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Very recently, a popular on-line forum pronounced that the Full Moon Toys release of Decapitron was summarily cancelled. Nothing could be further from the truth according to Full Moon Toys Vice President Rick Phares."I don't know where this information is coming from, but it's completely untrue. Decapitron has been delayed until November due to some production difficulties, but it is definitely still coming out" said Phares.
Rick told us about a few changes to the Decapitron figure in hopes of reducing the production cost.
"If we had gone without original plan, the figure would have had to sell for like $40," said Phares. "We had to remove the light-up feature because it was too cost prohibitive. In addition, we had to make some changes to the heads that would be included."
The changes to the head includes a substitute for one of the heads that is being called the "Morphing Head."
"In Puppet Master IV and V, you actually see Decapitron in this Morphing Head more than any other head" said Phares.
The packaging for Decapitron will also be an evolution for Full Moon Toys.
"The package will be similar to the Toy Biz Famous Covers figures with a window box where people can slide the tray out and put the figure back in if they choose. Many collectors have been asking for this type of packaging and we're happy to oblige" said Phares.
Look for Decapitron in November. And next up for the gang at Full Moon Toys are Castle Freak and Mephisto. Castle Freak was original slated to be a resin type statue, but is now a full-fledged action figure.
And even cooler than that is Full Moon's next offering: Retro Puppets! Based on original designs for the Puppet Master films, these figures will combine original versions of some of the most well-known puppets with some never-before-seen puppets.
"The first release will be Retro Blade. He's a very different concept than the final version. He has fangs, knives on his hands and a monocle" said Phares.
Also in that first assortment will be a previously unseen puppet called Cyclops. The second assortment features Retro Six-Shooter and a previously unseen puppet named General Death.
These sound like very exciting releases and we'll keep you informed of any further developments.
Last month we showed you a sneak peek at the design for the Iron Man from the classic Avengers boxed set due out next year. Now, Toy Biz has given us the designs for the rest of the set. You won't see these anywhere else.In case you've been living in a cave for the last several months, the classic Avengers boxed set is based on the famous Avengers #1 comic. The set contains the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Wasp, Ant Man and Giant Man. Yes, Giant Man isn't technically in Avengers #1, but it's another classic figure for the set so who's complaining?
The designs were done by the talented folks at the Art Asylum. During our recent live chat with Digger of the Art Asylum, he told us about designing this set. When ask about the future of the Avengers, Digger told us this:
"I don't know what the plans are for additional
Avengers as far as new stuff goes, but the classic line was
designed at the Asylum in a Kirby-esque fashion. Sculpts at
the Asylum are Giant Man and the Wasp. I saw the sculpts on
the rest of the Avengers line and the sculpts look fantastic.
The only disappointment was that we had designed the Hulk
with three toes and it was decided later to give him five. It
was my intention to really capture the fact that Kirby was
working on so many books at lightning speed that the
majority of panels that contain the Hulk did show him with
three toes more often than five."
If you look closely at the Hulk drawings you can almost see the original vision for a three-toed Hulk.
Look for the debut of Ant Man in the upcoming issue of go figure! magazine which will be on sale in August. Other Avengers pictures will be released over the next several months in anticipation of next year's release. We'll bring you the latest developments as they happen.
Click the pictures below to take a look at all the control art for the Avengers:
Previews has unveiled some of their exclusives, and other upcoming action figure releases
Here's the hyperbole straight from the source: "DC�s new JLA is one of top-selling
comics series today. Their
epic "Rock of Ages" story arc
had fans waiting impatiently
each month for the next astonishing chapter! Now,
in honor of the hit series, and the "Rock of Ages" storyline in general, Previews is proud to present
these exclusive 5-figure boxed sets, featuring the
JLA and their evil hard-light holographic
counterparts of the JLA Revenge Squad! That�s
right! In addition to figures of your favorite JLA members, you�ll also find evil dopplegangers of the
JLA cast in clear blue plastic and featuring their
unique color schemes and skull emblems! Set 1
includes: Superman Blue, Green Lantern, Evil
Batman, Evil Flash, and Huntress; Set 2 includes:
Batman, Flash, Evil Green Lantern, Evil Superman,
and Green Arrow. Each figure comes on its own
stand with an exclusive background card reprinting
a JLA cover! " These are all redecoed previously released Total Justice figures.
