Rob – Alternative Mindz

DARK HORSE TO PUBLISH ‘HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE MINICOMIC COLLECTION’

May 11, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION OF MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE® MINICOMICS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—Following the critically acclaimed release of The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dark Horse and Mattel have teamed up once again to deliver another must-have book in 2015: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection.

The toy juggernaut Masters of the Universe and its subsequent action figure lines featured memorable pack-in minicomics that aided in playtime for children across the world. Clocking in at 1,232 pages, this impressive oversized hardcover collection features sixty-eight US releases, including all minicomics from the ’80s Masters of the Universe line, the ’80s Princess of Power line, and the ’80s and ’90s He-Man line, plus an introduction to the minicomics in the current Masters of the Universe Classics toy line—all in production order. Relive the illustrated adventures that fueled your imagination!

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection is on sale October 21 in comic shops and November 3 in bookstores. Preorder today fromAmazon.com, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or yourlocal comic shop.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection HC
Tim Seeley (W), Steven Grant (W), Phil White (W), Gary Cohn (W), Michael Halperin (W), Scott Neitlich (W), Bruce Timm (A), Mark Texeira (A), Larry Houston (A), Jim Mitchell (A), and Charles Simpson (C)
FC, 1232 pages
HC, 6” x 9”
$29.99, 978-1616558772

The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe andThe Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Limited Edition, which includes rarely seen images of concept sketches, prototypes, and more from Mattel’s archives, is on sale in bookstores everywhere. Purchase your copy today!

The roof top of Ghibli Museum in Tokyo

May 11, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

The Robot Soldier located on the rooftop garden of the Ghibli Museum.

On the museum’s roof is a garden with a life-size statue of a robot from the final episode of Lupin III Part II and Castle in the Sky.The Robot Soldier was made by the artist Kunio Shachimaru. The statue is made from bronze and took a year to create.

The first image is my original picture and the other two are my attempts to play with levels. This is from when we went to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo (September 2014)

Fuji TV’s Rafu-kun

May 11, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Fuji Television: Rafu-kun

A small blue dog who is a tad goofy but rather passionate and devoted.
Laugh loves music, especially the Beatles.
Always on the lookout for something new,
Laugh loves to browse the web on his laptop wherever he goes.

Pal: Chibi the cat
Favorite Food: Hot Dogs

Puppy Rafu-kun is the Fuji Television mascot whose name is derived from the English word “laugh” and was originally a character for a TV show broadcast in 1998. You can find Rafu these days on all sorts of adverts and available in many types of products, but his background has not yet been made public in much detail.

On the island of Odaiba stands the Fuji TV building.

We have been to Odaiba every time we go to Japan, but last September (2014) was the first time we ever noticed Rafu-kun.

He was everywhere, from the stairs to all the booths,Nooks and even on logs.

He is on the ticket to the observation deck of Fuji TV.

I only wish I knew who designed him. Stay tuned to our YouTube channel where we will show you a lot more from Odaiba and Fuji TV.

Mezco Reveals SDCC Exclusive Mortal Kombat X Ice Clone Sub Zero

May 11, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Mezco Reveals SDCC Exclusive Mortal Kombat X

Ice Clone Sub Zero

New York- This assassin is the steeliest of all Mortal Kombat characters, and now Mezco pays tribute to one of his most fiendish moves; the Ice Clone.

To ensure a game accurate likeness, correct to the finest detail, Mezco’s award-winning design team has digitally sculpted the figure using the digital files from the game developers themselves. This special limited edition version is cast in a unique translucent blue that replicates the ice blue effect seen in the game.

Sub-Zero’s ice clone comes with his game accurate ice ball and ice daggers, as well as a set of alternate hands. All the accessories in the limited edition version are cast in matching translucent ice blue color.

This 6inch scale version features 23 points of articulation, many with ball joints, allowing him to recreate all the moves and poses that have made him part of gaming legend.

Sub-Zero’s Ice Clone comes in a collector friendly blister card perfect for display.

Only a limited number of these figures are available, so get yours while you can at

http://www.mezcotoyz.com/exclusives/

but don’t delay because once they are gone, they are gone forever! Be sure to visit Mezco at San Diego Comic Con at booth 3445.

Not attending SDCC? Follow the excitement on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MezcoToyz

and Twitter

Tweets by mezcotoyz

Interview with Director Jonny Campbell

May 9, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Earlier last week, we had the opportunity to talk with Director Jonny Campbell.

