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Post by datazak on Jul 19, 2005 12:08:09 GMT 8
Yeah, I had the same feeling...mistakes labeled as variants
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Post by Plo Strax-Avix on Jul 30, 2005 23:08:37 GMT 8
Ok, managed to buy both of the EP3 Kotobukiya Vader currently out in the market.
I took a picture of them side by side for comparison, On the right, the one that came out first, which have the upper part of the chestplate in reverse order, and the red button on the bottom part of the chestplate on the wrong side.
The 'rectified' one on the left, which was released later have the upper section in the correct order, but the red buttom on the bottom part is still on the wrong side.
Think Kotobukiya will be releasing ANOTHER ONE with the red button on the correct (right) side?
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Post by fishyahoo on Jul 31, 2005 0:33:06 GMT 8
Think that's on purpose? Surely they would have checked properly after 'screwing-up' the first time... I see a 3rd variant on the way...
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Post by Plo Strax-Avix on Jul 31, 2005 8:01:07 GMT 8
This whole 'error chest plate' episode reeks of fraud, deceit and an evil scheme (to get us to buy more varients then we need!)...either that or its a case of gross negligence, non-existance of quality control, and horrific effiency failure on the part of Kotobukiya & LFL (Lucas Film Licensing), something which should not have happened in both a Japanese company and a global licensing empire, even though their manufacturer is based in China.
I could only think of one way this error could have happened. being of uniform shape and design, the chest plate would most certainly have been made separately as a master copy and attached onto the body of the sculpted Vader, simply because its a cheaper, faster way to make it. The master copy could have been made by using CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) which involves feeding a CAD drawing of the design into the CNC machine, and running it to create the 3D end product. The CAD drawing could have been flipped in the process thus ending up with the reverse chest plate.
However, this product would have had to go through endless rounds of inspection and approval before, during and after the production process by Kotobukiya top management, and even maybe Lucas Licensing top management. The fact that it escaped detection and made it into the open market is turly miraculous...
And even more mind boggling is that the 2nd 'corrected' edition still has the red button on the wrong end...
And for this to happen on the iconic Darth Vader statue is truly unthinkable...
I guess we'll never know if it was intentional or a case of gross negligence...
Maybe Kotobukiya & LFL should replace everyone in their quality control department with hardcore fanboys/girls... ;D
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Post by Plo Strax-Avix on Jul 31, 2005 9:52:12 GMT 8
Finally got my medicom Vader after months of waiting, and I must say its been worth it.
Here's a short review. Maybe I'll add more comments when I have the chance to play with it a bit more...
Taking it out of the box and the transparent packaging tray was a breeze, just cut or rip off the cheap sticky tape. No wires, no super-duper sticky tape like those in hasbro packaging.
Balancing by itself is not very good, but the figure comes with a base with pole stand including some bracing band around the waist to keep Vader upright. Persdonally I prefer to do without the base and the pole.
Vader comes with 3 sets of hands: pointy finger (as seen above)
lightsaber grip (left & right)...................................and waistbelt grip.
The lightsaber's blade can be removed to enable the hilt to be hang on the belt.
Detail on the face and head is great... pity this Medicom Vader was designed and marketed before the release of ROTS, or else they may have included an interchangeable 'burnt' head of young ROTS Anakin...
Helmet detail is awesome too, showing all the electronics as seen in the movie. No complains there...
Overview: As this is a display item and not a toy, it's not made to be played with. The helmet fits rather loosely on the head, and falls off easily when the figure is moved. The way to go is to pose the figure properly, before putting the helmet over the top of the head.
The cloth of the cape and vest feels good, and not like the cheap satin material used on some figures. However the cape is a bit stiff. I may just wash the cape to make it softer, or replace it with a custom cape which flows better.
Articulation is pretty good, but can't seem to get it to bend into sitting or stretched positions, meaning no 'Neo in lobby scene' poses ;D
Connection of the hands to the arm also seems a bit loose...
Overall a great Darth Vader figure. This will be one of the crowning jewel in my collection, deserving a special place in amongst my display...
Now to get a couple of Medicom Storm Trooper to stand behind him, and the ROTJ Luke for Vader to duel with ;D
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Post by datazak on Sept 13, 2005 11:05:55 GMT 8
I just heard that Medicom will release yet another Vader this December
This time it's the Ep.III Vader so maybe the head will be a burnt Hayden Christensen instead of burnt Sebastian Shaw
No pics and no details yet but check Hobby Link Japan (www.hlj.com). They have it on pre-order so it's confirmed. Medicom is probably cashing in on the ROTS hype. They'll probably rehash the body and just stick a new head.
But will I be pre-ordering this? Most probably ;D
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Post by Plo Strax-Avix on Sept 13, 2005 19:15:33 GMT 8
But will I be pre-ordering this? Most probably ;D I'm really really envious of your 'Unlimited' Funds' ;D
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Post by datazak on Sept 13, 2005 21:15:06 GMT 8
It's coming out in December. Can budget for it now. Funds not unlimited. Just careful budgeting ;D
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Post by loneranger84 on Oct 4, 2005 10:37:58 GMT 8
MORE REVIEW ON MEDICOM VADER PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEee
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Post by Plo Strax-Avix on Oct 4, 2005 12:09:54 GMT 8
MORE REVIEW ON MEDICOM VADER PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEee Eeerrr....so many pics above still not enuff ah? ;D
Tell me what you wanna see and I'll be glad to take more pics. Or is it the new, EP3 Medicom Vader you want to see? That one not out yet leh...
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