I guess it would be remiss of me not to take a little time to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. This day, fifty years ago, was when the first episode, "An Unearthly Child", broadcasted in the BBC. If I'm fortunate, I might even be here to see the 100th anniversary in 2063, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
It's surprising to learn how many pop culture ideas came from the 60s and all are celebrating their golden anniversary. James Bond did a few years ago. Fantastic Four will next year. Spider-Man and Ultraman will have theirs in 2016. This is just me skimming the surface, of course.
I suppose I'm a little jealous in that I have no idea or character that will outlive me. No one will look fondly back, fifty years from now, at something that I wrote. So, I just borrow a very old ideology, one of goodwill and self-sacrifice. Hopefully, that will see me through.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Ultraman Taro Warrior of Light (Hikari no Ultra Senshi) Review
With the new Ultraman television series, "Ultraman Ginga," there's no surprise that there is a flood of new merchandise. Besides Ultraman Ginga, I was surprised to find out that Ultraman Taro had a supporting role in the series (as a talking toy, don't ask) and was included in said landfill of new toys.
Ultraman Taro first had his own television series in 1973, but has made several appearances since then, namely 2006's "Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Borthers." He's been one of my favorite due to his unique design.
So, let's take a look at this 6" figure. There is a rubbery feel to Taro, not unlike the rubber suits that make up the Ultraman costumes. The legs feel solid and shouldn't warp over time. Due to the electronics in its chest, the toy does have a bit of a heft to it.
Now there's virtually no articulation. Okay, the arms move up and down, but they feel a little wobbly, like I could just pull them out of their sockets if I wanted to. But what it lacks in articulation, it makes up in a very solid sculpt.
Taro has a very strong stance. The sculpt captures a lot of the details from the actual suit, including the boots, gloves, and the wrinkles in certain areas. The head and chest look very "on-model." In other words, Taro is a great looking statue.
A great looking statue that lights up, of course. The whole concept behind the "Warrior of Light" series is that the Ultraman's eyes and color timer light up at a press of a button. I would have preferred that it be a switch so that I could leave Taro on, but it's minor at best. My only other complaint is that the color timer seems really bright, laser pointer bright.
Overall, it's a great, but immobile, version of Taro. I'm so happy that they even cut out the area in Taro's fin. A lot of companies are too lazy to do that.
Ultraman Taro first had his own television series in 1973, but has made several appearances since then, namely 2006's "Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Borthers." He's been one of my favorite due to his unique design.
So, let's take a look at this 6" figure. There is a rubbery feel to Taro, not unlike the rubber suits that make up the Ultraman costumes. The legs feel solid and shouldn't warp over time. Due to the electronics in its chest, the toy does have a bit of a heft to it.
Now there's virtually no articulation. Okay, the arms move up and down, but they feel a little wobbly, like I could just pull them out of their sockets if I wanted to. But what it lacks in articulation, it makes up in a very solid sculpt.
Taro has a very strong stance. The sculpt captures a lot of the details from the actual suit, including the boots, gloves, and the wrinkles in certain areas. The head and chest look very "on-model." In other words, Taro is a great looking statue.
A great looking statue that lights up, of course. The whole concept behind the "Warrior of Light" series is that the Ultraman's eyes and color timer light up at a press of a button. I would have preferred that it be a switch so that I could leave Taro on, but it's minor at best. My only other complaint is that the color timer seems really bright, laser pointer bright.
Overall, it's a great, but immobile, version of Taro. I'm so happy that they even cut out the area in Taro's fin. A lot of companies are too lazy to do that.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Playmates TMNT Stealth Tech Raph & Mikey Review
Okay, so my review for Leo turned into a kiss-up to Playmates. That's why I've decided to review two more of the Stealth Tech line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Raphael and Michelangelo. As stated before, both of the turtles have unique suit and headgear designs. Playmates even kept the individual scaling the same with Mikey shorter than the others.
For the Stealth Tech line, each Turtle has their signature weapon along with an unique spy-themed device or weapon. Raph, true to his nature, comes with a battering ram to fit his raging temper, while Mikey has a portable listening device, which can hook into his belt. (Either that or Mikey's just listening to his favorite tunes...)
