Review 1 - 3R x Fewture 1:6 scale Golgo 13 Duke Togo 12" Assassin For Hire Action Figure

From a British assassin who is licensed to kill (see earlier post HERE) to a Japanese hired killer...

Golgo 13 is a manga series written and illustrated by Takao Saito, published in Shogakukan's Big Comic magazine since January 1969. In 1975, the manga won the 21st Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga. The series follows the titular character, a professional assassin for hire, Mr Duke Togo.

This is 3R x Fewture 1:6 scale Golgo 13 Duke Togo 12-inch Assassin For Hire Action Figure which was released not too long ago (mentioned briefly HERE in my March 2013 HAUL). Duke Togo (デューク・東郷), or as he is more widely known, "Golgo 13", is a M16 bearing assassin who will take on any job for the right price. Anyone can hire him, including private citizens and world governments. If he's not bedding women he's infiltrating a hostile country, waiting hours for the perfect shot in the most extreme conditions. Golgo 13 is just as adept in the urban jungle. Those who deal with him must make sure not to cross the Duke or they might find themselves the target of his rifle.

Hot Toys RoboCop: 1/6th ED-209 Collectible

RoboCop is a classic Sci-fi movie in the 80s. In addition to the iconic character, the “future of law enforcement”, ED-209 is also a memorable character in the movie. Hot Toys has previously introduced the 1/6th scale ED-209 Collectible in 2006 and has received great response. We know that fans have been longing for a new collectible release for the RoboCop series, so we are very excited to present the new 1/6th scale ED-209 Collectible, specially equipped with sound effect.

The movie-accurate ED-209 Collectible is highly-detailed. It features a new sculpted body, improved articulations on arms, legs, and claws to better simulate ED-209’s movement in RoboCop, interchangeable battle damaged arm and the ability to speak memorable quotes from the movie.

Hot Toys 1/6th scale RoboCop Collectible Figure with Mechanical Chair a.k.a. Docking Station

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From Hot Toys:
In addition, we are also introducing the 1/6th scale RoboCop Collectible Figure specially equipped with sound effect and the Mechanical Chair (Docking Station). Fans will be able to reenact the notable scene where RoboCop has a dream and begun to remember who he was before becoming a cyborg.

RoboCop series is the latest addition to Hot Toys’ MMS Diecast Series in which the collectible figures are made of diecast material, specially designed to look more closely to the realistic RoboCop in the movie. The MMS Diecast Series will take fans to the next level of authenticity, focusing on the materials, fine details and engineering of the collectible figure.

Incoming: Hot Toys MMS Movie Masterpiece Diecast Series 1/6 RoboCop Collectible Figure

Part Man. Part Machine. All Cop. RoboCop is an iconic character from a classic Sci-fi movie of the 80s. Hot Toys has previously introduced the 1/6th scale RoboCop Collectible Figure in 2006 and has received great response. We have heard that fans have been longing for a new collectible figure release of this beloved character and it is a now great time to revisit this classic film by introducing the 1/6th scale RoboCop Collectible Figure which is specially equipped with sound effect.

RoboCop series is the latest addition to Hot Toys’ MMS Diecast Series in which the collectible figures are made of diecast material, specially designed to look more closely to the realistic RoboCop in the movie. The MMS Diecast Series will take fans to the next level of authenticity, focusing on the materials, fine details and engineering of the collectible figure.

Play Imaginative Super Alloy The New 52 1/6 Superman is metallic? Really? Was he ever?

Based on the New 52 series of comic books by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, this Play Imaginative super alloy 1/6 scale Superman Action Figure features a lofty amount of detail, made of more than 80% die-cast metal material, along with "impressive" articulation (over 25 points) - so says the manufacturer. If you recall, the first super alloy figure was the new 52 Batman and after seeing and handling the figure at the shop, I was unimpressed with the figure's articulation at all, especially given the hefty price tag. Having gotten used to 1/6 scale figures with ultra realistic paint jobs and fabric outfits and movie-accurate costumes without any visible joint lines, these figures seem to be a step in the wrong direction. Plus why would anyone need a metallic Batman or Superman? They aren't metallic in the comics or movies. Making them metallic just so one can charge a higher price is just a marketing ploy to deceive collectors to spend more money.

This upcoming Play Imaginative Super Alloy The New 52 1/6 Superman will be Approximately 12 inches in height with Interchangeable "New 52" Superman Head plus additional Interchangeable "New 52" Superman Head with laser beam eyes - Red LED light in head with laser beam eyes (batteries included), Die-cast metal torso, arms and legs with More than 25 points of articulation including Ball jointed wrists, groin, and ankles. Double jointed body, elbows, and knees. Spring-loaded articulated waist and Assorted hands. Comes with Cape with posable inner wire and additional Cape without wire for flowing cape effect. Remote control for laser beam eyes (batteries included). Crystal Fortress base with lights and fan to simulate flowing cape (batteries included). Single figure base stand. Foldable backdrop display. Micro-fibre cleaning cloth for cleaning off fingerprint marks on alloy parts (they just highlighted the problem with the super alloy figures). Tests performed (Oxidation, paint chipping, paint fading, electronic and battery tests).

Kitbash 1/6 scale Daniel Craig as MI6 Agent 007 James Bond 12-inch figure as seen in SKYFALL

Having reviewed both ZC World (company) ZCWO (brand) 1/6 scale Articulate Body AB-02 (300 pieces limited edition) 12-inch figure HERE and Asmus Toys 1/6 scale 007 The BOND suit for 12-inch Figure HERE, it's only natural for me to pose Daniel Craig as James Bond as seen in the 2012 SKYFALL movie.

