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. NECANECANECANECANECANECA
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]
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? NECANECA
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]
“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-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6EXO-6
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]
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. NECANECANECANECANECANECANECA
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]
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. MezcoMezcoMezco
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]
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. Super7Super7Super7Super7
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
Super7Super7Super7
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]
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. SEGASEGASEGASEGA
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]
If you’re a Transformers Masterpiece collector who is also a Macross/Robotech fan, Hasbro Pulse‘s reveal this week of MP-57 Skyfire is just what you’ve been looking for!
Aside from the typical stuff we expect from Takara Tomy’s Masterpiece Transformers, Skyfire also comes with a couple of extra figures. Included with the Autobot are miniature versions of Optimus Prime, Wheeljack, and Jazz. Based on the renders, these little guys look like they have some articulation. However, after seeing how easily the previous Sam and Spike figures broke apart, I’m worried Prime and company won’t be that durable.
Skyfire is a reasonably expensive Masterpiece figure, coming in at $274.99. Hasbro is taking pre-orders now, and the Autobot should ship during the first week of August 2022.
Bring the ultimate Transformers experience to your collection with Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-57 Autobot Skyfire! This adult collectible Transformers G1 action figure for adults features authentic Takara Tomy design and deco. The figure is showcased in premium deco and detail and comes in its original packaging with Japanese-language instructions.
This Transformers Masterpiece Autobot Skyfire premium adult collectible action figure is an authentic Takara Tomy product as sold in Japan
Transformers G1 Autobot Skyfire action figure converts from robot to jet mode. Figure also converts to mid-conversion mode
Comes with Optimus Prime, Autobot Meister (Autobot Jazz), and Wheeljack mini figures. Also includes 2 faceplates (surprise and laugh), 2 chest panels, 2 blast effects, and blaster and mask accessories
Autobot Skyfire action figure is fully jointed and highly articulated, allowing for intricate posability in action poses. Pose figure on the included power base stand. Stand assembly required
Whatever you want to call him, Skyfire or Jetfire started off life as the VF-1S Super Valkyrie Fighter from Takara Tomy’s Macross series. This Masterpiece figure still pays homage to the leftover aspects of the original figure, like his alternate faceplate and the GERWALK mode shown above. I’d keep him transformed in the GERWALK position because I always had a soft spot for how that looked in the Macross anime.
For more info on the messy history of Macross, Robotech, and how it related to the G1 Transformers figures, check out Toy Galaxy’s video below.
What do you think of this latest Masterpiece figure? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]
If you’ve been following the Right To Repair movement either in the States or Canada, you know that it has faced an uphill battle with pushback from politicians and the tech industry. Companies like Apple have made it harder and harder for small repair shops or individuals to gain access to the parts needed to make even the most basic of repairs without shelling out for, in my opinion, overly expensive services.
Today, however, RTR made a monumental step forward thanks to the passage of Senate Bill S4104A in the State of New York. All that’s left is for the bill to be either signed or vetoed by Kathy Hochul, the state’s governor. We spotted this fantastic news over at Ars Technica.
Bill S4104A is straightforward. It levels the playing field for all repair shops by requiring original equipment manufacturers to provide the same info that is also shared with OEM authorized repair facilities:
This bill requires original equipment manufacturers (OEM) to make diag- nostic and repair information for digital electronic parts and equipment available to independent repair providers and consumers if such parts and repair information are also available to OEM authorized repair providers.
The bill was sponsored by Neil D. Breslin, a Democrat from the 44th Senate District. The co-sponsors were fellow Democrat Senators Kevin Thomas (6th District). Alessandra Biaggi (34th District), Jabari Brisport (25th District), and Samra G. Brouk (55th District).
One of the prominent people who has been outspoken about the Right To Repair movement is Louis Rossmann, who runs a Macbook repair shop in NYC. His videos outline the need for non-OEM facilities to be allowed to make repairs. Since Apple is known for creating products with built-in obsolescence, the consumer should have the right to repair a failing part rather than dropping another $1k to $5k+ to replace the entire Macbook or iPhone.
I’ve enjoyed his videos over the years, especially when he points out the basic mistakes Apple’s in-house technicians make regarding simple problems like loose connections or faulty parts.
Below is Mr. Rossmann’s comments regarding the bill being passed.
Do you think this bill will have a wide-reaching effect on OEMs and indie repair shops? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Ars Technica]
Sentai Filmworks is releasing a half-dozen anime shows for home video release. ‘Amnesia,’ ‘Non Non Biyori Nonstop,’ ‘Rahxephon,’ ‘Dai Shogun,’ ‘Mother of the Goddesses’ Dormitory,’ and the ‘Vinland Saga’ will all be getting released on Blu-ray with special features.
