Preview Kotobukiya DC Universe 1/10th scale The Flash Classic Costume ARTFX+ Statue

Kotobukiya’s groundbreaking DC Comics Classic Costume ARTFX+ Statue series brings you brand new non-articulated comic book characters based on vintage 1980’s Super Powers action figure sculpts enlarged to 1/10th scale.

Speeding his way into your collection after Superman (posted earlier on my toy blog HERE) and Green Lantern (previewed HERE) is the fastest man alive, The Flash! Retro is in and you can celebrate the great action figures of yesteryear with this vintage-inspired Barry Allen Flash resembling a classic five points-of-articulation toy.

An all new sculpt updates the classic style yet retains the nostalgic feel, and collectors will immediately recognize the inspiration for this look. The Flash stands in a classic action figure running pose, his elbows bent as he starts to pick up speed. Whether you had the original Super Powers figure or not you’ll love the bright colors of this new version with the eye-catching scarlet costume, yellow highlights, lightning symbol on his chest, and of course Barry’s blue eyes.

Sculpted by Naoya Mutou, The Flash Classic Costume ARTFX+ stands just under 8 inches tall (1/10th scale) on his included magnetic display base with perfect stability. Collect all of the DC Comics Classic Costume Statues with the previously released Superman and Green Lantern and upcoming characters like Batman, Robin, and more (sold separately)!

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"In brightest day…” Kotobukiya DC Universe Green Lantern Classic Costume ARTFX+ Statue

Kotobukiya’s groundbreaking DC Comics Classic Costume ARTFX+ Statue series brings you brand new non-articulated comic book characters based on vintage 1980’s Super Powers action figure sculpts enlarged to 1/10th scale. Following after the initial release of Superman (previewed on my toy blog HERE) comes Hal Jordan as Green Lantern! Retro is in and you can celebrate the great action figures of yesteryear with this vintage-inspired Green Lantern resembling a classic five points-of-articulation toy!

An all new sculpt updates the classic style yet retains the nostalgic feel, and collectors will immediately recognize the inspiration for this look. Green Lantern stands in a classic power pose, holding the Lantern Power Battery that charges his ring and keeps him ready for action. And just like the GL figure from your youth this ARTFX+ version looks stunning in his green and black costume with white gloves and of course the ring on his finger.

Sculpted by Atelier Bamboo, Green Lantern Classic Costume ARTFX+ stands just under 8 inches tall (1/10th scale) on his included magnetic display base with perfect stability. Collect all of the DC Comics Classic Costume Statues with the previously released Superman and upcoming characters like Flash, Batman, and more (sold separately)!

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NECA Christopher Reeve Superman & Kotobukiya DC Universe Super Powers Superman ARTFX+ Statue

NECA Christopher Reeve Superman Quarter Scale Figure was revealed at Toy Fair 2015 and put up for pre-order.

Decades after the release of the 1978 Superman movie, Christopher Reeve’s iconic portrayal of Superman in the movie remains the most definitive version. In order to make this figure happen, NECA worked closely with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and Warner Bros.

The figure stands over 18-inches tall in the 1/4 scale. Features include: the authorized likeness of Christopher Reeve and comes with a tailored soft fabric cape and interchangeable hands. This movie accurate figure is highly posable.

At the same time, Kotobukiya has also decided to revisit the classic Superman look, harking back to the past when Superman wore bright red underwear over his blue costume. Definitely NOT the current Henry Cavill Superman of 2013. Looks like it's going to be a blast from the past!

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Playmates 6-inch tall Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Figures, released 2012

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For 6-inch / 15cm tall action figures, these Playmates Classic Collection Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pack a whole lot of articulation :) Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature a ball-and-socket head, ball-and-hinge shoulders, swivel biceps, double-hinged elbows, ball-and-hinge wrists, individually-hinged fingers, ball-and-hinge thumbs, ball-and-socket torso, ball-joint hips, swivel thighs, double-hinge knees, ball-and-socket ankles, and individually-hinged toes. That's pretty impressive! Each of them come with their own manhole cover with the TMNT logo and their individual names on it. The digits (phalanx) on each hand can move on its own which is quite cool and they can hold their weapons well.

