‘Kamen Rider Zero-One’ is coming to North America for its first-time blu-ray DVD release that will feature the show’s entire run plus its spin-off film ‘REALxTIME’ and five special episodes.
Shout Factory said on their website, “In continued celebration of the landmark series’ 50th anniversary, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Toei Company, Ltd., is proud to present a stunning Kamen Rider collection, KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE: THE COMPLETE SERIES with REALxTIME on national home entertainment shelves and digital January 25, 2022. Available for the first time in North America, this long-awaited 8-Disc Blu-ray set contains all 46 original action-packed episodes, the movie REALxTIME which completes the narrative of KAME RIDER ZERO-ONE series, and five special episodes.”
They added, “A must-have for collectors and dedicated pop-culture fans, pre-order is available now at ShoutFactory.com. Fans who order KAMEN RIDER ZERO-ONE: THE COMPLETE SERIES with REALxTIME Blu-ray set from Shout! Factory will receive an exclusive poster, while supplies last.”
The series follows, “Humagears (humanoid robots), created by the leading company for AI, Hiden Intelligence, serve humanity’s every convenience. But a cyber-terrorist organization begins hacking the Humagears in a conspiracy that turns them into monsters. Aruto Hiden has taken over at Hiden Intelligence, and along with the CEO’s post, he also takes over the responsibility for Kamen Rider Zero-One by using his company’s technology. Aruto tries to keep the peaceful world between humans and Humagears with his Humagear secretary, while A.I.M.S., a military squad, pursues the terrorists!”
You can watch the trailer below:
This incarnation of the hit Japanese series has been evolving since 1971 with the premiere of ‘Kamen Rider.’ A 1988 spin-off titled ‘Kamen Rider Black RX’ would make its way to American shores and be recut by Saban as ‘Masked Rider.’ In 2002, ‘Kamen Rider Ryuki’ also hit American airwaves as the CW adapted show ‘Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight.’
‘Kamen Rider Zero-One’ Is Getting A Blu-Ray DVD Release
Swordfish II Kit From ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Is Pretty and Pretty Expensive
Need to wash the taste of the Netflix Cowboy Bebop remake out of your mouth? Well, scrounge up $404.99 and get ready to pre-order this replica of Spike Spiegel’s Swordfish II!
Big Bad Toy Store is currently taking pre-orders for the model kits. Good Smile Company will be producing a 1/48 scale replica of Spike’s lovely ship, but it won’t arrive until January 2023. I do not have any familiarity with GSC’s model kits. For the price, I’m hoping this thing exceeds the standards we see with companies like Bandai.
This 1/48 scale model features Spike Spiegel’s Swordfish II ship from the anime series Cowboy Bebop. Under the supervision of mechanical designer Kimitoshi Yamane, the unique design of the Swordfish II has been faithfully captured and features fully articulated parts, light-up elements, and highly detailed paint application.
Here are the details on the kid:
- Length: 14.17 inches (36cm)
- Width: 11.80 inches (30cm)
- Made of ABS and zinc alloy
- Articulated folding wings
- Landing gear can be displayed either retracted or deployed
- Swiveling ailerons
- Telescoping and swiveling plasma cannon
- Articulated air brake
- Removable cockpit unit
- Canopy can be opened and closed
- LED light effects
- Requires 3 LR44 (not included)
What do you think of the Swordfish II model? Worth the price or for $400? Should the thing come pre-assembled? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
‘Return to Hogwarts’ With HBO Max’s ‘Harry Potter’ Reunion Special
It has been twenty years since Harry Potter, and the Sorcerer’s Stone hit theatres? Holy crap! Well, I guess that makes the series officially retro now. But, of course, anything retro can be mined to the extreme! So HBO Max will be taking us back to wizarding school with the upcoming Return to Hogwarts reunion.
It will be interesting to see which stars think the franchise has helped or harmed their careers. The retrospective packed with cast and crew interviews will kickoff on the streaming service on January 1st, 2022.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson join filmmaker Chris Columbus and other esteemed cast members across all eight Harry Potter films as they travel back to Hogwarts for the first time to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which premiered 20 years ago today. The retrospective special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.
