toyhaven

There's a very very long backstory that comes with this figure's preview but I wouldn't even bother going into it. You could publish a novel based on it alone ;p I've always been a visual guy so the visuals either speak to me or they don't. This is definitely a unique release. Not something up my alley at all but an interesting attempt to produce the first steampunk figure ever.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Therefore, steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century's British Victorian era or American "Wild West", in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power.

This is an upcoming release by Steam Factory and they are calling this a 1/6 scale "Dobby & Rabbog" Knight Captain Locke. Material Composite material is a metal mask which can open and will be a limited edition of 200 sets, each with a separate number, first issued 100 sets containing Dobbtis treasure map. Scroll down to see more pictures and surprises along the way (no kidding)

With a lot of steampunk, there seems to be a type of functionality to it. In this instance they seem to have glued gears and parts to the armor without them serving any real function at all.

I think putting the cat face inside the diving helmet doesn't help in any way. That and the fact that "hello Kitty" here has a mechanical piranha / guppy as a steed to ride on. Yes, he rides on the fish that's stuck on a pole to a book!

The whole getup seems rather bizzare and unreal. I've seen very cool steampunk renditions and cosplays which look totally believable but this takes a lot of getting used to.

Still, as amusing and strange as it looks, I think it's worth taking a look at it right?

Not something I'll get into but maybe some of you fancy this more than me

Related posts:
Hot Toys 1/6 scale Dark Copperhead-18 Ultimate 12-inch Deep Sea Diver Figure, released in 2007 and reviewed HERE
G.I. Joe "Timeless Collection - Deep Sea Diver: Danger of the Depths" 12-inch figure posted HERE
Bronze (metal) United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet pictures HERE

Zhao Yun, style name Zilong, was a military general who lived in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period. Originally a subordinate of the northern warlord Gongsun Zan, Zhao Yun later came to serve Liu Bei and had since accompanied Liu on most of his exploits — from the Battle of Changban (208) to the Hanzhong Campaign (217–219). He continued serving in the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period, participating in the first of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions, until his death in 229. (source: wiki)

This is OS-Toy's Soul Three Kingdoms Elite General Series - Zhao Yun Limited Version 12-inch figure set with 1/6 scale horse. The 1/6 scale Zhao Yun figure includes the following items: 1/6 scale Head sculpt and 12-inch figure body, Trousers, Cloak, Cloth belt, Robes, Waist Support, Leather belt, Long belt, Armour (set), Shoes, various Hands for posing, Hat, Javelin, Sword, Horse. Limited Version includes Flag with Stand.

Zhao Yun has been featured prominently in Chinese popular culture, literature, art and anecdotes. Zhao Yun was already a relatively well-known hero from the Three Kingdoms period, as folktales about his exploits have been passed down through centuries. He became a household name due to the popularity of the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Recently, Zhao Yun's popularity has moved beyond Asia and into the Western world, through various media, including the Internet and video games.

Many of Zhao Yun's actual exploits were highly dramatised in the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong. In the novel, Zhao Yun is described as being almost perfect, possessing unparalleled physical power as well as unwavering loyalty to his lord, tremendous courage, keen intelligence and serene charisma. These traits have often been reflected in almost all modern material about Zhao Yun to date. The novel portrays him as a courageous, loyal, and heroic warrior, and depicting him surviving insurmountable odds many times single-handedly.

Seems like this set will go well with 303 Toys new China series 1/6 scale General Guan Yu (Yunchang) 12-inch figure (previewed earlier in my toy blog post HERE)

This is an upcoming release by Phicen. It is their 1:6 scale Female Leather Clothing set (Item No: SHE-001) for kitbashing Underworld Selene. Outfit includes Leotards, Corset, Trench coat, Cuffs 2 pc, Leg bags 2 pc, Boots 1 pair. In the Underworld film series, Selene is a Vampire Death Dealer, sired by Viktor after he had slaughtered her family unbeknownst to her. She was born to Hungarian parents sometime in 1383. She is the main protagonist of Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, and Underworld: Awakening. She is portrayed by actress Kate Beckinsale in the movies.

From the picture, it looks more like the headless horseman (from the short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by American author Washington Irving) LOL. Phicen Limited has already released a Underworld Selene inspired figure sometime ago and since their head sculpt looked nothing like Selene / Kate Beckinsale, I guess Phicen figured they'll do better if they just sold the outfit instead as the costume is pretty well done in terms of stitching and detailing.

