Preview: Soldier Story 1/6 scale Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) 12" figure - Miroslav Klose?

Hot Toys used to produce military figures back when they just started out, before they ever ventured into the movie merchandising business which has sealed their success and brought the art of collecting 12-inch figures up many notches to a position and place where people all over the world sit up and take notice. The fact that a news company like CNN even conducted an interview with Hot Toys founder and CEO HOward Chan says a lot about what the company is doing right and where it stands today in the world. Hot Toys has certainly brought a great many people on board to buy their products.

With Hot Toys absent from the 1/6 scale military figure market, at least two other companies have come out and taken over the mantle Hot Toys left behind. These two companies have been faithfully producing some very fine 1/6 scale modern military figures and they seem to be in keen competition with each other which is good for we collectors because we get to choose which ones to buy since more options are made available to us. The two companies are Dam Toys and Soldier Story.

2014 has been declared the year for Russian 12-inch figures although who declared it and why nobody can fathom. There were many years it was the United States Navy SEAL figure when almost every 1/6 scale figure being released was a USN SEAL 12-inch figure. There was even a year for PMCs (Private Military Contractor, a nicer moniker for Mercenary) and this year, it's been Russian after Russian being previewed and released.

This latest offering by Soldier Story is the 1/6 scale Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) 12-inch military figure. KSK Kommando Spezialkräfte (Special Forces Command, KSK) is an elite special forces military unit composed of special operations soldiers handpicked from the ranks of Germany's Bundeswehr and organized under the Division Spezielle Operationen (Special Operations Division, DSO). KSK has received many decorations and awards from NATO, the USA and its affiliates and KSK operatives are frequently requested for joint anti-terror operations, notably in the Balkans and Middle East.

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End November 2014 Haul: Gangsters, Western, Kroenen, KP Conan and JB 007 Lotus Esprit

It's fast coming to the end of the year. It's going to be another year, another milestone. It's quite amazing how fast time flies when you are having FUN! These are some of the stuff I managed to get for the second half of November 2014. I already posted an entry of my early November 2014 haul HERE. These are things that came after the earlier haul. So I'm posting these here on my toy blog as an archive of the stuff I got and when I got them. The picture you see below doesn't show all of it. I took the picture before other stuff was added so there are more than meets the eye. Scroll down to see what else is not shown. (HINT: There's a certain Barbarian and a famous spy involved)

The picture above shows the latest released DAM Toys Gangsters Kingdom 1/6 scale Diamond 3 figure and the MC TOYS 1/6 scale Dark Climbing Kroenen Set plus Playmobil Western 5249 Horse-drawn Carriage with Cavalry Riders. What is not shown but covered in this post later on are the Kaustic Plastik XXL Project Set 1 - 1/6 scale The Fantasy Warrior fabric costume and accessories for 12-inch figures, Kaustic Plastik KP02XXL Heroik Muscle Body XXL Limited Edition 12-inch figure body and The 007 James Bond Car Collection Lotus Esprit from "The Spy Who Loved Me" film.

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INCOMING: ThreeZero 1/6 scale RWBY Ruby Rose 12-inch figure - girl with the huge scythe!

RWBY (pronounced "Ruby") is an American animated web series created by Monty Oum for Rooster Teeth Productions. The show is set in the fictional world of Remnant, which is filled with supernatural forces. The series focuses on Team RWBY, which consists of Ruby Rose (Lindsay Jones), Weiss Schnee (Kara Eberle), Blake Belladonna (Arryn Zech) and Yang Xiao Long (Barbara Dunkelman). Following its announcement, the show became a viral hit, resulting in many cosplays and fan adaptations. One of the fan adaptations was a video game, titled RWBY: Grim Eclipse; the game was later officially adopted by Rooster Teeth, and is currently under development. The show has received positive critical reception, particularly towards the soundtrack, and anime-influenced animation.

This will be the ThreeZero 1/6 scale RWBY Ruby Rose figure to be released soon. Specs and pictures of the first figure in the RWBY line are as follows:

RWBY Ruby Rose details: fully articulated figure stands ~12 inches / 30.5 cm tall; highly detailed mechanical design based on the official series; realistic paint application highlighting details; highly detailed accessories of the belt (belt buckle, bullets & purses); 1 Crescent Rose scythe; guns (1 rifle, 1 extended stock & 1 folded stock); rifle magazines (1 with pattern & 1 without pattern); 3 kinds of interchangeable hands - relaxed hands, fists & gun holding hands; 2 kinds of interchangeable cloak - long & short. Pre-order price is US$168 from threezerostore.com (shipping is included)

