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Falldog’s Guide to Topps Formula 1 Cards

While Formula 1 cards have been around in some way or another for most of the league’s lifespan, general interest has really popped off when Topps acquired the license and released their initial set of cards back in 2020. During the height of the COVID collectible boom it quickly took off and has maintained high demand since.

Value

Before I get into the different card types I want to discuss the concept of value as it’s something I see asked about quite a bit.

Generally speaking there are two types of people, those who collect Formula 1 cards because they like the sport, and those who are looking to build monetary value/sell for profit. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 257 – Black Lagoon

Yikes… I’m running out of favorite anime to review! But I can’t worry about that, because Black Lagoon was calling to me, saying in a loud voice, “Review me!” And I cannot ignore the call of a classic, one of my favorite anime of all time. Still, of my, let’s say, top 30, I’ve got maybe five or six left to do? I might have to begin intentionally reviewing bad anime just to distance myself from the rest, as painful as that’d be. Not to mention, this anime also has one of my favorite English dubs, and I’m pretty sure I’m all out of those to cover after this. But more on the dub another time. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 256 – Mid Year English Dub Review X

So, as usual, I’m covering the English versions of the anime I’ve reviewed so far this year. I’d say the strongest dubs I went over were the two Funimation ones. In the next half of the year, I’ll try not to even do Funimation dubbed anime, unless a spot opens up that I end up filling with one. I want to get in titles dubbed by other ADR outfits for variety.

There’s also (more than) a fair amount of “bookend” material in this video, where it looks like Pingu has finally kicked the bucket and the funeral is being held. Yeah, that’s Pingu in the pine box. Noot noot. I actually think my Chairpenguin speech is genuinely decent. Yeah, I know. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 255 – Area 88 (TV)

Area 88 is a fine show. It’s nothing special, no match for the original OVA, but it does have its good aspects and notable moments. There’s a lot of detail put into the aircraft and procedure and the dogfights are interesting, if brief. Much of the drama comes from what happens on the ground. But the show doesn’t look great and some of the characterization is anemic. It just doesn’t have the overwhelming personality and charm of the OVA. But it’s not a waste of time. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 254 – Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods

Akira Toriyama, creator of manga like Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, and Sand Land, sadly passed away on March 1, 2024. He left behind a legacy of colorful work, worlds of wonder that continues to impact people the world over. Since I review anime, and not manga, I wanted to pay tribute to Toriyama in a way that reflected his own personal efforts, so I chose a Dragon Ball Z movie that he actually had influence over, Battle of Gods, whose story he constructed. Of course, I also mentioned his work in video games. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 253 – Star Blazers (Space Battleship Yamato) 2199

I reviewed Space Battleship Yamato 2199 partly because I wanted to discuss the original series (which I also rewatched for this video), but also because the remake is pretty damn good on its own. The Yamato franchise is almost iconic as Gundam, at least to me. I just recently discovered a whole 8-episode series, 2205 (The New Voyage) was released a few years ago as a sequel to 2202 and Crunchyroll still hasn’t licensed it! And there’s more Yamato coming out! What else am I missing out on?! read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 252 – City Hunter: Secret Service

Ah, City Hunter. It reminds me a lot of Lupin III. Except, you know, not as good. Sure, the TV series is pretty fun and has a variety of different stories and situations for Ryo to get into, but when they try to extend it beyond that, it can be painful. Take this special, Secret Service, for instance: the movie-only characters are dull and the story drags unnecessarily. Could it be that City Hunter is better in small doses? Ryo certainly is.

Shinjuku Private Eyes, now that’s a worthwhile City Hunter feature! Maybe I should have reviewed that. read more

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Otaku Evolution Episode 251 – Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Otaku Evolution is back, baby! 2024 starts with me finally getting to a particular anime bête noire of mine, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. I just do not understand the popularity of this fizzless, lifeless drudge of a show. The “characters” are bland, the plot is largely recycled, the production values are average at best, and there’s just no joy or magic to it. It’s frankly one of the most soulless anime I’ve ever watched in my life. But it’s so popular! Why?!

Well, anyway, I’m back, and it looks like I got into a little trouble over the Putin thing. Ah well. read more

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Falldog’s Gunpla Collection – State of the Hanger 2024
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Falldog’s Gunpla Collection – State of the Hanger 2024

You can view the full size of this on Flickr

Holy shit. It’s been seven years since my last official update on my collection. Friends and followers have seen it change in leaps and bounds since then, but for whatever reason, none of that ever made it into a blog post here. The room, which started off with just four display cabinets against one wall, just ballooned in density. More cabinets along the sides. More cabinets in the center of the room. Custom displays on top of those cabinets to fit larger items. Then I was out of space. Not long after that I ended up moving and into house with an unfinished basement. That’s where this story beings. read more

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