There are at least three 12-inch versions of Underworld Selene (Kate Beckinsale) 1/6 scale Female Figure in the market at the moment: one from Phicen Limited, one from FigureFun and one from Kumik. I had recently reviewed the Selene figure from Kumik HERE and HERE. I bought the Kumik version because I felt that the 1/6 scale female head sculpt bore the closest resemblance to Kate Beckinsale. I might get this Phicen 1:6 scale Female Leather Clothing set and switch the outfits for a better looking Vampire Death Dealer Selene ;p

Having reviewed Hot Toys latest The Avengers Black Widow collectible figure in my previous toy blog posts HERE, HERE and HERE, I wondered how she fares when placed with the other Hot Toys female figures.

There are now officially three Hot Toys 1/6 scale Scarlett Johansson 12-inch female action figures in the market, two of Scarlett Johansson as Agent Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (one from Iron Man 2 movie and the other from The Avengers film) and another of Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss from "The Spirit", a 2008 American superhero noir film, written and directed by Frank Miller and starring Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, Dan Lauria, Paz Vega, Jaime King, Scarlett Johansson, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film is based on the newspaper comic strip The Spirit by Will Eisner.

The picture above shows the three 1/6 scale ScarJo female figures standing together, with Silken Floss on the left, The Avengers Black Widow in the centre and Iron Man 2 Black Widow on the right. Scroll down to see more pictures including height comparisons and other Hot Toys female figures as well.

The latest Avengers Scarlett Johansson as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Romanoff / Black Widow female figure is shorter than the previously released Black Widow from Iron Man 2 film.

Here are the three Hot Toys Scarlett Johansson figures in full view. Scarlett Johansson was also paired up with Samuel L. Jackson in "The Spirit". Samuel L. Jackson was the Spirit's arch-nemesis, The Octopus and Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss plays his accomplice.

This is Hot Toys 1/6 scale Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss from "The Spirit" (reviewed HERE). I also posed her with other German Nazi SS figures – a customized Nazi Occultist and DiD SS-Sturmbannfuhrer "Hans-Ulrich Grimminger" – in a group picture HERE

Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series (MMS) 1/6 scale Black Widow 12-inch Limited Edition Collectible Female Figurine from the Iron Man 2 movie was reviewed HERE and HERE. Also check out my comparison post "Scarlett Fever" HERE

I guess the latest is the BEST as the other two ScarJo figures look more like dolls when compared with The Avengers Black Widow 12-inch figure

And here are a collection / group shot of five of Hot Toys 1/6 scale female figures standing together.

Close-up pictures of the five ladies

More of Hot Toys MMS119 (Movie Masterpiece Series) "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" ("T2" for short) 1/6th scale Sarah Connor Collectible Figure pictures HERE, HERE and HERE

You can check out Hot Toys MMS128 (Movie Masterpiece Series) 1/6th scale "Blade: Trinity" Abigail Whistler Limited Edition Collectible Figurine reviews HERE, HERE and HERE. If you want to see pictures of Hot Toys 12-inch Wesley Snipes Blade figure, go to my post HERE

Missing from the picture are:
November 17, 2007 – Hot Toys Aliens (1986): Private First Class Jenette Vasquez (Smart Gunner) pictures
May 3, 2008 – Hot Toys "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" Elizabeth Swann, released in 2007 (pictures HERE)
October 19, 2011 – Hot Toys MMS139 Milla Jovovich as "Resident Evil: Afterlife" 1/6 Alice Collectible Figure reviewed HERE, HERE and also HERE
November 3, 2012 – Hot Toys MMS "Appleseed Ex Machina" 1/6 scale Deunan Knute fully pose-able figure HERE

I came across this image of the new look ED-209 for the RoboCop Reboot film that's coming out and thought I'll just share :) Probably old news to most of you but I haven't seen this image till now haha

I've seen images of the new RoboCop and the sleeker looking ED-209 goes in line with the overall new look of the new RoboCop film and I think it's worth watching but I still feel nostalgic towards the original RoboCop that was released in 1987 with Peter Weller as Alex Murphy / RoboCop.

Apparently the new RoboCop rides a bike instead of a police car. Will just have to wait for the movie to be released to see how it fares.

Related posts:
March 20, 2009 – Hot Toys RoboCop (The First) pictures
March 18, 2009 – Hot Toys RoboCop 3 REVIEW
March 31, 2009 – Hot Toys ED-209 Full Review HERE
June 12, 2013 - Just some RoboCop and RoboCop movie-related figures on display, including ED-209 & RoboCain posted HERE

'Meet Boba Fett'

In 1978 Joe Johnston designed an early prototype of the infamous bounty hunter Boba Fett, for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. The original 'Supertrooper' design featured striking all-white armor and the first prototypes of Fett's trademark weapons.

Sideshow Collectibles proudly presents the Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale figure. With a fully articulated body, detailed accessories and unique armor, the Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale figure is a must-have addition for dedicated Star Wars fans.

