Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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.

Monday, February 27, 2012

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.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

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.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

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]

Friday, February 24, 2012

Medicom Toys RAH (Real Action Heroes) Darth Vader version 2.0 - Be prepared to get "Sithed"!

You don't know the power of the Dark Side! In this case, the "dark side" and full of sith (oops, misspelling) is NOT Darth Vader but Medicom Toys! When will they ever learn? The Medicom RAH (Real Action Heroes) Darth Vader version 2.0 is still only 320mm tall (still NOT 1/6 scale and accurate) and will probably come with bio-degradable pleather material which disintegrates over time so that by the time the figure has gone to pieces on you, it'll be time for version 3.0 - how timely Medicom releases their figures, don't you think? For many of us who have suffered the Medicom "mediocre" curse (small scale, wrong size, high price, bio-degradable materials used for costumes and outfits, easily breakable brittle bodies - did I mention HIGH price?), it's once bitten forever shy! And believe you me, I've been bitten all over and it's not pretty at all!! So you know I'll be shying away from this purchase!

Consider this a fair and gentle reminder. If you want to take the chance, by all means but don't say you were not warned.


Let's see what Mediocre (I mean Medicom) is coming up with this time round to get people (especially unknowing Star Wars collectors and fans) to part with their hard earned money.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Preview Hot Toys MMS170 1989 Batman Movie 1/6th scale Batmobile Collectible Vehicle

Right after I'd posted pictures of Hot Toys 1/6 scale Tim Burton 1989 Batman Batmobile (NOT the 2005 Tumbler) in the previous post, official preview pictures have just been released by Hot Toys. Talk about timing haha.

Hot Toys is proud to present the 1/6th scale Batmobile Collectible Vehicle featuring the likeness and details of the Batmobile from the "Batman (1989)" movie directed by Tim Burton.


The Hot Toys 1/6th scale MMS Series (Movie Masterpiece Series) Batmobile Collectible Vehicle specially features: Authentically detailed 1/6th scale model car measuring Approximately 39” L x 16” W x 9” H and in Perfect scale to Hot Toys "Batman (1989)" 1/6th scale Batman Collectible Figure.

Pictures of Hot Toys 1/6 scale Tim Burton 1989 Batman Batmobile, NOT the 2005 Tumbler

Here are some pictures that have surfaced of the upcoming Hot Toys 1/6 scale Tim Burton 1989 Batman and 1992 Batman Returns Batmobile, including a magazine scan of the features that will be found on this particular version of the Batmobile. Tim Burton's live-action films Batman and Batman Returns presented a different version of the Batmobile, which reflected that film's Art Deco version of Gotham City, both of which were designed by Anton Furst. It was long, low and sleek, and was built on a Chevy Impala chassis.

The Hot Toys 1989 Batman Batmobile will measure approximately 39" in Length X 16" wide x 9" high and is designed in perfect scale with the 1989 Batman 12-inch figure. It features 2 headlights, 4 taillights and Interior light-up function.


It also has a Functional sliding door for Batman to get in and out of the vehicle, has two seats, a detailed Cockpit instrument panel, two machine guns (Browning machine guns were hidden behind flaps in each fender), Batdiscs (in the movie, a side-mounted batdisc ejector could fire precisely 15 Batdiscs in the 1-second pulse), detachable side hook (Its Grappling hook - once hooked on a structure, serves as an anchor to allow the batmobile to make an extremely sharp turn at high speed that its pursuers typically cannot duplicate), detachable side planes (chassis-mounted shin breakers), detachable base (central "foot" capable of lifting the car and rotating it 180°).

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Yet another Steve Jobs 1/6 action figure: they're calling it iCEO - custom SJ figure with computer

This is yet another attempt at cashing in on the late Apple founder's fame. This iCEO 1/6 scale Steve Jobs lookalike 12-inch figure has just been revealed on the forums and is supposed to come with iPad, iPhone, Macbook and iMac with a mouse and keyboard. You know what? iSmell trouble. This one looks a lot less like Steve Jobs and a lot more like an impostor ;p After what the other company went through with Apple's lawyers and legal team, you would've thought they'll be running scared by now. We'll just have to wait and see if this ever sees the light of day.


