REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - FU LUM
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Fu Lum is the seventh and final figure in the Dragonball: Evolution movie series. He has the distinction of being the only figure based off of a character completely original to Dragonball: Evolution, and not seen in any prior version of Dragonball. His appearance (or should I say the appearance of a horde of beasties that all look exactly like the figure in question) is extremely brief, and somewhat unexplained. We know that the Fu Lum where somehow created out of the blood of Piccolo, and that they are extremely strong and have the ability to regenerate. Off hand, I can think of no character or creature from the canon that they physically resemble. It’s no stretch to say that Fu Lum’s appearance in the film is totally forgettable (the editing was particularly disorienting and speedy in this part of the movie) and his appearance as an action figure in this series is a little surprising. Mia was a much more visible alternate villain in the film, so it’s a wonder why no figure was made of her instead of this guy.
So in short, poor little Fu Lum has a lot going against him right off the bat! He’s the new kid in town, totally without any kind of canon reference for fans to associate him with, and to boot he’s one of the ugliest monster designs I’ve seen in a long time! As I’ve said with all other figures in this series - these figures deserve a look totally separate from the successes of failures of the film that inspired it. Fu Lum is certainly an interesting example to take into account when attempting to do this!
Bookmark this entry | April 30, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - GOKU 2
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Goku 2 is number 6 in this series of 7 Dragonball: Evolution figures, and is without a doubt my least favorite of the group. He is based off of Justin Chatwin’s portrayal of the famous Dragonball character, and this is the second Goku figure in the series. Over all the quality of this figure in not bad, but the character design on this one in particular is so alien to me, I just can’t seem to get past it…
Bookmark this entry | April 29, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - BULMA
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Bulma is number 5 in this series of 7 Dragonball: Evolution figures, and is most certainly the most unique of all the figures in this series. Based off of Emmy Rossum’s version of the character, this Bulma is extremely different than the Bulma we know from the Anime and Manga, especially in terms of her overall look. She is also the only figure in the series to take the cues set by the Dragonball Z Ultimate Collection figures and forgo elbow and upper leg articulation in favor of a much more streamlined sculpt. As I’ve said in previous DBE reviews - these figures deserve a look totally separate from the success or failures of the film that inspired it - and for once it’s actually a bit of a pleasure to do so!
Bookmark this entry | April 28, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - PICCOLO
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Piccolo is number 4 in this series of 7 Dragonball: Evolution figures, and is definitely the most elaborate figure in the whole series. He is based off of James Marsters portrayal of the famous character, and while he in no way resembles Piccolo as I’ve originally come to know him, this is indeed a very nice little figure of the film’s version of Piccolo. As I’ve said in my previous DBE reviews - these figures deserve a look totally separate from the success or failures of the film that inspired it - an I intend to give them at least that!
Bookmark this entry | April 27, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - ROSHI
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Roshi is number 3 in the series of 7 Dragonball: Evolution figures, and has the distinction of most looking like the actor whose face he is based off of - Chow Yun-Fat. Like all Dragonball: Evolution characters and toys, there is little to no resemblance to the original source material, and Roshi is one of the most shocking departures. How the old, hunched over, bald and bearded Master Roshi became the somewhat handsome version of himself seen in the film, I shall never know! But regardless - this figure deserves a look totally separate from the success or failures of the film that inspired it.
Bookmark this entry | April 24, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - YAMCHA
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
Yamcha is number 2 in this series of 7 Dragonball: Evolution figures, and is easily one of the best looking figures in the whole assortment. He is based on the all-new character design, played by Joon Park in the film. This version of Yamcha is unrecognizable next to the character that inspired him - The blond hair, leather outfit and shades is a pretty huge leap away from the original source material on this guy, but regardless, this figure deserves a look totally separate from the success or failures of the film that inspired it.
Bookmark this entry | April 23, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: Bandai's Dragonball: Evolution Action Figures - GOKU
Be sure and enter our Super Saiyan Sized Dragonball Toy Giveaway for a chance at winning TONS of cool Dragonball action figures!
Both loved and hated by fans everywhere, Dragonball: Evolution is a drastic departure from the original source material. While the character designs are quite different from what long time fans of the series are used to, Bandai has indeed given us some rather interesting toys based on these new ideas.
