dannychoo.com - Danny Choo : Anime, Figures, Idols, Gundam, Otaku and Events from Japan

Destiny Haruhi

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 11:23:00 +0900

Introducing the ZGMF-X42HZ Destiny Haruhi.

Until I started to play around with the Figma series by comrades Max Factory and GoodSmile, I wasn't too sure about the elbow joint in particular which looked kinda large in photos. The joints however don't look at all bad and I think its the way the light bounces off the joints in a photo.

This Figma is actually Yuki's body - the Haruhi one that is due out has bigger eyes ^^;

The Destiny parts are from my GFF Destiny. I used some Blu Tac to keep on the wings and other bits n pieces. I think I want to keep Haruhi like this so I got an excuse to get the MG Destiny.

What I like about the Figmas is that they are portable which is why I carry her around with me most of the time.

You can look for the Figma series and GFF Destiny on one of the following recommended dannychoo.com partner sites. As for the blu-tac, if you cant get hold of some then just start to save the bogies from your nostril.

Added a couple of these images to the Wallpaper Pool too.

By Danny Choo on 2008/04/07 10:23

Code Geass

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:33:00 +0900

Now that April the 1st is over in *all* time zones, we can resume with the regular articles starting with the last bit of the Tokyo Anime Fair 2008.
Before we start however, I should probably go over all the lies I've told so far ^^;

The first was Miracle Mirai - thanks to NitroPlus and Azami sensei for pulling this together in such a short time. And thanks to you for deciding the pose. Am preparing wallpaper and will stick it in the wallpaper pool soon.

The other April Fools was the MegaTokyo one. Many thanks to Fred for this one.

Other lies were, Suddenly acquired Candy Girl which is actually a photo taken by a friend of mine, Good Smile Udon, Sekai Days, Irem Zoo, Gundam live action movie (sorry), Zelda movie, and the final one was Tenga Giveaway where I only received 1 sample from Kanojo Toys. The good thing is that Tenga Giveaway post has 173 comments filled with links to health related sites - enough for a life time.

As you know there are readers from all over the world here and I wanted to make sure that everybody got a share of the April Fool shenanigans - not that any of you fell for any of the lies anyway - or did you? ^^;

Back to the TAF. Tis a case O Zeon mobile suits.

Case O Geass mechs.

More Geass mechas. Cant wait until this Sunday afternoon where Geass R2 finally comes back. Been missing the Geass Girls a lot.

Case O Geass goodies.

More Geass goodies.

And more.

The Keroro mecha "God Keron" - a review of this here.

SD Gundams. I know there are many Gundam modelers out there but any of you like the DS range too?

Gundam 00 card goodies.

A close up.

The ship with a name I cant spell unless I look it up.

HG Gundam goodies. Seems like the HG range are getting better in terms of articulation.

More HG goodies.

I must admit I'm behind on my Gunpla - this is a 1/100 and not an MG right?

Exia face kinda small.

GFF Exia.

Hmmm. I think I'm in need of a Bandai office tour.

Gundam trading figures.

Coolsome MS Igloo 2 poster. Has anybody been enjoying the igloo series?

By Danny Choo on 2008/04/03 23:33

Asobit City

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:42:00 +0900

Asobit City is a chain of hobby related stores owned by the Laox group.
There are three Asobit City stores in Akiba - one is Asobit Game, the Asobit Hobby is near Akihabara station and today we are going to spend some time in Asobit Chara City - the store that specializes in character goods.

I usually start off on the 2nd floor where all the Gundam stuff is.

Still have not picked Unicorn Gundam up and wont be until I finish my MG Wing Gundam which is only half finished ^^;

Did anybody get Lancelot? The quality seems a bit crappy.

Stack O Gundam goodies.

Mustn't forgot about the Seed girls.

Geass case for the DS.

HCM Pro stuff.

The Yoko scans...

Case O Gundams.

Wall O Gundams

Was just thinking that its been 4 years since the last PG (Strike Gundam) ...

On the 3rd floor of Asobit Chara you will find all the tokusatsu stuff - Kamen Rider, Ultraman, Sentai series etc.

Case O Ultraman.

Case O Kamen Rider.

Case O Dance Troopers.

The 4th floor is my fave - full O female figurines.

Theres a corner on the 4th floor full of Haruhi stuff - love Mikuru-chan on this jigsaw.

Nendoroid Haruhi.

Figumate Haruhi.

Haruhi dolls.

Looks like the rumor was true and that Tsuruya-san is the most unpopular out of the Haruhi bunch?

