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Post by captainamerica on Mar 29, 2007 9:47:20 GMT -5
Thought, I'd start a fight.... (j/k)
Actually, I was just wondering which seems to be everybody's preference. Say, if you had your choice of having your favorite (unproduced) super robot made by one of these two companies, which would make you say "Yay!" and which would get a "Damn!"
I realize they're different companies, apples and oranges, puppies and kitties, machetes and switchblades, etc. , so this is a matter of opinion. For me, my opinion is based on my Go-Nagai focused gokin collection.
I like Aoshima's Bigger size Gokins. I dislike their bajillion subtle variations but appreciate their strict production limits as a long-term collector. I'm somewhat indifferent on their odd joints, but I haven't had the problems others have. I wish they'd expand their line to include more characters, but I understand they're a smaller company than Bandai. I'm pleased with all the accessories and extras my Aoshimas included, but stands would have been nice, even if I don't use them.
I love all the accessories my SOCs include. I like that they make 'one' version plus limited variants/repaints. As a collector, I wish they'd limit their regular versions, or differentiate the rereleases in some way. I like the boxes, they're consistent in design. I love the range of characters, but felt like they teased me a little: where's my Robot JR? Texas Mac? more villains? White or Black Getta Robo G? I also like a few of the HK extras quite a bit. I also love that SOCs still have a 'toy' feel and great playability.
I'm 80%SOC and 20%Aoshima right now and my collection shows it -33 SOC and 8 Aoshima(including ones in transit)
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Post by emerson on Mar 29, 2007 10:04:51 GMT -5
I'm not particularly drawn to accessories (sorry SOC) or color variations (sorry Aoshima), so the decision boils down to isolating each company's main strength, IMO.
Trying as much to compare apples to apples, I look at classic, non-combining, non-transforming SOC Great Mazinger and Aoshima Mazinkaiser. For me, that pits SOC's precisely engineered fit, finish and tight articulation (sorry floppy Aoshimas) versus Aoshima's heft and size.
At the end of the day, I'd have to choose overall quality over quanity of zinc. 65% SOC, 35% Aoshima.
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Post by Lanmandragoran on Mar 29, 2007 10:43:49 GMT -5
I would like to address this question by saying that both product lines are for me what I call "luxury" items, since they can't be compared in terms of price point AND QUALITY to the Marvel Legend or DC Directs of the world, and I feel very happy to own more than a few pieces from each manufacturer. That being said, for my own personal tastes I think Bandai outdoes Aoshima 80% of the time. Why is that? Let me breakdown the main atrbutes of these lines: 1) Availability - both lines constantly come up with repaints or re-releases so unless you are a freak for repaints (that do in fact become rarer) I woul say the average collector can, over time, own one of each unique piece (I mean one Mazinger, One Shin Getter, One Arcadia and so on). Verdict - TIED 2) Gokin % - Aoshima wins this one easilly - I picked up my Arcadia again yesterday and I still marvel at its wheight. 3) Engineering - Bandai wins this one hands down - not only they come up with less flaws in the basic bots such as the Mazingers or Getters of life but also they have the Voltes, Gunsbusters Dancougars of life that are really, really amazing. 4) Gimmicks - Bandai wins Again, easilly. My Grendizer has more gimmicks that the whole Shin Seikis combined... 5) Collectible Value - Bandai does a better job here again, they established a Brand that is much stronger than Aoshima, and the care and improvement that the bases have receive dover time is amazing - The Leopaldon, Gold Lightan, and the upcoming IDEON base are examples of how the bases ad value to the display of the Robots, IMHO. ;D My final score is 3 -1 -1 in favor of the SOCs. But more importantly for me, is to assess each purchase individually in terms of strengths and weaknesses of the item, for example: 1) Once I had to choose in a store whether to get Gaiking or General Dark. While I really wanted a General Dark, the whole engineering and gimmicks of the Gaiking, combined with the decent amount of diecast made me choose him over the General. This also doesn't mean that i will never get a General repaint down the line. 2) Another time I choose the Arcadia (1st version) over the Yamato because it was both cheaper and had a ton of diescast more. Just my 0.02 cents
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Post by mpchi on Mar 29, 2007 15:25:07 GMT -5
SOC wins for sure. Just the engineering and execution is way ahead of Aoshima, when the price is still being reasonable (cheaper than Aoshima in some case). Like the weight on Aoshimas, but the way they design the joints and articulation leaves a lot of improvement, regardless I still like and collect their stuff.
