Incoming: Toyscity 1/6 scale US Navy SEAL SDVT-1 12-inch Combat Diver Figure

Just when I mentioned that there's been a lot of US Navy SEAL 12-inch military figures being released and that some collectors are already getting military figure burnout (fatigue) by the vast numbers and variety of these 1/6 scale Special Forces operators being offered, Toys City decides to tease us with yet one more SEAL figure. Toys City will be releasing a 1/6 scale US Navy SEAL SDVT-1 12-inch Combat Diver Figure.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDVT-1), is based in Pearl Harbor, HI. Commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5), it has three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV), Dry Deck Shelter (DDS) Task Units and a headquarters element. Each SDV/DDS Task Unit is designed to operate independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV/DDS Task Units normally deploy only aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific and Central commands geographic areas or responsibility.

The SEAL Delivery Vehicle or (SDV) is a manned submersible and a type of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle used to deliver United States Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions. The SDV is used primarily for covert or clandestine missions to denied access areas (either held by hostile forces or where military activity would draw notice and objection). The SDV is flooded, and the swimmers ride exposed to the water, breathing from the vehicle's compressed air supply or using their own SCUBA gear.

ACI Toys 1/6 scale Gladiator of Rome 2: Spartacus 12-inch figure PREVIEW

ACI has just released pictures of their next release - 1/6th scale Gladiator II 12-inch figure and it is going to be Spartacus! There was a year when every 1/6 scale manufacturer / toy company was releasing PMCs (Private Military Contractors) by the bus loads in every possible combination and load-outs. Then there were also the numerous 12-inch US Navy SEAL figures and Special Operations Force operators, so much so that some collectors complained of military figure burn-out! We have been seeing quite a number of rome gladiator figures released already since last year (I myself have three already) and it looks like some more are about to hit the 12-inch figure market, with the announcement by CmToys of their upcoming Warlord Edition (previewed HERE) just a few days ago and now ACI's revealing of their version of Andy Whitfield as Spartacus!

According to Bryan of ACI Toys, Spartacus will feature their new "Bruce" body with completely new sculpted chest and torso with 2-piece style articulation. All the weapons will come with diecast metal blades and one of the best new head sculpts I've ever seen :) On a personal note, I think this is the BEST Andy Whitfield as Spartacus head sculpt I've seen so far! Don't believe me? You'll have to scroll down to see it since it's hidden behind the helmet most of the time.

It appears that this particular type of Roman Gladiator is called the Provocator. The provocatores are distinguishable by a helmet without crest, a curved rectangular shield, and a sword with a straight blade. In addition, the provocator was the only gladiator to have effective protection for the upper body: a rectangular breastplate (as can be seen on the figure on the far right in the middle panel of this relief). The provocator thus lacked what was a badge of honor for other heavily-armed gladiators: a naked torso.

Preview Phicen Military Fun 1:6 Scale Deluxe Female Collector Figure - What Happened?!!

I don't know what to make of this. Phicen has been putting out some very interesting 1/6 scale female figures of late with the Phicen: LAURA (inspired by Lara Croft) 12-inch female action figure (pictures HERE) followed by Phicen Laura II Tumulus Raider (pictures HERE). There was even the Phicen 1/6 scale Assassin "Salina" 12-inch figure (check out the pics HERE) but these newly released preview pictures of Phicen's next female figure is causing quite a fair bit of confusion. Who is she supposed to be? And why is she dressed like that? Where's the military angle in this (she's called Military Fun which I don't get at all)?

This Phicen Military Fun 1:6 Scale Deluxe Collector Figure will come with female Head sculpt. 12-inch (29.5cm tall) Seamless body (Large bust size pale color), Exchangeable Hands 3 pairs / 6 pcs, White corset, White panties, Almond overcoat, Almond jupe (?), Almond skirt, Grass green boots, Grass green bootlegs.

Incoming: Soldier Story 1/6 scale Henry Kano of the 442nd Regiment Combat Team, Italy 1944

If you don't know anything about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II, you should!

The motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team was “go for broke.” It’s a gambling term that means risking everything on one great effort to win big. The soldiers of the 442nd needed to win big. They were Nisei - American-born sons of Japanese immigrants. They fought two wars: the Germans in Europe and the prejudice in America. [source: goforbroke.org]

The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, was composed of Japanese-American enlisted men and mostly Caucasian officers. They fought primarily in Europe during World War II, beginning in 1944. The families of many of its soldiers were subject to internment. The 442nd was a self-sufficient force, and fought with uncommon distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany. The unit became the most highly–decorated regiment in the history of the United States Armed Forces, including 21 Medal of Honor recipients. [source: wiki]

Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Japanese–American men were initially categorized as 4C ("enemy alien") and therefore not subject to the draft. More than 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry (including 60 percent who were American citizens) were forcibly “relocated” from their homes, businesses and farms in the western states. They were incarcerated in crowded, tarpaper barracks, in the desolate wind-swept desert.

CmToys 1/6 scale Rome Gladiators Warlord Edition aka Andy Whitfield as Spartacus

It seems like the TV series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" has made quite an impact on CmToys because all they do is produce 12-inch figures based on the gladiators from the series.

"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" was inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus (played by Andy Whitfield), a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BC led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.

This is CmToys 1/6 scale Rome Gladiators Warlord Edition (No. H006) aka Andy Whitfield as Spartacus

The CmToys 1/6 scale Rome Gladiators Warlord Edition will come with: 1/6 scale Head sculpt of Andy Whitfield as Spartacus – a Thracian slave who becomes a gladiator in the ludus of Lentulus Batiatus; Chest and shoulder armor, Leather Belt, Leg armor, Cloth Leggings, Scimitar x 2, Assorted Hands x 6, Roman feet (one pair), Cloth wrist x 2, lower arm armor / gauntlets, Underwear, Ribbon. NOTE: This product does not include the BODY

Preview Sideshow Collectibles G.I. Joe 12-inch Snake Eyes And 1/6 scale Timber Figure Set

Commando, Ninja... Silent Master. The enigma who came to be known as Snake-Eyes is one of the G.I. Joe Team's most valuable and deadly weapons. Without uttering a sound, while utilizing his extensive military background and training at the hands of the Arashikage Clan, the Silent Master has served Cobra many setbacks in their endeavor of worldwide terror.

Before Snake-Eyes was recruited by the G.I. JOE team, he lived in isolation in a cabin located in the High Sierras, refining his skills while seeking solace from the tragedies in his past and the world which molded him. During this period of solitude he was befriended by a wild wolf that came to be known as Timber. Though never truly tamed in the conventional sense, Timber developed a sense of protectiveness toward his companion, as Snake-Eyes did toward him. When Snake-Eyes joined the JOE team in its global pursuit of the terrorist organization Cobra, Timber remained close at hand and served just as critical a role in vital missions as his companion. The two companions are a constant thorn in the plans of Cobra and through swift and deadly measures they continue to stand in Cobra's deadly path.

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the Snake Eyes and Timber Sixth Scale Figure set. Featuring a detailed TAD Gear costume and a full arsenal of weaponry, the famed GI Joe Commando is joined by his indispensable companion Timber in this exceptional figure set.

Gremlings figurines from Toymania

NOTE: This is a guest review / post :) All content (including title) is provided. ToyHaven is glad to be the publisher. ENJOY!

If you grew up watching the Gremlings movies this is a real treat for you. Toymania released a series of figurines based on the movies and they look great!

The figures are based on the main characters, but also taken from a specific scene. One really cool one is the “poker player” Gremling. This character comes with some cards that you can put behind his ear and you also get some poker chips to go along as well.

The characters are around 6 inch and very rich in terms of details. Most of them are also very flexible and you can twist and turn as you like.

Sideshow Collectibles Exclusive Edition ARH Studios Spartan King Leonidas PREVIEW

Leonidas was a 5th century B.C. Spartan military king who bravely led a small force of Greeks – mostly Spartan (the famous 300), but also Thespians and Thebans – against the much larger Persian army of Xerxes, at the pass of Thermopylae, in 480 B.C. during the Persian Wars.

