Just when you least suspect it, it’s an all new Toy News Tuesday! We’re 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! Here we are one week later with a whole ‘nother week’s worth of awesome new toy reveals! As always, this week we have a plethora of exciting new items to talk about from some of our favorite companies like Diamond Select Toys, DC Collectibles, and Funko! We hope you’ve all had a great Spring Break and kicked off the season with some great toy finds! Don’t give up the hunt for that one special chase figure you’re after, but in the meantime here’s the Toy News for the week of March 29th, 2016!
And Playmates Forms The Head!
While many of you have undoubtedly heard about Netflix’s upcoming ‘Voltron‘ animated series reboot, the big question running through everyone’s minds has been “but who is making the toys?”. Well, now our questions have been answered thanks to a recent press release from Playmates, who have announced their acquisition of the ‘Voltron’ Master License! Check out the full release from Playmates below:
Let’s Voltron! Playmates Toys and DreamWorks Animation today announced plans for a new toy line based on the new DreamWorks Animation series Voltron: Legendary Defender, a re-imagining of the classic property featuring five teenage pilots and mystical robot lions, set to debut as a Netflix Original Series in 2016. Playmates Toys will serve as the master toy licensee and will create an expansive line of toys set to launch in spring 2017.
“We are excited to work with DreamWorks Animation on the resurgence of such a beloved brand, and are looking forward to providing nostalgic fans and new audiences with a heroic space adventure toy line,” said Thomas Chan, CEO of Playmates Toys. “We are dedicated to developing an innovative line of toys that will bring the series to life, allowing fans to be immersed in the epic adventures of Voltron, as the team liberates the universe.”
“Voltron is an incredible property, rich with mythology and lore, and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with Playmates Toys to bring this legendary defender to life off the screen,” said Tim Erickson, Global Head of Licensing, DreamWorks Animation. “Voltron: Legendary Defender is an action-packed series that will have kids lining up to see what Playmates has in store.”
Voltron: Legendary Defender follows five unsuspecting teenagers as they are transported from Earth into the middle of a sprawling intergalactic war and become pilots for five mystical robotic lions in a battle to protect the universe from evil. Only through the true power of teamwork can they unite their lions to form the mighty warrior known as Voltron. Voltron: Legendary Defender premieres on Netflix in 2016.
New This Week From Diamond Select Toys
Another week has gone by and the team at Diamond Select Toys has a whole crop of new products hitting stores for you to check out! Whether you’re into Batman, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, or even Indie Comics, there’s a little bit of something for everyone this week with new Banks, Bottle Openers, Minimates, and more! Check out the full release from DST below:
Batman The Animated Series Batman Vinyl Bust Bank
A Diamond Select Toys release! The battle for the loose change of Gotham City has begun! This approximately 8” vinyl bust of Batman, as he appears in Batman: The Animated Series, is actually a bank, with a coin slot in the back and an access door in the base. But it features detailed sculpting and exacting paint details that make it look like a high-end collectible! With Batman, Robin, The Joker, Harley Quinn and the Batmobile now available as vinyl banks, there’s never been a safer place in Gotham City to keep your money! Packaged in a clear polybag. (Item #DEC152118, SRP: $22.99)
Batman The Animated Series Harley Quinn’s Hammer Metal Bottle Opener
A Diamond Select Toys release! There’s no bottle Harley Quinn’s hammer can’t open! Based on the large mallet wielded by Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series, this sculpted metal bottle opener can remove any bottle cap faster than you can say “puddin’”! A must-have for any Harley Quinn fan Measuring approximately 4 inches long, it comes packaged in a full-color collector slipcase. (Item #NOV152180, SRP: $18.00)
Comic Book Heroes Minimates 2-Packs Series 1 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! From the world of your local comic shop, it’s the first assortment of Comic Book Heroes Minimates, based on some of the most popular independent titles around! Four different two-packs pair up heroes and heroines from six different comics! From Image Comics, Cassie Hack from Hack/Slash teams up with Em Cypress from Revival! From the world of Valiant Comics, Ninjak takes on Shadowman! From Image’s Chew, FDA agent Tony Chu partners with cyborg John Colby and the fighting rooster Poyo! And from Battle Beasts, Ruminant the Giraffe takes on Spyrnus the Hammerhead Shark! Each two-pack comes on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152191, SRP: $9.99/ea.)
