Batman by Kotobukiya

If you were given a license to do any character in the DC universe, who would you choose ?

There are 2 characters that comes to mind – Superman and Batman. Though I was not happy with Koto’s rendition of Superman, their Batman is absolutely fantastic! I could probably spend hours thinking of ways how to PhoTOYgraph this excellent piece. Even the posing is magnificent! I am and will always be a Superman fan but this is one exception that would make me want to own one.

Packaging:

Batman’s packed in a huge blister type box together with his stand. Congratulations to the people who did the artwork on the box.


Collector’s Perspective:

If you are a Batman fan then you definitely do not want to pass this up. This is by far the best Batman figure for me (my humble opinion of course) and there are a few out there who might come close. The way he is posed is simply spectacular and I love the way the figure is painted. It shows Batman at his best! 


This is a sold out item already here in the Philippines. A good friend of mine got this from another friend who decided to give it up after a few years (lucky new owner). I searched Amazon and got several hits with different prices which is weird. It retails for about $ 199.95 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00192KNDM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p21_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0GHQ1XR3KGTBQ4WK76JG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846).

Some issues:
1.) It is almost perfect but not pose able.
2.) It would have been nice if Kotobukiya did a variant piece with a black and gray color scheme.
3.) A Robin figure that complements this excellent piece would have been nice.


PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
My amateur skill does not do justice to this fine piece. Even though this is not pose able, with proper lighting you can achieve awesome results. Bring this figure on top of a building and do a night shoot with the moon on it back and it will look fantastic !

I love how the people at Kotobukiya paid attention to Batman's details and paint job quality (which shows in the pictures). Even the cape that wraps around his body is well 
thought of.

For more pictures kindly check my flickr site

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157622878588959/

Gears used:

Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens
3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox, Grid and Gray Background
Pen Light/Flash Light
Falcon Eyes Product Table
Custom Base

Disney Pixar UP! by Hot Toys

Whenever Disney Pixar comes out with a movie there is an almost 100% it will be a hit. Movies such as Toy Story and CARS are just a few of what makes them successful. Enter their latest addition, which is entitled UP. This is a story of an old balloon salesman, Carl Fedricksen, who fulfills his dream of adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away not knowing that he has a stow away: 8 year old Russell who is a Wilderness Explored.

Hot Toys is a company known for producing excellent quality toys and UP is another addition to their great line of CosBabies (check out their Iron Man movie line).

Packaging:

Carl and Russell are packaged in a blister type box with a colorful theme design from the movie. The package also contains Carl’s tennis ball like cane and a backdrop, which was used in the movie.

Collector’s Perspective:

If you are into collecting CosBabies (3 inch toys with big heads and small legs) then this is definitely for you. You can relive the movie with Carl and Russell standing inside your display cabinet. The details here are excellent and the paint job is very nice. Kudos to Hot Toys!

Sideshow Collectibles is selling the set for $ 14.99 (https://www.sideshowtoy.com/?page_id=4489&sku=900585), however it is sold out already.  I was able to get this locally for P 1,200.00.

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

When my friend loaned me these two I had a great time shooting them both. I’ve also shot the Iron Man CosBabies before so I am quite familiar with how you can move the head, arms, legs etc. I was trying to move/tilt the head of Carl when the neck suddenly snapped. I immediately called my friend (owner) who was a bit puzzled why the head could not be moved. Good thing I was able to buy another set to replace it (risks of taking pictures of toys that are not yours). Instead of having none I know own Russell and Carl (whom I fixed) and will have them join the Incredibles family at home.

CosBabies are a bit pose able and you can get away bringing it outdoors and not having people stare at you when taking pictures of them. The fact that these 3 inch figures are small you can practically take them anywhere. And since the details are good macro shots will do these figures justice.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Custom Base 

Pinoy Alien by Mindstyle

Toy collecting is a big thing here in the Philippines, whether it is statues, vinyls, robots, etc. Though our convention is nowhere as huge as SDCC or the others, people (young and old) take time from their busy schedule to attend our once a year Toycon. This year is the 9th year and local vendors showcase their items for sale. 


One particular vendor who joined last year is Mindstyle Philippines. This group specializes in selling vinyls and this year they came up with a theme from the Toy Story franchise: Alien Invasion "When Aliens meet Artists". 


Mindstyle gathered a group of artists to showcase their skills, featuring Bounty X Hunter, Devilrobots, Hysteric Mini, Secret Base, Whiz Limited and DIsney/Pixar artists in designing their own Alien character. McG (Mindstyle Creative Group) created its own version, which is a Philippine Toycon Exclusive, called Pinoy Alien (Pinoy means Filipino). 


It is limited to only 200 pcs. and was released during Toycon which ended a few weeks ago.


Packaging:

Pinoy Alien is packed in a colorful box and is protected inside by confetti. 

Collector's Perspective:

Since this is a 200 piece run, Toy Story lovers would probably buy this. If you were a true collector then you would probably get the other versions as well. 