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the Leonidas statue from ARH Studios. The famed Spartan hero, braced for battle, comes to life in this high quality, finely detailed polystone statue. Product Type: Statue; Product Size: 19.5" H (495.3mm); Product Weight: 14.00 lbs (6.35 kg)

Standing 19.5 inches tall, spear and shield at the ready, the Leonidas statue from ARH Studios makes an impressive addition to any collection. The Leonidas Statue features: Alternate Display Option (Removable magnetic chest armor). Sideshow Exclusive: Variant costume featuring black crested helmet, skirt with black detailing, and shield pierced with arrows.

Final Review: InFlames HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12" Action Figure in Camouflaged BDUs

In this post, we see the InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6th scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version wearing the other uniform that comes with this set: it is the camouflaged version BDU (Battle Dress Uniform).

I've seen all the camouflage clothing available for Naked Snake to obtain in order for him to blend into his immediate environment on Metal Gear Wiki including MGS3 Boss Camouflage such as Animal (A mixture of patterns commonly seen in wild animals such as zebra stripes, jaguar spots, tiger stripes, and giraffe spots), Spirit (Dark blue, gray and black spotted camouflage), Moss (Very dark green rippled camouflage for grassy areas), Spider (Light and dark yellowish-brown camouflage with dark streaks), Hornet Stripe (Bright orange, yellow and black drapped camouflage), Fire (Dark red and orange camouflage with dark areas), Cold War (Uniform that features the Soviet flag on the front, and the American flag on the back), Snake (Light gray and dull bluish pattern resembling the camouflage pattern of a snake) but nothing matches the camouflage uniform included as an extra with this InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version.

Besides the MGS3 Boss Camouflage, there are also MGS3 Uniforms such as Tiger Stripe Camouflage (Green and dark striped camouflage that mimics the tiger's stripes), Tree Bark Camouflage (Dark brown Camouflage that provides cover when standing against trees), Leaf Camouflage (light green and brown blotches pattern, provides excellent cover in bush areas and possibly trees), Squares Camouflage (A mountain camouflage that resembles a mess of black and rusty red squares resembling brick compounds), Black Camouflage (Jet black uniform), Raindrop Camouflage (Watery blue camouflage with orange spots and numerous small blue vertical lines resembling rainfall), Chocolate Chip Camouflage (6-Color Desert is the official name) – Desert based tan uniform with many small brown and white spots hence the name, Splitter Camouflage (Bluish gray camouflage with large jagged brown shapes that provides cover in urban areas, especially those with steel or stone backgrounds), Snow Camouflage (Bleak White camouflage with green blotches), Fly Camouflage (Dust colored uniform with many small pictures of bull feces), GA-KO (Yellowish white uniform with many pictures of little duckling faces and yellow happy faces), Water (Blue uniform with many streaks of white to resemble the ripples of the surface of a pool of water), Banana Camouflage (Lime green uniform with many pictures of bananas), Sneaking Suit (Experimental black and orange suit developed by the Soviets) and there are still some more Downloadable Camouflage!

Latest Haul - March 2012 > Lots of Goodies :)

This is the latest haul which I just got today and it is GOOD haha Didn't expect so many goodies to all come in at the same time plus a bonus find here and there :) Scroll down to see what they are as I reveal each box individually.

This is the InFlames and HeadPlay Metal Boss 1/6th scale limited edition collectible figure (Battle Armor version) which was only released very recently and I hear that it is already sold out almost everywhere! It'll take a while before Hot Toys even released their licensed version so this 12-inch figure will do nicely in the interim. Plus going by their first release of the BDU version, this should be quite GOOD :) This was one of the bonus items because I didn't expect this find at all! You can view the preview pictures HERE

Passing of another great talent - Jean Henri Gaston Giraud aka Moebius

Just one week after I posted on the passing of "Star Wars" designer Ralph McQuarrie HERE, another great artist has passed on today :(

Moebius, also known as Jean Giraud, or 'Gir', died on March 10, 2012 at age 73 in Paris. Jean Henri Gaston Giraud (born 8 May 1938; died 10 March 2012) was a French illustrator and concept artist and the co-author of many excellent graphic novels.

Iron Man by Moebius - click to see BIG!

Most of his famous work was made in the early 1980's in collaboration with Alejandro Jodorowsky, but his influence has continued in subtle ways right up to today, not least in the visions of science fiction films like 'Star Wars' and the 'Fifth Element'.

