Diamond Select Toys Reveals X-Files Toy Plans for 2016

Rob Leave a Comment

image

Diamond Select Toys Reveals X-Files Toy Plans for 2016

When it comes to unexplained phenomena, Diamond Select Toys knows their stuff – after all, they’ve been turning zombies, aliens, werewolves and vampires into top-notch toys and collectibles for over 15 years! Now, with quintessential conspiracy-theory show The X-Files returning to FOX this January for the first time since 2002, DST is preparing to delve into that mysterious world with Select action figures, Vinimates vinyl figures and Minimates mini-figures!

image

image

Diamond Select will release products based on the fan-favorite TV series alongside items from the new 2016 event series. A two-pack of Minimates captures Mulder and Scully in their new looks, as fully poseable 2-inch mini-figures, and is currently available for pre-order through comic shops. Simultaneously, DST is offering a pair of 4-inch Vinimates – static vinyl figures sculpted in the Minimates style – that capture them in their classic appearances.  In the future, DST also will release a series of Minimates 4-packs based on the classic series.

image

On the action figure side, two 7-inch-scale action figures of Mulder and Scully will kick off the X-Files Select line. Initial figures will be based on the new series, but there are plans to expand into the classic series, as well.

“As a longtime fan of the show, I’m very excited to have finally been granted access to the X-Files,” said Diamond Select Toys President Chuck Terceira. “Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are one of the most widely referenced and recognized pairs in pop culture, and the new show has everyone talking about them again. Plus, we have nine seasons’ worth of supporting cast and creatures to play with in our line planning.”

image

Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comics Distributors to develop new and exciting products for collectors of all ages. Minimates mini-figures first appeared in 2002, and there are currently over 2400 Minimates, spanning over 60 different licenses.

WWE 2K16 review 

Julian Cannon Leave a Comment

WWE’s highly anticipated annual game, WWE 2K16 released today, and I’ve had an opportunity to play through this year’s edition. It’s refreshing to say that 2K and WWE didn’t eliminate much, if anything from last year’s title, something 2K15 couldn’t say. The additions, however, are noticeable. Although it isn’t without flaws, WWE 2K16 is a major leap forward for wrestling fans everywhere.
   
 

Before The Match
Right out of the gate, there were some unfortunate things that caught my attention. The audio on this game left plenty to be desired. In-ring commentary has never been good on a pro wrestling game, so that was no surprise. However, the ring announcing by Lillian Garcia was chopped up, and didn’t go together well as it should have been. That, coupled with the fact that the audience pops aren’t where they should be for entrances, it takes away from the experience before your character even gets in the ring.

  
Inside the ring
Once inside the ring, there were improvements and setbacks. I’m all for a simulation, based game, but the pace in which 2K has set for WWE 2K16 is incredibly slow, maybe the slowest of any pro wrestling game ever. I was glad to see that they seemed to increase the size of the ring, after reducing it last year.

Some of the movements are a little weird, and simple things like stomps can sometimes take too long, but an addition I really liked was that of the usage of the ropes. Wrestlers back one another into the ropes out of headlocks, lock ups, and things of that nature. You can choose whether or not you want to make a clean break, as well. Also, characters pull their opponents back towards the ropes before using an Irish whip, which was something I never knew I’d wanted in a game until WWE 2K16.

The referees are slow in this game. Really, really slow. Frustratingly slow. It sometimes takes three seconds for the ref to get on the ground to make the three count. It’s also pretty hard upon first play, for me at least, but I don’t consider that a negative in any way, shape or form, even though it did take me five tries to beat Sami Zayn with Seth Rollins, and he kicked out of three Pedigrees. I digress. The reversal system is a welcome change, as you now have a set number of reversals (you can earn more), and matches aren’t just an endless chain of reversal, reversal, reversal. There are also small things, like characters remaining in a seated position to sell after a kickout that really helps and adds a realistic nature to the game. Top rope moves also land with more fluidity than past incarnations.

The roster speaks for itself, the largest ever. This was something that had to be done after 2K peeved a lot of fans last year with the lackluster roster. Still, the exclusion of Bayley, Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch is inexcusable. Regardless of the weak reasons 2K offered fans for this, they have tons of NXT talent in the game. Fortunately there are 100 created wrestler slots, so I’m sure someone will make spot-on versions of these women to download.

I’m a big fan of having as many moves as possible in a video game (Fire Pro Wrestling Returns, y’all), and WWE 2K16 did an excellent job of adding that. Although moves like the piledriver have been banned from WWE TV, they remain in the games, and the Curb Stomp got the same treatment, which was nice. Many of the missing match types from last year have returned as well, giving the game a much more complete feel.

