TFW2005HisstankTokuNationToyark
Tokunation › Conventions › Other Conventions › Page 4

under Other Conventions, Ultraman

Between the animated Netflix series, a brand new movie announcement by director Hideaki Anno and the long awaiting release of the franchise back catalogue in the US by Mill Creek Entertainment, it’s already been a rollercoaster year for Ultraman – and it just keeps getting bigger!

Unveiling the news at this weekend’s Tokyo Comic Con, Tsuburaya Productions have announced they will be teaming up with none other than Marvel Comics to bring new Ultraman stories to comics and graphic novels in 2020.

Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski commented: “As one of the world’s most popular franchises, Ultraman has brought together some of the most passionate fandoms in pop culture today, and we can’t wait to bring his story to even more fans around the globe. Like Marvel, Ultraman captivated generations by telling spectacular stories grounded in the real world, and it continues to be a beloved classic through its television shows, movies, toys, games, comics, and more. We are so thrilled to introduce new chapters to the Ultraman Multiverse next year.”

Tsuburaya Production CEO Takayuki Tsukagoshi added: “We are delighted to announce the partnership with Marvel, one of the leading entertainment companies that has produced fascinating characters and stories loved by fans across the globe for over 80 years. We can’t be more excited to explore and create new stories for the Ultraman franchise with Marvel and bringing them to both Marvel and Ultraman fans all around the world.”

While there’s no proper confirmation on what this collaboration will entail just yet this is an extremely exciting prospect for Ultraman fans across the world. What are you hoping to see from Marvel and Tsuburaya next year? Sound off on this news after the jump!

under Conventions, Other Conventions, Power Rangers

Only just revealed at the 2019 Manga Barcelona Con, Power Rangers Lighting Collection Wave 4 images have just been officially released by our friends at Hasbro.  Contrary to original rumors and speculation, this will indeed be a 3 figure wave, with no MMPR Yellow Ranger in sight for now. As is Wave 4 will consist of:

– Zeo Ranger III Blue Ranger
– SPD Red Ranger
– Beast Morphers Cybervillain Blaze

We first saw the Blue Zeo Ranger last week, but these Hi-Res images of both the SPD Red Ranger & Blaze are brand new. Lightning Collection Wave 4 is slated for a Fall 2020 release.

under Conventions, Other Conventions, Power Rangers

Tokunation had the chance to briefly sit down with representatives from Hasbro at the second day of MCM Comic Con London, just ahead of their panel taking place tomorrow. The Hasbro booth had all four wave 3 Lightning Collection figures on display, along with the MMPR Red Ranger and Zeo Gold Ranger 2-pack and the White Ranger helmet. Here’s a full rundown of the questions we quickly got to ask them!

The fandom is pretty excited about the forthcoming Lord Drakkon figure. Does this mean there are plans for more comic-original characters in the future, including Drakkon’s other forms?

Hasbro: With over 26 years of content, we have plenty to work with when it comes to Power Rangers. There’s nothing else on the table right now, but stay tuned for more to come in the future.

Does the content you have to work with extend to the designs from both the 1995 and 2017 films?

Hasbro: The same again really. We have a lot of characters to work with and though there’s nothing planned right now there’s more to come.

The burning question is of course if Lightning Collection Megazords are in the pipeline, but what about Morphers, weapons and other roleplay items as well?

Hasbro: Power Rangers as a brand encompasses a lot of different elements that we’re all considering, and we’re excited to share with you what we have in store when the time comes!

So far each of the waves have included at least one figure from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Is this a pattern that will continue going forward?

Hasbro: Of course Mighty Morphin is a popular series but we’re enjoying the opportunity to pepper in characters from other seasons amongst the waves. Right now there’s no set formula to the releases.

There has been some concern regarding quality control on the figures, particularly with missing paint apps. Have Hasbro aware of any problems with the line?

Hasbro: Hasbro are among the best in class when it comes to quality, and so naturally we focus on QC. We do our best to make sure everything is as it should be and are always looking for ways to improve.

Among the best elements of the Lightning Collection is that eye-catching box art by Tom Whalen. How did that collaboration come about?

Hasbro: Hasbro aren’t just the best in class when it comes to quality, when it came to developing the Lightning Collection we really wanted to make it stand out from a packaging standpoint. So our development team reached out to Tom and we’ve enjoyed working with such a passionate artist.

Ending on a more UK-specific note, what is the reason behind the figures seemingly being released individually over here, as opposed to assorted waves in the US?

Hasbro: Distribution is managed locally, so all we can really say is that it’ll vary from place to place.