Also on the horizon Dark Horse Comics is proud to
announce the second release in their ongoing line of action
figures: Martha Washington. Created by two of the comic
medium�s most stellar talents, Dave Gibbons and Frank Miller,
Martha Washington comes to "life" as a fully-articulated 6 1/2"
action figure. Featuring a variety of accessories, the action
figure is packaged in "collector friendly" re-sealable packaging
and will include a special Martha Washington comic book by
Miller and Gibbons available nowhere else! Sculpted by Steve
Kiwus (who has also sculpted many of Toy Biz's X-Men figures), the figure is articulated at nine points, allowing a great
deal of playability. Look for two variant edition figures�each
with a new head sculpt�shipping within case lots: Martha with
long braids and bald-headed. These variants will also include
exclusive accessories not available with the regular figure.
And finally, Jeff Smith�s Bone is one of comics most
beloved and popular independant series in comics today. Now you
can re-enact all your favorite moments from the comics with these
super-cool Bone Action Figures from Resaurus! This first wave may include a mix
of the following figures: Fone Bone, Smiley Bone, Phoney Bone,
Thorn, and a stupid, stupid Rat Creature. Each figure comes
individually packaged, with accessories. A Phoney Bone as Ahab figure will be a Previews Exclusive!
Superman: The Man of Steel line has been seemingly dead for almost two years now, but fans of this short lived line may have cause for rejoicing, as may DC fans in general. In addition to the rumored repainted BTAS Batgirl figure, DC Comics sources have let us know that Toyfare Magazine is also attempting to aquire the last ill-fated figures from the S:MOS line as future exclusives offered in the magazine. The figures being considered include Metallo (not to be confused with the Metallo animated style figure being released by Previews), the Kryptonian (also known as the Eradicator), and King Shark, from the Superboy/King Shark two-pack. It isn't know yet if Street Guardian Superboy, and the Superboy from the two-pack will be part of a later deal, or if they'll permanently reside in limbo.
Add these to the Previews STAS and JLA exclusives, and it looks like DC fans will have a very happy year.
Apparently the wrestling fans out there are very hungry for news of the WCW/NWO line of action figures coming from Toy Biz. We've received a ton of e-mail about a rumor floating around on the line called Bashin' Brawlers. It's kind of a good news/bad news kind of thing. Most of the information people have been e-mailing us is true. There is a line call Bashin' Brawlers. The bad news (for some) is that it isn't the action figure line that everyone is anticipating so highly. These are actually electronic plush figures.
Here are the descriptions straight from Toy Biz:
"Bring the excitement of WCW / NWO wrestling home with Bashin' Brawlers. These life-like 21-inch soft-body wrestlers are equipped with exclusive breakthrough 'Power Sense' technology. Eight sensor zones allow the wrestlers to verbally 'react' to the play action with an appropriate comment recorded by the real wrestler."
"Toy Biz's exclusive Power Sense technology makes the Bashin' Brawlers really come to life. This incredible Power Sense lets the Bashin' Brawlers recognize and react to whatever wrestling move you put on them. Each Bashin' Brawler will yell and scream as you bend their arms or legs. The more you bend them, the more they'll react. Punch them in the gut, piledrive them and grab their noses. You'll have hours of fun replicating all your favorite wrestling moves. The Power Sense even knows when you've pinned the Bashin' Brawler and will give a three count. The only way to get closer to real wrestling action is to climb in the ring. "
Toy Biz wants to hold back on information about the action figure line until it is further along in development. Many of the names tossed around for potential inclusion in the line will indeed come to pass, but Toy Biz has yet to release a final version of the assortments. We'll continue to stay on top of this situation and we'll let you know any news as soon as we can.
Toy Vault Creative Director, Jon Huston dropped us a line to give us a few juicy tidbits about several of their upcoming lines. The work on the first series of Astro City figures is proceeding apace. Work is almost completed on Samaritan and Winged Victory.
Silver Agent and Confessor comprise the second series and Huston let us in on plans for the future assortments.
"I expect control art on Friday for Jack In The Box and Cleopatra" said Huston. "The 7th/8th figures are currently scheduled as Hanged Man & Old Soldier."
And for you Middle Earth fans, news of the upcoming Lord of the Rings figures has been released with photos soon to follow.
"The next two Middle-earth figures will be Frodo The Hobbit and Ugluk The Orc. Photos are expected with [a] press release within 2 weeks" said Huston.
