New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 139: Gone Groot’n
In two months Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters–but the toys are here! New figures are hitting stores harder than a Hulkbuster hits a Hulk! Marvel Legends, Funko POP! vinyls and Dorbs, and more are at retail–and in collectors’ hands! On this Marvelicious Toys hosts Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie run down their latest finds and tell you the best places to shop for the newest figures!
It’s not just the stores getting hit, online sales are burning up! Hot Toys has released their Hawkeye and Black Widow figures from Age of Ultron, plus a series of Cosbabies from the new film! Plus Iron Man III armors still showing up, and more!
With a report from the Indiana Comic-Con, a Rocket Raccoon sighting at the Toy Man Toy Show, and a slip of the tongue you won’t soon forget, it’s all in this episode of Marvelicious Toys!
Arnie C: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT139.MP3
Star Wars Episode VII: The Toys Awaken
Star Wars Action News forum member Niklab wrote in with an interesting find–the Target DCPI information for loads of Star Wars: The Force Awakens toys!
He has broken down the toys into categories based on descriptions, and you can find the item stock number, Target price, and more below!
Some observations:
1) The good news is Star Wars figures will continue to be in 3.75-inch scale! After Hasbro experimented with 2.5-inch figures for Guardians of the Galaxy and the current Avengers: Age of Ultron toy lines, Star Wars fans feared Hasbro may follow suit with the Episode VII line. But there are no signs of 2.5-inch toys and, in fact, there are even vehicle assortments in the 3.75-inch scale!
2) The 6-inch toy line will continue, which seemed a given with Hasbro’s push for that new scale of collector-oriented figure. Still, it is nice to have confirmation.
3) Though we will have 3.75-inch figures, odds are collectors spoiled by the super-articulated figures released between 2005 and 2013 will be disappointed. The Black Series 3.75-inch line has a MSRP of $9.99 and many Target stores sell them at $12.99 or above. To see these new 3.75-inch figures priced at $7.99 indicates they will likely have greatly reduced articulation (though perhaps more than 4 points, as these are more expensive than the current “Mission Series” figures).
From role-play toys to Micro Machines and Die Cast vehicles, there will be something for everyone to collect–and likely too much for any one person to afford!
Read on for all the details!
3.75″ FIGURE SYSTEM
3.75″ BASIC FIGURES
087-06-3658 SW E7 3.75 Single Fig
3.75″ SYSTEM VEHICLES
087-06-3662 E7 Class 1 Vehicle
087-06-3663 E7 Class 1 Dlx Vehicle
087-06-3664 Class II Vehicle
6″ FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3670 Black Series 6″
087-06-3696 SW Black series 6in Fig 2. 39.99$
12″ HERO SERIES FIGURE SYSTEM
087-06-3681 SW EP 7 Hero Series fig. 9.99$
087-06-3694 SW E7 Hero Series Fig 6. 49.99$
HERO MASHERS
087-06-3675 SW Hero Mashers.
087-06-3676 SW Hero Mashers Dlx. 14.99$
ROLE PLAY
087-06-3644 SW Extendable Lightsaber
087-06-3645 SW E7 Mask asst
087-06-3646 SW Villain Extendable Lightsaber 12.99$
087-06-3647 SW Nerf Foam Lightsaber
087-06-3648 SW Electronic Lightsaber
087-06-3649 SW Villain Electronic (mask) 34.99$
087-06-3650 SW Villain Dlx Lightsaber
087-06-3651 SW Alien Electronic Mask 29.99$
087-06-3652 SW Darth Vader Voice changing Helmet 34.99$
087-06-3653 SW Signature Lightsaber
087-06-3654 SW E7 Ammo Refill
087-06-3655 SW Villain Trooper Whit 12.99$
087-06-3656 SW Sidekick Alien Blaster 24.99$
087-06-3657 SW Villain Trooper Whit 39.99$
087-06-3672 Toy constrc SW 2
087-06-3674 SW EP II Yoda Lightsaber.
087-06-3695 SW choose yr destiny lightsaber. 49.99$
087-06-3697 SW E7 Darth Vader Lightsaber. 44.99$
MICRO MACHINES
087-06-3684 SW vehicle blind bag. 2.49$
087-06-3685 SW vehicle 3 pack.
087-06-3686 SW MM Dlx vehicle asst. 9.99$
087-06-3688 SW E7 MM Battle Set.
ASSORTED / UNIDENTIFIED
3659 – 3661 had no information, only prices.
3677-3680 no info
087-06-3668 Black Series Die Cast
087-06-3689 SW Collectable
087-06-3692 SW E7 RC Lead Hero Droid. 79.99$
087-06-3693 Furby E7 Sidekick Alien.
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 445: Maximize Your Fun at Celebration With a Bottle of Water and a Plan
In less than one month the world’s largest Star Wars party takes place in Anaheim — Star Wars Celebration! There will be celebrities, exclusives, panels, vendors and more! There will also be lines, standing and waiting, rooms filled before you get in, and bottles of soda for almost $5 each.
On this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie help you prepare to get the most out of Celebration! At Celebration 5 and 6 they presented their panel A Bottle of Water and a Plan and now they bring it to the podcast so everyone can have the best time at Celebration!
And for this special show they are joined by other convention veterans, Jerry, Daryl, and Chris! All the panelists have been at multiple Star Wars Celebrations, as well as a combined hundreds of other conventions including San Diego Comic-Con! They even recorded this at Indiana Comic-Con this weekend! Save your feet with their tips!
Plus find out about the Star Wars Celebration Collectors’ Swap Meet, special exclusive Celebration patches and pins, and more! It’s all in this pre-Celebration episode of Star Wars Action News!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN445.MP3
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 138: Thunder, Thunder, Thunder God — HO!
As Age of Ultron draws near the toys are hitting stores hard! Toys R Us and Targets are full of new Marvel Legends…but are they worth buying? On this issue of Marvelicious Toys the Allfather wave of Marvel Legends are reviewed. Hawkeye, Captain Marvel, Scarlet Witch, Thor, Machine Man, Iron Fist, and Sentry–and get them all to build Odin or King Thor! Watch for reviews of all nine characters!
Also on this week’s show we look at the new releases from Hot Toys, both the Hulk and the Hulkbuster! This new Iron Man armor is the biggest Hot Toys figure in the Marvel line–and the most expensive. Is it worth it? Listen to find out!
With a review of the only Jubilee statue ever made–the Kotobukiya Bishoujo statue, a look at the new Age of Ultron trailer, a discussion of the 11-movie Avengers marathon and more! It’s all in this giant-sized Marvelicious Toys!
Arnie C: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT138.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 444: Keep Feeling Fabrikation
At Toy Fair International last week Funko was one of the few companies with lots of new Star Wars toys and collectibles on display. A rising Force in Star Wars collections, Funko has cornered the market on “cute” Star Wars figures. Last year they expanded that line to include Star Wars Fabrikations. They’re part action figure, part plushie, and all adorable. On this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie look at three figures in this line: Boba Fett, Chewbacca, and Yoda!
For more high end Star Wars collectors, the first Star Wars figure from Hot Toys is shipping soon–the Shadow Stormtrooper! To prepare, listen to a review of that other Hot Toys Star Wars figure–the Bespin Luke Skywalker. Done as part of Sideshow’s 1/6 scale figure line, this version of Luke was a partnership with Hot Toys and shows what fans can expect from the new company.
With a review of the new Star Wars novel Heir to the Jedi, a review of the Disney Store exclusive Empire Strikes Back figure set, Star Wars Celebration Anaheim announcements, and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News show!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN444.MP3
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 136: Toy Fair 2015 Part 2 – Funko, Diamond, and More!
Toy Fair International is where all the toymakers preview all the new figures, toys, and collectibles that will be released throughout the year. For Marvel collectors there was some great news in regards to announcements based on Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, and, of course, the comics themselves!
On this first part of their Toy Fair coverage, Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie look at all the new 2015 sets coming from LEGO. With a macro-scale Ant-Man set, an Avengers Tower, and a Helicarrier that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all on this episode!
Then Hasbro may be having their biggest year yet–in terms of figure sizes! The Marvel Brand Team announced half a dozen waves of new Legends figures, plus tons of store exclusives as well! With news on the Infinite Series line and much more, it’s in this show. Plus listen for an exclusive review with Hasbro’s Dwight Stall about SDCC exclusives and more!
Then come back next week for a bonus episode and even more Marvelicious Toy Fair news!
Arnie C: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT137.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 443: Toy Fair 2015 Part 2 – Kotobukiya, Funko, and More from the Javits Center
Want to lift X-Wing starfighters with the power of your mind? Or proudly display figures showing Darth Vader as a feudal samurai? What about having a rubbery vinyl toy of a Wampa with blood spilled down his front? From new Celebration Anaheim exclusives to toys that boggle the mind, all that and more was revealed in New York City’s Javits Center during Toy Fair International 2015!
On this episode of Star Wars Action News join Marjorie and Arnie for a virtual tour around the booths of Toy Fair featuring Statues, Role Playing Games, toys, housewares and more! Find out about the funky new Funko collectibles including a rainbow Bossk! Then hear an exclusive interview with Kotobukiya’s Dan Lujan to find out about upcoming statues, including the fate of the female Stormtrooper Bishoujo.
The Force Awakens in 2012, but not for 10 more months, so find out all the Star Wars goodies coming before then in this Star Wars Action News show!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN443.MP3
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 136: Toy Fair 2015 Part 1 – Hasbro and LEGO
Toy Fair International is where all the toymakers preview all the new figures, toys, and collectibles that will be released throughout the year. For Marvel collectors there was some great news in regards to announcements based on Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, and, of course, the comics themselves!
On this first part of their Toy Fair coverage, Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie look at all the new 2015 sets coming from LEGO. With a macro-scale Ant-Man set, an Avengers Tower, and a Helicarrier that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all on this episode!
Then Hasbro may be having their biggest year yet–in terms of figure sizes! The Marvel Brand Team announced half a dozen waves of new Legends figures, plus tons of store exclusives as well! With news on the Infinite Series line and much more, it’s in this show. Plus listen for an exclusive review with Hasbro’s Dwight Stall about SDCC exclusives and more!
Then come back next week for a bonus episode and even more Marvelicious Toy Fair news!
Arnie C: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT136.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 442: Toy Fair 2015 Part 1 – Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, and LEGO
Star Wars Celebration, San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-Con…when it comes to toy news they all pale compared to New York Toy Fair International. The show is where toy manufacturers reveal most of the toys that will ship throughout the year. The show is for the toy makers to sell to wholesalers and retailers, but press is let in and for collectors it becomes a preview of the year’s new Star Wars toys!
On the first part of the Star Wars Action News report from Toy Fair find out about all the announcements from some of the biggest Star Wars toy manufacturers–LEGO, Hasbro, and Jakks Pacific! With an exclusive interview with Hasbro’s Star Wars brand team and more, it’s all in this episode!
And check back next week for more interviews and news from Toy Fair!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN442.MP3
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 135: I Want to Hold Hulk Hand
For Captain America the shield is more than defense–it’s a symbol of America and taking “the American Dream and make it an American reality.” Now, nearly 75 years after first appearing in Captain America Comics #2, Captain America and his shield serve as a symbol, both in the Marvel Universe and in the real world, of strength, idealism, and patriotism. And as seen in The Avengers and the two Captain America movies, it’s pretty darn cool as well!
In 2014 eFX Collectibles’ gave fans their chance to be like Stephen Colbert and put Captain America’s shield on their walls with their Avengers Captain America Shield Prop Replica. A full scale collectible cast from the original molds of the prop used in The Avengers, this eFX prop had been teased for years. Even with an edition size of 1,500 it sold out quickly. But the Marvelicious Toys hosts have one in-hand and review it on this episode!
Also on this show, a quick review of the new Ultimate Spider-Man Web Warriors figures from Hasbro, a look at the new Thanos and Captain America figures from Hot Toys, and a preview of the new LEGO UCS LEGO set.
So what are you waiting for? Marvelicious Collectors Assemble for this week’s new show!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT135.MP3
Pre-Order Alert: Hot Toys Age of Ultron Captain America Figure
The movie-accurate Captain America Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly painted helmeted head sculpt, a newly painted Steve Rogers head sculpt, finely tailored Captain America suit, magnetic metal Captain America shield with retractable handles, and a specially designed figure stand.
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News Ep 441: 1995 – Now: 20 Years of Modern Figures
Hot Toys – MMS281- Avengers: Age of Ultron – 1/6th scale Captain America Collectible Figure
The movie-accurate Captain America Collectible Figure is specially crafted based on the image of Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers in Avengers: Age of Ultron, featuring a newly painted helmeted head sculpt, a newly painted Steve Rogers head sculpt, finely tailored Captain America suit, magnetic metal Captain America shield with retractable handles, and a specially designed figure stand.
Avengers: Age of Ultron Toys – Pop!, Mystery Minis, Pocket Pop! Keychains, Exclusives!
The first Avengers film made more than a billion dollars at the box office, and toy makers are primed to build on that success with Avengers: Age of Ultron! Look at some of the toys and collectibles available for pre-order now at Entertainment Earth:
From Marvel Studios…
“When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.”
In theaters May 1st!
Check out the latest trailer right here!
Avengers: Age of Ultron Electronic Titan Heroes
Super-size your Marvel superhero adventures with the electrifying Avengers Titan Heroes Iron Man and Hawkeye Deluxe Electronic Action Figure Set – an Entertainment Earth Exclusive! Each figure is inspired by Marvel’s ongoing Avengers story, pitting the world’s greatest assembly of superheroes against tougher threats than ever before. Each Avenger is ready to unleash the light of justice on the darker corners of the Marvel universe. These gargantuan plastic action figures are jointed and stand 12-inches tall. Ages 4 and up.
Truly a superior Iron Man, Tony Stark is back in a new blue and white suit of armor! The cool exec with a heart of steel upgrades his wardrobe so he looks snazzy in Silicon Valley or anywhere Stark Enterprises expands! Tony’s look is modeled after his classic wardrobe, with a hint of the flavor appearing in Marvel Now! Superior Iron Man‘s pages. This 12-inch figure comes with a spectacular light-up blaster you’ll only find at Entertainment Earth.
Clint Barton went out and found himself some thick red frames, with glass so dark they won’t even know his name – but you will! Hawkeye’s new outfit is inspired by the massively multiplayer online game Marvel Heroes 2015 and the hit TV seriesAvengers Assemble, combining to bring you one of the best archers in the business! Loki, Doctor Doom, Ultron, and bad guys won’t stand a chance against his funky fine bow with a special kind of light.
Pop! Marvel: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Assemble Marvel’s Avengers to defeat man’s mightiest foe – Ultron! Collect the whole team, including the Avengers Age of Ultron Iron Man Pop! Vinyl Bobble Head Figure! This innovative hero measures approximately 3 3/4-inches tall. Preorder now!
Avengers: Age of Ultron Mystery Minis
“I know you’re good people. I know you mean well. But you just didn’t think it through.” Think it through and collect the Avengers 2 Age of Ultron Mystery Minis Vinyl Mini-Figures! This Avengers Age of Ultron Mystery Minis Vinyl Mini-Figure Display Box contains 12 mini-figures, with each standing 2 1/2-inches tall. Including fan favorites such as Iron Man, Hulkbuster, and Nick Fury, these stylized figures are perfect for Marvel and Avengers fans!
Item selection is random. Items are in blind packaging.
This Display Box contains 12 individually packaged vinyl mini-figures, and may contain the following:
Hulk
Hawkeye
Ascending Iron Man
Thor
Nick Fury
Ultron
Captain America
Hulkbuster
The Vision
Iron Legionnaire
Black Widow
Regular Iron Man
Avengers: Age of Ultron Pocket Pop! Keychain
From Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron comes Pocket Pop! Keychains! Bring justice wherever you go…on your keys! The Avengers Age of Pop! Vinyl Figure Key Chains stand approximately 1 1/2-inches tall and comes attached to a key ring. Pre-Order Now!
Avengers: Age of Ultron Fabrikations
The Avengers just got a little more adorable! Figural plushes that can stand up, the Avengers Age of Ultron Fabrikations Plushes measure over 6-inches tall. Their heads even rotate! Pre-Order Now
Avengers: Age of Ultron Mini Wacky Wobblers
Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, and Captain America are coming to your living room as mini bobble heads! Each Avenger stands approximately 3-inches tall and all 4 characters are packaged in a displayable window box. The Avengers Age of Ultron Mini Wacky Wobbler 4-Pack is a great gift idea for any Marvel or Avengers 2: Age of Ultron fan! Pre-order now!
New Podcast – Marvelicious Toys Issue 134: We Are Groot
I Am Groot!
With those words the Guardians of the Galaxy’s biggest hero rooted his place in the hearts of Marvel Movie fans. His prowess in battle escaping the prison, his genuine smile during the final battle, and his end-credits dance are all stand-out moments and helped Guardians become the biggest movie of 2014!
Now the hosts of Marvelicious Toys review a handful of toys and collectibles based on the lumbering alien. Funko’s Baby Groot Pop! Vinyl, the animatronic dancing Baby Groot toy, Dragon Models’ life-sized Baby Groot Model Kit, and Gentle Giant’s Groot Holiday Statue — all are given in-depth reviews in this show!
With a bonus review of Funko’s Howard the Duck Pop! Vinyl bobblehead, news on new figures hitting stores, and more, it’s all in this gala issue of Marvelicious Toys!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT134.MP3
Hasbro Not Responsible for Star Wars and Super Hero Action Figure Price Jump
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Action figure collectors across the country recently took to Facebook and Twitter to vent their frustration over the rising cost of action figures.
At Target, one of the three largest toy sellers in the US, action figure prices recently took a $3 jump. Hasbro’s Star Wars 3.75-inch Black Series figures as well as Hasbro’s 3.75-inch Marvel Infinite Series figures went from $9.99 to $12.99 at most Target locations, with some other stores going even as high as $15.29.
Collectors were worried that this price would soon be mirrored by other top toy sellers including Walmart and Toys ‘R’ Us.
We reached out to Hunter PR, the public relations firm which represents Hasbro, to ask about this price increase. When I asked if the Suggested Retail Price of the action figures was going up, the response was very clear: “The price change was instituded by the retailer and not at the manufacturer level.”
This was widely speculated to be the case as other action figures, including Mattel’s DC Multiverse line, had gone up in price as well. That being said, it is nice to have confirmation that the price of action figures, which has gone up 100% in the past 10 years, is not taking yet another manufacturer-instituted jump.
Now we can only wait and see if Target will reduce the price back to its previous level to stay competitive in the action figure market, or if the other toy retailers will raise prices to match Target’s newly increased profit margin.
Hear more about Star Wars action figure collecting on the Star Wars Action News podcast!
