Saturday 8th December, 2018
NECA have released the following images of the packaging design for their God of War, Kratos and Atreus action figure 2 pack. NECA have announced this wonderful Megadeth figure titled "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying". The figure is designed around Vic Rattlehead, the bands mascot, and this version is from the 1986 album cover of the same name. The action figure will be in the 8 inch "retro" format with an articulated body, sculpted head and soft good tailored clothing. He will be packed with a For Sale sign accessory. The figure is due for release in the 2nd quarter of 2019 (April - June) and will arrive in a window box which will also feature artwork from the album
The design of the box is similar to that of the Ultimate series with two opening flaps to reveal Kratos on the left and Atreus on the right. The set should arrive in January 2019
"Megadeth - 8" Clothed Figure - Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? This 8" tall action figure celebrates Vic Rattlehead, the mascot of legendary metal band #Megadeth! Straight from his appearance on the cover of Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, Vic is dressed in fabric clothing and includes a "For Sale" sign accessory. Comes in window box packaging featuring artwork from the 1986 album."
"After a decade of bestselling God of War games, it is a new beginning for Kratos. His vengeance against the gods of Olympus far behind him, Kratos now lives as a man in the lands of Norse Gods and monsters. It is in this harsh, unforgiving world that he must fight to survive – and teach his son to do the same. This Ultimate 7� scale action figure 2-pack includes Kratos and his son Atreus. Kratos features a new aggressive head sculpt, new Mimir head on right hip, new gauntlets, new hands, new collapsed shield, new blades, and new fire and frost effects for weapons and hands, as well as 36 points of articulation. The all-new Atreus has over 25 points of articulation and comes with bow and arrows.
NECA have shared this behind the scenes look at their Assassin Predator from the 2018 Shane Black movie. This is the first look at the closed mouth head.
Packaged in a display-friendly deluxe window box with opening flap."
NECA have shared another card back image for their Kenner Future War Terminator figures. While the Metal Mash Endoskeleton had a blue card back, this one for the White Hot T1000 is brushed steel. The checklist of other figures remain while the figure feature is prominent on top of card. The White Hot T1000 had a colour change feature built in when exposed to heat or cold.
NECA have announced a fantastic accessory set for their IT action figures, coming in the 2nd quarter of 2019
Enjoy a blast from the past with three figures dedicated to the classic Kenner Terminator 2 toys of the early 1990s! Taking inspiration from those designs, our team has transformed these Kenner classics into modern versions with all of today’s detail and articulation. Power Arm T-800 features a detailed weapons arm with interchangeable missile launcher and grabbing claw attachments. White Hot T-1000 changes color when dunked in water, just like the original version. Metal Mash Endoskeleton features working pistons and comes with a plasma rifle accessory. Each figure stands approximately 7” tall and is fully articulated.
The set includes a brilliant diorama base of Pennywise in his sewer. We then have two new figures. A 3-inch Jack In A Box and a 4-inch Pennywise Doll. Finally, to accessories your IT display is a floating red balloon, paper boat and Georgie's severed arm.
Build terrifyingly detailed scenes from the IT Movie, the 2017 movie based on Stephen King’s original novel, with this new deluxe accessory set! These incredible pieces are perfectly in scale with #NECA’s line of 7" figures and include some truly iconic items from the acclaimed horror film.
NECA have released the full details of their next Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection release, the Faun from Pan's Labyrinth.
The Karate Kid figures from NECA have a lot of collectors excited for their release in 2019. We now have a glimpse at what the packaging is shaping up to look like with this packaging reveal by the NECA team.
The figure is scaled to fit with the other NECA 7 inch figures, and will tower above the normal human characters at an impressive 9 inches high. It will come in "deluxe window box packaging" and will include some film accurate accessories like the bone flute and dagger. The Faun is due for release in the 2nd quarter (Apr-June) of 2019
It seems the packaging does not carry artwork specific to the character, with just a simple character name sat under the Karate Kid logo - in this example it is Mr Miyagi. The inset image is very reminiscent of the 1980's Karate Kid figures, and the side art is of course the iconic Crane Kick. The first Karate Kid figures - Daniel, Mr Miyagi and Johnny (skeleton costume) will arrive in the first quarter of 2019.
