Ultraman Nexus Junis Mode Spark Doll

Not long ago, I talked about the original Ultraman Nexus Anphans Mode Spark Doll.

Not as long ago, Bandai released a Junis Mode to go with the Anphans Mode.



The Nexus design is pretty elaborate making painting a test of anyone's patience. But I didn't have much of a choice given how much was missing on the Spark Doll. Like the Anphans Mode, there is a great looking metallic red used on the v-shaped color timer thingy.

The Anphans figure is the same one pictured in my previous entry, but now I've added a lot of missing paint.  It didn't turn out as well as the Junis one.

The figure looks fantastic now. I wish Bandai had at least completed most of the paint apps on the front of the figure. They did a really good job on the Ultraman Cosmos (Eclipse Mode) that came out at the same time.  Everything on the front of the Cosmos figure was painted correctly. It was only the back that was left unpainted.

But what do you want with a 500 yen figure?

Ultraman Ginga Victory

So, Ultraman Ginga and Ultraman Victory combine to form Ultraman Ginga Victory.  Not the most original of names, but the design is definitely unique. Pictured are the spark doll and Ultra Change versions of the character.  The spark doll looks more accurate, but the Ultra Change has more articulation.

What's funny is that my two favorite elements of Ultraman Ginga Victory weren't painted on either of the figures: the silver lining on his collar and red lightning designs on the feet. The silver I used isn't as bright as that used by Bandai, but I'm happy with the results.

Painting the crystals on the spark doll's face was not fun. You can see what the spark doll originally looked like here.

Ultraman Victory

Ultraman Victory is certainly one of the more unique designs for an Ultraman in recent years.  With the unusual color scheme and overall V design, it took awhile for me to warm up to. I did eventually get two figures of Victory: the spark doll and the Ultra Change figure. (The Ultra Change figure was bought on my trip to Japan.) There are at least 3 different figures made of Victory and all of them are missing paint apps of some kind.

Now, both of these figures needed quite of bit of touch ups in the paint department, especially the spark doll. You can see the original figure here. I was actually impressed with the Ultra Change version but went ahead and painted the back and other missing paint apps.

The spark doll was one of my first major painting projects after the Luna Mode Ultraman Cosmos figure. It could have been better, with the experience I have now, but it turned out pretty good. Also, painted light colors over black is not fun.

Ultra Monster 500 Series Birdon

In honor of Birdon's appearance in the second episode of the new Ultraman X series, here is my custom paint work on the recent Birdon Spark Doll. The sculpt was really nice, but I really wish Bandai had put more effort into using more paint apps.

The gold paint is a little garish, but the alternative is a sickly yellow-greenish color for Birdon's fur. At least all of the chest torso is complete now, and the beak is completely black now.

12" Electronic Ultraman Nexus

Long ago, I bought this 12" version of Ultraman Nexus. It's not very articulated, but it made some neat sounds and it's HUGE.  Well, compared to most of the Ultraman figures I had at the time.

I was very disappointed to find out that they didn't paint the lightning-like designs black (near the shoulder pads).  So, recently, I remedied this.

Only to discover that they didn't paint his cuffs black either.  So, finally, here is the end results.

Ultra Hero 500 Series Ultraman Cosmos Luna Version

To see how the original Ultraman Cosmos spark doll, click here.

This was the first figure I ever painted.  What I lacked in experience, I made up for with way too much paint. There are three missing paint apps: the silver on the underside of each arm, the silver triangular design on his back, and the gold on his ears.

The blue vinyl used to make this figure is darker than the previous 6" version. Also, if you're going off the suit used in the upcoming Ultraman Ginga S movie, Cosmos is more gray than silver.

Where I've Been - Ultraman Victory Spark Doll

The first post of 2015.  In February? Not to worry. I have a legitimate reason.

Or not.

In January, I started painting, not walls or anything, but figures.  My sister's the master at this, and she's been showing me the ropes. Between that, full-time work, and all that snow, I've not much time for this.

