Pre-order Sideshow Collectibles Starcraft 1/6th scale Terran Space Marine Tychus 15.5" Figure

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"Hell... it's about time!"

From Blizzard Entertainment's best-selling strategy game, StarCraft II, Sideshow Collectibles is proud to introduce the Tychus Sixth Scale Figure.

While not even Jim Raynor can be certain of the truth behind his past, or just where his loyalties lie, one thing is for sure: Tychus Findlay always goes big. Always. Assembled from over 525 individually engineered components, Findlay gears up in Sideshow's Sixth Scale Terran Space Marine armor with an incredible range of articulation, multiple light-up features, and a colorful array of unique decals that suit him just fine - including snarky quips, tally marks and a pin-up of Kyla Velassi. Known for his big ego and even bigger guns, there's no job in the whole universe too dangerous for this outlaw when he's got a couple of flash grenades and a light-up C-14 Impaler Gauss rifle with bayonet attachment and removable clip. A born survivor, Tychus bears his 'New Folsom Prison blues' with true grit thanks to two interchangeable portraits: one with a scathing scowl, and one simply enjoying one of the best cigars in the Koprulu sector.

Sideshow Collectibles 1/6th scale Starcraft Terran Space Marine Tychus 15.5-inch (393.7mm) Tall Figure specially features: Fully articulated and highly detailed armored Space Marine with Angry Tychus portrait plus Cigar chompin' Tychus portrait, C-14 Impaler Gauss rifle with lights and removable clip, Bayonet attachment, Two (2) Terran flash grenades, Torso lights, Light-up engine vents, Extendable illuminated power cells, Helmet illumination.

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Hot Toys Collector or Hot Toys Box Collector? Age-old question: To open / not to open the toy!

I've been collecting toys since 1994 and Hot Toys figures since 2000 but the age-old question still remains: "To Open or Not To Open the Toy!"

I've grown to respect and appreciate each and every individual's way of collecting toys, be it to keep the toy mint in the sealed box or to open the box and display the toy or put the toy back in the box after playing due to constraints of space of even rotate the display of the toys for the same reason (for lack of space) but I've been cautioning people for years to remove batteries from the toys if they choose to keep the toy in the box or there will be irreparable damage to said toy when the batteries leak and damage the electronic components. See my toy blog post from September 2011 titled "Hot Toy Collecting Tip #1: Remove ALL Batteries!" for the full article.

What I don't get is people who proudly post pictures of their Hot Toys box collection (I decided to post one picture here as an example LOL) on multiple facebook pages without ever displaying the figures inside and then get offended when people from the same group ask why he buys so many of the same figures and why he doesn't display any of them. See below for some of the comments. It sure makes for some fun reading :)

This is a conversation on facebook about a collector who buys and buys multiples of the same figure but keeps them all MISB (Mint In Sealed Box) with no intention of ever taking them out and displaying them. Names have been omitted to protect their identities.

Q: "Do you plan on displaying them once you have the room to display them all? Or keep them in the box? I found myself not even unboxing nowadays because I don't have the room to display them."

A: "No intention of displaying them"

Q: "Not going to display them??? I wouldn't call that collecting at all. I call that wasting money. "Hey guys, look at all my boxes", that even sounds dumb. lmao. Take some pride in your overpriced collectibles, i know i do..... And why would you buy 2 and 3 of the same figures, an even bigger waste of money since your not a retailer either. My mind is blown right now."

A: "My way different from anyone else & why can't I purchase more than one of the similar figure?? Any rules say so?? & ANY laws say one person buys a figure MUST display?? Who say so??"

Q: "Yah, alright bud lmao. Its just, you spend so much money on these figures it really seems like a waste. You never even get to see the great detail on the back sides of these figures! But on a serious note, nice box collection!!"

R: "No laws, but I'm curious. Why do you buy so many and not do anything with them?"

Q: "Exactly. Thats what i say, its nuts. And buying 2 and 3 of each???? Wtf? This is a simple case of more money than smarts. I could see buying 2 if you want 1 in package and 1 for display but 3 unopened identical figures??????"

A: "FYI I bought them preorder price.. Any issues??? I don't need to know how great their articulations.. I been collecting them this for 9 yrs.. & I like the particular figure.. Can't I buy more than one?? So buying more than one means I break the laws??? Come on.. Pls prove me wrong that I shouldn't buy more than one.."

