The Stars My Destination

 
Originally posted at slangards.multiply.com on Feb 26, '09


"Why? Why reach out to the stars and galaxies? What for?

"Because you're alive, sir."

     - Gully Foyle in The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

Despite being a sci-fi nut since grade school, I'd never heard of Alfred Bester until I spotted this book in the bargain bin at National Bookstore, Morayta. At only P30.00, it was a steal (especially since I saw the same book in Megamall for P395.00). It's a nice paperback edition from Gollancz SF, an imprint of Orion Books in the UK, and part of the Masterworks of Science Fiction series; 10 titles by authors like Pohl, Dick, and Vonnegut. The three I found look great on my shelf...

The Code of Collectors!

I forgot where I copied this from the first time, but I first re-posted it at slangards.multiply.com.

While I don't necessarily agree with all these points anymore, it's still a good read and I wanted to keep it available for when I need it.

***


The Collect To Collect Code Of Honor 
Collect to Collect is a program started by Mr. Philip Wise to promote the hobby of Star Wars collecting. The principles behind the Collect to Collect credo are two-fold: aid your fellow Star Wars enthusiast and discourage those who collect strictly for the sake of profit. Collect to Collect means doing your best to observe the following collecting etiquette:


  • Buy only what you need and make sure others get one before you get many. 
  • Acquire pieces for your collection because you want them, not because you plan to profit from them. 
  • Help others achieve their collecting goals for the sake of the hobby, not profit. 
  • When you trade or sell available toys, do so at cost. 
  • When you trade or sell unavailable toys, do so keeping the golden rule in mind: you'll always win in the long run if you don't take advantage of people. 
  • Buy from scalpers as a very last resort. They exist because people buy from them and do not make collecting toys easier. Scalping only promotes decay within the hobby. 
  • Understand it is more important for a kid to have the toys than you; help them out whenever possible. You're likely to get another chance at the toy, he/she may not. 


Collecting Star Wars toys means different things to different people. For some it may be one of each Star Wars action figure to play with, for others it may be two of each package and figure variation in the world. Either way, it's up to you. You don't have to agree with the collecting goals of others, but you should respect them.


What is "scalping"? 
Toy scalping is an often misunderstood term within collecting. The simplest definition of scalping is:

Somebody who buys currently available toys from any source other than an authorized toy distributor or manufacturer, to sell at a profit.

Scalping is not about money or price. Scalping is about limiting the availability of toys, which in turn makes it both difficult and frustrating for collectors to complete their collections. Below are a few examples to make it easier to grasp the "scalping" concept:
Joe goes to Wal-Mart and buys five desirable figures for later resale at the local flea market where he charges $10.00 each. Joe is a scalper. Avoid Joe. The results of his actions means less desirable toys at the store, frustrated toy buyers and higher prices for everybody. The trickle down effect is enormous, even affecting how stores purchase the toys and Hasbro's distribution decisions.

Wal-Mart and FAO Schwarz both buy from Hasbro directly. Wal-Mart sells figures for $5.76 or less, and FAO Schwarz typically sells them for about $9.99. While FAO sells figures at a substantially higher price, neither of these companies is scalping. Neither company is making it more difficult for collectors to complete their collections by taking toys from the hands of a kid or a collector solely for the purpose of making a quick buck off of a potential buyer.

George, a collector, goes to Wal-Mart and buys two Biker Scouts: one for himself and an extra to sell to a dealer at a toy show. George is a scalper. He not only bought a toy he didn't need (a toy the next collector won't be finding on the shelf), but become a supplier to a scalper.

Ben, another collector, walked into his local Toys 'R' Us and bought three orange-carded C-3PO. He opened two for his diorama and kept the third in package. Two years later Ben decided to sell that third packaged trooper to a friend for $15.00. Is Ben scalping? No, and only because after two years that C-3PO is no longer available on store shelves. True, Ben did buy too many figures and made it difficult for another collector to waltz into that same TRU to buy a C-3PO. Bad form. His action did not help the collecting community at large. He is not branded a scalper, however, because he did not set out to buy an available toy then turn around to sell it at a profit.

If you fit within the above definition of scalping and you aren't happy, or disagree, with our position on this, we have just one thing to say: we don't argue your right to scalp. We do, in the interest of our hobby, have every right to attempt to prevent you from being successful doing it.

Discouraging scalping and being an active member in the Collect to Collect community is not easy, particularly if you are in an area where new toys are difficult to find. Observing the Collect to Collect methodology will, however, help keep the hobby healthy and enjoyable.


The eBay Equation: 
Are eBay auctions a form of scalping? Some are, yes. Not all auctions can be considered scalping, however. Auctioning vintage toys is not scalping. Auctioning a prototype is not scalping. Auctioning any item not currently available in a store is not scalping. Auctioning the Stormtrooper you bought yesterday at K-Mart is scalping.

See the trend? The key is to remember that scalping is not about price - scalping is about availability. The auction for the vintage 12-back Ben Kenobi doesn't stop anyone from walking into a store and finding the latest figure.

The Code of Collectors!

Reposted from Toyboy of PTK (not sure if he wrote it though). All collectors should read this.

 

The Collect To Collect Code Of Honor

Collect to Collect is a program started by Mr. Philip Wise to promote the hobby of Star Wars collecting. The principles behind the Collect to Collect credo are two-fold: aid your fellow Star Wars enthusiast and discourage those who collect strictly for the sake of profit. Collect to Collect means doing your best to observe the following collecting etiquette:

- Buy only what you need and make sure others get one before you get many.

- Acquire pieces for your collection because you want them, not because you plan to profit from them.

- Help others achieve their collecting goals for the sake of the hobby, not profit.

- When you trade or sell available toys, do so at cost.

- When you trade or sell unavailable toys, do so keeping the golden rule in mind: you'll always win in the long run if you don't take advantage of people.

- Buy from scalpers as a very last resort. They exist because people buy from them and do not make collecting toys easier. Scalping only promotes decay within the hobby.

- Understand it is more important for a kid to have the toys than you; help them out whenever possible. You're likely to get another chance at the toy, he/she may not.

Collecting Star Wars toys means different things to different people. For some it may be one of each Star Wars action figure to play with, for others it may be two of each package and figure variation in the world. Either way, it's up to you. You don't have to agree with the collecting goals of others, but you should respect them.

What is "scalping"?
Toy scalping is an often misunderstood term within collecting. The simplest definition of scalping is:

Somebody who buys currently available toys from any source other than an authorized toy distributor or manufacturer, to sell at a profit.

Scalping is not about money or price. Scalping is about limiting the availability of toys, which in turn makes it both difficult and frustrating for collectors to complete their collections. Below are a few examples to make it easier to grasp the "scalping" concept:
Joe goes to Wal-Mart and buys five desirable figures for later resale at the local flea market where he charges $10.00 each. Joe is a scalper. Avoid Joe. The results of his actions means less desirable toys at the store, frustrated toy buyers and higher prices for everybody. The trickle down effect is enormous, even affecting how stores purchase the toys and Hasbro's distribution decisions.

