You know, I wanted to do a fairly good sized haul for my birthday, but I may not since I just found a deal for Black renewal and Battlehopper for $65.

I'd go for it.

Speaking of packaging.. Has there been any hint from Bandai that Kabuto 2.0's packaging is a one off, or if they'll do more like it? I'm under the impression that it's special because of the new body, and won't be used going forward. As they like the window packaging for retail. It would be great if the packaging shifted to this for all SHF releases. Sorry if I missed any news in regards to this and this is a retred.

As I recall Mammoth Ranger used the same style of packaging. So I think it's safe to say that's what they'll be using from now on.

Now how this affects the Bluefin releases, no idea...

Mammoth used it because all web exclusives have no windows now. Kabuto 2 is retail so its anyone's guess. We wont really know until we see what Gaims box looks like.

The thing I like about the Blade Riders are the muscles. Obviously roid rage Rangers aren't the way, but when you look at some of the older Figuarts where everyone is a lanky string bean it's just as inaccurate in the opposite direction. I'd rather they are a little over stylised in their solidity and definition than dangerously anorexic Japanime looking.

Nah, that's just standard window-less packaging. I mean packaging exactly like Kabuto's. The two part box, the way the inner plastic shell is done, etc.

Exactly. Yeah, I figured as much. Bandai, they're always so quiet about things. lol.

the fact that kiva is the only main heisei rider left to be made has gotten me thinking. where is our kamen rider g figuart and all his wine and corkscrew goodness?

Mammoth Ranger's box makes me a bit annoyed that they didn't keep with the pattern the Zyuranger Figuarts were doing before him. It looks so out of place next to the others.

He isnt the first of them to do this though. Ptera Ranger already had the windowless box.