professional hockey.

He is considered by many to be the next Wayne Gretzky, but he's had one too many concussions, and he may not be the same next year. Only time will tell, but keep your eye out for the Asian Canadian hockey player! His 1996 SLU was really good, until all of the concussions, and his 1997 Headliner is still strong.

He was also in one of the really cool Hockey One-on-One's which pitted two hockey SLU's against each other on a simulated ice floor.

Baseball Chan Ho Park

2009-03-28T11:14:00.000+07:00

Chan Ho Park signed with the Dodgers as the first South Korean baseball player in the United States.

For symbolic reasons, he chose the number 61 which is the exact mirrored replica of Nomo's # 16. Park has been coming along rather steadily, but is now in the limelight with Nomo being traded to the Mets.

Let's see if Park can make a name of himself out West! His SLU was pretty hot in 1997, but has since cooled down, considerably. I still had a heck of a time trying to find it.

My brother finally came across it in a Toys R Us in Cincy.

Yao, Ling, and Chien Po

2009-03-26T11:41:00.000+07:00

These are the comic-relief characters of the movie. They are in training camp with Mulan, and become good friends after trying to beat each other up. I could be mistaken, but I think Chien Po is the ONLY one of these three who is voiced by a real Asian American actor.

He is also extremely huge, and always speaks in fortune-like statements.

As a side note, Fortune cookies were created in San Francisco, thus, they are Asian American, or actually, an America product. Why, then, are they always associated with Asian movies or people? I mean, I never ONCE saw a fortune cookie while I was in Taiwan, so why do people associate them with Asian people? Think about it, it's an American thing, really, it is, people should associate fortune cookies with all Americans, no? It's a deep stereotype, but if you give it enough thought, you'll see what I'm trying to say.

As for Yao and Ling, one is short and fat, and sounds like Wolfman Jack, and the other is tall and skinny, and always has a big smile.

I did mention that these were comic relief characters, but they were NOT my favorite characters of the movie. In the McDonalds set they are all molded together, with Yao tied on to a string that when it is pulled, it makes Chien Po run, with Ling sitting on his head.

I don't think I saw them do this in the movie.

Hua Mulan

2009-03-26T11:40:00.000+07:00

She is, of course, the main character. Fa is her family name in Cantonese (Hua is its Mandarin form), just in case you weren't aware that surnames are deemed more important than individual names in many Asian countries, and are placed first. She is voiced by Ming Na Wen, who was in the Single Guy. But anyway, the main problem in all of the Mulan figures I have is that her eyes slant downward.

I discuss this phenomenon in great detail in the TV/Cartoons section, but basically, a common feature among Asian American action figures is that the eyes are slanty, and are point downward towards the nose. I've never met an Asian person who had eyes like this.

I don't doubt that there may be people who look like this, which is a testimony to how diverse and different Asian people are amongst themselves, refuting the stereotypical notion that "all Asians look alike." But anyway, Mulan comes in either her military uniform, usually with cool armor that snaps on and off, or her "matchmaking" dress, where she is all dressed and made up in order to find a husband, or in her primping outfit which is what she wears just before she gets all dressed up.

Her McDonalds toy has both her armor, which is in one piece as opposed to separate upper and lower halves and separate helmet, and a piece of cloth that attaches around her waist when you remove her armor.

Her Disney figures often come with Mu Shu (the dragon that is voiced by Eddie Murphy), weight lifting stones, and a sword.

Wai - Lin

2009-03-26T11:38:00.000+07:00

Here it is, the first American Michelle Yeoh action figure! Actually, I was a little disappointed with this figure. She is a 9" doll, with plastic-leather (or as a trendy friend of mine calls it, pleather) jump suit on, and a base stand that does absolutely NOTHING to help her stand up on her tiny little high heels.

I don't remember seeing Wai Lin kick butt with high heels on in the movie though, but maybe I was concentrating on something else. Anyway, the one good thing about this figure is that the head sculpt looks a LOT like Michelle Yeoh in the movie.

I don't know how they did it, but I knew exactly who it was supposed to be when I found the beat-up box in Toys R Us.

I know that the extra hair on her head is a separate mold, because I actually saw one figure that was BALD! Her extra hair piece had fallen off! It was rather hilarious, but this is a good figure to keep in the box, if you can find a box that looks decent enough. If you hadn't already figured out, I don't keep too many figures in their package, but this is an exception, mainly because she can't stand on her own two feet!

The Adventures of Gumby and friends Ninja Playset

2009-03-26T11:37:00.001+07:00

This box set comes with Gumby in a "karate" outfit (despite the fact that it is called a NINJA Playset?!), a Block Head with a sai (small dagger-like weapon), a little fold-out training temple (like the ones we all have in our backyards, right?), a screen with the Mandarin character that means "prosperity," and a golden statue that resembles Buddha.

