Saturday 13tH October, 2018
McFarlane have announced they will be producing a new 6 inch line of figures from the hit HBO show Game of Thrones for its 7th season. "McFarlane Toys partners with HBO's hit television series Game of Thrones to bring you highly detailed figures of iconic characters, each coming with screen accurate accessories. " The first figures are lined up to be Daenerys Targaryen (no image), Arya Stark, Jon Snow and the Night King. Each figure will feature around 12 points of articulation and come with appropriate accessories. The US price is $19.99 for these, so they should be sub £20 here in the UK. The release date for this first wave is April 2019, which coincides with the 8th and final season of Game of Thrones. Images released so far are the usual digital mockups that McFarlane often use, so it is difficult to gauge the quality of the figure - although the McFarlane team rarely disappoint on the look. The move to stay at 6 inch rather than the 7 inch figures is a good one in that these should then fit with the earlier 6 inch line from Funko which released figures from the early GoT seasons.
Arya Stark is the third child and second daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and his wife, Lady Catelyn Stark. After narrowly escaping the persecution of House Stark by House Lannister, Arya is trained as a Faceless Man at the House of Black and White in Braavos. She uses her new skills to bring those who have wronged her family to justice. ● 6" inch (15.24cm) Scale ● Made of plastic ● Features 12+ points of articulation ● Incredibly detailed ● Featuring iconic attire from season seven of Game of Thrones Box Contents ● Arya Stark figure ● Needle ● Valyrian steel dagger
The Night King is the master and the first of the White Walkers, having existed since the age of the First Men. He also serves as the supreme leader of the Army of the Dead. “The true enemy won’t wait out the storm. He brings the storm.” - Jon Snow (about the Night King) ● 6" inch (15.24cm) Scale ● Made of plastic ● Features 12+ points of articulation ● Incredibly detailed ● Featuring iconic attire from season seven of Game of Thrones Box Contents ● Night King figure ● Blade ● Spear
Jon Snow, born Aegon Targaryen, is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, the late Prince of Dragonstone. A decorated individual, Jon has been chosen as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, and helped lead a successful raid in overtaking Winterfell from House Bolton, restoring House Stark’s reign over the North, in which Jon was proclaimed “King of the North.” ● 6" inch (15.24cm) Scale ● Made of plastic ● Features 12+ points of articulation ● Incredibly detailed ● Featuring iconic attire from season seven of Game of Thrones Box Contents ● Jon Snow figure ● Longclaw ● Dragon glass dagger
Diamond Select have confirmed they have tied up the licence for the Netflix Castlevania animated series that debuted in 2017. The Castlevania licence originated 32 years ago now as a video game and made the jump to Netflix with Season 1 in 2017 with a second season planned in 2018.
Funko have announced another licence to joint their current line of retro style He-Man type figures. DC will join the current crop of Horror figures and the upcoming Thundercat figures.
"Beginning in 2019, DST will offer products in a number of different categories, including Select action figures, Gallery PVC dioramas, Vinimates vinyl figures, Minimates mini-figures, resin statues and more. Products will be offered at multiple major retail chains, as well as through independent comic book shops via Diamond Comic Distributors."
These are very stylised characters from the DC universe with Batman and the Joker leading the charge - complete with battlecat style mounts. Other characters include Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Mr Freeze, Scarecrow, King Shark and Aquaman. There is also a Castle Grayskull type playset which opens up into a Hall of Justice type affair.
As well as statues, the Diamond plan for 2019 will include 7" scale Select Action figures. We would expect to not see these until at least Toy Fair in February 2019. We will watch this news with interest.
The line is badged as DC Primal Age with each figure likely to retail around £11 here in the UK. We await more details on the release dates for these.
“The Castlevania franchise has a rich, deep history, and the new animated series takes all of it to a new, vibrant, visually superb level,” said Diamond Select Toys president Chuck Terceira. “I’m personally a fan of the show, and I can’t wait to help execute some of its amazing character designs in 3-D.”
