With the new announcement of the inclusion of the Tokyo Figure Show in AFA09, it seems that the unbelievably humongous event just got bigger. (^.^;)

First off, I can’t say how excited I am. Words conveyed through the time space barrier known as the Internet cannot even hint at the level of excitement that I’m now at.

Seriously. I have never been more proud to be a Singaporean. The organizers are really pulling no punches when it comes to this event.

So, right now, in order to share my elation, let me share with you some of the things that I’m personally looking forward to at AFA09. (Even though most of you probably already know them…)

- TOKYO FIGURE SHOW X Danny Choo

http://www.afa09.com/dannychoo_experience.html

As stated above, Danny Choo, which I have started to view as a company, and Good Smile Company will be showcasing their figures at a section of AFA09. While I am super excited as I really wanted to experience a figure event for my self (hope to go to WonderFest one day), I’m slightly disappointed as only Good Smile Company figures will be featured. HOWEVER!

- Tamashii Nations (Bandai Experience Zones)

http://www.afa09.com/bandai_showcase.html

There will be a display of figures from Bandai’s Tamashii (or Damashii, why people use D instead of T I’ll never know) Series of figures. Since I’m a huge fan of the Robot T/Damashii line, I am really looking forward to this. Not a fan of Gundam so…

- I LOVE ANISONG

http://www.afa09.com/i_love_mayn.html
http://www.afa09.com/i_love_mizuki.html
http://www.afa09.com/i_love_shokotan.html
http://www.afa09.com/i_love_fukuyama.html

The next big thing will be the performances! Not only will Sheryl Nome and Aniki be returning, this year also features the debut of Shokotan (she sang the Gurren Lagann OP), who is huge in Japan, and a number of other artistes like Yoshiki Fukuyama and even Miku. (Yay for Miku fans, but I’m not particularly into Vocaloid.)

- K-FRIGGIN-ON!

http://www.afa09.com/k-on_experience.html

As the section header states, it’s K-FRIGGIN-ON! OMGWTFBBQZOMGROTFLLOL! The Seiyuus of the main cast of K-On! will be making an appearance and reading lines from the show. Being somewhat a huge fan of the series, I’m definitely looking forward to their ‘recording session’ the most. If you don’t know who is my favorite girl yet, it’s hands down YUI!!! (Mio can cry in the corner. (^.^;))

- Other stuff…

To top this epic event off, we’ll be having Cosplay competitions, exclusives and of course, dealer rooms! Conventions are great excuses to spend a ton of cash. (^.^)

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Well, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, it’s time to get back to studying for my exams and hopefully I’ll be seeing you there at AFA09!

(I’ll post info on how you can identify me at a later date)

So tomorrow, November 10th, my final exams shall commence and will end on December 3rd. After that, it will be the beginning of a ton of new things for both this blog and Actar’s Reviews.

I shall elaborate further after my exams, but I shall finally be able to write and post a number of Articles that I have been meaning to do for some time. As for Actar’s Reviews, I will not only try out other video editing programs, but I will also experiment with my reviewing style. Most importantly, I’ll be catching up with the current releases. Actar’s Reviews on overdrive!

Last but not least, despite Actar’s Reviews being on haitus, I shall be continuing to blog. The two upcoming posts you can look forward to are my experiences with EVA 2.0 and my coverage of AFA09.

I love this picture! Just look at their facial expressions. So bad ass.

Yup, the title does not lie. Singaporeans are going to be given a treat in the form of a screening of the motion picture epic: Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance.

The movie will be screened at Cathay Cineplexes starting November 12th.

I am stoked. There’s no other way to describe it. This event will also be my first time seeing an Anime on the big screen. Finally, I will get to see the new spin that this retelling will put on the original (EVA-05, Mari, etc…) and what the difference is between Mari’s Pink and Green plugsuit.

Can't wait to see these two get it on!

Here’s a question. Will there be an Evangelion gathering before one of the movies? Sadly, I won’t be able to addend the first screening as I have my Math A Level paper to study for but will be there on the 13th. Would love to get together with some other Eva fans so do stop and talk if you see me!