Marvel action figure collecting is covered biweekly on the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Exclusive Marvel Legends 3-Pack on Clearance at Target.com
Brick-and-mortar stores’ prices may vary, but the Target exclusive Marvel Legends Infinite Series figure 3-Pack is on clearance and in stock at Target.com
This figure set, first revealed at 2014’s San Diego Comic-Con, contains 6-inch action figures of Marvel Comics characters Ms. Marvel, Captain America, and Radioactive Man. Originally retailing for $49.99, these are now marked down to $30.00 at Target’s web site.
Reports nationwide of in-store pricing is varied, with some Marvelicious Toys podcast listeners reporting finding the set marked down to $25.00, while others have noticed the price increase by $1 to $50.99
Voting Now Open for 2014 Poppies Toy and Collectible Awards
Voting is now open for the 2014 Poppies Awards.
Now in its seventh year, The Poppies is an awards program presented by MWCToys.com. Run by MWCToys owner Michael Crawford, the Poppies present awards to toy and collectible companies in such categories as Best Overall Company, Eddie Wires Award for Outstanding Paint, and Best Vehicle or Playset. Further categories for figures are broken down by gender to Best Male Figure and Best Female Figure and then further broken down by scale: Under 5-inches, 5-inches to 11-inches, 12-inches to 17-inches, and 18-inches and larger.
The awards are voted on by a panel of judges picked by Crawford. These judges represent collectible companies, media outlets, toy retailers, artists, and notable collectors. Included in the 2014 judging are former DC Comics creative leader Georg Brewer, Toynami design consultant Scott Tipton, Diamond Select Toys Marketing Supervisor Zach Oat, Yodasnews.com webmaster Mark Picirilli, Entertainment Earth merchandiser Adam Pawlus, MTV Geek writer Jason Stephens, and Marvelicious Toys and Star Wars Action News podcast host Arnie Carvalho. The full list of judges can be viewed at MWCToys.com.
In addition to the expert panel of judges, MWCToys.com also offers Peoples Picks awards which have open voting. The ballot is hosted at MWCToys.com
This years list of nominees in the Peoples Picks awards are:
Best Overall Company
- 3A
- ACI
- Asmus
- Bandai / Bandai Japan
- Bif Bang Pow
- DC Collectibles
- Diamond Select
- Enterbay
- Four Horsemen
- Funko
- Gentle Giant
- Hasbro
- Hot Toys
- Jakks
- Jazwares
- Kotobukiya
- LEGO
- Mattel
- McFarlane Toys
- Mezco
- NECA
- Playmates
- Sideshow
- ThreeZero
- Weta
Best Overall Line – High End
- Batman Black & White (DC Collectibles)
- Batman (All licenses) (Hot Toys)
- DC Bombshells (DC Collectibles)
- DC Comics (Sideshow)
- DC (all lines) (Hot Toys)
- Dr. Who (Big Chief)
- Gang’s Kingdom (DAM Toys)
- G.I. Joe (Sideshow)
- The Hobbit/LOTR (Weta)
- The Hobbit/LOTR (Gentle Giant)
- Lord of the Rings (Asmus)
- Marvel (all lines) (Hot Toys)
- Marvel (all lines) (Sideshow)
- Masterpiece HD (All lines) (Enterbay)
- Robocop (Hot Toys)
- Star Wars (Sideshow)
- Star Wars Jumbo Vintage (Gentle Giant)
- Walking Dead (Gentle Giant)
Best Overall Line – Low End
- Batman Designer Series (DC Collectibles)
- Batman Animated (TNBA etc.) (DC Collectibles)
- Breaking Bad (Mezco)
- DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Game of Thrones (Dark Horse)
- Game of Thrones (Funko)
- Gothitropolis: Ravens (Four Horsemen)
- Magic The Gathering (Funko)
- Marvel Legends (Hasbro)
- Marvel Select (Diamond Select Toys)
- Masters of the Universe Classics (Mattel)
- Outer Space Men (Four Horsemen)
- Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Planet of the Apes (NECA)
- Plants vs Zombies (Diamond Select Toys)
- Pop! Vinyl Figures (Funko)
- ReAction (Funko)
- Simpsons Celebrity Series (NECA)
- Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- Star Wars Diecast (Disney)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (playmates)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Kid Robot)
- Transformers (Hasbro)
- Twilight Zone (BifBangPow)
- Universal Monsters (Diamond Select Toys)
- Walking Dead (Mcfarlane)
- WWE (Mattel)
Eddie Wires Award for Outstanding Paint
- Azog on Warg (Weta)
- Batista, WWE (Mattel)
- Black Widow (Gentle Giant)
- Chomper/Engineer 2 pack, Plants vs Zombies (DST)
- Clonetrooper, 501st (Sideshow)
- Elder Predator (Hot Toys)
- Gorilla Soldier (NECA)
- Harley, Batman B/W (DC Collectibles)
- Iron Man MK42 DieCast (Hot Toys)
- Kerberos Panzer Jäger (Hot Toys)
- Knifehead BD, Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Marv Sin City (DST)
- Maurice POTA (NECA)
- Robocop (Hot Toys)
- Shao Khan (PCS)
- T-800 BD (Hot Toys)
- Tyreese (McFarlane)
- Viper Predator (NECA)
Best Male Figure 18″ and up
- Batman 1989 (NECA)
- Bruce Lee (Blitzway)
- Cherno Alpha, Pacific Rim (NECA)
- Dutch, Predator (NECA)
- Godzilla (Jakks)
- Han in Stormtrooper Outfit (Jakks)
- Joker (NECA)
- Master Chief (NECA)
- Mr. Bean (Enterbay)
- Robocop (Enterbay)
- T-1000 (Enterbay)
- War Machine MKII (Play Imaginitive)
Best Male Figure (12″ – 17″)
- Batman (comic version) (Sideshow)
- Chucky (Mezco)
- Darth Vader (Sideshow)
- Diamond 3, Gangs Kingdom (DAM Toys)
- Guritz, LOTR (Asmus)
- Harry Potter (Star Ace)
- Iron Man MK42 Die Cast (Hot Toys)
- Link (Medicom)
- Probe Droid (Sideshow)
- Robocop with Chair (Hot Toys)
- Sherlock Holmes (Big Chief)
- Star-Lord, GotG (Hot Toys)
- Superman, MoS (Hot Toys)
- Tyrion, Game of Thrones (ThreeZero)
Best Male Figure (5″ – 11″)
- Amazing Spider-man 2 Spidey (Hasbro)
- Batman 1989 (NECA)
- Batman, TNBA (DC Collectibles)
- Caesar DOTPOTA (NECA)
- Captain America Stealth Suit ML (Hasbro)
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (DST)
- Drogo, GoT (Funko)
- ED-209 (NECA)
- Falcon, Marvel Select (DST)
- Garruk Wildspeaker, Magic The Gathering (Funko)
- Glen, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Gorilla Soldier, POTA (NECA)
- Iron Patriot (S.H. Figuarts)
- Jedi Luke, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Jetfire, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Michelangelo, TMNT (Revoltech)
- Modulok, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Mummy (Mezco)
- Riddler, Batman Designer (DC Collectibles)
- Star-Lord, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Tyreese, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Viper Predator (NECA)
Best Male Figure (under 5″)
- Adam Power, Power Lords (Four Horsemen)
- Alien, ReAction (Funko)
- Arctic B.A.T., G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Bowser, World of Nintendo
- Darth Vader #26, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Fighter’s Guild Akavari and Pony Guar (Symbiote)
- Gremlin, Twilight Zone (BifBangPow)
- Jack Asteroid, OSM (Four Horsemen)
- Jabba’s Skiff Guard, SW Black (Hasbro)
- Kane in Spacesuit, Alien ReAction (Funko)
- L’il Gotham Batman (DC Collectibles)
- Penguin, Multiverse (Mattel)
- Snake Eyes, Artic, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Super Mario (S.H. Figuarts)
Best Female Figure (over 11″)
- Avea Trotter, Monster High (Mattel)
- Baroness, G.I. Joe (Sideshow)
- Black Widow, CA:WS (Hot Toys)
- Cammy, Street Fighter (Medicom)
- Catwoman, DC Comics (Sideshow)
- Crimson (Flirty Girl)
- Domino Lady (Phicen)
- Faraway Forest Elf, Barbie (Mattel)
- Harley, DC Comics (Sideshow)
- Hit Girl, Kick Ass 2, (Medicom)
- Maleficent (Hot Toys)
- Maleficent (Disney Signature Collection)
Best Female Figure (5″ – 11″)
- Alien Queen (NECA)
- April O’Neil TMNT (Playmates)
- Arcee, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Arya Stark, GoT (Funko)
- Arya Stark, GoT (Dark Horse)
- Black Cat, Spider-Man ML (Hasbro)
- Black Widow, CA:WS ML (Hasbro)
- Catwoman, animated (DC Collectibles)
- Daenerys, Got (Dark Horse)
- Daenerys, GoT (Funko)
- Gamora, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Lilliana Vess, Magic (Funko)
- Lucy Lawless, Simpsons (NECA)
- Maggie, Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- Mermista, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Penny, Gremlins (NECA)
- Scorpia, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Venus, Sailor Moon (S.H. Figuarts)
- Windblade, Transformers (Hasbro)
- Zira, POTA (NECA)
Best Female Figure (under 5″)
Notes: The strong female represetation continues in the smaller scale. It’s particularly nice to see it’s not just Star Wars and Joe, although they have some strong nominees as well.
- Amy Pond, Dr. Who (Character Options)
- Baroness, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Catwoman, DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Harley, DC Multiverse (Mattel)
- Lady Jaye, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Ripley, Alien ReAction (Funko)
- Samus Arun, Amiibo, (Nintendo)
- Talky Tina, TZ (BifBangPow)
- Terra Firma, OSM (Four Horsemen)
- Toryn Farr, Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- Wasp, Marvel Infinite (Hasbro)
Best Build a Figure/Collect and Connect (any size or type):
- Green Goblin, Spider-Man ML (Hasbro)
- Groot, GotG ML (Hasbro)
- Jubilee, ML (Hasbro)
- Kalibak, DCU/Super Powers (Mattel)
- Mandroid, ML (Hasbro)
- Minicon Assault Team Centuritron, Transformers (Hasbro)
Best Vehicle or Playset
- Armory, Batman (Hot Toys)
- AT-DP, Star Wars, (Hasbro)
- Batbot, RC (Imaginext)
- Batmobile, Toy Toyko Red version (Funko)
- Battle Ram, MOTUC (Mattel)
- Battle Rover (Imaginext)
- Cobra Wolf, G.I. Joe (Hasbro)
- Dragon Castle (True Legends)
- Ecto-1, Ghostbusters, (Funko)
- High Flying Blimp, TMNT (Playmates)
- Inquisitor TIE Fighter, Star Wars (Hasbro)
- Iron Man 3 Hall of Armor, House Party (Hot Toys)
- Iron Man 3 Workshop Accessories (Hot Toys)
- Millenium Falcon, Star Wars Hero (Hasbro)
- Phantom, Star Wars Rebels (Hasbro)
- Serenity 1:250 scale cutaway (Qmx)
- Slave 1, Star Wars Die Cast (Disney)
- Speeder Bike, Star Wars Black (Hasbro)
- T-Tower, Teen Titans (Jazzwares)
- X-Wing Fighter, Star Wars (Hasbro)
- Z-line Billiard Breakout, TMNT (Playmates)
Best Statue
- Azog on Warg (Weta)
- Batman Arkham City (Kotobukiya)
- Black Widow (Gentle Giant)
- Black Widow PF (Sideshow)
- Chewbacca PF (Sideshow)
- Conan (ARH)
- Harley, DC Bombshells (DC Collectibles)
- Harley, Batman B/W (DC Collectibles)
- Harley PF (Sideshow)
- He-Man (Pop Culture Shock)
- Herman Munster (Tweeterhead)
- Judge Death (Pop Culture Shock)
- King Thror, Hobbit (Weta)
- Mojo (Bowen)
- Padme Amidala (Gentle Giant)
- Rick Grimes, Walking Dead comic (McFarlane)
- Shao Khan (Pop Culture Shock)
- Superman DC Comics PF (Sideshow)
- Warframe Excalibur (Symbiote)
- Wonder Woman ArtFX (Kotobukiya)
- Yoda Ilum, Star Wars (Gentle Giant)
Best Bust
- Alien Big Chap Legendary Scale (Sideshow)
- Azog (Gentle Giant)
- Goblin King (Gentle Giant)
- Iron Man MK42 Battle Damaged (Hot Toys)
- Jek Porkins, Star Wars (Gentle Giant)
- Panzerkommandant Jürgen (Quarantine)
- Rocket Raccoon (Gentle Giant)
- Ryu, Street Fighter Life Size (Pop Culture Shock)
- Scorpion, Life Size (Pop Culture Shock)
- Sophia Stalker, Walking Dead (Gentle Giant)
Best Designer/Vinyl
- Baby Dancing Groot (Funko)
- BeeBop, TMNT (Kid Robot)
- Chariv, Rise of the Beasts, Glyos (Onell)
- Dr. Who War Beast SDCC (Titan)
- Dr. Who War Doctor SDCC (Titan)
- Elder Scrolls Online Nord (Symbiote)
- GoGo Yubari, Kill Bill (Funko)
- Gus Fring, Dead Face, Breaking Bad (Funko)
- Judge Dredd Cosplay Penguin (Blind Mouse)
- Kiora Atua, Magic (Funko)
- Sharknado, Bloody (Funko)
- Shockwave, Transformers (Loyal Subjects)
- Splinter, TMNT (Loyal Subjects)
- Sun Dad Red (RealXHead)
- Super Crayboth, Glyos (Onell)
- Tezzeret, Magic (Funko)
- White Lantern Flash (Funko)
- Yubiosu (RealXHead)
Best Prop Replica
- Batman Returns Cowl (Hollywood Collectibles)
- Breaking Bad Teddy Bear (Mezco)
- Gremlins 2 Flasher (NECA)
- Infinity Gauntlet (Hasbro)
- Larry Talbot’s Cane, Wolfman (Factory Entertainment)
- Longclaw, GoT (Valyrian Steel)
- Monkey Brains Bowl, Indiana Jones
- Predator 1 Bio Mask (Sideshow)
- Ravenclaw Diadem, Harry Potter (Noble)
- Sonic Screwdriver, Dr. Who (Rubbertoe)
- Tomenosuke Blaster Pro Edition (Hollywood Collectibles)
- Walking Dead Jail Key (McFarlane)
Best Block Figures/Building Set Series
- DC/Marvel Superheroes (Lego)
- Halo (MegaBloks)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (Ionix)
- Legends of Chima (Lego)
- Lego Movie (LEGO)
- Plants Vs Zombies Minimates (DST)
- Simpsons (Lego)
- Spongebob (MegaBloks)
- Star Wars (Lego)
- Titanfall (K’Nex)
- Transformers (Kre-o)
- Walking Dead (McFarlane)
- WWE (C3)
Best Misc
- Caesar’s Bust/DVD Case (NECA)
- Disneyvision (Disney)
- Grimlock Stomp and Chomp (Hasbro)
- ReAction Figures (Funko)
- Star Wars Command (Hasbro)
- Titanfall Collector’s Edition
- TMNT Giant Size (Jakks)
Vote now for the Peoples Picks awards at MWCToys.com
Watch the latest episode of the Star Wars collecting show Star Wars Action News
Watch the latest episode of the Marvel Comics collectible show Marvelicious Toys
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 440: 2014 Year in Review Part 2 and 2015 in Preview
The Star Wars Action News Year-End shows conclude with this second part of the team’s roundtable discussion!
Arnie and Marjorie are joined by Steve “The Gingerprince”, Johnathan, Curtis, Daryl, Brock, Jay and Andrew to look back at the high-end collectibles that Force-d them to open their wallets! From Gentle Giant mini-busts to Sideshow Premium Format Figures and the new, high end sixth scale figure line from Hot Toys, it’s all discussed in this show!
Then the team puts 2014 to bed and looks forward to what 2015 Awakens. With the first new live-action Star Wars film in a decade coming this December, Rebels on television, and a new continuity for novels and comics, join them to hear what is in store!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN440.MP3
New Podcast: Marvelicious Toys Issue 133: Guardians of the Podcast Part 2
With 2014 behind us and 2015 ahead, the crew at Marvelicious Toys deliver their second roundtable discussion looking back at 2014 and forward to 2015.
First, Arnie, Marjorie, Justin, and their guest hosts, look back at the high end collectibles in 2014. Kotobukiya. Hot Toys. Sideshow Premium Format Figures. Bowen Designs Statues. Gentle Giant Mini-Busts. XM Studios quarter-scale statues. These high-end items have been hitting hard and fast for Marvel collectors making fans think hard about where to spend their money. Join them as they determine who made the best expensive toys of the year!
Then they look forward to 2015. With Toy Fair just over a month away they say what they want to see, and what they expect to see, going forward!
All that and more in this episode of Marvelicious Toys!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT133.MP3
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 439: 2014 Year in Review Part 1 – Hasbro Star Wars Toys
For Star Wars fans 2014 came in with a whimper but went out with a bang! From a year that started with few Star Wars figures to be found in either the 4 or 6-inch scales, it ended with Expanded Universe 6-Inch figures, new lines of 3.75-inch figures, and Star Wars fans everywhere trying to “get to da Chopper!”
Now in the first part of the Star Wars Action News year in review, the Star Wars Action News team looks back at 2014 from the point of view of a toy collector. Marjorie and Arnie are joined by several other collectors to rate the best and worst of Star Wars collecting this year!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN439.MP3
NEW PODCAST: Marvelicious Toys Issue 132: Guardians of the Podcast Part 1
http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT132.MP3
EXCLUSIVE NEWS: Avengers Figures Will be 2.5-inches, ship in January
Hasbro will be selling a 2.5-inch Avengers: Age of Ultron action figure line as soon as this February.
One of our HYDRA spies sent us the above screenshot from their inventory system. This shows that Hasbro will be shipping 2.5-inch Avengers: Age of Ultron figure 2-packs, continuing the smaller scale figure line they debuted with their Guardians of the Galaxy figure line. These figures are scheduled to arrive at their warehouse on January 28th.
Rocket Raccoon and Groot from Hasbro’s Guardians of the Galaxy 2.5-inch figure line.
While this news may not excite action figure collectors, it actually may be a harbinger of worse news. With Guardians of the Galaxy Hasbro eschewed the 3.75-inch scale of action figures they had made since their earliest action figure lines based on X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Iron Man 2. Due to the rising cost of action figures Hasbro went with less expensive 2.5-inch figure 2-packs. These figures had much less paint detail and articulation than Hasbro had put in their 3.75-inch lines, and many collectors wrote them off as kid’s toys. The smaller figure style allowed for Hasbro to focus on vehicles as part of the line’s play pattern, releasing space ships seen in the movie to scale with these figures.
