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Playstation Network VP Terminated After Allegedly Luring a Minor

Mike Phalin
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0
Playstation Network VP Terminated After Allegedly Luring a Minor

Over the weekend, a Twitter thread emerged regarding Playstation VP George Cacioppo allegedly attempting to meet a minor after exchanging elicit text messages with someone claiming to be 15 years old. Cacioppo is listed as having been the Senior Vice President of Engineering for the Playstation Network since September 2013, according to LinkedIn.
A vigilante organization known as People v. Preds set up the sting. After a short text exchange, the decoy and the person said to be George Cacioppo planned a meet-up at his place. The entire video is under three minutes. George is confronted in front of what looks like his home. He is wearing a PS5 t-shirt and appears to realize he has been set up immediately.
Cacioppo retreats from the cameras as the PVP team makes it clear to anyone within earshot of what the former Sony VP was allegedly trying to do. At no point in the video were the police called to the scene.

People v. Preds have posted a Google Drive link with screenshots of Cacioppo’s conversation with two different decoys. The texts can also be seen in the Twitter thread below.


CNET is reporting that Cacioppo has been terminated from Sony. This information comes from a statement Sony e-mailed out over the weekend. Unfortunately, the complete contents of this e-mail were not published, only the following blurb, “We are aware of the situation, and the employee in question has been terminated from employment.”
Vigilante groups targetting potential predators are not uncommon in the wake of NBC’s To Catch A Predator with Chris Hansen. In addition, in recent years, several YouTube channels have popped up using similar tactics to the infamous Dateline show. While it may be commendable that these people are doing more to shed light on child abusers and human traffickers, some of these channels do so on questionable grounds.
Since law enforcement isn’t directly involved from start to finish, it is hard to authenticate every interaction between the decoy and the potential predator. That’s not to say a number of these altercations aren’t 100% legit, but it also leaves the alleged kiddy diddler with enough legal firepower to escape prosecution. Trust me, and I want anyone attempting to abuse a child to face the harshest possible sentence.
We held off on reporting this story until more info surfaced; however, it would appear that some people were outright refusing to cover it for some reason. For example, an executive editor at IGN felt that the story was not worth dedicating time to.


It would be unprofessional to speculate, but having spent several years in the entertainment industry, I can say that there is an apparent tendency for actions of child predators to be downplayed if not completely ignored. There are active movements in academia to normalize the behaviors that would lead to children being taken advantage of. Disgusting.
Maybe they keep quiet so as not to ruffle the feathers of those who control their access to media? Perhaps it is, so they’re not blacklisted from the lifeline needed to stay in business. I cannot say for certainty, but it is a subject that the business likes to ignore.
It’s one of those “open secrets” that the rich like to abuse children. We only have to look at the Jimmy Savile controversy to see that. Just how much of your soul are you willing to give away so you can maintain a steady paycheck? How many times can you turn a blind eye because you don’t want to get on the wrong side of a studio executive?
[Source: @BanishedJourno] [Source: CNET]

Garfield, Odie, and even Nermal Plushies Are On The Way. Yay…

Mike Phalin
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1
Garfield, Odie, and even Nermal Plushies Are On The Way. Yay…

Anyone who grew up in the 1980s will remember when Garfield was everywhere. The lazy cat who hates Mondays had TV series, comic strips, books, holiday specials, and parade balloons. Then, of course, there was also the plushie.
You know which one I’m talking about. Your aunt probably had the Garfield plushie in her car; his suction cup hands adhered to her back window. This fad spread like a disease. I’d see Garfield grinning out at me from a variety of vehicles. He was on semi-trucks, Cadillacs, mini-vans, and I even once saw him stuck on the passenger side window of a Lamborghini Countach LP400S.
Well, the fad has returned. Or, at least, it is trying to. There are multiple listings at Entertainment Earth for suction cup Garfields and Odies. Each is $14.99 and has a shipping date of January 2022. So who sacrificed a goat to a trickster god to resurrect this fad?!