Scroll down to see the pre-release / preview pictures of 1/6 scale SJ (for Steve Jobs) 12-inch action figure. It's too bad the other company's 1/6 Steve Jobs figure deal fell through. Now that would have been something to talk about and showcase.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Such a tease: Hot Toys offers collectors a glimpse of their 1/6 scale "Avengers" line-up!

From Hot Toys: "Following the great response of the announcement of Nick Fury from The Avengers (see previous post), one of our largest campaigns this year, we believe that our fans just can’t wait to have a glimpse of the other members of the team!

Glad to let our fans know that all characters are being developed in good progress now! Fans can expect the news of the collectibles of the characters from time to time before the movie launches! Please stay tuned!


On a side note, Hot Toys did give us a glimpse of their line-up of "Platoon" 12-inch figures too ;p Look how that panned out... A lot of people are still waiting for their Hot Toys 1/6 scale Platoon figures since a platoon is NOT made up of just two guys right?

Preview Crazy Owners Black Ninja and Camouflage Ninja Weapons & Uniform / Outfit

The world's fascination with ninjas never cease and 1/6 scale Action Figure collectors are always clamoring for more ninjas to add to their collection :) That's why till today, 1/6 scale companies are still manufacturing 12-inch ninja figures and making money selling them. Even large corporations like Sideshow Collectibles are getting in on the act by producing and releasing 1/6 scale ninja figures under their G.I. Joe line of 12-inch action figures as COBRA ninja warriors.

A ninja (忍者) or shinobi (忍び) was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations. The shinobi, as a specially trained group of spies and mercenaries, appear in the Sengoku or "warring states" period, in the 15th century, but antecedents may have existed in the 14th century, and possibly even the 12th century (Heian or early Kamakura era). [source: wiki]


This will be Crazy Owners next release: A 1/6 scale Black Ninja outfit and accessories set with all the weapons produced in die-cast metal including Wakizashi with metal blade, metal Batliff, Suntetsu, Kunai, Ninja Shogee and Shuriken.

Scroll down to see the camouflage version.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Preview Hot Toys "The Avengers" 1/6 scale Nick Fury Limited Edition 12-inch Collectible Figurine

Hot Toys is proud to present the first limited edition collectible figurine from the upcoming superhero movie "The Avengers" produced by Marvel Studio – 1/6 scale Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. The movie-accurate 12-inch collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in the movie, highlighting the newly developed head sculpt, highly detailed costume, weapons and accessories.

The first Avengers movie 12-inch figure to be released by Hot Toys isn't going to be any of the superheroes but Nick Fury instead. After all, it is Nick Fury and the international agency S.H.I.E.L.D. (The acronym originally stood for Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division. It was changed in 1991 to Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate. Within the various films set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the acronym stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) who brings together the team of super humans to form The Avengers to help save the Earth from Loki & his various membered army.


Nick Fury appears in several Marvel comic series set in alternate universes, as well as multiple animated films, television shows, and video games based on the comics. The character is portrayed by David Hasselhoff in the 1998 television movie Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. and by Samuel L. Jackson in the 2008 film Iron Man, its 2010 sequel Iron Man 2, the 2011 films Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, and the upcoming film The Avengers. The Ultimate Marvel version of the character was based on Jackson's appearance and screen persona, well before he was cast in the role.

Monday Blues with Tony Stark, Professor Henry Jones Sr, James Bond and Forrest Gump

This post is called Monday Blues for obvious reasons :) It's Monday and most of us have got the blues. I guess 1/6 action figures are not spared either haha So here are a bunch of them (from left to right: Professor Henry Jones Sr, Tony Stark, Forrest Gump - patially hidden - and James Bond) waiting to catch the bus to go to work, all with their own bags / briefcase. But what's really inside their briefcases? Certainly not just papers. Scroll down to find out ;p


These 12-inch figures are all dressed their best for work in their fine 1/6 scale suits. Sometimes I envy them because they have better looking clothes than me but then again, I wouldn't want to have to put on a suit in the hot and humid climate of Singapore, not even a long sleeve shirt with tie (thank GOD for the invention of the air-conditioning unit).

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Pre-order Asmus Toys 1/6 scale Yakuza 5: Of the End "Mad Dog" Majima Goro 12-inch Figure

Yakuza: Dead Souls (龍が如く OF THE END lit. "Like a Dragon Of the End") is an action-adventure video game, developed and published by Sega exclusively for the PlayStation 3. The game is the sixth installment in the Yakuza series.