Wal-Mart and FAO Schwarz both buy from Hasbro directly. Wal-Mart sells figures for $5.76 or less, and FAO Schwarz typically sells them for about $9.99. While FAO sells figures at a substantially higher price, neither of these companies is scalping. Neither company is making it more difficult for collectors to complete their collections by taking toys from the hands of a kid or a collector solely for the purpose of making a quick buck off of a potential buyer.

George, a collector, goes to Wal-Mart and buys two Biker Scouts: one for himself and an extra to sell to a dealer at a toy show. George is a scalper. He not only bought a toy he didn't need (a toy the next collector won't be finding on the shelf), but become a supplier to a scalper.

Ben, another collector, walked into his local Toys 'R' Us and bought three orange-carded C-3PO. He opened two for his diorama and kept the third in package. Two years later Ben decided to sell that third packaged trooper to a friend for $15.00. Is Ben scalping? No, and only because after two years that C-3PO is no longer available on store shelves. True, Ben did buy too many figures and made it difficult for another collector to waltz into that same TRU to buy a C-3PO. Bad form. His action did not help the collecting community at large. He is not branded a scalper, however, because he did not set out to buy an available toy then turn around to sell it at a profit.

If you fit within the above definition of scalping and you aren't happy, or disagree, with our position on this, we have just one thing to say: we don't argue your right to scalp. We do, in the interest of our hobby, have every right to attempt to prevent you from being successful doing it.

Discouraging scalping and being an active member in the Collect to Collect community is not easy, particularly if you are in an area where new toys are difficult to find. Observing the Collect to Collect methodology will, however, help keep the hobby healthy and enjoyable.

The eBay Equation:
Are eBay auctions a form of scalping? Some are, yes. Not all auctions can be considered scalping, however. Auctioning vintage toys is not scalping. Auctioning a prototype is not scalping. Auctioning any item not currently available in a store is not scalping. Auctioning the Stormtrooper you bought yesterday at K-Mart is scalping.

See the trend? The key is to remember that scalping is not about price - scalping is about availability. The auction for the vintage 12-back Ben Kenobi doesn't stop anyone from walking into a store and finding the latest figure.

Wahoo!!!

0% interest over 6 months on all major credit cards at Toy Kingdom? Why didn't I know about this before? Limit Increase, here I come!!!

Wahoo!!!

0% interest over 6 months on all major credit cards at Toy Kingdom? Why didn't I know about this before? Limit Increase, here I come!!!

Ozine Fest '09 - The National Cosplay Summit

Start:     Apr 3, '09 10:00a
End:     Apr 5, '09 10:00p
Location:     SM Megamall Building B, 5th floor Megatrade Hall 2


Hungry for anime? Itching to cosplay? Looking to satiate your otaku desires?

Then get ready as Otakuzine Anime Magazine brings you its 5th and most ambitious Anime event ever: Ozine fest '09!! Prepare for not one, not two, but THREE days of anime and cosplay mayhem enough to satisfy hungry otakus all over the country.

Ozine Fest is an annual event organized by the Otakuzine Anime Magazine staff to gather Anime Fans around the country. Get in line before the event officially opens and expect special gifts from us.

April 3, 4, and 5, 2009
SM Megamall Building B, 5th floor Megatrade Hall 2

Visit http://www.otakuzine-mag.com/ozinefest/ for more details

Ticket Price:
Php 100.00 per day.
Php 250.00 for 3-day pass.
3-day pass holders qualify for the raffle.

Day 1: Nintendo Wii
Day 2: Xbox 360 (Elite)
Day 3: Playstation 3

A ticket holder can win for Three (3) consecutive days as long as he or she is present to claim the prize. If the ticket holder is no longer present then the organizers will have to redraw for a new winner so be sure to stay until the raffle is done.


For inquiries about our event you can contact us thru Yahoo Messenger. Please make sure that you’re in the right department before asking questions.

Individual & Group Cosplay, Nation Cosplay Summit (NCS), and General Question/s about the event
please message: ozinefest_ukiya

Battle of the Bands, Maid Café, and Matsuri area booths
please message: ozinefest_michikat

Anime Video Making, Photoshoot Contest, Cosplay Poster Making Contest, Art Contest, and Indie Manga Contest
please message: ozinefest_krno

Food eating contest, Anime Dance Contest, and Karaoke Contest
please message: ozinefest_reiascotl




Visit http://www.otakuzine-mag.com/ozinefest/ncs.html to check rules for the Cosplay contest

Ozine Fest '09 - The National Cosplay Summit

Start:     Apr 3, '09 10:00a
End:     Apr 5, '09 10:00p
Location:     SM Megamall Building B, 5th floor Megatrade Hall 2


Hungry for anime? Itching to cosplay? Looking to satiate your otaku desires?

Then get ready as Otakuzine Anime Magazine brings you its 5th and most ambitious Anime event ever: Ozine fest '09!! Prepare for not one, not two, but THREE days of anime and cosplay mayhem enough to satisfy hungry otakus all over the country.

Ozine Fest is an annual event organized by the Otakuzine Anime Magazine staff to gather Anime Fans around the country. Get in line before the event officially opens and expect special gifts from us.

April 3, 4, and 5, 2009
SM Megamall Building B, 5th floor Megatrade Hall 2

Visit http://www.otakuzine-mag.com/ozinefest/ for more details

Ticket Price:
Php 100.00 per day.
Php 250.00 for 3-day pass.
3-day pass holders qualify for the raffle.

Day 1: Nintendo Wii
Day 2: Xbox 360 (Elite)
Day 3: Playstation 3

A ticket holder can win for Three (3) consecutive days as long as he or she is present to claim the prize. If the ticket holder is no longer present then the organizers will have to redraw for a new winner so be sure to stay until the raffle is done.


For inquiries about our event you can contact us thru Yahoo Messenger. Please make sure that you’re in the right department before asking questions.

Individual & Group Cosplay, Nation Cosplay Summit (NCS), and General Question/s about the event
please message: ozinefest_ukiya

Battle of the Bands, Maid Café, and Matsuri area booths
please message: ozinefest_michikat

Anime Video Making, Photoshoot Contest, Cosplay Poster Making Contest, Art Contest, and Indie Manga Contest
please message: ozinefest_krno

Food eating contest, Anime Dance Contest, and Karaoke Contest
please message: ozinefest_reiascotl




Visit http://www.otakuzine-mag.com/ozinefest/ncs.html to check rules for the Cosplay contest

Angel Locsin online!

From Azrael's blog...

http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2009/02/angel-locsin-chat-event-on-feb-27.html

Online fans of Lobo’s lead actress, Angel Locsin, will surely be delighted as she goes online this Friday, February 27, at exactly 2pm (Manila Time) on http://chat.abs-cbn.com...

Angel Locsin online!

From Azrael's blog...

http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2009/02/angel-locsin-chat-event-on-feb-27.html

Online fans of Lobo’s lead actress, Angel Locsin, will surely be delighted as she goes online this Friday, February 27, at exactly 2pm (Manila Time) on http://chat.abs-cbn.com...

Thunderbreak Sounds Off


Copied from a post from Cybertron Philippines by Thunderbreak on Feb 23, '09 Originally re-posted at slangards.multiply.com

This post is his second, a follow up to the previous What You Need to Know About the Phil Toy Industry.