Ghostbusters Mr. Stay Puft Metal Bottle Opener
A Diamond Select Toys release! You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the talent, but do you have a bottle opener? The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man can open anything: churches, gateways to other dimensions, you name it. Now, this happy-faced version of our 4-inch metal Mr. Stay-Puft will open up your favorite bottled beverage and magnetically stick to your refrigerator door! Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #NOV152186, SRP: $18.00)
Justice League Animated Green Lantern Battery Metal Bottle Opener
A Diamond Select Toys release! Let those who need a drink tonight, call on the power of Green Lantern’s light! This 4” sculpted metal bottle opener is in the shape of Green Lantern’s power battery from the Justice League Animated Series, and will remove a bottle cap almost as fast as you can think about it. Plus, magnets on the back keep it locked to your refrigerator so you don’t have to wait to recharge! Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #DEC152120, SRP: $18.00)
Star Trek TNG Femme Fatales Borg Queen PVC Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! Resistance is futile! The irresistible Borg Queen has been captured as a 9-inch-scale PVC statue – the next entry in our Star trek Femme Fatales line! With a detailed sculpt and exacting paint applications, this static vinyl figure features a removable head and upper torso, to simulate her on-screen maintenance routine. Displays alongside Seven of Nine, Counselor Troi, and all other Femme Fatales statues! Statue comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV152194, SRP: $45.00)
Walking Dead Negan Vinyl Bust Bank
A Diamond Select Toys release! This is a $#%&ing great bank! Negan, iron-fisted and foul-mouthed leader of The Saviors, is the newest vinyl bust bank in the Walking Dead line, and will look great sharing shelf space with Rick, Michonne and any number of zombies. Fill him up with half of your spare change, and nobody has to get hurt. Plus, he comes with his beloved baseball bat Lucille, so it’s like getting two characters in one! Just don’t let Lucille get thirsty! Packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Eli Livingston! (Item #NOV152192, SRP: $22.99)
Play It Safe With ‘Batman v Superman’ SWAT Products!
Our friends over at Factory Entertainment have officially announced their new line of SWAT (Soft Weapons And Tactics) weaponry based on the film ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice’! This new line features soft and safe to play with plush weapons from the film like Batman’s Batarang and Wonder Woman’s Sword! These plush weapons are all life sized so that you can enjoy all the fun and excitement that you’ve seen on the big screen! Check out the full release from Factory Entertainment below:
Factory Entertainment, Inc., the Concord, California-based producer of licensed toys and collectibles is pleased to announce its brand new line of proprietary role-play weapons called SWAT™: Soft Weapons and Tactics from Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice!
SWAT™ captures the fun of thematically stylized fantasy weapons, but executed in soft, safe for work and play materials, with sounds specifically tailored to each piece and is intended for ages 8+.
The initial arsenal consists of the following Batman V. Superman weapons:
• Batman SWAT™ Batarang
• Wonder Woman SWAT™ Sword – 30 Inches Long!
• Wonder Woman SWAT™ Shield – 18 Inches In Diameter!Each BvS SWAT™ features a series of sounds created specifically for each piece. When activated, the Batarang “swooshes” through the air. The clashing of Wonder Woman’s Sword and Shield can be heard once each collides with an object.
“Batarang’s have always been one of the coolest comic-book gadgets ever created,” said Tom Vargas, Product Developer of Factory Entertainment’s BvS SWAT™ line. “Now, everyone can play with The Caped Crusader’s iconic weapon in a friendly and soft manor, but we didn’t stop there!” Vargas continued, “Our Wonder Woman SWAT™ Sword and Shield are ready to defend all heroes in training and office warriors! You’ll want these fun pieces by your side at all times, regardless of your alter-ego or age!”
Collect them all!
Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice SWAT’s™ are available to pre-order now and fans can also visit Factory Entertainment’s website for a chance to win a free set from the line.
Coming Soon From DC Collectibles
The team at DC Collectibles have undoubtedly been keeping busy coming up with a ton of great new products that are coming your way! DCC has recently revealed their full solicitations for October 2016, which includes quite a few top tier items like the new ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Batwing, the all new ‘Harley Quinn’ action figure line, and an impressive amount of new ‘DC Bombshells’ pieces! Check out the full solicits below:
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES BATWING
Soaring out of the Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series, it’s the Batwing! This sleekly designed replica of the Dark Knight’s amazing, bat-shaped vehicle comes with retractable landing gear, battery-powered interior lights and slide-open cockpit canopy—and now, it can be yours!
