Spring is here and we’re ready with a freshly grown 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! It seems like the life of a collector has been getting better and better with each passing week in 2015. There have been a ton of cool new announcements every week, and this week in particular has been a pretty full one! Without wasting any time, here’s the Toy News for the week of April 7th, 2015!
Marvel Legends Assembling
If you’re looking to jump start your Marvel Legends Avengers collection, then it looks like you’re in luck! Last week an Ebay listing was discovered that had a brand new Marvel Legends Avengers 5-pack for sale that had never been seen before! The figure 5-pack was comprised entirely of previously released figures featuring new paint jobs and alternate accessories. This week, the crew over at MarvelousNews are reporting that Hasbro has confirmed this box set as real, and that it is set to be a Disney Store Exclusive set in Europe!
The figures included in this set are ‘Bleeding Edge’ Iron Man (previously from the ‘Iron Man Legends’ wave, sporting a new paint job and an alternate Tony Stark head), The Hulk (which is from the rare older TRU Exclusive 2-pack that also included Valkyrie), Ultron (from the ‘Iron Man Legends’ wave), Thor (from the Terrax BAF wave) and ‘Marvel Now’ Captain America (from the ‘Captain America Legends’ wave). There is currently no word as to whether this box set will be released stateside, but it’s kind of hard to imagine this set not getting a wide release.
Iron Man Has The Golden Touch
He’s got the touch! Figma has recently announced their brand new Iron Man Mark XXI Midas Armor Figure! Recently listed on BBTS, This new 7″ scale Iron Man figure is the latest to come from Figma and features a veritable ton of articulation, as well as a display stand, alternate sets of hands, and effects parts for his flight boosters and repulsor weapons! The full stats for this figure from BBTS are below:
Specifications
Painted ABS & non-phthalate PVC non-scale articulated figure with stand included. Approximately 7″ in height.The newest powered suit to join the figma series is the Iron Man Mark XXI suit that earned the name ‘Midas’ based on its golden color!
– Using the smooth yet posable figma joints, you can act out a variety of different scenes.
– The sharp details and the texture from the paintwork has been done with great care, ensuring a high-quality figure.
– Careful thought has gone into all points of articulation, preserving his heroic appearance while allowing for various poses.
– Along with a number of alternate hand parts, he also comes with effect parts for flying and firing his repulsors.
– An articulated figma stand is included, allowing various poses to be taken.
– Effect parts for firing his missiles and parts to open his back flap are also included!
Iron Man Gets An Artist Mix
Hot Toys new Artist Mix series for ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ continues to roll out, the latest figure in the series is premiering! Check out this all new Tony Stark Iron Man Artist Mix figure based on designs by TOUMA! The figure will be first made available to Hong Kong residents during the Hot Toys Asia Tour from April 3rd 2015 through May 10th 2015, with no release date yet announced for other countries. The full release from Hot Toys is below:
Artist Mix Collection continues as the release of the highly anticipated Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron approaches! Hot Toys is pleased to present today, the new Tony Stark (Mark XLIII Armor Version) Artist Mix Figure Designed by TOUMA!
The Artist Mix Figure has bobble-head function, stands approximately 14cm tall, and includes a Mark XLIII helmet as accessory. TOUMA’s distinctive art style has been combined to a great effect with the movie character’s design and brings a truly unique art form figure for fans!
The Artist Mix Figure Designed by TOUMA will make a great stylistic presence on your desk or shelf!
In celebration of the start of the “Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Exhibition” Hot Toys Asia tour, customers in Hong Kong can firstly purchase this Artist Mix Figure which will be available exclusively at “Team Up at Hysan Place & Lee Theatre Powered by Hot Toys” Pop-Up store from April 3 – May 10.