The game is set during April 2011, when the residents of Kamurocho have become zombies. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was called in to contain the outbreak, but were unsuccessful. Now, four men are the town's only hope - the mysterious money-lender Shun Akiyama, feared yakuza and construction company owner "Mad Dog" Goro Majima, the Dragon of Kansai who has finally awoken from a long sleep, Ryuji Goda, and the legendary former yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu.


Asmus Toys is proud to introduce their figure of the blockbaster video game - Yakuza 5: Of the End, "Mad Dog" Mamaji Goro. In collaboration with Kaustic Plastik, Asmus Toys is able to print the tattoos onto a 12-inch body that looks presentable without his shirt / jacket on!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Sideshow Collectibles 1/6 Star Wars 12-inch Infantry Battle Droids Review III "Roger Roger"

continued from previous post...

Because ONE is the loneliest number - that's why Sideshow Collectibles decided to sell the 1/6 scale Infantry Battle Droids as a two-pack set. And for that, I say "Thank you, Sideshow" because these two droids look so much better together :)

During the process of writing the original Star Wars, George Lucas reportedly realized that the story he had written was too vast in scope to be covered in one stand-alone film, and thus, the original film was meant to be the introduction to a much wider story arc that could be covered by sequels if the first film turned out to be successful. The original movie eventually evolved, from being the first movie in the sequence, to a film actually belonging to the second trilogy in the saga. So when Lucas began production of "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" in 1997 after he had concluded that the science of movie special effects had advanced to the level of what he wanted for his fourth film in the Saga (16 years after the 1983 premiere of the previous film in the saga, "Return of the Jedi" and 22 years after the first ever Star Wars film), a lot of people (including yours truly) were really excited, to say the least.


The Phantom Menace received mixed reviews from film critics. Some aspects of the scripting were criticized, especially the character of Jar Jar Binks, who was regarded by many members of the older fan community as purely a merchandising opportunity rather than a serious character in the film. I was looking out for the precursor to the Stormtroopers but saw none of that. Instead, these Trade Federation Infantry Battle Droids were the main enemy force in the film. Not really impressive (too thin to be intimidating or threatening) although the Droideka, or Destroyer Droid were a delight to see. The destroyer droids can transform, appearing first in a "wheel" state allowing rapid movements and easy storage, then unfold into insect-like attack-robots with a slow three-legged gait. In their walking state, droidekas have powerful twin blasters on each of their arms, extreme accuracy at close range, and a personal shield generator.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Ever Heard of Madelman from Spain? Maybe you have and maybe you haven't... read on

According to wiki, Madelman was a doll of toy articulated action, made ​​between 1968 and 1983 by Madel Plastic Industries. The first madelman figures were released during Xmas 1968, in a small display box that was later changed to the standard box in 1971. The early madelman figures didn't have feet but rather pegs onto which the boots were fitted. Also, they had what collectors call ‘crystal eyes’, which were hand-painted! [source: ToyNfo.com]

In 1975 / 76, they developed the second madelman figure, which had jointed feet and painted eyes. A female figure was also added to the line. A third body type was released during the last years of Madelman in 1982 / 84.

http://jettcustom.blogspot.com/

Madelman is only about 7 inches or 17cm tall (i.e. approximately 1:11 scale) and after the line ended in 1984, collectors and customizers managed to keep the line going with their great customs. Scroll down to see some amazing customized Madelman figures. Truly works of art.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Incoming: ZCWO 1/6 scale Mens Hommes Vol. 004 Protective Work Wear + Tools Set

You certainly don't see this everyday and I LIKE it :) Two thumbs up to ZCWO for daring to try out new things. There's only so much of 1/6 scale military stuff one can take before one burns out from 12-inch military fatigue. So it's nice when a 1/6 scale company decide to manufacture non-military stuff that is just FUN! Now Tony Stark can have the tools he needs to fix his Iron Man armor or even build a brand new Mark X for the next Avengers movie ;p

ZCWO 1/6 scale Mens Hommes Vol. 004 Protective Work Wear set will come with Hand Tools and a Workshop Scene. There are a lot of 1/6 scale accessories and gear with this set and it certainly looks promising and shows full of potential for kitbashing.


