SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) Special, July 2016
Happy SDCC-TOY-DAY! What a couple of weeks it has been. First came Star Wars Celebration London (checkout our Celebration issue) and before we had time to digest all the news from that show it was time for San Diego Comic Con 2016. Our SDCC coverage was not all encompassing, and neither is this SDCC special. Over the 4-days of SDCC we relayed all the key coverage and commented on the reveals from our focus area of 6-7� Action Figures based on TV and Movies - with particular focus on what was revealed by Hasbro, NECA and Diamond Select
We were not in attendance at SDCC, so all our coverage and many of the early images were from the brilliant fan sites we have linked you to on the right hand side‌ So what do we have for you in the next few pages of our SDCC special? The simple answer is Plenty! From Ghostbusters to Doctor Strange, from Star Trek to Star Wars. And loads in between. The one thing that is clear at this point is that collectors are going to be very spoiled over the next 6 months and will need to be deciding what to spend their money on.
The Icon Heroes booth was in the main a full display of their excellent statues and paperweights - something we don't cover, but checkout the excellent gallery at Toyark But if you looked close enough you would have found this card stand that confirms the first wave of their Once Upon a Time figures AND reveals the four characters who will make up wave 2 - Rumplestiltskin, Belle, Snow White and Charming. Wave 1 is shipping in December this year and the 2nd wave is expected Summer 2017. Apparently the first wave is on display at the Diamond Comics booth - but there have been no images (source of image, ToyArk)
Back in April we saw early prototype unpainted sculpts of the Pop Culture Shocks' foray into 7" figures. Now at SDCC the first fully painted figures are on display From The Thing is the 7" figure of Kurt Russell's R.J. MacReady - and as we had hoped the monster looks to be included with the figure An American Werewolf in London sees two figures of the main protagonists from the 1981 classic - David Kessler and Jack Goodman. There is also the Werewolf itself which had been a cardboard cut out at the Monsterpalooza show where these made their debut, but now looks awesome in figure form
Blitzway are a Korean company who have focused on 1/6th scale hyper realistic figures so far with licences like Fight Club and Rocky in their release stable. They have recently picked up the Ghostbusters licence (as have so many others) and are releasing both 1/6th and also 1/12 scale figures. The 1/12 figures are displayed at SDCC in a wonderful final battle diorama with a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Whereas the Mezco 1/12 Ghostbusters are going for realistic uniforms and are almost a shrunk down 1/12 figure - the Blitzway offerings will be a similar design to say SH Figuarts, with a wide range of articulation. As yet there is no price on these 6" figures, not any clarity of what other figures may join the range particularly as Blitzway also have the 2016 movie licence.
As well as the 3 Civil War figures (due out soon) the Diamond Marvel Select display also revealed the Select Doctor Strange figure.
Mattel are expanding their 6" Multiverse figures with a combination of comic book and TV / Movie based figures. For us, with our TV/Movie focus, we are looking on with interest at the following figures - and comparing some of them to the releases DC Collectables are also releasing in their larger 6.75" scale
In an Instagram update Diamond have given the date of 3rd of August 2016 for the long awaited Civil War figures to be shipped to Comic Book Stores.
- Hawkman, Legends of Tomorrow - Zoom, The Flash - Earth 2 The Flash
Also on display at SDCC, and discussed in their SDCC Panel, were the re-release of Carnage and the upcoming Comic Book Destroyer Within the Ghostbusters display, the brilliant Library Ghost has just been revealed at SDCC. It was then confirmed via Instagram that Series 4 will be made up of Gozer, Walter Peck and the slimed Peter. Series 4 will be released in early 2017. That will bring us to 12 figures in total and with just Series 5 left to go. Series 5 should therefore be made up of The Library Ghost and a Terror Dog - and I suspect one more figure? It is difficult to tell if the Terror Dog will have to be bought twice to put on the plinth as a statue, or indeed if there will be a "real" Terror Dog and also a statue diorama piece? The previously announced Alice and Hatter Select 7 inch figures were displayed at SDCC with Diamond confirming that a 2nd series is in the works for release. With the Select Khan from Wrath of Khan due for release soon, Diamond have confirmed at their SDCC panel that the next planned release in the Star Trek line will be a Borg. No images or other details as yet.