The news of Avengers: Age of Ultron figures may indicate Hasbro is giving their toy line for the upcoming film the same treatment they gave Guardians of the Galaxy.
At a press event held in New York last October Hasbro revealed Avengers: Age of Ultron figures in their collector-focused, 6-inch Marvel Legends line. They also showed new figures in their Marvel Infinite Series 3.75-inch line, but these figures were comic-based rather than movie-based. They also showed a Quinjet vehicle from the upcoming film that, while the same approximate size as the 3.75-inch scale Quinjet, Hasbro has confirmed is for 2.5-inch figures.
Hasbro reps confirmed the Quinjet toy shown at October’s New York Comic-Con was scaled for 2.5-inch figures.
When asked for more details on the likelihood of a 3.75-inch Age of Ultron figure line, a Hasbro representative confirmed the Quinjet shown was 2.5-inch scale, and added: “I can’t comment on the existence or any details of a 3.75-inch action figure line at this time. There will be more information on the Age of Ultron toy line as we get closer to Toy Fair.”
Will you be disappointed with no 3.75-inch figure line for Age of Ultron or are Legends and 2.5-inch enough? Let us know in the comments below!
You can watch our full coverage of Hasbro’s NYCC reveals in Marvelicious Toys Issue 128!
Pre-Order Alert: Tony Stark with Arc Reactor Creation Accessories
A new Marvel Hot Toys figure is up for pre-order–Tony Stark with Arc Reactor Creation Accessories.
In the film Iron Man 2, Tony Stark was slowly being poisoned by the palladium arc reactor in his body. With the help of the information left behind by Howard Stark, Tony was able to create a new element to use for a new Arc Reactor. This scene greatly displayed Tony Stark’s immense intelligence when he re-discovered and created a new element by using a particle accelerator.
Sideshow Collectibles and Hot Toys are delighted to introduce the new sixth scale Tony Stark with Arc Reactor Creation Accessories Collectible Set. This collectible set includes a specially crafted collectible figure based on the image of Robert Downey Jr. as the genius billionaire Tony Stark in Iron Man 2, and features a newly developed head sculpt, an advanced body with light-up chest light, detailed outfit, and the Captain America shield prototype which he has used to level the particle accelerator and workshop accessories.
Iron Man fans, don’t miss out on this collectible set! Expand your Iron Man series collection! Order it now from Sideshow!
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News Episode 438: Tarkin ‘Bout Toys
With a review of James Lucino’s new Star Wars novel Tarkin and Jerry looking back on books of yesteryear, and ThinkGeek plushes too, you’ll find all this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
New Podcast – Star Wars Action News Episode 438: Tarkin ‘Bout Toys
It’s been a long time since Star Wars action figure collectors could shop exclusively at their local brick-and-mortar stores to get the figures they wanted. Since the release of Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection in 2010 store supplies have been scarce. Now, however, that seems ready to change! Across the country collectors are finding new Black Series figures in both 3.75-inch and 6-inch lines, plus new Rebels and Mission Series figures too! On this episode of Star Wars Action News you can listen to find out which stores to hit to score full waves of new figures.
Also on this week’s show, Arnie and Marjorie discuss Hot Toys’ first exclusive release in their Star Wars Movie Masterpiece Series–the Shadow Stormtrooper. A repaint of their basic Stormtrooper figure, this release sold out in just a few hours at Sideshow Collectibles. What’s the fuss all about? Listen to find out!
With a review of James Lucino’s new Star Wars novel Tarkin and Jerry looking back on books of yesteryear, and ThinkGeek plushes too, you’ll find all this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
Arnie C: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN438.MP3
New Podcast: Issue 131: So Right It’s Thong
With the Holidays coming the stores are full of toys, and bargains! From a Toys R Us exclusive, free Rocket Racoon LEGO mini-figure to discounts on Disney’s Marvel Infinity figures and even some hard to find Marvel Infinite Series figures hitting shelves! On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie tell you where to shop to get the most toys for your buck!
Also on this week’s show is a review of Gentle Giant’s new quarter-scale Black Widow, from their line of statues based on Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This statue is made from a 3-D scan of Scarlett Johansson. Watch and see how this Widow stacks up against Sideshow’s Premium Format figures.
With an in-depth look at 3-D Plus Me’s statues, the Super Awesome Me figures, Sideshow’s new art print line, and much more, it’s an episode stuffed more full than a Christmas stocking! So watch now!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT131.MP3
Category: Arts
Star Wars #1: Hasbro Previews Exclusive Variant
New Podcast: Issue 130: Black Friday and Sweet Christmas Gift Guide 2014
It’s Thanksgiving and time for Marvelicious Toys’ 5th Annual Black Friday Shopping and Holiday Gift Guide!
First, Justin, Arnie, and Marjorie run down all the Marvel toys and collectibles on sale Thursday through Sunday this weekend. From Disney Infinity toys to Hasbro figures, listen to find out where the deep discounts are in stores and online!
Also this show, shopping for collectors can be challenging. Whether you’re buying for your friend, spouse, or perhaps a holiday treat for yourself, the choices are daunting. Join the Marvelicious hosts as they detail the hot Marvel gifts this year. From action figures to high end collectibles to housewares, shirts, and even a few WTF items, it’s all in this issue!
Plus there’s still a few days left to sign up for the Marvelicious Toys Holiday Gift X-Change! Registration closes December 2nd so sign up now to give and get some Marvel goodies this holiday season!
It’s an episode more full than your plate at Thanksgiving dinner, so watch now!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT130.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 437: Black Friday Deals and 2014 Holiday Gift Guide
Want to know where to save big on Star Wars LEGOs, Blu Rays, and more this weekend? Then join Marjorie and Arnie for the 2014 Black Friday (and Thursday) shopping guide! While the Star Wars bargains are few, there are some choice items for those brave enough to face the lines and the crowds. Listen to this episode to find out what!
Then keep listening for the Star Wars Action News annual holiday gift guide! This year has gift ideas ranging from $3.00 to over $7,0000! No matter if you’re buying for young or old, man or woman, listen to find what to get the Star Wars collector who seems to already have everything!
And don’t forget to sign up for the Star Wars Action Sithmas Gift Exchange! Sign-ups end December 2nd. Get and give some Star Wars joy this season by joining this Secret Santa gift exchange! All the details are at http://www.swactionnews.com/Sithmas/
All this and more in this Episode of Star Wars Action News!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN437.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Episode 436: Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys
George Lucas’ 1977 space fantasy Star Wars changed the way American audiences consumed films. More, though, it also changed the landscape for movie merchandising, with more money being made on toys, games, and collectibles than on the movies themselves. Now the documentary Plastic Galaxy looks back at the first generation of Star Wars toys, released between 1977 and 1985 from Kenner. Does this film capture the childhood magic of Star Wars figures, and can the documentary appeal to anyone not already obsessed with little plastic Stormtroopers? Find out in this special Now Playing/Star Wars Action News crossover podcast hosted by Marjorie, Arnie, and Jerry!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN436.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 129: Holding Out for a Big Hero 6
It’s been a great year for Marvel movies and that looks to continue today with the release of Big Hero 6. This film is the first movie from Disney Animation to be based on Marvel Comics characters, and the ones chosen are even more obscure than the Guardians of the Galaxy! But with this new movie comes new licensing deals, and the toys are not from Hasbro but Ban Dai. In this issue of Marvelicious Toys, join Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin as they look at the 4-inch figure line as well as the SDCC exclusive Baymax figure!
But also on this show is something for fans of more classic Marvel characters. Hitting Targets is an exclusive three pack of Marvel Legends figures: Ms. Marvel, Radioactive Man, and Captain America. Is this set worth hunting down? Watch this show for a full review!
With more news on Marvel films, some stocking stuffers in the toy aisle, and more, it’s all in this new Marvelicious Toys podcast!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT129.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 128: No Full Cream Hulk at NYCC
Marvel movies are where it’s at! This past week saw the announcement of nine new, upcoming movies based on the characters of Marvel Comics, and it couldn’t come at a better time as the community is giddy over the two trailers shown for Avengers: Age of Ultron. Arnie first saw these trailers at New York Comic-Con, as well as footage from Ant-Man and more upcoming Marvel projects. On this issue of Marvelicious Toys the hosts all give their impression of the next big superhero film to hit theaters!
Also on this week’s show Marjorie and Arnie report from New York Comic-Con 2014. From new Avengers and Infinite Series figures shown by Hasbro to an X-trordinary new Art-FX+ collection by Kotobukiya and so much more, it’s all covered in this show!
With a review of the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at the Discovery Center in Times Square, a discussion of NYCC attendance, and so much more, it’s all in this bonus issue of Marvelicious Toys!
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: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT128.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 435: It’s the Yoda Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
Halloween is this week and the costumes and decorations have started to go on sale! On this week’s Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie discuss the hard-to-find collectibles that combine Trick-or-Treating with the Galaxy Far, Far Away!
Also on this week’s show–reviews of two new 6-inch figures! First they look at the Hasbro Black Series Biker Scout with Speeder Bike, the first vehicle in the new, larger scale. Does it live up to the preview shown at SDCC?
And then the first Walgreens exclusive Hasbro Star Wars figure–Boba Fett in Prototype Armor. How does this compare to the original outfit, and is it worth the (bounty) hunt?
With Johnathan joining for an On The Pegs segment and a look at the latest offerings from Gentle Giant and Sideshow, it’s all on this new episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN435.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 127: Man of Steelbooks
With Captain America: The Winter Soldier and X-Men: Days of Future Past Marvel movie collectors have seen their share of variant covers and exclusive gimmicks. But for the hard core movie collectors the best versions aren’t available in the states. The collectible rage overseas is steelbooks! Exclusive, limited edition cases only available in Europe and Asia can cost a pretty penny for American fans, but it’s a price many are willing to pay. What makes these so sought after? From the UK, Star Wars Action News reporter and Marvel movie collector Steve “The Gingerprince”, reports in with a review of several of the best Steelbooks!
Also on this week’s episode Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin have been scanned–by 3D Plus Me! At San Diego Comic-Con the hosts had their heads imaged for custom statues putting their heads on Marvel characters from Black Widow to Iron Man to M.O.D.O.K. Now the company has partnered with Hasbro for Super Awesome Me–custom face scans put atop an articulated Hasbro Titan figure of Captain America or Iron Man. Marjorie and Arnie saw the figures in person at New York Comic-Con, and the hosts all have some of their SDCC statues in hand. Should you seek out 3D Plus Me at their next convention appearance? Listen for a detailed review of these statues!
With a report on a new Hot Toys X-man, a classic Spider-Man maquette, and so much more, it’s all in this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
And stay tuned next week for a bonus episode where the hosts run down all the reveals from New York Comic-Con!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT127.MP3
Category: Arts
Marvel Movie Pre-Order Alerts: Hot Toys Wolverine and Hikari Sofubi Groot
Fans of movies based on Marvel Comics characters have several pre-orders hitting today!
First, from the film X-Men: Days of Future Past Hot Toys and Sideshow Collectibles bring Wolverine! This figure has over 30 points of articulation, 3 pairs of swappable hands (with and without claws!), and an outfit representing Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the dystopian future shown at the film’s opening. It stands just under 12-inches tall, and comes with a specialized Wolverine display base.
Now, it’s no secret that licensees have issues making toys and collectibles based on 20th Century Fox’s X-Men and Fantastic Four films. The last X-Men film to receive a big marketing push was X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in 2009. In 2011, covering New York Toy Fair for Marvelicious Toys, I interviewed one of the Marvel reps at Hasbro’s presentation. I was shocked at a lack of toys for that summer’s X-Men: First Class and I asked about that. I was told that Marvel would be marketing their X-Men: First Class comic books, not the movies. Indeed, in the past five years it has been hard to find any toys or statues based on the X-Men movies; only the comics. Only Diamond Select, with their Minimates lines, has covered all the Marvel movies regardless of studio.
In 2012 Hot Toys announced a licensing agreement for figures based on X-Men: First Class and Magneto and Charles Xavier figures were shown at various Hot Toys exhibits, but they never were released. It is more than likely pressure from Marvel has caused those figures to be indefinitely delayed, if not altogether cancelled.
Yet Hot Toys has persevered in releasing X-Men movie toys…if only Wolverine figures. Their first was from X-Men Origins: Wolverine released in 2009. That figure shot up in value and even had some high-quality bootlegs sold on eBay. As such, in 2012 Hot Toys made another Wolverine figure from X-Men III: The Last Stand. Then last year Hot Toys made another version of this character, showing his appearance in The Wolverine (still available to order, at a deep discount, from Sideshow Collectibles). This Days of Future Past Wolverine is the 4th version of this character.
Despite how much I really want Hot Toys to finally release the other X-Men figures (specifically the yellow-and-blue clad X-Men from First Class) Wolverine is the most popular X-Man. Each version of this figure has been distinct, and showing a likeness of Hugh Jackman appropriate to that film. This is an older Jackman likeness, and the future outfit is far different from any we’ve gotten before.
At $250 the figure is a bit more expensive than I’d like–with no large diorama pieces, excessive accessories, or swappable heads I’d prefer to see this around $200 like The Wolverine version, but it’s still a great version of the character.
I have it ordered already, both for the figure it is, plus I’m hoping that by “voting with my dollars” Hot Toys and Marvel realize high-end figures based on the X-Men films are profitable enough to continue beyond Wolverine.
(as an aside, X-Men: Days of Future Past came out on DVD and Blu-Ray this week, and the collector’s edition is almost half off at Amazon!)
If you prefer Marvel Studios’ own films, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, a new collectible is available for you as well! From Funko comes the Entertainment Earth exclusive Hikari Premium Sofubi Vinyl Figure of Groot!
While that’s a lot of adjectives, Funko’s Hikari Premium Sofubi Vinyl Figures are 11-inch soft vinyl figures. This one is limited to 5,000 pieces and only available from Entertainment Earth.
Funko is known for having several variants for each of their Sofubi figures, from color changes to translucent glittery versions. Several variants of the Groot Hikari Vinyl Figure were displayed at New York Comic-Con, but this Entertainment Earth version seems to be the most movie-accurate. You can order it now at EE.
And for Hikari collectors, Barnes and Noble just put up their exclusive black-and-white version of the Spider-Man figure, called “Dangerous Spider-Man” for $71. That is not a pre-order; mine has shipped already.
New Podcast: Issue 126: If You Squint…
It’s no secret that Marvel downplays any X-Men merchandise preferring to promote toys, statues, and comics featuring characters owned by their Marvel Studios movie branch. Yet, with the major release of X-Men: Days of Future Past, Hasbro was able to release a wave of Marvel Legends figures based on the comic incarnations for many of Marvel’s mighty mutants. Magneto and Wolverine, Stryfe and Storm, plus Cyclops all are in this Toys R Us exclusive wave, and with all the figures you can also build Jubilee. On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin review these six new releases and discuss where you can order a set now!
Also on this week’s show, the Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise is starting to hit hard. The hosts review Kotobukiya’s new Art-FX+ Rocket Raccoon and Groot statue, as well as the Rocket Raccoon Labbit from Kidrobot!
With Justin’s final decision on Sideshow’s 12-inch Deadpool, major sales at Walgreens stores, and more, it’s all in this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
And don’t miss Marvelicious Toys’ coverage of New York Comic-Con! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for pics and updates from Wednesday’s Hasbro event as well as the convention itself! And if you find Marjorie or Arnie on the floor they are giving away exclusive Marvelicious Toys buttons!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT126.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 433: Collecting Nirvana in Aberdeen
Marjorie & Arnie are back from a trip across the American west, and of course they did some Star Wars shopping while there! Visiting with the members of SARLACC in Seattle, they visited several stores–including one of the oddest Star Wars toy shops out there. Watch to see a Star Wars shop unlike any other!
Also on this week’s show, new toys are showing up in stores! With the impending premiere of Rebels on Disney XD stores are stocking up with tons of new Star Wars merchandise from chairs to Christmas ornaments to even a few new action figures! Listen to find out what’s hitting, as well as a brief review of the Toys R Us exclusive Jedi Reveal Rebels figure 3-pack.
But the biggest news last week was a new sixth-scale Star Wars figure line from high end Hong Kong company Hot Toys! Through Sideshow Collectibles, the first two figures have gone up for pre-order–Han Solo and Chewbacca. Join Arnie, who has over 50 Hot Toys in his collection, to hear his impressions of these new Star Wars collectibles!
With a look at the Disney Store original trilogy figure sets, Halloween themed Star Wars collectibles, a review of the Star Wars Lootcrate and more, it’s all in this new Star Wars Action News podcast!
And for our next show we want your input! What is your Star Wars collectible holy grail? A screen-used prop? A carded Vlix? A replacement for the stuffed Ewok you used to own? Let us know in our voicemail at 415-508-JEDI and your call may be used on our next show!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN433.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 125: Slot Machine
Marvelicious Toys is back!
Arnie and Marjorie have returned from Vegas, but on their trip they found plenty of Marvel goodies! From Iron Man slot machines to a Kidrobot retail outlet, and more, listen to find out that what toys are found in Vegas don’t necessarily stay in Vegas!
Also this week, Sideshow Collectibles new 12-inch Marvel figure line has debuted with their first offering–Deadpool! Justin runs down this new figure, as well as the upcoming Deadpool movie!
With a rundown of the Captain America: The Winter Soldier and X-Men: Days of Future Past exclusive Blu-ray releases, Sideshow’s new Thor – The Dark World Premium Format figure, Agent Venom at discount, and so much more in this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT125.MP3
Category: Arts
The 40 Year-Old-Critic: X-Men: First Class (2011)
In The 40-Year-Old Critic, Venganza Media creator and host Arnie Carvalho recalls a memorable film for each year of his life. This series appears daily on the Venganza Media Gazette.
I didn’t really want to review the X-Men films for Now Playing Podcast.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy discussing any movie in-depth, whether it’s Leprechaun in Space or Touch of Evil. But for X-Men I had a specific hesitation.
I had, in passing, already discussed these films with longtime friend and podcast co-host Stuart. It was clear we didn’t see eye-to-eye; he expressed a preference for Bryan Singer’s earlier, dour X-films; I actually enjoyed Brett Ratner’s third X-Men movie, The Last Stand, the most — finally giving the superheroes fight sequences they’d been denied on screen.
I hadn’t seen the X-Men films in a few years by 2011, when we started our Marvel Movie Retrospective Series, but I was fully prepared to stand alone with my minority opinion.
It wasn’t that I loved X-Men: The Last Stand. I felt all the X-Men films were lacking in some areas, and expressing my preference for Ratner’s vision didn’t mean I could champion it. I loved Marvel, especially the movies, but to this franchise I held no allegiance.
That is why in 2009 we took a pass on that year’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. After the film was released we felt doubly justified.
