Issue 60 : Saturday 12th August, 2017
Articulation on the McFarlane 7" figures has been criticised with early "Color Top" releases. The Star Trek figures will boast 16 points of articulation which would put them on par with Diamond Select figures, which makes sense as the prices of the McFarlane & Diamond figures are comparable. The McFarlane team took to the stage at the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas to talk to fans about their 2018 Star Trek range of figures. We already knew that the first two 7" figures would be the iconic Captains Kirk and Picard and these figures will arrive in the Spring of 2018.
The figure is quoted as being able to "sit, stand, kneel" and if McFarlane grow this range to perhaps diorama pieces (dare we say bridge chairs) then the sitting would be a very useful articulation.
These lovely info-graphics confirm some more details of the figure, and we can see Kirk will come with both a Type 2 Phaser and a Phaser Rifle He will also get the classic Communicator. The sculpts on these figures are being done digitally and as well as the pack contents McFarlane have shared some sculpting details which you can see over at our site.
We also knew that this licence for Star Trek was also to include the upcoming Netflix show Star Trek : Discovery.
Jean Luc Picard is less heavily armed, with just a Next Generation Type 2 Phaser. Picard then gets his Ressikan Flute and its carved box - as seen in the episode The Inner Light - and then with repeating appearances through the Next Generation series and into the movies. Again, McFarlane have also included the digital sculpt detail for Picard. I do like the simple, but very "Trekkie", graphics on these images and hope these make their way to the packaging.
McFarlane have confirmed the first two 7" figures from this show will be Michael Burnham, the USS Shenzhou's apparently human First Officer,, played by Sonequa Martin-Green. And T'Kuvma, a Klingon leader played by Chris Obi. We won't see the Discovery 7" figures in stores until Autumn 2018 (a whole year away), expect to see first prototypes around Toy Fair (February 2018). Based on the pricing of the Color Tops 7” figures we estimate all of these 7” figures will retail about $20 in the US / £18-£20 here in the UK.
They are also intending to release a larger 10" Deluxe Kirk in his green command uniform. This figure is quoted as being "iconically posed" and "buried in Tribbles". McFarlane will also move into 1:1 role playing items with a Phaser from the new Discovery show due at the end of 2018. As a long serving Trekkie, the Mephitsu Archives look forward to opening their Star Trek Archive in 2018 for these new offerings. BBC Worldwide have announced a range of Doctor Who figurines will be released based on the Penguin Random House Dr.Men books that were released earlier this year. The figurines will retail at ÂŁ9.99 each and will be released this Autumn. The first four will see us get Doctor One, Doctor Four, Doctor Eleven and Doctor Twelve. While a size is not confirmed, the price indicates these will be a similar size to the Funko Pops! line. There have been four books released in the Dr Men range to date. Books for Doctor Two, Seven, Eight and Nice are due on the 29th August, with a 10th Doctor Christmas Special due in October. You can buy the full range and pre-order the new ones at Amazon It is nice to see some new Doctor Who merchandise coming through and would hope these sell well enough to allow a full set to be released.
For anyone who didn't join NECA's Alien X club in April, they've listed this "job lot" for pre-order which buys you into the club and qualifies for the end of year bonus. With it shipping all together is also saves about $30 (ÂŁ20) on shipping costs, you will have to wait until Series 12 is available for the full bundle to ship. For US customers Series 12 should be out by September.
NECA confirm the packaging design for their 30th Anniversary 1/4 scale "Jungle Demon" Predator. It will use same theme as applied on the 7" range of 30th Anniversary figures. The figure, as announced here, is due in stores in September. Pre-orders are up at our site partners Kapow Toys and Toys In The Attic
Conversely, we know UK customers are still waiting on any dispatches from the Alien X club. We've reached out to NECA for an update - particularly on our Series 11, Alien Day and Covenant figures and were advised that orders should be going out this month (August). And will certainly now be asking why we had to sign up in April for membership which we were told was closing. And why we had to shell out $270 ($300 if you bought SDCC Pizza Monster) and pay the lot up front when we could have waited until August and ordered the lot for a $30 saving. If we get a response we will let you know...
