Out of all the KPOP albums I have ever owned, this would probably be the one that made me feel a lot of things, and I don't know if that's a good thing or what(?).



I remember watching the making film of the photo shoot for this album and realized that I had to get both versions instead of one. So there I was, with my sister watching me be miserable as I hit the checkout for the Shine Forever's 2 version bundle on YesAsia, despite the fact that I already had pre-ordered one version long before.

And it all came down to this:
My YesAsia ordered came in first. I was honestly freakin' out. For this is the beginning of a new chapter in my life, as it is the first ever Monsta X release I've purchased ever(I know I'm already late to the party, but let's talk about more of that soon.).

The Shine Forever Bundle, of course, includes both versions of the repackaged release.
The Main A version includes an 88-page booklet, mini posters, stickers, and for the first press you'll get a random member folded poster.

The Complete X-Clan B version includes the X Clan version stickers and a random X-Clan Version photo card. And same as the Main Version, the first press will include a random member folded poster.

When I talked about this album making me feel a lot of things, one this to blame is how it was presented. Both versions came in packets, a cute concept if you think about it. But definitely frustrating, heartbreaking and just unbelievable for merch packaging nerds like me.

Believe me, it took me a while to strategize how I'll open the albums. As my number 1 priority is not to ruin them, especially the stickers. As it is the main point that tells you what it is. Whoever came up with this concept needs to have a dinner with, because I swear, I'll give him or her an earful for playing with my feelings! 

Going back to the packaging again, ripping it will just drive me nuts to the ends of the earth, so...

I opened my albums by cutting the bottom part of the packet instead. I felt that it's the most convenient thing for me to do. I still had the sticker intact and I can just cover the whole thing in a protective plastic. And everything is right in the world again.

Let's talk about the Main A Version first - oh dear, where to begin?

The album booklet came in this pretty blue color with the whole splat art concept going on, and for someone who loves blue - I have no complaints on the color choice. As most KPOP album booklets go - it's simple with a twist.
Given that I love all the members(congratulations to me, as they are the first group evarrrrrrrrr that I like all the members and had no problems with), It was hard for me to pick the best pictures. But yeah, let me just end up being extremely biased to the Maknae line for now(mostly because Hyungwon is involved in the photos, so...).
There were two additional packets inside along this version - the first smaller packet has the CD right inside.
Opening the additional packets is the real heartbreaking part of this album, as there is no other way to open them but to actually cut the stickers apart. Same goes with the second packet, yes it's two times the heartache.
The bigger packet includes the member's mini posters and stickers. That I'll most probably never use, but everyone looked so good, I have no words. I love everything.

For the CD, Random Member Poster and Photocard - I got SHOWNU! (for my other copy, I got a Shownu Poster, Jooheon CD and a Minhyuk photo card.)
Moving on to the Complete X Clan B Version, which I had also opened the said packet on the bottom instead of cutting off the sticker in a pretty black and white themed thing going on. With the packet splatted with black paint.
Though I said before that I liked the color blue theme of the Shine Forever Main version, I loved this version's booklet colors even better. I like the accent, though the same - I feel like it's more striking yet again, simple.
As for the photos, I'd be lying if I say the photos below was not the cause of said miserable breakdown I mentioned in the beginning of this post:
What I loved about this version, is that it looks back on the X-Clan era, which is just the right thing for a new fan like me. The booklet also includes corners about the explaining the X-Clan concept, what have the members gained and lost during the X-Clan Era, and more. So it completely sets itself apart from the Main Version.
And also, because of you know... it has this photo of Wonho *wink wink*:

 Since there were no additional packets included for this version, the CD was conveniently placed in the booklet where I got the dashing side profile of Kihyun: 

I also got a Shownu folded poster and photo card for this version along with another version of the stickers that came with the album. YesAsia does love 'em some Shownu, I see. 

If I am to pick one song I loved from this release, given that there are only 2 additional songs for this repackage, I would pick Incomparable. There is just something so heartbreakingly beautiful about its whole concept that had me singing it wholeheartedly.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied with the bundle and one extra copy that I got. To the extent that I even bought two copies of the main version, just because. Given that this is another chapter in my fangirl life, I'm currently satisfied that I support a group that I wholeheartedly root for and love. Here's to more Monsta X product reviews in the near future. 

Oh! and before I forget, my other copy has a free poster with it so being the sanest person that I am... I had it framed. Because I love it too much, it deserves to be out from its tube and have a place in my room. 

As I've said earlier way back when I first posted this review is that I'm going to be doing something fun! What better way for me to welcome the new chapter of fangirl life with a video review of my first ever Monsta X purchase. And since I’m still a little shy about the whole idea of actually talking in front of a camera, I decided to make this video without voice overs, for now.
Watch a short video review of this bad boy here: 

I purchased the Vol. 1 Repackage:
 Shine Forever Main A Ver. + The Complete X-Clan B Ver. Bundle through YesAsia. 

I got my other Shine Forever Main A Ver. copy + Poster from The Seoul Central.