In Skyfall, the film opens in Istanbul, where we see MI6 agents James Bond and Eve Moneypenny chase a mercenary, Patrice, who has stolen a computer hard drive containing details of undercover agents placed in terrorist organisations by NATO states. Bond is not in his usual tuxedo but is seen wearing a silver / grey suit instead. And in the ensuing pursuit, Bond grabs the nearest bike available to chase after Patrice.

So here's 1/6 scale Bond wearing suit and tie getting on a dirt bike to go after Patrice. Scroll down to see more pictures :)

Review Asmus Toys 1/6 scale 007 The BOND suit for 12-inch Figure - Daniel Craig Skyfall?

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Daniel Wroughton Craig (born 2 March 1968) is an English actor, best known for playing British secret agent James Bond since 2006. Craig achieved international fame when chosen as the seventh actor to play the role of James Bond, replacing Pierce Brosnan. Though he was initially greeted with scepticism, his debut in Casino Royale was highly acclaimed and earned him a BAFTA award nomination, with the film becoming the highest-grossing in the series at the time. Quantum of Solace followed two years later. His third Bond film, Skyfall, premiered in 2012 and is now the highest-grossing film in the series.

In Skyfall, the film opens in Istanbul, where we see MI6 agents James Bond and Eve Moneypenny chase a mercenary, Patrice, who has stolen a computer hard drive containing details of undercover agents placed in terrorist organisations by NATO states. Bond is not in his usual tuxedo but is seen wearing a silver / grey suit instead.

This is the Asmus Toys 1/6 scale 007 The BOND suit for 12-inch Figure which comes with silver jacket, silver pants, fashion styled shirt, patterned tie, silver watch, leather belt and black shoes. This particular suit seems most appropriate for the ZCWO 1/6 scale Articulate Body AB02 which comes with the Daniel Craig looking head sculpt (reviewed in my toy blog post HERE).

Review ZCWO 1/6 scale Articulate Body AB02 (Limited Edition) 12-inch Figure - James Bond?

James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short-story collections. The fictional British Secret Service agent has also been adapted for television, radio, comic strip, and video game formats in addition to having been used in the longest continually running and the second-highest grossing film franchise to date, which started in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as Bond. As of 2013, there have been twenty-three films in the Eon Productions series. The most recent Bond film, Skyfall (2012), stars Daniel Craig in his third portrayal of Bond; he is the sixth actor to play Bond in the Eon series. There have also been two independent productions of Bond films: Casino Royale (a 1967 spoof) and Never Say Never Again (a 1983 remake of an earlier Eon-produced film, Thunderball).

This is ZC World (company) ZCWO (brand) 1/6 scale Articulate Body AB-02 (300 pieces limited edition) 12-inch figure which comes with a 1/6 scale head sculpt, 12-inch articulate body, 3 pairs of hands, alternate neck joint, ankle extension joint and extendable figure display stand. The 1/6 scale head sculpt does remind one of a certain super spy / secret agent from the British Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6. Scroll down to see more :)

Pre-order Ace 1/6 scale MACV SOG “ Lucky six” 12" Vietnam era military figure - James Bond?

SOG was named in honor of a covert US Special Ops unit that fought in Vietnam. That unit was known as Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). Its existence once denied by the US Government, it wasn't until long after the war that the SOG story could even be told.

Separate from "conventional," unconventional operations of the 5th Special Forces Group were the clandestine operations of Military Assistance Command Vietnam/Studies and Observations Group (MACV/SOG). The Studies and Observation Group (SOG) was a cover name to disguise SOG's real function, and the name "Special Operations Group," as it was sometimes called, described its real mission more accurately. Activated in January of 1964, SOG was a joint services unit composed of members from all four branches of the armed forces, including Navy SEALs, Marine Recons, Air Force Special Operations pilots of the 90th Special Operations Wing, but predominantly Army Special Forces.

MACV/SOG's missions included: cross border operations into Cambodia, Laos and North Vietnam to carry out intelligence gathering or raiding missions on the enemy's 'home ground'; gathering intelligence about POWs and carrying out rescue missions when possible; rescuing downed aircrews in enemy territory ("Bright Light" missions); training, inserting, and controlling agents in North Vietnam to gather intelligence or form resistance groups; carrying out 'black' Psy Ops such as operating fake broadcasting stations inside North Vietnam; kidnapping or assassinating key enemy personnel; retrieving sensitive document so equipment lost in enemy territory or in enemy hands; and inserting rigged mortar rounds or other booby-trapped ordnance in enemy arms caches (OPERATION ELDEST SON).

Check this out: MC Toys 1/6 scale Top Outdoor Gear (MCF-023) set - Bourne Legacy Figure?

In The Bourne Legacy (a 2012 American action thriller film and the fourth installment in the Bourne film series), Aaron Cross, a member of a black ops program whose agents are genetically enhanced, goes on the run once Jason Bourne's actions in the previous film The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) lead to the public exposure of Operations Treadstone and Blackbriar.

In the beginning of The Bourne Legacy movie, Aaron Cross (a member of Operation Outcome, a U.S. Defense Department black ops program which employs pills referred to as chems that enhance the physical and mental abilities of field operatives) is assigned to Alaska for a training exercise, where he must survive certain activities and traverse rugged terrain in order to arrive at a remote cabin.