Entertainment Earth

Entertainment Earth
Entertainment Earth
Oh, yes. There’s also a Nermal plushie. Yeah. Nermal. We all think the same thing about Nermal. No version of Earth exists throughout the multi-verse where Nermal is loved. You could say that disdain for Nermal is the only constant throughout time and space.
Entertainment Earth
I firmly believe that all Americans have a love or hate relationship with Garfield. Unfortunately, there’s no middle ground when it comes to the lasagna-loving feline. The only way he is palatable to everyone is through parody. Thankfully, we have Lasagna Cat and Lumpy Touch.


Now, if you brought back the Garfield landline touch-tone telephone, I may buy one to give to my employees instead of pink slips. Nothing says I’ve wrecked your financial well-being quote like a Garfield telephone.
Do you love or hate Garfield. It’s OK. We can all be honest here. So, let us know your true feelings about Jim Davis’s creation in the comments section.
[Source: Entertainment Earth]

The Devilish Mirror Spock is EXO-6’s Latest ‘Star Trek’ Premium Figure

Mike Phalin
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0
The Devilish Mirror Spock is EXO-6’s Latest ‘Star Trek’ Premium Figure

EXO-6 continues to make seemingly random premium action figures based on various Star Trek series. Previously we’d seen Captain Janeway, the Doctor, Data, Picard, and now Mirror Universe Spock!
A 12″ version of the devilish Mr. Spock is EXO-6’s newest figure, and he may be the coolest looking one in the line so far. Spock sports the evil goatee and is more than ready to make you pay $198 for his company.
Pre-orders are open now. Spock only requires a $20 deposit with the remaining amount due when the figure is ready to ship.
It has been a staple of several Trek series to include a parallel universe episode. It’s a fun way to explore what these characters would be like if they were cutthroat deviants hellbent on pursuing wealth and power. The first look into the mirror universe where the Terran Empire ruled with an iron fist happened during the Original Series on October 6th, 1967.

EXO-6
EXO-6
EXO-6
Mirror Spock comes with the following accessories from the Terran Universe:

  • 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: Spock’s portrait is lovingly rendered by top artists, with an excellent likeness of Leonard Nimoy with a beard. Each head sculpt is specially hand-painted.
  • Terran Empire Uniform: Meticulously researched, this uniform matches the pattern and color of the original costume recreated in 1:6 scale. Magnets are sewn into the uniform so the phaser and dagger can be attached. The Terran insignia and medals are permanently attached to his tunic. (The uniform is not removeable.)
  • Boots: Using leather-like material cut in the original style of the footwear worn in Star Trek: The Original Series.
  • Hands: A total of nine interchangeable hands are included so he can be displayed holding the phaser or the dagger and do the Vulcan mind meld.
  • 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.
  • Phaser Type 2/ Type 1: The pistol-grip type 2 phaser is the weapon of choice for any landing party expecting hostile aliens. The smaller Type 1 phaser can be removed and used separately. Both have magnets allowing either to be worn on the utility belt or directly on the pants as they were in the 3rd season.
  • Dagger and sheath: Standard issue for Terran Empire officers, the dagger is perfect for up close and personal assassinations.
  • Agonizer: A device unique to the Terran Empire, one touch of the agonizer to a shoulder causes unimaginable pain. An excellent tool for adjusting the attitudes of wayward crew members.


