Welcome to our final all new Toy News Tuesday of 2016! 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! We’ve made it through to the end of the year, and this is our final Toy News Tuesday before the year begins fresh for 2017! We hope you’ve all had an awesome holiday season and cleaned up with some fantastic new toy hauls over the last few weeks as we bring things to a close. This week it looks like everyone decided to make toy announcements just in time for the holidays sot hat we know just how much awesome stuff we can look forward to next year! Without further delay, here’s the Toy News for the week of December 27th, 2016!
New Series Means New Figures
This month we got our first taste of the new Justice League animated series, ‘Justice League Action’! The series began airing on Cartoon Network just a few weeks ago, and now according to the team at AFI we can look forward to several new lines of action figures from Mattel based on the series!
One line is set to be 2″ in scale and will be sold in both single figure blind-bags and figure three-packs! If you pick up all three figure three-packs that are set to be available, you can build your own ‘Justice League Action’ styled Darkseid figure!
In addition to the smaller scale 2″ line, we can keep an eye out for a much larger scale 12″ line of figures similar to some of the other DC Comics 12″ figures that Mattel already has on the market. Figures in the 12″ ‘Justice League Action’ line include Superman, Batman, Flash, and The Joker!
The Teen Titans GO! From Jazwares To Mattel
The team at AFI is reporting that the toy license for Warner Brothers and Cartoon Network’s hit animated series ‘Teen Titans GO! has changed hands! Formerly based at Jazwares, who has been producing figures for the line over the last few years, the ‘Teen Titans GO!’ license has now moved over to the team at Mattel. This change makes sense when you think about it, considering that Mattel has for the most part held the DC Comics master toy license for action figures. There isn’t much news regarding what Mattel will be doing with the brand, although AFI has already reported seeing new sets of ‘Teen Titans GO!’ minifigures in stores!
Come And Get Your Love!
With the ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ film sequel coming up in just a few months, and the hit animated series already on the air, it only makes sense that Hasbro would start to reveal a plethora of new ‘Guardians’ themed merchandise! This week Hasbro unveiled an awesome mix (pun fully intended) of new items that is a blend of merchandise for both the upcoming sequel and the animated series! Here’s what we can look forward to hitting shelves this coming spring-
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Titan Hero 12 Inch Figure Assortment $9.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Titan Hero Deluxe Growing Groot $12.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 Titan Hero Electronic Music Mix Star-Lord $19.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Mask $9.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Action mask $19.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Star-Lord Elemental Blaster $19.99
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Rocket Raccoon Blaster $24.99
Bop It! Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Groot Edition $14.99
Diamond Select Teases Summer 2017 Offerings
It’s the end of the year and as 2016 winds down, some of our favorite toy companies are giving us a peek at what we can look forward to collecting in the coming year. Our friends at Diamond Select Toys unleashed a variety of awesome new products this week that we can anticipate hitting stores next summer, with a healthy mixture of Minimates, Statues, and Select figures! Here is the full rundown of this week’s reveals-
Marvel Select Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 – Star-Lord & Rocket / Drax & Baby Groot
A Diamond Select Toys Release! You’re welcome! The Guardians of the Galaxy have been one of the most requested additions to the Marvel Select action figure line of the past few years, and now DST is happy to announce a new series of movie-based figures! Star-Lord and Drax the Destroyer are both based on their appearances from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and each measures approximately 7 inches tall and includes a diorama base. Plus, Star-Lord comes with Rocket, and Drax comes with a baby-sized figure of Groot! Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios!
Marvel Minimates: Wave 73 Two Pack – Set of 4 Spidey Homecoming
A Diamond Select Toys Release! One of the most highly anticipated Spider-Man films of all time is almost upon us, and DST is offering a full assortment of Minimates based on the movie! This assortment features four different two-packs: Spider-Man vs. Shocker, Homemade Suit Spider-Man vs. Vulture, and two comic-shop exclusive sets — Battle-Damaged Spider-Man vs. the Tinkerer, and Peter Parker with May Parker! Each Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts, and each two-pack comes packaged in a full-color window box.