Customization and Career
   
  
 
Customization is a really cool part of WWE 2K16. If you want to throw a mask on Sami Zayn and make him relive his indy days, go for it. If you’d like to create your own supershow, have at it. Create-a-title is also back in the game, as well as create-a-diva. Create-a-finisher has not returned, but that mode had so many issues with it, there probably wasn’t much worth saving. You can also build your own arenas that compliment your custom shows, and use logos that fit them. The creation suite is worth checking this game out in itself.
The Steve Austin mode is fun. I won’t spoil anything, but you play through the story of Stone Cold Steve Austin all the way from his WCW days right up until today. Nothing has matched WWE Smackdown: Here Comes The Pain’s story mode (which had infinite flexibility due to it being text based, without commentary holding it back), but this is a pretty cool mode and worth playing through.

  
WWE Universe mode doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere, and a not a whole lot has changed with it. Fans have clamored for the return of GM mode, as well as the aforementioned Here Comes The Pain career mode, but it appears that WWE Universe mode will have to do for now. There’s nothing wrong with it, it just turns into an endless cycle fairly quickly.

  
My Career mode is a giant improvement, but that isn’t saying a lot, as last year’s edition (and the game as a whole) was one of the worst ever put forth by WWE. This year, you won’t work and work and work, only to have your game abruptly ended after reaching your goal. There’s plenty of improvements to be made, but it’s a way better experience this year.

One of the most infuriating things about WWE 2K16 is microtransactions. After you pay 63 bucks for the game, 2K asks you to spend upwards of 30 dollars more for additional characters, moves, features and things of the like. That’s just the way things are these days, but $100 for a complete game is a little too much to ask.

Closing Thoughts
All in all, there were significant improvements and fixes to this game. Last year’s edition was an all-time bad pro wrestling game, and WWE 2K16 is more than solid choice. I enjoy the realism of the game, but sometimes the gameplay gets too slow due to selling, which may end up being a good thing, since you can’t spam German Suplexes anymore. I’d recommend this purchase, even if you were jaded by last year’s terrible output.

Graphics- 8.5

Replayability- 7.5

Audio- 7

In-Ring- 8.5

Online- 8.5
OVERALL- 8/10

follow me on twitter @julianexcalibur 

Star wars joins with Ginza Cozy Corner

Rob Leave a Comment

image

Japanese confectionery chain Ginza Cozy Corner to weigh in on the celebrations, with a stunning lineup of cakes, tarts and limited edition tins that feature some of the cutest characters from the movie alongside some edible dark foes. We’ll need to summon up every ounce of the force within to bite into these because these are the most amazing sweets we’ve ever seen!

image

Available from November 1 until December 21,

image

there are a number of special sets to choose from. The adorable nine-pack below retails for 2,160 yen (US$18) and contains (from top-left to right) a Storm Trooper cheese tart, a Wicket chocolate roll cake, a C-3PO lemon tart, Jabba the Hutt pistachio tart, a Star Wars Logo rasberry and chocolate cake, R2-D2 yoghurt cake, Darth Vader chocolate cake, The Imperial Army and Rebel Army pistachio and chocolate tart, and Yoda as a matcha powdered green tea tart.

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #1 

Rob Leave a Comment

image

MARVEL COMICS PRESENTSINTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #1 
Iron Man goes global from Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev

 

All-new series to be translated to reflect the languages of select countries worldwide

                                                                                                              

New York, NY — October 26th, 2015 — In 2016, Tony Stark is establishing the entire world his base of operations and taking Iron Man internationally with the help of Brian Michael Bendis (Invincible Iron Man, Daredevil, Guardians of the Galaxy) and Alex Maleev (Daredevil, Moon Knight) in the all-new Marvel series,INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN.

 

As technology and globalization continue to reduce the size of the world stage, Marvel continues to reflect the world outside our windows and brings the “Golden Avenger” to defend the globe.  “I think we all, no matter where we are in our lives, feel that the world has gotten much smaller,” said Bendis while speaking with Entertainment Weekly. “We can all reach out to each other no matter where we are in the world. We feel each other’s pains and victories. I think for Tony it’s like that times 100. He’s much more aware of the global situation and how a big fight with Galactus in New York would affect things in other parts of the world.”

 

Tony Stark is a futurist. He anticipates threats to come and plans for them. That mentality is what leads Tony to take Iron Man out of New York and proactively taking on threats across the globe.  “If I was a villain, New York is the last place I’d attack, because you know, just by math, there are 700 superheroes in a 17-block radius. I’d go anywhere else,” explains Bendis. “We’ll be dealing with some of the criminals in the Marvel Universe who are smart enough to put that together in their head finally. Tony’s gonna be racing to help people that don’t necessarily always get the attention of the Marvel superheroes.”