Their website listed the releases as follows,
Amnesia
“The Heroine has no memory of who she is or where she was. Like a broken record skipping, she keeps waking up in the same place at the same time: in a hospital bed on August 1st. And then there’s the ghost-the spirit only she can see who calls himself Orion. He says not to trust anyone and to never reveal what she can’t remember. But… does that mean she shouldn’t trust him as well? So she runs through flaming buildings, struggles desperately not to drown, and continues to wake up in the same hospital bed. Again, and again, and again. Somehow, somewhere, there must be a clue to her identity in this moebius loop of existence. But how can you know what you’re looking for when you can’t even remember who you are?”
The DVD will include both the Japanese and English dub.
Non Non Biyori Nonstop
“Asahigaoka is just about as small as a town can be, and living in a small village means approaching life a little differently. After moving from the biggest of big cities, Tokyo, Hotaru has fully adjusted to that lifestyle, and she’s learned to find and appreciate pleasures that she would never have noticed before. Like the beauty of nature even in the smallest things. Or the reliability of knowing everyone who works at the same stores that have been there forever. The new faces in town… WAIT! WHAT? NEW FACES??? Yes, shockingly, it’s true! But in the end, one thing remains most important: the fact that everything is still better when you experience it with friends you love and trust. Join Hotaru, Komari, Natsumi, Renge, and Suguru once more as they live life to the fullest…”
English subtitles will be included with the release.
Rahxephon
“For 15 years, the human race has fought an ongoing battle against the Mu, the alien invaders who have trapped the city of Tokyo inside an impenetrable dome where time flows in a different path and the mind-wiped citizens have no idea that their city has been conquered. But as Earth’s military begins to briefly breach the walls, one young man starts to realize that something is very wrong. That nothing is quite as it seems. And when he makes contact with a woman from outside, he learns that he, himself, is somehow at the center of the entire alien plan. A plan that will literally re-write reality itself.”
The complete television series and the film spin-offs are included in the DVD release which also features the English dub.
Dai Shogun
“What if the people of Japan never had to unify because mystical steam-powered robots defended the island from outside attack instead? That’s the history Keiichiro Tokugawa grew up in, but the brash teen has the reckless ambition of helping unite the feuding feudal factions… and with some headstrong heroics and the help of the legendary giant robot Susanoo, he just might be able to do it! However, he’ll have to deal with his girl problems first: the Susanoo requires a co-pilot-a female co-pilot-but every time Keiichiro gets close to a member of the opposite sex, he breaks out in a rash! Can Keiichiro find a nice young lady he’s compatible with? Or will his feminine issues thrash, crash and forever trash his hopes of ending the futile feudal feuding forever?”
English subtitles are included in the series.
Mother of the Goddesses’ Dormitory
That feeling when you've finished all the holiday shopping ✨ (via Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory) pic.twitter.com/XRLdfVYC1x
“Koushi Nagumo’s young life isn’t going well. His house burned down, his worthless father kicked him out, and he’s wandering the streets with no home, no job, and no idea when he’ll eat his next meal. Then he meets an angel. Well, Mineru is actually a college student, but she has a proposition for him… not THAT kind of proposition since Koushi’s still a middle schooler… although one might wonder considering how many half-clad beauties he encounters upon entering the so called “Goddess’ Dormitory.” This is where the local college houses the girls who are too eccentric or unruly to fit in anywhere else, and they desperately need someone to maintain order and keep watch over them. Can Koushi possibly fit in as their ‘Dorm Mother’?”
The English dub is included with the release.
Vinland Saga
“Raised in peace and on fanciful tales of a mythical far-off land without war, young Thorfinn dreams of someday traveling to the fabled Vinland. That dream is shattered when threats from the legendary Jomsvikings put him in the path of a band of Viking mercenaries, forcing Thorfinn’s father to sacrifice himself to the band’s leader: Askeladd. Alone and far from home, Thorfinn joins the forces of his father’s slayer, determined to compel a duel with the mercenary leader and avenge his father. However, Thorfinn quickly finds himself ill prepared for a soldier’s life in the long war between Denmark and England…where the opportunistic Vikings earn coin by fighting for both sides. Now he must learn how to fight and survive, even if it means facing friend and clan in battle…”
This limited edition release contains art cards, a book discussing the series, and the English dub.
