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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! 

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You may recall that back in September, TokuNation reviewed the fantastic Redman Kaiju Hunter Volume 1. Redman’s english publisher and distributor Night Shining has now announced their release details for Volume 2! 

Redman Volume 2, as well as a special reprint of Volume 1 featuring a new cover by Jesse Wittenrich are coming up for release in January 2019. Volume 2, like everything else Redman, can be purchase on this page and retails for $19.99. But the big news is the massive Redman Maximum Darkness Pack version of volume 2! This unique set will include:

The Redman Maximum Darkness Pack featuring the EXCLUSIVE Evolution Toys HAF Redman Dark action figure. This figure has a production run of only 300 and was an exclusive for the Tokyo Comic Con. As a Tsuburaya Productions/Phase6 partner we were able to secure a VERY limited quantity of 50 figures from that exclusive run.

Also included with the Redman Maximum Darkness Pack is a Redman Dark Chase Trading card (only available in the  “Dark” and “Darkness” packs), the Redman Volume 2 Graphic Novel, The exclusive Redman Volume 1 reprint w/ new cover, Redman sticker sheet and a VERY limited Redman Dark variant T-shirt (only available in this pack).

The Redman Maximum Darkness Pack – One (1) Redman Dark Action Figure, One (1) Redman Dark Chase card, One (1) Redman Volume 2 Graphic Novel, One (1) Redman Volume 1 w/ new cover, One (1) Redman sticker sheet, One (1) Redman Dark variant T-Shirt. – BE SURE TO SELECT YOUR SHIRT SIZE FROM THE MENU WHEN ORDERING.

***Note*** The first 125 orders that include the Redman Volume 2 Graphic Novel will also receive an EXCLUSIVE Redman: Volume 2 Japanese Cover Chase card.

TokuNation was actually lucky enough to obtain one of these extremely limited HAF Redman Dark figures from Tokyo Comic Con and will have a full photo gallery of it in the near future as well. And a full length review Redman Volume 2 is also on the way next month! Be sure to check back as we continue down the path of the violent hero Redman!

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.

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 General Tokusatsu News, TokuNation, TokuNation Spotlights, Ultraman

“Reddo Fight!”

In 1972, Tsuburaya Productions commissioned a new spin-off from their popular Ultra Series. Curious, quirky, and quite violent, Redman joined the Nippon TV Ohayo! Kodomo variety show.  Serialized in 138 5-minute episodes, Redman faced off against countless Kaiju from across the various Ultra series which had aired by this time. Mercilessly, Redman would dispatch these Kaiju with little to no context outside of what magazine text stories and interviews could provide.

Flash forward to 2018, the superstar creative team of Matt Frank & Goncalo Lopes have resurrected this red warrior for a brand new series of Graphic Novels. The first of which, Redman: The Kaiju Hunter Volume 1, was recently released in July. Taking this obscure but classic character and helping to re-imagine his backstory as so much more than it was previously, Frank & Lopes have crafted a modern classic.

Here at TokuNation we were fortunate enough to be provided a promotional copy of Volume 1 for review.  Click “Discuss on the TokuNation Forums” at the bottom of this post and you can read our full review of Redman: The Kaiju Hunter! Let us know what you think of the series if you’ve had a chance to read it as well!

under Power Rangers

An interesting new listing has been posted at Amazon.com this morning-

Publisher Insight Editions will be releasing an Ultimate Visual History guide to the Power Rangers franchise next year, offering some key insights on the franchise. As the current listing states:


Explore the history of Saban’s Power Rangers with this exclusive collection of artwork, behind-the-scenes photos, interviews and more.

After the hit series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers launched in 1993, Saban’s Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States. Today, more than two decades later, Power Rangers is one of the longest running kids action series in TV history and has become a global pop culture phenomenon.

Power Rangers: The Ultimate Visual History takes viewers on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Power Rangers franchise, from the conception of the television show to the present-day seasons, feature films, toys, video games, comic books and more. This comprehensive collection features interviews with top creators, as well as some of the key writers and producers responsible for the iconic look and panache of the legendary superhero franchise. Special inserts, charts, art replications and badges add special interest and collectability to this fantastic tribute to the lasting legacy of the Power Rangers. A special chapter will also focus on the making of the new Power Rangers movie, which will be released by Lionsgate in March 2017.

Definitely something to look out for! Release is currently scheduled for February 28, 2017 so stay tuned to TokuNation for further details.

under Power Rangers

News broke today that the Power Rangers comic book license is apparently up for grabs. Originally held by PaperCutZ, the publisher released books from Power Rangers Super Samurai and Power Rangers Megaforce, along with a hotly debated couple issues of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (hotly debated because many fans found them to be poorly written and riddled with errors – most notably the Free Comic Book Day issue). This news was broken by one of the artists on the book, Jolyon Yates, who shared on his personal website unpublished pages from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, stating that everything is in publishing limbo as the rights to publish the books are now up in the air.

With a movie coming out in 2017 and some concept images that leaked from said movie creating quite a stir, our thoughts are that Saban Brands would want to get Power Rangers back in to the comic world where comic book and comic book movies are now all the rage. Linked to this story is a poll where we ask you who should get the license to publish Power Rangers comic books/graphic novels, as well as our own thoughts on the likelihood of each company.

Our honest opinion? We’d like to see IDW Publishing take the helm. With their success record with Transformers, Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Star Trek, My Little Pony (the list goes on) they could easily turn it in to a big hit. Imagine two comics – one starring Power Rangers Dino Charge for the kids and one for the more adult fan simply titled Power Rangers expanding the universe and bringing back fan-favorites. What are the Silver Guardians up to? What’s happening on Aquatar and Triforia? What about the Phantom Ranger and the Blue Senturion? The possibilities are endless – just like our imaginations.

If anything breaks on what happens with the license (whether PaperCutZ is able to renew or another company takes it) we will let you know. Join in our discussion and our poll!

under Power Rangers

Comic books continue to be a popular medium for fans of older television shows no longer in production to continue the adventures of their favorite heroes. Thanks to Papercutz, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers return to continue their battles against Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd. This coming May 3rd, 2014, you can pick up a free comic starring none other than the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! Thanks to our good friend Fury Diamond from the Samurai Cast Blog, we have our first look at the upcoming free comic book as well as his thoughts and opinions on it!

Relive the action and excitement with Jason, Zack, Billy, Trini, Kimberly, and Tommy as they morph in to action this Free Comic Book Day against Lord Zedd! See the Tigerzord ride the Rad Bug! See the Thunderzords in action as they save the world! Click here to read Fury Diamond’s review, and to see all the preview images, simply click here!

Are you planning to pick up this free comic? And are you going to be picking up Papercutz upcoming Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue #1 set to release this June 2014? Discuss away!

under Power Rangers

A recent tradition to both inspire new readers and to promote your product is in the now annual Free Comic Book Day.  The next annual event is scheduled to be on May 3rd, 2014 and features a number of titles being offered up for free from your favorite comic book retailers.

For the first time ever, Power Rangers will be offered on Free Comic Book Day.  Thanks to Samurai Cast Blog we now know that Papercutz, who announced at San Diego Comic Con 2013 that they were doing a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers graphic novel due for release in June 2014.  This special Free Comic Book Day comic will be a tie-in to the first graphic novel release, and will feature the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the White Ranger.

It’s free – are you going to grab it when you pick up your comics that day?  And how well do you think Power Rangers can transition itself in to a paper media?  Discuss!