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(Should have stocked up on Evangelion apparel…)

As a bonus, here are all my EVA-related Video reviews to commemorate this occasion!

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Pictures are from Gelbooru.

Konata and Yutaka picking out the perfect pumpkin!

There isn’t really any form of celebration in Singapore on Halloween. However, that doesn’t stop me from celebrating my own way! (^o^)

So, here are the pumpkins I used. If you are wondering what they are…

…they are actually colored white chocolate with a praline center. I suppose you can call them Praline Pumpkins… (^.^;)

Candy Heaven!

Kagami: Are you sure cosplay is fine?

Konata: Cosplay is still a costume~

Kagami: But aren’t we supposed to dress as something scary?

Konata: You’re scary enough~

Kagami: Oi.

Here’s my photoshoot of Chara-Ani’s take on the tragic heroine, Isayama Yomi from the series Ga-Rei Zero.

Let me preface this review with the fact that I am a HUGE fan of Ga-Rei Zero.

While the series isn’t that well known, let me say that for a 12 episode series, it succeeds in telling a very satisfying and compelling story thatis filled with great character development, poignant scenes and amazing action sequences.

Even the opening theme, ‘Paradise Lost’ by Minori Chihara, the current Actar’s Reviews opening theme, is auditory gold. Do watch the series if you haven’t. (^.^)

Alrighty, on to the review!

Definitely a good representation of Yomi-Oneesan, but I do have some criticisms. The figure looks wierd at certain angles and Yomi, being a very dynamic character, really deserves a more dynamic pose. Also, the figure is affixed to the base…

Other than that, pretty good figure on the whole that looks much vetter in person.

Yomi’s sacred sword, Outo-Shishiou is removable. If you are wondering what that item is in the background…

…let me show you one of my prized pieces in my replica collection – A scale custom made cosplay prop of Outo-Shishiou.

Made of both PVC and Wood, I absolutely love the details that was put into it.

My fave picture of the bunch. Here’s hoping for more Ga-Rei (Zero) figures!

Ah, do note there’s a online exclusive version of this figure that comes with a Chibi Ranguren. (Yomi’s Sacred Beast)

Definitely the best figure of Nia, from Gurren Lagann, to be produced thus far that is surprisingly made by a relatively unknown figure company ‘uplark’.

The reasons are clear as to why I think that this is the best figure representation of lovely Nia to date. The figure captures her innocent charm remarkably well. Not only that, I absolutely love how her hair is done. Uplark did a spectacular job in replicating her two-toned hair.

Not to mention that the figure itself is wonderfully painted and gorgeously detailed. Above is a fully body shot (nearly) of her front and back. Details I especially like are the frills on her skirt and her intricate jewels in her belt and well, jewelry.

Even her shoes ooze awesomeness. People with feet fetishes, scream for joy! (Though I’m not one of them…)

Something interesting to note, the figure can actually stand without her base! Hardly see that nowadays, what with the dynamic poses and all. We figure collectors really take bases for granted.

Another reason as to why I believe that this figure is the definitive Nia figure is due to the inclusion of exchangable heads! These exchangable heads allow you to display Nia pre or post Hair cut! Exceptional! Love the versatility and options that they give. They certainly went above and beyond with this figure.

Refreshing look indeed! (^o^)

As a bonus, here are some pics I took of Konami’s Yoko, my favourite version of Yoko.

L(O.O)k at those curves!

I swear I didn’t think about it when buying this figure, but Nia and Yoko look simply made for each other. The poses compliment each other and they really fit together exceedingly well.

Highly recommended, get her while you can! (^.^)

At long last, some semblance of what can be considered decent loot has gathered at my front door step over the past few days.

Armed with my novice photo-taking skills and a way too expensive camera, let me break my loot down for you.

One of the best Nia figures I’ve seen thus far that is surprisingly made by a relatively unknown figure company ‘uplark’. They also made a Viral figure which also seems awesome as well.

I absolutley love the box design! Especially with the little cutout at the back that allows you to view the back of the figure. Nice pantsu view. (^.^)

Not only is this figure gorgeous, the feature that makes this figure really stand out from the rest of the crowd is the inclusion of exchangable heads! These exchangable heads allow you to display Nia pre or post Hair cut! Exceptional! Love the versatility and options that they give.