Forbidden Planet Minimates 2-Pack – Robby & Crewman
A Diamond Select Toys Release! From the distant world of Altair IV comes Robby the Robot, the most technologically advanced Minimate mini-figure ever made! Based on the robot’s iconic appearance in the classic sci-fi film Forbidden Planet, this 2-inch mini-figure of Robby comes packaged in a two-pack with a crewman from the spaceship C-57D. Robby features articulated arms and legs, while the crewman features 14 points of articulation and a laser pistol. Packaged on a full-color blister card.
Alice Through The Looking Glass Select – Red Hatter PX Previews Exclusive
A Diamond Select Toys Release! You’ve met the Mad Hatter, now meet him again! This 7-inch, Previews-exclusive variant figure of the Mad Hatter, based on his appearance in Alice Through the Looking Glass, sports the red coat of the present day, rather than the green coat of his younger days. The figure features the likeness of Johnny Depp, has 16 points of articulation, and comes with a diorama background depicting a building from Wonderland – connect the base to the bases of the other two Alice figures to build a larger town! Figure comes packaged in display-ready Select packaging, with spine artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios!
Justice League Animated Series Bust – Shazam
A Diamond Select Toys Release! You don’t need the wisdom of Solomon to know that this bust is a must-buy! Based on his appearance in the Justice League Unlimited TV series, this approximately 6-inch bust of Shazam is the latest release in the animated-style resin bust line by DST. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint applications, Billy Batson’s alter ego is posed atop a pedestal styled after the Justice League’s Watchtower satellite. This bust is limited to only 3,000 pieces and comes packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Varner Studios!
Batman The Animated Series Gallery – Laughing Fish Joker
A Diamond Select Toys Release! The Joker makes a triumphant return to the DC Gallery line! Based on the famous Batman: The Animated Series episode “The Laughing Fish,” this rendition of the Joker shows him holding the titular marine life, with one foot on a chained and partially submerged Batman! This approximately 9-inch figure is in scale to all DC Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC dioramas, is sculpted with a high level of detail and features exacting paint applications. Diorama comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Sam Greenwell!
Batman The Animated Series Premier Collection Statue – Catwoman
A Diamond Select Toys Release! Now this is a statue worth stealing! Continuing DST’s Premier Collection line of statues, this resin sculpture captures Catwoman as she appeared in Batman: The Animated Series, where she straddled the line between good and bad! Catwoman wears her classic grey catsuit, and wields a whip that wraps enticingly around her lithe form. Measuring approximately 12″ tall on her tiled base, this statue is limited to just 3,000 pieces, and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Sculpted by Clayburn Moore!
Batman Classic 1966 TV Bust – Bookworm
A Diamond Select Toys Release! Batman can defeat any foe, but can he stand up to the power of reading? Bookish Bat-foe Bookworm is the newest character in DST’s line of resin busts based on the Batman Classic TV Series! Depicting the villain as he was played by Roddy McDowall, this bust measures approximately 6 inches tall atop a pedestal inspired by the show’s animated opening sequence. Limited to only 3,00 pieces, it comes packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean!
Marvel Gallery Statue – Iron Man By Bob Layton
A Diamond Select Toys Release! The Marvel Gallery line of dioramas continues with one of the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes: Iron Man! Wearing his classic red-and-gold armor, Iron Man hovers above the ground using his boot-jets, and is ready to join his fellow Avengers in the popular PVC line. Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, this diorama featured detailed sculpting and paint applications, and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Mat Brouillard!
Marvel Gallery Statue – Luke Cage (Netflix Series)
A Diamond Select Toys Release! Sweet Christmas! Start next year’s X-Mas list early, and be sure to include this diorama of Luke Cage based on his popular Netflix television series! Featuring the likeness of actor Mike Colter, this diorama places him atop a Harlem rooftop, ready to protect his neighborhood from those who would prey on it. This PVC Diorama measures approximately 10 inches tall and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. Packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Rocco Tartamella!
