Tales from the Toy Fair: K-On's Azusa Nakano gashapon

When the anime K-On! first aired on Animax a couple of years ago here in the Philippines, I did somehow expected it to be one of those cutesy anime series with adorable girls in school uniforms forming a band until they realized their dreams and made a name for themselves. But what struck me the most about the entire series are the instruments and their "historical or factual relevance" (which is mentioned from time to time in several episodes) used by the girls of Ho-kago Tea Time (or After School Tea Time in the English-dubbed series), particularly the stringed instruments used by Yui Hirasawa (who's using the legendary Heritage Cherry Sunburst Gibson Les Paul), Mio Akiyama (Fender Precision Bass in the manga version and the Fender Jazz Bass in the anime version) and this cutey member I'm going to showcase today who's seen using a nifty Fender Mustang electric guitar... and yes she's no other than Azusa Nakano or fondly called by the moniker 'Azu-nyan' coined by Yui.

From what I can remember during the entire first series and if my memory serves me right, Azusa came only into the band several episodes later, making her someone like Ringo Starr who joined The Beatles a little bit later until he became, finally, a part of what was to become a timeless, legendary band in music history. Oftentimes I confuse her with Mio since both of them look almost alike and the two characters sport really long black hair, a little bit of getting used to has helped me train my eye in spotting who's Mio and who's Azusa. But in the level of cuteness in anime standards, I say Azusa tops them all maybe for her physical aspects in the anime spectrum... and since she's the youngest among the rest of the band members, no wonder Yui couldn't stop teasing her as 'Azu-meow' since she looks very cute and adorable like a cat or whenever Yui asks her to wear those Cat's Ears headpiece or tricks her to act like one eventually. Two season series and a movie on K-On! have passed and not even once did I get to have their toy figures, whether solo or in set... Maybe I was too preoccupied then in collecting other anime characters or for some strange reason I couldn't remember anymore. Anyways, I finally got my chance during the 6th Toy Fair held last December when I chanced upon this stall selling these gashapons of K-On! and luckily I got the last piece of Azusa Nakano's figure and bought it right away!

It would have been nice if I got the bigger, 12-inch version of Azusa but getting this gashapon of her is a start and hopefully I get to collect the rest of the K-On! characters sometime soon. I took some snapshots of the Azusa gashapon yesterday and I've uploaded some of those photos here and you can check the rest after the jump. Hope you guys like it and 'til next time, stay safe always!

(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

Tales from the Toy Fair: Kamen Rider 2 gashapon

The legendary Kamen Rider 2

Happy New Year ladies and gentlemen! I hope all of you guys had a wonderful time doing a lot of merrymaking and partying as we kickstart 2012 with new hopes and dreams of a better and peaceful year despite the controversies surrounding the mystery behind the December 21 prediction for which we all strongly wish, hope and pray that it will never happen... But as they all say, "Live life to the fullest, do the things that you like the most and enjoy every single day as if it were your last." Anyways, I would like again to share to you this wonderful find I purchased last year during the 6th Christmas Toy Fair held at the SM Megamall, and this time, it's none other than a gashapon figure of Kamen Rider 2.


Kamen Rider 2 can be categorized as one of the most famous and legendary fictional characters ever to come out in the Japanese Tokusatsu television series Kamen Rider back in the early 1970's. The only difference between the first Kamen Rider and Kamen Rider 2 is the color scheme of their costumes for which it was modeled after a grasshopper (particularly the headgear that they're using.) Riding on those big, cool and classic motorcycles, these superheroes are out to stop the terror organization Shocker from dominating Japan and the entire world using their kick-ass fighting skills and martial arts until they deliver that final blow to the "enemy boss" using cinematic finishing moves at the end of every episode. It was with this and the other Kamen series of the 70's that brought forth a new generation of Super Sentai heroes that evolved over the decades which includes the likes of Bioman, Shaider, Power Rangers, Saban's Masked Rider and many others.


