Issue 88 : Saturday 29th September, 2018
The first 6 inch Captain Marvel Legends were releases / leaked by Amazon when the listings went up a little earlier than planned. The figures have since come back online at Amazon.com and therefore we now have much clearer images of the four new figures as well as some blurb to accompany each figure. There are four figures confirmed as Captain Marvel, Talos the Skrull, Starforce Commander and Nick Fury. These will be part of a larger wave with the comic book Kree Sentry as the build-a-figure. There are various posts about the rest of the wave with indications of it being all MCU (which we can’t see with a comic book BAF) to suggestions of comic book based Captain Marvel figures. We expect NYCC to see the full wave revealed. The figures can be pre-ordered now via Amazon US for $19.99 and they will be dispatched as of the 1st of January 2019. UK collectors can also order via the International Shipping process and you will be paying around £24 a figure including custom charges and delivery. Amazon do not charge until the item is dispatched, and if the price drops between then and now you pay the lowest price. Captain Marvel has already sold out, but you can sign up for notifications if more stocks are released.
● Higher, further, faster! Carol Danvers suits up as the powerful Captain Marvel to come to the rescue when the Earth is in peril. Imagine Captain Marvel fighting for the fate of the galaxy and her home with this 6-inch scale Captain Marvel figure. ● This Marvel Legends Series action figure includes an alternate, unmasked head and other accessories that make a great addition to any Marvel Legends Series collection. Kids and fans alike can appreciate the powerful Super Hero, inspired by the character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. ● Fans and collectors can recreate the action-packed scenes of the Marvel Universe and Captain Marvel with this premium Captain Marvel figure, inspired by the Captain Marvel movie, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that includes Avengers: Infinity War.
● This Marvel Legends Series action figure includes Starforce Commander-inspired blaster accessory that makes a great addition to any Marvel Legends Series collection. Kids and fans alike can appreciate the Kree warrior, inspired by the character from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. ● Fans and collectors can recreate the action-packed scenes of the Marvel Universe and Captain Marvel with this premium Starforce Commander figure, inspired by the Captain Marvel movie, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that includes Avengers: Infinity War. ● Featuring multiple points of articulation for high poseability, fans and collectors can display the Marvel Captain Marvel Legends Series Starforce Commander figure in their action figure and vehicle collection to recreate scenes from Marvel entertainment and comics. ● Collect figures in this Marvel Legends Series Build-a-Figure collection to assemble an impressive Build-a-Figure! Additional figures sold separately. Subject to availability
● This Marvel legends series action figure includes Nick fury-inspired weapon and additional accessory that make a great addition to any Marvel legends series collection. Kids and fans alike can appreciate the shield Agent, inspired by the character from the Marvel Cinematic universe. ● Fans and collectors can recreate the action-packed scenes of the Marvel universe and Captain Marvel with this premium Nick Fury figure, inspired by the Captain Marvel movie, which is Part of the Marvel Cinematic universe that includes Avengers: Infinity War. ● Featuring multiple points of articulation for high poseability, fans and collectors can display the Marvel Captain Marvel legends series Nick Fury figure in their action figure and vehicle collection to recreate scenes from Marvel entertainment and Comics.
Amazon.com have put up the listing for the Marvel Legends 6 inch Days of Future Past comic book set containing Wolverine and a Sentinel. The set was originally planned as a Toys R Us exclusive, but this has been switched to Amazon.
● Fans and collectors can recreate the action-packed scenes of the Marvel Universe and Captain Marvel with this premium Talos figure, inspired by the Captain Marvel movie, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that includes Avengers: Infinity War. ● Featuring multiple points of articulation for high poseability, fans and collectors can display the Marvel Captain Marvel Legends Series Talos figure in their action figure and vehicle collection to recreate scenes from Marvel entertainment and comics. ● Collect figures in this Marvel Legends Series Build-a-Figure collection to assemble an impressive Build-a-Figure! Additional figures sold separately. Subject to availability.
The two figures are packed in an exclusive comic book art box with opening front cover to reveal the figures within. The Sentinel is listed as having sound FX functions with phrases and sound effects build in. Wolverine comes with swap out hand options and a revolver. The set is showing unavailable at the moment, but you can register your email for notification when this goes up for pre-order or comes into stock. The price is expected to be $99 and the item should ship to UK via the International Shopping option.
