War Machine 1/4th Scale Bust by Hottoys

I saw an actual display piece of this at Toy Hunter in Mongkok and my jaw dropped. It's practically a masterpiece! I was not able to buy it because it was not yet available for sale.

More than a month later Jon was able to get this at one of the local toy stores here in the metro area (R-Toys to be exact) and immediately loaned it to me for a photo shoot/blog. My initial impression was the price, because I feel it’s a bit pricey for a plastic 1/4^th scale bust. However, after I opened the box and saw the actual piece I knew that collectors would definitely skip lunch or dinner for this piece.

The packaging is simple, black box with some illustrations and wordings. War Machine comes with a Gatling gun (with ammo) and features light up eyes and chest. The red lights of his eyes are awesome! The details are stunning and the craftsmanship is very impressive. Though the Iron Man Mark IV is nice, this War Machine is even better.

Big Bad Toy Store is selling this for $74.99. Jon bought it around $88.00 (which is the normal selling price here in the Philippines) that is $13.00 more.

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HOT10291&mode=retail

Iron Man fans will definitely want to add this to their collection.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

As with statues there are no moving parts here so basically this works best (in my humble opinion) with a tabletop treatment. I would probably get some props to go along with this bust (maybe some Iron Man cosbaby guarding it) or maybe do a composite by adding a cool background later.

You can also do a comparison photo by shooting it eye level and below eye level. I find the latter works for me because it makes him look big. The lighted eyes (red) and chest (powered by 3 AAA batteries) are good additions to this awesome bust.

Some Issues:

1.) The built is plastic.

2.) I would have preferred HT not to include portions of the arms because it looks as if they are dangling. It would be better if they leave the sculpting until the shoulders only.

Toy Story Cosbaby (M) by Hot Toys

During my Hong Kong trip about a month ago, I visited Hot Toys’ distributor Toy Hunters. My jaw dropped when I saaw the merchandise that they were offering. There were several 1/6^th scales of Iron Man Mark VI, War Machine, Black Widow, Terminator, etc. On the other end of the shop a huge statue of Iron man and some busts were on display.

What caught my eye (aside from War Machine and Black Widows) were some of the items on their window display. They had a complete set of Toy Story Cosbaby with a backdrop. There were 8 mini Cosbaby and three 6 inch ones (Buzz, Woody & Alien) that are so cute. I did not bother to ask if they were selling those 6-inch versions and instead bought a couple of the minis.

When my friend Jon bought Buzz, Woody & Alien (6-inch/S versions), I asked if I could borrow them for a photo shoot. It was a mistake because if you think the mini versions are nice wait till you get your hands on the big ones.

Each Cosbaby come with its own themed box design – white and green for Buzz Lightyear, Cowboy themed for Woody and blue and green for Alien. What’s also nice is the inclusion of a themed backdrop of each character in their respective packaging.

Jon bought them locally for P 2,000.00 (Woody & Alien) and P 2,200.00 (Buzz Lightyear). If you check online there are some selling on eBay.

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

The fact that these guys are cute makes them photogenic! I would love to shoot them with a plain background and digitally add a Toy Story themed background to bring them to life.  You can also use their themed backdrop as a background.

Issue:

It would have been nice if Jessie and Bullseye were included in the lineup.


For more picture of Toy Story (M) kindly check my flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157624535881283/with/4928886958/

Batman Mini Cosbaby by Hot Toys

When Hot Toys introduced their DC mini Cosbaby a few years back I was still unaware of what a Cosbaby is. Fast forward to the current time line and I am happy to own the Toy Story and Iron Man 2 set.  My recent acquisition of IM2 mini cosbaby set garnered another bonus, I was offered a complete set of their Batman line at a reasonable price and immediately grabbed the opportunity.

Now I am also a proud owner of the Batman mini cosbaby set. However Robert informed me that he does not have the Nightwing exclusive so I did what any nutty collector would do, go to eBay. I only got 2 hits, one seller selling the whole set and another one selling an opened Nightwing. After inquiring on the shipping fee here in the Philippines I decided to purchase the item.

Package Contents:

Each piece is packed in a small sealed box and contains the following characters: Batgirl, The Joker, Catwoman, Two-Face, Batman (Classic), Batman (Modern) and Robin. For more information kindly check Hot Toys' site at http://www.hottoys.com.hk/index.php?target=categories&category_id=6 and look for the Batman icon 

below.

Collector's Perspective:

Toy collecting is addicting. You can never have enough unless your fund diminishes; otherwise you keep on buying and buying. Though I do not see the value of these to increase extensively someday, they are still worth to collect in my book. The good thing with mini cosbabies is that they are also for play and not just for display. 