The Boba Fett (Prototype Armor) Sixth Scale Figure features: Boba Fett Prototype Armor, Helmet with Rangefinder, Prototype Rifle, Prototype Blaster, Jet Pack with Grappling hook, Fabric Cape. Sideshow Exclusive: Star Wars Beach Towel 'Cape' and Figure Base with matching design

I find this pretty cool :) For a prototype, it is quite finished. And being clad in all white outfit, he looks like a Mandalorian in Winter camouflage. The grappling hook on the jetpack looks sweet. In the prototype video, the rocket is loose and can be removed from the pack.

I just saw the initial 1978 Boba Fett Costume Screentest video on YouTube on Monday :) Here's the link

Many have seen the early Ralph McQuarrie sketches of Boba Fett sporting the all-white helmet and armor. What you haven’t seen is the original white Fett costume in action. A videotape was rolling to capture “proto Fett’s” reveal to Lucas and company at the filmmaker’s home on June 28, 1978. In the video, sound designer Ben Burtt “hosts” Fett’s reveal, describing the different weapons, functions, and characteristics of the costume (worn by Empire’s assistant film editor Duwayne Dunham for the test).

Boba Fett looks very cool even back then - even in all-white armor :) and somehow, his look lasts the test of time and you never get tired of it. So getting this !

Sideshow Exclusive: Star Wars Beach Towel 'Cape' and Figure Base with matching design. The exclusives actually have some real meaning. The Star Wars beach towel was used in the original 1978 prototype test shots as a substitute for the cape. There's a YouTube video of the proto test, which is presented by a young Ben Burt.

Related posts:
August 27, 2012 - Review I: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Scum and Villainy 1/6th scale Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
August 29, 2012 - Review II: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 1/6 Boba Fett 12-inch Figure
September 9, 2012 - Comparisons of 12-inch Boba Fett Action Figures made by Marmit, Medicom Toys and Sideshow Collectibles

The previous post showed Boba Fett in all-white armor (prototype). This is Boba Fett is full color :)

I have previously posted on some of these Lego LED Key Light Star Wars figures (namely Darth Vader, Stormtrooper and Darth Maul) in my toy blog post HERE and now there's a new addition to the collection :) This is the latest Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure and I really took a liking to it because of the great paint job / application. All the previous figures were just straight on paint application but Boba Fett is the first figure to have the "weathering" effect, one of the major differences between Star Wars and Star Trek.

Star Wars creator George Lucas opted to abandon the traditional sleekness of science fiction by creating a "used universe" in which all devices, ships, and buildings looked aged and dirty. One of the most revolutionary things about Star Wars when it came out was, that the things in the movies did look like they were used. Everything was dirty, sooty and worn-out. Before Star Wars it was more common for science-fiction movies to look clean and futuristic. This look, that George Lucas called a “used universe”, heavily supports the believability of the Star Wars universe.

And unlike Darth Vader, Darth Maul and the Stormtroopers, Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure has that "used universe" look to him. I also took a liking to these Lego Key Light figures because they are much bigger in size compared to the regular mini figures which seem rather small in scale. Scroll down to see more pictures :)

The packaging for the Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure is very simple. The Boba Fett figure is fastened front and center and you can activate the key light feature by pressing the button on his chest. On the back of the package are instructions on the removal and replacement of batteries when necessary. As for me, I always remove the batteries and that's my hot toy collecting tip #1 - see my post HERE to understand why.

Boba Fett was a Mandalorian warrior and bounty hunter. He was a clone of the famed Jango Fett, created as the first of many Fett replicas designed to become part of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was raised as Jango's son. Jango taught Boba much, training him to become as skilled bounty hunter as his father-figure was before him.

Star Wars didn’t just became famous for its story or special-effects. Its groundbreaking designs shouldn’t be ignored. Great design always depends on some kind of contrast and Boba Fett's armor and look was all about contrasts. (source: http://essenmitsosse.de/the-designs-of-star-wars/)

Boba Fett's armor is made of all different materials and colors. He has a cool looking helmet contrasted by the small antenna on one side and the slender top of his jet-pack. All this gives him a pretty complex look that seems to be a stuffed together on all his adventures.

Unfortunately for a Lego figure, you really cannot get the look and feel of all the different materials because they are all painted on a flat surface. His antenna / range finder is also missing. It also seems like Lego forgot to paint the back of Boba Fett because everything is just in one color - Green. Disappointing since they did such a great job on the front.

Scroll down to see some more pictures of the Lego Star Wars Boba Fett LED Key Light Figure

It almost seems like there's a face under the helmet but unfortunately, the helmet is non-removable so I guess we'll never know.

Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2 are thriller films written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. Kill Bill was originally scheduled for a single theatrical release, but with a running time of over four hours, it was separated into two films. Kill Bill Volume 1 was released in late 2003, and Kill Bill: Volume 2 was released in early 2004.

The story follows a character initially identified as "The Bride" (Uma Thurman), a former member of an assassination team who seeks revenge on her ex-colleagues who massacred members of her wedding party and tried to kill her.

Play Toy Bride Killer 1:6 scale Collectable Female Action Figure Product Details: 1/6 scale head sculpt, 12-inch female figure, signature yellow Sports wear jacket and pants plus yellow Asics Sports shoes, additional / alternate set of Sportswear (Combat Version) including pants (Combat Version), Samurai sword (steel alloy), Socks, two pairs of Hands (4 pieces)

Uma Thurman stars in Kill Bill as The Bride / Beatrix Kiddo (Black Mamba): A former member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad who is described as "the deadliest woman in the world". She is targeted by her former allies in the wedding chapel massacre, and falls into a coma. When she awakens four years later, she embarks on a deadly trail of revenge against the perpetrators of the massacre.

The yellow jumpsuit (track suit top and pants) with yellow Asics shoes is an obvious homage to Bruce Lee as seen in the 1978 film Game of Death. The yellow-and-black tracksuit which Lee wore in the film has come to be seen as something of a trademark for the actor, and is paid homage to in numerous other media.

Uma Thurman wears a similar suit in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 when she travels to Japan to take on an underworld boss and assassin played by Lucy Liu. In homage to both the film and the remake, Thurman wears the suit and Onitsuka Tiger sneakers as part of her motorcycle-riding gear, and keeps the suit on during her battle with Liu and her gang, the Crazy 88.

Even the Crazy 88 gang was a homage to Bruce Lee. The Crazy 88 (yakuza gang) led by Johnny Mo under the orders of Yakuza Queen O-Ren Ishii all wear black and white suits with black Kato masks. The gang controls Tokyo's underworld.

The fight between the Bride and the Crazy 88 represents the true martial artist Bruce Lee (the iconoclastic tracksuit opposed to a standard martial arts uniform) vs. the chopsocky kung fu character "Kato" he played on the TV show Green Hornet.

Related post:
Check out Enterbay's 1/6 scale Bruce Lee in Game of Death HERE

Donnie Yen Ji-dan (born 27 July 1963) is a Hong Kong-based Chinese martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and world wushu tournament medalist. Yen is credited by many for contributing to the popularization of the traditional martial arts style known as Wing Chun. He played Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man in the 2008 film Ip Man, which was a box office success. This has led to an increase in the number of people taking up Wing Chun, leading to hundreds of new Wing Chun schools to be opened up in mainland China and other parts of Asia. (source: wiki)

Yen is considered to be Hong Kong's top action star; director Peter Chan mentioned that he "is the 'it' action person right now" and "has built himself into a bona fide leading man, who happens to be an action star." Yen is widely credited for bringing mixed martial arts (MMA) into the mainstream of Chinese culture, by choreographing MMA in many of his recent films. Yen has displayed notable skills in MMA, being well-versed in boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, Muay Thai, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wing Chun, and Wushu.

SPL: Sha Po Lang is a 2005 Hong Kong-Chinese action film written and directed by Wilson Yip, starring Simon Yam, Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung. Yam portrays a retiring police detective who resorts to the use of questionable methods in order to catch Wong Po (Hung), a ruthless triad boss. The title Sha Po Lang refers to three words derived from Chinese astrology that each represent a different star capable of good or evil depending on their position in the heavens.

SIMPLZ TOYS presents ALKAID 1/6 scale action figure, based on Donnie Yen from the movie Sha Po Lang , aka "Kill Zone" in the United States. ALKAID 1/6 scale action figure comes with 2 realistic head sculpts of Donnie Yen as Ma Kwun, 12-inch Figure body, Leather Jacket, Black shirt, belt, black pants, black shoes, 2 pairs of hands, hand gun / revolver, Police ID, Police baton.

Pre-order this SIMPLZ TOYS "ALKAID" 1/6 scale action figure from TFH HERE

Related post:
1/6 scale Jackie Chan (成龍) 12-inch action figure released by Dragon Models Limited (DML) REVIEW HERE

Man of Steel has finally hit the theatres in many countries worldwide and has a successful box office record. Every story has a beginning, and Man of Steel unfolds it by showing the audience the origin of Superman. Foreseeing the inevitable doom of Krypton, Jor-El sends his new-born son to Earth to preserve the Kryptonian race. A caring father even after death, Jor-El’s artificial consciousness guides Clark Kent to bring hopes to mankind and leads to the rise of the iconic superhero.