Stark Goes Quarter Scale
As if our wallets weren’t already feeling the pain of Hot Toys 1:6th Scale ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ figures, now fans can anticipate a whole new level of pain that hurts so good with Hot Toys all new 1:4th Scale Iron Man Mark XLIII! This is the first ever 1:4th Scale Iron Man figure from Hot Toys, and on top of all of the great details and accessories we have come to expect from Hot Toys, it is huge! The Hot Toys 1:4th Scale Iron Man Mark XLIII features a highly detailed head sculpt that sports the likeness of actor Robert Downey Jr., an alternate helmeted head, built in LED lighting, several sets of alternate hands, removable armor plating, and a special Ultron Sentry diorama display base! Check out the full release from Hot Toys below:
“Isn’t why we fight so we can end the fight and go home?”
The path of Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron‘ collectibles by Hot Toys continues as the exciting blockbuster’s release date is getting closer! Since the reveal of the prototype at toy exhibition late last year, fans have already been anxiously waiting for this collectible figure, today we are very thrilled to officially present the first 1/4th scale Iron Man collectible figure – the Mark XLIII from Avengers: Age of Ultron!
The movie-accurate 1/4th scale Mark XLIII Collectible Figure is remarkably detailed and sophisticatedly crafted based on the image of Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark/Mark XLIII in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It stands 49cm (20 inches) tall, features a newly sculpted Tony Stark head sculpt, interchangeable helmeted head, specially applied metallic red, gold and silver armor, LED light-up functions on eyes, arc reactor and repulsors, LED lights shine through various areas of armor, removable armor parts, and a specially designed damaged Ultron Sentry diorama base with detachable head and arm.
Iron Man fans shouldn’t miss the chance to add the first 1/4th scale and the most detailed Iron Man collectible figure yet to your prized collection!
Sneak A Peek At Ultron
With all of the hype surrounding this summer’s upcoming blockbuster ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, it’s easy to see why people keep begging for more! To help build up the hype, Hot Toys recently posted an image of several new prototype figures of the films titular villain, Ultron! Below you can check out the sneak peek at Hot Toys 1:6th Scale Ultron prime, Ultron Sentry, and Ultron Mark I!
“There’s only one path to peace…”
The ‘Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron’ 1/6th scale Ultron Prime, Ultron Sentry, and Ultron Mark I collectible figures’ prototypes by Hot Toys have already assembled for fans to see up close at “Team Up at Hyan Place & Lee Theatre Powered by Hot Toys”, the first stop of “Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron Exhibition” Hot Toys Asia tour!
How did these Ultrons come about? Guess we will find out when the movie hits theatres very soon.
These Minimates Are ‘OutATime’!
In the classic 1980’s film ‘Back To The Future II,’ Marty McFly travels into the futuristic world of 2015, which just so happens to actually be this year! The team over at Diamond Select Toys has recently revealed a special new set of Minimates to celebrate to occasion! The new ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ set features Marty McFly and Lorraine in full school dance attire and is set to be sold exclusively on BackToTheFuture.com! It is already available now, along with some other older ‘Back To The Future’ Minimate sets!
Who Lives In A Pineapple Under The Sea? Minimates!
While we got a look at some of these guys a few months back during Toy Fair 2015, Diamond Select Toys has announced that their all new ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ Minimates line is heading into stores this month! This series is comprised of several figure 2-packs, with figures including Spongebob with Sandy The Squirrel, Patrick with Squidward, Mr. Krabs with Perch Perkins, and a special chase figure of Grandpappy Redbeard with a special Orange Perch Perkins! Each of the figures features the standard Minimate articulation and stands at 2 inches tall.