The announcement and reveal of two Netflix Marvel Legends figures caught a lot of people by surprise. But Hasbro are bringing us a Jessica Jones and a Punisher in their 6" Legends scale.
Alongside the Movie Dr Strange figures are what looks to be a new Spider-Man wave containing new figures of Spider-UK, Spider-Man 2099, Ms Marvel, Green Goblin and a Jackal. There is also a black suited Spider-Man in their somewhere. As yet any BAF for these figures is not clear.
And for Guardians of the Galaxy, there will be a 2nd comic book themed wave hitting in 2017. This wave will include a BAF of Titus. - Angela - Darkhawk - Kid Nova - Vance Astro
Also revealed at the Marvel Hasbro Panel, but not on display, was a 6 inch Legends scale Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) who would come along with Herbie. How this Fantastic Four figure, and the Netflix figures will fit into a wave is not clear at this stage.
Marvel Legends has been extended of course to include new 12" figures, with Captain America, IronMan and Spider-Man revealed at Toy Fair in February.
X-Men are getting another full wave of Legends in 2017. The wave is made up of 5 figures, with the build a figure being an impressive looking Warlock
First look at the Movie Doctor Strange and Baron Mordo - Marvel Legends. Based on the promotional images, we can perhaps surmise that the Movie figures will be combined with the comic figures we saw at Toy Fair and form a 6 figure wave with Dormammu as the Build a Figure
- Doctor Strange (movie) - Baron Mordo (movie) - Doctor Strange - Iron Fist - Nico Minoru - Brother Voodoo
- Dazzler - Sunfire - Colossus 7.5" - Polaris Comes w Havok effects - Jim Lee Cyclops - Warlock (Build a Figure)
The fourth figure in this range has now been revealed as Deadpool, everyone's favourite Merc with the mouth. Deadpool will come with alternative head and various weaponry
Mezco revealed details of a raft of new One:12 Collective 1/12 Action Figures at SDCC. The new figures that will be joining the range are as follows and will be released over the next 6-8 months into 2017. Each new figure will retail around $80 - so ÂŁ60-ÂŁ80 in the UK. DC Suicide Squad Harley Quinn The Joker Dawn of Justice Nightmare Batman Deathstroke Black Adam Red Son Superman Arsenal
The McFarlane booth at SDCC was predominantly figures we have already seen revealed for their first two waves of the Color Tops range (Red and Blue Waves). The booth and activity, as you'd expect, has been heavily focused around The Walking Dead - with the shows stars being photographed with their prototype 7" figures.
Marvel Spider-Man Deadpool Captain America Punisher Red Skull Other Ghostbusters Star Trek Enterprise Captain's Chair Star Trek Kirk & Tribbles Diabolik
One reveal was the exclusive Walking Dead series 6 Bluray which will come in an exclusive edition complete with McFarlane designed "Truck Walker" packaging
Movie Realization (Star Wars)
DC Collectables revealed a large number of their new 6.75" figures from the DC TV universe ahead of SDCC, these included a 2-pack of Flash & Arrow and single releases of Constantine, Vixen, The Atom, Firestorm, Hawkgirl, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl and Zoom.
The only new product from the Star Wars Realization range on display at the Bluefin (US Distributor of Tamashii Nations) was the Movie Realization Stormtrooper Archer. Aside from that, the key news would be that there are plans to re-release the original Realization Vader and perhaps others due to the demand and the current secondary market prices We did get a better look at the Realization Spider-Man
SH Figuarts Ghostbusters, or at least The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, are coming to the SH Figuarts range - obviously this is not in 1/12 scale. It will actually be more of a MonsterArts figure like their Godzilla figures.
In terms of the movie's then it looks like we will be getting the following figures in late 2016 / early 2017
Talking of Godzilla, a new Monsterarts figure was on display also. There are also closer looks at the WWE Triple H 1/12 figure
Dawn of Justice Batman Nightmare Batman Aquaman
Also within the booth are a new Bruce Lee figure (Game of Death), Batman, Joker and a Shredder to go with their 1/12 Turtle figures.
Suicide Squad Boomerang Killer Croc Katana
Black Series Fans Choice for 2016 At the Hasbro Panel, the 2016 Fan’s Choice winner was announced as Jaina Solo - the controversial choice considering the voting tactics that seemed to be going on.
