Just a comparison of two playline face molds associated to the character of Barbie in recent years. I'm partial to the mouth closed. I only like the rightmost because of the skin tone and the black hair.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Because I get the feeling I'm getting through to Mattel
I'm still interested on how well Mattel is doing in selling Barbie. Some fans went gaga over the stiff Fashionistas. Others thought that maybe Mattel is finally listening to its consumers. I figured maybe Barbie sales couldn't go any lower as it has been declining for years now. There's no way to go but up. Well, it still went down and that means more people think Barbie is not worth its price tag.
Mattel claimed that the dollar exchange rate had something to do with the decline, making the gross international sale drop by 19% but the North American gross sales still dropped by 5%, so there.
When I bought Barbie clothes, the minimum wage earner cashiers double checked the prices. They couldn't believe that a tiny Barbie shirt can cost as much as their shirts! They didn't say it out loud but one can tell just by the look in their eyes. The fact is, one can get more value from buying other stuff than Barbie.
Last Christmas, I gave my nieces Barbie dolls. They really weren't that happy. They have enough Barbie dolls. How many dolls does a girl need? Kids don't really care much about doll diversity. My nieces don't care if they don't have an AA or an Asian doll. Barbie never looked like any real person anyways. Barbie is not a real person. She's not somebody you will care for. She's somebody you'll envy and secretly wish ill.
When I saw their reactions, I thought that I should have kept the dolls and use the bodies and give my nieces a different gift instead. That's what I'll do this year. I'm going to give them non-Lego brick sets in pink. Maybe it will encourage them to be more creative. Plus if they lose or broke a piece or two, they can still play with it.
Maybe Mattel has some serious challenges ahead of them. I don't know if the new articulation in the Made to Move dolls will cut it. Personally, I don't like the Frankenstein joints. Maybe those who like the monster dolls will love them but not me. I don't think the trendy fashion will be enough. It has been tested with the stiff Fashionistas but the sales prove that it's not the key. The limited edition dolls really has a limited dent on the sales.
To improve international sales, maybe Mattel can do something about the price. People outside north America pay a lot more. If they can sell more unit a a lower profit margin maybe it will be better than selling less units with higher profit margin. I don't have the figures so I say "maybe".
Mattel has an agreement with a local company so the local company can monopolize the sale of Barbie. It is possible that the same setup is in place in other countries. Maybe Mattel can change the setup. Personally, I think there are other local entities better equipped in selling Barbie locally.
The main problem is making more people buy Barbie. Why will you buy a character you just envy and secretly hate? It's not like Barbie cares for you. That's the problem. Barbie as a character seems to care more about material things and less about the child or the collector. Barbie is the star in her world and we just play in it. Why play in it if you'll forever be an outsider playing by her rules?
In short, Barbie needs to change her identity, not just the skin color. She needs to change her values to make her more relatable. She has to be seen as a friend you can care for, not a plaything. She needs to be human so people will care for her. Maybe the Barbie live action movie will help. We'll see...
Mattel claimed that the dollar exchange rate had something to do with the decline, making the gross international sale drop by 19% but the North American gross sales still dropped by 5%, so there.
When I bought Barbie clothes, the minimum wage earner cashiers double checked the prices. They couldn't believe that a tiny Barbie shirt can cost as much as their shirts! They didn't say it out loud but one can tell just by the look in their eyes. The fact is, one can get more value from buying other stuff than Barbie.
Last Christmas, I gave my nieces Barbie dolls. They really weren't that happy. They have enough Barbie dolls. How many dolls does a girl need? Kids don't really care much about doll diversity. My nieces don't care if they don't have an AA or an Asian doll. Barbie never looked like any real person anyways. Barbie is not a real person. She's not somebody you will care for. She's somebody you'll envy and secretly wish ill.
When I saw their reactions, I thought that I should have kept the dolls and use the bodies and give my nieces a different gift instead. That's what I'll do this year. I'm going to give them non-Lego brick sets in pink. Maybe it will encourage them to be more creative. Plus if they lose or broke a piece or two, they can still play with it.
Maybe Mattel has some serious challenges ahead of them. I don't know if the new articulation in the Made to Move dolls will cut it. Personally, I don't like the Frankenstein joints. Maybe those who like the monster dolls will love them but not me. I don't think the trendy fashion will be enough. It has been tested with the stiff Fashionistas but the sales prove that it's not the key. The limited edition dolls really has a limited dent on the sales.
