John Ary here with a quick look at a few action figure lines that have been making headlines recently...
The Batmobile from Hot Toys
In 1989 Tim Burton ushered in a new era of superhero films with Batman. Now Hot Toys has completed its action figure trifecta with the caped crusader, The Joker and the batmobile. It features working headlights and taillights, machine guns, a sliding door for the cock pit, moving flaps on both sides, 4 batdiscs, a detachable base, shields, and a detachable hook and plane on both sides. It’s available for pre-order here (Warning! Do not click this link if unbelievably high toy prices offend you.)
Godzilla Junior from Bandai
There IS a difference between Son of Godzilla and Godzilla Junior. The prior first appeared in 1967’s Monster Island’s Decisive Battle: Godzilla’s Son while the former enjoyed a run of films in the 90’s. They both had practically the same origin story: scientists unearth a mysterious egg that hatches a Mutant Godzillasaurus, establishes a psychic link with Godzilla and goes on to be loathed by hardcore Toho fans. Despite his Jar Jar-like standing with the Gojira community, Bandai has added the mini-monster to its S.H. MonsterArts series. It stands in proportion to the other diecast Godzilla creatures in the line. He will also comes with pieces to build the crystal cage Spacegodzilla used to imprison him. Look for this little guy in June. He’s available for pre-order here.
Men in Black 3 from Jakks Pacific
Has there ever been a good Will Smith action figure? The late 90’s gave us the awful Independence Day line from Trendmasters and X-Toys’ craptacular Wild Wild West assortment. Perhaps those toys were so terrible, action figure executives just couldn’t pull the trigger on a Robert Neville with a kung fu grip or that fully articulated Bagger Vance we’ve been waiting for… But I digress. These 4-inch figures will run you around $9 a piece when they hit stores in March. They are up for pre-order here.
Marvel Select Movie Figures from Diamond Select Toys
Diamond Select showed off some of its upcoming Marvel Select figures for The Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man at New York Toy Fair. The Hulk, Hawkeye, Lizard and Spidey will be available in the 7-inch scale featuring 16 points of articulation and a $20 price tag in May.
Nick Fury from Hot Toys
When asked if he watches his own films, Samuel L. Jackson replied, “Definitely. And I always do – I love me on-screen!” (thanks IMDB). I wonder if he will play with this new deluxe 12-inch figure when it releases in a few months? It features over 30 points of articulation, 8 interchangeable hands, a movie accurate cloth costume, a brief case with the cosmic cube and much more. He’ll cost you $190 and is available for pre-order here. It also looks like Hot Toys will release more members of the Avengers movie team in the near future.
And finally, I know the "Sh*t ____'s say" videos are a bit passé now, but one of the best action figure video guys on Youtube put out a new crop of superhero versions. Enjoy.
