New Toy Release : FORTRESS MAXIMUS - ENCORE #23

WOW !!! A dream come true for many many Transformers' fans and especially for the 80's new kids on the block who grew up with the Transformers.

Hoping one day a re-release is going to happen and it finally came. I was so happy to see the news of this release though I am not as fast as the die-hard fans.

It is a GREAT piece of good news for this holy grail of Transformer toy to be re-released after 10 years from Brave Maximus release.

For the price, it is no much different from the Brave Maximus market price, which I sold off many years and regretted later. So this is another opportunity to own one again.

Many are also hoping for the Grand Maximus to resurface but it may be resurrected if Fortress Maximus response is overwhelming enough to push the company to re-release it. Chances are high as they have been releasing reissues of the G1 toys ever since...

So grab yours if you miss the Fortress Maximus back in the 80's but it is definitely not going to be the same price as then.

Promotional picture of the Encore#23 Fortress Maximus

Original G1 Fortress Maximus - Picture - Courtesy of Seibertron.com

Box Art of G1 Fortress Maximus 

G1 Grand Maximus

Box Art of G1 Grand Maximus

Brave Maximus

Box Art of Brave Maximus

Fortress Maximus video review by Optibotimus

New Toy Release : 25th Anniversary Unicron

Picture of Unicron : Courtesy of Seibertron.Com

Introducing the 25th Anniversary Unicron. It is not really a new toy but rather a new paint job from the last 2010 Takara Unicron. Should be the same mold, just repaint.

But I like this paint job, it has the chrome feel added to him compares to the 2010 version. Both versions are great, it is just how the paint job appeals to you and how it brings out the different emphasis.

The 25th Anniversary Unicron have the similar packaging as Costco BumbleBee released previously. Clear window box for presentation.

If you already have the 2010 Unicron, you might as well save the money for other toys. Unless you have spare cash to throw and crazy about this new paint job of Unicron, then it is great to have it added to your collection. You now have a pair of identical twin Unicrons to your collection.

I personally owns a piece of 2010 Takara Unicron but this paint job do strike out in appeal to me too.

Ok, I just pulled out a video review for your judgement and the rest is up to you.

I have added 2 links for you to explore the different sides of him in Seibertron.

25th Anniversary Unicron pictures from Seibertron

Takara 2010 Uncron pictures from Seibertron

Courtesy of Soundout Productions.

Picture  : courtesy of Seibertron.Com

Comparison between 2010 and 25th Anniversary version. Picture: Courtesy of Seibertron.Com

Box Art of 2010 Takara Unicron 

New Toy Release : Batman Akham Asylum Series

Adopted from the video game of Batman : Arkham Asylum.

Figures are being rolled out since January 2011 for the first series of four figures ( Batman, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow and Joker with Scarface) and following Series 2 ( Armour Batman, Poison Ivy, Bane, Zasz) released somewhere around July 2011.

I would say the figures are spot on especially for series 1. Honestly, I am not a fan of this video game but seeing the video pictures, you will agree.

Details included are intricate and attention given are finely tuned based on 6" action figure standard. DC Direct does a great job in these figures which they have improved since their WarCraft figures launched.

I have not gotten the series 2 but looking at the set, Batman do stand out amazingly and out of my expectation. Bane, needless to say will be and is the bulk all fans are droping for.

However, in my view, Poison Ivy is weak. Her head somehow looks out of proportion from the front and articulation is weak.

Zasz is not incredible but detail enough. I cannot fully review as I have not gotten them yet but I have dug out a review video for your observation.

I will update my point of view when I get my hands on series 2. Meantime, I have selected the 2 videos for you to review and see if these are for you.

Batman : Arkham Asylum Series 2

Batman : Arkham Asylum series 1

New Toy Release : NECA 19" Predator

NECA who specializes in creating highly detailed action figures inspired from Movies are back again this year to "punish" you with their new 19" Predator.

"Punish" as in they not only create one Predator to satisfy your desire but THREE. And on top of that, NECA did all these three figures with the only difference in its head sculpt. Eventually, their intention is to punish your pockets dry with minimum design changes and production implications in their product and yet get to market and sell you 3 figures with only a head sculpt change.

So how deep the degree you are willing to let them "punish" your pockets? You decide. One piece has set about USD 79.90. However, by the time it travel to here, prices has already went bonkers in specialized toy shops.

But NECA did a really good job to get the BANG out of the fans and consumers alike. They have gotten their way this time to rival against the more expensive and detail Hot Toys competitor. In economical sense, with such great details on the 19" figure and comparably much lower price than the other toy. What do you think?

As for the figure, there are immerse details for this guy and for the first time, I guess, the dreadlocks on their head are each individually moulded and separated. You don't get to see such good details in their past big scale figures.

Over here I have a video review of the Open Mouth Predator for you to judge.

New Toy Release : DA-28 Striker Optimus Prime, DA-15 Jetwing Optimus Prime & Ultimate Optimus Prime

Updated on 25th Sept 2011

Back in June, Ultimate Optimus Prime and Jetwing Prime are officially disclosed for release and they have ramped up the heart beat of the fans.

Rumours have it then that DA-28 Striker Optimus Prime will be hit into the next launch and now we have the official pictures of him with new meachtech weapon and shield.

I do not want to create another post instead I continue to update this Prime post for you to have a most dated Prime release.

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Updated: 8th Sept 2011

I will always try to update my posts as the first introduction do not have it's presence in the market yet and collectors have not gotten their hands on it. Now, we have video review of JetWing Optimus Prime and  Ultimate Optimus Prime updated. Below are selected review videos by Optibotimus.

DA-15 JetWing Optimus Prime

Ultimate Optimus Prime

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Dated on 16th June 2011

Here are the releases of the Ulitmate Optimus Prime and Jetwing Optimus Prime which I presume all fans are anticipating.

Here are the pictures taken from Toyko Toy Show 2011

Ultimate Optimus Prime

 DA-15 JetWing Optimus Prime

And here are the videos updates from of Ultimate Optimus but this is a modified paint job which looks far better than the original set which you will see in the market. What do you expect.

Actual package of Ultimate Optimus Prime. News has it that it has been released and expect a big price tag on this guy.

And here is DA-15 JetWing Optimus in action.

New Toy Release : Dark Of The Moon Leader Ironhide

Dark of the Moon Leader Class Ironhide is out officially.

Local appearance may have to wait and keep a lookout for its arrival.

He looks great and detail in picture below. Its a leader class size!!!

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(below information is updated on 18th Aug 2011)
I am upgrading the information for this set as there are rising concerns on it's head which by default, it cannot turn. There are no two versions of leader Class Ironhide in the market which I thought there is since the review videos all show positive head turning. This has misled all buyers.

Claimed by other forums, fans observed by forcing it's head to turn, the glue deters the movement breaks away. Most of them are suscessful after sufferring from a loud break sound that they commented and thought it is broken. However, it frees up the head movement. There you go, head turns.....

Note; Do it at your own risks.

I also included a video updated by fans on the removal of the mask below.

Here is a video review of Ironhide

How to remove Iornhide's mask.