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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 29, 2013 22:39:38 GMT 8
Back story time Is this Metroplex the same from G1? In the Japanese G1 universe....yes. He makes his appearance in post Battlestars and sometime within Operation Combination. In the fiction created by the creator of Kiss Players, just after the defeat of Star Giant,in his Black Convoy Nucleon form, Convoy leaves Earth/Cybertron to search for new energy resources (I wonder why he just didn't use the Zodiac?)while a group of Autobots remain on earth to protect it from external threats. One of them is G1 Metroplex, the various G1 gestalts are present and including the long missing Omega Supreme who last I saw was in Season 3 (The Great 2006 Transmission with the Junkions and Grimlock's brain iirc). A surprise attack by Straxus in Metrotitan (who seem to have survived from Zone)gravely disables Metroplex among others. References of the "reprogramming" done on Metrotitan by the "Demon Generals" from Zone are made.Also, the "Nebulans" assist in repairing Metroplex effectively tripling his size to that of Fortmax. Though scale is kind of wacked in G1, G1 Metroplex's size as a toy compared to Fortmax is somewhat accurate as seen in "Headmasters". He reaches just around Fortmax's knees. So thanks to the Nebulan's efforts, Metroplex is now the size of Fortmax (though still plagued with energon limits).
Straxus makes a second attempt to attack Metroplex, destroying the non transforming Metrobase in the process. Within "Darkmount" aka Metrotitan's battle station mode, Straxus is attempting to reprogram/take over Ultra Megatron's mind (that was before he became a truly good guy in TF Generation2).
Also, references of a traitor among the Autobot ranks are made as to how fast Metroplex was initially defeated. Just before Metrotitan makes the killing blow on "Autobot city", Twincast transforms the new and improved Metroplex. Metrotitan was visibly surprised but still continued his bravado to destroy him. This retcon makes reference that Metroplex and Metrotitan belong to a clan of "cityformmers". Being the good guy that he is, Metroplex still offers Metrotitan to "repent" for his sins but Omega Supreme counters that the Demon General's reprogramming is irreversible. Metrotitan counters back that he switched sides willingly. Hearing the magic word,the new and improved Metroplex blasts him with his anti-matter projectors defeating Metrotitan who retreats. That attack drained Metroplex greatly but just on time, Nucleon armor Black Convoy appears heralding the discovery of "nucleon".
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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 24, 2013 23:13:11 GMT 8
Just got mine via GTO so I'd like to share an objective description of the set and a subjective what's missing. Content: #1 Titan Class Metroplex triple changer #1 Legend Class Scamper #1 Scamper weapon #2 Anti- matter projectors #2 gray/black missiles #2 shoulder missiles #1 robotic crane/arm #1 decal sheet #1 instruction manual (black and white in Japanese) Cost: SRP Y 14900 + thanks to amiami. What to expect: Box is bigger, wider and the right arm is assembled already Difference from USA version,SDCC and the HK version? Paint apps (G1 figure color pattern), minifigures (not included), paint apps,promo items (GTO has a Metroplex head clip/strap). HK and SDCC besides box art(and Japanese characters) have chrome hips. same chromed face plate Reports have it that there are no voice clips for UK version (regular non painted face plate) No batteries included (need confirmation if Hasbro version had it included) Tomy has a total of 75 decals as opposed to standard release of 100 printed on a metallic sheet Scamper Autobot sigil slightly changed. Understandable what was not included( but it would have been more awesome if included) No Sixgun and Slammer Availability: Now
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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 20, 2013 8:03:27 GMT 8
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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 11, 2013 9:55:10 GMT 8