Of course, a photo review will most likely be coming. (Hopefully…)

Next, we have the two newest additions to the Lucky Star figma series, Figma (Tsukasa + Miyuki) Summer Uniform Versions. You can bet that they will be reviewed on upcoming episodes of ‘Actar’s Reviews’, but due to my exams, it is still uncertain when these episodes will debut…

The second Figma Belka Knight to be released, from the series Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s (StrikerS doesn’t exist for me) is Figma Shamal. The ‘healer/mage’ of the group that, from my understanding, doesn’t seem as popular as the other Knights. Will review her eventually, same as the Lucky Star Figmas…

Ranka kicks back on my new loot. (^o^)

…and yes, I did get a di;stage as well.

Oh, P.S. If you are wondering what those marks on my wall, they are actually the remains to pieces of tape, blu-tack and other adhesives that refuse to come off even after I’ve removed the posters. In case you’re wondering.

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To save this from becoming yet another ‘meaningless’ loot post, let me gather some opinions from my readers for an upcoming article on ‘Loot Posts’.

Many figure bloggers post their acquisitions on a regular basis, me included. How do you feel about loot posts?

Do they excite you? Help inform you about what the current popular figures are? Make you jealous? So basically, do you enjoy Loot posts and see any meaning to them?

Happy Children’s Day to me! Even though I’m not a ‘children’ anymore… yeah… Anyways, it is indeed a Happy Children’s Day for me as my second musume arrives from the land of the rising sun! If you haven’t identified her yet, whe is none other than Ranka Lee, one of the two songstress(es?) of Macross Frontier, that sang alongside Sheryl Nome.

Today marks another special event as well. This is the first time I’m actually attempting to do a figure photoshoot with an SLR Camera, a Nikon D200 to be exact, and I hope the pictures turn out well! (^.^)

I was exceedingly elated when a package containing the above box arrived on my doorstep today. After Asuna, Ranka was the next doll that I knew I had to get. Ranka here is a Doll in Megahouse’s Limited Action Figure Collection line. They have also previously released a Sheryl doll in this line. Being a limited edition figure, I was afraid that I had missed out on the opportunity on getting her, thankfully, I managed to find a terrific deal on Yahoo! Auctions Japan that was too good to pass up. (^o^)

The box that Ranka comes in is a traditional Monochrome design, indicating a limited edition figure. The front face features Ranka in various poses.

The bottom of the box features the Macross Frontier Series logo at the top right hand corner. Ranka’s name is at the bottom left hand corner of the box, while the Magahouse logo, Megatrea Online Shop logo, Limited Action Figure Collection logo and the sticker of authenticity is also on the bottom of the box as well.

The side just sports a ‘Macross Frontier’.

…and the top has the usual warnings and so on.

The box is surprisingly massive. I would have never guessed that it was this big just by looking at the official pictures.

The box has a simple flip open lid. I do like the design.

Here’s Ranka!

Looking at the internal layout of the box, I have to say that it is pretty well done. The orange color scheme compliments Ranka’s school uniform very well, and the twist ties do hold Ranka solidly in place so there’s no worry of her flopping around during transport. I’ve also noticed that the orange bottom does simulate a stage.

Ranka’s name is in the lower right hand corner, along with the words ‘Action Figure Collection Limited’.

A closer look at Ranka In-Package.

The top section is separate from the box and is elevated by a cardboard support.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that what I first believed to be regular Hasbro-grade twist ties, turned out to be elastic strings that have metal bars at the end. Great touch as this will allow one to display Ranka back in her box even after she has been taken out before.

~Figure Photoshoot~

Releasing her from her bondage (wow that didn’t come out right…), Ranka’s genki and bubbly personality translates well to her doll representation of herself. Her lively persona complimented by her orange school uniform, that also fits well with her Green hair. The figure is exceptionally accurate to her original animated counterpart.

Back of the doll.

The details on this doll are indeed superb. We can see the individual strings on the back of Ranka’s skirt that are tied up nicely in a ribbon.

Great details up front as well. The school logo and badge are seen on her socks and her uniform.