 

Accompanying Iron Man on his new global – an unlikely partner who knows everything there is to know about the dark underbelly of the Marvel Universe – Doctor Doom! “Doom knows where the bodies are buried…he knows a lot of stuff that Tony doesn’t know.”

 

Additionally, not only will Iron Man reach out worldwide, but so will the actual published comic book. Working with a number of Marvel licensees,INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN will be translated into the respected languages of 25 different countries and will be printed for over 40 different countries in English.

 

Strap in and suit up, True Believers. Coming in early 2016, Bendis and Maleev reunite for an armored adventure that establishes Iron Man as global advisory for all of those who stand against him in the Marvel Universe. Don’t miss the blockbusterINTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #1!

 

INTERNATIONAL IRON MAN #1

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art & Cover by ALEX MALEEV

 

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. 

For more information visit marvel.com. 

© 2015 MARVEL

Get Free Comic Books During Halloween ComicFest

Rob Leave a Comment

image

Get Free Comic Books During Halloween ComicFest

Comic and pop-culture fans are encouraged to visit their local comic shop on Saturday, October 31st for free comics and participate in Halloween activities, shopping and fun!

(BALTIMORE, MD) — (October 26, 2015) — In 5 days, participating comic shops across the US, Canada and internationally will hand out more than 1.75 million  free comics to anyone who comes into their shop to celebrate the second biggest free comic book event of the year- Halloween ComicFest! On Saturday, October 31st, anyone who goes into a participating comic shop can choose from 21 free designated Halloween ComicFest comics and participate in fun Halloween related activities comic shops host for fans of all ages.

During Halloween ComicFest (HCF), 21 free comics, including 13 full-size and eight mini-comics will be given out, with titles including DC Comcs’ Harley Quinn and Batman Adventures, Marvel’s Dr. Strange and Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers #1, Sabrina, Archie, Donald Duck, Skylanders and other great titles for comic readers of all ages to snatch up for a thrilling read.

During October through Halloween ComicFest, comic shops will have Halloween ComicFest mini packs available to purchase. Each pack contains 25 single HCF mini-comics that are great to pass out on Halloween to trick-or-treaters, providing a healthy alternative to candy, great stories that keep kids reading and wanting to return to comic shops for more!

Currently taking place on the Halloween ComicFest website and running until November 10th is “The Greatest Halloween Costume Contest Ever”.  Anyone can enter one of five categories just by uploading a picture of themselves in costume holding one of the free Halloween ComicFest 2015 comics and submitting it into the appropriate category on the contest site. Prizes include $500 and $100 shopping sprees to the winner’s comic shop of choice in addition to category prizes for the participants who receive the most votes for their costume!  Voting runs from November 3rd to 10th but anyone can submit their Halloween ComicFest costume contest photo through the 10th.  It is crucial to remember that only photos with a Halloween ComicFest 2015 comic in the picture will be accepted.

“We want communities to participate in Halloween ComicFest to not only discover various types of comics from the great selection offered, but to see comic shops as fun Halloween destinations, a great place to meet like-minded people, and to discover the new, cool comic and pop-culture items available each week and all throughout the year,” said Halloween ComicFest spokesperson Deborah Moreland. “This year there are more comic shops participating and more free comics that will be handed out, making it a great sign that retailers are expecting for more fans to celebrate Halloween with them!”

For more information about Halloween ComicFest, the free comics, costume contest, and to find a participating comic shop, go to www.halloweencomicfest.com. So get in your Halloween costumes and take your family and friends to check out free comics and have fun at your local comic shop!

DST Items Seen At New York Comic-Con 2015!

Rob Leave a Comment

image

At New York Comic-Con 2015, Diamond Select Toys had a ton of new prototypes on display, some of which had never before been seen in public! Now, many of those items are up for pre-order for the first time, including new items from Batman: The Animated Series, Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Godzilla, Image Comics, Mallrats, Marvel Comics, Muppets, Nightmare Before Christmas, Star Trek, Superman: The Animated Series, Valiant Comics, The Walking Dead and more! Read on for info below, then pre-order from your local comic shop or your favorite online retailer, and look for them in the spring! It’s the best of all worlds!
image