Balmatrix already had his review so I'll just blow my own view of the set. First: I love the set regardless but this doesn't blind me to the flaws that plagued the set together with the samurai team. ProportionalityDue to optical illusions and the way they were designed, their supermode look like they have spindly legs when, well actually, have "proportional spindly legs" Individually, the Samurai bots look better proportioned than the Shinobi. That's probably what you get when you base your designs from beasts. The sort of look "pregnant". Btw, Sensuimaru's robo form reminds me of Splashdown's pretender mode + the idiot shark bot in Car robots. Now back to the proportionality. The Samurai bots don't look as sucky individually but when merged, awesome looking but a bit back heavy. The shinobi's "back packs" in gattai mode is more proportioned. Shinobi and Samurai's legs look kind of thin, most pronounced in the former but I'll cut them some slack as that's how ninja's in anime are rendered (especially the robot kind) Design/feature that could have been improvedSamurai team, especially Kenzan's arms in supermode aren't ratcheted, so his kabuto weapon always flops down and his "fist" won't properly lock despite having a peg to lock it in. Compared to the Samurai team, the Shinobi's weapons aren't too soft. More firm as the former has a floppy feel. Also, Geki's hip guard lock in peg scares me for potential future breakage. Same with geki's helmet peg, its made of clear plastic(to support the light piping gimmick from the electronics). The peg that secures the head/helmet to Hishou are quite small. Sensuimaru's arms could have been "pegged' during his "pants" mode. It just, well flops around, causing the hip guard to get unhinged. Though being aim most probably to overaged kids like me , the sound gimmick like that of Micron legend Convoy......well we could have skipped that to keep the cost down though I appreciate how the various combination can change to sound output. Nice novelty. Kabuto weapon mode is again, kind of a useless addition, especially on Kenzan. Geki's on the other hand looks/befits a ninja with the simulated chain launcher. StabilityBoth teams are pretty much stable in my version Coolness?Supermode form, my faves are by importance Samurai 1.Ganou looks like the SFA warrior with the fan 2.Kenzan looks like Gaogaigar 3.Jin bu looks like Renmazou of Xenogears Shinobi 1.Geki reminds me of Tekkaman and Ninja Gaiden Hayabusa Ryu 2.Geki see the pattern? 3.Hishou ( a bit) also noticed how he reminds me of a Gaogaigar mech OddityIndividual bots' faces though mechanical, look more humanoid unlike the TFs of yesteryear's....they don't have the robo goatie that's always a staple to Japan theme bots. Geki has a killer butt. Literally with Sensuimaru's teeth sticking out :lol: I don't want to be anyway near there down wind when the consume "Green energon" Superweapon of the Shinobi doesn't seam to be a practical weapon.** Autobot symbols. The Shinobi has actual Autobot sigils while the Samurai team, aside from Kenzan's chest piece, have "stylized" symbols. Autobot but with a bit of a different crest. You'd expect that the Shinobi's would get the stylized ones. Also noticed that Jinbu doesn't have any symbols. Difficulty in TransformationKind of hard getting to use to. Putting the language barrier aside, the black and white pics used to instruct you are pretty much useless. Not as worst as the Hasbro manuals but.......... So are they any good? If you are already biased against them, then no matter how much convincing will not change your minds. But its been a while since an honest to goodness non Bayformer style combiner from Tomy. Superlink (oh the nightmare) not withstanding. That alone is enough reason for me to get the team. When it was first released, the Samurai team really floored me but since the Shinobi release, I kind of prefer the shorter stature team over the taller guy. Both teams have great paint applications but would have preferred if some chrome were used o the weapons of the Samurai team. I hope my rant was informative to you all. ** Geki's gatai superweapon comprising of Geki's lion tail/whip and 2 blades, Sensui's fins and Hishou's "feather duster".
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Post by fenrir72 on Feb 2, 2013 10:25:10 GMT 8
Got him! And loving every moment!
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Post by fenrir72 on Dec 21, 2012 17:25:04 GMT 8
Wha?
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Post by fenrir72 on Mar 25, 2012 11:51:31 GMT 8
I noticed in the TF Tomy/Takara boards, Scorponok's bio is included for many years now. Coincidentally, all the G1 characters with their bio specs on the site have already been re-issued............all save one..........Scorponok.
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Post by fenrir72 on Mar 24, 2012 19:03:54 GMT 8
More likely with both master swords. Please make Scorponok follow...............