Measures Approximately 37” long x 25” wide x 6” tall (with landing gear up)
$175.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES BATMAN, ROBIN AND MUTANT LEADER ACTION FIGURE 3-PACK
This new action figure 3-pack is inspired by The New Batman Adventures episode “Legends of the Dark Knight,” and includes Batman, Carrie Kelley as Robin, and the Mutant Leader. Each figure comes with extra hands!
BATMAN – 6.25”
CARRIE KELLEY ROBIN – 5.1”
MUTANT LEADER – 6.1”
$70.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC ICONS ACCESSORY PACK SET 2
The second DC ICONS ACCESSORY PACK includes essential add-on items for your action figure collection, including two miniature Starros, Harley Quinn’s beloved baseball bat, a Justice League trophy case that holds the helmet of Fate, a Green Lantern construct, lightning enhanced hands for The Flash, a pie with a bomb in it, and Bat-Mite!
$28.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC COMICS DESIGNER SERIES: AMANDA CONNER HARLEY QUINN ACTION FIGURES
Amanda Conner,co-writer and cover artist of the smash-hit monthly HARLEY QUINN series, goes to town on these new versions of Harley—and each comes with its own quirky accessories! Each figure sold separately. $28.00 US Each • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May OccurTRADITIONAL HARLEY QUINN – 6.8” (WITH PET BEAVER)
SUPERHERO HARLEY QUINN – 6.8” (WITH CHIBI-STYLE HEAD)
SPACESUIT HARLEY QUINN – 6.8” (WITH SPACE PIZZA AND POP GUN)
HOLIDAY HARLEY QUINN – 7.05” (WITH HAMMER AND BOMB)
DC COMICS DESIGNER SERIES: DARWYN COOKE ACTION FIGURES SERIES 2
Eisner Award-winning writer/artist Darwyn Cooke is back with a second series of designer action figures, including some of the DC Universe’s greatest heroes: The Flash, Green Lantern John Stewart, Wonder Woman and Catwoman! Each figure sold separately. Each measures 6.75” tall.4. THE FLASH
5. GREEN LANTERN JOHN STEWART
6. WONDER WOMAN
7. CATWOMAN
$28.00 US Each • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
BATMAN BLACK & WHITE: THE JOKER BY FRANK MILLER STATUE
Designed by FRANK MILLER
Sculpted by ALTERTON
From the pages of BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, it’s The Joker as envisioned by legendary comics writer/artist Frank Miller! Grab this one before it sells out—and that’s no joke!
Limited Edition of 5,200 • Measures Approximately 7.25” Tall
$80.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DARKSEID AND GRAIL ACTION FIGURE 2-PACK
Straight from the pages of the JUSTICE LEAGUE epic “Darkseid War” come these two figures of the dark lord of Apokolips and his equally fearsome daughter, Grail, in a new action figure 2-pack. Darkseid comes with extra hands, and Grail includes extra hands, a cape and battleaxe.
DARKSEID – 12”
GRAIL – 6”
$100.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC SUPER PETS!: JOKER FISH AND OSITO PLUSH FIGURES
Designed by ART BALTAZAR
DC Collectibles’ adorable plush figure series continues with two new Super Pets for you to hug—if you dare! This time we have The Joker’s super-creepy Joker Fish, plus Osito, the teddy bear Bane played with as a child.
Each figure sold separately. $15.00 US Each • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur7. JOKER FISH – 9”
8. OSITO – 9”
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS: WONDER WOMAN BUST
Designed by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Sculpted by JACK MATHEWS
Wonder Woman, DC’s original Amazon warrior, is reimagined in this new Bombshells bust—and she’s tough enough to take the battle to the enemy forces in World War II!
Limited Edition of 2,500
Measures Approximately 7.5” Tall
$60.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
HARLEY QUINN: RED, WHITE AND BLACK STATUE
Designed by ANT LUCIA
Sculpted by TIM MILLER
It’s a new vision of DC’s red-hot villain, Harley Quinn, as DC Collectibles unveils the first HARLEY QUINN: RED, WHITE AND BLACK STATUE! Get in at the start of this new statue series!