There’s very little paint application on these figures. Almost everything on these figures are molded in their particular color, including the plastron (front shell). Having everything molded in color does give the figure a toyish look, but that’s a perfect match for the cartoonish style of these figures. Fashioned after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 TV series which lasted for 10 seasons until 1996, the characters were light-hearted and fun to watch. Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures of Playmates 6-inch / 15cm tall Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Figures.

T is for 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Figures by Playmates

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (often shortened to TMNT or Ninja Turtles) are a fictional team of four teenage anthropomorphic turtles, who were trained by their anthropomorphic rat sensei in the art of ninjutsu and named after four Renaissance artists. From their home in the storm sewers of New York City, they battle petty criminals, evil overlords and alien invaders, all while remaining isolated from society-at-large. The characters appeared in comic books before their expansion to cartoons, video games, films, toys and other general merchandise. During the peak of its popularity in the late 1980s through early 1990s, the franchise gained considerable worldwide success and fame. (source: wiki)

I had read Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's self-published a single-issue comic intended to parody four of the most popular comics of the early 1980s: Marvel Comics' Daredevil and New Mutants, Dave Sim's Cerebus, and Frank Miller's Ronin. And I LIKED it :) When the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 TV series was aired with much success, the subsequent action figure line followed, and TMNT were soon catapulted into pop culture history. At the height of the frenzy, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Turtles' likenesses could be found on a wide range of children's merchandise, from Pez dispensers to skateboards, breakfast cereal, video games, school supplies, linens, towels, cameras, and even toy shaving kits.

These are the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classic Collection Figures released by Playmates which I came across as loose pieces at a flea market recently. To me, these are the most pose-able Ninja Turtle action figures ever made. I love the articulation and the quality is pretty good. I am a fan of the 1980s cartoon look so these had to be bought. While the animated TV series, which lasted for 10 seasons until 1996, was more light-hearted, the comic book series continued in a much darker and grittier tone. In 1990 a live-action feature film was released, with the turtles and Splinter being portrayed by actors in partially animatronic suits created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. The film became one of the most successful independent films, and spawned two sequels, as well as inspiring a 3D animated film set in the same continuity, which was released in 2007 under the name TMNT.

Scroll down to see pictures of each of the Ninja Turtles - Leonardo (Leo), Michelangelo (Mike or Mikey), Donatello (Don or Donnie) and Raphael (Raph).

Check out Mattel DC Universe Batman Legacy Arkham City Batman 7-Inch Action Figure

I picked up what looks like the Mattel DC Universe Batman Legacy Arkham City Batman 7-Inch Action Figure loose at the Sunday flea market recently and decided to take a few pictures with the Bat Signal added to make it more interesting ;p The Bat Signal is the Dream EX 2012 Toy Fairs Exclusive 1/6th scale Bat-Signal / Spotlight which was reviewed earlier in my toy blog HERE

My interest in the Arkham City Batman was piqued after I came across the Kotobukiya Batman Arkham City Collectors Edition 14 cm (5.5") Statue which is very nicely detailed. You can check out the pictures HERE. But being a statue, certain details are obscured because Batman is in a crouching, ready-to-pounce pose. I wanted to see how the Arkham City Batman costume looks like and what better way than to get my hands on a Mattel DC Universe Batman Legacy Arkham City Batman 7-Inch Action Figure which offers 360 degrees of turnaround views. Scroll down to see the pictures :)

Review DC Direct Jim Lee inspired All Star Series 1: Batman 6.75 inches Tall Action Figure - NICE!