Bowen Designs Captain America Polystone Statue - this time Cap gets frozen in stone

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to present the outstanding Marvel statues and busts created by Bowen Designs. These high-quality polystone, detailed collectibles feature your favorite Marvel characters as they appear in a wide range of comics. Standing over 14 inches tall, sculpted by artist Randy Bowen, the Captain America Action Statue makes an outstanding addition to any Marvel collection.

The Captain America Action Polystone Statue features: Removable Brick Walls. Product Size: 14.00" (355.6mm) height. Product Weight: 10.00 lbs (4.54 kg)*

In World War II patriotic solider Steve Rogers, recipient of the "Super Soldier Serum" became the living symbol of freedom, Captain America. Left for dead while frozen in ice, the star-spangled hero with an indestructible shield awoke years later to continue his never-ending battle for liberty.

Review III: 1/6 scale Metal Boss BDU version 12-inch Figure by InFlames and HeadPlay

continued from previous post...

So what does the InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6th scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure wear under his OD (Olive Drab) Jungle Fatigues (which is the tropical combat uniform issued to US troops for the war in Vietnam in the 1960s)? What does the black body suit look like? It's time to find out :)

This InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss figure has every intention to be the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater "Naked Snake" character from the video game and does not really hide from it. The 12-inch figure's appearance in terms of head sculpt and attire plus most of his gear, accessories and weapons are almost identical to that which is seen in the game.

Review II: InFlames & HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version

continued from earlier post...

Here's the InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version (which is none other than Metal Gear Solid 3 "Naked Snake") fully kitted out, geared up and ready to Rock & Roll! In the first review of this Metal Boss BDU figure, we got to see the box packaging and contents and now here's Naked Snake fully equipped.

InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss (MGS3 Naked Snake) 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version is wearing his Black Bodysuit under the OD (Olive Drab) Jungle Fatigues (which is the tropical combat uniform issued to US troops for the war in Vietnam in the 1960s), OD STABO Rig, M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment (LCE) with two M-14 ammo pouches (also used for 30-round M-16 magazines), two 1-quart canteens with canteen covers and the field pack / butt pack, and Cloth Jungle Boots.

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Delta Force Marksman, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, 1993 Somalia

Already this figure is winning praises from many quarters, not just for the variety and quality of parts but most importantly because DAM Toys has managed to do what some big companies cannot and that is, COMPLETE the series. DAM has been able to finish what they started, which is more than can be said for some companies that turn tail and run the moment they hit a small bump.

Continuing from the previous post, DAM has revealed their last figure in the six-figure set of Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, 1993 Somalia. The final 12-inch figure is a 1/6th scale Delta Force Marksman and he is meant to be Johnny Strong as SFC Randy Shughart, a Delta Force Marksman flying on Black Hawk Super Six-Two in the film "Black Hawk Down (2001)", an American drama war film depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, a raid integral to the United States' effort to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

Sergeant First Class Randall David Shughart (August 13, 1958–October 3, 1993) was a soldier in the United States Army special operations unit, the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1SFOD-D), or "Delta Force." Shughart posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993. [source: wiki]

Preview DAM 1/6 Delta Force Support Rifleman, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia

DAM Toys is on the roll. Right after announcing that they will be releasing their FOURTH Black Hawk Down / Operation Gothic Serpent 12-inch figure (see pictures HERE) which is a Delta Force Sergeant First Class just late last week, they have gone and revealed pictures of their FIFTH Task Force Ranger figure and it's another Delta - this time it's a 1/6 scale DELTA Force Support Rifleman from Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia 1993.

Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by special operations forces of the United States with the primary mission of capturing warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation took place in Somalia, Africa from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. The result of that mission – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu, or "The Battle of the Black Sea" to those who fought in it.

On 8 August, Aidid's militia detonated a remote controlled bomb against an American military vehicle, first killed four American soldiers and then, two weeks later, injured seven more. In response, President Bill Clinton approved the proposal to deploy a special task force composed of 400 US Army Rangers and Delta-force Commandos. This unit, named Task Force Ranger, consisted of 160 elite US troops. They flew to Mogadishu and began a manhunt for Aidid.