***

What You Need To Know About The Phil Toy Industry Pt. 2

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who took time to read and comment on part one.  I took the additional inquiries at Cybertron Philippines and turned them into a Q&A format.  The result is still a long read :)  But I guarantee you that it's worth reading just like part one.

Enjoy! :)

Question:
Would Playkit be open to considering getting pre-orders (by the case) or even single orders as long as the single orders fill up one case? With that system, they can somehow gauge the demand...for the collectors market at least. Customers can make these pre orders at any branch of TK or TRU for example.

Answer:

The strategy that you gave is one for retailers... and not distributors. We should be giving this suggestion to Toy Kingdom (TK), Toys R Us (TRU) and other toy stores and ask them if they can employ such strategies in their respective stores.

But even if these stores initially agree, I personally think that it will not be feasible. There are certain factors that complicate this. First, Playkit doesn't even know if Hasbro will give them all their orders. Let me repeat my statement in the first part of this article…The Philippines is a very small market compared to the US/Canada. These countries are their first priority. They need/have to fill in demand in these countries first before they go overseas. Hasbro always has an option to give lower quantities than what was originally ordered. What happens now if TK/TRU/toy stores accepted pre-orders and demand was not filled? I'm sure we are going to hear lots of complaints.

Then, these toy stores also have to contend with the nasty habit of pre-ordering since arrival date is still months away... then, ignoring their order once the items arrive. And I have seen people do this with or without down payment. Just talk to specialty shop owners at Greenhills. They will regale you with tales about this matter. I'm sure you guys are aware that this sort of thing happens. This throws a monkey wrench to our assumption that "this system can gauge demand".

One more thing why this strategy is complicated. I think I already mentioned in the past that case assortment here in Asia is different from the case assortment in other territories.  We cannot use case assortment announcements in the US/Canada to predict what will arrive. If that is the case, where will we get the basis for the pre-orders. The distributors themselves? Sounds plausible… but highly unlikely. Distributors order by the case and not per piece. I somehow doubt that they receive case assortment listing prior to receiving their shipment.

Question:
I can understand quota set by the toy manufacturers to its dealers and those are under contracts and sometimes the distributors don't even know what they are getting until the waybill or a notice from the toy manufacturers arrive. 
Is there an option for distributors to order more? I’m sure that’s what toy manufacturers are hopping for. So, with that in mind, given that there is a noticeable amount of demand for a given toy line. Does our local distributors know the demand for a given figure. I know this is all speculative at best, but research based on - forums, news updates, talks etc etc. can be a very good deciding factor on how many to order, yes the orders are placed months before but there is always an option to order more right (same wave same figs)? or by the time the toys hit the shelves toy manufacturers don’t accept orders anymore for a certain wave? Since its been months since the initial order was placed as you have said? 

Answer:

No. Local distributors do not know the demand for upcoming toys. I doubt it if anyone of us knows or understand the demand for upcoming toys... That is my whole point - no one can predict the future. You have to understand that even after decades, projecting demand is still not an exact science. Ask any marketing guru about his opinion in projecting and his answer will be "your guess is as good as mine".

Just like in my G.I. Joe Movie example in the first article, we don't know what will happen to it when it hits cinemas. We can speculate all day that it might probably become a hit. But "probably" will throw off our speculation. A lot can happen while waiting for the stocks to arrive. What if a bigger movie outfit suddenly announce that they are working on a big budget movie about... say a live action Avengers vs. JLA... it will have a powerful cast consisting of Hollywood A-listers... and they will launch it the same day as G.I. Joe Movie. What happens to demand now?

Anyway, to answer your question --> "is there is an option for distributors to order more" Yes, they can order more. But whether Hasbro will fill the orders is a totally different matter. Check my reply above about this thing.

Remember what happened to TFTM toys last year. No one was able to predict that it's going to be a huge success. Initial orders all around the globe were wiped out in a very short period of time. Playkit scrambled to reorder the items but Hasbro filled up orders in the US and Canada first. By the time, reorders arrived, it was already too late. Demand was already low and they were stuck with a high inventory.

Question:
You mentioned the toy fair (the Hasbro one). Here's where the conspiracy starts hehe...
Did the distributor uhh... actually held back the line for promotional reasons? (in other words released the really good figures in very small amounts and let the "Butaws" go out and hit the shelves.) so that collectors will have something to look forward to at the fair and the public will see the best of the best of the line has to offer?
The reason I asked is because the good figures from the past waves of the GI Joe line sold near the counter where plentiful but at the pegs in the shops they where almost non-existent. 
Don’t get me wrong. I would actually love it if it was like that. Since everyone gets a fair chance of getting the figs they like all at the same time. And since there was a limit to the number of figs per person, hoarders where kept to a minimum. 


Answer:

I would normally not answer inquiries like this because speculations are baseless... and the so-called "conspiracy" is unfounded and claims have no solid substance... But since we our primary objective is to make everyone aware of what is really happening in the industry (and that you are still a newbie), I will answer this as direct as possible.

If you are monitoring what has been happening at the Hasbro Grand Toy Fair, then you would know that a scalper (orange shirt guy) had a field day during the first day (Friday). This idiot threw the stocks all over the floor and pushed other collectors just to get to the hard to find items first. He even had the gull to say profanities at the TK executives. He even complained to MOA mall management as if he was the aggrieved party.

Originally, the responsibility of Cybertron Philippines was limited to running the program. But because of what this idiot did, Toy Kingdom management asked us to help distribute the items. Guidelines were simple. Everyone should have a fair chance of getting at least one hard to find collectible... and the distribution process should be as orderly and peaceful as possible... and the rest is history.  

The HTF figs went to the distribution table/area so that everyone will have a fair chance in getting them... and the unwanted figs went to the pegs.

You should also know that product launches (like the Hasbro Grand Toy Fair) are very common. These events serves as venue for launching new stocks, new product lines and/or major restocks... nothing special or uncommon about it.

Lastly, please see the case assortment part of my post in the first article.

Here's a sample assortment courtesy of BBTS

G.I. Joe Wave 9 - Case of 8 Figures

  • 1x Hawk
  • 1x Bazooka
  • 1x Barbecue
  • 1x Ninja-Ku Leader Storm Shadow
  • 1x Snow Serpent
  • 1x B.A.T.
  • 1x Lt. Torpedo
  • 1x Wild Bill


I understand that collectors want to army build BATs. But with this case assortment, you have to understand that there is an equal amount of peg warmers like Ninja Ku, Wild Bill and Torpedo.

Meaning if you want to bring in 1,000 pcs. of BATs so that everyone who wants to army build BATs can easily have access at SRP, the distributor has to order 1,000 cases. If the distributor gives in to your request, it means that they also have to sell 1,000 pcs of Ninja Ku, 1,000 pcs. of Torpedo and 1,000 pcs. of Wild Bill.  I seriously think this is feasible?


Question: 
Is there a monopoly over distribution of Hasbro products here in the Philippines?

Answer:

I don't know what kind of license Playkit has. But I would bet it's an exclusive distributorship license.

I believe they are just lenient on other stores... that is why there are no cease and desist orders that are passed around. This is another good reason why we should thank Playkit.

I know for a fact that one distributor already started dishing out cease and desist orders for their product lines.  Specialty shops in Greenhills and Alabang received stern letters from this distributor’s lawyers.

