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Topics - Jesse James

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346
Star Wars Ships and Vehicles / Quality Walker Custom
« on: September 20, 2005, 02:03 AM »
This custom got brought to my attention, and it's by a guy nicked "PsychoCloneTrooper".  Not sure he's a member here but I'm guessing he isn't.

Anyway, I liked this a lot, it's one of the more interesting vehicles I've seen of late and I thought a thread for it was in order...  The parts useage is great, and inexpensive really (if you can bare tearing up an AT-RT).  I would've used a vintage AT-ST's legs myself, and actually this guy's walker has me inspired to try something myself along these lines since the parts are so readily available.  It's one of those things you wish you'd thought of when you see it I think. :)

I love a good ship, especially something that sits well with figures (modern) and looks believable.   It seems to me that PsychoClone did some extra detail work to the whole thing and a spiffy paintjob.

I think I'd have opened the "viewport" some, or at least made a clear viewport for it, but I could easily see opening viewport armor like on the AT-ST for this vehicle.  The single-mounted flexible cannon is great.

Someone noted it being an AT-PT which it isn't, but it'd be in a similar class...  Perhaps a different weapon mounted, but definitely not an AT-PT and the creator noted it wasn't as well.

I like it though, love it really and thought it's more than worth talking about here too.  Here's pics and a link to his site with recipe:

http://users.aol.com/psyclonetrooper/assaultmech.html








347
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Mace Windu (Lightsaber Attack)
« on: September 10, 2005, 01:11 AM »
Forgot to put this out last night...  Busy.


Taking a look here at Mace Windu (Lightsaber Attack) in all his glory.  For those of you looking to find that definitive Mace Windu, well keep looking further because this isn't it.   :-\

I had to tweak my point of view a bit really to review this figure because had this been released in the 2002 Attack of the Clones figure launch, I honestly would've probably given it some praise for effort.

But comparing Mace to other ROTS figures he's a letdown really.  He's missing the articulation and aesthetics of collection 2 figures, and I think that while he's been a popular sell-through at retail that he's a letdown overall and I long for a truly super articulated Mace with a great likeness and softgoods robes.

The figure's a sign of Hasbro's effort to make Collection 1 BETTER though, and you have to give them some praise for that, but the figure is off the mark of quality as a LOT of the Collection 1 figures in ROTS's line were.

That's not to say the #6 Clone was a bad figure though,f or instance, but figures like the kicking Obi-Wan, Yoda, or Anakin were all missing something (or many things) and so is this Mace. 

The line's done well, I wholely believe that can be attributed to kids this time around whereas the last 2 films weren't that great to the public and subsequently the toy lines failed too.  ROTS had a lot more kid interest, Collection 1 moved then, but the kiddies will be leaving as they always do so hopefully that Mace we all want (you know you do) is on its way the way we want it.

Read the full review though, check back here if you'd like, and enjoy!  Thanks for the readership too, I wanted to take a moment to thank you guys that have chimed in and shared your thoughts and comments about the job I'm doing.  I appreciate that and you, as do all the Jedi Defender staffers.  Thanks!

348
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: C-3PO (ROTS version)
« on: September 3, 2005, 11:34 PM »

This week we are taking a close look at C-3PO (ROTS).  The 3PO has become one of the hot figures in the Revenge line overall actually.  I've seen him on April 2nd and never again.  I'm very glad I bought him that day too since he's been really impossible to find for many.

The figure's not too bad either.  It has pop-off limbs/head too which I always appreciate.  I don't quite understand WHY though, or if 3PO had this incorporated in ROTS but it got cut, but it's welcome nonetheless.

The weird thing about the construction of the figure is that at each point of articulation that pops off the figure has a "socket" built into it of a plastic that has flexibility.  This keeps the figure from going all loosey goosey on you when you've posed him a bit too much.  It's a good feature, and it's funny but this design would lend itself well to Hasbro articulating a 3PO at the knees, wrists, and numerous other joints.  The days of a SA 3PO maybe are just around the corner then?

And that's where this figure sort of fails...  Hasbro could've articulated him a bit more and they chose not to.  Still, the figure looks good on the pegs, it's been "hot", and it should replace the MMC 3PO sculpt as the top sculpt to re-release in the future.  I know I'd buy the ROTS sculpt again with a silver shin if it were offered.

At least till that SA C-3PO comes out...  :)  Come on, you know you want one!