Mikey's design is a little plain with his front armor resembles stereo speakers. On Raph's back is a portable generator-thingy, possibly for his night vision googles. His sai(s) rest in his back strap, which is a little snug against the generator-thingy. I wish they'd take the time to list the accessories and give them wacky names like in the original toy line. Then, at least, people would know what some items the figures came with actually were supposed to be. (I'm talking to you, Donny.)
The only accessory they all share is the zip line. Clipping it to the back of the character, they can fulfill your darkest Mission: Impossible desires, or just zip them across sofas and other handy furniture. The articulation is close to the original ones, but their front shells aren't softened, so the forward leg movement is limited.
Mikey's design is a little lacking, in my opinion, but they are all fun toys that both adults and kids will enjoy.
For the Stealth Tech line, each Turtle has their signature weapon along with an unique spy-themed device or weapon. Raph, true to his nature, comes with a battering ram to fit his raging temper, while Mikey has a portable listening device, which can hook into his belt. (Either that or Mikey's just listening to his favorite tunes...)
Mikey's design is a little plain with his front armor resembles stereo speakers. On Raph's back is a portable generator-thingy, possibly for his night vision googles. His sai(s) rest in his back strap, which is a little snug against the generator-thingy. I wish they'd take the time to list the accessories and give them wacky names like in the original toy line. Then, at least, people would know what some items the figures came with actually were supposed to be. (I'm talking to you, Donny.)The only accessory they all share is the zip line. Clipping it to the back of the character, they can fulfill your darkest Mission: Impossible desires, or just zip them across sofas and other handy furniture. The articulation is close to the original ones, but their front shells aren't softened, so the forward leg movement is limited.
Mikey's design is a little lacking, in my opinion, but they are all fun toys that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Playmates TMNT Stealth Tech Leonardo Review
A lot of the toy companies have been tightening their belts in the last year or so, cutting down on paint apps and articulation. Playmates, which has been cranking out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figures since 1988, has been impressing collectors with its latest line of Ninja Turtles toys based on the recent animated show.
Each of the original, "generic" Turtle figures had their own unique body design and an impressive number of joints. Unfortunately, the supporting characters suffer more from less articulation and plainer paint apps to make up for this, but it is nevertheless still quite a feat.
Now, there are two sub-lines of Turtles, basically Turtles with a gimmick. Ooze Launchers and Stealth Tech. The Ooze Launchers is pretty obvious, and the Stealth Tech series features the Turtles in spy gear. Even in these lines, Playmates goes the extra mile in making sure each Turtle has their own unique outfit and gear. That brings us, at long last, to our buddy, Leo.
Leo, like each Turtle in the line, is dressed in black with a harness cast in his specific color, which is blue, of course. He also has a specific visor which can come up. The face is based on the animated look and might be the only thing recycled from the previous line.
Leo comes with a new pair of katanas, their sheath, a crossbow with projectile, and a zip-line. All of the accessories are new, and Playmates can afford it, because they cut costs by casting it all in black along with most of Leo's body. Less people are going to complain, because it works aesthetically.
I picked Leo, because he's always my favorite Turtle, and his spy design was the best. My only complaint is that the sheath piece doesn't fit as tight in the back as I'd like, but it's adequate.
Basically, I like seeing Playmates using their brains to get around these hurdles instead of just dumping quality out the window.
Oh, and this is a really fun toy, too.
Each of the original, "generic" Turtle figures had their own unique body design and an impressive number of joints. Unfortunately, the supporting characters suffer more from less articulation and plainer paint apps to make up for this, but it is nevertheless still quite a feat.
Now, there are two sub-lines of Turtles, basically Turtles with a gimmick. Ooze Launchers and Stealth Tech. The Ooze Launchers is pretty obvious, and the Stealth Tech series features the Turtles in spy gear. Even in these lines, Playmates goes the extra mile in making sure each Turtle has their own unique outfit and gear. That brings us, at long last, to our buddy, Leo.
 |
| Oh, you're finally going to talk about me, eh? |
I picked Leo, because he's always my favorite Turtle, and his spy design was the best. My only complaint is that the sheath piece doesn't fit as tight in the back as I'd like, but it's adequate.