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Check out Inflames toys x Newsoul toys 1/6 Story Of A Journey To The West - Sun Walker (孫行者)

Journey to the West (Chinese: 西遊記; pinyin: Xī Yóu Jì) is a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty and attributed to Wu Cheng'en. It is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The novel is an extended account of the legendary pilgrimage of the Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang who traveled to the "Western Regions", that is, India, to obtain sacred texts (sūtras) and returned after many trials and much suffering. The Ming dynasty novel adds elements from folk tales and the author's invention, that is, that the Buddha gave this task to the monk and provided him with three protectors who agree to help him as an atonement for their sins. These disciples are Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing, together with a dragon prince who acts as Xuanzang's steed, a white horse.

Sun Wukong is the name given to this character by his teacher, Subhuti, the latter part of which means "Awakened to Emptiness" (in the Waley translation, Aware-of-Vacuity); he is called Monkey King.

His primary weapon is the "Ruyi Jingu Bang", which he can shrink down to the size of a needle and keep in his ear, as well as expand it to gigantic proportions. The rod, originally a pillar supporting the undersea palace of the Dragon King of the East Sea, weighs 17,550 pounds, which he pulls out of its support and swings with ease. The Dragon King had told Sun Wukong he could have the staff if he could lift it, but was angry when the monkey was actually able to pull it out and accused him of being a thief; hence Sun Wukong was insulted, so he demanded a suit of armour and refused to leave until he received one.

These are preview pictures of the soon-to-be-released Inflames toys x Newsoul toys 1/6 scale Story Of A Journey To The West - Sun Walker (孫行者) 12-inch figure. This is certainly not the first Monkey King figure to have ever been released. Inflames Toys also released the 1/6th scale 齊天大圣 The monkey king limited edition 12-inch collectible figure (preview pictures posted HERE). There was also the Very Cool x Coo Model 1/6 scale The Monkey King (Donnie Yen as Sun Wukong) 12-inch figure (posted HERE). Even the Japanese were in on it. Check out the Medicom Toys RAH (Real Action Heroes) 1/6 scale Monkey Magic Saiyūki Gokū 12-inch Figure reviewed HERE.

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Marvel Chibi superheroes: Avengers Assemble! + X-Men, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man & Venom

Chibi (ちび or チビ) is a Japanese slang word meaning "short person" or "small child". The word has gained currency among fans of manga and anime. Its meaning is of someone or some animal that is small. It can be translated as "little", but is not used the same way as chiisana [小さな] (tiny, small, little in Japanese) but rather cute. In English-speaking anime and manga fandom (otaku), the term chibi has mostly been conflated with the "super deformed" style of drawing characters with oversized heads or it can be used to describe child versions of characters.

These Marvel Chibi superhero figures were part of my November haul (see post HERE). I got them because they were cute (and cheap!). They didn't cost a lot and they were too cute to resist. The wife likes them and what the wife wants, the wife gets. After all, she supports me in my hobby 100% and puts up with having all the figures and toys displayed all over the house. She loves the whole toy museum look which she says makes the house unique and different from other houses. I'm so blessed to have such a supportive wife and partner so this toy blog post is dedicated to her :)

I'm not even sure who produced these as I got them loose and apparently there are twelve in the complete set. The picture above is pretty much the Avengers Assembled, the Marvel Studios film version consisting of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and Black Widow (minus Hawkeye). The other characters in the Marvel Chibi superheroes set are: Falcon, Spider-Man, Venom (only super villain included), Wolverine, Storm, The Thing and Silver Surfer.

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Check out Belet BLT-201405 Vanguard Against Terrorism Figure Set - another "24" Jack Bauer

24 is an American television series produced for the Fox network created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, and starring Kiefer Sutherland as Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) agent Jack Bauer. Each 24-episode season covers 24 hours in the life of Bauer, using the real time method of narration. Kiefer Sutherland, star of 24, was critically praised for his portrayal of Jack Bauer. The role revived his career, and won him many industry awards.

This will be the Belet BLT-201405 Vanguard Against Terrorism Figure Set. The set will come with 1/6 scale Head Sculpt, 12-inch Action Figure Body, Back Pack, T-Shirt, Body Armor, Handcuffs (Alloy), Hands (4), Pistol, Holster, Jeans, Leather Belt, Leather Jacket, Leather Shoes. Estimated Release: 1st QTR 2015. Estimated MSRP: $105.00 USD

Note: The head sculpt will be also be made available and sold separately.