From the dark fantasy film #PansLabyrinth, the mysterious Faun stands over 9” tall, is super-poseable and comes with detailed satchels, bone flute, dagger, and more. Collectible deluxe window boxed packaging.
"From The Karate Kid, the iconic ‘80s film that sent a generation of kids rushing to enroll in karate classes! These clothed action figures include Daniel, Mr. Miyagi, and Johnny in his skeleton costume. Daniel comes with bonsai tree, Japanese sanders, alternate hand holding chopsticks, bottle of car wax and buffer accessories. Mr. Miyagi comes with bonsai tree and alternate hand holding chopsticks. Skeleton Johnny comes with a Walkman accessory. Each fully articulated figure stands approximately 8” tall and features an authorized likeness. Window box packaging. "
As expected, NECA will be producing Action Figures from the 2019 Godzilla movie, King of Monsters. As yet there are no images, but the following press releases were posted on the NECA website yesterday to confirm the first two releases will be a 12 inch (head to tail) Godzilla and a Mothra figure, the first time a Kaiju has been released by NECA. Mothra will have articulated wings and a display stand for flight posing. "NECA is thrilled to present its first figure from the upcoming, hotly anticipated Godzilla: King of the Monsters movie! Based on the monster’s on-screen appearance in this sequel to the 2014 Godzilla movie, the all-new Godzilla is fully poseable, with over 25 points of articulation. Images will be available closer to the movie release date."
"NECA is thrilled to present its second figure from the upcoming, hotly anticipated Godzilla: King of the Monsters movie! Based on the monster’s on-screen appearance in this sequel to the 2014 Godzilla movie, Mothra features articulated wings and includes a display base with support rod for simulated in-air poses. Images will be available closer to the movie release date."
NECA have just announced this revised version of their Ultimate Gremlin. The Gamer Gremlin will come with a new suite of accessories including Arcade machine, a box for a Gremlins Video Game and a Joystick. You also get a popcorn bucket that he can also wear on his head, sunglasses, fizzy drink cup and a propeller hat that really spins.
Gamer Gremlin will arrive in May 2019 but will be exclusive to Gamestop in the US. That makes UK availability unlikely. NECA have revealed their packaging design for the Guillermo del Toro Collection Pale Man figure. The set uses a similar design to the Ultimate Series with a closed box with an opening flap to reveal the figure - and his throne - within.
There have been rumours and hints of another Diamond Marvel Select Exclusive going into Disney Stores before the end of 2018. And here it is, a tweaked re-release of the Marvel Select Venom figure.
Obviously capitalising on the recent Tom Hardy movie, this release see's the original Venom Select figure updated with some new head sculpt options. The first sightings were over in the US, but the figure has now been found in Disney Stores in the UK. NECA have shared the packaging design for their Ultimate Gremlin figure due for release shortly. Like all Ultimate figures, the packaging replicates elements of the original movie poster with an opening flap to reveal the figure within.
Icon Heroes have shared this first behind the scenes look at an early sculpt from their upcoming Karate Kid line of action figures. The digital sculpt of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is looking good, and he is sculpted in his Karategi. This matches the original illustrated card from SDCC that announced the line. The intention is to release Daniel with a Bonsai Tree and a swap out hands with chopsticks. The figures will be 6 inch in scale, and the other figure practically confirmed will be Johnny Lawrence in Cobra Kai Karategi.
Diamond Select Toys have shared packaged images of their 3rd Series of Pacific Rim Uprising action figures, these are hitting stores now. The wave is made up of Valor Omega, November Ajax and the Kaiju Drone.
