We have a special treat for you today in the Toy Archive.   The fine folks over at Kotobukiya let us have a sneak peek that the finished product on the first in the series Marvel Bishoujo Statues- The Black Widow.

"A KOTOBUKIYA Japanese import! Continuing the series of Marvel Comics superheroines presented in the Japanese Bishoujo (pretty girl) style is BLACK WIDOW, the beautiful Russian super-spy and member of the Mighty Avengers. This original design has been specially created by the incomparable illustrator Shunya Yamashita! Fans should be familiar with Yamashita-sensei’s style as Japan’s leading Bishoujo artist, from his art books, video game work, as well as multiple figural collaborations with Kotobukiya."

This is a stunning piece that you need to see in person to appreciate the clean sculpt, the awesome detail and the clean paint applications.   This is a great start to the line.  

 In the archive we show the regular Natalia Romanova edition.   There will be a Yelena Belova version that will be a San Diego Comic Con exclusive.

You can check her out now in the AFi Toy Archive!

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • No Comments

So it was a strange week, with 4 deaths in the entertainment world in short succession. First Farrah Fawcett, then Michael Jackson, followed this weekend by Billy Mays and Fred Travelena.  It certainly ranks up there with previous back to back passings, such as 2003′s Johnny Cash/John Ritter event, or 1997′s back to back travelers Robert Mitchum and Jimmy Stewart. Or even 1991′s Sammy Davis Jr. and Jim Henson. Still, nothing may top Thomas Jefferson and John Adams dying on July 4, 1826.

But I don’t want to remember them like that, as an odd factoid. Nor do I want to remember them by just their hits, although they had many. No, this is the way I like to remember them:

7 comments

Share:

Posted by Jason Geyer • Comments Off

Just posted over on Matty’s Facebook page-

Hey DCU fans,

Our second shipment of Alex Luthor and Ultraman has just arrived. This Earth 3 DCU two pack will go back on sale this Wednesday July 1st at 12:00 noon!

Set your watches now and don’t miss out!  You can find the order page for this set here.

You can see complete turnarounds of this set in the AFi Toy Archive.

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • No Comments

Upper Deck Secures Multi-Year Licensing Partnership with Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Deal INCLUDES Rights to MARVEL’S SLATE OF FEATURE FILMS AND CLASSIC COMIC BOOK PROPERTIES FOR TRADING CARD GAMES AND TRADING CARDS

(June 26, 2009) – The Upper Deck Company is pleased to announce today that it has established a long-term licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc. The multi-year arrangement provides Upper Deck with the rights to produce trading card games (TCGs), miniature games and trading cards based on the Marvel Universe. The first wave of products is scheduled to hit the market in January 2010.

“This is huge,” said Scott Gaeta, Upper Deck’s director of New Business Development. “We are extremely excited about the possibilities that this newest partnership opens up for us. Gamers and trading card enthusiasts alike will benefit greatly as a result of the collaborative efforts by both companies.”

The long-term partnership grants Upper Deck rights to develop products based on Marvel’s comic books and Marvel Studios’ upcoming feature film releases, including Iron Man 2, Thor, The First Avenger: Captain and The Avengers.

“The Marvel Universe and Marvel Studios‘ upcoming slate of feature films are ideally suited for trading cards and trading card games that will appeal to a wide audience,” said Paul Gitter, President, Consumer Products, North American for Marvel Entertainment. “Upper Deck is a true industry leader with a wide network of retail distribution, enabling us to fully leverage the trading card and gaming arena to bring fans another exciting, interactive experience with the Marvel brand.”

Stay tuned for additional news on this front as January approaches.

