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Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference Starts At 1PM Today

Technology

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June 6, 2022

It’s that time of year again. Apple fanatics rejoice! The company’s Worldwide Developer Conference will kick off in just a few hours. So what underwhelming iPhone will be announced this time? What decade-old features (found on other phones) will finally make their way into our $1000+ instantly obsolete pocket computers? I’m just so excited to find out!
The stream will start at 1 PM ET and 10 PM PT. The event can be watched right here with the link to Apple’s YouTube Channel. The WWDC will run from June 6th to the 10th.

Join developers worldwide from June 6 to 10 for an inspiring week of technology and community. Get a first look at Apple’s latest platforms and technologies in sessions, explore the newest tools and tips, and connect with Apple experts in labs and digital lounges. All online and at no cost.

It has been quite some time since Apple introduced anything as revolutionary as the iPad or, to a lesser degree, the Apple Watch. Maybe this is the fallout of not having Steve Jobs working engineers to the breaking point, or perhaps some other factor is contributing to this lack of innovation.
OK, I know it’s easy to rag on Apple for the company’s weird choices, but the main reason I’m not that big a fan is because of the whole Right To Repair thing. Apple loves keeping others out of the sandbox when it comes to repairing products with OEM parts. So instead, they’d force you to buy a whole new phone than replace a battery or fix a flaw that Apple is ultimately responsible for.
I’ve not purchased an Apple product in some time. I still have a first-generation Apple Watch that I’ve had to repair the ballooning battery multiple times. My iPhone is multiple generations old but still works just fine, even though I can tell when an update from Apple throttled the iOS. It will have to take something extraordinary to make me say, “Oh, I want that!”
When the hell are we going to get the Apple Wish Prince?!

[Source: Apple’s YouTube Channel]

Straight From Dimension X, It’s Krang and His Thicc Android Body!

Mike Phalin

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June 6, 2022

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Straight From Dimension X, It’s Krang and His Thicc Android Body!

The tiny brain-like alien from Dimension X has arrived to dominate our world. But first, he needs a body. It’s hard to find a little pink blob threatening when you could punt him into a trashcan. So luckily, The Shredder built him a towering … mostly naked android body, complete with matching red shoes and undies!
A statue honoring that iconic look from the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon is being made by PCS.
Krang’s standard edition statue is priced at $875. The 1/4 scale statue is 22″ tall. The deluxe version comes with a stand-alone Krang, who’s not too happy to be without his big boy body. Unfortunately, this option boosts the statue’s price up to $925.

PCS

The Krang Statue measures 22” tall and 20” wide as Krang pilots his android body. In the suit’s hollowed out stomach is Krang himself, pink and gelatinous, a toothy grin and shifty eyes no doubt showcasing an evil plan for world conquest. Standing on a base of cracked flooring and rubble, this super-villain is more than ready to take over!

The backside of Krang’s android body is amusing. I never noticed how thicc this rig was. It looks like a mid-card wrestler from some rural pro-wrestling promotion in the 1970s. I don’t know if the inspiration behind the design was Andre the Giant or George “The Animal” Steele, but I would not doubt it.
When I look back on it, Krang and Shredder were the best things about the ’87 series. As a kid, the Turtles were #1, but as an adult, the bickering between the two villains is where the writers’ had the most fun. I figured these two would eventually fall into poverty and become co-dependent. My late buddy Lowtax expanded on this with a documentary called Krang: The Later Years. Check it out below:

[Source: PCS]

Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Gaia Dioramas Coming From Beast Kingdom

Mike Phalin

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June 6, 2022

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Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Gaia Dioramas Coming From Beast Kingdom

Giant robots and giant monsters need to have a more significant presence in US media. More TV shows, more movies, more toys! In the 1980s, there was a resurgence of interest in these things, but the only thing that stuck after Voltron was the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Before that, Ultraman nearly became our go-to source for kaiju action for a very brief time.
Luckily, the internet made it more accessible over the decades to find and explore all the things we were walled off from in the pre-AOL days. With all this freedom of information, more and more of us in the USA got exposed to the Ultraman’s awesomeness. While it may not have the same brand recognition as Godzilla, the silver-clad defender of mankind is getting there.
We spotted two new Ultraman collectibles at Beast Kingdom today. Whether you’re a fan of Ultraman Tiga or Gaia, a diorama is available for pre-order to fit your needs. No word if Ultraman Agul is in the works, but I’m all for it. Regardless of which diorama you pick, they’re $34.99 each. These collectibles stand at 6″ tall and will likely ship out in May 2023.