While there has been some obvious changes to the Star Trek figure licence recently with McFarlane releasing figures from the CBS TV shows, Diamond are continuing their Trek product with figures from the Paramount Movies, the "Kelvin" Universe alternative timeline. Up to now, the Star Trek releases by Diamond Select in their Select packaging have been more akin to statues and diorama pieces - but these two new "Kelvin" figures move the range firmly into fully articulated action figure status.
"Three new Jaegers are joining the fight against the kaiju menace, and each giant robot is cooler than the last! Joining the six Jaegers in Series 1 and 2, November Ajax, Valor Omega and the Kaiju-infected Jaeger Drone each measure between 7 and 8 inches tall. Each figure comes with interchangeable alternate hands, and each features approximately 16 points of articulation! Packaged in display-ready Select action figure packaging, with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by BigShot ToyWorks!" They've also shown us the first packaged image of the Kaiju Hakuja who is due for release, in their words, "very soon".
Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) are packed with a selection of Starfleet weaponry, communicators as well as alternative hands and a transporter pad base. Spock even gets a special Vulcan greeting hand... live long and prosper. The packaging is the usual Select design - an oversized blister wrapped on one side by the card back. The artwork and design is beautiful and these will certainly have some serious shelf presence when they arrive in January 2019.
"A Diamond Select Toys release! The Uprising is here! This year's highly anticipated Pacific Rim sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising, features more Jaegers and bigger Kaiju than ever before, and this vinyl figure is the first Kaiju in Diamond Select Toys highly detailed action figure line! Cast in vinyl with intricate sculpted details and paint applications, this approximately 12-inch long figure features multiple points of articulation and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Big Shot Toy Works!"
Mezco has just confirmed the August 2019 release of a Previews Exclusive version of their One:12 Cable figure. This X-Men cable uses the general release Cable and heads, but with an upgrade to the classic X-Men yellow and blue uniform. His cybernetic arm is also updated and he keeps the light up features from the original. Accesso ies are virtually the same although one gun has been lost and a spear added. The stand is appropriately updated to an X-Men logo. The RRP for the figure is $100 and this should be available worldwide to independent stores via the Previews catalogue.
"A PREVIEWS Exclusive! 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. The X-Men Cable One:12 Collective Action Figure features a light-up function that illuminates his plasma cannon and techno-organic eye in both of his head sculpts. The telekinetic mutant features a detailed cybernetic arm and is outfitted in a classic blue X-Men costume made from real cloth, along with flexible utility belt! Cable comes complete with a devastating arsenal of advanced weaponry: a plasma cannon with two removable magazines, grenade launcher with rotating carousel and handgun, spear, and separate handgun! Cable also comes with 4 sets of interchangeable hands and a One:12 collective display base with a stand featuring the X-Men logo!"
"Diabolik - super criminal, antihero, and ruthless master thief with expertise in chemistry, mechanics, and technology. Typically stealing from criminals for his own gain, he is known to do whatever is necessary to accomplish his deeds." The Mezco One:12 Diabolik figure has been doing the rounds on display at Conventions for a while now, but it seems he has finally made it to the release schedule with this full announcement of the One:12 release and an arrival sometime in Summer 2019. The figure, based on the cult Italian Comic, comes on a highly articulated body with 30 points of articulation. The classic spy genre "wet suit" is tailored for the body and around it is a variety of accessories including a backpack, wrist straps and holsters and a thigh holster.
The figure gets two head options and eight hand options. Equipment includes night vision goggles, a wrist watch and a set of wall climbing suction cups. He comes armed with throwing blades and a knife. And there are even items for a master thief to steal - a diamond and an Imperial Egg. As with any One:12 release we also have a display stand. Diabolik is priced at the standard RRP of $80 and US pre-orders can be placed now via the Mezco website with a $20 non refundable deposit. UK pre-orders should open shortly around the ÂŁ70 mark.
After showing off the black suit Netflix Daredevil at a number of conventions, Mezco have finally confirmed his release between May and July 2019.
