Toy News Tuesday: The Force Is Strong With This Week

We are back once again with 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! I don’t know about you guys, but over here we’re all still really pumped about all the amazing reveals and announcements that came out of Star Wars Celebration 2017 this past weekend! We’ve got plenty of fantastic new ‘Star Wars’ merchandise coming our way this year, plus lots of other great new non-‘Star Wars’ items from some of our favorite companies like Mezco, Funko, and McFarlane Toys! There are lots to see in the Toy News for the week of April 18th, 2017!

The Force Is Back In Black

As we’re sure many of you already know, this past weekend the world celebrated the 40th Anniversary of a little franchise called ‘Star Wars’ at Star Wars Celebration 2017 in Orlando, FL! During the fan expo, people from all walks of life turned up to celebrate their love of this iconic franchise, and many of the companies involved in why we love it so much were there to help in the celebration by revealing some awesome new products we can look forward to collecting! The team at Hasbro was on site to showcase a variety of new ‘Star Wars’ pieces, but the ones you’re likely most excited about are the new 6″ Black Series figures! New figures announced for the highly popular 6″ scale ‘Star Wars: Black Series’ line includes:

SDCC Exclusive Luke Skywalker with Landspeeder Vehicle ($89.99 / Available exclusively at San Diego Comic Con)

SDCC Exclusive Grant Admiral Thrawn ($49.99 / Available exclusively at San Diego Comic Con)

Rey with Rey’s Speeder Vehicle ($59.99 / Summer 2017)

Jaina Solo ($19.99 / Fan Vote Contest Winner / Available Fall 2017)

Grand Moff Tarkin ($19.99 / Spring 2018)

Inferno Squadron Pilot ($19.99 / Available exclusively at Gamestop Stores / Fall 2017)

Commander Gree (19.99 / Available exclusively at Toys R Us Stores / Summer 2017)

In addition to these new ‘Star Wars: Black Series’ figures being revealed, Hasbro also announced the official return of the 3.75″ scale ‘Star Wars: Vintage Collection’ which features super articulated and newly sculpted versions of your favorite ‘Star Wars’ characters from across the entire saga! The first figure to be released in the new ‘Vintage Collection’ is Rey, who should be hitting stores later this year.

The Forces Of Destiny Are Strong

As if they hadn’t already given us enough this week, the team at Hasbro had one more phenomenal trick to pull out of their sleeve this past weekend at Star Wars Celebration 2017 in the form of their new 11″ scale ‘Forces of Destiny’ figures! These new figures are set to bridge the gap between action figures and dolls to bring kids and collectors of all genders a line to get excited about!

The line itself is going to be based on a series of new animated shorts featuring a number of fan favorite characters like Rey, Sabine Wren, Leia Organa, Ahsoka Tano, Jyn Erso, and more! While it may seem geared a bit more towards girls at first glance (and there is a heavy focus on heroinism in the line), Hasbro’s new ‘Star Wars: Forces Of Destiny‘ line is looking like a highly stylized line of collectibles that will be great for any ‘Star Wars’ fan. Check out the release from Hasbro below:

Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Star Wars Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe. An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3 minutes in length) will explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia, Ahsoka Tano and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new ‘Adventure Figures’ – a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play Star Wars.
“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”
Developed by Lucasfilm Animation, Star Wars Forces of Destiny will remain true to the Star Wars canon, showing how choices both big and small ultimately shape the destinies of beloved characters. Launching in July, the animated micro-series will be available on Disney YouTube ahead of a two-part TV special featuring eight additional shorts on Disney Channel in Fall 2017. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices in the series, including: Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn), Tiya Sircar (Sabine), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata as narrator).
Star Wars Forces of Destiny will also be supported by global product extensions, including books, apparel, bedding, and toys – including the new line of ‘Adventure Figures’ created by Hasbro, which bridges the gap between traditional action figures and dolls. Each individually designed figure features dynamic action, like Rey swinging her lightsaber, along with multiple points of articulation to help recreate the characters’ adventures and heroic moments with different poses.
“From Princess Leia to Sabine Wren, Star Wars heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for Star Wars Forces of Destiny,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The result is the creation of our new ‘Adventure Figures’ that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.”
The 11-inch figures will depict characters including Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, plus loveable sidekicks and epic villains like BB-8, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and many more. Hasbro is also rolling out Star Wars Forces of Destiny role play and accessories—from Rey’s Extendable Staff, to a new, electronic Jedi Power Lightsaber, which are part of their Star Wars Bladebuilders system.
Adds John Frascotti, President of Hasbro: “As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the Star Wars brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”

In addition to the figures shown above, Hasbro has also revealed plans for ‘Star Wars: The Forces Of Destiny’ figures of Leia Organa (Endor outfit with Wicket sidekick), Luke Skywalker (Bespin gear with Yoda sidekick), and Chewbacca!