Fans of Captain Marvel also got the first glimpse of our Hero in action this past fortnight with the release of the first trailer from the movie as well as some still images. We caught glimpses of Ronan, Mar’vell, Agent Coulson as well as a good look at Captain Marvel and Nick Fury. There looks to be some fantastic figure opportunities within the film including the Starforce team. Checkout the trailer in the link below.
For Wolverine and the rest of the X-Men, each encounter with Bolivar Trask’s Sentinel robots proves more dangerous than the last. But, when the army of ruthless Sentinels attempts to wipe out the mutant race and take command of the planet, humanity’s only hope is the X-Men…if they can survive… With the Marvel Legends Series, both kid and adult Marvel fans can start their own collection of comic- and entertainment-based Marvel characters. Inspired by the world-dominating, hero-crushing calamity from Uncanny X-Men issues 141-142 (comic book not available), this 6-inch-scale Wolverine and electronic Sentinel figure pack is another legendary additional to the Marvel Legends Series. ● ● ● ●
Uncanny X-Men comic-inspired design 6-inch-scale Wolverine figure with premium articulation and detailing Electronic Sentinel figure features phrases and sound effects Includes 2 figures, 3 accessories, and instructions
We then have Spider-Man in his Iron-Spider suit. While the positives are the four mechanical arms, the suit itself looks a little bland and there are lining details missing - the same issue as we had with Homecoming Spider-Man.
Diamond Select Toys have shared the first official images of their 7 inch scale Infinity War figures, with a release date of December 2018 as it stands. The figures were first shown at SDCC 2018, but there has been some "changes" since the July event.
The most impressive are Thor and Teenage Groot. Both of these look fantastic, with an exceptional looking head sculpt for Chris Hemsworth complete with scar. Groot also looks good in terms of a deep and rich paint job.
Up first is Captain America. He was shown at SDCC with rolled up sleeves, as per his look in Infinity War. This now seems to have changed which means most of the body is a re-use of the Civil War version with just a new chest piece where the star has been ripped off. On the plus side the facial sculpt looks better here and it is good to see he has two Wakandan shields. There is even a folded down Shield option and Cap is the only figure to get a diorama stand - a piece of what we assume is Wakandan soil. Original SDCC Image
The three sets should come in around $25 / #25. "Check out the first official pics of the three Marvel Select Avengers: Infinity War Action Figures: Captain America (Nomad), Spider-Man (Iron Spider) and Thor with Groot! Coming in late December from DST! Pre-order through your local comic shop or favorite online retailer!"
New images have circulated for the Star Wars Black Series 6" Bespin Escape Leia. The figure is exclusive to Target stores in the US and very early stocks are starting to be found across America.
This past week we also got a better look at the Medicom MAFEX comic based Venom figure we first saw at Wonder Festival Summer 2018 in July. This comic book based venom will include three head options, one of which is an unmasked Eddie Brock. He also includes the usual web accessories and like Spider-Man you will have a set of magnetic hands and feet to allow you to pose Venom in a wall climbing pose on any magnetic surface. Venom is scheduled to be a July 2019 release.
A couple of SH Figuarts 1/12 Star Wars releases look to have been given official release dates according to this image from a Tamashii Nations catalogue of some kind. We knew Anakin was due by the end of September, but it is now confirmed that the corresponding Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi will arrive in February 2019. Finishing off the trio from Revenge of the Sith will be Count Dooku in April 2019.
NECA have shared the packaging design for their very long awaited Ultimate Xenomorph figures from Alien. These were currently touted for a 2017 release but the Alien (and Predator) lines have been heavily impacted by what we think are factory issues in China. These will be the first Alien releases from NECA in 2018 and they aren't landing until October - closer to November for UK customers.
The box designs are identical other than the colouring. One is brown and the other blue, matching the colour of the Xenomorph within. Being an Ultimate release the figures are sat behind an opening front cover.
NECA have updated their Twitter Profile with this clearer image of the recently teased Thermal Vision Fugitive Predator.
