Odds ‘n Ends > Rambo, Edgy(?) Buzz Lightyear, Ram Man Delayed,
–ODD–
NECA is making both a Rambo figure from the first film and an Atlas figure from Portal 2.
It’s very cool we’re getting a figure from the first film, but as anyone who’s seen that movie knows, it’s as much a study in PTSD as an action film. I think everyone’s expecting/hoping for a figure of Rambo from the more-fun-if-far-more-jingoistic Rambo II – which, personally, I will use to make a custom of Weird Al as he appeared in the Rambo dream sequence in UHF. (more…)
Pic of the Day > Red vs Blue by nobudius5192
NECA & Sideshow get Pacific Rim
(Thanks to TNI for the heads-up.)
I don’t think I’ve been as excited for a movie since The Dark Knight as I am for Pacific Rim. One of my favorite directors doing a movie about giant monsters fighting giant robots? I’ll admit that I worry a bit about this film suffering from audience fatigue with movies involving aliens and robots (Transformers, Battleship, Battle: Los Angeles, Avengers, etc.). But I’m hoping director Guillermo Del Toro’s reputation will allow critics and moviegoers to judge it on its merits rather than dismissing it as a dumb blockbuster. And…I hope it’s good.
Anyway, GDT himself posted a note on his website about the film’s merchandising:
NECA is doing toys and a ton of apparel / accessories. SIDESHOW is doing a couple of diorama statues and there are two downloadable games in progress. This plus the comics and book novelization and a few etc
Very good for an unbranded, non-sequel original property!!
I knew about NECA, because their name popped up on a licensing expo list (which I kept quiet about in consideration for NECA, who seemed to really want to spring this at or around Toy Fair). I have no idea what NECA’s toy plans are, but I’m willing to bet we’ll see 7″ figures of the main characters and perhaps the robots and monsters, as well as much larger toys of the robots and monsters.
I’m excited to see what NECA offers, but I also continue to hope Bandai gets the license for S.H.MonsterArts as well. Speaking of, how crazy is Japan going to go for this movie?
And speaking of giant robots…
Review > Santa Gizmo (Gremlins Toys”R”Us Exclusive, NECA)
While watching Gremlins recently (for the first time in ages), I discovered that the film, which originally came out in summer 1984, was re-released in summer 1985. Given that I saw the movie in a theater, this made a little more sense to me than the idea that my father took me to see this movie when I was five years old. But six? Anything goes at six. (more…)
Odds ‘n Ends > Rising action figure prices, articulation debates, Hoverboard disappointment, Pacific Rim
LOT of ground to cover today folks, so let’s get right to it.
–ODD–
Phil Reed of Battlegrip recently posted “Five Reasons Why Action Figures Cost More Today.” Phil knows what he’s talking about and you should check out the whole thing, which focuses largely on economic factors such as rising labor and materials costs. But one thing that interested me was the first comment on the post, which mentioned the declining birthrate in Western countries. That reminded me of this post by Richard Gottlieb that I read recently, “U.S. Birthrate Plummets; Look for Fewer Children in Four Years.” Richard begins the article with, “If there was ever a case to be made for marketing toys to adult end users…” Hasbro has clearly embraced this idea, but if I had to guess I’m willing to bet there’s still a struggle going on at Mattel between the generations over how to approach the collectors’ market. (more…)
Toy Aisle Trolls > Part Man, Part Machine, Anorexic
Toy Aisle Trolls is a feature highlighting acts of vandalism to in-store toy items. If you find a ruined package, a stolen figure, a swapped-out figure, or any other such acts, take a photo (cell phone photos are fine if they’re not blurry) and email them to poe@poeghostal.com.
Submitted by: 3B
“From my local TRU. I don’t think he has a spring-loaded anything.”
Odds ‘n Ends > OSM, Jitsu, Armorvor, Realm of the Underworld, Predator, Portal, DC Unlimited
The Four Horsemen are once again selling holiday editions of their Outer Space Men figures. The current set includes the Cyclops, Gemini and Orbitron.
Mattel released the packaging photo and bio for Jitsu earlier this week. Evidently Jitsu runs Snake Mountain after Skeletor leaves for space, which seems kind of out of left field to me. Was this solely for the “iron fist” joke? Because his fist is golden. Says right on the bio. (more…)
Pic of the Day > Mezco Cinema of Fear – Stylized Michael Myers [Halloween II] by Ed Speir IV
![Mezco Cinema of Fear - Stylized Michael Myers [Halloween II]](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4061/5156716234_d419826a1d.jpg)
NECA’s AvP:Requiem Alien Warrior: Still the best 1/12th-Scale Alien figure?
Bear with me here. My favorite “Alien” design is the one from Aliens. That’s solely because it’s the first film of the series I was exposed to, it’s my favorite, and because it’s awesome.
Those who argue the more psychologically-creepy design from the first Alien is superior have a strong argument too, given its smoother, phallic-shaped head. (more…)