Tragic Batman Villain In Iconic Art Style...

Light and dark, good and evil, order and chaos. There aren’t a whole lot of characters who embody all of those dichotomies at the same time like DC Comics’ Two-Face. The general story of Harvey Dent is pretty well known; he was a prosecutor in Gotham City before an attack left him scarred both physically and mentally leading to his adoption of the supervillain Two-Face persona.

“Wait ‘til You Get a Load of Me.”...

This Isn’t Your Father’s Super Powers Figure...

Transforming Pet Turtles, Mix and Match Series, and SDCC Exclusive...

Some toy lines never die. Hasbro and Star Wars. Bandai and Power Rangers. Playmates Toys and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With a recent live action movie and current Nickelodeon cartoon, our "Heroes in a Half Shell" show no sign of loosing their popularity with a new generation of fans and those raised on '80s nostalgia. To keep things fresh in the toy aisle, Playmates has introduced a new theme for the Turtles to play with: Mutations. As if the "Mutant" in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles wasn't enough, the new Mutations toy line doubles the trans-mutating theme with transforming pet turtles and mix and match action figure fun.

You Can't Keep A Good Slasher Down...

Everyone has their favorite Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th films. Some fans enjoy the early "Sack Head" Jason from Part II, while others prefer his Jason X appearance as an unstoppable cybernetic killing machine. For me, Jason became a horror legend when he came back from the dead as a zombie slasher in Jason Lives. This sixth Friday the 13th film marked a major milestone in the series, a moment right up there with Jason donning his hockey mask for the first time in Part III. If Jason Voorhees was frightening before as a deformed serial killer, now he was truly frightening as a monster. A monster that could not be killed.

Like Two Peas In A Pod...

One of my favorite San Diego Comic-Con 2015 exclusives was Funko's bloody Jaws and Quint ReAction figure box set. With the normal retail version of the shark costing $20 and Quint at $10, this 2-pack show exclusive was fairly priced at $30. Getting your hands on it, however, proved to be another issue entirely. In addition to Hasbro, Funko's exclusive line was the longest at the show. And the Friday Hannibal signing? Like trying to get into a sold out U2 concert.

The (Large) Cherry on Top of Your Iron Man Collection Cake...

For those trying to complete their Iron Man 3 "House Party Protocol" in one sixth scale form, Hot Toy's Igor has been a long anticipated release. While far from the final Iron Man suit featured in the climactic scene, Igor's immense size certainly stands out from the crowd. This figure is in-stock and available for order now through Sideshow Collectibles. There's a price to being a House Party Protocol completist, however, Igor setting you back a cool $509.99. To help ease the pain, Sideshow has a payment plan available for as little as $255 a month.

Fun Figures With A Retro 8-Bit Design...

The last time SD Toys visited the geek comedy The Big Bang Theory, the Spanish toy maker had released more traditional figures of Sheldon and Howard. Now SD Toys is presenting the entire cast of the hit sitcom as part of their new line of Pixel mini figures! First unveiled at last year's New York Comic Con , the Pixel collection transforms popular TV and movie characters into blocky 8-bit looking figures. It's a fun, retro approach to toy collectibles, the line debuting with two waves of Big Bang Theory figures, and later expanding to include such other popular film's as The Matrix and The Warriors.

"I'll Make Him An Offer He Can't Refuse"...

Premium Action Figure Release For The Serious Iron Man Collector...

As announced during San Diego Comic-Con, Bluefin has expanded their relationship with Singapore based Comicave Studios (comicavestudios.com) to distribute several really cool upcoming product lines. One such product line is a series of die-cast Iron Man action figures ranging in size from 1/12 and 1/4 scales. Today we're taking a look at the first release in the smaller scale, the Iron Man 1/12 Scale "Shotgun". The Shotgun is just now starting to appear at select online and brick and mortar retailers priced at a MSRP of $140.00. BigBadToyStore.com has the figure for pre-order priced at $134.99.

