Saturday 2nd February, 2019
NECA have shared more new images of their upcoming 18 inch quarter scale Foot Soldier from the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. "From the 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie! The faceless soldiers of the Foot Clan exist to carry out the bidding of their mysterious leader, The Shredder… and while they lack the skills to face the Turtles one-on-one, in great numbers they are a force to be reckoned with. The Foot Clan Soldier stands 18” tall and features over 30 points of articulation, including double knee and elbow joints. The figure is highly detailed and entirely accurate to the movie, and comes with an arsenal of ninja weapon accessories."
NECA reveal their next Nightmare on Elm Street release as this 8 inch version of Freddy Krueger from Wes Craven's New Nightmare. Freddy will come with two head options. He will have the usual soft goods tailored clothes and these will include removable trench coat and hat. The figure is planned for 3rd quarter of 2019 (July - Sep) and will be packed in clamshell packaging.
"This time, staying awake won’t save you. Introducing a new Freddy Krueger clothed action figure from Wes Craven’s New Nightmare! The seventh film in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise took the iconic character in a more menacing direction - closer to Craven’s original intentions for Freddy. This 8” figure is fully poseable and comes with two interchangeable heads, a removable trench coat and removable hat."
NECA have updated the details of their next Godzilla release with these images of the box design for their 1962 Godzilla figure. The 1962 Godzilla is taken directly from the movie King Kong vs Godzilla and the figure is fully articulated. It stands 6 inch tall and measures 12 inches from head to tail. The packaging represents a significant step change for NECA who's prior Godzilla releases have been sold in blister packaging. This new box design, akin to the Ultimate range of figures, allows for more artwork to be included. The design has been helped by an apparent easing of controls by Godzilla's owner, Toho. The figure is due for release in February
"This version of the beloved monster is based on the 1962 movie King Kong vs. Godzilla. The figure measures 6″ tall and 12” long from head to tail. It features over 30 points of articulation, including an articulated tail, and comes with an attachable blast effect!"
NECA have shared some new images of their upcoming 8 inch Karate Kid figures, including what looks like the early stages of a packaging plan. The accompanying tweet indicates the intention to have releases 6 figures by the time we hit SDCC in July 2019. “Excited to see these coming together and we should have 6 figures out by #sdcc The packaging is awesome Remco inspired nostalgia infused greatness. #karatekid”
We know that this six includes Daniel and two versions of Johnny as seen in these images. We are also getting a Mr Miyagi and a second Daniel in training, complete with chopsticks and bonsai tree. Who the 6th figure is is unclear. I suspect quoting SDCC is deliberate and one of these sculpts will get an exclusive SDCC release. Following the images of Johnny and Daniel in their mock packaging, NECA released this stunning image of the Daniel and Johnny figures in their competition gear
With the first lot of Alien vs Predator Arcade figures on shelves, NECA have shared these new images of the follow up "expansion pack" containing Arcade versions of Dutch and Linn. The figures are nearing a release date and factory samples will be on display at New York Toy Fair 2019.
NECA are obviously proud of their newest reveal, the first ever action figure of Laurie Strode from the 2018 Halloween Movie, and the first figure ever of Jamie Lee Curtis.
NECA's next movie Predator, the enormous Assassin Predator from the 2018 Shane Black movie, has been officially revealed and given a release date of the 2nd Quarter of 2019 (April - June).
Laurie is an Ultimate release and will come in the deluxe box packaging. She will have two head options - one with her glasses, one without. In order to fight off Michael Myers she will be armed with a shotgun, rifle, revolver and a knife that fits into working a working sheath.
The Assassin is in the usual 7 inch scale, but stands nearly a foot tall in scale with what we saw in the movie. It includes two head options, one open mouth and one closed. There are swap out wrist blades and cannons and alternative hands depending on how you are posing him open palmed or closed fist.
The release date is quite loose at the moment as Q2 2019 (April June). She should be priced around £25-£30 at UK retailers.
As with all NECA release information, there are some gorgeous promotional shots alongside the usual stark catalogue images. The price on this is not going to be cheap with the US sites already quoting $50. Considering the size I'd expect UK retail to be around £50.