Batman The Animated Series Harley Quinn’s Hammer Metal Bottle Opener
image

A Diamond Select Toys release! There’s no bottle Harley Quinn’s hammer can’t open! Based on the large mallet wielded by Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series, this sculpted metal bottle opener can remove any bottle cap faster than you can say “puddin’”! A must-have for any Harley Quinn fan Measuring approximately 4 inches long, it comes packaged in a full-color collector slipcase. (Item #NOV152180, SRP: $18.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/batman-the-animated-series-harley-quinns-hammer-metal-bottle-opener

 
image

Batman The Animated Series Joker Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Clown Prince of Crime joins DST’s line of resin busts based onBatman: The Animated Series! With a fan of cards in one hand and a toy pistol in the other, this bust of The Joker is not just playing around, and is a spot-on representation of the character as he appears in the classic animated series.  Measuring approximately 6 inches tall, this resin bust is packaged in a full-color window box, with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to 3,000 pieces! Sculpted by Varner Studios. (Item #NOV152178, SRP: $59.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/batman-the-animated-series-joker-resin-bust

 
image

Batman Classic TV Series Batgirl Resin Bust            

A Diamond Select Toys release! Move over boys – there’s a new Bat-heroine in town! Yvonne Craig’s Batgirl took Gotham City by storm in the third season of the Batman Classic TV Series, and she also turned gender conventions on their ear! A smart, stylish crime-fighter, Barbara Gordon was an equal to Batman and Robin, and saved their bacon on more than one occasion. This approximately 6-inch resin bust depicts Yvonne Craig as Batgirl, in her iconic purple outfit, atop a base inspired by the show’s animated opening. Packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box, this bust is limited to 3,000 pieces. Designed by Barry Bradfield. Sculpted by Jean St. Jean! (Item #NOV152181, SRP: $59.99)

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

 
image

Back to the Future Minimates Rail Ready Time Machine Vehicle

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s an all-new edition of our famous Minimates Time Machine from Back to the Future III! This never-before-released edition features the Wild West detailing of the third film in the trilogy, with hood-mounted circuitry, “rail-read” train wheels and a generous coating of dust! Plus, the car comes with an all-new version of Marty McFly, in his 1885 cowboy duds! This approximately 4-inch vehicle features rolling wheels, opening doors, and enough room to seat two Minimates mini-figures. Packaged in a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152187, SRP: $19.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/back-to-the-future-30th-anniversary-rail-ready-time-machine-minimates-vehicle

 
image

Ghostbusters Mr. Stay Puft Metal Bottle Opener

A Diamond Select Toys release! You’ve got the tools, you’ve got the talent, but do you have a bottle opener? The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man can open anything: churches, gateways to other dimensions, you name it. Now, this happy-faced version of our 4-inch metal Mr. Stay-Puft will open up your favorite bottled beverage and magnetically stick to your refrigerator door! Packaged in a full-color slipcase. (Item #NOV152186, SRP: $18.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/ghostbusters-mr-stay-puft-metal-bottle-opener

 
image

Godzilla Classic Minimates Series 3 Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Godzilla is back, and he brought company! This all-new box set of tiny, 2-inch monsters includes a new version of Godzilla, plus four of his greatest friends and enemies! Burning Godzilla features a new orange-tinged paint scheme and removable flame breath, and he comes with all-new figures of Rodan, Megalon and two Mothra Larvae! Each Minimates mini-figure has multiple points of articulation, stands approximately 2 inches tall, and features fully interchangeable parts. Create your own kaiju! Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152190, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/godzilla-classic-minimates-series-3-box-set

 
image

Comic Book Heroes Minimates 2-Packs Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! From the world of your local comic shop, it’s the first assortment of Comic Book Heroes Minimates, based on some of the most popular independent titles around! Four different two-packs pair up heroes and heroines from six different comics! From Image Comics, Cassie Hack from Hack/Slash teams up with Em Cypress fromRevival!  From the world of Valiant Comics, Ninjak takes on Shadowman! From Image’s Chew, FDA agent Tony Chu partners with cyborg John Colby and the fighting rooster Poyo! And from Battle Beasts,Ruminant the Giraffe takes on Spyrnus the Hammerhead Shark! Each two-pack comes on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152191, SRP: $9.99/ea.)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/comic-book-heroes-minimates-2-packs-series-1-asst

 
image

Mallrats 20th Anniversary Minimates Series 1 Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! They’re not there to shop, they’re not there to work, they’re just there! Celebrate 20 years of Mallrats with this four-pack of Minimates mini-figures, featuring characters from writer-director Kevin Smith’s second movie! Jay, Silent Bob, Rene and Brodie come together in this set, styled after their appearances in the film. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation and fully interchangeable parts. Packaged on a full-color blister card.

Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152188, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/mallrats-20th-anniversary-minimates-series-1-box-set

 
image

Marvel Minimates Series 65 Deadpool Comic 2-Packs Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! The Merc with a Mouth just got his own assortment of Minimates! Each two-pack in this sure-to-be-popular assortment features a different iteration of Deadpool, paired with a different character from Deadpool’s sordid past! Marvel Now Deadpool comes with Copycat/Domino (with alternate head and chest), Secret Wars Deadpool (with alternate handsome parts) comes with X-Force’s Siryn, Mascot Deadpool (with alternate DP parts) comes with Bob the Hydra Goon, and Zenpool comes with Messiah Complex Cable! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure feature 14 points of articulation, as well as fully interchangeable parts, and most include extra parts to swap out. Each two-pack comes in a full-color window box. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152185, SRP: $9.99/each)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/marvel-minimates-series-65-deadpool-comic-2-packs-asst

 
image

Muppets Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s time to meet the Muppets! With the new TV series getting big ratings, the Muppets are hotter than ever, and now they’re getting their very own action figure line from DST! Series 1 gets things started with three different multi-figure packs: Fozzie with Scooter, Gonzo with Camilla, and Kermit with Robin and Bean Bunny. Each figure is in the Select action figure scale, and ranges from 2 to 6 inches tall, with multiple points of articulation. Each multi-pack comes in the famous display-ready Select packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios! (Item #NOV152184, SRP $149.94/asst.)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/muppets-select-action-figures-series-1-asst
image

Kermit, Robin and Bean Bunny (Item # SEP158427,SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/muppets-select-series-1-kermit-action-figure
image

Fozzie and Scooter (Item # SEP158428, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/muppets-select-series-1-fozzie-and-scooter-action-figure-set
image

Gonzo and Camilla (Item # SEP158429, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/muppets-select-series-1-gonzo-camilla-action-figure-set

 
image

Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates Deluxe NYCC Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Now this is Halloween! The first-ever box set in the Nightmare Before Christmas Minimates line is the only place to get those three lovable scamps, Lock, Shock and Barrel, as well as a Battle-Damaged Jack Skellington in his tattered Santa Claus suit!! The three minions of Oogie Boogie each come with a removable mask, and they all fit inside the included walking Bathtub, which features articulated Minimates legs. Formerly a NYCC exclusive, this set is now available to all! Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 10-14 points of articulation, as well as fully interchangeable parts. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #FEB158312, SRP: $30.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/nightmare-before-christmas-minimates-deluxe-nycc-box-set
image

Nightmare Before Christmas Pumpkin King Jack Coffin Doll

A Diamond Select Toys release! DST continues to re-animate the Coffin Doll line of yesteryear with a new re-issue, this time of Jack Skellington as the Pumpkin King! Wearing his Jack O’Lantern mask and tattered clothes, the Pumpkin King stands approximately 16 inches tall, and features multiple points of articulation. Figure includes a sign for Halloween Town, and comes packaged in a coffin-shaped window box. (Item #NOV152183, SRP: $49.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/nightmare-before-christmas-pumpkin-king-jack-16-coffin-doll

 
image

Plants vs. Zombies PVZ Garden Warfare Minimates Series 2 Box Set

A Diamond Select Toys release! Time for a second helping of combat! Based on the hit video game Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, this new box set of Minimates mini-figures pits new plants against new zombies, and the garden stakes have definitely been raised! The Plumber Zombie (with Plunge Shot) and Wrestler Zombie (with Piledriver) take on the Toxic Chomper, Shadow Flower and Fire Pea! Each zombie stands approximately 2 inches tall with 14 points of articulation, while the pants stand 1-2 inches tall with one point of articulation, and all parts and accessories are fully interchangeable. Packaged on a full-color blister card. Designed by Art Asylum! (Item #NOV152189, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/plants-vs-zombies-pvz-garden-warfare-minimates-series-2-box-set

 
image

Star Trek Enterprise NX-01 Electronic Starship

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s been over a decade since we explored the early days of the Federation in the Star Trek TV series Enterprise, and now DST and Art Asylum are bringing their first-ever electronic starship out of drydock! Not available since 2002, the U.S.S. Enterprise NX-01 has been given a full overhaul, with new paint, new lights, new sound effects and new dialogue straight from the show, featuring Captain Archer! The press of a button triggers the electronic features, as the 12-inch plastic ship rests atop a plastic display base. Packaged in a full-color window box with try-me feature. (Item #JUN058142, SRP: $65.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/star-trek-ships-star-trek-enterprise-nx-01-ship

 
image

Star Trek TOS Classic Enterprise NCC-1701 Electronic Starship

A Diamond Select Toys release! To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV Series, Diamond Select Toys has revisited their best-selling electronic starship and given it an upgrade! Featuring the surface detailing as seen in the HD episodes of the TV show, the new U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 features new lights-on capabilities, as well as longer voice clips, including the full opening monologue! This 14-inch plastic ship sits on top of a plastic flight stand, and a button on the saucer section triggers the electronic features. Packaged in a full-color window box with a try-me window. (Item #SEP088080, SRP: $65.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/star-trek-ships-star-trek-hd-enterprise-1701-ship

 
image

Star Trek TOS Retro Cloth Security & Cheron Figure Asst.