The two designs showcase distinct storylines from the character’s past! The Ultraman Gaia, red and silver costume brings Ultraman Agul from the depths of the oceans to the city skyline with his updated V2 form and classic action pose! In the Ultraman Tiga design, Tiga’s powerful morphing features are seen, where the hero wears his red and purple costume! Both sets include the classic urban setting where Ultraman often fights against the many Kaiju monsters!

In the early days of VHS rental stores, I’d pick out various Godzilla and Ultraman tapes. That’s how I first got exposed to the Ultra Series. In the early ’90s, there was a push to get the show into American media, but it didn’t work. A toy series was not easy to find, and the marketing was nonexistent for Ultraman: Towards the Future, the show Tsuburaya Productions was using to break into the market.

Which version of Ultraman is your favorite? How’d you discover the character or series? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Beast Kingdom]

Predator 2’s ‘Boar’ Returns As NECA’s Next Ultimate Figure

Mike Phalin

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June 6, 2022

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Boar, the nickname given to the city-stalking Yautja of Predator 2, is my favorite hunter in the series. He had the best gadgets, killing drug-dealing criminals while sparing pregnant women. Boar managed to be a badass while still tipping his hat to the ladies.
After a bit of a break, this specific Predator returns to NECA‘s line of 1/12 scale action figures. This time, Boar is part of the Ultimate line, which means greater detail, more accessories, and a heftier price tag.
Boar has appeared multiple times over the years. I can remember this guy showing up as long as over ten years ago. However, the “Ultimate” version seems to have a new buck and detailed parts. In addition, the paint job is a lot better than the figure that was in the 4th wave of the Predator toyline all those years ago.
The other difference comes in the number of accessories. These include an unmasked head, two versions of the deadly smart disc, two versions of the spear, chest armor, plasma cannon with shoulder mount, alternate hands, plasma blast effect piece, and a few other odd bits. Boar also has 30+ points of articulation and will arrive on our planet to collect trophies this September.

Dubbed “Boar” because of the mask he wears, this fierce hunter features a new Ultimate body with over 30 points of articulation. He comes loaded with accessories, including masked and unmasked heads, smart discs, extended and collapsed spears, shoulder cannon with detachable blast effect, trophy necklace, chest armor, and more!

Now, where’s the rerelease of the trophy case? This accessory was released in 2013, but now is the time for a reissue with ALL of the skulls included. Don’t make me collect a bunch of Predator figures just to fill out a diorama. Come on!

Let us know what you think about the return of Boar below.
[Source: NECA]

NECA Teases Splinter As Van Helsing and Donatello As The Invisible Man

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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NECA Teases Splinter As Van Helsing and Donatello As The Invisible Man

Monster Mayhem may have come to a close, but not without a few announcements regarding NECA’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Universal Monsters toyline. We’ve found out that Donatello will be The Invisible Man, and Splinter is taking on the role of vampire hunter Professor Abraham Van Helsing.
The latest additions to this series were teased on NECA’s Instagram. Unfortunately, the previews were limited to a picture of Donny’s box and a profile shot of Splinter Van Helsing. We can gather that Donatello will be based on Claude Rains’s portrayal of Dr. Jack Griffin, but who knows how many translucent parts we’ll see on the figure. I hope he’ll come with a hollow bandaged head with removable goggles.
On the other hand, Splinter bears some resemblance to the Van Helsing we saw in 1931’s Dracula with Bela Lugosi, but he also has some of Hugh Jackman’s version of the undead hunter in there. This points us to who to expect for the first villain of the series. If Splinter is a vampire hunter, of course, The Shredder will end up being Dracula. It’s the only thing that makes sense.
We’re still missing the Wolf Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. NECA managed to put April in there as the Monster’s Bride. So, perhaps some other side characters will round out these last few classic Universal Monster characters. Bebop as the Creature? Rocksteady as the Wolf Man? Rat King as the Phantom of the Opera?