This DC Direct All Star Series 1: Batman action figure was released in 2009 but has only just ended in the Batman collection of Toy Haven. I'm a big Batman fan and almost called my toy blog the BAT CAVE but since I don't just collect batman figures although it was Batman that started me down this incredible journey (hobby), I decided on TOY HAVEN instead and I've been blogging ever since July 2007. My first few posts in TOY HAVEN were all about my Batman collection. I've since moved on to focus more on 1/6 scale figures because 12-inch figures are GREAT with their pose-ability, realistic and life-like head sculpts, authentic and accurate 1/6 scale fabric outfits / costumes and accessories plus gear and weapons. You also have the added option of kitbashing which lends a whole new dimension for customization and individualism.

When I came across this figure at a local shop, I felt in love with the figure right away. I love the Jim Lee interpretation and rendering of Batman as a menacing and angry avenger and crime fighter AND the sculpt of Batman has to be one of the best I've ever seen. Love the short ears of the cowl. In this instance, the cowl not only conceals Batman's features but contributes to his imposing appearance. Scroll down to see more pictures :)

Kotobukiya Batman Arkham City Collectors Edition 14 cm (5.5") Statue is nicely detailed

The highlight of the Batman: Arkham City Collector’s Edition (released in 2011) was this custom Batman statue made by Kotobukiya, well known for their work on other movie, comic and video game figures. This Batman Arkham City Collectors Edition statue has a nice quality sculpt that has a great likeness to the in-game Batman model. The amount of detail on Batman's suit is amazing. All the divots, shadows and textures have been almost perfectly realized. As a statue the figure has no articulation and Batman remains set in his crouching, ready-to-pounce pose with a stern look on his face. But I LIKE it! Got it because it wasn't expensive :) cheap and good haha

This Kotobukiya Batman Arkham City Collectors Edition Statue is only 14 cm (5.5 inches) tall (including the round base of 10 cm / 4 inches diameter) but it packs a lot within a small area. I don't have a lot of statues on my collection, preferring to go for the 1/6th scale fully articulate figures with fabric outfits / authentic costumes but once in a long while, I'll pick up something I really cannot resist and this particular Batman statue caught my attention.

S is also for Star Wars and these are NOT your regular sized Star Wars Lego mini figures

From a post-apocalyptic future (see previous post) to a galaxy far far away...

Lego has ventured into making other products besides their little bricks. I've bought some Lego Star Wars boxed sets in the past but have since decided to focus on my 1/6 scale collection as I much prefer the articulation and ultra-detailed accessories, gear, uniforms and weapons. That said, I still have a thing for Star Wars and besides the 12-inch Star Wars figures, I do collect some of the Star Wars mini figures as well. Here's a picture I took recently of my Star Wars Lego figures standing alongside the Medicom Toys Kubrick Star Wars figures as well.

The Medicom Toys Kubrick Star Wars mini figures in the picture above are the two Imperial Stormtroopers on the right standing on either side of the Medicom Toys Kubrick Star Wars Darth Vader figure. I had posted pictures of the Kubrick Stormtroopers by Medicom Toys HERE as well as pictures of the Kubrick Darth Vader HERE and HERE

Besides the Lego mini figures (standing right in front), there are the Lego LED Key Light Star Wars figures and the much bigger Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Alarm Clock :) Scroll down to see more pictures

H is also for Hades and Hermes 12-inch figures by Foxbox Studio "God Complex" line of figures

Gotta put them together – Foxbox Studio's pair of God Complex Hades and Hermes 12-inch figures. These are really one-of-a-kind sixth scale figures because they are not based on any movie franchise, nor military themed but they are drawn and inspired by the gods from Greek mythology.

In Greek mythology, Hades is the King of the Underworld and god of the dead and the hidden wealth of the Earth. His consort is Persephone and his attributes are the key of Hades, the Helm of Darkness, and the three-headed dog, Cerberus. Hermes is the god of travel, messengers, trade, thievery, cunning wiles, language, writing, diplomacy, athletics, and animal husbandry. He is the messenger of the gods, a psychopomp who leads the souls of the dead into Hades' realm, and the son of Zeus and Maia.