The big reveals of SDCC for Star Wars came in the Hasbro panel as the next batch of 6 inch Black Series figures were revealed. Qui-Gon Jinn Qui-Gon will come with alternative force hand and be sculpted to match Liam Neeson’s height. The hair will be a soft PVC so not to block the head movement. Hera (Rebels) Like Kanan and Ahsoka, Hera is taken from the animation style and made it realistic. The Hasbro team worked with Dave Filoni to get the look right. Tusken Raider The Sand People will come with a gaffi stick that can be customised with 3 different “tips” so to match the 3 seen in A New Hope. The figure will be a mix of soft goods and rubber PVC cloak. Emperor's Royal Guard This is the one that blew many people away. Not only is this the Emperors Royal Guard as seen in Return of the Jedi, but under the cloak they have sculpted the Crimson Guard armour as seen in the EU Crimson Empire comic. The figure therefore doubles as either a classic movie guard or an EU version. Lando Calrissian Lando will come with a full cape and this will be a rubber PVC and not soft goods. The cape will replicate the liner detail from the original movie costume fabric. Obi Wan Kenobi Obi Wan was tweeted briefly then deleted during the panel. Hasbro went on to confirm that Ben Kenobi would go on to get a single release, excluding the table and Leia Hologram.
There was a concerted backlash and numerous complaints after the announcement with collectors quoting up to “40,000 suspect votes” made for Jaina in the final 24hrs of the vote. As we go to press, although Hasbro have acknowledged “something” going on with the Jaina Solo voting - there has been no official word on whether they will press on and make the figure or look at alternative options. Black Series Q+A A number of key fan sites had Q&A sessions with Hasbro after the panel, and for Black Series fans the following was discussed around the 6 inch range. ● There are more vehicles coming in 2017 for 6 inch scale ● Force Awakens Luke Skywalker is coming in 2017. He was delayed due to how late he was revealed. Takes them 12-18 months to develop a figure ● The other snippet (via the Hasbro Breakfast and not the panel) was that earlier waves like the Maul and Luke Pilot wave may be re-released?
The Black Series banner will also continue to be the overall umbrella for the Hasbro collectors range. Following the new figures, collectors will also see additions to the 1:1 scale Lightsabers and the helmet collection. Black Series Helmet Collection New releases will hit stores of the helmet 2-packs with Sabine & Vader and Boushh and Boba Fett joining the range. Black Series Lightsaber Return of the Jedi Luke's saber will be the next Black Series release.
As we had speculated there was a 3rd SDCC Hasbro Star Wars exclusive, and it was indeed Rogue One based. What we didn’t expect was that this exclusive would be the Jyn Erso figure in special collector's packaging rather than one of the troopers. All this just one week after the figure had been unveiled at Star Wars Celebration.
3.75" Figures The 3.75” reveals at SDCC were all around the basic 5 POA figures The panel didn’t reveal any single packed Rogue One releases, but instead the figures were predominantly Rebel based - including series 3 - with a new 2-pack being released for The Force Awakens ● Fenn Rau (Mandalorian from Rebels) ● Grand Admiral Thrawn figure is coming (Rebels) ● Hera's A-Wing ● Poe vs Stormtrooper 2-pack 3.75" AT-ACT (Rogue One) The big item for 3.75" fans is an AT-ACT (All Terrain Armoured Cargo Transport)
SDCC Exclusive 6" Black Series Jyn Erso STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES 6-Inch Jyn Erso Pack (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99) Bring the action of the highly anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story film to life with THE BLACK SERIES Jyn Erso Pack! A highly skilled soldier in the Rebel Alliance, Jyn Erso is an impetuous, defiant warrior eager to bring the battle to the Empire. This impressive 6-inch scale figure features extensive articulation and realistic character design
The vehicle will come with lights and sounds and will really walk - the walking will be controlled via a SmartPhone. Don’t worry though, no need to buy the kids a phone to make this work - there are buttons on the ATACT also to control the features. It will be packed with 3 figures - Jyn Erso, Shore Trooper and an Astromech. The side panel comes out to create a bunker. The AT-ACT will also follow the latest craze in the Star Wars line and fire Nerf darts! There is no price point at yet, but the general consensus is that this figure will be upwards of £180-£200 when it hits UK stores on Force Friday / Xmas 2016. Following the reveal at the panel - the figures from the AT-ACT were added to the Hasbro booth display, along with a 3.75" Death Trooper that had not been mentioned at the panel. 3.75" Black Series Collector's Range Hasbro, when asked, said the line will continue as a Walmart exclusive and to expect Rogue One product in the Fall/Autumn
On top of this, the SDCC display contains a number of other figures which NECA have "played around with" for now and that may or may not make future releases. These include a blue, gold and a pink Alien warrior. And as suspected, the 6 pack of eggs is being released in a black boxed glow in the dark option Aliens The Kenner homage series 10 has been fully unveiled at SDCC. The three figure wave will be made up of the Mantis Alien, the Gorilla Alien and the Queen Facehugger. This wave is due November 2016 and will retail around the usual price point of £22.99 / $22.99
"Weyland-Yutani Consumer Notice: There is a product recall in effect for all Cage-Free #Xenomorph Eggs sourced from LV-426. If you are still alive, please dispose of any remaining #eggs. This is a voluntary recall for packaging misprints and is in no way related to any infestation, quarantine or mass extinction you may be experiencing.