This is MC Toys 1/6 scale Top Outdoor Gear (MCF-023) outfit set which will come a 1/6 scale head sculpt (no 12-inch figure body will be included), Alpha SV Pro Shell Jacket, Verglas Snow Bib Pants, Thermal Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Arrakis 65 Pack, Winter Trek Hat, Gloves, SLOT Winter Grip Boot, Cobra Ice Tool, Alpine Rope, Hiking Staff, Snowshoes. Scroll down to see more :)

Kumik 1/6 scale Kate Beckinsale Underworld Selene 12-inch Female Figure Review II

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We saw this Kumik 1/6 scale Underworld Selene (Kate Beckinsale) 12-inch Female Figure without her long black coat in the previous post as I wanted to show how this female figure (femfig) looks without it. And now we see 1/6 scale Kate Beckinsale as Underworld Selene complete with her long coat as she is supposed to be :)

What drew me to this particular figure was the head sculpt. I really like the head sculpt and the resemblance to Kate Beckinsale is quite good IMHO. I had given up on hoping for a life-like and realistic looking Underworld Selene 12-inch figure after seeing the offerings by both Phicen Limited and Figure Fun. So this turned out to be an unexpected buy / purchase but one I am very glad for and happy about. I don't own very many female figures because most of them are more "doll-like" than action figure but suffice to say, Kate Beckinsale was all action in the Underworld series, not to mention Van Helsing (2004), as well as Contraband and Total Recall (all in 2012).

Kumik 1/6 scale Underworld Selene (Kate Beckinsale) 12-inch Female ACTION Figure comes dressed in her all black outfit as shown with the detachable / removable corset and two Beretta pistols plus the black long coat. That's her signature costume - what else does she need ;p

Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi 1/6 Darth Vader Deluxe Figure

“I have you now…”

Tall and menacing, Darth Vader is the most potent icon of the Galactic Empire's might. The product of the Emperor himself, Vader answers to only the highest in the Imperial command structure and is granted great leeway in the work he conducts on his master's behalf. Once a Jedi, Vader possesses absolute command over the Force, and through him it is directed to terrible and often fatal effect. As a Lord of the Sith, the dark side flows through him, and it can be channeled to kill with a single thought or to subdue his detractors, enemies, and sometimes even subordinates. Feared by Rebels and Imperials alike, Darth Vader is a terrifying union of man and machine hidden beneath black robes and forbidding armor. Determined to hunt down and extinguish the Rebel Alliance, Vader commands the massive Imperial fleet and rules his forces through unquestionable terror.

Cue the Imperial March! It’s been four years since Sideshow Collectibles's first Darth Vader release in Sixth Scale (has it been that long?), and the Sideshow team is thrilled to revisit the Dark Lord – just in time for the Return of the Jedi 30th Anniversary!

Sideshow celebrates the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi with the new Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure. Recreate every memorable scene with this essential Vader figure, featuring a fully articulated body, faithfully reproduced costume, and detailed helmet, mask, and portrait options. To complete your display, we've included an impressive Imperial-themed light up figure stand and a meditation chamber stand for Vader's helmet and mask.

Post #7: Daniel Picard does it again. He takes GREAT pictures and makes it better each time!

More pictures from Dan :)

Last time we saw Daniel Picard's awesome work, his picture of Hot Toys The Dark Knight Batman spraying graffiti on the wall revealing Superman's identity was making the rounds on the internet. You can check out the high resolution picture HERE. This time he's giving Boba Fett and Star Wars the highlight with a picture of Iron Man vs Ambush as well.

The pictures are much bigger than they seem but due to limitations of blogger, they can only be viewed in this size. Click on each picture for a bigger and better view. You can really appreciate the art more!

Boba Fett sees his prey / bounty

Here's Sideshow Collectibles 1:6 scale Boba Fett tracking down his next bounty. He's been resized to fit into a 1:1 scale environment (that's part of Dan's amazing skill as photographer and digital artist. If you are seeing this toy blog post for the first time, then I should tell you that Daniel Picard makes 1:6 scale figures look like 1:1 scale by putting them in an actual real scene). Scroll sown to view more of his stunning work / pictures.

Incoming: Hot Toys G.I. Joe Retaliation 1/6th scale Roadblock Collectible Figure "Yo Joe!"

In view of the popularity of the Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow collectible figure, Hot Toys is proud to present a new addition to our MMS series from the action packed G.I. Joe Retaliation - the 1/6th scale Roadblock Collectible Figure. Roadblock is a force to be reckoned with and the Cobra should think twice before taking on the great one.

Based on the iconic brand from Hasbro, the movie-accurate collectible is specially crafted based on the image of Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock in the movie, featuring a highly detailed head sculpt, finely tailored costume and weapons.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a 2013 American science fiction action film directed by Jon M. Chu, based on Hasbro's G.I. Joe toy, comic and media franchises. It is a sequel to 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. G.I. Joe: Retaliation features an ensemble cast, starring Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson, with Channing Tatum, Arnold Vosloo, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, and Byung-hun Lee reprising their roles from the first film. Dwayne Johnson stars as Roadblock (Marvin F. Hinton), whose primary function in G.I. Joe is as a heavy machine gunner and his secondary function is as a cook. The only thing that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson cooks in the movie are bad guys - scrambled, beaten and smashed! haha

Review I: Kumik 1/6 scale Underworld Selene (Kate Beckinsale) 12-inch Female Figure

Selene is a fictional character from the Underworld series. She is the main protagonist of the films Underworld, Underworld: Evolution, and Underworld: Awakening. Selene was created by Kevin Grevioux, Len Wiseman, and Danny McBride. According to Kevin Grevioux, Selene is based loosely on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is a Vampire Death Dealer bent on destroying the Lycans (werewolf) who allegedly killed her family.

There have been quite a few Underworld Selene-inspired 12-inch female figures released of late, one from Phicen Limited, one from FigureFun and this one from Kumik. I chose this Kumik version simply because I love the 1/6 scale realistic and life-like Kate Beckinsale as Underworld Selene head sculpt :) In this instance, the rooted hair works very well and enhances the realism of the figure.