Personally, I didn’t watch the first film until it hit DVD. For a couple of years before that, I worked in a book store and had my fill of Harry Potter. I liked the books well enough, but being in the South, we often had to deal with religious customers who demanded we remove the book series from the store. As a result, we had to kick many an angry Karen out during 1998 and 1999.
Yeah… I missed those days when vocal minorities had very little power over movies, TV, and every other form of creativity.
What are your first memories of the Harry Potter franchise on film? Did you see the first movie in theatres? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: HBO Max]
Amigo Toyz New Dracula Vinyl Figure Is Limited To 100 Pieces
Halloween may be over, but every day is a reason to celebrate Samhain for a horror fan! Get a jump start on next year’s festivities with this limited edition Amigo Toyz Dracula.
This variant of Amigo Toysz’s famous vampire features glow-in-the-dark whites and fangs. The bloodsucker is 10″ tall and comes with a fabric cape and beady red eyes. He is imported from Spain and is priced at $199.99.
The standard version of Drac is still available, along with Nosferatu and Mr. Hyde. These guys remind me of Rankin/Bass’s Mad Monster Party characters.
“I want you to believe… to believe in things that you cannot.” Amigo Toyz latest Monster Home release “Dracula.” Please note this is an Artist made designer vinyl Import from Spain!Each one is handmade by the artist. These will be extremely limited to only 100 pcs!
Features and accessories:
- Green Skin Dracula!
- Limited to only 100 pcs.
- Dracula is approx 10 in tall.
- 6 points of articulation.
- Includes real cloth cape, Mini photo frame accessory, and figure display base.
- Comes in classic Monster Home styled package.
The excellent little detail I noticed between this Drac and the other is that the cape lining is red. I’m pretty sure this is an homage to Christopher Lee’s Hammer incarnation of Dracula. The price is a bit steep, though.
I’m not sure why both the standard and glowy Dracs are priced the same. The other figures in this series don’t appear to be limited in quantity. Oh, well.
What do you think of these creepy figures? Let us know in the comments section.
[Source: Amoktime]
Marvel Comics Announces New Defenders Line-Up
Marvel Comics taps writer Al Ewing and artist Javier Rodríguez to tackle a relaunch of the Defenders. Dr. Strange, The Masked Rider, Silver Surfer, Red Harpy, and Cloud are just a few who are teaming up to take on some cosmic and magical battles.
“When existence itself faces extraordinary threats, it needs an extraordinary defense. That’s when you call… the Defenders! Doctor Strange and the Masked Raider take a non-team of Marvel’s weirdest, wildest heroes on a mission that will uncover the hidden architecture of reality itself! This cosmos was not the first to exist… but if the Defenders can’t track Marvel’s oldest villain through the deepest trenches of time—it might be the last,” Marvel wrote on their website.
“The cards portend something Strange as we open on a gorgeous double-page spread from Rodríguez. Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme has been all turned around over an “inauspicious” reading that bears ill news… in this case a gun to the head. The Masked Raider has dropped in to “chat” about a grave, cosmic imbalance,” they continue. “Using his enchanted deck of cards, Doctor Strange races through magical means to assemble this latest team of cosmic Defenders. And, the Tarot of the Secret Flame calls forth none other than original Defender Silver Surfer! Red Harpy, AKA Betty Banner, and ex-Defender Cloud also join the fray.”
The team will be dealing with Taaia of Planet Taa, mother of Galactus, who is facing down the menacing threat of Omnimax, a threat to the whole cosmic.
“After summoning his unwitting team, Doctor Strange and the Defenders crash land in the “Sixth Cosmos” of the Multiverse, or the birthplace of the Devourer of Worlds. Taaia of Planet Taa already seems as fearsome as her son, but the present action has everyone staring down an even more menacing foe—the planet-eating Omnimax,” Marvel adds.