Q: "No one said your breaking any laws lol!! It just seems redundant"

A: "So?? What are u trying to guide a 9 yrs hot toys collectors??? Must I listen to u??? Your comments unacceptable & rude"

R: "Haha! Nobody is saying anything rude. We all just asked what the purpose of buying multiples is, and not even opening any. And you got really defensive and upset. This is getting really funny."

Check out KGB Hobby (KGB-004) 1/6 scale Moscow OMON Police outfit set for 12-inch figure

OMON ((Russian: ОМОН—Отряд мобильный особого назначения, Otryad Mobilny Osobogo Naznacheniya, Special Purpose Mobile Unit) originated in 1979, when the first Soviet SWAT-like police unit was founded in preparation for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow to ensure that there were no terrorist incidents like the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics. Subsequently, the unit was to be utilized in emergencies such as high-risk arrests, hostage crises and acts of terror.

The current OMON system is the successor of that group and was founded on October 3, 1988 as the Militsiya Squad of Special Assignment, initially in Moscow. Special police detachments were often manned by former soldiers of the Soviet Army and veterans of the Soviet war in Afghanistan. OMON units were used as riot police to control and stop demonstrations and hooliganism, as well as to respond to emergency situations involving violent crime. The units later took on a wider range of police duties, including cordon and street patrol actions, and even paramilitary and military-style operations.

KGB Hobby (KGB-004) 1/6 scale Moscow OMON Police 12-inch action figure (body & head sculpt not included) features: ANA ‘Snow’ P-51 09 Winter jacket (KAMYSH urban pattern), ANA winter dungarees, ANA V-95 tactical vest, fur hat, MVD hat badge, black polo-neck sweater, grey gloves, Faradei leather boots, black leather belt, NPO-SM ‘Pus-1’ baton, NPO-SM ‘Pus-1’ baton belt holder

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Incoming: Craftone 1/6th scale Fighter is really 12-inch Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden in "Fight Club"

Fight Club is a 1999 film based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film was directed by David Fincher, and stars Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter. Norton plays the unnamed protagonist, an "everyman" who is discontented with his white-collar job. He forms a "fight club" with soap maker Tyler Durden, played by Pitt, and they are joined by men who also want to fight recreationally. Fight Club was one of the most controversial and talked-about films of the 1990s. After Fight Club '​s theatrical release, it became more popular via word of mouth, and the positive reception of the DVD established it as a cult film that David Ansen of Newsweek conjectured would enjoy "perennial" fame.

Craftone will be releasing their 1/6th scale Fighter 12-inch collectable action figure which is most likely inspired by Brad Pitt's Tyler Durden character seen in the 1999 film "Fight Club".

The Craftone 1/6th scale Fighter Deluxe Edition will come with two head sculpts (Original realistic male head sculpt - one with long hair, and the other sporting a shaved head, two 12-inch male action figure bodies with ten interchangeable hands. Two outfits are included: One set consists of Red leather jacket, motorcycles printed T-shirt, blue khaki pants, shoes and sunglasses. The other set consists of black fur coat, orange vest, red trousers, red socks, brown leather shoes, rings and a cigarette.

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ThreeZero 1/6th scale Breaking Bad Heisenberg (Bryan Cranston as Walter White) pre-order info

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Mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher Walter White thinks his life can't get much worse. His salary barely makes ends meet, a situation not likely to improve once his pregnant wife gives birth, and their teenage son is battling cerebral palsy. But Walter is dumbstruck when he learns he has terminal cancer. Realizing that his illness probably will ruin his family financially, Walter makes a desperate bid to earn as much money as he can in the time he has left by turning an old RV into a meth lab on wheels.

Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White – a chemistry teacher diagnosed with Stage IIIA lung cancer who turns to making meth to secure his family's finances. As his shady businesses progress, Walter gains a notorious reputation under the name of Heisenberg.

The 1/6th scale collectible figure series by threezero featuring characters based on the hit television series Breaking Bad will launch this February. The first figure, Heisenberg is a 12-inch (30.5cm) tall articulated figure featuring tailored clothing, various accessories, and a realistic likeness to the character portrayed on screen.

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Pre-order ThreeA Transformers 18-inch (47cm) Tall Megatron Premium Scale Collectible Figure

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Megatron is a character from the Transformers franchise, created by Hasbro, and based on a toy design by Takara. He is a sentient robotic lifeform from the planet Cybertron and the leader of the villainous Decepticons as well as the archenemy of the Autobot leader Optimus Prime.