Rebel Rebel

‘Star Wars’ love is still burning up across the board in celebration of the franchise’s 40th anniversary, so what better way to celebrate than with a new figure based on the series most recent release, ‘Rogue One’? The team at Hot Toys has yet another fantastic looking 1:6th scale Jyn Erso figure coming our way later this year, and this time she’s rocking her Imperial Disguise look from the film’s finale! Check out the full release info from Hot Toys below:

Rogue One – 1/6th scale Jyn Erso (Imperial Disguise Version)
“They have no idea we’re coming.” Tasked with a dangerous mission to destroy the Empire’s super weapon Death Star in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, our courageous heroine Jyn Erso infiltrates the Empire military installation in order to capture the Death Star plans and stop this terrifying weapon of destruction!
Today, in anticipation to Star Wars Celebration 2017, Hot Toys is thrilled to introduce the 1/6th scale collectible figure of Jyn in her Imperial disguise outfit as an exclusive item only available in selected markets to commemorate this special occasion! Skillfully crafted based on the appearance of Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso in Imperial disguise, the highly accurate collectible figure features a newly painted head sculpt of Jyn Erso, an interchangeable Imperial Ground Crew helmet, expertly tailored costume, a pair of batons, a blaster pistol, and a specially designed figure stand. Save the rebellion and add this remarkable collectible figure to your Star Wars collection now!

“Finally!”

In other space adventure related news, Marvel’s ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2’ is set to hit theaters in just a little over two weeks! This week the team at Hot Toys has officially unveiled their new 1:6th scale ‘GOTG V2’ Star Lord figure, and wow is this one a doozey! Beyond the short jacket look that was notoriously missing from their Starlord figure from the first film’s line, fans can also look forward to a new jetpack accessory and a small Baby Groot figure! The real icing on the cake though is the special ‘Deluxe Edition’ version that will also include Starlord’s long coat as well, plus a special red long sleeved tee, and an ‘activating’ helmet accessory! Check out the full releases for both from Hot Toys below:

GOTG Vol. 2 – 1/6th scale Star-Lord Collectible Figure

The galaxy won’t save itself and it’s up to the Guardians of the Galaxy to save it in the upcoming widely anticipated Marvel Studios blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! As the movie’s debut is edging closer, audience will surely be excited to see how the epic story will unfold in this new adventure!
Today Hot Toy is thrilled to present the new 1/6th scale collectible figure of the Guardians of the Galaxy’s leader – Star-Lord! The new Star-Lord 1/6th scale collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Pratt as Star-Lord in the film. It features a newly developed head sculpt, a newly painted interchangeable LED light-up masked head sculpt, highly detailed and finely tailored costumes, a pair of blasters, a new jetpack, and a miniature Baby Groot that can be placed on Star-Lord’s shoulder! It’s time to bring the new galaxy-saving hero home to your Marvel collection!
GOTG Vol. 2 – 1/6th scale Star-Lord (Deluxe Version)
You only get one chance to save the galaxy twice. Marvel fans around the world will rejoice as the release of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ fun-filled blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, is coming very soon! Set 3 months after the exciting adventure of their first galaxy saving quest, the Guardians of the Galaxy is set on a new journey to become two-time galaxy savers this time around!
In anticipation to this epic blockbuster’s debut, Hot Toy is very excited to introduce a Deluxe Version 1/6th scale collectible figure of the Guardians of the Galaxy’s leader – Star-Lord! The new Star-Lord 1/6th scale collectible figure is expertly crafted based on the image of Chris Pratt as Star-Lord in the film. It features a newly developed head sculpt, a newly painted interchangeable LED light-up masked head sculpt, finely detailed and meticulously tailored costume including a leather-like jacket, a pair of blasters, a new jetpack, and a miniature Baby Groot that can be placed on Star-Lord’s shoulder!
This Deluxe Version will specially include an additional Star-Lord helmet in activating mode that can be worn on the head sculpt, an interchangeable long sleeve tee, and Star-Lord’s iconic red color long coat offering even more display options for many fans’ favorite “legendary outlaw”! The leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy is waiting for you to bring him to your great collection!