NECA have released packaged images of their 12th Series of Alien figures, with the figures themselves due into US stores in the next few weeks. The wave contains Ripley in her bomber jacket. Vasquez in combat fatigues. And two damaged Aliens with blasted effects. For the movie's 30th anniversary, NECA is releasing a limited edition Predator 1/4 scale action figure! The stealthy Jungle Demon is cast in clear plastic with camouflage accents to capture his cloaked appearance in the jungle. We've even equipped him with LED effects to simulate the yellow glowing eyes and phasing effect seen on screen - just check out the video! There are also red LED lights in the mask's targeting system and in the wrist computer, which flips open. Stands 20" tall. Retractable wrist blades, articulated shoulder cannon, removable backpack.
The blister cards remain consistent with the rest of the Alien range, with a blue theme and the Aliens 30th Anniversary logo. Ripley and Vasquez card backs get character specific bio text - while the two Xenomorphs share the same card back with a general overview of the Aliens plot. NECA have indicated that time will be called on the blister packaging next year, with a move to the box packaging that they are now using consistently on all new releases. At this stage it is unknown when Series 12 will hit the UK.
Shipping in September 2017!
Every Knight has a beginning and the One:12 Collective’s Batman starts here. Batman—Ascending Knight is part of a trilogy: A beginning, a middle and an end. The Ascending Knight is Batman in his first year; designed to be contemporary but still have a first appearance feel. This is the Batman of 10 years ago, as he just began his war on crime.
Mezco have opened pre-orders for their One:12 Collective 6" Ascending Batman figure. This new
At the start of his crime-fighting career Bruce Wayne is still working things out, finding what works and what doesn't. Some of his tech and gear is still a bit unfinished and raw. His Bat Suit is bulky, showing that he has not yet fine-tuned it.
version of the Dark Knight is released in the first quarter of 2018. He will come with the usual soft goods
tailored
interchangeable
clothing parts
and
and
a
wealth
accessories.
of
These
include the Grappling Gun and various hooks,
Of course the design pays homage to Batman as he first appeared in Detective Comics. The shape of his cowl, the shorter gloves and the smaller symbol on his chest are all inspired by his original debut in the comics.
Batarangs, Wrist Crossbow and a Bat-Brick (heavy duty Batarang). Bat's will also get the usual high quality display base and as part of this comes an adjustable post for standing or "landing" poses.
COSTUME: Cowled Head Spandex outfit with body armor detail Leather-like cape 3D chest insignia Spiked wrist cuffs and SAP gloves Utility belt with grapple gun holster Highly detailed tactical boots ACCESSORIES:
The figure itself will have a Batman head and an One (1) grappling gun One (1) closed grappling hook for grappling gun One (1) open grappling hook for grappling gun One (1) open grappling hook with attached rope Six (6) Batarangs One (1) heavy assault Batarang (Bat-brick) One (1) tranq-dart wrist crossbow One (1) One:12 Collective display base with logo One (1) One:12 Collective adjustable display post
unmasked Bruce Wayne Version. There are then 7 hand options to swap in and out to deal with the various accessories and the poses you may want to put Batman into. He will command the usual $80 price tag (US) and once UK orders go up, expect to be paying between £70 and £80
Mezco describe this figure as part of a trilogy, detailing Batman on a journey - the Ascending Batman is the beginning with a first appearance feel. We look forward to seeing the Middle and the End.
THE ONE:12 COLLECTIVE BATMAN—ASCENDING KNIGHT FEATURES: ● One (1) detailed Batman head portrait ● One (1) detailed Bruce Wayne head portrait ● A One:12 Collective body with over 30 points of articulation ● Hand-painted, authentic detailing ● Over 16cm tall ● Seven (7) interchangeable hands including: ○ One (1) pair of fists (L & R) ○ One (1) pair of Batarang holding hands (L & R) ○ One (1) pair of posing hands (L & R) ○ One (1) grappling-hook holding hand (R)
Each One:12 Collective Batman—Ascending Knight figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind, there are no twist ties for easy in and out of package display.