I’m noticing something. Splinter doesn’t have pants. All the other figures we’ve seen so far are fully clothed. It looks like he has a tunic on, and that’s it. Why? Give the guy some pants!
What do you think of these TMNT X Universal Monsters figures? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: NECA]

EXO-6 Adds Voyager’s Tuvok To Its Premium Action Figure Line

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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EXO-6 Adds Voyager’s Tuvok To Its Premium Action Figure Line

“I am curious. Have the Q always had an absence of manners? Or is it the result of some natural evolutionary process that comes with omnipotence?” – Tuvok
EXO-6 is jumping from the Mirror Dimension to the Delta Quadrant! The company’s latest 12″ tall action figure from the Star Trek franchise is Voyager’s resident Vulcan Tuvok! The Lt. Commander of the lost Federation vessel joins Janeway and The Doctor as part of this premium line of figures. From the looks of it, Seven of Nine is soon to follow.
Tuvok will run you $218 and $25 shipping. So to pre-order, you only have to put down $20.

EXO-6’s continues the crew from Star Trek: Voyager with Lt. Commander Tuvok, Captain Janeway’s chief security officer during their prolonged voyage through the Delta Quadrant. A Vulcan who had served with Captain Sulu early in his career, Tuvok had infiltrated the rebel Maquis when the two groups were thrust together by Voyager’s exile far from home.

Tuvok comes with the following items in the box:

Fully Articulated Body: More than 30 points of articulation allow the figure to be displayed in multiple dynamic poses, approximately 30 cm tall.
Realistic Portrait: Tuvok’s portrait is lovingly rendered by top artists, with an excellent likeness of Tim Russ. Each head sculpt is specially hand-painted.
Starfleet Duty Uniform Jumpsuit: Meticulously researched, this duty uniform matches the pattern, and color of the original costume recreated in 1:6 scale. Magnets are sewn into the uniform so the holsters for the tricorder and phaser can be attached. An authentically scaled communicator badge is permanently affixed to the tunic.
Boots: Soft plastic boots sculpted to match the cut and style of the original series footwear.
Hands: A total of nine interchangeable hands are included so he can be displayed holding the various accessories. Also included are specific hands for the Vulcan salute, a mind meld and Vulcan nerve pinch.
Display Base: A hexagonal display base featuring the transporter pad will provide additional support for the figure. Two different inserts for the floor of the base can represent the transporter pad or the center of the transporter array.
Autograph card: An informational LCARS card that can used to get an autograph from the performer and displayed with your figure.
Type II hand phaser. The phaser can be worn in a black holster that magnetically attaches to his jumpsuit.
TR-590 Tricorder X: This standard tricorder can be opened or worn in a holster.
PADD (Personal Access Display Device): the data display device used onboard Voyager.
Phaser rifle: This Type 3B Phaser used by the Voyager crew.

Tim Russ went from playing a Spaceball unable to find s#!t on a desert planet to playing one of the best Vulcan characters next to Leonard Nimoy’s Spock. Lost years Delta Quadrant, Lt. Commander Tuvok’s rigid manner, and alien bluntness put him at odds sometimes with the habits and personalities of the U.S.S. Voyager’s human crew. Regardless, his noble and heroic nature is shown on more than a few occasions. Then he got spliced with Neelix, and I jumped ship after that.