To improve international sales, maybe Mattel can do something about the price. People outside north America pay a lot more. If they can sell more unit a a lower profit margin maybe it will be better than selling less units with higher profit margin. I don't have the figures so I say "maybe".
Mattel has an agreement with a local company so the local company can monopolize the sale of Barbie. It is possible that the same setup is in place in other countries. Maybe Mattel can change the setup. Personally, I think there are other local entities better equipped in selling Barbie locally.
The main problem is making more people buy Barbie. Why will you buy a character you just envy and secretly hate? It's not like Barbie cares for you. That's the problem. Barbie as a character seems to care more about material things and less about the child or the collector. Barbie is the star in her world and we just play in it. Why play in it if you'll forever be an outsider playing by her rules?
In short, Barbie needs to change her identity, not just the skin color. She needs to change her values to make her more relatable. She has to be seen as a friend you can care for, not a plaything. She needs to be human so people will care for her. Maybe the Barbie live action movie will help. We'll see...
Friday, November 6, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Adria
Slowly but still with uncertainty, things are going back to normal. I have some time to play with my toys again and not just play but also customize.
Since I bought her, I have been wanting to remove her teeth and shrink her head. I like how my Nikki turned out when I did those. I figured, I can do the same to Adria.
I expect Adria's head to shrink further to the size of Nikki's head. Maybe after a week. I like how she turned out so far.
Now, if only I can get back to sewing...
Since I bought her, I have been wanting to remove her teeth and shrink her head. I like how my Nikki turned out when I did those. I figured, I can do the same to Adria.
I expect Adria's head to shrink further to the size of Nikki's head. Maybe after a week. I like how she turned out so far.
Now, if only I can get back to sewing...
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Frustrating Fashionista
The stiff Fashionista dolls are on sale (30% off) locally. It was the first time I saw some variants on the shelf and I was surprised about the discount. It usually takes a year before they offer it on a discounted rate.
Most local collectors are probably either not interested because of the stiffness, or already bought from online sellers. (I will not go through the hassle of online buying for dolls like these, to be honest.) The local distributor must be frustrated with the nicer online sellers who offer the dolls earlier.
I got these two for their novelty. The rest seems meh. I would have gotten the dark goddess but she's more frustrating to acquire.
The redhead can use Raquelle's body but the blond is a challenge. None of my articulated body is a match. Mattel really knows how to frustrate.
Most local collectors are probably either not interested because of the stiffness, or already bought from online sellers. (I will not go through the hassle of online buying for dolls like these, to be honest.) The local distributor must be frustrated with the nicer online sellers who offer the dolls earlier.
I got these two for their novelty. The rest seems meh. I would have gotten the dark goddess but she's more frustrating to acquire.
The redhead can use Raquelle's body but the blond is a challenge. None of my articulated body is a match. Mattel really knows how to frustrate.
Also, if you noticed, there is no dark-skinned doll in the line up. The Asha doll with purple plaid skirt is also available but she's not really dark-skinned. Hurray for diversity, right?
Monday, October 12, 2015
Doc Ock
This is the first toy I've bought after all the changes I have to deal with. The dust hasn't settled yet and that means uncertainty. I just want things to seem like normal, hence a blog entry.
Doc Ock as Superior Spider-Man said, "...being a super hero is like being mad: one does the same thing time after time and expects differing results." The thing is, even if you try to do the same things over and over like a routine, life can still lead to unexpected outcome. And no matter how hard you try to restore a former routine, some things can't go back to the way it was.
Friday, August 28, 2015
White Queen
There's an upcoming 4-inch action doll for Emma Frost from the Marvel Infinite Series line. I can't say I'm excited about it. Most of my X-men are in their vintage costumes and the modern Emma won't fit in. I decided to create my own Emma Frost as the White Queen from the Hellfire Club using Psylocke as the base. I wanted her skin to be fairer so she was painted all over.
I have been putting off this project because I couldn't get the parts I want, specifically the heeled feet from the Baroness (G.I. Joe). I also used the Baroness' hair. I just made it shorter. I also had difficulty in repainting the small face. It's hard to keep the small eyes from looking derpy, especially if the face mold is not all that pretty to begin with.
Although the action doll could use some more polishing and detailing, I decided to take pictures right away. I can't be sure when I can go back and work on her again.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
12-inch Pattiz Special Forces Figure
It looks good in photos but it really has poor quality. This 12-inch action doll by Pattiz has a nice packaging which can make the uninformed (read: me) think that it is worth at least US$22.
