Of Micronauts and Men

Update April, 2007

2007-04-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm back again, and still at it with this Microman thing. This time around, I'm featuring the photography of my friend Oscar, as he came over my house one day with his sweet camera...most of these pictures were taken with minimal lighting. He's responsible for all of the photos up to and including 'Air Defense Unit' and you can see more of his stuff (non-micro) at www.flickr.com/photos/oscarchabebe

Once again, thanks for looking!
mot

Master Spy

2007-04-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

My buddy Jeff says she looks like a bumble bee, so I think I'm going to do her up like one at some point...
Oscar "Hands in the pants? I can do that!"lol!!

Titan Commander

2007-04-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

I finally found this pirate chick at Mandarake and liked her so much I built this stand for her from a Galactic Cruiser and put her in charge of the West Colony (That is, the westernmost portion of my room). I've renamed her 'Titan Commander' as I figure she has some kind of special bonus when it comes to commanding large robots...

Untitled

2007-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I still haven't figured out this guy's role, but I have taken him out of storage and sent him to the colony...

Assault Lifter

2007-04-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

I think I may have mentioned this before, but this is basically a Han Solo jet-pack thing with two Armored Core arms and a Lego-joint for a missle launcher-type thing. Oscar helped with the development by giving some ideas that otherwise might not have occured to me...

Seargent Major

2007-04-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

This quirky little kitbash is in charge of the outpost's air defense...

More Acro Circut Ranger

2007-04-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Those who have been following this blog will remember this one probably. Oscar and I were just running out of stuff and still wanted to take a few more pictures...

Air Defense Unit

2007-04-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is just a Star Wars gun painted nice...

Alpha Centurian

2007-04-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

As of this moment, that's this guy's official name. He serves as the Field Marshall for the colonists...

More Titan Commander

2007-04-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a few more shots of what I consider to be my coolest custom yet(which is only the stand)...

Gyro Coptor

2007-04-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

I think that is what I'm calling it. It didn't come out as well as I hoped and so I gave up in the middle. Maybe one day I'll work on it again, but as it is, it's done for me.

More Mandarake Kitbashing

2007-04-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been making trips to Mandarake to try to find cheap kits to bash into my Microman collection. None of these kits cost more than a couple of bucks and they all have something cool. I figure it's more fun if it can be done on the cheap.

Mech Park-to-be

2007-04-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

This area is currently under development. It will be used as a base for a group of larger robots I am now building, which will be placed under Titan Command.

test

2007-04-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Ground Control to Major Tom...

WONDERFEST WINTER 2007

2007-02-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

Overall, not the best show I've been to, unfortuneately. I wasn't able to get much stuff at all this time. I made some mistakes, as well. For one thing, I don't like Transformers, but maybe I should have skipped the main hall and stood in line for this Takara exclusive. At least I could have made some money!
Still, fun!
enjoy the pictures!

2007-02-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

The first place I went and it was sold out. The sculpting is rough, but I like the design. I'd like to make one like this in 1/20 and I think I could maybe do it.

2007-02-25T21:23:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling that this is actually a kitbash rather that a full sculpt somehow.

2007-02-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a guy likes his legos...

2007-02-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

I picked up the first set here. I have a bunch of this guys stuff now, but I never put it together. The casting is a bit rough. He's consistant, though, and improving.

2007-02-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Disappointment...

2007-02-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Enari-san is such a genius, but what the heck is this supposed to be? I asked him, but couldn't understand what he meant. He still had some bikes and those little cars (of which I will turn into a helicopter-see below).

2007-02-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

Seems like a lot of guys build stuff up with clay. I want to try.

2007-02-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

The clear one wasn't for sale. Nice though! It's about 20 centimeters. The resin kit costs 10.000 yen. I passed. Not in scale!

2007-02-25T21:09:00.000-08:00

I like it. Didn't buy, though.

2007-02-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

This custom is outstanding! I think I might make a copy...same guy does the Acroyears below. I had more pics, but as I don't use flash, they came out like crap. I hate flash, though.

2007-02-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sold Out again! I really want to get like four of these things, customize with an Antron and make a Mercenary Ant Squad.

2007-02-25T21:00:00.001-08:00

sticker art

2007-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about getting into this genre for a while because if you want stuff like cruisers and destroyers, you have to go smaller. Especially if you live in an apartment!