In the 2007 live action Transformers film, Megatron's alternate mode is a Cybertronian jet. The apparent explanation for the departure from his gun form is that director Michael Bay does not want to include any sort of size changing in the transformations, which the writers described as "cheating". In one of the special features on the DVD, G1 Megatron's transformation was likened to Darth Vader turning into his own lightsaber to be wielded by someone else.

Sideshow Collectibles and ThreeA Toys are excited to announce the Megatron Premium Scale Collectible Figure from the blockbuster film Transformers. Standing over 18" tall, Megatron is fully posable with over 70 points of articulation and features realistic weathering effect paint application and LED light-up eyes.

Transformers fans, don't miss your chance to own the most powerful Decepticon leader of all time.

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Kaustic Plastik 1/6 scale Praetoriae Cohortes (Praetorian Guard) Lucius Aelius Seianus figure

Lucius Aelius Seianus, commonly known as Sejanus, was an ambitious soldier, friend and confidant of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. An equestrian by birth, Sejanus rose to power as prefect of the Roman imperial bodyguard, known as the Praetorian Guard, of which he was commander from AD 14 until his death in AD 31.

While the Praetorian Guard was formally established under Emperor Augustus, Sejanus introduced a number of reforms which saw the unit evolve beyond a mere bodyguard, into a powerful and influential branch of the government involved in public security, civil administration and ultimately political intercession; changes which would have a lasting impact on the course of the Principate.

During the 20s, Sejanus gradually accumulated power by consolidating his influence over Tiberius and eliminating potential political opponents, including the emperor's son, Drusus Julius Caesar. When Tiberius withdrew to Capri in 26, Sejanus was left in control of the administration of the empire. For a time the most influential and feared citizen of Rome, Sejanus suddenly fell from power in 31, the year his career culminated with the consulship. Amidst suspicions of conspiracy against Tiberius, Sejanus was arrested and executed, along with his followers.

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Kaustic Plastik 1/6th Marcus Nonius Macrinus Dux Exercituum Imperatoris Marci Aurelii figure

Marcus Nonius Macrinus was a Roman general and statesman in the era of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He served as Consul (suffectus) in 154, and several terms as proconsul thereafter. Macrinus' life was one of the inspirations for Russell Crowe's character Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 feature film Gladiator. However, while both Marcus Nonius Macrinus and the fictitious Maximus Decimus Meridius are placed in the same time period and share similarities such as being liked and well known to Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Marcus Nonius Macrinus went on to enjoy a successful career and died a wealthy man. In the movie, Maximus Decimus Meridius is portrayed with having a much different later life, losing his family and being sold into slavery.

Kaustic Plastik 1/6 scale Marcus Nonius Macrinus Dux Exercituum Imperatoris Marci Aurelii 12-inch figure Features: Deluxe Packaging, New Head Sculpt, KP04 Generation K Body, Theilenhofen Helm (Die-Cast), Sword / Gladio (Die-Cast), Bronzed Armour / Lorica Muscolata, Pteruges / Leather Vest, Purple Cape (Cloth), Purple Toga, Parade Closed Boots / Calcei (Leather). White Tunic Short (Cloth), White Tunic Long (Cloth), Decorated Belt (Leather + Details in Die-Cast), Parazonium / Parade Sword, Fasces / Bundle of Wooden Rods with Axe, Command Staff, Deluxe Stand

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Pre-order Tweeterhead 10.5-inch (26.7cm) Tall 1966 Robin, the Boy Wonder Maquette Diorama

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"Come on, Robin, to the Bat Cave! There's not a moment to lose!"

Sideshow Collectibles is thrilled to present Tweeterhead's latest release in the Classic '66 Batman line: Robin, the Boy Wonder Maquette Diorama!

Based on the classic television show, this collectible statue features a stunning likeness of Burt Ward as Robin, the Boy Wonder and includes a bat cave base with the top piece and left half of the iconic Batcomputer.

Complete your '66 Batman collection with Robin's companion piece, "To the BATMOBILE" Batman Maquette Diorama - posted earlier on my toy blog HERE! Batman is 12.5 inches tall and comes with the other half of the Bat Computer.

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Incoming: ACI / Pangaea Toy 1:6 scale Russell Crowe as Gladiator General Maximus 12" Figure

Gladiator is a 2000 American-British 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. 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.