Mezco will release a brand new Batman One:12 Collective 1/12 figure in 2019. The Sovereign Knight Batman is part of the Batman trilogy of figures and represents The Dark Knight at the peak of his powers. And this versions, the Onyx Edition, boosts the figure one step further than the usual grey Batsuit with the addition of body armour.
This Vigilante Edition is Matt Murdock in his black Daredevil suit as seen in the first season of the Netflix show. The costume is tailored with sculpted boots and gloves. He is armed with his billy clubs that can slot into a thigh holster when not in use. The figure gets two head portraits, one of which is a bloodied luck. The figure can be pre-ordered now by US collectors via Mezco at the usual $80 price with a $20 non-refundable deposit. It is listed as an "Exclusive" so UK and Worldwide availability may be limited.
The set comes with four head options and a selection of hands for various grips and poses. Accessories include batarangs, grappling gun and even a Bat-Drone. The figure will retail at the usual $80 with pre-orders open now for US customers. The item is due to ship between February and April 2019.
"The One:12 Collective Daredevil – Vigilante Edition captures Matt Murdock at the beginning of his heroic journey as he upholds justice in Hell’s Kitchen, as portrayed by Charlie Cox. Outfitted in a long sleeve shirt with utility pants and mid-calf combat boots, the Man Without Fear comes complete with his signature Billy Clubs that can be used separately or joined together. Both Billy Clubs fit neatly into the holster on his thigh.”
The One:12 Collective Batman: Sovereign Knight – Onyx Edition features exclusively designed Bat-Suit body armor detail and a reinforced breast plate bat insignia. The Caped Crusader comes loaded with Bat-Gadgets including a Bat-Drone and Sonic Disruptor. Using the tools and knowledge he has acquired since starting his war on crime, in combination with his upgraded arsenal, the Sovereign Knight is ready to take on the most dangerous of Gotham’s criminals."
The Hasbro Pulse has announced that the previously teased Marvel Legends Mystique figure will be a Walgreens (US) exclusive for 2019. The figure will include three head options. The first is that of Mystique, while the second is a new Rogue head, depicting her absorbing Mystique's mutant powers - we would expect you can probably swap this with the head on the actual X-Men Rogue figure arriving in 2019. The third head is that of Princess-Majestrix Lilandra Neramani and seems to be an odd inclusion and may be one of those bonus pieces the Legends team like to throw in for use at a later stage or with another figure. The Shi'ar Empire leader has a past with the X-Men and there are rumours of her appearance in X-Men Dark Phoenix. The figure is armed with a large gold futuristic weapon and a smaller handgun. These do not look brilliant due to a severe lack of paint apps.
As the new Captain Marvel trailer was released, Hasbro have released some new images of their Captain Marvel Legends figures coming in early 2019. First is a boxed Captain Marvel showing off the box colour scheme and the alternative masked head.
Pre-orders have opened for the Marvel Legends Spider-man Kingpin wave across the UK and US. With the pre-order details are the official images showing the Build-A-figure breakdown for Kingpin. The wave is made up of Black Suit Spider-Man, Silver Sable, 6-Arm Spider-Man, Black Cat, Night Thrasher, Puma and The Red Goblin. The build-a-figure is of course The Kingpin.
We then have this alternative Captain Marvel in her bomber jacket with a cat - the significance of which is unknown, but if you want to revisit the source material to speculate, try searching Chewie the Flerken A further cat accessory is included with this Nick Fury release.
Bandai will be releasing an updated version of their 1/12 Darth Vader figure kit on the 29th December 2019. The kit will now include options to create an unmasked Vader/Anakin from the end of Return of the Jedi. There is also parts to build Vader with his severed hand.
