It’s that time again folks! Time for 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! As we make it to the end of Spring and start preparing for Summer releases, the big announcements for San Diego Comic Con Exclusives start hitting! This week we saw the first few trickling out, but it’s only a matter of time before they all start coming one after another! Be sure to stay tuned every week so you don’t miss out on anything, but for now let’s check out the Toy News for the week of May 12th, 2015!
New Play Arts Bust Out Of Arkham
With ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’, the latest game in the critically acclaimed ‘Batman: Arkham’ series, set to hit shelves soon, more and more cool new merchandise for the game is being announced! The latest announcement revealed two new Play Arts Kai figures based on characters from the game! While we already know we’re getting Batman and Harley Quinn, now it’s been announced that we will be getting both Robin and The Arkham Knight as well!
Robin is set to hit shelves shortly after the game this July, and will include several bow staffs, shields, interchangeable hands, a removable hood, and a figure display stand. This marks the third Robin figure from Play Arts Kai in the ‘Arkham’ line.
The Arkham Knight is set to include a sniper rifle, pistols, two heads (one with glowing eyes and another with a translucent visor), several interchangeable hands, and a figure display stand. He is expected to hit stores this August.
The Hot New Batman Is The Classic
Whether you’re a fan of Bat-Fleck or if you’re still hung up on Christian Bale, one thing most Batman fans can agree on is that it’s still pretty hard to top Michael Keaton’s iconic take on the character in 1989’s ‘Batman’ and 1992’s ‘Batman Returns’. Now the crew over at Hot Toys is bringing this legendary version of the dark knight to life in 1:6th scale form with their all new ‘Batman Returns’ figure!
Hot Toys is releasing a screen accurate 1:6th scale figure based directly Michael Keaton’s look in the film. This figure is set to feature an newly developed masked head sculpt which has seperate rolling eyeballs and an interchangeable lower face so that you can display Batman however you like while maintaining the design of the costume (which doesn’t allow the character to turn his head). The figure also includes a specially created Batsuit, an LED light up display stand, and a ton of cool Bat-Gadgets!
If the standard Batman isn’t enough for you and you need a little more Michael Keaton in your life, Hot Toys is also releasing a special edition 1:6th scale figure 2-pack including the standard Batman figure and a special Bruce Wayne figure! Bruce Wayne features a highly detailed head sculpt bearing a striking resemblance to actor Michael Keaton in a specially tailored suit. On top of all that, this figure 2-pack also includes a special broken cowl for the batman suit that allows you to display Batman with the unmasked Bruce Wayne head!
Avengers Artist Mix Are Back For More
With Hot Toys first ‘Artist Mix’ vinyl figures already on the market, fans have eagerly been awaiting more news about the upcoming Series 2! Hot Toys recently released the official wave lineup for Series 2 which includes Thor, Vision, The Hulk, Iron Man Mark XLV and Iron Legion!
Besides the single release figures, there is also a special 5-figure set that includes all of the standard figures from the wave except The Hulk has been swapped out for a special ‘Rampaging Hulk’ figure that is exclusive to this set!
These figures are due out later this year.
This SDCC Exclusive Is The Coolest
Literally! Mezco has announced their first San Diego Comic Con Exclusive figure for 2015 and it’s a special ‘Ice Clone’ Subzero frigure from Mortal Kombat X! This figure is as close as it gets to physically playing with a character from the game, as the design team used the digital files from the game itself! This figure highlights one of this iconic characters signature moves from within the game!
Sub-Zero stands at 6″ tall and sports twenty-three points of articulation so he can be posed in any number of ways for your display! Don’t forget, this figure is an SDCC Exclusive, so be sure to swing by Mezco at booth 3445 to snag yours at the convention!
More SDCC Exclusives For The Masses
San Diego Comic Con is just around the corner already, so the Exclusive Collectibles announcements for this years convention are starting to flow like water! Check out three new exclusives announced by Mattel’s Matty Collector division below-
Ghostbusters™ Courtroom Battle Egon Spengler™
Do, re, Egon! When the Scoleri brothers make an unscheduled appearance before Judge Wexler, the professor of paranormal dispenses some justice Ghostbusters™ style. This commemorative 6” figure pays tribute to Harold Ramis, who created the character of the serious scientist.
