ArchieNov

I wouldn't recommend picking it up that way. It's secure enough not to fall off on its own, but I think it's a risky move since the locking tabs that go under the chest are pretty small.

Wait, that Iron Man's released already? I thought it was delayed to March?

After some fiddling around, I think I prefer keeping the RA on the 0A instead. I think the drab colors match better and there are no markings that get covered up (e.g. Skull markings)

So I just got mine and it does look a bit better in person compared to pictures. Although for some reason I was expecting it to look bigger and bulkier. I guess having the 19" Mega Action Series Optimus Prime for the last few weeks will make any other toy seem kinda small by comparison. One thing to point out though is it can't hold the gun properly anymore while the armor's on. I know that was kinda assumed way back before the actual release, but I can pretty much confirm it now. If people are able to get it to hold the gun, it's either they're "cheating" it on or I'm doing it completely wrong.

Hey sh9000, are you able to separate the forearms on the HMR? I tried to disassemble mine in order to correct a factory error, but it seems that the forearm halves are glued together. I'm worried that if I apply any more pressure, I'd end up snapping or stressing the plastic.

Is it just me, or does the RA look somewhat plain? I mean there's a lot of large plain flat surfaces without any panel lines or decals. Maybe it looks better in person?

I don't have any GI Joes, but this reviewer has a lot of them and he says they scale perfectly with this Optimus Prime.

I think it's relatively cheap compared to other products of similar size and quality. I believe the retail price was $180.

It's around 19" tall.

The quality is pretty good. No complaints!

No, it doesn't transform. It's the usual tradeoff in order to achieve this level of detail, proportion and articulation without becoming a flimsy mess. I personally don't mind it at all, although I do hear there are camps that can't accept a Transformer that doesn't transform.

Mega Action Series Optimus Prime MAS-01 Height comparison with 3A Optimus Prime One shall stand, one shall fall Friendship mode Natural kneeling pose - no problem! With HMR for size comparison

I totally disagree with this analogy, but to each his own. I don't think the gap in quality/finish for an Arcadia and Bandai DX is a much as a pre-painted Hot Toys figure VS a model kit. IMO, Bandai DX's have more impressive shelf presence especially if you like displaying your toys in dynamic poses. If you just want them standing up in relatively simple poses, then perhaps I would give a slight edge to Arcadia/Yamato, but that's entirely subjective and based on part ersonal preference.

I also have an HLJ order that was shipped out by unregistered SAL last 12/21, and I haven't received it yet. For comparison, I had another HLJ order that used registered SAL that was shipped 12/19 and I got that before the New Year. Go figure.

I don't think they will ever re-release the Armored VF-1J, at least not in the same form as the first release. They have improved upon the mold for the head unit on the 1J since then so if they do make another Armored 1J, it'll probably use the newer head mold instead. They might also include a unique version of the collar cover piece that can be placed when the armor's on.

The extending joints are fine (e.g. elbows, wrists), but the shoulders require you to undo the transformation. It's similar to how people were "cheating" to get the A-stance on the v1 VF-25 toys' Gerwalk mode. They were undoing the intakes to free up the hip joint.

Only if you "cheat" by unlocking the shoulders and hinging them forward. Otherwise, normal articulation doesn't allow it.

What's that green mech in the background? Is that a Zeon mobile suit?

A CF VF-1J? Actually no, I don't But if you have the obsessive need to collect each and every 1/60 valkyrie mold/color combination there is, then it's a given that people will spend almost anything just to complete their collection, even if that missing piece happened to be the most unpopular one while it was still widely available.

I don't think a CF VF-1J deserves anywhere near 37k, nor do any other existing Valkyrie toys. The infated prices they command on the aftermarket is just based on supply and demand, which don't really correlate with its quality or real value.

Looks like the Hulk is tickling the Abomination lol.

Yeah, I'm not discounting their experiences. Just sharing my own, hence why I started with "Personally". I have 2 copies of the VF-31J and they're both good with no paint chipping from handling or transformation. I just make sure to be conscious of the areas marked in the manual as "Warning - may rub off".

Personally, I don't think the paint is as fragile as people make it out to be. I've transformed it back and forth 3x with no chipping due to transformation and/or regular handling.

Sorry, but this has always been the policy of N-Y ever since they added the feature to combine/split preorders. They even provided a tutorial of it on their webpage (which most other retailers don't even bother to do). Just go to your Order History, you'll see 2 very big buttons telling you that you can only combine or split unpaid preorders. The links to the tutorials are found below. If you weren't aware of it, then that's not the fault of N-Y. They've always made themselves pretty clear on it.

Hey man, those are facts lol. But one thing I find funny is how current day SJWs will never let a show like Voltron air because Lothor acts like a stalker/rapist/kidnapper always preying on the princess.