Campbell is the BAFTA winning director of the cult zombie hit, IN THE FLESH, and has directed the fan favorite television series, DOCTOR WHO. He is now bringing his dark comedic sensibility to the HBO/BBC adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novel, “THE CASUAL VACANCY,” starring Michael Gambon, Keeley Hawes, Rory Kinnear, Monica Dolan, Julia McKenzie, and Abigail Lawrie. Screenplay written by Sarah Phelps.

Alternative Mindz: With The Casual Vacancy coming to the United States this week, what can we expect from the miniseries when it premieres?

Jonny Campbell : Be prepared for something different. I see it as a modern fable; a twisted parable almost mainly looking at something universal [involving] teenagers and parents and how they react to death. Intended to be like a 19th century novel in a contemporary setting. It’s a thought provoking story which challenges an audience on many levels. As a filmmaker, I have found the myriad reactions to it a fascinating and enlightening exercise in both demonstrating an intelligent audience’s capacity to engage with and benefit from unusual storytelling as well as exposing others’ prejudice and superficiality.

Alternative Mindz: The miniseries is an adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novel. Will the overall themes of the novel be brought up on the television show?

Jonny Campbell: Sex, death, mortality, grief, compassion, social responsibility. The novel is far-reaching in its themes and intense psychological analysis of a host of characters with countless incisive observations about the human condition. The book requires total concentration and is a most rewarding read. The dramatization does not set out to transpose verbatim all of these characters and themes, but chooses a route through the material to accompany (rather than replace) the original text and present the world and characters with as much story and character as can be woven satisfyingly into the three hour film.

Alternative mindz: Working on films and TV productions, directors form bonds with their cast. Which of the actors you have worked with in the past do you like working with the most?

Jonny Campbell: I was lucky to have assembled a most accomplished cast to work with for this project thanks to a wonderful collaboration with casting directors Lucy Bevan and Olivia Scott-Webb. I’d enjoyed working with several actors before and they were fantastic again e.g. Keeley Hawes (Spooks and Ashes To Ashes), Rory Kinnear (Judge John Deed), Julia McKenzie (Death In Holy Orders), Emily Bevan & Marie Critchley (In The Flesh). It had long been an ambition and was a particular joy to work with Michael Gambon at last, but the real highlight was to nurture and work with such a talented array of unknown young actors. Abigail Lawrie (Krystal) and Brian Vernel (Fats) created a particularly beguiling double act within the story and I am especially proud of discovering Abigail Lawrie and guiding her in her debut role.

Alternative mindz: You have directed episodes of Doctor Who along with In The Flesh. As a director, what differences of direction did you take when filming The Casual Vacancy?

Jonny Campbell: I didn’t instinctively take any different directions – I always just try to immerse myself in the material and focus on telling the story. There was, however, an unusual challenge here in that the nature of the storytelling was unconventional. The narrative often follows a “mood” rather than a central character or be simply plot driven. It is very much character driven and requires sensitive intelligence and extra engagement on the part of the viewer, not just because the general subject matter is difficult, sobering and full of darkness, but also owing to this style of storytelling, which requires the audience to fill in gaps occasionally and think for themselves rather than receiving everything on a plate. It’s not everybody’s “cup of tea” and not everyone will get it or want to get it, for that matter. It goes over some heads and bypasses some hearts in the process, but will touch a nerve with many.

Alternative Mindz: Since you had success with directing along with the awards and nominations you have received, what does it take to become an award winning director and what kind of advice, if any, could you give to a person who wants to become a director?

Jonny Campbell: Awards and nominations can come in useful, but are not a goal in their own right. In fact, it is almost certainly a guaranteed failed mission to aim for them. I think they tend to come when good teams of people have come together and believed in the project/stories they are telling and taken pride and care in doing so. To become a drama director? I think it’s the best grounding to study literature and storytelling. Study and think about human nature. Go to the theatre.

Alternative Mindz: Do you have any future projects that are coming your way soon?

Jonny Campbell: Hopefully! Am reading several intriguing scripts and developing a few others.

Alternative Mindz: We want to thank you for taking time and talking with us! Please feel free to mention any social media outlets you are active on and how fans and new fans can find out more about you.