Basically, I like seeing Playmates using their brains to get around these hurdles instead of just dumping quality out the window.
Oh, and this is a really fun toy, too.
 |
| Sleath Tech Ninja? Isn't that redundant? |
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
12" Electronic Anakin to Darth Vader Review
I know that this figure isn't very popular among the collecting community so I'll try and make it brief. This is a fitting figure for the new Darth Vader - lava series making its way to stores, since it is clearly inspired from "Revenge of the Sith," which features Vader and a whole lot of lava.
First, let's get the bad part out of the way. Hasbro totally cheated when it came to the Anakin part of the figure. Anakin has Vader's arms, legs, and skirt. Even the lightsaber hilt sculpted in his right hand is Vader's. But let's face it, most fans would prefer a good figure of the titular villain than one of the whiny hero of the prequels.
First off, the color changing gimmick is pretty cool and works very nicely. The button is oddly located on the arm, and once the lightsaber "ignites", then you can press it again to hear additional voice and battle effects.
Once you place the chest and shoulder armor on, you are in for a treat. As the outer helmet goes down into place, the toy makes a hissing sound, and Vader breathing commences. It's a nice touch. The helmet itself looks great, not too big considering there's an Anakin head underneath with a full head of hair. From a couple angles, you can still see a little of the Anakin hair.
There's a little sculpting on the inside of the inner helmet that mirrors what we see in ROTS when the helmet goes down to Anakin's face. Some stickers or paint apps would have made this even more impressive.
Overall, it's a fun toy, but with limited articulation, it's not appealing to everyone.
 |
| Arise, Lord Vader |
First, let's get the bad part out of the way. Hasbro totally cheated when it came to the Anakin part of the figure. Anakin has Vader's arms, legs, and skirt. Even the lightsaber hilt sculpted in his right hand is Vader's. But let's face it, most fans would prefer a good figure of the titular villain than one of the whiny hero of the prequels.
 |
| The Bene Gesserit call him "the Abomination" |
First off, the color changing gimmick is pretty cool and works very nicely. The button is oddly located on the arm, and once the lightsaber "ignites", then you can press it again to hear additional voice and battle effects.
 |
| Luke, I am your..,um, naw forget it. |
Once you place the chest and shoulder armor on, you are in for a treat. As the outer helmet goes down into place, the toy makes a hissing sound, and Vader breathing commences. It's a nice touch. The helmet itself looks great, not too big considering there's an Anakin head underneath with a full head of hair. From a couple angles, you can still see a little of the Anakin hair.
There's a little sculpting on the inside of the inner helmet that mirrors what we see in ROTS when the helmet goes down to Anakin's face. Some stickers or paint apps would have made this even more impressive.
Overall, it's a fun toy, but with limited articulation, it's not appealing to everyone.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Ultra Q Coming to USA
Awhile back, I talked briefly about Shout Factory's release of Ultra Seven, and how I embraced it with open arms despite what few reservations I had about the set. I had jokingly said that if they continued, we might see a Region 1 release of other series like "Return of Ultraman," "Ultraman Taro," and "Ultraman Leo" by 2016.
I have just learned that Shout Factory is releasing "Ultra Q" in August, prompting me to think that more Ultraman releases may be more likely than I had previously hoped for. "Ultra Q" is the series made before "Ultraman" and without its success, there would be no Ultraman series. Think "X-Files" meets "Godzilla".
Fingers crossed, people. Fingers crossed.
I have just learned that Shout Factory is releasing "Ultra Q" in August, prompting me to think that more Ultraman releases may be more likely than I had previously hoped for. "Ultra Q" is the series made before "Ultraman" and without its success, there would be no Ultraman series. Think "X-Files" meets "Godzilla".
Fingers crossed, people. Fingers crossed.