We’d like to thank Hasbro for taking the time to answer these questions, and look forward to what they have in store for the future! Be sure to stay tuned for more Power Rangers Lightning Collection news coming out of London this weekend!

under Conventions, Other Conventions, Power Rangers

Power Rangers Lightning Collection Wave 3 was only just revealed to the world. Almost immediately some reports of them being found in the wild even turned up on the US West Coast. And while we wish we had then in hand ourselves, we do have the next best thing.

Our very own ZeoRangerV AKA Alex is attending London MCM Comic  Con. And before interviewing Hasbro’s reps at the show, he had the chance to grab some pics at their booth. So feast your eyes on Lightning Collection Wave 3; Lord Drakkon, Beast Morphers Blue Ranger, Mighty Morphin Red Ranger, and Dino Charge Gold Ranger! 

We’ll be back later today with Alex’s full interview with Hasbro at London MCM Comic Con! For now, please join our Ongoing Lightning Collection Discussion Thread linked below. Just click “Discuss in the TokuNation Forums.”

under Conventions, Garo, General Tokusatsu News, Kamen Rider, Other Conventions, Ultraman

The annual Tamashii Nations event is under way and as ever, there are a plethora of new items on display. Just as with every Tamashii event, an item being displayed does not necessarily indicate that it will be released however. A number of new items are currently listed as “Display Only” as well.

That being said, this year’s event has certainly provided a number of figures of interest:

Shinkocchou Seihou S.H. Figuarts:
– Den-O Sword Form
– Kuuga Growing, Dragon, Pegasus & Titan Forms
– OOO TaJaDor, SaGoZho, LaToraTah & ShaUTa Combos
– Dark Kiva
– OOO Ridevendor

Kamen Rider S.H. Figuarts:
Grand Zi-O
Build Genius Form
Ex-Aid Muteki
Ghost Mugen Damashii
Metal Build
Cross-Z Evol
Jin
Horobi
Vulcan Shooting Wolf
Valkyrie Rushing Cheetah
Rise Hopper

Ultraman S.H. Figuarts:
Ace
Joneus
Titus
Tregear
Grigio
Ultra Dark Killer

Tamashii Lab:
Ankh

That is a hefty grouping of new reveala. Once again, we know that not everything here will make it to production for some time, if at all. But it’s always pleasing to see just how much Tamashii pumps out for these events. As more new reveals, images, and information from the event surface we will update this story and the related thread.

under Other Conventions, Power Rangers

Power Rangers Battle For the Grid came out earlier this year, and while it hasn’t exactly had the best track record, it’s a popular game among many fans. However up til now the game has only been available digitally. As of today, that’s been rectified thanks to Limited Run Games! They just announced at E3 that they’ll be releasing 4 physical editions of Battle For the Grid, standard editions for Switch & PS4 and Mega Editions for each as well!

The Limited Run Games exclusive Mega physical edition includes the following:
– Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid physical game sealed in a standard case. (PS4 here, Nintendo Switch here)
– Deluxe Morpher SteelBook with inset magnet recess
– Five power coins that magnetically attach to the SteelBook Morpher
– 18 x 24 inch double-sided poster
“This release includes a cover with interior art and a full-color art book/strategy guide. This release includes all of the deluxe edition content and associated downloadable characters on cartridge.
Both Mega Editions are limited to just 3000 copies.”

As for the standard physical editions:
-This release includes a cover with interior art and a full-color art book/strategy guide. This release includes all of the deluxe edition content and associated downloadable characters on cartridge. Nintendo Switch Standard Physical Edition, PS4 Standard Physical

“A brick and mortar retailer will be receiving copies of this game with a different cover. These copies will not be available until a later date and will likely not overlap our own preorder window. Please understand that if you sit out on our open window in order to try and secure a copy through brick and mortar, you may be left empty handed. This retailer also has the ability to not move forward with their order, as it has not been finalized yet. Opt to wait at your own risk.”

under Conventions, Other Conventions, Ultraman

The Tamashii Shanghai event just wrapped this weekend, but not without first giving us a couple of more brand new reveals for Ultraman collectors!

When Ultraman Zero was at the first height of his popularity several years ago, he seemed to receive new forms left and right. During the run of the Ultra Zero Fight TV series, Zero would go on to receive two new forms based on combinations of previous Ultras. Strong Corona, a fusion of Dyna’s Strong form & Cosmos’ Corona form, and Luna Miracle, a union of Cosmos Luna & Dyna Miracle. At the time Ultra-Act figure of these forms were made, and now, we finally have the official reveal of S.H. Figuarts for both Strong Coron & Luna Miracle!