As the Shotgun's price tag would indicate, this is a premium action figure offering. The packaging reflects that high quality with an attractive window box design, complete with magnetic closing lid. Highly reflective foil stamp is used to eye-catching effect for Comicave's logo in the upper right-hand corner, as well as the call-out in the lower left-hand corner stating "75% Die-Cast Metal". Color me intrigued... let's open this bad boy up.

As mentioned, the Iron Man Shotgun stands in 1/12th scale. That's fancy talk for a 6-inch tall action figure. While not towering huge, collectors will be happy to know that the Shotgun fits in quite nicely with Hasbro's Marvel Legends line, especially that extensive Iron Man 3 wave that came out back with the film's release. The Shotgun is from Iron Man 3, which brings me to another highlight of this figure: this is a first (to my knowledge) of this particular armor being made into an action figure. Sure, Hot Toys has recently announced plans for a 1/6th scale Shotgun, but for right now fans that want new House Party Protocol action - in 6-inch scale no less - need look no further than Comicave Studios.

Despite the Shotgun's 75% die-cast construction, the Shotgun really isn't that heavy. Durable, for sure, but not the brick of heavy metal I was expecting to hold. I guess the die-cast metal of my youth, that being those super heavy Shogun Warrior action figures from Mattel, just isn't the same these days. Modern light-weight alloys and all, I suppose. Regardless, the Shotgun impresses with a crisp detailed sculpt and just tons of fun articulation. Playing around this figure is a blast with tight ball-joints everywhere. Double knee joints allow for deep battle stances, while double joints at the waist let the Shotgun pivot all around.

There's even a hinged joint at the neck on top of the already awesome ball-jointed head, and select armor panels - such as those found on the waist and shoulders - are all hinged for greater flexibility. Even the dark visor on the figure can be positioned up or down.

This figure is already off to an incredible start, featuring amazing sculpt, solid construction and a massive range of movement. It gets even better with the slew of add-on accessories. First off, you get your very own shammy cloth to buff up your Shotgun figure! How's that for awesome? Also provided are numerous alternate hand gestures, including closed fists, slightly open hands, and two pairs of splayed hands bent at the wrists for repulsor beam action.

One of these splayed sets is specially designed with a peg hole that accepts two plug-in blast effects. Cast in translucent orange plastic, these fiery beam blasts look insanely cool. There is also a third, larger blast effect provided that jacks into a hidden hole on the Shotgun's back to replicate the Iron Man armor in flight.

To complete that illusion of the Iron Man armor flying, Comicave provides an excellent themed display base, the type usually reserved for 1/6th scale action figures. Offered is your choice of a clear solid rod (to appear as if he is really flying!), as well as a flexible black metal armature (for more dynamic aerial action). Both support systems feature a claw-like clamp that attaches to the figure.

Other Shotgun features and goodies include a light-up chest repulsor beam, as well as the figures eyes. By flicking a switch on the figure's back, all three sections illuminate with a piercing blue light. All this happens right out of the box - just flip the switch and you're good to go! When your included batteries (button cell) eventually die out, they can be accessed by pulling the Shotgun apart at the waist (it's not as painful as it sounds) and unscrewing the battery compartment. As an extra nod to the figure's premium status, a small Phillips-head screwdriver is provided.

Hasbro's Marvel Legends War Machine Next to Comicave's Super Alloy Shotgun

Great sculpt, incredible construction, and just tons of fun articulation and accessories - Comicave's Iron Man 1/12 Scale "Shotgun" is pretty much a home run of a collectible, all presented with lots of love and care for the property. Premium certainly defines this toy, however that premium status does come at a price. No doubt about it, $140 is a lot of money to spend on a 6-inch figure. $80 I can easily see, but at $140 we're entering dangerously close to high-end 1/6th scale action figure territory, making the value of this figure more uncertain. However, like everything in life - especially in this amazing hobby - it comes down to what you really enjoy or want in a toy. Comicave's Shotgun action figure is like a Lamborghini in the 6-inch action figure world. If you have the monetary means to spend on the best, then you're in for one helluva ride.

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To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, TheToySource.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, MonkeyDepot.com, EntertainmentEarth.com, Amiami, HobbySearch and Hobbylink
For hobby miniatures and all your gaming needs, visit MiniatureMarket.com.