[Source: EXO-6]

Autoworld To Produce Premium Diecast Famous Cars From TV & Film

Mike Phalin
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0
Autoworld To Produce Premium Diecast Famous Cars From TV & Film

Who’s ready for some new diecast cars based on famous movie and TV vehicles? I’m always up for it! Then again, I’m in my 40s now, and that seems to be the thing middle-aged men do. They collect diecast cars and display them. Seriously. I think it is some sort of chemical imbalance that happens in the male brain after 40.
While the cases of Diecasteritis I’ve seen in other men tend to cause them to collect standard sports cars or NASCAR replicas, I suffer from the more interesting version of the illness. Yup, I collect replicas of entertainment industry vehicles. Who cares about NASCAR when you can have the Mach 5?!
OK, these may get a little expensive, and professional help may be needed to combat Diecasteritis. The Auto World replicas listed at the Big Bad Toy Store are over $100 apiece, but they look worth the price of admission.
The vehicles range from James Bond films to Barbie, Monopoly, Speed Racer, and even The Munsters. There’s something for everyone, it seems. The price of each vehicle also represents the level of detail and extras included, at least for some of these.
The Mach 5 replica comes with Speed and Chim-Chim. The vehicle itself is also loaded with many of the features seen in the classic Tatsunoko Productions cartoon. Saw blades, auto jacks, and more are included. The downside is that these extras take away from the sleek body of the car.

  • 1/18 Scale
  • Made of die-cast
  • Detailed engine
  • Steerable front wheels
  • Accurate interior & chassis
  • Opening doors, hood & trunk
Auto World
Auto World
Auto World
Auto World
Speed’s brother Racer X is also here with his Shooting Star. Unlike Mach 5, X’s car doesn’t have a bunch of bells and whistles. The engine compartment opens, and the vehicle includes the telescoping claw and periscope. Photos of these features were not shown in the listing, sadly.

  • 1/18 Scale
  • Made of die-cast
  • Includes Racer X figure
  • Detailed engine
  • Steerable front wheels
  • Accurate interior and chassis
  • Opening doors, hood, and trunk
Auto World
Auto World
Auto World
The Munsters’ Koach is possibly the best of the bunch. I have a lot of history with this vehicle, from covering auto shows and hanging out with Eddie Munster himself (Butch Patrick). He is usually accompanied by a version of George Barris’s Koach. It’s an impressive vehicle to behold. The great thing about Auto World’s replica is that all the red velvet interior is flocked here. I love that level of detail as long as the flocking is done right.

  • 1/18 Scale
  • Made of die-cast
  • Based on The Munsters TV series
  • Highly detailed
  • Steerable Front Wheels
  • Precise, Accurate Interior & Complete Chassis
  • Opening Doors
  • Red Flocked Interior
Auto World
Auto World
The Koach has appeared in other diecast lines before, but much like the General Lee these days, they’re rare and rack up a high price. The $119.99 asking price for this one is pretty decent considering what the others now go for on eBay.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]

Medicom Is Bringing Classic Tom & Jerry Moments Alive In Figure Form

Mike Phalin
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0
Medicom Is Bringing Classic Tom & Jerry Moments Alive In Figure Form

Tom & Jerry deserve better. Attempts have been made over the years to bring the classic cat and mouse duo into modern times. Unfortunately, the results have been pretty disastrous or cringy. Don’t change the formula. Just give us quality animation of a cat squabbling with a mouse and make the gags hilarious.
For those of us living in the past, we can now own physical representations of classic MGM Tom & Jerry gags thanks to Medicom. These figures are part of wave 3 of the Ultra Detail Figure series.
Want a sausage-Jerry? Or Frying Pan Head Tom? Well, they’re coming out in Summer 2022 via the Big Bad Toy Store! Each figure is made from PVC and ranges from $16.99 to $24.99. The small static figures aren’t huge. Many of them are under 2″ tall.
 

Medicom
Medicom
Medicom
Medicom
Medicom
Medicom
Tom & Jerry cartoon shorts started with MGM. For the first 18 years, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were in charge of bringing the characters to life. Other notable animation legends had their turn with the feuding animals throughout the decade, including the legendary Chuck Jones.
To be fair, Tom & Jerry are still around today. The difference is the digital age of cartoons loses something when the characters are created with models rather than being hand-drawn frame-by-frame. Then again, these new cartoons are way better than what we got in the early 1990s with Tom & Jerry Kids. Ugh.
The less we say about the ’90s movie and the HBO Max film, the better. The cat and mouse shouldn’t talk, or at least rarely. Giving them 90 minutes of dialog is just wrong. Also, keep them out of the real world. If it isn’t Roger Rabbit’s levels of cleverness and heart, then don’t bother. Trust me.