This item was selling at Toycon for P 1,000.00 a piece. The other versions are selling for $25.00 each but I do not know if Mindstyle already released them. I have always thought that vinyls are pricey and this is no exception. The only thing that would let me buy this is the fact that only 200 are made which makes it a collectible.

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

As a PhoTOYgrapher this works best if you have a creative mind like Brian McCarty (http://www.mccartyphotoworks.com/). If you are like me who is confined mostly to tabletop photoygraphy, then the best you can do is build a diorama for it or add some elements to make it look interesting in a picture. Otherwise bring it outdoors and let your creative juices flow.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Custom Base

Phoenix by Kotobukiya

Before Dark Phoenix came into the picture there was Jean Grey aka The Phoenix. Kotobukiya's rendition of Phoenix in their Marvel Bishoujo line is indeed a masterpiece. If I were to choose only 1 character to own in the Bishoujo line then I would either choose Phoenix or Dark Phoenix. 

Package Contents:

Phoenix is packaged in a window style box, all 9 inches (1/8th scale) of it. The design on the box alone is enough to sell me the figure.

Collector's Perspective:

As with my opinion on Dark Phoenix this is definitely a must for collectors. You cannot have Dark Phoenix on your shelve without Phoenix (and vice-versa). SInce this figure is jus 9 inches tall, you can practically display it anywhere (imagine this piece as an accessory on your office table or study desk).

Amazon is selling this for for $ 64.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Kotobukiya-Marvel-Comics-Phoenix-Bishoujo/dp/B0038OMC6A/ref=pd_sim_t_1). My friend was able to get this locally here in the Philippines for P 3,300.00.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

So far I favor this over the other Marvel Bishoujos because of what I was able to achieve with it in a short period of time (same with Dark Phoenix). The posing is perfect for me and creates the essence of Phoenix. I had to return this piece otherwise I would love to bring it outdoors and experiment with it some more.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Sofbox and Grid.

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Dark Phoenix by Kotobukiya

One can never have enough of Kotobukiya's Marvel Bishoujo line and Shunya Yamashita's design of the Dark Phoenix is a fantastic masterpiece! Among all the current releases of Kotobukiya including Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Black Widow, Phoenix and Psylocke, my favorite by far is Dark Phoenix. There is a white version which is an exclusive that I have not yet seen.

Package Contents:

Dark Phoenix is packaged beautifully in a window style box, all 9 inches (1/8th scale) of it. The design on the box alone is enough to sell me the figure.

Collector's Perspective:

I usually like pose able statues or figures when I am out toy shopping but this is an exception for me. The figure is very appealing and I love way she is posed.

You can buy this Amazon for $ 64.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Kotobukiya-Marvel-Comics-Phoenix-Bishoujo/dp/B0038OMC6K). My friend was able to get this locally here in the Philippines for P 3,300.00.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

So far I favor this over the other Marvel Bishoujos because of what I was able to achieve with it in a short amount of time. There are portions of her that are transparent (hand, hair and base) that made it easier for me to project what I wanted.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Flash Light/Pen Light

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Iron Man 2 Comic Series Action Figure War Machine by Hasbro

This is yet another version of War Machine (comic version) that is released by Hasbro for the Iron Man Movie 2 action figure line and features 2 shoulder cannons with launching missiles (http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=820&ST=SO&ID=26528&PG=1). 

Package Contents:

Aside from the figure which is around 3 3/4 inches tall, you also get a display stand and 3 armor cards.The packaging is the common blister type package. 

Collector's Perspective:

As a collector, this would probably be more of a play toy than a showcase toy for me. I can buy several characters and play with my son or nephew and not have to worry about getting the figures damaged. I also like the fact that you can bring this figure outdoors (mall maybe) and do a photo shoot without attracting too much attention (imagine if you brought your 12" figure with you instead).


This figure sells for about $9.99 in Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Man-Action-Figure-Machine/dp/B0038L1Y58), $7.49 at Toys R US (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3797567) and $6.99 at Hasbro (http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/ProductsByBrand.htm?BR=820&ST=SO&ID=26528&PG=1). This sells for P 449.75 here in the Philippines but its vey hard to get already. My friend was able to buy his at P 550.00 from the secondary market.

Some Issues:
1.) Limited pose ability.
2.) The details are not as nice as the other War Machine figure.


PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
Usually figures this small (3 3/4 inch) lacks details and have poor quality paint jobs but Hasbro's Iron Man Movie 2 action figures are up to par. Though it suffers (just a wee bit) in detail compared to the movie version War Machine, it is still a good figure to phoTOYgraph. Shoot it below eye level and you will have a picture that makes him big, while shooting above eye level will make him look small. Bring it outdoors and you can probably create interesting scenarios with it.

For more pictures kindly check http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157624330083479/

Gears used:
Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens
Benro A300 Tripod
3 pcs. Jinbei 180 Watts (each), Softbox and Grid
Falcon Eyes Product Table

Psylocke by Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya http://www.kotous.com/news/psylocke-addition-marvel-comics-bishoujo-collection/ did another fine job when they released one of the X-Men's babe, the Ninja mutant Psylocke. Shunya Yamashita is the artist once again responsible for this beautiful masterpiece. Every time Kotobukiya comes out with a product I always have high expectations and the company never failed to deliver.