Preview Flirty Girl Collectibles 1:6 scale EMERSON Female Action Figure Set

Text is taken from SMcG Customs who has been working side by side with Flirty Girl Collectibles with several of the up coming products including this very first release from them. Just a side note: This set is actually shown on a Triad Toys ALPHA body just in case you needed to know.

Flirty Girl Collectibles is a new brand of 1:6 scale collectibles and their goal is to offer a fresh new take on female clothing and accessories. They will offer full character sets, clothing accessory sets as well as some basic weapondry essentials.

EMERSON is the first release from Flirty Girl Collectibles. This full 1/6 scale character set comes complete with everything she will need to survive her daily travels in her world gone wrong.

EMERSON was designed to be compatible with TTL, TRIAD Toys, PHICEN and Cy Girl / Takara style bodes. NO 12-inch FEMALE BODY OR HANDS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SET. You get just the 1/6th scale female head sculpt and all the other items.

The passing of a Master - "Star Wars" designer Ralph McQuarrie has died at age 82

Taken from CBS News:
Ralph McQuarrie, the artist whose conceptual paintings were instrumental in designing the landmark "Star Wars" films, has died at age 82. The announcement was made on his official website, ralphmcquarrie.com.

A commercial artist and designer whose career included stints at Boeing and Kaiser Graphic Arts and creating animations of Apollo space flights for CBS News, McQuarrie created the concept art that was crucial in winning 20th Century Fox's approval to put George Lucas' "Star Wars" in production.

Click for a bigger and better view

The success of his "Star Wars" paintings launched a late feature film career for McQuarrie that included helping design such classics as "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial," "Back to the Future," "Cocoon," "Total Recall," and the original TV series "Battlestar Galactica."

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a visionary artist and such a humble man," George Lucas said in a statement. "Ralph McQuarrie was the first person I hired to help me envision Star Wars. His genial contribution, in the form of unequaled production paintings, propelled and inspired all of the cast and crew of the original 'Star Wars' trilogy. When words could not convey my ideas, I could always point to one of Ralph's fabulous illustrations and say, 'Do it like this.'"

"In many ways, he was a generous father to a conceptual art revolution that was born of his artwork, and which seized the imaginations of thousands and propelled them into the film industry. In that way, we will all be benefiting from his oeuvre for generations to come," Lucas said.

"Beyond that, I will always remember him as a kind and patient, and wonderfully talented, friend and collaborator."

Review 1: InFlames / HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (メタルギアソリッド3 スネーク・イーター Metaru Gia Soriddo Surī Sunēku Ītā, commonly abbreviated to MGS3) is an award-winning stealth action video game directed by Hideo Kojima. Set in the Cold War-era Soviet Union, the story centers on FOX operative Naked Snake as he attempts to rescue a weapons designer and sabotage an experimental super-weapon. While previous games were set in a primarily urban environment, Snake Eater adopts a 1960s Soviet jungle setting, with the high tech, near-future trappings of previous Metal Gear Solid games being replaced with the wilderness.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, a prequel to the previous games set three decades prior to the events of the original Metal Gear in 1964, introduces a young Big Boss as a former Green Beret under the codename "Naked Snake". Naked Snake is virtually identical to Solid Snake from the previous Metal Gear Solid games in terms of appearance.

The protagonist of Snake Eater, Naked Snake known as Big Boss in subsequent games (voiced by Akio Ōtsuka in Japanese and David Hayter in English), is a former U.S. Special Forces (Green Beret) and CIA operative.

Preview KUMIK KB001 1/6th scale Charlie the Tramp 12-inch collectible figure, not Sheen

Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE (16 April 1889 – 25 December 1977) was an English comic actor, film director and composer best known for his work during the silent film era. He became the most famous film star in the world before the end of World War I. Chaplin used mime, slapstick and other visual comedy routines, and continued well into the era of the talkies, though his films decreased in frequency from the end of the 1920s. His most famous role was that of The Tramp, which he first played in the Keystone comedy Kid Auto Races at Venice in 1914.

Chaplin's "tramp" character is possibly the most imitated on all levels of entertainment. Chaplin once entered a "Chaplin look-alike" competition and did not make the final round.