Masters of the Universe® Rotar™ vs. Twistoid™
Recreate the Second Ultimate Battleground as Rotar™ and Twistoid™ go head to head! A former palace guard wounded in battle, Rotar™ was merged with an android body resulting in fists of fury fueled by his hyper spin powers. He now protects Eternia® as one of the Masters of the Universe®! Rotar’s nemesis Twistoid™ is a Gyro Robot who serves Skeletor®. Using super spinning action, Twistoid™ wields a ball and chain, whirling sword, and terror gears to defeat his enemies.
Previously sold only during our February 2015 Early Access sale, everyone’s favorite drones of destruction are joining the list of products available for pick-up at SDCC. Each pack comes with three sets of hands, a sticker sheet, and three stands.
New Diamond Select Toys Solicits
With the latest issue of Previews hitting stands this week, you can now pre-order a ton of awesome new products from Diamond Select Toys! We have seen many of these announced over the last few weeks, but now you can officially order them for yourself at your local LCS! Check out the full listings below-
Batman Classic TV Series Catwoman Resin Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Batman’s rogues gallery continues to grow as Catwoman joins the Riddler and the Joker in DST’s line of busts, based on the Classic Batman TV Series! This 6-inch-tall resin bust depicts Julie Newmar as Catwoman, perched atop a colorful base inspired by the show’s animated opening credits. Even with her mask on, Catwoman’s hypnotizing beauty will have Batman baffled! Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Designed by Barry Bradfield! Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152172, SRP: $59.99)
Batman Animated Series Femme Fatales Poison Ivy PVC Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! DST’s line of Femme Fatales PVC statues based on the women of the DC Animated Universe continues with Poison Ivy! Based on her appearance in Batman: The Animated Series, this PVC statue of the plant-loving Pamela Isley stands 9 inches tall atop her diorama base, and depicts the villainous vixen visiting with a vine-like friend, perhaps discussing how best to entangle the Dark Knight. Packaged in a full-color box window box. Sculpted by Steve Varner Studios! (Item #MAY152173, SRP: $45.00)
Gotham TV Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the hottest shows on TV is Gotham, a look at the crime-ridden streets of Batman’s hometown. Now, the hit show is an all-new line of Select action figures! Each 7-inch scale figure comes with character-specific accessories, as well as a deluxe diorama base representing a location in Gotham City: The Penguin comes with a pier, Jim Gordon comes with an alleyway, and Selina Kyle comes with a fire escape – connect Jim and Selina’s bases to form a larger scene! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item # MAY152171, SRP: $24.99/ea.)
Ghostbusters Movie Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! After years of producing a variety of quality Ghostbusters products, DST is finally tackling 7-inch-scale Select action figures! With 12 releases planned in the line, the first three will be Ray Stanz, Winston Zeddemore and Louis Tully, each with detailed sculpts, exacting likenesses and character-specific accessories. Each figure will also include a diorama piece – collect all twelve to build the rooftop battle scene from the end of the film! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! Coming in Series 2: Peter Venkman and Egon Spengler! (Item #MAY152168, SRP: $24.99/ea.)
Ghostbusters Logo Metal Bottle Opener
A Diamond Select Toys release! You have the tools, you have the talent… but do you have a bottle opener? When you’ve defeated an invasive supernatural entity, and it’s time to celebrate with a cool beverage, be sure you have this 3” metal bottle opener handy. Scultped in the shape of the Ghostbusters logo, this opener has magnets on the back so it will stick to your refrigerator, containment grid or the hood of the Ecto-1. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #MAY152169, SRP: $18.00)
Jay and Silent Bob Minimates Zombie 2-Pack
A Diamond Select Toys release! Jay and Silent Bob will never die! Literally! This all-new 2-pack of Minimates mini-figures features undead versions of America’s favorite comedy team, as seen in the movies, comics and cartoons of writer/director Kevin Smith. This set includes zombie-specific accessories, including a hunk of meat and the severed heads of four familiar victims. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable (and removable) parts. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152176, SRP: $9.99)
Marvel Select Dr Strange Action Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! Marvel’s Secret Avenger, supernatural Defender, Sorcerer Supreme and soon-to-be cinematic superstar Dr. Stephen Strange is the newest comic-based action figure in the Marvel Select action figure line! Measuring approximately 7 inches tall with 16 points of articulation, Dr. Strange comes with a diorama display base depicting part of his Sanctum Sanctorum. Packaged in Select-style display packaging with spine artwork. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152177, SRP: $24.99)
Predator Minimates Foil Bag Counter Display Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release!! Get to the chopper! It’s a whole new line of Minimates mini-figures, based on the cinematic world of Predator! This first blind-bagged assortment features Billy and the Jungle Predator (masked, unmasked and thermal) from the first film, the City Predator (regular and battle-damaged) from Predator 2, and Edwin and Cuchillo from Predators! There are eight different figures in all, with a full set in every display case of 18 foil bags, but Edwin is the rarest figure, with only one per case! Let the hunt begin! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152178, SRP: $5.99/ea.)