Oh, and it comes with a computer disk that has pictures you can color on it. So what, you may ask, is this doing in my collection? I figured I could use the temple, statue, and screen with some of my other action figures, but alas, they were too small.

It was no big loss though, I only paid like $1.25 for it, its MSRP is $12.99.

The Puzzle Place Friends Collection

2009-03-26T11:35:00.000+07:00

There are six PVC figures in this set.

The Asian American figure is named Julie, and she is from San Francisco, California. She loves to sing and dance.

Her figure is sculpted in some sort of dress with pink polka dots, and she has a wireless microphone in one hand.

Ninja

2009-03-26T11:34:00.000+07:00

It's the quintessential ninja! How culd any collection be complete without the ninja?! I mean, all Asians know at least some of the "black martial arts" that shroud the ninja in mystery, don't we?! Well anyway,
this figure shows how to take care of that "giddy complex" I mentioned above --- draw slanting eyebrows and a mean looking fu-manchu on the face and you've got a completely non-giddy-looking Asian Playmobil figure. He was an exclusive in 1998.

Mandarin Prince

2009-03-26T11:33:00.000+07:00

I have no idea where the idea for this guy came from. I guess he's supposed to be the Asian Prince Charming.

But anyway, you can easily see how Playmobil characterizes an Asian figure. They put black hair on it and shape the eyes in half-circles.
Not too bad, but it makes them look even more giddy than the other Playmobil figures.

You can also see the dragon head on this guys shirt. The year 2000 is not just the year of the Dragon, it's the year of the Golden Dragon, so be looking for a huge baby-boom throughout Lunar New Year celebrating countries. He was an exclusive in 1997.

Karate Fighter

2009-03-26T11:32:00.000+07:00

This figure is actually really cool, and it just so happens to be really hard to find. In any case, I like his accesory the best.

His chest looks like he's infected with fleas, but oh well, that's what you get with simplistic paint jobs. He was an exclusive in 1997.

Eastern Warrior

2009-03-26T11:31:00.000+07:00

Apparently every warrior who resides East of where you live can be considered an "Eastern Warrior," and as such will look like this Eastern Warrior.

Really though, from what I can tell, this guy is supposed to look like a Mongol Warrior from nomadic tribes north of China.

Of course, if you colored his beard (would any Asian grow a beard this long?!) white, you'd have a European Santa Claus, who just happens to carry a bull whip and sword. He was an exclusive in 1998.

LEGO's Ninja System

2009-03-26T11:28:00.000+07:00

Check out the pictures! I grabbed them from www.lego.com. (I hope they don't mind) But these are such COOL pieces.

In case you were wondering, the catalog numbers refer to the available sets, which include the two that are depcited in the image, as well as a Ninja's Stronghold, Ninja's Hideout, Shogun's Bridge, and Shogun's Fortress. Ok, so here's my take on LEGO's sudden affinity for Japanese Feudal History. Through some minimal research, (ie: browsing the LEGO aisle for other SYSTEM sets) I have found a much more diverse representation in their people.

First of all, LEGO people are yellow, so I always thought they were Asian anyway, but I was wrong. Oh, I'm sidetracking again, I digress. If you remember the old school LEGO's, all the people looked the same. Sure they had different hair styles and colors, but they all had those round black eyes and smilely mouths.
Well, now there are hundreds of facial expressions and clothing styles and stuff.

There's even a Western System that has Native Americans! So I believe LEGO is really beginning to concentrate on diversity and multiculturalism, and they're doing it with the two groups that typcially get left out of these types of initiatives! I mean, it's very east to note that the majority of "Race Issues" are in terms of Black and White, and Latinos are increasingly becoming a part of those debates, but why is it that Asian Americans and Native Americans are left out so easily? Could it be that one represents a group of people who are disappearing and most people don't care about them, and the other group of people are rapidly increasing with both numbers and power, and most people would like to see them disappear as well? I know I'm being super vague here, but it's something to think about, but not while building these way-cool LEGO's!!!

Little People

2009-03-26T11:19:00.000+07:00

Now here's a cute set. It has three Little People girls portraying 1997 Winter Olympic sports.

We have a skier, whom I call Picaboo Street (is that her real name?), a speed skater, and a figure skater who happens to be Asian American.

I call her Michelle Kwan. All three have gold medals (which Michelle deserved to get more than Tara Lipinsky (is she European or something?)) and have real big smiles. The figure skater has bright, cheery eyes, not slanted downward like too many other Asian action figures.

There is a set for boys, but I didn't see any Asian Americans in this set.

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2007-08-30T01:46:00.000+07:00

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