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Post by fenrir72 on Feb 22, 2012 16:00:10 GMT 8
Manufacturer: Hasbro/Takara
Subline: E-hobby
Year: 1986, 2002, 2006
Contents:
"Ultra Magnus" 18 wheeler Tractor trailer + Car Carrier laser gun breast plate (mini vehicle) helmet/head 2 hip guards/connector 2 missile launchers 4 missiles 2 small fists 2 large fists
"Dion" mini vehicle
Background:Who would have thought that from 1 single low quality animated episode, 3 iconic characters would emerge? I'm speaking about War Dawn which introduced us to Orion Pax, Ariel and Dion. This may stir a bit of controversy given that Hasbro is quite ambiguous as to who he (Ultra Magnus) actually was before his powerful Car Carrier form, and the Wings of Honor storyline also hinted but left it a cliffhanger too But given some "coincidences" in the storyline which I shall enumerate: 1. 1986 Movie : Was it just a figure of speech from a dying friend? " Ultra Magnus....it is to you..........old friend............." Conclusion: They have known each other for quite sometime 2. Ultra Magnus is Optimus Prime's brother in the Dreamwave continuity, and possibly also in IDW continuity. Additionally, Optimus Prime also was described as treating Ultra Magnus as his "kid brother" in TV Magazine's issue #4 of Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers manga. Conclusion: The Japanese TF universetends to get wonky at times but already hinted....... 3. Car Robot series......he was actually the brother of Convoy 4. DW(and a thousand re paints later) actually had him as Optimus' brother (not to mention the team "Dion" under his command) 5. The Wings of Honor storyline more or less followed the story of the 1985 episode using the Dion character who got blasted together with Orion, got resurrected into the "Hotshot" of the Elite Guard, who later got damaged together with another character called Magnum. Only one would survive the Solomonic decision Alpha Trion was forced to take and in the final scene Conclusion: Very naughty Fun Publications....... 6. His default robot core is a white Optimus. Which, more or less in both the US and Japanese G1 series, figures with the same care models were designated brothers (example: Sunstreaker,Sideswipe and Red Alert(Japanese version), Rumble and Frenzy (Marvel comic) Conclusion: Authors' intent? The review:First aspect would be Dion. In the episode War Dawn, he looked like this. He transformed into some alien looking truck Well thanks to enterprising Takara, they repainted one of the most disliked character in G1 history into this A repaint of Wheelie . Not a bad one btw. Colorful and very tight, with nary any sign of mold degradation. His "sun visor" btw is molded in transparent plastic and optics painted blue. Dion's funky color really shines here...........more pics of him at all angles How the heck does an alien truck of sorts suddenly turn into a concept car? Takes a lot of imagination to try and picture him like this no? If I'm to rate him now.............using your "imagination", aww gawd! He doesn't look at all like his picture.............2 out of 5. For effort..............5 out of 5.....no really If we are to follow the Wings of Honor storyline...............presenting the most underestimated (he never couldn't live down that "............I can't deal with it now......" faux pas back in the 1986 Movie) bad@ss in the Autobot army..............drum roll...................Ultra Magnus! In vehicle form, he transforms into a super powerful 18 wheeler Car Carrier (which can carry 4 Autobot cars at once......my bad though, used a Diaclone reference pic for that feature ) Actually, his cab mode is a bleached white Optimus Prime Tractor . Some versions came with rubber tires and a painted face, while others, no plastic windows, no face paint and plastic tires. He pulls this Car carrier trailer/exo suit of sort in the good old red, white and blue colors. Connected together another thing, a hold out from his Diaclone days, this feature was not mentioned in the catalog.................a sort of scout rocket of sorts( sans the wheels) using his breast plate and head. The space in between is where you are to fit the Diaclone pilot. Now the 'bot himself............... For an additional factoid, if you would look closely.......see the vertical mold blemish? This is seen in all "Convoy" figures from 2000 up until Encore( BAPE too). More or less, an indication that the original Convoy master mold has been restored but not without some wrinkles. Kind of plain looking no? Like a cheap imitation of an iconic hero who would never think twice to................okay okay, enough with the comparison! Anyway, that mode of his was never shown in the animation back in the 80s. But slap on the pwer armor/exo suit.......voila! pure bad@ss awesomesauce...................until you see his back side 1980s technology folks.....back then, this kind of upgrade was state of the art...................now, it seems so obsolte with the wonder FP did on CC Anyways, for a brick that has given me countless hours of enjoyment, I give him a 4.9 out of 5.0. It would seem to be a lazy repaint but with the additional accessories ( how come Hasbro/Takara(?) can't replicate this again?)..........4.9 is a fair rating Acknowledging some reference pictures from tfwiki.
