2016 Highlights

Well, here we are! My 2016 highlights! Compared to 2015, this year had so much to choose from that I had to think once or twice for certain areas. In short, before I start this collection highlight, I want to say that 2016's collecting endeavor truly was a success and cathartic! With that said, here are the winners of 2016!

Marvel Legends: I will continue the battle of wondering if the Marvel Legends line is worth it. The last couple of years, Hasbro has bombarded us with numerous Marvel Legends(BAF) left and right and it's hard to keep up. Even if I did keep up, so many repaints, recycles mediocre characters, QCs, lack of here, etc. But beyond all my gripes with ML, they continue to also impress me, compel me, and keep my drive alive with some figures and sets here and there so with that said, I don't think I  can fully set this side of my collection down. But I will continue to try and be selective so that my choices for next year's ML winners are going to be hard to pick.

Iceman, Venom, Rogue, (Miles) Spidey, Nico

There was a handful I wanted to put on this list but I had to narrow it down to these figures. Which brings me to the thought: what are my criteria in Marvel Legends and figures in general? To be honest with you, I mostly put that judgement on how much I like the figure. No semantics, technicality, or any thing like that. Once in a while I will put price or stuff like that into factor but for this, it's the characters I like and the figure that really brought out an 'awe' factor. The figures in the picture really had something to bring to the table for me. But who wins the first place?

TOP LEGEND:

While I am not too knowledgeable with this character, I will say that this is the Legend that had all the right stuff to make me give her this title. Beauty, character likeability, accessories, nice mold, and aesthetics--these are the reasons why the five are on the list and Nico took all of those qualities into one shell. She might not be a character I know a lot about, but now I want to know more about her after having her figure.

Honorable shout out: Iron Fist and Spider-Gwen. Because I like these figures but did not really find it in me to put them on the top five.

Build-A-Figure(ML BAF): There was a time when this list would go past the number three, but hey, that was some time ago. One can say that I only grab the ones that really interests me, and damn right. With prices on these guys hiking up every year, it's getting harder and harder to get them and the time for just getting the BAF and not the rest of the figures may be at hand. After all, I did it this year.

Dormamu, Absorbing Man, Onslaught

I technically only 'completed' two out of the three BAFs in this line up. As you all know, the ONLY figure I bought for Onslaught is Kitty Pryde; everything else about Xavier and Magneto's darker side is bought as a WHOLE without the figures on Ebay. So how does one really judge these guys? Well, I have to grade them seperately from their sets. I have to just look at them as a figure and say: 'what makes them cool'? Don't get me wrong, the figures building the BAF does have weight in the back of my mind, but I try not to let that persuade my decision. So, with that said:

BAF LEGEND: 

Absorbing Man is not my favorite character out of the tree. He isn't even the coolest looking one. What he is though is a far more thought out and 'loyal-to-the-character' gimmick than Onslaught and Dormamu. Sure, Dormamu looks great, has a decent amount of articulation for his character, comes with some flaming skulls effect, the problem is that he isn't an original BAF; he is a repaint. And then Onslaught looks great as well but lacks mobility and that 'intimidating' factor because he is so bare. No alternate hands and the variant head we got is an Onslaught I don't care much for. Absorbing Man comes with a few interchangeable parts, two variant heads, and a lackluster but signature ball and chain weapon. He was fun and his set was cool. I have to give it to him. HE IS the BAF LEGEND for me in 2016. 

IMPORTS: Of course we will have a part for this wonderful set of toys that the east provides for us. Much like the BAF, I didn't collect as much because they aren't cheap. They're actually quite pricey but having three in my collection is a good enough comparison. Now I know it's not fair since I have two Playarts KAI and one Figuarts but an import is an import. 

Wonder Woman, Rin Tohsaka 2.0, Fran

So yes, two Playarts Kai and one Figuarts. Is it fair? I think so. When it comes down to it, minus the larger scale, I can put Figuarts and Tamashiis next to Square Enix and see what they have on the table. I might have to really consider price on the line since Playarts Kai are much more hefty in price, but with that, they should come with more details, articulation, and a ton more accessories. Or so it's expected. So the winner of 2016's import race is....

