About.com Action Figure Collecting

New Amazing Rise of Cobra Figures Spotted on eBay!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:25:01 +0000

As sick as I am of looking at the current waves of G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra figure (City Strike Snake Eyes, where are you?!), I still can't help getting a little excited when I we all get a sneak peek of upcoming figures. And thanks to two eBay sellers known as handytoy and ws_toys, we're treated to the chance to ogle the latest figures to launch, including Desert Battle Zartan, Jungle Assault Storm Shadow, Arctic Threat Snow Job and Desert Battle Ripcord, the latter of which looks so incredibly sweet that many collectors and G.I. Joe fans are already dribbling drool all over their keyboards.

I don't know how these people got their hands on these currently unreleased figures and I don't care. I won't be attempting a purchase because I like to wait until I see them in person on the toy shelves whenever possible before buying them, and I'm also a little suspicious about the validity of the figures. So I have some trust issues.

Still, this is one of those excellent cases where eBay comes through for us all getting a glimpse of some never-before-seen (or at least rarely-before-seen) figures. Pics of these figures have made the rounds of the various blogs and forums before, most taken on blurry cell-phone cameras at conventions and toy shows. The Zartan figure alone looks very familiar to me.

Basically, this all boils down to the fact that one day, if we G.I. Joe fans wish hard enough, that the same gazillion Dukes, Destros, Heavy Dutys and Baronesses will quit warming our toy aisle pegs and make room for some all-new figures that practically ooze coolness.

Swing on by the Terror Dome and treat your eyeballs to some serious 1:18 scale awesomeness.

New Amazing Rise of Cobra Figures Spotted on eBay! originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 11:25:01.

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Okay Mattel, You Win.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:24:59 +0000

Well, I complained and grumbled and ranted and even cried like a little girl (it had been a rough day and no one saw me), and after all of that, I still broke down and joined the legions of full-blown Masters of the Universe Classics addicts. I had managed to stay strong for a while now. Having missed out on the first round of He-Man and Skeletor figures, I made a choice not to collect the line. Then, one day about two weeks ago, that all changed.

A fellow collector threw a MOTUC Hordak, loose but complete, on a buy/sell/trade thread on one of the action figure message boards I frequent and he was willing to let it go for only $12. Now, dear readers, I'm only a simple human being with all of the foibles and weaknesses that that entails, so I submit to you: How was I supposed to pass that up? Long story short, I bought Hordak, got him in the mail, immediately fell in love with the brilliant sculpt and paint work designed by the incomparable Four Horsemen, and that was all it took for me to be completely hooked. I mean, have you seen this guy? He's insanely awesome. Like, heavy metal album cover awesome. I bet everywhere he goes, he's accompanied by the music of Black Sabbath.

It popped into my mind that I had heard about the re-release of He-Man and Skeletor (and now rumors are circulating about a re-release of Beastman, too!). Couple that with the release of the legendary Scare Glow character and there I was at 12:00 PM est, credit card in hand, refreshing the Mattycollector order screen until I could get through, and just like that, my He-Man and Scare Glow were bought and paid for.

I have crossed over, folks. And you have all witnessed it.

As a MOTU Classics collector, there's plenty to be excited about. It'sAllTrue.net have posted a release schedule for the MOTU Classic line through March, with rumors of an Evil-Lyn release in April! The list is as follows:

Dec. 15 - King Randor
Dec. 15 - Skeletor re-release
Dec. 15 - Green Goddess
Jan. 15 - Adora
Jan 15 - Battle Armor He-Man
Feb. 16 - Trap Jaw
Feb. 16 - Battle Cat
Mar. 15 - Moss Man
Mar. 15 - Wundar (subscribers only)

So, I've got a long yet exciting road ahead of me, that leads all the way to Eternia. How many of you are joining me?

Visit It'sAllTrue.net for the full list with photos.

Okay Mattel, You Win. originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 11:24:59.

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Beware of Dangerous Action Figures!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:50:51 +0000

You know that Christmastime is in the air as soon as the consumer advocacy groups and watchdog organizations start telling you what you shouldn't buy. One of these groups, called W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm), has released their annual list of toys that could potentially hurt a child. I'm not really sure what actual authority they have to make such a list, but they've done so and now that list is being scattered all over the national news outlets.