Measures Approximately 6.75” Tall
$80.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS: SUPERGIRL BUST
Based on the art of EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Sculpted by JACK MATHEWS
It’s a new era and a new look for the Girl of Steel in this new Bombshells bust, as she leaps into action on the battlefronts of the European Theater of Operations!
Limited Edition of 2,500
Measures Approximately 7.5” Tall
$60.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS: HALLOWEEN BATGIRL STATUE
Based on the art of ANT LUCIA
Sculpted by JACK MATHEWS and KAREN PALINKO
Calling all ghouls and goblins—Batgirl is here in this new Bombshells statue, and she’s a real treat!
Limited Edition of 5,200
Measures Approximately 10.6” Tall
$125.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS: RAVEN STATUE
Designed by ANT LUCIA
Sculpted by TIM MILLER
Raven, the most mysterious member of the Teen Titans, is reimagined in this new Bombshells statue—and she’s ready to cast her next spell.
Limited Edition of 5,200
Measures Approximately 10.4” Tall
$125.00 US • On Sale October 2016 Allocations May Occur
DC TV: ARROW AND THE FLASH ACTION FIGURE 2-PACK
Fresh from their hit TV series on the CW, Arrow and The Flash are back in a new action figure 2-pack. Arrow comes with a bow, three arrows and spare hands.
ARROW — 7”
THE FLASH – 6.75”
$50.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
GOTHAM CITY GARAGE: WONDER WOMAN STATUE
Tattoo design by KATHERINE BRADDOCK
Sculpted by IRENE MATAR and ADAM ROSS
Get ready to ride with the Amazon Princess herself in this latest, highly detailed GOTHAM CITY GARAGE STATUE!
Limited Edition of 5,200
Measures Approximately 15” wide x 10.5” high x 7.75” deep
$350.00 US • On Sale October 2016 • Allocations May Occur
Fresh Out Of The Oven From Hot Toys
When you’re hot you’re hot, and with a name like Hot Toys it’s probably safe to assume that they never quite cool down! Fresh from the team at Hot Toys are two all new 1:6th scale figures from two of the biggest comic book adaptations of the year! Hot Toys has announced 1:6th scale figures of Wonder Woman from DC’s ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice’, and The Falcon from Marvel’s ‘Captain America: Civil War’! Two competing comic book companies, but both phenomenal looking figures! Check out the full releases from Hot Toys below:
BvS: DoJ – 1/6th scale Wonder Woman Collectible Figure
“I don’t think you’ve ever known a woman like me.”
The official release of the widely anticipated epic blockbuster, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, is just around the corner! In addition to the Bat of Gotham and Son of Krypton, the Princess of the Amazons, Wonder Woman, has also been a character that many fans around the world has been excited for and can’t wait to see how the warrior princess will impact the DC Extended Universe!
Today Hot Toys is delighted to officially present the highly anticipated 1/6th scale Wonder Woman Collectible Figure to celebrate the movie launch!
The movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt with long curly dark brown real fabric hair and Wonder Woman’s signature tiara, newly developed female body, specially tailored armor, detail recreation of Wonder Woman’s weapons, and a Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice themed figure stand.
Captain America: Civil War 1/6th scale Falcon Collectible Figure
In the epic blockbuster, Captain America: Civil War, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be divided when fans’ favorite heroes are taking two different sides when the government is becoming concern with collateral damage caused by the Avengers and planning to install a system of accountability to oversee and direct the Avengers.
Today Hot Toys is delighted to officially present the new 1/6th scale collectible figure of another #TeamCap member – Falcon!
The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Anthony Mackie as Falcon in the movie. It features a newly painted head sculpt, a highly detailed and specially tailored costume, flight backpack, newly designed wings with enhanced articulations, a Redwing drone, and a dynamic figure stand ideal for flight poses.
NECA Gets Slimed!
Just in time for the released of the ‘Ghostbusters’ film series reboot, NECA has announced their all new life sized Slimer replica! This is the latest in a series of life sized foam figures from NECA that follows up on figures from ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’, ‘Gremlins’, and ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’! This three-foot-tall foam figure features life-like (or at least undead-like in this case) is going to make a lot of classic ‘Ghostbusters’ fans happy when he releases this August! Check out the full release from NECA:
Add a delightfully spooky touch to any room with a life-size replica of everyone’s favorite non-terminal repeating phantasm!