Below are some pictures of Ultraman Victory spark doll and the paint work I've started on him. Keep in mind that its back is was almost completely black when i started. I'm hoping to post some photos of work I've done so far, including the finished Victory figure. (I don't know why they'd design a new Ultraman with so many colors when it's clear that they don't have the budget to spend on painting their figures accurately.)

Thanks for reading!

P.S. - I had to search the Internet for references of the back color scheme, and the red paint I choose didn't match the color used on the figure 100%, but I'm happy with the end result. (You'll see it soon I hope.)

Ultra Hero 500 Series Ultraman Nexus Anphans Mode Review

I was very happy to see Ultraman return to television, albeit briefly, in the form of Ultraman Ginga.  A follow-up series is already on the way, along with yet another new Ultraman. Ginga introduced the toyetic gimmick of Spark Dolls, basically all the Ultramen and Ultra Monsters have been turned into action figures that you can collect. The Ultra Hero and Ultra Kaiju series are Spark Dolls that you can buy.

Before we begin, there are a few things you need to know about the Ultra Hero 500 series:

1. It's made in a 5" scale, smaller than the previous 6" scale that Bandai's been using since, well, ever.

2. This is an economical series, possibly one of the reasons for the scale down, and painting apps are sparse. In Japan, you can buy one of these for the equivalent of $5.00, half of what the 6" figures would cost.  In USA, they are sold up to $12.99, but I won't recommend spending that much unless you're really desperate.

3.  There have been a lot of different Ultramen and Ultra Kaijus released, and despite the scale difference, it's a cheap and easy way to fill in the gaps in your collection.

That being said, we are looking at the new Ultra Hero series version of Ultraman Nexus (Anphanis Mode). Looking at the sculpt, there are a lot of details here.  It's possible that it is actually the older, larger model from 2003, but scaled down. Unfortunately, there is a lot of paint missing to bring out those details. To go over all the missing paint would take much too long, so the pictures are all comparison shots to the older vinyl figure.



The one thing I like about this figure over the old one is that Bandai used a wonderful metallic red paint for Nexus's v-shaped color timer. It looks so beautiful, and my picture did not do it justice.

You can move the arms and the waist, just enough articulation to keep the five-year-old who's playing with it happy. There's isn't much else to talk about.

So, in review, if you're looking for a smaller inexpensive version of Nexus, here it is. If you're wanting a larger, better painted figure, search eBay for the 6" version. If you want one with articulation, contact your local Bandai representative and tell them that their Ultra-Act series needs to get their, er, act together.

S.H. MonsterArts Heisei Mothra Review and Gallery

Even though I'm a big fan of Bandai's S.H. Figuarts and Ultra-Act sub-line, I haven't gotten too excited about their MonsterArts line that focuses on kaiju mainly from the Godzilla movies.  Part of it is the price tag on these suckers, and the other is that currently most of the figures are from the Heisei era of Godzilla films, including this one.

Mothra ("Mosura") was introduced to Japanese audiences in 1961 in the eponymous Toho movie.  When King Kong Vs Godzilla became a huge success, Toho decided to face Godzilla off against one of their own creations, spawning 1964's Mothra Vs Godzilla, a personal favorite of mine. Since then, Mothra has been in many of Godzilla's films, including a brief nod in the newest American one.

This figure is based off the design from 1992's Godzilla Vs Mothra, apparently my sister's favorite Mothra movie. The detailing on this figure is nothing short of breathtaking.  Bandai did a very good job with capturing the color and look of Mothra's body and wings.



The main thing I tried to capture in my photos was the immense size of the figure, even comparing it to the 2011 Revoltech Mothra, which was based on the original 1961 design.  I suppose I was expecting the figure to be closer in size to the Revoltech figure, but its wingspan matches the length of the box it comes in. In other words, it's huge!


On the plus side, there is a lot of articulation.  Mothra's head has a lot of movement. The wings have hinges for you to move them up and down.  Almost everything on Mothra's face is poseable to a certain extent, including the antenna and mandibles.  The legs have multiple joints, and you can even curl Mothra's abdomen, i.e. its butt.  Unfortunately, all of it feels very fragile, and you should handle the figure with utmost care.  The figure does come with a stand.