I checked Amazon's site and this is what I got http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=batman+cosbaby&x=0&y=0&ih=12_3_1_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.4_161&fsc=-1.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

Cute is just one of the many words to describe a cosbaby. Since they are only 3 inches and 7cm tall you can practically bring them anywhere to be phoTOYgraphed. My good friend Jon was kind enough to lend me his PF Thor statue and I took the base to be use as a prop. The backgrounds are added via Adobe Photoshop.

Some Issues:

1.) How come Penguin, Riddler and Mr. Freeze were not included? =D

2.) Accessories for Batman, Catwoman and Robin would have been nice.

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 L lens

2 pcs. Jinbei 180 watts (each), Rectangular and Octagonal Softbox, Green Background and Pocket Wizards

Falcon Eyes Product Table

PF Thor's Base

Iron Man 2 Mini Cosbaby by Hot Toys

I recently caught the Mini Cosbaby bug and during my last trip to HK I was able to complete The Toy Story characters and bought a couple of Iron Man 2 Cosbaby figures. I was browsing through eBay the other day in hopes of completing the characters from Iron Man 2 and found a couple online. Prior to this writing I only had Whiplash, War Machine and Tony Stark face Mark IV.

My colleague Jon knew about my quest to complete the set and on one of his toy trips in Greenhills (one of our local malls here) he was able to buy the whole set (Rhodey included) for P 4,000.00 (roughly $85) after discount. He tried to get in touch with me to see if I wanted a set for myself as well but I was unavailable during that time.  When I finally came to my senses and knew of his great deal I called a friend of mine who owns a store there as well and finally after 2 days of hard thinking I grabbed the opportunity. The fact that I was able to sell a toy made the decision easier for me.

My friend gave me a great deal as well for the set that also included a Tony Stark Mark VI Taiwan Exclusive version (love the box design). Thank you Robert!

Taiwan Exclusive Tony Stark Mark VI

Package Contents:

Each box is sealed and contains one of 7 characters including Whiplash, Nick Fury, Black Widow, Tony Stark Mark IV, Iron Man Mark IV, Iron Man Mark VI and War Machine. If you opt to get 1 case then it contains all 7 characters plus the secret version, James Rhodes Mark II. For more information kindly check http://www.hottoys.com.hk/index.php?target=categories&category_id=6 and look for the Iron Man 2 icon below.

Collector’s Perspective:

Toy collecting is addicting. You can never have enough unless your fund diminishes; otherwise you keep on buying and buying. Though I do not see the value of these to increase extensively someday, they are still worth to collect in my book. The good thing with mini cosbabies is that they are also for play and not just for display. I was also happy to acquire the Tony Stark Mark VI which was exclusively released last July at a Toy show in Taiwan.

Amazon is selling the Taipei exclusive for $15.99 (http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Man-Cosbabies-Exclusive-Version/dp/B003XUI9SY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1281176273&sr=8-1).

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

There is only 1 word to describe these figures – CUTE! The cuteness level alone already makes these mini cosbabies worthy to be phoTOYgraphed. A Captain America statue was recently loaned to me for pictorial and when I saw the base I figured it could make an interesting diorama for the toys. Check out the pictures below…

Since they are small bringing them outdoors for a location shoot is hassle free. I will definitely bring them out the next time I plan a trip. I mostly did tabletop shots and digitally added backgrounds via Adobe’s Photoshop.

Some Issues:

1.) The quality of paint job done is not consistent or I am probably just nitpicking.

2.) Detachable weaponries for War Machine would be a welcome addition.

3.) They should have included Mark V.

For more pictures of IM2 Mini cosbabies kindly check my flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerpee/sets/72157624535884069/

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

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

Falcon Eyes Product Table

PF Captain America's Base

Iron Man Mark IV 1/4th Scale Bust by Hot Toys

The Hot Toys people never ceases to amaze me. I saw the Mark IV bust while I was walking along the streets of Mongkok, Hong Kong. My brother and I already knew where to go (after we were tipped by a relative) and when we got to the store of Toy Hunters, I positively drooled over their products.

They had on their display window the 1/6^th scale of Iron Man Mark IV, War Machine, Black Widow, Whiplash and a bunch of others. Aside from that I finally saw the 1/4^th scale of Mark IV, Mark V and War Machine (all with small tag cards that read pre order). I took a couple of pictures (after getting permission from the owner) and then immediately inquired about the 1/4^th scale busts and the owner told me that it’s sold out. You can check out the pictures at http://www.hottoys.com.hk/index.php?target=categories&category_id=141 and click on the Mark IV icon below.

After buying several cosbaby we left the store and went to another one (Animate) and that’s where I saw the Mark IV bust for sale. I inquired the price and asked if they had War Machine as well but they said no. I left the place and came back later and finally purchased the Mark IV.