New From Diamond Select Toys
A whole ton of great new merchandise from Diamond Select Toys has just gone up from pre-order this month! With so much awesome coming our way, you don’t want to miss your chance to get the items you want reserved ahead of time! You can pre-order directly through DST’s website, or through a Previews catalog at your local comic shop or specialty store! The full listings from DST are below:
Batman Classic TV Series Premier Collection Batgirl Resin Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! The Batgirl of your dreams is now the centerpiece of your statue collection! The first full-size statue in our Batman Classic TV Series line, the Premier Collection edition of Batgirl depicts actress Yvonne Craig as the unforgettable sidekick to Batman and Robin, the way she appeared in the third season of the classic TV show. Sculpted by the legendary Clayburn Moore in her distinctive purple-and-yellow crimefighting costume, this resin statue of TV’s Barbara Gordon stands approximately 12 inches tall atop a Bat-logo base. Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to only 1,966 pieces! (Item # APR152297, SRP: $199.99)Batman The Animated Series Batman Resin Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Evildoers beware – Batman is kicking off the next big bust line from Diamond Select! Based on the iconic and revolutionary Batman: The Animated Series, this line of 6-inch resin busts will depict Batman and his friends and foes just as you remember them from the cartoons! The Caped Crusader himself will be the first release in the series, with his arms crossed atop an art-deco base inspired by the show’s distinctive style. Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to 3,000 pieces. Sculpted by Steve Varner Studios! (Item #APR152298, SRP: $59.99)Clerks Select 20th Anniversary Action Figures Series 2 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! We assure you – this toy line is open! DST continues their line of action figures based on Kevin Smith’s classic film Clerks with RST Video employee Randal Graves and subvocal spectator Silent Bob! Each 7-inch scale action figure is captured in the film’s famous black-and-white palette, and includes film-accurate accessories, as well as a diorama base that can be used to re-create the exterior and interior of RST Video. Complete the shopping center diorama started by Dante and Jay! Sculpted by Patrick Piggott, and packaged in Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork. (Item #APR152301, SRP $149.94/case)
Randal B&W Figure (Item #APR152299, SRP: $24.99
Silent Bob B&W Figure (Item #APR152300, SRP: $24.99)Ghostbusters Slimer Pizza Cutter
A Diamond Select Toys release! Pizza need cutting? Who you gonna call? How about the Ghostbusters’ resident foodie, Slimer? As a focused, non-terminal repeating phantasm, Slimer tends to eat his food by the handful, with no cutting required, but the overall shape of this Class 5 full roaming vapor is perfect for housing a pizza wheel! A three-dimensional sculpt of Slimer stuffing his face with a whole pizza acts as the handle for a palm-sized blade, perfect for carving out a New York slice. Blade is easily removable for cleaning. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152304, SRP: $14.99)Femme Fatales Hack/Slash Cassie Hack PVC Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! Supernatural slashers beware! If you’re an undead monstrosity, or an seemingly unstoppable psychopath, you might just be Cassie Hack’s next victim. The star of the hit Image comic series Hack/Slash, Cassie is the newest 9-inch PVC statue in the Femme Fatales statue line from Diamond Select. Walking along an axe head, Cassie holds her partner’s mask in one hand, and a bat with nails in it in the other. Sculpted by Sam Greenwell, based on a design by creator Tim Seeley! Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152308, SRP: $45.00)Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back Bluntman and Chronic Tumbler Set
A Diamond Select Toys release! Another innovative product from the world of Kevin Smith! In the film “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” the release of “Bluntman and Chronic” on the big screen was an important pop-culture event, but did you know the Mooby’s fast food chain released a pair of commemorative drinking glasses to mark the occasion? Well, they did, and now those glasses are available outside the View Askewniverse for the first time ever! Own a piece of film-within-a-film history as DST expands their Reelware line of meta movie merchandise! Packaged in a full-color window box.
