Hey howdy hey and welcome to an new edition of Toy News Tuesday! For those of you who haven‘t been here before, Toy News Tuesday is the one weekly column right here on ScienceFiction.com where we seek out all of the awesome news you need to know about any announcements and cool happenings in the toy industry and put them all in one easy to find place for you! Black Friday is later this week, so I hope you‘re all getting your rest and prepping your shopping routes to find all of the best collectibles on your holiday wishlists! There’s no time to waste this week with all of the holiday insanity sure to be catching up to us all, so here’s the Toy News for the week of November 25th, 2014!

TMNT Brings The Party To You

The crew over at TNI have gotten an exclusive first look at the all new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ‘Party Van’ from Playmates Toys! The TMNT Party Van can seat two Playmates Toys TMNT figures in the front seat, but looks as though there is plenty of space in the back for more of your TMNT figures. It even has some sweet hidden missiles stashed in the roof for sneak attacks!

This thing looks fantastic, with lots of callbacks to the original 80’s version of the iconic TMNT vehicle (scope out the ‘Foot Clan’ tally marks on the side!), while still making it very much it’s own take on things. The TMNT Party Van can be seen in the currently airing season of the hit TMNT animated series on Nickelodeon, and this collectible toy version is set to hit stores sometime in the first quarter of 2015.

Diamond Select Preps for Summer 2015

It’s no secret that the crew here at ScienceFiction.com are huge fans of Diamond Select Toys and the massive amount of awesome products they release for us all every year, so it brings us great joy to reveal some of these big product announcements that are lined up for release next summer! They’ve got a veritable cornucopia of new products spanning across quite a few licenses like Godzilla, Avengers, ALIENS, Batman, View Askew, The Walking Dead, and even Dragon Age!

First up is their new Minimate figure 2-packs based on the sci-fi classic ‘ALIENS’! These figure 2-packs are set to feature iconic characters like Ripley, Cpl. Hicks, Sgt. Apone, and more, many of whom are getting their first ever Minimate! Check out the full release from DST below!

Aliens Minimates Series 1 Two-Packs Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! Colonial Marines, move out! The first assortment of Minimates two-packs based on the classic 1986 sci-fi movie “Aliens” is getting ready to drop, and it’s simply bursting with all-new Marines and xenomorphs! The four 2-packs include Wounded Cpl. Hicks with Ripley, Pvt. Drake with Battle-Damaged Attacking Alien, Sgt. Apone with Alien, and Cpl. Dietrich with Infected Colonist. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts. Packaged on a blister card. (Item #DEC142213, SRP: $9.99/2-pack.)

What good would a Batman ‘66 display be without the Penguin? DST is bringing fans the next piece of their Batman ‘66 Rogues Gallery bust collection with this new 6” resin bust of this avian based villain!

Batman Classic TV Series Penguin Resin Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Batman’s rogues gallery continues to grow as the Penguin joins the Riddler and the Joker in DST’s line of busts based on the Batman Classic TV Series! This 6-inch-tall resin bust captures Burgess Meredith as fowl fiend, wielding a deadly umbrella and an equally deadly sneer. Bust sits atop a colorful base inspired by the show’s animated opening credits, and comes packaged in a full-color box. Designed by Barry Bradfield! Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #DEC142214, SRP: $59.99)

‘Dragon Age Inquisition’ just hit consoles worldwide, but DST is taking you back to the beginning with this all new ‘Dragon Age’ Minimate figure 4-pack featuring some of the series most popular iconic characters! Bring the game to life in your Minimate collection with great characters like Alistair the Grey Warden and Morrigan the Witch of the Wilds!

Dragon Age Minimates Series 1 Box Set
A Diamond Select Toys release! On your next Dragon Age quest, why not keep your companions in your pocket? The legendary video game series kicks off an epic line of Minimates with this debut four-pack featuring the Grey Warden Alistair; the bard, Leliana; dwarf rogue Varric Tethras (with Bianca); and Morrigan, Witch of the Wilds. Each 2-inch Minimate mini-figure features 10-14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts. Packaged on a blister card. (Item #DEC142215, SRP: $19.99)

Godzilla’s atomic fire breathe may well be hot enough to heat your pizza up properly, but then how would you go about slicing it up? Well DST has taken the thought out of that process by introducing their all new Godzilla Sculpted Pizza Cutter! Slicing pizza has never been more fun than it is with the King of The Monsters helping you out!

