New Banpresto Stomp Cycles and DB Girls series
At AOU (a Japanese video game industry show) a new series of DBZ stomp cycles were shown by Banpresto. Two versions were shown, a blue cycle with Goku and a red cycle with teen Gohan. These are due in September.
Also shown is a new set of DX figures featuring Bulma in a camo bikini top with a mini Goku and nice Lunch in her “training gear” with a mini Master Roshi. These are due in July.
The cycles can be seen here and the girls here. Also check out Banpresto’s amazing Dragonball booth display.
Comments (60) | Bookmark this entry | February 22, 2004 |
Toy Fair 2004: JAKKS Pacific Dragonball basics
I’ve just received confirmation from JAKKS Pacific that the Dragonball basics line has not been cancelled; however, the emphasis this year will be on Dragonball Z and Dragonball GT, meaning that it may be a while until we see new 5 inch Dragonball figures.
Bookmark this entry | February 16, 2004 | Jess Horsley
Toy Fair 2004: JAKKS Pacific is granting wishes for Dragonball fans!
JAKKS Pacific is running strong with Dragonball, and plans to keep the line strong through all of 2004! Their showroom, while not as extensive as in previous years, featured previews of many new figures, a few expected, big-ticket items, and some surprises!
All of the images from JAKKS are available in our Toy Fair Gallery.
Dragonball Z/GT Basic Figures and Two-Packs
First and foremost, JAKKS is dedicated to keeping the basic figure line strong, both in single figure releases and two-packs. A number of figures were on display, the highlights of which were Baby from DBGT (both the baby-Baby and Super Baby Vegeta versions) and Dr. Muu. Dr. Muu’s sculpt features detail that is unprecedented in an American Dragonball basic figure. Also on display from Dragonball GT were SS3 Goku, SS Vegeta, SS Goku, Meta Rilldo, and SS Trunks. Further announced lineups are as follows:
Dragonball GT series 2
- Super Saiyan Goku w/ accessory
- Super Baby Vegeta w/ seven Dragonballs
- Super Saiyan Trunks w/ accessory
- Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Meta Rilldo w/accessory
Dragonball Z series 16
- Nail w/ Namek dinosaur
- Battle Damaged Goku w/ baby dinosaur
- SS2 Trunks w/ baby Trunks
- SS Teen Gohan w/ baby dinosaur
- SS4 Gogeta w/ new blast
- Little Goku w/ nimbus cloud
JAKKS is planning on releasing a new line of basic figures every two months; since DBZ series 15 is hitting stores now, expect DBGT series 2 in April, DBZ series 16 in June, etc. Other than the announced lineups and what was on display in the showroom, JAKKS as of yet is not committing to any specific figures.
Both JAKKS and FUNimation are really enthusiastic about the basic figure two-packs. In the showroom, we saw the “Brother vs. Brother” assortment, which includes:
* Battle Damaged Goku vs. Battle Damaged Raditz
* Nail vs. Battle Damaged Piccolo
* Super Saiyan Gohan vs. Super Saiyan Goten
The “Father & Son” two pack is definitely still in the plans (which, to spell it out, means that it is NOT cancelled), though they had nothing from it on display in the showroom.
Dragons
We got a first look at the new Dragons, and they both are astounding. JAKKS is producing both regular Shenlon from Dragonball Z, and Red Shenlon from Dragonball GT! Each Dragon comes with a kid Goku figure (red gi for Z, blue gi for GT), as well as seven dragonballs, for $14.99.
Movie Collection
JAKKS is keeping a tight lip on their planned MC figures; however, they had two new figures on display, from movie 9! The first was a new Super Saiyan Gohan figure (which I mistook for Goku on first glance), and following that is the villain from movie 9, Bojack! The Bojack on display is not a final product, and the paint applications are still being nailed down, but the sculpt is wonderful, and it was a big surprise to see him there.
Chibis
The Dragonball Chibis are a new line of super-deformed, Japanese-style figures, which will come in a gashapon-style capsule, for $2.99 each. Series 1 features Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Buu, Trunks, Super Saiyan Broly, and Goku from Dragon Ball Z, and Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta, Goku, Vegeta from Dragon Ball GT. The figures will come both packed individually, as well as in three packs, packed like tennis balls. Brolly will be a chase figure.
TV Games
JAKKS is producing a Dragonball Z TV Game!. The joystick will be shaped like Shenlon, and it will include 3games.
Exclusive Figure
Finally, JAKKS Pacific’s collector’s briefing ended with a bang – they gave each attendee a goody bag with an exclusive Toy Fair figure from each boys figure line! The Dragonball exclusive was a series 15 Vegeta figure, in a special package with an exclusive gold Vegeta Chibi! The chibi has a Toy Fair 2004 stamp on it, and is 1 of only 100 pieces. Only 100! And you’ll have a chance to get one, as we’re giving one away as a prize for our upcoming Scene Stealers II contest (check back for rules and dates after the 23rd)!
More Notes
FUNimation has no word on the status of the Dragonball movie. Though JAKKS Pacific has the master toy license for the Dragonball anime series, that does not necessarily translate to a master toy license for any movie property. So, while it’s probable that JAKKS will do any action figures from the live-action movie, if it’s made, it’s not a done deal at this point.