2007-02-25T20:55:00.000-08:00

This guy always has cool stuff. I haven't bought any yet because I am intimidated by the paint jobs. Maybe one day, I'll get a little better and try!

2007-02-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

The only reason I did't buy this one was because the guy was saying it was some kind of character from a movie or anime series or something. I prefer original stuff if I can find it.

2007-02-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

I should have bought this. It would make a mean Battle Cruiser. It's about the same size, too. Damn.

2007-02-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

I think maybe this was sold at the last show. They had a picture of it in the ticket, anyway...

2007-02-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

After around 12:30, the place got pretty much taken over by cos-players. I think that whole thing is really catching on...

New Stuff

2007-02-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things I'm working on...

2007-02-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

2007-02-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Jeff and I had a little after hours party

UPDATE JAN 2007

2007-01-10T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, back again. I've been busy but I still have a micro scene going on over here. I had to clean out my camera for the next festival which is next month, so here you are. Please enjoy, unitl next time

mot

New Titan Speeder

2007-01-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

Check out this eye candy for vintage fans! I took a car model and worked it a little...

2007-01-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

2007-01-10T22:58:00.000-08:00

put the Beta wiings on the bug dude

Mechanized Artillery

2007-01-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

Don't worry about the stuff not being on right. It's only temporary. I think doing it this way will help me paint with more detail when I start hitting it with the airbrush.

2007-01-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

These pictures show progress as of a couple of weeks ago. I've been really taking my time.

2007-01-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

I'm greebling these machines with anything I can find...WonderFest parts, model tank parts, a Tron part, etc. They are being held on with plastic pins so that they can be removed when it comes time for painting.

BC cockpit

2007-01-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

Though intended for something else, I've decided to upgrade my battle cruiser twin-seater with these WF parts.

2007-01-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

2007-01-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

It's good to have a dremel 'cause then you can do stuff like cut out a nice hole for this ball joint here...

WF bike

2007-01-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

I got this last time and did it up. It was a pretty tough kit to get together but I liked it when I was through, so here ya go...

2007-01-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

2007-01-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

Wonderfest stuff

2007-01-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

from the Midget guy. This piece has a lot of potential...

Disney in Shibuya

2007-01-10T22:26:00.000-08:00

This is where you get Dysney stuff in Shibuya. I put the picture here to remind myself of something. I had to get back to one of the Embassy guys who was asking about that clear Predator guy. Well, I went looking for it, but couldn't find the shop again. This building is nearby, hence...I'll try again in Feb.

Rarity

2007-01-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

I don't think you'll find too many of these on ebay. I think it's called the 'Cosmo Countachi' or something like that. I was going to clean it up and had it out when my buddy Oscar noticed it and convinced me not to touch it. I put the picture here 'cause I don't think Paul has this on his site yet.

2007-01-10T22:22:00.000-08:00

Another view

2007-01-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the crap picture here, but you get the idea

Task Force Assets

2007-01-10T22:17:00.000-08:00

I'm still considering this force to be more defensive in nature, considering the short range fighter/bomber and the heavy but slow mech...

2007-01-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

You gotta love the detail they put into this thing. Expensive, and it cost me one girlfriend...she hated it so much she started a very public arguement...

test

2007-01-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

Finally worked! I think this guy is going to get promoted to field com- mander...

test

2007-01-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

text ok?

WONDERFEST SUMMER 2006

2006-08-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hi again, long time, no post. I went to Wonderfest yesterday and, as usual, I'm pretty tired from uploading all of these picures. The show was pretty cool, please enjoy the pictures and have a nice day!

mot

Takara-Tomy

2006-08-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

Let's see, they had a pretty small Micro display this time and I didn't see Abiko san. Nothing earth shattering in the display. I like the Cyborg Superman, though. Everything in there had been seen in Tomoyoshi's toy report at Microforever, so I didn't take any pictures. Once again, no exclusives. You'd think they could at least take a material force and put a sticker on him or something. Oh, well.

Story of my Life

2006-08-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Nice Diorama

2006-08-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know what the subject matter is, but I like it.

2006-08-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

2006-08-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

This was done by the guy who made that green bike a while back. I finally picked up one of those back after talking to him for a while. Nice guy.

