Monday, May 14, 2007

Pirates of the Caribbean Cosbaby Set

With the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie bowing soon, Hot Toys has announced a set of five toy figures which measure 7cm or 2.75" tall. The primary cast is featured as follows: Will Turner, Sao Feng, Jack Sparrow (With Jacket), Jack Sparrow (Without Jacket), and Davy Jones. Pricing in Japan is set at JPY3750 or US$39 from NCS. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2007.

Jack Sparrow Cosbaby Figure

With the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie bowing soon, Hot Toys has announced a "Jack Sparrow Giant Cosbaby" figure which measures 31cm or 12.20" tall and features posable limbs and a moveable noggin. Pricing in Japan is set at JPY8000 or US$78 from NCS. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2007.

Boy Meets Girl Mao Shingyouji PVC Figure

Preorders are welcome for a Mao Shingyouji PVC figure which ships in mid-late August 2007. Mao is dressed in her regulation-issue black and purple school uniform which is prim and proper. However, she's a flasher and perhaps a girl gone wild to boot. In addition to the exposure on top, Mao's skirt may be hiked up for an additional revelation. The completed figure is set at 1/7 scale or 21cm tall which converts to 8.26" in height. The producer is listed as Ranmaru and distribution will be handled by Sofmap.

A regular edition will be available along with a Sofmap Limited Edition which is exclusive to Softmap retail shops. Please note that NCS is currently only accepting preorders for the regular edition of the figure at US$55. Preorders are expected to ship in August 2007.

Fate Hollow Ataraxia Saber Maid Version

Alter's latest figure creation takes aim at Saber of Fate Stay Night fame. Normally decked out in a blue suit of armor, the blonde warrior trades in her armaments for a mop and a frilly maid's outfit. Saber stands with panty-hosed-covered legs apart and rests both hands atop the handle of a cleaning instrument. A bucket of water is nowhere to be seen but you can probably buy a toy pail from a USA toy shop or make your own. A blue bow keeps the back of Saber's hair together so that it forms a compact bun. The figure is set at 1/6 scale and measures 26cm or 10.23" tall from her feet to the top of her maid's doily/cap.
Pricing is listed at JPY7800 or US$75 from NCS and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007.

Revoltech Oruta Saber PVC Figure

The Revoltech toy collection adds another member this summer with a rendition of Oruta Saber from Fate Stay Night. The normal Saber persona normally wears a bright blue and silver outfit but Oruta Saber is evil/dark and wears goth hues. Contrasting her golden blonde locks is a black and navy colored armor ensemble which seemingly absorbs light.

Similar to other Revoltech toys, Oruta Saber measures 15cm tall and features Revolver Joints which allow for freedom of posing the figure. Once a joint is positioned, it'll ratchet into place and stay there until you change its position. Two swords are also included in the product packaging. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2007 at US$26 per figure.

Halo 3: Spartan Kubrick Set

Medicom has started preorders for a set of four Halo 3 Spartan Kubricks which are scheduled to ship in August 2007. From the left to the right, the color variants are: Blue, Red, Green, and Camouflage. Each figure measures 6cm or 2.36" tall and the complete set will be packaged in a little collector's box. Preorders are welcome and pricing is set at JPY4800/set in Japan or US$45 from NCS. We've seen one vendor selling these for US$18 but that may be an error.

Super Sea Story Trading Figures

Pachinko rules in Japan. A close approximation of pachinko in the United States would be pinball but whereas the attraction of our table sport has faded in recent years, the Japanese continue to love their pachinko parlors. From the neon buzz of Tokyo to the natural settings of rural villages, pachinko halls dot the landscape and draw both men and women, consumed by pachinko madness.
The cast of Super Sea Story provide a popular theme that's used in video pachinko machines. Maybe it's the blue color scheme, the blonde full-bosomed pixie, or the attraction of sea food that draws patrons to the Super Sea Story pachinko machines. Whatever the reason, a Japanese manufacturer named Targa has announced toy figures based on the creatures and characters of Super Sea Story. Preorders ship in July.

Mini Sweets USA Candy Toy

As a nation, the USA loves sweets. Cake, donuts, and candy are all gobbled up with equal fervor. Japan sees this. A Japanese company named Rement celebrates the American love for sweets by announcing a set of candy toys that recreate American stalwarts and staples such as:

» Donut Drive-Thru
» Ice Cream Delights
» All American Apple Pie
» Strawberry Shortcake
» S'mores

Each toy consists of individual plastic food parts and container packaging if applicable. For example, the Donut Drive-Thru toy consists of a box of mini donuts, napkins, and a beverage tray which holds two miniature drinks. Pricing is set at US$45 per case which contains all ten toy variants.

Japanese Import Outlook

NDS Osu! Tatake Ouendan 2 leads preorders for the week. By a lot.
NDS Custom Beat Battle: Draglade Banpresto

Duke Saraie no Kenkou Walking Navi Dorart

Osu! Tatake Ouendan 2 Nintendo
PS2 Odin Sphere Atlus

Shining Wind Sega
TRC Maria Ozawa Collection Card Mint X
TOY Black Lagoon Revy 1/8 Scale Figure Alter
Wii Meitantei Conan: Tsuioku no Gensou Marvelous

Domestic Release Outlook

DVD Epic Movie 20th CFox

The Good German Warner
NDS Code Lyoko AGF

Etrian Odyssey Atlus

Touch the Dead Eidos
PS2 Shrek the 3rd Activision

Taito Legends 2 Taito

Tony Hawk Downhill Jam Activision
PS3 MLB 07: The Show Sony
PSP Hot Wheels Ultimate Racing DSI

Taito Legends Power Up Taito
Wii Shrek the 3rd Activision
X360 Marvel Ultimate Alliance Gold Edition Activision

Monster Madness [Delayed to 05/29] Southpeak

Shrek the 3rd Activision