Once again we’re proud to welcome you to 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! This week we have some fantastic new goodies being revealed from our friends at Diamond Select Toys and DC Collectibles, plus new ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ from Hot Toys and another early look at some upcoming ‘Stranger Things’ figures from McFarlane Toys! There’s plenty to see in the toy news for the week of March 13th, 2018!


No Laughing Matter

This week we are starting things off on a sad note, although it thankfully isn’t too bad. Unfortunately for casual shoppers, the team at NECA has announced that due to licensing restrictions their previously announced series of ‘Dark Horse vs. DC Comics’ sets featuring your favorite DC Comics characters pitted against Aliens and Predators will no longer be available at mass retail! These sets will hopefully still see the light of day and be released, but will only be able to be made available as convention exclusives.

 

Back To The Upside Down

While we have known about these figures for a few months, McFarlane has released a number of new images of their upcoming Dustin and Lucas figures from their 7″ scale ‘Stranger Things’ line! These are both due to hit the market later this month, so it’s not too surprising to see some new images surfacing. The best part? It looks like they updated the headsculpts on both characters and they look like much better representations of their actors now than they previously did! Check out the updated images and info from McFarlane Toys below!

Stranger Things – Dustin Henderson

One fourth of the main quartet in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, Dustin has quickly become a fan favorite with his classic
lines and lovable demeanor. Dustin is always there to support his best friends no matter how strange their adventures get.

  • Spectacular likeness of Dustin sculpted from images of actor Gaten Matarazzo
  • Figure comes with compass, radio, and interchangeable hands
  • Figure is featured in iconic shirt and hat from Stranger Things season 1
  • Designed with 12+ points of articulation for dynamic posing
  • Figure features a stylized Stranger Things branded disc display base and is showcased in retro themed packaging

Stranger Things – Lucas Sinclair

An integral piece to the strange things that occur in Hawkins, Indiana Lucas is there for his friends. Never afraid to voice his
opinion Lucas is strong and always there for friends, no matter what the risk.

  • Spectacular likeness of Lucas sculpted from images of actor Caleb McLaughlin
  • Figure includes wrist rocket, flashlight and interchangeable hands
  • Figure is featured in outfit worn by Lucas in Stranger Things featuring iconic commando headband and corduroy jacket
  • Designed with 12+ points of articulation for dynamic posing
  • Figure features a stylized Stranger Things branded disc display base and is showcased in retro themed packaging

 

“We Are Groot!”

With ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ releasing next month, it only makes sense that we will continue to be bombarded with some phenomenal new toys based on the upcoming mega blockbuster film! The latest offerings come to us from Hot Toys, who have just announced an all new Adolescent Groot 1:6th scale figure based on his appearance in ‘Infinity War’! There will be a standard release of Groot, as well as a deluxe version that comes packed with Rocket Raccoon and some other extra goodies! Check out the full solicitations from Hot Toys below!

Avengers: Infinity War – 1/6th scale Groot Collectible Figure

Arriving shortly, Marvel fans are all excited about the forthcoming blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War landing in cinemas this April and it seems like Groot has grew up a little more from the last time we met him. Under the care of the Guardians, he struggles to find the way to prove himself a dependable hero. As fans everywhere are counting down to the release of the movie, Hot Toys is extremely excited to introduce the latest version of 1/6th scale Groot collectible figure!

The extraordinarily movie-accurate Groot is expertly crafted based on his appearance in the film, featuring highly detailed head sculpt and two interchangeable face sculpts with stunning likeness, impressive paint application on his body reflecting his distinctive appearance, blaster rifle, handheld game console and a movie-themed figure stand with movie logo.

Upgrade your Marvel collection with the newest 1/6th scale Groot Collectible Figure home from the next massive battle yet in the upcoming blockbuster!

 

Avengers: Infinity War – 1/6th scale Groot & Rocket Collectible

Get ready for the return of Rocket and Groot in the upcoming epic release Avengers: Infinity War, which will unveil a first look of the Guardians teaming up with the Avengers! Fans are eagerly anticipating on how Groot continues to prove himself as a dependable hero while battling alongside with his comrade Rocket!