Bandai are about to release their next 1/6 scale (12 inch) Star Wars action figure kit, the Shadow Trooper. The figure uses the existing Stormtrooper kit, but is now coloured the appropriate Black of a Shadow Trooper. The kit includes various hand and weapon options and a stand to keep the figure secured on display. It releases on the 8th of December and will cost 7020 Yen, which is around ÂŁ50. There is no licence to sell these in the UK, so you will have to order direct from Japan. The other improvement on the original appears to be the inclusion of a second cloak option in a some form of soft goods. The original segmented hard plastic cape is still included if that is the one you want to use.
There is no official channel for these as yet in UK and Europe (Revell are not making these available as yet through their new agreement to distribute these). You will therefore need to import direct from Japan.
The Soap Studio's 1/12 range of articulated action figures looks to be getting three brand new figures in 2019 (or possibly 2020). The line is comparable to the Mezco One:12 collective, with 6 inch action figures with super articulated bodies and scale appropriate tailored soft goods clothing. Soap Studios, based in Hong Kong, have already brought us some DC figures with the Batman Begins Bruce Wayne and Ra's al Ghul in their Ninja Training Gear. As well as figures of Arrow and the Flash from the CW TV shows.
Since 2005, UK toy company Character Options held the Worldwide licence for Doctor Who Action figures and have produced a wealth of 5 inch, 12 inch and 3.75 inch figures and sets for fans and collectors. During this time US toy company Underground Toys commissioned Character to produce some other figures which they then distributed in the US as well as back into the UK through Forbidden Planet. Recently the licence was renegotiated and Character Options now hold the UK licence. Underground Toys, now trading as Se7en20, hold the US licence and that means they are going to produce their own action figures independent of the UK line. Got
that
so
far....
Well Se7en20 and their partner Toot's Toys who will exclusively distribute these figures have unveiled their first figure, a 5 inch scale Jodie Whittaker 13th Doctor figure.
The Doctor comes in her current outfit with long coat and rainbow striped top. Articulation seems to be comparable with the Character versions. She also comes with a sonic screwdriver accessory.
The DC roster is now growing further with the Joker in his Bank Robbery disguise from The Dark Knight and a Two Face from the same film. And it seems we will have more choice for Newt Scamander figures from Fantastic Beasts. Following on from the MAFEX tease, we now have this version from Soap to look forward too. The figure comes with his trusty suit case as well as a tiny Pickett the Bowtruckle and a Niffler poking out from the case. Prices on these are comparable to Mezco with a single figure at 638 HKD which is about £65. Expect to pay a few more quid on top of that as you will likely have to buy these direct from Hong Kong and have the shipped over.
1000 units were initially released, and at the time of posting only 11 are sold. The figure is $14.99 (around £12) and Toot's Toys will ship internationally. You will be paying around £17.50 for delivery into UK on top of figure, making it an expensive purchase.
SH Figuarts have announced the first of their Captain Marvel figures for 2019 with the titular character, Carol Danvers herself.
As well as the Captain Marvel announcements there were other goodies on display at Tokyo Comic Con for Marvel SH FIguarts collectors‌. From the original Avengers movie we have Thor, Hulk and a fantastic looking Loki. And then from Winter Soldier, a classic Captain America Suit and The Winter Soldier himself.
Arriving in Summer 2019, Captain Marvel will feature both masked and unmasked head. There will also be what look like clip on or swap out fx pieces for her hands. The figure was on display at Tokyo Comic Con, and next to her was another Carol Danvers figure in her Starforce green outfit.
Getting more up to date with Infinity War we have Nebula and Scarlet Witch. And looking even further ahead and to the 2019 Captain Marvel movie, check out the 90's era Agent Coulson.
All of these are simply marked "display only" in the Tokyo Comic Con display. This means they do not have a confirmed release date as yet.
Sticking with the prequels, it seems 2019 may be the year of General Grievous. The Figuarts versions includes soft goods cloak and will likely be supremely articulated. The question is will it include the arm splitting function it's Hasbro counter-part will carry. To balance out the forces on both sides we have a Clone Commander Cody in the works too.
