Saturday, September 5, 2015

Serious Collectors Only: 8 of the Rarest Dragon Ball Figures of All Time



Despite ending its serialization in 1995, Dragon Ball continues to hold the #2 spot in best-selling manga… almost twenty years after its completion. Carrying on the franchise’s legacy are its many anime adaptations—Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, and Dragon Ball Kai—along with a variety of action figures that have continued to be released throughout the series’ span.
With literally hundreds of Dragon Ball figurines on the market, let’s take a look at some of the most rare, limited, and expensive ones available that are most worthy of a true collector’s cabinet.

Mekke Dragon Ball Selection Volume 5 Diorama – Super Saiyan Goku and Porunga

Depicting battle-damaged Goku in his Super Saiyan form, along with the dragon Porunga, this limited edition statue is 5th in a series of dioramas produced by Mekke. The bright orange colors of the five-star Dragon Ball and Goku’s Super Saiyan form contrast beautifully with the deep purples of the cracked base and spewing fumes. A plate on the front of the base reads “Dragon Ball Son Gokou,” giving this diorama an exclusive collector’s flair. The piece’s rarity demands an equally high price, with some sellers asking as much as $1,400.00 for it.

ZEEM Diorama Model – Great Ape Vegeta and Yajirobe Tail Cut Version

Released as an exclusive at the Japan Super Festival and Hobby Con in 2009, this dramatic diorama captures the moment that Yajirobe slices off Vegeta’s tail in mid-air. The statue features Great Ape Vegeta, Goku, Gohan, and Yajirobe, and stands twelve inches tall. At only 300 pieces world-wide, however, it’s a rare item that can sell for as much as $900.

Banpresto Ichiban Kuji – Shenron Gold and Silver Version


No collection of Dragon Ball figurines can be complete without the “Eternal Dragon” Shenron the Dragon God. These gold and silver Shenron statues by Banpresto were released in limited quantities of one hundred each; in addition, they could only be won through the Ichiban Kuji—a lottery for special edition figures from Banpresto. At twelve inches tall, Shenron is portrayed soaring majestically above the Dragon Balls. While the regular version is more affordable, the gold and silver Shenron collectables by Banpresto are much more highly prized (and priced) at $400-$600.

Banpresto Tokyo Toy Festival – King Cold

Limited to only 500 pieces, and available only at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Festival, this statue of King Cold towers over other figures at thirteen inches tall. Cold can be displayed on or off of his throne and is sculpted from soft vinyl.

ZEEM Diorama Model – Great Ape Vegeta and Goku: Genki Dama, Arlia, Black, and White Versions


As one of the most limited pieces ever released for the Dragon Ball series, this diorama depicting Great Ape Vegeta and battle-worn Goku (in position to create the Spirit Bomb) is a must-have for collectors. The diorama was released in four different versions—the Genki Dama, or Spirit Bomb, version (the regular version distributed in mass quantities), the Arlia version (limited to fifty), the Black version (limited to twenty), and the white version (limited to ten). While the black and white versions are the most rare of the four, the Arlia version is also considerably difficult to find (and pricy, too).

Banpresto Ichiban Kuji – Angel Goku

Based on the cover art for the Dragon Ball manga chapter “Finale,” this figurine is a must-own for both serious collectors and fans of Akira Toriyama’s original artwork. Limited to 100 pieces, and given away (like the Shenron statue) only to those who entered the Ichiban Kuji monthly lottery, this unique statue portrays Goku with angel wings and a halo, soaring above the dragon Shenron.

Bandai Super Battle Collection 3-Pack – Super Saiyan Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks

Originally released in 1992 to commemorate the advent of the 7th Dragon Ball movie, this 3-pack is one of the most popular Bandai items among serious collectors. Not only does the set contain all three characters in their Super Saiyan forms, but it also contains the only figurine replication of Super Saiyan Trunks wearing his Capsule Corp. jacket. This 3-pack is a Summer Toei Animation Fair limited version and can sell for up to $1,200 in mint condition.