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Post by robwhit1 on Mar 29, 2007 16:22:23 GMT -5
If you compare individual figures, I think Aoshima wins no contest. You can't beat how it feels to hold one of their brick-bots. However, if you look at overall lines, SOC wins. I love Getters but I am about sick of them from Aoshima. If Aoshima would just mix up their offering they would be my favorite line. But as it is now, SOC wins overall just for thier selection.
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Post by stonesunshine on Mar 29, 2007 20:14:36 GMT -5
Based on the toy itself, poseability has to go to Aoshima, and by the mere size and weight of it. We cannot compare choices since SOC has got a wide array of choices and Aoshimas got only getters and kaisers. Ialso got to give credit to SOC since they have produced wonderful artistry in making combining robots like voltes V, combattler etc... which clearly aoshima lacks. In terms of collectibility, I think Aoshima is more valuable simply becasue they dont reissue. As a toy collector, you go for that. But if you end up collecting late like me, you will indeed have a hard time finding one which SOC has addressed this problem by issuing repaints/reissues.
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Post by sizzlak on Mar 29, 2007 20:50:34 GMT -5
SOC hands down. I can't stand the Aoshima elbows. So I have yet to purchase one.
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Post by Kidchuckle on Mar 29, 2007 21:45:35 GMT -5
SOC hands down. I can't stand the Aoshima elbows. So I have yet to purchase one. I always felt the same thing about Aoshima. That elbow connection is wonky. I understand why they did it (to keep the esthetics of the round barrel forearms). But that join just looks wonky. Best "Joint" I've ever seen thats esthetically pleasing is Maxfactory's Godannar.
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Post by captainamerica on Mar 30, 2007 9:35:10 GMT -5
OK, Aoshima lost a couple points with me last night. My (new) Shin Getta Robo had arrived and upon opening him, I found two obvious flaws. Three red paint spills/stains on his white thigh and, on the same side, a 1 cm chip from his inner forearm. My only relief is they're not obvious when standing on a shelf, but damn!!!!!!!! New, unopened box!
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Post by emerson on Mar 30, 2007 9:52:37 GMT -5
My Aoshimas tend to come with flaws and irregularly fitting accessories...With the SOCs, I don't even bother to check for random QA issues anymore. Flawless execution time and again. They've spoiled me...
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Post by Majinga Z on Mar 30, 2007 16:36:37 GMT -5
I'd say SOC. They may not have as much "heft" to them...but the accessories and quality of the bots will keep me coming back. The Aoshimas are 5 foot bots...they look great from 5 feet away.
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Post by demizer on Mar 30, 2007 19:21:26 GMT -5
Aoshima should mix it up a little IMHO.
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Post by Majinga Z on Mar 30, 2007 20:50:54 GMT -5
SOC hands down. I can't stand the Aoshima elbows. So I have yet to purchase one. Lol...forgot about the retarded elbows.
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Post by 00silvergt on Mar 30, 2007 20:53:31 GMT -5
SOC hands down. I can't stand the Aoshima elbows. So I have yet to purchase one. Lol...forgot about the retarded elbows. They aren't that bad, you simply have to pull them out when you want to do any kind of articulation of the elbows which makes Mazinkaiser look like Mazinapekaiser. LOL
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Post by supergetterv on Mar 30, 2007 21:07:32 GMT -5
Until the SOC lines start to make a Mazinkaiser and a Shin Getter, its hard to make a comparison. Preference wise, like everyone in here have previously posted, SOC have better accessories, gimmicks and variety. There aren't that many to choose from with Aoshima. I like Aoshima because I like my Close Wing Shin Getter SG-07 and SG-10 Mazinkaiser. But SOC's, I have to say it's the better line because I have more SOCs.