Kathrin Romary "Kate" Beckinsale (born 26 July 1973) is an English actress who had a break-out year in 2001 with starring roles in the war film Pearl Harbor and the romantic comedy Serendipity. Beckinsale became known as an action star following an appearance in 2003's Underworld and has since starred in many action films, including Van Helsing (2004), Underworld: Evolution (2006), Whiteout (2009), as well as Contraband, Underworld: Awakening, and Total Recall (all in 2012).

Preview Asmus Toys Lord of the Ring 1/6 scale Morgul Lord (Witch-king of Angmar) is 35 cm tall

Greatest of the dark servants of Sauron, known to Men as the Ringwraiths or Nazgûl, the Witch-king of Angmar (Morgul Lord, The Lord of the Nazgûl) was his master's lieutenant in the field and Lord of the cursed fortress of Minas Morgul. When the Dark Lord sent his armies against Gondor, the Witch-king flew above them as their chief upon his huge fell beast and it was said that by the hand of no mortal man could he be slain. Amid the carnage of the Battle of Pelennor, the Morgul Lord fell upon King Théoden of Rohan and flung him to the ground, but as he stooped for the kill a lone brave soldier stepped between them. He was finally overcome by Meriadoc Brandybuck and Éowyn of Rohan.

This is Asmus Toys up and coming Lord of the Ring 1/6 scale Morgul Lord. The MORGUL LORD Sixth Scale Figure features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of WITCH-KING from The Return of the King, KAUSTIC PLASTIK KP01A male body. Approximately 35 cm tall with Over 36 points of articulation.

Preview ZCWO and Iminime 1/6 scale PTU Tactical Unit Sergeant (Sam) 12-inch figure

The Police Tactical Unit (Abbreviation: PTU; Chinese: 警察機動部隊) is a paramilitary riot control unit of the Hong Kong Police Force. The Police Tactical Unit provides an immediate manpower reserve for use in any emergency, Unit companies are attached to all land Regions and are available for internal security, crowd control, anti-crime operations, disaster response and riot control throughout Hong Kong. The Police Tactical Unit is often referred as the 'Blue Berets', which is in reference to the blue berets worn as part of the uniform. The unit is portrayed in the 2003 film PTU, directed by Johnnie To. The unit is also portrayed in the 2009 film series Tactical Unit, directed by Johnnie To and with the same leading actors and actress of the 2003 film PTU.

PTU, also known as PTU: Police Tactical Unit, is a 2003 Hong Kong crime thriller film produced and directed by Johnnie To, starring Simon Yam, Maggie Shiu, Lam Suet and Ruby Wong. The films follows a series of encounters of a patrolling Police Tactical Unit of one single night, where the team tries to help an Organised Crime and Triad Bureau Sergeant Lo Sa to retrieve his lost revolver after he was assaulted by a group of triad members. The films portrays police officers' use of extralegal means to achieve investigative result and reveal the complex relationships between criminals and police officers, hostility among criminals themselves, and even rivalry among different bureaux within the Police Force. Simon Yam stars as Police Tactical Unit Sergeant Mike Ho. (source: wiki)

Incoming: Phicen Female seamless body pale skin large bust version 4.0 - they got bigger ;p

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We saw Phicen 12-inch Female seamless body with pale skin and mid bust size for 1:6 figure Version 04 (Item No.: PLMB2013-15) in the previous post. This is Phicen Limited 12-inch Female seamless body in pale skin / Large bust size for 1:6 figure Version 04 (Item No.: PLLB2013-16) and its a stunner too. Phicen seems to be getting better with the female head sculpts and they are looking very realistic indeed

According to Phicen:
This 1:6 scale Phicen 12-inch Female seamless body with pale skin and large bust size will have 33 Points of articulation and will stand at approximately 28 cm in height, weigh 0.208 kg. The Version 04 mid bust body that we adopted the food grade new skin materials, movability has the greatly improved, not easy to stain and cracking. And simulate the texture of the real skin. The range of activities than the Version 03 body has been significantly improved and easy to shape, can be show the simulation model more truly.

For the 1:6 scale female head sculpt, we adopted the modularization for eyeball and scalp, consumer can be according preference their own to replace the eyes and hairstyle.

Preview Phicen 12-inch Female seamless body pale skin version 4.0 - they are getting better!

THis is the upcoming Phicen 12-inch Female seamless body with pale skin and mid bust size for 1:6 figure Version 04 (Item No.: PLMB2013-15). What can I say? They certainly are getting better at it. Good to know that they are constantly improving on their products.

According to Phicen:
This 1:6 scale Phicen 12-inch Female seamless body with pale skin and mid bust size will have 33 Points of articulation and will stand at approximately 28 cm in height, weigh 0.208 kg. The Version 04 mid bust body that we adopted the food grade new skin materials, movability has the greatly improved, not easy to stain and cracking. And simulate the texture of the real skin. The range of activities than the Version 03 body has been significantly improved and easy to shape, can be show the simulation model more truly.

For the headsculpt, we adopted the modularization for eyeball and scalp, consumer can be according preference their own to replace the eyes and hairstyle.

Incoming: Toys City 1/6 scale Combat Diver Set for 12-inch figures - Kitbash your own Frogman!

A frogman is someone who is trained in scuba diving or swimming underwater in a tactical capacity which includes combat. Such personnel are also known by the more formal names of combat diver, or combatant diver, or combat swimmer. "Combat swimming" is often used to mean "combat diving", but, according to some, strictly speaking means surface swimming without a breathing apparatus for coastal or ship infiltration. Such actions are a historical form of "frogman" activity and an important feature of naval special operations.

