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under Kamen Rider, TokuNation, TokuNation Site Updates, TokuNation Spotlights

“Crocodile in Rogue!!”

Gentoku Himuro lusted for power and conquest as the monstrous Night Rogue. But undergoing savage trials at the hands of Utsumi Nariaki & Blood Stalk. Gentoku would be reborn. Cured of the Nebula Gas influence, Gentoku remembered what it meant to fight for his country. It was only a matter of time before his heart was free to fight for his people, and his father’s memory. Though he once struck fear into our heroes hearts, Gentoku would now fight for love and peace as the dangerous Kamen Rider Rogue!

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Rogue is another really stylish addition to the ever growing family of Build Figuarts. It’s unique color scheme and design really do stand out with the other riders in the line. The first Crocodile rider, (though we have seen an Alligator before!) Rogue does an excellent job subtly showing off it’s theme from the clawed feet, to the “Cracked” helmet. Rogue includes his signature Nebula Steam Gun, Transteam Blade, and even the Hell Bros’ Gears. It’s honestly the full package.

We’ve attached the full gallery to this post, but you can also see our full review after the jump, by clicking “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. Next time we’ll be back with the first of several galleries diving back into the world of Kamen Rider Ex-Aid! 

under Conventions, Kamen Rider, Other Conventions

During a special Live Stream presentation rounding out the events at Tamashii Nations 2018, Bandai confirmed that the just revealed Hokuto Three from Kamen Rider Build will indeed be released! There was some initial confusion about the form these releases would take should they be green-lit for production, the prototypes lack joints and the placards specifically called them “S.H. Figuarts”. However the live stream has confirmed that the Hokuto Three will indeed be released as Figuarts Zero’s! There is no information currently available regarding time, price, or format of release, but we will update you when that information is available.

This live stream event also featured Kamen Rider Grease/Ixa/Dark Kiva actor Kohei Takeda. Takeda had the chance to show off the upcoming Shinkocchou Seihou Kamen Rider Kiva Figuart and it’s functionality. Bandai even busted out the old Ixa & Dark Kiva figuarts along with the recent Grease release for Takeda to play around with during the stream. You can watch the entire event on Bandai’s Youtube channel. 

under General Tokusatsu News, Ultraman

Redman The Kaiju Hunter has been received as one of the best tokusatsu to comic adaptations out there. As you could probably tell from our very own review of it back in September, we 100% love it. It’s an enthralling read with gorgeous art that doesn’t get bogged down by dialogue to tell it’s story.

Now, ahead of it’s November 30th release date, Phase 6 Publishing has revealed series creator & artist Matthew Frank’s cover for the hotly anticipated Redman Volume 2! Determined not to give away what will definitely be an epic story, this cover features Redman surround by another horde of Kaiju. Kaiju that will most certainly join the next Red Fight.

Redman Volume 2 arrives November 30th at Tokyo Comic-Con with it’s general sale in bookstores Mid-December. It’s English language release will come after this. We’ll keep you up to date as we know more.

under Conventions, Kamen Rider, Other Conventions

“Best Match!”

Revealed yesterday during Tamashii Nations 2018, we now have our first clear images of S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Build Rabbit Dragon Form!

Originally under a photo ban with a variety of other items at the show, Build Rabbit Dragon can now be seen in all it’s golden & silver glory. An extensive repaint of the Rabbit Tank mold, with some new dragon parts courtesy of Cross-Z, this form represents the fusion of Sento & Banjou’s powers as seen *very* briefly in the series finale. Could something like this actually see release? Even as a limited web exclusive? I personally hope so, but time will tell.

You can continue to follow our updates from Tamashii Nations 2018 by clicking “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. Our coverage continues!

under Conventions, Kamen Rider, Other Conventions

As if the announcement of S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kiva wasn’t enough to get you excited, Bandai had one more surprise in store as well! We knew of this item being displayed at the Tamashii Nations 2018 event, but weren’t able to see it because of the annual photo ban on certain items. Now, via SHFindo, we have our very first look at the S.H. Figuarts Machine Kivaa & Parts Set!