What did you think of Tuvok and Star Trek Voyager? Let us know below.
[Source: EXO-6]

NECA Announces A 40th Anniversary ‘Creepshow’ Creep Figure

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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NECA Announces A 40th Anniversary ‘Creepshow’ Creep Figure

Another version of Creepshow‘s Creep is on the way from NECA; this time, it’s the classic ghoul from the iconic George A. Romero-directed film from 1982. The figure will stand 7″ tall and has 25 points of articulation.
The Creep (or Raoul) isn’t accessory heavy, but what do you expect from a character only on-screen for a few moments. What we do get makes the Creep pretty versatile when displaying options. If you’re a fan of the original poster art, the Creep comes with an alternate, single-eyed skull to replicate that look. Now, where’s our Tom Atkins “Dad” action figure?
The included comic looks like it may be only a single folded piece of card stock. So don’t get your hopes up that this is a miniature replica of the screen-used prop.
The Creep should be in stores in September, and the price range will be close to, if not more than, $40. I’m interested to see how the rest of his body is sculpted since we get very little insight into that detail. If you’re familiar with the original prop’s restoration, you’ll know that this puppet was only created from the pelvis up.

It’s the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! The Creepshow horror franchise marks 40 years of terrifying tales in 2022. The original movies built a long-running legacy of terror, piloted by the iconic mascot The Creep, which NECA celebrates with this Ultimate action figure from the 1982 movie.

Raoul will come with the following accessories:

Three interchangeable heads
Candle
Jack-o-lantern
Hair with the wind blowing effect
Creepshow comic book
Fabric robe with wire armature

Now that the original is out of the way, does this mean that Creepshow 2’s EC Comics-inspired version of the Creep is on the way? NECA could make two characters out of this one: the delivery man and the cloaked ghoul.

Let us know what you think about Creepshow and its mascot in the comments below.
[Source: NECA]

It’s Popeye VS Oxblood Oxheart In Mezco’s Latest ‘5 Points’ Box Set

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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It’s Popeye VS Oxblood Oxheart In Mezco’s Latest ‘5 Points’ Box Set

That’s all he can takes, and he can’t takes no more! Popeye the Sailor faces off against the brutish boxer Oxblood Oxheart in this 5 Points action figure boxset from Mezco!
This collection isn’t just a couple of figures in a box; it turns into an entire diorama, including a boxing ring and a crowd full of classic Popeye characters. The figures are 3.75″ scale, and the set is priced at $44. Not too bad for a recreation of the classic ’30s comic strip. Expect this to ship out between December and February 2023.
As the name implies, these figures have limited articulation—only five points in total: head, arms, and legs. Sometimes old-school is the best option when you don’t want to ruin the overall look of an action figure with needless joints.

Ding ding ding! Popeye & Oxheart are punching their way through the 5 Points line! Straight from the 1933 comic strip pages, this boxed set includes Popeye, Oxheart, and a boxing ring playset – it’s a total knockout! Once assembled, the boxing ring features a raised platform and a roaring crowd in the background, ready to see Popeye & Oxheart brawl!
The boxset includes the following:

Popeye – Strong to the finish! The Sailor Man is ready to rumble in his boxing shorts and gloves
Oxheart – the giant heavyweight champ who loves to throw down in the ring.
Boxing ring – grab a ringside seat and watch Popeye give Oxheart the ol’ one-two!
Two (2) display bases

Popeye’s brawl with Oxheart was adapted into a live-action film from Paramount in 1980, starring the late Robin Williams. Oxheart was played by Canadian actor and producer Peter Bray, who passed away in 2007.

Are you a fan of the King Features Popeye comics? What about the Fleischer Studios cartoons? How about the movie? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Mezco]

Burning Godzilla and Mechagodzilla ‘Ultimates’ Action Figures Announced!

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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Burning Godzilla and Mechagodzilla ‘Ultimates’ Action Figures Announced!

Super7 has just announced the second wave of Toho Godzilla Ultimates figures! The two newest figures include Burning Godzilla from Godzilla vs. Destoroyah and Mechagodzilla from Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. They’ll be stomping into town around Summer 2023.
Unlike most other Ultimates figures, Godzilla and Mechagodzilla are more expensive. This is because the King of the Monsters and the Robo-Replica are larger than the typical Ultimates figure. Mecha is 9″ tall, while Godzilla is 8″ tall and 14″ long, including the tail. Expect to pay $30 more than usual because these kaiju will run you $85 each. They can be purchased separately or as a two-pack for $170.