ACI through their affiliate company Pangaea Toy will be releasing two versions of 1/6th scale Gladiator Maximus Decimus Meridius, with three ways to purchase the 12-inch figure. There's the PG02A Version A (Arena Version), PG02B Version B (Final Battle Version) and PG02C Version C (Deluxe Version). The picture below show the Pangaea Toy PG02A Version A (Arena Version) Gladiator Maximus Decimus Meridius.

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Preview Hot Toys "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" 1/6 Obi-Wan Kenobi Collectible Figure

"The Force will be with you. Always." – Obi-Wan Kenobi

The legendary Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most memorable and crucial characters in the Star Wars saga. As the mentor of Anakin and Luke Skywalker to train them in ways of the Force, Obi-Wan has played a significant role in shaping the fate of the entire galaxy. Following the official introduction of Darth Vader, the “circle is now complete” as Hot Toys is proud to present today the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope 1/6th scale Obi-Wan Collectible Figure!

The movie-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Sir Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the film featuring a newly developed head sculpt, specially sculpted hands, finely tailored Jedi costume, LED-lighted lightsaber, and figure stand.

This “is” the legendary Jedi Master you are looking for.

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Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - All four of them in group pictures

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I have individually reviewed each Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their own post on my toy blog earlier, starting with Raphael HERE, then Michelangelo HERE, followed by Leonardo HERE and finally Donatello HERE. So now's the time to put them all together for a group picture :) I present to you the Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 5-inch (13cm) action figures - Cowabunga!

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first appeared in an American comic book published by Mirage Studios in 1984 in Dover, New Hampshire. The concept arose from a humorous drawing sketched out by Eastman during a casual evening of brainstorming and bad television with Laird. Using money from a tax refund, together with a loan from Eastman’s uncle, the young artists 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. The TMNT comic series has been published in various incarnations by various comic book companies since 1984. (source: wiki)

The popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 animated TV series lasted for 10 seasons until 1996 and 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 newer action figures from the equally successful Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series which premiered in 2012 and has proven to be a hit, with a fourth season confirmed. Scroll down to see the rest of the pictures. Click on them for bigger and better views.

Kotobukiya Star Wars R3-A2 & K-3PO ARTFX+ Statues: Are these the droids you're looking for?

News of the impending release of the next installment in the Star Wars franchise "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" has resulted in Star Wars toys and action figures being released all over the place, in anticipation of more of the things to come.

Back in the day, George Lucas' decision to accept a lower salary on the film in exchange for full merchandising rights was considered a fool's gamble on his part. Toys based on movies had never been major money-earners (though some movie-toy combinations had done moderate retail returns) because of the long gap between when a movie would go through its theatrical run and when any products based on it would be available. Star Wars, however,was such a phenomenon that it reached the holiday 1977 sales period in full swing, and changed the way movies were merchandised forever. Look who's laughing all the way to the bank now!

A Kotobukiya Japanese import! The famous duo of C-3PO and R2-D2 weren’t the only Droids that found their skills put to use during the Rebellion’s struggle against the Galactic Empire. Among the other often unsung heroes include R3-A2 and K-3PO.

R3-A2 served alongside other Astromech Droids, serving the Rebel pilots as a navigator on their fighters and helping to keep their ships in top shape when not in flight, while K-3PO’s vast database and knowledge of military tactics served him in good stead as the coordinator of all droids at Alliance High Command up until his unfortunate destruction at Echo Base during the Battle of Hoth.

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Preview Hot Toys "Avengers: Age of Ultron" 1/6th scale Ultron Prime 41cm Tall Collectible Figure

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“There are no strings on me.”

Since the first official release of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer, the film’s titular villain Ultron’s menacing appearance and memorable speech has grabbed many fans’ attention and left wondering how the Earth’s mightiest heroes can stand up against this highly dangerous robot and its large army.

With the epic blockbuster just few short months away from hitting theatres worldwide, Hot Toys is very excited to “show you something beautiful” today, the 1/6th scale Ultron Prime Collectible Figure, that many fans and collectors have eagerly awaited to see!

The movie-accurate Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Ultron Prime in Avengers: Age of Ultron. It stands approximately 41 cm tall, featuring a newly developed head sculpt and body with mechanical details, LED light-up head and upper body, and a specially designed Avengers: Age of Ultron logo figure base with LED light-up function!

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Pre-order Yamato USA DC Comics Collection Harley Quinn 10.25 inches Tall Collectible Statue

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"Aw, c'mon Puddin - don'tcha wanna rev up ya Harley?"