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of the Academy Award winner, Russell Crowe, as Jor-El in the movie which features a meticulously-made costume and accessories with great details.

The Hot Toys MMS201 Man of Steel 1/6th scale Jor-El 12-inch Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Jor-El in the movie with Head sculpt featuring authentic likeness of Russell Crowe, Real-like facial expression with detailed wrinkles and gesture, Detailed hair sculpture. Stands Approximately 30 cm tall with TrueType Body that has over 30 points of articulation. Three (3) pairs of interchangeable palms including: One (1) pair of relaxed palms, One (1) pair of fists, One (1) pair of gun holding palms. Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

Costume: One (1) set of one-piece blue costume with embossed pattern, One (1) brown robe with detailed tailoring, One (1) chest and shoulder armor, One (1) dark red cape, One (1) pair of black boots with embossed pattern

Weapon: One (1) Kryptonian gun

Accessory: Diamond shaped figure stand with Jor-El nameplate and movie logo

Artists: Head Sculpted by Im Jung Hyuk, Head Painted by JC. Hong, Head Art Directed by Yulli

** Prototype shown is not final, pending licensor approval
** Product details could be subjected to change without further notice

Release date: Q1, 2014

Pre-order this Hot Toys Man of Steel 1/6 Scale Jor-El Movie Masterpiece Figure from BBTS (BigBadToyStore) HERE

Daryl Dixon is a fictional character from the AMC television series The Walking Dead, portrayed by Norman Reedus. Daryl is a Southern hunter and expert tracker who constantly lives in the shadow of his brother, Merle. Like his brother, he is initially shown as volatile, short-tempered, and of questionable repute, but is tolerated by the group due to his survival skills.

From very early in the series, he is shown to be an extremely proficient zombie killer in both close quarters and ranged weaponry, and later becomes Rick's trusted right-hand man and protector. He also becomes "the go-to guy" of sorts for the group and is now well-liked and respected for his endeavors. Daryl is shown to be an expert marksman, but his signature weapon is a Horton Scout HD 125 crossbow, which Reedus says he takes home after filming.

This is DoublePlay (another new company?) Walking Dead 1/6 scale Zombie Warrior Crossbow Man 12-inch Figure and he certainly looks a lot like Norman Reedus' Daryl Dixon character. Comes with quite a bit of stuff too to show off his survival skills including dead squirrels ;p Scroll down to see more pictures.

The middle finger - quite a common accessory nowadays haha DAM Toys Gangsters Kingdom 1/6 Spade J 12" figure – animated Jason Statham – also came with one (see my review HERE)

World Box had previewed their 1/6 scale "The Old Guy" 12-inch Figure who is supposed to be Merle Dixon from The Walking Dead earlier in June (posted HERE in my toy blog) so now it seems both Dixon brothers are getting the 1/6 scale treatment to pander to 12-inch collectors.

These are Flirty Girl Collectibles new "Enforcer" Outfit Sets. The name is a bit misleading as the oufits have a stronger military vibe than anything else i.e. not much to do with enforcing. Each set consists of a Highly Detailed Combat Jacket with military patch accents, Combat Pants, Web Belt with Metal Buckle, and Tank Top with Red Star logo on the front.

Three sets will be available - Camouflage (with camouflage tank top shirt), Navy Blue (with white tank top shirt), and Olive Drab Green (with camouflage tank top shirt). while the Camouflage set reminds me of the movie G.I. Joe Cover Girl.

Flirty Girl Collectibles ENFORCER (Set A) CAMO 1/6 Scale Female Clothing Set will come with Highly Detailed CAMO print Combat jacket (zipper closure, metal stud details), CAMO print Combat pants, CAMO print knit tank top. BOOTS NOT INCLUDED (CLOTHING SET ONLY)

Looks like Flirty Girl Collectibles used the recently released Hot Toys The Avengers 1/6th scale Scarlett Johansson Black Widow head sculpt (REVIEW HERE) to model their combat uniform suits (all three colors)

Flirty Girl Collectibles ENFORCER (Set B) NAVY 1/6 Scale Female Clothing Set will come with Highly Detailed NAVY BLUE Combat jacket (zipper closure, metal stud details), NAVY BLUE Combat pants, WHITE knit tank top. BOOTS NOT INCLUDED (CLOTHING SET ONLY)

Flirty Girl Collectibles ENFORCER (Set C) OLIVE GREEN 1/6 Scale Female Clothing Set will come with Highly Detailed OLIVE GREEN Combat jacket (zipper closure, metal stud details), OLIVE GREEN Combat pants, CAMO Print knit tank top. BOOTS NOT INCLUDED (CLOTHING SET ONLY)

