Saturday, October 31, 2009

MATTEL TOY NEWS: DC UNIVERSE CLASSICS WAVE 11 DEADMAN VARIANT!

Fromt the Mattycollector Facebook page. A sneak peek at the Deadman Variant.






Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

MATTEL EXCLUSIVE PUBLIC ENEMIES AND THE COLOR OF FEAR!

Captain Collector, once again reporting for duty! It's going to be a busy time for the toy collector this season, as there looks to be several upcoming releases in the coming months, leading up to the intense holiday shopping season. Let's dive right in with a couple of holdovers from last time, the variants from DCUC series 9.

Mantis (Super Powers version)

Now this was the one I wanted! Being a Super Powers nut, I am always looking forward to figures which fill in those holes. Count me in as one of the folks who believes that DCUC will never be a complete line until we get every Super Powers figure re-made. Knowing Toy Guru & the Four Horsemen, I don't think that will be a problem.



Black Wildcat

There isn't a huge difference between these two. I'd kind of hoped one had un-taped hands, or mabe an open mouth, something other than just a color change. One's black, one's dark purple. Pick the flavor that's you.




Chemo Collect-N-Connect variant

As most of you have heard, there is a variant/running change on the Chemo torso. The updated version is "extra bubbly" in the torso. You'll know when you see it, it looks like he's filled with lots of little green marbles, instead of looking hollow.



The Color of Fear Two Pack

Coming to Mattycollector.com on November 15, 2009. Your Sinestro Corps is getting some much needed reinforcements! This is a nice set, with sharp paint apps & execution. Seeing Romat-Ru, one can only belive that a Tomar-Re can't be far beind. Karu-Sil includes an alien doggie contruct! 2009 was the year of the New Gods, I get the feeling that 2010 will be the year of the Lanterns. Just a hunch.









Superman / Batman Public Enemies sneek preview

This subset of DCUC is a Target exclusive, to be released alongside the upcoming DVD animated movie of the same name. These figures utilize existing bodies coupled with new animated looking heads & accessories to achieve the proper look. They are a fun set, with a very cool looking Brimstone Collect-N-Connect figure (not shown). Not to panic anyone, but I tend to think these may not hang around for long, as they are intended to coincide with a DVD release. An interesting note: Both Batman & Superman have painted boot & glove lines, rather than sculpted ones. I have to speculate that this was done to match the animation look. The Batman is easily my favorite.

The Batman





Superman





Silver Banshee





Icicle





Public Enemies Infinite Heroes sets

These two sets feature the newer, more articulated bodies that were shown at San Diego Comic-Con.





DCUC Series 12 Hi Res images

Here's the official pics of series 12, confirming what we'd already heard. Here's some interesting points you may not know:
1) The variants are Mary Batson in white and glow-in-the-dark Spectre
2) Iron features some real metal parts!
3) Darkseid features the Killing Glove. Rumor has it he will include a second, regular gloved hand as well.

















JLU Hal Jordan custom head by Spy Magician

Artist extraordinaire Spy Magician is responsible for this magnificent work. Based on the price of an original Hal Jordan and the number of us collectors who need one, I don't think it's out of the question to call this man a true humanitarian! He truly has a gift, and he is sharing that gift with the collecting world. He makes several versions in different styles to fit whichever body you wish to use. I'm showing the version 2 head here, which simply pops on to the SDCC exclusive body. Ans yes, it's cast in matte-finish flesh tone resin, thank you very much. Amazing work sir, factory-level quality, and I salute you.




Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

MATTEL MULTIPACK MADNESS!!!

Welcome back kids! Captain Collector here, bringing you a TON of new toys this month. We'll be looking at Mattel's DCUC line first, and there's plenty to look at! THere are 3 new two packs, a new Wal-Mart exclusive 5 pack, and the single-carded series 9 hitting shelves now. As if your wallets weren't already beaten in to submission, series 10, another Wal-Mart exclusive wave, could hit shelves any minute now. Mattel sends along a message to your bank account:
"I'm Sorry".

Two Packs

The Ultraman Vs. Alex Luthor set is currently available on Mattycollector.com, while the other 2 sets are currently on shelf at Toys R Us.









Gotham City 5 Pack

This set is currently shipping to Wal-Mart in a case packout of 3 per. At $54.99, it's a bit pricey, but contains some great repaints and a fantastic Lex Luthor. The Two-Face comic accurate figure is my favorite, but this set also contains some great "standard" versions of Batman & Superman. If I had one complaint, it's that I wish the set included more accessories. Only Catwoman includes her whip; I added a gun for Two-Face & the Kryptonite chunk for Lex, and a batarang for Bruce. I get the sense that you may not want to snooze on these, as I don't expect them to hang around for too long.











DCUC Series 9

Series 9 has appeared at retail, and even yours truly The Captain has found a set on shelf. Currently, I'm missing the Super Powers version of Mantis (he's weighted 50-50) and the Black Wildcat (I've heard 70-30 split). Series 9 features some of the best paint work yet, and the impressive Chemo Collect-N-Connect figure!