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Post by Majinga Z on Mar 30, 2007 22:42:09 GMT -5
The Aoshimas have a presence...but they have the poseability of a statue.
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Post by magengar on Mar 31, 2007 6:48:40 GMT -5
I haven't tried any Aoshimas yet; and, from what I've seen of their Kaiser line-- tooooo many kaiser Versions This That The Other. And then, they got da "Purple Rain" version kaiser, ta boot! ;D I'll stick with SOCs. I like their little size and accessories. I only have One SOC, yet it Alone compliments my entire collection. On the accessories, I learned my GX-01R can hold GX-02's sword. Not only that, but I also let my GX-01R hold my Revoltech kaiser's swords as well. I can even put a foreign toy's weapon in the hands of my GX-01R--- it still looks b*tchin Badass! I plan to build a custom hangar base for my GX-01R... ...it will Still stand out on its own. I like the SOC toyline's Variety, having so many robots to choose from. They look so great inside glass furniture, and they attract the attention and conversation of visitors whenever someone spots my SOC from outside the hall. Their quality and craftsmanship, and engineering: Flawless. I have yet to hear Any horror-stories about 'em. Even my landlord threatened to confiscate my SOC if I miss my monthly rent! The SOCs are That good! I also like the SOCs' availability, they are Everywhere regardless of their often expensive prices. But once ya get an SOC, you iz HOOKED to da Sickness for as long as you collect these items. The SOC toyline has meritted such a prestigious position, reputation, and honor. How and Why da f**k have I managed so long without an SOC, since their conception, is Beyond me. I'm glad I finally got one; and I'm Still blown-away by it to this very day. zozo-Magengar
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Post by bomberx on Mar 31, 2007 7:41:59 GMT -5
I haven't tried any Aoshimas yet; and, from what I've seen of their Kaiser line-- tooooo many kaiser Versions This That The Other. And then, they got da "Purple Rain" version kaiser, ta boot! ;D I like the SOC toyline's Variety, having so many robots to choose from. They look so great inside glass furniture, and they attract the attention and conversation of visitors whenever someone spots my SOC from outside the hall. Their quality and craftsmanship, and engineering: Flawless. I have yet to hear Any horror-stories about 'em. Even my landlord threatened to confiscate my SOC if I miss my monthly rent! The SOCs are That good! I also like the SOCs' availability, they are Everywhere regardless of their often expensive prices. But once ya get an SOC, you iz HOOKED to da Sickness for as long as you collect these items. The SOC toyline has meritted such a prestigious position, reputation, and honor. How and Why da f**k have I managed so long without an SOC, since their conception, is Beyond me. I'm glad I finally got one; and I'm Still blown-away by it to this very day. zozo-Magengar Yup,yup....couldn't agree more Magenger. I also have yet to try any of the stuff from Aoshima as well BUT I do have to say that from what I have seen of my SOC's so far I'm more than happy to stick with these diecast, little beautys..... ;D Now, for fans of the Aoshima line....I am in no way trying to putting them down as I have no right to and if you guys are happy with them that's what counts most, no matter what anyone else says. ;D
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Post by GEN1AUTOBOT on Mar 31, 2007 9:04:21 GMT -5
I have more SOC's than Aoshimas but I like my SOC's better. I think, this is my own opinion, that the Soul of Chogokin is a more quality product.
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Post by lurkerx on Mar 31, 2007 20:36:12 GMT -5
I have more SOC's than Aoshimas but I like my SOC's better. I think, this is my own opinion, that the Soul of Chogokin is a more quality product. I agree with that overall SOC/Bandai has better quality than aoshima The hierarchy of manufacturers for me is: 1) bandai 2) max factory 3) aoshima
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