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Post by fenrir72 on Feb 20, 2012 23:56:59 GMT 8
Manufacturer: Hasbro Takara
Subline: Powermaster
Year: 1988
Contents:
ICBM Carrier (Doubledealer aka Doubleclouder) Knox Powermaster engine block (humanoid form) Skar Powermaster engine block (bat form) ICBM(splits into a photon rifle and a shoulder mounted missile) Engine block breastplate/guard Background:Aside from name/minor paint application difference, he was released in both the international and Japanese market. Unlike the the former (where he got a bit of exposure in the UK comics), he was a "whatever" in allegiance in the anime. In the former, his Powermasters were separate robotic beings( not even Nebulans) while in the latter, the Knox and Skar figures were the same being who could change the appearance of his armor. The pics: ICBM vehicle ICBM/Missile launcher/Photon canon Powermaster/engine blocks Vulture/Falcon(?) mode Mercenary Mode The Rant:In my opinion, despite being a brick, his transformation was both simple and advance for his time. He even employed mass shifting abilities 'cause in a Voyager size ICBM mode, he expands to a Leader sized mechanoid/mechanimal form. Stick the Knox figure in engine mode, he transforms to the Autobot mercenary form (you can stick the extra engine Skar in his robo butt). If you want to transform him into his bird mode( falcon or vulture fits the description), stick him again in the engine block socket . The Skar engine differs from Knox in a sense that his knees have extra long pegs which pushes a deeper positioned buttons that allows you to unlock the bird mode. Again, as mentioned before, he is quite unique and advanced for his time. With the exception of Overlord, he was the only Powermaster to sport two different "engines". For such a small package, you get 3 modes of fun filled moments of play soldier. If there is a downside to this mold, it is the Knox figure gets his paint job scrapped with constant plugging into the socket compartment. Wished the painted parts were "molded" in the colors they came from. And his d@mn metal parts gets corrode easily ( seems like the same " cosmic rust" syndrome that also plagued the USA version of Powermaster Optimus Prime) It is quite hard to find him in a complete state and at affordable price levels. More or less he costs above US$ 100.00. In MISB or boxed maybe higher. Not to mention his recent exposure in the "tion" story arc by Furman......... Regardless, even before the Furman love fest, already been wanting to get this figure back in 1988 but missed the boat. So if you find one of this high tech bricks....go for it! Rating:I give him a rate of 4.99 out of 5.0 (hey..........nobody is perfect )
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Post by fenrir72 on Feb 11, 2012 13:58:08 GMT 8
Manufacturer: Takara Subline: E-Hobby #67 Year: 2005-2006
Contents:
1. "Orion Pax" figure/vehicle w/ die-cast body, feet/wheels 2. weapon/laser musket 3. "Dion" figure/vehicle 4. "Barrel roller" figure/electromagnetic lift accessory 5. #67 biocard 6. decal sheet Background:Before the Prime series, the Bayformer movie, Beastwars.......there was G1! The iconic ba@ss hero we all know and revere, well, he wasn't a hero back then. As the old adage says "Heroes aren't born, they are built". In the case of these robotic lifeforms, that statement is a literal fact! Optimus or Orion, as he was called 10,000,000 years ago, was a dock worker who wouldn't give a cr@p as to what was happening to his surroundings. So long as he had his girlfriend Ariel and his buddy Dion, working together happily in an energon collecting plant..........life was good. At least until another bad@ss tyrant put a damper in their little paradise they called the Golden Age of Cybertron. Hence the premise of the episode "War Dawn", written by David Wise way back in 1985/86. Anyway, ever since that episode, fans have been wanting a pre-TF Orion Pax to be officially issued by either Hasbro or Takara (that and a few other fembots that also made their respective appearance in the series). Orion's design btw had coincidentally some striking similarities with the upcoming character from the 1986 Movie Kup. I remember speculating