The ZCWO 1/6 scale Mens Hommes Vol. 004 Protective Work Wear set Product List will include Protective Work Wear consisting of Work Coverall, Reflective Vest, Safety Helmet, Safety google, Tools Belt, Cotton Work Gloves, Safety Gloves, White towel and Safety Boots (NOTE: No 12-inch figure and 1/6 scale head is included!)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Review II: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars 1/6 scale 12-inch Infantry Battle Droid "Roger"

continued from the previous post...

In this toy blog post, I'll be posting more pictures of the exceptional 12-inch robot figure that is one half of the Sideshow Collectibles Militaries of Star Wars Series 1/6 scale Infantry Battle Droids 12-inch Figure two-pack. Although the Trade Federation Infantry Battle Droid are often called "Clankers" by Galactic Republic clone troopers because of how easily they fall, this Sideshow Collectibles 12-inch Battle Droid is one of their most stable figures yet. So much so that Sideshow didn't even feel that they needed to add a 12-inch figure display stand, a norm by now for all Sideshow 12-inch figures. On the contrary and quite ironic is that Sideshow Collectibles Clone Troopers are the ones that are weak at the ankles and are not able to hold most of the poses at all, requiring the figure display stand to help them stay upright or else they will be taking a dive off from the display shelves Tsk Tsk.


As I also mentioned in my part 1 review of this Sideshow Collectibles 12-inch Infantry Battle Droid, the articulation on this figure is pretty amazing. Sideshow claims that the Fully Articulated Battle Droid Bodies have over 20+ points of articulation and while I didn't bother to confirm if that is true, I was most pleasantly surprised at what this 1/6 scale Battle Droid robot figure could do :) Whichever pose I wanted to put it in, it could strike that very pose without any problems at all. The way the arms and fingers / claws could articulate and be moved and posed to hold onto its weapons was a delight.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Kotobukiya - ARTFX - The Avengers Movie - Iron Man Mark VII

With every Iron Man movie that is released, Iron Man fans and Collectors are all eager to see what has changed with the Iron Man armor suits -  what are the new features, gadgets etc. For the toy companies making and releasing the movie merchandise and movie-related products, it's all about how many variants and types of armor they can sell in order the milk the cash cow for all it is worth. So far, for each Marvel Studios Iron Man film, at least three different armors are showcased: Mark I, II and III were featured in the first Iron Man movie released followed by Mark IV, V and VI in Iron Man 2.

Well, the wait is over for the latest Iron Man armor suit. Pictures have been released showing off the newest armor that will be featured in the upcoming The Avengers movie.


This latest Iron Man armor figure wearing the Mark VII is a KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! After the amazing success and popularity of the Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America films, Marvel is preparing to unleash the greatest superhero team of all time in just a few short months. Gathering together the main characters of the previous films to defend the Earth from certain destruction, the Avengers will debut in May of 2012 with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark and his heroic alter ego Iron Man. To commemorate the triumphant new appearance of this iconic character, Kotobukiya is proud to announce the all-new AVENGERS MOVIE IRON MAN MARK VII ARTFX STATUE!

Have a ULTRA Happy Valentine's Day (^_~)

This is a re-post since today is Valentine's Day :) and it's appropriate

First posted on February 14, 2009
Today is Valentine's Day and this is for my lovely wife Daisy who has been my most loyal supporter forever. Since we both don't buy into the commercial practice of paying many many times more for something that is already dying (the flower just doesn't know it yet) and which usually cost a lot less at other times (a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose except on Valentine's when it can cost you an arm and a leg), this seems more meaningful in a weird kind of way. (I mean no disrespect to all those who did purchase flowers for their better half as I believe it's a sweet thing to do, it's just personal between the wife and me.)

So what did you do for that special someone today?

Monday, February 13, 2012

REVIEW 1: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars Militaries Series 1/6 scale Infantry Battle Droids

Droids are robotic machines, as found in Star Wars films, books and television series. Mostly created for Star Wars by Special Effects worker John Stears, the term is a clipped form of android. The word "droid" is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. Droids were robots: mechanical beings, often possessing artificial intelligence. They were used in a variety of roles and environments, often those considered too menial or too dangerous for humans and other species. [source: wiki]

A battle droid (also referred to as war droid or killer droid) was any droid designed for combat. Battle droids were originally made by Trade Federation Viceroy, Nute Gunray, to prevent pirate attacks. When he was contacted by Darth Sidious, he attacked the peaceful planet of Naboo. The droids easily overwhelmed Naboo's military.


