Merry Christmas!!!

Popbot Shosuke TK Underverse Hacker

Shosuke is (might be) the brother of Kozo (see previous review), titled as Underverse Hacker, he was for sale during November 14th at ThreeA's online store bambaland, he was a pre-made figure, which means that you won't wait 4-6 months before ThreeA ships him. Here is a simple description from Shosuke's lore:

"We asked the question why and we are told because we are needed, But I ask - why are we needed? Where do the weapons we use without question originate? Who made us and why? I hunt for these answers in the UNDERVERSE where the answers to questions all reside."

There you go... I have a better version which is based from Toy Story, Metal Gear Solid and the Bible but it's for personal use only, sorry. Okay, on with the review!

Shosuke is packaged in a shoebox by ThreeA, a Tomorrow Kings' standard. It also have a very nice art of Shosuke's masked head.

Shosuke is very similar to Kozo, with same accessories, the quality is superb, and the only difference between them are the head sculpt, the orange colour scheme and the colour of the pants which is not in synch with the scheme. 

The gas mask and tank is very well done, the hoses might be a hindrance at first but adjusting it properly helps keeping the mask on and not falling off.

Shosuke's articulation is perfect, joints are tight but not too loose, I had a great time posing him.

I really like Shosuke's head-sculpt without the mask specially that quirky sideburns.

Cons:

• The rubber sting that is attached to the mask is annoying and easily loosen, but it's a minor part because the mask can hold itself on the face with the help of the hoses connected with the tank.
• The jacket part (white) of the suit might give some hindrance when posing the arms.

Pros:

• Details and weathering is nicely done.
• The accessories, the gas mask, tank, short sword, (ridiculously plenty) bags and grenades are the best bits of the figure. Maybe another katana, then this figure will be one of the best equipped TK figures.
• New head sculpt with the sideburns is really well made and could have given Kozo a run for his money.

Value:

• $120 fair

Overall:

• "Shosuke is a very nice addition for the next generation of Popbot's Tomorrow Kings, being pre-made and was also a hard to buy, during its pre-order period, this might become one of those widely sought figure in the Tomorrow Kings line." 

Popbot Kozo TK Undernaut (Origin Hunter)

Kozo is a Tomorrow King that was exclusively sold at Good Smile Online, made possible by the collaboration of ThreeA and Good Smile Company. Here is a short description of Kozo from the Good Smile online store:

Mystery TK emerges from the Underverse

Fighting Mortis bots to protect humanity, Tomorrow Kings are rumored to be genetically engineered clones created from generals and military commanders that once existed in Japanese history, but their true origin is unknown. Kozo himself is said to be named after a naval general. Rumor has it that some TKs are able to side step time utilizing the Underverse, and could it be that Kozo has such ability as well? And what could be the purpose of his diver-like gears?

Kozo’s packaging is the common shoebox-style usually used by ThreeA with their 1/6 scaled figure.

The figure is very well done, this might be the result of having been checked (Quality Assured) by both ThreeA and GoodSmile.

Kozo's head sculpt is very cool, his gas mask (removable) that is connected to an awesome looking storage tank is very well done. The detail is superb and the weathering is really good.

Articulation is the usual for a 1/6 scale figure (Hot Toys/ThreeA), the joints are not too tight and not loose either. The accessories are plenty, but will be much better if they add another katana/swords and couple of alternative hands.

Cons:

• None showed up.

Pros:

• Details and weathering is obviously great.
• Awesome-looking accessories specially the gas mask and the diver storage tank!
• New head sculpt really compliments the gears and attire.
• No known issues that are being experienced by recently released ThreeA Figures.

Value:

• 15,000 yen / $130 Fair

Overall:

• “Kozo is arguably one of the best TK that is recently released. He has everything that a long-time TK collector want, simple yet awesome. He is also a very great figure to start a TK collection if you are planning to. If you Pre-Ordered it, lucky you, but if not good luck getting him in a reasonable price. He is also considered the very first TK that is release outside ThreeA’s online store to a Japanese Toy Company so this may add to it’s already prestige image."

Cold Merde in Action Portable by ThreeA

Months ago I bought a 1/6-scaled Cold Merde, a very cool variant of Merde Mission. He is the father of Bleak Mission and grandfather to the protagonist Tommy Mission in Adventure Kartel Universe from 3A/Ashley Wood. 

It’s my first carded 1/6 figure and I’m planning to keep it mint on card, but the figure’s awesome design, background story (scarce as it is) and posing possibilities makes it very tempting to open.

News from 3A came weeks later, a set of 1/12 figures (Action Portables as they present it) will be sold thru retailers and a Cold Merde will be included, so thank you JC! That info keeps me from tearing my beloved 1/6 Cold Merde from its carded place.

Now I got the 1/12-scaled Cold Merde:

Size Comparison

Card is very cool!

Back of the card which shows artworks of the other figures in the set.

Cold Merde is ready!

Back of that awesome looking coat.

Look at that detail (and that Cuban Cigar)!

One of the issues I have are the glued/stuck guns in the holsters, so we got only two guns for him. 

The 1/6 version got all the guns removable/usable.

Without the coat, Cold Merde still gives that awesome style!

Accessories:

• Winter Coat
• 2 Guns
• 9 Holsters with Guns (non-removable)
• 6 Belts/Straps
• very large cigarette or a white Cuban Cigar?

Cons:

• The non-removable guns in the holsters
• Left hand can't hold a gun properly.

Pros:

• Very good details
• Awesome weathering (obviously it's ThreeA)
• Playability is great
• Tight-joints
• No paint problem 

Value:

• $40-$45 (P1700-P2200) Reasonable Priced!

Overall:

• "This figure is very nice, better if you get it with the set, which is more cheaper and you will also get the other 13 Adventure Kartel Action Portable figures (you can't beat that!). I highly recommended it for your collection (even if you are just starting), the figure works well displayed alone or better in a diorama along side the other ThreeA 1/12 figures."

Hello World

50 days before Christmas.

Upcoming Toy Review
 - ThreeA 1/12 Adventure Kartel Cold Merde