Rampage Toys in Japan!!!

Hello Loyal Fan Peoples!

Well, here it is, the end of October and finally time for a RAMPAGE TOYS update!

In recent news: Japan is awesome!!! Not only is Japan awesome, beautiful and home to some cool and crazy people and places, but it's basically the capital of AWESOME toys and toy designers! In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Japan is the capital of design in general - what with kids and designers pumping out the cutting edge in style and other such craziness, and flaunting new fangled (and old-school) styles in a way few Americans (or even Euros) would feel confident doing. Need I repeat the word: AWESOME!!!!

Much anticipated in my travels was a quick visit to one of the ALL TIME BEST toy and graphic designing collaboratives in the world: DEVIL ROBOTS! These guys are amazing! They manage a balance between the standard (and requisite) Japanese Kawaii (= cute) and cool and edgy designs. They merge these two elements wonderfully and have come up with some of the most enduring and FUN characters in modern toy and graphic design - to name a couple: DeviRob (a gangly and mysterious guy who wears a helmet with BIG RED horns) and Tofu Oyako (the marvelous little cube-headed figure loved world-wide by kids, adults and all ages in between). Here are a couple of shots of the Devilrobots studio - LOOK AT ALL THOSE TOYS!!!!

Above: Devirob in the top middle on the table, and Tofu Oyako bottom left in the red one-zee!

The DR head-cheese (Shinichiro), and his second in command, were incredibly welcoming and even threw some free schwag our way. How awesome is that! Check out Devilrobots on Facebook or take a gander at their website (http://www.dvrb.jp/w/) - though Japanaese proficiency might help on that end of things - not much English on the site. I would also highly recommend visiting these guys if you are EVER in Tokyo!

Anyway, what would a RAMPAGE blog posting be without some RAMPAGE artwork!?!?!? So, here it is, inspired by Hyo Myazaki (possibly the most talented person in animation - "creator of Spirited away" an "My Neighbor Totoro") - my take on the Makuro Kuroske - those Cute little dust creatures that live in your attic and keep evil spirits at bay. Everyone can use a little extra good luck hanging around! These guys are made of felt and yarn - oh so soft and cuddly.

ENJOY!!!

What The Duck

We've recently fallen in love with the web comic strip 'What The Duck' (WTD) and decided to bring in a new member to our family.

Patiently waiting for him to arrive in Singapore now...

The WTD comic strip basically revolves around the lives of several duck characters who are professional photographers, often making wry comments and observations that many pro and amateur photographers can relate to. Fans of the free web strip are able to support the author by purchasing various merchandise such as the cafepress T-shirts and the WTD plush toy of the main character, seen above.








Author Aaron Johnson also encourages fan-submitted artworks and photos of the main WTD character.

WTD at Singapore Grand Prix!!!

At the golf course. Love the little camera over his plush neck.

This is just the type of humour we love. Haha.

Visit the WTD Website if you haven't!

DC Universe Classics - Superman (Gotham City 5 Pack)

Mattel's DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack includes a classic version of Superman, something we have not gotten to date in the DCUC toy line.   

There have been many variations of Superman however.  So far, we've seen Blue and Red Superman variants from DCUC wave 2, mullet head Superman in his classic and recovery suit variants in wave 6 and Heat Vision Superman from the "Clash in the Cosmos" Brainiac/Superman 2 pack.

As you can see below, Gotham City Superman (left) is essentially the same action figure as the Clash of the Cosmos Superman figure (right) with the exception of Superman's eyes. So I'm not going to go into to much detail on this review. You might as well read my Clash of the Cosmos review (click on the link).

Here's a close up of GC5 Superman.  Seems like black paint around Superman's left eye (your right) ran a bit towards the inside.  Other than that, the paint job on this figure is great. 

Comparing Gotham City Superman (below right) to Mattel's previous toy line's DC Superheroes Superman which was released in 2006, there are a number of differences, which in my opinion, are an improvement for one, the red colour of his cape, boots and trunks are all a brighter read on GC5 Superman.  Also with GC5 Supes, his cape is now shorter and includes the yellow "S" symbol plus his legs are not stuck in a wide stance as with DCSH Superman. 

Articulation on the figure is great just like any other DCUC action figure and there were no major issue with regards to loose joints.  Unfortunately, if you're looking for accessories, you'll be disappointed as GC5 Superman doesn't come with any extras. 

Is the Gotham City 5 pack worth the price?  We'll that's for you to decide.  Do you want a classic version of Lex Luthor and Superman?  Than yes.  Do you own the DC Superheroes versions of Two Face and Catwoman? No? Then yes, go buy it.  Do you like repainted versions of your favorite action figures? ....only you can decide.   Even for the casual collector, this set gives you some classic characters so there are plenty of reasons to go buy this baby. 