This wouldn't be the first 1/6 scale Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer 12-inch figure to be released. Other Jack Bauer figures released include: Subway 24 Hours "Hero" 12-inch figure (reviewed in my toy blog HERE, HERE and HERE), Enterbay "24" Jack Bauer (posted HERE) and Playhouse 1:6 scale GSG-9 12-inch figure (low profile version) (pictures HERE and HERE).

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai 1/7 Arkham Origins Batman vs Deathstroke 10-inch action figure

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After three review posts with lots of pictures of the recently released Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" 1/7 scale Deathstroke 10-inch figure, it's only fitting to put both Deathstroke and Batman together to do battle as they did in the video game.

These two are my second and third Square Enix Play Arts Kai action figures that I got after RoboCop 2014 version 1.0. Check out my review of the re-imagined and rebooted RoboCop action figure from the 2014 movie of the same name HERE, HERE and HERE. I wanted to see how these two "Batman: Arkham Origins" video game figures look when posed together, in terms of scale and size. I'm happy to report that they certainly look good together.

Deathstroke appears in "Batman: Arkham Origins", and is among the eight assassins hired to kill Batman by the Joker. He appears in Penguin's ship, the Final Offer, attacking Batman while he is interrogating Penguin about Black Mask and his connection to the assassins.

I have already reviewed the Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" Batman 10.5-inch (26.5cm) tall action figure on my toy blog earlier HERE and HERE. Now we see Batman defending himself against the attack by Deathstroke in a close combat battle.

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Review III: Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" 1/7 Deathstroke 10-inch figure

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I enjoyed taking photographs of this latest Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" 1/7 scale Deathstroke 10-inch action figure so much that I got carried away so I've quite a lot of pictures to post and ended up with a three-part review of this Deathstroke action figure.

The thing is, I always enjoyed taking pictures of my figures. In the past however, when digital cameras were not the norm, taking pictures can be quite a chore and a pain. You had to buy rolls of film to load into the camera and you could only send your pictures for processing and development after the entire roll of film was finished before you could see how your pictures turned out. By then, time has passed and most times, you couldn't do a re-shoot because the event was over. So you always hoped that the pictures you took were good enough. You wouldn't want to take too many shots of the same subject too because it would mean you had less shots left for other subjects. With the advent of the digital camera, you could just snap as many pictures as you like and view them immediately after you've taken them before deciding whether or not you want to move on to the next subject matter. The digital age certainly has made things so much easier and faster too.

Deathstroke has a number of origin stories because DC has tweaked and reworked it many times to keep things interesting and help with the flow of the character development. One of the origin stories is that Slade Wilson's wife took out his right eye when she discovered that he had endangered their son and caused him to become mute. Afterward, his confidence in his physical abilities was such that he made no secret of his impaired vision, marked by his mask which has a black, featureless half covering his lost eye. Without his mask, Slade wears an eye-patch.

In the live action TV series "Arrow", Slade Wilson (Manu Bennett) is stabbed in the right eye by an arrow at the hands of Oliver Queen who would become Green Arrow later on. But enough with the "how" Slade lost his eye story, lets continue with the "show and tell" instead. Here's Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" 1/7 scale Deathstroke 10-inch (25.5cm) tall action figure armed with his staff. In the video game on which this figure is based upon, the staff is unique as it's a rifle-staff with a built-in grapple.

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Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" Deathstroke 10-inch figure Review II

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"Your methods and tactics are impressive, but inferior. They will not save you." ― Deathstroke to Batman

This is my second-part picture review of the Square Enix Play Arts Kai "Batman: Arkham Origins" Deathstroke 10-inch (25.5cm) tall action figure, shown here with his pistol and rifle. The articulation on this figure is pretty good and you can get quite a lot of poses in without any problem.

Deathstroke the Terminator (also known as Deathstroke, his name Slade Joseph Wilson, or formerly the Terminator) is a comic book supervillain, and sometimes antihero, who appears in books published by DC Comics. Originally a villain for the Teen Titans, writers have developed him over the years as an antagonist for the older heroes Batman and Green Arrow as well, establishing parallels between him and Batman and a deep-seated grudge between him and Green Arrow. His role as a villain for Batman and Green Arrow is reflected by his prominence in Batman video games and animated films, and in the Arrow television series.

Almost every character in the comic book world of DC will have an equivalent or similar character in the Marvel comics. There's Aquaman in DC and Namor in Marvel, Green Arrow in DC and Hawkeye in Marvel, Catwoman in DC and Black Cat in Marvel, Black Canary in DC and Black Widow in Marvel and the list goes on. The origin stories are also all too familiar sounding.