Potemayo - never watched. Recommended?

Tora Dora girls.

Shunya Yamashita Petra.

Figma case. Want that Haruhi but don't want the game.

Geass girls.

Dacapo girls.

ToHeart girls.

More ToHeart girlies.

Shining Wind Girlies and Belldandy in the Kotobukiya case.

More stacks of figures.

Case O Nendoroid.

More more stacks O figures.

On the 5th floor of Asobit Chara you will find all the doll related stuff. This Saber is so sweet. Oh and they have cosplay stuff too.

They also have quite a few eroge too.

Eroge mags - thicker than a MacBook Air.

Evening wear.

If you need something scary to put in front of your house to scare cats, pigeons and small children then you can find lots of stuff on the 5th floor.

For folks who want to dress up as a maid/kitten hybrid.

Papermoon dolls.

Would look great in the office.

Google has beanbags and wax lamps in their office - Mirai Inc will have dolls and figures ^^;

Oh what large eyes you have.

Fancy some pantsu?

Or how about a set of eyes?

Present for your little nephew?

You know, I bet some folks buy these to stick in their underwear.

Boots. You know I bet some people buy these to stick on their.....

....fingers.

Back on the first floor where you will find games related to character series and some other accessories.

Case O Moetans.

Case O good (right) and bad (that Q-Joy stuff on the left).

By Danny Choo on 2008/02/17 04:42

The Best Gundam

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:08:00 +0900

Stumbled onto these two videos on YouTube which contain the OPs for all the Gundam series minus Gundam 00.
Thought it would be interesting to talk about which series we loved or disliked and how we came to love Gundam.

My fave until now is Gundam 0083 Stardust Memory. This was the series that got me started on Gundam.
I lived in Japan for about 6 years without having any interest in Gundam at all. I then chanced upon the GP01 GFF in Tokyo Hands. Looked very cool indeed so picked it up. I then wanted to find out what anime it was from and started to watch 0083. Wow. They really don't make 20 min shows like they used too. The amount of hand drawn frames and fluid animation puts many anime series currently running to shame.

After watching 0083, I wanted to start making Gunpla. Have always wanted to as a kid but never thought I would have the skills to do so. The first kit I picked up was the Gundam MK2 Perfect Grade. It turned out decent so I got a proper air brush and started to build more. You can have a look at my Gunpla modeling tutorial if you are interested in getting started in modeling - its not for pro's but a good start - I believe many of you Gundam fans found this site through that tutorial.

Through time, I managed to watch all the Gundam series. Other faves were Gundam X, Gundam Wing and War in the Pocket (me cried at the end). The series that I didn't get into was Turn A. Has some nice animation and the characters looked decent but the Gundams didnt look or feel like a Gundam to me.

What was your fave/worst Gundam series and how did you encounter Gundam?
Which series would you recommend to folks who want to try out Gundam to get started on?

BTW, hope I didn't miss out any series or get the years wrong - was looking at Gundam Perfect Web.

By Danny Choo on 2007/12/13 23:08

Mobile Suits Ranking

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:41:00 +0900

32,263 people participated in a ranking of their most fave Mobile Suit from the first Gundam series...

First was RX-78-2 Gundam - the rest of the ranking below. Do you agree with this list?
My fave Mobile Suit of all time is probably Gundam Wing - the Endless Waltz version.

And for those who never seen the first Gundam - the OP is below.

Gundam ranking data via VSIST.
By Danny Choo on 2007/11/17 12:41

Japan Military

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:08:00 +0900

So what on earth does this all mean then?...

Remember the news last week about the Japanese Ministry of Defense developing a Gundam? Well this chap is wearing it!
I nearly choked on my cereal laughing when I read this at Gunota.

This is what the Japanese ministry of defense revealed as the weapon that the otaku community thought was going to be some form of mobile suit.
The "Gundam system" consists of a bullet proof vest, a helmet with built in GPS and physical status monitor telling you "you have been shot in the buttocks" or "you have been stabbed and are about to die" and sometimes "your little bro has been severed. you wa shock."
This project was called "Gundam" only because the developers named it that.

So now you know what type of cool weapons you'll be playing with if you join the Japanese defense forces. What are defense forces/army like in your region? I remember watching a load of "join the US army and pilot a stealth" type commercials when I was in the US for a while.

BTW, images of Destiny in the Galleries.
By Danny Choo on 2007/11/07 11:08

Gundam and Figures

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:27:00 +0900

Was having a conversation about the time that I lived in Seattle the other day. Recalled how tough it was to get Gundams and Figures in Seattle - it was a long five months.