Toy Vault will be represented at the Comic-Con International in San Diego and will have a number of their products there on display. You'll also have the chance to meet with renowned artist and sculptor of some of the Middle Earth Toys, Daniel Horne. Be sure to stop by if you are attending the Con.
Check out Toy Vault's web site at http://www.toyvault.com for all the latest news on all of Toy Vault's projects.
The latest issue of Lee's Action Figure News & Toy Review is on stands now. The cover features the Previews Exclusive Supergirl in all her glory. But the highlights of the issue are a retrospective of the Trendmasters Godzilla line (not the current movie line, but the classic King of Monsters and all his pals) and a rundown of the WWF figures from Jakks Pacific. If you are looking for visual references for these two lines, this is the magazine for you!
Also included are reviews of the upcoming Previews Exclusives, a look at Antarctic Press' future releases and news on currently released items such as McFarlane's Monster Playsets series 2. You can pick this issue up at your local comic shop or magazine stand.
The latest details on all the upcoming Star Wars releases are available through the Hasbro Star Wars web site (http://starwars.hasbro.com). We'll hit the highlights for you here, but head on over to that site for a full run down.
Deluxe 12-inch Exclusives: Electronic C-3PO & R2-D2 - Available 10/98 (Toys R Us)
Trilogy 3-Pack :
Tatooine Luke with Poncho, Han with Flight jacket, Leia Boushh - Available 11/98 (Kaybee)Trilogy 3-Pack II
R5-D4, R2-D2 with Scope, Ewok - Available 11/98 (WAL-MART)
Han in Carbonite - Available 12/98 (Target) Electronic Emperor and Royal Guard - Available 12/98 (Target)
Electronic Boba Fett - Available late 12/98 (Kaybee)
3" Classic Figures
Wave 25: Classic Edition:
Luke Skywalker with Floppy hat, binoculars, rifle, and articulated elbowsAccording to Adam's Star Wars Newsletter, there have been a few snags with the next Internet exclusive figure. Hasbro hopes to have the situation resolved soon and teases that we should look at the beginning of Star Wars very carefully for a clue.
Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with hood up
Yoda with real hair
Darth Vader from Star Wars with double cape over one shoulder
Four figures to be determined at a later date.Available December 1998/January 1999
The sneak preview figure for the Episode One feature film will be announced in the near future as well. Look for it to be on sale in October via a mail in offer requiring proofs of purchase.
That's it for now!
Here is a complete rundown on all the upcoming Toy Biz Exclusives currently in the pipeline. Some are available even as we speak (or in the very near future) and others will be available later in the year. This list does not include things such as ToyFare exclusives or a few single figure exclusives that will be released this year.
B.J.'s Exclusives Spider-Man Monster Mayhem 8 Pack - This gift set is based on the "Neogenic Nightmare" season of episodes from the Spider-Man animated series. It features Spider-Man, Six-Armed Spider-Man, the Man-Spider, the Punisher, Kraven, the Lizard, Morbius and the first-ever "exclusive" J. Jonah Jameson action figure with real fabric clothing. This set features all-new exclusive decos of these classic Spidey characters and is great for both kids and collectors. Limited to 12,500 pieces. Available in August exclusively at B.J's.
X-Men Strike Team 8 Pack - This team set is based on the classic X-Men storyline from Uncanny X-Men issues # 270 - #275 which took the X-Men into space to save their leader, Professor Xavier. This set features Wolverine, Forge, Banshee, Gambit, Storm and Jubilee in their blue/yellow team uniforms. The set also includes exclusive Professor Xavier as Talos and Super Skrull action figures. Both kids and collectors will want to add this set to their X-Men collection. Limited to 12,500 pieces. Available in August exclusively at B.J.'s.
Sam's Club Exclusives Spider-Man Heroes Unite Three Pack - Features Spider-Man, Iron Man and an exclusive Spot action figure. The web slinger and the Iron Avenger join forces to stop the teleporting villain, the Spot. Each figure is exclusively decorated and comes complete with accessories. Limited to 30,000 pieces. Available in October exclusively at Sam's Club.
Spider-Man Masters of Magic Three Pack - Includes Spider-Man, Astral Plane Doctor Strange and exclusive Dormammu action figure. The wall crawler and the Master of the Mystic arts must team up to defeat the otherworldly menace of Dormammu. Each figure is exclusively decorated. Limited to 30,000 pieces. Available in October exclusively at Sam's Club.