Slade Wilson was chosen for a secret experiment, and the Army imbued him with enhanced physical powers in an attempt to create metahuman supersoldiers for the U.S. military (Doesn't this part sound all too similar with Captain America's origin story?). The difference is that Deathstroke became a mercenary soon after the experiment.

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Hot Toys "The Dark Knight Rises" John Blake and Jim Gordon with Bat-Signal Collectible Set

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“It was the Batman.”

In the beginning of The Dark Knight Rises, Batman has disappeared since night of Harvey Dent’s death, but when Commissioner Gordon was attacked and hospitalized, Detective John Blake confronted Bruce Wayne and asked him to return as Batman.

Many fans were very eager to see the new 1/6th scale John Blake and Jim Gordon collectible figures displayed beside the Bat-Signal when they were showcased in exhibitions earlier this year. Today, Hot Toys is delighted to present a special collectible set which includes the firstly launched John Blake in police uniform, Batman’s ally – Commissioner Jim Gordon in civilian clothes, and the iconic Bat-Signal from the epic The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie-accurate Jim Gordon collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of the Gary Oldman as Commissioner Jim Gordon in the film featuring newly tailored outfit, and detailed accessories.

The 1/6th scale Bat-Signal collectible is highly detailed and finely crafted based on its appearance in The Dark Knight Rises. It is meticulously constructed with remote controlled LED light-up function, specially painted with distress effect, and rotatable base.

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Incoming: Hot Toys "The Dark Knight Rises" 1/6th John Blake with Bat-Signal Collectible Set

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“I'm still a believer in the Batman.”

Fans have been anticipating for the official introduction of the 1/6th scale John Blake Collectible Figure and the Bat-Signal when they were displayed in exhibitions earlier this year, and today Hot Toys is delighted to present the firstly launched John Blake collectible figure together in a set with the iconic Bat-Signal as seen in The Dark Knight Rises.

The movie-accurate John Blake collectible is specially crafted based on the image of the Joseph Gordon-Levittas John Blake in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, specially tailored Gotham City police uniform, detailed weapons and accessories.

The 1/6th scale Bat-Signal is highly detailed and finely crafted based on its appearance in The Dark Knight Rises. It is meticulously constructed with remote controlled LED light-up function, specially painted with distress effect, and a rotatable base.

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Preview Sideshow Collectibles "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope" 1/6 scale C-3PO Figure

“I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations.”

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, two unforgettable droids captured the imagination of moviegoers around the world... Now, joining his feisty astromech companion R2-D2, Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the C-3PO Sixth Scale Figure from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

Weathered from time spent stranded on the desert planet of Tatooine, C-3PO is ready for adventure with the Rebel Alliance alongside Luke, Han, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Built with screen-accurate mechanical detailing and light up features, Threepio’s advanced articulation and poseability allow collectors to perfectly capture the nuances of his quirky personality. Equipped with a comlink to receive instructions on his next mission, take command of the protocol droid with an attachable magnetic restraining bolt. An essential addition to any Star Wars collection, this is the droid you’ve been looking for.

Sideshow Collectibles "Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope" C-3PO Sixth Scale Figure features: Authentic detailed likeness as seen in Star Wars: A New Hope with Desert Weathering, Dented Face and Chest. Unique Body with over 40 Points of Articulation, Articulated Fingers, Light-up Eyes, Magnetic Restraining Bolt, Death Star Communicator, Figure Support Base. Sideshow Exclusive accessory: Swap-Out Damaged Shoulder.

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Review 1: Square Enix Play Arts Kai Batman: Arkham Origins Deathstroke 10" (25.5 cm) figure

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This is the Batman: Arkham Origins Play Arts Kai Deathstroke 10-inch (25.5 cm) tall figure. This is the Deathstroke who appears in Batman: Arkham Origins video game, voiced by Mark Rolston. He is among the eight assassins hired to kill Batman by the Joker.

Deathstroke the Terminator (also known by his name Slade Wilson, originally called simply the Terminator) is a comic book supervillain, and sometimes antihero, who appears in books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #2 (1980).

I remember Deathstroke from my much younger days when I followed the adventures of the Teen Titans in the DC comic books. George Perez's art was a treat! Deathstroke re-emerged recently on The CW's Arrow television series and in the series, Slade (played by Manu Bennett) is of Australian descent and a former ASIS agent. Slade would feature strongly in Seasons 1 and 2.

