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Square Enix has announced that their next Play Arts Kai Variant figure is going to be none other than Darth Maul from "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace". Just like with other Star Wars figures the company has done, Darth Maul is a ‘variant’, meaning they added a special Play Arts twist to the classic character design.

Though, unlike many of the figures they have announced so far, Darth Maul actually didn’t receive that big of a make over. Looking at the images below, you can clearly tell that it’s Darth Maul very much how he appeared in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Unlike the Square Enix Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variant 1/7th scale Stormtrooper (previewed earlier on my toy blog HERE) which looked very different for his film version, this Play Arts Kai Darth Maul doesn't look very far off from his screen persona, just like the Play Arts Kai Darth Vader (posted HERE). Personally, I am more excited about getting my hands on the Square Enix Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variant 1/7th scale Boba Fett which IMHO looks pretty awesome - see the pictures posted HERE.

This redesign of Star Wars Darth Maul is still a nice variation in keeping with the Play Arts Kai variant series started by Square Enix. The figure is currently expected to start shipping in August 2015 for approximately USD$125.

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The Square Enix Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variant 1/7th scale Darth Maul action figure comes equipped with his trademark tattooed red skin (2 portraits), his dual red lightsaber, the split lightsabers, a figure stand, and multiple interchangeable hands.

Related posts:
December 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: Darth Maul 12-inch figure by Sideshow Collectibles posted HERE
December 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: Darth Maul with Sith Speeder by Hasbro plus probe droids from Sideshow Collectibles posted HERE
December 30, 2007 – Star Wars Episode 1: Darth Maul (break-apart version) by Hasbro
July 4, 2008 – My Star Wars Collection updated pictures posted HERE

The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan Nolan, and the story with David S. Goyer. Featuring the DC Comics character Batman, the film is the final installment in Nolan's Batman film trilogy, and the sequel to Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008). Christian Bale reprises the lead role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, with a returning cast of allies: Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as John Blake: A young police officer whose instincts lead him to believe that there is trouble on the horizon. Seeing something of himself in Blake, Commissioner Gordon promotes him to detective. Blake represents the idealism that Gordon and Bruce Wayne once held, but soon lost in their battle against crime in the city. The film reveals his legal name to be Robin John Blake, an homage to Batman's sidekick in the comics, Robin.

For those who missed out on the Hot Toys "The Dark Knight Rises" 1/6th scale John Blake with Bat-Signal Collectible Set (previewed on my toy blog HERE) or just don't want to shell out what Hot Toys demands but would still like a 12-inch John Blake figure in their collection, you can get this AC Play 1/6th scale US Police Uniform Set and kitbash your very own John Blake figure. AC Play 1/6th scale US Police Uniform Set consists of: Jacket, Uniform, Pants, T-Shirt, Belt, Magazine holster, Handcuffs holder, Handcuffs, Walkie talkie, Walkie talkie pouch, Gun Holster, G17 Pistol, Flashlight, pair of shoes. Head and Body are not included. Ideal for Hottoys TTM21 or other narrow shoulder bodies.

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Related posts:
March 9, 2013 – Review of ZCWO Mens Hommes MH Vol.08 1/6 scale Action Figure Fashion for James Gordon posted HERE
March 10, 2013 – Review of Dream EX 2012 Toy Fairs Exclusive 1/6 scale Bat-Signal / Spotlight - Call for Batman posted HERE

You can check out my reviews of the Hot Toys Toy Fair Exclusive "The Dark Knight" 1/6 scale Lt. Jim Gordon 12-inch limited edition collectible Figure HERE and HERE

September 17, 2012 – Hot Toys "The Dark Knight" 1/6 Gotham City Police Department S.W.A.T. Team Member (kitbashed) posted HERE

"I'm Luke Skywalker. I'm here to rescue you.” – Luke Skywalker

Originally just a moisture farmer on the planet Tatooine, the young Luke Skywalker’s life began to change forever when he purchased two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, and met the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, the infamous smugglers Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia! Luke’s actions helped change the fate of the galaxy by assisting the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire and destroying the terrifying Death Star.

Today, Hot Toys is very excited to officially reveal the collectible figure of the central character in the original Star Wars trilogy – the 1/6th scale Luke Skywalker Collectible Figure from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope!

The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, specially tailored costume, LED-lighted lightsaber, a hat with goggles, a poncho, detailed accessories, and a figure stand. A special edition is available in selected markets which include an additional Stormtrooper belt with grappling hook, a communicator, and a blaster rifle.

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"Vengeance will be mine!"

Hanzo Hasashi (波佐志半藏), now known as Scorpion (全蠍人, "Full Scorpion Man"), is a resurrected ninja in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He is one of the very few original characters, debuting in the first Mortal Kombat arcade game. He holds the distinction, along with Raiden and Sub-Zero (in one form or another), of appearing in every generation of Mortal Kombat games as a playable character.