Bandai Full Action Pose – Goku Yardrat Variant

Considered the rarest of all Dragon Ball figures, the Goku Yardrat Variant Full Action Pose figure by Bandai is a legendary collector’s item. The figure was given out to attendants at one of the Dragon Ball films at a select theater in Japan. As a result, only an unknown, limited number exist in the world—none of which have ever been photographed and circulated online. If not for a scan and article from the Daizenshuu, a book published by Toei Animation, which discussed the figure’s rarity, many would consider this figure a mere myth. Even today, some doubt the distributed existence of the Goku Yardrat figure, while others believe all distributions of it were destroyed. Whatever the truth, the Goku Yardrat Full Action Pose figure is considered the rarest Dragon Ball figure of all time and the ultimate prize that any fan could own.

The Dream Tomica Series: Top Choices

Tomica has been a leader in innovation since it opened its doors for business in 1970. One of the highlights of Tomica die-cast models is the Dream Tomica Series, which are models inspired by popular children’s characters.



Dream Tomica Series: Pokemon

One of the most well-known Dream Tomica Series product lines in Japan is based on the hit anime franchise Pokemon. Short for Pocket Monsters, the characters originated as a Game Boy series owned by Nintendo. It has been used in dozens of merchandising products from garments to trading cards.
Tomica signed an agreement with Toyota in 2012 to create die-cast model cars that would resemble Pokemon and other characters in the game. The result was presented in the 2012 Tokyo International Toy Show held in the nation’s capital. There were three Pokemon models presented with a scale of 1:64, and they were titled: Tomica Pokemon.
The three Toyota models used for this series were the Alphard (showing a Pokemon mural) and two Toyota Porte models for Oshawott and Pikachu. Eventually other characters were represented in the Tomica Pokemon line like the Prasel car, Minun car, Naetle car, Hikozaru, and Pochama car.
All Tomica Pokemon models had designs that made the car model look like the character, such as the yellow Pikachu car with stylized hubcaps, long ears, and a mouth and cheeks on the front bumper.

Dream Tomica Series: Batman & Transformers

The Tomica Batman car series includes two Batmobiles which were sold at double the price of a regular Dream Tomica car. Number 146 is the 1989 Batmobile driven by Michael Keaton. This was one of the top selling Batman movies so it’s not surprising that it is included in this series. The second Batmobile is #148 and the model resembles the car used in The Dark Knight, which stars Christian Bale as the titular character. Of the two Batmobiles, #148 is much rarer.


The Tomica Transformers set is another thrilling part of the Dream Tomica Series. Number 142 is Bumblebee based off the 2008 Camaro, while #147 is Optimus Prime. While these models are not designed to mechanically transform, they are a good investment as their prices continue to rise, just as with the Batmobiles.

Other Popular Character Cars

Other Dream Series models that can be had are Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and Super Mario Kart. Hello Kitty (#152) is a cute little design. Its body is made of metal while the wheels are plastic. The front of the car is the face of Hello Kitty and the rear has a tail. Other cars in the Dream Tomica Series include Snoopy and Super Sonic Runner.

The Disney Tomica

The Joy of Disney Meets Tomica: The Disney Tomica and Disney Motor Series


Tomica has two series that feature Disney characters—Disney Tomica (D) and Disney Motors (DM). The quickest way to distinguish one from the other is by the series numbers. Also, D model cars are existing car models reinvented to look like Disney characters while the DM model cars are fictional vehicles using the Disney.


For instance, Tomica uses a minibus to look like Donald Duck. Another example is the D-42, which is a Toyota Land Cruiser that mimics Wall-E. The D series also features partner teams like Mickey and Minnie themes. Under the DM series there are Tomica models that look like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet.

Other Disney characters or franchises that are being used in the Disney Tomica series are characters from Toy Story, Cars, Planes, Disney Princesses, A Nightmare before Christmas, and Pirates of the Caribbean. All of the Disney Tomica cars are available at Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.
The tie-up between Tomica and Disney started around the 1990s. The Disney series was originally called Putica although the Disney Motors Series was launched around 2005. Interestingly, Disney Tomica will occasionally launch theme model cars like a Winnie the Pooh Halloween special, which can be bought online although it’s difficult to find. If you are unable to visit Tokyo to find the Disney series, you can try online stores like From Japan. All Disney Tomica and Disney Motor models tend to fetch a higher dollar than the regular models

The Connection Between Dash! Yonkuro and Tamiya 4WD Revealed!












