Alexander

This is Alexander from Code Geass: Akito the Exiled. I actually don't know anything on this character/robot. When I saw the promo pictures, it looked so cool that I just had to have it. Funny thing was when this item was released on Amiami (I preordered it on there), they updated the product pictures with something that looks very different from the promo pictures. In the promo pics, the white was a lot more brighter than this one, the new pics showed a more yellowish white. The figure also had less details than the original promo pics. Seeing this, I contacted Amiami to ask if I can cancel the order for this figure because it looked so different from the original pics (which was up when I preordered it). Unfortunately, Amiami did not allow me to cancel it, so I reluctantly paid for it and received it several weeks later.

Since I was busy with cycling and motorcycling in the summer, I didn't really check this toy out until now. Fortunately, I have to say that I am glad I got the figure in the end. The color wasn't off, it was just the pictures from Amiami had a wrong white balance setting making the white look yellow (I actually just had to go back to my picture and adjust the white balance on it too). Hmm interesting note, I just checked Amiami's site and it looks like they've corrected the white balance on their set of pictures too.

It came with TONS of parts like his guns, hand blades, and the coolest part is he can "transform" (not like Transformers, more like parts swapping) into this weird creepy but awesome looking insect robot thingamajig. The figure is extremely articulated which makes posing it a blast.

But for today, I will only show a picture of its humanoid robot mode...more to come tomorrow!

Transformers Grimwing

It has been a while since I bought any Transformers toy. I've been eyeing some of the Beast Hunters stuff, but never picked them up since they weren't on top of the to-buy list. But there's a nice sale going on right now for the Beast Hunter voyager class toys so I'll be on the hunt for several of them this week. I picked this guy up yesterday. I am a huge fan of Beasts Wars, so this was somewhat along that line as well. The colors on this figure is very vibrant that he just pops out at me on display. Hope I'll be able to grab the other ones I want during this sale too!

OOO's Putotyra

This is my favourite Figuarts figure in the Kamen Rider OOO's line. It's the most powerful form of Kamen Rider OOO called Putotyra. This Kamen Rider uses coins with animal symbols on them to transform. Each combo is comprised of three animals. Putotyra is an ancient form comprised of three dinosaurs: Ptera (Pterodactyl), Torikera (Triceratops), Tyranno (Tyrannosaurus Rex). In the show, this form was pretty much unstoppable and even out of control sometimes.

Den-O Liner Form

I haven't finished the Den-O series yet, I've been on and off it for a while now. I like it more than I expected because I've always thought Den-O would be very cheesy. But after watching several episodes, I am starting to like it.

This here is Den-O Liner form, there's so many forms of Den-O that I don't know which is which anymore. All I know is he looks friggin' cool!

Kamen Rider Wizard Infinity Form

Let's turn away from my recent boring posts and get back to the good stuff!

This figure here is my most recent haul, he's a Kamen Rider named Wizard and this is his "Infinity" form which I think is his most powerful form. I broke my regular tradition with Kamen Rider figures with this Wizard series though. Starting from the Kiva series, I've pretty much got all the forms of each Kamen Rider in each series. But Wizard was an exception. The show was alright, I haven't even finished watching it yet. But the forms all looked too similar, in addition, they were almost all exclusives which brought their prices in the range which I wasn't willing to spend. Luckily my favourite form of Wizard, Infinity, was a regular release so I decided to just get this figure for this series.

The Kamen Rider series going on now is called Gaim. I was skeptical of this series because I am 99% sure his henshin belt was inspired by Fruit Ninja LOL! It looks retarded. But after watching only two episodes of this series, I know I am going to fall in love with this one. The fruity colors with the totally weird story is surprisingly fun and addicting!

Anyways, here's Kamen Rider Wizard Infinity Form!

WBCollect.com Ordeal (Final Update!)

I received a package from WBCollect.com on Wednesday, it contained the Transformers that I ordered. They were in good condition and the instructions were included. As I figured, it was shipped on the 24th of this month, right after I posted on their Facebook wall. Now the thing is, I ordered these on September 24th/29th, which was a month from before it was shipped. It only took a week to arrive from when it was shipped.