Harley Quinn (Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel) was introduced on September 11, 1992, in Batman: The Animated Series and later adapted into a children's comic book called Batman Almost Got 'Im on April 1993. As suggested by her name (a play on the word "harlequin"), she is clad in the manner of a traditional harlequin jester. The character is a frequent accomplice and girlfriend of Batman's nemesis the Joker, and is also a close friend of the supervillain Poison Ivy, from whom she gained her immunity to poisons and toxins.

What was originally supposed to be the animated equivalent of a walk-on role; a number of police officers were to be taken hostage by someone jumping out of a cake, and it was decided that to have the Joker do so himself would be too bizarre (although he ended up doing so anyway) became the female sidekick for the Joker.

Hey Puddin' pie, if you haven't started your DC "Fantasy Figure" collection yet, then now is the time with this very sexy Harley Quinn 10.25-inch (260.35mm) tall figurine. She is sure to have a ball and hammer out the competition, providing you with a smile that even Mistah J would love! This sensual Harley Quinn statue is sculpted by Shin Tanabe as imagined by renowned artist and visionary Luis Royo.

So whatcha waiting fer, order yours today!

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Check out Sen-Ti-Nel Re:Edit Iron Man #02 Extremis Armor 18cm (7-inch) action figure

It seems every TOY company out there is trying to sell as many Iron Man figures as they possibly can. And if they can't get the designs of the original Iron Man figure, they can opt to design their own Iron Man figures and call it the Marvel Variant Iron Man (done by Square Enix for their Play Arts Kai line of figures - see my recent toy blog post HERE) or Re:Edit Iron Man!

Sentinel continues their Re:Edit Iron Man figures with the Extremis armor! Made of plastic and die-cast parts, this super-posable figure stands about 18cm (7 inches) tall, and his eyes and chest light up! He comes with a pair of fisted hands, a total of four other interchangeable hands, the Hall of Armor base (including a pole for support), and two test batteries (LR41 type, which means you may want to get him a set of fresh ones when he arrives at your home because you know what happens to your figures when the batteries leak! If you don't know, better check out my post "Hot Toy Collecting Tip #1: Remove ALL Batteries!" HERE).

I much prefer these Sen-Ti-Nel Re:Edit Iron Man action figures (this is #02) as they stay much closer to the original designs and colors with some interesting tweaks. Square Enix Play Arts Kai version of Iron Man could actually work well as the villain in this case, sort of like a DARK Iron Man, just like Dark Phoenix, Dark Wolverine etc. a concept Marvel has run away with.

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Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Donatello 5-inch figure Review

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The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (often shortened to TMNT or Ninja Turtles) are a fictional team of four teenage anthropomorphic turtles, named after four Renaissance artists, who were trained by their anthropomorphic rat sensei in the art of ninjutsu. From their home in the storm sewers of New York City, they battle petty criminals, evil overlords, mutated creatures, and alien invaders while attempting to remain hidden from society. They were created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

Donatello (Don or Donnie) – The scientist, inventor, engineer, and technological genius, Donatello wears a purple mask and wields a bo staff. Donatello is perhaps the least violent turtle, preferring to use his knowledge to solve conflicts, but never hesitates to defend his brothers. He is named after the early Renaissance Italian artist and sculptor from Florence, Donatello.

This Donatello 5-inch action figure is the last of the four Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I'm covering on my toy blog, having already reviewed the other three turtles earlier – Raphael HERE, Michelangelo HERE and Leonardo HERE. These Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been really fun to pose and display as they are much more articulated than your average ninja turtle figure. Everything is quite well thought out so that you get the maximum pleasure from these minimal creatures. It's been a blast but there's going to be more in the NEXT post when I put all four turtles together for some group shots / pictures. But first, back to Donatello.

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Pre-order ThreeZero The Matrix 1/12th scale Armored Personnel Unit (APU) with Pilot figure

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The Matrix is a 1999 American-Australian science fiction action film written and directed by The Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. It depicts a dystopian future in which reality as perceived by most humans is actually a simulated reality called "the Matrix", created by sentient machines to subdue the human population, while their bodies' heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. Computer programmer "Neo" learns this truth and is drawn into a rebellion against the machines, which involves other people who have been freed from the "dream world". The success of the film led to the release of two feature film sequels, both written and directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.

The Armored Personnel Unit (APU) was a hydraulic power battle suit designed for combat and were a primary line of defense for Zion. Its main armament are two 30mm rapid-fire cannons attached to its arms. All motion of the APU is controlled by the operator's hands, including its legs. They made their brief first appearance in The Matrix Reloaded, but were seen more prominently in The Matrix Revolutions.