Thursday, July 04, 2013
Review: The Lone Ranger
Disney's version of "The Lone Ranger" has had a long journey on its way to the big screen. Before the film was even finished, there was a lot of debate over Johnny Depp's odd choice of design for Tonto and that bird on his head. Thankfully, the film incorporated the bird within its stable of running gags that help give the film its own personality.
Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer make a good team, with Depp's deadpan playing off Hammer's almost manic energy. Hammer, a relative newcomer, stands his ground against Depp and plays up John Reid's young naivete. The two aren't too happy being partners from the start, but gradually become their own version of the dynamic duo of the Wild West. While remaining true to the Lone Ranger's origins, Tonto is given his own tragic origin, where he wears his own mask of makeup and that infamous stuffed bird hat.
The movie begins with an aged Tonto retelling the story to a young boy in the 1930s. While interesting, nothing much becomes of this. The boy does not turn out to be Danny Reid's son, or, in my desperate hopes, a nod to the Green Hornet. (The Green Hornet's Britt Reid is related to The Lone Ranger's John Reid. They were both created by the same person, Fran Striker.) With even this simple framing device, the film strives for its own quirky style.
Unfortunately, that quirky humor is what bogs down the middle section of the film. Some trimming in general wouldn't have hurt this 149 minute film aimed at children. While there are some missteps, for the most part, the humor works, and there are some genuinely enjoyable parts to the film. The film picks up again where we meet Tonto's tribe and learn what's wrong with him to begin with. After the true villains of the piece are revealed, John Reid learns that his precious Law has been corrupted, and he puts back on the mask, this time as, finally, the Masked Rider for Justice.
This leads us to the epic climax, one of the most satisfying of recent years, involving two trains. This mirrors the beginning of the movie, where Reid and Tonto barely survive their first encounter on a train. Only now, with the Finale to the William Tell Overture in full force, the Lone Ranger and Tonto work as a team to bring the two men who ruined their lives to justice. The whole sequence has a dizzying synergy where all of the characters' idiosyncrasies meld into a solid thrill ride.
Speaking of the William Tell Overture, I was very surprise to hear it in the movie, because the composer Hans Zimmer is well known who deriding previous themes written or used in a franchise, even if said themes were written by the likes of John Williams or Danny Elfman. Supposedly, the only reason it made into the film was because the director focused him to use it, and Zimmer had his assistant Geoff Zanelli write the heart-pumping ten minute finale that includes the Overture.
Some critics say that the film apes the beautifully scenery of John Ford's films or the train shenanigans of Buster Keaton's "The General," but I feel the movie acquits itself by being loyal to its own personality. While we live in a time when something like "The Lone Ranger" can only be made as a comedy, it is still entertaining to watch.
Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer make a good team, with Depp's deadpan playing off Hammer's almost manic energy. Hammer, a relative newcomer, stands his ground against Depp and plays up John Reid's young naivete. The two aren't too happy being partners from the start, but gradually become their own version of the dynamic duo of the Wild West. While remaining true to the Lone Ranger's origins, Tonto is given his own tragic origin, where he wears his own mask of makeup and that infamous stuffed bird hat.
The movie begins with an aged Tonto retelling the story to a young boy in the 1930s. While interesting, nothing much becomes of this. The boy does not turn out to be Danny Reid's son, or, in my desperate hopes, a nod to the Green Hornet. (The Green Hornet's Britt Reid is related to The Lone Ranger's John Reid. They were both created by the same person, Fran Striker.) With even this simple framing device, the film strives for its own quirky style.
Unfortunately, that quirky humor is what bogs down the middle section of the film. Some trimming in general wouldn't have hurt this 149 minute film aimed at children. While there are some missteps, for the most part, the humor works, and there are some genuinely enjoyable parts to the film. The film picks up again where we meet Tonto's tribe and learn what's wrong with him to begin with. After the true villains of the piece are revealed, John Reid learns that his precious Law has been corrupted, and he puts back on the mask, this time as, finally, the Masked Rider for Justice.