The first figure in this series is Goku (1 of 7), a representation of Justin Chatwin’s portrayal of the famous Dragonball character. At first glance, this figure can be a bit off putting as it is SO different from what long time fans of the story are used to. Regardless of personal opinions though, these figures deserve a look of their own, totally separate from the successes or failures of the film that inspired them.
Bookmark this entry | April 22, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
Bandai Ultimate Collection SAVED! Lots of NEW Figures Announced!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
This is HUGE news! Recently, I did a VIDEO ON YOUTUBE about the possible death of the Bandai Ultimate Collection series, after the very disappointing release of Series 3, which only included 2 figures(!), instead of the 5 previously promised. Well based off reports from both our
The image below was taken at last years Dallas Toy Fair, and is very possibly the new DB Goku and Bulma that we can expect to see on shelves this summer!
Bookmark this entry | April 17, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
New Ichiban Kuji Items Announced From Banpresto!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
Our buddy over at the Hobby Fighter Blog just posted up this image of some truly awesome stuff, which will be released in Japan as part of Banpresto’s Ichiban Kuji collection! Banpresto’s Ichiban Kuji releases are once a month, and often include some very high quality, and highly sought after toys! Not sure if these items will be released next month, or further into the future, but we can get excited about them now, no matter what the case! Notice at the top of the image - it clearly states that these will be released under the new Dragonball Kai name!
Bookmark this entry | April 17, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
Box for 36cm Banpresto Vegetto revealed!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
Check out the awesome new box art for Banpresto’s latest 36cm, vinyl Vegetto figure! This is the third figure in the series, and while is shares much of the same body sculpt that the last two had, it still has an all new head sculpt, that truly looks like Vegetto! Not sure if he’s popped up yet on places like Ebay, but be sure to keep checking for him at our sponsors!
Bookmark this entry | April 17, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
REVIEW: VIZ Media's Dragonball: Evolution Posterzine and Sticker Book
For a great selection of anime and manga action figures and collectibles, check out YesAnimation.com, BigBadToyStore.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, MonsterIslandToys.com, and Urban-Collector.com.
For a great selection of film, TV and pop culture t-shirts and apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com, 80sTees.com and SuperHeroStuff.com.
Viz Media, the company responsible for the release of the original Dragonball and Dragonball Z Mangas into America, has now released a whole line of children’s books in honor of the live action movie adaptation of Dragonball - Dragonball: Evolution. The variety of the books is great, and a number of the highlights include a Jr. Novel, a Posterzine, and a Sticker Book.
* CLICK HERE to read the Posterzine review!
* CLICK HERE to read the Sticker Book review!
Bookmark this entry | April 10, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
REVIEW: VIZ Media's Dragonball: Evolution The Junior Novel
For a great selection of anime and manga action figures and collectibles, check out YesAnimation.com, BigBadToyStore.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, MonsterIslandToys.com, and Urban-Collector.com.
For a great selection of film, TV and pop culture t-shirts and apparel, check out TShirtGurus.com, 80sTees.com and SuperHeroStuff.com.
Viz Media, the San Francisco based publisher responsible for bringing the Dragonball and Dragonball Z manga into the united states, have continued their promotion of the Dragonball franchise by releasing a number of new children’s books in honor Dragonball: Evolution.
Dragonball: Evolution The Junior Novel was written by Stacia Deutsch and Rhody Cohon, and as far as I know, very closely follows the script by Ben Ramsey. The Jr. Novel is intended for ages 9-12, and is fast paced, fun and at times rather vivid! The novel follows teen Goku and friends, as they face a series of strange adventures while in search of the 7 Dragonballs. It’s a quick read for anyone over the suggested age group, and I can honestly say that it was very enjoyable to flip though, as well as an interesting way for me personally to become better acquainted with the idea of the film, before the actual release date.
Bookmark this entry | April 10, 2009 | Jeff Saylor
Dragonball Evolution Out Tomorrow!!!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
This is just a quick little news update to remind all of you out there that Dragonball Evolution opens tomorrow in the USA! Already got my ticket, and am looking forward to a really fun time! Be sure to post your thoughts about the film after you see it on our FORUM !