I saw a notice on their site that the contact form on their site is not working and that was what I was using to contact them with. I always like to think the good side of things and would like to think this was the reason I did not get a reply from my multiple emails. However, that does not excuse the fact that they did not ship it for a month. And who knew if it would have ever gotten shipped if I didn't contact them on Facebook?

So decide for yourself if this is a shop you can trust with your money.

I personally am going to stay away from them from now on since it's the second time I have experienced this sort of issue with them. On the first time, I thought maybe it was just a coincidence and maybe they just missed my order. But when it happened a second time, that's it for me.

For background:
WBCollect Ordeal (Original)
WBCollect Ordeal (Update #1)
WBCollect Ordeal (Update #2)

Happy Halloween!

Have a spooooooky Halloween!

WBCollect.com Ordeal (Update #2)

Just another post to update the problems I am having with WBCollect.com.

I got this email from them last Thursday (October 24, 2013).

just verifying all your orders have shipped the transformers will be there shortly I also found and including there instructions in the order for free
the voltron was actually returned in the mail last night for not enough postage I sent it as an oversized envelope when it should have been first class package my mistake and very sorry for the trouble
all should be right in the world now thanks for your orders and truly hope to see you again
thanks
WB!

I ordered the Voltron on September 17, 2013, okay so they sent it wrong. I did end up getting the refund for it when I FINALLY got their attention through Facebook. Don't even bother with emails, they won't reply them.

I made two orders after that for some Transformers. One was made on Sept. 23 and the other Sept. 29.
Again, only after I got their attention on Facebook did my order status change from processing to shipped, this changed JUST last week October 24, 2013. From the email above, it sounds like they JUST shipped it. So it took them ONE WHOLE MONTH to ship my stuff. I doubt I would even be seeing my orders or money if I didn't post my "Bad experience" on their Facebook page (which of course they deleted right away).

Even IF I receive these items that they claimed they shipped, I will NEVER buy anything from them again.

In short, don't bother with them, it's a waste of time.

For background on this:
WBCollect.com Ordeal
WBCollect.com Ordeal (Update #1)

WBCollect.com Ordeal (Update #1)

This is just an update to the ordeal I am having with WBCollect.com.
The background is detailed in this post here.

I logged a dispute with Paypal on Monday on my first order (ordered on September 17, 2013). Haven't heard any reply from them yet.

I was thinking today, since emails are private between the buyer and the seller, it is easy for the seller to ignore them and not be effected since no potential or current buyers would know about it. So what better way to get their attention than to post on their social media site, right?

I logged onto Facebook and search WBCollect, and there they were! Saw the most recent post of another buyer saying how good WBCollect is and how fast they ship. So I posted a reply to that with, "Not so here, 3 weeks no shipping, no reply to emails, now going through Paypal to get my refund."

Then after dinner, literally within 15 minutes of my post, guess what?
I FINALLY get an email reply from WBCollect.
Here's their email:

I'm assuming your Jackson Chung ?
This order shipped I was waiting on completing the refund hoping the item
would show up I will process it tonight when i get near a computer wasn't
able to from my phone I will also verify your other orders have shipped any
questions email me directly at wbbuystoys@gmail.com

Your order has been updated to the following status:
New status: Pending

Please reply to this email if you have any questions

I went back to check their Facebook page and of course my reply was deleted, as expected.

If I do end up getting the item AND the refund, I will gladly send the money back.
It's one or the other, I want the toy if possible, but if not, then I would like my money back please.

Again for background on this post, go here:
http://toys-n-more.blogspot.ca/2013/10/wbcollectcom-ordeal.html

WBCollect.com Ordeal

Have anyone else order from WBCollect.com? I discovered this site from my local forum quite a while ago, maybe around early last year. When I found out about them, I was collecting Marvel Universe and they had a lot of loose figures for very good prices. The best part is they ship anything loose for free (even to Canada!), so that was very attractive. I've ordered some small items from them several times and it has all gone well. Although it does take about a week for the order to process and then be shipped out. I received my items for the first few orders I made with them.