It came with a lot of props but there's nothing interesting for me, except for the two extra pair of hands. No doll stand was included. The first thing that made me think of not buying this is the skin tone. It's grayish.
There are other variants, although I only saw three. There are no other ethnicity available. I picked this one because I thought it came with beige footwear. I later found out that it's black haphazardly painted with beige for a distressed look. The paint left a sticky feel.
This body isn't versatile. There aren't many heads that can be compatible with this body. Making this figure stand is also a challenge. It has loose joints at the knees and ankles. The plastic feels brittle and light. It looks okay from the front.
The back tells another story. The screw holes could use plugs to make it look more pleasing but this toy probably wasn't design for nudity. It seems like it has double-jointed knees making it kneel nicely but no. It has one hinge on the knee but the back of the upper leg has a groove. I thought it was ingenious although the sculpt could be made more smooth.
The doll is good looking. There is enough articulation to make it look like the doll is a model who knows how to work it.
The doll also came with playscale money and I thought of using it for a literal money shot.
I may have enough fun taking pictures of this doll but I don't think I'll be buying anymore.
It came with a lot of props but there's nothing interesting for me, except for the two extra pair of hands. No doll stand was included. The first thing that made me think of not buying this is the skin tone. It's grayish.
There are other variants, although I only saw three. There are no other ethnicity available. I picked this one because I thought it came with beige footwear. I later found out that it's black haphazardly painted with beige for a distressed look. The paint left a sticky feel.
This body isn't versatile. There aren't many heads that can be compatible with this body. Making this figure stand is also a challenge. It has loose joints at the knees and ankles. The plastic feels brittle and light. It looks okay from the front.
The back tells another story. The screw holes could use plugs to make it look more pleasing but this toy probably wasn't design for nudity. It seems like it has double-jointed knees making it kneel nicely but no. It has one hinge on the knee but the back of the upper leg has a groove. I thought it was ingenious although the sculpt could be made more smooth.
The doll is good looking. There is enough articulation to make it look like the doll is a model who knows how to work it.
The doll also came with playscale money and I thought of using it for a literal money shot.
I may have enough fun taking pictures of this doll but I don't think I'll be buying anymore.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Clone Marvel Universe Thanos
Thanks to Hasbro, clone manufacturers realized that toys with poor articulation can sell, especially for the 4-inch line. Clones of the Marvel Universe action dolls are being sold for half the current price of the poorly articulated ones, like the 4-inch Age of Ultron line. I have seen clones of Hawkeye, Nick Fury (both the black and white) and Black Widow. I passed up on them because I already have the Hasbro version (except for the shouting white Nick Fury). I bought this clone Thanos, though.
It has poor articulation. For the price of about US$4.50, it's a good deal, especially for a non-Thanos fan like me. He'll just be used a few times and then stored, anyway. It's impractical to buy from the secondary market with their unreasonable price. Plus, there probably will be a movie version of the character later on. We can just wait for that, right?
It's easy to take apart but it's a little hard to put back together. I won't be taking it apart anytime soon.
Here's a comparison picture with the Juggernaut.
With the Hasbro 4-inch line going away (although Hasbro is denying it), it's good that clone manufacturers are ready to take their place.
It has poor articulation. For the price of about US$4.50, it's a good deal, especially for a non-Thanos fan like me. He'll just be used a few times and then stored, anyway. It's impractical to buy from the secondary market with their unreasonable price. Plus, there probably will be a movie version of the character later on. We can just wait for that, right?
It's easy to take apart but it's a little hard to put back together. I won't be taking it apart anytime soon.
Here's a comparison picture with the Juggernaut.
With the Hasbro 4-inch line going away (although Hasbro is denying it), it's good that clone manufacturers are ready to take their place.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Token Blonde Barbie
Since the Fashionista line came out, I have been throwing out blonde playline Barbie heads. I have head molds identified with Barbie (the character) but none are blonde, except for one which I have styled with a big bun limiting its versatility. I know that if I have to pick a mold for a current quintessential Barbie, I'll pick this 2010 closed mouth head mold. I had to repaint it, of course. I have to balance the Barbie-ness with my taste. That means a little less perky, less makeup, but still Stepford material.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
The Tale of Two Sales
I'd like to think that if the head is okay, chances are, the limbs are okay as well. In the big picture, Hasbro is doing well while Mattel sales are still low. I wonder how the local distributors of these brands are doing.