Question:
Why are there so many recolors?

Answer:

Moulds for plastic pieces are made of metal. And these are very, very expensive (it costs Php100,000 ++ for a small mould. How many pieces does a Transformers and/or a G.I. Joe figure have? Yep, making a toy is that expensive. This is the reason why Hasbro (and other toy companies) resort to recolors, retools and reissues. This is basically to have an ROI on their initial investments.

Question:
Can we negotiate directly to the distributor?  Maybe we can get the volume by pooling our orders and buy directly from the distributor. The DVD industry can be our example. A DVD collector group had talks with the local Distributors for DVDs and they came to an agreement with WB, Sony, Magnavision, Viva.

Answer:

The DVD market is a whole different market. First of all, it's currently embattled with the whole piracy thing. Deals like this will easily be accepted by distributors to ensure sales and protect their top line. It's a win-win situation.

Distributors will, normally, protect their wholesalers/retailers by not dealing with individual (or even group) orders. Can you just imagine how much business Toy Kingdom or Toys R Us (nationwide) give Playkit, Ban Kee, Richwell, and other toy distributors? These companies will not exchange that amount for a one time deal even if a lot of money is involved. Remember that there's still the mass market (please see definition in the part one). It is much, much bigger than the collector market. All these companies have mass market products in TK/TRU.

Question:
Simple illustration. When I started collecting back in 2003, Beyblade was the big thing, ala Bakugan is now. It admittedly sold a lot. Quick question, does it still sell now?
A lot of the so-called "toy hits" are fads which equate to revenues in the short-term but glosses over the basic business tenet of consistency. Peaks and ravines aren't preferred and that's what happens with these toy fads backed up by an Anime series or a cartoon.
But look at TF/GIJOE/ML, the staying power of these franchises guarantee constant income streams. That’s over 20 years of income! Loyalty is the unique element of a collector line. So in as much as there might be some product clogging the pegs (which just could be a snag regarding distribution and allocation), overall, the brand continues to soldier on because of the loyalty of collectors.

Answer: 

Let's talk about marketing basics first. Let's talk about the Product Life Cycle (PLC)... just like the name implies, it is the life of the product as it goes through market introduction, growth, maturity and decline. Some brands have short life cycles and some have long. Marketing mix decisions are based where the product's/brand's PLC. Bakugan, and Beyblade (in non toy industry we can name pearl shakes) have very short life cycles but demand is extremely high. Strategy: Enter the market, meet the demand and bail out when the brand starts to decline. Of course, there's still strategic inflection point but we will talk about that some other time.

There are also brands that have long PLCs... These products have a different marketing mix altogether. Some brands have strong brand equity (simply put – brand strength). Transformers and G.I. Joe are not YET mega brands, btw.  Superman, Batman, Mickey Mouse, Barbie (non-toy Mc Donalds and Colgate). These are mega brands.

Let's take a look at Transformers and G.I. Joe. In an honest assessment, where is it really. Some, if not all of you, will immediately jump up on your seats and say, "Growth Stage"! And to some degree, all of you are right. But look deeper into the brand.

Remember that we are looking at the Philippine market. Transformers enjoyed its popularity from 1984 to probably 1987... but the brand has been very, very weak since that time. It was only revived in 2007 when Michael Bay launched the TFTM live action movie

Let's compare it with Mickey Mouse (Disney) or Bugs Bunny (Warner Brothers) which have been staple brands for kids. That is the reason why license holders here in the Philippines slap these brands on low priced staple kids toys (magic slate, toy drum set, kiddie cars, coin banks, etc) <-- btw, this is what I meant by "mass market toys".

Bakugan and Beyblade (Just like transformers and G.I. Joe) are still niche market. Why? Karen de Asis' wrote an article in the PDI last May 2008. It identified the current socio-economic strata of the Philippines. The AB market (which has a monthly combined household income of Php50,001 and above) is only 2%, Class C (Php15,000-50,000) is 12%, Class D 63% and E at 23%.

How many of these people can buy Bakugan and Beyblade? How many of these people can afford to buy a P70 Scooby Doo water pistol?

Let's translate these to numbers:

Deluxe Class Transformer Toy @ 700 - Demand is 5,000 collectors (est.). Potential Sales = Php3,500,000

Scooby Doo Water Pistol @ 70 - Demand is 75% (Let's stick only to Class CD for the meantime) of total population (83M)... let's say only 10% of these are children (which we know is not true since there are more children than adults now)... and only 10% of these children will be given a toy as a Christmas gift (622,500) = potential sales is Php 43,575,000

Which market do we want to enter?

Arnold Arre Book Signing

Start:     Feb 28, '09 3:00p
End:     Feb 28, '09 6:00p
Location:     Powerbooks Trinoma
Arnold Arre is the author of Martial Law Babies, Ang mundo ni Andong Agimat, The Mythology Class, After Eden, and Trip to Tagatay and is the illustrator for Private Iris & Cast.













Arnold Arre Book Signing

Start:     Feb 28, '09 3:00p
End:     Feb 28, '09 6:00p
Location:     Powerbooks Trinoma
Arnold Arre is the author of Martial Law Babies, Ang mundo ni Andong Agimat, The Mythology Class, After Eden, and Trip to Tagatay and is the illustrator for Private Iris & Cast.













Geeky Motivation

Reposted from Budjette's multiply blog:

Comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis talks about …

MAKING YOUR LAST COMIC BOOK:
I’m always amazed by the people who work so hard to get here [a job in Marvel], or so lucky to get there. It takes an insane amount of work to get there and when they get there and they start bucking around, they start diva-ing it up and get high and mighty and totally forget … [you have to remember] what job you have in comics, someone else had that job before you.

Settle down!

And work!

Now is the time to do the work of your life.

Now is the time to express yourself like no one else has ever done.

You should [write or draw this comic book] like it’s your last, like you’re going to be fired after this. And I do this.

Remember … someone else had this job and someone else will have it after you. It’s up to you how long you can keep it.

Big name people –BIG NAME PEOPLE—cannot get work because they act the fool.

PROMOTING YOUR WORK:
Just getting the book out … just birthing it to the world… is not enough. They think the whole world is somehow looking at them. [What you] really have to do is get out there and hustle –hustle your butt. No matter what level you are in the charts. You see Springsteen’s out there. He’s hustl’n. He’s not just there pretending to be the god of rock. He’s been runnin’ around [promoting his new album]. You just gotta hustl’ brother! If you really believe in [your work] … if you think there’s an audience for it … go find that audience.

You think you’ve [promoted it] a million times and it’s enough? It’s not enough. You’ve got to promote something until you’re sick of the sound of your voice. And if you don’t want to do that, then find someone else who will do that for you. If you really want to make sure you’re heard and if you’ve got something you’re really proud of, you really gotta hustle—LOUD!


These are excerpts from the podcast Word Balloon, hosted by John Siuntres.
You can download the complete episodes at:
http://wordballoon.blogspot.com/search?q=Bendis+Tapes

Geeky Motivation

Reposted from Budjette's multiply blog:

Comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis talks about …

MAKING YOUR LAST COMIC BOOK:
I’m always amazed by the people who work so hard to get here [a job in Marvel], or so lucky to get there. It takes an insane amount of work to get there and when they get there and they start bucking around, they start diva-ing it up and get high and mighty and totally forget … [you have to remember] what job you have in comics, someone else had that job before you.

