025 Action Figure Sat-TOY-Day News, 21st May 2016

Issue 25 : Saturday 21st May, 2016

m o r f s w e N Strange t c e l e S d Diamon A C E N m o r f s w e n d r i e W r a t S K U r o f s w e n d a S s r o t c e l l o c e t i l E s r a W

This promotional image has surfaced showing 6 inch scale Marvel Legends Winter Soldier and Falcon as seen in Civil War. If you look closely enough, you can see Falcon will include his Red Wing drone as pack in accessory.

These two figures, for those who remember our Toy Fair 2016 coverage, were down to be Walmart exclusives in the US.

The release date of end of May, early June 2016, is getting closer for the first three of the 12 inch scale Marvel Legends figures from Hasbro. The following promotional images have just been released to further whet our appetite.

Captain America, Spider-Man and Iron-Man will each have their own exclusivity deal in the US, one for each of the key retailers.

Captain America will be a Toys R Us (US) exclusive, and can be pre-ordered in the UK via Forbidden Planet at ÂŁ58.99 Spider-man will be a Walmart exclusive and therefore MAY translate to Asda here in the UK.

In the same vein as the Civil War images, this promotional shot of the Marvel Legend Punisher figure has also been circulated.

The Jim Lee Punisher is due to be a Walgreens US exclusive, alongside Namor. Again there is no exclusivity mention or company logo on this image. The image also appears to be rolling this figure into the Spider-man themed releases, badged as Spider-Man series 3.5

We have known for a while that the UK and Europe will be receiving a "Best of" The Marvel Cinematic Universe wave in May/June 2016.

The wave contains repacks only, but is inclusive of figures which have been hard to find outside the US - particularly the Loki - but also the Hawkeye and Thor.

This image has now circulated on social media (originating in the Far East) which indicates that the Hulkbuster BAF that is included in this wave seems to have an updated, and more screen accurate, paint job.

We will have to wait for the wave to hit to confirm this for definite.

But if it is true, then expect a volume of unhappy fans - both across in the US who aren't getting this wave, but also UK and Euro fans who have already bought a full wave of 7 to get the Hulkbuster originally.

Iron-man exclusive

will

be

a

Target

Could this year’s reveal of the Hasbro Black Series SDCC/Celebration exclusive have been spoiled by a Hong Kong store?

The following two images have been posted on Facebook by Jan, who has found this set for sale, marked up as the SDCC Droid Set. The location is unclear from the image, but based on what we can see the latest suggestion is that this is an image from a Hong Kong Toys R Us

No more details at this stage, but this looks pretty good as an exclusive pack in terms of content. Considering their place in the Star Wars timeline (circa A New Hope, Rebels Red Squadron) who knows if these droids may be referenced or even appear in Rogue One, or associated media like comics or novels.?

We know from a Hasbro Q&A that there will be two Convention Exclusives this year. One will be Rogue One based. And one will be shared between SDCC and Celebration London.

After a number of hints, Diamond Select Toys have now confirmed they will be releasing a 7 inch Select scale figure of Doctor Strange from upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

At this point all we have is a silhouetted image, which shows the pack in will be some kind of diorama piece perhaps a throne?

You can already pre-order this item at Big Bad Toy Store in the US. The expected release is touted for October, which is before the movie comes out.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Sorcerer Supreme and soon-to-be-cinematic superstar is the next Marvel Select masterpiece! This 7-inch action figure depicts Dr. Stephen Strange as he appears in the upcoming Marvel feature film, with a screen-accurate costume and the likeness of actor Benedict Cumberbatch. The figure features 16 points of articulation, and comes with a diorama-style base capturing an environment from the film. Packaged in the display-ready Select packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference.

Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios!

We would expect a reveal at SDCC and pre-orders worldwide to go up shortly after

The 3 pack appears to be 6 inch scale, looking at the sculpts, and contains...

R2-A3, an R2 series astromech droid used aboard Wedge Antilles' T-65 X-wing starfighter R5-K6 , an R5-series astromech droid that was built by Industrial Automaton and belonged to Garven Dreis, the leader of the Rebel Alliance's Red Squadron (A New Hope) R2-F2, is the interesting one as he is listed on this box as being the R2 unit who flew with Biggs at the Battle of Yavin. In fact Biggs droid was R2-Q2, and R2-F2 was only added to the Star Wars Universe via the X-Wing Miniatures game.

More details have come to life since the original source of the find brought three sets back to Spain and has listed them on eBay, The sets are branded Toys R Us on the bottom and distributed by Hasbro Australia.

They are clearly marked on the shelves in Hong Kong as the SDCC exclusive.