that maybe, just maybe, an Orion figure would be released using the same mold(?) Fast forward in 2006, what with Takara's reissue of the TFC series, Kup's "target master" version bundled with Wheelie, E-hobby announced an official release of a limited edition Orion Pax figure. Oh joy! Finally an official release, but alas......just a lazy repaint with nary a re sculpted part at all. I mean......this was Optimus Prime/Convoy for Pete's sake, doesn't such a release deserve a new head sculpt? Well, thanks to an enterprising customizer, an unofficial copy of a limited edition decal sheet from a Japanese Hobby magazine (one that mimics G1 Optimus Primes' pattern) and a lot of patience scurrying ebay..............finally got one! Comparison shots of What Optimus Prime looked like before his upgrade front back angles Back with Barrel Roller Bottom Orion's vehicle mode(which was never presented in the show btw) at all angles including "Barel Roller" who serves as an electromagnetic lifting device. Being a straight repaint of the Targetmaster Kup , his function isn't offensive as the original "Recoil" weapon/figure was described but more of an accessory for his work as a dockworker. Orion in his robot form together with Barrel Roller who would later be upgraded to "Roller" Full body shot Close up Notice the subtle nods of the color applications? The original "Recoil" figure is colored the opposite of "Barrel Roller" which coincidentally is what the first release Rollers appeared as. And of course, the custom decals that also gives a nod to Optimus' Trailer designs The rant:I've had mix feelings for this figure since its release. I'd go gaga over any Optimus Prime related product, at least, a product that really packs a punch for such an iconic character. It is quite surprising that Takara/E-Hobby(Who else? Because Hasbro always seems to play catch up) who could present a re sculpted head for a second tier character Blurr ( from the ML,SL and GF series) and go lazy on Orion Pax? Unacceptable! What more, being an expensive limited release didn't bother to release the G1 inspired decals with the figure but instead sub distributed it to a Hobby mag?! I mean, talk about milking the promotion and all.........at that part, maybe I shouldn't complain about the decals, this being the Japanese collector market we are talking about here............but the head, at least a re sculpted head! Anyway, this figure would have been relegated by yours truly to oblivion until I heard that an enterprising customizer from the US had not only released several custom heads but also included the decals from the magazine in a one figure fits all package. Now that attracted my attention! So I scrounged ebay for any opportunity to get one of those releases..........alas, only 2 were put on auction by different owners at ebay this past year or two. Thus I was lucky enough to snag the second item offered. Why mention the effort on the last two paragraphs? Well that's where my rating comes from. Without the custom head............color changes aside, I'd give it a 2 out of 5.0. Really, such a waste of packaging effort. And another thing, the Kup head comes with his "robo wrinkles", Orion was a youthful Cybertronian...so what the? Buuuuuuut! As another saying goes " clothes do make a man....." though technically not "clothes", but a new head, coupled with the custom decal plus the Optimus Prime colors of the good old Red, white and dark purple blue............I give the figure a 4.9 out of 5.0! It's the head that gives the figure the personality! Quality wise, being an independent customizers work, I give the custom head a 4.0 out of 5.0, not perfect smooth glossy but more than enough change the figure's personality! If you really are into this figure and have the patience to scour ebay, I suggest a go, but given that I just got lucky last holiday season............ P.S. As for "Dion", I haven't forgotten you yet old buddy..............next on to Ultra Magnus!
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Post by fenrir72 on Nov 23, 2011 16:50:31 GMT 8
Late response but iirc, the UK non combining Constructicons have been re molded (hence, you can't actually combine them if you have the connecting kibbles).