Inside the pack you get the Xenomorph with some upgraded articulation on the previous releases. There is also an Alien Egg (hatched), a Facehugger and a Chestburster
NECA have unveiled the final packaging design for their upcoming 8" retro style Captain Blake figure from the iconic horror movie, The Fog. The figure is due for release in October in the US, collectors in UK might have to wait a little longer.
The prices for these in UK is sitting between ÂŁ25 and ÂŁ30, although a lot of companies originally took pre-orders for these in 2017 and are showing sold out. With the release details now confirmed you may see these go back up on some sites - such as our good friends at Toys In The Attic who have the two listed for ÂŁ52.99 with free delivery.
Syfy.com have published a wonderful article going behind the scenes at NECA and their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures. Within the article is a first glimpse of the Quarter Scale Shredder figure, with a couple of angles of the unpainted head as well as a layout of some other parts. The article also confirms that NECA are looking to release a 7" version of their Raphael in Trench Coat as part of their Gamestop exclusive line.
Wage epic Aquaman movie battles with this highly collectible, exclusive 6” scale premium Vulko action figure. As mentor to Aquaman, Nuidis Vulko serves a critical role. This action figure features 23 points of articulation, interchangeable heads and hands, his signature battle accessory and authentic actor likeness so you can recreate true-to-movie poses. Vulko also includes bonus pieces to collect and connect with other 6-inch Multiverse action figures’ pieces to build a complete Trench Creature figure! Pose Vulko with the movie’s Super Heroes and Super-Villains and create a captivating display. Other figures sold separately, subject to availability. Following the Vulko announcement, the following image reveals the four piece BAF from the upcoming Aquaman wave of Mattel 6 inch Multiverse figures. The wave has four figures of Aquaman, Mera, Orm and Black Manta. The BAF is what we assume is the Trench Creatures quoted in other listings. How the BAF part packed with Vulko will fit in is still to be seen
Amazon have put up their listing for their exclusive Vulko figure from the upcoming DC Aquaman movie. The figure is made by Mattel as part of their Multiverse 6" series and will be available only through Amazon. It releases on the 14th December and pre-orders can be placed now, but only for US customers sadly. The listing indicates the figure contains a Build-a-Figure piece which combines with other pieces to make a Trench creature. If Vulko has one part and is only available via Amazon US then that will make the BAF a very difficult piece to complete. Mattel may however have a variant BAF piece in with Vulko, something they have done in the past with other exclusives. Vulko is played by Willem Dafoe and the facial likeness to the actor looks pretty good on these glamour shots. He comes with a sword and what appears to be a map of some sort - we will have to wait for the movie to find out where this all fits in.
SH Figuarts have released the promotional images for their 1/12 Revenge of the Sith Obi-Wan Kenobi figure. Arriving in February 2019, Obi-Wan is a companion piece toy the Revenge of the Sith Anakin released this week.
Mezco have announced another One:12 Autumn exclusive with their 5 Ronin Wolverine. Wolverine is presented in his costume from the 5 Ronin story. The figure includes two head options and a variety of hand options including the claw options. There are long and short Katana blades with sheath. And there is a lovely red scarf with posing site for that dynamic posing.
Arriving in February 2019, Obi-Wan is a companion piece toy the Revenge of the Sith Anakin released this week.
The figure will cost $85 and will be on sale at the Mezco New York Comic Con booth. It has already sold out online.
Obi-Wan comes with a neutral head and a shouting version so he can tell Anakin he had the high ground. There will also be hand options and a lightsaber included.
"The One:12 Collective Wolverine 5 Ronin figure depicts the mutant enduring the brutality of 17th century Japan. Based on his appearance in ‘5 Ronin’, Wolverine is authentically dressed in traditional samurai clothing and comes complete with two katana swords of arming length, and two sheaths that can be neatly tucked into his waist belt and a scarf. Wolverine is forced to walk the lonely path of the masterless samurai in the violent and tumultuous world of feudal Japan. Determined to avenge his brother, Wolverine sets off to find the Damiyo who is responsible for his brother’s demise."
Welcome to our review of Amazon's exclusive Bill Potts action figure from Character Toys 5.5 inch Doctor Who range. The figure was announced Christmas 2017 by Pearl Mackie and has been picked by Amazon UK as an exclusive and started shipping on 19th September 2018. Packaging 4/5 Being an Amazon exclusive, the figure arrives in its own outer brown box complete with barcode sticker and the description "Dr Who Bill Potts Action Figure". Once this is open we find the same window box packaging that has been used for the last three years for the Forbidden Planet International and Toys R Us releases.
