Banner at the Ready ! >=O !

Because I received an email from E2046, to exchange banners, I thought I had to create one. Their banner can be found on the side of the blog under advertisement (since they are a retailer).

Since I like working with photoshop, I had some fun with the project. I had a few friends give me constructive criticism. Which was the "unfun" and hard part. It really is hard to satisfy other people ^^;;;. With that said, I'm not 100% happy with it either. I always think theres room for improvement, but theres no point just spending years just to try perfecting it (since it'll be futile anyway).

468x60 Banner
Version 1

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Version 2

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Version 3

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Version 4

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105x55 Banner

<br /><a href="http://www.springscalling.blogspot.com" title="SpringsCalling"><img style="width: 468; height: 60; border: 0;" alt="Text Description" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIaudxsJ8SfGaj3LDD1vLlwBsnmPREVTgnVt5E9eeZM-GKR7Rn-T_ZfVwTwdUA41YxR7oCXghX851PwxZOCkyXOKbnGT4W6mbsF51fTWHGXVq8Xv8tazemOVIeNVAVxkE4RDZ2pQmVREo/s1600/SpringsCalling+Promotional+Banner+105x55.jpg" /></a><br />


I personally like the 4th version of the 468x60 banner most, but I heard other answers, so I might as well put up all 4, since I made them anyway.

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My First Patlabor Model

Today I just finished building my brother's Patlabor MG model which he abandoned halfway. The mecha is the Ingram 2, one of the three robots used by the "good guys". To be honest, I did not want to build it, since I prefer Gundams over the other series. I like the face of a Gundam, their arsenal is more impressive too. The Ingram 2 only had a shield, baton, shotgun, and pistol. Gundams has beam sabers, beam rifles, hyper bazookas, funnels, axes, and much much more.

Source: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10022857

Though (unless we lost it), we didn't find a battery in the model kit to try out the lights. (>o<)! I am also helping him build his 2nd Patlabor model, which is also MG, and ALSO Ingram 2... He said it was on discount in Japan... The last time he went. My thoughts on the model kit was that it was more difficult than the Gundam MG models I've done in the past. There were screws which needed to be put on and wiring (which was actually quite easy). The main difference between this and Gundams are the foldable grey rubbery plastic used. Because unlike a gundam which only uses hard plastic, the Ingram 2 had rubber pieces to cover the joints in the robot. Those parts are not there to make the model joints more rigid but they actually are supposed to be in the robots. (That paragraph might make no sense, especially when I started trying to explain the grey pieces which covers the joint, if you are interested in knowing, just send me a message here or email). Although I think the number of boards used on this model and on other Gundam MG model kits are about the same, I feel that there are less detail on this model, I'm not sure why. However, based on difficulty to build, this would be ranked higher in my opinion, compared to MG Gundams. Gallery:

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Wishlist for Japan

Because I am going with my brother, our luggage will be limited. Although I want to buy alot of things, I will have to restrain myself to be able to pack everything into a small luggage.

The first decision is whether I should get a figurine or gundam to expand my collection. Since I collect both either would be fine. However! Gundam models are packed into somewhat large boxes... given my small cargo space (since I need to pack clothes and other essentials), I won't be able to fit many gundam models at all. So lets talk about figs ! (>w<)! Some of them might be NSFW... You have been warned D: !

Touhou Project - Futsuu no Mahoutsukai - Marisa Kirisame
Although I wasn't a Touhou fan for very long. I actually like this figure. The face has a nice expression. This is also the first figurine of Touhou released by a big company, Griffon Enterprises. Others released at the same time were Reimu, Remilia, Sakuya, Aya, and Patchouli.
Source: http://benippon.com/en/touhou-project-futsuu-no-mahoutsukai-marisa-kirisame-1-8
More info: http://www.nekomagic.com/?p=4613

School Swim Suit Mecha Nurse Girl Nana Megami Magazine Creaters vol.8 illustrated by Komatsu Eiji
The reason why I like this is kinda hard to explain... I like mecha? I've been a Gundam fan, no not gundam00, that don't count. I have watched Gundam Zeta, Gundam Double Zeta, Victory Gundam, and so on. I still prefer my Universal Century Gundams. I like them very much, people actually perish when they need be. Not like *SPOILER* Gundam00 where no one dies (minus Lockon, since his identical bro takes his place). But yeah, I like my mechas, anything with a futuristic feel to it will probably spark my attention.
Source: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10083887
More info: http://www.nekomagic.com/?p=7047 (NSFW)