Then I believe it was early this year when I ordered a Transformers Shockwave from them. At that time, those figures were still elusive up here in Canada and ordering from WBCollect came out to be about the same price as buying it locally so I ordered one. I waited for 3-4 weeks and my order status was still in processing. I emailed them and never got a reply. In the end, I had to go through Paypal to resolve it.

There was a period that I avoided ordering from them after that experience. Then I guess about a month ago, when those 6" Star Wars Black Series came out and I saw them on WBCollect, I decided to have a go with them again. I received the figure promptly after the initial one week of processing. So I figured that time with the Shockwave might just be a fluke.

So about a month ago, I made three orders with them, total came to just under $100. And again, it has been 3 weeks of processing. I was thinking to myself...oh no not again with this crap! I emailed them 2 times with no reply. And finally again, I am resorted to going through Paypal to get my money back. I just sent the dispute for the first order which I made on September 17, 2013. So it has been well over 3 weeks....and tada still processing!

This is just a post to warn those who are considering ordering from them. Their prices are tempting and they have some cool stuff that are probably hard to find elsewhere. But beware...after this second time...I am just going to stay clear from this store for good!

P.S. I will update this when I get a reply from them...or get my money back...

My new toy

Some of you might remember I took a motorcycle course back in July. The original plan was to get the gear this winter during the sales and then get the bike in spring next season. Well, I got the gear during the "End of season" sales at the end of September and ended up grabbing a bike as well! I finally took delivery of my new-to-me '07 Suzuki GS500F yesterday. I bought it from a store called GPBikes which is about an hour away. The plan was for them to deliver it (free of charge for bikes sold in October), but then I'd have to wait until Monday, take time off work and wait for them to deliver it. One of my friends (that's also a rider) offered to ride it back for me on Saturday instead so I can ride today (Sunday). But man oh man, when we got to the store, it was POURING outside. I was actually regretting getting my friend to ride in this downpour because it was going to be dangerous on my little bike. In the end, after a long and scary ride (I was following in the back in my car), we made it back.

 Here's his Ninja 650 in front and my GS500 in the back.

Since it was raining for the rest of the day yesterday I didn't get to ride until today. To be honest, I was quite intimidated and scared. I had full gear (helmet, armored leather jacket, armored kevlar jeans, armored boots, armored gloves). But once I took off, it was like a natural thing, just like riding a bike. Although I admit I still forget to turn off my turning signals (I had them on pretty much the whole ride). And I could use some practicing on my downshifting timings. But it was a lot easier to pick up then expected. I rode around the neighbourhood for 3 hours just now and had to take a rest because I was getting too cold. But OMFG IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!!

And my steampunk lid!

The Elder One

Finally received this amazing NECA 1/4 scale Elder Predator yesterday. I've wanted one of these quarter scale Predators since the first release, but they didn't get them locally and it was too expensive to get one shipped from the states so I never got the original one. My local toy web store had this up for preorder about half a year back and I got it right away. I am really impressed with the details on this figure. I thought the 6" ones were detailed (and they are), but this one just blows it away (of course it also cost much more). However, because of the size, I have nowhere to display it so it is just standing on the ground in front of my display cases lol!

3D print I, we shall.

Today's print at 0.1mm resolution!



Changed the lighting here to show some of the details. It came out pretty good. Only some of the overhanging bits got burnt a bit by the extruder, but overall, this was a success!

[Transformers Animated] Waspinator

Ahhhh back to doing some portraits of my favorite Transformers series: Animated!

[Sword Art Online] figma Asuna

Just received this figure several days ago and finally opened it today. It's Asuna from Sword Art Online (SAO). SAO is one of my favourite anime so far. To be honest, I am a newbie to anime. I only really started several months ago when my PC caught on fire (literally! Because the connection to my hard drive shorted out) and I was without a computer for a while. Then I subscribed to Crunchyroll to watch anime on my PS3 and that basically the start of it all!

Ultra Dad

Here's Ultraman's pops!

In brightest day, in darkest night...

Further calibration by my friend William resulted in this print today, it looks wicked!

Now I want a 3D printer...