This actual size foam Slimer replica figure is based on the 1984 Ghostbusters movie and was re-created from original movie molds. The figure measures 3 feet tall and is made of foam rubber and latex that’s carefully hand-painted for realistic detail. Ships in one box, some assembly required
Mezco Set To Raise Hellraiser
Fans have been asking for new products based on the ‘Hellraiser’ films for a few years now, and wow did the crew at Mezco really hit the nail on the head with this one! Mezco has announced an all new 12″ Pinhead figure to fill the cenobite hunger that so many ‘Hellraiser’ fans are feeling! Pinhead here features a highly detailed sculpt and includes several accessories like the Lament Configuration Puzzle Box and a set of alternative hands! Check out the full release from Mezco below:
Deep from within the dimension of eternal torments comes the High Priest of Hell himself: Pinhead.
We’re bringing the leader of the Cenobites into our realm with an exquisite 12″ figure, as the cries of the damned rage loudly with anticipation.
Pinhead’s detailed portrait sculpture captures each grid scar and nail of his infamous visage. Looking into the eyes of the figure, one can almost feel his insatiable craving for souls. Great care has been paid to each detail of Pinhead’s attire. His vestments perfectly capture the look from the legendary film. The flayed portions of Pinhead’s flesh bear witness to his suffering with a realistic wet-look finish. His sacred instruments, a trio of blades, dangle from his holy robes.
The figure comes complete with two sets of hands: one set to hold the included Lament Configuration for summoning the Cenobites, and a second set to wield his instruments of transformation. Pinhead features 7 points of articulation and is packaged in a specially die-cut collector friendly window box that highlights his grotesque beauty. Are you prepared for the rapturous torments that await?
The 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!
“But What If You Need To Use The Invisible Lavatory?”
While we first saw it back at Toy Fair earlier this year, Funko has now officially announced their all new super sized POP! Rides Invisible Jet! This new extra large Invisible Jet is the largest POP! Rides release to date. It includes a standarad Wonder Woman POP! vinyl.
The Dorbz Knight Gets Animated
Entertainment Earth has announced an all new exclusive Funko Dorbz figure that is coming our way this April! In an interesting twist, thier newest Dorbz exclusive is a Batman Dorbz figure featuring the character design from the legendary ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ from the 1990’s! This figure is set to ship in a few weeks and is up for order now! Don’t wait too long, these are a limited product and only 1008 pieces will be made!
More Funko ReAction Still Coming?
Earlier this year at Toy Fair 2016, we noticed a severe lack of new Funko ReAction products on display. With the exception of one new set of figure featuring the Alien Queen and Ellen Ripley in a Powerloader from ‘ALIENS’, things weren’t looking too good for the popular retro styled line! Thankfully, collectors prayers have been answered! AFI is reporting that Reis, a Funko designer, recently took to a Facebook ReAction Collectors Group and announced that the line was still ongoing with quite a few new products coming our way this year! Here’s the full post of what we can expect:
Hey gang! Well, we all had a sit down and managed to hash out which new ReAction figures will be hitting in 2016. This is a pretty complete and solid list for this year, but as always is subject to change. I don’t have exact release dates for any of this, but I tried to note the general time frame. I can’t name exactly which characters will be in each series yet.
And here we go!
Aliens – 3 pack Power Loader, Alien Queen & Ripley (6.15.16)
Chucky – July 2016
Nightmare Before Christmas Series 2 – July 2016
Golden Girls – July 2016
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure – August 2016
Addams Family – Late summer/early fall 2016
E.T. – Late summer/early fall 2016
Dark Crystal – August 2016
Back to the Future 2 – Late summer/early fall 2016
Star Trek: The Next Generation (Wave 1) – Fall 2016
The A-Team – Fall 2016
American Psycho – Fall/winter 2016
The Godfather (Wave 1) – Fall/winter 2016
Conan the Barbarian – Winter 2016
Red Sonja – Winter 2016
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!
Jordan is a Toy Columnist & Staff Writer here at ScienceFiction! Journalist, Musician, Toy Collector, and Overall Awesome Guy! For more on Jordan’s thoughts, toys, and wacky adventures, be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