Toys R Us Exclusives American Heroes - Captain America and Bucky - This classic two-pack pairs the Star-spangled Avenger with his World War II sidekick, Bucky. You also get a special magnetic address book. As a bonus, Captain America ships with a brand-spankin new shield. This exclusive Bucky figure will be available only through this two-pack available at Toys R Us right now and is limited to 20,000 pieces.
Spider-Man: The Spider and the Crow 5 Pack - This "special collectors edition" features Spider-Man, Spider-Sense Spider-Man, Peter Parker, the Chameleon and an exclusive Scarecrow. This is the only way collectors will be able to get the Scarecrow figure originally scheduled to be released as part of the Street Warriors action figure line. Kids will have hours of fun having their friendly neighborhood Spider-Man battle the master of fear and the man of a thousand faces. Available in October exclusively at Toys R US.
Kay Bee Toys Exclusives 8" Famous Covers Twin Pack - Black Costume Spider-Man and Spider-Woman. Spider-Man fans don't miss your only chance to get this exclusive Spider-Man figure in his black symbiotic costume from the comics and his animated show. True Spidey fans will know that this alien costume eventually bonded with Eddie Brock and became Venom. This twin pack is based on Spectacular Spider-Man # 126 in which Spidey teams up with Spider-Woman to battle the Wrecker. No fan of the Famous Covers figures will want to miss the opportunity to buy these exclusive figures. Limited to only 12,000 pieces. Available in August exclusively at K.B. Toys.
Target Exclusives 8" Famous Covers Twin Pack - Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. Marvel's most famous "cosmic powered" married couple are transformed into ultra-posable 8" figures. This twin pack is based Fantastic Four # 4, the first issue that the foursome started to wear their classic blue and black team uniforms. Limited to 12,000 pieces. Available in August exclusively at Target.
8" Famous Covers Twin Pack - Spider-Man vs. Electro The wall crawler and the master of electricity get the 8" figure treatment This twin pack is based on the Amazing Spider-Man issue #9 in which Spidey first battled Electro. Limited to 12,000 pieces. Available in October exclusively at Target.
We'll have photography on some of these items very soon and we'll get pictures of the rest later in the year as these items get closer to release.
RTM has learned of another potential Superman: The Animated Series (STAS) figure assortment. The future of the assortment is in flux but we may know more after the Hasbro/Kenner pre-Toy Fair (now called "Preview 1999") next week. The assortment was briefly scheduled for the end of the year and then recently cancelled. However, there is still a possibility that the assortment could be revived for something similar to the current STAS assortments on sale through Previews.
The bad news for fans of other DC heroes and villains is that the assortment consists only of Superman variants. They are listed as Energy Blast Superman, Power Change Superman, and Spin Throw Superman. This three figure assortment of Superman variants is very similar to the current assortment of Fortress of Solitude Superman, Strong Arm Superman, and Anti-Kryptonite Superman available only to the International market (not available via Previews).
This begs the question: "What ever happened to the Flash?" A Flash figure was on the schedule for STAS at one point and then was cancelled (along with other figures now being offered through Previews like Supergirl and Bizarro). But Flash has not come back into the loop as the other cancelled figures have. Fans can only hope that the Scarlet Speedster finds a home in one of the animated lines at some point.
The good news in all of this is that the buzz created by the STAS figures offered through Previews bodes well for future arrangements for other DC-related items. We'll keep on top of any developments as they happen.
In keeping with the comics trend of variant covers, this month's ToyFare has two covers...and two exclusive offers. The content of the magazines are exactly the same so don't feel like you are missing out on something if you only bought one version of the magazine. One cover features the new Han Solo in Hoth gear on a Taun-Taun. The other features the new Small Soldiers figures.
The two exclusive offers are also found in both issues. One is a redeco of the Gen13 Fairchild figure in her "original" outfit. The other is a Madman figure with a new Frank Einstein head.
This month's Twisted Mego Theatre features a guest appearance by a gaggle of Smurfs. You can also get first looks at the Sasquatch figure from the Alpha Flight line and the Iron Man figure from the Avengers boxed set due next year.