Settle down!

And work!

Now is the time to do the work of your life.

Now is the time to express yourself like no one else has ever done.

You should [write or draw this comic book] like it’s your last, like you’re going to be fired after this. And I do this.

Remember … someone else had this job and someone else will have it after you. It’s up to you how long you can keep it.

Big name people –BIG NAME PEOPLE—cannot get work because they act the fool.

PROMOTING YOUR WORK:
Just getting the book out … just birthing it to the world… is not enough. They think the whole world is somehow looking at them. [What you] really have to do is get out there and hustle –hustle your butt. No matter what level you are in the charts. You see Springsteen’s out there. He’s hustl’n. He’s not just there pretending to be the god of rock. He’s been runnin’ around [promoting his new album]. You just gotta hustl’ brother! If you really believe in [your work] … if you think there’s an audience for it … go find that audience.

You think you’ve [promoted it] a million times and it’s enough? It’s not enough. You’ve got to promote something until you’re sick of the sound of your voice. And if you don’t want to do that, then find someone else who will do that for you. If you really want to make sure you’re heard and if you’ve got something you’re really proud of, you really gotta hustle—LOUD!


These are excerpts from the podcast Word Balloon, hosted by John Siuntres.
You can download the complete episodes at:
http://wordballoon.blogspot.com/search?q=Bendis+Tapes

Komikon Summer Fiesta 2009

Start:     May 16, '09 10:00a
End:     May 16, '09 8:00p
Location:     UP Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City
Copied from CS CENTRAL
http://cscentrl.multiply.com/


From the organizers of the annual Komikon, the ArtistsDen’ would like to invite you to participate in the hottest convention this summer, the KOMIKON SUMMER FIESTA on May 16, 2009 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni.

In line with organization’s goal to improve and propagate the Philippine comics industry, we have organized the first ever Komikon Summer Fiesta as an off-shoot from the four-year and still running Annual Philippine Komiks Convention, giving comics lovers and creators a chance to interact not just once but twice in a year! The Komikon Summer Fiesta would be similar to the longer running Komikon with a distinctive summer and Filipino fiesta theme as is the usual in most fiestas every May.

About the Philippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON)

Komikon aims to bring together different comic book artists/groups and publishers in a venue where they could present their talents, works and services to the public and, most importantly, to aspiring comic artists. It brings together different art groups and different generations of artists for a free exchange of ideas, breaks down stereotypes, and broadens the scope of comics – from international to local, sequential to strips, professional to amateur, and published to independent comics. The event would like to bring to people’s awareness the current state of the Philippine comics industry.

Komikon holds contests to encourage participation and to draw in a large attendance of people. The event area is divided into an exhibit area, an area for contests, an area for exhibitors’ booths/tables, an area for sponsors, registration/information area. The first annual KOMIKON was held last October 22, 2005 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni and has been successfully followed by three more years.

About the KOMIKON Summer Fiesta

Komikon Summer Fiesta 2009 is an off shoot from the annual Komikon. Participants, exhibitors and sponsors have clamored for having more than once a year convention. By holding a comics convention twice in a year, the organizers hope to further stimulate and encourage the re-growth of the Philippines komiks industry. The “summer fiesta” theme, is to give it a distinct Filipino flavor parallel to fiestas held mostly during summer. The Komikon Summer Fiesta will surely be one HOT convention!
Komikon Summer Fiesta Highlights

- Komikon Awards 2009 Call for Nominations
- Sneak Peak into the future plans for Komikon
- Featured Filipino Artists
- Games and Contests
- Comic Book launches signings
- Indie Tiangge

About the Organizers

The Artists’ Den is founded in the year 1999 by a group of 3 artists who dreamed of starting a group that would cater to the different art groups in the Philippines with different styles of drawing and beliefs. The artists and their followers are an unattended audience here in our country but the founding members believed in everyone’s potential to draw and reach for the stars. The group meets on a weekly basis to share views and update each other on the latest developments and news. The group also has a mailing list with more than 200 subscribers where artists convene online aside from the weekly meetings. Our organization has a long-term commitment to helping other artist groups, to promote goodwill among fellow Comic Creators and promote different works and activities among appreciative audiences.

Komikon Summer Fiesta 2009

Start:     May 16, '09 10:00a
End:     May 16, '09 8:00p
Location:     UP Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City
Copied from CS CENTRAL
http://cscentrl.multiply.com/


From the organizers of the annual Komikon, the ArtistsDen’ would like to invite you to participate in the hottest convention this summer, the KOMIKON SUMMER FIESTA on May 16, 2009 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni.

In line with organization’s goal to improve and propagate the Philippine comics industry, we have organized the first ever Komikon Summer Fiesta as an off-shoot from the four-year and still running Annual Philippine Komiks Convention, giving comics lovers and creators a chance to interact not just once but twice in a year! The Komikon Summer Fiesta would be similar to the longer running Komikon with a distinctive summer and Filipino fiesta theme as is the usual in most fiestas every May.

About the Philippine Annual Komiks Convention (KOMIKON)

Komikon aims to bring together different comic book artists/groups and publishers in a venue where they could present their talents, works and services to the public and, most importantly, to aspiring comic artists. It brings together different art groups and different generations of artists for a free exchange of ideas, breaks down stereotypes, and broadens the scope of comics – from international to local, sequential to strips, professional to amateur, and published to independent comics. The event would like to bring to people’s awareness the current state of the Philippine comics industry.

Komikon holds contests to encourage participation and to draw in a large attendance of people. The event area is divided into an exhibit area, an area for contests, an area for exhibitors’ booths/tables, an area for sponsors, registration/information area. The first annual KOMIKON was held last October 22, 2005 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni and has been successfully followed by three more years.

About the KOMIKON Summer Fiesta

Komikon Summer Fiesta 2009 is an off shoot from the annual Komikon. Participants, exhibitors and sponsors have clamored for having more than once a year convention. By holding a comics convention twice in a year, the organizers hope to further stimulate and encourage the re-growth of the Philippines komiks industry. The “summer fiesta” theme, is to give it a distinct Filipino flavor parallel to fiestas held mostly during summer. The Komikon Summer Fiesta will surely be one HOT convention!
Komikon Summer Fiesta Highlights

- Komikon Awards 2009 Call for Nominations
- Sneak Peak into the future plans for Komikon
- Featured Filipino Artists
- Games and Contests
- Comic Book launches signings
- Indie Tiangge

About the Organizers

The Artists’ Den is founded in the year 1999 by a group of 3 artists who dreamed of starting a group that would cater to the different art groups in the Philippines with different styles of drawing and beliefs. The artists and their followers are an unattended audience here in our country but the founding members believed in everyone’s potential to draw and reach for the stars. The group meets on a weekly basis to share views and update each other on the latest developments and news. The group also has a mailing list with more than 200 subscribers where artists convene online aside from the weekly meetings. Our organization has a long-term commitment to helping other artist groups, to promote goodwill among fellow Comic Creators and promote different works and activities among appreciative audiences.