Playkit is the local distributor of Hasbro while Richwell is for Mattel. Recently, both distributors offered discounts on some of their older products. Most of the discounted products were release internationally in the middle of 2013. That was two years ago. Toys arrive locally late compared to other countries. The rainbow Barbie Fashionita arrived at the local toy shelves at the end of 2013. Playkit was rumored to have issues with the local customs. The Marvel Universe figures came later, in the middle of 2014.
The big discount made me buy another item for full price, as a form of gratitude.
Even if the rainbow Fashionista doll have been in the local toy shelves longer than the Marvel Universe figures, the later are being offered with a larger discount (over 60%). The former has a measly 30% discount.
Playkit maybe the smaller company of the two local distributors. I'm saying this because Playkit doesn't even have its own official site outside FB. I'm also guessing that unlike Richwell, Playkit doesn't have enough budget to pay for shelf space for an extend time. That is why they have to drastically lower the price because everything must go, to save on shelf space expense.
Playkit maybe the smaller company of the two local distributors. I'm saying this because Playkit doesn't even have its own official site outside FB. I'm also guessing that unlike Richwell, Playkit doesn't have enough budget to pay for shelf space for an extend time. That is why they have to drastically lower the price because everything must go, to save on shelf space expense.
I didn't really need all the discounted toys I bought. I got them for parts, to be used in future custom projects. Discounts are about making people buy things they don't really need. If they truly needed the product, it would easily disappear from the shelves, no discounts needed to motivate the buyers. But Playkit also made me buy another item at its original price. I was trying to wait for it to be discounted before I get it but then the other items were being discounted. The illusion that I got big savings (from the discounted items I don't need... yet) made me think that it's okay to buy another at full price. It's something Richwell wasn't able to do, because in my mind, the savings were too little.
Hasbro is doing well compared to Mattel. I'd like to think that the local distributor's success contributed to the international brand's success. I can't be sure which local distributor (Playkit or Richwell) is doing better, but I'm sure a lot of my toy fund has been going to Playkit lately.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Ant-man
It's okay, I guess. When the highlight of the movie is cameo of another character, what other compliment is more appropriate?
The best part of the movie is the appearance of Falcon and the fight scene between him and Ant-man. Of course, the lead character of the movie wins. This movie is all about making the viewers like Ant-man after all. Had Ant-man been a stand-alone movie with no tie-up to the Avengers, it would have been a flop. With the help of the Avengers, it has been doing okay in the box office, although it's still one of the lowest earning Marvel movies.
That fight scene made me take my Falcon doll out of storage and re-enact the scene. I don't have the movie version of the Ant-man doll but the red suit (of the comics version) makes the small figure pop out.
I'm still on the fence about buying the 4-inch doll of the movie version Ant-man. I don't like the giant ant it is packed with. It's bigger than the doll so it probably the main contributor for the high price. I'm expecting the Ant-man doll to be re-issued along with the toys for the upcoming Marvel movies like Captain America: Civil War or the third Avengers movie. I may have to wait until then. There is no rush. It's not like there are other good scenes in the Ant-man movie to re-enact with toys, right?
Monday, July 20, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron All Star 3.75-inch Scarlet Witch
I love-hate this action doll. There is no other movie Scarlet Witch action doll in this scale, so there.
I'm looking forward to Hasbro's quarterly sales report. A lot of people who liked the 4-inch action dolls have been ranting and cutting their purchases. I don't know how this reaction affects Hasbro. We'll see.
*You're not even two-faced...grrrr!!!
At least, I didn't have to make my own. Her look is temporary, anyways. She'll have a new look in her next movie. I hope she gets a better action doll in this scale by then.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
A broke girl in the making
Barbie sales is still falling but it is no surprise, really. All that fluff about diversity, well... it wasn't as successful as planned. Barbie is really a big problem for Mattel now. I wonder how low the sales have to drop before they drop the doll from their roster of toys so they won't go broke.
I'm not worried about the end of Barbie. Some other doll will emerge eventually. Plus, sometimes I think I have enough dolls already. I have too many dolls that I plan to customize and they keep on piling. These days, it's hard to find a Barbie doll that's acceptable as is.
It's hard to be inspired to work on a doll these days. Like this Max Black (2 Broke Girls) doll I'm making. I kinda like her now but she needs more work.