MOST ENAMORING

HOW, right? How could a figure that is smaller than 6 inches beat a powerhouse figures like Fran and Wonder Woman? How could TWO Playarts Kai LOSE to a S.H. Figuarts? Not to mention, I LIKE Wonder Woman and Fran just as much as I like Rin Tohsaka. So what happened? Well for one thing: I have HIGH expectations for Playarts Kai. How can I not? A Playarts Kai ONCED stood side by side with a Hot Toy for being my favorite catch of the year(2014), so when I was waiting for Fran to arrive, I was expecting that much! As the review stated, I didn't get that 'wow'... a couple of months later, Wonder Woman didn't deliver either. Lack of accessories (Wonder Woman's Lasso being just 'decoration' and Fran's useless bow and arrow), funny anatomy here and there, and very steep prices, I can't justify saying that I'm fully satisfied with my Kai catches this year. Some of their fumbles were a MUST for the characters, like Fran having some kind of bow and arrow poseable dynamic feature; I won't even get into Wonder Woman's lasso. All in all, while Jin's clothing for this figure isn't even my favorite, she delivered. We have the expected accessories for a Figuarts and it sated some of my need for a new Rin figure. Thank you Figuarts!

Statues: This is probably the most fruitful(second to MLs and POP) genre I have this year. Bishoujo came out with some good ones as well as not so common in my collection brand. I truly can say that I had some really good ones this year so let's take a look at them.

Tali Z'orah, Harley Quinn, Elsa, Rin Tohsaka

I had a few good selection on the table for sure. As I mentioned, Bishoujo definitely killed it with their line ups (the ones that I bought) and then we have some odd ball imports that I don't really know that well, but they also delivered with their attention to details. I also had some not as intricate statues, but one of a kind, ones that I will put in the shout outs. I had to sit down long and hard about who will take this spot, but it had to fall on one person.

After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and shoals of dust, she does return where she began! Bishoujo Tali'Zorah nailed it. She was by far the most detailed, most accurate, most anticipated Bishoujo. Harley came close and so did Elsa, but I just had to really dig deep and ask myself: what would jesus do? No I'm just kidding. I really looked at the choices here and truly had to weigh in which one really symbolized a definitive product for every dollar. Tali had the details, t he character accuracy, the posing that was both sexy and dynamic to the character, the price was just right, and there's enough fan service to pay the bills. Sure Elsa was beautiful and accurate. Sure Harley was sexy. There was a ton of dynamic fan service with Rin, but in the end, this unit would not have a soul if I didn't give it to her.

Honorable Mentions: Casual Asuka -I have a LOT of Asuka figures. I have a couple of good statues too. This particular one is classy, fun, a little out of character, but in the end it offered a unique twist to the tsundere smoking red hot Eva pilot. It also helps that she IS from Japan; like handed to me from the land of the Rising Sun itself by a friend.

SHOUT OUT

This particular piece should have been in the category above(Statues), but something about her just plainly blows competition out of the water so I decided to just put her by herself. She can't make "THE ONE" because I didn't spend a lot of time in her photoshoot, nor did I even consider myself EXTREMELY Elated to get her photos out. She's great, she's awesome, and she is definitely detailed, accurate, AND pricey. Here she is, the character that is probably the main reason why people can even consider Suicide Squad note worthy as a movie:

Harley Quinn

This statue came with the special preorder of the Suicide Squad Bluray online release. I never thought I'd pay that much for a Bluray, but you know, this statue was something else and it really caught my eye. The details are gorgeous, the stance is so in-character, the accuracy, and just the overall feel of it... they did great. This Harley Quinn statue should be out of the statue category because she was just not going to give a chance to the other prospects.

"THE ONE"

This is going to be unfair and may be out of the idea of what I'm doing with my collection, but considering the one I picked to sit on this throne is in my game room and something I consider a toy(on its own category), I can't ignore the fact that it is my ultimate purchase for this year. With that said, I present to you the winner:

Yes my ps4 IS the winner. It's not an action figure. I didn't pose it around. I didn't even do a review on it. I just simply bought it, got into it, played a few games, and... well... what detracted me from writing, reviewing, blogging, and gave me a sense of 'relief' when I didn't want to think too hard on things is this guy. As much as I wanted to not think of my Ps4 that way, my Ps4 IS that way. It's in my game room. It's displayed. I collect with it. It definitely deserves a spot in 2016's well improved status compared to last year's. With FFXV still in my grasp, Skyrim Remastered, Mass Effect Andromeda on the way, and much much more Ps4 has to offer, I have to say that it is the most well received investment I had this year. I got it later in the year, but when I got it, it changed a lot of my hobby endeavors.

Needless to say, Ps4 is the one.


After Word: I can't say anymore than truly express just how much I appreciate this year. It has been one of the best when it comes to collecting and I truly hope I can continue this kind of fruition as the years come. I am seriously considering a lot of things like really cutting back on MLs and BAFs, truly getting selective figures, and really consider my space. My room is finite when it comes to display options, and regardless of how many times I revamp things, I will have to put things away in storage. With that said, here's to 2017's collecting habits! I already have a few on preorders that I anticipate will have a good chance on being on 2017's highlight. Also, I imagine I will be adding POPs to the review section. Heck, I might even do a 'follow up' for 2016's POP-age since I collected so much. This year will not be any different; it might be more too! Until then! 