POSE TIME!

The S.M.S. wants you!

So, as can be seen, the articulation on her is simply astounding. I’d expect nothing less from a figure of this caliber. While the visible joints do bother some people, I don’t find them intrusive at all.

Niang~Niang~

In the immortal words of Misato: ‘Service~su, service~su!”

The only imperfections on the figure are some slight paint transfers. A speck of orange paint on her hair and some green paint on her ribbon.

~Accessories~

Unlike Asuna, Ranka does come with a number of accessories, including 2 pairs of exchangable hands, Ai-Kun and Ranka’s phone. Sadly, no ‘Kira~’ hands were included.

"Nyaa~" "Squee~" They are actually talking about the secreets of the universe.

Ai-Kun, Ranka’s pet, is made of PVC and is nicely detailed.

Same goes for Ranka’s phone.

The hands are connected via simple pegs and the fingers are made of a flexible material. You can place a number of thins in her hands and it holds on pretty well.

The obligatory 'figure holding figure' picture that everyone seems to love, but this time, it's a figure holding a figure holding a laptop.

In conclusion, I have to say that I’m really impressed and pleased with this figure. It has great articulation, stunning details, nice but simple accessories and it’s really accurate to her show counterpart. The figure is sadly an online exclusive to the Megatrea Online Shop and made in limited quantities, so she’s pretty hard to find now, but I do highly recommend her and do pick her up if you have the chance. As I’ve said previously, there is also a Sheryl doll, but I’m not that huge of a fan of Sheryl and I would have preferred if they had provided Sheryl with her stage outfit instead.

Well, that’s it for this review and I do hope that the pictures were alright, just got my hands on the camera and I’m still learning the ropes. Will definitely get a some extra lights or set up a photobooth in the near future to get rid of those shadows. (^.^)

Here’s Ranka with her famous song to end this review:

Oh my. Definitely the greatest Anime episode of Negima! to be created so far, the first episode of the new OVA created by SHAFT (Zetsubou Sensei, Bakemonogatari) covers the Journy to the Magical World arc of the manga, continuing from the previous OVA series: Ala Alba.

The reason I liked this episode so much was mainly because of the gorgeous and fluid animation and a whole lot of ACTION. We have some great fight scenes that involve most of the cast and the use of their Artifacts. The Pactio cards also come into play and I loved their inclusion in the opening. The only thing that I would have liked to have seen is the reuse of the song ‘Happy Material;, but oh well.

Following this is a number of screencaps from the episode itself, detailing the events that occur, and do avoid if you don’t want to be spoiled. (^.^)

Here we go!

This OVA, as stated above, starts right where the previous one left off. We see the gang arrive in England, London.

A short train ride later, Negi and friends arrive at Wales, Negi’s hometown. He is then reunited with his big sister Nekane.

~OPENING CREDITS~

Starting with a brief fan service scene of Asuna bathing, we get a quick preview of things to come. What things? ACTION!!! If the opening is any indication, we Negima! fans are in for a treat! (^o^) Love the fact that the characters are seen utilizing their Pactio Cards in the scenes. Other than in the Negima!? series, we never did get to see the characters use their Artifacts/Pactio Cards a lot.

We then meet the Headmaster of the Magic School and find out more about the disaster that befell Negi’s village a number of years back. Except for a few who escaped, everyone else was turned into stone.

Negi, along with his partners and a few more of his students that possess special abilities set off on their journey to the Magic World. Makie’s group, who doesn’t know about magic, decide to break their promise to remain behind and tag along.

Arriving at the Gate to the Magic World, they are then transported to the Gateport (think Airport) in the Magic World.

Ah, stowaways.

Sensing a foreign presence, Negi quickly mobilizes his team, but not before being fatally wounded.

NEGI!!! NO~

O.O

While Konoka’s Artifact can heal Negi, despite him sustaining a fatal wound, all their weapons/items were sealed in a box with an ‘Unbreakable’ Seal until they leave the Gateport. (Think Airport security.) This is a problem as Konoka’s Artifact can only heal wounds that are maximum three minutes old.

The enemies reveal themselves and it’s none other than Fate Averruncus and his group.

