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Masters Of The Universe’s Stratos Statues Soars, But Not His Price

Wait … Stratos’s species were apes? How’d I never know that? I always figured they were just furry folk who loved feathers. My mind is blown. OK, not really. Stratos was always that sort of character you’d forget about when it came to the rest of the Masters of the Universe roster. He was no Ram Man, that’s for sure.
Regardless, the design of the flying ape man has been iconic since his figure first appeared on toy shelves in the ’80s. Even if he wasn’t the most popular character, he was the one with the jetpack, and we all wanted jetpacks as kids. If you’ve been collecting the Art Scale He-Man statues from Iron Studios, Stratos has now been added to that line. The 1/10th scale statue features the winged hero taking flight in his classic red helmet and jetpack.
The collectibles market has taken a turn into unaffordability over the past couple of years. Geek Chic has not only made collecting more mainstream, but it has helped to drive up the price of nearly everything. Luckily, Iron Studios is producing lines like the Art Scale series, which doesn’t break the bank. For example, Stratos will cost $29.99 to pre-order, and the final tally will cost $149.99. That’s better than many other Masters of the Universe items we’ve recently covered. Look for the figure to ship during the second quarter of next year.

Iron Studios
Iron Studios
Iron Studios

From the top of the peaks of the Mystic Mountains, between trunks and ramifications of the local vegetation, cut by the ivory and white mist from the high-altitude clouds, the noble and heroic winged warrior takes flight, confident and powerful in his natural habitat, his bravery, leadership, and aerial acrobatics skills make him one of the most valuable allies of the Masters of the Universe in their fight against the evil forces led by the sorcerer Skeletor, the lord of the Snake Mountain, and his minions. Bringing a jetpack on his back to enhance his flight speed, and with his sharpen eyes like a bird of prey, besides a great fighter he acts like a sneaky spy to the heroic warriors, defenders of planet Eternia.

Let us know what you think of Stratos below.
[Source: Iron Studios]

This Modernized Casey Jones Statue Is Ready To Trash Criminal Scum

Casey Jones is the greatest non-mutant ever to grace the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles roster, charging headfirst into a fight as he yells his nonsensical battle cry. Everything improved when he was around, whether it was the original, brutal version in the Mirage Comics or the comically unhinged Jones we saw in the 1987 cartoon.
Iron Studios has put a slightly modern spin on the sportswear-obsessed vigilante with this newest BDS Art Scale statue. Casey Jones comes equipped with his usual assortment of weaponry, including a golf bag full of clubs and bats. His signature mask and left shoulder pad are present, but now he’s got some additional protection below the waist.
Casey can be pre-ordered for $31.99. The total cost to bring home this statue will be $159.99. However, the release date isn’t until the second quarter of 2023.
Iron Studios

Iron Studios
Iron Studios

Ferocious and moody, the urban vigilante with long hair, patrols the alleys and streets of New York City, hiding his identity with a Hockey mask, he wields his hockey stick, preparing himself to hit two hockey pucks in an offensive strike against his opponents. Carrying a golf bag on his back with golf clubs to be used as combat weapons, the warrior ally of the Mutant Ninja Turtles uses cycling gloves and other sports protective equipment over his casual clothes as a combat suit to impose his rough and intimidating looks and personality into his enemies. Over a pedestal of a diorama set reflecting his territory, with old rusty pipes, broken bricks and a trash can with launched shuriken stars from his ninja rivals of the Foot Clan, Iron Studios present the statue “Casey Jones BDS – TMNT – Art Scale 1/10”, with the anti-hero holding his club with the name “Eastman” printed as a brand, a tribute from Iron Studios to his creator on the comics.

What do you think of this statue? Let us know below.
[Source: Iron Studios]

Classic Thimble Theatre Popeye Takes On Bluto In This Exclusive Set

Well, blow me down! Popeye and Bluto are at it again! The runt and the brute are having a quarrel, and neither character is getting away unscathed. Bruised knuckles and black eyes are in abundance with this PX Previews Exclusive boxset.
We spotted this over at the Big Bad Toy Store. For $69.99, you’ll get the two 1/12 scale figures in a window box. From the description, it says that they will come with interchangeable accessories. So, I am guessing this means alternate hands and probably a can of spinach.
Popeye and Bluto have several points of articulation, but given their cartoony dimensions, I’m not sure what sort of dynamic poses these guys can get into. On the other hand, limited display options may be a small price to pay, considering how close these figures look to the Segar comic strips.
These PX Exclusive figures are variations of Boss Fight Studios’ previously released Popeye and Bluto. Other characters available for pre-order include Olive Oyl, Castor Oyl, Wimpy, Poopdeck Pappy, Sea Hag, and Popeye in his Famous Studios white sailor suit. Each of those figures can be ordered directly from BFS for $34.99.
 