The Olive Drab Green set instantly brings to mind images of the Real American Hero G.I. Joe Lady Jaye

ETA Late AUGUST 2013
NOTE: Body, hands, boots and head not included with this set

Related posts:
June 21, 2012 – Flirty Girl Collectibles 1:6th scale EMERSON 12-inch Female Figure Character Set REVIEW
February 14, 2013 – Flirty Girl Collectibles 1/6th scale Female Character Set i.e. 12-inch Lara Croft Tomb Raider Reviews HERE, HERE and HERE

Pre-order Flirty Girl Collectibles 1/6 scale female clothing sets from BBTS (BigBadToyStore) HERE

From Hot Toys:
It’s summer time again where some of the biggest toy fairs will be hosted. To celebrate the start of this bustling season, Hot Toys is thrilled to share with you a first glance at one of the Toy Fairs Exclusive items this year – the Star Spangled Man Version of Captain America Collectible Figurine.

Please stay tuned for the pre-order information of the “Star Spangled Man with a plan” as well as the reveal of more Hot Toys 2013 Toy Fairs Exclusive items.

Besides Captain America (Chris Evans), General Joe Colton (Bruce Willis) from G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and evil Superman (Christopher Reeve) from Superman III will be the Hot Toys Toy Fair Exclusives for 2013. Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures

The addition of the cue cards on the back of Cap's shield is a nice touch. You can check out my toy blog post of 1/6 scale Chris Evans as Steve Rogers in Classic Captain America costume by Captain Action HERE and HERE

Superman's Evil Persona was a separate being that was created from Superman, due to exposure to Synthetic Kryptonite which temporarily separated him into two beings. Apparently, most of his unpleasant characteristics were imbued on his evil twin, who acted without morals or care for others.("Superman III" - This character exists in the films continuity only)

General Joe Colton is portrayed by Bruce Willis in G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In the film, General Colton has one of George S. Patton's M-1911 pistols. 1/6 scale Bruce Willis head sculpts have been released by the dozens and it shouldn't be too difficult to kitbash a Bruce Willis General Joe Colton figure.

These are what the Toy Fairs exclusives will be for Hot Toys for 2013. I think a lot of us are breathing a sigh of relief and thankful that this will not be hurting our pockets or wallets much ;p

continued from previous post...

Originally a brave and kind-hearted hero with a strong sense of justice, morality and righteousness due to the exposure to synthetic kryptonite in Superman III the movie, Superman has descended into darkness and becomes an evil version of Superman. The showdown between him and Clark Kent at the junkyard is a critical part of the film.

Hot Toys is happy to present the 1/6th scale Superman (Evil Version) Collectible Figure from Superman III as one of the 2013 Toy Fairs Exclusive items. This collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Christopher Reeve in the movie, highlighting the detailed head sculpt, movie-accurate costume and specially-designed figure stage.

Paying tribute to Christopher Reeve, we are pleased to support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and their mission to advance research into spinal cord injury and improve quality of life for people living with paralysis.

continued from previous post...

There is one man that Roadblock and his teammates can trust in G.I. Joe Retaliation and it is none other than the original G.I. Joe himself. Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Joe Colton Collectible Figure as one of the 2013 Toy Fairs Exclusive items.

We know fans have been waiting for a collectible figure featuring the acclaimed Hollywood movie star Bruce Willis’ likeness and we are happy to let you all know that the collectible figure based on Joe Colton from G.I. Joe Retaliation is finally here.

Based on the icon brand from Hasbro, the movie-accurate Joe Colton collectible figure features a highly detailed head sculpt, tailored costume, weapons and accessories.

continued from previous post...

“The Star Spangled Man with a Plan”. It was a memorable and entertaining moment to see Captain America performing during this catchy song in Captain America: The First Avengers. As it was a rather notable scene in the film, we are excited to introduce the 1/6th scale Captain America (Star Spangled Man Version) Limited Edition Collectible Figurine as one of the 2013 Toy Fairs Exclusive items. Fans will be able to mimic the scenes where Captain America is promoting war bonds for the government.

The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Evans as Captain America in his Star Spangled Man costume in the movie. It features a newly developed head sculpt, highly detailed costume, weapons and accessories.

In the opening scene of The Avengers (2012), Loki takes the Tesseract and also takes control of the minds of several SHIELD personnel, including Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgård) and Agent Clint "Hawkeye" Barton (Jeremy Renner), to aid him in his getaway. Later on, Clint Barton and Loki's possessed agents attack the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier.