This leads us to the epic climax, one of the most satisfying of recent years, involving two trains. This mirrors the beginning of the movie, where Reid and Tonto barely survive their first encounter on a train. Only now, with the Finale to the William Tell Overture in full force, the Lone Ranger and Tonto work as a team to bring the two men who ruined their lives to justice. The whole sequence has a dizzying synergy where all of the characters' idiosyncrasies meld into a solid thrill ride.
Speaking of the William Tell Overture, I was very surprise to hear it in the movie, because the composer Hans Zimmer is well known who deriding previous themes written or used in a franchise, even if said themes were written by the likes of John Williams or Danny Elfman. Supposedly, the only reason it made into the film was because the director focused him to use it, and Zimmer had his assistant Geoff Zanelli write the heart-pumping ten minute finale that includes the Overture.
Some critics say that the film apes the beautifully scenery of John Ford's films or the train shenanigans of Buster Keaton's "The General," but I feel the movie acquits itself by being loyal to its own personality. While we live in a time when something like "The Lone Ranger" can only be made as a comedy, it is still entertaining to watch.
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Goodbye, Number 11
Figures, the day I'm out of town, and there's a big announcement.
Matt Smith, Doctor Number Eleven, will be leaving "Doctor Who" following the Christmas Special later this year.
It's a real shame, because things have really seemed to pick up for the new series. I liked the Doctor's new outfit, new companion, new TARDIS interior, and even the new opening with the first floating Doctor-head-thingy since 1989.
Matt Smith was the star of the Series 7.2. He brought all of the scripts, good and bad, to life. He was especially delightful when he talked to himself in "Nightmare in Silver." He and new co-star Jenna Louise Coleman have great chemistry, and it's sad that they won't be able to build on it.
I don't know if it's the scripts or the new companion, but Matt's Doctor came off really effortlessly, and there was little to no usage of the catchphrases forced upon him in his first stories. I will miss the bow ties, of course, and the new Doctor will probably stay far from it to distinguish himself from Matt.
That leaves only the 50th Anniversary Special in November and the Christmas Special in December. I assume that both are written by Moffat whose two scripts in Series 7.2 were not the best for Matt.
Sigh, now on with the endless speculation on who will be Doctor # 12. (Please don't be some twenty-something skinny, white kid. Oops, sorry, Matt.)
Matt Smith, Doctor Number Eleven, will be leaving "Doctor Who" following the Christmas Special later this year.
It's a real shame, because things have really seemed to pick up for the new series. I liked the Doctor's new outfit, new companion, new TARDIS interior, and even the new opening with the first floating Doctor-head-thingy since 1989.
Matt Smith was the star of the Series 7.2. He brought all of the scripts, good and bad, to life. He was especially delightful when he talked to himself in "Nightmare in Silver." He and new co-star Jenna Louise Coleman have great chemistry, and it's sad that they won't be able to build on it.
I don't know if it's the scripts or the new companion, but Matt's Doctor came off really effortlessly, and there was little to no usage of the catchphrases forced upon him in his first stories. I will miss the bow ties, of course, and the new Doctor will probably stay far from it to distinguish himself from Matt.
That leaves only the 50th Anniversary Special in November and the Christmas Special in December. I assume that both are written by Moffat whose two scripts in Series 7.2 were not the best for Matt.
Sigh, now on with the endless speculation on who will be Doctor # 12. (Please don't be some twenty-something skinny, white kid. Oops, sorry, Matt.)
Thursday, May 02, 2013
For Those of You Just Joining Us
Welcome, one and all. It's hard to believe that this is the 400th post on my blog. I've been writing off and one for almost ten years now. There's a plethora of musings, reviews, and even a dash of photography thrown in.
The one thing I'm most proud of is my fiction. A mix of old fashion pulp fiction and cutting edge science fiction, there's a little bit for everyone. These are the stories I have written so far.
Rick Daring and The Brilliant 5: Part Doc Savage and part Buckaroo Banzai, this story was a straight homage to the pulps and serial chapter plays of the 1930s. Rick Daring and his associates face off against the masked Spectre who plans his revenge against a group of scientists who wronged him.