The extensive SH Figuarts Star Wars display at Tokyo Comic Con showed off some potentially new releases for the 6 inch range of action figures. Up first was a lovely Death Star escape scene, complete with Death Star corridor diorama. On display in here were new versions of both Han and Luke in their Stormtrooper armour. They look great alongside the already released Princess Leia and Chewbacca figures.
Moving to Empire Strikes back and another Luke, this time in his Snowspeeder Pilot gear. Alongside him is a very dirty R2-D2, a repaint of the existing mold to be a Dagobah R2.
The Return of the Jedi Luke Skywalker looks to be getting a few tweaks into a Jabba's Palace Luke. The figure now has a heavy soft goods cloak and the hands seem to have been sculpted as a single piece to replicate the pose from the movie.. Another tweak is the Sandtrooper who will be an update from the basic Stormtrooper with appropriate Pauldron, armour tweaks and weathering
Also from Empire is the Force Ghost Ben Kenobi. And from the movie's finale, is Han Solo frozen in Carbonite.
Luke's mentor Yoda is also on display, both as the Dagobah version and an Episode 1 Jedi Council version with Chamber Seat.
A Han in Carbonite display would not be complete without a Boba Fett from Empire Strikes Back. Moving onto Return of the Jedi and we got another look at that stunning Emperor Palpatine in his throne. There are no details on how this will work exactly, but the lower half may be swap out with a standing version. We do know the Royal Guards, to accompany Palpatine, will be a FiguartsZERO piece (essentially a statue). And also from Jedi, it was good to see Wicket the Ewok again, complete with his Endor Log.
Tamashii Nations also revealed their Star Wars Movie Realization Kylo Ren at Tokyo Comic Con. Like all the Realization figures, Kylo is reimagined as a Samurai inspired character from Feudal Japan, complete with ornate armour and helmet.
All of these new figures are carded up as "display only" as no release date has been agreed or confirmed. A lot of these would probably make it to market through 2019, but some may not and may not even see the light of day.
His Broadsaber has become an impressive broadside with deep red blade and hilt sections. The Star Wars Movie Realization line, where your favourite Star Wars characters are re-imagined as characters from Medieval Feudal Japan, has just announced the next figure to join its ranks. The Tamashii Nations display at Tokyo Comic Con has this wonderful, almost Steampunk, IG-88 on display. The figure keeps the sleek robotic build we know, but elements of Samurai armour panels, a bandoleer and a helmet align the figure perfectly with the other Realization figures. IG-88 will come with a rifle
The product card with Kylo does not indicate any date for release and states "display only" indicating no specific release date is agreed.
The SH Figuarts Marvel display at the Tokyo Comic Con included this awesome Iron-Man Hall of Armour display.
Another Tamashii Nations reveal at the Tokyo Comic Con was this Manga Realizations Black Panther. The Manga Realization line, by Tamashii Nations, takes the iconic Marvel heroes we know and love and re-imagines them in a Feudal Japan era. Black Panther. Black Panther is, like many of these releases, depicted as a Samurai with appropriate black armour and ornate mask and helmet. He is wearing a sheath on his back indicating a Katana or similar sword will be included, however as this is Black Panther the primary weapons seem to be those vicious gold claws on the gauntlet.
The display is made up of released Iron-Man figures, and a number that up until the show had not been seen before as prototypes or early samples. They were all listed as "display only" so there is no definitive release date - if they get released at all - and we should bear in mind that the majority of Iron-Man armours are an exclusive release. Mark 1 Iron-Man, Mark 17 Heartbreaker & Mark 20 Python
Mark 21 Midas, Mark 22 Hot Rod (already announced and confirmed), Mark 33 Silver Centurion and Mark 40 (Shotgun)
SH Figuarts Harry Potter line looks to be going from strength to strength. Harry, Ron and Hermione from The Philosopher's Stone (called the Sorcerer's Stone in the US) are all now in stores and it seems we have the arrival of Professor Snape soon to keep them in control.