The only reason I'm bringing it up here is because out of this list of the 10 Most Dangerous Toys, two of them are action figures. So now we can all feel a little more like tough guys for collecting something officially documented as "dangerous"! The two figures were joined by such evil torture implements as a baby doll that likes to take baths and a book in which Curious George teaches you to count. I'm not kidding here, people.

The fist of the verboten figures is the 30" tall Dark Knight figure which sports a couple of 1" long pointy ears made of a rigid plastic that makes the toy more like a 30" tall Batman-shaped pitchfork, just the thing for skewering a child. I can see where that my pose a problem.

The second figure is Hasbro's X-Men Origins Slashin' Action Wolverine figure, and it seems that W.A.T.C.H. have used their discerning eye to spot some sort of "claws" that snap out of the figure's fists, which rather pointy and could hurt you. Huh... who knew?

Anyway, stay safe out there, fellow action figure fans, and don't let your toys kill you. If you want to see the whole list, feel free to swing on by (carefully, though) the W.A.T.C.H. website.

Beware of Dangerous Action Figures! originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 21:50:51.

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Hasbro Rumored to Relaunch Micronauts

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:00:01 +0000

All that is old is new again, I suppose. Never before has this been more true in the world of action figures as I see myself and fellow collectors racing to pick up the latest MAsters of the Universe, Star Wars, Transformers and G.I. Joe toys. We're partying like it's 1983!

Well, according to Toy News International, Hasbro is taking us back even further with the announcement of their relaunch of the popular late '70's action figure line, the Micronauts, those thin-wristed, semi-translucent sarcophagus sleepers that made such a huge splash in the days of disco and Evel Knievel.

According to TNI:

During Hasbro's 2009 Fall Investor Day Event held today at their headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, they announced the re-introduction of the classic toy line Micronauts originally created by Japan company Takara in 1974 under the name Microman and later launched in the United States in 1976 and backed by a Marvel Comics comic book series in 1979. As many know, Takara is the same company that originally invented the Transformers line and continues to work with Hasbro today. No specifics were given by Hasbro's Brian Chapman (VP if Hasbro's Global Designs) about what we can expect from the Micronauts brand other than that we can expect Hasbro to revise, reinvent and re-ignite the brand so it is exciting for fans old and new alike. There also was some indication that a television series and/or major motion picture could be in the works for this brand.

More news on the possible motion picture can be found at IMDB and if you really want to get in on the conversation, swing by the Action Figure Insider Forums and bask in the glow of rumors and speculation! And I mean that in the good way.

Hasbro Rumored to Relaunch Micronauts originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 15:00:01.

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Thoughts on Mattel's Latest Shenanigans

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:59:51 +0000

There's been some serious grumbling about Mattel lately, from their poor articulation on the DCUC figures, substandard sculpts and lack of accessories on their DCU Infinite Crisis line, to their horrible handling of their Mattycollector exclusives. In fact, I've never seen fans so angry at an entire toy company like this before.

Of course, complain all we want, but we still keep buying the toys! Heck, I picked up a Public Enemies Batman a couple of weeks ago (full review coming soon!) and finally hunted down a DCUC Bats after checking the same Walmart every weekend for over a month. We (the grumbling collectors, I mean) sure make a lot of noise, but we haven't exactly put our money where our mouths are. Well, maybe a little. I guess there's some reason why all the DCU Infinite Crisis figures are showing up in discount shops and 99� stores.

Recently, fellow toy collector, blogger and all around good guy, Bubbashelby, wrote up some interesting insights on the whole Mattel mess on his Toyriffic blog, specifically focusing on why we seemed to have ended up with a line of less-than-great figures packed with less-than-desirable characters. He touches on a bit of copyright law, developing an interesting theory in which I see quite a bit of merit. It's a simple case of "use it or lose it" that has built a strange brotherhood between DC Comics and Mattel (and may bleed over in the world of Eternia, as well).

I strongly suggest swinging by Toyriffic to read the whole article and maybe leave a comment or two. Special thanks to Bubbashelby for opening up what is turning out to be one of the toy-collecting world's more insightful discussions.