Bookmark this entry | April 09, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
First Ever Dragonball Kai Toy! Kamehameha Wrist Bands by Bandai!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
As you hopefully already know, an incredible new era has started for Dragonball in Japan, with the release of Dragonball Kai - a completely re-edited, re-imagined and in some cases, re-animated new version of the original Dragonball Z anime! Episode one has already aired, and so far the reviews have been incredibly positive.
But we at Dragonballtoys.com know the true question that Dragonball fans have on the tips of their tongues about Kai - ‘What kind of new toys are we going to get under the Kai name?!’ Well, check out these awesome new Kamehameha wrist bands! Similar wrist bands have been released in the past, but these are newly designed, and look much more compact then previous models. An extremely amusing COMMERCIAL for this toy actually was aired during a break in the showing of the first episode of Dragonball Kai, and it is NOT to be missed if you love Dragonball Toy commercials!
If you would like to stay really up to date with all Kai news, be sure to head over to KANZENTAI They offer some great coverage, as well as a clock which perpetually counts down to the airing of the next episode of Dragonball Kai!
Bookmark this entry | April 08, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
Amazing Oozaru Diorama from Super Festival 49 in Japan!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
Just spotted this thing over at our buddy HOBBY FIGHTER33’S BLOG
I know next to nothing about the Super Festival, other than that it took place on Japan either last month or earlier in April, and they showcased this incredible diorama of Vegeta as Oozaru, putting the hurt on Goku! Also depicted is Gohan watching helplessly close by, and Yajirobe triumphantly slicing off Oozaru’s tail! It’s without a doubt one of the most memorable scenes in the whole series! No word yet on prices, release dates or availability - for all I know this thing was only available at Super Festival, and no where else. Regardless, at least we can all longingly admire from afar!
Bookmark this entry | April 08, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
Dragonball Evolution Figures in Mexican Burger Kings!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
Special thanks to Stopmotiontoys, on our FORUM for alerting us of this! Burger King is starting a big Dagonball Evolution promotion at their restaurants in Mexico, that includes a series of small action figures! This new series includes figures of Goku, Goku in blue gi, Bulma, Mia, and I think Chi Chi. It’s interesting that so many of the toys are of the female characters - this has to be the only series of Dragonball figures to ever include more girls then guys! There is also a Piccolo figure, which does not appear in the absolutely hilarious commercial for the toys, which you can see HERE Once again, very special thanks to Stopmotiontoys for the image and update!
Bookmark this entry | April 08, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
Banpresto Reveals April Releases!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
To see everything that Banpresto will be releasing this month, please check out THIS PAGE on the OFFICAIL BANPRESTO WEBSITE But before you do, look at some of the highlights from this months releases!
Above you will see the new Banpresto 14” Super Saiyan Vegetto! He’s the newest addition to a small series of 14” figures, which only previously included a Goku and Super Saiyan Goku. This Vegetto looks like he way made from some of the same sculpt, but he still manages to somehow look pretty fresh and unique from the photos! I may not be able to resist getting this one - at the very least just to be able to put him next to my 16” AB version of the same character!
Next up, is the Master Roshi tissue holder! I posted images of this awhile back, but now this weird little item is finally being released! I don’t know quite what to make of this thing… But I love it! Pure Dragonball weirdness!
I posted about the beauties above about a month ago, and have been anxiously awaiting the release of both ever since. These figures without a doubt appear to be the best in the series, and the Gotenks looks just exceptional! I wasn’t going to collect any of these - but I fear my mind has now been officially changed!
Again, be sure to check out the rest of the April releases in the link above!
Bookmark this entry | April 08, 2009 | Amanda Sukenick
Dragonballtoys.com Now On Twitter!
For a great selection of Dragon Ball action figures and collectibles, check out fine sponsors YesAnimation.com, SuperheroToys.com, BigBadToyStore.com, WhiteWizardToys.com, CornerStoreComics.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonsterIslandToys.com.
Just to give Dragonball Toy fans everywhere one more way of keeping up with all the great stuff happening here at DBT, I have made the site it’s very own Twitter page! Please follow our Twitter HERE to learn about new DBT Youtube videos, News updates, Archive Updates and Contests as soon as news of them breaks! There’s HUGE stuff coming very soon to DBT, so this is just one more way in which we can offer out viewers a great way to stay connected to the site!