Scorpion is a hell-spawned spectre, inexorably seeking vengeance against those responsible for the destruction of his clan and the death of his own family. Scorpion appears human when masked, though this is merely an illusion. Only his skull remains when in his true form, sometimes ablaze. Scorpion's most popular and recognized skill is his famous spear attack, which is used to draw an opponent toward him. This attack will also stun the opponent for a short amount of time.

The World Box 1/6th scale Mortal Kombat - Scorpion 12-inch Collectible figure features: Three (3) head sculpts, each one is specially hand-painted. Approximately 30 cm tall Fully realized 1:6th durable body covered with Scorpion armor body, weathering effects on the figure. Four (4) interchangeable hands including: One (1) open hands, One (1) clenched fist, One (1) pair of hand for holding sword.

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COSTUME: One (1) golden ninja vest, One (1) pair of arm protectors, One (1) pair of boots

WEAPON: Two (2) Sword, One (1) Kusarigama

ACCESSORIES: One (1) Broken head of Kung Lao, One (1) Blood soaked, One (3) Flash for magical effect, fireball.

Release Date: Late Q3, 2015

Related posts:
July 21, 2013 – World Box 1/6 scale "Mortal Kombat " SUB-ZERO 12-inch ninja collectible figure posted HERE
May 22, 2014 – Check out WorldBox 1/6 scale "Mortal Kombat" Kung Lao 12-inch action figure (pictures HERE)

Berserk (Japanese: ベルセルク) is a manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. Set in a medieval Europe-inspired fantasy world, the story centers on the characters of Guts, an orphaned mercenary, and Griffith, the leader of a mercenary band called the Band of the Hawk. Themes of isolation, camaraderie, and the question of whether humanity is fundamentally good or evil pervade the story, as it explores both the best and worst of human nature. Both the manga and anime are noted for their heavy violence.

Guts (ガッツ Gattsu) is a wandering warrior and former Raid Leader of the renowned mercenary unit known as the "Band of the Hawk" (鷹の団 Taka no Dan), who hunts demonic creatures called Apostles, humans who have made a deal with a group of archdemons known as "The God Hand" that entails sacrificing whoever or whatever is closest to them in exchange for incredible supernatural power. Guts himself bears a Brand of Sacrifice from this very ritual; he is one of the only people to have ever survived it, but still has demons ceaselessly drawn to him wherever he goes, with the Brand becoming more painful and bloody the closer and more powerful his adversaries are.

This is the soon-to-be-released R.E.D. MARK x INFLAMES 1/6th SWORD In THE WIND 12-inch figure which does bear a strong resemblance to Guts from Berserk. Medicom Toy has also released a Guts Band of the Hawk figure - you can see the preview pictures posted on my toy blog HERE. Dragon Models Limited (DML) had also released a 1/6th scale Berserk Guts Black Swordsman 12-inch figure way back in 2003 as a Japan exclusive. You can check out the review posted HERE and HERE.

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Clinton "Clint" Eastwood, Jr. (born May 31, 1930) is an American actor, film director, producer, musician, and politician. He rose to international fame with his role as the Man with No Name in Sergio Leone's Dollars trilogy of spaghetti Westerns during the 1960s, and as antihero cop Harry Callahan in the five Dirty Harry films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. These roles, among others, have made him an enduring cultural icon of masculinity.

This is REDMAN TOYS upcoming 1/6th scale Collectible Figure RM006 The Good COWBOY which is inspired most likely by Clint Eastwood's cowboy films. The figure will come with Head Sculpt with Panama Hat, Cigar, Black Scarf, Gray Special Style Coat, Blue Patterned Shirt, Brown Pants, Brown Leather Belt, Brown Embroidered Belt with Bullets and Holster, Cowboy Boots with Spurs, 1849 Navy Colt Revolver Rattler Grips, American Buffalo Tribute Henry Rifle, 12-inch Figure Body with Hand.

I've always wanted a 12-inch Clint Eastwood as Western cowboy figure. After all, he rose to international fame with his role as the Man with No Name in Sergio Leone's Dollars trilogy of spaghetti Westerns during the 1960s before becoming just as famous as antihero cop Harry Callahan in the five Dirty Harry films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. These roles, among others, have made him an enduring cultural icon of masculinity. I already have a 1:6 scale Clint Eastwood as Harry Callahan 12-inch figure released by Brother Production called Hard-boiled Harry posted on my toy blog HERE and HERE. It would be nice to act Wild West Clint to the collection.

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Related posts:
Have you seen BBK's 1/6th scale Cowboy OR Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex 12-inch Wild West figure? You can check out my posts with lots of pictures HERE and HERE.