Even the mighty Godzilla has its limits, and exposure to the high-purity uranium deposits on Birth Island and the resulting fission reaction has Godzilla looking more than just hot under the collar! Measuring 8” tall, 4.5” wide, and a monstrous 14” long to the tip of its tail, this highly articulated Toho ULTIMATES! figure of “Burning” Godzilla is inspired by the 1995 film Godzilla vs. Destoroyah. Including interchangeable heads & hands and smoke effect accessories, this is one hot looking Godzilla figure!

Accessories:

2x interchangeable heads
- 1x Neutral head
- 1x Screaming head
6x interchangeable hands
- 2x claw hands
- 2x fist hands
- 2x expressive claw hands
4x Smoke effect

Will Mechagodzilla – who has been created from the remains of Mecha-King Ghidorah by the UN Godzilla Countermeasures Center – be up to the task of defending Japan from Godzilla and other kaiju?! Measuring 9” tall, 5.5” long, and 5” wide, this highly articulated Toho ULTIMATES! figure of Mechagodzilla is inspired by its appearance in the 1993 film Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla II and includes interchangeable heads & hands, the Garuda Jet (to create Super Mechagodzilla), and additional accessories.

Accessories:

3x interchangeable heads
- 1x Neutral head
- 1x Roaring head
- 1x Flight head
4x interchangeable hands
- 2x Open hands
- 2x Flight hands
1x Alternate stomach plate
1x Garuda Jet
2x Forearm tasers (Shock Anchors)
2x Jet thruster effects

I’d like to see how these Ultimates stack up next to SH Figuarts toys. I’m a bit picky when it comes to Godzilla figures, and with the increased price point, they better be worth my money.

What do you think of the two latest figures? Let us know below.
[Source: Super7]

SEGA Has Announced The Mega Drive Mini 2! Includes SEGA CD Games!

Mike Phalin

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June 5, 2022

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SEGA Has Announced The Mega Drive Mini 2! Includes SEGA CD Games!

This week SEGA announced the follow-up to the Mega Drive (Genesis) Mini. However, rather than moving on to the SEGA Saturn, Sonic’s company is returning to the fourth generation with the release of the Mega Drive Mini 2!
Set to release in Japan on October 27th (US and European dates pending), the Mega Drive Mini 2 will include games from the original console, the SEGA CD, and possibly the 32X. GameSpot‘s translation of the video clued us into which titles were confirmed so far and the likely price point.
The MD2 Mini will go for 9,980 yen. The conversion as of today would equate to $76.21. So, expect a $75 or $80 price tag if/when this device comes to the States. As far as games, there will be 50 overall, with the following titles confirmed based on the announcement video:

Bonanza Bros.
Fantasy Zone
Magical Taruruuto-kun
Shining in the Darkness
Thunder Force IV
Virtua Racing
Mansion of Hidden Souls (SEGA CD)
Popful Mail (SEGA CD)
Shining Force CD (SEGA CD)
Silpheed (SEGA CD)
Sonic the Hedgehog CD (SEGA CD)

Not only was the MD2 Mini announced, but also several add-on (non-functioning) accessories like the SEGA CD 2 with an expander base so it can fit both the MD2 and the original Mega Drive Mini. Not only that, but a 32X attachment is also coming. Odds are these little extras won’t come to the US, but it’s a fun way to replicate your setup in the ’90s.

I didn’t get a Genesis until the second version of the console was released. During the same period, the SEGA CD was also revamped to fit the console’s new look, and it made for a much sleeker look overall.
The Genesis Mini, which launched a few years ago, was entirely serviceable as a micro-console. It had a lot of classic titles and was easily modded to include more. The little retro machine was far superior to Sony’s PSOne thing the company splattered onto the market. Phew.
What do you think of the lineup of games that will probably come to the State-side sometime in the near future? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: SEGA of Japan’s YouTube Channel] [Source: Gamespot]

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