Marvel Gallery Statue – Old Man Logan
A Diamond Select Toys release! Logan’s back, and this time, he’s even madder! Having recently joined the modern Marvel timeline, this time-displaced Wolverine comes from a future when the villains have taken over America, and he’s looking for payback! Standing on a rocky outcropping, over the remains of Cap’s shield and Iron Man’s armor, this 9″ scale PVC diorama is in scale to all Gallery and Femme Fatales PVC figures. Packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Phil Ramirez!
Marvel Milestones Statue – Armored Thor
A Diamond Select Toys Release! Prepare for the coming of the Odinson! The God of Thunder heralds the return of the Marvel Milestones line of statues, wearing his full armor as seen in Walt Simonson’s issues of the Marvel comic. Swinging his hammer Mjolnir, Thor hovers above the ground, ready to repel any horde that would lay waste to his beloved Asgard! Measuring approximately 12 inches tall, this statue’s production run is limited to only 1,000 pieces, and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Sculpted by Phil Ramirez!
NECA Pays Tribute With ‘ALIENS’ Series 10
There are few lines on the market that are quite as remarkable as NECA’s ‘ALIENS’ line, which is releasing it’s 10th wave this month! To celebrate this momentous landmark of hitting a 10th wave of figures, NECA has themed the entire wave around the classic ‘ALIENS’ toyline made by Kenner Toys in the 90’s! Figures in this Kenner tribute wave include the Gorilla Alien, the Mantis Alien, and the Queen Facehugger! As we mentioned, these are all upgraded versions of classic Kenner ‘ALIENS’ figures done in signature NECA style, making them some truly unique looking display pieces! These are due in stores any day now, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them!
To celebrate the 10th series in our bestselling Aliens line, we’re dedicating the full series to the classic Kenner Expanded Universe Aliens of the early 1990s!
Series 10 includes the powerful Gorilla Alien, the Queen Facehugger, and Mantis Alien, which is cast in translucent green just like the original. Taking inspiration from those designs, our team has transformed these Kenner classics into modern versions with all of today’s detail and articulation.
Each comes with a reprint of the classic Dark Horse mini-comic that was included with the originals! These highly detailed figures stand over 9″ tall and are fully poseable. The special blister card packaging is an homage to the classic card art as well, featuring custom illustrations and a color palette that ties back to the toy shelves of the early ’90s.
If It Bleeds We Can Kill It
Over the years, NECA has released quite a few figures from the ‘Predator’ films, but this new one looks like it’s prepared for the ultimate hunt! This week NECA released new images for their ‘Ultimate Edition’ Jungle Hunter Predator, which is a seriously upgraded do-over of their previously released Jungle Hunter Predator. This new ‘Ultimate Edition’ includes two interchangeable heads, alternative hands, a plasma blaster effect, a removed mask, and even a skull with the spinal chord still attached! Check out the full release from NECA–
At long last, the classic Predators are back – and with some huge upgrades! From the original Predator movie, we present the definitive collector’s version of the Jungle Hunter.
The Ultimate Hunter has received the “Ultimate” treatment, including additional articulation in the biceps (bicep swivels), elbows (double elbow joints) and torso, plus an opening gauntlet! Comes with interchangeable heads and hands, plus skull and spine, mask, cannon blast effect, human skull, and removable backpack. Collector-friendly deluxe window box packaging with opening flap.
NECA Plunges Into ‘Valerian’
While there isn’t much information available just yet regarding just what they will be doing with the license, NECA has recently revealed on twitter that they have picked up the license for the upcoming sci-fi film ‘Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets’! This film is coming from the creative director behind the iconic science fiction masterpiece ‘The Fifth Element’, so it’s likely to be something to get excited about! Check out the film’s trailer and synopsis below-
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In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) maintain order throughout the universe for the government of the human territories. Under orders from their commander (Clive Owen), the duo embark on a mission to Alpha, an intergalactic city where diverse species share their technology and resources for the betterment of all. The ever-expanding metropolis is also home to sinister forces that jeopardize the future of mankind.
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!