But, as I discussed in my Howard the Duck article, in 2011 Now Playing was beginning its most ambitious endeavor; reviewing every Marvel-based movie ever released in theaters (U.S. or overseas). That meant Stuart, Jakob, and I would have to tackle the X-films, eventually.
How we approached this retrospective was the subject of some debate. I initially pitched doing all the films intermixed, in chronological order. Perhaps because it would have seemed odd to have 2002’s Spider-Man review immediately followed by 2003’s Daredevil and Hulk (both released before Spider-Man 2) Stuart wisely suggested breaking the series into a number of smaller sub-series; do Spider-Man as a unit, Blade as another group, and the X-Men by themselves. But then how would we order them? First-to-last according to release date? Or do we start with the most recent film?
Finally, realizing the interest listeners had in our theatrical release reviews, we decided to just shuffle all the series’ around to whatever order fit; but two rules presided. First, we would arrange series’ so that if they had a theatrical release, as happened for X-Men and Ghost Rider, we would tie into that release. Second, we would do all the movies in time for the ultimate Marvel crossover movie: 2012’s The Avengers.
(Sony then threw a wrench in that plan by releasing their The Amazing Spider-Man reboot in the weeks following Avengers, making Marvel’s most popular superhero the only one we hadn’t reviewed)
Would audiences accept an X-film without Wolverine?
This massive undertaking meant we could delay it no further; we had to review X-Men. More, while we had done three one-off Marvel movies — Howard the Duck, Man-Thing, and Kick Ass, in a loose group we called Marvel Misfits — X-Men was our first real series in the Marvel Movie Retrospective. This was demanded by the release of 20th Century Fox’s impending reboot/prequel of their X-franchise, X-Men: First Class.
I wasn’t terribly excited for First Class. It was the latest offering in a scattershot series. More, it didn’t have Wolverine. While his 2009 solo film was an over-the-top testosterone-fueled orgy of explosions, I still enjoyed the character and did wonder if his absence from First Class was a blessing, giving him a rest after Origins, or a curse, the new film lacking the series’ star.
It turns out all of this fear was for nothing. While Stuart and I did disagree over the merits of the first three X-Men films and Origins, the conversations were always fun. More, Jakob provided a great third perspective that tempered both of our points and prevented the conversations from following any preconceived pattern I’d feared. Also, revisiting the films with revised expectations allowed me to appreciate them more than I had in the past.
More importantly, though, in 2011 the X-Men got their first truly great film with First Class. I had feared not finding a film I loved in the X-series, but new director Matthew Vaughn delivered that in spades.
First, the film had a lead cast that was nothing short of amazing.
I knew James McAvoy from his earlier teen comedy Starter For Ten, a film funnier than its teen game show premise deserved. The actor was also a standout in Wanted, holding his own against Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, and imbibing his character with personality that seemed lacking from the movie’s thin script.
Still, while I liked the man’s work, I had a hard time imagining him as Charles “Professor X” Xavier, the lead X-Man portrayed by Patrick Stewart in the earlier films. But with Vaughn’s direction and the script (co-written by the director) this was a young, cheeky Xavier, and McAvoy owned the part.
He was, however, overshadowed by co-star Michael Fassbender, who took the role of Erik “Magneto” Lensherr; previously occupied by Ian McKellen. X-Men: First Class took elements from a canceled X-Men Origins: Magneto script — and truthfully this film is Magneto’s. Like the original X-Men film, First Class opens in a Nazi concentration camp showing Magneto, still a child, discovering his powers. But it continues that story line and shows the Nazis grooming Lensherr and training him. Magneto’s quest for revenge is the true arc of this film, and, playing Erik as an adult, Fassbender commands the screen.
I can’t recall even hearing Fassbender’s name before First Class. I had seen him in only two films: 300 and Jonah Hex, and neither performance was memorable. From this role I knew Fassbender had amazing range. With the X-Men franchise under his belt Fassbender has picked a variety of mostly smaller films allowing him to demonstrate his range, but he was truly the best find of First Class.
Jennifer Lawrence joins the X-franchise as Mystique.
That is probably a somewhat unpopular opinion, especially for any Hunger Games fans reading this review, as First Class also featured Jennifer Lawrence, starring as the shape-shifting mutant Mystique (a role previously played by Rebecca Romijn). Unlike Fassbender, I knew of Lawrence before First Class due to her role in Winter’s Bone. Strong word-of-mouth brought that movie to my attention, and Lawrence earned an Academy Award nomination for her role. Still, while already an acclaimed actress, she was just beginning her career. Few could have predicted what her future held; becoming Hollywood’s biggest actress thanks to her role of Katniss in the aforementioned Hunger Games series, plus continuing to make critically acclaimed films, as well as winning an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook.
In X-Men: First Class it was clear she was as talented as her more seasoned co-stars. While not much more than a sexy henchman in the original X-Men trilogy, here Mystique’s dilemma is the heart of the film; she can do amazing things but her true form is scaly and blue. The film shows her path of self-acceptance and, as a by-product, her allegiance shifting from the more diplomatic Professor X to the more militant Magneto.
Even the smaller roles were stacked with great performances, with Kevin Bacon, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, and Oliver Platt being stand-outs. I felt the only weak link in the film was January Jones, the Mad Men star who played “White Queen” Emma Frost.
Yet while the cast was amazing, its director was even more so. I knew Vaughn only for his 2010 superhero parody Kick-Ass, and he brought that same visual flare and fast-paced storytelling style to First Class. Also, like Kick-Ass, this film had actual character development intermixed with a healthy dose of comedy.
Out of all the X-Men films, this was the first one that had been really, truly fun while also establishing amazing rivalries and human drama. It was the first great X-Men movie.
It was a delight to watch, and I was ecstatic while recording the Now Playing review when I discovered Jakob and Stuart had seen the same film I did. The only thing better than watching an amazing film is sharing that enthusiasm with other film lovers.
The movie, and that podcast review, were my personal high points of our X-Men retrospective series, and it kicked off our Marvel Retrospective with a huge bang. There were good times ahead.
In the three years since this film’s theatrical release I’ve seen it at least a dozen more times. I went back to see it in theaters even after Now Playing’s review, just for fun. I bought it on its Blu-ray release date, and watched it immediately. It’s a staple, any time it airs on television I turn it on again. On flights it’s the movie that gets the most play on my iPad.
Fassbender’s Magneto is the highlight of the film.
Yet this enthusiasm is tinged with sadness. While I did not share a dissenting opinion on the podcast, all three of us seem to be in a minority group for our love of this film. It became the lowest grossing X-Men film ever — audiences just didn’t turn out to see the movie. Perhaps they were put off by the lack of Wolverine? Maybe the 1960s period piece feel didn’t appeal to 21st Century moviegoers? Perhaps the summer was just too full of superheroes with Thor and Captain America also hitting screens? No matter the reason, the film failed to find an audience and made less money than 2000’s original X-Men, even with 11 years of ticket inflation taken into account.
More, it seems this movie didn’t catch on in home video. I thought it could have a second life in home theaters, but my anecdotal evidence suggests people simply preferred the movies with the original cast to this new vision.
If there is no greater joy than discussing a beloved film with others who share that sentiment, there are few feelings more depressing than feeling alone and wondering why everyone else can’t see in this film the great things I see.
Worse, lack of fan response ended First Class‘ run in the X-Men. Fox, knowing they have to battle Marvel (who are the creators of the X-Men characters, but don’t hold the film rights), decided a major course correction was needed for the studio’s premier superhero franchise. They had definite ideas for the next X-Men movie, and were prepared to spend more than they ever had before to ensure their mutants could stand their ground against the Avengers. Studio interference and demands, including bringing back some members of the original cast to appeal to fans, led to Vaughn abandoning development on the sequel film, and in his place Bryan Singer returned to the franchise.
The result of Fox and Singer’s work was this year’s X-Men: Days of Future Past. It was a very good movie — Singer’s best entry in the franchise by a mile. Yet it didn’t do as good a job juggling the characters, the story line wasn’t as tight, and it lacked the groovy, kinetic fun of First Class. It lacked Vaughn, who was the X-factor the franchise needed most.
But again I may stand alone in that opinion, as Days of Future Past became the highest-grossing X-film to date; besting X-Men: The Last Stand’s take in 2006.
I have no doubt that with the upcoming X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, the X-films will continue to get grander and mix in more cast members new and old. I just hold out hope that at some point they look back and see all that First Class did right, and bring some of that lighthearted humanity back to the X-Men.
Tomorrow — 2011!
Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, a book reviewer for the Books & Nachos podcast, and co-host of the collecting podcasts Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys. You can follow him on Twitter @thearniec
New Podcast: Episode 432: A New Dawn for Star Wars Fiction
Last Spring it was announced that the Star Wars canon was taking a new direction. To pave way for the upcoming Episode VII as well as the Rebels TV series the previous Star Wars “Expanded Universe” was reclassified as Star Wars Legends, wiping the slate clean for a new era of Star Wars stories. That begins today with the release of A New Dawn, the Star Wars Rebels tie-in novel by John Jackson Miller. In this episode of Star Wars Action News Brock joins us with a review of this first novel in a new age of Star Wars fiction.
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie review Hasbro’s 4th wave of Black Series 3.75-inch figures. From Dagobah Luke to Yoda to Toryn Farr, watch the video to see hands-on reviews of these collector-oriented figures!
With reports from Wizard World Chicago and GenCon, eating fresh with Rebels, and much more, it’s all in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN432.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
The 40 Year-Old-Critic: Attack of the Clones (2002)
In The 40-Year-Old Critic, Venganza Media creator and host Arnie Carvalho recalls a memorable film for each year of his life. This series appears daily on the Venganza Media Gazette.
A week ago, while attending Wizard World Chicago, I had a debate with a Now Playing Podcast listener who claimed Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones was the worst movie in the Star Wars saga. I strongly disagreed.
Not to say I think any of the Star Wars films are bad, per se. I have three tattoos taken from the series. I host Star Wars Action News, a biweekly podcast about Star Wars collecting. I am a devoted Star Wars fan — but I’m also a discerning Star Wars fan that can recognize that those Ewok TV movies are horrible and also distinguish differences in quality among the six films in the saga.
To me, Attack of the Clones was a much needed course correction for the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
To say Episode I: The Phantom Menace left me cold would be a literal truth, as I sat out one night in the freezing rain to get tickets. But it’s also metaphorically true. Perhaps it was how I binged on that first prequel film, seeing it seven times in three days. More, though, I think it was the movie itself. While it boasted the most exciting lightsaber fight in the series, the overall story was somewhat incomprehensible — I had to read various “expanded universe” novels to understand what the Trade Federation was trying to do, and I still think it was stretching. More, the film was completely devoid of humor. The first three Star Wars films had all been fun, with the cocky attitude of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) a centerpiece. Here that sardonic fun was replaced with a walking CGI fish creature stepping in crap.
This was the Star Wars prequel I’d dreamt of as a child. Phantom Menace did not deliver.
After The Phantom Menace I slowly found myself drifting away from Star Wars — a major lifestyle change. I had been reading Star Wars novels since 1993, played the video games constantly on my PC, and collected the toys obsessively since 1995. That all peaked with Phantom Menace’s release, when the Toys ‘R’ Us employees informed me that I’d spent the most money of anyone during their midnight toy release, and when I traveled 60 miles every Thursday to get the latest Kentucky Fried Chicken basket topper.
But in the summer of 1999 the glut of Episode I toys clogged shelves. With no new figures found, just the same ones that had been available for months, the thrill of collecting waned and I stopped bothering to look for the next wave of toys. More, I was let down by The Phantom Menace and didn’t wish to dwell on it. I pursued other interests, and stopped buying Star Wars books, toys, and games altogether. It was not a conscious break; when Phantom Menace was re-released in theaters in November of that same year — this time with proceeds going to charity — I saw it again. But that viewing solidified my feeling that my childhood was dead, it was time to move past Star Wars.
Reservoir Jedi
That stance lasted for a couple years. I even tried to sell my Star Wars collection, only to find that I wasn’t alone. A toy store in Chicago offered me 5 cents for brand new, mint figures — 1 percent of the retail price. He told me no one wanted Star Wars toys, new or old, and that he had a warehouse full of them that he couldn’t sell.
Also during that time my life changed a lot. I met Marjorie, we dated, and eventually moved in together. I also quit my low-paying job and returned to school full-time. We were living off her income and what savings I had put together. Times were tough, bills went unpaid, and there was no extra income to spend on toys. What movies we saw were mostly from the $1 rental bin, not full price theatrical fare.
Despite all this, when the first teaser trailer for Attack of the Clones was released I started to get excited. The trailer was attached to Harry Potter, and so Marjorie and I bought tickets just to see it in the theater. When it played… I was not thrilled. It looked like more of the same that we got in 1999 with Phantom Menace. We were so disappointed we actually left the theater without staying for Potter.
McGregor showed us Star Wars could be fun again.
For me, Star Wars was in a nosedive. But it did pull out, and I remember the moment perfectly. A secret trailer for Attack of the Clones named “Mystery” was released online. A friend came over and he, Marjorie, and I all gathered around my laptop to watch. Another tease, this one focused on an assassin out to get Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman). It showed action, it showed suspense, but best of all it showed humor! It seemed Lucas had realized how dull every character in Phantom Menace had been, and now the sarcastic wit was back courtesy of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor).
I watched that trailer repeatedly. By the time the third trailer came, my break from Star Wars was over.
But there’s more than that — this film changed my entire life forever.
As mentioned, Marjorie and I were engaged. We knew we were going to get married, but I was hesitating because I was an unemployed graduate student. I had no money, and neither of our parents’ would pay for a wedding. As such, the engagement had no end date, and I hadn’t even scraped the money together for a proper ring. Instead I gave her a placeholder ring that took the last of my cash: $25.
Our excitement for Attack of the Clones grew together; she was as excited for the film as I (and she was nowhere near as hard on Phantom Menace). As such, Marjorie suggested, “What if we have a Star Wars wedding?”
Marjorie, Arnie, and their minister pose for a photo at the wedding.
The thought had occurred to me; I’m not very traditional to begin with, and I considered all weddings to be pomp and circumstance. A tuxedo means nothing to me, nor does a wedding dress to Marjorie. All wedding garb is a costume, so why not make it a Star Wars costume? Plus there was no better time to do it than surrounding the release of a new movie, so a date was set and the Carvalho Star Wars wedding was on.
Her parents were excited. My parents were mortified. We kept certain things traditional — we were married in a church and there were no full-on costumes (I had never heard of the 501st costuming club, if I had I surely would have invited them). As I was the unemployed one I did much of the planning, and I did borrow some money — since repaid — from my godparents to get Marjorie a proper diamond engagement ring; smaller than she deserved but what I could give.
But she had another crazy idea.
The Star Wars Celebration II convention was the weekend before our wedding. As planning had left us stressed, we decided to max out our last credit card and go. I was hesitant; I had gone to a couple conventions in the past but didn’t see the appeal. That said, I had gone only for a couple hours, never an entire weekend. This was a totally new experience, and when we arrived we were immersed in Star Wars. Men in realistic-looking Stormtrooper armor worked security, triggering a latent fear of the men in white. On top of that, celebrities were everywhere; we even had Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) and other stars sign our wedding invitation!
Plus, there was new Attack of the Clones footage screened exclusively for convention attendees. We got to see a trailer that parodied Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, ending with Yoda, lightsaber lit, jumping around like a crazy frog.
I had been excited for Episode II, but now I was practically vibrating with anticipation. I wanted to see Yoda kick ass!
Marjorie and Arnie’s wedding invitation, signed by Star Wars celebrities.
Star Wars Celebration II was a magical weekend bested only by the next one, when Marjorie and I were married. Because of the Star Wars connection local media showed up, and once it hit the AP wire we were known around the country. Our honeymoon in New Orleans felt like a press tour as we woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to talk about our wedding on radio shows, and we were even taken to the local NBC affiliate to appear on MSNBC.
On that honeymoon we went to a midnight screening of Attack of the Clones, which turned out to be one of the worst theatrical experiences in my life. As it was told to me, the theater was showing the film on 16 screens, but had only 4 prints. They were trying to daisy chain the prints from projector to projector, and it didn’t work; the film simply ripped. They had to show the prints to 4 theaters, and the other 12 waited. Finally at 2:30 a.m. the movie started.
I was nervous, what if it was terrible? We were booked to go on MSNBC the next morning, and Marjorie and I had already rehearsed saying, “Loved it!” in unison — lest we look like fools, going on national television about a wedding to tie into a sucky film. The trailers looked good, but after The Phantom Menace I knew there was a risk.
I needn’t have worried. That next morning, when asked by Natalie Morales what we thought of the film, we were honest in expressing excitement. It truly was a return to the Star Wars I’d loved as a child.
The sheer enormity of the clone army excited me.
I’ve seen the movie dozens of times since 2002. Removed from the excitement of the release and the sentiment of our wedding I can clearly see it’s not a perfect film. If ranking the 6 live-action theatrical releases it would be second to last, Phantom Menace at the bottom. I felt the inclusion of Boba Fett as a child was unnecessary to the plot and some of the mysteries never made sense (though at the time I trusted, falsely, that Episode III would answer these questions). Still, the acting was far improved — Portman decided to use her skill this time, and McGregor was a joy throughout. The CGI effects were also better, with the huge battle at the end truly impressing and enthralling me. The lightsaber fight was exciting, and Yoda lived up to my expectations. It has flaws, but was certainly a step in the right direction.
Best of all, it ended with a wedding. Marjorie and I had both gone in spoiler-free and had no idea that we would be married only four days before Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padme would also tie the knot. To have a Star Wars wedding tying into a new Star Wars film release was one thing, but to be that close to one that also involved a wedding seemed like kismet.
The wedding in Star Wars seemed perfectly timed for our Star Wars wedding.
Though I couldn’t buy Marjorie the ring she deserved, and though the wedding had to be done on a very tight budget, marrying her was the best decision in my life. We have not only shared a life, but we share Star Wars, both through our wedding and now through our podcasts. It would have happened anyway but, to quote Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Thanks to this movie, it started earlier and has given me more great days than I’d have had otherwise.
More, Attack of the Clones brought me back into the Star Wars fold. I saw it multiple times in theaters, including a trip to Chicago to see it on IMAX — my first IMAX viewing experience. It righted much of what The Phantom Menace wronged.
It brought me back into collecting, as well. New figures were on shelves, but I couldn’t afford them. I finally gave up looking for a dream job and, to pay the bills (and buy a few figures), I took another low-paying temp job. In another unexpected twist, that temp job grew quickly into the career I have today.
And, yes, for our 10th anniversary I finally gave her the ring I wish I could have given her in 2002.
My wife, my work, and my continued love of Star Wars can all be traced back to Attack of the Clones. For that I can forgive its few cinematic flaws and appreciate it for the fun space fantasy that it is.