How about one of the originals? Triad Toys "Wanted: Dead or Alive" Josh Randall (Steve McQueen, Mr Cool himself) review posted HERE

Then there's also Hot Toys MMS217 The Lone Ranger: 1/6th Johnny Depp as Tonto Collectible Figure - reviewed HERE and HERE. Too bad there isn't going to be a 12-inch Lone Ranger to accompany him.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 2014 American 3D science fiction action comedy film based on the franchise of the same name. A reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series, the film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman, and stars Megan Fox, Alan Ritchson, Jeremy Howard, Johnny Knoxville, Pete Ploszek, Noel Fisher, Will Arnett, Tony Shalhoub, William Fichtner, Tohoru Masamune, Whoopi Goldberg and Minae Noji.

From ThreeZero:
After offering Leonardo and Michelangelo collectibles back in April, we been asked a lot about Raphael and Donatello and when they will be on sale. Today we can reveal all the details and show what we have been working on!

Raphael and Donatello collectible figures will be available for pre-order at www.threezerostore.com starting from June 8th 9:00AM Hong Kong time for 230USD / 1780HKD each with International shipping included in the price.

As part of the special threezerostore exclusive offer: We will have both Raphael and Donatello collectibles purchased together offered for a special combined price of 380USD/2950HKD with International shipping included in the price. We haven’t forgotten those who missed Leonardo and Michelangelo pre-order and will offer ALL FOUR Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael for 760USD / 5900HKD with International shipping included in the price.

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Donatello and Raphael collectible figures come in 1/6th scale and are designed after the characters on-screen appearance. Donatello sands approximately 33.9cm / 13.34inches tall, comes with an extra pair of exchangeable hands, headset, backpack, walkie talkie and extendable fighting Bo-staff. Raphael stands approximately 33.5cm/13.9inches tall and comes with two exchangeable hands, pair of ninja sai, sunglasses and army knife.

1/6th scale TMNT Raphael collectible details: Stands approximately 33.5cm / 13.19 inches tall. Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness as seen in TMNT film, Movie-accurate facial expression with detailed wrinkles and skin texture, Body with over 25 points of articulations, Realistic paint application to highlight all the details along with battle damaged effect as seen in the film. Raphael comes with following accessories: Sunglasses, Army Knife, Sai x 2

1/6th scale TMNT Donatello collectible details: Stands approximately 33.9cm tall / 13.34 inches tall, Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness as seen in TMNT film, Movie-accurate facial expression with detailed wrinkles and skin texture, Body with over 25 points of articulations, Realistic paint application to highlight all the details along with battle damaged effect as seen in the film. Donatello comes with following accessories: Backpack, Headset, Walkie Talkie, Bo-staff

Related posts:
February 1, 2015 – Review of Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael figure HERE
February 2, 2015 – Review of Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo HERE
February 8, 2015 – Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo 5-inch figure Review HERE
February 10, 2015 – Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Donatello 5-inch figure Review HERE
February 13, 2015 – Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: All four of them in group pictures posted HERE
December 7, 2013 – Check out the Playmates 6-inch tall Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Figures, released 2012 and posted HERE
March 30, 2013 – Cowabunga! Preview Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their Secret Sewer Lair (pictures HERE)

Sherlock is a British crime drama television series and a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson. Nine episodes have been produced, the first three of which were broadcast in 2010. Series two was broadcast in 2012, and a third series was broadcast in 2014. The third series has become the UK's most watched drama series since 2001.

POP TOYS 1/6 scale Style Series X20 whole-box Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock 12-inch figure will come with Head sculpt, Body, Hand x 4, Coat, Wool Scarf, Western-style clothes, Trousers, Shirt, Tie, Leather shoes, Wooden Violin, Bowstring, skull

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Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

“I can show you what you truly fear!”

In Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Wanda Maximoff a.k.a Scarlet Witch has undergone experiments by HYDRA to obtain superpowers in neuro-electric interfacing, telekinesis, mental manipulation and became a “secret weapon” of the evil organization. When HYDRA fell, she joined Ultron to get their revenge on Tony Stark, but eventually allied with the Avengers to help stop the artificial intelligence when they discovered Ultron's true intentions to wipe out mankind.

Today Hot Toys is pleased to officially introduce one of the new stars of Avengers: Age of Ultron – the 1/6th scale Scarlet Witch Collectible Figure!

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt with long curly brown real fabric hair, finely tailored costume, specially created hands with red translucent fingertips and effect accessories to emulate Scarlet Witch using her powers. Ultron’s heart which Scarlet Witch has taken from the robot’s body is also included as a special bonus accessory!

Spice up your Avengers: Age of Ultron collection with this new Avengers member!