The Connection Between Dash! Yonkuro and Tamiya 4WD Revealed!


If you are into anime series and car racing tournaments, then do not dare to miss Dash! Yonkuro. It is an anime television series that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD. For those who do not know about Dash! Yonkuro and what the Tamiya Mini 4WD is, this article will help you to understand about both.


What Is the Tamiya Mini 4WD?

The Tamiya Mini 4WD is a miniature car produced by Tamiya, a Japanese company. It is the world’s most popular miniature car, first produced in the year 1982. Due to its popularity, many companies in the United States, Singapore and Russia, to name a few, have ventured into the idea of mini cars as well. There are different types of Tamiya Mini 4WD available in the market.
Though there are only six categories of the Tamiya Mini 4WD, it does not mean that there are only six designs of the miniature car. Each category is a series, which has a wide variety of designs that you can choose from. The pictures shown below are the selected models of each Tamiya series.

Tamiya Mini 4WD Pro


Tamiya Mini 4WD Pro Series – Nitro Thunder Blue Model

Tamiya Super Mini 4WD


Tamiya Super Mini 4WD Series – Tom Ghody Special Model

Tamiya Aero Mini 4WD


Tamiya Aero Mini 4WD Series – Knuckle Breaker Model

Tamiya Mighty Mini 4WD


Tamiya Mighty Mini 4WD Series – Variatron Model

Tamiya Mechanical Mini 4WD


Tamiya Mechanical Mini 4WD Series – Vise Intruder Model

Tamiya Mini 4WD Limited Edition


Tamiya Mini 4WD Limited Edition – Year of the Rat Model

What Is Dash! Yonkuro?

Dash! Yonkuro is the very first anime series that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD. There was in fact a sequel to Dash! Yonkuro that was based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD called Bakusou Kyoudai Lets & Go!!

In Dash! Yonkuro, Yonkuro Hinomaru, the protagonist, and the Dash Warriors, Yonkuro’s friends, are all crazy about the Mini 4WD.  It is all about climbing to the top and participating in the championship with the top performance of their Tamiya Mini 4WD.
Some of the Tamiya Mini 4WD models that you can see in the anime series are:
  1. Dash-1 Emperor (model number 18012)
  2. Dash-2 Burning Sun (model number 18015)
  3. Dash-3 Shooting Star (model number 18019)
  4. Dash-4 Cannonball (model number 18023)
  5. Rising Bird (model number 18017)
Aside from these miniature car models, tune-up parts and first chassis were also featured in this anime. The chassis that were introduced in the Dash! Yonkuro anime series are the Type-1 chassis, Type-2 chassis and Type-3 chassis. Without a doubt, this anime has definitely served its purpose.

The Growth of Tamiya Mini 4WD Sales After the Anime

It cannot be denied that the Tamiya Mini 4WD was already very popular, even before the release of the two anime series. Nonetheless, the two anime series featuring the miniature cars, certainly gave sales an extra boost.
The popularity of the miniature cars led to the boom of racing tournaments. However, racing nowadays is no longer about driving a car. It has now become about, tuning up your Tamiya Mini 4WD and letting it race on its own at a certain track. Tamiya Mini 4WD races do not rely on the skills of the driver, instead, it relies on the parts of your miniature car.

Improve Your Tamiya Mini 4WD Performance with Tune-Up Parts!

It is undeniable that there are owners of Tamiya Mini 4WD who want to upgrade their miniature car in order to achieve full speed. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the speed and stability of a Tamiya Mini 4WD. How? Simply by replacing their standard parts with upgraded parts. There are many available upgraded parts that are sold in the market.








 

Before you start upgrading your Tamiya Mini 4WD, you should understand the importance of each part first. Continue reading this article to have a good grip of how the parts work. It is now your chance of making your precious miniature car much faster than ever.

Understanding the Parts of a Tamiya Mini 4WD

Below are the different parts of the Tamiya Mini 4WD. Each part has available tune-up replacements, so do not just choose any part. Know what you really want for your miniature car. Always remember that each kind of tune-up part has its own specialty.