Ready To Save San Fransokyo
Since they first hit, Funko’s Dorbz line has been growing pretty steadily in popularity and sneaking right up on Funko’s own POP! Vinyls line in the collectors market for all of your favorite pop culture characters! Now Funko is adding even more of your favorite heroes to the mix with their new ‘Big Hero Six’ series of Dorbz, which will include Hiro Hamada, Armored Baymax, and Non-Armored Baymax! Of course, what new series is complete without a few Chase figures and variants? You can keep an eye out for the ‘Pain Chart’ Baymax Chase figure (1 in 6 rarity) as well as the Hot Topic exclusive ‘Glow In The Dark’ Baymax! These are due in stores in February 2017.
Funko Is Back In The Game
If you’re a gamer, then Funko has a few fantastic new treats in store for you! This week Funko has announced new POP! Vinyls based on two of the biggest franchises in video game history, ‘Fallout’ and ‘Tomb Raider’!
From Bethesda’s ‘Fallout 4’, Funko has revealed a new wave of POP! vinyls including fan favorite characters like Nick Valentine, Piper, Codsworth, Paladin Danse, X-01 Power Armor, and a 6″ Super-Sized POP! of Liberty Prime! Additionally, there will be a Target exclusive ‘Rusty’ Cogsworth, and a Gamestop Exclusive ‘Battle’ Liberty Prime! These are set to his stores in Spring 2017.
While we’re already on gaming, who could forget Funko’s new line of ‘Tomb Raider’ products? IN order the celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ‘Tomb Raider’ franchise, Funko is producing both a POP! Vinyl and a Rock Candy figure of the series heroine Lara Croft! These are due in stores in February 2017.
On The Twelve Days Of Funko…
At the end of each year, Funko spends the last few weeks to bring fans a ton of awesome new teases and announcements for what we can expect in the next year coming up and it always leaves people drooling with excitement! The team at PopVinyls has been keeping track of the new reveals each day, and we’ve compiled a list of everything revealed so far! Last week we ran through what was announced during the first six days, and now we’re back with days seven through twelve of Funko’s year end reveals! Here’s the full rundown-
- ‘Wonder Woman’ movie POP! Vinyls, Dorbz, Rock Candy & Pint Sized Heroes
- ‘Justice League’ movie POP! Vinyl, Mystery Minis, & Dorbz
- DC TV Mystery Minis
- ‘Batman 66’ Wave 2 POP! Vinyls, Action Figures
- ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ Wave 2 POP! Vinyls
- More DC Comics themed Rock Candy and Dorbz
- ‘Donnie Darko’ Dorbz
- ‘Planet Of The Apes’ Dorbz
- ‘Carrie’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Psycho’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Reservoir Dogs’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Tommy Boy’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Krampus’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Kingsman’ POP! Vinyls
- More ‘Lord Of the Rings’ & ‘The Hobbit’ POP! Vinyl, Dorbz, & Rock Candy
- More ‘Harry Potter’ POP! Vinyls, Plush, & Rock Candy
- Green Day, Metallica, Alice Cooper, Jimi Hendrix, Justin Bieber POP! Vinyls
- ‘Seraph Of The End’ POP! Vinyls & Dorbz
- ‘Naruto’ Dorbz
- More ‘Sailor Moon’ POP! Vinyls & Mystery Minis
- ‘Bananya’ POP! Vinyls
- More Anime Mystery Minis
- ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Tekken’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Dragon Age’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Destiny’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Sister Location’ POP! Vinyls
- ‘Street Fighter’ & ‘Megaman’ Pint Sized Heroes
- ‘Overwatch’ Mystery Minis
- Retro Gaming Mystery Minis
- More Hanna Barbara
- More Ad Icons
- Dr. Seuss POP! Vinyls, Dorbz, Mystery Minis
- ‘Looney Toons’ POP! Vinyls & Dorbz
- ‘Woody Woodpecker’ POP! Vinyls
- Saturday Morning Cartoon Action Figures
And there you have it! While we’re sure there will be plenty more from Funko in the coming year besides what’s on this list, it’s awesome to get a good idea of what kind of new products we can look forward to!
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!
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.