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

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Hot Toys MMS301 Avengers: Age of Ultron, Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch collectible figure specially features: Authentic and detailed likeness of Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron with Newly developed head sculpt with movie-accurate facial expression and make-up including Long curly brown real fabric hair implantation - Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted. Approximately 28 cm tall Body with over 28 points of articulations, Eight (8) pieces of interchangeable hands including: One (1) pair of relaxed hands, One (1) gesturing right hand, One (1) pair of hands with red translucent fingertips for power-using effects accessories, One (1) gesturing left hand with red translucent fingertips, Two (2) gesturing right hand with red translucent fingertips

Costume: One (1) blue dress with polka dots pattern, One (1) black dress, One (1) red leather-like jacket, One (1) pair of leather-like arm warmers, One (1) pair of black stockings, One (1) pair of brown boots

Accessories: Two (2) necklaces, Two (2) power-using effects accessories, Specially-designed figure stand with Scarlet Witch nameplate and the movie logo

Special Bonus Accessory: One (1) Ultron’s heart

Release date: Q4,2015 – Q1, 2016

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

"Alastor Moody. Ex-Auror, Ministry malcontent, and your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody was a Scottish wizard of pure-blood descent, considered to be the most famous Auror of modern time. He was also a pivotal member of the Order of the Phoenix during the First and Second Wizarding Wars. Moody served with distinction during the first conflict, gaining a considerable reputation, as well as losing an eye, leg, and part of his nose while fighting the Dark Arts. As a result, Moody became overly-cautious and paranoid about his security.

Sideshow Collectibles and Star Ace Toys are pleased to announce the Alastor "Mad Eye" Moody Sixth Scale Figure. This movie-accurate collectible figure is crafted based on the image of Brendan Gleeson as Professor Moody in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Featuring a special moveable artificial eye and mechanical prosthetic leg.

Star Ace Toys Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody Sixth Scale Collectible figure features: 1:6th scale body, approximately 30 cm tall with over 30 points of articulation; Fully realized authentic likeness of Mad-Eye Moody in the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix with Accurate facial expression and detailed skin texture plus Moveable artificial eye; Each head sculpt is specially hand-painted. Three (3) interchangeable hands including: One (1) pair of open hands, One (1) hand for holding wand or staff

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

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Costume: One (1) brown shirt, One (1) black leather vest, One (1) pair of dark blue trousers, One (1) heavily worn battle coat, One (1) black shoe

Accessories: One (1) Mad-Eye Moody’s Wand, One (1) Mad-Eye Moody’s Staff, One (1) Polyjuice Potion Flask, One (1) Flash for magical effect, One (1) Mechanical Prosthetic Leg, One (1) clear plastic stand with waist clip

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

Last November, Play Toy announced that they were coming out with a 12-inch figure set called Maintenance Technician - check out my toy blog post HERE. Anyone who had seen the 2013 film OBLIVION would have recognised it right away as the character Commander Jack Harper (Tom Cruise). At the time, there was feedback from collectors who saw the pictures that it had a couple things wrong with it - namely the poor detail of the rifle and the absence of dust goggles. After some time, many thought the set would never come to fruition. Play Toy has just re-released all new images this week, with an improved set. Rifle has more detail, and the goggles are there! Isn't it nice when manufacturers listen to feedback :)

Oblivion is a 2013 post-apocalyptic science fiction film based on Joseph Kosinski's unpublished graphic novel of the same name. The film was co-written, produced and directed by Kosinski. The film is set in the year 2077, sixty years after Earth has been devastated from the effects of an alien invasion. Most of humanity has left Earth for a massive tetrahedral space station (called Tet).

Tom Cruise stars as Commander Jack Harper, one of the few remaining humans on Earth assigned to protect and maintain drones that extract Earth's resources to fuel the Tet. With only a couple of weeks away from joining the rest of humanity, Jack discovers a crashed spacecraft that forces him to question everything he believes.

Play Toy P007 1/6th scale Maintenance Technician 12-inch figure aka Oblivion's Jack Harper will come with: Head Sculpt, Male Body, Goggles, Pants, Jacket, Boots, Belt, Rifle, Sling, Pistol, Holster, Hand Assortment

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Related posts:
October 24, 2008 – Top Gun (1986) Tom Cruise as LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell by Hot Toys (pictures HERE)
February 13, 2009 – Private Military Contractor "Tom" posted HERE
July 11, 2009 – DiD Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg in "Valkyrie") Review HERE and HERE
May 8, 2013 – Review of Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure aka Tom Cruise as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt in MI4: Ghost Protocol posted HERE, HERE and HERE

Devil May Cry (Japanese: デビルメイクライ Hepburn: Debiru Mei Kurai) is a video game series developed by Capcom and created by Hideki Kamiya. Originally intended to be a sequel in Capcom's Resident Evil series, in development it became such a radical departure from the series' style that it was developed into a new property entirely. The series centers on the main character Dante's goal of avenging his mother's murder by exterminating demons.

Lady is a human demon hunter introduced in Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening. When she is first seen in Devil May Cry 3, she wears a schoolgirl outfit with a short white blouse that bares her midriff and sleeves that reach just past her elbows. The skirt appears to be made of protective plating and she has a utility belt to hold gun magazines, with dark shorts underneath. Connected to the belt is a harness for Kalina Ann which is her signature weapon. Kalina Ann is a customized missile launcher similar to a MANPADS. She also carries a CZ-75 pistol on the front of her skirt and a VZ.61 Scorpion sub-machine gun on the back, with a lever action bow gun of sorts strapped to her left thigh, and finally a pistol strapped to her right boot. She wears dark brown gloves and orange-brown knee high boots, with black socks under.