I've already reviewed both Foxbox Studio's "God Complex: Hermes" and "God Complex: Hades" separately but haven't put them together for pictures yet, until now :) Scroll down to see more pictures of this great pairing by Foxbox Studio.

Review: Mattel Batman Power Attack Swamp Raider Killer Croc 6.5-inch/16.5cm action figure

This Swamp Raider Killer Croc is the only other action figure from Mattel's Batman Power Attack line that I got, other than the Power Attack Ice Blast Mr Freeze action figure which I reviewed earlier HERE.

Killer Croc, or Waylon Jones, is a criminal and nemesis of Batman. He was born with a medical condition called "Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis" as well as regressive atavism, which caused him to grow progressively more like a crocodile, hence his name.

In recent years, Killer Croc has been portrayed as being much more reptilian than in past incarnations. In Batman the Animated Series which was first aired on the Fox Network from 1992 to 1995, Killer Croc was more of a human with alligator-like skin and razor-sharp teeth and claws (see my post HERE). He had no tail and walked pretty much upright like a man, albeit a very large man. In this Batman Power Attack depiction, Killer Croc is now very much more reptile than man.

Review: Mattel Batman Power Attack Ice Blast Mr Freeze 6.5-inch / 16.5 cm tall action figure

This is the Mattel Batman Power Attack Ice Blast Mr Freeze action figure which is approximately 6.5 inches / 16.5 cm tall . I don't like the 3 3/4 inch figures because I find them rather small. They are good for putting into vehicles but not great when they stand alone. I was attracted to this Mattel Batman Power Attack Ice Blast Mr Freeze figure because its size stood out and caught my attention. Plus I cannot resist a good looking Mr Freeze action figure :)

Mr Freeze, real name Dr Victor Fries (surname pronounced "freeze"), is a scientist who must wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive, and bases his crimes around a "cold" or "ice" theme, complete with a "cold gun" that freezes its targets solid. In the most common variation of his origin story, he is a former cryogenics expert who suffered an industrial accident while attempting to cure his terminally ill wife, Nora.

The Mattel Batman Power Attack Ice Blast Mr Freeze 6.5-inch / 16.5 cm tall action figure comes carded and is a part of a set of four arctic mission figures from the Batman Power Attack line of figures. The other three figures in the set are Blizzard Buster Batman, Thermo Attack Batman and Battle Gauntlet Batman. Scroll down to see more pictures of this very COOL (pun intended) Mr Freeze action figure.

B is also for Batman: Brave and the Bold / Stealth Strike "Covert Attack" Batman figure

In a land that is devoid of anything to do with Mattel DC Batman toy action figures, these Batman: Brave and the Bold / Stealth Strike figures were a welcome sight indeed when they appeared in the aisles of Toys R Us. Like I mentioned in my earlier post HERE, you will not find Mattel DC action figures in Singapore. Plenty of Ben 10, Marvel Avengers, Disney Cars and Toy Story plus Power Rangers and most recently Thundercats but Brave and the Bold? Justice League? Nada, zilch, not a one, nil, uh-uh... you get me.

Coming off the successful BATMAN Total Armor series (it was named thus because the original Batman: Brave and the Bold series was canned when the animated TV series of the same name ended its run), this was an all-new segment that was released in the US last year but only arrived in Singapore stores just recently.

While the Mattel Stealth Strike "Gear Up" BATMAN (see pictures in my post HERE) wears a slightly modified version of the blue and gray suit worn during the Silver Age comics (1960s–70s) which was also what Batman wore in the animated Batman: Brave and the Bold TV series, this Covert Attack Batman looks more like the Dark Knight version where Batman worked alone (no Robin, the Boy Wonder and no dynamic duo) and everything was grimmer and darker, which suits me just fine.

