Things you can probably do with SGD$37.29

Things you can probably do with SGD$37.29

Saturday, December 31, 2016 / No Comments

... Instead of spending it all on some intangible stuff.

(Let me explain.)

So the year draws to a close, and on the eve of the new year I found myself in one corner of my relative's room, hiding from whatever the rest of the people were watching in the living room. I did not particularly like what was on the TV and wished to drown out the sound, so I opened the love live application (the only game I seem to be spending time on these days...) and semi-blasted the background music.

Somehow, the limited edition package for the month seemed like an even more ideal choice to soothe my troubled mind then. The new set of Aqours cards available for scouting right after the event today is by far the prettiest I've seen, and the urge to scout from the set is as large as my headache over the amount of loveca stones I have currently.

(Life isn't always fair.)

The limited edition package currently available gives a ticket to scout once for a card SR or above, and a 10+1 scout in the main box, as illustrated below: (one for muse, one for aqours)

And before I knew it, I've donated SGD$37.29 to klab for an Aqours limited edition package. Here are my spoils:

Let's see... 3 SRs... so that will be around $13 per SR?

In comes my internal monologue, berating the choice I made. It went something like this:

1. Could have bought a few tubs of ice cream with that amount of money.

Favourite flavour. Because belgian chocolate is better than original chocolate.

In addition, if you call dibs on one tub, it could probably last like around 3 anime episodes or maybe 1 depending on how fast it's being eaten. Either way, it's probably still more enjoyable than less than 1 minute of anticipation of whether you will ever get something good out of your scouts. (I didn't, but it still wasn't the worst so I'm satisfied anyway.

But still.)

The probable downside to having ice cream during anime watching is that it's unhealthy; time to make a new year's resolution then: exercise more. And maybe cut down the time taken to stare at screens everyday.

2. Remember the line stickers you had been eyeing? With that amount of money, you could have bought more than 10 different sets for yourself and maybe gifted a few more to some friends.

(Just some examples)

Ouch. And even if I did that I figured I wouldn't even have to use 37 dollars.

3. That would be a nice amount of money to donate to charities.

Another new year's resolution for me, then. Everytime I feel the urge to spend literal cash on this game, I will take out that red cross envelope and pledge the amount I want to spend. That way I will be so cashless I won't be able to spend anymore on frivolous stuff. :T

But always easier said than done, and there's also the next point...

4. Could've saved that up for future merchandise releases.

Well I do think this bungo stray dogs badge set at 3456 yen is very cute

No wait, this one at 5184 yen might be better. (I have a soft spot for acrylics)

Or how about this one, where they finally finally finally made omanjuus for kuroko no basuke at 4650 yen per box?

Or how about this set where everyone just looks fabulous at 2820 yen

(Nevermind)

5. That could buy me some nice clothes which I am clearly lacking.

I see many posts from various people around me, reflecting on 2016, thinking of what was good and what was not and their wishes for the new year. I guess in a way I'm doing that too here, and I'll be sure to spend my savings on more tangible items like ice cream, merchandises and gifts for people, instead of donating to klab. Who knows, I may contact klab to join me with donating to the needy.

Time may be a concept, but it's certainly good to pause once in a while to muse over stuff. Have fun partying today and merry new year everyone! Here's to another year with more exciting stuff.

Written by

ritsu

Catching up: Temptations all around…

Catching up: Temptations all around…

/ No Comments

A lot has happened since the last my last post. I’ve POPed, completed the story arc of Sun and Moon and began my unit life as a private. Travelling to the west and go through training then back to the east again for the weekends will be my routine from now on. Not really much of a difference than what I’ve been doing previously.

In the month of December, I grew slightly disappointed with myself. My impulsive buying had grown stronger. The walls around my heart has gotten weaker as it kept getting bombarded by temptations after temptations ever since a few months ago. 

Everywhere I go, I either see good food, new technology, interesting books or anime goods. There are also good movies that came out this month so I kept spending more and more till I realised that I had to stop a week ago. My bank account and me are crying over my expenses. Although disappointed, I quite enjoyed all the stuff I bought. Okay, I enjoy them a lot.

Firstly, are the figures that I bought. One of them was influenced from a game that I was still playing then. 