A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s been almost 50 years since Star Trek: The Original Series debuted on TV, and DST is continuing their line of retro-style cloth-costumed action figures with two brand-new offerings! First up, a red-shirted Security crewman joins the Enterprise away team, with a new head sculpt and two variations to look for: the figure can have brown hair or black hair, as well as officer rank markings. Second, the Cheron alien returns, but in a reversed color scheme, so the black and white halves are on the opposite side! Pair him with our previously released Cheron to re-enact “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield”! Each 8-inch figure features removable clothing and multiple points of articulation, just like the Mego figures of old, and comes in a resealable plastic clamshell with retro-style artwork. Designed by EMCE Toys! (Item #NOV152193, SRP: $19.99/each)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/star-trek-tos-retro-cloth-security-cheron-figure-asst

 
image

Star Trek TNG Femme Fatales Borg Queen Vinyl Statue

A Diamond Select Toys release! Resistance is futile! The irresistible Borg Queen has been captured as a 9-inch-scale PVC statue – the next entry in our Star trek Femme Fatales line! With a detailed sculpt and exacting paint applications, this static vinyl figure features a removable head and upper torso, to simulate her on-screen maintenance routine. Displays alongside Seven of Nine, Counselor Troi, and all other Femme Fatales statues! Statue comes packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #NOV152194, SRP: $45.00)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/star-trek-tng-femme-fatales-borg-queen-vinyl-statue

 
image

Superman TAS Superman Resin Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! DST’s line of DC Animated resin busts continues, with the second offering from Superman: The Animated Series – Superman himself! Captured in the timeless animated style, the Last Son of Krypton stands approximately 6 inches tall, striking an action pose atop a pedestal inspired by the art-deco architecture of Metropolis. Packaged in a full-color box, the bust includes a certificate of authenticity and is limited to only 3,000 pieces. Sculpted by Varner Studios! (Item #NOV152179, SRP: $59.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/superman-the-animated-series-superman-resin-bust

 
image

Walking Dead Negan Vinyl Bust Bank

A Diamond Select Toys release! This is a $#%&ing great bank! Negan, iron-fisted and foul-mouthed leader of The Saviors, is the newest vinyl bust bank in the Walking Dead line, and will look great sharing shelf space with Rick, Michonne and any number of zombies. Fill him up with half of your spare change, and nobody has to get hurt. Plus, he comes with his beloved baseball bat Lucille, so it’s like getting two characters in one! Just don’t let Lucille get thirsty! Packaged in a clear polybag. Sculpted by Eli Livingston! (Item #NOV152192, SRP: $22.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/walking-dead-negan-vinyl-bust-bank

 

ARTISTS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE CELEBRATE CAPCOM’S FIGHTING GAME HISTORY

Rob Leave a Comment

image

CAPCOM FIGHTING TRIBUTE art book now in stores
 

image

image

Toronto, ON – OCT 22, 2015 – Featuring 250 artists from over 30 countries on six continents, CAPCOM FIGHTING TRIBUTE boasts a true collection of creative world warriors! This artistic celebration of fighting games and beat ‘em ups premiered in July at San Diego Comic-Con, and is now available everywhere in a prestigious hardcover edition.
 

image

Rendered in an endless variety of styles are such classic fighting and beat ‘em up franchises as Street Fighter™, Darkstalkers™, Rival Schools™, Red Earth™, Star Gladiator, Power Stone™, Cyberbots, Capcom Fighting Evolution™, Puzzle Fighter™, Pocket Fighter™, Final Fight™, Battle Circuit, Captain Commando, Armored Warriors, Knights of the Round, The King of Dragons, andAvengers (Hissatsu no Buraiken), as well as Capcom original characters Ruby Heart, Son-Son, and Amingo! But we didn’t stop there – all this is topped off with a beautiful wraparound cover by legendary Capcom illustrator and character designer Bengus!
 

image

CAPCOM FIGHTING TRIBUTE will be followed by new hardcover editions of UDON’s past Tribute books – STREET FIGHTER™ TRIBUTE, DARKSTALKERS™ TRIBUTE, and MEGA MAN™ TRIBUTE. All three will arrive in November 2015.
 