I happen to stumble upon this nice gashapon of Kamen Rider 2 at the stall of Akihabara Toys during the Toy Fair and it sure was nice to have one of these in my collection since Kamen Rider is all too familiar for someone like me who grew up in the 70's and 80's. I eventually did some low-light photography on the gashapon but I'm planning to come up with another set where you guys can get to see Kamen Rider 2 in full, clear detail. But for now I give you folks this small photo set and please do stay tuned for the others very soon. So until next time, stay safe always!


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

The 6th Christmas Toy Fair 2011/1st Philippines Diecast & Custom Car Show at the SM Megamall

The 6th Christmas Toy Fair and the 1st Philippines Diecast and Custom Car Show concluded it's successful three-day event yesterday and I was able to make my pilgrimage that morning to the Megatrade Hall 1 located on the 5th floor of the SM Megamall. Luckily I was able to reach my point of destination in no time since I left early to avoid the horrendous Yuletide traffic that has become a huge nightmare for commuters like me for ages! Though the organizers for Toy Fair & Diecast Car Show managed to get hold of just one hall for its venue, the number of participating toy shop owners wasn't, in a way, that many unlike during the annual ToyCon being held during the month of June, but somehow it was enough to satisfy all toy enthusiasts with their insatiable craving for bargain toys up for sale. I immediately went inside and began scouting the place to check what's in store for me and for the other attendees as well. I never got to take photos at first since I noticed that morning there was not even one individual holding a camera and taking snapshots inside, so I dashed my way to every stall that I could find and began rummaging on their stuff and got hold of some goodies that I'll be needing as backup, I can say that I was now able to have more than a handful of toys in tow unlike last June during the ToyCon where I only got two items from that event. It was only shortly before lunch when I got to see camera flashes ring out from one spot to another and so it was time to take out my camera and shoot me some photos for both my Made in X Facebook page and for this blog as well.


The build up of people flocking to the Toy Fair was somehow bearable and close to normal so I was able to move around freely and took photos of those stalls who were gracious and kind enough to let me... but unfortunately, there were some who turned us down (I've given a hint on our Facebook page so you guys might as well check it out ü), but nevertheless I was able to take a good number of photos both from the Toy Fair and the 1st Philippines Diecast & Custom Car Show which catered to all car enthusiasts with a fairly huge number of toy cars, big and small, diecast and scale model kits... name it, they have it on display. Aside from toys and cars, the regular folks from the cosplay world were there and from time to time the organizers held toy auctions to the delight of the crowd. My friend and Made in X admin member Adrian and his brother Bryan followed shortly to the event and since I'm done with my business there, I accompanied the two as they did some rounds in checking out the stalls. Though tired, exhausted and somewhat "broke", we had a grand time the entire day and we're now bracing ourselves for the next main event which will happen this coming June for the 2012 ToyCon.


I have posted here some of the photos I took yesterday and if you want to check out the rest of the album, please do find the time to visit our Facebook page by clicking here. 'Til next time folks, stay safe always!


Credits: BigBoy's Toy Shop, Akihabara, Randy, Sir Bong of Bong's Collectibles for being so nice and accommodating after granting me permission to take some snapshots of his stall.


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

First toy feature for the month of December: Bandai Chogokin Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Aegis

It's that most wonderful time of the year and yes ladies and gentlemen, Christmas is just around the corner and everyone's in a hustle and bustle mood preparing for this joyous occasion which will be happening in a week's time... And here on Made in X, we usher in the yuletide season with our very first toy feature this December and it's none other than that lovely PVC figure of Aegis (or spelled as "Aigis" for some) from the popular Playstation game 'Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3' manufactured by Bandai Chogokin.


I was very much aware of the Persona game made for the Playstation, in fact I remember getting so engrossed in playing with the very first Persona game on the Playstation 1 console many years ago and though the graphics and gameplay may not be that grand and mind-blowing unlike on the PS2 and PS3 platforms, but getting to kick your opponent's booty with some real nifty stuff like mixing and matching those elemental cards to concoct a spirit guardian (sorry folks I can't remember anymore the right terms used for that game) that you can summon to crush your enemy to smithereens... it was like playing Final Fantasy 8 with a touch of Final Fantasy Tactics on the side. Sadly I never got to play the other Persona series on the PS2 mainly I was focused on playing other game titles like Gran Turismo, Silent Hill and Resident Evil, I only learned about the new series when I eventually "retired" from playing the PS2 though I plan on doing some catching up on the game through its PSP version.