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Delta Force Sgt 1st Class, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia

The company might have changed its name but it hasn't changed its focus, not like some other company which can't even get a platoon together ;p DAM (previously known as VTS) will be releasing their fourth Task Force Ranger 12-inch figure soon and this time it is based on Eric Bana as SFC Norm "Hoot" Gibson (based on real-life combatants from Delta Force - SFC John Macejunas, SFC Norm Hooten and SFC Matthew Rierson) from "Black Hawk Down", the 2001 American drama war film depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, which was part of Operation Gothic Serpent and was fought on October 3 and 4, 1993, in Somalia, between forces of the United States, supported by UNOSOM II, and Somali militia fighters loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be Mohamed Farrah Aidid who had support from armed civilian fighters.

Task Force Ranger consisted of C Squadron, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) — aka "Delta Force" + Bravo Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment + 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (The Night Stalkers) with MH-6J and AH-6 "Little Birds" and MH-60 A/L Black Hawks + Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen from the USAF 24th Special Tactics Squadron + Naval Special Warfare Development Group (Five Navy SEAL operators) + CVN-72 USS Abraham Lincoln & Carrier Air Wing 11

In the film "Black Hawk Down" based on the book of the same name by Mark Bowden which had detailed accounts given by the actual people on the ground, Eric Bana stars as Delta Force operator SFC Norm "Hoot" Gibson (based on SFC John Macejunas, SFC Norm Hooten and SFC Matthew Rierson). This is the 1/6 scale Delta Force Sergeant First Class 12-inch figure from Task Force Ranger of Operation Gothic Serpent (circa 1993 Somalia) that will be released by DAM Toys.

Medicom Toy RAH DX 1/6 scale Masked Rider The Bee (Rider Form) 12-inch Action Figure

Kamen Rider TheBee (仮面ライダーザビー Kamen Raidā Zabī) is one of the characters in Kamen Rider Kabuto. It is based on a bee / wasp motif. Kamen Rider Kabuto (仮面ライダーカブト Kamen Raidā Kabuto, Masked Rider Kabuto) is a Japanese tokusatsu superhero television series. It is the sixteenth installment in the popular Kamen Rider Series of tokusatsu programs. Similar to the Hopper Riders, it relies on close-range combat because of the lack of any weapons.

The TheBee Zecter (ザビーゼクター Zabī Zekutā) allows its user to transform into Kamen Rider TheBee. As with all of the Zecters, TheBee has two basic forms that the user can transform into.

Masked Form
TheBee's Masked Form (マスクドフォーム Masukudo Fōmu) is a heavily armored form resembling a beehive that has very little offensive capabilities. This is the default form that TheBee transforms into, until the user rotates the TheBee Zecter around its wrist mounting to initiate the Cast Off (キャストオフ Kyasuto Ofu) command.

Hot Toys "Platoon" 1/6 scale Chris Taylor 12-inch Collectible Figure review (poor man's version)

This is the Hot Toys "Platoon" 1/6 scale Charlie Sheen as Chris Taylor head sculpt and body wearing the Sideshow Collectibles 1/6 scale Private Chris Taylor outfit and gear. I didn't want to pay for a whole new boxed figure when I already have the Sideshow version so I ended up just picking up the 1/6 scale head sculpt instead. The only thing that says Hot Toys is the head and 12-inch body.

"Platoon" is a 1986 American war film written and directed by Oliver Stone and stars Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe and Charlie Sheen. It is the first of Stone's Vietnam War trilogy, followed by 1989's "Born on the Fourth of July" and 1993's "Heaven & Earth".

After his tour of duty in Vietnam ended in 1968, Oliver Stone wrote a screenplay called Break: a semi-autobiographical account detailing his experiences with his parents and his time in Vietnam. Stone's return from active duty in Vietnam resulted in a "big change" in how he viewed life and the war, and the unproduced screenplay Break was the result, and it eventually provided the basis for Platoon.

Hot Toys announces Batman Arkham City 1/6 scale Collectibles Coming Soon - Really?

Hoy Toys latest announcement:
After seeing many collectibles from our Movie Masterpiece Series, we are proud to present the Batman Arkham City license from the Videogame Series now!

Glad to share with the Batman fans on the behind-the-scenes prototype making of the 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Figure from this video game! Please stay tuned with our update!

