Why the Kamen Rider Gaim Toy Line is So Grape

November 16, 2015

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Being a Kamen Rider fan for many years, I’m no stranger to the fact that the franchise is just one big toy commercial. However, to succeed in its endeavor to sell toys, both the show and the toys need to be good in their own right and play off each other’s strengths and unique characteristics. On top of that, in order to keep the long-time fans buying, innovations and improvements must be made to keep things fresh and updated.

In my opinion, the 2013/2014 Kamen Rider series, Kamen Rider Gaim, is a phenomenal show. Whether you love it or hate it, we can’t deny the fact that it took the series to new heights and took a concept as silly-sounding as Fruit Samurai and turned it into something serious, epic and mature – a series full of intrigue, twists and high-stakes that even non-Kamen Rider fans could enjoy. Hardly surprising, if you ask me, considering it was written by none other than Urobuchi Gen, famous for his other works including Saya no Uta, Psycho-Pass, Fate/Zero and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. Yes, that Urobuchi Gen.

However, I don’t think that the show’s success can solely account for the 390% increase in toy sales and a total revenue of 10 billion yen over the course of the series run. No. If you ask me, the toys had a part to play as well. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at various aspects of both the show and the toy line to see why it’s just so ingenious.

WARNING! There are spoilers for the show within this post! While there aren’t any plot spoilers, the various forms and abilities for a number of the Riders are discussed!

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Actar’s Reviews 224 – Complete DX Kamen Rider 555 Rider Gear Collection

September 25, 2011

I’m not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this video, but after many years of searching through online stores, auction sites and local stores, I have finally completed my Kamen Rider 555 (Faiz) rider gear collection, together with custom replica gear boxes that are recreated to precisely match the ones in the show and I would like to share them with you guys.

This video is also meant to be a one stop showcase video of all the Kamen Rider 555 Rider Gear.

Video Contents:
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Complete Kamen Rider 555 Rider Gear Collection

September 12, 2011

Standing by… COMPLETE!

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Actar’s Reviews 211 – S.H.Figuarts Faiz Blaster Form Rant

June 20, 2011

S.H.Figuarts might be a stellar line of figures, but that doesn’t mean they don’t mess up from time to time. For Faiz, it’s the accessories.


Start of Summer Vacation Acquisitions!!!

May 1, 2011

– Digivolving Growlmon/WarGrowlmon Japanese Version
– Tamashii Web Exclusive S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider Joker
– Wave’s Beach Queens Misaka Mikoto
– Tamashii Web Exclusive S.H.Figuarts Cure Rouge and Mint + Special Stand Set

Complete Set of Heartcatch! Precure Role-play Toys including:
– Kokoro Perfume + Carry Case
– Shiny Perfume
– Kokoro Pot
– Flower Tact
– Shiny Tambourine
– Heartcatch Mirage

– Cure Doll Cure Black
– Cure Doll Cure White
– Cure Doll Cure Melody
– Cure Doll Cure Rhythm

– Cure Doll Cure Blossom
– Cure Doll Cure Marine
– Cure Doll Cure Sunshine
– Cure Doll Cure Moonlight
– S.H.Figuarts Cure Blossom
– S.H.Figuarts Cure Marine
– S.H.Figuarts Cure Dream
– S.H.Figuarts Cure Lemonade
– Cure Module

– Kamen Rider W DX Double Dirver
– Kamen Rider W Fang Memory (First Release Ver + Special Joker Memory)

– Azone’s 1/6 Scale Fate Testarossa Doll
– Kamen Rider 555 Deforide Kamen Rider Faiz
– S.H.Figuarts Kamen Rider W CycloneJoker
– AmiAmi Nymph
– Figure-Oh Magazine Exclusive DX T2 Joker Memory
– Kamen Rider W DX Prisim Bicker
– Kamen Rider W Trigger Magnum
– Kamen Rider W Skull Magnum

– Ichigo Mashimaro Anime Guide Book

OMG! Time sure flies. Within a blink of an eye, it has already been almost a month since I’ve posted something on this blog! Anyways, the reason that I’ve been away for so long is because of my finals, which just ended this past week (as stated on my Youtube Channel). Now that it is three months of freedom, it’s time to crank up the dial to 11 and get some posts, reviews and Anime watching done!!! First off, let’s start off with the stuff that I’ve acquired over these past two months. Basically, these things are the stuff that I’ve refrained from opening till summer break and now’s the time to indulge!!!

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Actar’s Reviews 166 – S-RHF 03 Kamen Rider Kaixa and Transforming Side Basshar

September 5, 2010

From Faiz to Kaixa, we turn our attention to Kaixa’s personal bike, Side Basshar. Just like Auto Vajin, Side Basshar is fully transformable, able to assume both Vehicle Mode and Battle Mode.

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My Thoughts On The Code Geass Finale

September 29, 2008
A poetic masterpiece in terms of battle and story.

A poetic masterpiece in terms of battle and story.

One of the best Animes I have ever seen finally comes to a close.

Obvious spoilers ahead…

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