In the U.S. military the United States Intelligence Community, divers trained in scuba or CCUBA who deploy for tactical assault missions are called "combat divers". This term is used to refer to the Navy SEALs, operatives of the CIA's Special Activities Division, elements of Marine Recon, Army Ranger RRD members, Army Special Forces divers, Air Force Pararescue, Air Force Combat Controllers and the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units.

Toys City 1/6 scale Combat Diver Set for 12-inch figures will come with Diving Suit, Diving Shoes, Diving Gloves, Force-Fin, LAR Rebreather, LAR Life Preserver, Diving Weight Belt, Military Diver Navigation Board, Diving Compass, Diving Depth Gauge, Q-OPS Waterproof Headset, Q-OPS PTT, OTS Underwater Radio, Diving Combat Lanyard, Diving Goggle, Combat Diving Knife. Do note that the 1/6 scale head sculpt and 12-inch figure body is NOT included with this set.

Enterbay SUCKS and here's WHY! Buy at your own peril (Consider Yourself Warned!)

From day one, Enterbay has been nothing but trouble! I read about and heard so many scary stories about their quality issues that I dare not buy anything from them even though some of their prototype products looked really good but sadly, they have always failed to deliver. With the recent release of their Michael Jordan figure, their Quality Control (QC) issues have again surfaced and collectors are feeling cheated and being treated unfairly when buying Enterbay stuff. So much so that they are ranting and letting it out on the forums.

Here are some cut-and-paste for your interest:

"Passion for Perfection"...ain't that a joke!

Let me first apologize if you think I'm ranting, but at least it will be my last rant about Enterbay as I will never buy from them again.

Firstly, lets forget about the unscrupulous shite they did with the distribution of the Jordan 45...I'm here to inform you about the new 23 figures.

As you may or may not know, the first batch of Jordan 23 figures had some serious QC issues. It was their first release and they were diligent in rectifying the issue...so fair enough. Their second batch was due out on May 2nd (give or take), but via Facebook they informed everyone that they were still having issues and so delayed the release to May 12th. At this point, I thought I really would never have a shot at this considering how HK works (if you don't know, take a look at ebay and see where all the sellers are from).

On May 12th, I so happen to be in the area, so I thought I'll try my luck. Surprisingly, there was stock!!! Here was the catch... they only accepted cash and you could not look at the figure up close. At that point, I was already too happy to be able to buy this and thought nothing of it. When I got home and finally had a good look, I see that one knee was completely screwed up (because the lower leg flaps were too long, when you bend the knee, the flaps flare out).

Preview Hot Toys DX14 1989 Batman movie 1/6 The Joker (Mime version) 12" Collectible Figure

The first DX series Joker Collectible Figure from Batman (1989) has received high praise from fans and collectors. To follow up on this classic Batman movie directed by Tim Burton, Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale mime version of The Joker Collectible Figure.

This movie-accurate figure is crafted with impressive likeness of the movie legend Jack Nicholson and features the Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS), elegant costume, a specially-designed stand with backdrop and accessories.

Hot Toys DX Series DX14 1989 Batman: 1/6th scale The Joker (Mime Version) Collectible Figure specially features: Authentic and detailed fully realized likeness of Jack Nicholson as The Joker in the Batman (1989) movie in Mime Version. Approximately 30 cm (12 inches) tall. TrueType body with over 30 points of articulation. Detailed hair sculpture. Parallel Eyeball Rolling System (PERS) patented by Hot Toys Limited. Highly detailed make-up, gesture and wrinkles. Six (6) pieces of interchangeable gloved palms including: One (1) pair of open palms, One (1) pair of relaxed palms, One (1) right finger pointing palm, One (1) right palm for holding feather. Each piece of head sculpt is specially hand-painted

This is no con, this is HPC Toys 1/6 scale Jail Hero 12-inch figure Cameron Poe from Con Air

UPDATE August 7, 2013: Actual in-hand product pictures HERE

Con Air is an 1997 American action-thriller film directed by Simon West and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of The Rock. It stars Nicolas Cage, John Cusack and John Malkovich. The film borrows its title from the nickname of the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System. While scanning a newspaper article, Screenwriter Scott Rosenberg first learned of the special program, then visited its Oklahoma City base "to get an eyewitness perspective of the incredible operation, which quickly formed the genesis for Con Air." (source: wiki)

Honorably discharged U.S. Army Ranger Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage) is sentenced to a maximum-security federal penitentiary for using excessive force and killing a drunk man who had been attempting to assault his pregnant wife, Tricia. Eight years later, Poe is paroled on good conduct, and eager to see his daughter Casey whom he has never met. Poe is arranged to be flown back home to Alabama on a C-123 known as Jailbird where he will be released on landing. Things don't go as expected and mayhem ensues.

This 1/6 scale Jail Hero 12-inch figure will be HPC Toys' second release, after their first figure, A Cop Never Dies (no pictures available but no prizes for guessing who that figure is based upon LOL) and looks to be inspired by Nicolas Cage's character of Cameron Poe in Con Air. What you see is what you get. Scroll down to see more pictures of said product.

Incoming: Brother Production Presents 1/6 scale "A Good Day To Die (hard) Johnny" 12" Figure

"Yippee Ki-Yay Mother Russia!"

A Good Day to Die Hard is a 2013 American action film directed by John Moore and written by Skip Woods. The title itself sounds like it could be something out of porn LOL Featuring the John McClane character that was based on the protagonist of Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Thorp, it is the fifth installment in the Die Hard film series. Bruce Willis reprises the lead role of John McClane, who travels to Russia to help his estranged son, Jack (Jai Courtney), out of prison, but is soon caught in the crossfire of a terrorist plot.