What do you think of these classic gags represented in a physical form? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]

HasLab’s G.I. Joe Skystriker Campaign Taken Over By Cobra Commander

Mike Phalin
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0
HasLab’s G.I. Joe Skystriker Campaign Taken Over By Cobra Commander

Desperation is a stinky cologne, and HasLab is drenched in it right now. Two of toy maker’s three active crowdfunding campaigns are currently far behind their funding goals. The Rancor is doing so poorly both with backers and stretch goals that they’re now throwing in spare figures to try to entice you to buy a $350 toy.
At least the G.I. Joe Skystriker campaign gives you more than some attic stock. Unfortunately, the Skystriker page has been taken over by none other than Cobra Commander himself in its final days. Although this was probably a planned event the entire time, it is funny to see the leader of Cobra aboard a sinking ship, as usual.
What is admirable about this last-ditch effort is that you’re getting something unique instead of Hasbro’s unsold figures. The Cobra “hack” brings with it three new figures and decals. Will it be enough to entice more than 3k backers to join? Sadly, there’s no hooded Cobra Commander figure. Bring back the more menacing evil leader, damnit!

Hasbro

Oh yes, you thought you were so smart. Give the people another G.I. Joe Skystriker – that’s what they really want. Well, it isn’t! Every nincompoop knows that Cobra is the most powerful force in the world! The Skystriker is ours now, and there’s nothing you can do to stop us. We’ll keep your original puny offering intact… but now you’ll also have superior figures and decals from Cobra! Not only, is it I, the most fearsome and handsome Cobra Leader, but I’ve brought my own nefarious Cobra Pilot and a Cobra Ground Crew member to take the Joes down. Together we’ll cover the Skystriker in our very own Cobra decals. What can you do to stop us?! NOTHING. AHAHAHAHHAHA.

I’ll admit that the vehicle itself looks great and comes heavily loaded with extras before even touching the stretch goals. But, again, this was something the Rancor lacked. The problem is that the classic G.I. Joe figures haven’t been on store shelves for years. The 6″ figures are still around, and Walmart has a modern 3.75″ line. However, without the retro figures reemerging to get collectors engaged, a $230 vehicle is a hard sell right now.
Had Hasbro actively put out a collectors line of classic style 3.74″ Joes and Cobras like Mattel did with Masters of the Universe, that may have built up the hype. The Skystriker came out of nowhere with zero build-up.
Ha! It took me this long into writing about G.I. Joe to remember that the Snake Eyes movie came out this year. Does anyone else recall that happening? If you don’t, it’s OK. It was quickly forgotten then pushed out of theatres. But, again, I doubt that movie would have gotten collectors eager for more retro toys on its own.
[Source: HasLab]

Comic Book Lawman Judge Dredd Returns To Action Figure Form

Mike Phalin
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0
Comic Book Lawman Judge Dredd Returns To Action Figure Form

I’m a big Judge Dredd fan, so much so that I’m also one of the few owners of the officially licensed costume. Yup. Imagine living in Florida and attending conventions in a full-leather uniform with heavy shoulder armor during August. Phew. You’ll shed a few pounds after one weekend of doing that.
So, you can imagine how excited I was to see a new Judge Dredd action figure was coming to the market. We spotted this Hiya Toys Dredd toy at the Big Bad Toy Store.
The paint application and wash on Dredd’s armor look great. As noted on the listing, this version of Joe is based on several artists, including the original by Carlos Ezquerra. Sadly, the lawman of MegaCity One does not come with an alternate head. I would have liked to have seen his very first helmet included.
The character is 1/18th scale and listed at a very reasonable $19.99. Pre-orders are up now, and Dredd will be laying the law down in August 2022. Judge Dredd will come with the Mark I Lawgiver and baton.