I know it's ironic to take a character like Max Black who is so unlike Barbie in every sense and turn her into a Barbie size doll but then she has a friend who is like Barbie so I guess it's okay to make her a Barbie-friend doll.
I'm not worried about the end of Barbie. Some other doll will emerge eventually. Plus, sometimes I think I have enough dolls already. I have too many dolls that I plan to customize and they keep on piling. These days, it's hard to find a Barbie doll that's acceptable as is.
It's hard to be inspired to work on a doll these days. Like this Max Black (2 Broke Girls) doll I'm making. I kinda like her now but she needs more work.
I know it's ironic to take a character like Max Black who is so unlike Barbie in every sense and turn her into a Barbie size doll but then she has a friend who is like Barbie so I guess it's okay to make her a Barbie-friend doll.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Enlighten (No 128) Police Riot Tracking Truck
I wanted a trailer truck that can hide a control room and a motorbike for a vigilante character I have in mind. I was willing to build it from multiple sets but I was lucky enough to stumble upon this Enlighten set. It is what I had in mind, except for the color scheme and the "police" prints. I was hoping they would just be stickers that I'll just keep unused. Sadly, there are no stickers. All the prints are printed on plastic.
Enlighten is one of the better bootlego brands although I can't be sure if they are indeed bootlegs. Lego's patent for the toy brick design has expired years ago and I don't think you can patent a basic truck design. Sheng Yuan are bootlegs since they don't have licenses for the superhero characters. This set doesn't have that. Enlighten is also sold at major toy stores (making it look legit as reputable stores will avoid selling illegal items) while Sheng Yuan isn't.
Enlighten has a series of police sets. I have bought smaller Enlighten sets (not police) and I was satisfied with the quality so I was not worried about this set. I got this set for about US$10. It just has a pair of minor parts missing, a piece to make the smoke stack fit properly. No big deal.
Smoke stack with missing piece
I do like the printed pieces for the control room. I can also use it in the X-mansion's control room. The set came with a trike. I want cool vigilante motorbike instead. For now, I'll just keep it in the trailer.
The truck will be modified later on. The objective is to make it look inconspicuous. I wanted this to be a mobile hideout for a vigilante so it shouldn't attract attention.
Front of the box
Enlighten is one of the better bootlego brands although I can't be sure if they are indeed bootlegs. Lego's patent for the toy brick design has expired years ago and I don't think you can patent a basic truck design. Sheng Yuan are bootlegs since they don't have licenses for the superhero characters. This set doesn't have that. Enlighten is also sold at major toy stores (making it look legit as reputable stores will avoid selling illegal items) while Sheng Yuan isn't.
Back of the box
Enlighten has a series of police sets. I have bought smaller Enlighten sets (not police) and I was satisfied with the quality so I was not worried about this set. I got this set for about US$10. It just has a pair of minor parts missing, a piece to make the smoke stack fit properly. No big deal.
Smoke stack with missing pieceI do like the printed pieces for the control room. I can also use it in the X-mansion's control room. The set came with a trike. I want cool vigilante motorbike instead. For now, I'll just keep it in the trailer.
The truck will be modified later on. The objective is to make it look inconspicuous. I wanted this to be a mobile hideout for a vigilante so it shouldn't attract attention.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Lele Sentinel (No 78087B)
The box could have been smaller by half. There were no extra piece except for Magneto's hand.
Lele is not as popular as Sheng Yuan (SY) with bootlego collectors because of the quality. There some leftover plastic flash in some pieces. The printed lines are bold compared to SY's. The triangles on the chest is a little off-center. The pieces are also a little darker in Lele's.
Guess which is which.
Since Lele is the only one offering a stand-alone (without the Blackbird) Sentinel, it's a practical choice when building a Sentinel army.It cost for PhP150 in Cubao. I'm guessing this will be about PhP75 in Divisoria.
Back of the box shows an image from an X-men movie.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Bootlegos are more fun than Hasbro's 2.5-inch Avengers
The Avengers is a team and having members missing doesn't make the team as strong. Hasbro left out some characters in their 2.5-inch line so you really can't complete the team. It's a depreciative response to the "Avengers, assemble" battle cry. Way to go, Hasbro, for teaching teamwork!
That is not a problem with bootlegos and the minifigs have better articulation than Hasbro's 2.5-inch line. And of course, you can complete even the supporting characters. I still have to find a Falcon and War Machine minifig.