Mattel and Target stores (US) have announced this Aquaman exclusive two pack titled the Gladiator set. It includes exclusive figures of Aquaman and Orm in gladiatorial armour. The figures each have trident weapons included and there is a two part diorama base included (not pictured). The set will retail at $39.99 in the US. It is unclear if this will get a wider release outside the US. "Highly detailed collectible Gladiator Arthur Curry and Orm action figures ● ● ● ●
Premium deco, character likeness and 23 points of articulation Each figure has a Trident with molten prongs Includes a 2pc display base with molten earth effects Recreate the ultimate battle for the future of Atlantis!
Recreate the ultimate Aquaman movie battles with this compelling, premium action figure pack! These highly detailed collectible, 6" scale figures have 23 points of articulation, authentic costumes and each wields a signature molten Trident weapon. Create a dramatic display with the included base that features an art card backdrop and molten singed earth base."
Packaging images of the Gamestop Exclusive Gamerverse Marvel Legend Spider-Man figure have surfaced as we get closer to the December release date for this figure. Spider-Man is going to arrive in a white themed Legends box, akin to the current Venom wave. "When Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider, he gained the powers of a spider and became the crime-fighting Super Hero called the Amazing Spider-Man! With the Marvel Legends Series, both kid and adult Marvel fans can start a legendary collection of comic- and movie-based Marvel characters. This 6-inch Gamerverse Spider-Man figure is highly articulated and features a game-inspired design, making it another worthy addition to the Marvel Legends Series. ● Game-inspired design ● Premium articulation and detailing ● Character-inspired accessories ● Look for other Marvel Legends Series figures (each sold separately)"
NECA have revealed the mystery Predator figure from the 2018 movie. The Emissary Predator was sadly cut from the final version of the movie, but the concept was around Military Predators who fought alongside the Loonies. The Emissary will come packed in an Ultimate format box with opening window flap. The figure will include two head options, alternative hands and a rifle accessory. It is tentatively scheduled for a November 2018 release. NECA have released images of the packaging for the Series 18 Predator figures. This wave will include Broken Tusk and Horn Head Predators, along with the first female Predator figure - Machiko The card design is consistent with the Predator series with Machiko and Broken Tusk being a golden colouring and the artwork is from the 1990s Alien vs Predator comic series. Hornhead gets a steel type finish with artwork from Predator : Life & Death by Dark Horse. The figures are tentatively expected in late October / early November. UK fans may have to wait a little longer.
NECA's longest running action figure line continues with an entire series dedicated to Dark Horse Comics Predators! Series 18 features three action figure debuts that are some of the most requested by fans: Hornhead, Broken Tusk and the first female Predator, Machiko! Hornhead made his first appearance in Predator: Life & Death, and is a great companion piece to the Ultimate Ahab Predator, also from the currently running comics. He utilizes the new Ultimate Predator body, and comes with a removable mask and sword accessory that fits in a sheath on his back.
From the new #Predator movie directed by Shane Black! Although their scenes were deleted from the final cut of the movie, the Emissary Predators were military Predators who fought alongside the Loonies. Emissary #1 stands over 8� tall and features 30 points of articulation. Includes interchangeable masked and unmasked heads, 2 pairs of hands, and rifle accessory. Comes in collector-friendly deluxe window box packaging with opening flap.
Broken Tusk originates in the classic 1990s Aliens vs Predator comics, and his epic story arc also includes Machiko Noguchi, a human colonist who performs the incredible feat of earning his respect and joining his tribe. Broken Tusk utilizes the new Ultimate Predator body and comes with gun and bladed weapon that measures over 12 inches in length! Machiko has a removable mask, extra interchangeable hands, and rifle accessory.
NECA have released a bunch of new gallery images for their upcoming Ultimate Gremlin figure. This release includes a new Gremlin sculpt and a bunch of accessories so you can display this Gremlin (or a gang of them) getting up to all kinds of mischief. Accessories include wearable popcorn bags, sweets, a mug, some playing cards, 3D glasses and more. It is due for release in December 2018
NECA have revealed the packaging layout for the Bride of Chucky two pack. The set includes both Chucky and Tiffany with three head options for each. You also get appropriate weapons including spades, an axe, knives, handgun and champagne bottle. The set is due late December and UK pricing is around the £54.99 mark.