Tomorrow — 2003!
Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, a book reviewer for the Books & Nachos podcast, and co-host of the collecting podcasts Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys. You can follow him on Twitter @thearniec
New Podcast: Issue 124: I Am Electro Head
Marvel movies have had one of their best years ever in 2014. The X-Men were back with a vengeance in Days of Future Past. Captain America’s second film proved better than his first as he fought HYDRA and The Winter Soldier. A new franchise was launched, and now Guardians of the Galaxy is poised to become the year’s top-grossing film. Even The Amazing Spider-Man 2 brought in fans with its high action and final twist.
On this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie give their thoughts on Guardians, from a dancing baby Groot to a mechanical arm! Plus they run down all the Amazing Spider-Man 2 exclusive releases, and the upcoming exclusives for Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Also on this show, Marjorie and Arnie went to Wizard World Chicago where Marjorie met Winter Soldier stars Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, plus Stan Lee, Dave Bautista, and others. Watch to find out about the artists, celebrities, and toys found at the con!
With a look at new Marvel Legends figures hitting stores, new Hot Toys and Sideshow statues up for pre-order, and more, it’s all in this new Marvelicious Toys!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT124.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 431: Exclusive Showdown
The irony of San Diego Comic-Con is that while everyone rushes to buy the exclusives, there’s no time at the con to really look at them! Now Marjorie and Arnie are back home and have unpacked their SDCC shipment, and are ready to tell you if Hasbro’s 6-Inch Jabba the Hut exclusive, or the SDCC/Toys R Us exclusive Cantina Showdown set, was worth the trouble.
Also on this week’s show Steve the Gingerprince reports in from the London Film and Comic Con. With a not-too-surprising number of Star Wars guests (given where Episode VII is filming) and tons of toys, listen in to find out about that European event.
With Johnathan telling us what’s hitting stores, a look at the Star Wars Celebration pin set, and more, it’s all in this episode of Star Wars Action News!
We want you to join our team! We have openings currently for video editors, audio editors, and photo editors! Find out all the details in our forums!
: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN431.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
40 Year-Old-Critic: Return of the Jedi (1983)
In The 40-Year-Old Critic, Venganza Media creator and host Arnie Carvalho recalls a memorable film for each year of his life. This series appears daily on the Venganza Media Gazette.
Anticipation for a film can be like great sex.
The foreplay starts when the film is announced, giving fans a hint that something great is to come. The slow build of anticipation can be excitingly agonizing. News bits are teased like a nibble on your earlobe, pictures are released from the set — the brief flashes making moviegoers anxious for the full reveal — and quotes tease the mind with plot threads as vague as an erect nipple through a cotton blouse. Finally, it all climaxes on the opening weekend; and that first viewing can sometimes be even better than the build up, or it can be a frustrating experience as the film exposes itself as something lesser than the fantasy built up in your mind.
To properly hype a film is a delicate dance. Studio marketing teams must be careful not to show too much too quickly, while still ensuring the filmgoer remains not only interested, but almost intoxicated by the perfume of previews.
I learned all of this as an 8-year-old. The film that taught me this lesson was Return of the Jedi.
Arnie’s childhood soccer team was The Force to be reckoned with.
Up until the spring of 1983 moviegoing was always spurred by an adult in my life. Even when I picked the film we attended I chose by simply looking at the newspaper listings, with no knowledge of release dates or whether the film was leaving theaters soon.
I usually became aware of a film upon its release. As mentioned in yesterday’s E.T. article, I watched Siskel & Ebert At The Movies weekly to learn about new films, but until their review aired I knew nothing about new movies being made. I may have seen an ad or two on television or trailers before other movies started, but I was too young for any of that to grab my attention.
I was too young to plan.
But that started to change after The Empire Strikes Back, with its unresolved cliffhanger of an ending. Being only 5 years old when I first saw Empire, I couldn’t fathom waiting three years for a conclusion to a story. After all, that was more than half my lifetime!
Primarily due to the toys, Star Wars was a constant topic of playground conversation, and throughout first, second, and third grade rumors about the next Star Wars film spread through the grapevine like urban legend.
“George Lucas was going to make Return of the Jedi three years after Empire, just as Empire was three years after Star Wars!”
“Are you done yet???” Arnie’s sister builds his AT-AT on Christmas day, 1982.
“Then he’s planning to take a break for a few years, and release the next movie — Episode I — in 1989!”
To this day I don’t know how much of the “news” I heard about future Star Wars films was made up, how much came from news and magazines — passed down from parent to child — or how much I’ve learned since that has retroactively mingled in my imaginings.
What I do remember is the anticipation — for years — of that next Star Wars film.
I was not a child who dealt well with suspense. Commercial breaks were often agonizing torture, and season-finale cliffhangers would cause me physical pain — the need to know. But for three years I battled, wanting so badly to see what happened in the final Star Wars film.
Yet, despite all the anguish and all the talk about that third film it never felt real until late 1982 — six months before Return of the Jedi‘s release. When the trailers and magazine articles started, when toys started to hit shelves bearing the new, red Return of the Jedi logo, when bookstores had entire displays of Star Wars books promoting the upcoming film… that was when 8-year-old Arnie went insane.
It’s finally done!
Toys, books, and magazines were all purchased in anticipation of this film — surrogates I used to try and satiate my desires until the Jedi’s release. My godparents would placate me with a deal: If I did good in school that week, then on Saturday they would take me to buy one action figure.
ONE!?!?! But there were dozens on the store shelves, and so many more to come! I would watch Saturday morning cartoons and make lists of all the figures being released. I took a cardback and would X off each figure I owned as a way of marking time until I could have them all.
My parents, however, were not as indulgent regarding toys. They did however encourage me to read, and so I remember one Sunday going to the (now closed) local bookshop, The Book Emporium. There I saw a massive display of Star Wars novels, and a poster promoting the upcoming release of a Return of the Jedi novelization! That image of two hands clasping the blue lightsaber was burned into my brain, and to this day it is my iconic image of that film. I couldn’t bear it so I badgered my father to buy me all the Star Wars books, and I took my pleasures where I could — reading the novelizations of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to fully re-experience those stories before seeing Return of the Jedi.
Arnie’s 1983 Birthday Cake
Finally, two weeks before the film was out, the novelization by James Kahn was in stores. I bought it the Saturday after it was released and tore into it. I couldn’t wait any longer for Return of the Jedi — the thirteen days until the film would be in theaters was agonizing. I had to have it now. I read like I’d never read before, page after page, excited for every new reveal.
It was a feeling like I was doing something naughty. There was forbidden knowledge in this book! I knew things no one else on the playground knew!
So excited was I about my insight into this upcoming movie that I would regale my sister Susan with anecdotes from the novel. Perhaps wanting me to have a pure movie experience (perhaps just wanting to shut me up), she introduced me to the concept of what we now call a “spoiler.”
She asked me if I was ruining the movie by knowing all about it before I saw it. Now, I wanted to see this movie more than I wanted air to breathe, so I promised her I would not read the last 50 pages. The film’s ending I would save for the screen.
But the waiting was killing me. Never before had I paid careful attention to a film’s opening date, but that year I knew Return of the Jedi would open on May 25. I had never been to an evening movie before — my parents always saved money by taking me to matinees — but Susan promised to take me opening night. My childhood best friend Stuart, now my co-host on Now Playing Podcast, also joined us.
We went early; Susan knowing that her brother wasn’t the only one anxious for Jedi. Still, the line was long at the Fox Theater in Springfield. It ran the full length of the strip mall, and for a half-hour we stood right outside the toy store where I practically drooled over the giant Star Wars toy display in the window.
Vader walked the line at our Return of the Jedi screening.
Walking down the line, working the crowd, was Darth Vader. I’d seen costumed characters before on stage shows, and sometimes superheroes would appear at that very same toy store. But those were scheduled appearances. I had no concept of cosplay, and I was somewhat frightened by this tall man carrying the Kenner lightsaber. Part of me knew he wasn’t the real Darth Vader, and part of me hoped he was indeed the Sith Lord come to terrorize my town.
When we got to the box office we were told there were only 3 tickets left for the film — all of us could get in, but we couldn’t sit together. My sister was flummoxed by this, as we were two children in her care for the night.
But I didn’t care who I sat by, or didn’t sit by, just get me in that theater! Sorry Stuart. Sorry Susan. I cared more about seeing Return of the Jedi than spending time with either of you!
That was another radical shift. Up until that point in my life, movies were always a social event. I couldn’t imagine watching a movie alone, and going to a cinema was always as much about time with friends and family as it was the film itself.
Not this time. This time Return of the Jedi and I had to be together. Now.
So in we went. I had an end-of-the-aisle seat next to a stranger. Before the lights dimmed I tried to look around and see where Stuart and Susan were seated, but the theater was large and soon I ceased to care. They never once entered my thoughts as I was transported at 0.5-past-lightspeed to a galaxy far, far away.
In 1983 there was no better birthday gift for Arnie than an Ewok village.
The film moved so fast and had so many vivid creature designs that I instantly forgot everything I had read in the book. On the page I had only my own imaginings, and a few photos in the middle of the novel, to aid in the visualization of the story. Now, with dancing Twi’leks, organ-playing muppets, and slithering Hutts the film consumed me whole — as the Rancor would to the Gamorrean guard. The Emperor, the red-robed Royal Guards, the speeder bikes, they enthralled me. But my favorite were the Ewoks. Some have claimed the fierce teddy bears were Lucas’ crass marketing attempt to appeal to children. It worked. I was hooked by these furry, man-eating creatures, and immediately every Ewok figure was at the top of my toy-buying list.
When the Death Star exploded, I didn’t care that it was a retread of the same climax Lucas had done six years earlier, the one I’d watched on VHS nearly every day after school. Evil was defeated. That was what mattered.
This film lived up to what I wanted at that age. It was love-at-first-viewing, and like any new romance the euphoria made me proclaim it the best movie I’d ever seen. I knew I had seen E.T. 12 times in theaters the year before, so I would not be satisfied until I’d seen Jedi 13 times and it could claim my record.
(At 17 viewings, counting the ‘97 rerelease and a convention screening, Jedi is to this day the movie I’ve seen most often theatrically.)
As an adult I feel Return of the Jedi, while still very good, is by far the weakest of the three original Star Wars films. The pacing is downright odd, with too much time spent rescuing Han Solo in a subplot far removed from the main action of the saga. Lucas had painted himself into a corner and it took a long side-trip to the Pit of Carkoon to fix it. Yoda’s death was convenient, Luke and Leia’s sibling relationship was contrived, and Han Solo was neutered.
“Obi-Wan, invite the creepy guy to join us, did you?”
Jedi was also the first Star Wars film where I felt Lucas was too ambitious and the technology was not able to realize his vision. From Imperial Walkers to Tauntauns to Landspeeders to Yoda, the effects wizards in Lucas’ employ had made it all work in his previous films. But in Jedi the seams were showing — quite literally in the case of the puppets in Jabba’s palace. From the shoddy matting of the Rancor to the poor articulation in the Ewok faces, this is the Star Wars film that looks the most fake.
Lucas would try to fix some of these technical issues in myriad re-releases, starting with the Special Edition in 1997. Each time Jedi got a little worse, right down to the creepy insertion of Hayden Christensen at the end, and Darth Vader’s lame battle cry of “Noooooo.”
Still, despite these issues, the core storyline of Vader’s redemption, a son’s determination to save his father, and the final battle between good and evil makes this a worthy entry in the Star Wars franchise.
But this experience — anticipating a film so hotly that I was near-obsessed — was euphoric. To this day few experiences in my life are as pleasurable as the anticipation for a great, exciting movie.
More birthday gifts from 1983
It was this level of hype I had for the remake of Friday the 13th that launched Now Playing Podcast’s first retrospective series. That same hype for The Avengers, more than one year before its release, instigated Now Playing’s Marvel Movie Retrospective.
As for future hype, I look at Star Wars Episode VII. I believed for 30 years that the Star Wars story ended with Return of the Jedi, but Lucas’ decision to retire — combined with Disney shareholders’ lust for profit — mean the story will continue. Part of me feels like this is a spinoff, a story based on characters created by George Lucas. Episode VII is in completely unnecessary, save for the Disney folks who watch it with dollar signs in their eyes.
But… it could be good. The recent reveal of an X-Wing is pulling at my nostalgic love for the original trilogy. Certainly all the marketers at Disney will try to seduce me. The images revealed, the first trailers, will all be Episode VII courting me, teasing me, trying to gain my interest and make me excited. Time will tell if Star Wars can still get me hot and bothered 32 years later.
But I’ll never forget my first, and as such Return of the Jedi will always be special.
Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, a book reviewer for the Books & Nachos podcast, and co-host of the collecting podcasts Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys. You can follow him on Twitter @thearniec
40 Year-Old-Critic: Star Wars (1977)
In The 40-Year-Old Critic, Venganza Media creator and host Arnie Carvalho recalls a memorable film for each year of his life. This series appears daily on the Venganza Media Gazette.
For each year of this series I spent quite a bit of time deciding which film was the most influential on my life. I read lists of all films released, as it’s certainly possible a low-grossing cult hit could have impacted me more than any blockbuster or award-winner. I spent at least 30 minutes researching every year before making my decision.
Well, every year except 1977.
I only half-jokingly ask: Were any movies released in 1977 other than Star Wars? More accurately, do any other films matter when stacked up against Star Wars? Looking at the year’s biggest films, there was Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which furthered Stephen Spielberg’s career and has legions of fans (I’m not one of them). The Woody Allen crowd will point to Oscar-winner Annie Hall. It’s an okay film but, to me, forgettable. Smokey and the Bandit and Oh, God! were products of their time, and neither aged well. Even that year’s James Bond release — The Spy who Loved Me — is a letdown.
But then there is Star Wars (and note, I refuse to call it A New Hope; when it came out in 1977 it was simply Star Wars). The film is more than a cultural phenomenon, it is a global icon. Star Wars transcends nationality, race, gender, and age. Everywhere I go, from Illinois to California to Germany to Spain to Mexico, I find Star Wars fans and collectibles.
It is not hyperbole to say Star Wars forever changed cinema. On a meager budget George Lucas’ team developed entirely new ways to film special effects. John Dykstra’s computer-controlled Dykstraflex camera allowed for dynamic, active shots of ships in space without use of visible fishing lines. The rapid-fire, Academy Award-winning editing — courtesy of Paul Hirsch, Richard Chew, and (George’s ex-wife) Marcia Lucas — created an excit
ing feel while trusting audiences to keep up with a story that starts in the middle of the action. Not only did Star Wars raise the bar for science-fiction and action spectacles, it quite literally and fundamentally changed the way movies were made.
I have heard and read the complaints that Star Wars forever ruined movies by relying on hackneyed character tropes, choosing action over acting, and making audiences care more about the spectacle than the story.
I dismiss those comments as rhetoric. People love to lay blame, and there’s a hipster-coolness to attacking any cultural touchstone.
Yes, there are numerous Star Wars imitators that have taken these impulses to mind-numbing extremes, but that is the fault of each film’s creator. Star Wars simply showed moviegoers and movie-makers alike what could be done.
Personally, Star Wars was a film that would shape the way I view movies. As a child it made me believe in magic. In my late teens it introduced me to Campbellian mythological structure and archetypes. Honestly, it has — directly or indirectly — influenced every major decision of my life.
I’m told my parents took me to see Star Wars in 1977. I would have been 3, maybe 4 years old, and I have no memory of seeing it on the big screen.
I do remember the toys. When I was still too young to read I saw a little green alien action figure (Greedo) in the toy aisle of our Kroger grocery store and I wanted him. My parents read this as me loving the film and started to buy me more figures in the toy line — which confused me at first. But over time I grew to understand not just the figures, but the movie which I watched in an endless loop for many years. Then I expanded to the video games (on the Atari 2600), Star Wars novels, role-playing games, and more.
As the Star Wars sequels were released I became even more enthralled with the universe, and it is a love that never waned. In the late 80s, when Star Wars was in a lull, I still watched the movies and reread the books. In 1993 my college dorm held Star Wars Sundays. HBO seemed to play the trilogy every week, and I formed a bond with my fellow students through this shared childhood love.
It was Star Wars that led me to online forums. It was Star Wars that motivated me in 1996 to build my first personal website about the Star Wars toys I collected and the role-playing game I was running. In 2005, it was Star Wars that motivated me to look up the definition of a podcast, and then to dig an old microphone out of the closet and start my first show, Star Wars Action News.
Throughout the past nine years I have traveled across this country — and to Germany — taking part and speaking at several conventions. I have hosted sold-out Star Wars fan events and even presented on the Kotobukiya stage at San Diego Comic-Con.
I was honored to have StarWars.com claim my Star Wars collection was one of the largest in the world. I have had the honor of touring Lucasfilm, and even briefly met George Lucas himself. Since starting Star Wars Action News I’ve gone to new places, had new experiences, interviewed actors, producers and writers, and made dozens of new friends.
All of that goes back to this one film from 1977.
The truth is, without Star Wars you would not be reading this article. My love of Star Wars grew into a love of film, and my Star Wars podcasting grew into a network of podcasts that includes the movie review show Now Playing Podcast, which has become our most-downloaded show and a staple in the iTunes top TV & Film audio podcasts category.
As a film critic, Star Wars is the film by which I measure all other blockbusters. Transformers may have modern effects and louder explosions, but does it create the same sense of wonder in its audience? Is Sam Witwicky a suitable audience avatar — a hero in the vein of Luke Skywalker?
(Answer: he’s not. Listen to our Transformers Movie Review Retrospective to hear why.)
Now, I do realize every Star Wars film has its flaws, from wooden acting to redundant plot points to convenient character revelations. But I don’t care. I may be turning 40, but when I watch Star Wars I’m 6 years old again, and I love it.
Star Wars has shaped my life, and there is no other film from 1977 that can compete.
Tomorrow — 1978!
Arnie is a movie critic for Now Playing Podcast, a book reviewer for the Books & Nachos podcast, and co-host of the collecting podcasts Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys. You can follow him on Twitter @thearniec
New Podcast: Issue 123: San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Coverage
Exclusives. New Product Reveals. M.O.D.O.K. Me! All of this and more were hot topics of conversation at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International! Now on this episode of Marvelicious Toys join Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin live on the convention floor as they discuss the exclusives and new Marvel toys and collectibles revealed at this year’s Comic-Con.
Plus watch for exclusive interviews with Hasbro, Gentle Giant, Kotobukiya, 3-D Plus Me, and Diamond Select Toys for even more news! Discover the fate of Diamond Select’s X-Men Days of Future Past Mystique figure. Hear Hasbro’s answer as to when Bulldozer will see the light of day. Find out what Koto has planned after their Avengers Art-FX+ series ends, and so much more!