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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 29, 2011 21:38:14 GMT 8
The feet are just fine. It gives him the proper equilibrium for his awesomesauce poses. The plastic too is just as good.
Btw Gold, may I also add some of my thoughts? Just picked up mine today.........
Instruction manual is black and white except the covers( MP-01 had color pics inside). Front cover has the card art while the back has a colored "Convoy" parade.
Head:
*A mix of defunct DW and MP-01 style. I like how Takara made his antenna longer like in the anime.
*His optics are blue, kind of wished it was a lighter color crystal type to accentuate its blueness.......maybe light piping? But that would have had ruined it.........
*His got a neck(like a Gundam) unlike MP-01, just a ball socket.
*Plastics. Well according to my eyes, they are a mix bag, some parts have different hues/types of plastics. For the body, chest and arms, etc ( The red parts that is. Sturdy looking too.)
* Matrix chamber is well aligned (no electronic gimmicks (which suits me just fine) not like MP-01. Matrix has more details (since I don't own Rodimus yet, I don't know if it is inter changeable) than MP-01.
* Die-cast? I am not quite sure if his back pack and ankle shins are metal (feels like it). Most probably his frame is die-cast.
* Back pack (reminds me of how DW's Pat Lee drew him,where Optimus kept his now "collapsible", ebony colored ion blaster) in it.
* Paint apps? I'm a bit O.C., in MP-01 and THS-02, his upper cab lights are painted, this one zilch! Maybe some would have been nice.
* Chrome? He's got oodles of it. Non adjustable smokestacks, 22 pack abs/grills, front bumper that also become part of the Matrix chamber and the two gas tanks on his thighs ( THS-02's turn into Gatling guns)
* Unlike MP-01 which utilized a gundamesque hip plates, Optimus uses one that looks like metallic speedoos ( closest analogy I can pick)
* No more moving thumbs. Takara stuck with static thumbs but articulated phalanges. Since it could not collapse the way MP-01 does, you now fit his over sized energon axe like a glove on his right fist( only his right fist.
* Just like THS-02 and MP-01,his knees are molded int gray ( though imho, could have been lighter to better highlight/distinguish it from his dark purple calves). And the venetian blind effect on his shins? No longer (similar to THS-02)
*His feet have been drastically redesigned (reminds me of the splitting of Macross Valkyries) and his pseudo back lights aren't colored red/yellow. Only a transparent crystal with line/cube patterns (THS-02 and MP-01 are colored)
* Roller/ Buggy. Finally, an official Roller but unlike awesome THS-02 version which you could adjust the wheels, MP-10's version looks like a simplified version (though you can retract a connection to allow it to pull the trailer)
Trailer is equally awesome, but it lacks the gimmicks(spring launcher effect of THS-02) seen in his smaller cousin. It has more detailed and intricate designs that reminded me of his first G1 version.
Btw, I haven't transformed him yet into truck cab mode so I'll leave it at that for now.
I hope the descriptions are help full in preparing you guys on what to expect.