Mattel Year 2011 DC Batman "The Brave and The Bold" / Stealth Strike Series COVERT ATTACK BATMAN 5-Inch Tall Action Figure comes with Removable Mask and Detachable Missile Launcher with Missile (X1254) for some snap-on action.

L is also for The Lizard from The Spectacular Spider-Man animated TV series 2008

By now you have probably seen the upcoming Marvel Studios "The Amazing Spider-Man" 4-minute super preview trailer for the new film starring Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker / Spider-Man. So you'll also know that the trailer features Spider-Man's newest enemy / super villain The Lizard rampaging across the city, creating havoc and causing chaos. Then this isn't a spoiler in any way ;p

The top genetics expert at Empire State University, Dr Curt Connors thought he had the means and scientific know-how to regrow his missing arm. Connors combined his own DNA with a self-created reptilian formula and inadvertently transformed himself into a vicious monster! With his brilliant intellect clouded by primal instincts, Curt Connors has become The Lizard - a cold-blooded foe for his former student, The Spectacular Spider-Man!

The stylized version of the Lizard as seen in the Spectacular Spider-Man animated TV series was released as an action figure by Hasbro in late 2008. I thought the Lizard in the new Spider-Man film looked less like The Lizard from the comics and more like Killer Croc, a former crocodile wrestler (Waylon Jones) turned into a criminal deformed by a birth defect. Problem is: Killer Croc's from DC Comics ;p

B is also for Batman: The Brave and the Bold / Stealth Strike "Gear Up" BATMAN by Mattel

When it comes to Mattel DC toy action figures in Singapore, it is practically non-existent :( You will be hard pressed to find the Mattel DC Justice League and Justice League Unlimited figures, or Mattel's The Batman action figures or even Batman: The Brave and the Bold action figures. Singapore is the world's most barren and desolate place as far as Mattel DC action figures are concerned. Toy stores in Singapore carry Ben 10 toy figures by the truck loads, along with Power Rangers, Star Wars, Transformers as well as Disney and Marvel action figures (Toy Story, Cars, Avengers and whatever new film that comes out in the cinemas) but DC action figures based on the animated television series cannot be found anywhere!

So imagine my surprise when I came across a few of these Mattel "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" toy action figures recently in Toys R Us. However, these have been repackaged as "Batman Stealth Strike" action figures although clearly these action figures carry on the design used on the original Mattel "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" toy action figures with the distinctive hexagonal holes on the back, shoulders, elbows and lower legs. The holes are used to attach the accessories to the character's body for more play value. It is obvious that Mattel is trying to sell these off under a new line since the show's cancellation.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold is an American animated television series based in part on the DC Comics series The Brave and the Bold which features two or more super heroes coming together to solve a crime or foil a super villain. As the title suggests, the cartoon focuses on Batman's regular "team-ups" with various heroes similar to the most well-known version of the original comic book series. The series premiered on November 14, 2008 on Cartoon Network in the United States, and ended on November 18, 2011. [source: wiki]

Review II: Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman (W is also for Wonder Woman)

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I grew up in the 70s watching TV shows like "The Six Million Dollar Man", "Battlestar Galactica", "CHiPs", "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century", "Land of the Lost" and many others but one of my favorites was Lynda Carter Wonder Woman. Unlike the merchandising efforts these days where you can almost find a figure from a famous / popular TV series or movie, there just wasn't any 1/6th scale Lynda Carter Wonder Woman 12-inch female figure ever made and that is just one of those things I hope to see happen ;p

In the meantime, I think this is one of the next best thing :) As mentioned in the previous post, this is the Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman statue. Bishōjo (美少女, literally "beautiful young girl", also spelled bishoujo) is a Japanese term used to refer to young and pretty girls, usually below university age. Bishōjo characters are seen in almost all genres of anime and manga, especially in dating sims and visual novels (also known as bishōjo games), and harem anime and manga.