Turtle Power Hits The Streets...

A Little Dancing Fun For Your Guardians Collection...

Captain America's Childhood Hero Turned Villain...

Released late last year from Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier was The Winter Soldier himself, a surprisingly great release from Hot Toys. If a hero is supposed to keep his friends close and his enemies closer, then Winter Soldier is as close as they’ll come as actor Sebastian Stan portrays Bucky Barnes, Captain America’s childhood hero turned villain. The sixth scale figure comes with two portraits, making collectors choose between three different looks, pushing this price tag to a cool $240.

1:6th Scale Iron Man Sets to Compliment Your Display...

Between his three solo outings and two Avengers movies, there has been no shortage of Iron Man armors for companies to replicate in toy form. While I enjoyed Iron Man 3, part of me feels that film was made just so there could be more toys produced. I digress, as there are legions of fans that are eager to complete their Iron Man collections, especially when it comes to Hot Toy's dazzling array of one sixth scale armors. Hot Toys has done most all of them, or is in the process of making them all, and while it's nice to see so many armors released in this scale, it's refreshing to see Hot Toys branch out with something different. That something different is two 1:6th scale Iron Man sets that compliment the passionate Iron Man collector's display: the Iron Man 3 Workshop Accessories Set (ACS002) and the Mark III (Construction Version) Diorama (DS003).

Unlike the bazillion armored suit action figures released in this scale, these two new 1:6 Hot Toys sets aren't required to be a completest. Well, perhaps that's not true, completest does mean everything. What I'm saying is that these two sets are more like add-ons rather than standalone items. If you're looking to spruce up your display, these sets make for really cool additions.

The Mark III (Construction Version) Diorama depicts Tony Starks third Iron Man suit in the process of being built or repaired. It's very similar in concept to the Terminator Salvation T-700 Terminator Factory in that what you get is the suspended bust of the figure in a diorama-like setting with light-up features. We've seen the Iron Man suits battle damaged before, but the Mark III diorama depicts the suit in a state of repair. An arm is missing and the legs are gone, Iron Man's suit trailing all sorts of wires as if they were guts.

Assembly of this piece is pretty straight forward and Hot Toys' illustrated instructions make building it a breeze. I was pretty much awestruck by all the detail in the suit, especially the string of computer boards and "metal" construction of the missing arm. Solid sculpting work elevated by phenomenal paint apps. To add extra dimension to your display, there are two optional chest pieces: a lower exposed portion that attaches via magnets and the red enameled chest cover that slips on via peg and hole. I think most collects will display it fully assembled, if you want to call it that, though combined with the Workshop Accessories Set I can see pieces being placed on the table as Tony Stark goes to town.

The Workshop Accessories Set is the very definition of an add-on, the small foam box housing nothing but Tony Stark's tools of the trade. And what a collection of gadgets you get! First to catch your attention is a large work table. It's cast in plastic, but looks like real steel. I believe it's actually the same table fans received with Hot Toys' Tony Stark Armor Testing Version Set (MMS191), as are many of the tools, including the headset, screw driver, wire cutter, pliers, magazines and blueprints - though the images are different on the latter.

New to this set are a pair of repulsor palms, in-construction bicep armor pieces, battery booster with electrical cables (and "Road Warrior stickers - same battery included with the diorama set above), battle damaged helmet and a pristine helmet with a light-up display stand. The stand can hold the undamaged helmet or you can pop it off and replace the top with a nifty Iron Man 3 logo faceplate. All said, the Workshop Accessories Set is nice if you don't already own the Armor Testing Set or if you simply want more workshop gear to expand your display. Unlike the Iron Man bust diorama, this accessory set is certainly not very much fun on its own. As an add-on this accessory set is a nice Hot Toys offering, however it could us more all-new gear, as opposed to recycled old, to make it a more tempting purchase.

Both sets are in-stock and ready to order via Sideshow Collectibles, the Iron Man Mark III (Construction Version) Diorama priced at $149.99 and the Iron Man 3 Workshop Accessories Set retailing for $124.99. They are certainly on the more affordable end of the spectrum when it comes to Hot Toys figures, making them an attractive add-on to serious Iron Man collectors. Those cherry picking Hot Toys' 1:6 Iron Man collection need not apply.