Jonny Campbell: Pleasure. Thanks for asking. I’m on Twitter – @CampbellJonny1.

THE CASUAL VACANCY is a story of a village tearing itself apart, revealing the townspeople’s idiosyncrasies, and addressing social responsibility with one’s response to the poor and disadvantaged. At times darkly funny, it portrays a town whose residents are selfishly stuck in their beliefs and traditions, unaware they have the power to change. This sadly comical selfishness comes to play an important role as events unfold.

Myth of Tomorrow

May 7, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

While walking through Shibuya Mark city you will see a massive painting

Lost for decades in Mexico, Taro Okamoto’s 30m-long mural was recovered and moved to a new home in 2008: the station concourse inside Shibuya Mark City. Sometimes compared to Picasso’s Guernica, The Myth of Tomorrow depicts the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as an eruption of vibrant colours, centering around a skeletal figure caught in the blast. The work’s atomic associations were brought home in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi meltdown, when art collective Chim↑Pom pasted an image of the stricken nuclear reactors in one corner of the painting

to get more of an understanding of this piece please read this

Address

Shibuya Mark City, 1-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Transport Shibuya Station (Yamanote, Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin, Tokyu Toyoko, Denentoshi, Keio Inokashira lines)

News Item from DST: Coming this Fall: Gotham, Ghostbusters and Doctor Strange!

May 7, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

The new Previews catalog is in comic shops now, and inside is a litany of new products coming your way from Diamond Select Toys! Due out this fall, the new offerings include items from the Batman Classic TV Series, Batman The Animated Series, Gotham, Ghostbusters, Jay and Silent Bob, Marvel Select, Predator, Pulp Fiction, Star Trek, Universal Monsters and more! It’s the best of all worlds! Read on for more info, and pre-order today through your local comic shop, your favorite online retailer, or diamondselecttoys.com! Find your nearest comic shop at comicshoplocator.com!

Batman Classic TV Series Catwoman Resin Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Batman’s rogues gallery continues to grow as Catwoman joins the Riddler and the Joker in DST’s line of busts, based on the Classic Batman TV Series! This 6-inch-tall resin bust depicts Julie Newmar as Catwoman, perched atop a colorful base inspired by the show’s animated opening credits. Even with her mask on, Catwoman’s hypnotizing beauty will have Batman baffled! Packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Designed by Barry Bradfield! Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152172, SRP: $59.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/batman-classic-tv-series-catwoman-resin-bust

Batman Animated Series Femme Fatales Poison Ivy PVC Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! DST’s line of Femme Fatales PVC statues based on the women of the DC Animated Universe continues with Poison Ivy! Based on her appearance in Batman: The Animated Series, this PVC statue of the plant-loving Pamela Isley stands 9 inches tall atop her diorama base, and depicts the villainous vixen visiting with a vine-like friend, perhaps discussing how best to entangle the Dark Knight. Packaged in a full-color box window box. Sculpted by Steve Varner Studios! (Item #MAY152173, SRP: $45.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/batman-animated-series-femme-fatales-poison-ivy-pvc-statue

Gotham TV Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the hottest shows on TV is Gotham, a look at the crime-ridden streets of Batman’s hometown. Now, the hit show is an all-new line of Select action figures! Each 7-inch scale figure comes with character-specific accessories, as well as a deluxe diorama base representing a location in Gotham City: The Penguin comes with a pier, Jim Gordon comes with an alleyway, and Selina Kyle comes with a fire escape – connect Jim and Selina’s bases to form a larger scene! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! (Item # MAY152171, SRP: $24.99/ea.)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/gotham-tv-select-action-figures-series-1-asst

Ghostbusters Movie Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! After years of producing a variety of quality Ghostbusters products, DST is finally tackling 7-inch-scale Select action figures! With 12 releases planned in the line, the first three will be Ray Stanz, Winston Zeddemore and Louis Tully, each with detailed sculpts, exacting likenesses and character-specific accessories. Each figure will also include a diorama piece – collect all twelve to build the rooftop battle scene from the end of the film! Each figure features approximately 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine art for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant! Coming in Series 2: Peter Venkman and Egon Spengler! (Item #MAY152168, SRP: $24.99/ea.)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/ghostbusters-movie-select-action-figures-series-1-asst