Thoughts on Mattel's Latest Shenanigans originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 14:59:51.

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Monster of a Toy Sale at Toyrocket.com!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:16:32 +0000

Just to give all of my dear readers a quick heads-up, Toyrocket.com, a website specializing in action figures and similar collectibles is having one serious monster of a sale right now. In fact, I bought a Batman figure I've never even heard of, an Indiana Jones deluxe set, the Batman/Batgirl Microman 2 Pack and the Threepio/Artoo McQuarrie set less that $20 total. This is no joke, people!

Now, just to keep things clear, I have no stock in this company, nor did they ask me to promote this for them, but I thought you all would like to get in on some of the cheap action figure action, so to speak. It must also be said that I, nor About.com, take any responsibility for Toyrocket's sales, shipping practices, billing practices or any other of that stuff. To be honest, I've heard both good and bad things about this company through the grapevine, so shop at your own risk.

Still, cheap action figures are cheap action figures, so it's up to you. There are rumors that the company has had to file bankruptcy and are moving their offices, but again, I have no idea if any of that is true or not. But it may explain why they're selling off stock crazy cheap.

All I know is that when (if) my figures arrive, I'm going to be one happy little collector, and if you're the risk-taking type, you could be too. To get in on the action, visit www.toyrocket.com. Good luck, kids.

Monster of a Toy Sale at Toyrocket.com! originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 15:16:32.

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The DASH Collector: Action Figures Online Application

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:33:49 +0000

Have you ever wanted a place where you can meet other collectors, share pics of your collection, see pics of other peoples' collection, safely buy, sell and trade figures and simply immerse yourself in an all-encompassing action figure collecting world? Well, the DASH Collector: Action Figures online application may just be what the action figure collecting world has been dreaming of for years.

It's part social network, part action figure database (with literally thousands of pictures), and part personal collection manager. When I first took a look at the online application (called this because it's quite a bit more than just another website or forum), I was stunned at how many areas it covered. I've been looking for something like this for years!

According to their home page, they offer the following features:

Browse the World's Largest Community-Maintained Universe of Action Figures
Search, Sort and Share Action Figure Information
Enjoy Amazing 360� Action Figure Photography
Manage Your Action Figure Collection Quickly & Easily
Learn More About Your Category
Buy, Sell & Trade Action Figures with No Transaction Fees

I signed up for the free membership registration this past weekend and played around with it for a couple of days, and am now fully prepared to go with the pro account, which I will be giving a thorough test drive, after which you can expect a fully-detailed review. As it stands now, I'm completely impressed, but I urge you to swing by and check it out for yourselves. We could be witnessing the start of something huge in the action figure community. And I, for one, am ready to dive in!

Give the DASH Collector: Action Figures application a spin by registering at www.collector-actionfigures.com.

The DASH Collector: Action Figures Online Application originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 19:33:49.

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365 Days of Stormtroopers!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:33:52 +0000

In yet another addition into the category of "awesomely fun things you can do with your action figures," an action figure fan, Stormtrooper lover and picture-taking manic known only as St�fan has begun a brilliant daily post of 365 days of Stormtrooper action figures (specifically, TK455 and TK479, that's their names) doing all sorts of funny things, from staring down a sleeping cat to hanging out in birdhouses to enjoying a few grapes.

Many people have done the 365 picture thing on Flickr, but this one is right up our alley. Being both a died-in-the-wool Star Wars geek and full blown action figure junkie, I became absolutely enraptured in looking at all of St�fan's photos of those hapless Empire thugs just doing their thing when they're off the clock after a hard day's work of looking for stolen Death Star plans on Tatooine.

At the risk of looking like a total rip-off artist, I'd love to try something similar, perhaps with my crew of Snake Eyes figures or something. In fact, I'd love to see this become a thing, where people choose their favorite action figures and take daily shots of them doing whatever. Who knows, St�fan may have invented a meme! Well, a meme within a meme, I suppose. Still, whether or not I chose to shamelessly ripoff this guy's idea, I'll have to always note that this guy has set the standard in seriously charming action figure shots.

To see all the great pics (only 215 so far, as he started the project in April), just visit St�fan's Flickr page and heap him with praise, and perhaps even be a little inspired. Now, where are those Snake Eyes figures and my camera?