A figure of Red and Pikachu from Kotobukiya. It really stood out to me as I was browsing the displays. I only intended for the trip to be just window shopping and feasting my eyes on new things that came out. But I walked around in the shop for a good 15 minutes before walking out and thinking to myself that I have to refrain from buying it. 5 minutes later I’m back there with the box in my hand and heading to the counter.

Another figure that I bought was a Medicchu Yamato from Phat!. 

It was just too adorable to ignore. I went through the same process of walking around the shop for 15 minutes, acting like I was browsing and admiring other figures or games in there, while in actual fact I was having a debate with the two opposing factions in my mind. “BUY!” “DON’T BUY!” I walked out of the shop, with the box in my hand, thinking what am I doing.

Something different that I bought was a poster(?) in a frame to hang in my room. 

Well, hopefully hang it somewhere in my room as I’m still missing a few important stuffs in here like… a bed for instance. At least I have a mattress to sleep on. As you can see it’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, my favorite of the Ghibli films. It’ll go on the wall somewhere with my Mercy poster, and my autographed nano poster, and maybe my graduation poster and maybe, possibly, a few others.

I finally gave in into buying a speaker for myself. 

Had been thinking about it since the middle of the year and finally, after a few discussions with my sister on whether I should buy one, got around to buying it.

Nearing the end of the month, I purchased a few books. Trying to motivate myself to reading novels again, I visited Kinokuniya to browse for some. I was from an army shop in the west, buying supplies, so I thought I could kill two birds with one stone. There, I bought these three books. 

Naomi by Junichiro Tanizaki

Kokoro by Natsume Soseki

Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino

I’ve only read Naomi at the moment and boy, it was a warped style of romance. It wasn’t totally off-putting but just wasn’t healthy enough for my heart. I really don’t like the character Naomi.

Movies that I’ve watched thus far are Moana, Sing, Assassin’s Creed and Star Wars: Rogue One. I really like Moana. Thinking of watching at least one more before I go back to camp on Monday.

I feel really scared for the future though. New figures are coming out next year, more technologies around the corner and more movies to watch. Even though I look forward to it, I really fear the future…

Happy New Year!

Written by Zwei

A Closing for 2016: Best Figures of the year and Anticipated figures for 2017

A Closing for 2016: Best Figures of the year and Anticipated figures for 2017

Friday, December 30, 2016 / No Comments

In no particular order we have the top 10 figures I find as the most amazing figures of the year. This mainly involves figures I own and love. For this year, I tried incorporating an equal ratio of male and female characters, though due to the astoundingly higher ratio of female to male figures, there is a slight discrepancy as a result.

There are also no Nendoroids or other scales included so as to simplify things.

1. Kogitsunemaru (Touken Ranbu) by Max Factory.

Sculptor: Nanako

The details on his hair, namely the flow of the strands, as well as the color coordination for his outfit is perfect. The little details in is simple outfit, such as the creases and the painting of the armor bits and tassels, are what really brings the figure to life.

2. Mikazuki Munechika (Touken Ranbu) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Yuma

Similar to Kogitsunemaru, his beauty shines in the painting, colors and sculpt. The pattern all around his dark blue outer shirt is all sculpted and catches light perfectly, casting shadows and glinting in the light as well, making it perfect on display.

3. Sengoku Nadeko Medusa Version (Monogatari Series) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Manzoku Mamoru

Next up is Nadeko, where she shines due to the effort placed into sculpting and painting of her base and the sake bottles. The wood grain pattern is delicate, intricate and beautiful. Nadeko herself, doesn't lose with the pearl paint in her hair, making her medusa snake heads look life-like and menacing. This depicts a well-known scene and a different side of Nadeko as in the anime which would remind the collectors of her arc in the series whenever they see her!

4. Kiss-shot Acerola-Orion Heart-under-Blade (Monogatari Series) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Rooney

Though her base definitely isn't the easiest to assemble, she makes up for it with the sculpt of her dress. It looks tattered and torn but still elegant and intimidating. The harsh shading helps bring that point across and give the figure a different atmosphere. The characteristic hairstyle she has is also aptly preserved all around.

5. Hatsune Miku Hanairogoromo Version (Vocaloid) by Stronger

Sculptor: Icrea

This is a December release and while I haven't received my copy (shipping to me via SAL), pictures from other collectors who got her via EMS have shown that this stunning beauty lives up to her promotional pictures. Furthermore, the pattern on her kimono is astounding and the bright red contrasts perfectly against the light blue of her hair. The gradient of her hair from blue to nearly transparent can be considered overused for Miku but packs a punch every single time.