NECA have also revealed this new image of their Ultimate Stripe figure from Gremlins, complete with his skateboard.
Promotional images have been unveiled for the Kaiyodo Yamaguchi Revoltech Deathstroke shown a few months back at Wonder Con 2018. The figure is super articulated and comes with an alternative unmasked Slade Wilson head sculpt, complete with eye-patch. There is also an eye-watering array of weapons for you to choose from. Deathstroke is due for a January 2019 release. UK customers can order direct from Hobbylink Japan for £44.10 plus delivery. Be mindful that the figure will however be liable for import tax on arrival in the UK.
"This Ultimate action figure 2-pack includes Chucky and Tiffany, who features a fabric skirt and an extra set of removable arms so she can wear her iconic leather jacket. The set also includes tons of accessories to recreate the movie’s best scenes: 6 interchangeable heads, 2 shovels, 2 pistols, 2 knives, bottle, baster, necklace and more! The figures stand 4″ tall and have over 20 points of articulation."
A new listing on eBay in the US has revealed this lovely looking Disney Elite diecast Gonk Droid. The figure is packed in the standard Elite packaging, with the blurb on the back talking about a line of new Star Wars Elite scale droids.
Revell, the German owned model kit company, has today announced that it is now the official distributor for the Bandai Star Wars kits in Europe
"Bandai Star Wars: Now exclusively at Revell! Revell is exclusively and officially bringing you the best Star Wars kits from the Japanese manufacturer Bandai to Europe" The first kit coming via the new Revell route to market is the Perfect Grade 1/72 Millennium Falcon. This is priced at €399 (£350) plus delivery. That is comparable to the £340 currently on Amazon UK "In collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd. Disney Store is proud to introduce a collection of droids within the Star Wars Elite series. This line of premium die cast action figures features iconic droids from the expansive world of Star Wars. Each droid was meticulously selected, engineered and crafted with Star Wars fans in mind".
The move is an exciting for UK and European collectors as it potentially allows Revell to supply the entire Bandai Star Wars Model back catalogue into stores including the 1/12 model kits. Pricing will remain key with this as there are still avenues to get most kits direct from Japan at reasonable prices - we will watch this story develop with interest. Star Wars by Bandai : Models from a far, far away galaxy finally for at home "Numerous collectors have eagerly awaited the release of the Bandai Star Wars model kits. The combination of Revell Modellbau and Bandai Star Wars combines precision, great attention to detail and innovative technical implementation. In 2014, the Japanese manufacturer Bandai announced that it had acquired the license to produce Star Wars Collectibles. With the high demand on the model construction of the company Revell, the experienced model builder can exclusively enjoy the Stars Wars Collectibles, which are available for the first time in Europe."
The wider collection has been verified by Parks and Cons who have then posted a video showing off four of these new droids including the GNK but also a TC-14 from the Phantom Menace, R5-D4 and an R2-D2 with serving tray from Jabba's Sail Barge. We await confirmation on the availability of this line and if it will be a Worldwide Disney Store Release, or restricted to Disney Parks?
Cable, the next Mezco One:12 Collective Marvel release, is up for pre-order on the Mezco website. He is due to ship out between May and July 2019 and has a US RRP of $100. The extra $20 on the RRP is due to the light-up function on his chest armour and on his eyes on both of the included head sculpts. Also included are two futuristic weapons - a grenade launcher and plasma cannon. There are then various hand options to help him wield these and the included handgun and knife. The usual stand with X-Men logo is also included. Watch out for UK pre-orders going up shortly for what we expect will be around the ÂŁ80-ÂŁ90 mark.
The full details have been released for the SH Figuarts Revenge of the Sith Count Dooku 1/12 figure. Dooku will be a Webstore Exclusive in Japan, but looks to be getting a US release via Bluefin. Dooku will include 4 interchangeable hands, two head options, two sabers and force lightning effect. The figure is due for release in April 2019.