Bluntman Glass (Item #APR152302, SRP: $9.99)
Chronic Glass (Item #APR152303, SRP: $9.99)Marvel Hulk Plastic Gelatin Mold
A Diamond Select Toys release! There ain’t no party like a Hulk party, because a Hulk party cannot be stopped! By anyone! Not even Thor! Make your next get-together unstoppable with this plastic gelatin mold in the shape of the gamma-irradiated Avenger’s face. Measuring approximately 8 inches tall, this mold works with any color gelatin, not just red and green, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152306, SRP: $14.99)Marvel Minimates Ant-Man Movie Box Set
A Diamond Select Toys release! The smallest Marvel movie of all time is almost here! This four-pack of Minimates based on Marvel’s Ant-Man movie includes four different 2-inch mini-figures – Scott Lang as Ant-Man, Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym and Yellowjacket! Each Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152307, SRP: $19.99)My Little Pony Rainbow Dash Vinyl Bank
A Diamond Select Toys release! Equestria’s greatest flyer is now the greatest bank ever! This dynamic 7-inch sculpture of the speedy pegasus Rainbow Dash, as she appears in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, may look like a high-end statue, but it’s actually a vinyl bank! With a coin slot in the back of her cloud, and an access door in the base, you can set her up on a high shelf, and watch your savings soar into the stratosphere! (Item #APR152305, SRP: $22.99)Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Skellington 16″ Coffin Doll
A Diamond Select Toys release! Halloween is coming, and so is Jack Skellington! The star of Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, this 16-inch tall doll of Jack is a must for any home that embraces the spirit of Halloween. With a fully articulated body and a real cloth costume, this exacting re-creation of the classic Jack figure will rest comfortably in his coffin-shaped window box until the times comes for him to rise once again! Limited to 1994 pieces! (Item #APR152291, SRP: $49.99)Nightmare Before Christmas Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is finally getting the Select action figure treatment! The Select line is known for its detailed sculpts, larger scale and its diorama bases, and NBX promises to put all of those features to the test! Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie will make up the first series of figures, each sculpted to a 7-inch scale with character-appropriate articulation. Jack Skellington will come with a cemetery environment, Sally with a Halloweentown environment and alternate kneeling legs, and Oogie will come with a stone floor base and a removable face! Each figure will come packaged in the Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork. Sculpted by Dave Cortes! (Item #APR152296, SRP: $149.94/case)
Jack Skellington Figure (Item #APR152293, SRP: $24.99)
Sally Figure (Item #APR152294, SRP: $24.99)
Oogie Boogie Figure (Item #APR152295, SRP: $24.99)Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates Foil Bag Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! Christmas is coming early this year! Each foil-bagged mini-figure in our display of Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates is like a little present to open, and there are eight different figures you can get! The first series includes Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, The Mayor, Dr. Finkelstein, and three exclusive figures – a Skeleton Reindeer, a glow-in-the-dark Jack, and a rare, one-per-case glow-in-the-dark Sally! With 18 packs to a display, there’s a full set in every one! (Item #APR152292, SRP: $5.99/ea.)Predator Unmasked Vinyl Bust Bank
A Diamond Select Toys release! DST goes deeper into the jungle with this vinyl bust bank of an unmasked Predator! With his mandibles out and his shoulder cannon at the ready, this hunter is protective of his prize, and his prize is your loose change! Insert coins through a slot in the back and remove them through an access door in the base. With a detailed, collectible-quality sculpt by Eli Livingston, you’ll take one look at this bank and you’ll say, “You are one ugly money-saver!” Packaged in a clear polybag. (Item #APR152309, SRP: $22.99)
NECA Teases Big Chap
The crew over at NECA has posted a sneak peek at their upcoming massive scale 22″ ‘Big Chap’ ALIEN Xenomorph via their Twitter page! It’s still a few months away from release, but wow does it look great!
“A look at the new 22″ Alien (1979) test shot in action #facehuggerfriday” — Randy Falk via Twitter
‘The Walking Dead’ Is Back For Series 7
McFarlane Toys has recently released some new high resolution images of the upcoming 7th Wave of their toyline based on the popular zombie drama ‘The Walking Dead’! This new wave is comprised of four brand new figures, including Carl Grimes, Michonne, Gareth, and the Mud Walker!