Today, Hot Toys is delighted to present the 1/6th scale collectible set of Groot and Rocket from Marvel’s forthcoming film Avengers: Infinity War. The newly developed Groot is expertly crafted based on his appearance in the film, featuring a finely sculpted head with 2 interchangeable face sculpts, impressive paint application on his body reflecting his distinctive appearance, blaster rifle, handheld game console and a movie-themed figure stand with movie logo.

The movie- accurate Rocket is specially crafted based on his unique physique in the film, it features a newly painted head portraying his roaring expression with remarkable likeness, specially tailored combat suit, interchangeable hands and feet, all-new highly detailed blaster rifle, and a specially designed movie-themed figure with movie logo. Don’t pass up on a chance to grab the Marvel’s galactic inseparable duo Groot and Rocket collectible set to expand on your Avengers: Infinity War collection!

Diamond Select August Solicitations

We’re barely into Spring, but Diamond Select Toys is already thinking well into late summer! This week they’ve released a number of new solicitations for items that are expected to hit the market this August, with new products from Marvel, DC Comics, Ghostbusters, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more! Be sure to check out the full solicitations from DST below!

ARROW CW ARROW VINIMATE
ARROW CW BLACK CANARY VINIMATE
ARROW CW DEATHSTROKE VINIMATE

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Vinimates line is shooting an arrow into hearts everywhere! These 4-inch vinyl figures are based on the popular CW TV show Arrow, and depict three of the show’s most popular characters! Sculpted in a block-figure style, Arrow, Black Canary and Deathstroke each strike battle-ready poses inspired by the show, and come packed in full-color window boxes. Also available: Vinimates from Supergirl and The Flash!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $9.99

 

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES MASKLESS PHANTASM BUST

A Diamond Select Toys release! Who is the Phantasm? That was the mystery in the feature film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, which spun out the television hit Batman: The Animated Series. We won’t spoil who it was, but you’d better watch it soon, because this unmasked bust will do the talking for us! Depicting the Phantasm dramatically removing the distinctive mask from the film, this approximately 6-inch resin bust is limited to only 3,000 pieces and comes in a numbered, full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Varner Studios!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $59.99

 

DC GALLERY SUICIDE SQUAD HARLEY QUINN PVC FIG

A Diamond Select Toys release! Harley Quinn is the woman of the hour, the year and the decade, and this all-new PVC diorama captures her latest comic book appearance, with her corset, trademark hammer and red-and-blue pigtails! Sitting atop a crate of dynamite, Harley measures approximately 8 inches tall, and is made of high-quality PVC plastic with collectible-quality painted details. Packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $45.00

 

GHOSTBUSTERS 2 SELECT ACTION FIGURE SERIES 8 ASST

A Diamond Select Toys release! The boys are back in town! Three new 7-inch scale action figures are joining the ultimate Ghostbusters Action Figure line, each with a piece of the massive firehouse diorama! Based on the sequel Ghostbusters 2, this series features We’re Back Peter in his grey jumpsuit, We’re Back Winston in his grey jumpsuit, and Slime-Blower Ray Stanz with his massive equipment! Each 7-inch figure comes packaged in the famous Select action figure packaging, ready for display with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. And each contributes to the firehouse doors, getting you that much closer to having a Ghostbusters HQ in your own home! Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $24.99

 

MARVEL PREMIERE COLLECTION MAGNETO STATUE

A Diamond Select Toys release! Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, is sure to attract a lot of attention when you unbox this 12-inch scale statue! Measuring approximately 16 inches tall, this piece depicts the X-Men’s greatest foe-turned-ally hovering over a rocky promontory, summoning a translucent sphere of magnetic energy from the very ground beneath him! Limited to only 3,000 pieces, Magneto comes packaged in a numbered, full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Phil Ramirez!In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $150.00

 

MARVEL GALLERY TACO TRUCK DEADPOOL PVC STATUE

A Diamond Select Toys release! Deadpool returns to the Marvel Gallery line in style! Unfortunately, his ride got trashed along the way, and Deadpool is posed atop a destroyed taco truck base, sporting bunny slippers and wielding twin finger guns with the safeties off! This all-new sculpt spotlighting the softer side of Deadpool stands approximately 10 inches tall and is made of high-quality PVC with collectible-quality paint applications. Packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Cortes Studios!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $45.00

 

