Issue 66 : Saturday 11th November, 2017
UK Marvel Legend 6" collectors will be pleased that the US Gamestop exclusive Back in Black Deadpool has gone up for pre-order at Forbidden Planet.
As you can see from the cover image, Hasbro have announced the 2018 release of a 2-pack of 6" scaled Porg's in Spring 2018. The release is specifically confirmed as Black Series which would be a first in that a smaller figure / accessory will be released to support the range.
The set, featuring the Merc with a Mouth in his Venom Symbiote costume, is on pre-order for £25.99 + delivery. Delivery is a flat £5.50 for any order, so worth combining with other items if you have a list. FP only charge your card as they dispatch and they will dispatch individual items as they become available. Back in Black Deadpool has a tentative January 2018 release date.
Further snippets came through Steve Evans, Star Wars Design Director for Hasbro, who confirmed these figures will be in Black Series packaging - but smaller and not numbered. One of the two Porgs will also have articulated wings. The US price is $5.99, which will translate to around £6 here in UK potentially more. Where this does open up possibilities is for further sets of smaller creatures or items to enhance the range. What about some Womp Rats or Mouse MSE Droids or even using this to get us a non-articulated Salacious Crumb?
It seems Funko's 6" Legacy scale of Action Figures is not as finished as we may have thought? Action Figure Junkies recently interviewed Brian Marriotti, CEO of Funko, who revealed that the Legacy 6" collection isn't dead and that the next licence upcoming in the scale is Mad Max : Fury Road "Legacy isn’t dead..we will see MAD MAX: FURY ROAD soon" - Brian Marriotti (CEO Funko) NECA's 18" quarter-scale Doctor Strange figure is getting closer to release, and NECA have shared these images of the packaging. We would expect the good Doctor to arrive on UK shores towards the end of November / early December. You should be expecting to pay around £110 to add him to your quarter-scale collection.
While the 6" line never set the world on fire with the Game of Thrones and Firefly licences, they did have their fans - even with the suspect quality and paint quality. Mad Max is a licence fiercely guarded over the years and it is interesting that Funko have stolen a march on other companies who have been courting the licence (NECA) and look to be going to market very soon. It is worth noting the specific licence is quoted as the 2015 Fury Road movie so while it's perhaps a step closer, there is no real sign of figures from the original Mel Gibson trilogy.
Thor won't ship until at least May 2018 possibly as late as July. He can be pre-ordered now in the US via the Mezco website for the RRP of $80. UK collectors can place their pre-order now with our good friends at Kapow Toys for £67.99 + shipping.
Mezco have released full details of their One:12 Collective Michael Myers from Halloween. Michael will come with a soft goods boiler suit, sculpted head and Halloween mask (this was actually a Captain Kirk mask purchased by the prop team and painted) and four sets of hands. Accessories include a Gravestone, soft goods Ghost Sheet, the iconic knife (one clean and one bloody) and a carved Pumpkin with light up feature. There is also the usual decorative stand with Halloween movie logo. The figure can be pre-ordered now for collectors in the US, with the release date between June and August 2018. The US RRP is $80 and UK customers can expect a £70-£80 price tag once the UK retailers commence their own pre-orders.
In October 1978 a new film called Halloween introduced the world to seemingly unstoppable masked killer Michael Myers and launched a franchise that would span five decades. With his soulless eyes peering from his expressionless mask, “The Shape” as he is referenced in the film, has become one of the most recognizable icons of modern horror The One:12 Collective Michael Myers Halloween figure features a film accurate sculpt and coveralls as well as an alternate head with affixed ghost sheet and glasses to recreate the infamous “mistaken identity” scene in the film. The figure also comes equipped with both bloody and clean knives as well as a light-up Jack O' Lantern.
As Thor Ragnarok hits US cinema's, Mezco have unveiled the full details of their impressive One:12 Collective 6" Thor figure from the movie. While Mezco have done some DC movie figures, this - alongside Hulk and a Homecoming Spider-Man - is their first foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the previous releases being comic book based.
In Marvel Studios’ Thor: Ragnarok, Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk!
As we have come to expect from a Mezco One:12 release, Thor is packed with accessories and alternative parts. For a start off we have three head options - one helmeted, one not and one with the "God of Thunder" eyes. the lack of face paint on the helmeted version in the above contents image appears to be an oversight and you can see the red warpaint in the other promotional images on both gladiatorial heads. Thor will get his dual swords which can be positioned in his hands, with an empty set of sheaths to sit on his back. If you want to stow away the swords, there is a swap out sheath with swords inserted. This will allow Thor to be armed with his Mace and Shield from the arena battle with Hulk. And if he feels like it, there is some lightning effects to use with the figure. All of these can be held or displayed thanks to six interchangeable hand options. Thor can be displayed on the usual One:12 base, complete with Thor Ragnarok movie logo.