The side panel retains the usual red band, while the other side contains the letters ED SQ and this appears to be part of the words Red Squadron, the X-Wing fighter group to which these three droids belonged.

They all seem to be based on the original wave 1 R2-D2 mould, with new R5 head for K6. There seems to be plug in accessories down the side of each droid. (source : Wookiepedia)

A Diamond Select Toys release! They're not here to shop, they're not here to work, they're just here!

Diamond are bringing figures from the 1995 movie Mallrats to their Select range of 7 inch figures.

They will start with lead characters Jay (Jason Mewes) and Brody (Jason Lee). Like most Select releases, the Mallrats will come with specific Mall Store diorama bases These are scheduled for release in October 2016 and are already up for pre-order in the US at Big Bad Toy Store.

Finally, after 22 years, fully poseable action figures of the cast of Kevin Smith's sophomore(ic) masterpiece Mallrats have arrived! Jay and Brody are the first two in the series, each with character-specific accessories - sock full of quarters and baseball bat for Jay; chocolate pretzel and giant cookie for Brody - as well as diorama bases depicting different stores in the mall!

Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and the actor's likeness. Packaged in display-ready Select packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted

by Patrick Piggott!

NECA have revealed, via their usual Twitter channel, that they will be releasing a concept 2-pack of Alien figures in Autumn this year.

"Special Genocide Concept Figure 2 Pack Coming this Fall #facehuggerfriday Dog & Chap in Genocide deco!"

- Randy Falk, NECA Twitter The pack contains there existing Dog Alien (Alien 3) and Big Chap Alien (Alien) sculpts, but in the red Genocide decor.

Unlike the previous Genocide figures, these two have not appeared in the comic series and are a concept design by NECA themselves.

These two new designs will fit in brilliantly to an existing Genocide hive display.

NECA teased the top left image on Friday the 13th May of what, at first look, appears to be a Jason mask from Friday the 13th.

Fans soon realised that Jason never wore this mask, and the nearest reference was on the VHS box for the 5th movie.

The tweet by NECA was headed "Merry Friday the 13th" and one of the theories is that this mask may actually be the one used by Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Could that indicate another 1980's classic movie figure will be following in the footsteps of Home Alone & Bill and Ted and into the NECA 8" retro line....

In a continuation of what we saw on Alien Day with celebrities announcing their own NECA figures, Weird Al Yankovic has taken to Twitter to show off his new boxed 8" Retro Weird Al figure "Awesome! Gonna spend the rest of the day playing with myself. #NECA" - Al Yankovic The figure comes with tailored cloth outfit, swappable heads, swappable hands, microphone and accordion.

It is tentatively due to ship Summer 2016

The Japanese pre-order price is 6,000 Yen, this converts to ÂŁ38 or $55 - but expect to add customs, shipping on top.

Shipping is due in October 2016.

Images have turned up, courtesy of Hobby Maniax, apparently confirming that Tamashii Nations will be releasing SH Figuarts 1/12 figures based on the upcoming DC Suicide Squad movie.

The first two figures, pictured below, are of the Jared Leto Joker and Harley Quinn. At this point, no more details are available.

Tamashii Nations have released the full details of their SH Figuarts Tony Stark figure, along with promotional images (see gallery below)

The images originate at a the Tamashii Features 2016, and at the same show there was a number of other new product on display - most of it anime based, but keep reading for a few more surprise announcements at the show.

Tony will come with swap out lower legs and lower arms, which can be replaced with Mk43 armour parts.

Also released as a promotional image, and possibly part of a coordinated launch, is the image of an Iron-Man Mark 3 suit - which is pictured alongside two other slots and scheduled for November.

He is also supplied with a light up stand, as seen in his basement, and this may be exclusive (or the light up part) to pre-orders in the first run.

We are also aware of the Mk43 getting a re-release, so this could be SH Figuarts ramping up their Iron-Man suit figures and working towards the basement diorama we see on the Tony Stark promotional image we led in with only time will tell.

The US have seen the release of the Disney Elite C3PO and R2-D2 today, with stocks available in stores and online.

Mezco have just unveiled the full details of their One:12 Collective Punisher figure, as well as opening up the US Pre-order via their site.

There is, however, no corresponding release for UK or Europe. In a move that will frustrate fans, the decision has appeared to have been made to only offer the droids in the US. This is the same decision that came with the re-release of the original 8 Elite including the Boba with cape. And yet in a complete contrast, the prototype Boba Fett has made its way to UK stores.

US price sits at $80.

UK customers will need to expect to pay circa £70£75 once he hits UK stores for pre-order.

When veteran war hero Frank Castle's family is slain in front of him during a mob related shootout, he vows vengeance and becomes the Punisher.