2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

Start:     Mar 28, '09 10:00a
End:     Mar 28, '09 8:00p
Location:     Robinson's Place, Ermita, Manila


Copied from CSCENTRAL
http://cscentrl.multiply.com/


The summer anime event season is just getting better with the inclusion of the The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention in our agenda of great conventions we will be participating. It will be held at Robinson's Manila on March 28, 2009. Here are the guidelines for both individual & group cosplayer competitions:

The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) Cosplay Guidelines

The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) is open to all event attendees.

PCC is an OPEN CATEGORY event where participants could cosplay any character that they want, from any genre (whether it's from an anime, manga, games, comics, movies, western animation, visual kei, harajuku fashion, etc.) Original Characters are not qualified.

PCC will be held on March 28, 2009. Both the INDIVIDUAL and GROUP cosplay will be held on the same day.

Interested cosplay participants may either pre-register online or register on the day of the event. For this year, we are limiting the number of participants to 150 Individual cosplayers and 5 Groups.

Pre-registrants are required to confirm their pre-registrations on-site during the cosplay registration period. Pre-registering does not guarantee a slot in the official cosplay list.

All registrants are required to submit a reference picture of the character that they’ll be cosplaying upon registration. Guidelines for submitting reference pictures are found below.

After the registration, cosplayers are encouraged to stay at the Cosplayer’s Lounge. The PCC cosplay judges will be observing the participants prior to the actual contest.

Cosplayers under eighteen (18) years of age as of cosplay event date must have their parent/s and/or legal guardian/s sign the waiver/image release form which will be distributed at the event.

Fanservice (ie. yaoi, yuri, etc.) is allowed but should be “General Patronage”. Any kind of extreme kind of fanservice (ie. kissing, PDA, etc.) that is deemed inappropriate for minors are strictly prohibited. Keep in mind that the Phil Cosplay Con is a wholesome and a General Patronage event.

Costumes that are too revealing (ie. exposes private parts) are prohibited. Scantly clad and/or sexy costumes are allowed but are not encouraged. The PCC Organizers and the cosplay management team have the right to disqualify any participant on this ground.

All kinds of costume props must be handled with utmost care and must not be harmful to his/her fellow cosplayers, event staff and event attendees. Any kind of sharp and/or bladed objects that will be used as costume props that could cut human flesh are strictly prohibited. Any kind of pyrotechnic equipment/s that will be used as costume props that could render damage to the venue and/or property is strictly prohibited.

PCC Organizers, Cosplay Management Team, and its staff will not be held responsible for damage or injury resulting from mishandling and/or negligence of a cosplayer in his/her use of props/materials throughout the duration of the event.

PCC organizers reserve the right to disqualify any cosplayer who ignores and/or violates any of the aforementioned guidelines.

The PCC judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Registration and participation to the PCC cosplay constitutes that the cosplayer gives the right and the authority to PCC organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to take pictures and/or videos of registered cosplayers, cosplay groups and its members and will be the sole property of the organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to be used for future publications and/or advertising promotions.

PCC Cosplay Guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.

Individual Cosplay Guidelines

PCC shall be accepting a maximum of 150 participants. On-line and on-site participants who register before the specified deadline is included to the official list of Individual Cosplay participants.

The online pre-registration will be done through http://www.cosplay.ph which is hosted by Cosplay.ph. To register, you will need to have a cosplay.ph account (registration is free).

If the 150 Individual Cosplay quota has been reached but pre-registrants fail to confirm their registration from 10am-1pm of March 28, 2009, the next available slot(s) will be given to the on-site Individual Cosplay registrants.

Individual cosplay participants are not qualified to join the Group Cosplay event even as a minor role or as a prop.

Individual cosplay participants are only allowed to have a maximum of two (2) human props.

Group Cosplay Guidelines

A cosplay group must consist of at least three (3) and a maximum of seven (8) members (including one sound/technical director [required]) per group.

There will be any entry limit of five (5) groups for the Group Cosplay. On-line and on-site participants who register before the specified deadline is included to the official list of Group Cosplay participants.

The online pre-registration will be done through http://www.cosplay.ph which is hosted by Cosplay.ph. To register, you will need to have a cosplay.ph account (registration is free).

If the 5 Group Cosplay quota has been reached but pre-registrants fail to confirm their registration from 10am-1pm of March 28, 2009, the next available slot(s) will be given to the on-site Group Cosplay registrants.

A member of a particular cosplay group can only join ONE COSPLAY GROUP. Joining multiple cosplay groups is not allowed

Cosplay Group members are not qualified and allowed to join the Individual Cosplay contest.

All cosplay groups are required to have a cosplay skit. Each cosplay group will be given a maximum of 5 minutes of stage time to do their skits.

All cosplay groups are encouraged to act out from a scene in the title that they’re cosplaying. We discourage any dance choreography/skit.

All BGMs that will be used for the cosplay skit must be in audio format (.CDA) or in MP3 format and must be within the limit of their cosplay skit. Audio CDs must be properly labeled and submitted at the event itself upon registration. A cosplay group is required to have a sound director/representative who will assist the PCC technical team in the usage of their CDs. No BGM CD and/or no sound director means no registration.

Picture Reference Submission Guidelines

Individual and group cosplayers are required to submit a digital file of the picture of the character that they shall be cosplaying.

All digital pictures must be in JPEG, GIF or PNG format and must not exceed 10MB.

All digital pictures must not go below 144 x 288 pixels (wallet size) and must not go beyond 792 x 594 pixels (short bond paper size).

It is highly recommended to submit a full-body colored picture of the character that will be cosplayed. Black and white pictures are accepted.

For on-line cosplay registrants, an attachment or link of digital picture (from online hosting site e.g. Photobucket, Multiply, etc.) must be e-mailed to: pcc@cosplay.ph with the subject line: PCC Individual/Group Cosplay – (Real Name)

For on-site registrants, pictures must be stored in either a USB thumb drive or a CD and submitted upon registration. Please ensure that they are in the proper formats specified above and the storage device is free from viruses. Printed pictures will not be accepted. No picture means no registration.

You can find out more from this link: http://cosplay.ph/news.php?readmore=913

2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention

Start:     Mar 28, '09 10:00a
End:     Mar 28, '09 8:00p
Location:     Robinson's Place, Ermita, Manila


Copied from CSCENTRAL
http://cscentrl.multiply.com/


The summer anime event season is just getting better with the inclusion of the The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention in our agenda of great conventions we will be participating. It will be held at Robinson's Manila on March 28, 2009. Here are the guidelines for both individual & group cosplayer competitions:

The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) Cosplay Guidelines

The 2nd Philippine Cosplay Convention (PCC) is open to all event attendees.

PCC is an OPEN CATEGORY event where participants could cosplay any character that they want, from any genre (whether it's from an anime, manga, games, comics, movies, western animation, visual kei, harajuku fashion, etc.) Original Characters are not qualified.

PCC will be held on March 28, 2009. Both the INDIVIDUAL and GROUP cosplay will be held on the same day.

Interested cosplay participants may either pre-register online or register on the day of the event. For this year, we are limiting the number of participants to 150 Individual cosplayers and 5 Groups.

Pre-registrants are required to confirm their pre-registrations on-site during the cosplay registration period. Pre-registering does not guarantee a slot in the official cosplay list.