Brother Production has a knack for releasing 1:6 scale Bruce Willis as John McClane figures and there have been so many I actually lost count LOL The one 12-inch John McClane 12-inch figure I have that I really like was released by Brother Production (check out the review in my toy blog post HERE with lots of pictures)

Brother Production Presents 1/6 scale Custom Hand Made "A Good Day To Die (hard) Johnny" 12-inch Figure will come with two 1/6 scale head sculpts, NORMAL version and Side looking "Battle-DAMAGE" version. It will be limited to just 150 pieces.

Preview PIRP 1/6 scale Fight for Iron Dressing Set for 12-inch Figure - Iron Man 3 Tony Stark

If you haven't seen Iron Man 3 and am planning to, don't worry I won't tell you what happens i.e. no spoilers here. All I can say is that it's more about the man than the suit. So it's not surprising that 1/6 scale manufacturers / companies would cash in on the popularity of the film to sell the attire that we see Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark wearing in the latest Iron Man movie.

From PIRP comes this 1/6 scale Fight for Iron Dressing Set for 12-inch Figure. This set will include: a hooded Jacket, Mid Sleeve AIM T-Shirt, Mid Long Sleeve Heart Printed T-Shirt  (Do note that The 2 white spot on heart is lighting effect being Photoshop modified on original photo provided by PIRP, Please check the layout photo for the actually product likeness) and Pants. Scroll down to see more pictures

Review III Brothers Production 1/6th scale Final Mission 12" figure: Ghost Protocol Ethan Hunt

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This will be my third and final post on Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure which is most obviously inspired by and based on Tom Cruise as IMF (Impossible Missions Force) Agent Ethan Hunt in Mission Imposssible 4: Ghost Protocol. IMHO I think this is a very good release by Brothers Production as this 1:6 figure certainly resembles Tom Cruise's character Ethan Hunt from the 2011 film. Looks much better than the Medicom Toys version (prototype pictures HERE) and costs way less plus you get two figures in one box (see my earlier review of the other figure HERE)

Tom Cruise performed a sequence where Ethan Hunt scales the outside of the Burj Khalifa tower, which is the tallest building in the world, without the use of a stunt double. Although Cruise appears to be free solo climbing in the film with the help of special gloves, in reality he was securely attached to the Burj Khalifa at all times by multiple cables. The cables were then digitally erased in post-production by Industrial Light & Magic.

Preview Art Figures AF012 1/6 scale Soldiers Of Fortune 2 - Gunner Jensen 12-inch action figure

The Expendables is a 2010 American ensemble action film written by David Callaham and Sylvester Stallone, and directed by Stallone. The film is about a group of elite mercenaries tasked with a mission to overthrow a Latin American dictator whom they soon discover to be a mere puppet controlled by a ruthless ex-CIA officer. It pays tribute to the blockbuster action films of the 1980s and early 1990s, and stars an array of action veterans from those decades, including Stallone, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Gary Daniels, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Schwarzenegger in a cameo role), as well as more recent stars such as Randy Couture, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, and Steve Austin. The film did well enough for a sequel which did even better than the first.

One of the members of the Expendables is Dolph Lundgren who plays Gunner Jensen. Dolph Lundgren is a Swedish actor, director, and martial artist. He belongs to a generation of film actors who epitomise the action hero stereotype, alongside Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Steven Seagal, and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Lundgren's breakthrough came when he starred in Rocky IV in 1985 as the imposing Russian boxer Ivan Drago. Since then, he has starred in more than 40 movies, almost all of them in the action genre. He was Frank Castle in the 1989 film The Punisher, making him the first of three Punishers to play on the big screen, the other two being Ray Stevenson (check out the awesome 1/6 scale version HERE) and Thomas Jane (1/6 scale version HERE)

Incoming: DAM Toys 1/6 scale The Gangsters Kingdom Spade 3 12" figure (Wayne Rooney?)

DAM Toys have been churning things out fast and furious ;p at least in the "previews" department. What do I mean? They have been giving us previews after previews of their upcoming products / prototypes but the production department / factory can't seem to be pumping out the actual 12-inch products fast enough i.e. there's quite a big gap from preview to the actual release.

But I am not really complaining haha more of an observation. I love all that DAM toys is doing at the moment, giving us so many options and choices that I wish I have a big bank account to draw from and buy them all LOL but alas most of us have to choose which to buy and which to let go and hope that we won't regret later.

The one line I am not regretting buying at the moment is DAM Toys Gangsters Kingdom 12-inch figures :) This is the third figure to be previewed (see my review of DAM Toys first Gangsters Kingdom 1/6 scale Spade J 12-inch figure – animated Jason Statham HERE, HERE and HERE plus preview pictures of Spade 2 HERE) and as far as I am concerned, they are all looking very NICE. I am rather tired of the overrated and overhyped Iron Man 3 suits of armors that we have been bombarded with lately ;p so this is most refreshing for a change. Plus these 12-inch figures are so much more affordable and unique (one-of-a-kind)! Scroll down to see more pictures.

Tom Cruise as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt in MI4: Ghost Protocol from Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure

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A substantial part of the plot of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the fourth of the Mission: Impossible film series, takes place in and around the Burj Khalifa and involves Tom Cruise's character Ethan Hunt having to scale a large section of the exterior using high-tech adhesive gloves in order to access and hack the building's security systems. Filming included stuntwork on the building's exterior with some scenes shot in the IMAX format.