White's Guide has decided to make its Top Ten lists a regular feature and they are on the cover again for this issue. Expanding their exclusive offers, this issue contains a Platinum Widow figure. The Beanie Babies are really beginning to dominate this magazine, but there is some other content you won't find anywhere else on things like sports figures and other niche collectibles.
Both ToyFare and White's are available right now.
Sources attending the licensing expo in New York City recently have let us in on several things related to the future of animated series featuring Marvel characters. First and foremost, the Captain America animated series project is now pretty much officially shelved. There had been disagreement about the show's setting and themes and now the project has been canned.
This news comes on the heels of several sources reporting a rift between Saban and Marvel that has apparently tanked the Silver Surfer series. Several sources are reporting that the Silver Surfer series will not return for a second season even though ratings for the series have been quite strong. Take heart Silver Surfer figure fans. Toy Biz has stated that they still plan on releasing the remaining Silver Surfer action figures they have planned. Of course, things could always change depending on any number of factors, including some resolution to the apparent disagreements between Marvel and Saban. The nature of those disagreements is unknown at this time.
And finally, our sources tell us that talks about future Marvel-oriented series continue in the Marvel/Fox camps. And advertisement for Wizard #85 features the Avengers in a very animated style. This has fans all abuzz about the possibility of an Avengers animated series. The Avengers are indeed one of the properties on the short list of potential animation projects. Surprisingly, the other name mentioned is a series based on the Inhumans. Only time will tell which (if either) of these projects will get the green light. Even though there have been a few hitches of late, Marvel remains committed to producing animated series based on its large staple of characters.
As announced during the licensing expo at the Javitz Center (the same place where much of Toy Fair takes place) WB Animation has made a change in the title of the new Batman animated series. Originally titled "Batman Tomorrow" the powers that be felt that the name could lead to confusion in promotional spots. For example, it could be quite confusing to use the line "today on Batman Tomorrow."
The new name selected for the series is "Batman Beyond." The show's premise remains unchanged. It is a potential future Gotham where a new Batman is mentored by Bruce Wayne to protect and serve the city. Look for the debut this fall on the Kids WB.
Skybolt Toyz, the toy manufacturer who recently cancelled the X-O Manowar and Faith action figures, has announced today it is moving full steam ahead on several exciting projects and that the company is focused on the future.
In their May press release announcing the cancellation of X-O and Faith,
Skybolt stated it believed the Faith action figure may have been under
ordered
because Faith is a lesser known comic book character. Skybolt attributed
poor
orders for the X-O Manowar action figure to low retailer confidence
resulting
from Acclaim Comics' unexpected publishing hiatus (and the uncertain
future of
the X-O Manowar comic book title).
Steven Zyskowski, VP of Skybolt Toyz, explains, "Canceling X-O and Faith was, without a doubt, the most difficult business decision we've ever had to make. With a completely vacuum metalized costume, X-O was one of the most expensive hobby-market exclusive action figures ever solicited. We really needed to sell about 20,000 figures just to break even and we had orders for only 6,500. I understand the frustration and disappointment some collector's are faced with as a result of this announcement and we sincerely apologize for that."
Skybolt Toyz reports very strong orders for the Girls Of Chiodo Series I figure set based on the original characters created by Image super star, Joe Chiodo. Skybolt says it will be soliciting an all-new Girls of Chiodo figure set in October, featuring Space Girl and Flower Child. The toy company revealed that subsequent Girls of Chiodo sets are in the pipeline.
Zyskowski continues, "In addition to the Girls of Chiodo projects, we're also very optimistic about the Brigid The Protector action figure, based on the popular Liar Comics comic book, More Than Mortal. We also have several other exciting projects in the works which will knock the socks off collectors and our competition - stay tuned for more."
To date, Skybolt Toyz has delivered more action figures to the direct market than any other independent toy company (Hellina, Nira X, CreeD and Double Impact). Skybolt Toyz also said the following figures are on schedule and will be shipping to stores on time: Light Up Eyes Hellina, Letha, Cynder and Girls of Chiodo Series I.
We've received a ton of mail about the Previews exclusive Superman: The Animated Series (STAS) figures. Rather than try to answer all that mail individually, we're going to try to cover the most frequently asked questions here.