The Iron(man) ring

We recently got a budget 3D printer at work and my friend has been calibrating it for a while. He did a test today and this is the result. It's not the best looking thing since the material on the mask was way too thin on the original design, but it's still pretty cool!

Still here!

Holy crap it has been waaaay too long since I wrote anything here!
Hope everyone is doing well and dandy!

Long story short:
- PC power supply went nuts
- Blew up my hard drive (computer literally caught on fire beside my leg! I am okay though)
- Out of a computer, bought a Nexus 7 and it was so handy that I figured I could hold off the PC
- But missed the large screen so finally got my PC fixed (popped a SSD in there too!)

What's been happening these few months:
- Got more into cycling (50km ride every Sunday)
- Started mountain biking (got tons of bruises to prove it)
- Got my M2 motorcycle license (saving up for motorcycle now)
- Still collecting, but really trying to slow down
- Watching Attack on Titans (it's soooo goooood!!!)
- Just came back from a trip to Prince Edward Island last week

Ummmm...I think that pretty much sums up what's been happening in the past few months of absence.

I will try to post regularly again now that my baby (computer) is back!

Video games!!!

Got a pretty big video games haul this weekend! It's gonna keep me busy for quite some time!

- Nintendo Wii U

- Nintendo 3DS XL

- 3DS Luigi's Mansion

- 3DS Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater

- 3DS Scribblenauts Unlimited

- Wii U Lego City Undercover

- PS3 Kamen Rider Battride War

My new ride

I've recently added a new hobby...and that is cycling! It all started when one of my coworkers convinced me to join Ride for Heart, which I did end up succumbing to since he lent me one of his bikes to ride with (haven't had a bike for like 10 years). I practiced with it by biking to work and back (~11km each way), it was exhausting, but exhilarating! I feel like I was a kid again when I biked. On Saturday, I biked 11km around the neighborhood and it was just so much fun! So on Sunday, I went to the local bike shop to check some bikes out, test rid a few of them, and ended up bringing this baby home!

It's a Trek 8.3 DS, dual-sport bike. It basically means it can do a bit of onroad and a bit of offroad, but is not perfect for either. The bike I borrowed from my coworker was a mountain bike, so it had fat knobby tires suited for offroading. However, riding with those tires on the pavement wasted a lot of energy. With my Trek now, it has narrower tires with less aggressive tread, and the wheels are slightly larger in diameter which  makes it roll much better than the mountain bike. I've already rode it about 25km so far and I love it! It's a great workout and there's just something about it that makes it so much fun. Unfortunately, it rained today so I couldn't ride to work. Looks like it's going to be raining for the next few days too which sucks since I can't wait to ride it again!

The Ride for Heart is coming up on June 2 (only 2 more weeks of training left!). I am doing the 50km ride along with several of my friends at work. The ride is happening on the highway in downtown Toronto (it will be blocked for half the day I believe), so it's going to be a blast! I can't wait!

Black Gold Saw

Opened up this figma Black Gold Saw (TV Animated ver.) today, I've been waiting a long time for this release since I missed out on the original BGS figure and the price of that has soar up through the roof. Even though I got all but Black Gold Saw from the original series figure line, I have bought/preordered all the released/announced figures from the TV animation line as well. This is the only female figures line in my collection because they just look so badass!

The sculpt on this figma BGS is excellent! I am really amazed especially at the sculpt of her hands, they are these boney skeleton claws and each joint is detaily sculpted. A lot of her details include pointy bits and I really had to becareful when handling this figure because those parts were SHARP! This is a really cool figure and I can't wait for the rest of the cast to be released!  
I like this freaky insane face haha  

Film Memories

Just received this set of pictures from my buddy, Thierry, from Taiwan. We went on the India trip in January together. Luckily he brought a cheap disposable film camera since we were reluctant to bring our more expensive gear on the Flying Fox zipline tour at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. But luckily the pictures turned out alright and we got some pictures to remember our crazy trip!

Me sailing across the canyon beside the fort, it was a lot higher than it's shown here.


Thierry coming in...


Me again...someone failed at using the camera...lol


My friend from work, Danny, coming in for the landing.