Godzilla 2000 Sculpted Pizza Cutter
A Diamond Select Toys release! Destroy all toppings! A monstrous hunger requires a monstrous slice, and you can cut yourself off a big one with this palm-sized pizza cutter featuring the sculpted face of Godzilla, King of the Monsters. Based on his appearance in “Godzilla 2000,” this menacing utensil will cut a path through a deep-dish pie like Godilla cuts a path through Tokyo! Packaged in a full-color box. (Item #DEC142216, SRP: $14.99

The 90’s favorite stoner duo is striking back yet again, this time in the form of two all new Minimate 2-packs! These new Minimate figure 2-packs are based on the characters appearance in ‘Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back’, with one pack containing Justice and Marshall Willenholly, and the other featuring ‘break in’ versions of Jay and Silent Bob that feature alternate ski-mask wearing heads and even Suzanne the Orangutan!

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Minimates Series 2 Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Jay and SIlent Bob return in a second box set of Minimates minfigures based on their biggest film, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”! This time, a mask-wearing Jay and Silent Bob come packaged with Federal Wildlife Marshall Willenholly and notorious jewel thief Justice — plus a micro-‘Mate of their orangutan friend Suzanne! Each 2-inch Minimate mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts. Packaged on a blister card. (Item #DEC142211, SRP: $19.99)

Just when you thought you had every imaginable version of Monopoly, DST brings us this special Kevin Smith edition of the classic board game featuring a ‘Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back’ theme! The game will play pretty much the same as always, except now instead of your token being a tiny dog or a top hat, you can play with Buddy Christ or the Bluntmobile!

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back Monopoly Game
A Diamond Select Toys release! Bring the magic of the movies home with the first board game ever based on the films of Kevin Smith! The cross-country adventure of “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” is now an official, authorized edition of Monopoly, with a game board featuring art and locations from the movie! The game also has new Chance cards, Community Chest cards and game pieces, all set to the same classic Monopoly gameplay! Packaged in a full-color game box with movie artwork. (Item #DEC142209, SRP: $39.99

Okay, I’m sure you’ve had just about enough ‘Jay & Silent Bob’ merch for one post, but this last one is still pretty awesome! DST brings us this wonderful new way to down our favorite morning beverages in the form of their new Jay & Silent Bob Super Groovy Cartoon Movie Ceramic Mug!

Jay and Silent Bob Super Groovy Cartoon Movie Ceramic Mug

A Diamond Select Toys release! Why drink your Quick Stop coffee out of a foam cup when you can drink it in style? This double-sided ceramic mug depicts frequent Quick Stop customers Jay and Silent Bob in the animated style of director Kevin Smith’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie. With their names on the handle, you’ll know who you’re looking at even before the caffeine kicks in! Comes packaged in a full-color box. (Item #DEC142210, SRP: $14.99

Hot beverages not your thing? Looking for something a bit colder to take cool things down a bit? How about to cool things down… INFINITLY?! Diamond Select is bringing us this sweet new ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ shaped silicone ice-cube tray so you can make your very own tiny infinity gauntlet’s to cool down your drinks! Or rule the cosmos. Whichever.

Marvel Infinity Gauntlet Silicone Tray

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Infinity Gauntlet is the most powerful weapon in the Marvel Universe, allowing the bearer to control time, space and reality. And now it can cool your drink! Cast up six ice cubes in the shape of the Infinity Gauntlet using this 6″x8″ silicone tray, or fill the tray up with chocolate to make six tasty treats! Your guests won’t know what hit them! Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #DEC142217, SRP: $14.99)

With ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ just a few months away, things are really getting ro ramp up in the toy aisles! DST is bringing us a few choices to get our ‘Avengers: AoU’ fix, with two series of Minimates and a new Marvel Select Hulk figure! DST is offering the all new Marvel Minimates Wave 61 series of figures based on the film, which is made up of four figure 2-packs; Iron Man with Black Widow, Thor with Captain America, Hawkeye with Ultron, and a rare one-per-case variant pack of Hawkeye in his longer coat and a Sub-Ultron! Also available, for all of you army-builders out there, will be single-pack Minimate blind-bags featuring various versions of Ultrons and Iron Man’s Legion, and of course the rarer one-per-case chase figures of Nick Fury and Baron Strucker!