Ghostbusters Logo Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! You have the tools, you have the talent… but do you have a bottle opener? When you’ve defeated an invasive supernatural entity, and it’s time to celebrate with a cool beverage, be sure you have this 3” metal bottle opener handy. Scultped in the shape of the Ghostbusters logo, this opener has magnets on the back so it will stick to your refrigerator, containment grid or the hood of the Ecto-1. Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #MAY152169, SRP: $18.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/ghostbusters-logo-metal-bottle-opener

Jay and Silent Bob Minimates Zombie 2-Pack

A Diamond Select Toys release! Jay and Silent Bob will never die! Literally! This all-new 2-pack of Minimates mini-figures features undead versions of America’s favorite comedy team, as seen in the movies, comics and cartoons of writer/director Kevin Smith. This set includes zombie-specific accessories, including a hunk of meat and the severed heads of four familiar victims. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable (and removable) parts. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152176, SRP: $9.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/jay-and-silent-bob-minimates-zombie-2-pack

Marvel Select Dr Strange Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! Marvel’s Secret Avenger, supernatural Defender, Sorcerer Supreme and soon-to-be cinematic superstar Dr. Stephen Strange is the newest comic-based action figure in the Marvel Select action figure line! Measuring approximately 7 inches tall with 16 points of articulation, Dr. Strange comes with a diorama display base depicting part of his Sanctum Sanctorum. Packaged in Select-style display packaging with spine artwork. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #MAY152177, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/marvel-select-doctor-strange-action-figure

Predator Minimates Foil Bag Counter Display Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release!! Get to the chopper! It’s a whole new line of Minimates mini-figures, based on the cinematic world of Predator! This first blind-bagged assortment features Billy and the Jungle Predator (masked, unmasked and thermal) from the first film, the City Predator (regular and battle-damaged) from Predator 2, and Edwin and Cuchillo from Predators! There are eight different figures in all, with a full set in every display case of 18 foil bags, but Edwin is the rarest figure, with only one per case! Let the hunt begin! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152178, SRP: $5.99/ea.)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/predator-minimates-foil-bag-counter-display-asst

Pulp Fiction 20th Ann. Minimates Bring Out the Gimp Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Bring out the gimp!! No more wondering if the gimp is sleeping – the famous Pawn Shop scene from Pulp Fiction has finally been made into Minimates form! The fourth box set based on Quentin Tarantino’s iconic 1994 film captures the main players in the famous dungeon sequence: Butch, Marsellus Wallace, Zed and the Gimp! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #MAY152174, SRP: $19.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/pulp-fiction-20th-ann-minimates-bring-out-the-gimp-box-set

Pulp Fiction Red Apple Red Metal Zippo Lighter

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Zippo lighter is one of the most distinctive lighters ever made, and has starred in a thousand movies, including the legendary Pulp Fiction. This new, all-red edition metal Zippo sports the logo of director Quentin Tarantino’s favorite cigarette brand, Red Apple Cigarettes – flip it open and you’ll identify yourself as a lover of both fine films and timeless design. Comes packaged in a collector case. (Item #FEB158126, SRP: $29.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/pulp-fiction-red-apple-red-metal-zippo-lighter

Star Trek TNG Lt. Worf Vinyl Bust bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! Where’s the safest place on the Enterprise? Right behind Worf! Make your money that safe by putting it inside this 7” vinyl bust bank depicting Star Trek’s most famous Klingon crew member, with his phaser at the ready. With detailed, bust-quality paint applications and a coin slot on his back, this functional collectible is torn between two cultures – does he belong to both, or neither? You decide! Comes packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Patrick Pigott! (Item #MAY152170, SRP: $22.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/star-trek-tng-lt-worf-vinyl-bust-bank

Universal Monsters Select Mummy Version 2 Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Response to DST’s revisited Creature and Frankenstein figures has been so positive, we’re going back to ancient Egypt for our next release! Not seen since the first series of Universal Monsters Select action figures, the Mummy returns in an all-new edition, completely resculpted by Jean St. Jean with approximately 16 points of articulation, as well as an all-new diorama base depicting the inside of an Egyptian temple. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152180, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/universal-monsters-select-mummy-version-2-action-figure

Universal Monsters Select Wolfman Version 2 Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Clap for the Wolfman! One of the first figures made in DST’s Universal Monsters toy line, the Wolfman has not been seen in several years… until now! This all-new sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, and comes with an all-new diorama base featuring the ruins of a tomb, including skulls and a broken columns The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152179, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/universal-monsters-select-wolfman-version-2-action-figure