Being an assassin, Slade would be able to identify somewhat with the figure I posted previously in my toy blog - The Winter Soldier (see my reviews and pictures HERE and HERE). I doubt there'll be a 12-inch Deathstroke figure anytime soon so this 10-inch Slade Wilson should suffice for now. Plus he makes a very nice companion to Play Arts Kai Square Enix "Batman: Arkham Origins" Batman 10.5-inch action figure (recently posted HERE and HERE)

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Preview Square Enix Play Arts Kai The Batman Timeless series Armored Batman action figure

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Square Enix has released official preview images of their Play Arts Kai The Batman Timeless series Armored Batman action figure, after having first teased collectors at the New York Comic-Con 2014 (NYCC 2014). The Batman Timeless series of Play Arts Kai figures re-imagines Batman throughout the past, present and future, in assorted redesigned costumes.

As with most of Play Arts Kai action figures, they have their own personal spin on the character’s appearance (calling them variants) and Armored Batman is no different. They have put quite a bit of details into their Armored Batman figure. Every single part of his outfit looks to be armored, except certain parts of the outfit where you can see that he’s wearing a suit underneath the Batman armor. The detailing looks really authentic and heavy. Even the bat cowl is armored. There are blades on his gauntlets which seems to be taking a leaf from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Batman design. Not really sure how Batman can be stealthy and move fast in this chunky outfit. Another name which would have been appropriate would be Iron Batman!

The paintwork looks good with different shades of dark blue, black, silver and gold / yellow. The bat emblem stands out on his chest and the cape looks armored too. I wonder how he can even glide / fly in that unless Batman has jet-powered boots. Armored Batman stands 11 inches tall and will come with two fisted hands, two gripping hands, two open hands, a batarang, stun and smoke grenades, grapnel guns, stun stick and a figure stand.

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Hot Toys "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" 1/6th Collectible Figure: Sebastian Stan as Bucky

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This is the part 2 review of Hot Toys MMS241 Captain America: The Winter Soldier 1/6th scale Sebastian Stan as Bucky / Winter Soldier 12-inch Collectible Figure. Having reviewed the box packaging and contents in my part 1 review (posted HERE) with detailed pictures of the 1/6 scale weapons and accessories as well as unmasked head sculpt turnaround views, this second toy blog post and review covers the masked head sculpt with goggles, and putting the 1/6 scale weapons in the hands of this 12-inch assassin of HYDRA.

In the 2014 American superhero film "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", Steve Rogers' best friend, Bucky Barnes, has re-emerged as an enhanced brainwashed assassin called The Winter Soldier after being thought killed in action during World War II. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America must battle to the death with his old buddy and pal Bucky (Sebastian Stan) who is now an agent of Hydra. Cap also must prevent Hydra from killing millions of innocent people via the launch of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s helicarriers.

First thing Steve Rogers tells Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) after his encounter with the Winter Soldier: “He's fast... strong... and has a metal arm.” Cap more than meets his match when it comes to the Winter Soldier, partly because he too is a super soldier and partly because when Rogers realizes that Bucky is the Winter Soldier, he cannot bear to put his best friend down permanently, even though Bucky has no idea who Rogers is due to all the brain washing.

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Review 1: Hot Toys MMS241 Captain America: TWS 1/6 scale Winter Soldier Collectible Figure

This was part of my November 2014 haul (see previous post HERE)

James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as a sidekick character in Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941), published by Timely Comics (Marvel's 1940s predecessor). Decades later, the original Bucky was brought back from supposed death as the Winter Soldier, and even as Captain America when Steve Rogers was presumed to be dead.

Sebastian Stan portrays Bucky in the feature film Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and the Winter Soldier in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). As Steve Rogers' best friend, who has re-emerged as an enhanced brainwashed assassin after being thought killed in action during World War II, Bucky is now the Winter Soldier.

In the trailers for the film, one of the most memorable moments was when Captain America (Steve Rogers) hurls his shield at the Winter Soldier to try and stop him from getting away after he has "killed" Nick Fury. He turns and stops the shield in mid flight with his metal arm. It tells of the intense conflict and battle that is to follow. At that point, we still didn't know who the Winter Soldier was (although those of us who have read the comic books already know the answer to that question).

This is the recently released Hot Toys MMS241 Captain America: The Winter Soldier 1/6th scale Sebastian Stan as Bucky / Winter Soldier Collectible Figure (Note: 1/6 shield NOT included. Used for photography purposes)

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Pre-order Sideshow Collectibles DC Comics Power Girl 21.5-inch Premium Format™ Figure

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“Ahem. Eyes up here.”