Package Contents:

Psylocke stands about 9 inches tall and comes with 2 samurai swords and a cool base with the X logo. It is packed in a window style box so you can see the figure inside.

Collector's Perspective:

Psylocke is definitely a collectible and together with Black Widow, Rogue and Scarlet Witch you can have a display full of beautiful female heroines. Kotobukiya's Bishoujo line are considered masterpieces (in my opinion) and once you start collecting one you just have to have another.


Some Issues:
1.) Psylocke is not poseable. Whatever you see in the pictures are that's the same one you are going to get.
2.) I am not somewhat satisfied with the pose because for one the samurai covers a portion of her face. Another is that I think the hips is not proportioned to the rest of her body. 


Amazon is selling this for $ 59.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Comics-Psylocke-Bishoujo-Statue/dp/B0031M98PW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1277202334&sr=8-1), my friend was able to get it locally here in the Philippines for about P 3,300.00.


PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
There is a limit to what you can do because this is not a pose able figure. Basically you can do angled (or perspective) shots to come up with interesting views of Psylocke. Add a touch of lighting and she becomes a cool Ninja Assassin. You can also check out Brian Mc Carty's works http://www.mccartyphotoworks.com/ for some ideas. 

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox, Grid and Smoke Acrylic

Falcon Eyes Product Table

War Machine Iron Man 2 Movie by Hasbro

Since the Iron Man 2 movie came out (or even before), War Machine action figures are selling like hotcakes here in the Philippines. It's no wonder because WM's different than the Mark series of Tony Stark. There is something with the black and silver color combination that makes it stand out.

Package Contents:
Aside from the figure which is around 3 3/4 inches tall, it has a display stand, 3 armor cards and launching missiles. The packaging is the common blister type package.

Collector's Perspective:
I consider this a kid's toy because it is designed as a toy and not a collectible. Collectibles are pieces that you buy and display on your toy cabinet just to appreciate the beauty of it. However if you want to play with your nephew or son then this 3 3/4 inch War Machine (you can buy other characters) is a good choice.


This figure retails for about P 449.75 locally here in the Philippines, however you are lucky if you can still get it at that price. It is selling right now on the 2nd market for about P 650.00 - 850.00. My friend was able to buy this at P 550.00. Amazon is selling (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ANMV1U/ref=s9_simh_gw_p21_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1Z4HJK1PM1P77GB2WC8P&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846).

Some Issues:
1.) Limited pose ability.
2.) The silver bullets that connects from his back to the Gattling gun gets loose easily.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

So far War Machine is better to photograph for me than the Mark VI or the Hulkbuster. I've held several War Machines already and they do not disappoint (kudos to the added shoulder weaponries). The paint quality might disappoint you when you do macro shots but the details makes up for it. Bring this figure outdoors (imagine an industrial zone) and you can probably let your imagination run wild and create interesting shots.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox and Grid

Falcon Eyes Product Table

Hulkbuster Iron Man 2 Comic Series by Hasbro

The Iron Man 2 merchandise continues with the release of Hulkbuster Iron Man (http://www.hasbro.com/shop/details.cfm?guid=83B40F02-19B9-F369-101E-6DE31C83AB84&product_id=26840&src=endeca). I find it weird because it (the armor) is not even in the movie and Hasbro decided to include it in the toy line. The Hulkbuster armor was designed to by Tony Stark to so he can go head to heawith the Incredible Hulk.

Package Contents:
Aside from the figure which is around 3 3/4 inches tall, it has a display stand and 3 armor cards. The packaging is the common blister type package.


Collector's Perspective:
I consider this a kid's toy because it is designed as a toy and not a collectible. Collectibles are pieces that you buy and display on your toy cabinet just to appreciate the beauty of it. However if you want to play with your nephew or son then this 3 3/4 inch Hulkbuster (you can buy other characters) is a good choice. 


Amazon is selling this for $ 15.75 http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Man-Action-Figure-Hulkbuster/dp/B003KQ0S9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1277100777&sr=8-1 which I think is a expensive. This sells for P 449.75 here in the Philippines (if you are lucky to get one at that price), my friend bought it at P 650.00 which is already cheap (price ranges from P 650.00 - 850.00).

Some Issues:
1.) You cannot remove the head to reveal Stark's face (we can't have it all).
2.) This figure has very limited pose ability.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:
Having photographed numerous toys (too many to remember) I have seen (and photographed) good and bad  quality figures, statues and even plastics so I am quite particular when it comes to details. If you do certain perspective shots you can make this figure look big in a picture. Despite the limited pose ability of Hulkbuster, add a couple of more figures of the same series and you can probably do a diorama and come up with good results.


The quality of the paint job is good enough for me.

Gears used:
Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens
Benro A300 Tripod
3 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Softbox, Honeycomb Grid and a red plastic
Falcon Eyes Product Table