Pre-Order Ax2 Studio's Inu and Saru series 1/6 scale Yojimbo Shusuke 12-inch action figure

"I shall killeth those who dareth toucheth mineth mast'r!"
Shusuke/ Yojimbo from the tribe of Saru

Yojimbo is my job. The members of Inu teased me, saying what I do is reminiscent of a watchdog that guards the entrance of Saru, but I pay them no heed. My life belongs to my mast'r. A grateful dog is no doubt far nobler than those crude, thankless goshi.

YOJIMBO means bodyguards, the job is usually taken by the more destitute rank of Samurai, such as the Ronin. Yet the attire of a Saru sergeant ought to be glamorous, so even a mere bodyguard's garments would appear more extravagant than that of usual corporals. The Saru people do not tolerate any dishevelment in clothing - a set of elegant, organized attire represents the frontage of the entire Saru clan. GOSHI means the lowest rank of samurai.

Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures :)

Ax2 Studio Inu and Saru series 1/6 scale Yojimbo Shusuke 12-inch figure is open for Pre-Order from 03/14/2013, 8AM Pacific Standard Time. The first batch pre-order of Yojimbo gets the promotional deal: $165 U.S (limited to 400 pieces worldwide, original retail price: $185 U.S)

Product will be available at: http://ax2warehouse.bigcartel.com/

Related posts:
February 20, 2014 – Teaser images of Ax2 Studio next project: 1:6 scale INU & SARU Series Yojimbo 12-inch figure posted HERE
December 25, 2013 – Review of AX2 "Boom!" Series Collection #2 1/6 scale Rei (prototype clone) 12-inch action figure in my toy blog HERE, HERE and HERE

Teaser images of Ax2 Studio next project: 1:6 scale INU & SARU Series Yojimbo 12-inch figure

Backstory:
The two rivaling samurai families - the tribe of Inu and the tribe of Saru, have been at war with each other for the longest period of time, for both parties are determined to conquer the world.

In one single critical battle, the Saru tribe had defeated the Inu tribe, taking over control of the entire continent. In the country ruled by the Saru, the Inu people are marked as the lowest-ranking samurais, while the fighters with the Saru bloodline could serve in the government while being bestowed with the Royal, highest-ranked samurai title - the Joshi. The story entails a group of lowly-ranked samurais acquiring the democratic freedom they longed for through the revolution against the unjust government system and its extremely unbalanced samurai-labeling system.

Here's a peek at the Ax2 Studio 1/6 scale Yojimbo 12-inch figure from the Saru tribe! NOTE: The following photos are not their final product, it's still 95% only! Interestingly enough, Inu seems to imply fox in the Japanese language while "Saru" is the Japanese word for monkey. So Yojimbo appears to be wearing a monkey mask (not sure if the mask is removable). Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures.

Ax2 debut product / figure, AX2 "Boom!" Series Collection #2 1/6th scale Rei (prototype clone) 12-inch action figure (reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE), seems to have garnered very positive responses which gives the company the confidence to go ahead with producing and releasing more 1/6 scale figures. That is a boon for us 12-inch figure collectors because we really need to have more of such figures other than the ones we have been getting / seeing. The more choices and options available, the better, right?

Certainly looking forward to this figure's release.

Related posts:
February 3, 2009 – Medicom Toys 1/6 scale "Monkey Magic!" Sūn Wùkōng (孙悟空) Monkey King 12-inch figure posted HERE
October 31, 2013 – Foxbox Studio 1/6 scale God Complex: Inari 12-inch Collectible Figure reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE

Check out Kotobukiya Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon ARTFX+ Statue with Groot base

You all have probably seen the teaser trailer of the upcoming 2014 superhero film "Guardians of the Galaxy" starring Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon.

Rocket Raccoon is a genetically engineered raccoon who is an expert marksman. Director James Gunn pointed out that the CGI raccoon used was "not a cartoon character," saying "it's not Bugs Bunny in the middle of The Avengers, it’s a real, little, somewhat mangled beast that’s alone. There’s no one else in the universe quite like him, he’s been created by these guys to be a mean-ass fighting machine."

Rocket Raccoon is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen, the character first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (Summer 1976). He is an intelligent, anthropomorphic raccoon, who is an expert marksman and master tactician. (source: wiki)

Kotobukiya wasted no time in revealing their version of Rocket Raccoon from the movie. As soon as the trailer was officially out, so were their prototype teaser images of their Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon ARTFX+ Statue. Scroll down to see the pictures.

Available September 2014

Related posts:
July 27, 2013 – Every dog has its day and G.I. Joe's Snake Eyes pet wolf 1/6 scale Timber has its own post HERE
November 1, 2013 – "What Does the Fox Say?" Foxbox Studio 1/6 scale God Complex: Inari 12-inch figure Review II posted HERE

Preview Kotobukiya DC Comics 1/7 scale Starfire Bishoujo Statue - you have to check out dat ass!