Boss Fight Studios
Boss Fight Studios
Boss Fight Studios

Now presenting the PREVIEWS Exclusive Battle Damaged Bluto and Popeye figure pack: an amazing set depicting some of the greatest comic fight scenes ever with Bluto and Popeye bruised and beaten. With unique outfit colors and interchangeable accessories. This special exclusive brings to life the core battle between these eternal rivals in a way that’s never been done before. The 2-pack in collectible window box packaging is a great addition to any collector’s shelf!

Are you a Popeye fan? Are the residents of Sweet Haven underused when it comes to multimedia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]

New Transformers Include Street Fighter, Tonkanator, and Slicer

A lot of Transformers figures were announced this week, thanks to Hasbro. Some are odd, and some made off with my wallet.
For those who’ve been following the Shattered Glass line of “Mirror Universe” Transformers figures, a new Decepticon has been announced—this time around, it’s Slicer, sporting a fantastic blue paint job. Slicer can be pre-ordered for $48.99 and should be out in February of next year.

Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro

Slicer is a spy, an assassin, and an Autobot infiltrator. When the fate of Cybertron is on the line, his loyalties will soon be tested… if he has any left. This Decepticon Slicer figure converts from robot to racecar mode in 18 steps. Deco is inspired by the Shattered Glass universe, complete with a red Decepticon logo. Comes with Exo-Suit figure that converts to armored vehicle mode in 10 steps. Includes 2 combinable blaster accessories.

When I was a kid, I missed getting all the Decepticons to build the G1 version of Devastator. Hasbro is giving every other poor kid and me a second chance with the Tonkanator! The classic G1 Transformers have been painted Tonka yellow and have received the company’s branding. Of course, this also means that the Tonkanator would have to be an Autobot rather than a bad buy. Works for me!
Well, as of writing this, the figure is pre-sold out. However, keep checking Hasbro Pulse to see if he becomes available again.

Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro

Worlds collide in this Transformers-Tonka mash-up pack! Enemies don’t stand a chance when you’re built to take on the toughest jobs! Tonka construction vehicles take on new forms as Transformers robots that combine to form the mighty Tonkanator! Figures convert from robot to construction vehicle mode in 4-5 steps. Autobot Mega Dozer converts to bulldozer mode, Power Digger converts to digger mode, Autobot Skyhook converts to crane mode, Mega Hauler converts to mighty dump truck mode, Motormix converts to cement mixer mode, and Motor Load converts to front end loader mode. Features classic yellow deco inspired by Tonka construction toys. Comes with 6 sticker sheets, 2 launchers, 4 missiles, and 8 blaster accessories.

Now moving on to the weird stuff. Hasbro has announced four “new” Transformer figures that are a mash-up of classic characters and competitors from Capcom’s Street Fighter series. Ryu, Ken, M. Bison, and Chun-Li are represented in this line via unique paint jobs on previously released Autobots and Decepticons.
Ken takes on the form of Hot Rod, while Chun-Li is classic Arcee. The bigger figures, Ryu and M. Bison are repaints of Optimus Prime and Megatron figures. The figures are sold in two-packs. Chun-Li and Ken Masters are packaged together for $74.99, while M. Bison and Ryu are $112.99. These are expected to ship around the beginning of November.

Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
OK, I’m not saying these things look like bootlegs or customs, but they kinda do. The idea of meshing Street Fighter and Transformers sounds cool, but it needs to be done with more effort than recoloring a few old releases. Perhaps the paint jobs will be better on the final product? Let us know your thoughts below.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse] [Source: Hasbro Pulse] [Source: Hasbro Pulse] [Source: Hasbro Pulse]

Sentai Nabs Anime Comedy ‘When Will Ayumu Make His Move?’

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Manga artist Sōichirō Yamamoto released the slice-of-life comedy series ‘When Will Ayumu Make His Move?’ in 2019 through the publishing company Kodansha. The Japanese animation studio Silver Link is picking up the series as an anime that is set to be released in July 2022. Sentai Filmworks recently announced that they had acquired the license to premiere the show in North America.
“Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to When Will Ayumu Make His Move?, the adorable new comedy anime series from the creator of Teasing Master Takagi-san. Sentai will premiere the series exclusively on HIDIVE,” they said on their website.
The show is being written by Deko Akao with Mirai Minato serving as the director for the anime.
You can watch the trailer for the show below:

TV Tropes describes the synopsis as follows,
“It follows the adventures of Tanaka Ayumu, a kendo-club star who gave up his sword to join the Shōgi club…but not because he’s a rabid fan of chess’s Japanese cousin. Instead, he joins because he wants to woo one Yaotome Urushi, the president of the shogi club.
Yet simply joining the club to get close to Urushi isn’t enough for Ayumu; he swears to himself that he won’t ask Urushi out on a date until he beats her in a game of shogi. This goes about as well as you might expect, Ayumu being a total beginner playing against the highly proficient Urushi.  Urushi, for her part, suspects that Ayumu likes her and spends most of her time trying to get him to admit it, but Ayumu has one hell of a poker face…”
Japanese singer Kana Hanazawa’s song “Kakehiki wa Poker Face” will be the first OP theme song while Kanna Nakamura’s “50 Centi” will be the closing song.
The manga placed third in the 2020 Next Manga Awards.