First of all, Fortress of Solitude Superman, Strong Arm Superman and Anti-Kryptonite Superman (all previously shown here) are not being offered by Previews at this time. Previews was not able to get orders in for this assortment in time so, for now, this assortment will be released Internationally only. The same thing goes for the Darkseid/Superman two-pack. However, if sales of the currently offered STAS items go well, there is a possibility that these other items might find their way into some special promotion such as a three pack or something similar. No firm plans yet though. So if you want these items in their original packaging, better make some friends overseas or find a company that will be importing them.
Secondly, there is a lot of confusion over the Previews listing of figures in the Deluxe assortment. Yes, to the best of our knowledge, two of the Deluxe figures have been previously released here in the U.S. as City Camo Superman (now City Stealth Superman) and Vison Blast Superman (now Power Vision Superman). We also showed pictures of Wall Smashing Superman though that item didn't make the list in Previews. What does this all mean? Well, nothing yet. The exact case assortments have yet to be determined by Previews. They are making every attempt to bring us the figures that have never been released in the U.S.. However, this is a complicated process and information becomes quickly outdated. What was listed in the most recent Previews was just one such product list. Very soon, the folks at Previews will be finalizing things with the manufacturer and we should have a better idea about things such as case assortment and shipping dates. So don't lose hope about Wall Smashing Superman simply because he wasn't listed. As an example of how things get changed, we recently learned that what is currently called Kryptonite Cape Superman was originally called Kryptonite Escape Superman. Where the "E" and the "S" escaped to is anyone's guess.
And finally, the item that generated the most volume of mail was the notice on page 400 of Previews that Supergirl will be limited to 2500 pieces. Thankfully, this is simply a typographical error. The folks at Previews apologize for the confusion. And while the final production run numbers have not yet been set in stone, it is likely that the number was meant to read 25,000 not 2500. Supergirl will indeed be shipping in a separate assortment from the rest of the Deluxe figures.
To order these Previews exclusive STAS items, check with your local comic book retailer. We hope that answers most of your questions.
As the Comic-Con International in San Diego draws closer, we've snagged a few more VIP guests to join us in the festivities and events hosted by RTM! We're honored to have Sarah Dyer returning to our panel this year. Sarah is one of the leading experts on female action figure collecting. Her site, Action Girl's Guide to Female Figures continues to be one of the net's best resources. Sarah is also hard at work publishing her own comic anthology series, Action Girl and works with Evan Dorkin as a regular writer for Superman: The Animated Series. Most recently, Sarah and Evan penned the awesome Supergirl special comic. She joined us last year at the Con and we look forward to having her back!
We're also especially excited about two additions to our creative panel of artists. Direct from McFarlane Designs, sculptor Eric Treadaway and Eric "Cornboy" Maise will be taking part in this year's panel. As you well know, McFarlane Toys has done more to push the toy industry into new directions than any company in recent memory. The top notch creative staff is one of the forces behind that influence and we're honored that they will be joining us at the Con this year.
And finally, representing the new independent toy company Toy Vault, we're pleased to have Creative Director Jon Huston join us for our industry roundtable. With projects such as the Lord of the Rings and Astro City on the way, Jon can provide the perspective of the smaller toy company and what it's like to duke it out with the big boys!
And don't forget the Toy Collectors Meet & Greet. Stay tuned for more details on the date and time of this informal gathering of toy collectors. Plus, many of our VIP guests have expressed an interest in attending this event as a chance to meet you, the fan, in a more relaxed and social atmosphere. So come mingle with other collectors and rub elbows with the cream of the toy industry all in one place!
For more information on all the activities, guests, and events at the Comic-Con International in San Diego, please visit our Comic-Con Toy Events Page. There you will find a list of all the guests along with links to official information on things ranging from tickets to hotel accomodations. Check it out!
Visit the web site at http://www.hasbrotoys.com/hasbro/gijoe/main.html for details. Send them a picture of your G.I. Joe collection or diorama that best fits the image of G.I. Joe. Be creative, the picture can be of a display, diorama, or however you showcase your G.I. Joe 12" or 3 3/4" Collection. The most unique and creative entries will win. To enter electronically, e-mail your entry to [email protected]. To enter by mail, send a picture of your collection or diorama and a postcard with your name, address, age, home phone number and mail your entry to:
Limit one entry per e-mail address and residential address. If more than one entry is received from any e-mail address, e-mail account, person or mailing address, all such entries will be disqualified.
