~ What is JAPAN VERSION ? Is JAPAN VERSION better?

What is Japan versions? Why many people ask about Japan version? Is Japan verion better? Have you asked or heard other collectors mention about Japan version for toys? OK, let me give a clearer picture what Japan version actually means. "Japan version" mostly applied to Bandai brand figures. It was used to describe a Kamen Rider toys product line called Super Imaginative Chogokin a.k.a. S.I.C. It was later used to described other toy lines such as Figuarts. Actually, Japan version toys also made in China. The stock that supply to Japan region is called Japan version. There were rumors back in year 2006 mentioned that Japan version has stricter quality control in terms of paint application and finishing. Based on my own experience, generally Japan version has better QC but still not 100% guarantee the stocks from Japan is perfect. Some has flaws too. How do you identified Japan version stock? Basically, Japan stock has no additional white stickers and Bandai region hologram sticker on the box. Recent stocks released by Bandai Japan has double tapes on the box, I guessed these are the sign of QC by QC department. However, the finishing is still not as good as the old released figures that I observed.

~ KO Dairugger XV (Part 2)

This is the second part for the review of this mecha. I like the blue metallic plastic.





Some of vehicle that can be separated from the body. Other are incomplete separation which I did not show.


The shiny chromes !!! I like it.


I like this photo, it looks good from this angle. :D

~ KO Dairugger XV

This is the second time for me to purchase KO toys after the legend Optimus Prime I showed last time. I bumped into this figure while I wanted to buy some drinks last week at overseas. Actually, the main figure that attract my attention is the KO G1 Devastator. I saw Menasor too. However, I decided to pick this mecha because it has nice chrome and huge chrome sword. The figure stands about 7 inches tall. I have no idea what is the name of this machine until I went back and google. What surprise me is the packaging use the original name which is Dairugger XV. This figure is based on the early stage of toys; Popy chogokin version released in 1982 which I was not born yet!!! Anyway, this figure miss out some gimmick such as vehicle combination mode that the original toy has. There are some difference in color scheme compared to the original.