Hiya Toys
Hiya Toys
Hiya Toys
Hiya Toys
In the later part of the 2000s, Joe did have an action figure from Toy Biz as part of the Legendary Comic Book Heroes line. These figures were much like the company’s Marvel Legends toys and even included a build-a-figure of PITT.
This Dredd was a welcome addition, but the toy itself was pretty flawed. The armor had no wash over it and looked overall unfinished. The knee pads were also known to break off, which mine quickly. However, given that very few 2000 AD figures were on the market, we took what we could get.
Since then, Judge Dredd has appeared in various 1/6th scale forms. Some were based on the comics; others were based on the excellent Karl Urban movie. These figures were quite expensive, reaching prices well over $100. The 6″ market was left alone for whatever reason.
What do you think of this new Dredd? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]

Jurassic Park and Tranformers Come Together Beast Wars Style

Mike Phalin
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0
Jurassic Park and Tranformers Come Together Beast Wars Style

I’m surprised that Hasbro had not previously tapped the Jurassic Park license for a Transformers crossover. Either with the Dinobots or Beast Wars, there are so many opportunities to integrate the two. I would have given my left arm for a Jeep that transformed into a Decepticon version of Wayne Knight.
While my dreams for a robotic Dennis Nedry may never surface, Hasbro is delivering the combination of one of JP’s most iconic scenes with two new Transformer figures. Let me introduce you to Tyrannocon Rex and Autobot JP93! The two-pack is priced at $104.99 and is available for pre-order exclusively from Hasbro Pulse. The duo should arrive in January.

Hasbro

Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro

Worlds collide in this Transformers-Jurassic Park mash-up pack! The iconic T. rex and Ford Explorer from the movie, Jurassic Park, are now Transformers robots, called Tyrannocon Rex and Autobot JP93! The Tyrannocon Rex figure converts into T. rex mode in 27 steps and the Autobot JP93 figure converts into licensed Ford Explorer mode in 18 steps. Both figures feature deco and details inspired by the Jurassic Park movie. Includes one blaster accessory.

  • Tyrannocon Rex is on the loose! It’s up to Autobot JP93 to track her down and stop her from wreaking havoc on Jurassic Park.
  • The Tyrannocon Rex figure converts into T. rex mode in 27 steps and the Autobot JP93 figure converts into licensed Ford Explorer mode in 18 steps. Both figures feature deco and details inspired by the Jurassic Park movie
  • Autobot JP93 comes with a blaster accessory that can attach to figure in both modes and the Tyrannocon Rex figure features detailed molded dino texture.

The vehicle/dino modes of the Transformers look great. The robot modes, on the other hand, are a little generic. Tyrannocon certainly has a better look, but the basic black and red body make it look a little cheap. JP93 offsets that by implementing significant portions of the Explorer’s iconic body.
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]

Super7’s Transformers Ultimates Wave 3 Includes G2 Megatron

Mike Phalin
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0
Super7’s Transformers Ultimates Wave 3 Includes G2 Megatron

The original Megatron from G1 Transformers is a classic by all means, but his revised vehicle form in G2 made a lot more sense. He turned into a friggin tank! And the new robot form got rid of that hilarious trigger crotch.
Super7 knows what we’re talking about. That’s why the third wave of their Ultimates Transformers action figures comes with the Megatron, as mentioned earlier. Not only is Tankatron included, but we also get Wreck-Gar from Transformers: The Movie. Who knew that trashy bikers would also exist on other planets?
Wave 3 should start shipping in the Fall of 2022. Each figure is priced at $55, but the entire set can be picked up at the same time for $220.