Marvel Announces ‘Planet of the Apes’ Omnibus

No franchise appears safe from Disney, as its subsidiary Marvel Comics announced that they are releasing the ‘Planet of the Apes Omnibus’ comic book collection in 2023. The series is written by Doug Moench with artwork from George Tuska and Alfredo Alcala. E.M. Gist designed the cover for the release with Gil Kane doing an exclusive.
“Last week, Marvel Comics announced a brand-new era of PLANET OF THE APES comics storytelling! The groundbreaking science-fiction phenomenon will return to Marvel Comics with a new series next year and fans will also be able to enjoy Marvel’s previous PLANET OF THE APES stories in the upcoming PLANET OF THE APES ADVENTURES: THE ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS,” they said on their website.
They continued, “This rare collection will reprint all eleven issues of ADVENTURES ON THE PLANETS OF THE APES for the very first time. The beloved 1975 series adapted the first two iconic Planet of the Apes films and holds a special place in the hearts of Planet of the Apes and Marvel Comics fans alike.”
“It’s the simian sci-fi staple in the mighty Marvel manner,” they added. “Relive Marvel’s take on the classic films Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes in one action-packed volume.”
Marvel Comics also released a “first look” of the cover:


Marvel describes the synopsis as follows,
“When a crew of astronauts crash-lands on a strange and desolate world, they discover a society of apes with heightened intelligence and speech. Here, a race of mute humans are their slaves! Can the mission’s leader, Taylor, fight his way free and hold onto his humanity? What is the shocking secret of this Planet of the Apes? What unfathomable danger lies beneath the surface? Find out when a second spaceship makes its way to this uncanny world and another astronaut faces a battle for survival, with the fate of the entire planet at stake!”
The comic book series is based on the 1968 film starring Charlton Heston that spawned four sequels. Tim Burton directed a 2001 remake starring Mark Wahlberg with James Franco acting in the 2011 film ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes.’

‘League of Nations Air Force Aviation Magic Band Luminous Witches’ Anime Is Going To Sentai

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Sentai announced that they have picked up the ‘Strike Witches’ spin-off ‘League of Nations Air Force Aviation Magic Band Luminous Witches’ for a North American release that includes a release to the HiDive streaming service. Shaft Animation Studio produced the anime, which is based on an alternative history OVA anime.
“Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to musical mecha series League of Nations Air Force Aviation Magic Band Luminous Witches, the standalone spin-off of Strike Witches. Sentai will premiere the series exclusively on HIDIVE,” they said on their website.
“Based on the original story created by Fumikane Shimada and Projekt World Witches, the series is animated by studio SHAFT (Puella Magi Madoka Magica, March Comes in Like a Lion, Bakemonogatari) with direction and series composition from Shoji Saeki (Medaka Box, episode director for FLCL and Cardcaptor Sakura). Humikane Shimada (Frame Arms Girl, Girls und Panzer der Film, Girls und Panzer) provides original character design,” they added.
The music for the anime is handled by Fujisawa Yoshiaki.
You can watch the trailer below:

Sentai describes the plot synopsis as follows,
“The war against invading aliens can’t be won by missiles alone! Team morale matters just as much as launching a counterassault, and that’s where Ginny and her friends come in. Instead of standing on the front lines with the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the Luminous Witches of the League of Nations Air Force bring smiles to civilians displaced in the human-Neuroi war world with thrilling song and dance — not to mention aerial displays the likes of which the music world has never seen! While they might be non-combatants, these performers know the value of preserving the people’s smiles, and they’ll fight in their unique way to make sure those smiles never fade.”
Mai Narumi, Minako Hosokawa, Ami Aimoto, Ryo Mamiya, and Sayaka Tsuduki star in the anime.