Last December 11, I was with my buddies and fellow toy enthusiasts Adrian and Francis and later that afternoon at Adrian's place, I had that rare experience in getting a closer look at this wonderful Chogokin figure of Aegis and as soon as it got unboxed and placed inside the lightbox, my camera clicked away and was very much satisfied with this beauty. I can truly say that this is a must-have for all Persona fans out there. I have other photo samples of Aegis posted on this article and if you guys would want to see the entire set, please do visit our Facebook page by clicking here and see why this lovely PVC figure is worth to have in your collection. 'Til next time guys, stay safe always!


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

November toy feature # 5 -- Maria Freed from UFO Grendizer

And for our last special toy feature for the month of November, here is one famous anime babe who is undeniably alluring and attractive that she's just oozing with pure sexiness from head to toe! She's none other than the lovely Maria Freed from Go Nagai's hit anime based on his third entry in the Mazinger trilogy 'UFO Grendizer' (or more popularly known in Canada as Goldorak.)

This exclusive and limited figure from Yamato USA was released in December 2009 and it shows Maria wearing an alternate and sexier black and purple uniform with some translucent portions that is definitely revealing and a must-see for all of you cheeky dudes out there! This PVC figure has long been discontinued and thanks to my pal Adrian I was able to capture some nice photographs of this rare beauty and here are some photo samples below.

If you want to see her complete photo set, please do find the time to visit our Facebook page by clicking here and be sure to check out more special toy features in the coming weeks ahead. 'Til next time folks!

(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

Capping off our Toy Feature this November!

As the month of November comes to a close, we are capping off our Toy Feature special with one very awesome figure that I'm sure all of you guys out there will truly love! Be sure to check us out here and on our Facebook page this coming Tuesday (November 29) for the unveiling of this curvy and attractive heroine! See ya!

November toy feature # 4 -- Takara Tomy Transformers Creator Primus (2010 ed.)

This has got to be one of the most awesome toy feature ever presented here on Made in X... it's huge, it's transformable and he's the epitome of all things great and mighty! If Olympus has Zeus and Apple the late Steve Jobs, then the world of the Transformers has no other than but one great creator god, you've guessed it, Creator Primus or more popularly known as Cybertron.


It was indeed a sight to behold and being in the presence of this huge and mind-blowing action toy from Takara Tomy left me in blissful amazement! Every inch of this 2010 re-issue figure is oozing with fine, intricate details that makes Primus even more superior and powerful-looking, most especially when you get to see the small city-like structures embedded in and around his massive frame. And its twice the excitement once you get to see him transform into the planet Cybertron which is equally fantastic as his full-frame figure. This beauty of a toy is definitely a scene stealer and it can make any Transformers fan drool with sheer envy! And like always it was time for me to whip out my camera and photograph Primus at Adrian's place a couple of weeks ago.


Here are some of Primus' photo samples below taken that particular day and if you guys want to check out the rest of the album set, please do find the time to visit our Facebook page by clicking here. 'Til next time folks, thank you for dropping by and roll out!


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

The creator god of the Transformers, the mighty Primus

November toy feature # 3 -- Mari Illustrious Makinami from Fräulein-Revoltech

We're on our third week this lovely month of November and what can be more delightful than to present to you another special treat which is our third toy feature and she's no other than that lovely and sexy anime babe from Neon Genesis Evangelion... nope it's not Rei nor Asuka and definitely not Shinji! She's that dreamy, bespectacled brunette we all know as Mari Illustrious Makinami .


This fantastic action toy figure from Fräulein-Revoltech is indeed one eye candy you can never truly resist whether you're an Evangelion fan or not. If I'm not mistaken this is now the second series release from Fräulein wherein the first Mari Makinami action toy was fitted with a pink plug suit which (personally I think) showed more of Mari's feminine side while her latest figure gives you the best of both worlds... She's sugar and spice and everything nice! Mari is now fitted with an attractive green plug suit along while a huge State's Helmet is included in the package that you can actually wear on Mari's head.