365 Days of Stormtroopers! originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 19:33:52.

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Sneak Peek of the Sideshow Cobra Sniper

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:48:31 +0000

Do you need a 12" tall badguy to take long distance pot-shots at your G.I. Joe troops? Well, thanks to the wizards at Sideshow Collectibles, you can now get your mitts on one seriously beautiful long-range killer with their release of the 12" Cobra Sniper figure.

Picture of this incredible figure were released by Sideshow earlier this week and have been popping up all over the action figure forums and blogs, and I can honestly tell you that the folks at Sideshow have outdone themselves again. of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for all things G.I. Joe, so it stands to reason that I would want to keep this figure in my sights (ha ha).

Here are the stats on the figure according to Sideshow themselves (via Toy News International):

The Cobra Sniper 12 inch Figure features:

Male Body with 30+ Points of Articulation
Detailed Sniper Uniform with COBRA Insignia
COBRA Sniper Issue Helmet
Tactical Boots
Smersh Harness
Magazine Pouches
Canteen Set
Knee Pads
Belt
Three Sets of Interchangeable Gloved Hands
SVDS Dragunov Para Marksman Rifle
Folding Buttstock
PSO-1 Scope
10-Round Magazines
G17 Pistol w/Holster
17-Round Magazine
Bayonet w/Sheath & Strap
12-inch display base with COBRA logo
Product Backstory

Just as the venom of a cobra contains neurotoxins that are capable of killing a human with a single bite, Cobra Snipers are deadly with a single shot. One of the vilest individuals on earth, COBRA Commander rarely, if ever, negotiates his demands. Instead, he uses his elite unit of snipers to demonstrate the consequences of non-compliance. From concealed positions, COBRA Snipers take care of those unwilling to give in to COBRA Commander's demands or are simply in the way of a larger agenda. In addition to their extensive infantry training and natural born marksmanship capabilities, COBRA Snipers are specialists in camouflage, infiltration, observation and reconnaissance techniques. Employing these abilities, COBRA dispatches snipers across the globe to remind the nations of the world that their most important personnel are always within reach of COBRA's fangs.

Time and time again, G.I. JOE has had to deal with COBRA Snipers on the battlefield. Above being an added annoyance and source of frustration, COBRA Snipers have hit their marks more times than the Joe's are willing to admit. While respected for their abilities, their cold-blooded selection of targets incenses many of the Joes and at the same time filling COBRA Commander's heart with delight. They have no remorse and the psychological training they received from COBRA has removed any trace of conscience that may have previously affected their loyalties. These individuals are simply an extension of the venom coursing in COBRA Commander's veins... COBRA!

For more information and a ton of cool pics, visit Toy News International, or pre-order your figure now at Sideshow Collectibles.
Sneak Peek of the Sideshow Cobra Sniper originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 19:48:31.
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Halo Series 6 Figures Hitting Stores Now

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:16:49 +0000

I was never a huge fan of the Halo game, having only played it once at a friends hose, but I completely understand the appeal. And after reviewing the Halo Wars Mega Bloks sets, I have developed a somewhat deeper appreciation for how awesome the vehicles and characters are, and pretty much owe my slowly developing interest in the franchise to the Mega Bloks sets, so much so that I found myself getting a little excited over seeing the latest Halo action figures from McFarlane Toys on the shelves of my local Toys R Us.

Now that I know the difference between a Covenant Grunt and a Master Chief, I find myself being tempted to dive deeper into the world of Halo, and the new figures from McFarlane aren't helping me fight off a bad case of the "gotta haves." Now, I know I've griped about McFarlane toys in the past, with their usual lack of articulation and whatnot, but these Halo figures look different, as if the House of Spawn has finally given in to the demands of the fans and are finally producing some figures you can pose and, dare I say it, play with.

Whether I pick up any of these figures is still up in the air. I need another line of action figures to collect like I need and angry little gnome hitting my knee-caps with a hammer (okay, not my best analogy), but they are certainly tempting. Be assured that if I do pick some up, full reviews will follow. Until then, you can take a closer look at Spawn.com.

Halo Series 6 Figures Hitting Stores Now originally appeared on About.com Action Figure Collecting on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 18:16:49.

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