Click on the pictures for a bigger and better view :)

Arkham City features a large ensemble cast of characters from the history of Batman comics. Returning characters from Arkham Asylum include Batman (Kevin Conroy), the Joker (Mark Hamill)—in what Hamill claimed would be his final time voicing the character—Warden-turned-Mayor Quincy Sharp (Tom Kane), police Commissioner James Gordon (voiced by David Kaye, who replaces Kane), and Jack Ryder (James Horan). Returning villains include the Riddler (Wally Wingert), Victor Zsasz (Danny Jacobs), Bane, and Poison Ivy (Tasia Valenza). Joker's sidekick Harley Quinn also returns, voiced by Tara Strong, who replaces Arleen Sorkin. Playable characters introduced for Arkham City include Nightwing, Robin, and Catwoman (Grey DeLisle).

Pre-order Medicom Toys 1/6 scale Gantz Reika Shimohira 12-inch Female Action Figure

Gantz (ガンツ Gantsu) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku. Gantz tells the story of Kei Kurono and his friend Masaru Kato who die in a train accident and become part of a semi-posthumous "game" in which they and several other recently deceased people are forced to hunt down and kill aliens armed with a handful of futuristic items of equipment and weaponry.

Reika Shimohira (下平 玲花 Shimohira Reika) is a beautiful, young and popular idol. Like almost everyone else, she is caught in the line of fire during Izumi's killing spree in Shinjuku. She develops a crush on Kurono after seeing him in action during her first night as a participant in the game. Surprisingly enough, she proves to be a formidable opponent against the Aliens.

Review II: Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Ninja Commando Snake Eyes Action Figure

continued from previous post....

More Sigma 6 Snake Eyes goodness :) Here's Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Ninja Commando Snake Eyes Action Figure wearing the "visual data system with telescopic headgear" which I'd mentioned previously that it looks very much like the 'trifocal goggles' Sam Fisher wears in Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. All you need to do is paint the middle lens a florescent green instead of black.

G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 is a line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. Back in 2005, Hasbro released a line of G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 toys based the "Sigma 6" animated series. Although similar in concept to the earlier G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, the Sigma 6 action figures were 8" in height rather than the smaller 3¾" scale figures of the A Real American Hero line.

Hasbro was "rebooting" the franchise with younger versions of the cast - similar but different to their 1980s namesakes - rendered in the popular anime style. Snake Eyes comes with three different masks so that you can gear up Snake Eyes for each different mission.

Review 1: Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Ninja Commando Snake Eyes Action Figure

Remember how I mentioned that the world is just fascinated with ninjas (see earlier post) and how ninjas are on TV, in books and comics, and have even made it onto the big screen? There are even super ninjas and one of them belongs to the special team known as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero!

"A Real American Hero" was brought about as a revival of the original 12 in (30 cm) G.I. Joe brand of the 1960s and '70s. After the 12" figure had been absent from toy shelves for a few years, G.I. Joe was re-introduced in a 3 3/4-inch (9.53 cm) action figure format following the success of the Star Wars and Micronauts 3 3/4" scale toylines.

This is Snake Eyes from the G.I. Joe: Sigma 6 line of military-themed action figures and toys produced by Hasbro, re-imagining the characters of the 1980s toyline, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. The Sigma 6 toy line allowed Hasbro to depart from the classic 3 ¾-inch format of the A Real American Hero series of the 1980s; most Sigma 6 action figures stand at approximately 8 inches (200 mm) and have more articulation.

There's a new sheriff in town and his name is Space Sheriff Gavan by Medicom Toys

Space Sheriff Gavan (宇宙刑事ギャバン Uchū Keiji Gyaban) is the first of the Metal Hero Series. It aired on TV Asahi from 5 March 1982 through February 25, 1983. For distribution purposes, Toei refers to this television series as Space Cop Gaban.

Earth is invaded by the Makuu Empire (literally "demon space"), led by Don Horror, who had first destroyed a space colony near Earth. Space Sheriff Gavan from the Galactic Union Police (銀河連邦警察 Ginga Renpō Keisatsu), arrives in his spaceship, the Dolgiran. He comes from the Bird Planet, the planet where Space Sheriffs are trained and where they are stationed while on call. Gavan is asked to defend the Earth, which is his mother's planet of origin. [source: wiki]