The Gotham City 5 Pack is a wal-mart exclusive, so if your local wal-mart is not carrying this product, there are plenty (currently) listed on ebay.  Just be prepared to pay for shipping costs. 

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack on ebay, click here. 

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Superman action figures on ebay, click here.

Be sure to check back for another DC Universe Classics Action Figure review.  I've added a poll on the left menu so you can choose what the next DCUC review will be so be sure to vote!

Alice Doll Featured in Miniature Collector

Its been awhile since I've made miniature dolls. But it was a nice surprise to be featured among the other Alice collectibles in the November 09 issue of Miniature Collector. My Alice is the one seated in the middle. The 7 page article features Jo Moores collection of miniatures. A tribute to Michael Jackson and the movie Up! is also included in the article.

DC Universe Classics - Batman (Gotham City 5 Pack)

Continuing with my look at the Wal-mart exclusive DCUC Gotham City 5 pack set by Mattel, the Batman action figure included in that set is basically just a repaint of the DC Universe Classics wave 1 Classic Detective Batman which i reviewed almost excatly one year ago.  This sculpt was also recently used in the DCUC Two Pack that included Batman and Clayface and will be used again in DC Universe Classics wave 10 where we will get a Batman dressed all in Black.

Looking at the pic below you will see that the sculpts are exactly the same. 

Front and back shots of the GC5 Batman below.  It is a good sculpt.  For more info, read my classic detective Batman review at the link above.

So whats different about this action figure.  The most obvious thing is the paint job.  The main costume color is a lighter grey while the cape and cowel are black instead of blue.  The bat symbol on Batman's chest is painted on, not engraved and is exactly the same as the Classic Detective Batman.  Everything else is pretty much the same between the two figures.  As far as the quality of the paint job, it is pretty good with no glaring errors and you would have to go over him pretty closely to find any minor issues. 

Below I am comparing GC5 Batman with Classic Detective Batman on the right and DC Superheroes Batman on the left which Mattel released about two years ago. 

Continuing with the comparisons, as far as accessories go, Classic Detective Batman (below/right) came with a "Bat Grapple" and a "Batarang" both of which were pretty cool plus being part of a wave, also came with a piece of the collect and connect Rex Mason action figure.  Gotham City Batman unfortunately comes with nothing.  yep....nothing at all. 

Articulation is what it is.  If you've been collecting the DCUC action figures, then you know there is nothing to complain about here.  As far as the quality of the joints on this action figure out of the package, Batman was fine with no major issues. 

Basically if you already have Classic Detective Batman, this action figure may not be all that important to you.  It is just a repaint.  I personally prefer the Black and Gray outfit better.  Also the lack of accessories may not appeal to some collectors as well.

If you're looking to purchase the DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack which also includes Superman, Lex Luthor, Two-Face and Catwoman, it is a Wal-Mart exclusive set so if you're local Wal-Mart is not carrying it, check out eBay. 

To search for Mattel's DC Universe Classics Gotham City 5 Pack on eBay, click here

Or if you prefer to only get the Gotham City Batman figure on its on, you can find auctions on eBay for a loose Gotham City Batman only.  Click here to find  DC Universe Classics Batman action figures.

Be sure to check back with Action Toy Review for more DC Universe Classics action figure reviews including more from the Gotham City 5 pack as well as more figures from the wave 8, 9 and hopefully wave 10 sets.

Cinderella Clothes Pin People Ornaments

Inspired by the Christmas pin doll collection of my youth I have started a new tradition of offering exclusive ornament kits. This is the second year I have offered the clothes pin people ornament kit and this year I designed a winter themed version of Cinderella. Each kit contains materials to make Cinderella, her charming Prince and even the glittery carriage. Inspired by the fashion of Marie Antoinette, Cinderella wears a lovely ball gown and a powdered wig. Kits are available as a limited edition while supplies last. Last years Nutcracker set sold out fast so get this set before its gone. Kits are available in my Etsy shop. Happy Holidays!

Serendipity in NYC

My friend Laurie left to go to art school in New York City right after she graduated from high school. I always thought it was so brave to pack up your things and travel to the big city like that. We sort of kept in contact over the years and then I hadn't heard from her in over ten years. She recently found me on facebook and we caught up with each others lives. I went to NYC last week and was thinking how nice it would be to get a tour from someone who really knew New York. I thought of Laurie- the only person I knew in New York but didn't know how to get a hold of her besides facebook.

The fifth day of my visit I was determined to find the carousel in Central Park. I decided not to ride and just watch and take photos. I noticed this woman standing in front of me who looked vaguely familiar. She was wearing a funny knit hat and had a distinct profile. She was also taking photos. I looked again.. could it be?? It can't be! Twenty plus years older but yes I think it is! How in a city of millions and a million things to do could I possibly run into Laurie? I asked the woman, "Are you Laurie?" Yes it was! What are the odds of being at the same place at the same time in the busiest city in the world. It was meant to be.