Based on artwork by renowned pinup artist Stanley ‘Artgerm’ Lau, Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the Power Girl Premium Format™ Figure from DC Comics.

Endowed with the powers of Krypton, Superman’s strong and sassy cousin is ready to rock, flaunting her physique in her distinctive red, white and blue costume. Expertly crafted in polystone by Sideshow’s artists, Karen Starr makes a lasting impression as Power Girl, standing 21” tall over the battle-torn streets of Metropolis. The perfect addition for any DC Comics or Justice League collection, Sideshow’s Power Girl Premium Format™ Figure is sure to knock your socks off!

Product Size: 21.5" H (546.1mm) x 10" W (254mm) x 10" L (254mm)
Product Weight: 10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)

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Incoming: Play Toy (Item No.: P008) 1/6th scale Athletics Girl 12-inch Female Collectible Figure

"May the odds be ever in your favor!"

The Hunger Games is a 2012 American science fiction adventure film directed by Gary Ross and based on the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. The story takes place in a dystopian post-apocalyptic future in the nation of Panem, where boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 must take part in the Hunger Games, a televised annual event in which the "tributes" are required to fight to the death until there is one remaining who will be crowned the victor. Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the games. Joined by her district's male tribute Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), Katniss travels to the Capitol to train for the Hunger Games under the guidance of former victor Haymitch Abernathy (Harrelson).

This is Play Toy upcoming release: (Item No.: P008) 1/6th scale Athletics Girl 12-inch Female Collectible Figure. Product Details: 1/6 scale female head sculpt, 12-inch female body, One-piece Suit, boots, bow, arrows x 4, quiver, kneepads, pose-able Hands x 8, Figure display stand. She looks much better than the previously previewed Kumik 1/6th scale "Jenn" The Hunter in The Game (see the earlier toy blog post HERE).

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November 2014 Haul: Hot Toys 1/6 Winter Soldier, Funko Pop! Jim Raynor & Marvel chibi

It's already coming to the end of the year 2014 and there isn't very much to share of my early November 2014 Haul: there's Hot Toys MMS241 "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" 1/6th scale Winter Soldier 12-inch Collectible Figure, Funko StarCraft II Jim Raynor Marine Suit Pop! Vinyl Figure and Marvel Chibi mini figures. Not much to shout about but I'm really digging the Hot Toys 1/6 scale Winter Soldier, played by Sebastian Stan in the movie. We know now that the Winter Soldier is really James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes, Steve Rogers' best friend, who has re-emerged as an enhanced brainwashed assassin after being thought killed in action during World War II.

Other non-1/6 scale stuff: Funko StarCraft II Jim Raynor Marine Suit Pop! Vinyl Figure and Marvel Chibi mini figures. Why? Because they were just too cute to resist and they are FUN to look at. Plus they don't really take up a lot of space, space that is needed for more 12-inch figures.

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ThreeZero 1/6 scale Mass Effect 3 John Shepard 12-inch collectible figure is just AWESOME!

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Mass Effect 3 is a 2012 science fiction action role-playing third person shooter video game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U. Mass Effect 3 details the adventures of Systems Alliance Commander Shepard as they try to defeat a human-survivalist paramilitary group called Cerberus and a synthetic-organic race of machines known as the Reapers. The Reapers are immensely powerful and purge the galaxy of all advanced sapient life in 50,000 year cycles.

Lieutenant Commander Shepard is a veteran soldier of the Systems Alliance Navy military and N7-graduate of the Interplanetary Combatives Training (ICT) program, and the first human Citadel Council Spectre. Shepard works to stop "the Reapers", a sentient synthetic-machine race dedicated to wiping out all organic life.

Mass Effect 3 John Shepard details: 1/6th scale figure stands approximately 12-inches (30.5 cm) tall; fully articulated figure based on the look in Mass Effect 3; one pair of relaxed palms, one pair of fists, one right palm for holding gun, one left palm for holding rifle are included with the figure; lots of attention to details, inducing incredibly detailed mechanic parts, resembling character as seen in the video game; comes with highly details weapons: M8 Avenger, M5 Phalanx, Omni blade

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Pre-order ThreeA Marvel 1/6th scale Doctor Doom 13.5-inch figure (classic, ghost & stealth)

You can now pre-order this from Sideshow Collectibles

When ThreeA first announced they were making Marvel 12-inch figures designed by Ashley Wood and released 4 variants of The Invincible Iron Man earlier this year (see the post HERE), it was a case of either you liked it or you don't, all of which depended on whether you liked 3A's style. While the design was a nice and unique take on a character we are all very familiar with, one could tell that the figure itself was not very articulated from looking at the preview pictures as there were no extreme poses. Most of them just showed Iron Man standing there. It seems the legs have zero articulation.