Pulp Fiction 20th Ann. Minimates Bring Out the Gimp Box Set
A Diamond Select Toys release! Bring out the gimp!! No more wondering if the gimp is sleeping – the famous Pawn Shop scene from Pulp Fiction has finally been made into Minimates form! The fourth box set based on Quentin Tarantino’s iconic 1994 film captures the main players in the famous dungeon sequence: Butch, Marsellus Wallace, Zed and the Gimp! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152174, SRP: $19.99)
Pulp Fiction Red Apple Red Metal Zippo Lighter
A Diamond Select Toys release! The Zippo lighter is one of the most distinctive lighters ever made, and has starred in a thousand movies, including the legendary Pulp Fiction. This new, all-red edition metal Zippo sports the logo of director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite cigarette brand, Red Apple Cigarettes – flip it open and you’ll identify yourself as a lover of both fine films and timeless design. Comes packaged in a collector case. (Item #FEB158126, SRP: $29.99)
Star Trek TNG Lt. Worf Vinyl Bust Bank
A Diamond Select Toys release! Where’s the safest place on the Enterprise? Right behind Worf! Make your money that safe by putting it inside this 7” vinyl bust bank depicting Star Trek’s most famous Klingon crew member, with his phaser at the ready. With detailed, bust-quality paint applications and a coin slot on his back, this functional collectible is torn between two cultures – does he belong to both, or neither? You decide! Comes packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Patrick Pigott! (Item #MAY152170, SRP: $22.99)
Universal Monsters Select Mummy Version 2 Action Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! Response to DST’s revisited Creature and Frankenstein figures has been so positive, we’re going back to ancient Egypt for our next release! Not seen since the first series of Universal Monsters Select action figures, the Mummy returns in an all-new edition, completely resculpted by Jean St. Jean with approximately 16 points of articulation, as well as an all-new diorama base depicting the inside of an Egyptian temple. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152180, SRP: $24.99)
Universal Monsters Select Wolfman Version 2 Action Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! Clap for the Wolfman! One of the first figures made in DST’s Universal Monsters toy line, the Wolfman has not been seen in several years… until now! This all-new sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, and comes with an all-new diorama base featuring the ruins of a tomb, including skulls and a broken columns The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152179, SRP: $24.99)
Monster Hunter Lucy Westenra Select Action Figure
A Diamond Select Toys release! Joining fellow monster hunter Abraham Van Helsing, Lucy Westenra is the next original figure creation from DST! Re-imagining the classic character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a fierce warrior woman, this wholly original sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, various monster-fighting weapons, and an all-new diorama base depicting a ruined church doorway. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152181, SRP: $24.99)
NECA Goes Commando
Few films helped to redefine the action movie genre in the 80’s like the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic ‘Commando’. This year marks the film’s 30th anniversary, and to celebrate NECA is giving us an all new 7″ scale figure of the film’s hero, John Matrix!
Today we got our first good look at the figure, which features a highly detailed sculpt with the likeness of Schwarzenegger himself! It sports a pretty standard twenty-five points of articulation and comes packed with a plethora of sweet weaponry as seen in the film. This figure is due out in August of this year!
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!
Big Little Heroes
While we knew an Antman POP! Vinyl was on it’s was from Funko, they have recently released official glamor shots of him this week alongside our first proper look at the villain of his film, Yellowjacket! These are due out in June.
Marvel Gets A-Dorbz-Able
We first saw these guys back at Toy Fair in February, but now Funko has released official images previewing their upcoming series of Marvel Classic ‘Dorbz’ figures! Check out the full post below-
Vinyl Sugar is proud to announce the first series of Classic Marvel Dorbz!
Opting for painted designs over sculpt, these pint-sized rascals will weasel their way into your heart as surely as they’ll find their way onto your shelf!
Each high quality vinyl figure stands at 3-inches in height and comes in window-box packaging to fully display each character through front and back box panels!
Many of Marvel’s most popular characters never looked so cute!
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!