Along with Matrix APU collectible and pilot figure, we will have deluxe box set, which will be available exclusively at threezerostore and it will consist of standard APU and pilot in addition to the exclusive Ammo Loader (with two additional boxes of ammo cases) and ground crew figure. Exclusive Ammo Loader deluxe box set will cost 430USD with worldwide shipping included in the price.

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Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo 5-inch figure Review

continued from previous post...

The third ninja turtle to be reviewed on my toy blog is Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo 5-inch tall (13cm) action figure. Leonardo (Leo) is the tactical, courageous leader and devoted student of his sensei, Splinter. Leonardo wears a blue mask and wields two long, razor-sharp swords. As the most conscientious of the four, he often bears the burden of responsibility for his brothers, which commonly leads to conflict with Raphael. Leonardo was named after the Italian polymath, painter, engineer, inventor, writer, anatomist, and sculptor, Leonardo da Vinci.

This is the version of Leonardo from the hit Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated TV series which premiered in 2012. I have already covered Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael (posted HERE) and Michelangelo (pictures HERE) which means the last turtle to be covered will be Donatello. I like that the turtles are not all of the same size. In the case of the classic turtles, the only noticeable difference between the turtles was the color of their masks and the weapons they carry. In this instance, Leonardo and Michelangelo are both similar in size whereas Raphael is actually the bulkiest / biggest of the four. Donatello, on the other hand, is the skinniest turtle of them all (which I'll cover in the NEXT post).

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Kotobukiya ARTFX+ "Avengers: Age of Ultron" the Hulkbuster vs. Hulk statues are Awesome!

A Kotobukiya Japanese import! Kotobukiya’s hit Marvel Comics ARTFX+ series has brought fans Avengers straight out of the comics, and now it turns to the big screen with the upcoming mega-blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron. Two mighty characters start the new collection in a true battle of titans: the massive Hulkbuster Iron Man and the angry green monster Hulk!

A fan-favorite design from the comics that’s coming in the Avengers sequel, the Hulkbuster is a specially-designed upgrade to the Iron Man armor created by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark to combat the Hulk if he should go berserk. Classified as the Iron Man Mark 44 armor, the Hulkbuster suit really tears it up! Based on its appearance in the film, the huge armor looks as if it leapt straight off the screen. Iron Man strides forward to grapple with the green-skinned Avenger, leg pistons cranking and his right arm stretching out to make contact. While the resemblance to the classic Iron Man armor is readily apparent (especially in the bright metallic red and gold), the Hulkbuster takes it to a whole new level with a towering frame, thick armor plating, and a stout shape. Best of all, that huge shape means a ton of surface area for amazing sculpting featuring all of the technological details of the Iron Man suit including surface armor, interior electronics, layered components, repulsor units, integrated weaponry, and much more!

Don’t make him angry! The fully powered version of gamma-irradiated Bruce Banner (portrayed in the Avengers films by Mark Ruffalo), the Hulk is an unstoppable titan of rage and ferocity who’s just as much a threat to his allies as he is to his enemies. Unrestrained and fully unleashed, Bruce Banner has left the building and the Hulk is in control. The massive green-skinned monster hurtles into battle, thick legs pumping and his enormous hands squeezed into fists to pummel anything that tries to stop him. The Hulk conveys a huge presence with his heroic proportions and rippling physique that stands out with every muscle on display. The Avenger is fantastically detailed with intricate anatomy down to his sinews and veins, all topped off by a fierce facial sculpt that captures the character’s never-ending rage! This time around the Hulk does things a little differently, wearing high tech red-striped purple shorts rather than the traditional tattered pants.

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Incoming: DAM TOYS Gangsters Kingdom 1/6 scale Spade 7 "Harry" 12" figure is Clive Owen

Here's another man in black but he's so different from the one posted in the previous post

CHAPTER 4: The war began.
Section3: The outbreak of war

Honesty is the first casualty of war

The 7 of Spades, Harry, was a mercenary in his early years. Survived from the battlefield, he went back to England and started to take some temporary jobs for hire. During one job he took several bullets, but was saved by Ogier, the J of Spades. Since then Harry followed the Spades family. With gratitude to Ogier, he was full of loyalty and valor, and got promoted in the family. He is also the man who watched Ada, the 6 of Spades, to grow up and always cared for her.