Hasbro, via their Hasbro Pulse Instagram Account, have unveiled these new images of their Hascon Exclusive X-Force Deadpool Marvel Legends figure. The first image is the packaged figure, which for me is one of the most striking Marvel Legends boxes for a while, with the deep red backdrop and the grey/red X-Force logo. There does not appear to be any exclusive sticker or details on the box front at least. We caught a glimpse of Mera from the Mattel Multiverse 6" DC series at SDCC 2017. We've now got the promotional images. Deadpool is a repaint of the recent red/black Marvel Legend release and comes with the majority of the accessories being the same as the standard release - namely Katana's, Rocket Launcher, Rifle, Knife and all important Taco. The Hand Guns appear to have been changed from the standard Desert Eagle type guns. There is also an unmasked Wade Wilson head. Hascon takes place from 8th to 10th of September in Providence, Rhode Island (US). The X-Force Deadpool is exclusive to the Hascon event and will cost $19.99
Mera is of course the better half of Aquaman. She will play a part in Justice League (November) and will then return in the 2018 Aquaman movie. She is played by Amber Heard. The Mera 6" figure will be released in November. She is supplied with an alternative pair of hands, with the second pair complete with water fx. Amazon (US) are already taking pre-orders on the figure for $19.99. You can order to UK at a total cost of $30.97 inc import fees and delivery, that will mean UK customers are paying about ÂŁ23.90
SH Figuarts have revealed a bunch of promotional images for their 1/12 scale Batpod - as seen in The Dark Knight. The standalone vehicle release will hit stores around March 2018, and the existing Dark Knight Batman will be able to ride the Batpod. Some additional hands will be included in the pack to aid a riding pose. To further help Batman it seems an EMP blaster will be packed in with the Batpod to further The Dark Knight's armoury. The Batpod is priced at 11,880 yen in Japan. That converts to ÂŁ84 or $108. Thanks to the import arrangements with Bluefin, we are likely to see a more specific US release shortly?
We'd seen a few snippets of the Tamashii Nations SH Figuarts Homemade Suit Spider-Man, but we now have a full set of promotional images. The figure, in the usual 6" scale, will be released in December 2017. He will come with the usual range of alternative hand options and some web firing effects. Also included are the hood options, allowing Spidey to be posed with hood up or down. From the images we assume this a clip over piece in the same way Hasbro did their version. Spidey also gets his mobile so he can keep Happy updated on his crime fighting antics. The figure is priced at 6480 Yen in Japan (that's about ÂŁ44). For US customers he will be imported and sold by Bluefin. They have confirmed that Spidey will be packed with their wall display environment, as used on the standard suit release from Homecoming. Bluefin will be releasing this set in the US in December 2017 with a $95 price tag.
These promotional images have been released for the Yamaguchi Revoltech Magneto figure that we saw at SDCC 2017. This stylised highly articulated piece will pack a few different options. There will be two head options, one neutral and one grimacing. It then appears you can remove the hair piece of these and add the helmet to either head. Two sets of hands allow for open palm or clenched. And then there is the two magnetic effect disks. What is impressive with these disks is that they appear to actually be magnetic!
As well as Magneto. Revoltech have lined up another new Marvel comic-book release in their Yamaguchi series. On display at Wonderfest Revoltech unveiled this wonderful Captain America.
The Revoltech figures sit at 6" or so in size, so are comparable with SH Figuarts and MAFEX. They do boast a huge range of articulation and are often packed with innovative accessories. Magneto looks to be coming with both helmeted and unhelmeted head. There are also swap-out hands and some
Magneto is scheduled for a November 2017 release. He will retail in Japan at 5900 yen. That is a very reasonable ÂŁ40 / $53. Expect to add a few more ÂŁ/$ to that once you factor in import and delivery.
nifty magnetic effects.
Capt too comes with masked and unmasked head and his shield, which looks like it can be mounted on his back when not in use. The unpainted sample also shows some impressive bullet impact effects that somehow connect to the shield by what looks like a clip that goes at each side
Jedi Temple Archives have revealed some blurry images of some new Star Wars product due into Target (US) stores for Force Friday. There are new additions to the 3.75" Diecast collectors range, see the JTA thread But of interest to 6" Black Series collector's are the new First Order Storm Trooper complete with some kind of whip device. The Trooper is priced at $19.99 Is this the new Episode 7 Kylo Ren? These images, including a comparison with the already released Force Awakens version, have been circulating online. The source of the images appears to be Kevin from one of the 6" Black Series Groups on Facebook
And this Luke Skywalker figure, which looks to come with a diorama base of some kind. Luke and the base will be $29.99.
Neither figure are definitely exclusive to Target, but if they are that will make a Worldwide release unlikely as previous Target exclusives have been kept quite tight - probably because Target are trying to expand international shipping and the will ship to UK, but at a price - one figure will be ÂŁ22 shipped to UK and this is because it falls under the import tax threshold. Go over ÂŁ15 and you will be paying that on top.