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5 Years Ago

Has it been that long? Strange, isn't it? It's been five years since the introduction of Skyrim to our gaming lives and then five years later, they came out with remastered and the 5 year old game was just given a fresh few more years in the console life.

I can't express just how much this game means to me me, especially with the lore and just the overall memories associate with it, this game is resonation of many aspects of my life.

Good job, Bethesda.

Here's to the future. 

E3 2016: My LIST!

It's that time of the year! As much as I don't have the time to game, I still delve into the world and made a list for myself~ With my ps4 in the horizon, it's only justified if I take a gander at what I would want to get my hands on..... SO....

E3 is on again and now we are going to have a wave of games that we either care about, or we don't. Personally, Final Fantasy is in the horizon but SKYRIM REMASTERED?! Yeah, that's something I am MOST definitely excited about! MODS! Muramasa and Onyx in details! 

Then we have Injustice 2. I am definitely excited with Supergirl's introduction! Hopefully we get classic SKINS! Jim Lee Supergirl?! 

Then there's a Spider-Man game. what's up with that huge logo on his chest? 

YES! Of course this game as well! Only thing that rivals this is Skyrim Remastered! I'm not sure about the VR experience though but everything else looks amazing! 

Then this one looks interesting. Is God Of War going Skyrim like? Or something? Looks kind of cool though, I have to say. But Valhalla? 

Then there's this game. It's pretty unique looking. Reminds me of Skyrim. Yeah there is a trend. Anything Skyrim looking I'm down.

YES. YES. YES! Of course!

Well, as of right now, that is the only thing in my sights. Kingdom Hearts 3 and of course Final Fantasy VII MIGHT be on the announcement list and if that is the case, I will be updating this list. In the meant time.... I have a pretty good list here. And that doesn't even include the things I will be getting as backlog games like Disgaea 5, Batman Arkham Knight, Tomb Raider, Fallout 4, and Street Fighter V just to name a few. 

Masterless and Rage: "Nature"

"What is better: to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?" 

I'm sorry, was that question for me?

A Great Dov once said asked that to a particular person that was either meant for heroic things or... fall into atrocious acts of avarice and self gain. I guess that part is up to the whim of the player.

Oh I remember. So what is the point of this? I hope you are aware that I am so tired of fighting nowadays. I just ... I just want to see where this all goes without constantly fighting and fighting and fighting.

That's the problem. There will ALWAYS be fighting when one challenges something that he does not understand. Claims grounds BEFORE his existence. Heroes in a group with three VERY selfish people who are TRYING through GREAT EFFORT to be better...... yeah. One is just BORN good because of fortunate programming. One doesn't even have to try and he is serenaded with bliss and praises of good because people just see him as 'good' outside your group. There is no enduring in that. That is just vanilla pre-programed notion. It's like playing Skyrim as A Nord and following EXACTLY how the Nord default player is supposed to be. 

Why does it bother you so much? You know what she has for you. You know she loves you and he is only just a brick in the wall. Might be a bit decorated, but a brick is a brick regardless. Replaceable, expendable, and in the end, NOTHING like you. 

You know your definition would NOT have done what she did without you, right?

Of course I know that, stupid. It's just... I'm tired of fighting. Let one have the victory and belief of something even though it's quite obvious of what is and what isn't. I'm not that naive. I may want peace, but I'm not that naive. I am still the bonds that defines the team. And I know that without me, things would have fallen apart a LONG time ago and my little Kitten would have left... hell she almost decided to abandon the idea of that side. She was close to, actually.

And yet here comes the moronic hero thinking he knows her too. Funny if this is read because he'll use this as a means of us stabbing the idea of peace. Here's an idea. If one hates alcohol, why go to a damn bar? Anyways... "can't move past mistakes', I quote... least we see our damn mistake and don't claim we are so perfect. We try every damn day to be better while this one thinks it's a victim circle. Puts contingence on you and your definition because he didn't do anything wrong. He neglects the idea that he wasn't good enough for your definition and fought and challenged you when all you needed was someone to help you point at a direction to fight for. You want peace? This is a two way redemption. It's not just on you.. on us. This will only work if BOTH seek to be better. This one just seeks an apology in the form of actions not words and he is to dull to admit it that it's what he wants. Too self righteous. 