The Forbidden Temple of Khyber Gorah: A loose sequel to the first story, the mysterious woman known as Sara must rescue her friend Zoey from the clutches of Doctor Zeitgeist and discover the strange treasure lurking in the Temple of Khyber Gorah.
Only Human: Picking off after the previous story, Zoey Walker returns home to see family, but finds out about a rash of disappearance. She follows the trail until it leads to her final confrontation with Doctor Zeitgeist.
I'm currently working on a new story so check back soon.
The one thing I'm most proud of is my fiction. A mix of old fashion pulp fiction and cutting edge science fiction, there's a little bit for everyone. These are the stories I have written so far.
Rick Daring and The Brilliant 5: Part Doc Savage and part Buckaroo Banzai, this story was a straight homage to the pulps and serial chapter plays of the 1930s. Rick Daring and his associates face off against the masked Spectre who plans his revenge against a group of scientists who wronged him.
The Forbidden Temple of Khyber Gorah: A loose sequel to the first story, the mysterious woman known as Sara must rescue her friend Zoey from the clutches of Doctor Zeitgeist and discover the strange treasure lurking in the Temple of Khyber Gorah.
Only Human: Picking off after the previous story, Zoey Walker returns home to see family, but finds out about a rash of disappearance. She follows the trail until it leads to her final confrontation with Doctor Zeitgeist.
I'm currently working on a new story so check back soon.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Review: Moonrise Kingdom
For many, director Wes Anderson is an acquired taste. He is a very polarizing force in the movie industry. Let's face it, either you like his movies or you don't. And the first fifteen minutes of "Moonrise Kingdom" is thick with every nuance that you love or hate.
But after that, when our two young protagonists meet in the meadow, Anderson dials it down and lets the story breathe a little. There's nothing too new of Wes Anderson and the subject matter of dysfunctional families, but young Sam and Suzy are lot easier to relate to than some of the eccentrics populating Anderson's earlier films.
The cast include Anderson regular Bill Murray along with Bruce Willis and Edward Norton with cameos from Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman. But all of the praise should rightly be placed on newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward for being perfect in their roles.
While the movie may be one of the director's more understated movies, style wise, it is still filled with his famous detail-oriented, retro-pastiche that makes his movies so distinct. From the maps of the fictitious island to the excerpts from library books that don't exist, it is easy to say that Anderson has not lost his touch.
"Moonrise Kingdom" is one of Wes Anderson's easily accessible movies, and with its time-tested story of runaway lovers, there's no question why it's garnered such good reviews.
But after that, when our two young protagonists meet in the meadow, Anderson dials it down and lets the story breathe a little. There's nothing too new of Wes Anderson and the subject matter of dysfunctional families, but young Sam and Suzy are lot easier to relate to than some of the eccentrics populating Anderson's earlier films.
The cast include Anderson regular Bill Murray along with Bruce Willis and Edward Norton with cameos from Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman. But all of the praise should rightly be placed on newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward for being perfect in their roles.
While the movie may be one of the director's more understated movies, style wise, it is still filled with his famous detail-oriented, retro-pastiche that makes his movies so distinct. From the maps of the fictitious island to the excerpts from library books that don't exist, it is easy to say that Anderson has not lost his touch.
"Moonrise Kingdom" is one of Wes Anderson's easily accessible movies, and with its time-tested story of runaway lovers, there's no question why it's garnered such good reviews.
Monday, March 04, 2013
Big Chief 1/6 Scale 11th Doctor With Long Coat
In less than a month (Easter, in fact), the new episodes of Doctor Who will start, and the 11th Doctor will be sporting a new outfit featuring a dark purple long coat and grey waistcoat. I like the new look and was able to get some custom clothing made to fit my Big Chief figure.
Check out these pictures below:
Check out these pictures below:
Friday, March 01, 2013
2013 Star Wars 12" AOTC Clone Trooper Review
 |
| Feeling Lucky, Punk? |
Hasbro, though, went with new sculpts but no cloth items and little articulation. They seem confident that the trend will bring in big bucks for them as similar 12" figures were present for the new Spider-Man and Iron Man toy lines.
