Hi all! The Japanese toy company Sentinel has announced the upcoming release of a series of Tatsunoko Hero Fighting Gear action figures. The first figure in the series is going to be Hurricane Polymer, but the ads from Sentinel indicate that future figures will be of Ken, Joe, and Casshan. These figures, standing approximately 7" tall, are highly articulated, allowing them to hold pretty much any pose you can imagine. The figures will all include a light in their chest that allows their chest emblems to light up. The figures aren't cheap, retailing at 8,424 apiece (A bit over $71.00 at current exchange rates). Hurricane Polymer will be released in January, but no release date beyond "2015" has been given for the other figures. Sentinel's webpage for the Hurricane Polymer figure, along with numerous photos of the figure in various poses, can be found here: http://sen-ti-nel.co.jp/product-about/15_tatsunoko/product-about15_001.html The ad for the Ken, Joe, and Casshan figures can be seen here: James

That's a cool idea! I love anything that lights up...and having a light up Ken and Joe would be icing on the cake!

I wish I had a few bestsellers under my belt. That way, I could do more than just drool at the pictures of such goodies! But at least they're good pictures. Thank you, James!

Oooh new toys!

ahhhh, what a night light that would be...

Woo....I can't find Ken and Joe at above link yet... Want to see the product soon!

Looks nice! I am excited to see the actual Ken/Joe figures.

Hi all, Just in case you're interested, here is an English link for the Hurricane Polymer toy: http://www.sentinel-toys.com/catalog/info.php?target=products_detail&products_id=167&language=en You can also order the figure (and the Gatchaman ones in the future, I'm sure) from Hobbylink Japan: http://www.hlj.com/product/SET88216/Act The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

Ooh thanks for the link, I was wondering where I'd get 'em

Thanks for posting the English links, Jason!

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I'd definitely try to get it replaced if just to get their attention so they'll address it in future versions. Thanks for the report! Excitedly waiting to see the design of G-1 and G2.

Sounds great! Hope they replace it for you...can't wait to see how Ken and Joe turn out!

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Hi all! I'm not at all sure I approve of their decision to revamp their Bird Styles so that they look like they're wearing body armor. I know that this is likely because they're using body pieces that are standard for the entire line, and I know that this a popular design choice these days, but I prefer the sleek simplicity of their proper, original look. Oh, well. Maybe they'll look better when they're colored. It should also be noted that the Sentinel booth at Wonderfest was selling two different show exclusive versions of the Hurricane Polymer -- a metallic variant and a black variant (You can see a little of the metallic Polymer behind Joe). It is quite possible that they'll do something similar with Ken and Joe for the Wonderfest this summer. My poor wallet cringes at the mere thought of it... James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan My poor wallet cringes at the mere thought of it...

*sigh!* You're not alone there, James! (If only there was some way to win the PowerBall drawing without actually buying a ticket...)

Those look terrific! Thanks so much for posting the picture, Jason! I am very excited to see what these look like once they are completed.

Nice! I'd love to see the finished product, too! I agree...they are a bit armor-y, but maybe it will be better when they are painted (and hopefully the paint won't come off)...

I'm cautiously optimistic. Maybe if they're prototypes they'll be more sleek when they come out, but maybe not. Still, I'll be getting them, I'm sure! Wonder (hah) if I know anyone will be at Wonderfest this summer. (Which Wonderfest location would this be? Also in Japan?)

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It's such a shame that they didn't fix the paint issues, but the figure looks nice! It would make a great night light...LOL! Thanks for all of the great details, Jason!

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Oops, posted it in the wrong thread ...

Originally posted by The Other Jason I forgot to mention, but there are some sharp, pointy bits on the figure, so watch your fingers if you try to pop pieces on and off. I do like the looks of their faces, yes. I didn't take a good picture of the G-1 face though. From what I've seen of the G-2, he seems to have the right attitude.

PS By the way, I love your book collection! Sooooo nice!

Thanks! I'll take pictures of the other shelves if you want. That's only a small portion of my books. They're my big love so I go out of my way to get as many as I can find and afford.

