Year of the Monkey

 I meant to kick off the new year with another overdue gaming post.  Then I remembered another idea I've slept on, pertaining to the Dragon Ball franchise.  Seeing as many sequels, prequels and spin-offs as a mainstream American comic, I found myself going back to the beginning, reading the original manga and consuming related media, especially merch.  As I scarf down some overpriced, mediocre takeout, let's start with what would be my first figures from Tamashii Nations' S.H. Figuarts line.

"Son Gokou" (Event Exclusive Color Edition)

A San Diego Comic Con exclusive, it's basically the regular release of Son Goku, but molded in blue to match his original outfit.  Though bought secondhand from eBay and missing its original packaging, the figure came complete with everything shown, including multiple face and hand variants, 2 tails (held in place by a flimsy ball joint), Goku's Power Pole, its sheath, and the four-star Dragon Ball.

Son Goku: Innocent Challenger (Tamashii Store Exclusive)

Advertised on a stack of complimentary paper fans, I had something to look forward to while waiting in line outside the Tamashii Nations Store in Times Square--assuming the scalpers didn't buy all the stock.  Sure enough, I snagged mine along with 2 other figures.

Along with accessories from the other Goku figures, this version includes new face and hair variants.

OK, who spoiled the Frieza Saga to Goku?

For a minute I worried that the "Gokou" figure wasn't legit.  If it wasn't, the manufacturer did a damn good job.

Ha-ha, I got my own grandpa!  Watcha gonna do?!

Wow, that escalated quickly.  I mean that got outta hand fast.

Basically I have all the accessories included with Goku's regular release.  Except for one--his Flying Nimbus cloud.  But I've long since another way for Goku to get around.

At that about does it for my first toy blog for the new year.  Next time it's back to gaming, to go.   See you then and Happy New Year.