Prizes:
It's a hodge podge of DC news! First and foremost, the Previews with the Superman: The Animated Series (STAS) figures is now on your comic retailer's shelf. Go in and talk to them about your order if you want these figures. And just to whet your appetite, here are a few more pics of these upcoming Previews Exclusives.
Included here are pics of Supergirl in her Space Suit, the previously shown X-Ray Vision Superman showing the safe accessory, City Stealth Superman in his closed armor, and what we believe to be Kryptonite Cape Superman (though we think a more apt name might be Kryptonite Cage Superman) both open and closed.
In Batman news, Kenner and Hasbro New Ventures have specifically asked us to help dispel a continuing piece of misinformation. The upcoming Batman Animated 12' figures are not J.C. Penney exclusives. Repeat: NOT. This rumor has been circulating for quite a while. It is believed to be traced back to some erroneous information released by Hasbro's Customer Service phone line. However, the rumor has taken a life of its own and has been repeated numerous times in other places around the Internet. You may indeed be able to order these figures from J.C. Penney later this year, but you will be able to purchase them in other retail locations as well.
Speaking of Batman, the latest issue of Batman: Gotham Adventures features a cover that looks like a carded action figure two-pack. The story may be of interest to Batman toy collectors and the cover is very well done. Too bad a Grey Ghost isn't even being considered as a real action figure.
And finally, as an update to a story we brought you earlier, we've been informed that the plan to market beanbag toys of the major DC Super Hero characters (like JLA'ers) is still on. The beanies that were scrapped are only the ones that DC had planned to market themselves (Lobo and Vertigo characters). Tentative plans are to have these licensed beanies in stores before Christmas and you will most likely find them at Warner Bros. Stores.
That's it from the DC front!
Word leaked out even before the E3 Convention this past weekend, but Capcom has opened the information floodgates and Toy Biz soon followed. Officially announced now is a Marvel vs. Capcom line based on the popular arcade games.
And better still, we're pleased to report on the tentative plans for the first assortment. Sources inside Toy Biz tell us that the first assortment is slated to consist of 3 two-packs. The line-up is slated to contain the following match-ups:
This is a preliminary line-up and, as always, is subject to change before the line makes it to the retailer shelves. A second assortment is already being discussed.In other Capcom/Toy Biz news, rumors of a Darkstalkers line are indeed coming to fruition. Though the agreement has not been formally made, both Capcom and Toy Biz are taking steps to make it a reality. No line-ups or other details have been officially released. News of this line leaked out well in advance of both companies' plans, but they are happy that fan reaction appears so enthusiastic for the possibility of such a line. We'll bring you more official news (not rumors) as they are released.
The cover story for this month's Tomart's Action Figure Digest is on Resaurus (with special emphasis on its Virus line). Get an inside look at this up and coming company based in the Midwest.
Star Wars fans will definitely want to pick up this issue for the extremely nice guide to Star Wars figures. This pictorial price guide and reference is very well done and will be a valuable tool for collectors. From vintage to the latest POTF2 figures, this one is a doozy!
There is also coverage of Godzilla, Batman, Superman, and lots of other new stuff. So check out this issue at your comic store or newsstand today.
Originally slated to be released only in Europe, Previews has swooped in to save the day for North American collectors. This new line of figures based on the Superman Animated Series is now available to American fans and collectors exclusively from Previews! There are several different breakdowns of figures. Regular figures scheduled for this series are: Metallo (w/Jet Cycle), Home Run Superman (figures swings Drain Pipe to smash 2-piece Robot), X-Ray Vision Superman (w/See-Through Safe & Bomb - shown left), Power Auger Superman (w/Break-away Neck & Leg Restraints), and Bizarro (w/Car Axle and temper tantrum action). The suggested retail price for these figures is $7.75. Check page 419 of the latest Previews and order at your local comic shop.
Deluxe figures include incredible accessories and features. Figures scheduled for this series are: Kryptonite Cape Superman, Power Vision Superman (Eyes & Chest Emblem Light Up), City Stealth Superman (Spring-Loaded Armored Flight Pack), and Ultra Shield Superman (w/Projectile-Firing Armor Backpack). These deluxe figures have a suggested retail price of $11.65 and can also be found on page 419 of the latest Previews.
Last, but certainly not least, the long-awaited, much anticipated Supergirl figure comes as a separate deluxe figure. Articulated at the neck, shoulders, and waist, the Maid of Steel comes in her trademark miniskirt and half-cape. Also included with the figure is space suit armor with missile firing launchers on each shoulder. Supergirl has a suggested retail price of $13.00 and can be found on page 420 of the latest Previews.