What I ended up doing was ordering stuff on Amazon Japan and having the goods sent to my colleague in Japan who would then send it on to me costing another 50 USD or so for shipping.

There was one place in Seattle that I knew of that sold Gunpla at three times the original cost which seemed a bit too steep for me.

What I'm interested in knowing is where you get your stuff from - which online shops in particular? Are there good Gundam and figure stores in your region? Which shops should your fellow otaku avoid? Have you had any bad experiences buying figures? Do you shop around in different store on and off line?

For me it varies. Amazon is a good choice because you can reserve a figure and if you don't like the pre-release review pics at Moeyo then you can cancel the order.
Sometimes Amazon is slow with getting their inventory so I may go to Akiba to get it. If a figure is sold out everywhere, there are secret spots in Ikebukuro which usually have them. Just between you and me its Toranoana and Bic Camera ^^;

BTW, more pics of Kyon's sister coming soon ^^;
By Danny Choo on 2007/11/07 00:27

Gundam Defends Japan

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:46:00 +0900

After Japan lost the last war, they signed a treaty that stated that Japan was not allowed to form an army of humans. But there was nothing in the treaty mentioning that Japan wasn't allowed to form an army of Gundams...

The Japanese Ministry of Defense is holding a Defense Technology Symposium where part of the program covers "Towards the realization of Gundam" - the program is available in PDF format on the Department of Ground Systems Development page.
Below is a snap of the PDF file showing "Towards The Realization Of Gundam (Advanced Personal Equipment Systems)" which kinda stipulates some sort of walker suit but you never know...

News via Gunota via ItaiNews and GarbageNews.
By Danny Choo on 2007/10/30 23:46

Mc Acguy

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:32:00 +0900

Most definitely separated at birth.

Acguy is the only thing that pops in my head when I see this prawn fillet burger. But for some reason, Acguy is nowhere to be seen in the CMs for this burger below.

The girl in the CM is Yuri Ebihara.

By Danny Choo on 2007/10/25 10:32

913SH Zaku

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:07:00 +0900

Just after I finish complaining about how boring the phones over here, Sharp go and release this 3G mobile Zaku phone.

Not usually a fan of gimmicky phones but this is quite awesome.
Zaku's head opens up for you to recharge the 913SH that comes in the package. The screen of the phone then switches to Mono-eye mode and moves left n right randomly.
If you get bored watching the eye, just flick a switch to watch TV as it has digital one-seg TV built in.

Apart from the usual camera, internet browsers, 1GB of internal memory and wot not, the phone also comes with pre-recorded Char phrases.

The official site mentions that its going to be another 21 days before this goodie goes up for pre-order. No idea what the price will be but will vary depending on how long one has been a subscriber to the Softbank service.
I can only get one if I decide to change carriers...

Images and news from AkihabaraNews.

And if you don't know who Char is and whats a Zaku then the following clip of the Wii Gundam game may (or may not) enlighten you. Got this game but played it only once - need to make more time to check it out.

By Danny Choo on 2007/10/23 09:07

RX-0 Gundam

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:52:00 +0900

Some closer shots of the MG RX-0 Unicorn Gundam that you may not have seen yet.

All the photos above are actually a modification of the One Year War MG Gundam and you can see more pics at ZoidingZero.

All the pics below are of the real MG Gundam due out in December I believe - more pics at PAM.
I have a confession to make. While I love MG Destiny, I'm going to defect and buy MG Unicorn next instead - its just too cool for me. Besides, I already have the GFF version of Destiny. Still haven't touched MG Wing Gundam since we last spoke though ^^;

By Danny Choo on 2007/10/13 06:52

Gundam OO

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:25:00 +0900

Gundam 00 started to air last night on MBS taking the prime time 6PM slot. So how was it?

I wont go into detail about the plot because Random Curiosity has written up a ton on the first EP bit I will give you my 3 yen.

Well animated but not the best I've seen.
First EP was easy to follow. The most confusing EP1 I've ever seen was Wings of Rean.
No moe characters that make you go phwaor!
Loads of bishonen for the ladies and yaoi fans.
Mobile suits look better than my first impressions a while ago.
Crap ED. Not too keen on the OP song either.
The bad guys as with all Gundam series die easily.

Will definitely stay on my watch list for now. EP and OD below.

