Samurai X - Rurouni Kenshin Live Action 2012

Rather than a review, I would regard this post more of a personal thoughts of Rurouni Kenshin Live Action Movie 2012, penned just 30 minutes after watching the movie and listening to 'Heart of Sword' by T.M. Revolution (OST from the anime), on my journey home. What a long wait to finally watch the live action movie after more than a decade. To be precise, the anime is celebrating its 15th anniversary.  Still remember watching the anime on VCD in Cantonese dialogue and Willie was the friend who lent me the VCD box-set. We were hot-blooded young adults then and ungraded to daddy class or uncle category now. 

Watching this live action movie had brought back familiar feeling and that rusty sensation I once had for the anime. Strongly urged by Mr 'K' and Guy 'A' to watch the movie and thanx to them, I had truly enjoyed the movie. Guy 'A' had told me about his romantic true-life-story related to the anime that his girlfriend, who don't fancy anime, actually sat beside him to watch the entire 95 episodes. 

On the hand, Mr 'K' was so crazy about the anime previously that he bought the code 1 DVD anime box-set that didn't come easy years back and of course the reverse bladed replica sword of Kenshin. Mr 'K' had so very much wanted to watch the live action movie that he had recently texted me to find out more details on the movie roadshow at AFA 2012 and released date. 

The debut of Rurouni Kenshin Live Action 2012 in Singapore is certainly niche and off the mainstream, only showing @ 2 cinemas, Filmgarde Bugis and Kallang. An awesome adaption to the based on the highly successful and acclaimed manga and anime, widely known as 'Samurai X' in America.

Definitely a different and better movie experience hearing the grasping of fans in the cinema during the scene, Takaru Satoh (who also acted in Mask Rider Den-O) donned the red and white samurai robe and applauds when the movie ended. In addition, Takaru Satoh fitted the role well and his co-star Emi Takei as Kaoru Kamiya, really are super kawaii in the movie. Mr 'K', you have requested for this post and here it is.

Transformers KRE-O Optimus Prime

More than meets the eye building bloc that’s comparable to LEGO, introduced as KRE-O by Hasbro in 2011. However in my humble opinion, the quality of plastic is still inferior to LEGO. Then again, for the price of getting KRE-O is a lot more comforting. 

This basic Optimus Prime building bloc set belongs to my son and since my son is only 5 years old, I had to do the assembling of 90 pieces bloc because the toy is more suitable for children aged above 6 years old. Can’t bear to see my son carrying the box of toy in his hands hoping that he could play the blocky prime mover. 

Like Transformers themselves, the set can be constructed to either prime mover or Optimus Prime G1 looking robot but the major drawback is that the toy can’t transform direct, hence disassemble and reassemble between the two modes makes it less fun.

Dark Angel Phoenix Resurrection - Dark Yokuo Figure

Great likelihood of both knight fantasy and samurai elements found on the figure are the reasons this figure caught my eyes. A figure which I bought, love first sight and thereafter did some searches to know that its a character figure based on a short manga title 'Dark Angel' - Phoenix Resurrection, by Kia Asamiya. Figure of Dark Yokuo is one of the first of two figures to be released in the line by Alpha Toy. Probably due to the small pool of fans or short storyline, there isn't a second wave. Needless to say that fans would be at least pleased, that the manga has action figures merchandise which most comic didn't make it this far.

The good points of this figure is the splendid sculpting and highly detailed painting like the the good colour separation with a mixture of silver and chrome colours. The figure has 8 points of articulation, mainly the arms, torso and neck. However, there is hardly any point of articulation below the waist hence it limits the number of posing possible. A regular action figure standing @ approximately 8" with only two accessories like his sword and a miniature angel Kyo. The left hand of this Yokuo figure is fully clutched, so the right hand is the only means to hold the sword in scabbard. Such a pity that the sword could not be drawn out! I also couldn't find a other place to holster the sword apart from Yokuo holding it on his right hand. The miniature angel Kyo is rather exquisite and detailed in paint job. It can be attached to the left shoulder of Yokuo.

Synopsis - Dark Yokuo is ruler of the Land of the South Wind, the Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix. A master swordsman and skilled warrior, Yokuo still has a lot to learn about governing his land. At his side is his trusted fairy spirit, Kyo. Over the years, Kyo has long served as counsel and protector to each and every Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix. However, she finds Yokuo the most hot-headed and stubborn Saint yet. When trouble arises in the West, both Yokuo and Kyo must travel to the Land of the West Wind to confront its ruler Leen, Phantom Saint of the Blue Dragon.

Gunpla Builders World Cup GBWC 2012 Singapore Entries (Part 2)

This year, there seems to be more entries and the standard of Gunpla artifacts had increased. It's an old habit of mine to save my favourite to the last and goes the same for photo presentation. No because these are the better kits but more of a personal preference for MS from the U.C timeline. Anyway, my post has no weightage to the result that would be announced this 25th November 2012, which is also the last chance for Gunpla fans in Singapore to catch a glimpse of these nicely done artifact with heart and soul!