Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2016

Toy Kingdom's 2016 Toy Expo is here! If you are looking for great bargains, discounts and some of the latest hard-to-find toys in the Market, do drop by the 2nd level of SMX Convention Center next to the SM Mall of Asia from August 19 to 21 (Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 10pm). And the best part? Admission is totally free!

MORE AFTER THE JUMP

STAR WARS FORCE FRIDAY AT TOY KINGDOM

Star Wars fans across the world will soon get a first look at select new products inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the world’s first live, global toy unboxing event unfolds across 12 countries, 15 cities, and 18 hours.

In the most epic product launch ever mounted, select toys and merchandise inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be revealed for the first time in Youtube.  The celebration will be hosted out of Los Angeles, with live unboxings beginning in Sydney, Australia (evening of Sept 2, US time), and the grand finale at Lucasfilm, home of Star Wars in San Francisco (morning of Sept 3, US time)

In the Philippines, select Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys and merchandise will be celebrated in a Force Friday event on September 4 at 12:01 am at the SM Mall of Asia’s Main Mall Atrium.
Aside from getting the first dibs, Star Wars enthusiasts will be amazed at the exciting line up of events such as best dressed impersonator competition and Star Wars trivia with prizes to be won. Freebies also await lucky shoppers.

Save the date, join this epic launch, and be the first to have never before seen products inspired by the movie at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens toy launch only at Toy Kingdom.

Don't forget to follow Toy Kingdom's Instagram account, their twitter account, and their Facebook account. 

Marvel Legends Spider-Woman - Infinite Series

Presenting Spider-Woman from the Marvel Legends Infinite Series Toyline.

What is it about Jessica Drew? Even without her pheromone powers or sexy British accent, she is one of the hottest women in the Marvel Universe - also despite the fact that she's technically one of the most dressed.

She's so hot she actually dyes her blonde hair black.

It must definitely be that costume. It's soooo tight it looks like she's wearing nothing in the comic books but body paint. It's soooo tight her belly-button is clear as day.

The Marvel Legends Spider-Woman's costume is soooo tight she looks practically naked in comparison to more "clothing averse" characters such as Satana and Emma Frost.

Transformers Combiner Wars Optimus Prime

Presenting the Transformers Combiner Wars Optimus Prime.

Well technically this is Ultra Prime: The Transformers Combiner Optimus Prime with the Aerialbots Alpha Bravo, Firefly and Skydive with the Decepticon Stunticon Dragstrip.

Yes a Decepticon. Hasbro chose to release the series sans one Aerialbot and released a Stunticon instead.

And being the suckers we are we just could not wait for the second wave of Combiners and bought Dragstrip instead just so we could have a complete set to review.

Personally we're hoping that Hasbro or any other 3rd party group releases other combiners that are more.... robust. Perhaps a combiner team dedicates solely to Prime.

Transformers Generations Skids

Presenting the Autobot Skids from the Transformers Generations toyline.

We chanced upon Skids at retail and frankly had no interest in buying him. He's Skids after all. In the greater scheme of things, he's nobody - no offense to Skids lovers out there - but he is Decepticon cannon fodder (Check out his yellow eyes below. He'll never be a Prime).

But everyone in the community seemed to want him so we had to find out why.

So we picked him up.

When we opened him, we were quite disappointed with the Transformers Generations Autobot Skids. Skids had beyond poor articulation, horrible feet, used gimmicks - though we had to admit the shoulder-mounted mini-missile launcher system is new.

Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale Year 7

It's the Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale Year 7! And it's happening this November 1, 2 & 3 at the Megatrade Hall 1 & 2 of SM Megamall!

If you're a toy collector, you know that you ABSOLUTELY have to go to this event lest you miss out on potential bargains on those drool worthy items that you've always coveted.

Come early because we expect a deluge of shoppers coming over to beat the Holiday rush.

Get up to 70% off on branded toys, gadgets and games during this event.  For more information, like Toy Kingdom a on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram  or call their hotline at 638-TOYK (638-8695).

See you there!!!!

Transformers Beast Hunters: Optimus Prime (Commander Class)

Presenting Optimus Prime from the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Toyline - Commander Class. 

Anyone else notice that as Transformers series undergo changes that Optimus Prime undergoes changes as well? Almost as if he's insecure about his looks and has to change his chassis - but then again maybe he's just keeping up with the times. The Decepticons don't seem to mind keeping their old looks, but Prime? Nah, he has to go out and get a new look.

Just take a look at the War of Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron games. Prime changed looks somewhere in between. And now? Case in point, we have the new look of Optimus Prime as Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters rolls in (Spring, 2013).

Toy Kingdom: The Great Holiday Toy Sale

The final sale of the year of Toy Kingdom Philippines is here! If you missed the recently concluded one in the Megatrade Hall, then you should know that when it comes to Toy Kingdom Sales, YOU HAVE TO COME EARLY!!!! Especially if you're a dumpster diver for rare items like I am, else you'll be caught in the holiday rush and will have to fight your way through an entire hall of bargain priced toys! It's an absolute must go to especially if you have a lot of nieces, nephews, children or grand-children waiting on you this Christmas.