MARVEL SELECT BEAST COMIC ACTION FIGURE

The newest Marvel Select figure is a beast! Longtime X-Man and Avenger Hank McCoy, a.k.a. Beast, joins the long-running Marvel Select action figure line, adding to the already extensive X-Men line-up. Featuring approximately 16 points of articulation and interchangeable hands, the 7-inch figure comes with a new section of the Danger Room, with climbing bars for the team’s resident super-genius gymnast. Combine it with the other X-Men’s sections of the Danger Room to forge a larger diorama! Packaged in the famous Select packaging, with side-panel artwork for shelf reference.
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $24.99

 

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SELECT AF SERIES 5 ASST

A Diamond Select Toys release! The nightmare continues! With Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas still capturing hearts around the world 25 years after its release, Diamond Select Toys is proud to unveil Series 5 of its acclaimed NBX action figure line! Three new two-packs – Easter Bunny with Igor, Wolfman with Melting Man and Vampire Jack with Batboy – each come with a work table for building their horrible toys! Each pair comes packaged in the famous Select action figure packaging, ready for display with side-panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Dave Cortes!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $24.99

 

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS SILVER ANNIVERSARY
JACK FIGURE

MAYOR FIGURE
PUMPKIN KING JACK FIGURE
SALLY FIGURE

A Diamond Select Toys release! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is turning 25 this year, and Diamond Select Toys is celebrating with a new line of cloth-costumed, fully poseable action figures! Measuring approximately 10 inches tall, each figure features real fabric outfits, multiple points of articulation and character-specific accessories. Jack comes with a podium, the Mayor comes with a telescope, Pumpkin King Jack comes with a sign and torch, and Sally comes with her oven and cauldron! Each figure comes packaged in a coffin-shaped window box.
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $50.00

 

PACIFIC RIM 2 KAIJU HAKUJA PVC FIG

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Uprising is here! This year’s highly anticipated Pacific Rim sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising, features more Jaegers and bigger Kaiju than ever before, and this vinyl figure is the first Kaiju in Diamond Select Toys highly detailed action figure line! Cast in vinyl with intricate sculpted details and paint applications, this approximately 12-inch long figure features multiple points of articulation and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Big Shot Toy Works!
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $45.00

 

DC Collectibles September Solicits

And here we thought that DST was thinking ahead with August solicits, meanwhile we’ve got the team at DC Collectibles thinking ahead even farther to September with a plethora of new goodies for us to consider preordering! Many of these were revealed last month at New York Toy Fair 2018, with new releases including pieces from the DC Essentials, DC Artists Ally, Harley Quinn Red, White and Black, and the Gotham City Garage lines! There’s so much to see here, so be sure to check out the full September solicitations from DC Collectibles below!

DC ARTISTS ALLEY BATMAN B&W VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN
DC ARTISTS ARTIST ALLEY BATMAN VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN

Past the back alleys of Gotham, something is waiting. Deep in the darkness he lurks, ready to strike fear in the hearts of criminals. Illustrator Hainanu “Nooligan” Saulque found him, brought him to the deep chambers of DC Collectibles and gave him a form with a style unlike you’ve ever seen. Batman is released upon the world at 1:11 scale (6.75 inches) in vinyl.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $40.00

 

DC ARTIST ALLEY HARLEY B&W VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN
DC ARTISTS ALLEY HARLEY VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN

From the depths of Arkham, her high-pitched laughter echoes along the cold, concrete walls. “Mista J!” bounds through the halls and illustrator Hainanu “Nooligan” Saulque followed and found HARLEY QUINN. He brought her to the asylum at DC Collectibles and we took the buckles off the straightjacket and released her to the world.But he’s not the only one. An army of some of the sickest artists in the industry has been summoned and they have answered the call. With each new wave of PVC statues comes a brand-new artist and an all-new style, building unreal interpretations of DC’s iconic heroes and villains. This is DC like you’ve never imagined…but they have. Are you ready for DC Collectibles Artists Alley?