The One:12 Collective Cable figure features a light-up function that illuminates his chest armor and techno-organic eye in both of his head sculpts. The telekinetic mutant features a newly sculpted cybernetic arm and is outfitted in a sleeveless shirt with chest armor, duty belt with gun holster, and a leg holster with knife sheath. Cable comes complete with a devastating arsenal of advanced weaponry. Cable was sent to the future in a bid to save his life when he was infected by a techno-organic virus. Using his formidable telekinetic abilities and cybernetic enhancements, Cable battles super villain foes in his quest for peace.
There has been some murmurings about a 5 inch Jodie Whittaker 13th Doctor figure for some time. We have known that US licence holder Seven20 have a figure in the works, and this will be sold exclusively at Toot's Toys in the states. We now have confirmation that a Character Options 13th Doctor figure is also incoming with a listing on the Who Shop and a tweet by TARDIS Tales. The TARDIS Tales tweet indicates the figure is due in early January and can be ordered through Galaxy 4, although as yet there is nothing on their website. The price indicated is £9.99
As the new series of Doctor Who premiered in the UK and simultaneously in the US, Mattel announced this new version of Jodie Whitakers 13th Doctor in their Barbie line. "Introducing the all-new #DoctorWho Barbie doll inspired by the iconic series’ Thirteenth Doctor. With her signature suspenders, lace-up boots and sonic screwdriver, this #Barbie doll is ready to time travel into your collection! Available Monday 10/8 at http://Barbie.com" Forbidden Planet is the UK stockist of this but they have already sold out on their pre-orders for this limited item.
"Character Options today have confirmed that they will be releasing a 5.5inch Jodie Whittaker figure! Due to be released 9th January 2019 and preorder is open from Galaxy 4 Priced £9.99" (TARDIS Tales) We then have a post from The Who Store who are taking pre-orders for the new figure for £12.99 with a December release date. "The 5" 13th Doctor Action Figure is available to pre-order NOW" (Who Store) So far there are no images, but with release under 4-months away then we can't be far away from a reveal.
The Mezco booth at NYCC held nothing we had not seen already at San Diego, a repeat almost of the displays of Hela, Thor, Daredevil, Blackbolt and Lockjaw One new item was the addition of Ghost Riders bike to the Ghost Rider figure we saw at SDCC. This addition makes perfect sense for the character and fits into the larger sets Mezco are planning like Blackbolt and Lockjaw. While the display is here, we do not yet have a confirmed date or price for this item other than the vague Winter 2019 placeholder.
Todd McFarlane has revealed the first prototype in the McFarlane range of 7 inch figures from the hugely successful Fortnite video game. Cuddle Team Leader will be packed with a Unicorn hobby horse accessory as well as a gun, bow and figure stand. The figure is one of four planned for the first wave, with a second wave also shown on the rear of the packaging along with role play items. The first four figures will be the Cuddle Team Leader (as shown), Skull Trooper, Raptor and Black Knight. Pre-orders are starting to go up for these with a rough ETA of December (before Xmas)
In the current market a lot of these licences are held by NECA for the same 7" scale, so it will be interesting to see which figures McFarlane can and will bring to market. In an interview at NYCC 2018, Todd McFarlane has confirmed that the company are "going back to their roots" in 2019 and returning to two of their biggest successes of recent years - Movie Maniacs and Tortured Souls. Movie Maniacs was a series of 7" scale limited articulation figures, predominantly from the horror genre including Freddy Krueger, Ghostface, Leatherface etc. Each figure came with a skeletal stand containing an appropriate movie poster for each figure.
Tortured Souls was a series created by Clive Barker and was made up of two waves of figures under particular forms of torture (adult themes). There was also a Novelette written by Barker included with each figure. It is unclear at this stage if Barker will be part of the new additions? You can read the full details via IGN
Ahead of New York Comic Con, Diamond Select Toys shared the updated image of their 2019 Select John Wick figure, and it gives us the first look at his faithful dog which is included in the set. Diamond Select Toys have released details of a new licencing agreement to produce products based on the life of Bruce Lee.