Thankfully she had the next day off and gladly gave me a tour tailored made for me. Since we had similar interests she knew of all the places I might enjoy. We met in the meat packing district at New Yorks latest hot spot, the High Line. We went off to West Village and visited all the cute shops in the area. She showed me all the markets and places where I could possibly sell my toys. We had lunch at a little pizzeria and we visited the Christmas floor at Macy's. We walked up to the garment district where I found some of the best trim shops in the world. We sat in Times Square and pondered about tickets to a show. Finally night fell and we took a subway to the Brooklyn Bridge where we walked and looked at the big city that filled the sky with its bright lights. All in all it was the best day from my visit to New York and I will keep it with me always.The following photos are some of the highlights from my week in NYC.

View from the Empire State Building

Detail of Chagall at MOMA

Times Square

Little Lady of Liberty

Carousel at Bryant Park

Chrysler at dusk

Puppets at the Natural History Museum

Van Gogh at the Met

Detail of Monet

South end of Central Park

Sanrio crying bunny water fountain on Park Ave

Fiber Installation at The Modern

Sidewalk drawing in Greenwich Village

MY FAVS
View from the Empire State Building
Chagall at MOMA
Tour of the city with Laurie
Carousel at Bryant Park

MOST DISAPPOINTING
Noise, traffic, tourists
Wicked- hated it!
Guggenheim

DC Universe Classics - Mr. Terrific

Jumping back to the DC Universe Classics Wave 8 set, this review will be on the Mr. Terrific action figure.

Not knowing too much about the Mr. Terrific character I had to resort to google to get some background info. I do remember seeing him on the Justice League Unlimited cartoon a few years back but really was not too sure what this character was all about. My first impression of the character is....well.....he is a bit lame.

Anyway, as you can see, packaging will be familiar to collectors of the series. Mr. Terrific's sculpt looks very similar to his comic book which is what everyone wants for starters.

Mr. Terrific is mostly made of re-used parts but there are some unique features to speak of mainly the leather jacket he wears.

Yes, the jacket is cool but as you can see in the above pics, Mr. Terrific has the words "Fair Play" written down the sides of each arm. As i said before "lame". Nothing against you Mr. Terrific fans out there but this character really doesn't do anything for me. As far as the action figure goes, Mattel has done their job in giving us a good likeness of the character. So you hardcore DC & Mr. Terrific fans should be happy.

Mr. Terrific's paint job is of good quality. As this toy line matures, the paint jobs are getting better and better. So props to Mattel for this.

Mr.Terrific's articulation is standard compared to the rest of this toy line. If you have any or these action figures or have read any of my other reviews, you will know what the articulation is has been like. Joints include, neck, shoulders, biceps, elbows, wrists, abdominal, waist, hips, thighs, knees and ankles. All joints moved quite well out of the box. None were too tight or loose.

Included with the Mr. Terrific action figure is the right leg to the Collect and Connect action figure Giganta and a T-Spheres..or T-Balls attachment which is suppose to mimic the spheres floating around Mr. Terrific. The attachment plugs right into the hole in his back similar to the Booster Gold "Skeets" attachment. Unfortunately, its not a tight fit and the T-Spheres fall out from his back quite easily. This attachment would be better off permanently glued in rather than being removable.

Overall, Mr. Terrific fans should be happy with this DCUC addition. It is a good action figure and very much resembles the comic book character. I have a feeling though that most people, like myself, will only be purchasing this action figure to finish the Giganta Collect and Connect figure.

Sculpt - 8.5, Paint - 9, Articulation - 9, Accessories - 5, Fun - 7

Looking for Mr. Terrific and can't find it at your local toy store? Could be due to the apparent shortage of DCUC action figures being shipped to your local walmart stores. eBay is your solution in my opinion because these action figures there in good numbers. Some figures from wave 8 in particular were tough to get, especially at a reasonable cost, namely Gentleman Ghost, but if you stick to the price you want to pay, you will eventually find what you're looking for. And ya, shipping costs suck but usually if you buy more than one item, sellers will give you a break.

To find Mattel's DC Universe Classics Mr. Terrific on eBay, click here.

Well, that's it for my Terrific, Mr. Terrific review. As i mentioned in my previous post, I'm currently reviewing figures from Wave 8, Wave 9 and from the Gotham City 5 Pack and if i can get my hands on some of the Walmart exclusive Wave 10 (at a reasonable cost), I will mix those in as well.

***By the way, if anyone out there can get there hands on any of the Wave 10 action figure for me, that would be super awesome. Email me at actiontoyreview@rogers.com. :)

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