They also released an image of the first issue:
The Defenders #1 (2021) cover by Javier Rodriguez from Marvel Comics. pic.twitter.com/l2ATsEZJZ5
— Jukt Micronics (@JuktMicronicsX) November 16, 2021
Funimation Announces ‘Otherside Picnic’ English Dub
‘Otherside Picnic’ is a science fiction light novel written by Iori Miyazawa that follows a young college student who gets pulled into the “Otherside,” a different dimension where urban legends are real. The books were adapted into an anime by Liden Films and Felix Film with director Takuya Satō overseeing the television show.
“Can you survive in another dimension? We’re excited to announce that the Otherside Picnic English dub is officially headed to Funimation, and we’ve got the latest info on the series English cast, crew and more,” Funimation wrote on their website. “…all 12 episodes of the Otherside Picnic English dub will arrive on Funimation, which means your journey into this mystery sci-fi series is about to begin (or begin again!).”
“The English cast for the series includes Madeleine Morris (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Kemono Jihen) as Sorawo Kamikoshi and Emily Neves (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, Toilet-bound Hanako-kun) as Toriko Nishina,” they added.
The rest of the cast includes Sarah Wiedenheft, AmaLee, Z. Charles Bolton, Christopher Guerrero, Billy Kametz, Chris Wehkamp, Katelyn Barr, Michelle Lee, and Michelle Rojas, who will also serve as ADR Director.
You can watch the trailer below:
MyAnimeList describes the series,
“The “Otherworld” is a vast and dangerous realm hidden from the knowledge of the common folk. It is also home to many creatures that threaten any human who dare visit it. To witness its desolate yet oddly absorbing environment, one must search for portals that could reside anywhere, from secret elevators to shrine entrances.
After a fateful encounter with a horrendous Otherworld denizen, Sorao Kamikoshi ponders whether to keep going or give up in life. Meanwhile, Toriko Nishina scours the Otherworld in hopes of finding her friend Satsuki, who she believes is lost somewhere within the realm.
When the two cross paths, friendship blossoms. In order to acquire as much information about this obscure dimension, the two travel back and forth from the real world to the other. Sorao and Toriko’s bodies are soon influenced by the Otherworld, preparing them for the many horrors to come as both of them try to fulfill their goals.”
Killer Klowns From Out Space Figure Coming From MEGO
MEGO figures are continuing to expand into cult territory. Coming soon, the deadly Killer Klowns from Outer Space will be joining the vintage toy line. The first Klown up is Jumbo, the large and quite intimidating alien.
We spotted Jumbo up for pre-order at Amoktime. The biggest Klown stands at 8″ tall and is only $19.99. So when will Shorty, Slim, and Fatso show up?! I need them all!
Jumbo is expected to be hitting Earth in the middle of January 2022.
[Source: Amoktime]
Santa Action Figures From Fresh Monkey Fiction? Yes, And Why Not?
You may have gotten G.I. Joes or Barbies under the Christmas tree as a kid, but did you ever get a Santa Claus action figure? Probably not. Well, Fresh Monkey Fiction is fixing that. The company is producing a plethora of figures based on the fat man, nutcrackers, and elves.
The Naughty or Nice Collection of figures is exclusive to the Big Bad Toy Store. There will be four versions of Santa, three elves, and four nutcrackers. Each Santa is different in an entertaining way. Cyborg Santa? Yup. Commando Santa? Check. Traditional Father Christmas? Gotcha. Rotting zombie Santa? Oh, like you thought FMF wouldn’t make one!
This figure line is 1/12th scale. So each Santa goes for $36.99 while the elves and nutcrackers are $19.99 each. Santa won’t be making it this Christmas, sadly. These figures are slated for Q4 2022.
Fresh Monkey Fiction, in collaboration with designer and sculptor Arlen Pelletier and exclusively offered through BigBadToyStore, present The Naughty or Nice Collection of Christmas themed 1:12th (6-inch) scale action figures. The Naughty or Nice Collection includes multiple versions of Santa Claus including: Classic Santa, Zombie Santa, Robot Santa and Sgt. Santa as well as a variety of Elves and Nutcrackers (all sold separately) to complete your collection.