I found this figure at my local Target store. They had both the AOTC Clone Trooper and ROTS Anakin Skywalker. I wouldn't normally pass on a ROTS Anakin, but the sculpt was very weak, and the figures I saw were literally cross-eyed. So that left me with the Clone Trooper...
I was overall impressed with the sculpt of the figure. There are actually a fair amount of details in the armor of the figure. Compared with the Anakin figure, the Clone Trooper has much better proportions. My main complaint is that the main chest piece is a little bulky, making the arms and legs connections a little awkward looking. When compared to the original 12" Stormtrooper, the Clone Trooper is a little shorter, but is closer in stature to the 12" Stormtrooper from 2004.
Being economical, Hasbro only used black paint to bring out some detailing on the helmet and the trooper's body suit. For whatever the reason, they stopped at the hips and left the back of trooper's knees white. It seems that the figure is lucky to get that much as it looks like Hasbro is applying little if any paint apps to the backs of the figures of their economical 12" line.
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| Bare Knees. |
Another surprise was that the Clone Trooper had a little more than the "Big 5" in the articulation department. Yes, the head, shoulders, and hips move, but also the wrists as well. I should also mention that his blaster is molded into his right hand. I have mixed feelings about this, but otherwise, it does not distract from the figure.
 |
| A little help, guys? |
1. Those interested in a vintage-styled figure of prequel characters as this is very reminiscence of the bygone era of when a toy was just a toy.
2. Customizers who enjoy applying their own paint jobs. Since this is a very bare Clone Trooper, collectors can feel free to paint their own color design, add dirt or scoring to the armor, or just finish the job Hasbro started.
For $9.99, I have no really issue with the figure, considering that people pay $15-$20 for a figure half its size. It's a shame that nothing really makes it stand out as well.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
John Williams Oboe Concerto - Prelude
John Williams's Oboe Concerto was made available commercially on Williams's 81st birthday. It was written specially for Boston Pops oboist Keisuke Wakao and performed with the accompaniment of the Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by John Williams himself. The entire concerto is about 19 minutes long, but my comments will focus on the "Prelude" movement.
The movement starts with a jaunty theme from the strings before the oboe joins in. The oboe gives off a lighthearted vibe, akin to traipsing deer, flighty birds, or wispy grass. As it proceeds, the accompanying strings take on darker overtones, and the oboe becomes more cautious sounding. The strings try to recapture the gentleness from the beginning before becoming even more ominous.
The strings give way to the oboe, which flits and darts musically while the strings slow builds again in the background. This time, the strings climax on a smoother, more melodic theme bringing back the calmer tone from the start of the movement. This calmer tone remains for the rest of the piece, ending on the oboe by itself.
I enjoyed listening to this movement. It gave me both the feeling of optimism as well as a weariness or doubt as the middle of the movement has a more dissonant vibe. With the oboe, I can't shake an image of nature, of some lone creature or plant in the middle of a large forest fending for itself. The music itself is somewhat ambiguous so other interpretations could be read into it.
The movement starts with a jaunty theme from the strings before the oboe joins in. The oboe gives off a lighthearted vibe, akin to traipsing deer, flighty birds, or wispy grass. As it proceeds, the accompanying strings take on darker overtones, and the oboe becomes more cautious sounding. The strings try to recapture the gentleness from the beginning before becoming even more ominous.
The strings give way to the oboe, which flits and darts musically while the strings slow builds again in the background. This time, the strings climax on a smoother, more melodic theme bringing back the calmer tone from the start of the movement. This calmer tone remains for the rest of the piece, ending on the oboe by itself.
I enjoyed listening to this movement. It gave me both the feeling of optimism as well as a weariness or doubt as the middle of the movement has a more dissonant vibe. With the oboe, I can't shake an image of nature, of some lone creature or plant in the middle of a large forest fending for itself. The music itself is somewhat ambiguous so other interpretations could be read into it.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
All My Heroes Wear Stetsons
I had the extreme pleasure of watching "Overland Mail Robbery" recently with my father. Besides having an extraordinary cast that includes "Wild" Bill Elliott, "Gabby" Hayes, Kirk Alyn, and Roy Barcroft, it has the very competent direction of John English.