In the fourth film of the franchise, Hunt (having just escaped from prison) and his IMF team are blamed for an attack that destroys the Kremlin, resulting in the entire IMF division being disavowed. Despite lacking their usual resources, connections, technology, and backup, their mission is to find and stop a madman intent on nuclear war, having been 'ordered' by the Secretary of Defense to escape custody, retreat to a 'forgotten' safehouse, and track down the people truly responsible for the attack.

Preview DAM Toys Ghost series 1/6 Special Ops Center GLINT Team Leader: Ryder Watson

DAM I want this and I want this now :) This latest preview of DAM Toys offering of a Special Operations Center GLINT Team Leader: Ryder Watson from DAM Toys Ghost series No. SF001 is making me all excited and giddy like a child on Christmas Day morning

There are lots of new stuff being released with this set but the Spartan-like helmet and futuristic looking body armor is getting me all hyped up.

DAM Toys Ghost series SF001 1/6 scale Special Operations Center GLINT Team Leader: Ryder Watson 12-inch military figure parts list will include: 1/6 scale real like head sculpt, DAM 12-inch action body, 3 gloved palms for holding weapon, A-frame ballistic helmet, Head-Loc retention system H-nape, MPLS LED light, helmet rail, helmet ears, helmet chops, VAS Shroud for helmet, ANAVS NVG mount, AVS9 Night Vision Binocular with battery pack, SORDIN headset, U94 PTT, AN/PRC-148 MBITR radio, 2.0 M frame ballistic eyewear. Scroll down to see more pictures!

Review Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure - Tom Cruise as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt in MI4: Ghost Protocol

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (also known as Mission: Impossible IV, or Mission: Impossible IV – Ghost Protocol) is a 2011 American action film, the fourth film in the Mission: Impossible series and stars Tom Cruise, who reprises his role of IMF Agent Ethan Hunt, and is director Brad Bird's first live-action film. Upon release, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol became a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Mission: Impossible film, and the highest-grossing film starring Tom Cruise.

"Ghost Protocol" is a black operation contingency that disavows the IMF (Impossible Missions Force, fictional independent espionage agency). In so doing, Ethan and his team are to take the blame for the attack / bombing of the Kremlin, but will be allowed to escape from government custody in order to track down "Cobalt" the antagonist / villain.

This is the recently released Brothers Production Presents 1/6th scale Final Mission 12-inch figure which is most likely inspired by Tom Cruise as IMF Agent Ethan Hunt as seen in the 2011 film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. The picture above is an attempt to replicate the shot used for the promotional posters for the film where Ethan (Tom Cruise) has his face obscured under a hood to stay hidden since there's an international manhunt out for him. Scroll down to see more pictures :)

3A & Marvel The Invincible Iron Man teaser

Even Tony Stark would be impressed with Iron Man 3‘s incredible domestic opening weekend. Disney’s $200 million superhero sequel earned $175.3 million in its first three days in North America from 4,253 theaters — the second best opening weekend of all time behind The Avengers‘ $207.4 million bow on this weekend a year ago. The film managed a robust $41,218 per theater average and got a big boost from IMAX screens, which accounted for $16.5 million of its opening weekend gross. About 45 percent of tickets sold were in the 3D format. (source: insidemovies.ew.com)

Like The Avengers, Iron Man 3 played to a broad spectrum of demographics with a tilt toward older men. According to Disney, audiences were 55 percent above the age of 25 and 61 percent male. Disney also reports that couples made up 52 percent of viewers, while families accounted for 27 percent, and teens 21 percent.

Iron Man 3 opened higher than both Iron Man ($98.6 million) and Iron Man 2 ($128.1 million), which isn’t all that surprising given that it’s arriving after The Avengers, which earned $623.4 million domestically and became the biggest hit of 2012. It’s difficult to imagine that Iron Man 3 could have garnered such impressive numbers without the boon of The Avengers — especially because Iron Man 2 was tepidly received by most viewers and ultimately finished with less than Iron Man ($312.4 million vs. $318.4 million). It’s to Marvel’s credit that they were able to augment interest in the Iron Man franchise with The Avengers.

From 3A: We are very excited to present our first Marvel collaboration prototype (still work in progress) teaser of The Invincible Iron Man

Looks like everybody wants IN on the Iron Man franchise ;p

More Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Militaries Series 1/6 scale Imperial Snowtrooper 12" figure

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I've shown in my previous toy blog post HERE the box packaging and contents of this Sideshow Collectibles Militaries of Star Wars Sixth Scale Snowtrooper figure. Here are more pictures of said Snowtrooper for you to feast your eyes upon :) The chest plate was a little obstructed in the previous post so I took these pictures to give an unblocked view of the Snowtrooper chest plate and belt.

The chest plate worn by the snowtroopers was constructed of a plastoid composite armor. Near the center were all of the controls for the completely self-sufficient troopers' life support systems. These included an external temperature monitor, power cell monitor, and the controls for the suit's heater.

May the Fourth be with you: Review Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1/6 Snowtrooper 12" figure

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate Star Wars culture and honor the films. It is called Star Wars Day because of the popularity of a common pun spoken on this day. Since the phrase "May the Force be with you" is a famous quote often spoken in the Star Wars films, fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you" on this day. So I'm celebrating May 4 with a toy blog post on Star Wars :)

Snowtroopers, also known as cold assault stormtroopers, were Imperial stormtroopers trained to operate in arctic climates. Some snowtroopers were deployed under Death Squadron's Blizzard Force, as well as other arctic forces. The snowtroopers were the successors of the clone cold assault troopers and the Galactic Marines under Clone Commanders Keller and Bacara, respectively, during the Clone Wars.