All registrants are required to submit a reference picture of the character that they’ll be cosplaying upon registration. Guidelines for submitting reference pictures are found below.

After the registration, cosplayers are encouraged to stay at the Cosplayer’s Lounge. The PCC cosplay judges will be observing the participants prior to the actual contest.

Cosplayers under eighteen (18) years of age as of cosplay event date must have their parent/s and/or legal guardian/s sign the waiver/image release form which will be distributed at the event.

Fanservice (ie. yaoi, yuri, etc.) is allowed but should be “General Patronage”. Any kind of extreme kind of fanservice (ie. kissing, PDA, etc.) that is deemed inappropriate for minors are strictly prohibited. Keep in mind that the Phil Cosplay Con is a wholesome and a General Patronage event.

Costumes that are too revealing (ie. exposes private parts) are prohibited. Scantly clad and/or sexy costumes are allowed but are not encouraged. The PCC Organizers and the cosplay management team have the right to disqualify any participant on this ground.

All kinds of costume props must be handled with utmost care and must not be harmful to his/her fellow cosplayers, event staff and event attendees. Any kind of sharp and/or bladed objects that will be used as costume props that could cut human flesh are strictly prohibited. Any kind of pyrotechnic equipment/s that will be used as costume props that could render damage to the venue and/or property is strictly prohibited.

PCC Organizers, Cosplay Management Team, and its staff will not be held responsible for damage or injury resulting from mishandling and/or negligence of a cosplayer in his/her use of props/materials throughout the duration of the event.

PCC organizers reserve the right to disqualify any cosplayer who ignores and/or violates any of the aforementioned guidelines.

The PCC judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Registration and participation to the PCC cosplay constitutes that the cosplayer gives the right and the authority to PCC organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to take pictures and/or videos of registered cosplayers, cosplay groups and its members and will be the sole property of the organizers/staff, its sponsors and authorized press media to be used for future publications and/or advertising promotions.

PCC Cosplay Guidelines are subject to change without prior notice.

Individual Cosplay Guidelines

PCC shall be accepting a maximum of 150 participants. On-line and on-site participants who register before the specified deadline is included to the official list of Individual Cosplay participants.

The online pre-registration will be done through http://www.cosplay.ph which is hosted by Cosplay.ph. To register, you will need to have a cosplay.ph account (registration is free).

If the 150 Individual Cosplay quota has been reached but pre-registrants fail to confirm their registration from 10am-1pm of March 28, 2009, the next available slot(s) will be given to the on-site Individual Cosplay registrants.

Individual cosplay participants are not qualified to join the Group Cosplay event even as a minor role or as a prop.

Individual cosplay participants are only allowed to have a maximum of two (2) human props.

Group Cosplay Guidelines

A cosplay group must consist of at least three (3) and a maximum of seven (8) members (including one sound/technical director [required]) per group.

There will be any entry limit of five (5) groups for the Group Cosplay. On-line and on-site participants who register before the specified deadline is included to the official list of Group Cosplay participants.

The online pre-registration will be done through http://www.cosplay.ph which is hosted by Cosplay.ph. To register, you will need to have a cosplay.ph account (registration is free).

If the 5 Group Cosplay quota has been reached but pre-registrants fail to confirm their registration from 10am-1pm of March 28, 2009, the next available slot(s) will be given to the on-site Group Cosplay registrants.

A member of a particular cosplay group can only join ONE COSPLAY GROUP. Joining multiple cosplay groups is not allowed

Cosplay Group members are not qualified and allowed to join the Individual Cosplay contest.

All cosplay groups are required to have a cosplay skit. Each cosplay group will be given a maximum of 5 minutes of stage time to do their skits.

All cosplay groups are encouraged to act out from a scene in the title that they’re cosplaying. We discourage any dance choreography/skit.

All BGMs that will be used for the cosplay skit must be in audio format (.CDA) or in MP3 format and must be within the limit of their cosplay skit. Audio CDs must be properly labeled and submitted at the event itself upon registration. A cosplay group is required to have a sound director/representative who will assist the PCC technical team in the usage of their CDs. No BGM CD and/or no sound director means no registration.

Picture Reference Submission Guidelines

Individual and group cosplayers are required to submit a digital file of the picture of the character that they shall be cosplaying.

All digital pictures must be in JPEG, GIF or PNG format and must not exceed 10MB.

All digital pictures must not go below 144 x 288 pixels (wallet size) and must not go beyond 792 x 594 pixels (short bond paper size).

It is highly recommended to submit a full-body colored picture of the character that will be cosplayed. Black and white pictures are accepted.

For on-line cosplay registrants, an attachment or link of digital picture (from online hosting site e.g. Photobucket, Multiply, etc.) must be e-mailed to: pcc@cosplay.ph with the subject line: PCC Individual/Group Cosplay – (Real Name)

For on-site registrants, pictures must be stored in either a USB thumb drive or a CD and submitted upon registration. Please ensure that they are in the proper formats specified above and the storage device is free from viruses. Printed pictures will not be accepted. No picture means no registration.

You can find out more from this link: http://cosplay.ph/news.php?readmore=913

Wanna go to the Arts & Music Festival 5

 




So gonna go to this...

Just look at their pics from the Backdoor Ventures Arts & Music Festival 4:

http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/36
http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/37
http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/38

Wanna go to the Arts & Music Festival 5

 




So gonna go to this...

Just look at their pics from the Backdoor Ventures Arts & Music Festival 4:

http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/36
http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/37
http://backdoorvent.multiply.com/photos/album/38

Jollibee Kiddie Meal Beast Wars


Originally posted on slangards.multiply.com on Feb 19, '09



These toys are crap. period.

Why the hell did I buy them then, you ask? Because I'm a sucker for marketing. I'm the sort of guy who will go to a fast food joint, order a value meal, and then when the counter jockey says "would you like to get a liter of cola for only P20.00 more?", I say, "why, yes, I would in fact like to give you P20.00 more for a liter of sugar".

This is probably the reason I'm fat.

NECA Commando vs. Ninja! Rad vs. Ryu!



Originally posted at slangards.multiply.com on Feb 19, '09


Of the toy companies currently vying for my attention, none grab my attention like NECA can. Their shelf in Toy Kingdom is by far my favorite section and I always make a stop there to see if anything new has come out.

I follow this brand because of the quality of their figures. Just check out the TMNT classic figures from 2008. That line was voted best toy of the year, beating out many more well established lines and franchises. While NECA started slow with alot of (arguably) boring statuary, their God of War figures blew me away with some serious articulation.

NECA Ninja vs. Commando! Ryu vs. Rad!

Rating:★★★★
Category:Other







Of the toy companies currently vying for my attention, none grab my attention like NECA can. Their shelf in Toy Kingdom is by far my favorite section and I always make a stop there to see if anything new has come out.

I follow this brand because of the quality of their figures. Just check out the TMNT classic figures from 2008. That line was voted best toy of the year, beating out many more well established lines and franchises. While NECA started slow with alot of (arguably) boring statuary, their God of War figures blew me away with some serious articulation.