"NECA is thrilled to announce a two-way action figure debut from the 2018 Halloween Movie! The Ultimate Laurie Strode action figure is not only the first ever figure of the character, but the first to feature the authorized likeness of Jamie Lee Curtis. Based on her appearance in the thrilling new #Halloween movie, Laurie stands over 7” tall and has received the Ultimate treatment, with over 25 points of articulation, and tons of attitude and accessories. The figure comes with 2 heads, shotgun, rifle, revolver, knife that fits into a sheath on her hip, and more. Display-friendly deluxe window box packaging with opening flap."
"Predator (2018) – 7” Scale Action Figure – Deluxe Armored Assassin Predator From the new Predator movie directed by Shane Black! The Assassin Predator is in pursuit of the Fugitive Predator… And due to its massive size and genetic modifications (in its armored form it has nearly bulletproof exoskin) it has the clear advantage. The Deluxe Armored Assassin action figure stands nearly a foot tall and has two interchangeable heads, two pairs of hands, and a detachable wrist blade and wrist cannon. Comes in collector-friendly deluxe window box packaging with opening flap. Shipping Date: Q2 2019"
"Toy Fair is right around the corner, and we are gearing up to show you the exciting new product line-up for 2019! Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts with sneak peeks of what’s in store. There will be new reveals each week leading up to the largest industry toy convention in the world. That means new products from Living Dead Dolls, One:12 Collective, Mezco Designer Series, and a brand new line. "
The prize for the most beautiful packaging of 2019 may have already been won! NECA have shared these images of the packaging for their Pan's Labyrinth Ofelia figure, and it is stunning!
The One:12 Collective figures (6 inch scale) teased will be fully revealed as we start the run up to New York Toy Fair but we can make some good educated guesses now based on the silhouettes shown.
The set will be the 3rd in the Guillermo Del Toro collection and includes Ofelia along with three different fairies - as well as a key, a book and a small stone effect pillar.
Number 1 is obviously Hellboy, and most likely the new David Harbour version from the 2019 movie release. Number 2 has very comic book styled boots and hair cut and looks a little bit like a classic Lynda Carter Wonder-Woman. It could also of course be a classic comic book character like Rogue with the One:12 Collective doing quite a lot of classic X-Men recently?
"NECA’s collaboration with renowned movie director Guillermo Del Toro brings select characters from Del Toro’s films to life in premium action figure format with deluxe added elements. From the dark fantasy film Pan’s Labyrinth, the young Ofelia stands approximately 5” tall, is fully articulated and comes with detailed accessories from the movie, including three different fairies, key, book, and a small pillar with removable eye. Collectible deluxe window box packaging."
Number 3 looks very much like a Captain Marvel, which would make sense with her movie incoming for March 2019. The silhouette looks like Captain Marvel in her helmet and therefore could be the red and blue outfit, or the green and black Starforce version - if they do the sculpt then Mezco will likely do both. Number 4 has to be Harley Quinn, but Number 5 has us stumped at this point with our best guess so far being a Pennywise from IT (2017) The final one, Number 6, looks quite a lot like the Mezco mascot Gomez. Not sure how desirable that would be to collectors - so will have to see about this one.
Diamond Select Toys have unveiled their first new Select Action Figure for 2019. Psylocke is a further addition to the classic X-Men characters they started many years ago with Storm and Cyclops, and recently bolstered by the release of Beast and announcement of Rogue. Psylocke will, like the other X-Men releases, come with a diorama piece of the X-Men Danger room. She also looks to include her Katana, which is removable from the sheath.
It seems the next 1/12 MAFEX figure coming from Medicom is this classic looking tiger stripe Wolverine from X-Men. The news initially broke in a low quality trade magazine scan, and was soon followed up with official images and details from Medicom. Wolverine will include three head options. Two masked and one unmasked. When you are using the unmasked head, there is even a mask that hooks round the figures neck and hangs down the back. As with any Logan we also get options to display him with claws in and out. X-Men Wolverine is due for release in November 2019
The figure will include two head options, one neutral and one more angry. The plan is also to include the clip on FX pieces we see in this alternative image (below) shared by Diamond. The figure is expected in June 2019. "A Diamond Select Toys release! You don't have to be psychic to know that Marvel Select have been requesting a Psylocke action figure for a long time, and now DST has delivered! Joining the legion of X-Men Select figures, Psylocke measures approximately 7" tall and comes packaged in the display-ready Select packaging, with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios!"