This is a kitbash of 1/6 scale Jeremy Renner as mind-controlled S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Clint "Hawkeye" Barton when he attacks the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier with his own turned agents.

Hawkeye isn't seen wearing his trademark purple costume with mask as seen from the comics, but rather something "a little more reality-based" in The Avengers movie. When the "turned" S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Clint "Hawkeye" Barton attacks the helicarrier, he's wearing very tactical clothing / outfit. Scroll down to see more :)

In the comics, Hawkeye is right-handed but since Jeremy Renner is left-handed (as is Scarlett Johansson), so is S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Clint "Hawkeye" Barton in The Avengers.

Close-up pictures of the 1/6 scale Jeremy Renner head sculpt

This is a screen grab of Jeremy Renner as the "turned" S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Clint "Hawkeye" Barton in The Avengers when he's about to attack the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier which I used for reference ;p

Related posts:
Hot Toys The Avengers 1/6 Scale Scarlett Johansson as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Romanoff Black Widow Action Figure Reviews HERE, HERE and HERE
Hot Toys 1/6th scale S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson 12-inch figure Reviews HERE and HERE
Hot Toys The Avengers: 1/6 Captain America 12-inch Limited Edition Collectible Figure Reviews HERE, HERE and HERE

"They say... There were only ten that ever walked with us, that each could hold an army at bay single handed. They say we will never see their kind again and each of the ten shelter silent wisdom cast from a memory of the end. These are the SHOGUN TK." ...from ThreeA

This is the recently released ThreeA (3A) 1/6 scale Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei 12-inch figure. There are also the 3A Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Tsuki and Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Seven Bones released as well. According to 3A, Tomorrow Kings are male clones, from the Popbot Universe who were created by Luthor Bean Jr. originally used for corporate takeovers. These "Elvis ronin" were created to slay all monsters & ghouls with Luthor Bean Sr.'s Ion Engine that escaped Earth. They are also used to fight the Mortis. I just love Ashley Wood's take on the subject and his stunning art on this series as well as other 3A product lines.

I don't collect all of ThreeA's figures but only those that I really like and this was one figure I just could not resist. He's a 1/6 scale post-apocalyptic Samurai figure! How cool is that!! What's even better? Without the helmet and with his shaved head, Gorei looks just like a (Shaolin) monk, especially with the orange top (only TK Shogun Gorei comes with an orange top). Scroll down to see more of this awesome 3A TK Shogun warrior figure.

The box that holds 3A TK Shogun Gorei has Ashley Wood's beautiful illustration and comes with a huge giant-sized poster of the same illustration with orange background. And the picture below shows how 3A TK Shogun Gorei looks once you remove the figure from the box. Everything is already assembled on him except his large sword / blade (weapon) and helmet. These two items are packed separately. He also comes with an extra left gloved hand for holding his sword.

The awesome part about this 3A TK Shogun Gorei figure is the segmented and layered shoulder armor he has over his left arm which is attached to a chest plate armor as well as back plate armor. The Samurai helmet is also very cool as well. Then there's the humongous sword that has wires coming out from the hilt.

The armor just makes TK Shogun Gorei looks so cool and bada$$. That and the getup he has on him, with the multiple pouches which are actually military pouches for rifle magazines as well as utility and general pouches. The mishmash just works so well for the post-apocalyptic look.

Scroll down to see the turnaround views of this ThreeA (3A) 1/6 scale Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei 12-inch action figure. I just wanted to show him first without his helmet and in a non-threatening non-violent pose, of one who seeks a peaceful solution rather than a violent end.

Here's a back view of Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei with his huge sword sheathed and carried on his back, together with the extra pouches he has all around his waist.

The wires coming out from the sword hilt makes it look interesting and adds another mysterious element to the whole picture. Where does the wires end up? Scroll down to see the answer.

Here are some close-up pictures of ThreeA (3A) 1/6 scale Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei head sculpt. He looks very monk-like to me.

Close-up view of the multiple pouches TK Shogun Gorei carries around his waist

The wires from his sword are connected to a cylindrical looking battery with two holes / terminals. The battery is stored in one of the pouches.

ThreeA (3A) 1/6 scale Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei samurai helmet

NEXT: ThreeA (3A) 1/6 scale Tomorrow Kings SHOGUN Gorei wearing his helmet and wielding his sword! Action Pose YAY!

DC Comics' clown princess of chaos, the incomparable Harley Quinn, makes her long-awaited debut in Sideshow Collectibles' Sixth Scale figure line. Dressed to kill in a detailed fabric bodysuit, fitted corset and jester tights, the charmingly psychotic super villain is ready to hit the town, wreaking her special brand of havoc on the unsuspecting citizens of Gotham. Harley's packing a delightfully dangerous bag of tricks, including her signature wooden mallet, an oversized pop gun, and comically engraved brass knuckles, to name a few. Join the one and only Harley Quinn on her wonderfully deranged spree of bedlam and madness!