Marvel Minimates Series 61 Avengers Age of Ultron Movie Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s almost here – the most anticipated Marvel movie since the last Marvel movie! With the trailer for “Avengers: Age of Ultron” already shattering records, DST is preparing the first assortment of Minimates based on the movie! Four two-packs will feature Iron Man with Black Widow, Thor with Captain America, Hawkeye with Ultron and a rare one-per-case variant pack of Hawkeye in his long coat with a Sub-Ultron! Each 2-inch Minimate mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #DEC142219, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

Marvel Minimates Avengers Age of Ultron Movie Single Pack Display

A Diamond Select Toys release! For a movie as big as “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” one assortment is not enough! This colorful countertop display holds 18 individually blind-bagged Minimates based on the movie, including multiple types of Ultrons, Iron Man’s Iron Legion, plus one-per-case Minimates of Baron Strucker and Nick Fury! Every bag contains one 2-inch Minimate mini-figure, featuring 14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts. (Item #DEC142220, SRP: $5.99/ea.)

If Minimates aren’t your thing, that’s cool (although you confuse us, because Minimates are fantastic!), because DST also has this awesome new Marvel Select Hulk figure coming out that will sport the green goliath’s new look he will have for ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’!

Marvel Select Avengers Age of Ultron Movie Hulk Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Hulk smash puny toys! The Hulk returns in a new look for “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” and DST is revisiting their award-winning action figure from the first Avengers movie with all-new sculpted details! Standing almost 10 inches tall, this Hulk figure sports 16 points of articulation and a spot-on likeness of the Hulk from the film, and comes packaged in Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item #DEC142218, SRP: $24.99)

As long as we keep reading, the dead shall continue to walk! Dst is prepping to shamble series 7 of their ‘Walking Dead’ Minimates onto shelves soon, so they’ve revealed a sneak peak at the full series lineup!

Walking Dead Minimates Series 7 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The newest series of Walking Dead Minimates is here, and this time it’s war! Featuring characters from more recent issues of the hit comic book series, this assortment includes three different two-packs: Rick with Jesus, Negan with Dwight, and Hunters leader Chris with Zombie Holly, plus a one-per-case variant set of Scavengers leader Derek with Zombie Holly. Each 2-inch Minimate mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and interchangeable parts and accessories, including an alternate head for Holly. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #DEC142212, SRP: $9.99/ea.

Blake & Gordon Turn On The Lights

He may not quite be the ‘Robin’ people were hoping to show up (or dreading, depending on which side of the ‘sidekicks’ fan base you’re on), but regardless, Robin ‘John’ Blake was an integral part of the closing chapter of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dark Knight’ Trilogy of films. Not Hot Toys is set to honor that character with an all new 1:6th scale figure! The figure is masterfully designed to capture the likeness of actor Joseph Gordon Levitt and sports a carefully crafted GCPD uniform. Aside form the basic Hot Toys style accessories like weapons and alternate hands, the Hot Toys John Blake figure includes a 1:6th scale Bat-Signal as seen in the film! The Bat-Signal has a remote controlled LED light-up function built in, so you can summon your 1:6th Batman to your collection! (DISCLAMINER- Batman probably won’t show up just because you turn on the Hot Toys Bat-Signal.)

“I’m still a believer in the Batman.” Fans have been anticipating for the official introduction of the 1/6th scale John Blake Collectible Figure and the Bat-Signal when they were displayed in exhibitions earlier this year, and today Hot Toys is delighted to present the firstly launched John Blake collectible figure together in a set with the iconic Bat-Signal as seen in The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie-accurate John Blake collectible is specially crafted based on the image of the Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, specially tailored Gotham City police uniform, detailed weapons and accessories.

The 1/6th scale Bat-Signal is highly detailed and finely crafted based on its appearance in The Dark Knight Rises. It is meticulously constructed with remote controlled LED light-up function, specially painted with distress effect, and a rotatable base.

If John Blake isn’t enough for you, Hot Toys is also offering a figure two pack that features Blake alongside a new version of Commissioner Gordon! This new version of Gordon is designed to look like actor Gary Oldman and is wearing an all new previously unreleased outfit. Like the single release of John Blake, this 2-pack also includes the Bat-Signal.

“It was the Batman.” In the beginning of The Dark Knight Rises, Batman has disappeared since night of Harvey Dent’s death, but when Commissioner Gordon was attacked and hospitalized, Detective John Blake confronted Bruce Wayne and asked him to return as Batman.