Waging a one-man war on crime, the Punisher utilizes his vast military skills to brutally serve justice to those he deems deserving. An expert in hand-tohand and weapon-based combat, he is an unstoppable force.

Meticulously developed to capture the intensity of the character and outfitted on a newly designed One:12 Collective body, the figure has impressive details. The final product creates a "real world" look reflecting the character's severity.

THE ONE:12 PUNISHER FEATURES: ● Hyper-realistic portraits ● 1:12 scaled, highly realistic fabric uniform with special silk screening applications ● Detailed sculpted costume accents, including belt, gloves, harness and boots ● Gauntlets with magnetic attachments ● Super articulated body with over 32 points of articulation

Tamashii Nations are certainly not holding back by adding new properties to their SH Figuarts range of highly articulated 1/12 figures. This week's Tamashii Features show has seen even more "Western" properties joining the current staples of Marvel and Star Wars. Although the DC Suicide Squad figures we saw will take the headlines, WWE fans will be equally pleased to see these two WWE figures.

The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin were both on display in Seoul, displayed in a ring environment, and showing off that SHF articulation with each figure posed in a classic Turnbuckle Taunt position.

One chink of light for UK fans is that the figures can be ordered with International Shipping from the US Disney store International shipping is however $35.40 - so one figure will be $24.95 + $35.40 = $60.35 This is £41.99 in UK money, and on top of that you will be due to pay import costs (as its over £15) so on a worse case scenario you would have to add another 20% to the figure and £8.50 or so admin fee.

Putting availability and price aside though, the biggest issue I can see with this new Disney Elite pairing is scale. As we can see in this picture courtesy of Star Wars Collector, R2-D2 is much too large vs C-3PO.

In terms of Disney figures you then have the big 16" or so talking figures for €34.99 and these were in Cap, Ironman and Spiderman flavour only.

What Star Wars and Marvel products can I buy at Disneyland Paris I was lucky enough to spend a week at Disneyland Paris recently with the family, and alongside the rides, food and meeting Mickey Mouse. I thought it would be interesting to use the opportunity to do a "store report" while I was there - looking at the merchandise you can buy on the parks that line up with our site focus, particularly the Marvel and Star Wars offerings.

Disney are also very good at the 3 inch figurines, which they knock out in sets for the majority of their properties. Marvel now has two of these a 6 pack Spiderman set and a 6 pack Age of Ultron set. Both of these are pretty decent and are only €9.99 (£7.89) but nothing that you can't pick up in any Disney store in the UK for the same price (and not have to worry about packing and bringing home).

It is an understatement really to state that shopping is pretty Big at DLP. I wouldn't even hazard a guess at home many retail stores there are across the Village and the two parks, but you certainly won't ever be more than a few metres from a shop selling Disney goodies. My focus was in line with the website, and I was looking in particular for Star Wars and Marvel items. It you are going with a similar focus in mind then let me first save you some time as to which shops to hit

The other Marvel stuff was all made by Hasbro, and was pretty disappointing.

Mashers were everywhere but priced at nearly double what you would pay in the UK. Marvel Legends were found in both 3.75" and 6" but at €34.99 (£27) for 6 inch, and €19.99 (£15.79) they are overpriced and were older ranges - the 6" being the Allfather figures. There was a set of 5 POA figures too which I hadn't seen before, but they weren't the best quality and yet priced the same as the Legends at €19.99 (£15.79).

Your key destinations need to be the Disney Store and the World of Disney stores which are both in the Disney Village. There is then a large store in the inside of Studio 1 in the Studio Park. And your final destination should be Constellations, in Discoveryland near the Buzz Lightyear ride.

From 2017 you would also add Star Traders to that list, but this Star Wars focused store is closed until then for refurbishment.

So what is there to spend your Euro's on, and how much are they?

Let's start with Marvel, and this feels a relatively new addition to the Disney stocks and is about a 50:50 mix between Disney own brand and other suppliers.

The role play items were the ones getting the most shelf space - Hawkeye's bow and Caps Shield and Helmet being the most prominent and selling for between €29.99 and €34.99 (£24-£27).

The nearest to a high end Marvel product I came across was in the Disney Art Store, which is just down from the Disney Store in the Village. Among a lot of artwork and statues of the Princesses were a set of 5 Marvel Comic figures. You could choose between Hulk, Iron-Man, Captain America, Thor and Spider-Man. They were priced at €109 (£86) and stood about 10 inches high, and were not bad - although I have seen better from Kotobukiya etc.

Research has shown these are actually made in the UK by Enesco in Carlisle, Cumbria, and are again not exclusive to Disney and can be bought at specialist stockists in the UK. They also have a SRP in the UK of £69, nearly £20 less than Disney are selling them for in Paris.