There was one scene that really caught my attention. Kirk Alyn (the future Superman) plays a greenhorn city slicker who, with the help of Texas Ranger Bill Elliott, must help a struggling stagecoach company he inherited from the constant attack of outlaws.
We meet Kirk Alyn's character as his stagecoach is held up, and Roy Barcroft proceeds to steal his money needed to keep the stagecoach company afloat. The stagecoach driver goes for his rifle and is promptly shot dead. At the sight of this, Kirk faints, and his prone body is saved by the timely appearance of "Wild" Bill Elliott.
After chasing off the bad guys, Elliott helps Kirk up. Kirk admits that he isn't much in a fight and that he's a coward through and through. To which Elliot replies, "It takes a lot of courage for a man to admit that he's a coward."
Despite everything, Elliott still finds something positive to say even after the self-confessed coward can't. While not many men are depicted as fainters nowadays, think on what someone would say about a fella like that today. Now, try and find an example where someone goes out of their way to make a positive remark like Elliott's in today's media. (Go on, I'll wait...)
Not so easy, huh? I know that B-westerns aren't grounded in reality, but they provided great role models, correction, great MALE role models for boys to want to emulate. Kids today may laugh when they see Hopalong Cassidy tell children of yesterday to brush their teeth and listen to their parents, but what if Harry Potter did the same at the end of one of his books?
Well, in any case, it's a different era now, one without much compassion or responsibility. I shouldn't blame the kids, they're just growing up in all this. So who's fault is it, then?
There was one scene that really caught my attention. Kirk Alyn (the future Superman) plays a greenhorn city slicker who, with the help of Texas Ranger Bill Elliott, must help a struggling stagecoach company he inherited from the constant attack of outlaws.
We meet Kirk Alyn's character as his stagecoach is held up, and Roy Barcroft proceeds to steal his money needed to keep the stagecoach company afloat. The stagecoach driver goes for his rifle and is promptly shot dead. At the sight of this, Kirk faints, and his prone body is saved by the timely appearance of "Wild" Bill Elliott.
After chasing off the bad guys, Elliott helps Kirk up. Kirk admits that he isn't much in a fight and that he's a coward through and through. To which Elliot replies, "It takes a lot of courage for a man to admit that he's a coward."
Despite everything, Elliott still finds something positive to say even after the self-confessed coward can't. While not many men are depicted as fainters nowadays, think on what someone would say about a fella like that today. Now, try and find an example where someone goes out of their way to make a positive remark like Elliott's in today's media. (Go on, I'll wait...)
Not so easy, huh? I know that B-westerns aren't grounded in reality, but they provided great role models, correction, great MALE role models for boys to want to emulate. Kids today may laugh when they see Hopalong Cassidy tell children of yesterday to brush their teeth and listen to their parents, but what if Harry Potter did the same at the end of one of his books?
Well, in any case, it's a different era now, one without much compassion or responsibility. I shouldn't blame the kids, they're just growing up in all this. So who's fault is it, then?
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Supergirl by Rick Leonardi
I was listening to the "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" podcast and while doing so, I was playing around on Photoshop and colored this sketch by Rick Leonardi. I'm not a huge fan of the 200X version of Supergirl's outfit, but I am a big fan of Rick Leonardi's art.
While coloring her costume, I was trying for some subtle hints at the character's femininity. While her cape is a rich red color, the inside of the cape is a lighter, almost pinkish color. The blue in her outfit is a almost turquoise color. (I feel that Superman-related characters should have bright colors, not dark colors. Hollywood seems to disagree with me.) I also gave her a little pink on her lips and fingernails.
I also played a little with lighting on her shoulders and arms, but I'm not entirely sure if it works or not. Overall, though, I'm pretty happy with how it looks. Hopefully, Leonardi doesn't mind too much.
Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!
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