Don't remember where this was taken though...
Now I will always bring a disposable film camera with me on my trips!

Sofubi Red King

Picked up this little guy cuz I was feeling nostalgic...5 points of articulation FTW!

The Turtles

Testing out a lens I just got with the turtles...fun!

Alisa Ilinichina Amiella

Man, that name is a mouthful. I actually haven't even really read the name until now, I have just been copying and pasting it this whole time. Alisa is a character from the game "God Eater", I have no idea what game it is or any information on the character itself. She just looked super badass with the giant sword so I got it haha!

Just Chickin' Around

Got the chicken-man in my first Lego blind pack! Granted, I looked for the code online before I went to hunt this down haha.

µ-Muggs

I totally missed out on the release of these little Micro Muggs Iron Man, didn't even remember seeing them from the Toy Fair pictures. But while shopping at Walmart today, my sister spotted them and I just had to grab a pair. I couldn't find any markings on it to differentiate them from each other, so it was all my chance (like a real blind box should be!). These figures are non-poseable, about 2" tall, and are permanently attached to the base. They are about the same size as a Lego minifig. They were $3.87 each here, pretty expensive for these tiny things, but I think I will grab a few more in the future haha.



There is a total of 24 types! I actually really want one with Stark's face and Whiplash.


I think the left one is War Machine and the right one is some armor of Iron Man (anyone have a clue which armor this might be?)

When there's just too much of...

Yup...even Saiyans...

Little Iron Man

Got this Nendoroid Iron Man along with my monthly Amiami order a few days ago. This is actually my first true Nendoroid figure. I've had Petite Nendoroids of Idol Masters before, but those had no articulation. I was surprised at the number of articulation points on this little guy though. He is actually quite poseable for a figure this size. The paint is really nicely done, there are several scuffs, but nothing too bad. He also comes with a little base of a cityscape with the Stark Tower in the back which makes this set even more cool!





His mask actually fits snuggly onto the helmet, but the face mask piece can be taken off and "stuck" onto the top since it has a magnet on it.


I absolutely LOVE this figure! I really hope they continue this line and do the other avengers as well!

Who's that Pokemon?!

Who else is from the Pokemon era here? I was right there smack in the center of the Pokemon era, I collected and spent ridiculous amounts of money on Pokemon cards, played the original Pokemon Red on the black and white Gameboy (my cousin had the blue version), went home after school to watch Pokemon on TV (I think I sat too close to the TV as I had to get glasses around this time too...sigh), collected little Pokemon figurines from vending machines...and it goes on and on and on...

Even up to now I have been following the Pokemon games, my last Pokemon game was Black 2, which sort of sucked since it was pretty much the same as Pokemon Black. It was the only Pokemon game that I didn't finish playing because I got bored of it. There's one coming up for the Nintendo 3DS, but since I don't have one of those, I am most likely going to be passing on it.

Anyways, I've been really excited about this figure release since it's the first Pokemon to get an articulated figure from Bandai's D-Arts line. This Pokemon is Mewtwo, #150 in the first generation of Pokemon. I remember watching the first Pokemon movie in the theaters with my friends and it revolved around how Mewtwo was created by scientists and it was the most powerful Pokemon in the world...ahh good times. So how did the figure do? Meh...really it doesn't feel like it was worth the money. I wish they included some more accessories like some type of projectiles or energy fields. The only accessories included is an extra hand to hold the effect parts (which does an extremely poor job of holding it). The tiny ball joint on the wrist pops off really easily and barely has enough friction to hold up the effect part without falling off. I guess to keep the slim profile of the hands, they had to use those tiny ball joints though. The paint on mine is rough, reminiscent of those dollar vending machine Pokemon figures I use to get. Although the tail is impressively articulated with a total of 13 sections. This figure also comes with a first release bonus of a non-poseable Mew figure.

I only briefly played around with it so I don't know if I will end up liking it more. But initial impressions are not as good as I expected. I am happy to finally have some decently articulated Pokemon figures though and will keep my preorders for the up-coming Charizard, Blastoise, and hopefully Venusaur.