Starfire is the name of a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The most prominent Starfire is Koriand'r, the fourth character to use that name. She debuted in a preview story inserted within DC Comics Presents #26 (October 1980) and was created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. (source: wiki)

The design of the character (Koriand'r) incorporated aspects of many existing characters, artist George Pérez talking about the creation of the character noted that: "...I figured based on the description, was Red Sonja in outer space, so she ended up having a visual cue from that. When Joe Orlando passed by and saw the character sketches he suggested that maybe her hair should be longer. That I took to the ninth degree and gave her the Mighty Mouse contrail."

Koriand'r, Starfire's given name, is a princess of the fictional planet Tamaran in the Vegan system, and was in line to rule the planet as Queen. Komand'r ("commander", also known as Blackfire), her older sister, developed a bitter rivalry with her after suffering a disease in infancy that robbed her of the ability to harness solar energy to allow her to fly, and by extension, her right to the throne. A series of events put Komand'r in a position to execute Koriand'r after she was captured. Koriand'r escaped by stealing a spacecraft to flee to the nearest planet, Earth, where she met the first Robin and his compatriots; she joined them in forming the Teen Titans. She became a charter member of this team and remained a member for years; during this time she was frequently romantically involved with Robin.

Scroll down to see the preview pictures of Kotobukiya DC Comics 1/7 scale Starfire Bishoujo Statue ;p

Related posts:
March 27, 2012 – Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo collection 1/7th scale Wonder Woman 9-inch statue Reviews HERE and HERE
June 2, 2013 – Kotobukiya Batman Arkham City Collectors Edition 14 cm (5.5") Statue posted HERE
February 9, 2014 – Review of Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo collection 1/7th scale X-Force Psylocke 8-inch Statue HERE and HERE

Pre-order ZCWO: 1/6 scale Firearms Collection Set A & Set B - More BANG for your buck

ZC World has released pictures of their ZCWO Accessories: 1/6 scale Firearms Collection Set A & Set B and they look pretty good. It'll be GREAT for kitbashing and upgrading or adding on extra weapons to your existing figures. You can get the Remington M870 shotgun (wood version), M870 shotgun with weapon sight, 357 Magnum, 357 Magnum 38 Special, M10, M92F, Desert Eagle in Set A and M10, Ridge Warrior, Glock 19 with silencer, P99, Magnum 357, Desert Eagle .50 and TT33 with weapon blade in Set B.

These 1/6 scale firearms seem very well made and highly detailed with removable parts. The most unique piece in these two sets has to be the Ridge Warrior as it is a crossbow which means it's not actually a firearm since a firearm is defined as a portable gun, being a barreled weapon that launches one or more projectiles often defined by the action of an explosive. Scroll down to see all the pictures. Click on the pictures for bigger and better views

You can pre-order these ZCWO: 1/6 scale Firearms Collection Set A & Set B at TFH

Preview Sideshow Collectibles DC Comics Wonder Woman Premium Format Figure

In a world of ordinary mortals, she is a Wonder Woman!

Since her debut in the early golden age of comics, Wonder Woman has been a blazing symbol of feminine power, intelligence, and grace.

Created in 1941 by William Moulton Marston, the same psychologist who invented the polygraph test, it’s no surprise Wonder Woman wields the magical Lasso of Truth alongside her unbreakable gauntlets and Amazonian strength. Using his wife’s achievements and personality traits as inspiration, Marston felt that a female superhero would be entertaining and a good role model for young women – and of course, he was right!

As strong as Superman and as fierce as Batman, she has earned a central role in “The World’s Finest Trinity” and as a founding member of the Justice League. With a popular 70′s TV series, various animated appearances, and a new film on the horizon, she’s been a beloved DC Universe character for decades. Everyone, male or female, can admire Wonder Woman’s strength and compassion for humanity.

Introducing the Sideshow Collectibles DC Comics Wonder Woman Premium Format Figure. Joining her powerful Justice League allies, Sideshow is proud to debut the magnificent Wonder Woman Premium Format Figure from their wildly popular DC Comics collection. Handcrafted with austere beauty and fierce determination, Princess Diana of Themyscira dons her iconic costume of stars and stripes, sworn to protect the world and uphold her mantle as Wonder Woman.

Granted divine superhuman powers and superior combat skills, the warrior princess is ready to gracefully accept any challenge, armed with her golden Lasso of Truth, indestructible bracelets, and tiara.

She carries a long spear across her shoulders, and her iconic shield grasped firmly at her side – but above all, she carries the Amazons’ message of peace and justice.

The Sideshow Exclusive edition gives collectors the option to display the mighty warrior princess with offensive tactics, brandishing an intricately designed axe in place of her shield.

Related posts:
January 23, 2009 – Plastic is Fantastic!! Barbie as Wonder Woman 1999 Collector's Edition posted in my toy blog HERE
March 29, 2012 – Review Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman statue HERE and HERE