Playing up artist Hainanu “Nooligan” Saulque’s contemporary style with a flare of nostalgia comes Harley Quinn. Drawing inspiration on the characters quirky accent and paying homage to one of the most recognizable moments in American sports history comes a Harley you don’t want to miss  DC Artists Alley is a graphic and stylized PVC collector statue line from DC Collectibles based on designs from today’s cutting edge artists. Channeling the popular comic convention experience, DC Artists Alley brings unique, artistic viewpoints to the DCU through highly-detailed, limited edition designer vinyl and includes a print featuring the original artwork the figure is based on.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $40.00

 

DC ARTISTS ALLEY JOKER B&W VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN
DC ARTISTS ALLEY JOKER VINYL FIG NOOLIGAN

Past the back alleys of Gotham, something is waiting. Deep in the darkness he smiles and laughs. Illustrator Hainanu “Nooligan” Saulque found him, brought him to the deep chambers of DC Collectibles and gave him a form with a style unlike you’ve ever seen. THE JOKER is released upon the world. But he’s not the only one. An army of some of the sickest artists in the industry has been summoned and they have answered the call. With each new wave of PVC statues comes a brand-new artist and an all-new style, building unreal interpretations of DC’s iconic heroes and villains. This is DC like you’ve never imagined…but they have. Are you ready for DC Collectibles Artists Alley?

From his distinct style of 1950’s old school Americana, with a postmodern twist, comes artist Hainanu ” Nooligan” Saulque’s unique take on one of DCs’ most iconic villains. This version of The Joker is inspired by Hainanu’s love of vintage newspaper strips creating a never before seen take on one of his favorite DC characters, classic shoes and all! DC Artists Alley is a graphic and stylized PVC collector statue line from DC Collectibles based on designs from today’s cutting edge artists. Channeling the popular comic convention experience, DC Artists Alley brings unique, artistic viewpoints to the DCU through highly-detailed, limited edition designer vinyl and includes a print featuring the original artwork the figure is based on.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $40.00

 

DC CORE BATMAN PVC STATUE

DC COLLECTIBLES gets you to the core of some of DC’s most beloved (and sometimes most feared) characters of all time with this BATMAN DC CORE statue. DC CORE is a line of 9″ premium PVC statues that feature dynamic poses atop integrated character-specific bases and give fans a way to proudly display their favorite DC characters at home, at work, or wherever they want to showcase their fandom.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $50.00

 

DC DESIGNER SERIES JOKER BY BRIAN BOLLAND MINI STATUE

From pages of the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, acclaimed artist Brian Bolland’s iconic rendition of The Joker gets a seven-inch polyresin Designer Series mini statue. Limited Edition of 5,000, this statue sculpted by David Giraud brings to life one of the most seminal interpretations of the Clown Prince of Crime to ever come to comics. DC DESIGNER SERIES statues are based on art from the comic industry’s top creators and recreates their vision in vivid 3D detail. Limited Edition of 5,000 •  Measures Approximately 7.37″ Tall.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $80.00

 

DC DESIGNER SERIES RED HOOD BY KENNETH ROCAFORT STATUE

Inspired by his amazing work during his run as artist on RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS, KENNETH ROCAFORT’S art style is perfectly represented in this 12″ Red Hood statue, which features a super-dynamic pose of Red Hood leaping into the air with both guns drawn.
DC DESIGNER SERIES statues are based on art from the comics industry’s top creators and re-create their vision in vivid 3-D detail.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $150.00

 

DC DESIGNER SERIES TRINITY BY JASON FABOK STATUE

JASON FABOK brings together the classic trio of BATMAN, SUPERMAN and WONDER WOMAN in this heroic and iconic three-figure statue. The 9″ scale characters stand a rock-and-rubble base, and are based on the variant cover to TRINITY #1. DC DESIGNER SERIES statues are based on art from the comics industry’s top creators and re-create their vision in vivid 3-D detail.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $395.00

 

DC ESSENTIALS AQUAMAN ACTION FIGURE

The DC ESSENTIALS AQUAMAN action figure goes back to basics, based on the beautifully intricate designs of JASON FABOK, and captures the true essence of this DC superhero.
DC ESSENTIALS is a line of 6.75″ action figures depicting DC characters with universal appeal, accessible to both longtime collectors and those just starting out. Every product delivers authentic detail from a company with two decades of experience creating high-quality action figures.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $26.00

 