Hola Jason....the other, I will take in count what you are saying but knowing me, I will play with the figure for a while before placing it back to the box. Please share the face, as I mention it's the best feature! For sure the rest would love to see them! Also, please please share your books. I'm collecting them now and I love the ones I have......even though mine are second hand they looked brand new. I always wander if Japanese read their books with gloves? Hmmmm

Since Jason's posted a bunch of pics already I'll post a link to all of mine, and the pictures I took of his face as well. Here's all of my pics of my new Ken. Here's my better pic of his face:

Hi all, Thanks ChrisW! I really should have taken pictures of the box and the figure's face. But now I don't have to worry. Best, The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

As for commentary, I haven't had the guts to take off his helmet yet. I'm not sure it's possible. (I'm always afraid of breaking things since I can be a bit of a bull in a china shop.) When I was posing one of his arms I managed to tear it off at the shoulder. That gave me a fright. Managed to get it back on. Haven't had issues with the waist coming apart but I was trying my best to be careful. This is my first figure of this kind so I don't have any comparisons against other articulated figures. I do love the detail in his face. The blue eyes and the little lock of hair are great. I don't notice any paint damage on mine as yet. It may not be as noticeable in white, might be more noticeable on Joe. I'm half tempted to paint the underside of his cape red and his wrist joints blue but that seems like just asking for trouble. (I gave in and got a MIB one too so I have a pristine one, so that makes me a little more willing to play.)

Originally posted by The Other Jason Thanks ChrisW! I really should have taken pictures of the box and the figure's face. But now I don't have to worry. Best, The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

I try to be thorough. It'll be fun to see how everyone poses theirs! I tried for an action pose.

Thanks for the thorough review, Jason, and for the pictures, Jason and Chris! It's great to see the figure in such detail. I'm not sure this is something I will be getting, but if I do, I'll know to never take it out of the box! I have plenty of broken Diamond Select BOTP action figures to attest to the fact that toys don't often make it out intact in my house. Jason, I can see what you mean about the joints. That would bother me too. It's not just the little screw holes, but it looks like Ken's ankles and wrists are white, instead of blue! I appreciate the chance to examine the figures closely. Thanks again!

Hola! Thank you so much Chris and Jason for the photos.....can't wait for mine and as TJ mention, most probably mine will be eternally in its box as I'm not very keen in displaying unless is in a proper case like in Chris photos. I love Joe's face and I think Ken's reflects much of his features too!

I'm a little insane and after intending only to get 1 of each, I ended up ordering 2 of each, so I could take one out and leave the other pristine. It's rare I get a chance to get something when it originally comes out so I ended up deciding to enjoy that. Better spent on that than on drugs or something, right? Right???

This is purely an educated guess, but I'm betting the joint thing was a cheapness decision. They could use the already cast white joints that match any of the figures, or they could cast new joints in blue that will only match the Ken figure for a higher cost (fewer to cast at once) and with perhaps some waste if they don't use all of them, or shortage if they don't cast enough. If paint comes off other parts of the figure body then I suspect that paint wouldn't last long at all on the joints. Kind of reminds me of the blue boxed 12" Mark and Jason where the company had changed the doll body model but didn't change their suits accordingly, so they've got baggy suits. *sigh*

Originally posted by ChrisW I'm a little insane and after intending only to get 1 of each, I ended up ordering 2 of each, so I could take one out and leave the other pristine. It's rare I get a chance to get something when it originally comes out so I ended up deciding to enjoy that. Better spent on that than on drugs or something, right? Right???

I guess it depends on what your "something" is, Chris!

With me the other something would probably involve a lot of sugar, which is bad, since I'm diabetic.

Sigh, now i'm thinking i should have gotten them as well. CW-i know people addicted to cigarrettes who spend thousands of dollars on something that is killing them in comparision to that spending a couple hundred on something you enjoy that hurts no one is a bargain.--- getting off soap box and stopping thread hijack now!