Last Jedi Release
Force Awakens Release
The following images have leaked via Instagram of what appears to be the first full wave of basic range figures from Star Wars The Last Jedi. The figures are in the white and red themed Last Jedi packaging, which stands out visually vs the previous carding we've had for The Force Awakens and Rogue One. The figures seen are ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Luke Rey (Jedi Training) Kylo Ren C-3PO Finn Poe Dameron General Hux and a MSE Droid Rose Paige (who appears to be a new Rebel pilot) Chewbacca, who comes with one of the new Porg's First Order Stormtrooper
Each figure is emblazoned with the Force Link logo. Force Link has not been fully demonstrated as yet, but looking at the card back it appears to be some form of FX gimmick that activates when the figures are in proximity to a wrist band - sounds a bit like the CommTech figures, but we will have to wait and see.
It appears the 2-packs of figures will also continue for The Last Jedi. One of these will be the new Rey in Jedi Training Gear alongside one of the new (controversially designed) Praetorian Guards. The Praetorian Guards are aligned to the First Order and are apparently used as bodyguards for Supreme Leader Snoke. Rey seems to come with some ridiculously oversized over shoulder gun/missile launcher which we are pretty sure isn’t screen accurate. And if you want to use your Force Link function for your figures you will need the starter pack which is going to come with a Kylo Ren figure. The other thing to be aware of is the size of the new Last Jedi cards. It is not obvious from these images, but the card size has been reduced somewhat from the previous Force Awakens and Rogue One releases.
It is not just figures that have already leaked ahead of Force Friday, a number of The Last Jedi vehicle packs have also been found. We shared the Ski-Speeder a few weeks back when Smyths Toy Superstores in the UK and Eire posted the item online. The Ski-Speeder is not the only speeder type vehicle coming, check out the Canto Bight Police Speeder, which comes with Canto Bight Police Officer. How these guys fit into the movie and who they are aligned with is yet unknown. The other release is an A-Wing. The A-Wings are still in service for the Resistance in The Last Jedi and this blue and white livery version comes with Tallie, a new Resistance Pilot. The A-Wing itself is larger and a different sculpt to the one released in 2016 for the Rebels line.
We would assume none of these releases or their bio provide any significant spoilers for the movie, and anything critical or plot spoilery will be held back for a Christmas Release. As well as these Last Jedi packs, there will be supplementary packs from the rest of the Star Wars Saga. The Rathar pack with Bala Tic is also getting a Force Friday release. And the same goes for the new Vader and Probe Droid pack. All of these releases should be available Worldwide come the 1st September 2017‌. not long to go now
Disney Stores have some new Elite figures lined up for the release of The Last Jedi, and a couple of these have now leaked online ahead of the general street date of Force Friday 2017 (1st September) The two new figures retain the same overall box design, with some colour changes to the backdrop for the 2017 movie. The first figure is the very visually stunning red Elite Praetorian Guard. The other is the First Order Judicial Trooper, a take on the standard First Order Stormtrooper with some black detailing on the armour and what looks like a melee weapon. We would expect these to be in stores come Force Friday and be joined by others from the range - most likely with new releases of Rey, Finn, Poe and Kylo Ren. The price should be around the ÂŁ20 mark.
The Spanish Amazon website has listed four of the new Last Jedi Black Series figures, including packaged and loose promotional images. The most interesting element of this leak is that we now know that the packaging will not be updated for the Last Jedi, the Phase 3 black and red livery will continue as will the numbering system - there will be no reset. The four figures revealed are likely to be the first wave as available on Force Friday, they may be packed out with other figures from the Saga - Hera is likely, as is the standard boxed release of Vader (40th Anniversary). Luke and Rey appear to be identical to their SDCC two-pack, which is great for loose collectors who don't now need to chase down this set and pay a premium. Kylo Ren has been seen before via leaked images, he will come unmasked with a new cloak that is a similar design to the plastic over shoulder version used on Director Krennic. The biggest reveal (and spoiler) is Finn who is coming in a First Order Officer disguise - complete with stun batton. This is obviously a key plot point which we will find out about come December...
Issue 61 We will be breaking with tradition for Issue 61, and it will be published in 3-weeks time on the 2nd September 2017 This will allow us a well deserved (we hope) Summer Break. It also means Issue 61 will line up perfectly with Force Friday II and we will be able to bring you all the Star Wars The Last Jedi news from Force Friday on Sat-TOY-Day the 2nd. We will see you in three weeks