Be sure to check out Previews's site (http://www.diamondcomics.com) for all the latest details on their cool DC offerings. Previews is the place to get DC Superhero merchandise in 1998 without a doubt! Way to go Previews!
And coming soon, be sure to check out RTM team member Chip Cataldo's overhaul of the Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series Toy Archives. We've seen Chip's preliminary work and it will be well worth the wait.
Kenner has updated their product release schedule to include an exciting three-pack: The Jedi Spirits! As seen at the end of Return of the Jedi, the pack will contain Anakin Skywalker, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The figures shown at left are not the actual figures, but incredible custom jobs done by an Asian collector and on display at Joe's Toys (visit Joe's site for lot's of great photos!).
It is unknown if the Obi-Wan Kenobi figure will differ in any way from the mail-in exclusive formerly released. Our guess is that it will have some significant difference such as an arm repositioning or something similar. This multi-pack is scheduled for release in Fourth Quarter 1998. Look for the announcement of even more Star Wars figures in the coming weeks.
New magazines this week include go figure! #6 and the debut of a new magazine call Beckett's Hot Toys.
The current issue of go figure! has a cover stroy with actor William B. Davis of X-Files fame. Also look for a cool profile of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the resurgence of popularity for the Revell Monster Models. Who doesn't love Rat Fink?
There is also a lot for the eyes to feast on in this issue. Check out their unique take on the new Mystic Knights line from Bandai and whet your appetite on the first installment of their "Escape from Cloud City" mega-movie using real Kenner toys. The go figure profile of the S.T.O.M.P. toys from Jaaks Pacific made me give these bad boys a second look. I'd totally ignored these figures until I saw them in this light.
Add in news, columns on all things pop culture, another column from Adam Pawlus, and a dash of humor and the latest issue of go figure goes down as easy as Juice Newton and cream soda.
The debut of Beckett's Hot Toys is yet another foray into the land of price guides. The magazine appears to be equal parts White's Guide and Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review. Like White's, Beckett's leans heavily toward the worlds of Beanies and Barbies (two worlds we have to admit that we don't visit very often if we can help it). The magazine was a little content light for its debut but that will hopefully change as the publication progresses. This isn't a news magazine so don't expect profiles of the latest and greatest action figures. The features seem geared toward beginning collectors and there is where Beckett's may find its niche.
The price guide is where this magazine obviously hangs its hat. The magazine's subtitle is "The Final Word In Toy Pricing." And to its credit, Beckett's seems to do a pretty good job of estimating real world prices and values for action figures, beanie babies, Barbies, Hot Wheels, and more. Unfortunately, this might be a drawback as well. Dealers may be drawn to the publication that lists the highest prices rather than the most realistic ones. So ultimately, you will have to be the judge of how valuable this price guide will be to you.
We'll add this one to the monthly rotation and keep you in touch with all your favorite toy magazines. Check them out at your local comic store or magazine stand.
We're pleased to present you photos of the first three Star Wars Expanded Universe figures from Kenner. Included here are Dark Jedi Luke, Grand Admiral Thrawn with Ysalamri, and the Imperial Sentinel.
Luke and the Imperial Sentinel come from Dark Empire. Look for a Leia and an Emperor Clone from Dark Empire as well. Thrawn comes from Heir to the Empire. There will be a Mara Jade from Heir also.
In addition, there will be a Kyle Katarn, a Spacetrooper and Darktrooper from the Dark Forces video game. We'll bring you photos of all these as soon as we can.
Interest remains high in the Star Wars Insider exclusive Oola and Salacious Crumb twin-pack. These are now available for order through the Star Wars Insider and should ship to fans early this summer. The packaging is one of the best jobs we've ever seen for an exclusive (or any Star Wars toy for that matter). The box is like an oversized playing card box and features a nice display window and plenty of room on back for the clip-n-save trading card. Of course, the figures are darn nifty themselves! Very well done Kenner!
And on a final Star Wars note, the gang over at Yakface's Realm are at it again. They've got another petition going for yet another worthy Star Wars-related cause. They'd like to see some cool playsets and they are rounding up support to show that the fans would stand behind such items. So if you'd like to add your voice, head on over and sign the petition.