According to representatives, FUNimation is “always pushing for a new [Dragonball] series” from Toei. We spoke a bit about the resurgence of Dragonball in Japan, and both had already come to the conclusion that a new series is more likely in Japan than it has been for a long time, though only time will tell.
When asked about the possibility of JAKKS Pacific possibly working with Bandai Japan to import some of the new Japanese Dragonball figures, representatives gave a firm “no comment.” I don’t see this as a real probability, so it’s nothing I would count on.
JAKKS is really doing the Dragonball series justice by giving the fans just about everything they’ve asked for, and they’re dedicated to keeping the line going as long as they can. We, as Dragonball fans, are very well off with our master toy licensor.
Bookmark this entry | February 15, 2004 | Jess Horsley
Toy Fair 2004: JAKKS Pacific
We’ve just returned from the JAKKS Pacific Showroom! I’ll be doing a long write-up this evening, but for now, check out all of the images!
- Dragonball Z and GT Basics
- Dragonball Z Two Packs
- Dragons!
- Accessories
- Chibis
- Movie Collection
- TV Game
- Showroom Images and Exclusive Figure
Bookmark this entry | February 15, 2004 | Jess Horsley
Toy Fair 2004: Dragonball GT Bobbleheads by NECA
Check out two new Dragonball GT bobbleheads by NECA!
Bookmark this entry | February 14, 2004 | Jess Horsley
JAKKS Pacific Toy Fair Preview
JAKKS Pacific has just sent out a press release previewing their displays at Toy Fair 2004, which starts this Friday. On the Dragonball front:
Dragon Ball®: For the first time ever in the history of the Dragon Ball® franchise — dragons! JAKKS introduces DragonBall GT® Dragons and Figures featuring dragons over two-feet long paired with exclusive Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT figures, just like on programming! New action figures, and playsets based on Dragon Ball® and Dragon Ball Z® will also debut at Toy Fair, with some featuring Japanese stylized sculpts.
“Japanese stylized sculpts?” That sounds very interesting…
Bookmark this entry | February 11, 2004 | Jess Horsley
Cell Games Saga on DVD!
FUNimation has recently released, for the first time ever, Cell Games Saga on DVD with collectible Starter Box! Tons of fans have asked, “Will the entire Cell Games Saga be released on DVD?” FUNimation’s answer: “Of Course!!!” FUNimation has released the Dragon Ball Z Cell Games Starter Set including DVD 48 & 49. The Box is to be completed with each additional release of the saga. Look for Dragon Ball Z DVD 50: Guardian’s Return on 3/23/04!
Go to your local retailer today to get the DVDs that will complete your Dragon Ball Z Collection before the collectable box runs out!
Bookmark this entry | February 09, 2004 | Jess Horsley
Brangeta's preview of things to come from Japan!
Brangeta’s preview of things to come from Japan!
These are the new figures that I believe are 3 inches tall
Here is a picture showing them in scale with each other
Sorry but I forgot the name of these
and just for fun, the japanese legacy of goku 2 ad
Comments (47) | Bookmark this entry | February 09, 2004 |
FUNimation's Kiddy Grade website online
Fighting crime never looked so good!
FUNimation has just launched their official website for Kiddy Grade, at http://www.kiddygrade.tv.
Kiddy Grade DVD Volume 1: Peacekeeper will be available from retailers on February 10th, and Volume 2: Pieces of the Past will be available on March 23.Bookmark this entry | February 06, 2004 | Jess Horsley
The First Saga of Dragonball GT is Coming
Animeondvd.com is getting the word out that the first saga of DBGT is coming in July. According to Funimation rep Lance Heiskell, “The first two volumes of the first DBGT saga will be released July 13. There will be 5 volumes total and then followed by the GT movie (tv special).”
Bookmark this entry | February 04, 2004 |
Dragonball GT moving to Saturdays
DBGT is currently airing at 6:30 pm EST on Fridays on Cartoon Network, but is moving to Saturdays starting 3/6/04.
Beginning Saturday, March 6th, Dragon Ball GT will air on CARTOON NETWORK at 9:30 PM (EST). Be sure to tune in the entire month of March and into April, as Dragon Ball GT will begin airing Episode 21, The Source of General Rilldo’s Power.
Bookmark this entry | February 04, 2004 | Jess Horsley
News from the Hong Kong Toyfair!
Brangeta of the DBT Discussion Boards has posted the following, passed on to him from Atamaii from the Hong Kong Toy Fair! Here’s what’s in store from JAKKS Pacific:
Dragonball Z/GT
- By this fall, basic figures will have additional action accessories.
- Shenron the Dragon will come in two versions: Red in the Gt version, and Green in the Z version.
- Dragonball Z Chibis - these are SD mini-figures packed in Gashapon-like transparent balls. You can see through the balls, and therefore pick the characters you like.
Yu Yu Hakusho
- Basic 5” figures will include a base.
- A 12” poseable Jagun Hiei was displayed.
- 7” figures will continue and include a base and light-up features.
Talk about it here.