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To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, TheToySource.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, MonkeyDepot.com, EntertainmentEarth.com, Amiami, HobbySearch and Hobbylink
For hobby miniatures and all your gaming needs, visit MiniatureMarket.com.

A Movie Accurate Collectible with a Pretty Massive Wingspan...

Every now and then when Hot Toys isn’t producing scores of Iron Man armor or variants of the core Avengers, we get a great character release that may not have gotten as much screen time as they deserved, but still played a pivotal role in the Marvel film(s). In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the title character befriends Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who later becomes Falcon, a hero with no special powers but aided with a one-man military-grade flight suit.

Earlier this year Hot Toys released their take in sixth scale of the Falcon, a movie accurate collectible with a pretty massive wingspan. Falcon is currently shipping for the price of $250. It may seem steep but this figure comes with quite a lot.

Let’s start with the outer packaging, which looks no different than other releases from The Winter Soldier, only picking it up you will see just how much heavier it is. The box front, as well as the sides, feature Anthony Mackie as Falcon with his wings spread out, only the outfit on the box is not the actual version we’re getting. The figure itself is a lot more detailed and involved.

The back of the box celebrates the cast and crew of Hot Toys' Movie Masterpiece Series, although it should just say “Crew” since there’s no actual cast. Underneath the top lid we see an insert with a photo of the toy in an action stance. Beneath that are plastic trays stacked upon each other, each compartment holding various items. The figure and accessories are on the top tray while the wings and display base come beneath that.

What makes Hot Toys what they are, are the sculpts of the Masterpiece Series. The majority of the time, each piece knocks it out of the park. With the Falcon, they’re 95% there. Some angles work better than others but for the most part there is no mistaking who this figure is. The paint work on the head is always pretty dead on too and is no different with this figure. The line work is clean and Falcon is as lifelike as he can be.

Articulation is more or less standard across Hot Toys figures now and Falcon has about 30 points. The arms are exposed and he’s wearing short sleeves making it much easier to pose Falcon as well as pop off and on his extra hands. The boots are a little confining, but you will be able to make some decent flight poses.

The accessories are what you’d expect for Falcon, the biggest component being his flight pack that can be worn as is, or with the wings connected on. The wings themselves are articulated to fold down (not very far) or extend all the way out (very far). It’s great that there’s so many different ways to display Falcon, but he really isn’t Falcon without his wings.

The flight backpack also comes equipped with a LED light-up function with an included battery. The switch is concealed on the top of his backpack to activate the light-up feature. It’s a nice feature, but not at all necessary.

To assist with flying, Falcon comes with a diamond-shaped dynamic figure stand with nameplate, movie logo, and flexible pillar. The pillar can be positioned in many ways, making it a little easier to display Falcon in a way that works best for you. However, the grip itself however doesn’t lend itself too well to Falcon’s belt accessories and backpack, making it feel as if you’re damaging the figure.

Falcon only comes with four pairs of interchangeable hands, but he really doesn’t need more than that. He has one pair of fists, one pair of relaxed palms, one pair of palms for holding weapons, and one pair of palms for holding wings.

There’s also two submachine guns, one for each hand to recreate the scene in the film where they extend out from his wrists. When he’s not holding the guns in his hands, there are two sliding wrist bands with pegs to hold the guns.

The costume Falcon is outfitted in is for the main battle sequence towards the end of the film. There’s a dark grey and black vest, grey t-shirt, bicep guards, camouflage pants and shin guards and black boots. If you want to recreate the look from earlier in the film without the vest, you might be able to recreate it but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Falcon is a great release from Hot Toys and no doubt there will be an updated version for Captain America: Civil War, but for those who cannot wait, Falcon is now shipping. $250 does seem high, but it’s an amazing release with a number of display possibilities.

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To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, TheToySource.com, Toynk.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, MonkeyDepot.com, EntertainmentEarth.com, Amiami, HobbySearch and Hobbylink
For hobby miniatures and all your gaming needs, visit MiniatureMarket.com.