So, share your thoughts and all that... 

349
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Utapauan Warrior (Utapau Security)
« on: August 29, 2005, 12:55 AM »
If I could've made a top 10 list of army builders I didn't really want from the Star Wars films, I bet I would've had the Utapauan Warrior (Utapau Security) on that list somewhere. 


I'm really perplexed at some of Hasbro's figure decisions for the ROTS line like this guy, the Neimodian Warrior, and the Mustafar Sentry.  All army builders, all with positive marks working in their corner, but all figures that I could've lived without in favor of getting something a little more interesting to me personally.  Not to mention that they all are lacking something here and there as well.

Personally, the Utapauan is not one of Hasbro's best efforts in the ROTS line.  He falls prey to many of the same failings the Neimodian Warrior did, though I somehow like that figure a bit more than the Utapau Warrior.  A wonky pose and lacking knee articulation make for a less than fun figure.

Hasbro's taken an obscure and somewhat uninteresting character and made a moderate figure of him basically.  That equals boredom on the pegs, and a figure that could be prone to backing up the system ala the Neimodian.  Not a good thing for collectors at all.

As always, feel free to read my full review on him Right Here, and of course share your thoughts.

350
Modern Trading / ROTS Clone 3-pack (Red) & KFC Ani For Trade
« on: August 25, 2005, 03:59 AM »
I have wound up with a Clone 3-pack (red) on a fairly good card (I have trouble grading modern stuff due to the wonky packaging) and a KFC Anakin.

If anyone's interested in these I'd love to trade them for Super Articulated Clones, AT-TE Gunners, Clone variants (Green Commander, Red #6, or black Pilot), or I'd trade them as a partial payment towards an Evolution set (Any of the 3 or their variants).

Thanks,

JJ

PS: I'd sell for their retail cost as well if someone needed them.

EDIT:

Since I'm assuming nobody wants these I'll pull them and perhaps return them. 

351
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Captain Antilles
« on: August 23, 2005, 10:11 PM »
Not a figure I'm pleased with but one I felt was at least a good contrast to what Hasbro's done RIGHT in the ROTS line.  This week I tear apart the Revenge of the Sith figure Captain Antilles for your enjoyment.


You can read the full review Right Here and of course feel free to share opinions with us as well.

My thoughts are pretty well known on this figure though...  I'm disappointed primarily in his lack of articulation.  He's not bad to look at, but he doesn't hold up to precedents in the ROTS line like even the Bail Organa figure most all of us would stand him next to.

There's some other flaws, but in the end I feel articulation is the major problem here.  Some knee joints and some extra arm points and I'd pretty much have given this figure a positive review.  At least as positive as I feel about Bail Organa as a figure. 

His Classic Trilogy Counterpart (I still say they're not the same guy.  They can't possibly be) is at least a pretty great figure short of some knee joints.  :)  He's more important anyway...  to me at least.

352
The Prequel Trilogy / Animatics Footage (Kinda Neat)
« on: August 12, 2005, 04:43 AM »
Anyone with Hyper-Space catch the unfinished animatics footage for ROTS that showed scenes cut from the film?

I particularly started to salivate at the thought of that HUGE head-on pass by the V-Wings with the Separatist Droid Fighters...

Looked like a bit of good stuff I wish they'd finish and put into the DVD.  I've always said the opening space battle was too short and should've been intercut with some new snippits of "outside fighting" with the inside story on Grievous' ship.

I mean, the opening text crawl says the Republic's losing yet somehow after Obi and Ani get aboard the Invisible hand the whole outside battle just suddenly shifted in favor of the Republic?  **** that, I wanna see what happens...  I wanna see Clones show why they're badass pilots and tear up some Separatist Tin Foil...  Make ya love the clones for "winning the day" in the giant battle of Coruscant...  It'd make you feel even worse when they gun the Jedi down.

Anyway, V-Wings in combat looked sweet.  Living up to their "Interceptor" titles, flying headlong into a swarm of Droid Fighters of all types.  Nice.

353
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Palpatine (Lightsaber Attack)
« on: August 11, 2005, 01:48 AM »
You know him, and you love him...  The TRUE star of Episode III...  The one, the only...  Palpatine (Lightsaber Attack)!


OK, yeah that intro was a bit much...  I dig the old coot though, and thought he was the highlight of Revenge of the Sith.  Unfortunately though, it looks like I'm gonna be waiting a while for a red-robed Palpatine that I really can dig.