Nendoroid Riannon
The reason why I want this... Isn't that face just adorable? (>w<)! I actually watch the show Tears to Tiara, which is where shes from. Although I'm unfamiliar with the game that was based off of it. I do know PS3 has the game Tears to Tiara. The character art is nice, as expected from the people who did ToHeart, Leaf.
Source: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10092792
More info: http://www.nekomagic.com/?p=5806

Saber Lily -Distant Avalon-
I like this figures alot because of its stance. The maker is Good Smile Company, when you hear that name, you know it has to be quality. Similar to Alter who makes really nice figures, GSG is also one of the best. Alter has an equivalent released a little after. I find this much more dynamic and striking compared to Alter's. Hence I will still prefer this one even though I'm an Alter fan (my first ever figurine was from Alter xD).
Source: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10083388
More info: http://www.nekomagic.com/?p=3029

This will be a good trip to pick up stuff I have wanted from a while ago but didn't get the chance to order them (due to financial reasons or something similar). I hope I will not be disappointed! (>w<)! Of course I won't only buy these if I find them. But listing EVERYTHING will be just too long >=O. I also have request from friends to buy them some souvenirs. Can't say what will happen yet, but I hope the trip will turn out alright (for my wallet and my collection ;D).

As you may already know, two sites I frequently use are hobbysearch (where I buy) and nekomagic (where I learn about new and upcoming figurines). I recommend both sites for figurine enthusiasts who are/want to be up to date on these news.

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Trip to Japan

Woah woah woah!!

I'm going to Japan!!! O_O! !! O_O O_O O_O O_O !!!!

Although its only for a week, right before I leave back for school, its a good break from school and work. Because to be honest, neither of which are any more relaxing than the other. Especially since for work, I have to wake up at 5am and get home at 5pm.

At the moment, I haven't planned much about the places I want to visit. I wanted to see the big gundam.. but its getting taken down on Aug 31, 09 (;____;) !! For sure, I will be spending a day on shopping and visiting akihabara. Maybe Ikebukuro too, since its another large place for anime goods.

Mainly, I will be taking pictures and trying new foods too. Oh yeah, I'm going with my brother =P. He has been to Japan once, so Im hoping he will be my tour guide. You can read all about it in his blog, Biscuit Hammer.

Oh, I really should mention, I'll be leaving Canada on Sat, Sept 05, 09 and returning on Sat 12, Sept 12m, 09. I really should plan something, I mean, theres not alot of time left (>w<)!!

I will post more as more things happen. Sorry about the lack of updates but nothing much has been happening to my life. Haha.. Maybe if you want, drop by in the comments and say something you want me to speak about. As long as I know about it, I'll give you my opinion.

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My Previous Gundam Models

My Gundam collection although haven't been large, have started for atleast 4 years. And going to anime conventions wasn't until a year ago. Although I can't exactly remember what brought me into this lifestyle or animes, I don't regret what I do. Sure... there are people who detest people who has a hobby or watching anime, and its not always easy to find people who are able to talk about this hobby with, but whats wrong with that? I find animes to be somewhat like movies, except things can be more creative, since real humans aren't used in the pictures (drawings can be made to exaggerate certain things, while an actors exaggerated facial expression will only go so far).

But enough about that, I'll be posting the rest of the Photos of my previous Gundams including 2 pictures of my display case back in May 2009 (before I got the 00Gundam). If I remember/time permits, I'll upload a photo to show just how much smaller 1/144 is compared to my 1/100 collection (minus Freedom Gundam from Gundam Seed).

Updated: Rest of the photos are uploaded, Aug 10, 2009.
Title image source: Author [Passing Rim] (May be NSFW depending on where you are)
(Ex S-Gundam is the best Gundam ever in Gundam Battle Universe for PSP)

ZZ Gundam, my first model.



Heavy Arms Custom, I got it from my relatives when they came to visit a few years ago. (The thing behind it is the Forbidden Gundam, but the detail and box size was so small that I didn't consider it as one worthy of photos.)


Strike Freedom, I got it when my dad returned from Hong Kong after visiting relatives. (Its much cheaper there than here.)



Hi-Nu Gundam, I bought this myself in Canada cause I liked how it looks. (Quite expensive though. Around $120)



Lastly, the Shinaju, my parents got this for me in Hong Kong for about 450 HKD, it also came with a "gold" (not really) metal coin. I later found out that the coin was only placed into the model kits which were sold at a japanese convention. Or simply, not many people will have this Gundam coin >=D !



Size Comparison of 1/100 vs 1/144 (left vs right),

WOAH! Huge difference D= !

Display Case as of May 2009,

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