image

CAPCOM FIGHTING TRIBUTE
ISBN: 978-1927925522
DETAILS: 272pg, 8.25×11.75″, Full Color, Hardcover
MSRP: $59.99 USD
PUBLICATION STATUS: Available Now!
 

image

Also available:
STREET FIGHTER TRIBUTE
ISBN: 978-1927925539
DETAILS: 320pg, 8.25×11.75″, Full Color, Hardcover
MSRP: $59.99 USD
PUBLICATION STATUS: Coming NOV 2015
 

image

DARKSTALKERS TRIBUTE
ISBN: 978-1927925591
DETAILS: 298pg, 8.25×11.75″, Full Color, Hardcover
MSRP: $59.99 USD
PUBLICATION STATUS: Coming NOV 2015
 

image

MEGA MAN TRIBUTE
ISBN: 978-1927925676
DETAILS: 304pg, 8.25×11.75″, Full Color, Hardcover
MSRP: $59.99 USD
PUBLICATION STATUS: Coming NOV 2015

image

The One:12 Collective –  Mutant Leader 

Rob Leave a Comment

image

The One:12 Collective – Mutant Leader 

image

After leveling the gang called the Mutants from within the armored tank-like Batmobile, Batman is challenged to a one on one fight by the gang’s leader; it’s a fight the aged Batman is not sure he can win. The vicious battle takes place in the Gotham City Dump and leaves Batman defeated and broken in one of comicdoms most epic conflicts, and introduces a new villain to the Dark Knight’s Rogues Gallery. With an army of anarchistic punks at his command, overwhelming speed and strength the Mutant Leader is a whole new breed of criminal. 

image

Digitally modeled to craft an uncanny comic likeness and assembled on a One:12 Collective body with over 28 points of articulation, this figure features a leather like outfit to create an amazingly accurate collectable.

The One:12 Collective Mutant Leader features:

image

– Real leather-like pants

image

– Incredible sculpted details capturing the brutal rage of the character

image

 

– 80’s style sunglasses from the comic book

image

 

– Studded punk rock belt

 

image

– Sub-dermal body spikes

 

image

Included with this figure:

image

– Alternate head with broken nose 
– Alternate head with gritted teeth and glasses
– One set of fists
– One holding hand
– One posing hand
– Torch
– Crowbar
– Display base and posing stand

Each figure is packaged in a deluxe, fifth panel window box featuring character specific artwork and a translucent acetate slipcover. Designed for collector convenience, the packaging has been especially engineered to allow for both maximum protection without sacrificing ease of removal for display.

 The Mutant Leader is available for pre-order  now for shipment is December-January.

http://www.mezcotoyz.com/one-12-collective-mutant-leader/

 Follow MezcoToyz on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/MezcoToyz 
and Twitter

On Sale Today: Past, Present and Future Products from DST!

Rob Leave a Comment

It’s Back to the Future Day at your local comic shop, and in addition to all of the great Diamond Select Toys products already on sale there — including BTTF electronic time machines, Marty hats and OUTATIME license plates – DST is sending over even more cool stuff, because it’s also New Toy Day! Today finds new arrivals racing in from the past (Nightmare Before Christmas Select Action Figures), the present (Ant-Man Movie Minimates Box Set) and the future (Star Trek TNG Worf Bank). So read on for details, then get in your DeLorean and race over to your local comic shop!

 
image

Marvel Minimates Ant-Man Movie Box Set
A Diamond Select Toys release! The smallest Marvel movie of all time is almost here! This four-pack of Minimates based on Marvel’s Ant-Man movie includes four different 2-inch mini-figures – Scott Lang as Ant-Man, Hope Van Dyne, Hank Pym and Yellowjacket! Each Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as interchangeable parts and accessories. Packaged in a full-color window box. (Item #APR152307, SRP: $19.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/marvel-minimates-ant-man-movie-box-set

 
image

Nightmare Before Christmas Select Action Figures Series 1 Asst.
A Diamond Select Toys release! Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is finally getting the Select action figure treatment! The Select line is known for its detailed sculpts, larger scale and its diorama bases, and NBX promises to put all of those features to the test! Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie will make up the first series of figures, each sculpted to a 7-inch scale with character-appropriate articulation. Jack Skellington will come with a cemetery environment, Sally with a Halloweentown environment and alternate kneeling legs, and Oogie will come with a stone floor base and a removable face! Each figure will come packaged in the Select-style display packaging, with spine artwork. Sculpted by Dave Cortes! (Item #APR152296, SRP: $149.94/case)
Jack Skellington Figure (Item #APR152293, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/nightmare-before-christmas-select-jack-action-figure
Sally Figure (Item #APR152294, SRP: $24.99)
image

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/nightmare-before-christmas-select-sally-action-figure
Oogie Boogie Figure (Item #APR152295, SRP: $24.99)

http://www.diamondselecttoys.com/nightmare-before-christmas-select-oogie-boogie-action-figure

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

 
image

To find your nearest comic shop, visitcomicshoplocator.com!