US Toy retailer Toot's toys have shared this new image of their exclusive Doctor Who 13th Doctor figure.
Doctor Who fans can look forward to more product landing in B&M Stores in 2019, starting with this new 4th Doctor and TARDIS.
This version is made by US Toy company Seven20 and is not the same as the UK Version made by Character Options. The packaging is of course very similar, as will have been dictated by the BBC licence.
This box set includes a regenerated 4th Doctor in the 3rd Doctor's clothes, a figure only released previously in the UK in the 50th Anniversary DVD gift set. This new B&M version will update the paint decor from the original 2013 release.
The TARDIS is a repurposed 4th Doctor one from the original line. It's been repainted too with heavier weathering. The electronics have been removed. The packaging has been updated for 2019 moving to a deep blue and using the new logo. For added value the insert of the box is a backdrop of the study in UNIT HQ. it includes a faded spot on the floor where the TARDIS stands and appropriate eta decoration like the Talons of Weng Chiang poster.
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.
This new set is scheduled for a February release and we would expect a ÂŁ19.99 price point. Arriving at the same time are restocks of the three sets from last year with minor paint updates. Apparently Clara will lose her belt and Amy have updated jacket colouring. Bill Potts had a different hair bow colour and updated trousers. While The Brigadier gets a minor recolour to the uniform and the 4th Doctor some tweaks to his outfit. More sets are planned for later in 2019. We will share details on these when we have them.
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 5.5 inch action figures independent of the UK line, starting with this 13th Doctor which will be sold exclusively by Toot's Toys.
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It seems the next release from McFarlane in their Labyrinth range will be a revised version of Jareth, the Goblin King. After releasing the first Jareth in 2017 in his masquerade ball outfit, this version is the one we see Bowie wearing in the castle scenes with the Goblins. Jareth will even come with a small Goblin creature as an accessory. The head and hair sculpt look identical to the first release, so are probably re-used. Other than that he looks fantastic, and I guess the only question is how deep will and can McFarlane go with this - will we get the likes of Sarah, Hoggle or even Ludo?
Mcfarlane Toys social channels have shared this image of Drogon, the largest of Daenerys Targaryen's Dragons from Game of Thrones. Drogon will be the second in a new range of McFarlane monster figures, following his brother Viserion. We await more details.
We are also on social media, and you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Coming next is our Toy Fair 2019 coverage, kicking off on the 16th February 2019
Packaging â…˜ Captain Marvel arrives in the standard Legends shaped window box. The box remains a matt black with the Legends logo front and top. The Captain Marvel movie logo sits under the window with a gold strip into which the character name sits "Captain Marvel (Starforce)"
The box opens via either of the side spines. And oddly for this release when you slide out the figure the whole window comes with it. You then lift off the window piece to access the figure in its tray underneath. As usual there are no ties or straps - each piece held in by the shape of the tray. Behind the figure is the cardboard backdrop and with the figure removed you can now see this carries another Captain Marvel star icon. The two side spines carry the same image of the Captain in her helmet. There is no defined hue colour on these as we had seen on some 2018 releases, and instead the figure is sat against a bright blue backdrop of Earth, giving it a very different look to other Legends. Another point of difference is the logo atop the box. This is a golden Captain Marvel star sat in a circle.
Paint & Sculpt (Captain Marvel) 5/5 The figure arrives with the helmeted head in place, and it looks fantastic. The helmet is a glossy metallic green with the hair flaring out on top in a mohican style. The eyes are blank under a visor, and then the lower face is exposed and carries an ever so subtle smirk on Carol's face.
The rear of the box shows a full view of the Earth with shades of blue running across the illustration. On top of this backdrop is an image of an unmasked Captain Marvel and to the side of this is a very short bio, and thankfully nothing spoilery. "Using her intensive training from her days in the Air Force, Carol Danvers boldly leads an intergalactic fleet as Captain Marvel"
The same metallic green runs through the full costume and sits alongside the base black and silver trim and the silver star on her chest. Al the lines are neat with the exception of one on her right thigh which has bled ever so slightly onto the black. Hasbro have struggled in the past with metallic colouring, and while this green is much improved on say some of the recent Iron-Man figures, there is still some blemishes in the colouring.