Each comes with a reprint of the classic Dark Horse Comics mini-comic that was included with the originals! These highly detailed figures stand over 9" tall and are fully poseable. The special blister card packaging is an homage to the classic card art as well, featuring custom illustrations and a color palette that ties back to the toy shelves of the early '90s. Starts shipping out to retailers in November 2016"
Revealed on the Predator section was the final figure for Scarface from Concrete Jungle, Youngblood and the wonderful AvP Elder. The Ultimate Jungle Hunter Predator is on display in his own Jungle diorama. The Ultimate City Hunter and Ultimate Scarface are displayed with their packaging and flanked by the Cinemachines Predator ship
From the terrifying Alien movie series, this eerie glowin-the-dark set includes 6 Xenomorph eggs and 3 facehuggers with bendable tails. They make great #diorama pieces, since they’re perfectly in scale with our line of 7" figures. As a bonus for collectors, the black egg carton packaging features glow-in-the-dark accents! Starts shipping out to retailers in September 2016"
"To celebrate the 10th series in our bestselling Aliens line, we’re dedicating the full series to the classic #Kenner Expanded Universe #Aliens of the early 1990s! Series 10 includes the powerful #Gorilla Alien, the Queen #Facehugger, and #Mantis #Alien, which is cast in translucent green just like the original. Taking inspiration from those designs, our team has transformed these Kenner classics into modern versions with all of today’s detail and articulation.
Predators
Ninja Turtles
Terminator As well as the Police Assault T 800 Terminator, the NECA display unveiled the T 1000 Motorcycle Cop Ultimate figure. The T1000 looks to be coming with three heads (Police Motorcycle Helmet, Normal and damaged). There will also be the spiked finger hands and the forearm blades as well as a handgun
As promised, and as teased, the full four Quarter Scale Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been revealed. Remember UK followers, these won't be available in the UK at the moment due to licensing issues.
DC & Marvel Quarter Scale
Ash vs Evil Dead Preacher
Pulling a surprise out of the bag (as they do) NECA revealed a new version of their Q/Scale Danny Devito Penguin figure, this time in his Gotham Mayor Outfit
The first three figures from Ash vs The Evil Dead are on display at SDCC. And NECA have then gone on to announce where this creepy looking chap fits in after tweeting him emerging from a cellar on the first day of the show. It seems the Ash sculpt will get a "bloody" decor and will be released in a 3 pack later this year with two of these Demon Spawn.
The new Preacher licence is NOT on display at SDCC. However, NECA have shared an early sample of the Cassidy figure (minus head) on their Twitter feed.
"Get a load of this trio. @AshvsEvilDead Bloody Ash vs Demon Spawn 3 pack coming this Fall!!" - Randy Falk, NECA (via Twitter)
Heroes of the Storm
"This election season, vote Oswald Cobblepot for Mayor! This all-new version of the #Penguin from Batman Returns is ready to hit the campaign trail like a ton of bricks.