Doctor Doom is going to be the second figure released under ThreeA's Marvel license and it looks pretty good. He’s got the amazing weathering paint job on his armor (characteristics of ThreeZero / ThreeA), a pose-able cape, and also the huge feet that Iron Man was sporting.

Similar to what ThreeA did with the Iron Man figure, Doctor Doom is going to be available in 3 different variants. There's classic version, the ghost edition, or the all black stealth edition. 

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Review ThreeA / 3A Lost Planet 2 1/6th scale Mercenary 12-inch Action Figure by Ted Menten

Lost Planet 2 is a third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. The game is the sequel to Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, taking place ten years after the events of the first game, on the same fictional planet.

This is ThreeA's first offering from their Lost Planet series, the 1/6th Mercenary from Lost planet 2. This toy blog post is specially brought to you by Ted Menten, who has offered to review the ThreeA Mercenary figure since I didn't pre-order it.

From Ted:
I confess that I am not a gamer and was unfamiliar with "Lost Planet" but I am a bit of a Steampunk fan and the preview images had a strong Steampunk feel to them. So I crossed my fingers and hoped the figure would be at least as good as the preview photos.

To my great delight, this figure is beyond my expectations. The attention to detail is terrific. Even the front and back panels are wired to allow them to have movement as if blown by the wind. Packaging is a black box with a clear plastic inner tray to hold the figure.

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Preview ZCWO 1/6 scale "Rise of the Legend" Wong Fei-hung 12-inch collectible action figure

Rise of the Legend (Chinese: 黃飛鴻之英雄有夢) is an upcoming Hong Kong-Chinese kung-fu action film directed by Roy Chow and written by To Chi-long. The film stars Sammo Hung, Peng Yuyan, Wang Luodan and Jing Boran. On August 19, 2013 it was announced that Edko Films, Irresistible Delta and BDI Films were teaming up for an upcoming action film based on life stories of the legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-hung.

Wong Fei-hung (9 July 1847 — 25 March 1924) was a Chinese martial artist, physician, acupuncturist, and revolutionary, who became a folk hero and the subject of numerous films and television series. He is considered an expert in the Hung Gar style of Chinese martial arts. As one of the best known Hung Gar practitioners in modern times, Wong and his martial arts lineage have received a lot of attention.

At the age of five, Wong Fei-hung started learning Hung Gar (also called Hung Fist) from his father, Wong Kei-ying. When he was 13, he learnt the essentials of the Iron Wire Fist and sling from Lam Fuk-sing (林福成; Lin Fucheng), a student of "Iron Bridge Three" Leung Kwan, after meeting Lam in Douzhixiang during a martial arts street performance. He learnt the Shadowless Kick from Sung Fai-tong (宋輝鏜; Song Huitang) later.

These are preview pictures released by ZCWO of their upcoming 1/6 scale "Rise of the Legend" Wong Fei-hung 12-inch collectible action figure. This is the latest portrayal of Wong Fei-hung on the big screen. Jet Li did it for me in "Once Upon a Time in China (1991)". Jackie Chan also played the master twice, "Drunken Master (1978)" and "Drunken Master II (1994)".

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Pre-order "Iron Man 3" Iron Man Mark 42 Quarter Scale Maquette by Sideshow Collectibles

You can pre-order this from Sideshow Collectibles

"Mark 42 inbound!"

From Marvel's blockbuster film, Iron Man 3, Tony Stark suits up again with the Iron Man Mark 42 Quarter Scale Maquette.

Following the release of the Iron Patriot Maquette (see previous post), Sideshow Collectibles has teamed up with Legacy Effects, the special FX masters behind every Iron Man film, to produce the ultimate screen-accurate representation of Stark in his latest and greatest armor.

Measuring 20" tall on a themed base, the wisecracking hero blasts into action with interchangeable masked and unmasked portraits, featuring a remarkable likeness of Robert Downey Jr. in one of his most celebrated roles. Finished with a high gloss paint application and light-up features in the eyes, chest, and repulsors, this dynamic statue captures every detail of the 'man in the can' as he sets out to save the world from the threat of the Mandarin.