Monster Hunter Lucy Westenra Select Action Figure

A Diamond Select Toys release! Joining fellow monster hunter Abraham Van Helsing, Lucy Westenra is the next original figure creation from DST! Re-imagining the classic character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula as a fierce warrior woman, this wholly original sculpt by Jean St. Jean features approximately 16 points of articulation, various monster-fighting weapons, and an all-new diorama base depicting a ruined church doorway. The figure comes packaged in the famous Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. (Item #MAY152181, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/monster-hunter-lucy-westenra-select-action-figure

Share Your Care – Doing Good Can Be So Rewarding in Care Bears Online Video Challenge!

May 7, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

#SHAREYOURCARE AND WIN!
Doing Good Can Pay Off in Care Bears™ Online Video Challenge

For more than 30 years, the Care Bears™ have been on a mission to help make the world a better place by spreading messages of sharing and caring wherever they go. Now, in an online campaign, the Care Bears are asking people to #ShareYourCare and post videos telling the Care Bears how you make the world a better place by showing how you LOVE, CARE, SHARE and HELP others every day! The #ShareYourCarecontest will award some lucky Care Bears fans with pre-paid Care Bears branded Mastercards and themed merchandise.

From May 4^TH through May 31^ST, participants can enter the challenge by uploading 15-30 second videos towww.CareBearsShare.com, and using hashtag #ShareYourCare. Videos should identify how Care Bears fans share their care, based on four themes: Love, Care, Share and Help. Here is an example of New York – Sharing Their Care:https://youtu.be/JDIKmzEG4uM

Each week, one video will be chosen and the winner awarded a $500 pre-paid Care Bears branded Mastercard and prize pack. Videos will be judged on the following criteria:

· Originality

· Best use of Care Bears brand

· Best use of Love, Care, Share or Help theme

· Most charitable

· “Awwhhh factor”

Then, from June 1 through June 7, fans will be able to vote on the four weekly winning videos to determine the video that will be selected as the grand prize winner. This winner will be announced on June 8 via social media and receive a $1000 pre-paid Care Bears branded MasterCard.

In addition to viewing submissions on CareBearsShare.com, fans can find highlights of the #ShareYourCare video challenge on all of the Care Bears social media. All winners and announcements will be communicated via social media. (see below)

Care Bears Social Media Handles:

Website: www.CareBears.com
Twitter and Instagram: @CareBearsFriend
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CareBears
YouTube: http://www.YouTube.com/CareBears
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/CareBearsAGP
Hashtag: #ShareYourCare

Set photo of Casey Jones in Teenage Mutant ninja turtles 2

May 1, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

Diamond Select Toys and Marvelshop.com Announce Exclusive Marvel Select Hulkbuster Iron Man Action Figure!

May 1, 2015Rob Leave a Comment

In one of the most anticipated scenes in Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Tony Stark goes toe-to-toe with the Hulk in a massive new suit of Iron Man armor, one long-time comic readers may recognize. Dubbed the “Hulkbuster” armor, this massive suit was designed with one purpose in mind – stopping the Hulk in his tracks – and now Diamond Select Toys and marvelshop.com have teamed up to offer an exclusive figure of the famous armor as it appeared in the comics!

First appearing in Iron Man #304, released in 1994, the Iron Man Mk 14 “Hulkbuster” armor was an add-on to Tony Stark’s modular armor, one that would allow him to stop the Hulk from tearing apart a factory that was manufacturing gamma bombs. While the battle was a misunderstanding, Stark kept the armor in case he ever needed it again, and it has occasionally been shown as part of his “Hall of Armor.”

This new, fully poseable action figure was sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios, and stands 8.5 inches tall with 16 points of articulation. Like all Marvel Select action figures, he comes packaged in display-ready packaging with comic artwork down one side, for handy shelf reference.

Pre-orders are open now at marvelshop.com, and the figure will ship to customers later this summer. It will also be made available at Disney Stores across North America at that time, as well as on DisneyStore.com.

Hulkbuster Iron Man joins previous marvelshop.comand Disney Store exclusive figures Avenging Hawkeye, Mighty Thor, Unleashed Hulk, Superior Spider-Man, Unmasked Captain America, Bleeding Edge Iron Man and Electro. All are currently available on marvelshop.com and disneystore.com!