1. Motor

The best way that you can do to boost up the speed of your Tamiya Mini 4WD is to install a tune-up motor. Keep in mind that there are seven different kinds of upgrade motors. All seven of these motors are guaranteed much better in terms of performance compared to the motor that is included in the Tamiya Mini 4WD kit. Some are designed for cornering, while others are for reaching top speeds.

2. Gear Ratio

The gear ratio is the part that determines the motor’s top speed, acceleration, and output. The larger gear ratio is designed for acceleration, while the smaller gear ratio is designed for top speed.

3. Tires

When we are talking about a car’s performance, it cannot be argued that tires play an important role. The smaller the diameter of the tire is, the better. Why, because tires with a smaller diameter have better cornering.

4. Wheels

Just like the tires, wheels are very important. Each kind of wheel is designed for a specific purpose. Therefore, you have to select your wheels carefully. Make sure it is the right one for your application.

5. Rollers

Whenever you are racing on a walled circuit, rollers are undeniably significant. Altering your Tamiya Mini 4WD’s roller will allow your car to cope with the track’s demand. Always consider the roller’s size, angle and location whenever buying one. These aspects will determine the performance of your tune-up rollers. If you are planning to enter a racing tournament, check the regulations first regarding the use of rollers. Some tournaments have restrictions on how many rollers can you use for your Mini 4WD.




The five parts above are the most significant parts of a Tamiya Mini 4WD. Whenever upgrading your miniature car, always know what you want for it. Remember that each tune-up part serves a different purpose. The right kind of tune-up part for you depends on what you really want for your Tamiya Mini 4WD.

History and Succes of Mini 4WD Tamiya


The Tamiya Mini 4WD has been one of the most popular creations since the day it was produced by Tamiya, a Japanese company, in the early 1980s. Tamiya manufactures radio-controlled cars, plastic model kits, sailboat models, solar- and battery-education models and other modeling supplies and tools. The Tamiya Mini 4WD is a miniature car model that has become popular not just for young kids, but for adults as well. This article will unveil the successful history of Tamiya Mini 4WD.

When Was the Tamiya 4WD First Produced?

The Tamiya company produced their very first Tamiya Mini 4WD in 1982 and immediately became a favorite among many people. Since the first production of these miniature car models, it has turned into a hobby for many people all over the world to tune up and race their Tamiya Mini 4WD, several competitions are held every year.

In the beginning, the Tamiya Mini 4WD kits were sold solely by Tamiya’s exclusive distributor in the United States – the Model Rectifier Group (MRC). However, in 1989, the Model Rectifier Group was replaced by Tamiya America as the exclusive and sole licensed distributor of Tamiya Mini 4WD in the United States. Tamiya America is headquartered in California. It also conducts several competitions of the Mini 4WD, including the USA Mini 4WD Championships.

Anime Series Based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD

There were two anime television series that were based on the Tamiya Mini 4WD, Dash! Yonkuro and Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go!! There was even an anime movie titled, Let’s & Go Tamiya, The Movie. The two anime series were produced in 1989 by Shogakkun under the commission of Tamiya. Soon after the release of the anime series, the sales of the Tamiya Mini 4WD increased dramatically.

Both anime series, Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go!! and Dash! Yonkuro, featured different models from different series of Tamiya Mini 4WD. These anime series revolved around the story of Tamiya Mini 4WD owners competing against each other to determine who has the best model and upgrades of Tamiya Mini 4WD. These two anime series, especially Bakusou Kyoudai Let’s & Go!!, became a hit to people who are fond of Tamiya Mini 4WD and even to people who are not into miniature cars.

The Expansion of the Mini 4WD Market

Considering the growth, popularity, and sales of the Tamiya Mini 4WD, it was not a surprise when more companies decided to venture into manufacturing their own Mini 4WD cars. Some of the companies that have ventured into manufacturing Mini 4WD are Tokyo Marui, Hot Wheels, Hasbro, and Tonnka. Many of these companies decided to introduce their very own version of miniature car lines. On the other hand, there are also companies that decided to produce replicas of the popular Toyota 4WD. Soon after the Mini 4WD market became a world-wide market, popular even in countries like Thailand for example, who beat Japan’s record for the longest Mini 4WD track at 1,074.5 meters.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Pomade Cock Grease XX and Physcobilly Riot Review

Hi! Do not need to talk stale, today we issued the latest of Physcobilly Riot formula, the formula is expected to meet the expectations of pomade enthusiast in Indonesia who want heavy pomade with affordable prices.