While critics would be quick to point out a battle droid's mindlessness as a fault, the proponents of the mechanized soldiers would counter that it is instead a virtue. A mindless soldier is a loyal soldier, unquestioning of orders, easily controlled, and absolutely fearless. Battle droids are tall, gaunt humanoids with exposed joints and bone-white metal finishes that gives them an eerie resemblance to animated skeletons.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

B is also for Bizarro

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

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


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

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Review II: BBK 003 - 1/6 scale Cowboy 12-inch Collectible Figure OR Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex

continued from previous post... Part 2 of my 2-part review of BBK 003 - 1/6 scale Cowboy 12-inch Collectible Figure OR Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex. And as I mentioned in the previous post, BBK got it all wrong when they called this figure a COWBOY (an animal herder who tends cattle on ranches in North America, traditionally on horseback, and often performs a multitude of other ranch-related tasks). This 12-inch figure is more of a post-American Civil War Confederate cavalryman and perhaps movie-accurate as Jonah Hex from the 2010 movie of the same name.

In most of his stories in DC comics, Jonah Hex displays no supernatural or superhuman powers. However, he does possess some exceptional abilities, acquired through a combination of talent and training.


Despite being blind in his right eye, Hex is an outstanding marksman who rarely misses his target. He is extremely fast on the draw and can be seen in many stories gunning down multiple foes before any of them can get off a shot. He can wield two guns, one in each hand, with equal efficiency. He is also a resourceful combatant, often relying on stealth, tricks, and improvised weapons and traps to defeat enemies.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Review 1: BBK 1/6 scale Cowboy OR Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex 12-inch Wild West figure

Jonah Woodson Hex is a Western comic book antihero created by writer John Albano and artist Tony DeZuniga and published by DC Comics. Jonah Hex is a surly and cynical bounty hunter whose face is horribly scarred on the right side. Despite his poor reputation and personality, Hex is bound by a personal code of honor to protect and avenge the innocent. The character is portrayed by Josh Brolin in the 2010 film adaptation of the same name.

This is the BBK 003 Cowboy 12-inch figure. The cowboy was the quintessential symbol of the American Old West, or the Wild West, most often referring to the latter half of the 19th century, between the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the end of the century (1830 - 1920). This BBK boxed figure set should rightfully be titled "Jonah Hex" or "post-Civil War Confederate cavalryman" since the character is clearly based on Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex and what he is wearing belongs to the military uniform of the Confederate States of America (1861 - 1865) which were fighting the Union forces during the American Civil War.


Already there's a boo-boo on the box cover! It says that this is "A Clown" 1/6 scale collectible figure (obvious reference to BBK's other 12-inch figure being released at the same time which is more of a JOKER than a CLOWN) when clearly the picture on it is that of a American Wild West figure. So does this mean that BBK stands for "Boo-Boo" King? I hope not. Read on or scroll down to see more pictures of this BBK product (code no. BBK003 - Cowboy).

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Comparing Hot Toys TrueType TTM18 & TTM19 12-inch Figure Bodies + HeadPlay Heath Ledger

I've already reviewed Hot Toys TTM19 TrueType Male Muscular Body Figure which is essentially 1/6 scale Jake Gyllenhaal (see my earlier post HERE) and now let's compare the TTM19 with the earlier released Hot Toys TTM18 Caucasian 12-inch TrueType Male Figure Narrow Shoulder version.

Let me state firstly that Hot Toys TTM18 Caucasian 12-inch TrueType Male Figure Narrow Shoulder version does NOT come with the head shown! Hot Toys TTM18 - 1/6th scale TrueType 12-inch Body - Caucasian Male (Narrow Shoulder Version) comes with a head sculpt that bears a strong resemblance to Wentworth Miller (he of "Prison Break" fame). I have a picture of the packaged product HERE (as part of my September Haul of 2011).

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN!!!