One of the first missions involving the snowtroopers was the surprise Imperial assault on the Rebel founders on Corellia. Darth Vader had tracked his Sith apprentice Galen Marek to the planet, in a secret plot to both capture the would-be founders of the rebellion and destroy Marek. Snowtroopers stormed the shelter atop the snowy mountain, quickly wiping out Rahm Kota's guards. Snowtroopers were utilized on many different icy worlds, including the Imperial garrison on the planet Akuria II. Their most notable conquest was at the Battle of Hoth, where the Imperial Blizzard Force defeated the forces of the Alliance to Restore the Republic and overran Echo Base. (source: wookiepedia)

Hall of Armor: The Evolution of Iron Man Info-graphic by Kate Willaert, Halloween Costumes

The nice people (thanks, Elise) at HalloweenCostumes.com shared with me this infographic they created in anticipation of the release of Iron Man 3 movie in U.S. cinemas / theaters this weekend. All credit to the artist Kate Willaert for this beautiful piece of artwork! It’s a visualization of the most seen / used Iron Man armor suits. There have only been three Iron Man films on the big screen so far but Iron Man has been around in Marvel comics since 1963! (source: HalloweenCostumes.com)

Trying to find the perfect outfit to wear is always difficult. Perhaps this question can be put to multi-billionaire Tony Stark. "What would Tony Stark wear?" Well, turns out he can't make up his mind either! In fact, since Iron Man's first appearance over 50 years ago there have been more than 20 incarnations of his armor! Below are his most storied looks (significant Iron Man armor suits) in order of appearance. Click on the picture for a bigger and better view :)

Alternatively, I've done a breakdown as well for easy viewing ;p

Equal parts practical and fashionable, Tony Stark never seems to be satisfied with the look of his "superhero costume". Since Iron Man's first appearance 50 years ago, the comic book character has accumulated a veritable armory of alternate armor designs. Below is a gallery illustrating the evolution of his core armor – not including special one-off armors – revealing a visual timeline of how Iron Man's look has changed over the decades.

Here's an in depth breakdown of all the pictured armor:
1963 - Original Armor (First Appearance: Tales Of Suspense #39)
1963 - "Golden Avenger" Armor (First Appearance: Tales Of Suspense #40)
1963 - Proto-Classic Armor (First Appearance: Tales Of Suspense #48)
1965 - Classic Red & Gold Armor (First Appearance: Tales Of Suspense #66)

Incoming: DAM Toys Elite Series 1/6 scale US Navy SEAL SDV Team 1 Operation Red Wings

Operation Red Wings (often incorrectly referred to as Operation Redwing and / or Operation Red Wing) was a combined / joint military operation that took place in the Pech District of Afghanistan's Kunar Province, on the slopes of a mountain named Sawtalo Sar, approximately 20 miles west of Kunar's provincial capital of Asadabad, in Late June through Mid-July 2005. (source: wiki)

A team of four Navy SEALs, tasked for surveillance and reconnaissance of a group of structures known to be used by Ahmad Shah and his men, fell into an ambush by Shah and his group just hours after inserting by fastrope from an MH-47 helicopter in the area. Three of the four SEALs were killed in the ambush; a quick reaction force helicopter sent in for their aid was subsequently shot down with an RPG-7 rocket propelled grenade by one of Shah's men, killing all on board, which consisted of 8 Navy SEALs and 8 U.S. Army Special Operations aviators.

This is DAM Toys upcoming release of their DAM Elite series no.78008 US Navy SEAL SDV Team 1 Operation Red Wings Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Gene Axelson who was one of the three SEALs that were killed when they were ambushed by Taliban fighters.

Coming soon: DID 1/6 British Military Intelligence Section 6 (MI6) Agent "Jack" 12-inch Spy Figure

Well, DID did it again ;p they managed to put out a very secret agent figure under the guise of a MI6 agent and named him "Jack" to avoid all the hoo-ha just in case. Wait... what? Instead of James, it's Jack and as for him being an MI6 Agent, that he has always been.

James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short-story collections. The fictional British Secret Service agent has also been adapted for television, radio, comic strip, and video game formats in addition to having been used in the longest continually running and the second-highest grossing film franchise to date, which started in 1962 with Dr. No, starring Sean Connery as Bond. As of 2013, there have been twenty-three films in the Eon Productions series. The most recent Bond film, Skyfall (2012), stars Daniel Craig in his third portrayal of Bond; he is the sixth actor to play Bond in the Eon series. (source: wiki)

The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), commonly known as MI6 (Military Intelligence, Section 6), is the agency which supplies Her Majesty's Government with foreign intelligence. It is frequently referred to by the name MI6 (Military Intelligence, Section 6), a name used as a flag of convenience during the Second World War when it was known by many names. The existence of MI6 was not officially acknowledged until 1994.

Last Post of Action City Hot Toys Iron Man Figurines Exhibition - Iron Monger, Gunmetal

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This is my fourth and final toy blog post of my visit to the Action City Hot Toys 1/6th scale Iron Man Collectible Armors Assemble (Iron Man Figurines) exhibition held at Bugis Junction from April 28 till May 5, 2013 in conjunction with the release of the Iron Man 3 movie in Singapore. And what other Hot Toys Iron Man figures were on display? Well, just the usual suspects.

Starting with the Hot Toys 1/6 scale Iron Monger from the first Iron Man film highlighting the 1/6 scale head sculpt of Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane who in the movie attempts to destroy Tony Stark / Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) with the Iron Monger armor based on the remains of Stark's Mark I armor obtained from the Ten Rings. Scroll down to see more pictures plus the remaining figures seen at the exhibition booth.