The 1/4 scale action figure features the likeness of actor Danny DeVito, whose memorable performance as the twisted Oswald Cobblepot in the 1992 movie still defines the character. The fully poseable figure stands 15" tall and features synthetic hair and a movie-authentic sculpt. Penguin comes with an all-
"Just in time for Season 2 of the hit STARZ series Ash vs Evil Dead, we present a special edition action figure 3-pack dedicated to the dramatic Season 1 finale. The set includes #BloodyAsh and two demon spawn figures that are exclusive to this set.
NECA’s Heroes of the Storm range has reached Series 3, and at SDCC it was confirmed Series 3 would be made up of Terran Marine Raynor and Sylvanas, the Banshee Queen from World of Warcraft. These two figures will hit stores in November 2016..
The series follows Ash: stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who spent 30 years avoiding responsibility, and the terrors of the #EvilDead. In final episode of season 1, #Ash is beset by demonic creatures at the cabin in the woods, and this set lets you recreate that dramatic battle.
new removable fabric coat, removable top hat, “Cobblepot
for
Mayor”
mini-poster,
monocle,
cigarette in holder and half-eaten fish accessories.
Loaded with extraordinary detail, this figure is a must-have for Batman fans! Starts shipping out to retailers in November 2016"
The thoroughly bloodied Ash stands nearly 7” tall and comes with#chainsaw and #shotgun that fits in a back holster. Each #demon spawn has a unique head sculpt and is fully poseable, standing 5.5” tall. Window box packaging. Starts shipping out to retailers in October 2016!"
Also on display at the NECA booth was an unpainted prototype of WarCraft Thrall, Warchief of the Horde. He will arrive at some point Winter 2016.
SCC so the confirmed release of a new 5 inch scale Doctor Who 13 Doctors set from Character Options. The designer from Affable Design has posted the breakdown of each figure as follows‌. First Doctor - The Web Planet For the first Doctor I did a new version of the costume in golden/sepia tones. The guiding principle for the whole set was to use more natural tones and not make the figures so high contrast. There is almost no black anywhere in the set - very dark brown, very dark blue, loads of washes and shades of grey. There just aren't a wealth of colour pictures of the first Doctor so the colour palette was arrived at tonally. Second Doctor - The Two Doctors Bluish grey shirt, greenish grey tartan trousers and yes, grey hair. Third Doctor - The Time Monster Beautiful russet red jacket with fleur de lis, deep brown trouser lighter hair. (I actually think this costume is more accurate to The Three Doctors he didn't wear the bow tie in the Time Monster) Fourth Doctor - Logopolis This is a more 'as seen on screen' version of the S18 costume, the red in scarf is less orange, the burgundy a deeper shade, the shirt is a bone white, not a pure white. Fifth Doctor - The Awakening All new treatment of the costume. Grubbier shoes, not so bright.
As yet there have been no confirmation of whether this set will be sold onwards or whether it was an SDCC only exclusive. The RRP is expected to be around $150 if it does hit stores at any point
Sixth Doctor - Real Time The fourteen-shades-of-blue version of his costume as seen on Big Finish covers. Seventh Doctor - Ghost Light All new treatment of the tartan trousers. Eighth Doctor - Night of the Doctor Post crash bloodied face and dirty outfit. War Doctor -Day of the Doctor Revised darker version of the costume. Gaiters are more like greenish canvas now. Other colours tweaked. Darker grey in the beard. Ninth Doctor - The Parting of the Ways Dark purple t-shirt. Trousers dark grey, not black, shoes dark brown not black. Tenth Doctor - The Shakespeare Code All colours re-interpreted. Grubbier shoes, darker coat different blue for the pinstripes. (looks to be the newer head sculpt also) Eleventh Doctor - The Beast Below All new colour treatment, new base tone for the tweed with a new wash over it. Shoes show wear on the toes, grey not black trousers. New interpretation of the grey shirt with the red striped pattern. Twelfth Doctor - Time Heist Very dark blue shirt.
For anyone unfamiliar with Hiya Toys, they are a Chinese company who will be releasing a series of 1/18 scale / 3.75" Alien figures later this year. Although the figures are very stylised and won't carry official likeness from the movies, they are based on the 1986 Aliens film with figures of Hicks and Hudson in the works as well as a Power Loader As they had promised the Hiya Toys 3.75" scale APC from Aliens is on display at SDCC, and impressively it also opens up to allow figures to be posed and placed inside.