So nothing exclusive to take home in terms of merchandise, but I am sure that will change in the coming years. If you are a Marvel fan then take time to visit Spider-man in the Studio Park, and then pop into the Cafe next door which has been decked out with big walls displaying all of Iron-man's 42 armours.

Star Wars, has the Force Awakened in Paris?

I was more hopeful for Star Wars goods, even though I went at a time where Star Tours and Star Traders were closed. I did a lot of research ahead of arriving in DLP and had a number of items in mind - particularly the exclusive Astromechs, the Tie Fighter popcorn tubs and those rubbery Happabore and Dewback that had been showing up in the parks in the US. I was sadly disappointed as none of these have yet to translate to the European park. Poor show Disney!

The other quirky find was the Vinylmation figures for Star Wars. These are blind boxed, stylised 3 inch figures who each come with a mickey mouse ears head sculpt. The figures are exclusive to Disney in the US, but not to the parks, and are not widely sold in the UK. I found these mainly in the World of Disney store near the park entrance, but they did crop up in small numbers in some of the boutique type stores down Main Street if you want to vary your chances by selecting from different cases. Each figure was priced at €12.99 (£10.24) and were labelled as the Series 6 collection, including figures solely from Return of the Jedi.

True exclusivity came down to items badged with the Star Tours logo. First off were the Disney / Star Wars crossover figures at a very reasonable €10.99 (£8.69). These figures take a Disney character like Mickey and put them in a Star Wars outfit, like Luke's X-Wing outfit. They are non-articulated and stand about 3 inch high. I brought home Jedi Mickey as a souvenir, but if you want the full set you will be out of luck as most have sold out so figures like Pete as Boba Fett, or Donald as Stormtrooper can't be found.

What you have got is shelves upon shelves of Disney Elite ships and figures. Price wise these are identical to what you would pay in the high street €24.99 (£19.99).

The ships were a bit more interesting in that they had older models I had not seen in the UK - such as the Y-Wing and B-Wing. The figures were restricted solely to Darth Maul, Anakin, Poe Dameron and the unmasked Kylo Ren. If ever there was an opportunity for a park exclusive figure then it sits in the Elite range and has been missed so far - and I suspect if I went back in 12-months time they still wouldn't have shifted anywhere near the total volume of these figures they are currently sat on.

The PVC figurines were knocking about in various guises, predominantly the Force Awakens sets which included a 6 pack, 10 pack and the mega set at a €54.99 (£43.50) although you would need a pretty big case to bring that one home. I also located the odd set for Rebels and a few Original Trilogy sets. In an example of pricing per franchise, these were much higher priced than their Marvel equivalents.

Hasbro figures were in attendance in some stores, these were 3.75" Force Awakens and Rebels 5 POA figures only and the first waves only. At €19.99, and like the Marvel ones, these are not going to sell any time soon. Not a Black Series figure in site at any point in the park, but that was expected as Disney likely see them as direct threat to sales of the Elite series.

The other Star Tours merchandise that caught my eye was the Star Tours speeder, which is still being sold and could possibly be an investment piece if it gets replaced when the 2017 ride is launched. I thought about it, but ended up leaving it on the shelf. At €31.99 (£25.29) it won't break the bank, but it looks quite cheap and most of the boxes were quite banged up.

So I save the best till last, and that is the Build Your Own merchandise that can be found in the Disney Store. Build your own lightsaber is pretty fun, and MiniMeph built a single blade one for €29.99 (£23.71) and you can do a double for €49.99 (£39.52). BYO Light saber can be found in the Disney Store in the Village and also in the Studio 1 store.

My favourite was the Build a Droid stand, which you can only do in the Village Disney Store. The BYO Droid is a fairly recent addition from the US and is priced at â‚Ź10.99 (ÂŁ8.69) for a custom droid and clamshell. There are a variety of flavours to choose from and it keeps the kids happy for ages (big and small ones). Mini Meph bought a cool looking gold and black R2 unit, while I built M3PH the new Astromech for the Archives - complete with rebel logo Mickey ears.

Checkout the link below for our review of the Build-a-Droid figures we brought home to the archives.

So there we have it. Disneyland is BRILLIANT and if you want Mickey merchandise or Princess stuff, then you have a shop in every direction to choose from. Sadly, at this stage, there Marvel & Star Wars offerings are a little slim and certainly not yet as strong as the US parks. I suspect the merchandise will ramp up when Star Tours returns - and Disney will also be seeking out ways to integrate Marvel more into the parks.

For now, I would recommend filling your case with Build a Droids and if you are looking for true exclusive souvenirs then try the meet n greets with Spider-man or the Jedi Training activity (for the kids 7+) the pictures and experiences from these are awesome.