John Wick is due for a February release, and pre-orders can be made already at Amazon US for $24.99 (£31 delivered to UK)
This will include a number of statues, but it is the Select figures that have piqued our interest. The first items will be launched in 2019.
Bruce Lee’s Legacy Lives On With New Products from Diamond Select Toys For decades, Bruce Lee has fascinated the world with his groundbreaking martial arts style, philosophical outlook and his on-screen charisma. Now, Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, is partnering with his family to produce a line of collectibles that will pay tribute to the man and his legacy. Scheduled for release starting in 2019, DST has planned a line of products that depict the legend at various stages in his life, in some of his most iconic looks. Categories will include Select action figures, Gallery PVC dioramas, Vinimates vinyl figures, Minimates mini-figures, D-Formz vinyl figures, resin busts and statues. The first item to be offered will be a Gallery PVC diorama depicting him in action, executing one of his trademark forms. “Being given the opportunity to work with the Lee family is truly an honor,” said DST president Chuck Terceira. “Bruce Lee is one of the biggest icons of the 20th – and 21st – century, so I look forward to being able to help bring the spirit and memory of Bruce into the homes of fans everywhere. Lots of designwork and discussion have gone into making our offerings unlike any Bruce Lee products that have been seen before.“ Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, is a mid-sized company dedicated to creating pop-culture items for collectors of all ages. In operation since 1999, “DST” sells to major US chains, as well as independent retailers worldwide through its sister company Diamond Comic Distributors. Its product output is diverse, spanning over a dozen different collectible categories and price points; that and its broad licensing spectrum have earned the company its motto, “The Best of All Worlds.” Licensors include Disney, Universal, Fox, Warner Bros., Sony, Electronic Arts, Lionsgate, Legendary and more.
JOHN WICK SELECT ACTION FIGURE A Diamond Select Toys release! When you have to kill the boogeyman, you buy a John Wick action figure! This 7-inch Select-scale action figure captures modern action icon Wick as he appears in his first film outing, dressed in a suit and with multiple weapon accessories as well as his faithful dog, whose death spurs the action of the movie. In scale to all other Select action figures, and featuring over 20 points of articulation, this figure comes packaged in display-ready Select action figure packaging with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Designed by Yuri Tming and sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! In Shops: Feb 27, 2019 SRP: $24.99
Hasbro certainly spread out their new product reveals across NYCC 2018, with a final panel on the final day revealing another five Black Series 6 inch figures for 2019 release.
Hasbro spread out their announcements throughout NYCC 2018 for both Star Wars and Marvel. The first Star Wars reveals were made off site on the Thursday at a preview event with press and fan sites. The first two figures unveiled at this time were Obi-Wan Kenobi in Clone Trooper armour from The Clone Wars, and the long rumoured General Grievous. Obi-Wan is a realistic sculpt based on the Genndy Tartakovsky animated Clone Wars series. He looks fantastic with a new Episode 3 era head sculpt and soft goods cloak.
Grievous too looks fantastic, although a few shots did make him look a little short. Grievous will be in the new $29.99 deluxe figure size as seen with Moloch and the Gamorrean Guard. His cloak is also soft goods and includes pockets for his sabers, four of which are included. There is also a clever function so the arms can be clipped together for a two armed pose, or clipped apart to have all four arms in play.
While the long overdue prequel reveals were held back (perhaps for MCM London or Paris Comic Con), there was a surprise in that the much loved comic book character Doctor Aphra would be joining the 6 inch line, and of course you can't have Doctor Aphra without her droids BT-1 and 0-0-0.
The figures are not a direct scale up from the 3.75 inch releases and have their own tooling. Aphra will include a removable flight helmet, while 0-0-0 has alternative "murder hands" and the protocol droid body has been adjusted to include articulated elbows.
There were also two further exclusive figures confirmed for 2019, the first of which we had seen before in one of the Hasbro Star Wars diorama displays the slicked back hair Luke Skywalker in Stormtrooper disguise. The bulk of the figure is a reuse from the original blue-line Luke in Stormtrooper disguise, but there is updated paint and decor to weather and dirty the armour. This amended look for Luke is as per his appearance in the Trash Compactor. The figure will include removable helmet and Stormtrooper weapon. This figure is exclusive to Target in the US.