Hobby Link Japan seems to have extras in stock: The Eagle at HLJ

Hi all, I have a small update to my earlier review. Unfortunately it's not good. I decided to try to pose my G-1 figure a little more and simply moving it around scraped off more paint on the back side of the torso and on the upper edge of the waist piece in the same area. I've noticed the torso sits at a slight diagonal angle, when viewed from the front, that I can't straighten up. It was while trying to straighten it that the additional paint scratching happened. I'm very careful with the things I own; I didn't do anything out of the ordinary like forcing it or jamming pieces together or anything like that. If that wasn't enough, I found out the knee pads/armor/whatever aren't meant to come off. Oh, they'll break off just fine, but they're not meant to be removed. I snagged my sleeve on one of them as I was posing it and *snap!* off it popped. Thankfully it's the type of plastic that works with instant/super glue. Nedless to say, the continued paint problem has kind of soured me on the figure. So much so that I've done something I almost never do as a collector (and especially a Battle/Gatchaman collector) and cancelled my order for the G-2. Yes, the belt still covers the damage, but that's not the point for me. I've gotten two figures with what I consider to be a manufacturing problem and I don't think I want to spend upward of $90 getting the G-2 with this much potential for the same issue. So, strike two - there won't be a strike three for me. If any of you got the G-1, I'm curious to hear if you have any problems. I saw CW say her paint was okay and I hope it stays that way! Best, The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

Jason, I did get the G1, but I didn't remove him from the box, so unfortunately I can't comment on the paint issue. What a shame about the figures though--really disappointing. Didn't you say you contacted the manufacturer when you had the issue with the Hurricane Figure? I'd write to them again, telling them you had the same issue with the G1 figure and that you cancelled your other order. In all honesty they probably won't care, but at least you let them know you weren't satisfied with their product.

Hola! I got my G1 already and after reading about all the problems you all got with it, I decided to leave it in the box. Definitely I will do the same when Joe arrives. Funny, when I bought it, I thought it would be really nice because of today's technology but looking at all the setbacks, it seems that quality and good design is not longer there. Recently, I got Gatchaman figure for the 50th anniversary (not sure which one) and it was a very nice big one with amazing details. Well, modern times not necessarily mean best quality!

Jason, with your cred, I wonder if it's worth contacting Tatsunoko themselves to complain about the issues with the figures. It also damages their brand. I agree with Redbird that it could be worth contacting the manufacturer to tell them as well. Point out all the work you've done on the series. I'm kind of afraid to go look at my figure. I hadn't noticed any paint issues and I haven't tried to re-pose him since I got him in the jumping pose I wanted.

I'm very sorry to hear this Jason. I hope that the feedback you give to the company helps them put out better products in the future!

Hi all,

Originally posted by Redbird What a shame about the figures though--really disappointing. Didn't you say you contacted the manufacturer when you had the issue with the Hurricane Figure? I'd write to them again, telling them you had the same issue with the G1 figure and that you cancelled your other order. In all honesty they probably won't care, but at least you let them know you weren't satisfied with their product.

Yes I did and I was lucky they sent out a replacement. I have checked to see if I can get a replacement for the G-1, but I haven't gotten a response yet. I don't know if it will happen or not since I had a slight argument the first time. They didn't consider it a "defect," rather damage caused by me. While technically correct, I don't think I did anything out of the ordinary with the figure by moving it around normally. Sure, if I tried to get Polymer to fly by throwing him 30 yards to land on the pavement in the middle of my street, then that damage would have been my fault. So I'll see if I can get another replacement.

Originally posted by ChrisW Jason, with your cred, I wonder if it's worth contacting Tatsunoko themselves to complain about the issues with the figures. It also damages their brand. I agree with Redbird that it could be worth contacting the manufacturer to tell them as well. Point out all the work you've done on the series.

I could, but it's not really proper in my position to do that. I don't deal directly with their domestic licensing department. So I wouldn't criticize this any more than I'd offer my thoughts to them about Gatchaman Crowds without being asked. If anyone at the studio happens to ask me directly about these figures, then yeah, I'll tell them my impressions. Heh, I'm afraid Sentinel wouldn't care one bit about anything I've done with Tatsunoko. But I have written a polite note to them about the scratching. I'll let you know if I hear anything back. It will be interesting to hear if they've gotten other complaints - if they tell me. The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

Definitely interested to hear!