Package Contents:

Hot Toys knows how to package their items, the Mark IV is packed in a cool black box and…

Collector’s Perspective:

If you are an Iron Man fan then you should definitely get this bust. The Mark IV was produced based on the movie and includes an LED light eyes and chest. This is not a limited edition production as far as I know. His base has an Iron Man 2 inscription as well as the words Mark IV.

There is a local toy store selling this here in the Philippine at Php 3,999.99 (roughly $85++). I was able to buy this for 480HKD (around Php 2,880.00 or $62.00)

PhoTOYgrapher’s Perspective:

As with statues there are no moving parts here so basically this works best (in my humble opinion) with a tabletop treatment. I would probably get some props to go along with this bust (maybe some Iron Man cosbaby guarding it) or maybe do a composite by adding a cool background later.

You can also do a comparison photo by shooting it eye level and below eye level. I find the latter works for me because it makes him look big. The lighted eyes and chest (powered by 3 AAA batteries) are good additions to this awesome bust.

Some Issues:

1.) The built is plastic.

2.) I would have preferred HT not to include portions of the arms because it looks as if they are dangling. It would be better if they leave the sculpting until the shoulders only.

Gears used:
Canon DSLR
Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens
2 pcs. 180 Watts (each) Jinbei & IR Trigger
Falcon Eyes Product Table

Toy Story Mini Cosbaby (S) Series by Hot Toys

During a recent trip to Hong Kong my brother (who went there ahead of me) bought me a 1 box of Toy Story Cosbaby. I was intrigued because I have never seen one and excitedly opened it and got one of the Alien characters. Being a fan of Buzz Lightyear of which I saw is one of the characters being offered by HT I told my brother that I wanted to buy some more.

One measly box became a journey for us during our HK trip and at the end of the trip it proved fruitful. We kept on going back to a particular HMV store, buy 1 or 2, open them and kept going back for more. Even the sales people there were curious as to how we choose which box to get. And because we kept on going back I am now able to tell which box contains Buzz Lightyear and the secret version by simply feeling them (these are sealed blind boxes). The hardest to get was Woody and it took us on our last day of the trip (and my last box purchase at HMV Elements mall) to finally complete the set.

Package Contents:

Each box is sealed and contains one of 7 characters including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Emperor Zurg, Army man (rifle accessory) and 2 Aliens (ooh and smiley version). The secret version is Army man with a binocular accessory. For more information you can check http://www.hottoys.com.hk/index.php?target=products&product_id=521.

Collector's Perspective:

Disney Pixar fans should definitely get these Toy Story figures. Hot Toys did a fine job creating what they call Cosbaby, mini cute figures of movie-based characters. I am practically hooked with Cosbaby because they are so cute. You can either buy the whole case that according to HMV gives you the complete set (secret version included) or buy a couple of boxes and try your luck. I find the latter to be more fun and thrilling because you never know which character you are going to get.

I mentioned that I am able to distinguish which is Buzz Lightyear and the secret version just by feeling the boxes. Here is how to do it:

1.) Buzz Lightyear is the heaviest amongst the characters so feel the weight. The difference in weight is substantial so you can immediately tell the box contains Buzz.

2.) The plastic package (inside the box) of Army man with rifle and Army man with binocular are the same. Shake the box and if you here a loose piece inside then that's the secret version. The plastic mould was designed for the rifle and since the binocular is smaller it wiggles inside the mould.

Good luck!

The items are not yet available here in the Philippines and I am happy to be the first one here (as far as I know) to have the whole set. It retails for about 68 HKD (Hong Kong Dollars) per box and 544 HKD for the case (8 boxes). I bought it at Toy Hunters, a Hot Toys dealer in Mongkok.

PhoTOYgrapher's Perspective:

As with all Cosbaby, cute is definitely a plus when it comes to PhoTOYgraphy. Because of what happened to me with the UP! incident (Carl's broken neck) I was careful to check each character's head piece if they can turn sideways. Given the time and resources I would probably do a table top shot creating a scene similar to the movie or get a good backdrop. The details are quite good so you can go macro or get a 50mm and use an extension tube to make these figures come to life. 

Some Issues:

1.) Since I had doubles of Army man, I was able to see some quality flaws. One Army man's hand is loose and can be pulled easily. This is not good since the hand is so small it can be misplaced. A remedy would be to put a little amount of blu tac in between to make it more secure. 

2.) The paint job is not consistent. We had doubles of Buzz, Jessie, Alien, Zurg and Army man and there are some inconsistencies with the paint job. However they are very minute and tolerable.

3.) I was wondering why Rex, Potato Head, Slinky and some of the others were not included in the series.

PowerPee's PhoTOYgraphy rating of Toy Story:

3.5 of 5

Gears used:

Canon DSLR

Canon 100mm f2.8 Lens

Benro A300 Tripod

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

Morris IR Trigger

Falcon Eyes Product Table

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