Flirty Girl Collectibles FGCDX006 1/6th scale Lady Miss Female Figure from Devil May Cry 3 will come with FB02-M 2.0 Female body with double joint elbows, Female rooted head sculpt, White crop suit jacket with shorts, Black undershirt top, Faux leather bust strap harness, Faux Leather Equipment belt with (6)drop-down ammo bags, Faux Leather leg straps (pair), Black leggings, Cowgirl sole boots, Grip hand set, Relaxed hand set, Dagger Grip hand set, Combat bazooka with removable Blade Axe, Silver Pistol, Art Box

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Here's an excellent interpretation of Lady from Devil May Cry 3 Cosplay by Narga-Lifestream

Related posts:
June 21, 2012 – Flirty Girl Collectibles 1:6th scale EMERSON 12-inch Female Figure Character Set REVIEW posted on my toy blog HERE
February 14, 2013 – Review of Flirty Girl Collectibles 1/6th scale Female Character Set aka 12-inch Lara Croft Tomb Raider posted HERE, HERE and HERE

May 2015 was a relatively quiet month as I didn't get anything LOL sure I pre-ordered some stuff but hauls are about receiving the physical goods and opening up the box. In the old days, pre-orders didn't exist and you have to wait for the toys to arrive at the shops and hopefully beat the queue and the crowd to get what you want. These days, pre-orders are necessary for you to reserve the figure you want so that you can be assured of the figure when it arrives. Otherwise, you might just miss the boat and end up paying secondary market prices. In the past, you would walk into the shop and pick up what you like when you are there but these days, you pick up what you like from the images posted on the world wide web, place your order and wait months before the figure arrives. Times certainly have changed. As you can tell, I was a very patient man for the whole month of May.

On the other hand, June is already looking up with some nice picks :) Nothing perks me up more than getting new goodies to play (um... I meant 'pose') with.

Hot Toys VGM "Batman: Arkham City" 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Action Figure arrived, along with Hot Toys "Avengers: Age of Ultron" 1/6th scale Captain America 12-inch Collectible Figure and Bandai Star Wars 7-inch tall Movie Realization Ashigaru Stormtrooper figure. Three of my favorite topics: Batman, Captain America and Star Wars – what more can I ask for? That answer is time! I need more time to appreciate all these that I have but unfortunately, time and tide waits for no man.

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Batman Arkham City has been a very popular video game among fans since its debut! As a celebration of Batman’s 75th anniversary in 2014, Hot Toys officially introduced the Batman: Arkham City: 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Figure. The collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Batman from the game featuring a newly developed masked head sculpt with 2 interchangeable lower faces, newly sculpted muscular body and Batsuit, and detailed weapons. You can check out the preview pictures HERE

And just to show that the box isn't empty, here's a sneak peek at Hot Toys VGM "Batman: Arkham City" 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Action Figure inside the box. There have been much debate about whether one should open the box and play with the toy or keep it inside it's plastic prison and when it comes to Hot Toys, there have been accusations that some people just collect empty boxes and actually have no figures to show for it. I even have a toy blog post titled: "Hot Toys Collector or Hot Toys Box Collector? Age-old question: To open / not to open the toy!" You can check it out HERE

Next up: Hot Toys "Avengers: Age of Ultron" 1/6th scale Captain America 12-inch Collectible Figure which was previewed earlier HERE. I'm a big fan of Captain America since I read his exploits in the Marvel comic books growing up. Never could I have imagined that all the comic book heroes I read about and grew up with would one day grace the big screen in such a big way. It's really nice to see these heroes realized as believable live-action figures. Even better that they get made into 12-inch fully pose-able action figures with highly accurate details with realistic life-like head sculpts. Great time to be a 12-inch figure collector.

Here's a tease of the good Captain in his box. I much prefer this costume to the earlier version seen in the first Avengers film. You can check out my reviews and pictures of the Hot Toys The Avengers: 1/6 Captain America 12-inch Limited Edition Collectible Figure HERE, HERE and HERE. Before this latest Avengers film was released, I was okay with the costume but after having seen Cap's newest costume which is much closer to the comic book version, I found myself leaning more towards this newest rendition. Still it's nice to see how the Captain America uniforms / costumes have evolved. Check out the 'Captain America' Characters' Evolution From The '40s To 'Winter Soldier' (1940 comic to 2014) posted HERE

Last but not least, there's Bandai Star Wars 7-inch tall Movie Realization Ashigaru Stormtrooper figure. Since I saw preview pictures of the Bandai Star Wars Meishou Movie Realization Samuraidaishou Darth Vader 18 cm action figure (posted HERE), I have been very excited about this series. The designers at Bandai have managed to give the sci-fi characters from a galaxy far far away a whole new look by bringing them back in time to feudal Japan in the 1300s. It's quite ironic since Star Wars creator George Lucas was inspired by Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress and some of the character's costume designs had references to Japanese samurai, including Darth Vader's helmet and costume design.