We also get a new Rebels character, but not Zeb sadly. This is the Imperial Rocket Trooper as seen across a number of Rebels episodes. The figure borrows heavily from the Stormtrooper sculpt with updated arm piece, helmet and backpack. He comes with a blaster more akin to the Clone Wars era. This figure is another Gamestop Exclusive in the US. For UK customers we expect both these exclusives to be offered via the usual stores. It was confirmed that both Luke Stormtrooper disguise and the Rocket Trooper would include the triangular foot stands we see in the promotional images. These are apparently a trial to see if this is something Hasbro should include in all packs - and potentially make available to collectors as bulk sets?
Hasbro have confirmed at NYCC, and then via this article on CNET, that they will be producing a line of 3.75 inch figures from the upcoming Disney XD show Star Wars Resistance. There are 6 basic figures planed and these will retail in the US for about $8, we'd expect UK price to be closer to ÂŁ10. These first six in order left to right are as follows. Kazuda Xiono, Commander Pyre and Torra Doza
We saw the first Archive figures at SDCC but we can now see how these look on their blister cards. Each figure will be presented on these black and white "Archive" cards, and the packaging will not change for this line. On the back of each card is a reference to their original release with an image of the original packaging and a reference to the colour packaging in use (orange, blue, red) and a year of original release. While Luke Skywalker X-Wing pilot is still coming, he was not shown during this presentation.
Major Vonreg, Synara San and First Order Stormtrooper
There are then two 2-pack with Poe Dameron and BB8 and Jarek Yeager and his droid Bucket. These will have a higher RRP of $13, so circa ÂŁ15 in UK.
Hasbro have now confirmed the line up for Wave 2 will be Anakin Skywalker, Yoda and an Imperial Biker Scout. Anakin will come with the same two head options, both of which will now be done using face print technology. The same will apply to Yoda with Hasbro's Steve Evans commenting that he was never happy with the decor on the original release. The Biker Scout confirms that as well as older hard to get figures, Hasbro will also look at figures they released in other sets or multi-packs for inclusion in the Archive Collection. Wave 2 will be release in Autumn 2019
The figures are all in the animated style of the show with limited 5 points of articulation. This puts them comparable to the Rebels figures we saw around 2014/5. They are due for launch in Spring 2018. It is unknown at this stage if the line will include any vehicles - but looking at the trailer, starfighters seem likely.
The Friday panel at NYCC saw Hasbro's Patrick Schneider and Steve Evans show off two new Vintage Collection 3.75 inch figures for 2019. The first was Han Solo in Stormtrooper armour from A New Hope. The figure includes face print technology and a removable helmet. The upper section is also retooled from the previous Stormtrooper release. Han Stormtrooper disguise will be exclusive to Target in the US and most likely available via general independents across the rest of the world.
Vintage collectors saw a number of new reveals at NYCC, although to start with the reveals were more confirmations of figures already announced with the Jabba’s barge process - Yakface and Klaatu Skiff Guard - and packaged images of the Scarif Trooper and Leia in Boushh disguise
The second reveal will be the 41st Elite Clonetrooper, a repaint and re-use of the older Black Series figure - but now with accurate paint job. This figure is going to be available first via Entertainment Earth (a theme with lots of Hasbro releases this year at NYCC) and a shared online exclusive - making it pretty easy to obtain. The Gamorrean Guard 3.75� Vintage figure was also pictured and was confirmed as a "shared Spring exclusive" which will be available online across a number of retailers worldwide.
The final Sunday panel from Hasbro unveiled two final Vintage collection figures for the 3.75 inch line. These would join the lineup for Spring 2019.
Hasbro and Entertainment Earth have confirmed a number of new Star Wars 3.75 inch products going on sale exclusively first at Entertainment Earth from November 2018 onwards. These are all items we've seen leaked or announced before, but with no confirmation of who would be picking them up - we would assume some were originally planned as Toys R Us Exclusives. While the word exclusive is used, these are essentially early access in some cases through EE and these may get a wider release at a later date.