The Toy Kingdom Great Holiday sale will run from December 7 to 9, 2012 at Hall 4 of SMX Convention Center. Entrance is absolutely free! For more information, like us at www.facebook.com/ToyKingdomPH, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ToyKingdomPH or call their hotline at 638-TOYK (6388695).

I'm going. See you there!

Star Wars General Obi-Wan Kenobi

Presenting General Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars The Clone Wars toyline.

I have to admit that I'm not much of a fan of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Personally I think that the entire Star Wars thingamajig. I really think that "IT'S ALL OBI-WAN'S FAULT!!!" and not just because Anakin Skywalker thinks "HE'S HOLDING ME BACK!!!"

My personal argument against Obi-Wan goes all the way back to when Anakin Skywalker was just little orphan Annie. Jedi Master Qui-Gonn Jinn - despite being a Gray Jedi - followed the Jedi council's orders NOT to train Anakin Skywalker in the ways of the Force - at the very least he was willing to defer the debate. But NOOOO!!!! That's not good enough for Obi-Wan! With or without the council's permission, the newly minted Jedi Knight vowed to train Anakin Skywalker.

Had he not been that adamant, perhaps there would not have been a Darth Vader - nor an Order 66 as the Emperor would have fallen to Mace Windu.

So yeah. It really is "All Obi-Wan's fault!"

Toy News: Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse Sale!

The first - and probably MOST important Toy Sale of the Christmas Season here in the Philippines happens on November 2 to 4 (MY BIRTHDAY!!!), 2012 in not ONE, but TWO Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall, as Toy Kingdom holds it's 6th annual Toy Kingdom Warehouse Sale!

If you're looking for up to 70% off on branded toys, gadgets and games, then the Toy Kingdom Toy Warehouse sale is the place to be. SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!. For more information, do remember to like Toy Kingdom's Facebook page, follow their Twitter feed or call 638-TOYK (638-8695). 

Star Wars Vintage Ahsoka Tano

Presenting the Star Wars Clone Wars Vintage Edition Ahsoka Tano.

This is the first non-animated version released by Hasbro of the Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano AKA "Snips" (As she was less than affectionately named by her Master, the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker because of her fiery, upstart personality).

This version of Ahsoka actually appears older than the juvenile Padawan presented in the Clone War Series (You'll see the comparison later in this review) which I think is more befitting for not just her role as the overtly aggressive, rebellious and oftentimes disrespectful Padawan; but also for her being one of the few Jedi to have stood toe-to-toe with both General Grievous and Asajj Ventress. It just simply did not make sense that a newbie pre-pubescent not as strong in the Force as the bright boy Anakin, to hold her own against enemies that have slain Masters. It made more sense if she were a teenager which she is in this incarnation.

Star Wars Vintage Edition Luke Skywalker

R2D2 not included :)

Presenting the Star Wars Vintage Edition Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill celebrated his 61's birthday yesterday, and I actually debated whether I wanted to pay homage to him by reviewing Luke Skywalker - the character he immortalized and which, all of us at one time or another, have most probably wished we were - or by reviewing the character he has given a new level of creepiness to: The Joker.

Yes, if you've ever cringed at the dry wheezing voice of the Batman's greatest thorn while playing either the Batman Arkham Asylum or Arkham City games, or while watching the animated series, that's the dry wheezing voice of Luke Skywalker.

Mark Hamil played the role so well, I actually downloaded the Arkham City soundtrack that showcased the Joker singing "Only You".

Creepy.

G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra HISS Tank

Presenting the new G.I. Joe Retaliation Cobra HISS Tank!

It is still unknown as to whether or not this latest incarnation of Cobra HISS Tanks (Technically H.I.S.S. Tanks or High-Speed Sentry Tanks - the original H.I.S.S. Tanks had a maximum speed of 120kph) will make it into the actual Retaliation movie and this is not the version that transforms into Shockwave (SDCC 2012 Exclusive) - else the main cannon would be very different.

The Retaliation COBRA Hiss Tank  is technically therefore the Mark VI version of the HISS Tank as - while it has some similarities - it is markedly different from the Mark V version of the HISS Tank that was released as a part of the G.I. Joe Pursuit of Cobra Toyline.

Caught in the Act - a Video Coverage of the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2012

A fellow collector who runs one of the most unique toy-review Vlogs - with incredibly wonderful photography, actually apparently caught me receiving my spanking new Nintendo 3DS on video (six-footer awkwardly moving forward to get his prize with a blue back-pack). He also made a wonderful video of the opening night. Do check AdvocatePinoy out, subscribe to his YouTube Vlog and remember to like his Facebook page.

Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2012 Coverage

My 1st Day Haul

The Dungeon was lucky enough to be invited to the Media Night of Toy Kingdom's First Toy Expo at the SMX Convention Center all the way in SM Mall of Asia. And it turned out to be a VERY LUCKY NIGHT FOR ME!!!!