But when Bill makes a connection with student Heather, she soon finds herself dragged into a creepy and dangerous world that revolves around a mysterious and inexplicable puddle. There's something wrong with her reflection... but what? In searching of the answer, she discovers that the lecturer who's taken her under his wing is actually a time travelling alien who's about to take her on the trip of a lifetime to get to the truth! This impossible man, calling himself only 'The Doctor', promises to be Bill's personal tutor. And anywhere in space and tie is the backdrop to the most unique education that the universe can offer."
I do like the box art with its vortex / cosmic cloud design and the blue clockwork cardback which is also consistent with the multi-packs at B&M stores. The pack wording sits in dark blue insert boxes and here it confirms (like usual) the scale as 5.5 inch and that Bill Potts is a "Collector Figure"
Sculpt and Paint 2/5
Round the back of the box is a darker colour scheme with a full image of the figure to the side of this sits an extremely lengthy bio piece and on the other side a quote from Bill "I know you know lots of stuff about, well basically everything, but do you know any sci-fi" The larger Bio pretty much sets the scene for Bill and the Doctor's first adventure but includes some odd terminology "In searching of the answer" "Bill Potts wants her life to be about more than serving chips. The cleverest person in the university canteen, but never a student, Bll lives with her foster-mum Moira, and things exciting things happen to other people.
The likeness to Pearl Mackie as she appeared in Season 10 is pretty good on the figure, in keeping with the other 5.5 inch releases going back to 2006. The paint apps on the face are basic with very heavy eyebrows and lip colouring and cartoonish eyes with a thick black line on the eyelid. The hair piece is really good, but left a plain black colour. The bow is a plain gloss orange and there is some messy edges so it looks like she has spilled paint in her hair. The outfit is a vest shirt with trousers. The shirt is painted with numerous coloured stripes while the trousers are plain black. Sadly the paint is not particularly well applied and there are numerous faults on our version including where the flesh colour has not been covered properly on the front to some pretty horrible black markings on the back and a very flaky skin texture paint that also impacts the joints. The lower half of the body is much better and I do like the details on the trainer boots.
The figure is the exact same sculpt as the Bill Potts included in the B&M 12th Doctor pack recently. While the Amazon version is more colourful with its rainbow vest - I do think the much cheaper B&M release has a better paint job. This is both in terms of actual application being crisper, but also the skin tone being more realistic and some added features on the trousers like the denim effect wash. You would think it should be the other way round considering the Amazon release has an RRP of ÂŁ15.99 and the B&M 3-pack only costs ÂŁ1 more.
The legs have a T-joint hip and the same pegged joints in the knees as they had in the elbows - these are less intrusive on a darker plastic. The thigh swivel has gone, but instead we get a twisting joint where the boots meet the legs. Bill stands pretty well in a number of poses - although most poses past the neutral stance look particularly stiff and unnatural.
Summary Considering the RRP, this Bill Potts release is pretty disappointing. Especially when you see the same figure in a B&M 3-pack for about the same price you pay for the Amazon release. Bill has a lot of paint issues, some so bad I am considering returning my figure to Amazon to try for a better one - the issue of course is these are blind boxed essentially so you have no idea what you will get until it arrives. There are other flaws too like the failure to update the articulation to the recently used two way shoulders (see 12th Doctor figures) and dropping a waist joint altogether.
Articulation 3/5 Bill sports just 13 points of articulation - lower than the usual 16 points on a Doctor Who figure. Even though this is a brand new figure, there has been no upgrade in joints too. We start with a rotating head which turns left and right. I expected the waist to do the same, but this is sadly fixed in place. The arms don't get the extra shoulder piece to allow them to raise outwards and instead can only rotate around the shoulder. We have a bicep swivel under this and then some particularly intrusive elbow joints with visible pegs - these also suffer from paint issues being stuck to start with and then having flaking paint as these are bent. There is no wrist joint at all.
With all things considered I score Amazon exclusive Bill Potts 3/5, the excellent packaging getting it over the halfway point on our rating system.