It’s just like having a press pass for SDCC, but without the aching back and sore feet! So kick back and enjoy this episode of Marvelicious Toys!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT123.MP3
Category: Arts
Hasbro SDCC Exclusives Now Available Online!
Update 3: Overnight the Infinity Gauntlet 3.75-inch Marvel set sold out, over 12 hours after being offered.
Update 2: The Jabba the Hutt set is now sold out, 1 hour after being put up for sale
Update: The Marvel Legends Galactus Engine Set is now sold out, about 25 minutes after being put up for sale.
Hasbro’s 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International exclusive toys are up for order now at Habro’s online store HasbroToyShop.com As we reported on Star Wars Action News and Marvelicious Toys’ social media sites, and will be detailed more in the forthcoming Comic-Con coverage videos and podcasts, Hasbro’s San Diego booth was the most chaotic it’s been in 9 years. Items like the Marvel Legends set and Jabba the Hutt sold out by 10:30 Saturday morning. Collectors and scalpers alike fought to get tickets and get in the line, and sometimes lining up as early as 5 a.m. was not enough to get the toys sought. Now they are on Hasbro Toy Shop.com but with the high demand for these limited-edition toys they will likely sell out in under an hour. So if you were looking for these toys, hurry to the site now and get yours! 
New Podcast: Issue 122: It’s Raining Gwen!
Sideshow Collectibles has been hitting Marvel collectors fast and hard with tons of new pre-orders, product reveals, and more in the weeks leading up to San Diego Comic-Con. Not only are new items on the site, they’re shipping too! Two of the most hotly anticipated statues from Sideshow are the J. Scott Campbell collection’s Gwen Stacey maquette and the giant Premium Format Apocalypse figure. Join Marvelicious hosts Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie in this issue for detailed reviews of both!
But if you prefer collecting items with articulation, this show has plenty of that as well! While not yet in most stores, Hasbro’s new Marvel Infinite Series figures have been shipping from online resellers and Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie got Waves 2 and 3 from DorksideToys.com! Watch this episode and see the video reviews of these new toys including Death’s Head, Ant-Man, Red She-Hulk, Ares, and more!
With a complete run-down of exclusives going for sale tomorrow at San Diego Comic-Con International, a report of new Marvel Legends hitting stores, and so much more, it’s all in this mega-sized, 2 hour Marvelicious Toys podcast!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT122.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 121: Marv-ILL-icious Toys
It’s like the plot of a comic book–a mysterious illness has infected the Marvelicious Toys staff. Two of the podcast hosts have had to go to the Emergency Room in the past two weeks. But the show must go on! There is just too much happening in the world of Marvel toy collecting to take a week off! So join Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin this week in Marv-ILL-icious Toys and find out about the latest Hasbro Legends and Infinite Series figures hitting stores and online!
In this podcast the hosts run down the latest exclusive information from San Diego Comic-Con including four variant statues from Kotobukiya and the new Hot Toys Iron Man Python Armor. Listen to find out how to get your hands on those!
Plus, in addition to a cold, the Guardians of the Galaxy fever is rampaging through the Marvelicious staff! After the IMAX preview Monday night the hype is in full effect. Watch the videos to see the new 2-inch Guardians figures, the Toys R Us exclusive Rocket Raccoon and much more!
And do you want the Guardians of the Galaxy Legends? Save 20% now through June 20th on your order of Guardians of the Galaxy toys at our sponsor DorksideToys.com! Use code MT20 to save on Guardians figures! (Discount does not apply to shipping; cannot be combined with any other offers).
All that and more in this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT121.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 120: Guardians of the Podcast
Excitement is building for the Guardians of the Galaxy — Marvel Studios’ next cinematic adaptation of Marvel Universe superheroes. Trailers have raised awareness of rogue space criminals Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon. Now the toys are starting to hit stores, including the collector-focused Marvel Legends figures! Join Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie on this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast to hear their in-depth reviews of these five movie-based figures, as well as the comic based Iron Man and Nova figures.
Also on this show we look at Disney Infinity 2.0, the Marvel Universe installment. With characters like Captain America and Venom coming out as figures that unlock playable characters, it’s sure to be a hit with kids. But will adult collectors be drawn into this Infinity and beyond? It’s discussed on this show.
With new, exclusive Diamond Select Toys figures, Sideshow’s Iron Man Mk 42 Maquette, Black Widow sightings at retail, and more, it’s all right now in the new Marvelicious Toys podcast!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT120.MP3
Category: Arts
Star Wars Exclusive Action Figure at…WALGREENS?
If you follow Marvel Toy collecting then you know the community has been buzzing this week with Hasbro’s confirmation that the formerly-cancelled Agent Venom Marvel Legends figure will be released this August as an exclusive. More shocking was where the exclusive would be sold–Walgreens, the ubiquitous corner drug-store chain. This is the first time Walgreens has carried an exclusive Hasbro toy, but per our sources another may be coming very soon.
We received an e-mail with the included screenshot from a Walgreens system showing that there also is a Star Wars exclusive action figure coming to Walgreens. The listing reads “STAR WARS BOBA FETT EXCLUSIVE DISP” and is listed as “ACTION FIGURES/ACCESSRY”. The retail price shown is $19.99, which seems inexpensive for a Black Series 6-inch figure (given Walgreens inflated prices) but overpriced for a 3.75-inch figure.
Our source speculates it may be a repainted Boba Fett 6-inch, perhaps in the white McQuarrie colored armor, or perhaps with the Return of the Jedi markings. (Hasbro’s Darryl DePriest has said the intent was to have last year’s San Diego Comic-Con exclusive be the Boba Fett and the regular retail version have Return of the Jedi coloring).
The expected arrival date is listed as August 27, 2014–around the same time the Venom should be hitting the corner of happy & healthy.
We have reached out to our friends at Hasbro asking for confirmation. More news as we get it!
And, as always, all news is considered rumor until confirmed by Hasbro.
What do you want the figure to be? Let us know in the comments below!
New Podcast: Issue 119: Hot Toys, We Salute You
Pre-orders seem to be like plane crashes, they always come in threes. So with tons of new items arriving on their doorsteps Marvelicious Toys hosts Justin, Arnie, and Marjorie are here with a bonus episode of the podcast!First they look at Iron Patriot, the first Die Cast Hot Toys Iron Man figure released. Standing 12-inches tall, coming with a bevvy of accessories and light-up features, listen to find out why the hosts think this is a figure worthy of a sharp salute!Then the next Avengers Art-FX+ statue has been released from Kotobukiya: Black Widow. Based upon art by Adi Granov and crafted with Kotobukiya’s attention to detail, listen to find out if this femme fatale should find a prominent place in your collection.And finally for those who prefer their statues quite a bit larger Sideshow has released their quarter-scale 19-inch Black Widow Premium Format Figure. For this piece Sideshow gave the Russian spy a likeness more in line with her comic book incarnation, dressed in black leather with the trademark gold belt and stingers. On this show find out if you should get this statue in her sights, and hear a comparison with Sideshow’s Iron Man 2 movie-based Black Widow Premium Format Figure with a Scarlett Johansson likeness.With the latest from Marvelicious Toys sponsor DorksideToys and more, it’s all in this bonus issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT119.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 118: Ducks of Future Past
The third film based on Marvel Comics has hit theaters — X-Men: Days of Future Past. While toy tie-ins have been few, the movie itself has been a huge success becoming the top grossing X-Men film worldwide! On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie give their brief review of this film. So join them and then come to our forums to share your thoughts!But from the newest Marvel film to the oldest–Howard the Duck, the first Marvel Comics character to be featured in a live action feature. Recently some rare items from this film showed up on eBay, and Arnie went ducking nuts over them. Listen to find out about these one-of-a-kind collectibles!With new Infinite Series figures in stores and online, Guardians of the Galaxy Legends, a new wave of X-Men Marvel Legends figures and much, much more, it’s all in the new issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!And join us next week for a bonus issue of Marvelicious Toys where we review the Hot Toys Iron Patriot MMS figure and three Black Widow statues!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT118.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 117: Flocking A Pop
Last year at San Diego Comic-Con Kotobukiya showed off the unpainted model for their Art-FX+ Hulk Statue. It has now been released and the Marvelicious Toys hosts have it in hand! Listen to find out why this is a smashing collectible you need to rush to own. Then head back to our San Diego Comic-Con podcast to hear our interview with Adi about the statue!Also on this week’s show, Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie have seen The Amazing Spider-Man 2. With the Legends, 3.75-inch, and Hot Toys all ordered…was the movie any good? Listen to hear their thoughts on the latest Marvel superhero movie, and their anticipation for this weekend’s X-Men: Days of Future Past!With a report from the Toy Man Toy Show in St. Louis, a new Diamond Select exclusive in Disney Stores, a Hot Toys release that’s really a bust, and so much more, it’s all in this Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT117.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Star Wars Action News Episode 424: Jabba in a Box!
In this episode the hosts of Star Wars Action News look at the Episode VII casting announcement, new toy offerings by Disney, report from the Toy Man Toy Show, and much more!
Star Wars Action News is back and with May the 4th behind us there is tons of collecting news to talk about. Sideshow Collectibles has released more than half a dozen new products in one-sixth, one-quarter, and full scales; Disney Stores have stocked up on exclusive figures, plushies, and statues, and Hasbro has revealed their San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Jabba the Hutt! Listen as Marjorie and Arnie discuss all the latest news in this podcast.
Also on this show, Steve the Gingerprince hasn’t had much time to collect lately but he made up for it over May the 4th weekend at Star Wars Fun Days. Listen as he reports in on all the finds across the pond. And joining in also is Jerry with a look at pseudo-Vintage Star Wars items.
With a stand-ing report by Scott From Tulsa, a look at last weekend’s Toy Man Toy Show, collecting news from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim and reactions to the Episode VII casting news, it’s all in the latest Star Wars Action News podcast!
The Next Wave of Hasbro’s Marvel Legends are Revealed
At Toy Fair International, 2014 Hasbro revealed the first three waves of their new (more expensive) Marvel Legends Infinite Series figures, those being Captain America, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy–each wave tying directly in with a theatrical Marvel film’s release. But in my interview with Dwight Stall (which you can hear in Issue 110 of the Marvelicious Toys Podcast) a secret wave of Legends was teased.
It appears we now have confirmation that wave is going to be X-Men themed, and contain several figures that were cancelled from previous waves.
We received the image on the right from Marvelicious Toys listener John Classified. A shot taken from a Japanese catalog shows the X-Men themed wave will have Magneto, Wolverine, Storm, Stryfe, Marvel NOW Cyclops, and the build-a-figure appears to be the long-awaited Jubilee!
This release makes perfect sense. Many of these figures, including Stryfe and Jubilee, were shown at the Hasbro booth display at San Diego Comic-Con. The toolings were complete, Hasbro just needed a retail outlet to distribute the figures. And with the release of the upcoming film X-Men: Days of Future Past an X-Men themed wave of figures seemed not only logical but inevitable.
More, unlike the Marvel Studios films, such as Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and The Avengers, where Marvel Comics and Hasbro work together to make figures representing the on-screen looks for these heroes, in recent years when 20th Century Fox puts out a Marvel movie the toys are always comic based. Hasbro only released 4 limited articulation, comic based figures to capitalize on last year’s film The Wolverine. And when I asked at Toy Fair in 2011 about figures for the film X-Men: First Class I was told that Marvel would make toys for their First Class, the comic book series, not the film.
So clearly this wave is great for X-Men fans and Legends collectors alike. I’m excited to see Hasbro finding ways to get some of these “in limbo” Legends figures out for retail.
But the final question remains…could it be possible for the Pheonix Five Cyclops to be a variant for Marvel NOW Cyclops? One can hope.
We’ll report as soon as we hear, so please follow us at Marvelicious Toys and subscribe to our podcast for all the latest updates!
New Podcast: Issue 116: C2-Tattoo
Last weekend was C2E2 in Chicago and Marjorie and Arnie were there to look at the new toys shown by Diamond Select Toys, show exclusives, toys on the floor, and more! Listen to this episode of Marvelicious Toys podcast to hear about Chicago’s biggest comic and toy convention!And from the biggest convention to the smallest Funko Marvel Toys — Mystery Minis have exploded into the marketplace. On this episode Marjorie reviews some Mini figures provided to us by show sponsor Dorkside Toys!With a Timely Review of Toy Biz X-Men teams, a chance to win a Marvel Infinite Series Wasp figure, some SDCC event news, and so much more, it’s all in this Marvelicious Toys podcast!
And hear Arnie’s reviews of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier at nowplayingpodcast.com
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT116.MP3
Category: Arts
Why Now is the Time To Order Your Kotobukiya Mara Jade Statue
News was revealed last Friday on StarWars.com that the Star Wars Expanded Universe is no longer canonical. As discussed on the Star Wars Action News podcast covering C2E2 2014, the previous Star Wars continuity is being rebranded “Legends”. Now a new Star Wars canon begins, with only the six Star Wars films and The Clone Wars TV Series considered gospel.
This turns 23 years of novels, beginning with Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire into an extended “what if” scenario. Chewbacca was no longer killed by a moon. Luke was never Lando’s wingman on the latter man’s quest for a wife. Princess Leia never had three children (two of whom were later killed).
And this also means Luke Skywalker never met, married, and had a child with Mara Jade. More, Jade never existed. All the retcons of this Force-strong female working in secret for the Emperor, infiltrating Jabba’s palace, and later murdered by her nephew, are all now an alternate take on what happens in the Star Wars universe.
With this rebranding all future Star Wars fiction, from books to comics to movies to video games, is being monitered by a Lucasfilm Story Group. Some characters and events can be cherry picked from the “Legends” timeline if future creators wish, but as of today we face a new Star Wars where Mara Jade is not only dead, she never existed at all.
Which is why I placed my order today for the Kotobukiya Mara Jade Bishoujo Statue. And I highly suggest you do the same. Plus, if you haven’t already, get Kotobukiya’s first Star Wars Bishoujo statue, Jaina Solo.
I have asked the reps at Kotobukiya about the Mara Jade statue on several occasions, most recently in February at New York Toy Fair 2014. It was at that event that Hasbro Vice President Daryl DePriest mentioned that his company was no longer allowed by Lucasfilm to make or rerelease characters from the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Given that stance I have been worried that Kotobukiya’s second Star Wars Bishoujo statue may never see the light of day.
Now scheduled for release within the next 30 days I do now believe Kotobukiya’s Mara Jade will be released. However, given the character’s deep love in the community (the well-known Star Wars book site Club Jade, is named after her), I now think this statue will sell very quickly.
The Jaina Solo Bishoujo statue sold out from resellers and the price went up considerably on the secondary market. Realizing the demand for that statue Kotobukiya produced another run and she is now priced at $49.95 shipped on Amazon.
But with the new status quo of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, wiping both of these characters away, I wonder:
1) Once these statues sell out, would Kotobukiya choose to do another run for a character that’s removed from continuity?
2) If Kotobukiya chose to make more of these statues, would Lucasfilm allow them to continue to manufacture non-canonical characters? (Especially given that Hasbro cannot?)
3) If these statues, especially Mara Jade, become as rare and coveted as I expect, what will happen to their prices on the secondary market?
Once before Kotobukiya produced a Bishoujo statue they were not allowed to make another run of–DC Comics’ Catwoman. That statue, that originally retailed for about $65, is now over $200 on eBay. I can certainly see a similar fate for Mara Jade.
And that is why I placed my order today, to ensure I received a Mara Jade statue from Kotobukiya’s first shipment, securing her place in my collection. The Expanded Universe may reboot, but my fandom of those characters continues, and I want them represented in my Star Wars display.
If you are fans of these characters, I suggest you do the same and order your Mara Jade today!
Do you agree? Disagree? Will you be ordering the Mara Jade? Let me know in the comments below!
New Podcast: Issue 115: See the New Figures in Infinite!
Hasbro’s new MARVEL INFINITE SERIES of figures are here! A rebrand of the Marvel Universe figure line that ran from 2009 to 2013, these highly articulated, comic-inspired, collector-focused figures are back with new black cards. Three waves have already been put up for order, and the hosts of Marvelicious Toys have the first wave in hand. Grim Reaper! Hyperion! Marvel NOW Hulk! And the infinitely hard to find Wasp! Listen to find out if these is the same figure line 3.75-inch collectors have come to love! Plus you can win an Infinite Series Wasp figure! Details are on this show!Also in this episode, Marjorie and Arnie have just come from Wizard World St. Louis and are preparing to go to C2E2 this weekend. Listen to find out about the shopping, the sketch covers, and Arnie vs. The Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno!With two new Sideshow Premium Format figures, a swinging new Hot Toys figure release, a review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, discount Marvel Legends figures and more, it’s all in this jam-packed issue of the Marvelicious Toys video podcast!If you have seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier hear Arnie’s full review at nowplayingpodcast.com
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT115.MP3
Category: Arts
Update – Chewbacca out of Wave 4 Case, Stormtrooper, Boba Fett Back in
Chewbacca will no longer be part of Hasbro’s Star Wars 6-Inch Black Series figure line. The Episode III Obi-Wan figure is also no longer included. Instead the wave will include carry-forwards of the hard to find 6-inch Boba Fett and Stormtrooper figures.
We first reported the rumor that Wave 4 of Hasbro’s 6-Inch Black Series action figure line may not have Chewie included. This wave was originally solicited as three new fligures (Chewbacca, Anakin Skywalker, and a Clone Trooper) plus one carry-forward (the truly awful Episode III Obi-Wan Kenobi, watch our review of this figure on Star Wars Action News Episode 421). Per the rumor, Lucasfilm did not like Chewie’s hunched pose in the small window box and the figure may be delayed until the new blue and black, taller window box was used.
Now DorksideToys.com has revealed that rumor was true, Chewbacca will not be included in Wave 4. Instead of Chewbacca and Ob-Wan Hasbro has included the two hardest to find figures in this line: Boba Fett and the Stormtrooper. Clearly this will help fans get these figures at retail pricing. With the Stormtrooper and Clone Trooper in this wave it’s possible Boba Fett may even become common as troop builders, buying multiples of just those two figures, leave droves of the bounty hunter behind.
Are you excited by this change, or upset at Chewbacca’s delay? Let us know in the comments below!
New Podcast: Issue 114: Captain America — [BLEEP] Yeah!