We give the name Riot Rider, with the latest enhanced formula and with new fragrance that is also enhanced! We make this pomade with the same formula as XX but with a different fragrance. Blueberry Gum scented pomade with which we select is expected to complete the collection pomade lovers in Indonesia. Net weight remains 4oz (118ml).



Image of Riot Rider same as his brother earlier, Physcobilly Riot. The difference is only in name and description fragrance. Blueberry scented gum is not too pungent and slightly sweet so it feels very fitting!



When opened a texture very similar to XX but probably still fresh because he did not fuse XX. The color of the pomade is slightly lighter than the previous Riot, this color will not make the hair turned blue!



I started trying to mencoleknya and feels hard top. The texture of the inside too sticky and dense as XX. Menataan application and can not direct much like pomade medium / light. Heavy pomade must little by little in order to evenly and maximum. The use of better conditions dry hair in order to survive long in the indoor or outdoor though.



So little review of explanation that I can say. We are sorry if there is one word / words. To see the reviews Cock Grease XX and Physcobilly Riot is in the previous post. Thank you and Grease On!


Pomade CockGrease x 79pomade Banditos

Happy on the day that we will review our latest pomade. Still a collaboration between 79 pomade Pomade Shop with Cock Grease, this pomade we have to come to meet the demand for extra hard pomade that can help straighten the hair curly / wavy.

Pomade which we named this Banditos an extra heavy variant (extra sticking power) are more focused to assist the pomade enthusiast who wants to have greasy hair and neat.

Here I will review the Banditos complete with photo pomade appearance and texture and how an application so that the maximum pomade.



Banditos has design with brown and gold tones, picture bandit with greasy hair and firearms. The tagline "Pomp Hard or Adios!" hinted that smooth is a necessity!

Fragrance of Banditos are fragrant root beer, root beer here is not that sweet root beer as beverages in general, root beer at Banditos is fragrant classic root beer, not sweet, more masculine. The fragrance is not too oppressive and focus more on hard character.

With the scent that is not overpowering and the characters are extra hard, this pomade can be combined with soft pomade to obtain gloss. So you can get character hair hard and soft sheen of pomade as finishing.



For additional information, now all 79 Pomade Shop Pomade collaboration with Cock Grease has a back label that contains information on the composition and also quote every character of the pomade. So it's not just Banditos course, Riot Rider, King Elvis, and Bloody Slick also has a back label with a different story!

We proceed to fill Banditos pomade ..



When opening cans Banditos, will look dark gray and dark. Fragrant not fragrant, as already dijalaskan above. When trying dicolek, pomade is rather difficult to take because the top bit harsh. My advice is do not dab of pomade too much because this pomade extra hard, then take a little and blend first hand. After averaging hands, flatten new hair to dry.

Remember, all pomade will be the maximum result if used on dry hair. If the pomade used on wet hair, then when the water has evaporated / dries, the hair will be faster change shape because the previously used pomade can not be attached perfectly for mixed water. Wear the pomade first, flattened and laid out with a comb. If you have trouble styling your hair because pomade too hard, only give a little water to make it easier, but before giving water, use pomade used until evenly distributed. This method makes use of pomade more leverage for curly and frizzy hair.

Here are the results ..




I apply the pomade in accordance with the procedures mentioned above. After smoothing pomade dirambut, I give a little water to flatten, just a little. Can be seen virtually no luster dirambut even though exposed to light, there is no reflection. As already known, the hard / heavy a pomade, less shiny in your hair.



For the final conclusion, pomade pomade is suitable for the enthusiast who wants a neat hairstyle if hair curly / kinky. But do not always expect a full-on pomade for smoothing unruly hair, the hair sometimes we need to be explored groove hair. Do not get haircuts against the flow of the hair, if it will be hard to fight organized despite using pomade as hard as any! I say this based on my personal experience, once my hair is hard to set up, but once changed the course of the haircut, it is now becoming more easily arranged, although sometimes difficult because it is very weak at all. You just need to be patient, take your time, and guaranteed there would be no more bad hair day!