Super7
Super7
G2 Megatron comes with an assortment of accessories from his appearances in toy and comic book form:

  • 3x interchangeable heads
    • Toy-inspired head
    • Comic-inspired head
    • G1-inspired head
  • 8x interchangeable hands
    • 2x Fist hands
    • 2x Open palm hands
    • 2x Blaster/sword grip hands
    • 2x Trigger hands
  • 3x Blasters
    • 2x Comic-inspired blaster
    • 1x Toy-inspired blaster
  • 1x Shoulder tank ion cannon (toy-inspired)
  • 1x Ion cannon (toy-inspired)
  • 1x Sword (comic-inspired)
  • 1x Ammo Belt (comic-inspired)
Super7
Wreck-Gar dares to be stupid with a throwback head from his ’80s toy version and more:

  • 2x interchangeable heads
    • Cartoon-inspired head
    • Toy-inspired head
  • 8x interchangeable hands
    • 2x Fist hands
    • 2x Gripping hands
    • 2x Tripping hands
    • 1x Open palm hand
    • 1x Peace sign hand
  • 2x Axes
    • Cartoon-inspired axe
    • Toy-inspired axe
  • 2x Energon sticks
  • 2x Tire shields
  • 1x Blaster
  • 1x Handheld TV
  • 1x Soft goods waxing cloth
  • 1x Wax bottle
Super7
Tarn comes with the fewest accessories out of the lot next to Alligaticon:

  • 2x interchangeable heads
    • Standard head
    • Alternate head
  • 8x interchangeable hands:
    • 2x Fist hands
    • 2x Grip hands
    • 2x Open palm hands
    • 2x Claw hands
  • 1x Mask (prop)
  • 1x Nickel mini-bot figure
  • 1x Nickel mini-bot jet pack
  • 1x Double ion cannon
Super7
Alligaticon is a pretty simple release when it comes to Ultimates figures. Luckily he comes with some Optimus Prime parts.

  • 1x Battle Taxi
  • 1x Decepticon Tower
  • 1x Optimus Prime Arm with Ion Cannon
  • 1x Optimus Prime Head with light pipe
  • 1x Wire Bundle


Which revised Transformer was your favorite as the line continued to evolve through the years? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Super7]

Shout! Factory Is Bringing Russian Adventure Flick ‘The Time Guardians’ To North America

Jacob Airey
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0
Shout! Factory Is Bringing Russian Adventure Flick ‘The Time Guardians’ To North America

A piece of European cinema is heading to North America with the announcement that Shout! Factory is bringing the Russian adventure film ‘The Time Guardians’ to North America with a DVD release. The home video launch will feature both the original Russian dialogue as well as an English dubbing.
Shout stated on their website, “Shout! Studios invite you to embark on a spellbinding epic adventure with THE TIME GUARDIANS when this exciting fantasy movie arrives on digital January 25, 2022, and on DVD on February 22, 2022.”
“A film by Alexey Telnov, THE TIME GUARDIANS is an enthralling tale of a strong, young heroine who saves the day. The movie uniquely blends a vibrant storyline and dazzling visuals of mythical creatures and monsters from the supernatural world in equal measures. Available for the first time in North America, THE TIME GUARDIANS Blu-ray and DVD will contain spectacular movie presentations in English and the original Russian language audio track option. THE TIME GUARDIANS is available for pre-order now at ShoutFactory.com and will be available in stores at Walmart and other fine retailers,” they added.
The movie stars Ksenia Alekseeva, Marina Kazakova, and Pavel Trubiner with Artyom Dzharayan handling the cinematography. Cinedoc Productions was behind the making and release of the film.
You can check out the English trailer below:

The synopsis is described as, “When an orphaned young girl is adopted by a writer and an artist, she feels like her life is finally going well. But a tragedy sends her to the Dark City, where, along with her magical assistant Paramon, she must find the lost Time Key, overcome the evil that is threatening her world, and rewind the city’s clock. With time running out and a powerful witch on her trail, she is determined to save her new family and become what she was always meant to be … a Time Guardian!”

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