Bootlegos also have better playsets than Hasbro's 2.5-inch line. The former allows the child/adult to be imaginative by giving the person the opportunity to redesign the set.
The best thing about bootlegos is the price. If you had it with big toy companies increasing their prices while lowering the quality, make a statement by not buying their products. Buy something else instead, something worth your pennies. Buying bootlegos is one hell of a statement.
I may not be able to protect the world from increasing toy prices, you can be damned sure I'll avenge it.
The Avengers minifigs which are mainly from Sheng Yuan SY275 and SY276
That is not a problem with bootlegos and the minifigs have better articulation than Hasbro's 2.5-inch line. And of course, you can complete even the supporting characters. I still have to find a Falcon and War Machine minifig.
Bootlegos also have better playsets than Hasbro's 2.5-inch line. The former allows the child/adult to be imaginative by giving the person the opportunity to redesign the set.
The best thing about bootlegos is the price. If you had it with big toy companies increasing their prices while lowering the quality, make a statement by not buying their products. Buy something else instead, something worth your pennies. Buying bootlegos is one hell of a statement.
I may not be able to protect the world from increasing toy prices, you can be damned sure I'll avenge it.
Friday, July 10, 2015
It's my fault
I think I may have contributed to the increase in the prices of Barbie dolls. Let me explain.
I'm from the Philippines and the salary here is lower compared to developed countries. Yes, the cost of living here is lower so it seems to balance out. That means we get stuff (rent, food, Spotify etc.) for a lower price. The weird things is we get Barbie for a much higher price. (I collect toys from another line but the price difference is little.)
If a low-income (compared to the rest of the world) person is willing to pay more for a doll, why can't people with higher income, right?
Oh, it's not because of the shipping cost that makes us pay more. We're closer to China (where Barbie dolls are made) so shipping should be cheaper. We're just being used as a test market (along with other countries) for the rest of the world.
From time to time, Mattel increases the price to check if people will still buy. They say that it's because of the increase in the cost of production. Do we believe them? It doesn't matter as long as people are always willing to pay more, like the people in my country.
I'm from the Philippines and the salary here is lower compared to developed countries. Yes, the cost of living here is lower so it seems to balance out. That means we get stuff (rent, food, Spotify etc.) for a lower price. The weird things is we get Barbie for a much higher price. (I collect toys from another line but the price difference is little.)
If a low-income (compared to the rest of the world) person is willing to pay more for a doll, why can't people with higher income, right?
Oh, it's not because of the shipping cost that makes us pay more. We're closer to China (where Barbie dolls are made) so shipping should be cheaper. We're just being used as a test market (along with other countries) for the rest of the world.
From time to time, Mattel increases the price to check if people will still buy. They say that it's because of the increase in the cost of production. Do we believe them? It doesn't matter as long as people are always willing to pay more, like the people in my country.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Sheng Yuan (no. SY357) The Hulk Buster Smash
This is a bootleg copy of Lego No 76031 The Hulk Buster Smash. I got the bootleg set for US$6.20 (PhP280) at Divisoria. Others sell it for US$8.90 up to US$13.30. It all depends on how skilled you are at bargain hunting.
front of the box
The Lele version is also available locally but based on previous
releases, Sheng Yuan is more consistent in quality. I was supposed to get
two Hulk Buster sets but I decided to wait for another trusted brand, Decool's version.
back of the box
Unlike in a Youtube video I saw, mine didn't come with a box tray. Instead, every piece was in a big resealable plastic bag. Two pieces were loose inside the big bag while the rest were secured in smaller sealed bags. It made me worried about missing pieces. Luckily, the set is complete.
There are some confusing instructions. An example is shown in the scanned copy below. One is supposed to get 3 of the piece illustrated at the top left corner and attached it to the assembly as shown. The assembly shows only one piece attached.
Of course, it came with the cute minifigs. Here is Scarlet Witch and Ultron reenacting a scene from the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. Everything is just cute but Ultron could be bigger and look more menacing.
I'm glad I didn't get the big Hulkbuster figure. This version of the Hulkbuster is more fun. You can place an Iron Man minifig inside, just like in the movies.
Yes, I know this is a bootleg set. It violates copyright laws but then again I don't know if the same laws apply to the country where it is from. Maybe they don't apply. The situation seems threatening, right? Let's just see what the Avengers will do about that.
And by the way, there are no Avengers.
And by the way, there are no Avengers.
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