If the helmeted head is not to your liking, then there is a second unmasked Carol Danvers head. The face print here is absolutely on point and a fantastic likeness to Larson, complete with beauty spot. The eyes are very motive and the skin tone really well done with shading around the eyes. The hair is also well sculpted and hangs naturally around the face. The paint apps are a little severe on this with brown washes over the base blonde colour. This has led to it being patchy in places, but nothing visible when the figure is on display.
Articulation 4/5 Carol has 16 points of articulation, consistent with other recent female figures like Gamora and Black Widow. Both heads sit on a ball joint and can rotate as well as look up and down - the helmet having a wider range of movement as it does not have the hair to hold it back around the neckline.
The arms are ball jointed shoulders and these raise fully to 90 degrees with a soft shoulder panel moving with the arm as its raised. The elbows are single jointed, not the double we'd get on a male character, but they still bend to 90 degrees and beyond. The wrists are pegged and are able to be rotated and to be bent on the pivot.
There is a chest joint in the centre of the torso. This is a ball joint and not the T-Joint we see on figures like Spider-Man. This joint allows the upper body to rotate and also adds some degree of lean to the torso. There is no waist joint. Legs are ball jointed hips with a full range of movement. Following these are thigh swivels and double jointed knees. This allows kneeling and sitting poses if you wish. The ankle rockers are very mobile, but nice and tight and the Captain stands perfectly in a variety of poses. While Captain Marvel may be a character with flight, there is no flight stand included. I'd recommend getting an aftermarket stand as Carol can hit some great flying poses too.
Accessories 4/5 Captain Marvel herself doesn't come with any accessories. But the set does have a big set of parts, and these are specifically to allow you to convert the figure from Carol Danvers to another member of Starforce, Minerva.
To achieve the transformation you will find a Minerva head along with a different pair of hands with appropriate blue skinned fingers. There is a short black scarf and a bandoleer of sorts with blue/silver capsules sling across the front.
Like the head, the weapon doesn't quite match what we've seen so far in the trailers. Again this may be something we've not seen or a concept. The one we have seen on screen is more angular and a deep shade of green not the silver and blue.
We also have a futuristic weapon that is cast in a grey plastic and with metallic blue painted parts. This can only be wielded using the Minerva "blue fingered" gripping hands, so if you want the Captain to have the gun you will have to look past the finger colour.
Summary
Paint & Sculpt (Minerva) 3/5 The Minerva head sculpt is difficult to assess in that we haven't seen a great deal of her yet in the trailers - I may well revisit this part of the review after the movie release. Based on the limited info we have so far the head looks quite a bit different to the one we see on screen. The figure version is very stylised, and almost comic book based. The actual Minerva from the trailer has longer hair, does not have the visor and the skin tone is more muted.
In summing up we should appreciate that as an exclusive this figure carries a premium price outside the US and is sitting around ÂŁ27 from most of the retailers carrying it. That is a good ÂŁ7 above the current RRP of Marvel Legends from Hasbro UK and a fiver more than the usual imported versions. That extra cost is offset by the additional Minerva parts, and while these are great they do feel more comic book based and not what we are seeing from the MCU Minerva in the Captain Marvel trailer. The Captain herself looks awesome and the head sculpts are brilliant and another female likeness delivered by the face print technology. The articulation is enough but as a main character it might have been nice to see a step change with the female articulation - perhaps trying a double jointed elbow or trying that T-joint in the torso.
What we don't know is if this is an alternative look for Minerva - or just another example of Hasbro having to work off earlier concept images and art.
While the head may have issues, the conversion of the body works really well with the scarf that slots over the head and the bandoleer down the front. It does change the look of the uniform and body and makes it a new character and one that may tempt fans to buy two of this exclusive. Using the articulation we've seen, Minerva can wield her blaster with one or both hands and has a variety of firing poses available to her.
To sum up and score I'd say this is a brilliant Captain Marvel figure, with bonus parts to make another figure - but you have to accept that it looks like Minerva is more a concept sculpt and not what we will see on screen played by Gemma Chan. The parts all work well in the various configurations, the paint in the main is good but we do have some defects on the lining, hair and some of the metallic parts. So not perfect, but good enough to give a 4 out of 5 score too. We look forward to more Captain Marvel releases arriving soon...