Black Adam

One of the sharpest in the set, he features a real metal chain on the scarab amulet! It's been pointed out to me by a prominent collector that the head would make for a fine Namor custom, and I can't dissagree! Captain Marvel beware!





Deadshot

Fans of the Bat-Villain Deadshot will not be dissapointed! He features many new parts, including his signature wrist guns!





Gaurdian

Leave it to Mattel and the Four Horsemen to take a very basic looking character and put an amazing spin on it. Gaudian features an actual separate helmet, with the face sculpt underneath clearly visible. The end result looks fantastic, and allows for ZERO paint slop underneath. It's a really great approach to an age old problem, and it makes this one stand out.





Mantis

Mantis comes in two versions, the Kirby version and the Super Powers robotic version. The one I found is obviously the Kirby version, and he's really a great figure. The cape is a new, flexible rubber that allows for a great range of motion! Perhaps in the future we can get Batman / Superman figures with capes like this! As with most figures in wave 9, he features some great airbrush detailing.





Black Canary

Mrs. Queen here features a first for the line: Real fishnet stockings! In order to accomodate this, the hip joints appear to be locked in a T-Crotch fashion. As I pose my figures in fairly vanilla poses, it doesn't bother me at all, but it may bother some, and you should know that Canary here won't be doing the splits anytime soon. Other than that, she's a real looker.





Wildcat

Former Professional Boxer-turned-masked-adventurer Wildcat also shows off a design similar to Gaurdian. His mask is a separate piece, giving the illusion of an actual face/head under there! Another winner in a line full of winners.





Green Arrow

Saving the best for last, Oliver Queen comes ready for action! He includes his signature bow & Arrow, quiver, bola arrow, boxing glove arrow, and exlosive tip arrow. You can actually see the digital timer on the explosive arrow. He also includes an almost entirely new, inspired sculpt and plenty of extra paint apps. As advertised, he's the first figure in the line with ball & socket wrist articulation to expertly handle his bow.









Chemo

The Series 9 Collect-N-Connect figure is Cemo. He's easily the biggest in the line so far, measuring a full 10 inches tall. Giganta is as tall, but Chemo's got the bulk to go along with it! He's a reall fun & cool figure.






Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

WILDE IMAGINATION VISITS

Hello again. www.WildeImagination.com is one of the few great doll makers around today. Their product is well made and very popular. They were cool enough to send along a few examples of the lines they produce. From the Ellowyn Wilde line I have the Baroque N Dreams doll. From the Evangeline Ghastly line I have the small but very neat Bella the Bat. Check them out.

















That's it for today. I am off to the Reaper Awards this evening. Yup, AFTimes is going to be on the Red Carpet to snap shots of famous people! I'll have lenty to show you from the show. I'll also have plenty of news from Tonner Doll as well.

On a personal note my faithful dog of 14 years died this week. I had her since she was a puppy and time just caught up with her. I kept her warm and comfy right up to her last breath. She now lies under her favorite spot in the yard. Take a moment and hug your pet. They depend on us to take care of then and in return they love us unconditionally. Farewell Sammy, I'll miss you.

TG






Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

JOHN CONNOR - TERMINATOR SALVATION

Hello again. Halloween is upon us with ghouls, goblins and candy. Be safe and have a great time!

Let's get right to it. Hot Toys is now THE pre-eminent, maker of 12 inch figures bar none. Their attention to detail is astounding! The packaging is always cool, as is this one. A foam box with a full color sleeve. The faces they sculpt and paint are right on and the amount of detail to the accessories is just downright amazing.

We finally get to see the John Connor figure from the Terminator Salvation movie. Damn if it doesn't hit the bullseye. From the facial sculpt that makes you believe that this figure is going to talk to you, to the fantastic job on the outfit. I would have loved to take the jacket off but truth be told, I was afaid I wouldn't get the harness back on with my big fat fingers! The guns, knives and ammunition are great as well.

Take a look and I dare you to disagree!!!!





























That's it for this column. Back soon!

Toygodd
Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

HASBRO TOYS: STAR WARS LEGACY COLLECTION - DEWBACK AND IMPERIAL SANDTROOPER!

This Walmart Exclusive Dewback with Imperial Sandtrooper comes neatly window boxed. The Dewback is articulated on all four feet and the neck is able only to rotate. The saddle and reins are pliable soft plastic and the wash really brings out the detail of the riding tack.
The Sandtrooper comes complete with a heavy blaster and staff, has a removeable backpack and a white pauldron indicating that he is a sergeant in the Imperial forces.
His hips are ball jointed to allow him to ride the Dewback.
Overall a very nice large beastie for your collection. Very nice details and paint.



















Sample provided by Hasbro
Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!

GO HERO: BUCK ROGERS 1/6 SCALE FIGURE!