6. Hatsune Miku Mebae Version (Vocaloid) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Shining Wizard @ Sawachika

While the toes and fingers spread out so unnaturally, it may make one reel away from the figure. The hair also requires some more blending work, but I believe that the colors have sharp differences to set them clearly apart to give off that "digital" feel. All in all, her pose gives her a very different feel from those cutesy Miku figures out there and due to this, you can probably just like or dislike this Miku.

7. Saber Alter Huke version (Fate/Stay Night) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Kiking

This figure is one of those that has such a different feel that you can either just like her or don't. I'm leaning more towards the dislike side because she wouldn't fit in with others in my collection (of course, I don't have her either) but that doesn't mean that I don't recognise her beauty. The way this figure can give such a different feel from most of the other figures already in the market makes it all the more valuable. To make this even more certain, the sculpt is changed up slightly as well!

8. Nakiri Erina (Shoukugeki no Soma) by Good Smile Company

Sculptor: Katsuaki Nemoto

Pretty throne as a decoration for the Nakiri Erina. She gives off the vibe of a queen and has the demeanor and courage to back it up. She also fits well in the display with Atobe which can be seen as a King or Prince due to the sculpting similarities as well!

9. Atobe Keigo (Shin Tennis no Oujisama) by Alter

Sculptor: Kohirou

He matches well with Erina with both having gold accents. The only difference is that the pedestal is of different colors and textures. However, both can be removed from the pedestal and be displayed on their thrones only, making them more matching. I love the fur and cape on Atobe, and it makes him look extremely princely and elite.

10. Edna (Tales of Zestiria) by Alter

Sculptor: Numakura Toshiaki

Despite the size of her boots being off-putting, she has intricate patterns on her blouse which makes her worth her price. The umbrella is  good touch, especially so with the few number of figures which come with a parasol.

Which are my anticipated figures for 2017?

While this doesn't include all the figures I would be purchasing, these are the ones (no re-releases) which I will be keeping a look-out for~

1. Hatsune Miku (Racing Miku) by Good Smile Company

A different feel and pose for Racing Miku is always welcomed. I like how she isn't looking at the collector but is distracted by Weight-chan flying over to her. The vibrant colors give a very good touch too and makes her look really cheerful. This is the first Racing Miku i have pre-ordered and I don't regret my decision!

2. Ononoki Yotsugi (Monogatari Series) by Good Smile Company

Much like her doll-persona, Yotsugi comes with a lot of plushies around her. While this might put-off many collectors who think this makes the figure look clattered and messy, I like how lifeless she looks, as if she's just another one of those dolls in a toy room! For those who don't like the other plushies, she has a cheaper alternative which only comes with Yotsugi herself and the throne she's on.

3.  Kaito Hanairogoromo Version (Vocaloid) by Stronger

4.  Meiko Hanairogoromo Version (Vocaloid) by Stronger

5.  Luka Hanairogoromo Version (Vocaloid) by Stronger

Whether it is the painted prototype or the Luka without even a prototype, I am probably about to collect the whole Hanairogoromo line. Each one of them comes with detailed kimono that brings them on together as a whole yet helps each one hold their own individually.

6. Edward Elric (Hagane no Renkinjitsushi) by Kotobukiya

Such a meaningful design and sculpt! Edward has a Nendoroid announced too, so I'll be looking out for that as well~

7. Roy Mustang (Hagane no Renkinjitsushi) by Kotobukiya

8. Natsume Takashi and Madara (Natsume Yuujinchou) by Kotobukiya

It's definitely rare to find a sculpt with Madara in it alongside Natsume, apart from those crazily expensive kuji from Banpresto, hence this is a figure that I am definitely keeping a lookout for!

9. Kinomoto Sakura Stars Bless You Version (Card Captor Sakura) by Good Smile Company

An elaborate base with fanciful colors makes the figure pop. She comes with pastel green and bright stark red as contrast. The transparent wing parts make it even better as it gives some effects of wind movement. This figure is a statement piece and holds well as a static piece on a shelf than a movable figure. This is such a figure.

Other than these, I am also looking forward to other re-released figures. While not all these figures will be reviewed as I may not get every single one, I will definitely choose the ones I like best out of them to add into my collection!

~ Reina-rin