2006-08-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

I initially passed this up, then later, I changed my mind and went back for it. It was gone. Nice little jet, but not in my scale. The cool thing about it was that it was sold assembled and painted. Not cheap, though! ($110)

Tac Air!

2006-08-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Nice little company here. If they expand this line a little, they might get me.

2006-08-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

I was thinking maybe this could be like a pilotless Acroyear drone or something of that sort. It was pretty expensive, at something like $150 for one, unpainted and unassembled.

2006-08-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

If I started collecting these, it would be all over. I mean, you can't just have a few attack helicopters. They need to support other units, which in turn need support and don't forget to build up reserves...

2006-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

This one is just about the right scale for Micros, but I passed as I figured it would be too difficult to rebuild with joints.

2006-08-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Scary!

WIP

2006-08-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

I've been tinkering with this guy for a while now.

2006-08-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Another view. I'm not sure if I've put this up. The head is from the last WF,

Samurai Diorama

2006-08-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

The figures are built on Material Force figures. I think I should have taken more pictures of this scene.

2006-08-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

The guy who made this says that he is going to sell the armor kits at the next WF. Hopefully, yes!

2006-08-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Er...those guys should not be standing on the tatami with those boots...

2006-08-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some custom parts by the guy that does those vintage-style material force updgrades if you remember.

2006-08-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here's a Lego spaceship. There were quite a few Lego pieces at this show.

Cool!

2006-08-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

I almost bought this and am now almost regretting the fact that I didn't as I already have a little infantry squad that would go perfect with it. But, looking at the amount of time I'd need to assemble it, and then paint...I had to pass. Bad ass, though, ne?

Something

2006-08-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

I've seen these at Mandarake (or something like them). I wouldn't buy them, but they look kind of interesting.

2006-08-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

The thing that caught my eye about this series was the fine detail of the equipment.

HEN!!!

2006-08-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Like I said, I don't collect 'em, I just respect the artistry!

Sorry if I ramble...

2006-08-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

It still amazes me to see so many parents with young children at these shows, all smiley and happily looking around. It reminds of a recent IHT front page that went something like 'Bush Puzzled by Anit-U.S Sentiment in Middle East'. If you don't see the connection, don't worry. I've been called 'esoteric', 'weird' and even once 'sophisticated'. Take your pick.

Aki would say this is sleazy

2006-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

You know, the white cotton panties, the garters...pretty imaginative, though, don't you think?

2006-08-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

I like the 'Galactic Warrior' chick to the right.

2006-08-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

This one is a little too dark.

Now, please keep in mind...

2006-08-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

I do not collect these kinds of figures. I sometimes admire the workmanship and enjoy presenting photos of what goes at the show so as to give a more complete feel of what actually goes on there. That said, I like the pose!

2006-08-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

I like the hair on this one

I told a friend about this

2006-08-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

and he wanted me to take a picture. I told him I would, but when it came time, I felt pretty shady. Maybe it's just me, but if the lady is going to let me take her picture, with her little costume, pouting...I mean, come on, I'll take your picture! So I couldn't do that. I took a picture of the scene, though.

I don't know...

2006-08-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't take a picture, but there was a little girl (like, 8 years old) with her mom dressed up like some kind of goth character striking poses for some 40-year old guy with mom looking on approvingly. I can't be one to judge, but what would you think if some kind wanted to take pictures of your child all dressed up and posing? And don't give me any of that about how Japan is a 'safety' country. If you read any news about Japan, you'll know about the alarming levels of violent crime against children over here.

Sugoi!

2006-08-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

This Acroyear stands about as tall as a Baron Karza. He wasn't for sale and I didn't get any information about him. There was another one, a blue one and they didn't look like garage kits. Sweet.

With Flash?

2006-08-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to get a decent picture with my camera when I am inside a building. Usually, I hate flash, but sometimes it seems ok, like maybe here.

Or Without?

2006-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

In this case, I can't decide which I like better.

2006-08-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

It looks like these guys are from Gatcha man? Or Space Battleship Yamato maybe? I'm not sure as I can't actually see the picture I am writing about. I did see at the show that Takara was making one of the characters from Yamato, though. It was the guy with the gray captain's hat.

Goji san

2006-08-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not into it Godzilla, but there always seems to be one or two cool dioramas at the show. This one features a Mecha version that stands about four feet tall.