Share:

Posted by JeffCope • No Comments

Well, the Walmart Exclsuivse DC Universe Classics wave 10 has finally officially shown up in the Walmart computer system:

27084-72801 – N7179 – DCU MAN-BAT
27084-72802 – N7184 – DCU BATMAN
27084-72807 – N7285 – DCU JOKER
27084-72808 – N7286 – DCU ROBOT MAN
27084-72809 – N7287 – DCU BEAST BOY
27084-72810 – N7289 – DCU POWER GIRL

This line-up has been rumored for quite awhile, albeit oddly missing the expected Forager figure. Since only 6 are listed, and we’ve been told this would be a 7 figure wave, we’re assuming that Forager will be in there. Since the listed Batman will be a variant, much like last year’s Eradicator Superman, I’m making a guess that it might be a simple repaint to make a classic "Bob Kane" Batman.

**Update**  Confirming that Forager WILL be in that assortment.     

Share:

Posted by Jason Geyer • 1 Comment

Hey JLU fans!

It’s good versus evil in the ultimate JLU matchup when two new 6-packs arrive at Target stores this August. One set is themed villains and one is good guys, but both are packed with fan requests and first-time offerings!

	The League United 6-Pack
	Superman Mr. Terrific — first-time figure! Supergirl — adult figure! Elongated Man — comic book deco! Obsidian — fan-requested re-release! Hourman — first-time figure!

 

	Mutiny in the Ranks 6-Pack
	Lex Luthor Tala — first-time figure! Devil Ray — first-time figure! Dr. Polaris — first-time figure! Psycho-Pirate — first-time figure! Gentleman Ghost — first-time figure!

 

Share:

Posted by SuperFly • No Comments

Mez-itz 6" rotocast vinyl collectables that are cool by design.

seriesOne of Mezco’s designer vinyl line presents Hellboy & Abe Sapian. These figures, based on the character designs from the film Hellboy 2:The Golden Army unleash the potential of the Mez-itz designer figures. Applying the essence of these dynamic heroes onto the canvas like Mezitz vinyl Mezco produces something exciting and original.

These two figures are exclusive to Toys R Us and ToysRus.com.
They can be purchased at:

http://www.toysrus.com/ product/index.jsp?productId= 3684540

http://www.toysrus.com/ product/index.jsp?productId= 3684541

or at your local Toys R Us retail location.

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • No Comments

Queen Alluxandra of the Bluddmane Clan”, “Isadorra of the Ironspynne Clan”, “Siliskk the Mutant” and full sets of “Queen Alluxandra & Her Royal Council”, all characters from their fan favorite property “7^th Kingdom”, beginning at 8pm est on Wednesday July 1^st.

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • No Comments

Well, MJ had a bit more of a controversial life than Farrah, but regardless of his personal life he did have a big influence on the music industry and the media.   We at AFi would be remiss if we did not also acknowledge the passing of Michael Jackson.  

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • No Comments

Manufacturer Releases the First in a Line of All-New Action Figures and Bobble Heads Based on the ABC Series

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 25, 2009) – Bif Bang Pow! unveils the first in a line of collectibles based on the immensely popular ABC series Lost at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2009.  And there’s more to come with a special array of bobble heads and articulated action figures with story-specific accessories already in the works.

The creepy and enigmatic Benjamin "Ben" Linus is the first to be released in bobble head form, available exclusively at the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343) at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2009, July 23-26. Based on recent storylines from the show, he comes bruised and bloodied with his arm in a sling… but you wouldn’t want him any other way! He stands on a Dharma Initiative logo base and comes in Dharma Initiative packaging. Only 1,008 pieces of this Comic-Con Exclusive will be produced. (Retail price: $17 including tax – while supplies last – limit two per person.)

"The twists, turns, and multiple threads that characterize Lost give rise to a host of distinctive and unforgettable characters. These characters lend themselves to the creation of unique figures and accessories that have terrific fan appeal and serve to memorialize this exceptional TV series," said Jason Lenzi, CEO of Bif Bang Pow! "We’re thrilled to be bringing new bobble heads and poseable action figures to market in the vein of what Bif Bang Pow! has done with licenses in the past. As always with Lost and Bif Bang Pow!, expect the unexpected!"

(more…)

Share:

Posted by Daniel Pickett • [2] Comments