This is famed Japanese illustrator and character designer Shunya Yamashita's take on DC Comics Wonder Woman, done Bishoujo style. And I LIKE it :) I've already shown turnaround views of this Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman statue in the earlier post so now I thought it'll be nice to zoom in to see the details that make up this fine female figure / statue.

W is also for Wonder Woman – the Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman Review

Shunya Yamashita does Japanese girls very well ;p Do a google search and you'll see what I mean :) Lots and lots of lovely Japanese anime / manga style gals for your taking and I can't help but be drawn to them haha So it's a rather nice touch to have the famed Japanese illustrator and character designer add his take on the female characters from DC.

This is the Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman from the particular collection line of female figures. From the box description: "Joining the Gotham City duo of Batgirl and Catwoman (preview pictures posted HERE) in the DC Comics Bishoujo Collection, Wonder Woman is truly a force to be reckoned with. The ever-dynamic Amazon stands surrounded by her full panoply of weapons and equipment, ready to face any threat."

I don't usually buy statues as I've been focusing more on 1/6th scale collectibles and 12-inch action figures but once in a while, something comes along that is just too good to resist ;p even better when this is a gift from a loved one (that happens to be my wife who supports me more than 100% haha I'm so blessed!) It's not good to reject a gift right? Some might even think that it's rude so I had to give in and accept this Kotobukiya DC Comics Bishoujo Wonder Woman statue with a willing heart :)

B is also for Bizarro

Another action figure with a distorted face (see previous post) and also from DC comics as well as the DC Animated Universe, it's none other than Bizarro.

Bizarro was Superman's deficient clone. He was a tragic figure and more misguided and manipulated rather than intentionally evil. Bizzaro was an imperfect duplicate of Superman created by Lex Luthor. Using a stolen strand of Superman's DNA, Luthor developed his own "Superman", a prototype for a line of super-guardians available to the general public.

By dialing 555-LEXX, a person in trouble could have one of Luthor's guardians rescue fly to their aid anytime of the day or night - for a price. Unfortunately for Lex, it didn't work. The cloning process was unstable and the Superman clone mutated in form and mind into a grotesque parody of the Man of Steel dubbed a "Bizzaro" by a horrified Metropolis.

B is also for Blight

In the animated series "Batman Beyond" also known as "Batman of the Future", Terry McGinnis adopted the identity of Batman in the future. Derek Powers was a powerful but corrupt businessman who in a freak accident was transformed into the villain Blight, the archenemy of the second Batman.

Derek Powers / Blight bears characteristics of both corporate villain Lex Luthor and DC Comics villain Doctor Phosphorus. Blight also bears some similarities to the Joker from the 1989 film Batman. Both were disfigured by chemicals by Batman, and the attempt to fix the injury caused by the chemicals also resulted in the creation of their new identities. Both characters also disguise their deformity by using a method to cover their skin to give a (relatively) normal appearance.

B is also for Batman – Michael Keaton Batman

This is the Kenner 1992 "Batman Returns" Bruce Wayne action figure with Quick Change Batman Armor!

Back in the 1990s, few of the Batman actors had ever received a movie-accurate plastic translation. Toy companies don't always receive the rights to actors' likenesses along with the general franchise. A high quality effort usually requires complicated laser scanning procedures. Sometimes it's just not worth the trouble for a toy marketed at the prepubescent crowd.

That all changed with the release of the 1989 BATMAN film! In the months pre-dating Batman's release in June 1989, a popular culture phenomenon rose known as "Batmania". Over $750 million worth of merchandise was sold. Cult filmmaker and comic book writer Kevin Smith remembered, "That summer was huge. You couldn't turn around without seeing the Bat-Signal somewhere. People were cutting it into their f***ing heads. It was just the summer of Batman and if you were a comic book fan it was pretty hot."