Detailing from head to foot is simply awesome and this baby is definitely worth having in your collection! Thanks to my pal Adrian and he was kind enough to let me take some snapshots of Mari. And just right down below are some of her photo samples that I took a couple of weeks ago.


And like always, if you guys do want to check out the rest of the album, you're more than welcome to visit our Facebook page by clicking here. 'Til the next feature, see ya!


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

November toy feature # 2 -- Armor Plus Tekkaman Rapier

For our second toy feature this month of November, we give to you this super sleek and sexy Armor Plus Tekkaman Rapier figure distributed by Bandai/Tamashii. Everything about this very exclusive figure is just oozing with slender appeal that makes it more awesome and cool-looking. And not only that, she can kick butt once you get to see her awesome weapon of choice... a pointed, thin-bladed sword which, unfortunately, is not seen in this set of photos. But along with her sword is a crystal shard which is also part of the package.


This exclusive fig from Bandai/Tamashii is worth having in your collection and I have managed to see it up close a couple of days ago and I must say it even looked better, sleeker and sexier in person! I have here below several photo samples of this baby for you guys to initially enjoy and if you do want to check out the rest of the album, please do find the time to visit our Facebook page by just clicking here and see for yourselves what this armor-ridden warrior babe is truly made of! 'Til the next toy feature, see ya!


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

Toy feature for November: Rei Ayanami figure from Fräulein-Revoltech

Happy Halloween! We're back ladies and gentlemen and after making that short hiatus from showcasing a new toy every month, I'm back in your humble presence to give you more of those lovely toys thanks to my buddies who graciously allowed me to take snapshots of their treasured stash from their collection, and first up for the month of November, we give you none other than the lovely Rei Ayanami from the hit anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.


There is something about Rei that got everybody hooked to this enigmatic female pilot of the Evangelion Unit 00... even I was so drawn into her that I found myself watching the series from time to time, which also includes collecting some of her gashapon figures as well. Last Sunday I was with my pals Adrian and Francis in Makati and I had the pleasure to photograph this beautiful Fräulein-Revoltech baby while hanging out at Adrian's crib and here are some photo samples of taken during that day.


(*Click on the images for larger view and more photos inside)

Tsukasa Bullet Ninja Girl Mizuki's photo set number two out!

Ninja Girl Mizuki from Tsukasa Bullet

As promised, we've uploaded the second part of Tsukasa Bullet Ninja Girl Mizuki's photo set on our Facebook page where we got to photography this awesome and sexy figure of Mizuki using a white backdrop and if you want to check out the photos, you can just click here or visit Made in X right now! 'Til the next batch guys, cheers!

Last but not the least... Ninja Girl Mizuki from Tsukasa Bullet

We have come to the last toy feature for the month of September but don't worry we decided to divide it into two parts and now we have already launched the first half of the album dedicated to this awesome figure inspired from the great artwork of Japanese illustrator Tsukasa Jun, and she's no other than Ninja Girl Mizuki.

Tsukasa Bullet's Ninja Girl Mizuki (Megahouse)

We truly saved the best for last and honestly, among the other previous figures that we have featured here, this one truly knocked us off our feet due to the fact that the figure was sculpted to perfection and the details will simply blow you away! Not to mention the "good stuff" lying underneath that badass armor which can be taken off anytime you please. The initial album launch we did features a small set of Mizuki's photos taken behind a black background, and if you guys would want to see the rest of the photos, you can visit our Facebook page by clicking here or just head on over to www.facebook.com/madeinx. Be on the lookout for the second half of Mizuki's photo set and it's coming your way very soon! So stay tuned and 'til next time!

Toy feature no. 2 for September: Lancer from Red Stone

Lancer from the Korean MMORPG 'Red Stone'

For our second toy feature for the month of September, we give you this ubër sexy babe sculpted to perfection which was based on a popular MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) from Korea entitled 'Red Stone' and it is none other than Lancer. Unfortunately this female character never had a name and was dubbed as is for her class or lineage in the game... and for some obvious reason it may also be based on the main weapon she's using. This 1/7 scale pre-painted figure was manufactured in 2009 by Orchid Seed and has been considered out of circulation for quite some time now.