Originally posted by ChrisW Definitely interested to hear!

Yes, please do keep us in the loop Jason.

Okay, I got my 2 Joes and unboxed one of them. For those who want to run straight to the pics, you can find them here. Here's the pic where he's got his gun and his feather and I've tried to give him a cool pose like one of the promo pictures: So far I'm not noticing any paint scraping but I haven't messed around with him a lot. Was a little challenging to get the gun on the holster and the hand attachments are really tight but I got one of them changed. Took one of the pics for Jason to show that they seem to have decided to make the wrist ball joints the color of the main body again. I can see they did the same with the ankle ones, though it's not as obvious. I wish they came with a set of pictures showing the cool poses, fortunately I save the ones I see in the promo materials! There's one where he has his feather in his mouth and I can't figure out how they did that one. With the angle it's at they may have taped it or something and were avoiding letting us see the tape. Getting the feather to stay in his hand (or Ken's boomerang to stay in his) means putting them somewhere where they won't be bumped. If anyone has any questions or wants to see him from another angle or something lemme know.

I just want to know what he's planning to do with his right hand LOL Ok, I'll admit I'm a bit jealous too

Here's the boys together, I've changed Ken's pose: I don't want to make anyone feel bad with posting this stuff. :/

LOL, KT! Thanks for sharing your pics with us, Chris! They look great! Hope you enjoy them!

Thank you Chris for sharing! Mine is on his way......the condor flying to Malaysia uhhhhh.....can't wait to look at it!

They look terrific! Thanks for sharing the pics, Chris!

Maybe Ken is lecturing him so Joe is making a rude gesture.

Hi all! As speculated, Sentinel is indeed producing variant versions of Ken and Joe to be released as exclusives for Comic Market, which will be held in Tokyo on December 29~31. Ken will come in a pearl colored version. More images can be seen here: http://www.sentinel-toys.com/catalog/info.php?target=products_detail&products_id=265 Joe will come in a black colored version. More images can be seen here: http://www.sentinel-toys.com/catalog/info.php?target=products_detail&products_id=266 The figures will be sold for 8,424 yen each. While they will only be officially sold at Comic Market, you'll certainly be able to find them being resold on eBay and Yahoo! Japan Auctions after the event. There's already one eBay seller from Hong Kong who is offering them for sale, which leads me to believe that he "found" them when they "fell off a truck." *Ahem* James

Thanks for the extra info, I'd seen the pics but not the prices. That seller also might be selling them on speculation with the assumption that he'll get ahold of some. I hope the Ken is cooler in person than in the picture. The Joe in black is really cool and the Ken is kind of boring. However, I really like my pearl finish Mark so maybe Ken's just hard to photograph.

Ohhhh.....I'm really liking that Joe!

Those do look cool! I'm not really tempted by inflated prices via Japanese resellers, but if they brought those over to SDCC, I think I know where I'd be heading on Preview Night.

Hi all!

Originally posted by ChrisWThat seller also might be selling them on speculation with the assumption that he'll get ahold of some.

It's possible, but I'm assuming otherwise because the seller said that he already had them "...in stock and ready to ship," and because he lives in Hong Kong, where these are manufactured. It's no secret that collectibles like these frequently make the short walk from Hong Kong factories to somebody's car trunk and then appear on eBay weeks before their official release through proper channels. That's what I'm assuming happened here. James

I'm guessing you mean Matrix King on eBay, huh? Guess I shouldn't buy from him?

Hi all!

Originally posted by ChrisW I'm guessing you mean Matrix King on eBay, huh? Guess I shouldn't buy from him?

The seller I saw listing them was kcmanhk, but the listings have ended. If you wished, you could write to him and see if he has more. Or you can wait until someone else lists them. I'll leave the decision of whether or not you want to get them and who you wish to get them through to you. And my comments about items making their way from factories to eBay via 'unconventional' routes was not in reference to any specific seller. I'm simply saying that there are plenty of Hong Kong based sellers that take advantage of that particular method, and seeing items like these being sold from Hong Kong before their official release is quite common. James

The specific seller I saw still has them. Just pondering the ethics implications in my usual overthinking manner. Funny, I'd assumed with the original versions of these figures that the listings I saw ahead of time were speculative listings for people who had pre-ordered. Maybe they were the same thing?