The One:12 Collective Ragnarok Thor figure captures both the character’s unique physique and his richly detailed costume. In addition to swords, shield, and mace, he features a helmet with film accurate rotating “wings”. Because Thor is the god of thunder he comes complete with a removable lighting effect to replicate the F/X from the upcoming blockbuster.
Tamashii Nations have released full details of their SH Figuarts 1/12 figures of Thor and Hulk from Ragnarok, as first seen at NYCC. Both figures will be Web Store exclusives for Japan.
Hulk is priced at 14,256 Yen (£95 / $125) and ships in April 2018. He stands at least 8" high, pushing 9" with the crest of his helmet. He will come with Gladiatorial Armour - none of which appears to be removable. He will be armed with the Hammer and Axe he uses in the Sakaar Arena. Thor will be sold as a basic version at 6,480 Yen (£42 / $56) and will come with his two swords. There is then a deluxe version with lightning effects and this is priced at 8,856 Yen (£58 / $77). Both versions ship in May 2018. Thor will come with the helmeted head, which does not appear to be removable. It does however articulate at the "wings" as seen in the movie.
Diamond have released the promotional images of their Select Scale Hulk figure, as seen in Thor Ragnarok. He will come dressed in that Planet Hulk inspired armour, with both weapons as seen in the movie - the axe and the hammer. The image and description did worry us as the un-helmeted head shown at NYCC 2017 was not shown or mentioned. We asked DST for clarification and they have confirmed that this 2nd head is still included in the package. The figure is due by the end of this year and will retail at $25 in the US and a similar value in £'s.... £25
There may be more accessories and parts when we see these go up for sale at the Tamashii Webstore. Bluefin, we believe, will be offering these to the US market.
A Diamond Select Toys release! They're friends from work! Send your Marvel Select collection to the distant reaches of the galaxy with these two new 7-inch scale action figures based on the new Marvel Studios film, Thor: Ragnarok! Depicting Thor and the Hulk in their gladiator gear (Sold separately), each figure features 16 points of articulation and includes weapons seen in the film. Each figure comes packaged in the famous Select action figure packaging, with side panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant!
McFarlane have released full details of their Stranger Things 7" scale Dustin and Lucas action figures. Both figures will have at least 12 points of articulation and come a Stranger Things themed stand. Dustin will come with a compass, radio and swap out hands. While Lucas has a torch and his wrist rockets. Both figures will retail in US at $19.99, expect to pay £20 here in the UK also. Both are scheduled to arrive in February 2018 along with the deluxe Demogorgon.
One fourth of the main quartet in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, Dustin has quickly become a fan favorite with his classic lines and lovable demeanor. Dustin is always there to support his best friends no matter how strange their adventures get. ● Spectacular likeness of Dustin sculpted from images of actor Gaten Matarazzo ● Figure comes with removable blonde compass, radio, and interchangeable hands ● Figure is featured in iconic shirt and hat from Stranger Things season 1 ● Designed with 12+ points of articulation for dynamic posing ● Figure features a stylized Stranger Things branded disc display base and is showcased in retro themed packaging
An integral piece to the strange things that occur in Hawkins, Indiana Lucas is there for his friends. Never afraid to voice his opinion Lucas is strong and always there for friends, no matter what the risk. ● Spectacular likeness of Lucas sculpted from images of actor Caleb McLaughlin ● Figure includes wrist rocket, flashlight and interchangeable hands ● Figure is featured in outfit worn by Lucas in Stranger Things featuring iconic commando headband and corduroy jacket ● Designed with 12+ points of articulation for dynamic posing ● Figure features a stylized Stranger Things branded disc display base and is showcased in retro themed packaging
Review : General Leia (The Last Jedi) Star Wars Black Series (Hasbro) Wave/Series : Wave 13 (Phase 3) Released : Sept 2017 ÂŁ24.99 Pros : Excellent likeness to Carrie Fisher, even without the facial printing technique Cons : Some nasty paint variation from main outfit to legs. The changes to the back of box spoil the wonderful artwork.
This large section of text simply contains the wording "some poses may require additional support" and this is then repeated over and over again in 26 other languages. Considering there are no poses shown on the box, this addition is bizarre and spoils the box back for me by truncating the artwork we love. This amendment is present on other Wave 13 figures, but we will have to see if this continues into future waves and if it is specific to European releases (we purchased this review figure at Toys R Us UK).
Can you believe we've reached Wave 13 of the Black Series, Phase 3 and number #52! Wave 13 is the 2nd The Last Jedi wave and contains a mix of new Last Jedi figures and re-repacks of The Last Jedi Kylo Ren as well as the AT-AT Driver and Snowtrooper. The new Last Jedi figures are made up of Maz Kanata, Poe Dameron, Finn in his First Order disguise and the figure we are looking at here - General Leia Organa.