Years spent in the battlefields and mob wars have made Harry a calm, decisive, thorough and fearless soldier. He had some bad feelings about this random deal, suspected that 3 and 4 might already be dead. He tried to dissuade Ada from rash actions, but could not stop her. All he can do was taking best measures to protect her. Harry made his own preparations for this deal.

The stories are getting longer and longer so I only posted two paragraphs ;p sometimes it makes me wonder if Dam Toys is selling the figures or a novel with the insane amount of text to explain the character and the back stories about the character and what he's doing, who he's meeting and the deal gone sour. Me, I just want to see the figures :)

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New from Art Figures: 1/6th scale Soldiers of Fortune 3 12" action figure (JCVD as Jean Vilain)

This is Art Figures next figure to be released: a 1/6 scale Soldiers of Fortune 3 action figure. This particular 12-inch figure looks a lot like Jean-Claude Van Damme (aka JCVD) who portrayed Jean Vilain in "The Expendables 2" movie. Jean Vilain, leader of an Albanian criminal group known as the Sang goes up against Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his team of merry men, and almost takes them out. In the end, there is the duel to the death between Ross and Vilain. I don't have to tell you who won since Expendables 3 has already been released.

Art Figures have already released the 1/6 scale Soldiers of Fortune 12-inch action figure who happens to resemble Jason Statham as former SAS soldier Lee Christmas in "The Expendables 2" (reviewed in my toy blog posts HERE, HERE and HERE) as well as 1/6 scale Soldiers Of Fortune 2 Dolph Lungren as Gunner Jensen 12-inch figure (posted HERE and HERE) so this will be the third figure from their "Soldiers of Fortune" series.

Play Toy also released a 1/6 scale Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Vilain 12-inch figure last year. You can see the pictures and reviews posted HERE, HERE and HERE. Good for comparisons.

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Incoming: Square Enix’s Play Arts Kai New 1/7 scale Marvel Variant Iron Man Action Figure

Square Enix is now going into the Marvel license with their Play Arts Kai Variant Iron Man, which is the first 1/7 scale Marvel action figure they will be producing. As with all Play Arts Kai figures, they tend to put their own spin on iconic characters (hence the use of the term "variant"), which always produces mixed results. They have been doing it to the DC line for years, and I haven't picked up any figure from that line until recently. My first Play Arts Kai DC Variant figure is Hawkman which I have covered in my January 2015 haul HERE.

What Square Enix does is to take all the popular DC comic book characters (the good and the bad / superheroes and supervillains) and give them a variant look which differed from how they usually looked like in the comic books. The look always ended up usually more Japanese anime / manga-like and I didn't quite fancy them.

Their take on Iron Man, however, seems to be a move in the right direction. Square Enix has given his armor a rugged look (less finished?) and made his helmet more streamlined. It looks more like actual armor compared to the more modern take of the armors (which were very smooth & finished with a spit and a shine) we have seen in the films.

There's an interesting play of colors, with the addition of a lot more black into the usual red and yellow (gold) mix. It has given the character a darker look, almost as if this is DARK Iron Man. He almost looks sinister, and definitely intimidating.

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Check out these Hot Toys "Avengers: Age of Ultron" Artist Mix Figures Designed by Touma

Hot Toys is expanding its product line yet again to bring more diversity to fans, and today we are very excited to present the new Artist Mix Collection series! As the name suggests, Hot Toys will collaborate with different artists and designers from various spectrums to re-imagine movie characters in a special art form with unique style.

To kick-off the Artist Mix Collection, Hot Toys is joining hands with famous Japanese toy artist Touma and introducing a number of Artist Mix Figures based on one of the biggest movies of 2015 - Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron!

This first series will include Iron Man Mark XLIII, Captain America, Hulkbuster, Ultron Prime, and two versions of Ultron Sentry! Each Artist Mix Figure has a bobble-head and stands approximately 14cm tall (Hulkbuster stands approximately 20cm tall) and perfectly combines the movie characters’ designs with Touma’s distinctive art style!

In celebrating the launch of this new collectible series, a deluxe set will be available that includes the powerful Hulkbuster and Mark XLIII (Battle Damaged Version) which is exclusive to this figures set.