MICHONNE
In season 4, Michonne has lowered her guard a bit and formed an unlikely friendship with Rick’s son Carl. Michonne reveals her traumatic past to Carl and the events that lead to her surviving the apocalypse alone. Traveling along the train tracks on the road to Terminus, Michonne enjoys a can of cheese, proving that sometimes even the most deadly warrior needs to enjoy the little things in life. This figure comes with approximately 22 points of articulation, katana sword with sheath, Terminus memorial candle and a can of cheese.CARL GRIMES
Carl Grimes, who started out as a shy little boy is season 1, has now become battle hardened by the dramatic events of the most recent seasons. In season 4, Carl’s abilities to protect himself and other survivors have greatly improved. His youth still shows at times, losing one of his shoes during a preventable walker encounter and indulging in a scrumptious can of pudding. This figure comes with approximately 22 points of articulation, removable sheriff’s hat, knife, flashlight, Terminus memorial candle and a can of pudding.GARETH
Introduced during the season 4 finale, Gareth is the smooth talking leader of the Terminus encampment. Based on the events of that final episode, in which he captures Rick and his group of survivors, Gareth clearly has an alternate agenda to help his people outlive this zombie apocalypse by any means necessary. This figure comes with approximately 22 points of articulation, pistol and Terminus memorial candles. Also included is a rotting human carcass, stripped of its meat and hinting at Gareth’s true intentions for Rick’s Group.MUD WALKER
The only thing worse than having a walker coming at you is having one sneak up on you…the Mud Walker embodies this most terrifying scenario. During season 4 episode “Too Far Gone,” an unsupervised girl accidently unearths a walker buried in the dirt beside her. The Mud Walker figure exemplifies this gruesome character, complete with decomposing body and a worm coming out of his nose. You can also split this undead figure in half and mount his upper body on his mud-covered base with flash flood sign to recreate this iconic scene.
On top of the basic four figure assortment, there are also two store exclusive figures in the wave! Target stores will be seeing a special Hershel figure that includes an unmasked decapitated head, while Walgreens will be receiving a special new Rick Grimes figure in his full Sheriff Uniform! These are expected to hit stores this month!
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!
Funko Vikings
With The History Channel’s hit action drama ‘Vikings’ back for it’s third season, it seems like a great time for Funko to release their new ‘Vikings’ themed wave of POP! Vinyl figures upon the masses! Check out the release from Funko below:
We’re excited to share our Pop! vinyl figures based on characters from the historical drama, Vikings!
The series centers around Ragnar Lothbrok, legendary viking chieftain and self-proclaimed descendent of the Norse god Odin, as he fights his way into becoming Scandinavian royalty!
Other Vikings Pop!’s include Ragnar’s ruthless brother Rollo, whose Christian name we’ve kindly omitted, Floki, the incorrigible shipbuilder who, oddly, doesn’t know how to swim, and Ragnar’s shieldmaiden Lagertha makes for strong company considering how she’s battled her way into Viking leadership! Of course, each of their fates can be seen through the shamanistic powers of the Seer!
Funko American Horror Story
While we’re all prepping for the upcoming 5th Season of ‘American Horror Story‘, many of us are still in love with the recently wrapped 4th Season ‘American Horror Story: Freakshow’! Luckily, Funko is releasing a new wave of POP! Vinyls based on the show to satiate the series rabid fanbase!
American Horror Story Freak Show Pop!’s are coming this summer!
The characters from this series are a reminder that life is a carnival! For Twisty the clown, his deformities are equally horrific inside and out! Pepper, whose intelligence was augmented during her supposed alien abduction, is also a former prisoner and the distinctive identities of the Tattler Twins causes incredible drama!
No collection is complete without the incomparably dubious Elsa Mars and her assistant Ma Petite, the world’s smallest woman!
Funko Star Wars Celebration 2015 Exclusive Hikari
Star Wars Celebrationg 2015 is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the Celabration than with a bunch of cool new exlcusive vinyl figures! Funko has revealed four new Star Wars Celebration 2015 Exclusive Hikari Vinyl figures! Characters included in this wave are special versions of Boba Fett, Greedo, Stormtrooper and Clone Trooper!
We are excited to announce more Star Wars Celebration Funko exclusives today! Funko will be exhibiting at Star Wars Celebration 2015 in Anaheim, CA! You can find Funko at booth #1410!
Today we are announcing our Hikari Premium Sofubi Figure exclusives! Stay tuned for ONE more announcement leading up to the convention!
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!