If you guys want to see more of her photos, you can just click here or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/madeinx. 'Til next time!

New month, new toy... take it away Maxima!

Maxima Enfield figure from Shining Hearts

A new month and another new toy figure to feature for the month of September on Made in X! And on our top of the list is none other than this awesome 1/8 pre-painted scale figure of the lovely Maxima Enfield from the RPG game 'Shining Hearts' (SEGA).


This simple yet attractive figure from Kotobukiya will somehow draw a good number of sighs from avid toy figure collectors though at first glance you might get the impression that Maxima is just your above-average PVC figure but when you get to see her up-close, you'll definitely get to see some real good stuff and I'm talking about the intricate details that can be found on her elegant, black costume. And this figure doesn't go through the fuzz of worrisome assembly once you get her out of the box. All you have to do is just slip in the sword on one hand and the card on the other and she's up and about to be displayed for you to enjoy and admire, day in and day out.


The photo you're seeing right now is just a sample taken from the photo set we have uploaded on our Facebook page and if you do have the time guys please check out some of the other photos of Maxima by visiting Made in X soon. Thanks guys and 'til the next toy feature, see ya!

Prepare to bite the Tsukasa Bullet!

We have come to the end of our August toy feature shindig, and we wanted to give you guys something really special so we have definitely saved the best for last! I admit that I fell in love with this awesome figure when our buddy (and owner of this figure) took her out of the box and our jaws just dropped big time!... Well, aside from being, obviously, well-endowed and very much sexy from a certain angle (some of you guys who are familiar with this figure would probably know what I'm referring to *wink *wink!) the intricate details on her costume down to her killer heels blew us away! Without further ado, she's none other than Clarice Cornova from "Tsukasa Bullet."


I gotta hand it to Tsukasa Jun for the splendid and breathtaking artwork and now Clarice comes to life in this beautiful non-scale figure that even I who is a rookie with these things can easily appreciate because of the craftsmanship and all things good that is brimming on this baby from top to bottom. Pricey, yes, but nonetheless this Clarice Cornova figure is worth every cent!


I have managed to compile a small album of her photos and my camera (along with several other peeps present during the shoot) couldn't be more happy than seeing Clarice taking the spotlight that particular evening. If you guys would want to see the other photos, please do find the time to visit our Made in X Facebook page and check out our darling for the month of August. Thanks for your time and 'til next time!

Coming soon this September on Made in X...

As we bid goodbye to August in the next couple of days and welcome the brand new month of September, here is yet another small teaser for all of you toy lovers out there as we give you three new and exciting figures that you will all surely love and we will reveal them one by one only on Made in X. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more news, updates and new photo uploads that will be coming your way in the days ahead...

Coming this September on Made in X...

Figure No. 3 now featured on Made in X...

We've already featured some of these "to-die-for" toy figures starting of with Shining Wind's Clalaclan Phirias and the Daimos Soul of Chogokin GX-43 die-cast figure on Made in X's Facebook page. This week, we'll be featuring another new figure that I'm sure you guys will all love, please do find the time to visit Made in X and check out the new toy feature plus other updates that will be coming your way soon...

Figure No. 2 unleashed on Made in X...

A few days ago we featured on Made in X's Facebook page the awesome and jaw-dropping 1/8 scale PVC figure of Shining Wind's Clalaclan Phirias (Armor Version) from Alter... Today we are presenting to all of you the second action toy figure on our best of four toy series this August, and if you want to see what's cooking in our kitchen, please feel free to visit our Facebook page anytime by clicking here or just head on over to www.facebook.com/madeinx for more. Thanks a bunch guys and 'til next time!

Coming soon to Made in X...

A quick view of things to come on Made in X

This is just a small teaser of what you guys can expect in the coming days here on Made in X, or you can also check out from time to time our Facebook page by clicking on this link and see the complete photo set that will unravel soon...

Catch Made in X on Facebook!

Hi guys! You can also check out some of our toy photo collection on our Facebook page. Just click on this link or visit http://www.facebook.com/madeinx for more.

Thanks guys and hope to see you around soon!