These Bandai Star Wars 7-inch tall Movie Realization action figures look really authentic and I just love the designs, much more than the Play Arts Kai Star Wars Variant figures. These look way cooler and promises a load of FUN!

Do check back for the reviews as and when I can get to them :) and thanks for all the great support for my toy blog!

The original Stormtroopers (in German Sturmtruppen; the term "thrust troops", Stoßtruppe was also used) were specialist soldiers of the German Army in World War I. In the last years of the war, Stoßtruppe were trained to fight with "infiltration tactics", part of the Germans' new method of attack on enemy trenches. Men trained in these methods were known in Germany as Sturmmann (literally "storm man" but usually translated as "stormtrooper"), formed into companies of Sturmtruppe ("assault troops", more often and less exactly "storm troops"). The infiltration tactics of the stormtroopers are still in use today, in one form or another. Other armies have also used the term "assault troops", "shock troops" or fireteams for specialist soldiers who perform the infiltration tasks of stormtroopers.

Star Wars creator George Lucas created the Stormtroopers as the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire. Like Imperial-class Star Destroyers and TIE fighters, stormtroopers served as ever present reminders of the absolute power of Emperor Palpatine. These faceless enforcers of the New Order were considered an extension of the Emperor's will, and thus they often used efficient yet usually unreasonable tactics as a way to keep thousands of star systems throughout the galaxy in line. At the height of the Empire, stormtroopers had effectively become symbols of major authority. With few exceptions, they were distinguished from all other military units by their signature white armor.

Ashigaru (足軽 lit. lightfeet) were foot-soldiers who were employed by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The first known reference to ashigaru was in the 1300s, but it was during the Ashikaga Shogunate-Muromachi period that the use of ashigaru became prevalent by various warring factions.

Based on the designers at Bandai Japan, this is what happens when you combine the Ashigaru of fuedal Japan with the Imperial Stormtroopers of the Star Wars galaxy. I just love the whole new look of this Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure! Combining traditional samurai armor with the look of the sci-fi Stormtroopers makes for a whole new bada$$-looking re-imagined soldier. What's there not to love about these troopers!

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This Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure was part of my most recent June 2015 haul (posted earlier HERE). As soon as I got it, I couldn't wait to open the box and take pictures of this figure to post on my toy blog. Such awesomeness has to be shared :)

Here's the Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch tall Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure in the box with accessories such as sword and sheath plus gun. Tanegashima (Japanese matchlock) were introduced to Japan in the 1543 through Portuguese trade. Tanegashima were produced on a large scale by Japanese gunsmiths, enabling warlords to raise and train armies from masses of peasants. The new weapons were highly effective, their ease of use and deadly effectiveness led to the tanegashima becoming the weapon of choice over the yumi (bow). By the end of the 16th century, there were more firearms in Japan than in many European nations.

Altogether there are four pairs of hands included for use in posing the Ashigaru Stormtrooper with his different weapons

Here's the awesome and stunning Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch tall Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure with his sword sheathed and ready for the draw. Scroll down to see the turnaround views.

Check out the close-up views of the Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch tall Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure. Be amazed at the nice details found on the figure. The Stormtrooper helmet design is clearly present and yet it also has a traditional Japanese look to it.

Even the leg armor is consistent with the Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper design which was not symmetrical i.e. left and right leg armors were different.

NEXT: More pictures of this Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch tall Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure in action poses wielding his weapons in the fight for the Empire.

Related posts:
March 23, 2008 – Marmit 1/6 scale Star Wars Stormtrooper figure pictures HERE
March 23, 2008 – Medicom Toys 1/6 scale Star Wars Stormtrooper figure posted HERE
April 25, 2009 – Sideshow Star Wars Imperial Stormtrooper Review HERE and HERE
April 27, 2009 – 1/6 scale Imperial Stormtroopers with Darth Vader (pictures HERE)
April 28, 2009 – Comparison pictures of 1/6 scale Stormtrooper figures released by Sideshow vs Marmit vs Medicom posted on my toy blog HERE
July 31, 2009 – Sideshow Collectibles Darth Vader with Sideshow Stormtroopers posted HERE
January 1, 2010 – 2009 Top Ten Fave Toys Countdown 3: Lots and lots of 1/6 scale Stormtroopers pictures HERE
August 30, 2012 – Sideshow Collectibles 1/6th scale Boba Fett, Han in Carbonite and 12-inch Stormtrooper escorts posted HERE
April 9, 2015 – Review of Hot Toys MMS267 "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" 1/6 Stormtrooper 12-inch Figure posted HERE and HERE
April 15, 2015 – Comparison pictures of different 1:6 Star Wars Stormtroopers by Hot Toys, Sideshow, Medicom and Marmit posted HERE

Ethan Matthew Hunt is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Mission: Impossible film series. The Mission: Impossible films are a series of action spy films based on the television series of the same name, produced by and starring Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt. The Impossible Missions Force (IMF) team, was an unofficial branch of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and implied to be a black operations division of the Agency.