Okay, I've calmed down, I can wait.

Hi all, Just a quick note to let you know the special colored versions of the Gatchaman Fighting Gear figures from Sentinel are likely to be the last in the line. A friend of mine spoke with one of their representatives at a licensing trade show in Japan recently and was told they were probably not going to do any more Gatchaman figures. I have had my issues with the toys, but in one way I was hopeful they were at least going to complete the team. Sure, Ken and Joe shared mostly the same body parts so they were more economical to take on. But every other figure in the line requirers original parts, so why not tackle Jun, Jinpei and Ryu? They made a Muteking figure for goodness' sake and I have to imagine a Jun would easily outsell him. Things may change, but for now it looks like the end of the Gatchaman characters. Other than CW, has anyone else here gotten any of the versions of the Ken and Joe Fighting Gear figures? How about any of the other Tatsunoko characters in the line? If so, how did you like them? Best, Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

Aw that's really too bad. :/

While disappointing, this isn't surprising to me. I'm sure they don't want to invest in completely different body molds for Jun, Jinpei and Ryu.

Originally posted by The Other Jason Just a quick note to let you know the special colored versions of the Gatchaman Fighting Gear figures from Sentinel are likely to be the last in the line. Other than CW, has anyone else here gotten any of the versions of the Ken and Joe Fighting Gear figures? How about any of the other Tatsunoko characters in the line? If so, how did you like them?

Hi Jason, I have all four of the Gatchaman figures. The regular Ken and Joe, and the special edition ones. I didn't take them out of the boxes, but they do seem like they would break easily if you're not careful with them. I also wish they were bigger. I do like the fact that while they used the same body molds for them, that their faces (from what I can see) are different from each other. Overall I like the figures except for what I mentioned above.

Hi Redbird,

Originally posted by Redbird

Originally posted by The Other Jason Just a quick note to let you know the special colored versions of the Gatchaman Fighting Gear figures from Sentinel are likely to be the last in the line. Other than CW, has anyone else here gotten any of the versions of the Ken and Joe Fighting Gear figures? How about any of the other Tatsunoko characters in the line? If so, how did you like them?

Hi Jason, I have all four of the Gatchaman figures. The regular Ken and Joe, and the special edition ones. I didn't take them out of the boxes, but they do seem like they would break easily if you're not careful with them. I also wish they were bigger. I do like the fact that while they used the same body molds for them, that their faces (from what I can see) are different from each other. Overall I like the figures except for what I mentioned above.

Ha ha, from my experiences the boxes may be the best places for them. You're right, the faces are different and certain parts can break easily. Thanks for letting me know your thoughts about them. You may want to remove them from their boxes at some point though. They shipped with LR41 batteries installed for the chest lights and there's a chance they could leak over time. If you take them out, watch out for pointy bits on the figures! They're not my favorite representations of Ken and Joe (I only bought the Ken and received the Joe as a gift to review), but I probably would have felt compelled to buy the other three if they went ahead with them. The Other Jason www.battleoftheplanets.info

Hrm, so keeping them mint in box is asking for disaster later? That sucks ...

Hmm. You have a good point Jason. Actually, the thought about the batteries did cross my mind when I first got them. Thank you for the reminder! Will probably take them out too.

Hi Redbird,

Originally posted by Redbird Hmm. You have a good point Jason. Actually, the thought about the batteries did cross my mind when I first got them. Thank you for the reminder! Will probably take them out too.

Batteries are great to have in things you want to open. But as a collector who wants to keep certain things in packages, I kind of miss the "batteries not included" days. I flipped the switch on my Ken yesterday and his light started flickering. Time to replace his batteries already and I've barely ever had him on. The flickering is kind of neat though. The Other Jason (takes two 9 volts, not included) www.battleoftheplanets.info

Gonna have to open up mine and remove them as well, then.