Good luck, thank you for your attention, and Grease On!



Credit : 79pomade

Pomade CockGrease x 79pomade BlackKnight Review

Black Knight is pomade 79pomade collaboration with one of the renowned manufacturers of pomade, Cock Grease, or that we are familiar with CGx79. Black Knight is also a variation of the complementary CGx79 our family because the Black Knight is a water based pomade our first collaboration with Cock Grease. Like the character wb (water based) pomade in general, of course the Black Knight has characteristics of easily washable / water soluble. Volume of pomade is 4oz or equal to 115gr. Character is included in Heavy pomade Pomade / pomade with a high level of violence. To shine / gloss pomade including both hard to measure. Rating characters from Black Knight can be said for the level of violence is 5/5 and for gloss is 2/5. Like the water-based pomade in general, when the cold wind / air conditioning, will increase hardness and gloss will decrease slightly. For now Black Knight is only available one variant is the variant that hard / heavy pomade.

Without rambling let us see detailed pictures of the Black Knight's pomade.




This pomade design looks bold typography indicated by the selection and usage of strokes that thick, dark shades that not only presented the character of knights, but the design of the Black Knight also raises the feel elegant or luxury with a touch of gold to present exclusivity of branding and packagingnya. There is a logo of a warrior with a shield as background and also two lions guard the classical carvings as penghiasnya. Label the top of this pomade has a gold-colored stripes which might not be obvious from the photos, but when it saw the original, you certainly will not be disappointed!



To label side can be seen further details of the Black Knight's pomade. Bismol Premium Quality Pomade by Cock Grease USA. On the label side there are two lines above and below the gold color that gives the impression of exclusivity. There are two characters that really highlighted the Black Knight's pomade that "This is not just a pomade, this is your Signature, The Gentleman Signature, Be Bold and Exclusive !!!


Black Knight pomade pomade including waterbased with high quality premium or pomade can be seen from the appearance of the contents of pomade, golden white color, and if viewed carefully material from this pomade also has sparkle, has a luster like glitter.

For the fragrance of pomade itself, can be described that the fragrance is scented a real man! Fragrant woody, musky, masculine all the mixes that produce the True Gentleman scent! The fragrance of a scented pomade chosen specifically for pomade Black Knight, so you can not find on other pomade. One of the exclusivity that is obtained from the owner of Black Knight pomade!


Further on the label side can be seen no sign means that water soluble or water soluble. There is also a composition and how to wear the Black Knight's pomade.


When you take it, can be felt that this is a heavy pomade pomade / pomade hard. Waxy texture / sticky very good to help straighten that wavy or curly hair. Although waxy and sticky but remember, the Black Knight is a water based pomade so it is easy to wash!



Pictured above is the result of the use of the Black Knight pomade. There is still shine / gloss pomade after wear. When exposed to cold air, will harden and shine pomade will be reduced slightly.


The application is done on dry hair pomade or a little damp to maximize the performance of pomade. But when talking about the application of pomade, everyone has their own way. Can be tailored to the tastes and comfort each.

Pomade application to the hair, tailored to each individual hair. The good use of pomade used little by little until the hair evenly. Not too much because it can look flat, and not too little because it could be splitting hairs (broken) and not stick well.

Every purchase Black Knight pomade will get a water tight zip bag or bags with zip lock that can prevent evaporation. We use packaging such pomade to keep the contents protected from damage.


In the packaging, not only pomade alone but we provide extra added that comb unbreakable and do not forget the two types of sticker commonly given to customers 79 Pomade.
Combs for Black Knight pomade will be given different from the other comb. Unbreakable comb to the true knights!


Equipped with a sticker label behind it as well to keep the content of tar-sealed pomade neatly, do not open / falling during shipment.

In conclusion,
We want to bring a pomade with a better experience, not just wear pomade, but also feel proud and comfortable during use. We bring the pomade in one complete package to the customer, and of course the price will not break your wallet.

Unboxing (indonesia)



Credit : 79pomade

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Download Slipknot ALL HOPE IS GONE [2008]