I am using the HeadPlay 1/6 scale Heath version head sculpt on the Hot Toys TTM18 12-inch Figure body for a simple reason - these two just look comfortable getting "naked" together. For those of you who are not familiar, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were lovers in Ang Lee's 2005 romantic drama film "Brokeback Mountain" which depicts the complex romantic and sexual relationship between two men in the American West from 1963 to 1983. So what better way to show off the Hot Toys True Type bodies than to put them side by side ;p

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Pre-order Foxbox Studio Hades 12-inch Figure on February 17, 2012, 9AM Pacific Standard

Pre-Order opens Friday, 17 February 2012 • 9AM Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles, San Francisco)


Product will be available at: www.foxboxstudio.com
Product ETA: Q4 2012

Product is limited, so don't miss out on it!
Not convinced? Check out the prototype pictures HERE

There's also the FoxBox Studio "God Complex: Hermes" 1/6 Figure REVIEWED earlier HERE and HERE :)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Review II: Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure

continued from previous post...

Here are more pictures of the Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure, now without his pants ;p In the first review posted previously, this Storm Shadow action figure comes with maroon pants with a COBRA symbol / insignia printed on it. I wanted to know what he wears under the cloth / fabric pants so now we know. Storm Shadow stays true to his character by wearing the all white ninja outfit he is famous for and known by, except with this 8-inch 200mm tall version, his ninja attire is made of molded plastic.


Like I mentioned previously, I really like the anime style used for this particular action figure series. 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. It was based on the 2005 released G.I. Joe animated series also called "Sigma 6", which was the code name for a new group of G.I. Joe operatives with highly specialized capabilities, which they use to protect the world from the Cobra Commander and his evil forces.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Hasbro G.I. Joe Sigma 6 Storm Shadow COBRA Ninja Master Action Figure Review 1

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.

The Sigma 6 toy line served several purposes for Hasbro. First, it allowed them 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. Second, the new series offered them the chance to streamline the story and characters, stripping away old continuity and "rebooting" the franchise with younger versions of the cast - similar but different to their 1980s namesakes - rendered in the popular anime style. [source: wiki]


In 2005, G.I. Joe returned to television with "Sigma 6", the code name for a new group of G.I. Joe operatives with highly specialized capabilities, which they use to protect the world from the Cobra Commander and his evil forces. Sigma 6 featured many of the most popular and well-known G.I. Joe characters, such as Duke, Snake-Eyes, Heavy Duty, Scarlett and Tunnel Rat, as well as a new hero, Long Range. The action figures made the jump to a larger scale (approximately 8 inch), replacing both 3 ¾ inch action figures and 12-inch (300 mm) action figures in retail stores.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Incoming: ZCWO 1/6 scale Senior Secretary PAYTON or Is this Pepper Potts 12-inch Femfig?

Virginia "Pepper" Potts is a fictional character, a supporting character and a love interest of Tony Stark / Iron Man in the Marvel Comics Universe. She is portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow in the films Iron Man, Iron Man 2 and The Avengers.


ZCWO's new product will be this 1/6 scale Payton (Senior Secretary) 12-inch Female Figure. This will be their first product in collaboration with IMINIME. Together with their combined head sculpting and painting techniques, they believe that they can maintain a good quality even in mass production. This product will come with 1/6 scale office chair, laptop and other office accessories. Payton's a working girl and believes in working hard for her money ;p Scroll down to see more pictures

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo Black Widow (Covert Ops and Original versions) up for Pre-order

This is the Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo Covert Ops Black Widow Statue.

Born circa 1928, Natalia "Natasha" Romanova was apparently orphaned as a child when she was trapped in a burning building during an early attack on Stalingrad by enemy forces. Ivan Petrovitch Bezukhov, a Soviet soldier, found Natasha in the inferno and rescued her. Although Ivan kept a close eye on Natasha as she grew, by the late 1930s she had attracted the attention of Soviet intelligence, which began her training. In 1941, she was almost brainwashed into serving the ninja clan the Hand, but was saved by Ivan, Logan (James Howlett, later Wolverine) and Captain America. Following World War II, Natasha was recruited to become part of the Black Widow Program, a team of elite female sleeper agents. Among the Widow's instructors was the Winter Soldier, formerly Captain America's sidekick Bucky (James Barnes); Natasha studied as a ballerina to cover for her true occupation. The Soviet state eventually arranged for Natasha to marry Alexi Shostakov, a champion test pilot. So how old does that make her?