Though Tamashii Nations has not yet announced release information for either of these figure’s, we can assume with Zero’s enduring popularity and the speed with which the Ultra S.H. Figuarts line is growing, that we could receive this information fairly soon. We’ll update you when that information becomes available.

under Conventions, General Tokusatsu News, Other Conventions

Over the weekend, Evolution Toy held a product exhibition showcasing many upcoming previously announced figure’s as well as new figure’s debuted at the event. Thankfully for us, AmiAmi’s Hobby New attended the event and has provided images and some information about several upcoming releases. Notably, several new HAF (Hero Action Figure) prototypes were on display.

First up is the titular hero of 1973’2 Inazuman series. Inazuman is one of the classic Ishinomori heroes who’ve yet to have a modern figure produced by Bandai. In their stead, it seems that Evolution has obtained a license to add him to the their HAF line. Inazuman is scheduled for release this year for 8800 yen. Also, the heroic duo from Space Ironmen Kyodyne, the brothers Grounzel & Skyzel, were announced for release this year in August and September respectively. Each retails for 8800 yen. The previously announced HAF Gridman was also on display, but surprisingly Evolution also announced an HAF Gridman Sigma! This will mark the first time that a modern poseable figure of Sigma (outside of the Super Minipla release) will be released. Specific release info was not announced for Sigma.

Rounding things out, the combined hero Triple Fighter was also seen on display again. Set for July release, Triple Fighter retails for, you guessed it, 8800 yen. Given their license to produce Redman figure’s as well, Evolution revealed a Kanegon in colors exclusive to the Redman comic from  Matt Frank. No price or specific release month have been announced as of now. This figure will be the inaugural release in a new linen from Evolution, KAF (Kaiju Action Figure.) A reissue of HAF Redman was also confirmed for 2019.

So that’s quite a lot on the way from Evolution. Given their past though, we should expect some degree of delay for those figures without specific release info at this point. As more information becomes available for any of these figure’s we’ll be sure to update you.

under Conventions, General Tokusatsu News, Other Conventions, TokuNation, TokuNation Site Updates, TokuNation Spotlights, Ultraman

“Reddo Fight!”

A while back we reviewed the very first figure in Evolution Toy’s Hero Action Figure (HAF) line. HAF Redman was unfortunately a mixed bag of QC issues. In the time since that figure’s release, the first and now second volume’s of the amazing REDMAN comic from Phase 6 and Night Shining. Series writer & artist Matthew Frank has crafted and truly compelling reinvention of the Redman story and breathed new life into an otherwise obscure cult character. Thanks to Matt we also got our hands on the subject of today’s gallery.

Today we’re looking at the incredibly limited Tokyo Comic Con exclusive REDMAN Volume 2 Dark Channel Edition! Not only does this version of volume 2 feature an exclusive limited cover differing from the retail version, but the Dark Channel also came packed with the the even more limited (just 300 pieces!) HAF Redman Dark Version! Thankfully, Matt was kind enough to pick up a Dark Channel Edition for us while he was set up at the Tokyo con, and was also generous enough to sign inside my personal copy of Japanese volume 2. Redman Dark himself is a familiar figure if you’ve handled the original, but there’s something to be said for a sleek black color scheme and some truly incredible glow-in-the-dark eyes.

Check out our full 40 image gallery and review after the jump by clicking “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. We’ll be back in a couple days with a gallery of S.H. Figuarts Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider W Heat/Metal! 

under Conventions, General Tokusatsu News, Other Conventions, Ultraman

Redman Dark revealed!

Volume 2 of Redman, titled Dark Channel, is about to see it’s initial release at the upcoming Tokyo Comic Con on November 30th. And in a special collaboration between Phase 6, Tsuburaya, and Evolution Toy, there will also be a special limited edition Tokyocon release of volume 2.

Limited to 300 pieces. This release features an exclusive cover as well as postcards featuring Matthew Frank’s fantastic artwork. This exclusive cover also features the very first appearance and reveal of Redman Dark! Exactly who, and what this new character is, especially in relation to Redman himself, is yet to be seen unless you’re been lucky enough to grab one of these special early release volume 2’s. However, the biggest surprise of this bundle comes by way of Evolution’s involvement, as it will include an HAF (Hero Action Figure) of Redman Dark!

Though there are no pictures yet of this figure, Evolution Toy promises to reveal a sample soon. Redman 2: Dark Channel Dark Limited Edition will retail for 12,500 yen at Tokyo Comic Con.