Raving Toy Maniac is pleased to bring you a look at an action figure line from across the pond. Giochi Preziosi, an Italian toy company, has just released a full toyline based on the on the popular Italian comic book character Diabolik, who is now the star of a popular animated series airing on M6 in France. Unfortunately, for the time being, this line is only available in Europe.
Most Americans are probably not familiar with the 30 year old character first created by Angela and Luciana Giussani in 1962, published by Astorina. In the comic series Diabolik is a clever and capable thief and a master of disguise. He, along with his lover Eva Kant, conspire to commit some of the wildest robberies ever.
The comics are now being translated and published in the U.S. by Scorpion Productions. The first issue, published in a small, squarebound format, came out last June.
European readers might not recognize the character in his new animated incarnation. While visually the character appears the same, idealistically he and his world are radically different. Gone is the master thief, and sometimes ruthless killer. In his place there is something of a high-tech superspy, complete with all the nifty vehicles and gadgets that make for the perfect toyline..
The animated series is a co-production between Saban, France's M6, Italy's Mediaset and Toho/Ashi Production Company of Japan. "We turned a character who was originally a bad guy [in the comic book series] into a hero who is a mix of James Bond and Batman," says Michel Welter, president of Saban Enterprises International.
Most of the figures in the line are highly articulated. Diabolik himself sports ball-jointed shoulders and hips, as well as neck, elbow and knee joints. Bad guy Dane only has the standard 5 pt articulation (neck, shoulders, hips).
The packaging is very nicely done, and features a striking clear area where Diabolik's eyes peer right at you!
 |
 |
 |
|
Diabolik
figure carded
|
D-Shadow
Stalker
(no
armor)
|
D-Shadow Stalker
(armor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part of Diabolik's arsenal is the very cool Street Sub
bike. This awesome vehicle transforms from high-tech motorbike with
underwater capabilities, to a surface skimming jet-ski. It also features
pop-out side firing missile launchers.
The line also features the D-Sport transforming sports car,
which is certain to give the Batmobile a run for it's money in
coolness.
|
Of course, you have to have supporting characters, and the first assortment of Diabolik action figures features (left to right) 3: Dane, who is Diabolk's arch-enemy in the animated series; Wolf, a tough as nails mercenary with big guns and one good eye and, of course, Eva Kant. The assortment is rounded out by several different mission-specific variants of Diabolik himself that are actually just as cool as the standard issue figure. No bright colors for this guy!
Lastly, there is a 12" figure of Diabolik himself, equipped with backpack, grappling hook with rope, and a dagger. The 12" figure is all-plastic, and features generous articulation.
There is a chance that this line could become available to American audiences. The animated series is slated to air sometime on the Fox Family Channel, and Giochi Preziosi has established a U.S. subsidiary based in Illionois, GP Toys.
To find out more about Diabolik visit these websites:
Diabolik comics are available at your local comic book shop through Diamond Comic Distributors.
Special thanks to Seb for acquiring the Diabolik figures.
News |
Chat |
Features |
Toy Buzz |
Links |
Main