Did you see Captain America: The Winter Soldier last weekend? Along with Cap, Black Widow, and Nick Fury, new screen hero The Falcon spread his wings and showed he has the right stuff to be an Avenger! But Marvel toy collectors who want their favorite flying Falcon in figure form won’t find him in 6-inches, Hasbro has only made that figure in the smaller 3.75-inch Captain America movie line. On this week’s show Marjore, Arnie, and special guest host Jerry look at the first two waves of Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie figures. From Cap to Falcon, Winter Soldier, and Red Skull, are these kids toys or great collector items? Listen to find out!Plus we’re barely off Captain America when the hype hits hard for the next Marvel superhero hitting the big screen: The Amazing Spider-Man 2! On this show the hosts also review that movie’s 3.75-inch figure line with a light-up Electro and a tangled web of Spider-Man costumes.With a look at Hot Toys’ newest pre-orders, Sideshow’s Hulking entries in the Premium Format Figure line, and the one-of-a-kind Phoenix Five Cyclops Marvel Legends figure that sold for over $1,000 on eBay, we run down all the latest Marvel toy news on this issue of Marvelicious Toys!Note: This podcast is 100% spoiler free. There are no Captain America: The Winter Soldier spoilers, so feel free to listen! If you have seen Captain America: The Winter Soldier hear Arnie’s full review at nowplayingpodcast.com
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT114.MP3
Category: Arts
RUMOR: Could Chewbacca Delay 6-Inch Black Series Wave 4?
Could Hasbro have a problem with Chewbacca? That is the word that comes to us from a reliable source in the UK. Please note everything in this article should be taken as rumor until confirmation from Hasbro.
At Toy Fair International 2014 Hasbro announced the new package for the Star Wars Black Series figures. At the time they said the new box with the larger window area allowed for inclusion of taller figures into the line, such as Darth Vader and, yes, Chewbacca. But even with the new box design the Chewbacca figure, based on actor Peter Mayhew’s 7′ 2″ height, had to be squeezed in, his knees and legs bent to fit in the space allotted. As Han Solo might say “I don’t think they had wookiees in mind when they designed her.”
Per our source, this odd posturing of Solo’s hirsute companion had originally been approved by Hasbro’s partners at Lucasfilm Licensing, but now they have reconsidered and dictated that Hasbro needs to find another way to let the wookiee in.
Chewbacca was intended to be one of three new figures in Wave 4 of this action figure line, along with an Episode II Clone Trooper and Episode III Anakin Skywalker. That wave was expected to ship to stores and online retailers in the next 2 months. Per our source, that wave may now need to be delayed.
However, this may end up being good news for Star Wars collectors. Rather than delay the entire wave, our source tells us that they may ship Wave 4 as planned, but replace Chewbacca with an older figure in the line, and the top two choices being considered are Wave 2’s Boba Fett and Wave 3’s Stormtrooper. Both figures have been difficult to find at retail and secondary market prices have been high, so a rerelease of either figure would be welcome relief for struggling Star Wars fans.
Once more, all of this is unconfirmed rumor at this time, but we wanted to make you aware as soon as we could. Obviously the final news will be known if/when this wave is delayed, reconfigured, or if Chewbacca shows up in a radically different pose than Hasbro’s pre-release promotional photos.
Got any news? E-mail us at show@swactionnews.com!
BACK UP FOR ORDER — Preorder Alert: Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Legends Figures
Update: Apr 1, 2014 – 20:43 These figures are again in stock so place your order now!
Update: Apr 1, 2014 – 18:16 Amazon has changed the status of all the figures to “Currently Unavailable” meaning their original allocation is likely sold out. Please keep your eyes here and follow Marvelicious Toys on Facebook or on Twitter and we’ll let you know if/when these are again available!
Original text follows:
They are the Guardians of the Galaxy. Or they’re “a bunch of a-holes.” Either way, they’re making their way to a theater near you this August in the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe film! But in June the toys for the movie are scheduled to start hitting–and the pre-orders have now begun. Right now you can order all 6 Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Legends figures from Amazon.com!
Already this summer Marvel movie fans and collectors have seen the crazy hunt for Legends figures. From Hasbro’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Legends line where Carnage and Toxin go for $30 and up to Captain America: The Winter Soldier toy line with Black Widow going for over $60, it’s been difficult to find these figures in stores at all. But now at Amazon you can get all six of these figures for the MSRP of $21.99, and free shipping of orders over $35 (or with Amazon Prime).
The figures that make up this Toy Line are:
From the Guardians of the Galaxy film:
Star-Lord
Rocket Raccoon
Gamora
Drax
From the Guardians of the Galaxy comic:
Plus buy all six and build Groot–the giant tree character voiced by Vin Diesel!
If the Captain America and Spider-Man Legends are any indication these will likely pre-sell out fast. Save yourself gas and time and get your order in now at Amazon.com!
New Podcast: Issue 113: Don’t You Know That You’re Toxin
Boomerang. Spider-Girl. Toxin. The three figures together make up the new offerings from Hasbro’s second wave of Amazing Spider-Man 2 Marvel Legends, and they are hitting pegs now in force! On this Marvelicious Toys episode your hosts Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie provide in-depth reviews of each of these new swap-out figures and compare them to their previous versions!Also on this episode Marjorie and Arnie recount last weekend’s Planet Comicon in Kansas City. With Marvel guests like Skottie Young and Dave Johnson, as well as tons of vendors, listen to find out about the going rates for figures, as well as some unique and rare finds!With a look at Hot Toys’ new Captain America Movie Masterpiece Series figures, excitement over The Avengers 2–Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and so much more, it’s all in this episode of Marvelicious Toys!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT113.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 112: A Glutton for Punisher
Sideshow Collectibles latest Marvel Comics Premium Format Figure is arriving on doorsteps–The Punisher in his Classic Costume! It’s the second version of this comic killer in Sideshow’s quarter scale line. How does it compare to the original release and should you order one? The answers are in this week’s podcast.Also in this week’s show, the second wave of Captain America Marvel Legends are hitting pegs, and selling out. The Black Widow is going for as high as $80 on Amazon and eBay. What would make this figure so valuable to collectors, and are they worth the hunt? Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin review Captain America, the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and the Mandroid on this show!With a look at the Thor: The Dark World home video release hoopla, Geof looking at EZHobi’s Marvel Cinematic Universe collectibles, and more, it’s all in this week’s Marvelicious Toys video and audio podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT112.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 111: Toy Fair 2014 – LEGO, 3A, Kotobukiya, Funko, and more from Javits!
LEGO MODOK. Need we say more? Okay, LEGO Guardians of the Galaxy! Three A Dr. Doom figures! Kotobukiya’s Avengers Assembled. Ghost Rider Labbits. So much Marvel goodness was on display last week at New York City’s Javits Center for Toy Fair International, and on this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie run down the hot new items you’ll want to collect!Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! The audio version of our show is also still available. Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT111.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 110: Toy Fair 2014 – Hasbro Reveals!
What new Marvel comics action figures will we be drooling over in 2014? Hasbro tells us in their 2014 Toy Fair presentation! Marvel Legends and 3.75-inch figure lines based on the comics and movies will be coming out this year, plus tons of other toys for kids and collectors alike! Spider-Man, Captain America, Guardians of the Galaxy, and so much more, hear about it all in this week’s special edition of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! The audio version of our show is also still available. Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT110.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 109: To Infinite and Beyond!
Collectors of action figures based on the Marvel Universe comics and movies have a reason to be excited. After an ominous tease at last year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the Marvel Universe figure line replacement is revealed–it’s the Marvel Infinite Series figures. With no Avengers subtitle, no restriction on character selection, and even Marvel Universe figures repacked, it’s a continuation of the line collectors have loved for years. On this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast, Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie run down this news and give their thoughts.Fans of 6-inch figures can be excited as well, the new Infinite Series Legends figures are amazing, and nearly impossible to find! As the second wave of Spider-Man Legends start to hit store pegs, watch a review of the first wave of Captain America Legends. With troop builders like the Hydra and A.I.M. soldiers, baddies like Baron Zemo and Red Skull, plus two different versions of Cap himself, all are reviewed this episode!With a review of Kotobukiya’s new X-Force Psyclocke Bishoujo statue, a reason to put up with K-Mart’s foul stench, and a charity auction you won’t want to miss, it’s all in this week’s issue of the Marvelicious Toys video podcast!Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! The audio version of our show is also still available. Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT109.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 108: There’s Something About Mary Jane
Face it, podcast listener, you just hit the jackpot! On this massive, movie-length issue of the Marvelicious Toys video podcast the Marvelicious hosts have received the brand new J Scott Campbell Mary Jane Comiquette from Sideshow Collectibles. Campbell is one of the hottest Marvel cover artists around right now, and his line of Spider-Man statues has a lot of buzz. Watch this week’s episode to see tons of pictures of this sexy redhead and find out if she needs to join your collection!But this latest statue is only the most recent Mary Jane representation in polystone. For a non-powered love interest Mary Jane has been represented in several statues. Also in this issue Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin look at three previous Mary Jane statues: one from Kotobukiya, one from Bowen, and the infamous Adam Hughes Comiquette from Sideshow. Hughes’ statue caused quite a stir when it was originally released, and in this issue you can hear an exclusive interview with the legendary pin-up artist discussing this and his other statue work!With an eBay peek at Hasbro’s second wave of Amazing Spider-Man legends, a Guardians of the Galaxy report from CES, and oh so much more, it’s all in this brand new Marvelicious Toys!Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! The audio version of our show is also still available. Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT108.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 107: Carnage in the Toy Aisle
Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
Marvel action figure collectors, we hope you didn’t spend all your cash on the holidays because Hasbro has started shipping tons of new figures! 6-inch Marvel Legends figures tying into The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier are now hitting pegs, months before the corresponding movies will come out. Plus the 4-inch figure lines for both movies are also showing up! On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie run down all the new toys being released. Plus you can hear in-depth, hands on reviews of the first wave of Amazing Spider-Man 2 Legends including Superior Spider-Man, Black Cat, Carnage, Beetle, and the movie-based Electro and Spider-Man!
But not all the new Hasbro products fit the existing figure lines. Also showing up en masse are Hasbro’s Marvel Superhero Mashers. Want a Spider-Man head on a Hulk body with Hawkeye’s arms? This toy line allows you to mix and match the body parts and accessories of your favorite heroes. The hosts give a review of these items and say if they are fun for kids, adults, or anyone!
With a rundown of clearance sales, new blind boxed Marvel toys from Funko, high end releases from Sideshow, and one last release of figures from Hasbro’s cancelled Marvel Universe line, it’s all in this jam-packed VIDEO issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT107.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 413: 2013 Year In Review Part 2 – Statues, Books, LEGO, and More!
Note: Star Wars Action News’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
In 2013 Gentle Giant had the Admiral Ackbar Magnitude bust, Sideshow Collectibles had Premium Format Figures from The Force Unleashed and The Old Republic video games, and LEGO sold a Fury-Class Interceptor from The Old Republic. In short, for Star Wars collecting companies the universe expanded last year. In this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast join Arnie, Marjorie, Nathan, Brock, Steve, and Jerry as they look back on the strange and interesting year where companies tried to find a footing marketing Star Wars while biding their time until Episode VII in 2015! We look back on the books, busts, statues, 1/6 scale figures, LEGO sets and so much more in this new video-enhanced Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN413.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 106: Toys of Future Past 2013 Part 2 – From Low to High End
Note: Marvelicious Toys’ enhanced podcasts are now full HD video podcasts! Read all about it in Arnie’s blog post.
In the past year Iron Man fans have had a decision to make, as Play Imaginative, Hot Toys, Sideshow Collectibles, Bandai, Kotobukiya, and so many other companies have released lines of Iron Man figures. On this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast Justin, Arnie, and Marjorie, joined by team members Shane and Geof, look back on the year that was for high end toy, statue, and bust collectors. From a 3-foot Galactus to Diamond Select Minimates to the Funko bobbleheads, plus the surprise Marvel Licensee of the Year, we discuss it all in this first video podcast of Marvelicious Toys!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT106.MP3
Category: Arts
New 3.75-inch Marvel Figures Possibly Revealed!
The new Previews Catalog has a listing which is confusing, but may boast good news for Marvel Universe figure collectors!
The listing is for “Avengers Infinite Series Action Figures”. They are described as being 6-inch figures, however Marvel collectors will recognize some tell-tale signs in the image that these are, in fact, 3.75-inch figures. Specifically, the Iron Man “fwoosh” accessory is one that has been included on many 3.75-inch figures thus far. Also the articulation indicates these are smaller-scale figures. Additionally, the tiny Wasp version appears to be a repaint of the Wasp that came with the Avengers figure 3-pack.
The line-up includes:
- Captain America
- Heroic Age Iron man
- Platinum Wasp
- Platinum Hyperion
- Platinum Hulk
- Platinum Grim Reaper
The MSRP on these is $14.99, which may be a new price point or may be incorrect as the listing states the figures are 6-inch.
It also states they ship in March, so they should start showing up in major retail stores as early as February. It’s still unknown, though, if major retailers like Walmart will carry this line, as discussed in the latest Marvelicious Toys podcast.
But a Marvel NOW Hulk, a full-size Wasp, a 3.75-inch Hyperion, and Grim Reaper? 2014 may be a great time to be a Marvel fan and collector!
New Podcast: Issue 105: Toys of Future Past 2013 Part 1 – Hasbro
2013 has been an exciting year for Marvel toy collectors, and Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin are joined by some other Marvelicious co-hosts to recall it all! On this first episode of the year in review the hosts look at the year in Hasbro toys. From Iron Man Assemblers to Thor: The Dark World the movie lines have been varied, plus with a return of Marvel Legends and the end of the fan favorite Marvel Universe 3.75-inch line all Marvel fans had something to celebrate, and something to frustrate. Including the San Diego Comic-Con exclusives and the return of Nick Fury, we discuss all the year’s toys, and look forward to 2014’s offerings, in this new Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT105.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 411: Get the 411 On Star Wars Discounts
Collecting Hasbro’s Star Wars toys is filled with highs and lows, and this holiday season it seems to be both at once! While the new 6-inch and 3.75-inch Black Series figures remain elusive, bargains abound on exclusive vehicles and figures. On this week’s podcast Marjorie and Arnie look at the discounts and tell you how to save the most money on the toys, and also discuss what these markdowns may mean for future exclusives. All that, plus a detailed review of Hasbro’s Black Series Wave 2, including Mara Jade, Pablo Jill, and more!
Also on this week’s show it’s a special focus on Star Wars trading cards. Jerry’s Vintage Viewpoint focuses on the rerelease of the Star Wars Radio Drama from Highbridge Audio, and looks at the new Topps trading card set based on the Radio Drama. Then Marjorie and Arnie talk to Topps sketch card artist Christian Slade about his work on the cards, as well as his new prints coming from Acme Archives on Dec 15th!
With a report from this weekend’s Toy Man Toy Show, a new sixth-scale Tauntaun, Imperial Probe Drones, and more, it’s all on this Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN411.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 104: God of Thunder & Rock and Roll
Avengers Assemble! It’s not just a battle cry–it’s now a cartoon, and to tie into the Disney XD show Hasbro has a line of 3.75-inch Marvel characters. The second wave of Hasbro’s Avengers Assemble figures have been online for some time. On this issue of Marvelicious Toys you can hear reviews of the new Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Thor, and Leader figures. Listen to find out if these are these worth hunting down for your collection.Also in this show, Geof returns with Super Hero Fun Time and a hands on review of the Bandai Figuarts Iron Man and War Machine. These 6-inch figures may be scaled the same as Marvel Legends, but listen to find out why the much higher cost is justified.With reviews of Kotobukiya’s Fine Arts Daredevil statue, Sideshow’s Premium Format Hawkeye, and Arnie tells of receiving his second Galactus Maquette from Sideshow Collectibles, it’s all in this Thanksgiving-stuffed issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT104.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 103: Black Friday and Sweet Christmas Gift Guide 2013
It can be hard to shop for a Marvel collector. If they love action figures or statues, video games or movies, finding just the right gift can be difficult. Never fear–just listen to the Marvelicious Toys 4th Annual Marvel Holiday Gift Guide and Black Friday shopping companion!
In this issue of the podcast Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie look back at all the Marvel items out there and pick only the absolute coolest to go on the Marvelicious gift list. With a focus on retail or discount priced items readily available, you can find the perfect object to put under the tree to give your Marvel collector a SWEET CHRISTMAS!
And also on this podcast the hosts look at all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargains. Should Marvel collectors brave the crowds for discounts on LEGO, Hasbro, and other items, or should you just shop online from the comfort of your home or office? Listen to find out!
With an update on Sideshow’s orders of the Hot Toys Iron Man in MIDAS armor and a Deadpool Premium Format in X-Force colors, it’s all in this jam-packed Marvelicious Toys podcast!
And don’t forget to sign up for the 2013 X-MAS Gift Exchange! Sign-ups end December 2nd. Get and give some Marvel joy this season by joining this Secret Santa gift exchange! Find out all the details.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT103.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 410: Black Friday Deals and 2013 Holiday Gift Guide
Black Friday isn’t what it used to be…it’s not even Friday any more! With sales having started Thanksgiving Day and some stretching through the weekend and even to “Cyber Monday” bargain shoppers now have almost a full week of savings. Stay on target for Star Wars bargains with this episode of Star Wars Action News! Marjorie and Arnie run down the stores with Star Wars items on sale to let you know which bargains are worth fighting the crowds, and which you can sleep through!
Also on this episode is the annual Star Wars Action News holiday gift guide! With gift ideas for men, women, and children, and in all price ranges, listen to find what to get the Star Wars collector who seems to already have everything! The entire Star Wars Action News team has contributed ideas. From books to lightsabers, toys to statues, jewelry to original art, it’s all here in today’s podcast! Plus listen to win a set of Star Wars Radio Drama CD-sets from Star Wars Action news and Highbridge Audio!
And don’t forget to sign up for the Star Wars Action Sithmas Gift Exchange! Sign-ups end December 2nd. Get and give some Star Wars joy this season by joining this Secret Santa gift exchange! All the details are at http://www.swactionnews.com/Sithmas/
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN410.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 102: The Puck Stops Here!
Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Spider, The Wrecker, Black Panther, Hawkeye, Jean Grey, Emma Frost, Wolverine, Sabretooth, Cyclops, and Puck–no, it’s not a new Marvel Event team-up but the last two waves of Hasbro’s Marvel Legends figures! On the latest issue of Marvelicious Toys Justin, Arnie, and Marjorie review these 11 new releases. Some of them are very hard to find, listen to find out if they’re worth the hunt!
Also in this week’s show, listen to be enLIGHTened about three new Iron Man 3 Assemblers, the final wave of Marvel Universe, including Black Knight, showing up in stores, and how to get a Quinjet and Helicarrier for half off!
With new Disney Store exclusive Diamond Select figures and a brief review of Thor: The Dark World it’s all in the 102nd issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
And join us next week on Thanksgiving for our annual Black Friday sale guide and Sweet Christmas shopping list!
Dont’ forget to sign up for the 2013 X-MAS Gift Exchange! Get and give a Marvel themed gift this holiday season! Find out all the details.
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT102.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 409: The Death Star Plans are NOT in the main computer–they’re in this book!