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Pre-order Mondo 16-inch (40cm) Tall Deluxe Iron Giant Collectible Figure at Sideshow Collectibles

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

The Iron Giant is a 1999 American animated science fiction comedy film using both traditional animation and computer animation, produced by Warner Bros. Animation, and based on the 1968 novel The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The film is about a lonely boy named Hogarth Hughes raised by his mother (the widow of an Air Force pilot), who discovers an iron giant who fell from space. With the help of a beatnik artist named Dean McCoppin, they have to stop the U.S. military and a federal agent named Kent Mansley from finding and destroying the Giant. The Iron Giant takes place in October 1957 in the American state of Maine during the height of the Cold War.

According to Mondo, The Iron Giant Deluxe Figure is the most highly detailed Iron Giant collectible to date! Created using the actual digital files used in the film, the figure features over 30 points of articulation, two interchangeable heads with light-up feature, magnetic "S" that can be detached from its sign and attached to his chest, a switch-out "War Arm," Hogarth mini-figure, and a girder to munch on! In addition, the figure also includes a sound feature, with Iron Giant quotes from the film!

The Iron Giant Deluxe Figure features: Over 30 points of articulation with Two (2) interchangeable heads with light-up feature, Magnetic "S" detachable from its sign and can be attached to his chest, War Arm, Hogarth mini-figure, Girder and Sound feature with quotes from The Iron Giant.

Pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles

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Preview OE (OriginalEffect) KillerParadise (was KillerInstinct) War Vol. 2 Rocketeer female figure

From OE (OriginalEffect):
To grow to the series’ fullest potential, from 2015.1.30, KillerInstinct series will be officially renamed ”Killer Paradise“. The new name will begin with KillerInstinct SUNNY.

OE (OriginalEffect) KillerParadise (originally known as KillerInstinct) War Vol.2 Rocketeer, with Teenie body, 27cm in height, weathering and faded effect, movable eyes, 5 pairs of optional hands, Anorak and Rocket launcher and even more arms and ammunition accessories! Head and Hair are interchangeable with other Teenie Body products of KillerParadise (KillerInstinct).

A lot of the new products being released by OE (OriginalEffect) feature their new Teenie bodies which are 12 inches tall and more in line with all other 1/6 scale figures in the collectible market. This looks like a move in the right direction for OE as it makes their figures more compatible with all other figures and they will pose better together.

OE's original female figures (they haven't released any male figures thus far) were 13-inch to 13.5 inches tall and they really stood out above standard 12-inch figures. You can see my toy blog post "Comparison pictures of OE Killer Instinct Righter with Sam, Princess Jun, Vis Eris, Raiden & Boom" HERE for the pictures showing the differences in height.

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Review: Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo

continued from previous post...

In no particular order but it looks like Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michelangelo 5-inch tall (13cm) action figure is up for review next.

Michelangelo (Mike or Mikey) is the most stereotypical of the team. An easy-going and free-spirited jokester, Michelangelo wears an orange mask and wields a pair of nunchucks. He is the least mature of the four Turtles and provides the comic relief. Michelangelo has an adventurous side coupled with a love of pizza. He is somewhat of a "surfer" boy and is often depicted with a Southern Californian accent. He is named after the Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer, Michelangelo. His name was originally misspelled "Michaelangelo" by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.

Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures are based on the hit animated TV series by Nickelodeon and the turtles depicted here are a more stylized version than the original / classic version - you can see the Playmates 6-inch tall TMNT figures posted on my toy blog HERE and HERE. As much as I like the classic versions because they were what I grew up watching, I also like these newer, updated versions of the turtles as well. I just didn't fancy the 2014 film version of the turtles that was directed by Jonathan Liebesman and produced by Michael Bay.

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Review of Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael figure

This was part of my October 2014 haul (posted on my toy blog HERE)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been around for ages. Well, since 1984 when Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird 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. Accompanied by the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987 TV series, and the subsequent action figure line, the TMNT were catapulted into pop culture history.

Nickelodeon acquired the global rights to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the Mirage Group and 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and announced a new CGI-animated TMNT television series. This would be the third animated series for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The series premiered in 2012 and has proven to be a hit, as it was already renewed for a third season before season one ended. A fourth season has also been confirmed.

This is the Kaiyodo Revoltech Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael action figure based on the current hit animated series by Nickelodeon. Kaiyodo showed off their preview / prototype pictures sometime in June last year and I was hooked. I haven't seen more articulated turtles than these with so many movable joints (ankle rockers, a ball-jointed head and neck, ball-hinge wrists and even ball-jointed fingers). I was finally able to take them out and play (by play I mean pose haha) recently so I'll be posting pictures of all four of them on my toy blog this month :)

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