I was holding off purchasing these two since cutting back my toy purchases in preparation for Masterpiece Grimlock, but with my sister's help, I got both the Ninja Gaiden Ryu figure and the Bionic Commando Rad figure. It's hard to pass on NECA figures because demand isn't like that of Marvel or Transformers toys; supplies are limited. Kratos or TMNT toys, for examply now demand 2x retail price and you can only get them from re-sellers. The two I'm reviewing here are still available in Greenhills toystores and Toy Kingdom/Toys R Us so hurry if you decide to buy them.













Both these toys are based on popular video games (I had all 3 of the 8-bit NES Ninja Gaiden games, but never did play Bionic Commando) and are part of the Player Select line of figures. The early figures in the line (Hitman, Tomb Rader) were desktop statuary with cut joins, so I was glad when the Soul Reaver and Assassin's Creed figures were released with the same points of articulation that Kratos had.

All the Player Select figures come in a clamshell with inserted graphics. Some collectors hate this type of packaging but I love them. They protect the figures well and don't waste a whole lot of space. There are a couple of twisties, but thankfully, they're easily undone. The inserts are nicely done, though NECA's layout artists might want to read up on typography. It's hard as hell to read some of it.

As a plus, both the figures' inserts include a panel that makes a nice display background. Paste it on a bit of board, stick your toy in front of it and BAM! wow your friends. That is, of course, if your friends are as equally geeky as you. In my experience, when people learn you spend time thinking about things like displays and dioramas, you get tuned out faster than "Kailangan pa i-memorize yan?!".













Out of the box, the toys are nicely done. Sculpt is top notch on both of them. If I were asked to be objective, I'd have to say Rad is the better of the two since he's got the hair, the face, the texture, and all the doohickery on his arm. If asked my honest opinion, I'd pick Ryu. He's got all kind of ninjaness covering him from head to toe, from buckles, to straps, to throwing daggers!






















Which brings us to accessories. Rad is at a loss here, since all he gets is a dinky gun. Thankfully, the thing fits perfectly in his hand. It's not loose and it's not hard to slip into his palm. Though his arm isn't technically an accessory, I feel it should be included since the claw is detachable and has a working winch! How's that for an action feature? He's too heavy for the claw to hold him, expecially with the extra articulation that NECA worked in, but it's the thought that counts.

Ryu is a different story. He's got alot of accessories. two extra hands, two "tonfas", three throwing daggers, a sword and scabbard, and his scarf. While technically, his scabbard and scarf aren't removable, they are molded separately and with a little knife work, you could probably get both off.














Articulation wise, Ryu also wins. If you thought the Turtles and Raziel had great jointery, think again. This guy has Marvel Legends articulation. There are a few hiccups though. His shoulders are my main gripe, since they only swing out about 20 degrees. Because of it, some poses are going to be impossible to achieve. I'm also still waiting for the day when I can put a figure in a nice crouching pose.

Sadly, Rad is a throw back to the old days. With the exception of his ball-joint neck, his joints are all limited to 20 degree arcs. he's basically only good for display in a handful of positions. And why for the love of Pete does he have a cut joint at his elbow?

So cyborg or demon ninja? Well it was no contest. Ryu from Ninja Gaiden wins 2 to 3 over the Bionic Commando. I'd recommend the Ninja Gaiden fgure for any toy collector who wants a good 7" scale ninja figure, but only true Bionic Commando fans should get Rad. His playability suffers alot, and his superior sculpt isn't spectacular enough to win out.

NECA Ninja vs. Commando! Ryu vs. Rad!

Rating:★★★★
Category:Other







Of the toy companies currently vying for my attention, none grab my attention like NECA can. Their shelf in Toy Kingdom is by far my favorite section and I always make a stop there to see if anything new has come out.

I follow this brand because of the quality of their figures. Just check out the TMNT classic figures from 2008. That line was voted best toy of the year, beating out many more well established lines and franchises. While NECA started slow with alot of (arguably) boring statuary, their God of War figures blew me away with some serious articulation.

I was holding off purchasing these two since cutting back my toy purchases in preparation for Masterpiece Grimlock, but with my sister's help, I got both the Ninja Gaiden Ryu figure and the Bionic Commando Rad figure. It's hard to pass on NECA figures because demand isn't like that of Marvel or Transformers toys; supplies are limited. Kratos or TMNT toys, for examply now demand 2x retail price and you can only get them from re-sellers. The two I'm reviewing here are still available in Greenhills toystores and Toy Kingdom/Toys R Us so hurry if you decide to buy them.













Both these toys are based on popular video games (I had all 3 of the 8-bit NES Ninja Gaiden games, but never did play Bionic Commando) and are part of the Player Select line of figures. The early figures in the line (Hitman, Tomb Rader) were desktop statuary with cut joins, so I was glad when the Soul Reaver and Assassin's Creed figures were released with the same points of articulation that Kratos had.

All the Player Select figures come in a clamshell with inserted graphics. Some collectors hate this type of packaging but I love them. They protect the figures well and don't waste a whole lot of space. There are a couple of twisties, but thankfully, they're easily undone. The inserts are nicely done, though NECA's layout artists might want to read up on typography. It's hard as hell to read some of it.

As a plus, both the figures' inserts include a panel that makes a nice display background. Paste it on a bit of board, stick your toy in front of it and BAM! wow your friends. That is, of course, if your friends are as equally geeky as you. In my experience, when people learn you spend time thinking about things like displays and dioramas, you get tuned out faster than "Kailangan pa i-memorize yan?!".













Out of the box, the toys are nicely done. Sculpt is top notch on both of them. If I were asked to be objective, I'd have to say Rad is the better of the two since he's got the hair, the face, the texture, and all the doohickery on his arm. If asked my honest opinion, I'd pick Ryu. He's got all kind of ninjaness covering him from head to toe, from buckles, to straps, to throwing daggers!






















Which brings us to accessories. Rad is at a loss here, since all he gets is a dinky gun. Thankfully, the thing fits perfectly in his hand. It's not loose and it's not hard to slip into his palm. Though his arm isn't technically an accessory, I feel it should be included since the claw is detachable and has a working winch! How's that for an action feature? He's too heavy for the claw to hold him, expecially with the extra articulation that NECA worked in, but it's the thought that counts.

Ryu is a different story. He's got alot of accessories. two extra hands, two "tonfas", three throwing daggers, a sword and scabbard, and his scarf. While technically, his scabbard and scarf aren't removable, they are molded separately and with a little knife work, you could probably get both off.














Articulation wise, Ryu also wins. If you thought the Turtles and Raziel had great jointery, think again. This guy has Marvel Legends articulation. There are a few hiccups though. His shoulders are my main gripe, since they only swing out about 20 degrees. Because of it, some poses are going to be impossible to achieve. I'm also still waiting for the day when I can put a figure in a nice crouching pose.

Sadly, Rad is a throw back to the old days. With the exception of his ball-joint neck, his joints are all limited to 20 degree arcs. he's basically only good for display in a handful of positions. And why for the love of Pete does he have a cut joint at his elbow?

So cyborg or demon ninja? Well it was no contest. Ryu from Ninja Gaiden wins 2 to 3 over the Bionic Commando. I'd recommend the Ninja Gaiden fgure for any toy collector who wants a good 7" scale ninja figure, but only true Bionic Commando fans should get Rad. His playability suffers alot, and his superior sculpt isn't spectacular enough to win out.

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