I have to admit that this must be the age of 1/6 scale figures. Medicom, Hot Toys, Executive Replicas are well known to dedicated collectors, and now Go Hero has positioned itself as one of the big boys.



Stepping our of the past and into the future is Buck Rogers. Debuting in John F. Dille's syndicated comic strip in 1928, Buck thrust the American people into a future filled with aliens, robots and spaceships the likes they had never imagined before.



Buck Rogers is a former engineer and accomplished military pilot from the 21st Century who is frozen/preserved in suspended animation and awakens 500 years into the future to a world altered by scientific advances and a nation under siege by alien invasion. Buck quickly encounters Wilma Deering and Dr. Huer and joins Earth's military defense force. Buck's good friend is scientist Dr. Huer, the 1920’s equivalent of James Bond’s Q. Dr. Huer creates and hones the technological wonders that inhabit Buck's world.




Buck is not overwhelmed by the technological wonders of the 25th Century and quickly adapts. He soon proves himself to be an effective warrior and leader, becoming highly respected among his new peers. He has the acting rank of Captain (his rank in the 21st Century). Buck has a commanding charisma. He is a secret operative, an intelligence officer, a fighter pilot and head of the elite 'Rocket Rangers'. Buck is not superhuman. He's an extremely intelligent and brave young man who combats forces of interplanetary evil on a regular basis by utilizing his brain as much as his ability -- relying more on his own skill-set than on 25th Century gadgetry.

Buck is honest, good-humored, and his courage borders on recklessness. He is very self-assured and confident to the point of being cocky about his own abilities. Buck is very patriotic towards America (and Earth) no matter what century it is. Buck has a strong knowledge of military tactics -- but he will always 'stick up for the little guy' regardless of the situation -- often operating as a free agent in the name of oppressed people(s) everywhere. He is always conscious of his duty, but he is a maverick and will overstep his authority and orders to 'do what is right'.

Wilma Deering, his highly respected female companion in adventure adores him. Much to Wilma's dismay, she must compete for Buck's affection with a cadre of other women -- Ardala Valmar, Flame D'Amour, Thavia of Venus, Tiki of Eldonia and the beautiful Doctor Merberec of Uranus among many others.

But not everyone adores Buck Rogers. The insidious Kane and Ardala (who's infatuated with Buck), hate him and all that he represents with an undying passion. Buck is constantly countering their various schemes to rule Earth and ultimately the Universe.



Packaging:



Buck comes encased in a solid maple wood box with laser etched writing on the front and back. The box lid also has the edition number etched into it. The lid slides off and reveals the figure and accessories inside a vacuform plastic sleeve. Sandwiched in on the front clear panel rests the Certificate of Authenticity.




Note, check the back of the sleeve and retrieve the USB cable... More on this later.)



Figure:



The facial sculpt is clean with good paint ops, no smudges or ripples. The figure comes with hands attached which are removeable, and can be replaced with gloved hands.




Ungloved or gloved the pistol fits firmly in the right hand of our hero. The left hand is flat giving it a good karate chopping look, the gloved left hand is formed into a fist.




Great for knocking about unruly robots and such.
The body is wonderfully articulated, especially in the legs where Buck can kneel with ease.



The figure holds poses easily, and the costume fits nicely on the frame.



Costume / Accessories:
Buck comes in a long sleeve knit red shirt with leather-like vest with a die cast metal detail on the chest.



He wears tan jodhpurs (riding pants) and has tall boots also made from the supple leather-like plastic.



His belt is black with a die-cast buckle, leather-like holster with die-cast laser pistol. If you look closely, you can see the intricate design set into the holster. Just another sign of the overall quality and attention to detail in this figure. The die-cast pistol is also a favorite of mine. The finish and weight of the gun add to the value of this piece.



For his head he has a glass space-helmet with die-cast details or a faux leather flying helmet with a clear 2 position visor. The helmet is just amazing. I had heard that some of the delays were due to problems with the helmet, but whatever problems there were have all been resolved. The glass is clear and solid feeling. It just oozes the love that went into this product. It's just beautiful.



He has a gold colored jet pack with electronic light effects on the exhaust nozzles which light up red when the button under the pack is pressed.



The pack hook slips neatly in Buck's vest and is very stable.




ATOMedia Body:

This is one of the coolest features on this figure. ATOMedia is a 1 gig MP3 player that can record sounds or you can upload recordings from your computer. The battery is rechargeable with the USB cable (included) and the figures coming directly from GO HERO have a remote so you can trigger your figure to play from 25 feet away. An old Buck Rogers radio show is pre-loaded into the player. Now not only can you display this figure, but you can make the collecting experience more interactive. The feature doesn't change to outward appearance of the figure, and makes Buck's figure truly from the future.



Go Hero has made a exceptional figure with Buck Rogers. True to the Golden Age artwork, retro styling and futuristic features. The care in his design and execution shines through in every way. This figure belongs in your collection.
Feed Shark

For more information visit Action Figure Times!