Product Size: 20" H (508mm) x 16" W (406.4mm) x 13" L (330.2mm)
Product Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)

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Pre-order "Iron Man 3" Quarter Scale Iron Patriot 22-inch Maquette by Sideshow Collectibles

You can pre-order this from Sideshow Collectibles

"Iron Patriot on the Job!"

From the blockbuster film, Iron Man 3, Sideshow Collectibles and Legacy Effects are proud to present the Iron Patriot 1:4 Scale Maquette.

Sideshow has teamed up with long time collaborators at Legacy Effects Studio, the special FX masters behind every Iron Man film, to produce the ultimate screen accurate Iron Patriot collectible!

Measuring at 22 inches in height, the impressive 1:4 Scale Maquette captures Colonel James Rhodes in his Iron Patriot armor from Iron Man 3. Each 1:4 Scale Maquette includes a reveal portrait of actor Don Cheadle as Colonel James Rhodes, a fully deployed Iron Patriot armored portait, individually painted hand finished armor with a high gloss paint application, and incredible light-up features in the eyes, chest, and repulsor thrusters in the palms of his hands.

Displayed atop a themed base, this is the must-own Iron Man collectible for collections worldwide!

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Pre-order Sideshow Collectibles Quarter Scale Iron Man Mark II 26 inches (66 cm) tall Maquette

You can pre-order this from Sideshow Collectibles

“Jarvis, sometimes you gotta run before you can walk.”

From Marvel's 2008 blockbuster film, Iron Man, Tony Stark gets ready to suit up with the Iron Man Mark II Quarter Scale Maquette.

Teaming up with Legacy Effects Studio, the special FX masters behind every Iron Man film, Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you the ultimate screen-accurate representation of Tony’s first advanced prototype armor. Fully deployed and ready to be put to the test, the Mark II stands an incredible 26” tall on an impressive Stark Industries gantry base. Destined to one day become a true war machine, the sleek silver suit is crafted with premium grade polystone, finished with a high gloss metallic paint application, and brilliant light-up features in the eyes, chest and palm repulsors.

Displayed along with a decorative ‘Iron Man Mark II' nameplate, this dynamic statue is an incredible addition to any Hall of Armor. Just be sure to steer clear of high altitudes...

Product Size: 26" H (660.4mm) x 15" W (381mm) x 14" L (355.6mm)
Product Weight: 15.00 lbs (6.8 kg)

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Check this out: Phicen Limited PL2014-71 1:6 scale SHI 12-inch Collector Female Figure

SHI is a fictional comic book character created by writer / illustrator William Tucci. She first appeared in Razor Annual #1 (1993), and has since appeared in books by a variety of publishers, most notably, Tucci's company, Crusade Comics. SHI is a young woman of mixed Japanese and American ancestry drafted into a modern-day "shadow war" between descendants of the infamous sohei warrior monks of medieval Japan. As the story is deeply rooted in Japanese history and mythology, "SHI" literally translates to death (死) in Japanese, and her signature weapon is the naginata.

The series is known for its scenes of stylized violence, and originated during an American comics publishing fad sometimes called "bad girl comics". The series often touches on spiritual issues, especially as they pertain to Ana's dual background in the traditions of the yamabushi warrior monks, and Christianity. Shi has also appeared in several crossovers with characters from other publishers, including Lady Death, Daredevil,Vampirella and Cyblade.

Phicen Limited PL2014-71 SHI 1:6 scale Collector Figure will come with: Head sculpt x 2 pcs, Super flexible 28.5cm tall seamless body with stainless steel skeleton, Replaceable hands x 6 pcs, Neck strap, Arm armor, Upper garment, Briefs with mini skirt, Stockings with shoes, Samurai sword (long), Samurai sword (short), Sai x 2 pcs, naginata, shuriken (throwing star), Hair pin x 2 pcs, Flag with staff x 2 pcs, Stand for flag, Bracket, Figure display stand

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Incoming: Kaustic Plastik XXL Set 2 – 1/6th scale Arena Fighter Outfit Set from "Gladiator" film?

Gladiator is a 2000 British-American epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott, starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Ralf Möller, Oliver Reed (in his final film role), Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, John Shrapnel, and Richard Harris.

Russell Crowe portrays the fictional character, loyal Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius, who is betrayed when the emperor Marcus Aurelius's ambitious son, Commodus, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiatorial arena to avenge the murder of his family and his emperor.

Kaustic Plastik has released preview pictures of their next product coming from XXL line. The head displayed in the picture and the body are NOT INCLUDED in the set. KP used the new upcoming body KP04-A for the photo session. The head displayed will be inside the KP04-A blister. The release date is January 2015.

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