Sgt. Santa and Robo-Santa are my favorites. I’d put one of them on a shelf with a Lobo figure. Man, I wish WB would make that movie. We deserve a strange trip like Lobo VS Santa Claus.
What do you think of these festive figures? Let us know in the comments section below.
[Source: Big Bad Toy Store]
The Best Thing About HeroQuest? It’s Back This December!
Avalon Hill and Hasbro crowdfunded the project in 2020. A year later, the resurrected sword and sorcery game system is finally coming out for the general public. Entertainment Earth has the RPG board game available for pre-order.
The massive $125.99 set includes many classic elements from the 1988 original, including the furniture, doorways, bookcases, skeletons, zombies, THE GARGOYLE, and the four heroes.
When the original game was released in the ’80s, it was an easy-to-access gateway into the world of fantasy roleplaying games for kids. That is if you could find other people willing to set aside a few hours to play the game. So it was D&D lite, but not in a negative way.
The box featured art from Les Edwards, updated here while also paying homage to the man’s fantastic work. By the looks of things, the new HeroQuest is just like the original but with some modifications and fixes.
The furniture and doorways have nixed the cardboard parts, but this means you’ll have to paint more stuff if you want to take advantage of all the molded detail. Thankfully the monsters and heroes have not gone overboard with detail, retaining their iconic look.
This semi-cooperative board game has one player taking on the role of Zargon, the Game Master, while 4 mythical heroes – Barbarian, Dwarf, Elf, and Wizard–team up in their quest for adventure in a maze of monsters and eerie dark dungeons. Players can immerse themselves in the fantasy with the stunning artwork, and 65+ detailed miniatures. The game comes with 14 quests, and has limitless replayability because players can also build their own quests and create their own stories. Gather friends together for an exciting night of tabletop gameplay in an epic battle of good and evil. The game is for 2-5 players, ages 14 and up.
Did you have HeroQuest? Let us know in the comments.
[Source: Entertainment Earth]
‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ Returns For A Thanksgiving Day Celebration
‘Mystery Science Theater 3000’ is returning for a new celebration with its annual Turkey Day marathon, airing on Gizmoplex, the show’s online movie theater. The marathon will be hosted by Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, GPC2, as well as “some humans too” and will feature eight episodes plus a special look at season thirteen.
Shout! Factory writes on their website, “It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey—cinematic turkey, that is! This Thanksgiving, break out the pureed giblets, crack open some canned wassail and join your fellow MSTies for the beloved annual Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon. Hosted by Jonah Ray, Emily Marsh, Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and GPC2, this year’s event will include special exclusive announcements regarding the films being used for Season 13.”
They explain that it will begin on “Thursday, November 25, the marathon will feature an extended lineup of eight classic MST3K episodes, with four chosen by fans via a bracket elimination poll and four chosen by Joel Hodgson and the creative team behind Season 13. This year’s marathon will feature new host segments with upcoming Season 13 cast members Jonah Ray, Emily Marsh, Tom Servo (Conor McGiffin), Crow (Nate Begle), and GPC2 (Yvonne Freese). Throughout the marathon, exclusive teasers will reveal each of the 13 films that will be riffed in the show’s upcoming thirteenth season, which will premiere exclusively on the show’s new virtual online theater, the Gizmoplex, in 2022.”
You can watch the teaser for the event below:
Mystery Science Theater 3000 was created in 1988 by Joel Hodgson and would run until 1999 when it was canceled by the SyFy Channel. It was revived in 2015 thanks to a crowdfunding effort by Hodgson and has since produced over two-hundred episodes.
The show has featured many cast members including Patton Oswald, Trace Beaulieu, Josh Weinstein, Jim Mallon, Kevin Murphy, Frank Conniff, Mary Jo Pehl, Bill Corbett, Paul Chaplin, and Bridget Jones Nelson.