The Harley Quinn Sixth Scale Figure features: Fully Articulated Body, Two Harlequin jester heads with alternate expressions; grinning and mischievous. Fabric Costume includes Black and Red Bodysuit, corset, lace detailing and jester tights. Giant Wooden Mallet (Printed Your Face Here), Oversized Pop-Gun, Customized Boots (Engraved KA-POW on soles), Variety of interchangeable hands for various gags and tricks, including: Brass knuckle fist (Engraved HA HA), Hand with syringe. Sideshow Exclusive: Engraved Butcher's Knife

This is one character that started on TV. Harley Quinn was created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, based on (and created for) Dini's friend Arleen Sorkin, who provided the character's voice. The character was so popular that she was eventually incorporated into the DC Comics universe.

Interestingly enough, Sideshow's Harley Quinn seems to have her jester hat done wrongly. In most renditions and even in the Key Art which was used as a basis for making the figure, the "tails" of her hat correspond with the base color i.e. red on one side and black on the other but it seems the sixth scale figure has it in reverse and in alternate colors with a mix of red and black. Hmmmm

Sideshow Exclusive will include the Engraved Butcher's Knife

Related posts:
Q is for Quinzel, Harleen aka Harley Quinn from Batman The Animated Series posted HERE
Medicom Toys RAH Batman: Hush 1/6 scale Harley Quinn 12-inch Figure preview pictures HERE

"POTATO!"

The minions from the Despicable Me movies are all the rage right now :) The fact that some of the best toys that are being released are the little minions aren't helping either because it's just fanning the flames. Daniel Picard sent me this great info-graphic from Collectibly which I just have to share. It's a "Who's Who of the Minions" and helps unravel the identities of the minions.

Minions are small, yellow, cylinder-shaped, genetically humanized kernels that have one or two eyes and are one of the most notable characters in the "Despicable Me" films. The minions possess one additional physiological characteristic; with a snap and a shake, they can double as glow sticks for activities in the dark, such as going through ventilation ducts (that scene was just LOL hilarious).

A rambunctious bunch of simple-minded homunculi, the Minions are a similar size and shape, but have unique features to tell them apart, such as height, number of eyes, roundness or secondary features such as hair, eye/pupil size or clothing. They choose to express themselves through actions, not words: their "language" is fairly basic, they speak in a strange jabber; except for the odd human word every now and again and occasional Spanish-sounding words like "Para tú" (roughly "for you") and "la boda" (during the second movie, meaning "marriage") as well as french in the second movie (poulet tikka masala, et pis c'est tout) , their language is incomprehensible to most humans, though they do understand English. It is also possible to isolate elements of Japanese from their speech patterns.

Their existence as artificial beings is noted by the final schematics in the little girls' room. the minions are possibly made from humans by a ray that turns humans into minions as seen in the Minions Mayhem ride at Universal Studios. This is generally considered non-canon, however. (Or just something Gru invented for the express purpose of the ride) One of the shorts in the DVD suggests they are made from a single strand of mutated DNA. The minions wear metal goggles accommodating their number of eyes, blue overalls with Gru's symbol on the front, and black gloves. They enjoy playing with Agnes, Edith, and Margo, as seen in the toilet paper fight scene.

They are impulsive creatures with little self-control, but with a wide-eyed wonder and odd innocence that endears them to viewers and makes them relatable. They can be pesky when they are doing weird interactions with other people, animals, or objects. The Minions have standard English names such as Larry, Dave, Kevin, Jerry, Stuart, Mark, Tim, Jorge, and Phil. They are fiercely loyal to Gru and Dr. Nefario and extremely eager to please, willingly helping with any evil plans, but at the same time they are friendly and funloving. Despite being relatively simple-minded, they are capable of building weapons, operating those weapons, using computers, and even driving.

Unlike most other criminal masterminds and their usual doctrine of abusing their henchmen, Gru gets along famously with his minions. He genuinely seems to like them and even shows appreciation for their hard work and support. He even seems to know each of them by name.

They are the official mascots for Illumination Entertainment. Minions love bananas and apples (or "papples" as they call them), and the mere sight of one of these fruits can result in complete chaos. They also enjoy fine arts and find anything having to do with butts extremely funny. There are few things these little guys do not find funny. They also love spitting, frog legs, bunnies, and building things. They love trying new things. They dislike being unsure of themselves, and when Gru leaves questions unanswered.

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Who's Who of the Minions from "Despicable Me"