The SH Monsterarts have revealed their Godzilla King of Monsters line ready for the 2019 movie release. Of course we have Godzilla himself, and he looks fantastic. Godzilla is joined by three other Kaiju - King Ghidorah, Rodan and Mothra. The figures will get a 2019 release, but exactly when isn't confirmed.
The next Hogwarts pupil from SH Figuarts will be Draco Malfoy, as seen here at Tokyo Toy Fair. Draco is dressed in the same Hogwarts robes as the others, albeit with Slytherin colours. He is holding a Golden Snitch accessory in his hand. His display card in Tokyo simply reads "display only" which indicates he does not yet have a confirmed release slot.
While it seems SH Figuarts are doing the Harry Potter movie figures, Medicom have snatched the licence for the Fantastic Beast films (or are at least sharing). At Tokyo Comic Con the MAFEX stand had this prototype sculpt of Newt Scamander on display - complete with his trusty suitcase.
Considering this is an early none painted piece we would think release could be as far away as 2020.
Welcome to our review of the Character Options Doctor Who 13th Doctor 5.5 inch Action Figure. This release of Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor heralds a new era of Doctor Who product and with it comes a redesigned blister card and artwork. Thank you to Character Options and to Evolution PR for this advance copy of the figure which will be released in January 2019. You can pre-order the figure via Character Toys or Forbidden Planet.
Packaging
4/5
After a few years in window box packaging, there is something refreshing about seeing a Doctor Who 5 inch figure back on a blister card. The packaging is a complete re-design and uses the principles already laid down in the 12 inch Doctor figure and Sonic Screwdriver. The colour scheme is predominantly blue with the bright new Doctor Who log across the card top. Atop this is the BBC logo and to the side the age guide of 5+
The figure sits inside a shaped blister and is accentuated with a bright yellow sunburst backing to that portion of the card. To side of this the TARDIS pokes out from behind the figure blister. The TARDIS imagery is repeated to the side of the blister where a door of the Tardis is wrapped around the curved side, making it look like the door is being opened. The rest of the blister wrap includes the name of the figure, written as "The Thirteenth Doctor" and subtitled with "Action Figure (5.5"/14cm Scale)". Above this in a sharp pink insert is the further text "with sonic screwdriver accessory". If you flip the package over at this point to look at the base this insert wrap comes round to cover the base and includes the barcode and contents list. Rather than have a shaped peg cut out at the top, an adhesive peg label is affixed at the top of the card. The figure is stable enough to sit on a shelf if required.
The card back mirrors the front with a Doctor Who and BBC logo at the top. The TARDIS peeks in again from the left, and the right is coloured yellow. On this yellow panel sits the "also available" items for the 13th Doctor from Character - the aforementioned 12 inch scale figure and Electronic Sonic Screwdriver. Just above this and below the Doctor Who logo is some text that positions the 13th Doctor "One of the most iconic sci-fi characters ever has returned in her thirteenth incarnation for all-new adventures across space and time. Exploring the universe in her time-travelling TARDIS, sonic screwdriver in hand, the Thirteenth Doctor is ready to sort right from wrong and save civilisations throughout the galaxy." The blister is glued to the card, so the one draw back from the previous window boxes is the fact you wont be able to open this figure and then return to the package for display. Once released the figure is strapped into an inner section with two elasticated clear ties - easiest snipped from the back. Her Sonic sits to the left under a length of sticky tape.
Sculpt
&
Paint
5/5
In hand and the face sculpt for Jodie Whittaker is impressive, an excellent likeness with some real character to her face. The skin tone is single tone and the eyes are neat and very realistic. The lips too are neatly painted and a good colour. The eye brows are also neat, although a little too out of line at one side. The hair carries a good amount of sculptural detail and flows naturally either side of the off-centre parting. The colour is good, but the paint is a touch heavy handed and the graduation from the darker roots to the blonde hair is a bit severe.