Quantum Mechanix Makes It So

If you’re a ‘Star Trek’ fan and a 1:6th scale collector then our friends at Quantum Mechanix are about to make your day! This week they officially opened pre-orders for their long-in-the-works 1:6th scale figure of none other than Captain Jean-Luc Picard! This figure sports an uncanny likeness of actor Patrick Stewart and includes a ton of item specific additional hands as well as a bevy of character specific accessories to hold in them like a phaser, a tricorder, and even a teacup (for when you need some Earl Grey, Hot). If you wanted to add this amazing Picard to your collection of 1:6th scale figures, he’s going to set you back around $179.95; which is a small price to pay for perfection like this!

QM has also announced a ‘QMX Exclusive’ version that is only available directly through the QMX website which includes a Type III phaser rifle (as well as a pair of hands designed to hold it), which is priced at just $20 more for $199.95. Check out the full release from Quantum Mechanix below!

QMx is proud to present the first 1:6 scale Master Series articulated figure from Star Trek™: The Next Generation (TNG) — Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Captain Picard commanded the Enterprise through seven seasons on television and four feature films. This 1:6-scale figure was developed by Star Trek superfan Nanjin and re-creates this iconic character in exquisite detail. Standing approximately 12 inches tall, every element, from his 24th century tunic to his custom black boots, is authentically reproduced. The original portrait sculpt of Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard has an authentic, hand-painted likeness.
The QMx Captain Picard 1:6 Scale Articulated Figure includes:
Fully Articulated Body: More than 30 points of articulation allow the figure to be displayed in multiple dynamic poses, approximately 30 cm tall.
Realistic Portrait: Lovingly rendered by a top artist, this is a perfect likeness of Patrick Stewart as the good captain. Each head sculpt is specially hand-painted.
Starfleet Duty Uniform Tunic: Meticulously researched, this duty uniform tunic matches the pattern, fabric and color of the original costume. An authentically scaled TNG communicator badge is permanently affixed to the tunic.
Starfleet Duty Uniform Pants: This faithful replica of the pants worn by the Enterprise crew in Star Trek™: TNG feature accurate styling to the original costumes. A magnetic fastener allows the phaser holster to attach to the pants.
Boots: Leather-like material cut in the original style of the footwear worn in Star Trek™: TNG, these boots zip up on the inside.
Star Trek TNG Display Base: A custom display base featuring the TNG delta design will hold up the figure and allow more extreme poses.
For details on the equipment and multiple hands that come with this Picard figure, please click on the Accessories tab. To learn more about a special offer, click on the Exclusive Edition tab.
This fine collectible figure is a perfect rendition of a very popular Starfleet captain and a great start to your Star Trek™ 1:6-scale figure collection.

“SAY ‘WHAT?’ AGAIN!”

While it isn’t quite science-fiction, most people we know can’t get enough of the cult classic Quentin Tarantino hit film ‘Pulp Fiction’! If you can count yourself into that crowd, then you’re in luck! The team at Titan Merchandise has a whole new wave of their 3″ Titan Minis based on the hit film coming our way later this year! The new ‘Pulp Fiction’ line from Titan Merchandise has so far had 10 figures revealed, with more to come! Plus there are set to be 4 super-rare chase figures, as well as1 ultra-rare chase! Considering what characters have been announced so far (as seen in the image below), it’s probably safe to guess that a few of the “figures to be announced later” or chase figures will include Butch, The Wolf, and if we’re incredibly lucky we will get Vincent in Jules in their shorts and tee shirts. These are due to release later this year.

The Sectaurs Are Back

Remember that toyline from when you were a kid that was kind of like ‘He-Man’ except that everything was insect or bug themed? Well It’s back! Thanks to the team at ZICA Toys (and a planned Kickstarter), ‘The Sectaurs’ are making a return to your collection with a new 4″ scale figure line! While these are a bit smaller than you remember, it’s still a throwback and a half to see this long dead line making a comeback! The first wave of figures is set to be comprised of 10 characters (8 characters from the original line, and 2 ‘army builders’), with one to be revealed each month until the eventual Kickstarter launch. The first figure announced so far is Dargon!