HiDive To Stream ‘Princess Principal Crown Handler’ English Dub

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‘Princess Principal: Crown Handler’ is the first in a series of movies that were a spin-off of the 2017 steampunk alternative history anime ‘Princess Principal’ from Studio 3HZ and Masaki Tachibana, who also directs the film. It was produced by the Japanese animation studio Actas with Sentai Filmworks acquiring the rights to do an English dub. It was originally released on Amazon, but now HiDive has announced they will stream it.
“The first Princess Principal Crown Handler movie is coming your way again, but this time with an English dub. Grab your spy gear and join us Wednesday, June 29, 2022,” they said on their website.
As D-Rezzed previously reported, the cast includes Avery Smithhart as Ange, Patricia Duran as the Princess, Elizabeth Bunch as Dorothy, Shanae’a Moore as Beatrice, and Rachael Messer as Chise.
You can watch the trailer below:

Wikipedia describes the plot synopsis as follows:
“In response to the assassination attempt on the Queen, the Duke of Normandy begins cracking down on suspected Commonwealth of Albion spies. Concerned that their mole within the royal family may be a double agent, Control tasks the Team White Pigeon with making contact with the mole and investigating him. Ange disguises herself as Princess Charlotte and meets the mole in the royal palace, and is surprised to discover that the mole is Winston, the grand chamberlain and the man that used to take care of her when she was a child. Winston recognizes Ange and lets her know that he is aware she is the real Charlotte and the other is an impostor. Ange and Charlotte explain to the rest of the team that he knows they are investigating him. Despite knowing the risk of Winston exposing them, the team continues to investigate him.”
‘Princess Principal: Crown Handler’ is the first in a series of six films. Yuki Kajiura handled the music for the anime.

This He-Man and Battle Cat Maquette Jumps Into Action

The heroic protector of Castle Grayskull roars into action atop his trusty Battle Cat! What fabulous secret powers brought us this tangible piece of hyper-masculinity and bravery? Why, Sideshow Collectibles, of course! For $999, you can own this presentation of the strongest man in the universe, and not a single Kevin Smith tear needs to be shed because the layaway plan starts at $112.38.
The maquette measures 23.25″ tall and 16.75″ wide. He-Man’s chest emblem can be swapped between the cross symbol and the “H” crest. His weapons can also be swapped out, too. He-Man can choose to wield the Power Sword or battle-ax. There’s a sheath on his back that can hold the sword.
He-Man and Battle Cat should ship sometime between April and June 2023.

Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles

The He-Man and Battle Cat Classic Deluxe Maquette is fully sculpted with detailed textures and movement, from Battle Cat’s green and orange fur to the flow of He-Man’s iconic blonde hair. The mighty prince’s costume includes his signature red and silver chest plates, fur briefs with a gold belt, and a pair of wrapped brown boots. He-Man also has two different swap-out chest plate emblems in both classic and modern designs. Battle Cat wears red armor consisting of a saddle and a spiked helmet. The forces of evil tremble before this empowered duo, prepared to fight to the finish to preserve Grayskull’s secrets.

While I’m always grateful for more classic He-Man stuff, I’d like to see more 200X-inspired merchandise hit the market. Luckily, the Masters of the Universe Origins line will get some figures with accessories from the reboot series. It is safe to say that the larger Masterverse figure line will eventually get 200X characters because something needs to boost the sales. The number of Andra figures I see warming pegs makes me think the toyline is in trouble.
[Source: Sideshow Collectibles]

‘Soul Hackers 2’ English Voice Cast Revealed

‘Soul Hackers 2’ is the upcoming sequel to the RPG ‘Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers’ from the video game developers Atlus. The video game is set to be released worldwide for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on August 26, 2022. While the Japan voice cast was revealed prior, Atlus recently released the English dub cast for a North American release.
Crunchyroll revealed the cast on their website:

  • Ringo – Megan Harvey (Scarlet Nexus, Sound! Euphonium The Movie – Our Promise: A Brand New Day)
  • Figue – Erica Mendez (Hunter x Hunter, Konosuba)
  • Arrow – Zach Aguilar (Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Demon Slayer)
  • Milady – Erica Lindbeck (Re: Zero, Persona 5)
  • Saizo – Griffin Puatu (Tokyo Revengers, To Your Eternity)

They added, “Arrow’s mentor, Raven, will be voiced by Edward Bosco. Chris Hackney will voice Arrow’s killer, Kaburagi. Sarah Williams is the voice for Jack Frost, and Patrick Seitz will be reprising his role as Victor from 2013’s Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers.”
You can watch the trailer below:

According to their official website, ‘Soul Hackers 2’ is a turned-based RPG where players have to use special weapons and abilities to battle interdimensional creatures known as “demons.” You can also use a feature called the “soul hack” to help possessed humans from going crazy.
Wikipedia describes the synopsis as follows,
“Soul Hackers 2 takes place in the 21st century and is set during a war between the Yatagarasu and the Phantom Society, two opposing factions of Devil Summoners. The story follows two supernatural “Aion” beings named Ringo and Figue, who descend into the human world from their birthplace in the data stream of information, in order to avert a cataclysmic event that they predict will doom humanity.”
The game is the fifth installment of the ‘Devil Summoner’ video game franchise which itself is part of the Megami Tensei produced by SEGA games.

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