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Post by fenrir72 on Oct 9, 2011 18:34:05 GMT 8
Background:Based on a table top rpg game by an American company Flying Bufalo, Hobby Japan reinvented the game using various mainstream and ecchi artists to illustrate the books from this: to this great improvement btw. and their milking cow of various franchises (one of which are the anime series) Volume 1: "A Single Step Contents: 1 dvd : Episodes 1 to 4 : OVA episodes 1 & 2 : Textless opening (censored btw) : Textless Ending (also censored) : TV spots : Promotional Video Volume:2 "The Beaten Path" Contents: 1 dvd : Episodes 5 to 8 : OVA episodes 3 & 4 : Textless On air Ending (Tomoe version) : Textless Ending (Tomoe Version) : "Easter Egg" Volume: 3 "Journey's End" Contents: 1 dvd : Episodes 9 to 12 : OVA 5 & 6 : Textless On air Ending (Nanael Version) : Textless Ending (Nanael Version) : Tokyo Anime Fair Event *********************SPOILERS******************************* Synopsis: A bunch of scantily clad, easily rendered naked, ladies with various issues eating their psyches trying get themselves elected Queen of the continent by right of combat. Favorite highlights: 1. Nanael's a motor mouth, pantsu flashing but capable warrior who actually kicks @ss 2. Echidna was actually a good gal( excellent "living" chastity belt )of hers and her "daughter" is just as deadly as her 3. No pantsu Nowa and Alleyne's salad thong 4. Aldra's awesome 5. Tomoe's too nice to be an effective killer and her bodyguard is a hotie to boot 6. The Vance sisters are all messed up 7. Menace's an airhead with a heart of gold 8. Melona scares the hell off a me with her psycho smile and acid spewing breasts 9. Ymir's a money hungry capitalist but the only time I ever get to see her naked is on the Opening credits 10. Don't really like Cattleya, oppai mama is simply to big and buff for my taste 11. I wished I had a maid like Airi 12. Risty reminds me of She-hulk DVD issues:Excellently animated by ARMS. All images are crisp and bright. Hands down to Rin Shin's (whether mainstream or hentai which btw, this show borders on..........soft core that is) character designs. Not only that, Satoshi Uruhibara and Yasuomi Uemesu (both character design legends in their own right) also have their finger prints all over this show. You can tell that a lot of cash was poured on the production values of the show, another great example can be seen in Episode 1 which had an excellent hand painting style ending............simply stunning! A lot of uncensored breast and butt lower angle shots that was absent in the original airing (except for the satellite feeds). Not too nasty, but with situations that are more on the naughty teasing side. OVAS are like parodies of the actual series. Gynos is like a college and the President of the Student council is later revealed to be Aldra. All the gals with the exception of Tomoe and Shizuka are wearing "sailor uniforms". A lot of "naughty" situations are presented concerning "college life at Gynos Academy........most either subtle to overt naughtiness. Animation quality of the OVA is a bit of a mix bag when compared to the ones in Samurai Girls, some, superbly rendered while others........ Seiyu? Well you have the ladies that voiced a certain SOS club president, the moe mascot nurse/ waitress and the heroic servant/knight of another ero based anime.........'nuff said. The ladies btw(namely Leina,Tomoe and Nanael also sang the ending song (similar to the gals of Samurai girls). The English dub is equally good, excellent characterization as that presented by the original Japanese voice overs. DVD interface Straight forward with immediate access per scene/episode option(unlike Sentai Filmworks' Samurai Girls which only allows you to access it per episode). Also, once an episode ends, you get like a prologue for the next episode which then leads immediately to the next. All the ending credits(Japanese and English) are lumped together at the very end and not per episode transition unlike the style done by Sentai Filmworks which has the ending credits after each ending transition. Another weird thing I noticed, in the 3rd volume, in the scene where Leina finally confronts Claudette, the is like a 3 second pause just prior to their rumble. Maybe it's just in my copy or maybe this is a dual layer dvd encoding? DVD Special Feature: The Seiyu of Leina and Tomoe have all gone onto overdrive in selling the series to the fans. So most of the contents have interviews with both ladies giving the backgrounds of the characters they are playing plus several events in a department store where "Leina" amping fan interest for the series. If you manage to score the 2nd volume, there is an Easter Egg when you access it's special feature. Rating This is a very biased review namely, I'm a Rin Shin fan, it took time for me to get into collecting the figures ( about 2 years after they got introduced) , so despite being late in the game, finally got to see all episodes uncensored. So I'm a very happy fan. Won't go harping about originality because nearly all anime follow the usual formulaic approach (just like Samurai Girls) except there ain't no harem sub plot being followed (Rana ain't counted as a guy right? And his dad won't show up until........) So on a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.99 (Though Animeworks seemed to have milked this series for all it's worth by stretching the release to almost a year instead of going the same route as what Sentai Filmworks did with HOTD and Samurai Girls.) Available now at Animenation To follow: THe Evil Eye
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Post by fenrir72 on Sept 26, 2011 19:46:53 GMT 8
Bare bones my friend.
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