This figure's static, "salt-shaker" sculpt and his unfortunate habit of falling over are just kind of disappointing.  This is one Hasbro may not be itnerested in touching though, as what I want is a nicely articulated Palpatine (ala his early ROTS figure in his robes he wore on Grievous' ship), with maybe some cool shiney softgoods robes...  Something that can kick some Jedi ass, hold a saber, and maybe features these interchangeable head/hands that this Palpatine has?

I'd dig seeing those, as they're a great feature for the character.

By all means though, Read the Full Review Right Here, and share your thoughts.

This figure's just not one I was real big on after I got him home and opened the packaging...  I have visions of how this guy could've been done in Collection 2 though and they are grand.  Hopefully he's revisited by Hasbro sometime.  Some Evolutions style figure would be much appreciated for this Palpatine.

354
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Ki-Adi Mundi (Jedi Master)
« on: August 5, 2005, 12:07 AM »
Beldar Conehead he is not...  This guy doesn't need to claim he's "from France" to stay incognito.  This go-round in reviews I take an up-close and personal look at famed Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi!


What can I say?  I love Episode 3's line of incredible Collection 2 Jedi Knight figures.  Hasbro knocked out some of the best work they've done in the entire line.  Even the Jedi's "weak" points tend to be minor compared to their finer qualities.

Ki-Adi probably is the best though, as it is a MAJOR improvement on his previous 2 versions.  Let's face it, E1 and E2's Ki-Adi's were weak attempts at the master, and that's being rather forgiving.  I mean, the Saga figure was pretty much a big "F-You!" from Hasbro with it being 90% re-used parts and a better paintjob.  The closest to decent we got was his half-assed version in the Jedi Council sets, which was still a weak figure.

Not ROTS's figure though...  This time Ki-Adi's got articulation out the wazoo, softgoods robe that is incredible quality and fits him well, a removable belt, a saber you can hook to his belt...  Oh yeah, and a ton of articulation that deserves a double mention.

He has a few minor quibbles but needless to say I liked him.  Check out the FULL REVIEW Right Here, and as always come share your thoughts with us.

At this stage I think he's my favorite Jedi figure though, and with his competition out this year that says a ton.

355
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Governor Tarkin
« on: July 31, 2005, 02:21 AM »
The Imperial every Star Wars fan LOVES to hate is hands down Grand Moff/Governor Tarkin.  The destroyer of planets, the cruel executor of the Emperor's "New Order", the scurge of the galaxy...  Eh, I'm getting carried away.


Governor Tarkin only had one previous figure based on his appearance in A New Hope and remains high on my list of resculpts I'd like to see at some point in the modern line...  His Revenge of the Sith figure isn't too bad though, and shows what potential for a new Classic Trilogy Tarkin exists.

The new Tarkin shows the character in his younger days, though he still closely resembles a walking corpse...  Just with better hair.

Hasbro nailed a lot of detail on the figure though, he's a solid base even for a potential classic styled variant of the same character, however I would like new legs/boots as the pants and footwear don't match up to the ANH style of Imperial Uniform...  I guess over 20 years or so the Empire changed their style somewhat.

He's not perfect...  He's a sign of the slipping levels of articulation on Collection 2 figures (nobody can tell me that a more flexible "skirt" and poseable knees isn't something they'd like on this figure just so he could sit and command people to do bad stuff), but overall he's a nice effort from Hasbro.

Anyway, go Read The Full Review, and as always hop on in and share your opinions with us. 

Since I've written this review, I will add that I have not seen the Tarkin wave of figures again...  Not once.  Granted, Hasbro's pipes seem to be pretty clogged (they need figure fiber I guess), but I hope you've got this figure in-hand because I haven't caught one on the shelves since that first day I saw about 8 of him...  *poof* all gone!

Enjoy folks!

356
Star Wars Dioramas and Displays / Diorama Bits...
« on: July 30, 2005, 01:30 AM »
The mention of Build-A-Rama came up in another thread and I thought I'd point out that they DO have some little bits for Sci-Fi dioramas (I think even the real-world stuff like oil drums and such can carry over to Sci-Fi too though).