Up first from The Last Jedi is Jedi Master Luke Skywalker on Crait. Luke will include his lightsaber lit and as an unlit hilt. Then to support the Hover Tank vehicle we have the Imperial Tank Commander from Rogue One.
The Vintage Collection Rey Island Journey was originally planned as a Walmart exclusive (as per sticker) but never showed up - although it was released outside of the US. This figure will now be made available via Entertainment Earth. EE will also be the point of sale for two 5POA items, the C-3PO and R2-D2 2-pack and the Red A-Wing set complete with Pilot.
Good news also for International customers (and for any US vendors that want them) Hasbro are going to make restocks available of some key Vintage collection figures from 2010-2010 retained on the same card and with same numbering as their original release. This will allow new collectors access to some important characters particular overseas where distribution was sparse. This re-release wave will be made up of Darth Vader, Leia (Hoth), Han Solo (Echo Base), Boba Fett and Luke Skywalker (Endor Capture).
These can all be ordered now via the Entertainment Earth website along with some other Star Wars items including some new 1:1 scale Lightsaber replicas.
The Marvel Legends event at NYCC 2018 saw the Hasbro team show off some of the figures first announced at SDCC 2018, giving us a better look at some of the SDCC announced figures like Kingpin, Silver Sable, Black Cat etc as well as the Professor X and chair. There were than a selection of new figures revealed from across the MCU and Comic Book based.
For comic book collectors we have Beta Ray Bill who will be a standard release and not a BAF and who will likely fit into a future Avengers wave. There is a new Jubilee, complete with 2nd head blowing bubble gum. And a new Forge figure. These two will join the previously announced Weapon-X, Blink, Gambit and Skullbuster in an X-Men wave. There is likely one more figure to announce for this wave - but we do know the build-a-figure will be the announced Caliban figure.
MCU fans will be happy as both Ebony Maw and Corvus Glaive have been confirmed. This will finalise the Black Order, although it has not been confirmed how these two will make it to market. It would make sense for these to be part of the "First 10 Years" releases or as a stand-alone 2-Pack?
Hasbro also shared more details of their next two Legends Riders releases Professor X and his hover chair and Deadpool with his Scooter, including packaged shots and some confirmation on the contents
The final single figure announcement, Night Thrasher, will be part of a future Spider-Man wave. And Spider-Man fans can look forward to a brand new 2-pack of Kraven the Hunter and a Black Suit Spider-Man that will also come with an unmasked “bruised” head.
There is a second double pack which will be exclusive first online with Entertainment Earth and then in Gamestop stores in the US - this is a Hydra pack of Arnim Zola and Supreme Leader Cap.
Professor X will include an alternative Cerebro head and some “physic” fx piece. while Deadpool will be accompanied by Dogpool and Squirrelpool and there will be a sticker sheet so you can customise your Scooter.
The Hasbro team seem to taking a leaf out of some of the Far East companies by including spare heads in these sets that can be used to update other figures. Included with Professor X is a Shadow King head that will fit into the King Pin build-a-figure.
Welcome to my review of the Exclusive "Big Fig" release of Moloch from Solo, A Star Wars Story. Moloch is the second "big fig" released by Hasbro in their new $30 price point (circa ÂŁ35 here in UK) following on from the successful Gamorrean Guard figure. Moloch is exclusive to Target stores in the states, while for the rest of the world he is what they are now calling a shared exclusive - meaning it is accessible for most independents to order and sell.
Sculpt & Paint 5/5 Moloch comes out of the box with his head sculpt partially exposed behind the front part of his mask apparatus. The face plate pulls down to reveal that there is a full Grindalid head sculpt under there complete with varying skin tones and devious blue eyes.