By Danny Choo on 2007/10/07 23:25

MG Destiny Gundam

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:01:00 +0900

More images of MG Destiny Gundam with the wings of light spotted at Figure.fm.
While some didnt like the way the wings turned out, I think the wings look OK. Having said that, I'm personally not a fan of clear plastic as with the Zegapain kits.

Now I just need to think of what colors to paint my Destiny once it arrives.
By Danny Choo on 2007/10/02 23:01

Gundam Zak

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 09:27:00 +0900

Exclusive straight from the Good Smile offices - a new line called MW Gundam.

Only teasing ^^; Got permission from Max Watanabe-san (MW) to take photos of his Gundam corner at the Good Smile offices when I was there for the Good Smile live broadcast.

Didn't really notice until David pointed it out - its a hybrid RX78ZAK!

Awesome. Notice how he modeled the shoulder shield and the chest vents in the RX78 style too. And check out the Zak style tubes on the side of the face.

That reminds me - my MG Wing Gundam is still as it is the last time we spoke ^^;
By Danny Choo on 2007/09/01 08:27

Gundam

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 23:57:00 +0900

Next up is the Gundam stuff from Chara Hobby.
This is a coolsome Musha Gundam mod at the Hobby Japan booth. Always feeling like playing Gundam Musou whenever I look at this.

1/60 scale Gundam 00 mobile suits.

HCM Pro.

First Grade.

More First Grade.

1/60.

Limited edition PG 1/60 RX78.

Cant remember which series these are from - F91?

MG Destiny.

Panty low angle shot of Destiny.

Turn A - looks OK actually.

Would you buy this?

I personally would feel insulted if I received this as a present.

This woud have looked better in the middle of the hall - instead it was kinda left to one side. Poor RX78.

Wooden Gundam.

Gundam Jigsaw. Any Jigsaw fans out there?

Zeon Clock.

More Zeon Clock at 7,350 yen. I want to see a Renpo clock too.

Strike mod.

More Strike mod.

Advance Of Zeta goodies follow.

Never seen this before but I'm guessing Turn-A.

Gundam Diorama.

This is made of paper.

Testament Gundam.

Mudrock - I want.

1/48 scale.

Gouf 1/60 scale.

Chara Hobby 2007 gallery - thumbnails will go here.
Chara Hobby 2007 - all posts will be pooled here.
Chara Hobby 2007 video clip - 14 min coverage.
Chara Hobby 2006 - last years coverage here.

This coverage is being brought to you with Akihabaranews.com.

By Danny Choo on 2007/08/21 22:57

CharaHobby 2007

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:17:00 +0900

Just under 14 mins of video coverage taken at Chara Hobby 2007 Yesterday. The first half of the video is Gundam stuff - the latter half being everything else.

Headed straight for the Gundam stuff as soon as I got in. After I was done with Gundam, I looked around to notice that the event was extremely watered down compared to last year. Maybe its hard times for the toy industry? Figure fans would have found it boring as there was nothing new from the Wonder Festival last week.

Highlights of this clip are a 1/48 scale Mudrock Gundam, detailed footage of Claire from Claymore and a closer look at MG Destiny Gundam.

I'm off to the final day of the Summer Comiket now with a list full of wants - some taken from Windbell's post. The image below was taken at the last season.

Chara Hobby 2007 gallery - thumbnails will go here.
Chara Hobby 2007 - all posts will be pooled here.
Chara Hobby 2007 video clip - 14 min coverage.
Chara Hobby 2006 - last years coverage here.

This coverage is being brought to you with Akihabaranews.com.
By Danny Choo on 2007/08/19 21:17

Gundam 00

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 09:14:00 +0900

Next up is the new spanking Gundam 00 trailer that was previously released at the Gundam Expo. I was worried that the new series didn't have any moe girls but I spotted at least one - she also had big eyes ^^;
As you can see from the video, the quality of the animation looks pretty good.

According to Tokyo Hunter, its looks like they just moved most of the display material at the Gundam Expo and shipped it over to Chara Hobby. You can see what the Gundam Expo was like by having a look at Tokyo Hunter, XenoHawk and GFF Maniax's reports.

Sorry about the wobbly cam - I need to get a stand for that thing. Related:

Chara Hobby 2007 gallery - thumbnails will go here.
Chara Hobby 2007 - all posts will be pooled here.
Chara Hobby 2007 video clip - 14 min coverage.
Chara Hobby 2006 - last years coverage here.

This coverage is being brought to you with Akihabaranews.com.
By Danny Choo on 2007/08/19 08:14