To begin with, I won a raffle!!!! See that spanking mint-in-box Nintendo 3DS on the side? Yeah that's mine! And I won it fair and square with the use of my brand new minted calling cards.

But it didn't end there! I scored the Avengers Black Widow at retail! So if you're going to the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2012 looking for that, sorry, I think I got the only one.

But there's still SOOOO much more that you can see - and buy - there!

Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2012 Philippines

Toy Kingdom is holding it's first ever Toy Expo in SM Mall of Asia from August 23 to 24, 2012. The country's largest toy store chain, Toy Kingdom promises to fill up not one, but two of the massive SMX Halls in SM Mall of Asia with toys, toys, and even more toys.

Definitely something you should be at if you're in the country.

The Dungeon is going.

Though not yet quite a popular piece of technology, do can the QR code for more exciting details or visit the official Toy Kingdom Facebook page.


UPDATE: ENTRANCE IS FREE!!! (The Magic Words). 

Weaponizer Optimus Prime

Presenting the Weaponizer Optimus Prime from the Transformers Prime toy-line.

I'm personally not sure if this particular incarnation of Optimus Prime is canon. But given the fluid nature of Transformers as has been manifested in both the cartoons and the movies, I would not put it beyond Prime's abilities to manifest a pair of chain-guns.

And I've always thought that Optimus Prime is a bit under-gunned. Those big-broad shoulders definitely have room for additional weaponry. God-Ginrai showed us how cool it looked. But shoulder mounted weapons for Optimus Prime did not truly manifest. It took third-party groups to produce shoulder mounted weapons for Prime, particularly the Gears of War-2 Pack and the TAW-Sword:

Captain America Stark Tech Assault Armor

Presenting Captain America's Stark Tech Assault Armor from the Avengers Movie Toyline.

You gotta love a good exoskeleton - yes, this is technically not Armor, this is a Powered Exoskeleton. While both Armor and an Exoskeleton may protect the wearer, enhance their natural abilities and increase mobility and firepower, an Exoskeleton has a more "vehiclular" feel to it than simply armor and has more akin to the APUs of the Matrix Movie, the Exosquad E-Frames, the G.I. Joe Steel Marauder, and the Avatar AMP Suit.

But unfortunately Marvel doesn't see the difference.

Anyway this is one of two Stark Tech Assault Armor released into the market. The two are virtually identical and vary only in color. This is Captain America's, the other one belongs to Iron Man and has that garish super pretentious gold and red paint-job. both came with action figures, this one came with Captain America.

The Captain America Stark Tech Assault Armor came with spring-loaded weapons, but I think it looks better without the missiles jutting out, and such will be the case for the majority of this review.

I've often wondered if this was meant to be the movie version of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Mandroid Power Armor.

STAR WARS: Boba Fett - Vintage Edition

Presenting Boba Fett from the Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Vintage Edition toy line.

I've long been a fan of Boba Fett. You've gotta admire someone who - from the tragic death of his father, eked  out his own survival and established himself as an even greater Bounty Hunter than his father. At one time he was even able to fight Darth Vader to a debatable draw. Later her actually saved and sided with Darth Vader when Vader was being hunted down by Bounty Hunters. This earned Fett Darth Vader's respect if not his admiration.

Years later Fett survives being inside a Sarlaac not once, but twice (He was regurgitated the second time around). Fett would go on to becoming the Mandalore uniting his people against the Yuuzhan Vong and siding with the Galactic Empire. At this time though his health was failing due to the fact that, as a clone of Jango Fett, his aging was accelerated. Boba had already lived far beyond what he was designed to. With the help of his granddaughter he was able to find a cure, but his granddaughter ended up dead at the hands of Darth Caedus (Jacen Solo) who then used her DNA to release a technovirus that would prevent Boba Fett from ever returning to Mandalore.

Boba would later rescue Chief of State Daala (Former Imperial and not head of the Galactic Alliance) from the Jedi Council who was holding her prisoner for war crimes against the Jedi. She promised him a cure for the technovirus.

Cosmic Spear Loki - Avengers Movie Series

Presenting the Cosmic Spear Loki from the upcoming Avengers Movie toyline. If you saw both the Captain America: First Avenger and Thor movies, then you saw the Cosmic Cube that was wielded by the Red Skull as nothing more than a destructive power source (Which, if you follow Marvel comic book lore which may not be true for the movies, is a drastic under-use of the powers of a Cosmic Cube), and you saw Loki (Played by Tom Hiddleston who reprises his role in the upcoming Avengers movie and reportedly will again play Loki in Thor 2) fall from the heavens to Earth.

Well now Loki has the Cosmic Cube and this time it's in the hands of someone who knows how to use it - and he put it on the tip of a really cool spear that would fit right in with the Lord of the Rings. Hasbro has captured the villain that forced the assembly of  Earth's Mightiest in an action figure heralding the launch of the movie in May (Base not included)