The famous phrase / line from the series was: "Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves (fill in the mission) and should any member of your team be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions. This message will self-destruct in five seconds." Cue theme music.

This is VTS Toys (VM-012) 1/6th scale Agent Hunter 12-inch figure (Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt) which will come with real like head sculpt, 12-inch action body, one (1) pair of hands, tactical gloved hands x 3. Costume / uniform consists of: black top / shirt, black jeans / pants, long sleeve tee, BDU belt, combat boots, tactical body armor / assault vest.

This is the second Tom Cruise character 12-inch figure to be previewed in less than a week. I had posted a Commander Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) figure on my toy blog recently - see the post HERE. Makes you wonder how many Tom Cruise figures are out there. I had managed to score a Medicom Toy RAH 1/6th scale "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" Ethan Hunt Collectible Figure in April (see my haul HERE) and I have quite a number of Tom Cruise related figures in my collection, so much so that I created a label titled "Tom Cruise".

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Weapons: MP5K-PDW, MP5K-PDW magazines x 2 + 1, tactical sling, Beretta 92 pistol, pistol mag x 2 + 1, pistol rail mount, X300 tactical light

Accessories: tactical night vision goggles, bluetooth headset and mic, magnetic grenade x 3, magnetic grenade drop leg pouch, drop leg pistol holster, black GP pouch, black figure display stand

Looks like this will be going into the "Men in Black" collection as well.

Related posts:
October 24, 2008 – Top Gun (1986) Tom Cruise as LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell by Hot Toys (pictures HERE)
February 13, 2009 – Private Military Contractor "Tom" posted HERE
July 11, 2009 – DiD Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg in "Valkyrie") Review HERE and HERE
May 8, 2013 – Review of Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure aka Tom Cruise as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt in MI4: Ghost Protocol posted HERE, HERE and HERE

War Machine (James Rupert "Rhodey" Rhodes) is a fictional character superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 (January 1979) by David Michelinie, John Byrne, and Bob Layton. The War Machine armor, which became his signature armored battlesuit, was designed by Len Kaminski and Kevin Hopgood. The character has been featured in the Iron Man animated series, the Iron Man: Armored Adventures series, and the animated film The Invincible Iron Man. He has been portrayed by Terrence Howard in the 2008 Iron Man film and Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron and will be reprising the role in Captain America: Civil War.

This will be the fourth figure to be released from Sen-ti-nel's RE: EDIT IRON MAN series. This is the Marvel comic book version War Machine with heavy armor, rocket launcher and Shock wave transmitter arm. He looks more like a tank with the bulky build unlike the more sleek and stealth looking Iron Man. And he looks like he means business!

Sen-ti-nel RE: EDIT Iron Man #04 War Machine 18.5cm tall action figure will cost about USD180 and be made of ABS / ATBC-PVC / PA / POM / alloy materials. Comes with: War Machine figure, 1 pair of fists, 4 pairs of open hands in different poses, 1 pair of pulse cannons, 1 pair of dual missile pods, Hall of Armor (display base, hall of armor parts, 4 base connectors, metal prop, clip, anchor for metal prop), 2 test batteries (LR41). Release Date: October 2015

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Being a heavily armored suit, War Machine is taller by a head and massive in volume compared to the previous armors in the Re:Edit Iron Man series. The pulse cannons and its arms can be interchanged with the dual missile pods.

Features: Whole body is fully painted, LED light-up function for the eyes and chest, Display base included can be connected with display bases from the previous Re:Edit releases

Related posts:
November 13, 2010 – Review of Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS120 "Iron Man 2" 1/6th scale War Machine Collectible Figure posted on my toy blog HERE, HERE and HERE.
November 17, 2010 – Size Matters! Comparing Hot Toys War Machine with Iron Man Mk III (pictures HERE)
June 18, 2014 – Review of Hot Toys "Iron Man 3" 1/6th scale Die-cast Iron Patriot 12-inch Collectible Action Figure HERE, HERE and HERE
July 20, 2014 – Comparison pictures: Hot Toys Die-cast 1/6th scale Iron Patriot and War Machine Version 1.0 can be seen HERE

Kotobukiya’s hit line of Marvel Comics’ Avengers ARTFX+ Statues paved the way for the next incredible comic-based series in this great scale, the X-Men of Marvel Now! In 2012 the comic book company relaunched several titles, shifting some characters into different books and updating some for a modern audience. More than anything, it provided a perfect jumping on point for new readers. Now the characters are brought to life as never before based on concept artwork by superstar artist Adi Granov, who was also responsible for the Avengers series. Following after team leader Cyclops is the White Queen herself, Emma Frost!

One of the most popular mutants ever, Emma is a powerful telepath who can also transform into a diamond form. Frost has had a 35 year history with the X-Men, starting out as their enemy and ending up one of their most passionate leaders.