Star Wars Episode VII draws nearer! We now have a firm release date. On December 18, 2015 fans will finally see a cinematic vision of Star Wars post-Return of the Jedi, 32 years after Episode VI’s release. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast your hosts Marjorie and Arnie discuss this news and anticipate a holiday season full of Star Wars goodness!
And the 2013 holiday season is upon us! From new Christmas ornaments in stores to gift sets, decorations, and more, the hosts run down all the new Star Wars holiday items and where you can get them cheapest!
Also this week, Arnie talks with prolific Star Wars Author Ryder Windham about his newest book, the Death Star Owner’s Tehnical Manual. Ryder discusses his first Star Wars projects with Dark Horse and how he has come to write so many Star Wars junior novels and reference books.
With Steve providing a new UK report, Johnathan reviewing the K-Mart Exclusive Endor packs and Scanning Crew sets, a review of the new, more affordable, Star Wars Frames books, and so much more, it’s all in this week’s super-sized edition of the Star Wars Action News podcast!
And don’t forget to join in the Star Wars Action News holiday Sithmas exchange! Give and get an extra Star Wars gift this season by joining in this “Secret Santa” exchange with another Star Wars Action News listener. Head to swactionnews.com to see all the details and the sign-up form.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN409.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 101: Super Thor Bros!
Tomorrow the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow with Thor: The Dark World. With the mighty Avenger back on screen he is also back in toy stores with Hasbro’s new line of 3.75-inch Thor figures. This line features two versions of Thor, plus Loki, Kurse, and a Dark Elf. On this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast hosts Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie provide hands-on reviews of these figures. Is this a figure line collectors should pay attention to? Listen to find out!
Also on this week’s show the hosts discuss the two newest Marvel movie trailers – Captain America: The Winter Soldier and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
With a review of the new LEGO Marvel video game, an update on some Uncanny Marvel Universe figures, a run-down of new figures in the latest two waves of Marvel Universe figures, and more, it’s all in this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT101.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 408: Look My Head Look So Big To Young Eyes?
New Hasbro product is hitting fast. Exclusives are shipping from Amazon, as well as showing up on store shelves at Toys R Us and KMart. Also from Hasbro Black Series Wave 2, both 6-inch and 3.75-inch, are shipping from online retailers. On this week’s Star Wars Action News hosts Marjorie and Arnie look at some of the new 6-inch figures, Slave Leia and Greedo, and run down the exclusives.
Also this past week came the eBook editions of J.W. Rinzler’s Making of Star Wars books. Enhanced with more photos and multimedia content, listen to find out if the new features make this worth a purchase, or re-purchase if you already own the hardcover editions.
With cranially-enhanced holiday decorations, a report from the Winter London Film & Comic Con, and more, it’s all on this episode of the Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN408.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 100: Our Marvelicious 100th Episode — LIVE!
Welcome to Marvelicious Toys’ 100th podcast! Recorded live October 17th the Marvelicious Toys hosts Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin got to chat with podcast listeners and give away over a thousand dollars in prizes from sponsors Gentle Giant, Sideshow Collectibles, Kotobukiya, eFX Collectibles, Diamond Select Toys and more!
And on this episode Marjorie and Arnie ran down the latest news from New York Comic-Con, including Hasbro’s off-site press event where they showed figures from the 2014 toy lines–including Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Amazing Spider-Man 2!
With new Bishoujo and Art-FX+ statues from Kotobukiya, a review of eFX’s NYCC exclusive Phil Coulson badge, and more, it’s all in this IGOR-sized recording of Marvelicious Toys LIVE!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT100.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 407: NYCC 2013
In just a few years New York Comic Con has grown to have attendance second only to the 40-year-old San Diego Comic-Con. This year had big name stars like Sylvester Stallone, Sigourney Weaver, and more signing autographs, perhaps the highest profile autograph stars at any convention. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Marjorie and Arnie report on the Star Wars reveals from Kotobukiya, their exclusive Art-FX+ R2 unit, as well as the other Star Wars collectibles at the con.
But the biggest Star Wars reveals were not at the Javits Center. Hasbro had no presence at NYCC, but they held a private press event the Wednesday before the con and the Star Wars Action News hosts were there. Listen to find out what was revealed, and what wasn’t. Plus find out Hasbro’s answer to “what’s right with Mara Jade?” and news on the notorious Black Series bubble issue.
With an update on all the new toys hitting stores from Johnathan, as well as a Vintage Viewpoint looking back at the Kenner Ewok toys, it’s all on this episode of Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN407.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 99: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Xavier!
Action figures! New action figures are shipping from Hasbro in the Avengers Assemble, Marvel Universe, and Iron Man 3 toy lines! On this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin give you the run down on what’s new, and where you can find it!
Also this week, with the holidays coming, and by holidays we mean Halloween though the stores think Christmas, stores are full of cool swag Marvel fans can use to show their love of their favorite heroes. From Spider-Man Jack-O-Lanterns to Avengers lawn inflatables, the items range from uber-cool to ultra-tacky. On this week’s Marvelicious Toys we tell you about the items you’ll want, and want to avoid, for your house this season!
An announcement–our next podcast will be Marvelicious Toys’ 100th episode! To celebrate we’re having a LIVE SHOW on Thursday, October 17th at 8:30pm EST. If you join us live at marvelicioustoys.com you can listen to our show and have a chance to win one of the following great prizes:
A Ghost Rider Statue donated by Gentle Giant Ltd. A Hot Toys Captain America – Star Spangled Man figure donated by Sideshow Collectibles An Iron Man Mark 42 Art-FX statue donated by Kotobukiya The Avengers Phase I Blu-Ray Box SetPhil Coulson Agent of SHIELD NYCC Exclusive Badge donated by eFX Collectibles Kotobukiya Bishoujo Black Widow StatueThe SDCC Exclusive Old Man Logan Marvel Universe Figure Pair of Unmasked Wolverine POP Vinyl Variant Bobbleheads Diamond Select Storm Figure Diamond Select Deadpool Figure Marvel Legends Scarlet Spider Figure
To win you must attend the live show at 8:30pm EST on the 17th at MarveliciousToys.com. (International winners are responsible for all taxes and shipping costs, please see all official rules here)
We hope to see you there!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT099.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 98: Earth’s Mightiest Handwipes
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE! It’s not just a battle cry, it’s a toy line! Tying into the new Disney XD animated series, and picking up where Hasbro’s Avengers movie line left off. Are these figures that 3.75-inch Marvel collectors need? Listen to this issue of Marvelicious Toys as Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie review Wave 1 of this new toy line, with Red Skull, The Falcon, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, and Hulk!
Also in stores are tons of other Avengers items. Micro Muggs, Diamond Select figures, T-Shirts, shoes, and even HAND WIPES! Listen to this week’s show for a run down of the new stuff.
With SDCC Exclusives on sale at Entertainment Earth, a hands-on review of the Marvel Unlimited Plus gold Ultron figure, and a look at two new educational and fun items from Uncle Milton, it’s all in this issue of Marvelicious Toys!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT098.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 406: Size DOES Matter
In 2007 the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars brought an onslaught of toys, collectibles, and commemorative items. But of all the 30th Anniversary items only one provided new insight into the Star Wars saga — J.W. Rinsler’s The Making of Star Wars. With that book’s success Rinzler followed up with The Making of The Empire Strikes Back for Episode V’s 30th anniversary in 2010. Now, Rinzler completes his trilogy with The Making of Return of the Jedi, and he may have saved the best for last. On this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast Brock gives a hands-on review of this impressive tome, which is in bookstores today!
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie have the entire first wave of Hasbro’s 6-inch Black Series figures in hand. With X-Wing Luke Skwalker, R2-D2, Darth Maul, and a Sandtrooper, how does this new line of figures hold up? Listen to hear their review.
With some real (trick or) treats in Target’s Halloween section and a report from Project Comic-Con in St. Louis, it’s all in the new Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN406.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 97: The Iron Man Blu’s
Iron Man 3 had a high bar for success. After The Avengers made over 1.5 billion dollars in the box office, could a solo avenger fly nearly so high? But the armored Avenger delivered, becoming the number one movie for 2013 and getting over a billion dollars in worldwide box office. Now it’s time for Iron Man to fly into your home video collection! The movie comes out in the USA tomorrow! But where are the exclusive versions? Listen to this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast where Marjorie, Arnie, and Justin discuss this.
Also in this issue, Hasbro’s Marvel Universe figures are hitting fast with three new case assortments shipping in the past two weeks! There are now 22 figures released in the 2013 line. Arnie has them all in hand, so listen to find out which are new, which are “new enough”, and which are difficult to tell.
With a final review of Sideshow’s Deadpool Premium Format Figure, the coming of the Sideshow Galactus Maquette, a report from Project Comic-Con 2013 in St. Louis, and a Mego birthday to remember, it’s all in this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT097.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 405: John Jackson Miller and the Crazy Wizard
The latest Star Wars expanded universe novel is Kenobi, a standalone story telling of the Jedi’s arrival on Tatooine, including the locals and Tuskens with whom he tussles! The book is appeasing Star Wars fans worldwide, and now Arnie sits down with author John Jackson Miller to talk about this Western-inspired tale.
Also in this week’s episode Johnathan’s back with his On The Pegs segment and Steve provides a UK Report. It’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN405.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 96: FIGURE-ing Out Hasbro
Could Hasbro make Marvel action figure collecting more complicated? Currently at many toy stores there are three distinct toy lines, two current and one peg warming. More, the Marvel Universe toy line, once Hasbro’s flagship Marvel brand, is being retired and coming in 2014 in its place is a new line named, you guessed it, AVENGERS! Add to that 3.75-inch figure lines for Spider-Man, Wolverine, Thor, Iron Man 3, and more, keeping track can require a spreadsheet.
Or a podcast! On this week’s Marvelicious Toys Marjorie, Justin, and Arnie run down all the current and future Hasbro Marvel toy lines. They look at the last four waves of Marvel Universe figures–all shipping in the next two months! Plus they outline what has been revealed of Hasbro’s future figure plans.
With a Sideshow Premium Format quality update and more, it’s all in this issue of the Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT096.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 404: ICE, ICE, Baby! Chilling with cool collectors.
What happens when over a hundred of the world’s most avid Star Wars collectors gather in one place over a long weekend? Fun, shopping and more! On this week’s Star Wars Action News Marjorie and Arnie report on the Labor Day Weekend International Collector’s Event, or ICE convention, put on by some of the Seattle Star Wars collectors. They toured two of the largest Star Wars collections in the world, went on toy runs en masse, got amazing exclusives, and watched an original 35mm print of Return of the Jedi–the 1983 version!Listen in as the hosts are joined by Gus Lopez, the hosts of the Galaxy of Toys podcast, Star Wars crafts expert Amy Sjoberg, and owner of the world’s largest private Star Wars collection Steve Sansweet. It’s all on this exclusive report podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN404.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 95: Exsmellcior!
The Marvel Universe is winding down but some great characters are still to come in the line’s final waves. On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie look at the newest Hasbro Marvel Universe figures showing up on pegs with Elektra, Mysterio, Rhino, and Captain America! Plus also reviews of the new Avengers Assemble All Star and Iron Man 3 All Star figures from Hasbro. Also on this week’s show, Arnie has received two new Sideshow Collectibles Premium Format figures, but what does it mean when both are damaged out of the box? And what is Sideshow doing to make it right? The Marvelicious hosts examine a sharp decline in service and quality from one of the best-known Marvel collectible makers on this week’s show. With a new Stan Lee scent and so much more, it’s all on this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT095.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 403: Crazy Train
Have you found the new Hasbro figures? All Hasbro’s new lines, Black Series 4-inch, Black Series 6-inch, Mission Series, and Saga Legends, are showing up across the US. New toys are a welcome relief to the modern Star Wars figure collector after many months with no new releases, and on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast the coverage continues. Listen to this week’s podcast for a hands on review of the new 4-inch Black Series figures. Then vintage Star Wars collector Jerry takes a look at the Saga Legends figures and provides his views on their five points of articulation.
Also on this week’s show Arnie and Marjorie review Sideshow Collectibles’ new Shaak Ti The Force Unleashed Premium Format figure. They call it a “Premium Format” and it certainly comes with a premium price tag–is it worth it? Listen to their review, and then join in the discussion on Sideshow’s recent quality issues. From bad paint to shipping damage, reports are rampant regarding poor quality control on the Sideshow products. More, Sideshow’s Customer Service seems less than willing to make it right. Arnie provides his first-hand experiences on this week’s podcast.
With Brock reviewing John Jackson Miller’s new Star Wars novel Kenobi and a look at a Star Wars collectible that will shake your caboose, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
Action Figure Collectors; If you enjoy collecting action figures also check out Issue 94 of the Marvelicious Toys podcast where Arnie, Marjorie, and Justin talk to former Hasbro Senior Product Designer David Vonner about the evolution and future of action figure collecting. While Vonner worked on the Marvel line the information given applies to all action figures. You can hear this interview at Marvelicioustoys.com.
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN403.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 94: The Vonner Files
From 2006 to 2012 David Vonner was a Senior Product Designer at Hasbro, and the face of Marvel Universe action figures. Arguably, no other single person had as much influence over the creation, character selection, and design of Hasbro’s flagship 3.75-inch Marvel figure line. Even figures just now hitting retail were made due to Vonner’s passion and direction for Marvel. But as announced at San Diego Comic-Con International the Marvel Universe line is ending, replaced with the stylistically similar Avengers Assemble figure line. On this issue of Marvelicious Toys Vonner sits down with Justin, Marjorie, and Arnie to discuss his passion for Marvel figures. Everything is discussed, from figures he’d championed that never got made to figures he would never make. Which real-life starlet was the model for Ms. Marvel’s bust? What does David think of the change in direction for Marvel action figures? Are smart phones and internet killing action figures? And do collectors really need Hyperion in two figure scales so close together? Listen for an unprecidented look behind the scenes of action figures from the man who saw it all unfold!
We want your feedback! Please take a few minutes and take the Marvelicious Toys listener poll and tell us what you’d like to hear on the show!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT094.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 402: Separation Anxiety
New figures are on the pegs and Marjorie and Arnie are back in the Star Wars Action News studio ready to review them! On this week’s podcast the hosts look at new new Saga Legends figures from Hasbro. With limited articulation and smaller card backs these figures have divided collectors between those who demand more collector-oriented figures and those who find the limited pose-ability a throwback to vintage collecting. Hasbro claims they’re some of the best sculpts they’ve ever done. Listen to find out the final verdict!But with the new items shipping there seem to be new problems for collectors. The figures seem to have problem staying on the cards, and reports are widespread regarding shipping damage to the Amazon exclusive Slave I. Even those who received perfect Slave I vehicles may still have issues as many report manufacturing issues and missing parts with Boba Fett’s iconic ship. Marjorie and Arnie run down these disappointing details.With listener voicemails giving their thoughts on the toys, a review of the Star Wars chess set, and a Legend-ary Darth Maul collectible, it’s all on this week’s Star Wars Action News podcast!
We want your feedback! Please take a few minutes and take the Star Wars Action News listener poll and tell us what you’d like to hear on the show!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN402.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 93: Hot Toys — Feelin’ the Burn!
If you thought the build-up to The Avengers was heavy with Hot Toys pre-orders, the recent few weeks make Spring 2012 actually seem calm. With three new Marvel Hot Toys going up for preorder in one day, including two exclusives, the Mandarin put up shortly thereafter, and the tease of the Midas armor Iron Man, even Tony Stark would have to question the expense of buying them all! On this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast, Arnie and Marjorie, back in the studio, join Justin to discuss this frenzied release schedule and what it means for the Hot Toys collector.
Also on this week’s show, Marjorie and Arnie no sooner got back to the states before they went to Chicago for the Wizard World convention. Full of toys, cosplay, artists, and more, listen to find out if you should attend the next Wizard convention in your area!
With new toys showing up in stores, including exclusives, and more, it’s all in this week’s Marvelicious Toys podcast!
We want your feedback! Please take a few minutes and take the Marvelicious Toys listener poll and tell us what you’d like to hear on the show!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT093.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Episode 401: The Empire Brings Sexy Back
This weekend was Wizard World Chicago 2013, and the Star Wars Action News crew were there, as were tons of Star Wars toys. From rare vintage Star Wars items from Hasbro and Palitoy to new Black Series figures in both scales! With a new show layout and big guests, listen to find out if you should attend the next Wizard World in your area!
But the biggest news of the week is Hasbro’s new Black Series figures! The new wave of 3.75-inch figures are hitting stores coast to coast. The hosts provide a carded review of these new figures and detail some problems that carded collectors may need to watch out for!
With Star Wars burlesque at Chicago’s Gorilla Tango Theater, disappointment at D23, and more, it’s all in this week’s Star Wars Action News!
Listen Now: http://www.swactionnews.com/Podcasts/SWAN401.MP3
Category: Movies & Television
New Podcast: Issue 92: SDCC 2013 – That’s a Wrap!
Arnie & Marjorie are off exploring Europe, but the show must go on! Join Justin, Jerry & Geof as they discuss the highs and lows of San Diego Comic-Con 2013. They try to bring some clarity to changes coming to Marvel Universe & Marvel Legends and try not to drool too much on Play Imaginative’s Super Alloy Iron Man offerings. Plus news on pre-orders for Hot Toys best pair of shoes to date!
We want your feedback! Please take a few minutes and take the Marvelicious Toys listener poll and tell us what you’d like to hear on the show!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT092.MP3
Category: Arts
New Podcast: Issue 91: Hasbro Panel & Marvel Studio Press Conferences SDCC 2013
Note: Starting in May, 2013 with version 11.0.3 an Apple iTunes update changed the iTunes Miniplayer. This update changed what must be done to view enhanced podcast images in iTunes. To view these images:Start playing the podcast in iTunes. At the top of iTunes you will see the player bar with a small icon of the show cover art.
In Windows hold down Ctrl and click the cover icon. In Mac hold down Command and click the cover icon. This will pop up a new window where you can see enhanced images. (if you just click on the icon it only shows a larger icon, no enhanced images).In the universe of Marvel collecting the center is Hasbro. From Marvel Legends to Marvel Universe, movie tie-in figures and more, Hasbro holds the exclusive license to Marvel action figures. With all the changes lately, from lower articulation figures aimed at children to Iron Man Assemblers, fans and collectors were anxious for news on what Hasbro will do next. You heard a brief recap in our last issue, but now hear the entire Marvel brand presentation. And view the slides from the show on our web site, or the enhanced podcast!
Plus hear the press conferences for the upcoming Marvel Studios films Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy!
We want your feedback! Please take a few minutes and take the Marvelicious Toys listener poll and tell us what you’d like to hear on the show!
Listen Now: http://www.marvelicioustoys.com/Podcasts/MT091.MP3
Category: Arts
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