Many fans were very eager to see the new 1/6th scale John Blake and Jim Gordon collectible figures displayed beside the Bat-Signal when they were showcased in exhibitions earlier this year. Today, Hot Toys is delighted to present a special collectible set which includes the firstly launched John Blake in police uniform, Batman’s ally – Commissioner Jim Gordon in civilian clothes, and the iconic Bat-Signal from the epic The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie-accurate John Blake collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of the Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, specially tailored Gotham City police uniform, detailed weapons and accessories.

The movie-accurate Jim Gordon collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of the Gary Oldman as Commissioner Jim Gordon in the film featuring newly tailored outfit, and detailed accessories.

The 1/6th scale Bat-Signal collectible is highly detailed and finely crafted based on its appearance in The Dark Knight Rises. It is meticulously constructed with remote controlled LED light-up function, specially painted with distress effect, and rotatable base.

‘Secret Wars’ Figures Are Back In A Big Way

With the ‘Secret Wars’ comics making a come back in the Marvel Universe next summer, it only makes sense that the classic 1984 toyline based on the series also made it’s triumphant return! Gentle Giant is bringing the ‘Secret Wars’ toyline back to life with an all new oversized take on the original Marvel figures. They’ve taken the classic figures and blown them up to a 12″ scale, bringing gigantic versions of some of your favorite childhood toys to your collection now!

Gentle Giant has taken the actual original figures and digitally scanned the molds to create perfect oversized reproductions without losing any of the classic figures details. The figures will be fully articulated and made of a heavy durable plastic. For an extra sense of authenticity, these figures will be packaged with oversized backer-cards featuring original artwork. To top off the icing on the cake, Gentle Giant’s ‘Secret Wars’ figures will come in re-sealable plastic clam-shall packaging, which means you’ll be able to open them to check them out while still being able to reseal them away for preservation and display! The first figure released is Black Suit Spiderman, with Hobgoblin scheduled not too far behind him! Further figures in the line are expected to be announced soon.

(via Marvel)

Godzilla Is Burning For You

It’s hard to deny that 2014 was very much Godzilla’s big year to make a comeback! He had a hit movie this summer and has been dominating toy stores for months on end even since prior to the film’s release! 2015 looks to hopefully repeat this years success, with the reveal of NECA’s all new ‘Burning Godzilla’ figure! They premiered the figure on their website earlier this week with a release date of January 2015 set for retailers! Be on the lookout for him next year!

Introducing the new 12″ Head-to-Tail Classic 1995 Burning Godzilla action figure! This version of the beloved monster is based on the 1995 movie Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. The figure stands over 6″ tall, with a head-to-tail measurement of over 12″ long. It features incredible “burning” details, a bendable tail and nearly 30 points of articulation! Ships to retailers January 2015.

NECA Buys Kid Robot

In a move that surprised many but disappointed no one, NECA has decided to buy up designer toy company Kid Robot! This move seems to be well received all around, with NECA planning to keep Kid Robot doing their own thing to bring designer collectibles and vinyl figures to the masses under the NECA banner. The full release from NECA is below:

Hillside, NJ – November 19, 2014 – In an announcement sure to bring cheers and tears of joy to die-hard fans and artists around the world, KR Purchase, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of National Entertainment Collectibles Association) and Kidrobot today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which KR Purchase will acquire Kidrobot. The globally recognized creator of designer vinyl toys joins the growing NECA family of specialty entertainment companies, and will proceed as an artist-run company under the creative direction of Frank Kozik, renowned graphic artist and creator of the Labbit urban vinyl toy line.

“It’s rare to have the opportunity to join forces with an artist-centric company like this,” said Joel Weinshanker, COO of NECA. “We are doubly thrilled to be able to allow it to grow organically and flourish on its own, which is what we’re certain it will do with the involvement of Frank Kozik as Creative Director.”

“When Joel and NECA approached us about joining forces, about his intention to support us and allow Kidrobot to move forward with autonomy, I knew we had found the right partner,” said Bob Africa, President of Kidrobot. “The timing of Frank agreeing to join us could not have been better and we are incredibly excited about Kidrobot’s future.”

Kidrobot will remain headquartered in their Boulder offices, while they are supported by NECA’s (located in Hillside, NJ) vast network of suppliers, creatives and internal team members.

About NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association Inc. is a media and entertainment company operating in the United States and internationally, with three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retail/Digital Distribution. NECA is the leading designer, marketer, and worldwide distributor of licensed entertainment consumer goods based on some of the world’s most established and beloved properties, providing products across all consumer categories and distribution channels. Together, NECA’s divisions provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to elevate each property, maximizing exposure and reach, while protecting the vision of the creator. As a result of NECA’s singular passion and reverence for the intellectual property backing its products, some of this generation’s most recognized content creators enjoy working with NECA, allowing us to help bring their vision to their audience. For additional information, visit www.necaonline.com.

About Kidrobot
Founded in 2002, Kidrobot is acknowledged worldwide as the premier creator and dealer of limited edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories. An innovative cross between sculpture and conceptual art, Kidrobot offers not only a powerful medium for today’s international fashion designers, illustrators and graffiti artists, but also the creative canvas for emerging street trends and pop art. For additional information, visit Kidrobot.com.

The Droid You’re Looking For

With R2-D2 already hitting the market this month, it seems only perfect that Sideshow Collectibles is announcing the release of his gold-colored other half, C-3PO. This legendary droid from the ‘Star Wars’ saga is making his Sideshow 1:6th scale debut with both a standard release and a Sideshow Exclusive edition available only on their website! The full listing from Sideshow is below:

Joining his feisty astromech companion R2-D2, Sideshow is proud to present the C-3PO Sixth Scale Figure from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

>Weathered from time spent stranded on the desert planet of Tatooine, C-3PO is ready for adventure with the Rebel Alliance alongside Luke, Han, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Built with screen-accurate mechanical detailing and light up features, Threepio’s advanced articulation and poseability allow collectors to perfectly capture the nuances of his quirky personality.

Equipped with a comlink to receive instructions on his next mission, take command of the protocol droid with a magnetic restraining bolt accessory. The Sideshow Exclusive Edition of the C-3PO Sixth Scale Figure includes an additional swap-out left arm, damaged by an unfortunate run-in with Tusken Raiders.

Both the regular and Exclusive versions C-3PO Sixth Scale Figure will be priced at $229.99.

Funko Forecast

Get ready for the Funko Forecast! This is where we’re going to be showcasing all of the cool new announcements and reveals from Funko! With all of the awesome that consistently seems to be flowing out of those guys, it shouldn’t be hard to keep this section alive each and every week!

The Next Generation Of POP!

Space… the final frontier. While Funko has taken the POP! Vinyl figure line to Star Trek before, this time around they’re taking things to the next level! Well, they’re taking things to ‘The Next Generation’ anyway, more specifically to ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’! This all new wave of POP! Vinyl figures is set to hit stores in March and is comprised of fan favorite characters like Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Locutus of Borg, Will Riker, Data, Geordi La Forge, Deanna Troi, Worf, and a Klingon!

He Is Groot! He Is Exclusive!

Just in case you still haven’t bought or pre-ordered enough sweet ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ merchandise, Entertainment Earth recently announced an all new Exclusive Funko POP! Vinyl figure of Baby Groot with a ‘Ravagers’ logo on his plant pot! This figure is exclusive to Entertainment Earth, and set to release in February of 2015.

Browncoats Mark Your Calendars

Be sure to check out The Calendar Club, as they’ve got an exclusive blue-shirted version of the Funko Captain Mal Firefly ReAction figure this season! Don’t miss out on him, he’s a special limited edition run, so once they’re gone they’re gone!

The Truth is Right Here

I want to believe… and now I can! Funko has these sweet new X-Files POP! Vinyl figures set to release in February, with the four figure series made up of Agents Mudler and Scully, the Sigarette Smoking Man, and an Alien!

Funko Garbage Pail Kids

While the announcement itself is fairly vague, Funko announced this week that they’ve teamed up with the folks behind ‘The Garbage Pail Kids’ to bring a bunch of new GPK products to collectors in 2015 including toys, figures, and vinyl collectibles! More news and announcements regarding this series are expected in the coming weeks.

And with that, we bring this week’s Toy News Tuesday to a close! What do you think about the new items announced this week? Do you plan on picking up anything we mentioned in this week’s column? Are there any lines or brands you’d like to see more coverage of? Let us know in the comments section below! Until next week, happy toy hunting!