In addition to the first wave, ZICA Toys has big plans to expand the line in the second wave with updated versions of all the classic ‘Mount’ creatures and vehicles, as well as the ‘Hyve’ playset eventually! Here’s hoping the Kickstarter is successful and this whole brand comes back in a big way.

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McFarlane Is Ready To Dance Magic Dance

It’s been over thirty years, but we’re finally getting the figure of David Bowie as Jareth The Goblin King from Jim Henson’s ‘Labyrinth’ that we deserve! Releasing as a part of McFarlane Toys ‘Color Tops’ line later this year, this new 7″ scale Jareth figure includes his iconic Glass Orb accessory, as well as a masquerade mask, and a display stand. Jareth is set to have 12 points of articulation when he releases this October. Luckily you won’t have to spend all your gold to bring the Goblin King home, as Jareth is set to cost just $19.99.

Labyrinth-Jareth-The-Goblin-King-Figure-by-McFarlane

New Surprises From Mezco

Our friends at Mezco have always been known to pull awesomeness out of nowhere, and this week they’ve got two fantastic new pieces to show off that you’re going to want to add to your display case!

First up is their new 15″ Mega Scale ‘Sam’ figure from ‘Trick R Treat’! Sam is fully articulated with a real cloth outfit and a removable mask! He’s going to set you back about $90.00, but that’s a small price to pay for the new patron saint of Halloween! Check out the release from Mezco below:

Part pumpkin, part supernatural being, it’s Sam, the enforcer of the rules of Halloween. Straight from the cult status film Trick ‘r Treat, Sam shows no mercy to those who disrespect his holiday. He may look child-like and dressed for trick-or-treating, but Sam is the personification of Halloween itself. Standing an impressive 15 inches tall, Sam comes complete with his infamous and mysterious sack as well as his deadly oversized translucent lollipop. Remove his film accurate hood mask to behold his twisted demonic visage. His tattered orange footie pajamas complete the outfit. Sam features over 9 points of articulation, and comes packaged in a specially die-cut window box perfect for display. Just remember, he can watch you from inside the box, so don’t blow out your pumpkin until midnight. Look for Sam to creep into stores in Sept-Nov 2017.

If ‘Trick R Treat’ isn’t your thing, maybe a little Harley Quinn action might do it for you? Mezco has finally released official images of their new ‘Living Dead Dolls Presents’ Harley Quinn figure! This 10″ scale doll brings all the fun of the ‘Living Dead Dolls’ line to the DC Universe’s own Clown Queen Of Crime in perfect detail! Harley is set to retail for $50.00 when she releases this summer! Check out the full release from Mezco below:

Harley Quinn, the deranged and psychotic poster girl for the terrifying allure of chaos is the darling of DC Comics. Both adorable and dangerous Harley Quinn is the Joker’s devoted girlfriend. When not up to no good what pleases Harley most is making the Clown Prince of Crime happy.
Now we proudly present her in all her deranged glory. Wearing her traditional red and black harlequin clown costume with matching jester hat, Harley is ready to do whatever “Mistah J” needs. Her look is complimented by a permanently affixed domino mask.
She comes complete with her oversized hammer, perfect for squashing any pesky bats who try to ruin her puddin’s fun.
Harley Quinn is fashioned on our signature LDD presents body. She stands ten inches tall and features five points of articulation. She comes packed in a specially die cut window box perfect for display, but just like Arkham, it may not hold her for long.

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!

More Titan On The Attack!

Funko is delving back into fan-favorite anime series ‘Attack On Titan’ to bring us more of our favorite characters as POP! Vinyls! This June you’ll be able to add Annie Lionhart and Levi to your collection, as well as 6″ Super Sized POP! Vinyls of The Female Titan and Armored Titan!

New Funko Exclusives Abound

As always, Funko has quite a few awesome looking new exclusives coming our way! Starting in May 2017 you will be able to find a few new Walgreens Exclusive Dorbz figures in the form of Iron Patriot and Compound Hulk! If that’s too far off, in April you can find the new Blackfire POP! Vinyl from ‘Teen Titans Go!’ at Toys R Us Stores! Plus later this spring, you can find a new Books A Million exclusive Batgirl POP! Vinyl as well! As always, Funko wants to keep you hunting for new exclusives, so what are you waiting for?

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 Staff Writer & our resident Toy Columnist 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.