Kivaa is of course Kivaa’s stylish personal Rider Machine, and hot on the heels of Kiva’s own announcement, this is pretty exciting. Better still, it looks as though Bandai will be including the iconic Bloody Rose violin as well as the chair/throne Kiva is commonly seen seated in during the OP and in promotional material. While there are no confirmed release details for this set as of yet, one has to assume Bandai would be working on it with the Kiva hype at an all time high.

under General Tokusatsu News

Sandy Pug Games, the creators behind the modern day era Americana tabletop roleplaying game on Kickstarter, reached out to let us know that their $9000 stretch goal to create a tokusatsu themed version, in the style of Power Rangers and Super Sentai, has been funded! That means you can play as Super Americana Magic Force Go in this modern day era tabletop roleplaying game! To celebrate they’ve added a new, limited pledge tier of $200 for five lucky backers.

For a $200 pledge you will BE IN THE GAME. You’ll need to submit a photo of yourself, a description of your power suit or robot, and their artist (see title image for reference) will draw you in to the game’s yearbook, making you part of the Super Magic Force as a Super Magic Force Fighter!

For all the details of this tabletop roleplaying game Kickstarter, click here to check it out and to pledge if interested. The game is already 100% funded with the Super Americana Magic Force Go stretch goal unlocked, so this is just a fun “hey check this out” update for anyone who is interested in seeing themselves immortalized in to a tabletop roleplaying game!

under Conventions, Kamen Rider, Other Conventions

“Best Match!”

Tamashii Nations day 2 has gotten off to a pretty wild start for Kamen Rider Build fans! A number of new reveals that were under photo bans have finally been revealed:

S.H. Figuarts:
Kamen Rider Evol Cobra Form
The Hokuto Three Crows (Aoba, Kiba, Akiba)
Kamen Rider Grease (With Crows Dog Tags)
Kamen Rider Build Rabbit/Rabbit Form
Kamen Rider Build Tank/Tank Form
Kamen Rider Build Rabbit/Dragon Form

Rabbit/Dragon, the final form debuting in the final episode of the series, has yet to be seen in a properly clear photo, as it’s still under the photo ban. The Hokuto Three are listed as S.H. Figuarts on their placard, however they do appear to be non-articulated Figuarts Zero’s based on the prototypes shown. They’re definitely quite an interesting release if they make it out to retail eventually.  As is we have no confirmed release info for any of these figures.

As more information and images become available we’ll be sure to update you in the ongoing Tamashii Nations 2018 discussion thread. Just click “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” below to catch up on the discussion. Images for this story come from AmiamiNews, and Tokullector.

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

Tamashii Nations 2018 is currently happening from today until October 28th. As always this event brings us a smattering of new reveals, many which may or may not ever see the light of day again afterwards. It’s become a bit of a game in recent years to figure just what won’t be released. As Always though, we’ve compiled a last of everything new that’s currently on display from Bandai & Tamashii Nations

Photos in this post were compiled from multiple sources. Credit should be given to Amiami News, Tendou Toys, Erasu, & Tokullector.

Ultraman
S.H. Figuarts
Ultraman Belial
Ultraman Blu Flame
Ultraman Rosso Aqua
Ultraman Ruebe
Ultra Seven Special Color Version
Ultimate Zero

Kamen Rider
S.H. Figuarts
Kamen Rider Amazon Omega Final Judgement Version
Kamen Rider Amazon Alpha Final Judgement Version
Kamen Rider Geiz GenM Armor
Kamen Rider Zi-O Build Armor
Ride Striker
Kamen Rider Lazer Level 3
Kamen Rider Lazer Level 0 Proto Sports Gamer
Kamen Rider Genm Level X-0 Gamer Driver Version
Kamen Rider Prime Rogue
S.I.C. (new name, Super Imaginative Colliseum
Kamen Rider Ghost
S.I.C. Statues
Kamen Rider Amazon Omega
Kamen Rider Amazon Alpha

As the event continues through the weekend, we’ll be sure to keep you up dated on any further reveals or confirmations on releases!

under Power Rangers

In a statement that seemed to surprise investors and shareholders during the recent investors and shareholders conference call, Hasbro officially recognized Power Rangers as an “Emerging Brand” and NOT as a “Franchise Brand” as many investors and shareholders had assumed prior to the call. What is the difference?