DC ESSENTIALS BLACK MANTA ACTION FIGURE

The DC ESSENTIALS BLACK MANTA action figure goes back to basics, based on the beautifully intricate designs of JASON FABOK, and captures the true essence of this DC superhero. DC ESSENTIALS is a line of 6.75″ action figures depicting DC characters with universal appeal, accessible to both longtime collectors and those just starting out. Every product delivers authentic detail from a company with two decades of experience creating high-quality action figures.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $26.00

 

DC ESSENTIALS BRAINIAC ACTION FIGURE

The DC ESSENTIALS BRAINIAC action figure goes back to basics, based on the beautifully intricate designs of JASON FABOK, and captures the true essence of this DC superhero.
DC ESSENTIALS is a line of 6.75″ action figures depicting DC characters with universal appeal, accessible to both longtime collectors and those just starting out. Every product delivers authentic detail from a company with two decades of experience creating high-quality action figures.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $26.00

DC ESSENTIALS SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE

The DC ESSENTIALS SUPERMAN action figure goes back to basics, based on the beautifully intricate designs of JASON FABOK, and captures the true essence of this DC superhero.
DC ESSENTIALS is a line of 6.75″ action figures depicting DC characters with universal appeal, accessible to both longtime collectors and those just starting out. Every product delivers authentic detail from a company with two decades of experience creating high-quality action figures.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $26.00

 

DOOMSDAY CLOCK DR MANHATTAN OZYMANDIAS AF 2 PACK

DC COLLECTIBLES brings to life the characters featured in the smash-hit comic book series DOOMSDAY CLOCK by GEOFF JOHNS and GARY FRANK. This 2-pack action-figure pairing of DR. MANHATTAN and OZYMANDIAS depicts the worlds of the DC Universe and WATCHMEN colliding for the first time! These figures are in a 6.75″ scale and are loaded with very dynamic articulation points. Collect all three 2-packs for the full experience.
In Shops: Aug 29, 2018
SRP: $50.00

 

GOTHAM CITY GARAGE BATGIRL STATUE

Batgirl (aka Barbara Gordon) launches into the air and future and as speeds through a stalagmite laden base atop motorcycle in this unique addition to the GOTHAM CITY GARAGE statue line.  This dynamic nine-inch polyresin statue sculpted by Paul Harding and Alterton features Batgirl in costume-appropriate leathers and is limited to 5,000 pieces.  GOTHAM CITY GARAGE explores the tough and gritty alter egos of DC’s most iconic characters such asWonder Woman, Catwoman, Batgirl and more. Check out the new Digital First comic series based on the DC Collectibles statue line!
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $350.00

 

HARLEY QUINN RED WHITE & BLACK STATUE BY PHILIP TAN

Based on the HARLEY QUINN #1 variant cover by artist Philip Tan, this statue makes its way into the best-selling line, standing on a Harley Quinn logo base and featuring the Red, White & Black paint deco. HARLEY QUINN: RED, WHITE & BLACK statues are based on art from the comics industry’s top creators and re-create their vision of the red-hot villain in vivid 3-D detail.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $80.00

 

TEEN TITANS BEAST BOY MULTI PART STATUE
TEEN TITANS CYBORG MULTI PART STATUE

BEAST BOY is known as a member of the TEEN TITANS and now serves as one of seven multi-part statues that, when combined, re-create the iconic NEW TEEN TITANS #1 cover by comics legend GEORGE PÉREZ. This 6″ poly-resin statue sculpted by JOE MENNA is limited to 5,000 pieces and is suited to be displayed alone as an expression of your favorite character or combined with the interlocking statues of ROBIN, STARFIRE, CYBORG, KID FLASH, WONDER GIRL and RAVEN to tell the story of this epic young superhero team.
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $80.00

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!

 

June Specialty Series Reveals

This week Funko news is a little light! We’re guessing they announced pretty much everything at Toy Fair last month so until SDCC Exclusives start leaking there isn’t much for them to say! In the meantime, we’ve got the latest figures to be released in the small retailer exclusive ‘Funko Specialty Series’ that can only be found at comic shops and specialty stores! The newest figures to join the line are a Funko POP! Vinyl of The Green Hornet (1960’s) and a Vynl 2-Pack of Prince Adam and Cringer from ‘Masters Of The Universe’! Again, these are due to hit stores in June!

 


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!