Leia slides out from either the top or bottom flap of the box and is presented in the clear plastic tray inside a red cardboard sleeve. To the right of her head, as you look, is her blaster. There are no other accessories or contents.
There are no discernible packaging changes for General Leia. It comes with the expanded bottom rail and the brighter Star Wars Black Series Logo. The grayscale artwork to the bottom right is a particularly nice image of Carrie Fisher and feels quite poignant in the circumstances. The character name is specifically General Leia Organa, no mention of the word Princess, but "to me, she is royalty".
Now while we may still be waiting for the new Face Printing technology to arrive, this facial sculpt of Leia is one of the best we've had to date and has captured the older Carrie Fisher. The sculpt is quite expressive with that pouted mouth that Leia has through The Force Awakens and we assume into The Last Jedi as she struggles against the might of The First Order. The head is a single flesh tone, but with the high cheek bones the shadowing does add depth and structure to the face. The eyes are painted well and not as heavily made up as some of the earlier female figures in the range. Likewise the lips are not bright red and are a subtle pink flesh tone. Leia is #52 in the range and this is positioned as usual on the gloss red spine. The number is repeated on the box reverse, this time in red, and under this we get a short paragraph that talks about "all she has endured and lost in a lifetime of war". The image from the box front is blown up and repeated on the back, but is cropped at the bottom of her nose by what looks to be a new section of the card back.
The hair is not quite the "Baboon's ***" style, but is quite intricate and carries some braiding similar to what we saw in The Return of the Jedi. The hair is a single tone of brown.
The trunk of the body has a torso joint , and while this is partially hidden under the body warmer - it is still quite visible and cuts through the figure quite aggressively. It also doesn't add much in terms of movement - it allows the torso to rotate, but this looks unnatural, and doesn't really do much else - I would have expected a ball joint to allow leaning forward and backward. For what you get I'd have preferred to see the give this joint a miss altogether. Lower leg articulation is just as wide ranging as the arms. The ball jointed hips and double-jointed knees allow for kneeling fully and a sitting position if you really want it. The thigh swivel is a bit of an eyesore, worsened by the paint variation I mentioned earlier. We then get ankle rockers to keep her stood upright and these are night and tight and feel ratcheted
Like Luke Skywalker from Wave 12, this figure works as both a Force Awakens and Last Jedi version as the outfit is consistent across both films. This is made up of a light blue jumpsuit with large collars. This is fastened with a black belt and silver buckle. Over this is a purple body warmer and the boots are knee high gloss brown with silver buckles. The majority of the clothing is one tone, but the upper part of the blue jumpsuit seems to have a very mild wash to dirty it up and yellow it a little. Sadly they didn't continue this beyond the thigh swivels, so the lower part of her legs are brighter than the rest of the outfit.
While not (as far as we know) screen accurate, the body warmer is removable giving Leia a differing look underneath. The rest of the body is sculpted so removing the body warmer doesn't expose any unfinished or unpainted parts. For me, this outfit reminds me of the Endor outfit and with an amended head and soft goods poncho, this would look awesome as a re-release with or without a Speeder Bike (or a Wicket).
Articulation on Leia is excellent, she benefits greatly from slim arms with nothing to obstruct the joints. The shoulder are ball jointed followed by a single elbow joint hidden neatly in the sleeve of the shirt, this also rotates. The arms finish with a pivot wrist that rotates and bends. As we move and pose the arms we also start to see other subtle details on the figure - check out the rings on her right hand with gold and blue paint details.
The sole accessory is a new blaster weapon. The blaster is very similar to the Defender Sporting Blaster that Leia first brandishes right back at the start of A New Hope as she tries to fight off Stormtroopers on the Tantive IV. This is however not a recast of that particular gun that was packed with A New Hope Leia in Wave 9 and the 40th Anniversary series It is cast in black plastic, but has touches of silver on the barrel and just above the rear grip.
We certainly didn't see Leia with a weapon in The Force Awakens. It may or may not be accurate to The Last Jedi, but I do thank Hasbro for including something with the figure. Leia looks awesome with the gun and can get into a number of action poses with it. A holster may have been nice to keep it in when not in hand, but that would have then strayed from the accuracy of the costume.
Leia is a wonderful addition to the Black Series range for the new films. The facial likeness is one of the best yet and the outfit, while pretty tame, is well realised. Articulation is great, but we could have done without the thigh swivel and the torso joint. The other issue is the paint variation on the legs which is pretty visible. I score General Leia Organa a solid 4 out of 5.
Visit our Star Wars Black Series Archive While we have had the older Han Solo for a while now, it is good to get the other two key human characters to display together - even if the three of them didn't meet in this format in The Force Awakens. These images of Han, Luke and Leia do also show the progress on head sculpting Hasbro have taken since 2015 and Han does look out of shape against Leia in particular.
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