The costume and body is well proportioned and accurate to the on screen look. The T-shirt is a dark blue with five neat and tidy rows of colour across the chest. From an accuracy point of view the colours aren't quite right as the real prop T-shirt runs (in simple terms) yellow, red, black, green and yellow. The figure has yellow, purple, black, red and yellow.
The elbow is a single joint with a visible peg straight through the centre. The left hand arm bends fine on our figure, but the right was solid with too much glue around the pag ceasing it up. This was soon released with a touch of hot water (be careful). The final arm joint are the two hands which are plugged in place and can rotate.
Either side of the shirt are the braces. The straps on these are painted a yellow, but the fasteners are painted black and not hugely different from the shirt base colour. From a distance therefore it looks a bit odd as they seem to end quite a way from the belt. The trousers are cast as high wasted and include some fabric folding and creasing into the sculpt. The are a single blue colour. They end just above the ankles where a bit of flesh is on show. We then have the Doctor's boots and blue socks. The boots initially look black, but on closer inspection are a washed brown to imitate the weathered leather of the real props.
The waist remains a swivel joint and we then have T-joint hips allowing the legs to swing out to the front and to the side. We lose the thigh swivel and move straight down to another single peg joint for the knee. While you'd expect there to be an ankle joint, particularly when the thigh swivel is missing, there is not and the boots and lower leg are all one piece. What this means is that when the legs are posed outward the feet can be rotated and the stance can look a bit odd. That being said the legs are restricted within the coat tails anyway so the point is a little moot. The Doctor stands reasonably well but it takes a bit of practice to get the feet planted securely. Over all this sits the coat which is an individual piece in rubberised plastic. The lining inside is a dark blue while the outside and the sleeves are a light blue. The hem of the coat is trimmed at the base in blue, and at the sides of the upper lapels with more rainbow striping - this time accurate to the red and yellow piping on the coat used on screen. The final bits of piping on the coat are around the sleeves and the pockets - both neat and well placed.
Articulation
3/5
The 13th Doctor comes in with 14 points of articulation, that two less than a usual Character 5.5 inch figure. It is great to first see a ball jointed head as the previous releases have all been head and neck pieces plugged into a torso. This means no ugly cut in the neck area, but also allows some extra head movement as the head can be cocked and tilted to add some more expression. Arms remain the same as usual with a rotating shoulder plugged into the torso - there is no extra pivot here so the arms simply rotate and can't be raised outwards. Beneath this is a bicep swivel. Like many recent releases this is very soft and the arms pop out if turned too hard. Turning this joint also ruins the lines of the arms and I'd rather see this joint be lost in favour of the shoulder pivot.
Accessories
3/5
The sole accessory is that of the Sonic Screwdriver. For its size this is pretty accurate and you can see the sweeping organic look. It is cast in silver with orange painted parts, although the orange used is a bit dull and dirty.
It is designed to fit in the Doctor's right hand only, and slides in snugly. The hand isn't posed to be aiming the sonic though, so while it looks fine at her side when the arm is raised it sits up in the air - the pose she usually has when taking a reading.
Summary
This new 13th Doctor figure is first and foremost brilliant news for 5.5 inch collectors that the line lives on from Character and there is a desire, albeit reduced perhaps, to give us new product from the current series. A 5 inch figure in the current market is very keenly priced at ÂŁ12.99 and while the joints are a little dated, it packs quite a punch in terms of articulation and sculpt at a time we are paying ÂŁ10 for a 5POA Star Wars figure.
4/5
It is pleasing to see the figure scale well with the previously releases. I indulged a little capturing some pictures of the 13th Doctor with some of her earlier selves.
The sculpt and paint are top notch for the price point, and the articulation only let down by the lack of a swivel point on the legs - and a stuck arm due to paint application. I love the new packaging too and I would hope that maybe, just maybe, we might get a few more figures in the line and it would be great to see them on toy shelves again I score the 13th Doctor a 4 out of 5.