 

From Dusk till Dawn: “There Will Be Blood”

Rob Leave a Comment

image

By Steven Biscotti

“There Will Be Blood” – 10/20/2015 – five stars

Written by Matt Morgan & Ian Sobel

Directed by Joe Menendez

In the second to last episode of El Rey’s second season of From Dusk Till Dawn, “there will be blood.”  It’s not just the title of the episode, but also a running motif of sorts throughout the Matt Morgan and Ian Sobel penned episode.  For those that have been watching the series, you will be familiar with the dark, twisty, and violent subject matter that nearly guarantees a high body count, action, and blood!  Yes, plenty of blood!  For those that still haven’t tuned in (and what are you waiting for?) it is of no stretch of words that you are missing out on one of television’s cleverest, most stylized, and theatrical of shows.  And, yes, there will be blood.

Episode 208 features two memorable guest stars – Gary Busey and Demi Lovato.  Gary Busey, the wild and eccentric father of From Dusk Till Dawn series regular, Jake Busey, is featured in a small, but rather important role that starts off the episode.  Director Joe Menendez opens “There Will Be Blood” in 1912.  We see a group of weather beaten and over worked men digging in Texas.  It’s not quite certain what they’re looking for, but they soon realize that they are in over their heads as their work soon unearths the “future.”  Gary Busey discovers a well of blood that soon infects a cut on his arm with a snake like blood creature.  Later that night, Busey walks up to his compatriots and kills them in a gruesome, but stylized fashion befitting of Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network.

Demi Lovato stars as Maia.  She’s the right hand woman and muscle to Wilmer Valderrama’s Carlos Madrigal.  We saw her appear briefly and cloaked in last week’s episode, “The Last Temptation of Richard Gecko.”  She’s finally unveiled in “There Will Be Blood” and it’s well worth the nearly 40 minute wait.  While she still doesn’t have all that much to do it’s almost a guarantee that she’ll have a smackdown with Eiza Gonzalez’ Santanico in the season finale next week, “Santa Sangre.”  Lovato, all intensity and confidence, is remarkably good and is one of the best additions to the From Dusk Till Dawn series.

Robert Rodriguez has managed a terrific amount of talented individuals who exude creativity and imagination.  From Dusk Till Dawn is a wildly entertaining ride through the Mesoamamerican Macabre Mythology!  It’s also a shining beacon for the giant hub that is everything El Rey.  “There Will Be Blood” continues to tease the series concept of El Rey which Lord Mulvado (Esai Morales) is desperately trying to get to.  We’re told it’s “a place where you can walk in the sun” and we are teased ever so briefly of it after Mulvado his his villainous way with Santanico.  There’s a rich mythology for the series based in real research into the Mesoamerican culture and it adds another contextual layer to not just the original film, but the whole brand.  From Dusk Till Dawn is a fountain of creative blood bubbling at the well.  The cast and crew have managed to interestingly re-approach the vampire iconography and they’ve done it devilishly well.

“There Will Be Blood” spends time with Kate Fuller (Madison Davenport) and Richard Gecko (Zane Holtz) while they make their way out of the frying pan and into the furnace.  After having escaped Lord Mulvado, Kate and Richie begin to understand each other even more after Richie had looked into her soul, courtesy of a nifty ability certain culebras (vampires) have.  Madison Davenport gets to have one of the bests scenes in the episode when she scolds Richie about not having “another Gecko boy push [her] to the curb.”  We also learn just how much Seth (DJ Cotrona) missed his brother in the time spent away from him during the beginning part of season two.  The level of care both actors give to their characters is impressive and some serious acting is done here.  Davenport as Kate also gets to continue the role of her father, played by Robert Patrick in season one, as a sort of moral compass.  She’s also feisty and written as strong as the other female characters such as Santanico.  That’s another trend on the series, similar to the Tarantino trait, of developing each female as a fully developed character.

From Dusk Till Dawn is a series unlike any other.  That’s one of the reasons it’s so perfectly suited for El Rey and eventually Netflix.  It’s nearly an anything goes kind of show and we have three major deaths within “There Will Be Blood.”  We won’t spoil who doesn’t make it to the season two finale, but we will say that faces get burned off, arms get ripped off, there’s a lot of culebra ash, and there will be blood.

From Dusk Till Dawn airs on the El Rey Network, Tuesday nights at 9 pm ET.  The season two finale airs next week.