Scroll down to see more pictures of this Kotobukiya Marvel Bishoujo Black Widow (Covert Ops version). Quite stunning if you ask me ;p The Japanese have a way of making the female figure look HOT and SEXY, and just plain irresistible haha

Friday, February 3, 2012

"Ahoy, me mateys!" A look at Hot Toys Pirates of the Caribbean 12-inch collectible figures

Having seen three of the Hot Toys Captain Jack Sparrow heads in the previous post, it's time to look at the other 1/6 scale pirate figures that Hot Toys has put out and released over the years. Pirates of the Caribbean is a series of fantasy-adventure films directed by Gore Verbinski (1–3) and Rob Marshall (4), written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The films started with their first release on the big screen in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. After the success of the first film, Walt Disney Pictures revealed that a trilogy was in the works. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest was released three years later in 2006. The sequel proved successful, breaking records worldwide the day of its premiere. In the end, it earned $1,066,179,725 at the worldwide box office, becoming the fourth and fastest film (at the time) to reach this amount.

C'mere, me beauties. Let's take a good look at ya!

The third film in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, was released in 2007. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, released on May 20, 2011. It succeeded in grossing more than $1 billion, becoming the eighth and fourth-fastest film to achieve this. So far, the film franchise has grossed $3.72 billion worldwide and it is the only franchise with two films that reached $1 billion worldwide. In July 2011, Johnny Depp confirmed he was closing in on a deal for a fifth installment and that the franchise wouldn't be going ahead without Depp's participation. [source: wiki]

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Comparing Hot Toys DX06 Captain Jack Sparrow head sculpt with the other earlier released heads

This is the latest released Hot Toys MMS DX06 "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Captain Jack Sparrow (the ever brilliant Johnny Depp) 1/6 scale head sculpt :) From what I've seen and read, the DX06 Captain Jack Sparrow is SHORT i.e. he's a much smaller figure than all the other 1/6 scale figures which are about 12 inches tall. DX06 Jack is only slightly taller than Medicom's puny Jack Sparrow action figure :( and wouldn't be able to stand beside the rest of the other Hot Toys "Pirates of the Caribbean" figures because he is almost a dwarf and would fit better with the hobbits from the Lord of the Rings or the Jawas from Star Wars. SIGH! I don't like when that happens. If there's already a scale established, stick to it. It's better for the figures to look good together than to have one figure stand way shorter than the rest when he's not supposed to. Hot Toys DX06 Jack Sparrow figure is supposedly based on Johnny Depp's actual height of 5'9" and the original version would have put him at 6'4" but the problem with being that accurate is: DX Jack is now SHORTER than the rest :(


So I only got the DX06 Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow 1/6 scale head sculpt in order to plonk it onto the original Hot Toys released Jack Sparrow figure instead. Don't really care much for the other items in the DX06 box set, just wanted the Jack Sparrow head. So the picture you see above is the 2007 released Hot Toys "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)" 1/6 scale Jack Sparrow (more pictures HERE) with 2012 released DX06 Jack Sparrow head. Not a bad fit IMHO Scroll down to see the other Hot Toys Jack Sparrow head sculpts for comparison.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Incoming: Sideshow Collectibles Star Wars S.T.A.P and Battle Droid Sixth Scale Figure Set

Sideshow Collectibles is proud to announce the S.T.A.P. and Battle Droid Sixth Scale Figure Set. The detailed S.T.A.P. (Single Trooper Aerial Platform) vehicle comes mounted on a specially engineered base that allows for a wide range of motion and positioning and is piloted by an fully articulated Battle Droid Sixth Scale figure. Measuring approximately 13.5 inches tall, the S.T.A.P. and Battle Droid Sixth Scale Vehicle and Figure set makes an outstanding addition to any Star Wars collection.


STAPs (Single Trooper Aerial Platforms) are lightweight reconnaissance and patrol vehicles used by the Trade Federation army. Incorporating repulsorlift technology, the STAP is a slim, agile craft piloted by a single B1 battle droid. Sporting a pair of blaster cannons and an open design, STAPs rely on their speed and agility to dodge enemy fire and are often deployed as support vehicles in conjunction with larger craft.