EPIC FIGHT SEQUENCE!!! Do note that the above screencaps are only snippets from the fights. Really awesome scene that can’t be represented by a few pictures, let alone described. Anyways, the Ala Alba don’t do so well until…

Asuna manages to smash open the sealed box and releases their weapons and magic items!

HENSHIN!!! Oh, wait… ADEAT!!!

The counterattack begins. Setsuna = Gorgeous, Fluid, Epic Win.

Racing against time, Konoka tries to get to Negi to heal his wound and Asuna defends her from their onslaught.

@.@

Admitting that Negi’s group is more than ‘trash’, Fate Averruncus and his group destroy the keystone of the Gate, causing the transportation magic to go beserk. This splits the group up and teleports them to different parts of the magic world.

~END CREDITS~

So, if you are wondering about all the Negima Anime series, here’s a quick rundown:

Negima! : Canon up till episode 22. The school festival arc is not shown.
Negima!? : Alternate storyline and not canon.
Negima! Ala Alba OVA: Canon after the events of the school festival.
Negima! Another World OVA: Canon, continues from previous OVA. Covers chapters 186 +

All we need now is the school festival arc to be animated.

Overall, great start to an arc with simply gorgeous animation, kick-ass action and a great set up. If you are a Negima! fan, you need to watch this NOW.

Now, all we have to do is to wait for the next episode that will be released in two months. (Episode 3 will be released May next year. (T.T))

I Actar, have officially become a father with the arrival of my first ever doll this past week. Being one who is easily influenced by peer pressure, I decided to join the doll loving crowd, in a way. Instead of becoming a Dollfie collector, which I probably never will due to the price, I have become a collector of 1/6 scale dolls!

These dolls, while not ’super customizable’, are great in terms of size, detail and accuracy! Thus, I shall refer to them as AMDs from now on, Affordable Mini Daughters! (^o^) (Not to be confused with that great company whose technology is in my computer.)

Of course, while there are many other 1/6 scale doll makers out there like Azone and Megahouse, which I will definitely be buying from in time to come, the one I present to you today is brought to us by Konami.

Here’s a little preview, as I’ll be doing a proper photoshoot soon.

Meet 1/6 scale Kakurazaka Asuna, produced in limited quantities and vintage to 2005. There are a number of reasons I bought her, one of which is of course, I wanted a doll of my very own, and second, there aren’t really any great Negima! figures out there. Thank goodness I got her not far off from her original price, and in near mint condition too! (^o^)

So, the box here is pretty compact and simple in design.

The rectangular box features a bio of Asuna on the side…

and a diagram featuring all the points of articulation on the figure. The doll utilizes the Obitsu female body.

Opening the box, we are greeted to a bunch of crepe paper.

Tadaa!!! Here’s Asuna packaged in bubbly wrapped comfort.

She comes with a number of extras, including her wonderfully detailed school blazer, worn during the winter. I love the Mahora logo!

…and also a number of extra neck joints. Whether they are supposed to be replacements or meant for the other exchangable heads, I’m not sure.

Taking her out of the box, I am simply astounded by the details. Her clothes are obviously cloth and she even has a pair of cloth pantsu! (>.<) Other notes are nice leathery shoes and push pin buttons for her, er, buttons. As said previously, the articulation is simply astounding.

Konata has been turned into her Suka form and is ordering Asuna around.

I’m starting to appreciate the ‘Doll holding figure’ fetish. d(~.’)

Overall, an outstanding doll that I love to bits, however, right now, she’s going back into the box as I am still in the middle of my exams. Will tie up her ribbon properly and spruce her up before an official photoshoot coming soon!

Besides Asuna, this September loot brings me a figure that I’ve always been eying, Ichiban Kuji’s exclusive Ranka figure!

The fun doesn’t end there, I’ve just splurged and bought another exclusive 1/6 doll, coming soon!

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Also, this Asuna doll is the only Negima! Character to have a full doll ever made. The other characters, like Nodoka, Konoka and Makie are available only as exchangable heads.

On that note, if you do own a Nodoka exchangable head, I would really like to purchase it from you as I’m a huge, huge fan of Nodoka. (^.^)