Lots of things said that seems promising. I'd like to think that despite the heroic antics, there is some truth to the words that was said on his part. I felt emotions on some of those words. It touched me. I ... I really want to start healing the broken grounds and mend the team. My Team. It's possible... this is just the ... biggest wall.

Well, I have yet to see some truth to it. Again, here we are trying through great effort to be better than what we are.... but here he is just merely sitting there just 'good' because he doesn't know anything else but good. I hope he gets hit in the head with a brick on the way to work and wakes up with a gigantic bump in the head. It might remind him that sometimes, life is real below the clouds.

You are cynically troubled, you know that? This I might add is an example of making it hard to gain peace. 

If I had the means I would be using my fist. But.... yeah not this lifetime. But tell him to quit thinking he has everyone figured out with his analytical views of 'she's afraid because of this and that' and the whole 'she'll shut you out plain and simple'... that kind of talk is why your Kitten gets rubbed the wrong way. Arrogance and walking on clouds that aren't even his. He learns to be human, then maybe, JUST maybe, this side will see him from something else than a self-indulging 2-dimensional, self righteous hero. 

POP: Alduin(6 inches)

Alduin merchandise are hard to come by these days; well, hard to come by that won't cost me my whole entire lower half! So with that said, here is my very first Alduin merchandise in the form of a POP! Not just any POP either, it's a 6 inch POP! I know right? What does one mean by that? Basically....

So I'm going to do a figure comparison in a few here, but this is what the box of Fallout Power Armor looks like compared to Alduin's. All POP that aren't 6 inches have the same basic box. Speaking of box, let's just take a look at that.

In terms of the box for POP, they have always been consistent with their designs. I have only seen three different variations of shapes and sizes, this 6 inch Alduin being the third. Of course the box is showing the Three other Skyrim related figures. I do not have the Dovahkiin; I'm not exactly a huge fan of the default Dovahkiin, truth to be told. With that said, I do wish they came out with the Ebony Warrior, or maybe even the Daedric Princes; it would be cool to have Nocturnal, Boethiah, Azura, and Clavicus.

 

For a POP, this one has a lot of details that I am really impressed with. Of course you won't get the same ferocious looking Dragon like we did in the game; it is after all a chibi version of the World Eater. Regardless, the rivets, the scales, the paint mix of the black and charcoal grey really makes him recognizable as Alduin.

 

The prominent red eyes also just hits the spot! Those horns! Those folded wings and that craned neck posture! Now he won't scare me if he really does come down from the sky, nor will he prevent an executioner from cutting my head off with that look (being cute and chibi), but I am more than willing to imagine that this little Alduin still has a Thu'um like no other. He just... can't cross an experienced Dovahkiin, that's all.

A baby Alduin is something you do not see everyday!

Here is Alduin next to the Daedra Warrior from POP. And no, these guys won't tower over the regular POPs; they'll just be significantly different in size. I think color-wise, these two are really right at home with each other. And I definitely love having both of them in my collection.

So this is where Alduin resides! No he does not obstruct my view for the TV.

As my first 6 inch POP, this one really is neat addition to my collection. He holds the same charm as all the POPs I own and he is a pretty good character to have being a Skyrim fan myself. This one really makes me curious about the other 6 inches they have!

POP: Skyrim Daedric Warrior

Well the first review of 2016 is a little POP guy in the form of a warrior in Daedric Armor. I have to say, I am getting fond of these POP guys a lot more than I would like to admit. While I won't find myself collecting these, I do know that these are awesome pieces to have to pepper up little areas of my game room(the space I have left anyways). Well, let's check this guy out.

Standard POP box. I am interested in all three in the set, surprisingly. That Alduin is amazing to look at! 6 inch too?

I have to admit that the ominous look combined with the cute-like statue is something to scoff at. Though it is rather beautiful with all the hint of crimson, the silver, black, and the grey. The details and rivets on his armor makes him amazing to say the least. That battle axe also does justice as well! Very nicely done.

Seems like a Daedric axe seems to be the common trend with these guys. Was not aware.

He is displayed next to my other Daedric Warriors in my 'entertainment center'/Mini playarts displays. Despite the variety between him, the Daedra Dunmer, AND the other recent Daedra warrior I have, they actually fit color wise. There are variety, but I think they all look good together in that sense; obviously in terms of scale the Dunmer would be the POP's closest ally.

A good little addition to my growing POP collection. I think he is worth the price. You don't see him in retail as often so online might be the way to go. Skyrim fans who are needing some Skyrim related paraphernalia would get a kick out of this one, just look past his big head... if you have qualms with that then perhaps stay away from POP, period!

Alduin anyone?