Monday, June 30, 2008

Appleseed Ex Machina: Deunan Knute

IMHO, one of the best 1/6 anime character ever produced. "Appleseed" is created by Masamune Shirow in the manga series that was published in 1985 (that's how futuristic his concept was). It was made into an animated film in 1998 (forgettable) and again in 2004 (animation was amazing!). Set in 2131 AD, "Appleseed" stars Deunan Knute, a young, legendary female soldier and a survivor of the Third World War, which brought Earth to the brink of destruction. Deunan is brought to Olympus and reunited with her former lover and comrade Briareos, who is now a cyborg. She is recruited into ESWAT (Extra-Special Weapons And Tactics) and they both rescue Olympus from certain destruction.

In 2007, the sequel "Appleseed Ex Machina" was released and this one really blew me away with its animation. John Woo was the producer and thus, scenes of flying pigeons are inevitable as it is part of his signature but in this movie, the flying pigeons are robots that send out signals which activate a virus that causes people to go crazy and violent (like the rage virus in "28 days later"). Later, when Deunan, Briareos, Tereus, and a Poseidon task force confront HALCON which controls the virus, they are met by drones in a scene reminiscent of  "The Matrix".

Hot Toys released this Movie Masterpiece figure in conjunction with the movie and it is truly a Masterpiece!! The usual slipcase cover with metallic card stock but printed with a beautiful image from the movie.


Box cover with actual product shot



Deunan Knute in tray

Basic Deunan Knute without accessories

One of the most beautiful anime headsculpt ever

Her armour suit (made from flexible rubber, just like wetsuits worn for scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and triathlon)





Olympus Police ESWAT badge worn on her left sleeve





Her weapons, accessories and three additional hands

Deunan Knute suited up

Deunan with her targeting scope

Her sword


Another angle of her targeting scope

Her Hecate P-08 pistol

The sheath for her sword 

Fully armed

Hecate STG 1002 rifle


Don't bet on her surrendering or giving up her weapons




Her Hecate P-08 pistol holstered on her right thigh




What can I say? I love this figure!!!

Next up: Deunan's former lover and comrade, Briareos Hechatonchires

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Biohazard 4 - Jack Krauser (Regular version)

Jack Krauser is a mercenary hired to do Osmund Saddler's bidding. Saddler is the leader of “Los Illuminados”, the cult responsible for Ashley Graham's kidnapping. Ashley Graham is the president's daughter in Biohazard 4 or Resident Evil 4 in North America. Originally a United States Government operative, Krauser trains with Leon S Kennedy, before apparently perishing in a helicopter crash. Krauser possesses superhuman speed, stamina, strength, and gained the ability to transform his left arm into a giant mutated claw.

There are two versions of Jack Krauser, the regular and exclusive versions. Could get only one coz pocket just ain't that deep.

Jack in the box

Jack's coming out to play

Jack Krauser's weapons

Basic Jack with Hot Toys muscular body type (had some bad experience with their previous muscle body, hope this holds up well)

Close-up of Jack - nice scars


Jack Krauser, all dressed up and ready to loot and plunder, and cater to the highest bidder


Jack's compound bow (nothing new from Hot Toys, they've already done this with Rambo)


Jack's arrows and combat knife


Steyr TMP (Tactical Machine Pistol) PDW (Personal Defence Weapon) - very nice!!


Seeker Robot



Jack Krauser standing in front of the inside flap backgound

Don't mess with Jack