Packaging 4/5 Being a new bigger format, Moloch arrives in a larger format box. It retains the same height as the standard Black Series packaging but is deeper and wider to accommodate Moloch's bulk. The design principles remain the same with the gloss black colouring and red character text and bright red side spine. Being an exclusive there is no numbering for Moloch. The Titus artwork is a little sterile showing Moloch with his mask in place. This image is blown up and made a touch brighter on the back along with a short bio text.
Where as the Gamorrean was a bulky figure, Moloch brings the height to this "Big Fig" release and he stands 7 inches tall. The body is a wonderful sculpt starting with that enclosed head piece that then flows down to grey robes. The head piece is beige in colouring with some inlaid darker beige panels. It is then weathered with a grey drybrush. The face plate is gunmetal silver with further beige panels and pipework.
"Moloch wallows in authority over the lesser thieves of his gang. Like all White Worms, Moloch is very sensitive to natural light and must wear special gear when outside his dank lair" The figure is accessed the same way as normal, through the top or bottom flaps. Be warned that for the first time in a while, Moloch was held in by some elasticated clear ties that need cutting before he can be extracted.
The outer robes are patterned, particularly the lower section, and are also weathered with a grey muddy colour splash pattern. Under these outer garments are a darker grey inner set of robes, also weathered. And wrapped around these are a gunslingers belt and holster and some pipework for the helmet piece. The hands are a black padded glove affair with brown panels. If you are brave enough to look under Moloch's robes you can see that Hasbro didn't just leave the body as a plain plastic piece and Moloch's lower slug like body is sculpted for quite a way under the robes completed with appendages and skin texturing.
Accessories don't stop there as Moloch is also armed with a blaster and his trusty staff. The blaster is the "Snubble Special" as seen in the movie and is a cast piece with gun metal colouring and brown handle. It fits into Moloch's enlarged right hand really well, with a trigger finger slotting in place. When not in use the gun can also be holstered in the holster on the belt. The fit here is not overly tight and it is easy for the gun to fall out during posing (playing).
Accessories 5/5 In the movie, Moloch has to don a fully enclosed head piece to venture outside into Corellia's sunlight. The full face mask look is achieved by means of an accessory piece packed with the figure. This cast piece is the visor section that fills the gap between the upper helmet and the lower face plate. It is cast in a softer plastic and painted gunmetal silver with beige panels to the sides.
The final part is the staff, and this is a wonderful sculpt reflecting the carved handle section from the movie that is depicting writhing scum rats. This top piece is painted in bone colour with darker brown wash that flows into the sculpting to bring out the detail. The shaft is plain brown plastic. The staff arrives perfectly straight, so no warping issues that we've seen on other Hasbro products recently (Marvel mainly). I thought this staff was a little short at first, but when you compare with the reference images it is spot on. It fits in either hand and really finishes off the look of this character.
The two rear sections have a ridge that slots into the gap between the headpiece and the head and then this then slides the whole face piece into place making it look like a seamless single helmet - very clever design by the Hasbro team.
Articulation 4/5 The articulation on Moloch is reflective of his character and species, but of course is way less than we'd see on a standard humanoid release. I count 7 joints in total - 6 in the arms and a final ball joint around the waist which affords some upper torso movement. The arms are basic ball jointed shoulders with a rotating single elbow joint. The wrists are then pivoted and can rotate.
Summary I admit that Moloch was not a character that I was immediately drawn to in the movie, or when announced as a figure. Seeing image of him from other collectors did pique my interest and I am so glad now to add him to my collection. In a line dominated by human and humanoid creatures, Moloch stands alongside Jabba the Hutt as a real point of difference. He is also really well executed from the sculpt to the paint work and the articulation, through to the accessories. He may be a touch pricier than normal but assuming you can get him for circa ÂŁ35 I don't think you will be disappointed.
I am not sure where else articulation could have been added, and you assume the cost saved on articulation went into the decor, accessories and engineering of that head piece. Scoring this was difficult but I went with 4 out of 5 for articulation on the basis he gets pretty much what he needs for his body type. If I was being critical then double jointed elbows might have been nice so he could be posed adjusting his faceplate a little better.
I score Moloch, the White Worm Enforcer, a glorious 5 out of 5
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