I had seen pictures of the figure online, but it was only when I broke down and got it, did I realize how great this figure is. Part of me wished I held out in case they make one based on an older design, but it's probably the best representation of Heisei Mothra you'll find available.

Hey! Where's Mothra? I'm supposed to get my picture with her!

To further give you an idea of scale, here are some pictures of the queens of Japanese tokusatsu: Mothra and Mother of Ultra!

Sayonara, Mosura-chan!

The Big Five-OH

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.

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.

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.

Ultraman in the USA

Ultra Seven to be exact. I'm not sure how this got past my radar, but Shout Factory! released a Region 1 DVD set for the phenomenal Ultra Series, Ultra Seven.

Now, years ago, when BCI released the Region 1 set for the original Ultraman (1966) series, I had hopes that they would continue with Ultra Seven, but nothing came of it.  Despite the complaints that the masters probably came from Chaiyo and not Tsurabaya, I'm just happy to be able to see the entire series.

Except for that episode, which was also directed by Akio Jissoji. And I have a slight issue with the subtitles. (The timing's off sometimes. I question the accuracy a little, and already saw one or two typos.)

Overall, even if you're just a Kaiju junkie, this is a must see.  Hopefully, Shout Factory! will not drop the ball, and we will have a Region 1 "Return of Ultraman" release before 2020.  I don't even dare dream for a Taro or Leo set. Not yet, anyway.

Ultra Galaxy Screenshot

As requested, here is a still from the "Ultra Galaxy" movie. From left to right, there's Ultraman Zoffy, Ultra Father, Ultra Mother, and their son, Ultraman Taro. Note that Zoffy and Taro are also wearing capes, though the design is different from Ultra Father's and Ultra Mother's. Ultra Father's cape has a large back collar and studs going around his shoulders (presumedly indicating rank). These were faithfully represented in the Ultra Father cape that I purchased from eToys Japan.

Accessorize! Ultra Mother

Over the past month, I had the fortune to see the latest Ultraman movie "Ultra Galaxy Legend The Movie." (It was on DVD, but living in America, seeing any Ultraman-related movies is a miracle onto itself.) In it, I saw Ultra Mother (she's mother to Ultraman Taro, hence the name) wearing a cape similar to her significant other, Ultra Father. (In fact, most of the Ultramen wear capes in this film, except for Ultraman Leo who doesn't need a cape to look or be cool.)

Anyways, I'm a fan of Ultra Mother and started searching for a cape to fit one of her plastic counterparts. I came across eToys Japan who were offering a customized cape with a purchase of Medicom's 1/6th scaled Ultra Father. I corresponded with them via email, and they were willing to sell me the cape by itself, though they warned me that the cape was not made for Medicom's Ultra Mother in mind.

A few weeks later, I received the cape and tried it on the Ultra Mother figure. It is very well made. The cape is a little big on her, and if it was a little longer, it would drag on the ground. I flattened the back collar to make it look more similar to the one in the film. Overall, it doesn't look too bad on her, and I'm glad I took the risk and bought it.

Thanks to the generous guys at eToys Japan for all the help!

Ultraman Great

This is the guy who started it all for me...

Ultraman Cosmos Vol. 2 OST

Yep, another review over at Godzilla Monster Music. This one is the second volume from the Ultraman Cosmos series. Music by Toru Fuyuki. Click on the picture... blab blab.

Tsuburaya Productions BGM Collection

I recently wrote a new review over at Godzilla Monster Music. The CD is a collection of unreleased music composed by Toru Fuyuki. Click on the image to read the review.

Ultraseven '99 Review

A new review is up at Godzilla Monster Music. Another great album by Tohru Fuyuki. If only it was different from Ultraseven '67... Thanks, Larry for posting it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is home with their family today and not wasting their time reading this blog or anyone else's. There's so much to be grateful for; I hope you take time to reflect on the good things in your life.

In other news, the second volume of Ultraman DVDs is out. Been out for awhile now, so I apologize that I haven't been pressuring people to buy it yet. I hope that BCI will release other Ultra Series in 2007. If you feel the same, write or email BCI and let them know.