Hasbro considers “Franchise Brands” as the flagship brands that carry the weight so to speak for the company. You will find Transformers, My Little Pony, and Baby Alive in this position. They are the sales drivers of the entire company. Some of Hasbro‘s licensed properties, like Marvel and Star Wars, are considered “Partner Brands”, which they rank right below “Franchise Brands”. And way at the bottom of the list is “Emerging Brands”. An “Emerging Brand” are your G.I. Joe, Littlest Pet Shop, and other low-market brands that you don’t see much of. In short – an “Emerging Brand” is a brand not quite good enough (yet) to be a “Franchise Brand” in regards to overall sales and growth.

The placement of Power Rangers in “Emerging Brands” and not “Franchise Brands”, seeing as Power Rangers is one of the leading live action boys brands in the world, seemed to confuse investors and shareholders. The following exchange happened between one such member and CEO Brian Goldner on the live call:

Linda Bolton-Weiser (Analyst, D.A. Davidson)
Can I just ask about next year? I know you don’t wanna go into too much about next year, but when we think about Power Rangers, it sounds like you’re going to be recording that in “Emerging Brands”. That surprises me being that it could have a substantial revenue opportunity and you’re going to treat it as an important franchise. So, can you just talk about when we could first see revenue? Would that be in April or a very small revenue in the second quarter? Is there any way you can talk about the Power Rangers expectations for what you’re doing that next year?

Brian Goldner (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Hasbro)
Sure. First, you’re already starting to see some of the Power Rangers licensing revenues come into the company. And we indicated that in our Entertainment & Licensing business. And then in terms of toys and games product sales, that really begins in Q2 next year. There’s a sell-off period for the prior product which is first quarter. We feel like putting Power Rangers in the “Emerging Brands” category is a good place to start. But you’re right. It certainly, in our estimation, is a “Franchise Brand” in the making. And we’re hoping and we’re certain that our great team that is working on the brand out of the west coast is very focused on ensuring the brand becomes a “Franchise Brand” in the future.

So, TLDR, what does this mean?

Because Hasbro doesn’t get to take full advantage of the property until the previous licensing agreement with Bandai runs out in April of 2019, Hasbro has decided to keep Power Rangers in the “Emerging Brands” portion of its portfolio. The revenue stream from the Power Rangers brand in terms of merchandise won’t even hit the books until Q2 reports come in and even then they will be low due to the trickle effect of product hitting retailers in waves. It may very well take a full calendar year for Power Rangers to work itself in to a “Franchise Brand” due to market saturation and post-Christmas inventories.

So don’t hit that panic button just yet. However, if Power Rangers fails to meet expectations from Q2 2019 to Q2 2020, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Hasbro leave it as an “Emerging Brand”. It will be interesting to see the direction Hasbro takes the brand out of the gate. Stay tuned!

under Kamen Rider

“Robot in Grease!”

Kazumi Sawatari, was a humble farmer once, but the war to save or conquer Japan would pit him against heroic Kamen Riders, evil industrialists, scheming politicians, and even extraterrestrial monsters. Driver in hand, Kazumi sacrificed everything to be a hero and stand up for those he lost, and those he loved. S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Grease recreates the character we know and love, and today we have a full gallery and review of it!

Kamen Rider Grease manages to be yet another really wonderful addition to the Build line-up. It may have a lot to do with just how memorable all of the characters from the series are, but each of their figures feel like such a refresher. Each with it’s own unique charm to it. Grease’s gorgeous gold color scheme and translucent black parts combined with the Sclash Driver & Twin Breaker add up to a pretty much perfect release.

The full gallery is attached to this post, but if you’d like to read the full length review as well, just click “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post. We’ll be back soon with more Build and several Ex-Aid galleries!