Always preferring bold and sexy in her costume choices, the former White Queen stepped things up even further with her Marvel Now! appearance that’s captured in this dynamic presentation. The mutant stands with her feet apart for balance, pointing one hand toward you while the other is poised by her head to help focus her tremendous telepathic abilities.

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Emma wears a very distinctive (and revealing) costume consisting of thigh high boots, gloves, a one piece bodysuit with an extreme cut out, a wide belt, and a long flowing cape with attached sleeves, collar, and armored shoulder pads! The dark black and metallic gray of her outfit contrast amazingly with her pale skin tone, blonde hair, and the bright color accents of the red “X” designs on her shoulders, blue eyes, and smoldering red lips.

Sculpted by the same master artist who did the Marvel Now! Avengers series, Junosuke Abe, Emma Frost stands over 7.5 inches tall (in the ARTFX+ 1/10th scale) on her included magnetic display base. Join the telepathic mutant with previously released Cyclops (sold separately) and the rest of the X-Men team coming soon!

Available December 2015.

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

Sideshow Collectibles and Square Enix are proud to present the Venom Snake (Sneaking Suit version) collectible figure from the latest release in the legendary Metal Gear Solid franchise, the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain!

Joining the Play Arts KAI action figure line, this collectible figure features new joint structures that enable smooth articulation at the elbows and knees. The neck, ankles and shoulders have been created with a flexible resin to ensure a more natural look and a wider range of motion.

The Square Enix Play Arts KAI Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Venom Snake (Sneaking Suit version) Collectible Figure features: Interchangeable hands, One (1) Knife, Two (2) Rifles, One (1) Pistol and figure display stand. The figure is scheduled to hit Japan in September 2015.

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

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Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

Casshan, also known in Japan as Neo-Human Casshern (新造人間キャシャーン Shinzō Ningen Kyashān), is an anime series created by Tatsunoko Productions in 1973, which was based on a serialization of Kodansha’s Terebi Magazine and Akita Shoten’s Boken Oh.

Tetsuya Azuma (東鉄也 Azuma Tetsuya), also known as Casshern, is an android with a human consciousness, also known as a neoroider (人造人間 Jinzō Ningen, lit. "artificial human"). Tetsuya turned himself into an android to hunt down and destroy the robots that have taken over the world. His body features a number of unique android functions, including superhuman speed, agility and strength, an opening and closing face mask, a golden crescent-shaped solar panel on his forehead and waist-mounted pulsar propellers that can also be used as weapons.

This is the Sentinel Tatsunoko Heroes Fighting Gear – "Casshan: Robot Hunter" 18cm tall action figure which will be released very soon. The figure seems to have quite an amazing range of articulation with light-up chest emblem and looks pretty awesome!

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Sir Christopher Lee, the veteran actor and star of many of the world's biggest film franchises, has died aged 93. With a career spanning nearly 70 years, Lee initially portrayed villains and became best known for his role as Count Dracula in a sequence of Hammer Horror films. His other film roles include Francisco Scaramanga in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), Saruman in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001–2003) and The Hobbit film trilogy (2012–2014), and Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus in the final two films of the Star Wars prequel trilogy (2002 and 2005) and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008).

This is the Hasbro released 1:6 scale Christopher Lee as Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus 12-inch figure from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. In the film, Lee is former Jedi Master who falls to the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Sidious's second apprentice, the founder of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and the instigator of the Clone Wars. Lee did most of the swordplay himself, though a double was required for the long shots with more vigorous footwork.

Introduced in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku) appears as the leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a federation of planetary systems rebelling against the Galactic Republic due to his anger by its bureaucracy as well as the apparent unwillingness of the Jedi Council to aid oppressed galactic systems.

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Count Dooku's lightsaber was unique. He studied Jedi Archives records to create a curved lightsaber of the type that was standard in the heyday of Form II lightsaber combat. The curved hilt of Dooku's lightsaber allows for superior finesse and precise blade control. This design gives Dooku an edge when facing Jedi, who have mostly trained to use lightsabers to deflect blaster bolts.

Related posts:
October 6, 2011 – RIP Steve Jobs: Kitbash 1/6 Steve Jobs 12-inch Figure posted on my toy blog HERE
March 4, 2012 – The passing of a Master: "Star Wars" designer Ralph McQuarrie has died at age 82 posted HERE
March 11, 2012 – Passing of another great talent: Jean Henri Gaston Giraud aka Moebius posted HERE
January 12, 2009 – Heath Ledger wins Golden Globe Award for his role as The Joker (posted HERE)

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June 2015 Haul: ArkhamCity Batman, Avengers2 Captain America + Bandai Ashigaru Stormtrooper

Review 1: Bandai Star Wars Movie Realization 7-inch tall Ashigaru Stormtrooper action figure

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1:6 scale Sir Christopher Lee as Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus in Star Wars - Rest In Peace