Dunno if you guys have seen them though, so here's pics of the sci-fi stuff.  Kinda neat.  If you do buy this stuff, push the owner (Mark) to do more Sci-Fi things...  Give him ideas, but bare in mind he works in resins which are costlier in general to produce items, and he does this stuff himself so things can get expensive if you go "big".

http://www.build-a-rama.com/catalog_sci_fi.shtml
Cargo Crates & A Generator Thingie
 

I don't mean to do too much advertising for the guy as he's not a sponsor, but I do believe he's good for the hobby...  Mention where you came from, push the Sci-Fi stuff and that you'd dig seeing other items...  You just might get it (this stuff came about after I hastled him about simply DOING Sci-Fi stuff so he does listen some).

Mark is definitely a nice guy to deal with though, he does great work too...  Just look at the more expansive military lines.  He even does figure accessories too, so imagine what he could do for Star Wars figures even!

357
JD Sports Forum! / World Eating Championships (On ESPN)
« on: July 29, 2005, 08:09 PM »
I'm watching this, simply in awe of what I'm witnessing, and as dumb as this is I can't take my eyes off it.

358
Toy Reviews / New JD Review: Agen Kolar (Jedi Master)
« on: July 26, 2005, 04:47 AM »
Kicking off the Revenge of the Sith line of figures is a pretty darn good one, and the first figure I personally spotted at retail...  Agen Kolar (Jedi Master)!


You can check out the full review Right Here, and of course you're welcome to share your thoughts with us on this figure as well.

Agen was a fun figure to review, no doubt.  This is pretty close to perfection in an action figure, and all for the basic figure price.  To say this is rare in the modern Star Wars line (at least to this point) is an understatement.  Agen's not without flaws though...  Most noteable right now is his inability to hold a saber with 2 hands.  How Hasbro gets that wrong on any Jedi figure is beyond me at this point.  It's just common sense, but unfortunately Agen misses this point.

However, Hasbro's new Jedi robe attempt is pretty unique and something very few would argue with seeing in the future.  I'm still a softgoods fan, but this multi-piece removable plastic robe is pretty spiffy.

Tack onto that a saber with removable blade (and hooks to his belt), a great sculpt, and articulation that's pretty sweet even IF he can't hold a saber right, and you have a nice figure.  Probably some of the best Jedi Knight fodder for customizers too, ever.

Agen's a sign of great Jedi to come...  Read the review, and enjoy! :)

359
Other Collectibles / SW Lamps of All Kinds
« on: July 23, 2005, 04:23 AM »
I did a search, didn't find it, so I'm asking...  Does anyone know where to get the ROTS lava lamps?  Are they even still for sale, or have they even been released?

One of the few oddball things I"m wanting to own are these.  Loves me some Lava Lamps.

360
Watto's Junk Yard / Police Scanners Are Fun
« on: July 2, 2005, 03:33 AM »
I don't know about you guys, but I am a neb ****, and I like listening to a police scanner...  My old one keeled over on me not long ago...  It was given to me by a woman who just didn't want it anymore, and I was hooked.

Got a new one, and I have to say that it's just a blast if you're home and have it on...  I'll even mute what I'm perhaps watching on TV to listen to what's going on.  And being the 4th weekend, there's a LOT going on.

I just listened to a great high speed chase...  It's like a good movie, you can't leave that thing because you keep hearing the cops going back and forth about the chase, and setting up blocks, and trying to cut the guy off, and it's great...  You hear the ID go out, then come back with the guy's name (or this case the temp tags indicating where the car was from), and sometimes I even hear people I know come across the thing...  It's funny.

Tonight's chase was great.  Edge of your seat kinda ****, seriously.  A red Pontiac or Chevy blew past an Apollo,PA cop at 110 mph and the chase was on.  The guy outran the cop too out near where my brother used to live...  The State Police were involved, 3 local police all from separate townships/boroughs...  I have to admit that I'm sure I could have found other stuff to do tonight, but since I've been busy all week I decided to stay home, and that made it partly worth it. 

Plus the banter they have back and forth is great...  The Apollo Cop told them to wake up the auto dealer where the car was registered and get him "down here"...  It's a little private dealer.  THe dispatcher replied later with, "I got him up and he's on his way...  He wasn't happy", and the cop says, "Neither are we", haha...  It's probably the dealer's kid driving the car too, making it all the more funny.

So anyway, do any of you have one?  I'm so into this I'm wanting a CB/Scanner in my car anymore just because I love listening to this stuff.  It's kinda like Cops without the picture I guess.

But, I will say...  I hate when a call for an ambualnce comes out because somewhere out there is a "rectal bleed".  Ah!   :'(

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